《Death... and me》


 Chapter 1锛欳ultivation Realms

    At the moment, those are the realms available. I''ll think about the rest when they get there.


    Body Transformation;


    Energy Gathering;


    Foundation Establishment, 150 lifespan;


    Core Formation, 200 lifespan;


    Core and Soul Fusion, 300 lifespan;


    Nascent Soul, 500 lifespan;


    and Soul Transformation, 1000 lifespan.

 Chapter 2锛欴ont Wanna

    Rean Faran had never been anything special. Born into a typical family, with ordinary parents, ordinary siblings, etc. He pretty much had a going-with-the-flow life. If there is something different about him, it is the fact that he doesn''t care much about anything. Everyone always has something that they desire to have or accomplish, but Rean didn''t have anything like that.


    Because of this, he always looked at everything with a bored face. From the start to the end of his education, he just got by with average scores. As soon as a specific knowledge wasn''t necessary, he would forget it as if he had never learned it in the first place.


    He knew that he was a little different. Thanks to that, he always had the same thought. ''Born unimpressively, living unimpressively, fated to die unimpressively...'' He believed that this is how it would be until the end of his life, and made no effort whatsoever to change it.


    Unfortunately, when he was thirty-one years old, he tried to save a boy from being hit by a truck. The boy didn''t look to the sides before crossing a road and ended running right in front of it. It was not like Rean wanted to save the boy. It was just that as a going-with-the-flow man, he thought it was the right thing to do. Rean jumped and pushed the boy out of the way. Of course, the one who was hit by the truck after that was him.


    Rean was sent flying and crashed on the ground several meters always. His body was so damaged that Rean couldn''t even feel pain. He immediately understood that perhaps, he shouldn''t have done that. In the end, he could only think while laughing in self-deprecation.


    "Hehe... Even my Death will turn out to be this Cliche. Something that you can see in any low rated book or film. As I thought, born unimpressively, lived unimpressively, fated to die unimpressively... a fitting end for someone who never desired anything."


    Almost instantly, Rean already came to terms with his outcome... or so he thought.


    But it was at this moment that Rean''s Soul woke up! Suddenly, a feeling of unwillingness started to spread through his mind.


    "No...!"


    Rean was taken aback. Was it him who just said that? Why would he say no? He should have no reason to refuse something, even Death. That made no sense! However, that sentiment was just too strong! But at the same time, it was also too foreign for him! For a few moments, Rean couldn''t even understand what he was feeling at all. He couldn''t be blamed, though. He had never felt something like unwillingness before.


    Perhaps, due to never having felt like that, that feeling was bottled up until this moment. And now, during Rean''s last moments, the bottleneck was finally broken! Rean clenched his fists. For the first time, he felt like he didn''t want something.


    "I don''t want to die!"


    Or better, it could also be said that he wanted something.


    "I want to live!"


    But it was too late, his body functions were shutting down. His mind was starting to get fussy. The last sounds he could hear were sob of the boy''s mother, who was crying by his side with guilt-filled expression. But that didn''t matter, his entire Soul was screaming! He wanted to live! He didn''t want to die! Finally, Ran lost his conscienceness... and died.


    ---


    Later on that same day, on the table of the morgue, Rean''s mutilated body had finally ended to be cleaned by the employee of that place. It would be passed to his family later, who would then proceed with the funeral. The employe sighed after seeing this early thirties man dead body. He had read the report and knew that he died to save a boy he didn''t even know.


    "Life is such a bitch, don''t you think, my friend?"


    The employee then put his tools down and left the room. His part was finished, so he had to take care of other things.


    The room was quiet, all one could hear was the sounds at other places in the distance where the employees of the morgue were working.


    But it was at that moment that suddenly, a Gate appeared out of nowhere right beside Rean''s body! From inside, a figure holding a Scythe came out. The guy''s body was covered in faint black energy while he was using a black robe. Not to mention that the robe had a hood that also covered his head.


    He then looked at Rean for a second and ignored him. Instead, he looked at his attire and sighed.


    "Why the hell humans picture Death like this? Even my weapon became a Scythe for no reason. I really can''t understand why humans think about me with this appearance."


    He was obviously Death. As for his appearance, it was the general concept of how most of the humans around this place thought that Death looked like. Depending on where he goes, his appearance would change according to the natives'' beliefs.


    "I liked the past when humans didn''t think about me. I could take any shape I wanted. But, since a few thousand years ago, my appearance began to become more and more bizarre."


    In the end, Death sighed and returned his attention to the body on the table.


    Death then extended his hand, and some kind of black energy started to come out. It entered Rean''s body and soon, someone that looked precisely like Rean, but had an ethereal appearance, came out. Obviously, that was none other than Rean Faran''s Soul!


    Death looked at Rean''s Soul and said.


    "Well, it''s time to die."


    Death just said that on a whim, Souls of dead people or any other life form would never answer to start with... at least, that was how it was supposed to be.


    However...


    "Don''t wanna!"


    For a second, Death thought that he was hallucinating. As far as he knows, no soul had ever talked back after the body died. Once someone dies, their Soul was not supposed to be able to think. After all, the process of thinking was done by the brain, which is already not working anymore.


    "I must have been working too much recently. I could swear that the Soul just talked. When I''m back, I will take a few hundred years off to relax a little."


    But it was then that Death noticed Rean looking directly at him with an ugly expression.


    "Did you... just say that you ''don''t wanna''?"


    Rean nodded.


    "I still want to live, so just put me back."


    Death looked at Rean as if he had seen the most unbelievable thing of his life. Still, he is Death, so he didn''t take long to recover for his stupor. So what if he can speak? His job won''t change anyway. He can simply ask others later after he is done with everything.


    "What don''t wanna? Just come with me, it is your time."


    Death then made a grabbing motion and the same kind of energy shot towards Rean once more as if wanting to grab him. But to his surprise, Rean dodged!


    "Who the hell will accept that? I haven''t lived enough yet! Or better, I haven''t lived at all!"


    Rean''s Soul then jumped directly into his dead body again... or so he tried. But his body was already dead, so how could he possibly go back to it? Rean''s Spiritual Form passed right through, and he fell under the table of his dead body.


    Death saw that and snorted.


    "You are dead, so what makes you think you can return?"


    Death then raised his Scythe and slashed it down at Rean''s Soul. Even though his weapon took this weird shape, his Scythe had the power to turn a Soul back to its purest form. Simply put, Rean would turn into pure Soul Energy and nothing more. Death could then grab it and throw inside the Path of Reincarnation. A new soul would then be formed from the Soul Energy and be reincarnated into a new body, just like it has always been.


    But to his surprise... Rean''s Soul rolled to the side, dodging the Scythe by a hair! Right after, Rean used all the strength he had to kick Death away!


    Death didn''t expect that at all! It was not like Death was weak or anything. It was just that such a situation had never happened before, so he was unprepared. Death fell on the ground after that kick and could only see the ceiling above. For a few seconds, Death didn''t move at all. What happened just now was so inconceivable that Death had a hard time believing it!


    In its countless years of life (or maybe Death), Death had never been kicked before. To be more specific, Death had never suffered any kind of attack ever since it came into existence. Obviously, that action made it enraged! He is Death! Created by God himself to guide all the Souls into Reincarnation. A vital existence in this world! Even between the other celestial existences, Death was one of the most important ones!


    But just as Death got up and was about to teach that Soul a lesson...


    "Where is he?!"


    Rean''s Soul was nowhere to be seen... Yes, Rean has fled!


    Rean sighed in relief when he confirmed that he could really cross through walls in that form of his.


    "Who the hell would stay put waiting for a creepy guy to cut you in half? Go to hell! No, wait! If he is Death, then he came from hell to start with. Errr... whatever, go to Heavens then!"


    Rean still thought that it didn''t sound quite right, either. However, it was not time to ponder whether he is properly cursing Death or not. He had to flee!


    Nevertheless, that was useless. In the next second, a gate appeared right in front of Rean''s Soul and Death came out from it. Rean tried to turn around and run once more, but Death was already prepared for it. The black energy precisely wrapped around Rean''s waist before being pulled back.


    "Hmph! Making me waste my time. Usually, I would go around collecting a few Souls before sending them all into the Path of Reincarnation at once. But since you are this eager to be first, I will fulfill your wish."


    Before Rean could even reply that comment, another Gate, this time bigger, opened right in front of him. As soon as the Gate opened, Rean''s Soul felt like he was being pulled by an enormous pressure! The more he struggled, the higher the attractive force seemed to be.


    Death saw that and snorted. Once the Gate to the Path of Reincarnation is opened, any soul that stopped to be part of the living world would be dragged inside. It was impossible to escape! He didn''t even need to transform Rean''s Soul into Soul Energy, the Path would do that automatically.


    Death then turned around and opened another Gate. He still had several Souls to pull out of their dead bodies today, so he wouldn''t stay here just to watch Rean''s Soul falling inside. After all, he had seen this scene countless times already.


    A new gate appeared in front of him, and Death Stepped forward.


    But it was at this moment that Death noticed something strange.


    "Weird... How come I''m walking forward, but the Gate is getting further away?"


    Of course, such a train of thought only lasted for a second. That is because Death suddenly fell with his face on the ground. He then looked back and saw Rean holding one of his lower legs. Immediately, Death''s expression changed paled! Well, it was already pale to start with.


    "LET GO!"


    Death must be dreaming if he thinks that Rean would do as he asked.


    "THEN CLOSE THAT GATE!"


    Death then started to struggle and kick Rean''s head with his other leg. But Rean seemed just like a maggot. It didn''t matter how much he kicked, Rean kept holding him tightly!


    "I can''t close it until the dead soul has passed through, so let go!


    Rean immediately answered.


    "I Don''t wanna die!"


    Death felt like crying.


    "You are already dead, idiot! Just go and pass away peacefully!"


    Rean couldn''t help but snort.


    "Then come with me, and let''s peacefully pass away together. Hahaha!"


    "Don''t drag me down with you!"


    "It was you who put me in this situation to start with!"


    "I''m only doing my job!"


    "And what does that have to do with me?!"


    Between screams, struggles, kicks, and curses, Rean and Death were sent into the Path of Reincarnation... together...

 Chapter 3锛歋uch Friendship

    Death, who was still being tightly held by Rean, tried to reopen the Path of Reincarnation gate. Still, it was futile. The gate can only be opened from the outside!


    "Bastard! Look what you have done!"


    Rean didn''t care at all.


    "What I''ve done? Ha! It is your fault that we are in this place to start with. Would it be that much of an issue of you had simply left me be?"


    Death felt like killing Rean. Unfortunately, Rean is already dead.


    "You are really an idiot! I might as well tell you this. Any soul that is not sent into the Path of Reincarnation in 38 hours will completely dissipate. Simply put, let alone having your memories wiped out and reincarnating, you would be completed dead both in Body and Soul."


    Rean was taken aback. That is the first time he heard anything about that.


    "This! Then why didn''t you tell me from the very start?"


    Death felt like crying.


    "With how much you wanted to ''live,'' would you believe me?"


    Rean had to admit that Death was speaking the truth. At that moment, he would think that Death was simply finding an excuse to get rid of him. In fact, even now, he isn''t sure if Death is telling the truth or not. But looking at the circumstances and how Death stopped struggling completely, it seems like he isn''t lying.


    "What do we do now?"


    Death''s mouth twitched.


    "We? There is no we! First of all, I''ve never heard about a Death Spirit Soul like me falling inside the Path of Reincarnation, so I have no idea about what is going to happen with me. That being said, do you think I have time to think about you?"


    Rean started to think and asked a moment later.


    "In that case, what will be happening with me? Since you are lost at the moment, there shouldn''t be a problem for you to tell me what happens for normal souls in this place."


    Death thought for a second and nodded. Since he already got to this point, perhaps explaining things to Rean might give him some new ideas.


    "In the Path of Reincarnation, the Soul of the dead will be converted back into pure Soul Energy. Soul Energy will then be used to form an entirely new Soul. Through this process, any memories, emotions, dreams, or anything else related to its previous identity will be wiped out. After this ''cleaning'' process, the Soul is finally ready to leave the Path of Reincarnation and be born as a new life."


    Rean nodded.


    "And when will this process begin?"


    Death pointed in the distance.


    "Can you see that colored portal there?"


    Rean had to pay good attention to notice the portal that Death mentioned.


    "Yes... barely."


    Death then continued


    "That portal will send you directly inside of the River of Forgetfulness. It is that river that will cleanse your Soul and wipe out all your memories. Once you pass that portal, it will be a point of no return."


    Rean then asked.


    "What about you?"


    Death shrugged his shoulders.


    "If I knew, I wouldn''t be this worried. Or perhaps, I would be a lot more worried instead. As I said, no other Death Spirit Soul had ever fallen inside the Path of Reincarnation. Thanks to that, I have no idea."


    It was then that Death remembered something.


    "By the way, how the hell can you think and talk?"


    Rean immediately looked at Death with a surprised expression.


    "Shouldn''t I be able to?"


    Death mouth''s twitched hearing that question.


    "Are you BLIND?! Look around you, idiot! How many fucking Souls can you see going in the same direction as us? Can you see a single one speaking? Does it even look like they are thinking at all?!"


    Rean was a lot more worried about his situation. Because of that, he really hadn''t paid attention to the other Souls until now. He then took an in-depth look around, but all he could see were Souls that looked like to be absent-minded. Or to be more specific, Souls that weren''t thinking about anything to start with.


    "It is as if everyone is in a trance."


    Death nodded.


    "It''s not incorrect to think like that, but not right either. Say it, what part of the body is responsible for the thinking ability?"


    Rean immediately understood the crux of the issue.


    "I see... Because we are all dead, our brains are obviously dead too. How can a dead brain think about anything? Without the brain''s support, a Soul should not be able to think to start with. Is that what you meant?"


    Death nodded.


    "Correct. That''s why I can''t understand you. Your body is, without a doubt, 100% dead! But how come you can have the ability to think without a brain?"


    Rean was just as confused as Death. Indeed? Just what is serving as support for him to generate thoughts?


    "Can you see anything different in my Soul? I don''t know... perhaps some hidden Soul treasure?"


    Death felt like kicking Rean once again.


    "What do you think it is? Some Novel? As if such a thing cou-"


    Suddenly, Death noticed something unbelievable! Right at the center of Rean''s Soul, there seemed to be a very faint light. It was so frail that if Rean hadn''t asked that question, he definitely wouldn''t have noticed.


    However, as a Death Spirit Soul that guided countless numbers of dead Souls into the Path of Reincarnation, he was absolutely sure that such a thing shouldn''t exist!


    "There is really such a thing as a Soul Treasure?"


    Rean noticed the change with Death and understood that perhaps, he was right about his judgment. But he too was taken aback. After all, he really asked that on a whim. Who would believe in such a thing as a Soul Treasure? But then again, until a few moments ago, he didn''t believe that a Death Spirit and the Path of Reincarnation existed either. But lo and behold, here he is!


    Suddenly... Rean released Death!


    Death, of course, was taken aback by that action. He was holding onto his leg as if his life depended on it. Well, he is not really alive, though. But now, he let him go that easily. Could it be that he trusted his words about the Soul disappearing after 38 hours and now felt remorse? So now he decided to face his destiny without affecting him?


    But in the next second, Death''s expression changed!


    Tud!


    Once again, someone began to hold tightly onto someone else''s leg... But this time... It was Death who wasn''t letting Rean go?!


    "LET GO!"


    Death immediately replied.


    "AS IF!"


    Rean''s expression went dark.


    "DIDN''T YOU WANT TO GET RID OF ME?"


    Death, on the other hand, laughed out loud.


    "HAHAHA! Although I don''t know what will happen to a Death Spiritual Soul in the Path of Reincarnation, it doesn''t change the fact that I''m also a Soul. Chances are that I will have my memories wiped as well. Right now, this ''treasure'' or whatever that you have in your head is my only guarantee!"


    "You should be grateful! Your Grandfather, Lord Death, will be accompanying you into the River of Forgetfulness! There is no need to thank me."


    Rean''s mouth twitched. First of all, he doesn''t even know if this thing inside his Soul can really prevent him from losing his memories later. But assuming that it is, what guarantees are there that it has enough power to protect two Souls? There is even a chance that there is too much to protect. Thus, this treasure or whatever will not work correctly because of that.


    Once again, between screams, struggles, kicks, and curses, Rean and Death were sent into the River of Forgetfulness... together...

 Chapter 4锛歍ogether Once More!

    Death and Rean passed through the colored Portal and fell directly into the River of Forgetfulness. Both Death and Rean''s Soul started to change shape almost immediately after that. Their minds got fussy, and they couldn''t tell right from left. Still, Death made sure to hold Rean and not let him escape.


    Suddenly, both Soul lost their shape. At the same time, they were being converted into Pure Soul Energy. But it was at this moment that that faint Light inside Rean''s Soul started to get brighter! Both Rean and Death''s Soul Energies then began to revolve around it together.


    That Light then started to gather all their memories and emotions. Not only that, but the Light also started to change! What was just a White Light before, now became half White and half Dark. However, Death was right! That Light really had the power to keep both of their memories somehow. Unfortunately, Rean and Death already lost consciousness.


    Suddenly.


    [War---g!


    Uniden...ed So-l Mem---ies -etected.


    Se-ar-tion imp---ble.


    Initi--ng em-rgenc--- ana--sis...


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Analy-- c--ple-ed.


    Sea-c-ing for alternat--- sol-tion...


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Alter--ti-- solution f-oun-.


    In-ti-tin- So-l connect--n.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Soul connection completed.


    ...


    Warning!


    Unidentified Soul is of a different type.


    Soul Gem is not compatible.


    Initiating analysis...


    ...


    ...


    Analysis completed.


    Soul Gem upgrade needed.


    Initiating Soul Gem upgrade...


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Upgrade completed.


    Restarting memories preservation...


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Memories saved.


    Auto Reincarnation Pilot ON.


    Entering hibernation until enough energy is accumulated.]


    Death and Rean, obviously, didn''t hear or see anything.


    The River of Forgetfulness tried to take those memories away, but the Light''s power was a lot stronger than it. In the end, every single memory, emotion, or anything related to that was sent into that Light. With the memories disappearing altogether, the River of Forgetfulness felt like its target was gone. The River didn''t have a mind. It only did what it was supposed to do. With no more memories to wipe out, it would simply start the next process.


    Both their Soul Energies were then released by the Light so that the River of Forgetfulness could do its job. The cleansing process went for several years, but during all this time, both Souls had always stayed close to the Light of their Memories.


    Finally, both Soul Energies finished passing through the River of Forgetfulness. From there, they seemed to be dragged by some kind of supernatural power, which tried to send them into another portal. In fact, that power was supposed to get just a single Soul each time, but the Light acted as a glue that kept Death and Rean''s Soul Energies together.


    But there was a problem. The moment that Rean and Death Soul Energies were about to enter that Portal, that Light began to get even brighter! The space around it looked like to distort, and the Portal where they were supposed to be sent into disappeared. Right after, another portal that wasn''t supposed to be there materialized right in front of both Souls.


    That supernatural power from before tried to stop Rean and Death from falling into it. But the Light also acted as a barrier that prevented that power from getting close. Rean and Death Soul Energies then passed through this new Portal, which closed right after they entered.


    Usually, the Portal that disappeared would send Rean and Death to be reformed as new Souls. After that, they would enter a new life form that was being created. Like a baby, for example. That would then conclude their Reincarnation Process.


    But the Portal that the Light opened for them led both Soul Energies outside of the Universe. Or to be more precise, it led them to a completely different plane altogether!


    In this new plane, the laws were completely different.


    To start, the Souls in the Reincarnation Path are a lot stronger than they are. Death and Rean''s Soul Energies looked as if they could be smashed by any other Souls there.


    That can''t be helped. This plane is a place where Cultivation Reigns Supreme! Everyone in this place can cultivate. Even if you don''t cultivate at all, just the natural accumulation of Spiritual Energy will strengthen your Soul to an entirely different level. It is completely different from the plane from where Death and Rean came from.


    Once they arrived, Rean and Death''s Souls were once again sent into another River of Forgetfulness. However, Death and Rean had already received the cleansing from the previous River. Because of that, they were not kept there for several years like it was back in the other Universe. It only took them around a week to be once more dragged out of the River.


    Just like before, a portal opened, and they were sent inside. This time, the Light did not obstruct this process. From there, Rean and Death''s Soul Energies were sent directly into the end of the Path of Reincarnation. Of course, this one was completely different from before.


    Rean and Death didn''t know anything about it, though. They were in a state of hibernation at the moment, and the only thing that kept their identities was that Light.


    While passing through that Portal, millions of images could be seen moving at breakneck speeds around them. Each one of those images represented a new life being born in this new Universe.


    Humans, Beasts, Demon Plants, Sentient Objects, Spirits... The options were unlimited!


    Finally, they entered the final stage of Reincarnation, and their Soul Energies were once again reformed into new Souls. From that point, the Light began to send their memories back into each of their minds. Because they were not inside the River of Forgetfulness anymore, nothing tried to stop this process.


    Finally, Rean and Death''s new Souls were awakened.


    Rean looked around and felt lost. The last thing he remembers is the time he and Death fell into the River of Forgetfulness. From that point onwards, everything went black.


    "Where is this?"


    Soon, he heard Death''s laugh beside him.


    "We left the River of Forgetfulness! Hahahahaha! I still have my memories, great!"


    Death then looked at Rean and snorted.


    "Still, if not for you, I would not have passed through this torment."


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "Did you forget who opened that gate in the first place? If you had let me go, nothing like that would have happened."


    Death, of course, didn''t take that low.


    "How many times I have to tell you? If I had left you like that, your Soul would dissipate later. Your only choice was to be reincarnated, that''s all."


    Rean decided to ignore that part, though.


    "Whatever. What will happen now?"


    Death then explained.


    "I haven''t seen this place before. Still, since we are out of the River of Forgetfulness, it means that we entered the last stage of Reincarnation. Our Souls have already been reconstructed, so all that awaits us now is to be sent into a new Life Form."


    Rean was delighted to hear it.


    "Does that mean I will be born again with all my memories? Hahahaha! Great!"


    Death snorted but didn''t deny that.


    "Anyway, this is where we part ways. Soon, our Souls are going to be pulled into one of the new life forms, and we are going to reincarnate somewhere in the Universe. I hope to never see your face in my life again."


    Death wasn''t afraid of being reborn. With his understanding of his home Universe, he could use his connection with the underworld and return there. After that, he can simply reconstruct his own Soul as a Death Spirit once more. As for Rean... fuck that guy!


    Rean, of course, couldn''t be happier to be separated from this troublesome thing as well.


    Death and Rean then moved away from each other... or so they tried. As soon as the distance between themselves reached 100 or so meters, some kind of power pulled them back!


    Their Soul slammed against each other, which made both parties feel quite dizzy for a few moments. Only when they recovered did they notice a faint white and dark thread connecting their Souls. At the very center of this line, one could see that soft Light that had kept their memories until now.


    Before, Death could only see a White Light, but now, that Light was both White and Dark. The black color side of the thread was connected to his Soul, while the White was connected to Rean''s one.


    Both Death and Rean were taken aback by that. But before they could even discuss this issue, they felt that their Souls began to be dragged away against their will.


    "The hell? What is it?"


    Death immediately replied.


    "We are probably reincarnating!"


    Rean and Death looked at each other, and the White and Dark thread that is connecting their Souls. Seeing that, they felt like crying.


    "I don''t want to reincarnate with you!"


    Still, that Light had created some kind of connection between Death and Rean. Because of that, they simply couldn''t get too far away from each other. That being said, they couldn''t Reincarnate in different places anymore. That had to reincarnate together!


    However, Rean and Death are, after all, different Souls. It is not like they can merge or use the same body. With no other option, the Reincarnation Path of this new plane could only do one thing...


    Death and Rean... had to Reincarnate as Twins!

 Chapter 5锛歍houghts

    Northeast side of the Country of Jialin, Liman Mountain. Around to 250km away from the Astreg City. On the base of this mountain, there is a tribe that goes by the name of Varen, or if one prefers, the Varen Tribe. Although over 10 thousand people live in this place, this Tribe can only be considered a small or close to medium-sized one.


    This Tribe lived off the minerals they gathered from the ore deposits deep in the mountain. Every month, the merchants in the City would pass by and buy their Ore. The ore deposit in the Liman Mountain couldn''t be considered anything big or rare. Fortunately, that was also the reason why more prominent tribes didn''t bother with them.


    Of course, now and then, they were forced to pay tributes to the bigger Tribes controlling the region. There was no lack of small tribes that had been wiped out or had their members captured because they couldn''t pay the tributes. Because of that, the Varen Tribe made sure to always have enough money for the tributes that were charged once per year.


    The Varen Family was the one controlling this Tribe, and they were respected by all the residents. The Tribe leader, Urle Varen, always put more importance on the Tribe as a whole than personal gains. Although life wasn''t comfortable here, everyone''s effort contributed to a happy environment.


    It was night time at the moment, and all the workers were already back to their homes. On the west side of the Tribe, inside of a small wooden house like most of the others around, a woman was touching her big belly. Beside her, a bulk man and who was around his late twenties looked at her with tender eyes.


    The couple''s name was Turen Larks and Hamarlia Larks. Turen was a miner like most of the men in the Tribe. As for Hamarlia, she helped the village with the miscellaneous jobs of the day while the men were out doing the heavy job. Still, this village had quite equal values. If a woman felt like she was strong enough to work in the mine like the men, she would be allowed to do so. As the lifeline of the Tribe, any extra hands that could help with the ore extractions were more than welcome.


    Because of that, around 20% of the workers in the mine were women too. Hamarlia just so happens to be one of those women. She did that to help her family, and it was there that she met Turen for the first time. It didn''t take long before the couple got together, and their marriage approved by both families.


    Fiver years had passed since then when finally, Hamarlia got pregnant. Since then, Turen forbade her to do any heavy job until the child was born. Hamarlia knew that Turen was just worried about her and their child, so she begrudgingly accepted that.


    What Hamarlia and Turen didn''t know is that she was pregnant of Twins, and obviously, both men. As for the Twins? Who else could they be other than Rean and Death?


    Back then, both guys'' Souls were dragged into one of those images. The last thing they knew, everything around them was black. Now and then, Death and Rean would hear voices, but they couldn''t understand it. It was not that it was hard to hear, but that it was a language they never heard before.


    It is understandable that Rean couldn''t understand the language. After all, he only knew a single one until the day he died. But Death was feeling frightened! As one of the Death Spirits responsible for guiding the Souls of the Universe into Reincarnation, his knowledge about languages was also Universal. There shouldn''t be a single language in the entire Universe that he can''t understand.


    Don''t misunderstand. It didn''t mean that Death is some kind of expert or anything like that. He didn''t have any knowledge that could make himself or others stronger or anything like that. All his knowledge was only related to the convenience of guiding the Dead Souls into Reincarnation. It just so happens that knowing all the Universe languages was also convenient for his job as a Death Spirit, so he knew them.


    However, he couldn''t understand anything that was being said by Turen, Hamarlia, or anyone else around! That should be impossible!


    Of course, due to the number of languages that Death knows, a few words were bound to look like some of those that he knows. But when they were put together to form the sentences of this new language, they simply made no sense whatsoever!


    "What is happening here? How come I can''t understand what they are saying?"


    Hearing those words, Rean was taken aback.


    "Death, is that you?!"


    Death was also shocked to hear Rean''s voice.


    They couldn''t be blamed. After all, Death and Rean are hearing the other''s voice inside their minds! They didn''t speak a single word.


    Of course, it didn''t take long for them to understand what was going on.


    "It is probably that Dark and White thread. They are connecting our Souls. That being said, when we want the other to hear our thoughts, it will happen."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "How do you know that only the thought I wish to share can be heard?"


    Death snorted and replied.


    "Because I have been cursing you in my mind for a long time, but you obviously didn''t hear anything until now. Only when I lost my composure due to my surprise did my thoughts reach you."


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "Forget it. I won''t let you affect my good mood. By the way, where are we now?"


    Death laughed.


    "Where else? A soul doesn''t reincarnate into the new body when it is born, but when the Brain becomes capable enough of generating thoughts. Since that is the case, where do you think we are at the moment?"


    Rean was taken aback!


    "Are we inside our new mother''s womb?! Like... right below us is our new mother''s va-va-vaaaa... Forget it!"


    Death laughed even more.


    "As expected of a virgin. Even after 31 years of life, he had never been with a woman."


    Rean felt like killing this guy already. Oh well, in theory, Death was supposed to be dead already.

 Chapter 6锛歋leep

    Rean couldn''t help but ask, though.


    "How do you even know that? I could have had hundreds of girlfriends, you know?"


    Death laughed out loud.


    "I have the full information of every single Soul I need to collect. I know more about you than your own parents. Not that it makes me happy, of course."


    Death continued.


    "Rean Farlan, extremely boring life, never denied anything, never wished anything, a living doll through and through. Average marks, average job, nothing to be proud of. Simply tedious..."


    It was then that Death noticed a problem.


    "Wait. How come someone like you suddenly felt the urge to live? Even if you were able to miraculously think and speak in your Soul Form, you were supposed to let me kick your ass inside the Reincarnation Path without complaining."


    Rean really wanted to beat this guy up.


    "Said the guy that clung on my leg even though he kept asking me to let him go."


    Death didn''t mind his actions at all, though. It was thanks to that that he didn''t lose his memories.


    "Hmph!"


    Still, Rean answered his question.


    "To be honest, I don''t know. You were right about that point. I never wished anything, nor did I ever refuse anything. I simply never cared anything at all. No doubt, a living doll was indeed the perfect way to describe the old me. But just a few moments before dying, I felt like my Soul awakened. Out of nowhere, I simply didn''t want to die anymore. I felt like until that point, I had never really lived before."


    "How can I say it? It will look weird, but I don''t think it was because I was dying. It was more like I had broken out of a shell that locked me during my entire life. The accident was just the harmer that got me free from that. Unfortunately, I still died. As for the rest of the story, you already know."


    Death pondered a bit and then said.


    "Perhaps, you were not supposed to be like that. But that thing inside of your Soul had been preventing you from generating desires."


    Rean agreed with Death.


    "Ever since you noticed this thing inside my Soul, I thought it really had something to do with it."


    However, let alone Rean, even Death hadn''t the most remote idea about what that white and dark light could be.


    But it was then that Death remembered one thing.


    "Oh well, whatever. Enjoy your new life, I''will be taking my leave."


    Rean was taken aback. They are both inside the womb, can a baby forcefully go out just like that? First of all, would it be a good idea to go out now?


    Death, of course, understood what Rean was thinking. But that has nothing to do with him. As long as he uses his connection to the Underworld, he can immediately pull his Soul inside. As for the baby''s body? It will simply turn into an empty Shell.


    Death concentrated and tried to feel the world around him. But it was then that he noticed something different.


    "What kind of energy is this?"


    Rean didn''t know what he was talking about, though.


    As for Death, he quickly threw those thoughts away.


    "Doesn''t matter, I will check later."


    He once again concentrated until finally, he was able to establish contact with the Underworld... not! Death started to feel a chill on his back instead.


    "It''s... not there!!!"


    Rean heard that and asked.


    "What? Can you see anything?"


    They are inside the womb, so how could there be any light?


    Death completely ignored Rean, though.


    He kept looking for that connection between the living world and the Underworld. But it didn''t matter how much he looked for that, he couldn''t feel anything!


    "Impossible! There is no place in the entire Universe that is not connected to the Underworld. How come I can''t feel the link? Is it because I reincarnated? No! As long as I have my memories, even if I were to reincarnate as a mosquito, I should still be able to feel the connection. What is happening here?"


    It was evident that Death was shocked at the moment. After all, Rean heard all his thoughts even though Death wasn''t trying to talk to him.


    ''It seems like that if I don''t pay attention, I will leak my thoughts to him as well. I better be careful.''


    Still, he decided to ask.


    "Can you at least tell me what this connection you are talking about is?"


    Death was taken aback and noticed that his thoughts were being transmitted to Rean.


    "Whatever. The entire Universe is supposed to be connected to the Underworld. That is also the place where you can find the Path of Reincarnation. As long as we are inside the Universe, this connection has to be there. But I can''t feel anything, and that is the strange part."


    Rean then asked.


    "Does it mean that we are not inside a Universe."


    Death immediately rejected that idea.


    "If we were not inside a Universe, there would be no underworld to start with. Since we Reincarnated, we are obviously inside one."


    Of course, Death couldn''t feel that connection because he wasn''t in the same Universe anymore. The main reason he could even feel that connection if because his own existence was connected to the previous Universe Underworld. But in this Universe, he has absolutely nothing to do with it. Obviously, he can''t feel anything.


    As expected, be it Death or Rean, neither of them took long to reach this conclusion.


    Also, there is a reason why they knew that this isn''t the same Universe anymore. That is because Death can feel the presence of Spiritual Energy!


    Of course, Death doesn''t know how this energy is called to start with. But he is absolutely sure that it doesn''t exist in the previous Universe. Since that is that case, they can''t possibly be in the same place anymore.


    "Is there anything special about this energy?"


    Death could only reply.


    "I don''t know. At least, it doesn''t seem harmful."


    Rean pondered a bit and then said.


    "It seems like we don''t have another choice, We will need to wait to be born before we can investigate any further. But... just how old are our bodies? No, first of all, are we even humans? If yes, do the humans in this place gestate for only 9 months to start with?"


    Death didn''t know it either.


    "What''s the point to think about that? It is not like we can count time anyway. I will sleep. Wake me up when the labor time starts."


    Rean was taken aback.


    "Can you sleep this long?!"


    Unfortunately, there was no answer. Death was sleeping already. Strangely enough, Rean knew that Death wasn''t pretending. For some reason, the connection between their Souls told him that Death was sleeping for real!


    "How could he leave me behind?"


    Poor Rean doesn''t have Death''s experience, so he couldn''t simply sleep anytime he wanted. Because of that, he passed his next months as bored as a bored person could be. It didn''t matter how many times he called Death, the other side simply didn''t wake up at all, which made him even madder. After all, if he could at least talk to someone, that would help a lot.


    "Hmph! Who will wake you up? Since you left me here, I hope you will sleep for all eternity!"

 Chapter 7锛歊ean and Roan

    From the moment that their Souls arrived, 4 months went by. Rean would also sleep as much as possible. During the time he was awake, he would try to understand the words around. After all, this is a completely new world with a different language. Still, because he can''t relate the words to the environment, it is too hard to learn it.


    Finally, the day for Rean and Death to be born arrived. The labor process went without any problem, and both could see the outside world for the first time. Well, in fact, only Rean could see it. That''s because Death was still sleeping...


    Turen and Hamarlia were shocked to see that they were twins. But above all, they were worried about Death, who had his eyes closed and wasn''t making any sound at all.


    It is common sense that babies would cry when they are born. So Death not doing anything was a bad sign, or so they thought. Immediately, they started to slap his ass to see if he would cry. Death, of course, immediately woke up and screamed due to the pain.


    Rean saw that and burst out in laugher.


    As for their parents, Death was simply crying normally. In Rean''s case, because he let out a baby laugh, they thought he was fine.


    Death then talked to him through their connection.


    "Why didn''t you wake me up?"


    Rean snorted.


    "Keep dreaming! If possible, I would like for you to sleep forever."


    Seeing that both their babies looked fine, Turen and Hamarlia finally let out a sigh of relief. The midwife who was helping with the labor, also smiled seeing that. But there was one thing that they noticed right after.


    Even though it was just a little, Rean had a Pure White Hair. As for Death, his hair was utterly dark. Dark hair isn''t uncommon in this world. But Death''s Hair was a lot darker than any average person to the point where it stood out as much as Rean''s.


    If not for the different hair colors, Rean and Death would be indistinguishable.


    Turen then looked at the two and smiled.


    "The White Haired one shall be called Rean."


    Rean didn''t understand most of the words, but it was really easy to recognize his own name being spoken. He looked at Death and asked.


    "Did he just select the same name as my previous life?"


    Death confirmed.


    "Reincarnation has a lot to do with fate. It is common for those who are reincarnated in the same race as their previous life to carry their old names. Of course, it is not always like that, but the chances were very high. Also, if you had reincarnated into another race, then the chances were that your parents would select a different name."


    Rean pondered a bit and started to get curious.


    "I wonder just what name you will be called."


    Death was taken aback. But then ignored this issue. He isn''t planning to stay here for long to start with, so whatever name he gets is not of his concern.


    Because Rean and Death communicated through their minds, their words were exchanged almost instantly. Although it seemed like they used more time, this conversation only took a second or so to be over.


    Hamarlia looked affectionately at Death and then suggested.


    "This little one shall be called Roan then."


    Rean was able to understand Death''s new name as well.


    "Well, I guess even in a different world, it is common for parents to give similar names to their children."


    Death, on the other hand, felt that choice to be terrible.


    "Just why did they select something similar to yours?"


    Rean laughed out loud.


    "That''s because I''m your big brother. Hahahaha!"


    Death''s mouth twitched.


    "Big brother, your ass! I will never accept such an arrangement. I''m tens of thousands of times older than you!"


    Rean couldn''t care less, though.


    "Too bad, while you were sleeping, I made sure that I was the first one coming out. You left our mother''s womb a few minutes later. Whether you like it or not, I''m your big brother. Alright, little brother Roan, let''s get along together."


    Death was almost exploding already. Since when had he been treated like that? But he soon calmed down.


    ''Forget it. I need to find a way back as soon as possible. Otherwise, another Death Spirit will take my place. Still... just how the hell can I go back to the previous Universe?''


    While Death, or better, Roan was thinking, Turen helped the midwife to wash both ''babies.'' Rean felt embarrassed, though. His mind is, after all, 31 years old. Having someone cleaning his private parts isn''t exactly that good of an experience.


    As for Roan, he just let them do as they wished. With his real mind age, such things couldn''t bother him less.


    "Hey, Roan, how should we act for the moment? We can''t simply start talking after just being born, right?"


    Death felt like crying after being addressed like that. Still, he knew that it would only be worse if he complained. Rean would definitely use it to annoy him even more in the future if he did so. Besides, since he doesn''t know how to go back at the moment, Rean wouldn''t be the only one calling him like that during the time he is here.


    "We better pretend that we are normal babies. Have you noticed it? There is no such thing as technology here. That being said, this might be some kind of medieval world where gods are worshipped and things like that. Our parents might think that we are possessed for some kind of demon and end killing us."


    Rean felt a chill on his back. He had just been reborn, and his emotions were finally back to normal. The last thing he wants is to die right after he got a second chance.


    "Alright, your big brother shall follow your idea."


    "Hmph!"


    During the next few days, Roan and Rean acted like normal babies. At the same time, they finally had the opportunity to match words with the environment, which helped them comprehend the language a lot faster.


    Still, Rean felt quite awkward every single day. After all... his food was nothing more than the milk in his new mother''s breast! Roan, on the other hand, couldn''t care less about such things. Besides, now that he had a real living body, he couldn''t help but feel like the milk was quite tasty. He had never had the need to ingest anything before, after all.


    But they soon noticed something impressive. Whatever Roan learned, Rean learned as well, and vice versa.


    "It is definitely that White and Dark thread connecting our Souls."


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    "But there is one thing that I''m curious about. When we tried to get away from each other, we were pulled back together. Does that mean that now that we are born, we can''t go far away as well?"


    Roan didn''t know the answer to that question.


    "I don''t think we would be pulled together as it happened in the Path of Reincarnation. However, there would at least be a side effect. Maybe our ability to learn things together would be cut, or something like that."


    They would need to test it later when there is a chance.

 Chapter 8锛歍he Varen Tribe

    Two weeks after Rean and Roan were born, Turen and Hamarlia decided to bring them over to the Tribe Elders. It was tradition to have the elders blessing the new babies. Also, they would be tested for their aptitudes. This is, after all, a cultivation world. Even though the majority would end working on the mines or doing the chores around, the Tribe also needed cultivators who could defend their homes.


    Everyone can cultivate, this is common sense. But there are several differences in aptitude. The talent of each newborn determines if they will be allocated resources for cultivation or if they will need to fend off for themselves.


    When they arrived at the elder''s building, they could see that there were a lot more parents with babies around. It turned out that the aptitude check only happened once a month. So all the newborns would be brought at the same time.


    The reason to have the aptitude tested at such a young age is that that is when the babies'' bodies would be in their purest form. Not affected by the impurities of the world. It would make the test a lot more precise, preventing mistakes like overlooking a talent or promoting a baby without it.


    Turen and Hamarlia talked happily with the other parents while holding their babies. Around an hour later, the doors of the building opened, and the guards inside invited everyone in. In total, there were 27 newborns in the last month, which is quite an average number.


    All the parents moved to the hall, where three elders were waiting. One of them also happened to be from the family who leads the Tribe, the Varen Family. Seeing that elder, everyone showed even more respect. The actual peaceful situation of their Tribe could be said to have a lot to do with the Varen Family. By treating everyone in the Tribe equally, all the Tribe members did their best for the Tribe''s future.


    One must understand that most Tribes controlling families would extort their Tribe members as much as possible. They governed their Tribes based on fear and held the strongest warriors on their side, preventing others from rebelling. Everyone in the Varen Tribe knew very well about this, so they understood that they were fortunate to be born here.


    Of course, it hasn''t always been like that. In the past, Varen Tribe also used the same oppressing system. In fact, it wasn''t called Varen Tribe, but Irik instead. But their residents were successful in their rebellion during a bloody fight. Although the Irik Family held the strongest warriors, they miscalculated and kept the power centralized in their family only.


    Because of that, even though they had the strongest warriors, their number was simply too small to stop the rest of the Tribe. That day, the entire Irik Family was killed, and their loyal warriors exiled or killed as well. The Leader of the rebellion, Juri Varen, was then appointed as the new Tribe Leader.


    Of course, not everything was flowers. After the rebellion, the Tribe''s overall strength had plummeted more than 50%, and some smaller Tribes in the surroundings started to covet their land. Fortunately, Juri Varen was a smart guy. Because the rebellion had just finished, it would take some time before other Tribes tried something. So he left the Tribe on the very next day and visited a far away Tribe called Olort Tribe.


    That Tribe was also a tiny one, not to mention that they lived in a quite bad place. However, Juri Varen had been in contact with this Tribe for five years now. He knew that their way of treating their people was the same one he intended for his Tribe. So he had made an agreement with this Tribe.


    If they were successful in overthrowing the Irik Family''s power, the Olort Tribe would move all their member to Juri''s Tribe. The Olort Tribe was more than happy to accept such a deal. The terrain they had been living so far is terrible for growing crops and other things. Although Irik Tribe''s territory isn''t that much better, they at least had an Ore Mine. This is especially so since Juri Varen planned to have everyone treated the same way as the Olort Tribe did with its members.


    The old Olort Tribe Leader even offered Juri a helping hand. He wanted to send a few of their Tribe''s best warriors to help with the rebellion. But Juri rejected it. As bad as the Olort Tribe might look, they at least had a not too bad life. If they failed in their rebellion, the Olort Tribe families would pay the price just like the families in the old Irik Tribe.


    "The irik Tribe''s problem should be resolved by the Irik Tribe''s families."


    That''s what he said. The Leader of the Olort tribe grew found of Juri and didn''t force the issue. Today, they had finally succeeded, so the Olort Tribe immediately packed everything and moved out.


    When the Tribes closer to the new Varen Tribe finally rallied up to start an attack, they were forced to stop on their tracks. By putting together both the survived warriors of the old Irik Tribe and the new ones from the Olort Tribe, the Varen Tribe immediately reached a power big enough to defend themselves.


    The other tribes united could still force their way and take the Varen Tribe over. But the price for that would be way too high. Besides, it is not like those Tribes were real allies, they all followed the fear system, so they didn''t trust the others to start with. Chances were that some of them would just pretend to help but wait for the others to expend their strength and get rid of the rest, taking all the benefits for themselves.


    With such a lousy alliance and that much strength protecting the new Varen Tribe, none of them wanted to risk being the Tribe that got the short end of the stick. So the alliance immediately disbanded after a few hours of internal struggle.


    The Leader of the Olort Tribe gladly passed his authority over his member to Juri, who wisely guided the entire Tribe to live in harmony up to this day.


    At first, the Olort Tribe members were afraid of being suppressed by the actual Varen Tribe members. But Juri Varen made an iron-clad rule. There is no more Irik or Olort Tribe, only the Varen Tribe. Those caught doing such things will be exiled from the Tribe, no questions asked.


    Slowly, but surely, the tension between both Tribes eased. After more than 20 years, several of their members married or befriended members from the other side. It could be said that either Irik or Olort Tribe didn''t exist anymore, only a single Tribe called Varen.

 Chapter 9锛欱lack Orb

    The three elders then followed the procedure for the blessings. One by one, the babies were brought forward and had their foreheads marked with a symbol. After chanting a few strange words, the parents would thank the elders and move to the side. Simple as that, the blessings were finished.


    The elders were a little surprised when they saw Rean and Roan, though. After all, it is not every day you see twins, let alone with such remarkable Hair Colors. One being Pure White and the other being so dark that all the other Dark Haired people couldn''t compare to.


    Still, that was all. It is not like they will be treated differently just because of that, so the elders quickly finished their blessings to Rean and Roan as well.


    After that, the parents were led to the center of the Hall. There, there was a black sphered that looked like a Crystal Orb. Still, Death, or better, Roan, noticed a peculiar power coming from it.


    "That Orb has the same kind of energy as the environment."


    Rean''s curiosity was immediately picked. In the past two weeks, both his and Death''s efforts paid off. Although they can''t talk their parent''s language yet, they can at least understand a little. They noticed that both their father and mother would stop every day to gather this peculiar energy into their bodies.


    In fact, even without Roan''s help, Rean would be able to feel this energy soon. That''s because this is the energy necessary for cultivation. Something that everyone in the Tribe always did. Their parents don''t receive any cultivation resources from the Tribe. Still, they can at least absorb the natural energy from heaven and earth.


    In this world, there are several realms of cultivation.


    Body Transformation;


    Energy Gathering;


    Foundation Establishment;


    Core Formation;


    Core and Soul Fusion;


    Nascent Soul;


    and Soul Transformation.


    At least, those are the only realms that are known by the people of the Varen Tribe. The Tribe''s strongest warriors are in the middle or advanced stage of the Energy Gathering Realm, with just a few in the peak stage. As for the Strongest one, he is the actual Tribe Leader, Juri Varen, who is already over 60 years old. At the moment, he is in the initial stage of the Foundation Establishment.


    Although everyone can cultivate, one is only considered a cultivator once they enter the Energy Gathering Realm. Over 95% of humans can''t even get this far. Taking the Varen Tribe as an example, this Tribe has over ten thousand members. However, not even 200 had entered the Energy Gathering Realm, and those are the ones they consider to have high aptitudes already.


    Rean and Roan''s parents are in this Body Transformation Realm. The Body Transformation had five stages, Blood Replacement, Bones Enhancement, Muscles Strengthening, Organs Change, and Spiritual Vision. Turen is at the Muscles Strengthening Stage while Hamarlia is at the Bones Enhancement. Neither of them has much of a chance of entering the Energy Gathering Realm during their lives.


    Still, the more they cultivate, the easier will their job in the mine be. Besides, increasing their own strength can''t really go wrong. Even though Turen and Hamarlia do have quite a peaceful life, it is not like they don''t know how the world really works outside their Tribe. It wouldn''t be surprising if someday another bigger Tribe came over to attack them.


    The Black Orb had the power of testing one''s aptitude. In total, it was capable of showing 7 different colors.


    Gray, Brown, Yellow, Green, Blue, Red, and Purple.


    Gray is considered the worst one, while Purple is the highest.


    The parents looked at the Orb with expectation in their eyes. To be a warrior is the highest honor in their Tribe. Every parent wished that their Children had enough aptitude to be accepted as a Warrior apprentice. He would then be allocated a few cultivation resources and receive the teaching of the elders.


    The families formed a line, and they came forward one by one. Roan and Rean would be the 11th and 12th ones to be tested. To become a warrior apprentice, one had to at least have a Brown Aptitude. From the 200 and something warriors of their Tribe, the biggest majority was in this Brown level. Only 5% of them had a Yellow aptitude. As for Green, so far, the Tribe only gave birth to three of them.


    One just so happens to be the Tribe Leader, Juri Varen. Another one was an elder who acted as the Tribe Leader during the times the Real Leader was out on business, Alanda Ial. He, too, was quite old already, being 52 this year. However, he was at the peak of the Energy Gathering Realm, and everyone trusted that he would enter the Foundation Establishment soon. The last one was a young girl who was only 7 this year called Mila Huinan.


    Considering that the Tribe hadn''t seen a Gree level aptitude appearing for over 40 years, the news about the girl having a green talent immediately attracted the attention of all tribes in the surroundings. There were even several marriage proposals coming from Tribes of the same size or even bigger. Still, Juri Varen simply said.


    "She will marry the one she loves, that''s all. If you want to become in-laws with her Huinan family, then your boys will have to conquer her heart first."


    At first, the other tribes thought that Juri Varen was joking. But after an investigation, they found out that their Tribe doesn''t use an oppression and fear system as most of them do. Not only that, but this Tribe also treated the women quite highly. Such a system is unimaginable for them.


    Still, those Tribes didn''t try to find problems with the Varen Tribe. As rare as a Green Aptitude might be, it is, after all, just a single warrior. It is not worth starting a war because of such an issue.


    To make sure that other Tribes wouldn''t try to kidnap Huinan, she and her family were moved to the center of the Tribe. She now lived close to the elders and Leader residences. She also had three Middle Stage Energy Gathering Warriors who ensured her safety day and night.


    A Tribe has to know how to protect its talents, so such an arrangement wasn''t surprising for anyone. Any other Tribe would definitely have done the same thing.


    One by one, the parents brought their babies forward to be tested. The elder would then take a needle and collect a drop of the baby''s blood. That drop would be put on the Black Orb and absorbed by it. A few moments later, it would shine with one of the seven colors.


    Not surprisingly, Gray colors started to appear one by one. The seven first babies showed to have a Gray color, much for their parents'' disappointment. But the eighth one, a baby by the name of Gulo Isfal, was born with a Yellow aptitude!


    When the elders saw that, they immediately smiled.


    "Congratulations, please bring him to the Tribe leader''s house later so that we can mark him for Warrior apprentice study. His training shall start when he becomes 5 years old."


    Gulo''s parents were ecstatic! They immediately bowed and thanked the elders, quickly retreating behind.


    The next two babies turned out to have Gray aptitude as well. Their parents couldn''t help but look at Gulo''s parents with envy. Which parent wouldn''t want their child to soar in the future?


    Finally, it was time for Roan to be tested.


    "Hey, little brother, you better not let me down."


    Roan snorted and replied.


    "If I have an aptitude lower than yours, I will simply kill myself."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh. Even though he is alive now, it doesn''t change the fact that Roan was dead for countless years before it. For Roan, being alive or dead probably didn''t make too much of a difference.

 Chapter 10锛歋houldnt Exist

    Turen brought Roan close to the Black Orb, and the elder took a drop of his blood with a needle. Still, Roan seemed to not even feel it. He was the first baby to not start crying right after the blood was taken. Of course, the elder was surprised but didn''t put much importance on it.


    The elder then dropped the blood on the Black Orb and waited for the result. Finally, the Orb started to shine, and the color began to appear. However, everyone was taken aback when they saw that. The Orb''s light... was Dark!


    As mentioned before, the Orb was supposed to show only seven colors. Gray, Brown, Yellow, Green, Blue, Red, and Purple. Dark was definitely not one of them. If the Orb wasn''t shining with a blacklight, they might have thought it wasn''t working at all.


    "This... What kind of aptitude is a black color?"


    The three elders looked at each other in dismay. They had never seen this color before. They couldn''t even tell if it was bad or good.


    Turen looked at the elders, waiting for an answer.


    "Cough, cough. For now, wait on the side. We will bring your kid to the Tribe Leader later."


    Turen was surprised. He didn''t expect that he would be able to meet the legendary Juri Varen personally. Juri is seen as a savior to the Varen Tribe, so everyone looked up to him. Still, he spent most of his time cultivating or dealing with the Tribe''s external affairs, so very few could talk to him anytime they wanted.


    Turen looked at Hamarlie and a smile on his face while nodding at her. Hamarlia, of course, heard what the elder said, so she was also happy. Even if it turns out that Black Color is a bad attitude, the chance of meeting Juri was already a great honor for them. It could easily be seen on the other parents'' eyes that they, too, were jealous of such a chance.


    Rean was the next one in the line. Hamarlia was then called forward to have him tested. Just like Roan, Rean also had a different and curious Hair Color. Other than old men and women, people wouldn''t have this kind of Hair. However, Rean''s hair color wasn''t exactly the same. His one was really pure White, while the old would be more like silver.


    The elder then pricked the needle on Rean''s palm and took a drop of blood. Just like Roan, Rean didn''t care about that needle, so he obviously didn''t cry. When Roan didn''t cry, they didn''t think much, but his twin brother also didn''t even flinch after they took a drop of his blood.


    "Could it be..."


    The elder then put the blood on the Black Orb. A few moments later, a new color appeared. Once again, it was a color that shouldn''t be there. Just like Rean''s Hair, the Orb shined with pure White Light!


    "As I thought."


    Although it was hard to believe, after seeing what happened with Rean''s twin brother, they did have a little expectation that Rean would also show something different. It turned out that they were right, that Orb''s White Color was more than enough to prove such conjecture.


    Once again, the elder asked Hamarlia to stand at the side and wait for the time they would go see the Tribe Leader.


    The tests continued. In the end, just one extra baby with a Brown Talent appeared, much for his parent''s delight. Even if he wasn''t a Yellow Color like Gulo, it didn''t change the fact that he would receive the Tribe''s support to become a warrior. That was more than enough for them.


    While their parents were discussing the next step with the elders, Rean and Roan were also talking to each other.


    "Well, we would need to be idiots to not understand that our aptitude colors are definitely related to the White and Black thread. But I wonder if it is a good thing or not."


    Roan snorted after hearing that.


    "What do you think? It should be much better. After all, gray is supposed to be the lowest aptitude. Even though we didn''t get any of the next six colors, I find it hard to believe that we would be beneath the gray. Of course, I can''t guarantee it, this is just my conjecture based on chances."


    Rean agreed with him.


    "Anyway, I would like to try this cultivation thing. Do you have any idea how to do that? You said that you were responsible for collecting Souls in our entire Universe back then. No doubt you had bumped in something like this before, right?"


    Roan immediately shook his head.


    "Our Universe doesn''t have this Spiritual Energy thing. That much I can guarantee you. So no race that I know had ever done something like cultivation before. All their evolution, humans included, happened through tens of thousands of generations and an absurd amount of time. The way that they can change their bodies'' structure with this Body Transformation Realm is simply inconceivable back there."


    Rean was surprised to know that. Even though such a thing didn''t exist on earth, sure the chances of existing somewhere else were high, right? After all, they were talking about an entire Universe back there. So the fact that it didn''t exist anywhere really left Rean shocked.


    "It seems like we really came to another Universe."


    Roan confirmed.


    "I told you before, this could only be another Universe. There is no way I couldn''t feel the link of my Soul with he Underworld if that was not the case."


    Those words reminded Rean of something else.


    "Oh, right! Did you find anything? You said that you were just waiting to be born to check the outside world. Will you be able to go back?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "No. There is simply nothing at all. At this moment, I''m almost the same as any other Soul that is born in this place. I can only follow its rules. The only difference is that both you and I can feel the presence of the Spiritual Energy already. From what I found out, it shouldn''t be something possible before one turns into five years old."


    Rean agreed with Roan. The main reason why kids would only start their warrior training at the age of five is that they can''t feel the presence of Spiritual Energy before that. According to Rean''s conjecture, it was probably because their bodies weren''t developed enough to receive it yet.


    "We can just wait and see what happens."

 Chapter 11锛欱righter Colors

    On the night of the same day, Turen and Hamarlia brought Rean and Roan to the Varen Family''s house. Juri Varen''s house wasn''t much bigger than the typical dwellings around the Tribe, nor was it luxurious. Juri was married, but only had two sons and one daughter. So his family couldn''t be considered small, but not big either.


    His eldest son, Hiro Varen, was already 28 years old and helped with the management of the mine in the Liman Mountain. He also had gray talent, so considering Juri''s forthright attitude, he also didn''t get access to any cultivation resource. Juri knew that these were exactly the type of actions that led the Families in control of other Tribes to fall for their greed. So he forbade himself and any elder from acting like that.


    Only those who passed the Tribe''s talent test shall be allocated cultivation resources, no exception. Of course, even though it is not much, everyone who worked in the Tribe still earned some money from their work. If they save enough to buy cultivation resources when the merchants stop by, that is their problem. Juri and the elders will not stop them from doing whatever they want with their money.


    Juri''s second son, Laren Varen, is 24 this year. He was fortunate enough to be born with a brown aptitude. So he also received the cultivation resources destined for Brown aptitude warriors. As for his youngest child, his daughter, she was already 19 and a married woman, so she didn''t live in their house anymore. She was also a Gray aptitude girl, though.


    Of his two sons, only his eldest one was married, but he still lived in his father''s house with her since there was enough space. Juri didn''t mind it. After all, he liked the presence of his family.


    Inside Juri''s House, Turen and Hamarlia felt extremely nervous while holding their children. The elder who was part of the Varen Family was also there to guide them.


    "Your family can wait here in the living room, I will call my first brother over."


    This elder''s name was Tirin Varen, Juri''s second brother.


    Rean''s family kept waiting for around ten minutes. Finally, they saw Tirin coming back with a man who seemed to be around his thirties behind. He had short Hair and a sharp pair of eyes. Of course, that man was none other than Juri Varen.


    Because Juri was able to enter the Foundation Establishment Realm, his lifespan increased in an extra 50 years! That was also the reason why he looked even younger than his second brother. The two previous Realm, Body Transformation, and Energy Gathering are considered the doors to the cultivation world. But they don''t have the power to increase one''s lifespan. Although people can be regarded as cultivators when they enter the Energy Gathering Realm, only the Foundation Establishment or higher would be viewed as important. After all, only with the increase in lifespan would someone be able to live enough to make the difference.


    When Juri saw Turen and Hamarlia''s children, even he was surprised.


    ''Tirin wasn''t joking, their hair colors are really catchy.''


    Together with Tirin, there was also a servant of the family carrying the testing Black Orb. But before that, Juri sat across Rean''s family and started to ask his questions.


    He asked things like if they had encountered some kind of Spiritual Herb or had some peculiar difference in their bodies. But after several rounds of questions, all that Turen and Hamarlia could do was shake their heads. Juri didn''t think they were lying. After all, he can clearly see their cultivation realms with his Spiritual Sense.


    Spiritual Sense is something that only those at the Energy Gathering and above can use. As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Juri''s Spiritual Sense was even better.


    "Alright, let me see their tests."


    Tirin nodded and once again collected the twins'' blood. Just like before, Roan''s Light shined with pure Dark while Rean''s shined as white as snow. Juri had to admit that he had never seen or even heard about something like that before. With a Foundation Establishment level and with Green Talent on top of that, he had a few connections with the Astreg City cultivators. So he decided to inquire about it next time he went to the city.


    "At this moment, I can''t tell you whether this is a good thing or not. So I will do my research first. For now, try to not catch too much attention and keep quiet about their aptitudes. If it is confirmed that this is a good thing, I will give them my seal. If it is not, then they can still be members of the Tribe like everyone else. Return to your home, I will contact you back later."


    Turen and Hamarlia bowed and thanked Juri. After that, they immediately returned to their house.


    Back inside Juri''s house, he had a pensive expression. Tirin noticed that and couldn''t help but ask.


    "Big brother, is something wrong?"


    Juri looked at him and then shook his head.


    "It''s nothing. I will be leaving tomorrow morning for the city, so tell Alanda to take care of the things while I''m out. If everything goes well, I should be back in at most three days."


    Tirin felt that something wasn''t right, but didn''t inquire further. His big brother always put the safety of the Tribe above all. If he wasn''t willing to talk, then he must have a reason for that.


    Tirin bid his farewell and left soon after.


    In his cultivation room, Juri pondered about Rean and Roan''s aptitude colors.


    ''I told everyone that the colors represent their aptitudes, and that is not wrong. But I''ve never told them about the intensity of the colors. Their colors were definitely a lot brighter than normal babies. That said, such a thing should only be possible if they were able to perceive Spiritual Energy. However, they were born just two weeks ago, so how is that possible? Only those at the age of five more or less should have a body developed enough to perceive it.''


    Juri continued to think about this problem until he finally sighed.


    ''Either way, I need to go to the city to make some inquires. Before that, I should not hold any expectations.''


    Juri was already gone when the sun raised in the next morning.

 Chapter 12锛歁oving Out

    Even though Roan and Rean''s minds were a lot older than their bodies. It doesn''t change the fact that they are babies at the moment. So they had to sleep a lot more than adults. It was a biological need due to the spurt of growth that babies go through during the first twelve months of life. Roan and Rean felt really helpless with the constant snooze feeling of this phase.


    However, today, after they came back from Juri Varen''s house, they made their best to stay awake! That''s because they finally decided that they should take a look at the manual that their parents aways use while cultivating. They seemed to keep it well guarded every time they finished their practice, so the two old-young guys wanted to use the time they were sleeping to take it.


    They are far from being used to their new bodies. It took them quite a few stumbles before they reached the place where their parents kept the Manual for Body Transformation. However, it turned out to be mode difficult than expected. That''s because... they are just too small to reach it! Even after moving a chair over, it was still not enough to take the manual.


    Rean looked at Roan and then said.


    "Alright. You lift me up, and I will grab the book."


    Roan snorted.


    "Why should I lift you?"


    Rean was speechless. For a guy who lived for countless years as he said, he is being quite childish. For the sake of not losing more time, he decided to simply play along, though.


    "Whatever, I will lift you then."


    Roan seemed to be a lot more satisfied, and they immediately put their plan in action. Well, if someone arrived at this moment, they would find their ''plan'' to be quite comic.


    Rean lifted Roan as well as he could with the control over his body. Roan was also wobbling left and right, trying to keep equilibrium. Finally, Rean used the side of the wall to keep his balance, and Roan grabbed the manual.


    After coming down, they started to take a look. It turned out that they were right. There were no words written on it.


    "I have never seen my parents reading anything. Sure enough, they probably don''t know how to."


    Everything inside was some sets of images describing some exercises they should follow. It seemed that the manual had five different levels. Rean and Roan didn''t have to be geniuses to understand that each level represented a stage of the Body Transformation Realm.


    "So those are the five stages of the first realm. Roan, what do you think?"


    Roan looked at them and pondered a bit.


    "It looks quite similar to the breathing techniques that the humans in your world used."


    Rean was taken aback.


    "You mean, like those Chinese and Japanese people?"


    Roan snorted.


    "You have watched way too much TV. They do indeed have breathing techniques, but they are far from being the only ones. Breathing techniques were used for a lot more things than you think. Meditation, healthy, running, sleep, even during a mother''s labor. There are way too many uses for those methods."


    Rean felt a little embarrassed. He never cared about anything, so he could only remember those things that passed on the TV. He didn''t even want to see them, it was just that since he was eating in the living room, he heard it while his family watched a documentary. It was all a mere coincidence.


    "Cough, cough. Anyway, go ahead."


    Roan laughed a little and continued.


    "Simply put, many of those breathing techniques are similar to a few of your planet''s ones. That''s all. Of course, since our home Universe doesn''t have Spiritual Energy, they did not get the advantages of this thing. Also, these breathing techniques are accompanied by a specific set of exercises each."


    Rean nodded while listening.


    In the end, Rean and Roan spent some time making sure to remember every single step of the first two Stages, Blood Replacement, and Bones Enhancement. After that, they simply left the manual on the table and returned to their bed. At most, their new parents will think that they forgot it there during the last day. In fact, Rean and Roan didn''t have much choice. Let alone the difficulty of putting the manual back. They were feeling so snooze that they might fall asleep on the ground any second now.


    Three days went in a flash. During this period, every time their mother wasn''t looking, they would practice the breathing technique together with the specific set of exercises over the bed. Of course, they constantly bickered at each other as well.


    "You are doing it wrong! Why did you inhale air just now? It was obviously the time to stop breathing for a second."


    "Wrong your ass! Did you even read the same manual as me? Of course, you did. After all, whatever I learn, you learn too. So, where did this bullshit come from?"


    "Are you idiot? Are we even existences from this world to start with? Do you really think that those exercises are the best way? We have to change it according to our own necessities."


    "Then why did you complain when I moved the position of my feet during the exercise time? I felt that that way was much better to bring the change to the marrows."


    "That... alright, I haven''t tried that one, but I''m almost certain it was wrong too."


    "So, your changes are right, and mine not? Go to hell! No wait, you came from there to start with. Oh right, should I ask you to go to Heavens instead? I always had this doubt."


    "There is no such thing as hell and heaven to start with, idiot. Only the underworld, but it is far from the description of hell from your country back then."


    "Tch, you are no fun."


    There were several instances where their mother came in to take a look at them or to feed them milk. Even during their arguments, they had to keep their attention focused on the room entrance all the time. As soon as they heard the slightest of sounds, they would immediately fall on the bed and pretend to be sleeping or doing nothing.


    Sometimes they didn''t even have time to change the positions that they were in, so Hamarlia couldn''t help but find it funny when she saw the way they were lying on the bad when she arrived. What caught up her interest more than anything is that her babies seemed to be always sweating rivers.


    "Is it this hot nowadays?"


    But since they didn''t seem to be in any pain and acted quite lively, she didn''t bother much about it.


    Finally, Juri Varen returned from his visit to the Astreg City and immediately summoned Rean''s family over.


    "Pack your things, I will be moving your family to the center of the Tribe."

 Chapter 13锛欰voiding Calamity!

    Rean and Roan''s family was taken aback. How come they are moving to the center of the Tribe?


    Noticing their puzzled faces, Juri was about to give them an explanation when suddenly, his heart froze!


    "This!"


    As he looked at Rean and Roan, he felt like he was seeing two ghosts! Well, in a certain way, they could be considered that too.


    "How is that possible?!"


    Tirin, who was beside Juri, was puzzled with his big brother''s reaction. It was evident that he noticed something from the twins, but he couldn''t see what it was.


    "Big brother, is something wrong?"


    Juri looked at him and then said.


    "As long as you use your Spiritual Sense, you should be able to see it too."


    Tirin was taken aback and immediately did as he was told. In the next second, his face became as shocked as Juri''s.


    "I must be hallucinating!"


    Turen and Hamarlia began to feel afraid of those reactions.


    "Elders, is something wrong with our children?"


    Only then did Juri remember that Rean and Roan''s parents are not in the Energy Gathering Realm. Because of that, they don''t have Spiritual Sense, so they obviously can''t see what they are seeing.


    "It''s not something wrong, but incredible instead. Both of them... are in the Blood Replacement Stage..."


    Turen and Hamarlia felt like they heard a joke! How could their children be in the Blood Replacement Stage? They are far from being five years old. Let alone five years, they haven''t been born for even a month yet!


    "Elder must be jesting, before being five years old, they can''t even sense the presence os Spiritual Energy. There is no way they can be in the Blood Replacement Stage."


    Those words finally reminded Juri the reason why he wanted to move Rean and Roan''s family to the center of the Tribe.


    "Wrong! I went to the city to inquire about it. The truth is, there is another thing that the Aptitude Orb can do. According to the degree of brightness, one can see if the person being tested can feel the presence of Spiritual Energy or not. It just so happens that your Children showed this capability."


    Everyone was surprised by those words, including Rean and Roan.


    Rean couldn''t help but comment.


    "No wonder he found out we are in the Blood Replacement Stage. He knew from the start that we could feel the Spiritual Energy presence. Otherwise, he would have never checked our body with this Spiritual Sense thing or whatever this ability is called."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "Indeed. Still, we wouldn''t be able to hide it for long. Sooner or later, someone would check our bodies and find out that we don''t have ordinary baby bodies anymore. It just so happened to be earlier. The problem is that no one knows that we are practicing the Body Transformation Techniques, so everything will depend on how they will deal with it. Let''s keep watching."


    Sure enough, Roan was right. Juri and the others couldn''t understand how they entered the Blood Replacement Stage since they ''never'' practiced the Body Transformation Technique before.


    Juri looked deeply at Rean and Roan and murmured.


    "Is it really an innate constitution?"


    Even though his voice was low, Tirin still heard it.


    "Big Brother, what is this innate constitution?"


    Juri came back to himself, soon looking at the twins'' parents and his younger brother.


    "When I went to the city and started to inquire about it, I found out that there are some extremely rare cases where one can feel Spiritual Energy earlier. Those capable of it are considered to have been born with a thing called ''innate constitution.'' Simply put, their bodies are attuned to the Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth from the moment they are born. They won''t need to wait for their bodies to mature to be able to do it."


    "Also, it seems like there are other advantages too. Unfortunately, that was all I could inquire about. It doesn''t matter how I look at it, only this so-called innate constitution could possibly bring such results."


    Tirian and Rean''s family were surprised to hear that. Rean and Roan also understood that this innate constitution was probably a side effect of the White and Black thread and orb connecting their souls too.


    Tirin couldn''t help but ask.


    "Then, what kind of constitution is the one that they have?"


    Juri shook his head.


    "I don''t know. Even in Astreg City, the information about such a thing as an innate constitution is almost inexistent. All I heard were a few rumors about this topic. From the looks of it, the only ones who would know better were the Cultivation Sects."


    Rean''s parents looked puzzled. In fact, Rean and Roan were the same. Although the name gave them a few ideas, they had never heard about Cultivation Cects before. However, Juri''s younger brother, Tirin, immediately showed a respectful expression.


    He then looked at Juri and asked.


    "Big Brother, should we-"


    Juri immediately stopped Tirin from continuing.


    "Out of the question! Do you want to have our entire Tribe destroyed?!"


    Everyone in the room was frightened. How did it reach a point where the Tribe could be destroyed?


    Juri looked around with his Divine Sense and confirmed that there were only Rean''s family and his younger brother around at the moment.


    He then took a deep breath and said.


    "All of you... listen well! Doesn''t matter who, when, or where, make sure to never say a word about it outside. What I''m going to say now shall never leave this room, understood?"


    Noticing the gravity in Juri''s voice, everyone nodded.


    Juri then started to explain.


    "Rean and Roan are too young, so they don''t have any memories or attachment to anyone yet. Even if something happens to our entire Tribe, they would not know about that due to their ages."


    "If the information that two babies with innate constitutions appeared in our Tribe, a calamity is all that awaits us! From what I understood, such talents are highly coveted by all sects. Considering that Rean and Roan are still too young, those sects would definitely wipe out the entire Tribe to make sure that their past is completely erased!"


    "Once they grow up, they will not remember who are their parents, family, Tribe members, or whatever. They will be utterly loyal to the sects, and that is what they wish."


    Juri looked at Tirin and continued.


    "I know what you thought a moment ago. You wanted to deliver the kids to one of the cultivation sects so that our Tribe would be rewarded, but that would just have everyone killed instead."


    Tirin''s body started to sweat like rivers.


    "Sorry, big brother. I didn''t think things through."


    Juri nodded and didn''t mind. He then looked at Rean and Roan before looking at their parents right after.


    "We have to make sure that no one knows about their innate constitution until they are at least old enough to remember what loyalty to the Tribe is. At that point, destroying our Tribe would only have the opposite effect on Rean and Roan. Only then can we allow those two to join a sect. Do you all understand?"


    Turen and Hamarlia didn''t even know about sects before, but they understood what it means to risk their Tribe being wiped out. So they immediately agreed with the Tribe Leader.


    Juri also nodded, satisfied.


    "Good!"


    He then looked at the twins with a piercing gaze.


    "Now... even though they have an innate constitution, just how the hell did they enter the Blood Replacement Stage at their age?"


    Rean and Roan''s hearts skipped a bit after seeing the Tribe leader''s eyes.


    ''This guy is too sharp!''

 Chapter 14锛欽uris Investigation

    Juri kept at looking at Rean and Roan, which gave them quite some pressure. But suddenly.


    "Uaahhhh! Uahhhh!"


    As shameless as possible, both brothers started to cry out loud! Obviously, Juri''s gaze wasn''t enough to make two grow-ups to cry, but the Spiritual Pressure that they were feeling forced their hands.


    Juri was taken aback and immediately stepped back. He even felt a little sorry for the babies and their parents.


    ''Just what the hell am I thinking? They are just babies, you old fool!''


    He had purposely released to of his Spiritual Pressure on the babies, expecting to see something different. However, he completely forgot that babies would only be frightened by such a thing.


    "Cough, cough. Sorry, I was just tenting their resistance to Spiritual Energy, that''s all."


    Turen and Hamarlia didn''t doubt him. Everyone knows Juri''s forthright personality, so they wouldn''t think otherwise.


    "Anyway, I already prepared a new house for you two in the Tribe''s center. Turen can still go to work every day as usual. As for Hamarlia, as the mother, she will have to take care of the babies. Still, I will have two experts who are worth my trust to keep a look at the babies from now on."


    Turen and Hamarlia were surprised. They would have two warriors of the Tribe taking care of their family, nothing could make them happier!


    Tirin then decided to change the topic.


    "Oh, right! Big Brother, did you find anything about their aptitude colors? Is it also because of the same reason?"


    Juri pondered a bit before saying.


    "I can''t say. After all, there is just not enough information. However, when I tried to look for information about different aptitude colors, it seemed like no one had ever heard about it. That means that the different colors are probably not related to their innate constitutions."


    Tirin and Rean''s parents looked puzzled at Juri. How does he know that it is not related?


    Juri knew what they were thinking and explained.


    "Can''t you see it? Even though it was just a little, there was still some information about different constitutions. Some also commented about those constitutions having a Blue Color aptitude at the very least. Of course, those were just rumors as well."


    "However, there was absolutely nothing about different constitutions having unheard aptitude colors. So I can at least guess that the chances of a different aptitude color appearing because of a different constitution isn''t that big. That being said, no one knows what Dark and White aptitudes mean."


    Juri continued.


    "In fact, I''m more inclined to believe that the reason Rean and Roan have a constitution is because of those Black and White colors, not the opposite."


    Rean and Roan were impressed with Juri''s view. He was spot on! They, too, believe that their so-called body constitutions are because of the White and Black Light connecting their Souls with those threads, definitely not the opposite.


    The rest could only nod. There were no guarantees, but they had to admit that Juri conjecture made a lot of sense.


    The two sides then talked for a while longer about a few conditions and rules. After that, Turen and Hamarlia left, leaving only Tirin and Juri behind.


    "Big Brother, why did you use your Spiritual Pressure on them?"


    Juri''s face got a little red after rearing that.


    "It''s nothing, I was just testing something."


    Tirin was still somewhat curious but decided to leave that be. He went away a few moments later too, and now, only Juri was left in the room.


    He looked at the direction where Rean and Roan''s parents went before sighing.


    "I''m probably imagining things. However, even if I''m not, I hope that at least they will not become a threat to the Tribe later."


    At the time when Juri talked to his brother and Rean''s parents, he kept paying attention to the twins. He noticed that sometimes, the babies would look at each other and even give slight nods. He couldn''t help but think that they were somehow talking to each other. Of course, considering their age, such a thing should be impossible. That was the reason why he applied Spiritual Pressure earlier. He wanted to see if they would respond in some unusual way. But in the end, they immediately started to cry, which is the expected reaction for a baby.


    Back at Turen and Hamarlia''s house, both of them were packing everything while two warriors of the Tribe waited outside. Those warriors had already received the Tribe Leader''s orders, and intend to carry it with their lives. Such a thing wasn''t anything new. After all, Mila Huinan, the only young Green Aptitude level of the Tribe, had three warriors following her everywhere. In their eyes, they are being assigned to two new geniuses of the Tribe. In the end, protecting the Tribe''s talents is the Tribe warriors'' duty!


    Inside the house, Rean and Roan were sweating cold!


    "That old geezer is too cunning! I almost used my Spiritual Energy to try to block that pressure."


    Roan couldn''t help but nod.


    "Indeed. Fortunately, we noticed what Juri was trying to do and used our ultimate weapon. Otherwise..."


    By ultimate weapon, that was obviously crying out loud like a starving baby. In fact, that was the very first time that Rean and Roan cried. Well... not considering the day that Roan had his ass spanked because he was sleeping during the moment he was born. They thought that he was dead, after all.


    "Anyway. Juri already believes that our improvement in the Body Transformation Realm is due to our constitution, so if we stop now, that might look even more suspicious."


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    "Indeed. It is just that we are going to have those two guys looking over us from now on as well, so it might be challenging to find time alone to cultivate."


    Turen and Hamarlia didn''t have that many things, so it didn''t take long for them to pack everything up. When they left, quite a few jealous gazes were cast over them. Their neighbors knew that they had checked their children''s aptitude just a few days ago. Now, they received the Tribe''s Leader order to move to the center so that the babies could be safe. It was evident to anyone that both Rean and Roan, the twins, have excellent aptitudes to become warriors of the Tribe.


    However, in the middle of those several eyes, there was a sharp pair who looked at the babies with more greed than jealousy. The guy smiled faintly and then left. Sometime later, he avoided the guards on the walls and leaped away. No one knows where he was going.

 Chapter 15锛欴ire Need for Talents

    The Varen Tribe of the Liman Moutain was located South of Astreg City. In this region, numerous Tribes could be found as well. The majority being Small ones, with just a few Medium-Sized and two Big that controlled the South area. As mentioned before, the Varen Tribe is considered a Small Tribe, but close to the Medium Size.


    If one moves another 200 or so kilometers South from the Varen Tribe, they will find a few Small Tribes on the way, and especially, one Medium-Sized called Nari Tribe. It had over 30 thousand members and could be considered a strong Tribe between those at the same level. The leader of this Tribe, Iaman Nari, is a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment expert. Other than him, the tribe also had another three elders at the Foundation Establishment. One of them was a Middle Stage while the other two were at the Initial.


    This tribe worked pretty much like the others. The strong ruled and all those who weren''t warriors were treated almost like slaves. Only when a family gives birth to a child who can become a warrior would their life improved. Otherwise, they could only work until their deaths. Still, this tribe was quite wealthy. It received tributes of all the small Tribes around it, which allowed them to live mainly from those tributes alone. Of course, they still forced the weak members to work to their bone.


    But this tribe was going through a big problem at the moment. Both its leader, Iaman Nari, and its Foundation Establishment elders were all very old already. For example, the youngest one is over 70. As mentioned before, the Foundation Establishment adds another 50 years of lifespan. But the life in the Tribes is harsh; it is normal for both men and women to die around the age of 50 to 60.


    So although that elder at 70 isn''t that old, he isn''t that young either. As for Iaman, he is already over 90! Unless he breakthrough and enter the Core Formation Realm, he would not live more than 10 or 20 years if lucky. However, Iaman himself knows very well that he already spent his entire potential. Unless he finds some Spiritual Treasure that could give him a chance to break through, he is pretty much stuck at this level until his death.


    But his death was not what bothered him. Instead, it was the continuation of the tribe. He knows very well that the other Medium-Sized Tribes around were more than eager to take Nari Tribe''s place and be the ones to receive those many Small Tribes'' Tributes. On to of that, there were very few talents in his tribe at the moment. If he stops to count only the Green Level aptitude, there are only four who are not in the Foundation Establishment.


    One must understand that it is not because one has a Green Level aptitude that he or she will be able to breakthrough. They only have a higher chance than others. Because of that, the Nari Tribe was in dire need of high-level talents. The other tribe''s eyes were like sharp knives, ready to cut their throat as soon as a chance appears.


    That day, the tribe received a visit from members of a Small-sized tribe called Tranko. This tribe was not part of the Nari Tribe territory, so they didn''t have to pay tributes to them. But they had another reason for the visit. That is because the Tranko Tribe leader is acquainted with one of the Nari Tribe Elders, Luko Nari. Through their conversations, the Tranko Tribe leader came to know about the Nari Tribe''s situation.


    The Tranko Tribe just so happens to live in the same territory as the Varen Tribe. But because they are smaller both in the number of members and warriors, the Tranko Tribe couldn''t pose any threat to the Varen members. However, the Tranko Tribe received the news that two completely new talents appeared in the Varen Tribe, which was bad news for themselves.


    The Tranko Tribe was one of the Tribes that allied to attack the Varen Tribe in the past. Still, they ended giving up in the end due to the difficulty of the endeavor. They have coveted the Varen Tribe''s Mine for a long time already and were just waiting for a chance to take it. Unfortunately, with the appearance Rean and Roan, the longer they wait, the lower their chances will be.


    Other than their Tribe Leader, there wasn''t a single member in their tribe with a Green Level aptitude. But not only the Varen Tribe gave birth to Mila Huinan, it seems like these two new babies were also as gifted as that girl. They don''t know exactly what level they are, but it is pretty much confirmed that they are at least a Green Level. At the very least, one of them is.


    The reason for that was very simple. Juri Varen had never moved anyone to the center of the tribe except for Mila Huinan and her family. All the other members who wished to live in the center had to conquer it with their own hands. For him to do that again, it could only mean that those two or at least one of them definitely has a Green Level aptitude.


    The Nari Tribe is in dire need of talents, and the Tranko Tribe needs to get rid of those talents. It was a win-win situation. With that in mind, the Tranko Tribe leader came to the Nari Tribe to offer them help.


    Iaman Nari was sitting in a big room with the other elders of the tribe looking at the Tranko Tribe Leader.


    "Your name is Ramin Tranko, right? Are you sure that they have at least two Green Level aptitude youngsters? How old are they?"


    Ramin nodded.


    "Exactly. The young girl is only seven this year, so it shouldn''t be too hard to change her mind once she is brought here. As for the new family Twins, they were just born around a month ago. There is also a high chance that since they are twins, both of them have the same Green Level aptitude. I believe I don''t need to tell how easy it will be to train the babies'' minds to be loyal to the Nari Tribe in the future."


    When Iaman heard about the girl, he wasn''t totally satisfied. Even though a seven years old girl shouldn''t be too hard to change, there would always be a chance of creating a time bomb instead. Maybe she will help another Tribe destroy their own from within once she matures for vengeance, so they had to be careful.


    But the newly born twins immediately picked his attention. Even if it was only one of them, their age was more than enough to train their minds. If it turns out that both babies have such a high talent, then it will be even better!


    Iaman''s eyes shined for a second, but he quickly calmed down.


    "Tell me more about them."

 Chapter 16锛歍he Tribes Decision

    Around a week later, the Varen Tribe received a piece of news. The Nari Tribe''s Leader, Iaman Nari, would be paying a visit. When Juri heard that, a frown appeared between his eyes.


    He knows about the Nari Tribe, after all, the number of Medium-Sized Tribes is a lot smaller than small ones. Especially since the Nari Tribe is at the upper side between the Tribes of the same level. If possible, he would simply reject this visit.


    However, they are a stronger Tribe, and offending them would not be a good idea. So he made sure to prepare the Tribe to receive the visitors with open arms.


    The Tribe immediately started to get agitated. Everyone knows that the way the Varen Tribe treats its residents is entirely different than the majority. If they were a Tribe that acted on the fear and oppression system, the higher-ups might like this type of event. But they are not, so be it the ordinary member, warriors, or elders, none of them felt relaxed by it.


    That same day Juri gathered together with elders of the Tribe to discuss it. Inside the Elders'' Hall, everyone''s expression was grave. It was evident that they don''t see the visit of the Nari Tribe Leader with good eyes. It is no secret that the Nari Tribe is one operating in the system that they hate so much. If possible, they wouldn''t let him get even close to their territory.


    Juri Varen was the first one to speak.


    "What you all think about this issue?"


    Alanda Ial, the Tribe Vice leader, was the one to answer.


    "We are not idiots. The timing was way too good to be a coincidence. We had just found two new talents, and suddenly, Iaman Nari decided to come. It doesn''t matter how I see it, he definitely expects us to hand over the Larks'' Babies."


    Tirin immediately shook his head.


    "Then he can keep dreaming! It is hard for a Tribe to give birth to talents of the Green level or above. Although Rean and Roan''s aptitudes can''t be described with common sense, everything indicates that they are no worse than Mila Huinan. As long as we groom them correctly, we might get at least one Foundation Establishment Realm in the future. Perhaps even three! How can we simply give them away?"


    Another elder with sharp eyes then commented.


    "That is not the real problem here. Considering the distance and relations between our Tribes, they shouldn''t have known about Rean and Roan. I believe you all know what that means, right?"


    Juri Varen and the other elders narrowed their eyes. It is obvious that there is a third party behind this event. This third party was definitely someone from the same territory as themselves too. It was most likely one of the Small Tribes allied to attack their Tribe in the past.


    "That being said, we shouldn''t be expecting only the Nari Tribe. There is no doubt that this other Tribe will be coming together to increase the pressure on ours."


    Juri looked at the elders of the Tribe.


    "Before we continue this talk, we should first decide what we are going to do. If we give Rean and Roan, or maybe just one of them to the Nari Tribe, this issue will be over. Of course, there is a chance of he asking for Mila too since he is already here."


    "If we do that, not only will Nari Tribe leave straight away, the third party behind this issue will immediately depart too. This is the easiest way to resolve this issue."


    "The second is that we will be dead set to not giving anyone of them. But we will also be incurring the wrath of the Nari Tribe, which is a lot stronger than us. Not to mention this other party behind the scenes."


    Suddenly, Alanda Ial''s aura then burst forth, and he smashed the table in front of him.


    "So what?! If we give up our Tribe members as easy as that, it will only cause uneasy to the other Tribe members. We fought a bloody battle to get rid of the Irik Family in the past. A lot of those who died have family living in our Tribe at the moment. Giving our kids away would be going completely against that purpose. I say we should be dead set on denying the Nari Tribe."


    Everyone was taken aback by the Vice Leader''s outburst. Still, they all agreed with his instance. Even Juri couldn''t help but smile in satisfaction.


    "Good! Is there anyone who thinks otherwise?"


    The other elders immediately got up and shouted.


    "No!"


    Juri Varen nodded and stood up as well.


    "Very well. It is good that you think this way. Since that is that case, let me tell you another thing. If we had really given our kids away, not only would it affect the Tribe''s moral, but also influence the other smaller tribes around us. They would think that we are not as strong as they thought and might rally up once more to attack us."


    "But that is not all. If we keep giving our talents away just because of a stronger Tribe request, our own Tribe would never grow up. In the future, when Alanda and I pass away, today''s kids will inherit the Tribe''s responsibilities. If there are no strong leaders left behind, how do you expect them to protect it? So do not fear, do not waver, protect our members and families. If sacrifices are needed, we shall pay them for the sake of a brighter future."


    Juri Varen took a deep breath and said out loud.


    "We fight!"


    All the elders roared as well.


    "We fight!"


    Only after deciding their path did the elders finally start to discuss what they should do now. They stayed in the Elders'' Hall during the entire night, and only when the sun began to appear in the horizon, did they return to their houses.


    "Alanda, stay behind for a second. I need to talk to you."


    Alanda looked at Juri and then smiled.


    Once the two of them were alone, Juri finally asked.


    "That aura before. Could it be that you...?"


    Alanda couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Indeed. I was planning to keep it a surprise for later, but it seems I got too agitated earlier. It is as you think. I have finally entered the Foundation Establishment Realm."


    Juri couldn''t help but laugh out loud as well.


    "Great! Keep it for yourself, and don''t let the others know. In case the Nari Tribe is planning something in the shadows, you will be our trump card."


    Alanda nodded.


    "That shall be done."

 Chapter 17锛欰rrival

    Rean and Roan didn''t know anything about that. All they heard from their parents'' conversation is that another Tribe was coming to pay a visit, but that was basically it. During this past week, both of them kept training in the Body Transformation system every time they were alone.


    However, Rean was right in the past. With those two warriors acting as guards, there weren''t many chances for them to do it. Only during the night time would the two of them be alone. Well, not exactly alone. Their parent would sleep in another bed close to them, and they had to make sure to not make too much noise.


    "This is too impractical. We will take forever to reach the next stage of th Body Transformation if we keep only training during the night."


    Rean shrugged his baby shoulders.


    "What do you expect me to do? Unless we completely disregard everything and start to train right in front of them, we have no other choice. Instead of complaining, try to make the best use of your time. We can still use the day time to sleep as much as possible."


    Roan didn''t like this since, even during the night, it was hard to make the positions properly without making noise. Sometimes Turen or Hamarlia would wake up as well because they weren''t careful enough. When that happened, they had to fall on the bed in weird positions straight away.


    In Rean''s case, it was worse. Turen and Hamarlia are, after all, a married couple. Since Rean and Roan are only a month or so old, their new parents didn''t bother trying to hide their actions. After all, babies of this age wouldn''t remember anything in the future. That being said, the twins caught their parents enjoying the pleasures of the flesh quite a few times.


    Roan, of course, didn''t waste such opportunities.


    "Heh! Is the 31 years old virgin boy embarrassed? Why don''t you take this chance to learn more for the day you can enjoy the same thing?"


    Rean wanted to cry but had no tears.


    "What the hell learn more? They are our parents, idiot!"


    Roan snorted, though.


    "Not exactly. Our souls came from another universe. So the truth is that we shouldn''t have been the souls coming into these twins'' bodies. In that case, it is not like they are really our parents. Of course, I''m still very thankful to them due to my new body."


    Rean couldn''t deny that it was true. After all, he still remembers his parents back on earth. Knowing his old parents and suddenly getting new ones won''t make you love your new ones all of a sudden.


    As for how Roan felt about the sex scene in front, of course, he didn''t give a damn to that. In his eyes, the only problem was that they took longer to sleep, which reduced his training time.


    It was then than Roan had an idea.


    "The guards always stay in the living room entrance, never really coming inside. What if we insist on staying in the room?"


    Rean looked at him and asked.


    "What you mean? It is not like we can suddenly ask them to leave us alone in the room, right?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "Did you forget our ultimate weapon? As long as we use it well, I believe that Hamarlia will have no other choice other than leaving us in the room instead."


    By ultimate weapon, it is obviously their pretense of crying like they are dying! Although Rean''s ears would get somewhat red doing such thing at his mental age, he had to admit that it was very effective. That is because Rean and Roan rarely cried to start with, which is quite weird in others'' eyes considering their age.


    "We can give it a try tomorrow."


    The night quickly passed, and the next morning, just as Hamarlia was about to bring them out of the room, Rean and Roan put their plan in action. The moment she stepped out, they would use their ultimate weapon with all their might! At the same type, they inclined in the bedroom direction as if they wanted to go back.


    It didn''t matter what Hamarlia did, the twins only stopped crying once they were back on their bed. She didn''t like it since kids shouldn''t always stay there. But after several incessant tries, she finally gave up and left them be.


    The guards at the living room entrance looked at each other and just smiled. It would take a long time before things like lessons could be taught to them in their eyes. And since the babies stayed inside the house, their duty as protector was easier to be carried out.


    At first, Hamarlia was afraid that the two of them would develop some problems due to a long time on the bed. But not only they seemed completely fine, their bodies somehow seemed to get more sturdy as time passed. Not to mention that they would away be sweating rivers as if they had been running a marathon.


    Hamarlia heard from Juri that night that the sweat was probably because of their constitution improving their bodies. That was also why the twins were already in the Blood Replacement Stage. So some sweat coming out while their bodies were changing was to be expected. That said, hamarlia was quite relieved that there was nothing wrong with them.


    Little did they know that it was because the twins were really training like crazy when no one was around to look at them. Their efforts also were paying off. Two weeks of intense training had allowed Rean and Roan to reach one-tenth of the way into the Blood Replacement Stage!


    One must remember that their parents were already far ahead 20 years old. They started to practice the Body Transformation system when they were only 5 years old. But even after so many years, Turen is still in the third stage while Hamarlia is in the second. Reaching one-tenth of the Blood Replacement stage in just two weeks is unbelievable fast!


    Finally, two weeks went by. Today, was the day that Iaman Nari would come. The elders of the Tribe were already at the entrance waiting for his visit too.


    When the sun reached halfway to the highest point in the sky, Juri noticed some movement in the distance. At first, it was just a blur, but soon, everyone was able to see the group. One of them carried a flag that represented their Tribe too.


    "That''s the Nari Tribe''s flag. They finally arrived."


    However, Juri narrowed his eyes. That is because he could see another flag on the side as well.


    "I see... so it was the Tranko Tribe who told them about Rean and Roan. It really seems like there are a few spies inside our Tribe."


    However, that is a problem to be resolved later. First, they have to deal with the Nari and Tranko Tribe group in front of them.

 Chapter 18锛欰nother Plan

    Soon, the two Tribes in the distance arrived at the Varen Tribe''s entrance. Juri then looked around and could see over a hundred warriors. A lot of them were in the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering with even some at the Advanced. As for Peak Stage, he could only feel two. The rest were all at the Early Stage.


    As for Foundation Establishment, it seemed like the Nari Tribe brought two. One was Iaman Nari himself, who is at the Advanced Stage. The other one is an elder of their Tribe who is at the Initial Stage.


    In the Tranko Tribe''s case, only their leader was in the Foundation Establishment, who was in the Initial stage. He was obviously Ramin Tranko.


    Juri then stepped forward and bowed.


    "Welcome. It is a surprise to see that the Nari Tribe came to pay us a visit. Even more surprising is to see that the Tranko Tribe is here as well. I didn''t know that your two Tribes were on friendly terms."


    Iaman laughed out loud.


    "It is true, indeed. Since this is not our territory, I asked them to guide us in this place. I hope the Varen Tribe Leader won''t mind it."


    Iaman looked at at the Varen Tribe''s entourage and snorted inside.


    ''Only a single Foundation Establishment. It should be easy.''


    "Is Tribe Leader Juri not inviting us inside?"


    Juri smiled and then turned around.


    "Open the gate, let our guests come in."


    Juri then guided everyone to the Elders'' Hall, where a banket had been prepared for them. In fact, the Vare Tribe wouldn''t waste money on such things, but today was a special occasion.


    The elders chatted and drunk to their heart''s content. Iaman Nari wasn''t afraid of them being poisoned. First of all, it would be hard to find a poison that could work on his level. As for his subordinates with low-level cultivations, the majority was ordered to not drink or eat anything. Ramin Tranko also did the same thing with his side.


    The situation continued like that all day long until night time. Finally, only the elders of each Tribe was left inside the Hall so that they could talk about the real intention of their visit.


    Iaman did not meddle over the words and went straight to the point.


    "I heard that your Tribe gave birth to two boys with exceptional talent. Tribe Leader Juri, I wonder if that is true."


    Juri''s eyes narrowed.


    ''It''s here!''


    He then started to laugh out loud.


    "Hahaha! How could that be? Compared to Nari Tribe''s talents, what could a Small Tribe like ours do? They are just average, not worth of Tribe Leader''s concerns. Nari Tribe has almost enough members to become a Big Tribe. As long as a Core Formation Elder appears, the Nari Tribe will soar in the skies."


    Ramin Tranko heard that and gave his piece.


    "You are being too humble, Tribe Leader Juri. It is extremely difficult for Green Level talents to appear. Even in my entire Tribe, the only one with a Green Level Aptitude is myself. Tribe Leader Juri should be prouder of himself."


    Juri knew that it was all a pretense, so he just followed the flow.


    "Tribe Leader Ramin is too courteous."


    It was then that Juri used his trump card.


    "Alright, alright. The reason that our Tribe can have so many talents is just because of the way that our members are treated. That''s all that is to it. Anyone who follows the same system as us would soon see a spurt of talents appearing in their rankings too."


    Iaman and Ramin were taken aback. Is he saying that he can increase the number of talents that appear in his Tribe? But how is that possible?


    Iaman couldn''t help but ask. As for Rean and Roan, he decided to talk about that later.


    "Could Tribe leader Juri explain what he meant?"


    Juri knew that he hooked the fish and then explained.


    "Oh, it is nothing much. Our Tribe system differs from others. We don''t oppress those without talent and treat them equally. The life might not be easy, but everyone here, including the weakest ones, have their bellies full every day. But above all, and this is the most important point, they are not worried about offending the Tribe elders and warriors, which is a completely different situation in other Tribes."


    "Their hearts are tranquil, their bellies are full, and they have the support of the other members. Not to mention that, although it is small, they receive a payment for their work. So when the merchants stop by to buy our ores, some of them even buy a few cultivation resources with it."


    "Thanks to that, the mothers can generate better-nourished kids in their wombs. And with a tranquil heart, the mothers'' bad feelings won''t impact the baby in her belly either. Try to think like this. In other Tribes, a mother will be poorly nourished during the entire pregnancy. Also, she would always be worried about how her family will sustain a new kid if they can do that at all. Such worries plus the fear of other things in such Tribes also severely impacts the gestation. Just how can you expect a baby from such a mother to have high aptitude? That is ridiculous!"


    Juri continued.


    "Around 10 years ago, we noticed an increase in the number of brown or higher aptitude members that appear in our Tribe. Looking at it, we noticed that the new babies were all bigger and healthier at birth. Soon, we came to understand that what was just the hope of living happy lives had led the Tribe to generate a lot more talents than any other. Can you imagine how happy we were when we noticed it?"


    Iaman narrowed his eyes. From what he is saying, no one in their Tribe is afraid of the Tribe elders and warriors. In his eyes, such a notion is ridiculous. And what with this thing about paying the workers? If you have no talent, then it should be your honor to work for those who have it. Why should they receive any payment? He couldn''t help but few like he was being fooled.


    Ramin Tranko already knew about how the Varen Tribe treated its residents since he had spies in this here. Still, this was the first time hearing about this increasing of talents.


    Juri, obviously, noticed that.


    "It seems like Tribe Leaders Iaman and Ramin are doubting my words?"


    Iaman immediately smiled after hearing that.


    "How could that be? Tribe Leader Juri is a man of virtue. However, it is indeed very hard to accept your words."


    Ramin Tranko suddenly frowned. He understood that those words just now showed that Iaman Nari was really interested in this ''increase in the number of talents'' method.


    "Hahaha! Surely, Tribe Leader Juri is jesting. How could a tribe without internal competition possibly give birth to a higher number of talented kids? Isn''t this just a mistake? Or maybe it was just lucky."


    Juri smiled back and then said.


    "Of course there is internal competition. But this competition is only between those with an aptitude to become warriors. Also, we constantly allow them to go out and temper themselves against the demon beasts. We use several different sets of rules for their improvement as well."


    Juri looked at Iaman Nari and asked.


    "Tribe Leader Iaman. Between every thousand newborn babies, how many of them have a brown level aptitude or higher in your Tribe?"


    Iaman narrowed his eyes and wondered if he should say such a thing. But in the end, he remembered that the other tribes viewing for his Tribe Position in the south already knew it. Since that is the case, there wasn''t much of a point to hide it here.


    "From every 1000, we get around 20 to 30 brown color aptitude or higher."


    Juri smiled and looked at the elder beside him.


    That elder understood his meaning. It was the time to show them what the Varen Tribe was capable of!

 Chapter 19锛歍urning the Tables

    The elder got up while showing an imposing manner. On his hand, there was a scroll with some information that the Tribe used to keep a tag on the number of members. Many people in the Varen Tribe can''t read, but the elders must be able to. After all, they are the ones who deal with merchants and other negotiations all the time.


    "In the past 10 years, we had a total of 3598 newborns in our Tribe. From those, we got a total of 311 Brown level or higher aptitude babies. In the last 1000, which includes Mila Huinan, Rean Larks, and Roan Larks, 103 had at least a Brown Level aptitude."


    Iaman and Ramin were shocked! That is literally over three times more than their Tribes! They could attribute it to lucky if they got 40 or 50, maybe even 60. Still, over 100? That is ridiculous!


    Juri then sipped the wine in his cup and continued.


    "Of course, such difference only started to appear after the system had been in place for over ten years. Our Tribe members had to get used to it first, so it is a slow process. Trust is not something you gain in a single day, especially after the previous Irik Family used the oppression system for so long. Because of that, all these new talents are kids at the moment and not warriors. So it will take time before they properly mature and become warriors themselves."


    Juri could see the light in Iaman''s eyes.


    ''It seems like I will be able to resolve this conflict without a single dead body. However, it will show to the other Tribes in our territory that my Varen Tribe power will keep increasing at a frightening pace. In the end, this is a double-edged sword. But I''m willing to take this risk! After all, we definitely wouldn''t be able to hide such a huge increase in talents from them for much longer.''


    Iaman Nari had utterly forgotten the existence of Rean, Roan, and Mila. What he just heard was what really mattered for him at the moment. Those are the kind of numbers that would make his Tribe prosper! In the end, trying to get other Tribe''s talents from them is just a palliative solution. It couldn''t resolve the root of the issue.


    Besides, things like taking other Tribes'' kids away would only generate more hatred against his Nari Tribe. If he had the talents born in his own Tribe, he wouldn''t waste his time doing such things. Sure, his Nari Tribe is a Medium Size Tribe, and almost reaching a Big one. But without a Core Formation Elder in its middle, it could never be considered a Big Tribe. He knows that he doesn''t have a chance to do it, he will have to rely on the future generation. But so far, the future was looking bleaker and bleaker. The Juri Tribe''s methods were precisely what his Tribe needed.


    But soon, he noticed a huge problem.


    ''For a Tribe of the size of my own, just how many years would it take for such a system to make an effect?''


    He was right! At this very moment, the Nari Tribe is entirely operated on the oppression system. Other than the warriors who were lucky to be born with a high enough aptitude, all the rest are treated like slaves. Just how could he force a new method of all of a sudden?


    First of all, most of his warriors are already used to using the commoners as they wish. It could even be considered part of their beliefs that they are superior. In their eyes, those weaker people must serve them with their lives and never complain. It is their fault to not have been born with an aptitude like theirs.


    If Iaman comes back and tries to apply such a system, the warriors will probably attempt a rebellion! They would never give up their comfortable lives where everything is done by the commoners. Also, he is one of those who had been using such a system until now. The simple fact that he would need to use some of the Tribe''s income to pay those commoners for their work already makes his head hurt! Still, the numbers are right in front of him.


    Ramin Tranko noticed Iaman''s doubts, and his heart sunk. Whether this system really worked or not doesn''t matter. The fact is that alone, his Tranko Tribe is no match for the Varen Tribe. That being said, he can say goodbye to his dream of occupying this Mountain.


    "Tribe Leader Juri is too good with jokes. How could a Tribe have such numbers for real? It would already be heaven-defying if you had even half of it. Tribe Leader Iaman, there is no way that those numbers are true."


    Iaman narrowed his eyes. Although he thinks that it might be true, the chances of being a lie are also not small. But before he could even say anything, Juri laughed out loud.


    "No problem, no problem. Tribe Leader Tranko concerns are proper and right. How could you simply believe in some papers and numbers, right? Even I would be doubtful if I was in your skins."


    Juri then extended an invitation.


    "Tribe Leaders Iaman and Tranko, why don''t you stay here for the night? Before you even arrived, I already passed down my orders. Tomorrow morning, all the kids between 0 and 10 years old with brown or higher aptitude will attempt the Aptitude orb once more in front of you. If you wish, you can even use an aptitude orb from your own Tribes, I won''t mind."


    Ramin Tranko opened his mouth wide! Isn''t he afraid that both his group and Iaman''s would use this opportunity to cause havoc? They have a total of three Foundation Establishment cultivators, while the Varen Tribe has only one. If they used this chance to cause a big blow, they would have little chance of stopping them!


    But it was then that he understood one problem. Iaman Nari is genuinely interested in this. If he tries to intervene, he might be the one being killed by the Nari Tribe instead!


    Juri Varen obviously noticed the Nari Tribe''s problem from the very start. First of all, why would they come to try to take Rean, Roan, and Mali if they didn''t need more talents? Juri struck right at the heart of the Nari Tribe''s problems!


    Iaman looked at the other Foundation Establishment elder and a few high ranked members. After exchanging a few Spiritual Sense messages between each other, they nodded.


    "Very well, we will be troubling Tribe Leader Juri to prepare a place for us to stay this night."


    Juri laughed once more.


    "How could it be a problem, the Nari Tribe is more than welcome."


    He then glanced at Ramin Tranko for a second and snorted inside.


    ''Just wait and see how I turn an enemy into an ally right in front of you.''

 Chapter 20锛歋pread the News

    The night passed in a flash. Juri also made sure to keep more warriors looking at the Tranko Tribe to prevent them from doing anything stupid. The next morning, due to the previous day orders, the field was full of kids between 0 and 10 years old.


    Iaman Nari only needed to take one look to understand that there were definitely over 200 kids there. Not to mention that he has a strong Spiritual Sense, so he could cover the entire field with it.


    ''283 kids in total. The other 30 or so probably couldn''t come or had some mishaps happening with them in the past. Still, if all those kids really turn out to have Brown level talent or more...''


    Juri was also there with Iaman and Tranko. He soon gave the order, and all the kids and their parents made a queue. Juri then looked at Iaman and asked.


    "Tribe Leader Iaman, would you like to use our Aptitude Orb, or do you have one of your own?"


    Iaman was almost 100% sure that Juri wasn''t lying. Still, he had to be completely sure.


    "If Tribe Leader Juri doesn''t mind, I will be using one of my own Tribe."


    Juri laughed and then said.


    "No problem, no problem. Please go ahead and conduct the test yourself. I believe that Tribe Leader Iaman will be more convinced if you do so."


    Iaman nodded and stepped forward.


    The testing soon started. Juri told him that all the kids present at the moment had a Brown Level Aptitude or higher, so every single one couldn''t show a gray color.


    One Kid;


    Ten Kids;


    A hundred Kids;


    By the time that a hundred was tested, Iaman expression went from surprised to shocked! That is because not only every kid had at least a Brown Level Aptitude, almost 20% of them had Yellow Levels! 20% of Yellow Colors was even more heaven-defying in his eyes than the fact that they all had an aptitude to become warriors. That meant that every 5 qualified kids, at least one was Yellow.


    If he gathers the last 100 kids of his Tribe and tests them, it will be a miracle to get even 10% of them with Yellow Aptitude. This added to his conviction that the Varen Tribe''s method was legit! Still, he kept testing every single kid until all the 283 present ones were tested. By now, he had no doubts anymore. Even if he extrapolates and says that this number was all due to luck, the number of Yellow Color aptitude would be too much!


    Juri patted Iaman''s shoulder and smiled at him.


    "What you say, Tribe Leader Iaman? Would you like to talk more about our Tribe''s method of raising talents?"


    Iaman''s eyes shined, and he immediately nodded.


    "Definitely. By the way, I did not see Mila, Rean, or Roan."


    Juri shrugged his shoulders and said.


    "What is the point in bringing them out? Tribe Leader Iaman already knows about their aptitude levels, so it would be pointless to test them again. Besides, it is not that I don''t trust Tribe Leader Iaman, but we have to prevent any mishaps from happening with our top talents."


    Iaman did not press the topic. He knew that he would have done the same thing if he was in Juri''s place.


    All the residents were sent back to their homes, and Juri gathered with the Tranko and Nari Tribe in the Elders Hall.


    Ramin Tranko knew that there is no way that the Nari Tribe will take the kids from the Varen Tribe anymore. Iaman definitely needed the Varen Tribe''s help in the future if he wants to implement the same or at least a similar system. Primarily because the Nari Tribe used the oppression system for a very long time, so they would have great barriers implementing it now.


    Preventing a rebellion when implementing a new system, changing the heart of the commoners and warriors, etc. Iaman Nari would need the Varen Tribe help if he wanted to bring this plan forward. He knows that it will take a long time, some people will even need to die because of this.


    Juri then smiled and agreed to help.


    "That is, of course, not a problem. But Tribe Leader Iaman should understand that this is a very long process. Tribe Leader Iaman himself will need to change your way of thinking. In the eyes of your subordinates, I can see that they, too, don''t feel very pleased with the idea of stopping using the commoner as slaves."


    Iaman nodded. But this is the chance that his Tribe, which had already used all its potential, to prosper even more. He and the other elders know very well that it wouldn''t take long before they start to decline. Not to mention that the Tribes around were just biding their times, waiting for this opportunity.


    "I understand that helping my Nari Tribe with this endeavor will spend a lot of the Veran Tribe''s resources. So in exchange, my Nari Tribe is willing to make an alliance with the Varen Tribe. If you need the help of our warriors in the future, please send us a message. I can''t guarantee much, but I''m sure that small Tribes will be no problem anymore.


    While saying that, he purposely glanced at the Tranko Tribe Leader, Ramin Tranko. Juri understood his intention and just laughed.


    "Good! Then our alliance is now settled."


    Juri turned to one of the elders of his Tribe and said.


    "Elder Niol, please spread the news. This is a happy day for our Varen Tribe."


    Niol bowed and immediately left. He would make sure that all the Small Tribes around would know about this.


    Ramin Tranko knew that there was no point in staying here anymore, so he decided to leave first. He bid farewell to Juri Varen, and his Tribe members made their way out of the Varen Tribe. But on the way, Ramin Tranko glanced at one of his subordinates. The man understood his meaning and disappeared like a shadow. Even the warriors accompanying the Tranko Tribe didn''t notice it.


    Back in the Larks Family House, Roan and Rean were once again sweating rivers. At the same time, they kept the posture of the Body Transformation System. They didn''t know about anything that was happening in the Tribe, nor did they care about it.


    Suddenly, Roan (Death) narrowed his eyes.


    ''Killing intent.''

 Chapter 21锛欰verting Attention Plan

    Roan (Death) had guided souls for countless years. It is hard, or better, it is almost impossible to imagine a type of death that Roan hasn''t seen back in his home Universe. Obviously, murder was well within his scope. With that kind of job, he had long since developed a kin sense for killing intent. It reached a point that if the intention was strong enough, he could even see it!


    Sure enough, this was exactly the case at the moment. Roan could see some kind of red aura spreading around the room. Worst of all, this killing intent was aimed at Rean and himself.


    "Wh-What is it?!"


    Roan looked at Rean, surprised.


    "You can see it?"


    Rean nodded.


    "What is this red thing? Light? No... there is no shadow. I''ve never seen anything like this before. And why is it gathering around us?"


    Roan then quickly explained through their Soul Connection. If he used words, it would take too long. But that Soul conversation they can do can pass large amounts of information in a split of a second.


    "This thing is killing intent. The reason it is gathering on our bodies is that we are the assassination targets. At first, only I was supposed to see it, but it seems like our Soul Connection through that White and Dark light allowed you to see it as well."


    "Judging by the amount of killing intent, this guy is dead-set of killing us regardless of the price. Also, since we can already see the killing intent, it means that he is close by."


    Rean was taken aback.


    "The hell? I''ve been alive for a little over a month, and someone is trying to kill me already? Fuck that!"


    Roan then said.


    "Let''s move to where those two guards are. Whoever wishes to kill us will have to defeat them first."


    Rean immediately understood what Roan wanted to do.


    "The ''averting attention plan'' number 2?"


    Roan smiled and nodded.


    "It is good that you know. Considering that this guy is coming to us, he definitely isn''t weak. After all, there are two Energy Gathering Realm protectors at the entrance. We probably can''t hide from that thing called Spiritual Sense, so our chances are on those two guys."


    The two then immediately left the room. Hamarlia was surprised to see the two babies crawling their way out. Those two haven''t left the room for several days in a row, after all. She noticed that they seemed interested in the guards at the entrance, so she didn''t mind. Those are their protectors, so the babies would be fine with them. The important thing is that they finally wanted to leave the room by themselves.


    Rean and Roan didn''t know what she was thinking. Nor did they have time to care about it. The names of the guardians assigned to the twins were Opril and Diakar. Rean and Roan soon reached the legs of the two protectors and pretended to play with them. Opril and Diaker just smiled and let them do as they wished.


    Suddenly, they felt a Spiritual Sense pass over them. Still, there should be no need for such a thing to happen here, so they were immediately put on alert.


    Right after, a shadow jumped out of the corner and attacked. It seemed like the enemy had already found its target. Seeing that, Rean and Roan''s protectors were taken aback. They didn''t expect someone would try an assassination right in the middle of their Tribe. However, they are protectors, and they had received a lot of training during their upbringing. Noticing that the enemy''s target was the babies, they immediately jumped forward to block his way.


    The guy saw the two guards and snorted. They might be in the same Energy Gathering Realm, but he is already at the peak Stage. As for Opril and Diakar, Opril is at the initial Stage while Diakar is in the middle. There is quite a difference between the two parties'' cultivation.


    The enemy then gathered Spiritual Energy in his fist and punched. The Spiritual Energy blasted forward, immediately pushing the Opril back. Diakar was the only one able to resist that wave of Spiritual Energy. However, he knew that things were not good. The enemy''s cultivation was a lot higher than his. He had to do his best just to block the Energy Wave.


    Opril quickly recovered and rushed back, but he had fallen quite a few meters away. So he wouldn''t be able to support Diakar straight away.


    Diakar tried to kick the enemy away, but he was too fast. The enemy lunged to the side and was ready to attack Diakar''s flank! Once he finishes Diakar, it will be easy to get rid of Opril. After that, he just needs to kill the two babies behind Diakar, and he might even have a chance to escape if he is fast enough.


    But it was then that something unbelievable happened. Right in the place where the enemy dodged Diakar''s kick, there were two babies! The problem is, the babies were definitely behind Diakar before, so how come they appeared exactly where he needed to step on? The enemy was moving as fast as possible, and the babies'' appearance was way too sudden. Hence, the assassin ended stumbling on them!


    Not only that, but the direction he stumbled to was also perfectly aligned with Opril''s attack! Let alone the assassin, even Diakar and Opril were taken aback by that turn of events. It was to the point that it looked like a premeditated action. But how could that be possible? They are just babies! So it could only be said to be a coincidence. Maybe even a heaven''s gift.


    Opril, obviously, did not lose that chance and attacked with all his might! He might be an initial Stage while the enemy is at the peak. But they are still in the same realm. A point-blank attack would definitely cause a lot of damage and probably even kill him. Not to mention that Opril was playing things safe, deciding to target his body where the heart was located so that he wouldn''t miss.


    But in the very last moment, the enemy rotated his body to the side, making Opril''s attack miss his vital point. However, the fact that he was hit at point-blank didn''t change. The assassin was sent flying and crashed on the wall. Several bones of his chest were broken, and some pieces pierced his internal organs. The killer knew that in his condition, he had no chance of leaving the Varen Tribe alive anymore. He looked at the babies with hatred in his eyes. If before it was just an assassination mission, now he is taking things personally. Since he can''t escape anymore, he will at least bring those babies to hell with him.


    Rean and Roan noticed that their plan worked. Unfortunately, not as well as they intended.


    "Shit, there is no way the ''averting attention plan'' will work on him again."


    Roan grimaced.


    "He is hurt now. We can only hope that Diakar and Opril will be able to hold him long enough."

 Chapter 22锛欻ows That Possible?

    Ignoring his injuries, the assassin stomped forward. He already didn''t care that such actions would only cause even more damage to his organs. Holding nothing back, he once again sent a blast of Spiritual Energy. Even though Opril knew that it was coming, he couldn''t help but take several steps back. The difference in cultivation between him and the assassin was too big, after all.


    Diakar once again tried a counter-attack. But to his surprise, the assassin didn''t dodge. Their fists hit each other. Not surprisingly, Diakar lost in this exchange, and a few bones of his hand broke straight away. But the assassin wasn''t much better. Even though he was able to push Diakar back, he overexerted himself, taking severe damage on his own arm. But that didn''t matter, Opril was pushed back with the first wave of Spiritual Energy, and Diakar was out of the way as well. All he needed to do and to kill the babies in front of him and his mission would be over successfully.


    Rean and Roan didn''t have time to react before a kick embued with Spiritual Energy of a peak Energy Gathering Realm cultivator came flying in their direction. No doubt, they would die straight away.


    But it was at this moment that everyone heard a snort.


    "Hmph! Sure enough, that Trank guy sent someone behind our backs."


    Boom!


    A wave of dust and stone spread after the impact. But surprisingly, Rean and Roan were fine. Right in front of them, an elder they had never seen before was looking at the assassin with a cold expression. As for the kick, it seemed to have encountered a steel wall on the elder''s leg. It didn''t make the elder even flinch.


    "Impossible!"


    Other than Juri Varen, the Varen Tribe shouldn''t have any other Foundation Establishment member. Since that is the case, there is no way someone else would be able to stop his all-out kick. He had literally put the max Spiritual Energy possible in that attack. Even someone at the peak of the Energy Gathering like him wouldn''t dare to stop his attack with their own leg.


    Sure enough, that elder was none other than Alanda Ial, the newest Foundation Establishment elder of the Varen Tribe. Juri Varen had long since predicted the possibility of this situation. Once the third party noticed that the Nari Tribe wouldn''t help them anymore, they could only kill the kids to prevent further threats. And between the possible targets, the Twins were obviously the best ones. After all, they would be together while Mila Huinan was alone. Killing two is several times better than killing only one.


    "Ha! There is nothing impossible. I''ve been at the peak of the Energy Gathering Realm for a long time, so it only right and proper that I succeed in my breakthrough. As for your miser attempt, it was fated to fail from the very start. I''ve been watching you the moment you arrived. If there came a time that the babies were really in danger, I would have come out straight away."


    Alanda then looked at Opril and Diakar with a smile on his face.


    "However, I wanted to see if the protectors assigned to Rean and Roan were really willing to put their all into protecting the young generation. I have to say that I''m delighted with your actions. The way you didn''t give up even in the face of such a much stronger opponent is precisely what our Tribe needs. I''ll make sure to give you two a few more resources for cultivation later."


    Opril and Diakar were thrilled to hear that. Receiving the recognition of the Vice Tribe Leader was an enormous honor for them. Diakar didn''t even pay attention to the pain in his hand anymore.


    Rean and Roan also left a sigh of relief. Suddenly, Hamarlia rushed outside to see what was happening. Although it took some time to describe the entire event, the fact is that it all happened in a few seconds. She rushed out of the house as fast as she could. She ignored everything and immediately took Rean and Roan into her embrace. Nothing was more important than her children.


    Rean couldn''t help but feel his heart getting warm. Back then, because of his Soul issue, he didn''t have any attachment to his parents. But now, he could finally understand how the other kids felt with their parents when they saw them in the past. Because of the link between their souls, Roan ended feeling the same thing as Rean even though he didn''t intend to.


    "What is it? Did you forget that she isn''t your real mother?"


    Rean glared at Roan with an angry expression. But right after, he couldn''t help but snort.


    "Hmph! So what? Don''t try to play cool in front of me. It might not be a strong as me, but I also felt your heart moving a little when she embraced us."


    Roan looked away and pretended that he didn''t hear anything.


    Hamarlia obviously didn''t hear the twins'' Soul Link conversation. At the moment, she was shocked to see that assassin, and especially the Vice Tribe Leader in front of him. It didn''t take long for her to understand that it was Alanda Ial who saved Rean and Roan.


    Alanda then returned his attention to the assassin and asked with a sharp voice.


    "Do you wish to surrender peacefully, or should I force you to do so? Personally, I would prefer the latter option since it would be a lot more fun. I have a lot of questions waiting for you after this as well."


    The assassin laughed coldly.


    "Hehe, as if!"


    The assassin knew that there was no path to survival anymore, so he decisively bit a sack of poison that was hidden in his mouth. The poison quickly spread through his body. Suddenly, foam started to come out of his mouth. Not long after, he vomited black blood and fell on the ground.


    In his last moments, the assassin glared at the babies. If not for the twins appearing in the wrong place and time, he might have had a chance to escape. But it was this moment that he noticed that the babies were also looking at him. On their lips, he could see a complacent and disdainful smile. Immediately, he understood. As hard as it is to believe, he was sure that they did that on purpose!


    "How''s that possible...?"


    His vision finally went black, and he died. In the end, he was the only one who noticed the truth.

 Chapter 23锛歋uspicion

    Alanda checked the assassin''s pulse and confirmed that he had really died. But it did not make him happy. Even if he were to go and ask Ramin Tranko about it, that guy would only say that his member acted on his own accord. There would be no point in forcing this issue anymore.


    Not long after, a few more warriors of the Tribe arrived at the site.


    "Take this guy away. Be careful because he died from poison, I don''t want to see you falling dead as well."


    The warriors quickly followed Alanda''s orders and brought the assassin''s corpse away. Alanda also told Diakar to go treat his fist''s injuries. Hamarlia then invited Alanda into her house and deeply thanked him.


    "There is no need to be too courteous. It is the Tribe Warriors and Elders'' duties to protect the young generation. We were expecting this to happen, so your kids had not been in real danger to start with."


    Hamarlia then asked.


    "Was that an assassin from that Nari Tribbe that everyone is talking about?"


    Alanda shook his head.


    "No, Juri has already formed an alliance with the Nari Tribe, so there is no way they would try to attempt an assassination. If anything, they would try to kidnap your children instead. Killing them would bring no benefit to the Nari Tribe."


    Alanda continued.


    "The ones who tried it was the Tranko Tribe. They share the same territory as us and have been coveting our Liman Mountain for a long time already. Although it can''t be considered much, the fact that we have an ore mine and the others don''t is definitely a reason for envy. But if they want to take it from us someday, they would need to surpass us in strength. To do that, our Tribe can''t become stronger than it is, so that''s why they tried this assassination plan. They took advantage that we let them inside of our Tribe and sent someone to do the deed."


    "Unfortunately, the assassin killed himself, so we can''t prove that it was them who ordered it."


    Hamarlia couldn''t help but ask with a concerned face.


    "Does that mean they will keep trying?"


    Alanda laughed after hearing that.


    "They definitely won''t. At least, not in such a shady way as this one. They sent a Peak Energy Gathering expert. How many warriors at this level do you think they have? I would be impressed if they had two or three more. They are the hope of their Tribe since they still have a chance at the Foundation Establishment Realm. This last guy''s death is already a very big blow to them."


    Rean and Roan heard that and sighed in relief as well. One time is okay, but nothing can guarantee that they will stay alive if more kept coming.


    Rean and Roan pretended they didn''t notice, but Alanda was looking at them with some doubts. He had been waiting for an assassin ever since the guests came into the Tribe. When he finally noticed the enemy''s presence, Rean and Roan suddenly appeared at the house''s entrance. He couldn''t help but feel surprised by that. The timing was just way too good.


    But that''s okay; he could still accept that it was just a coincidence. But such a belief started to disappear after seeing what those two did. At first, they were just playing with Opril and Diakar. However, when that assassin dodged to the side, both of them jumped right in front of his leg. Alanda was alarmed that the assassin would take that chance to attack the babies. Even he didn''t expect the twins to jump at that moment.


    But then the unbelievable happened. The assassin didn''t notice them at all and stumbled on the babies'' bodies. Not only that, but he miraculously went in the direction of Opril''s attack. Only then Alanda noticed that the babies jumped there only when the assassin couldn''t see them anymore. Simply put, they used the assassin''s blindside.


    ''Are they really just babies? Already in the Blood Replacement Stage, a never seen before aptitude colors, and that action just now. It is too hard to believe that they only have a child''s intelligence. It far surpasses the realm of talent.''


    However, there is no doubt that Rean and Roan are newborn babies. That is not something that one can simply disguise with.


    ''I need to talk with Juri later. At least, I don''t feel like they have any ill intentions against our Tribe.''


    Hamarlia noticed that Alanda seemed absent-minded.


    "Is everything okay, elder? Did you get injured anywhere?"


    Alanda quickly came back to himself.


    "Oh! It''s nothing, don''t worry. Anyway, it should be safe from now on, so I''ll be taking my leave. I will pass by sometimes to check on you and your babies."


    Hamarlia bowed and thanked the elder.


    Roan then commented while looking at Rean.


    "We will need to be more careful. We didn''t notice Alanda''s presence at all, so chances are that he saw our actions today. Probably, those extra visits that he plans to take are just to check on us."


    Rean shook his head.


    "It is okay. I believe that Alanda already understands that we are not as simple as we look like. The fact that he didn''t point it out at least means that he doesn''t intend to do anything against us for the time being. So if we suddenly become like completely normal babies, it would be even more suspicious instead. You know as well as I do that we wouldn''t be able to hide it forever. It is good as long as mother and father don''t get too worried."


    Roan wanted to deny it, but he had to admit that their actions today were too catchy. If Alanda wasn''t there, they would have hidden it without a problem, but because he was, their pretense was quite useless. It was also true that their progress would get the others'' attention sooner or later as well.


    "Anyway, it seems like he intends to pretend to not have seen anything. Since he wants to play dumb, we might as well keep playing dumb too."


    Rean nodded.


    "Besides, if he comes to visit us without telling in advance and catch us training with his Spiritual Sense thing, we wouldn''t notice at all."


    Rean and Roan reached an agreement. Perhaps, it is not a bad thing that they were found out.

 Chapter 24锛欿ianme Tribe

    A week quickly went by, and the Nari Tribe finally left. Together with them was an elder and a few warriors of the Varen Tribe. They were going to the Nari Tribe to first take a look at the situation. Only then can they think about a plan of how to implement the Varen Tribe system. Iaman Nari also guaranteed the elder and warriors'' safety. As long as he is alive, his Advanced Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm would be more than enough to stop any fool ideas from the others.


    Besides, his other Foundation Establishment elder who came with him also saw the results. As an elder of the Nari Tribe, he, too, know very well their Tribe''s situation. It shouldn''t be a problem with both of them to talk with the other elders back in their Tribe.


    At the same time, the news of the Varen-Nari alliance spread like wildfire! All the small tribes around found about it in just two days'' time. Of course, the story that was spread talked about the Nari Tribe being on friendly terms with them. They would help protect the Varen Tribe if they were attacked, but they would not help them attack anyone.


    Iaman Nari also sent some of his warriors on his name to confirm that it was really the case. It should be enough to keep the Varen Tribe safe for the next few years, more or less. That will be the time necessary for the dust to settle. In fact, other than the Tranko Tribe, there wasn''t much of an issue with any other Small Tribe.


    However, the Medium-Sized Tribe controlling this territory is another story. As mentioned before, the Varen Tribe is also considered a Small Tribe, but close to become a Medium Size. The Medium Size Tribe in this place was called Kianme, but they were not as strong as the Nari Tribe. Considering that the Varen Tribe is almost a middle-sized one, they didn''t mess with them lightly.


    Even the annual tributes of the Varen Tribe were only paid to the Big Tribe controlling half of the South Region. They did not need to pay tributes to the Kianme Tribe controlling this territory. In the end, Strength speaks louder. Although the Kianme Tribe could win a war against the Varen Tribe, it doesn''t change the fact that the price would be way too high. The hyenas around would definitely not lose this chance to strike once everything is over.


    In the last few years, a problem started to appear in the Kianme Tribe. The same way that thee Tranko Tribe had a spy inside the Varen Tribe, the Kianme Tribe, also has their own. Not to mention that their own was even better than the Tranko Tribe. He had already noticed that the number of talents appearing in the Varen Tribe was increasing drastically and reported it back a long time ago.


    It presented a severe threat to the Kianme Tribe. So their Tribe had been thinking about a solution. At first, they thought about allying with the Small Tribes and get rid of the Varen Tribe, but that idea was immediately rejected. First of all, Kianme is a stronger Tribe than Varen, so why would the Small Tribes help the Kianme Tribe get rid of the Varen Tribe? If anything, they would prefer to have the Varen Tribe taking their place instead. Other than the Tranko Tribe, the majority didn''t have any intention to start a war for nothing.


    Not to mention that the Varen Tribe had always counted with their Ore Mine. They had never gone out of their way to cause the Small Tribes around any trouble. It could be said that although their systems were different, the Varen Tribe had quite a good relationship with most of them. The Varen Tribe specialty is their ore mine, and the other Small Tribes had their own specialties as well. The Varen Tribe made many trades with those Tribes, and they even paid a fair price without ever abusing their higher power.


    With the reputation that the Varen Tribe built over the years, those Small Tribes would definitely prefer them as the medium-sized Tribe controlling this territory. That being said, trying to rally them up aginst the Varen Tribe would most likely backfire on them.


    Now, with the Nari Tribe entering the fray, their situation became even more complicated.


    In the Kianme Tribe, the elders had gathered to discuss this news about the Nari-Varen alliance.


    Their Tribe Leader, Yisval Kianme, was looking at the elders with an angry face.


    "Didn''t the Nari Tribe come to forcefully take away some of the Varen Tribe Talents? How come they became allies? Can someone explain this to me?"


    One elder called Jamio Kianme got up and started to talk.


    "Our spy had just come back, so he told me everything he saw during their visit. It seems like the Varen Tribe gathered all their youths between 0 and 10 years old. They then had Iaman Nari test their aptitudes. He said that there were almost 300 kids with brown color aptitude or higher in the field that day."


    Yisval was taken aback, that number was absurd!


    "We knew that the number of talents appearing in the Varen Tribe was big, but not to this extent. We need to think about something before they get too strong."


    Another elder then suggested.


    "What about we ask the help of another Medium-sized tribe? We can offer then all the spoils after the war is over. As long as we get rid of the Varen Tribe, the rest won''t matter much. We would even preserve quite some of our Strength."


    Yisval thought about it for a second and had to admit that it might be a good idea.


    "But we can''t do that now. If we attack straight away after the Nari Tribe allied with them, it would be the same a trampling on their pride. It would just cause a bigger war where both sides would suffer. Those new talents are all kids at the moment. Before they are at least 25+ years old, they won''t be any problem for our Tribe. After all, unless they have a Green Aptitude Level or higher, those kids will at most reach the initial stages of the Energy Gathering Realm during this time."


    "Besides, we need to find an ally... no, let''s find two allies willing to take this offer. They can simply share the spoils between themselves while our Tribe will consolidate our territory position once more."


    Another elder then suggested.


    "Give them five years. This should be enough for their relationship with the Nari Tribe to cool down. After that, even if we attack, I doubt the Nari Tribe will intervene anymore."


    Yisval immediately shook his head.


    "That''s not enough. Didn''t you notice? The Varen Tribe showed them how their talent raising system worked. Considering that the Nari Tribe is in need of talents, they are most likely trying to implement the same system. However, 5 years is not enough for that, so they will need the Varen Tribe''s help for longer."


    Yisval pondered a bit and then said.


    "10 years, that is as far as we can wait. The kids at 10 years old will be at most 20, not to mention that those at 10 years should be just a small part of the total. I doubt the Nari Tribe will intervene after so much time has passed by. Besides, it is not like we can''t try other ways of weakening them in the time being."


    Hearing that they could use methods to weaken the Varen Tribe, all the elders immediately understood what Yisval meant.


    "Agreed."

 Chapter 25锛歍ime Flies

    Time passed, and the years went by. With the Nari Tribe as their backers, the Varen Tribe had been quite peaceful. At first, a few tribes were afraid that the Varen Tribe would use this chance to began charging tributes. Although the Nari Tribe wouldn''t help them attack anyone, they wouldn''t be scared of being attacked as well.


    But contrary to their expectations, the Varen Tribe continued their good relationship and trades with the surroundings Tribes. It seemed they had no intention what so ever to charge other Tribes. The only exception was the Tranko Tribe. The Varen Tribe wasn''t demanding any tributes, but they completely ceased all trades and relationship with them.


    If that was all, the Tranko Tribe wouldn''t care that much. There were several other Tribes around with who they can trade. However, due to the cold shoulder given by the Varen Tribe, the other Tribes also distanced themselves.


    Thanks to that, the Tranko Tribe was having a hard time acquiring the materials it needed. Sometimes having to travel much further away to find someone willing to sell or trade. Because of that, Ramin Tranko ordered that they should all keep a low profile from now on. This kind of treatment would sooner or later disappear, he only had to wait.


    Today, there were 61 kids gathered in front of the Martial Arts Elder''s House. At the start of every new year, the kids with aptitude at the Brown Level or higher who reached 5 years old would officially start their warrior training. Although all the Tribe members had access to the Body Transformation Realm''s cultivation manuals, only warrior candidates received proper training.


    Not too surprisingly, Rean and Roan were also present. They had kept a low key during all those five years, with only Juri, Alanda, their parents, and the two Protectors aware of their real strength. Still, to make sure that these two little monsters wouldn''t be found, they pretended to not know anything outside. Also, their two protectors were advised to keep their mouths shut. Not even their family members should know about it. After all, Opril and Diakar would sooner or later notice the difference between the Larks family twins and any other kids.


    But today, it would be all over. Those two can finally leave their cocoon and practice Martial Arts out in the open.


    Rean and Roan had not slacked during this time. They already arrived at the Spiritual Vision of the Body Transformation Realm. Although they are still in the first Realm, their advancement is genuinely frightening! One only has to take a look at Rean and Roan''s father. He is already 31 years old, but he is only at the Muscles Strengthening Stage with his gray color aptitude.


    Even a Brown Level Aptitude would only reach the level Rean and Roan are at the moment around 18 to 20 years old. Yellow was a little faster, usually reaching this stage around 12 to 15 years old. The only one in the young generation that looked a little like Rean and Roan was Mila, who started to cultivate at the age of 5 and reached the Spiritual Vision Stage by 9. She only cultivated 4 years to achieve the same result.


    Of course, there were huge differences between Mila and the Larks twins. For one, since Mila has a green level of aptitude, she received a lot of cultivation resources in her upbringing. But in the case of Rean and Roan, they didn''t get anything at all. Their actual strength was built entirely on their own effort. Well... it was not ''effort'' exactly... They simply hated the idea of being the one falling behind. They trained like crazy for the sake of ''trampling over'' each other. If Rean or Roan had been a single child, their actual results would be far below what they are now.


    Rean and Roan being in the Spiritual Vision, meant that they are ready to open their Meridians. The Spiritual Vision Stage allowed the cultivator to see their internal meridians. In this world, everyone had their own set of Meridians. They also followed their own paths, so it was impossible to use someone''s experience when opening yours.


    However, the number of Meridians never changed. Doesn''t matter if it is men or women; they all had precisely 103 meridians. One can only enter the Energy Gathering Realm once they open all 103 meridians, no exception... or so it should be.


    Rean and Roan were different, though. Instead of 103, they had 104 meridians! Of course, only the two of them knew about it. After confirming that everyone indeed had only 103, they could only attribute that last one to the White and Dark Light and Thread connection their Souls. Still, there is no point worrying about it now, so they decided to think about it after those last two are opened.


    "Other than our parents, Diakar, Opril, Juri, and Alanda, no one else knew about our improvement. Finally, we don''t need to hide anymore."


    Rean looked at everyone around and asked.


    "How do you think Juri will explain our actual level to everyone?"


    Roan pondered a bit and said.


    "Most likely, he will simply say that we were born with it already or some other bullshit like that. Anyway, this is an issue for him to resolve, not us. The moment we turned 5 years old, hiding our cultivation level became an impossible task."


    Rean had to admit that it was true. If Rean and Roan didn''t appear for the warrior training, it meant that something was absolutely wrong. Why would Juri keep hiding the twins after so long? It would attract more attention than if they appeared out in the open.


    "Whatever. As long as you don''t expose us, we should be fine."


    Roan''s mouth twitched.


    "Are you looking for a fight?"


    Rean snorted and ignored him. Traning was not the only thing they did in the past 5 years. They had fought a lot against each other as well. But there was a problem, their strengths were way too similar. So while Rean won a few, Roan also won his share. Of course, whenever they couldn''t agree with something, they would still resolve with it a fight. Those two simply can''t get along at all!


    During these last 5 years, the Varen Tribe System seemed to get better and better too. The tribe welcomed the birth of another 4 Green Aptitude Level Talents, one of them being born just two months after Rean and Roan. Because of that, he was also in this new batch of kids that would receive the warrior training. His name was Rivio Jueten.


    However, there was a little girl who was also 5 years old this year that made Juri''s hair stand every time he thought about her. Her name was Inna Malaka, a Blue Aptitude level!

 Chapter 26锛欰 New Test

    If there was something good about it, that was the fact that no one knows about Inna Malaka''s aptitude yet. Of course, except the elder who made the test and her family. Juri didn''t mind talking about a green level aptitude. They might be important, but they are not that rare. So he didn''t hide their existence. Especially now that they have the Nari Tribe''s help.


    But there was a problem. When Mila was first born, she received quite a few marriage proposals from other Tribe Leaders'' sons. Even the Kianme Tribe was no exception. Of course, the main objective was to bring the daughter away under their own ranks. Unfortunately for them, Juri rejected every single proposal and said that it would be Mila''s choice. As annoyed as they could be, there was nothing they could do, nor would they start a war just because of that.


    However, Inna Malaka was another story altogether! It wasn''t just a few surrounding Tribe''s proposals. If anyone found about it, marriage proposals would rain over the Varen Tribe from everywhere! That includes influential families from the Astreg City and even the Hanoi Tribe, the Big-Sized Tribe controlling half of the region where they live.


    First of all, Juri knew that his new system helped to produce better kids. But he couldn''t believe that it was good enough for a Blue Color Aptitude one. Juri thought that there is a limit to how good kids from ordinary families could become. The fact that so many Green Aptitudes appeared was already forcing their own fortune way too much!


    Juri even thought about asking for his Tribe members to reduce their time making sex... But he soon realized that he wouldn''t survive a single day if he suggested such a thing. That being said, he immediately rejected that option. Don''t look down on a Tribe''s libido in a cultivation world. A person should not get involved in these issues for their own safety.


    Poor Juri didn''t know. Sure, his new system helped parents give birth to healthier babies, increasing the chances of higher talents appearing. This much was definitely true and would work in other places as well. But just this couldn''t possibly bring such a drastic change! The real reason for that was two little guys with White and Dark Hairs living in his Tribe. Or to be more exact, a particular White and Dark light orb that connected their souls!


    Including Rean and Roan, no one noticed, but the balance of Yin and Yang of Heaven and Earth around the Tribe was almost two times better than any other place! That was the real reason behind the sudden appearance of so many Green and even a Blue Level Aptitudes. And it was far from over, the longer Rean and Roan stayed in this place, the better the balance would become. Poor Juri doesn''t know just what awaits him and his Tribe in the future! One can only wonder if he will turn bald from worry.


    That being said, Juri believes at the moment that Inna''s birth was nothing more than coincidence. He totally doubts that such a talent would appear in their Tribe again. However, whether he is right or wrong didn''t matter. The problem here was how to deal with all of those powers who would be coveting the Malaka Family''s daughter.


    That day when the elder found old about Inna''s aptitude, he immediately called Juri and Alanda over. Fortunately, Juri had changed the aptitude test when Rean and Roan were born. Now the babies could only take the test alone, with only the elder and the baby''s family seeing it. So he announced that Inna Malaka was a Green Level Talent as well, which also brought a few marriage proposals, but that he could at least refuse without causing much trouble.


    Let alone he not wanting to give the girl away. The problem was that even if he wanted, he could only select one of those big powers which would make the proposals. Obviously, the others would be offended by that, which wasn''t anything good for the Varen Tribe.


    Juri made Inna Malaka''s family swear to never talk about it, or it would bring calamity to their Tribe. At this moment, even Inna herself didn''t know that she has a Blue Level Aptitude. She wasn''t any bit less dangerous than Rean and Roan. After all, even sects would be interested in this kind of talent. Maybe even more than a Rean and Roan since their aptitude can''t really be judged due to those weird colors.


    Now, Inna Malaka, a blue level aptitude girl, was in the new batch with Rean, Roan, and Rivio. Others might think that she is a Green Level. However, this was still considered the strongest Martial Arts class to have ever started in the Varen Tribe.


    Rean and Roan, of course, knew nothing about it. As long as they can become stronger and subjugate the other, that was already good enough for them.


    ---


    The elder responsible for the classes changed every year. This year, Juri decided to not take any risks and immediately tasked Alanda with this mission. Alanda, of course, was more than willing to do so. One Green Level, Two Monster Twins, and a Secret Blue Level, his blood couldn''t help but boil just thinking about their future accomplishments.


    Alanda went to the stage prepared beforehand and spoke.


    "It''s good to see so many talents this year. Remember, from now on, you are going to become warriors. I don''t care whether you are a boy or a girl, I won''t go easy on anyone of you. There is no gender when we talk about battle, only victory, and defeat. If you wish to protect your Tribe, Family, and Friends, you should put your all into training! Those who I find out to be slacking will be severely punished. At the same time, those who prove to be putting their best effort will be rewarded, regardless of talent. The warriors are the Tribe''s honor, and it is your honor to be the Tribe''s warrior, remember that!"


    "By the way, my name is Alanda Ial, a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator. I''m also the Varen Tribe''s Vice Leader. I will be supervising this year''s classes and expect you to show the respect necessary. Now, those who I call get up and come forward. We are going to test your Elemental Affinity."


    Rean and Roan looked at each other, puzzled. Although they had an idea what it was about due to the name, how come they never heard about an Elemental Affinity test before?

 Chapter 27锛欰ffinity Level

    "For those who don''t know, every person has an element they compatible with. Although you can still use all the other elements, your future accomplishments will depend more on that specific element."


    Alanda then took out a scroll with a list of names.


    "Kalo Inieru, come forward."


    A five years old boy then approached the stage with a nervous expression. When he got up in the stage, he noticed a transparent orb in the center. If not because it didn''t have a black color, one would have difficulty seeing the difference between this one and the aptitude orb. But that wasn''t all. Around this orb, there were also another nine small orbs that seemed to be connected to this main one.


    Once Kalo got in front of the orb, Alanda explained.


    "Place your hands on the big orb and focus on the Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth. Now that you are already five years old, you should be able to feel it. Try to gather that Spiritual Energy in the orb. Once you do that, it will show the color correspondent to the five elements. There are five colors in total."


    "Red for Fire;


    Blue for Water;


    Green for Air;


    Yellow for Earth;


    and Purple for Lightning."


    "The dominant color will then appear in the Affinity Main Orb. The nine small orbs around show how much affinity you have with that specific element. The more small orbs you light up, the higher your affinity with the element in the Main Orb. You can start now."


    Kalo was still nervous, but he followed the elder''s orders nonetheless. As Alanda mentioned, a kid would already be able to feel the presence of Spiritual Energy at 5 years of age. So Kalo didn''t have much difficulty in gathering it since he tried to use that energy before.


    Slowly, the Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth started to gather around Kalo. It then concentrated around his hands on the orb and entered it. At first, nothing happened, so Kalo gathered even more Spiritual Energy. Finally, the orb started to glow with a Yellow Color.


    Alanda nodded.


    "Good, keep pouring Spiritual Energy inside the orb. Let''s see how much affinity orbs you can lit."


    Kalo followed Alanda''s orders and maintained the flow of Spiritual Energy.


    Soon, one small or lit up. Then it came the second until finally, the third one lit up as well. However, the third one''s brightness was a lot weaker than the previous two. It showed that Kalo couldn''t do anything better than that.


    Alanda put a hand on Kalo''s should and said.


    "That''s enough. The element you have most affinity with is Earth. Also, according to the small affinity orbs, you are a level 3 Earth Element User."


    In fact, because of how dim the third small orb was, Kalo should have been considered a level 2 Earth Element User. But the Tribe elders always added a level as long as the next small orb was lit even a little bit. That was to help the kids to have more confidence in their abilities. Even though it was a lie, it was a good one.


    Kids are easily affected by emotions, and it also impacts their cultivation. Doing this prevented the kids from slacking and gives them the illusion that they are not too bad. Of course, once they get older, they will find out about this. But it doesn''t need to be at this moment.


    "Later, you will get a cultivation technique suitable for your element. However, you will only be able to cultivate it after you enter the Energy Gathering Realm. Still, it is good to get familiar with them beforehand. Go there and wait on the side."


    Alanda returned his attention to the kids on the field.


    "Next, Fabio Valas."


    Another 5 years old boy got up and proceeded to the stage. This boy turned out to have a Level 3 Fire Affinity. It''s just that the light on his third small affinity orb was a lot brighter than Kalo. Due to the degree of brightness in his third orb, he should really be considered a Level 3 Fire Element User. In that case, there was no need to lie about it.


    "Good, you have a Level 3 Fire Element Affinity. Go there with Kalo and wait for the rest."


    "Next, Tianka Gulin."


    Kalo and Fabio were both Brown Aptitude boys. As for Tianka, she is a girl and the first Yellow Aptitude kid to come forward. She quickly approached the transparent orb and followed the same process as the two previous boys.


    The Main Orb lit up with a Green Color, showing that she has an affinity with Air Element. After that, the first three small orbs around lit up as well almost instantly. Finally, the fourth orb''s light appeared and brightened with half the intensity of the other three.


    "Very good. You have a Level 4 Wind Element affinity, go to the side as well and wait with the other kids."


    One by one, the kids came forward to try their Elemental Affinity test. So far, the highest aptitude was a kid with a Fire Element Affinity level 4. Different from Tianka, his Fire Element fourth small orb was as bright as the previous three. So he was really a Level 4 Fire Element User.


    "Next, Rivio Jueten."


    All the kids and their parents immediately looked at that boy. He was one of the ''four'' Green Aptitude Level kids this time around. Of course, he was only 5 years old child, so he was just as nervous as any other kid who went up in the stage before.


    He put his hands on the transparent orb and took a deep breath. The Spiritual Energy from Heaven and Earth immediately gathered around his hands. It was evident that he had it a lot easier doing so. Shortly after, Purple Light appeared in the Main Orb.


    Alanda couldn''t help but smile a bit, seeing that. Lightning Element users are quite rare. It would be excellent already to see one after every hundred kids. Lightning Users are known for having high attack power as well. So the fact that he has a Green Color Aptitude only made things even better.


    Not long after, 5 Small orbs lit up completely, but that was the limit. The sixth orb did not. Alanda wasn''t sad, though.


    "Excellent. You have a Level 5 Lightning Affinity. I''m looking forward to your future accomplishments."


    Rivio felt ecstatic with the praise and quickly moved to the side with the other kids.


    The tests continued, and soon, 37 kids'' affinities were tested.


    "Next, Inna Malaka."


    It was finally the time for the hidden Blue Color Aptitude girl to come forward.

 Chapter 28锛歍wo can play this game

    Inna immediately followed the elders'' orders. Just like Rivio, everyone paid attention when she started to come forward. That only contributed to the little girl to be even more nervous. Her friends tried to cheer her up, though, which helped a little.


    Soon, she arrived above the stage and started her test. Spiritual Energy began to gather around her hands at a frightening speed. Alanda couldn''t help but feel impressed with that vision. It was the first time in his life he saw a Blue Color Aptitude going through the Affinity Test, after all. Her control over the Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth is on a completely different level compared to the others.


    Of course, only Alanda knew about her real aptitude in this place, so others thought that perhaps it was normal. Her Orb brightened instantly, and a deep blue color spread around. The water element showed by the Orb was so dense that the air around the Orb began to get freezing cold.


    Of course, she was the one controlling that Element, so Inna didn''t feel anything. Right after, the small Affinity Orbs around the Main Orb began to lit up as well. One, two, three, four, five... It only took a second for all of them to get bright. Next, the Sixth Orb lit up entirely as well. Alanda couldn''t help but praise her talent inwardly. She is already above him and Juri. Alanda and Juri are both Green Aptitude Level elders, and their element affinity also lit up 6 small orbs.


    However, their sixth Orb barely lit up at their time. In Inna''s case, her sixth Orb was fully brightened. But it didn''t stop there. Although just barely, the seventh Orb lit up as well. This was the first time Alanda had seen the seventh Orb on.


    Inna seemed to have reached her limit, so he stopped her there. When Inna tried to take her hands away from the Affinity Main Orb, she noticed that they were stuck there. It turned out that a thin layer of ice gathered around her hands, which prevented her from taking her hand away.


    "Good, very good, excellent!"


    Alanda then put his hands over Inna''s ones and used his control over the Spiritual Energy to melt the ice holding her there. After that, he patted her head.


    "You have a level 7 Water Affinity. Later on, I will pass you a few Water Cultivation Techniques for you to practice after you enter the Energy Gathering Realm. Just like Rivio, I''m also looking forward to your future. Don''t waste your talent, understood?"


    Inna nodded shyly and quickly left the stage.


    Rean and Roan also saw that.


    "Do you think our Element Affinity will surpass her?"


    Roan pondered a bit and then said.


    "We should be. After all, we were already able to feel the presence of Spiritual Energy when we were born. In theory, whatever Element it is, it should be at least at her level."


    Rean nodded, and then he got an idea.


    "Wanna bet on who has the highest affinity?"


    Roan''s interest was picked almost instantly.


    "What are the stakes?"


    Rean showed a bright smile and said.


    "One entire week of desserts."


    Roan narrowed his eyes. It is his first time having a living body. Roan had lived (or deathed?) for countless years. However, hungriness was something he had never felt during that time. Only after Roan got a living body did he understand the pleasures of food. Because of that, he considered his dessert to be worth as much as his life!


    Of course, on the other side, Rean also loved eating very much. Because of his Soul issue during his past life, he had never enjoyed or felt anything. So he, too, only came to understand the happiness of eating good food now.


    Rean and Roan''s mother is quite good at cooking. Even though there weren''t many types of food in the Tribe, Hamarlia knew how to make the best with what she had. Between the things she could make, there were also a few very simple desserts. However, both Rean and Roan valued those desserts more than anything else in this new life.


    Rean and Roan looked at each other, and sparks could almost be seen coming out their eyes. For the winner, heavens awaited. For the loser, only a path straight to hell. There would be no turning back after this.


    They gave each other a handshake and said at the same time.


    "Deal!"


    Even though Alanda was observing the testers, he had always kept part of his attention on Rean and Roan. When he noticed the killing intent in their eyes while they looked at each other, he almost jumped with the intention of stopping a life and death battle. But right after, they made a handshake, which made him feel like crying too. Weren''t they going to kill each other?


    "Just what the hell are those two demons up to?"


    The tests continued, and it soon was Roan''s time.


    "Roan Larks, come forward."


    Roan looked at the direction of the stage and made his way there. Right behind him was Rean. The two of them had arrived together, so Rean was sure that he would be called over right after Roan. That being the case, he might as well stay close to the stage.


    Roan quickly ascended to the stage. Different from all the other kids, there wasn''t a single hint of nervousness on his face. If anything, it looked like he was entering a battlefield. It was as if his life and death would be determined during this test.


    Alanda really couldn''t understand what was wrong with him.


    "You can start your test."


    Roan nodded and put his hand over the Transparent Orb. Faster than any other kid before, including Inna, Spiritual Energy gathered around his hand. The sight made Alanda frightened! Roan''s control over the heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy was simply ridiculous!


    Roan was 100% focused on this task, doing his all!


    Right after, the color of his affinity Element Finally appeared. It was... completely Dark! Alanda felt like he was hallucinating. Is there such thing as a Dark color for the Elemental Affinity Test? However, he seemed to have heard something about it from Juri before.


    However, Roan couldn''t care less about the color of his Main Orb. In his eyes, only one thing mattered. Lighting up as many small affinity orbs as possible!


    But it was this moment that he heard...


    *PANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN*


    Roan almost jumped in fright! His concentration was completely gone! He could barely keep the flow of Spiritual Energy now. Right after, a deafening sound of rock music started to play in his mind!


    Rean, on the other side, had an evil smile on his face. He was using his connection with Roan''s Soul to play one of the craziest rock music types. While the music was playing, he also took the chance to say.


    "I hope you like HEAVY METAL! Hahahaha!"


    In the end, Roan couldn''t concentrate properly and was only able to lit up Seven Small Orbs with Black color. At least, they really lit up completely. Without even looking at Alanda, Roan left the stage. But not before giving a death gaze at Rean on the back.


    "You are not the only one who knows how to play this game."

 Chapter 29锛欰nother Bet

    Roan might not care about his Elemental Color, but Alanda definitely did. Not only him, but everyone in this field did as well. Their Tribe had made the Elemental Affinity test thousands of times, but they had never seen a Dark Elemental Color.


    However, Alanda had an idea bout it. Juri had commented with him in the past about it. It seems that there are some extremely rare element users in the world. Obviously, the region around the Astreg City didn''t have anyone like that. At least, not until now.


    Alanda noticed everyone looking at him, waiting for the result of the test. In the end, he could only say what he thought that it was.


    "Cough, Cough. Level 7 Darkness Affinity."


    Alanda didn''t even need to tell Roan to go to the side since he was already there. Not only that, but he could see an awful expression on his face.


    "Next, Rean Larks."


    Rean smiled brightly at Roan on the other side and ascended to the stage. At the same time, he thought.


    ''Hehe! You definitely will try the same thing as me. Too bad, though. It doesn''t matter how crazy or loud the sound is, you won''t be able to stop me. Those desserts are mine!''


    Unfortunately for Rean, Roan had long since thought about this possibility. As soon as Rean started his test, the one to show an evil smile on his face this time was Roan.


    The Spiritual Energy gathered around Rean''s hands as fast as it was with Roan. Almost instantly, the Main Affinity Orb shined brightly with a White Light! If Alanda says that he wasn''t expecting it, he would be lying. Still, to see two rare elements at the same time was really shocking!


    ''Just what did Turen and Hamarlia do to conceive such a pair?''


    Rean was also focused on his Orb. At the same time, he was waiting for Roan to use the same trick. But suddenly, he heard a soft laugh.


    "I have no doubt that you are ready for any sounds, but I wonder if you are prepared for this."


    Rean and Roan can stop their own thoughts from being heard. However, if one of them wants his thoughts to be heard, the other side can''t block it. So Roan didn''t use any loud sound, but a ''movie'' instead.


    As for which movie? Which one was better than their parents during their intimate moments? During the time they were babies, their parents did bother hiding anything since they were just ''newborns.'' Rean and Roan shouldn''t be able to remember anything in the future. Too bad, though. Roan still remembers everything clearly. ''Especially'' the fact that Rean couldn''t deal with such scenes.


    Immediately, the scenes of Rean and Roan''s parents enjoying their night played inside Rean''s mind. Roan also made sure to play it in High Quality, especially giving a big ZOOM at those two places where the most ''action'' was happening.


    Rean almost vomited blood!


    "Yo-You! Don''t you have any respect for our parents?!"


    Roan just snorted, though.


    "All Is Fair in Love, War, and Desserts betting!"


    Rean felt like crying but had no tears. Between the zoomed scenes, moans, and quick pat pat pat sounds, he ended not being able to concentrate at all! He had to do his best just to finish lighting up the Seventh Affinity Orb. In the end, Rean and Roan''s bet was a draw.


    Of course, as soon as Rean got down from the stage, the two boys started another fight... which also ended in a draw.


    Alanda didn''t know what to do with those two. Still, he had to give Rean''s test results.


    "Sigh... Rean Larks, Level 7 Light Affinity."


    Seeing the twins who seemed to not give a damn to their test results, Alanda pondered whether all his shook earlier had any meaning.


    The tests continued until all 61 kids were tested.


    But now, Alanda felt another headache coming his way.


    ''Our Tribe does have cultivation techniques for all five elements, even Lightning, which is a lot rare, we have a two. However, where the hell will I find a Light and Darkness Element Cultivation Technique?''


    Alanda pondered a bit and then shook his head.


    ''Forget it, I will ask Juri about it later. He spends more time in the city than me, so he might have an idea. Besides, before Rean and Roan enter the Energy Gathering Realm, a cultivation technique will be useless for them. If worse comes to worst, we can give them another elemental cultivation technique. Although it won''t be optimal, it is still better than nothing.''


    It was then that Alanda remembered one thing. Rean and Roan are already in the Spiritual Vision Stage of the Body Transformation Realm.


    ''How many meridians did they open already?''


    Alanda decided to ask them after he dismisses all the kids.


    "Everyone, come with me. We are going to the cultivation techniques repository. Our Tribe is only considered a small one, so we don''t have that many. Still, the ones present were gathered with the sweat and blood of the Tribe during its several years of existence. So make sure to take care of them well in the future."


    All the kids followed Alanda to a big building in the center of the Tribe. Outside, one could see two warriors guarding the entrance. Once Alanda got close, they bowed and opened the way. The kids all followed, soon passing through the gate.


    Inside, several shelves with scrolls and books could be seen. Alanda then looked at the kids and said.


    "Those are the techniques of our Tribe. Once you learn how to write and read, you will be allowed to look into them. I will also personally help you select the most suitable technique for each of you."


    After that, three other Tribe members came from behind Alanda.


    "Those three are the ones who are going to teach you how to Write and Read. Every warrior of the Varen Tribe must know how to do that. After all, our Tribe makes a lot of trades with outsiders. If you don''t know how to read, you will most likely be tricked into bad deals."


    The 61 kids were then separated into three different classes, with Rean and Roan being put in different ones.


    Seeing that the division was completed, Alanda smiled and said.


    "Warriors need cultivation resources to cultivate. However, our Tribe is not a rich one, so funds are limited. Only those who put the best efforts will receive the best support. The warrior apprentices that learn how to write and read well enough for my liking will be rewarded with 10 Spirit Stones. But it is only valid for the first 10 who come to me. The others will only receive 5 Spirit Stones, and that is after they finish learning as well. If you want to become strong warriors, you better not lose this opportunity."


    All the kids'' eyes lit up. They all heard from their parents that warriors need spirit stone to cultivate faster. So they were all full gung-ho at the moment.


    But there were two exceptions. Not too surprisingly, they were Rean and Roan.


    "This is gonna be quite an easy reward."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "It''s to the point where I even feel bad about participating. They are all just kids, after all."


    Suddenly, Rean looked at Roan.


    "Are you still up for a bet?"


    Roan immediately nodded.


    "Brint it on! One week of desserts for the one who gets recognized by Alanda first."


    With a handshake, the idiots'' bet was on... once more.

 Chapter 30锛歐hat are you looking at?

    When the first class was over, Alanda called Rean and Roan over to ask about how many meridians they had opened so far.


    Rean and Roan said at the same time.


    "97."


    Alanda was taken aback.


    "Yo-You! You are almost at the Energy Gathering Realm already!"


    That was entirely out of Alanda''s expectations. I thought that they would have at most 20 or so. But the speed they opened the Meridians was just way too high!


    What Alanda didn''t know was that surprisingly, Rean and Roan Meridians Positions were precisely the same. Well, almost. The last ones, the 104th, were the only ones on different sides. But thanks to the other 103 being in the same places, they had an easier time opening them. That''s because as long as they wish to share their memories, they can also share what they learned. That being said, they agreed to open different meridians each. Once they learned how to do a specific one, the other only had to copy it. Sure enough, their speed multiplied!


    In the end, Alanda could only sigh and say.


    "Anyway, go back to your homes. I will try to see if we can find a compatible Cultivation Technique for your elements. For now, just focus on learning how to write and read. It should give me enough time to think about what to do."


    Rean and Roan nodded before leaving the room.


    Alanda then got up and went straight to Juri''s house. After giving his report...


    "Both of them have a rare elemental affinity as well. Not only that, but those elements are also at level 7 each. However, I''ve never heard about a cultivation manual made for Dark and Light elements. Perhaps, only the sects would have such a thing."


    Alanda nodded.


    "I thought so too. What about you go to the city to search for it? Perhaps, you might find something good enough for them."


    Juri nodded.


    "I thought so too. Although I doubt I will find something, I have to try at least. Still, to think that Rean and Roan already opened 97 meridians. They are only 6 away from entering the Energy Gathering Realm. Judging by their speed, they might finish opening all of them in the next month or so."


    Alanda agreed with him.


    "It is okay, they still need to learn how to write and read, which should take at least a few months. A cultivation technique will be useless before that since there is way too much to remember."


    Juri nodded and then decided.


    "I''m leaving tomorrow. Take care of the Tribe while I''m out. Considering the scope of the search, I might need over a week before coming back."


    Alanda didn''t mind.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of everything."


    Juri and Alanda conversed for a while longer before Alanda decided to return to his home.


    Juri then left the next morning without anyone knowing.


    Time passed in a flash. During this week, Rean and Roan also participated in different classes.


    There were fighting classes, which the two grow-ups obviously aced, only finding an opponent at the other. Of course, the only thing they felt was that they were bullying the kids. There was not a single hint of happiness in their faces after those classes. However, Alanda said that the 10 kids at the top of the class would get 3 Spirit Stones every month. So they had to make sure to be there.


    Rean and Roan also had the chance to leave the Tribe for the first time to go hunting. Because of the level of this class, the Tribe put three times more warriors protecting them. Even Alanda himself followed the kids during the hunting training.


    The forests around the Varen Tribe were mainly occupied by Stage One Demon Beasts. Different from humans, Demon Beasts are categorized by Stages, not Realms. If we think about all the forests in the south region of Astreg City, you can find demon beasts varying from Stage One to Four. There are also rumors of Stage Five ones living deep into the forests, but those beasts could only be dealt with by Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators or above. Something far away from Varen Tribe''s scope.


    During the two hunting sessions that happened the last week, Rean and Roan were basically the only kids that didn''t feel afraid. The reason was pretty simple. With their Cultivation at the peak Spiritual Vision Stage, they could totally fight a Stage One beast head-on! Just how many times did Rean and Roan fight each other for whatever reason? They didn''t even hold back when they did that. But because they would always barely win or lose, they felt frustrated... As for the target of their frustration... Let''s just say that a few Stage One Demon Beasts did not have a good day.


    One week later, Juri was finally back. Unfortunately, all he could do was to shook his head. Sure enough, he didn''t find any cultivation technique for Light and Dark elements. The majority didn''t even know about other rare Element Affinities'' existence, let alone have cultivation techniques for them.


    "We can only have them try the other Elemental Cultivation Techniques and see which one they feel to be the best one. It is still better than having none."


    Alanda nodded. He would help the twins with it once they learn how to write and read.


    Two weeks later, Rean was at home looking at Roan gloomily. At this very moment, Roan was eating his dessert. But there was nothing he could do about it since he lost. Roan (Death) learned how to read way faster than he predicted. In fact, Rean was quite dumb to make such a bet. Roan knew all the languages in their home universe. Even if this planet''s language is different from anything he knew, it is still easier for him to put the pieces together. That was a difference in their experience!


    Roan noticed Rean looking at his desserts and snorted.


    "What you looking at? I won fair and square. Also, it was you who placed this bet, not me. So these desserts and mine. Even if you kill me, I won''t give you a single one."


    "Hmph!"


    Rean turned around after finish his dinner with his parents and went back to his room to train. But not before leaving a few words behind.


    "You just wait!"


    Turen and Hamarlia didn''t know to do with those two idiots.

 Chapter 31锛歊ewards

    While Rean was upset for having lost an entire week of desserts, Alanda passed back and forth inside Juri''s room.


    "Three weeks! Only three weeks and Roan learned how to write and read. Not only that, but he might also have it better than myself. Although Rean hasn''t come to me yet, I''m sure he will be in the next days to take his writing and reading test too. Are those two boys really just kids? I''m starting to think that they are possed by some demon."


    Juri shook his head.


    "Just ignore it for now. Sooner or later, they will come to us to talk. I don''t feel like they have any bad intentions. Besides, it seems that they care a lot about their parents, especially Rean. The problem now is to find a cultivation technique for them."


    Alanda nodded.


    "Very well. Once they enter the Energy Gathering Realm, I will help them with it."


    Juri nodded, satisfied.


    "By the way, how are Rivio and Inna doing?"


    Alanda''s pondered a bit and then said.


    "Rivio is pretty much like you and me when we were kids. He also has a Green Aptitude, so it understandable. As for Inna, it is good that the others think that she is only at the Green Level. That girl is as much of a monster as Rean and Roan. The only difference is that she had never cultivated before the classes started. From what I can tell, in just three weeks, she already arrived in the middle of the Blood Replacement Stage. She will probably enter the Bones Enhancement Stage in at most two months'' time."


    Juri couldn''t help but sigh in praise.


    "A Blue Aptitude Level is really frightening. She might become even stronger than the Larks'' Twins. After all, we do have quite a few Water Cultivation Manuals."


    Alanda nodded.


    "Indeed. In fact, Inna''s talent is not only with cultivation. She is also brilliant. Once again, if not for Rean and Roan, she probably would be the first to finish learning how to read and write."


    Alanda then narrowed his eyes and asked Juri.


    "What are you going to do about her marriage? There is no doubt that several other Tribes will have their youngsters courting her in the future. Especially when they see how fast her cultivation speed is compared to other girls."


    Juri shrugged his shoulders.


    "There is no need to be afraid of that. As long as I don''t promise anything, they won''t be able to force their way. To be honest, I don''t think that Rean, Roan, or Inna are going to stay in our Tribe forever. Their talents are too high for them to be confined in this place."


    Alanda was taken aback by that.


    "But if they leave..."


    It was then that he understood what Juri meant.


    "Oh, I see... Indeed, there is simply no need for us to worry about Inna''s marriage."


    With that, they seemed to have reached a tacit agreement.


    Juri and Alanda then talked a little more about other issues before they ended those topics for the day.


    Sure enough, a few days later, Rean came by to take the Write and Reading test. Just like Roan, Rean also passed it perfectly, showing better writing and reading skills than Alanda.


    Alanda also took that opportunity to call Roan over and talk with the twins.


    "We have a problem here. The Tribe Leader went to the city to look for cultivation techniques for you two. The problem is that we didn''t find anything related to the Dark and Light Elements. That being said, we can only offer you other Elemental Cultivation Manuals. As I said before, everyone can use all elements. The only difference is that their speed of improvement with those elements will be a lot slower."


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and then nodded.


    "Sure, we would also like to take a look at the cultivation manuals."


    Rean and Roan couldn''t blame the Varen Tribe. After all, their type of Elemental Affinity was simply nonexistent as far as they know. Even if there are other Dark and Light Element users out there, it probably won''t be easy to find them.


    It had already been an entire month since Rean and Roan started to take classes. By now, both of them finished opening all 103 Meridians and only needed to finish the last one. But to make sure nothing would go wrong, they decided to wait for the so-called Spirit Stones that were promised by Alanda.


    The rewards were paid all at once at the end of every month. So only today would Rean and Roan put their hands on the 15 Spirit Stones that they earned. 10 Spirit Stones came from being one of the 10 first kids to finish learning how to write and read. As for the other 5, they got it from the fighting classes.


    But surprisingly, Rean and Roan weren''t the only ones getting 15 Spirit Stones. Inna Malaka also received the same amount.


    One must remember that before finishing to learn how to write and read, even if you were above the others, you wouldn''t get the reward. Only after convincing Alanda that you really knew how to do that, would you receive those Spirit Stones. Inna Malaka turned out to be the third kid to do it. Not only that, but she also finished before the end of the first month.


    Both Rean and Roan have adult minds, so it is okay for them to learn that fast. They had the experience, after all. But Inna is really just a kid with a kid''s mind.


    Alanda noticed the surprised face on Rean and Roan.


    "Inna went through my test just yesterday. Although she barely passed, she did that in less than a month. So don''t think that only the two of you are smart in this class. Don''t get complacent, or she might surpass the two of you in the future."


    Hearing that made Inna look down with embarrassment. She didn''t like too much attention. She only did that much because she wanted the Spirit Stones to cultivate faster.


    In fact, Rean and Roan also didn''t mind it. Even if she passed them in cultivation, that would have nothing to do with them. Still, they had to admit that Inna was extremely intelligent. Roan can''t be counted since his past life is entirely different. However, Inna is definitely hundreds of times better than Rean when he was at her age back on earth.

 Chapter 32锛歒in Yang Soul Gem

    That night, Rean and Roan returned to their room after dinner. After that, they quickly took out their Spirit Stones and looked at each other.


    Roan then decided to talk first.


    "The 104th meridian might be weird. No one knows about it. Also, our meridians are in opposite directions as well. My own is on my right shoulder blade."


    Rean nodded.


    "As for mine, it is in the left shoulder blade. Let''s try to open it without using Spirit Stones first."


    Roan pondered a bit and nodded.


    "Let me try it first. If something happens, call Alanda over."


    Rean didn''t mind and let Roan do as he pleased. Since he wanted to take the risk first, then so be it. Besides, it doesn''t change the fact that it is just an extra meridian. There shouldn''t be anything wrong with it.


    Roan then gathered spirit energy from heaven and earth and directed it to the 104th meridian. However, nothing happened. The meridian didn''t even budge, let alone start to open. Roan tried several more times to no avail. He reached the point to accumulate as much Spiritual Energy as possible and strike the meridian''s entrance. Still, the results were the same.


    "That''s no good, it doesn''t open at all!"


    Rean then attempted to open his own. Just like Roan, he tried it several times, but they all ended in failure. In the end, he could only give up as well.


    After some time, Rean looked at the Spirit Stones on the ground and asked.


    "Could it be that we don''t have enough Spiritual Energy? What if we use the Spirit Stones to give us a boost?"


    Roan immediately shook his head.


    "It would be okay if the meridian was opening, and we didn''t have enough energy. But that was not the case. The entrance simply didn''t move at all. This is not a problem with not having enough Spiritual Energy, but something else."


    Rean pondered a bit and then said.


    "We know that this last meridian has something to do with the White and Black Orb connecting our Souls through those White and Black Threads. We just need to understand what we are lacking to force them open."


    Roan nodded and pondered about this issue as well.


    Suddenly, he had an idea.


    "When you look at this orb, what do you think?"


    Rean pondered a bit.


    "White and Black, Light and Dark..."


    It didn''t take long for Rean to understand Roan''s meaning.


    "Balance!"


    Roan nodded.


    "It does make you think like that, doesn''t it? It''s like Yin and Yang, the perfect balance. So let''s try to open both Meridians at the same time. Also, leave your thoughts open so that we can be more precise while trying it."


    Rean accepted the idea.


    "As much as I don''t like it, I will do as you said."


    Roan snorted.


    "The one who doesn''t like it is me, but It is still better than being stuck in the Body Transformation Realm forever."


    The two of them opened their minds and let their thoughts go through. At the same time, they gathered the Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth before directing it to the two meridians. Sure enough, the meridians showed signs of opening for the first time. Seeing that made the twins ecstatic, but it also perturbed their balance of Spiritual Energy. Because of that, the meridian closed right after.


    "Shit! Again!"


    Rean and Roan then restarted the process and didn''t get distracted by the changes. However, it was easier said than done. As much as they tried to keep balance, they would fail in the end. Some times Rean used too much energy. Other times, Roan was too late with the accumulation of Spiritual Energy.


    Three hours later, both Rean and Roan were drenched in sweat. They couldn''t help but gasp for air. Still, they understood that it had nothing to do with the other. It was simply too hard to keep such a balance. Besides, the two of them missed the point several times, so it would be meaningless to start accusing. Rean and Roan might not like each other, but they are two grown-ups, after all. They wouldn''t start a fight since both of them were making mistakes.


    "This is hard as hell!"


    "Indeed. The only good news is that it doesn''t seem like we need the Spirit Stones to open them. So we can leave the Spirit Stones for later."


    "There is no other choice, we can only keep trying more and more. At first, we couldn''t keep the balance for even a minute, but we can do that for at least 5 now."


    "However, we only reached around 10% of the time we need from what I can feel. Is there really no other way to keep the balance?"


    "Stop complaining and let''s do this. It might take some time, but it is not like we are lacking it to start with. If anything, we are far ahead of any other kid of our age."


    Rean smiled gloomily, but they started again.


    The next morning, Rean and Roan went to class, looking like two ragged dolls. Hamarlia asked if they didn''t want to stay home for the day, but they refused. The needed some time off after an entire night of tries.


    Time passed, and another week went by. This night, Rean and Roan had been able to keep the balance of Spiritual Energy for over an hour already! The two meridians were already over 90% open, needing just a little to open completely.


    Rean and Roan knew that they reached a critical juncture, so their concentration increased even more! They didn''t dare to slack at the moment.


    "Almost!"


    "Almost!"


    Finally, the last meridian was opened! Rean and Roan smiled brightly! An entire week of effort was paid off in the end. But just as they were about to get up, something unexpected happened.


    The Spiritual Energy of the Heaven and Earth started to flow like crazy into those two specific meridians. They soon noticed that those meridians were not connected to their body, but with the White and Black threads connecting their Souls to the White and Black Orb.


    However, they noticed that there wasn''t enough spiritual energy. Their 104th meridians started to shake as if they were about to close again. Seeing that, Rean and Roan were frightened!


    "Spirit Stones, grab your Spirit Stones!"


    They reached under their beds and immediately took the Spirit Stones out. The Spiritual Energy inside the Spirit Stones started to rush into the last meridians, then into the White and Black Threads, finally reaching the White and Black Orb of Light.


    It was at this moment that they heard.


    [Energy Source Detected.]


    [Exiting Hibernation Mode.]


    [Initializing Soul Gem System...]


    [Soul Gem Type Received an Unexpected Upgrade During The Last Reincarnation.]


    [Analizing New Soul Gem...]


    [Soul Gem Type Not Available On Database.]


    [Soul Gem Is Now Temporarily Renamed as Yin Yang Soul Gem.]


    [Synchronizing Soul Gem System With Upgraded Soul Gem Type.]


    [Process: 1%...]

 Chapter 33锛欱reakthrough

    Rean and Roan looked at each other, puzzled.


    "What is this thing? It sounds like a machine."


    Roan shook his head.


    "I''ve never heard about anything like that before. There was no such thing back in our Universe either. A machine that can connect Souls? Soul Gem System? I have no idea what this thing is. First of all, is it even a machine?"


    [Process: 15%...]


    Rean and Roan changed their focus to the White and Black Orb. Other than the two of them, no one else could see it. It was easy to see the Spiritual Energy of the Spirit Stones rushing inside. However...


    "We don''t have enough Spirit Stones, what should we do? If it continues like this, our meridians might close or even get damaged."


    [Process: 37%...]


    In just 10 minutes, more than half of their Spirit Stones already turned into dust.


    "No other choice, let''s rush to Alanda''s house and beg. Grab the remaining Spirit Stones, and let''s go. Once he sees how much Spirit Stones is rushing inside us, we might be able to convince him."


    Roan had to admit that there was no other place at the moment. Sure, Juri was also an option, but it would be hard to reach his house without being stopped. Unfortunately, they don''t have time to discuss it with others.


    Rean and Roan rushed out of the room and went through the house''s exit. Hamarlia saw the two leaving in a flash, but only shook her head before sighing.


    "I wonder what kind of bet they made this time."


    The people who saw Rean and Roan running were surprised by their speed. They didn''t know that kids could be this fast. Even the warriors on the way gasped at that since they weren''t any faster.


    "Aren''t those Rean and Roan? Where are they going this fast?"


    "Probably to Alanda''s house. After all, he is the one in charge of this year''s kids. Still, was it me, or they were absorbing Spiritual Energy like there was no tomorrow?"


    "You saw that too? I noticed that they were holding Spirit Stones as well. I hope they are not wasting it since Spirit Stones are hard to get."


    Rean and Roan only took 5 minutes to arrive at the Tribe Vice Leader''s residence. Without even asking the guard in the front, they rushed inside.


    "Hey, stop there, brats!"


    Too late, Rean and Roan were no slower than him!


    Ren and Roan barged into Alanda''s living room and found him reading a few documents on the table.


    "Brats, just wait until I get you."


    Alanda looked at Rean and Roan with a puzzled face. But right after, he noticed the ridiculous amount of Spiritual Energy rushing into them.


    The guard arrived right after and was just about to grab them when Alanda spoke.


    "Leave them be, also, go outside."


    The guard didn''t understand why Alanda wasn''t angry but followed the orders nonetheless.


    "Yes, Tribe Vice Leader."


    The guard soon disappeared, leaving only Rean and Roan with Alanda.


    "What is happening with you two? What is all this Spiritual Energy?"


    Suddenly, Rean and Roan knelled on the ground.


    "Tribe Vice Leader, please help us! We need spirit stones urgently; otherwise, our meridians might get damaged!"


    "What?!"


    Alanda was Taken aback. If it was anyone else, he would have kicked them out already. However, seeing the crazy amount of Spiritual Energy entering their bodies and the Spirit Stones in their hands, he found it hard to not be shocked.


    "What have you done?"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and nodded.


    "We opened our 104th meridian, and then this happened."


    Alanda thought that he heard it wrong.


    "104th? What 104th? There is no 104th meridian! Are you making fun of me?!"


    Rean and Roan immediately shook their heads.


    "It is true. If Tribe Vice Leader wishes, you just need to check our bodies."


    Rean and Roan had no other choice other than saying that. Of course, they kept the White and Black Threads and the Yin Yang Soul Gem out of this conversation. After all, only they could see it anyway. The only thing that Alanda would be able to feel is their extra meridian.


    Sure enough, Alanda touched their bodies and sent a wave os Spiritual Energy inside. After that, he used his Spiritual Sense to see the lightened meridians. As hard as it was to believe, there were really 104 meridians in the twins'' bodies!


    [Process: 53%...]


    By now, Rean and Roan were almost without Spirit Stones.


    Alanda noticed that they weren''t joking. He gritted his teeth and disappeared from the living room. Just a few seconds later, he brought another hundred Spirit Stones!


    But before Rean and Roan could reach it, Alanda warned.


    "After this is over, you will follow me into Juri''s house and explain everything, including this abnormal intelligence of yours."


    Rean and Roan didn''t mind. They knew that Juri and Alanda noticed that they were not ordinary a long time ago. It was just that both sides decided to play dumb until now.


    "We agree."


    Alanda then passed 50 Spirit Stones for each one of them.


    "I hope 50 Spirit Stones are enough. Also, you better be prepared to work extra hard to pay for all of them."


    Rean and Roan didn''t mind. They could simply keep taking first and second place for all those class activities later. Sooner or later, they would compensate for the amount.


    [Process: 71%...]


    [Process: 87%...]


    [Process: 100%...]


    [Soul Gem System Initialized.]


    [Beginning the Analysis of the hosts'' bodies... completed.]


    [All Meridians Currently Opened.]


    [Initiating Breakthrough.]


    Rean and Roan looked shocked at each other.


    "Are we going to enter the Energy Gathering Realm just like that?"


    But before they could react, the breakthrough started.


    [Yin and Yang Dantians Construction Initialized.]


    Alanda looked at Rean and Roan and saw a sight that he would never forget. The twins'' meridians started to shine, and he could see all of them in their bodies without the need for Spiritual Sense. Each canal was brightly lit.


    Rean''s ones shined with white color while Roan''s were black.


    Suddenly, at the place where the Dantian was located, one White and one Black Dantian began to form. Obviously, Rean had the White Dantian while Roan had the Black one. But the issue was that even Alanda could see it happening.


    As the Dantians were formed, the brightly lit meridians also started to move inside their bodies, connecting with the Dantians Perfectly. The only thing that didn''t move was the entrance of the meridians, which continued the same.


    That was a sight to behold!

 Chapter 34锛歍he Truth... Partially

    Usually, when a kid starts to cultivate, they would keep their Spirit Stones until they reach the peak of the Body Transformation Realm. Few of them would use Spirit Stones before that since you will need a lot of Spiritual Energy to create your first dantian. That is what is happening precisely with Rean and Roan at the moment.


    Of course, there is an enormous difference. Rean and Roan were almost at the peak of the Body Transformation Realm to start with. Because of that, they did not have enough time to accumulate the Spirit Stones. Thanks to that, they were forced into this situation. The worst part is that the Soul Gem System initiated the Breakthrough on its own!


    That''s correct, a breakthrough is usually initiated by the cultivator. Rean and Roan were planning to first pay the Spirit Stones and then get a few more before going ahead with the Dantian Construction. With no other choice, both of them had to concentrate on the Dantian Formation Process. After all, since the system only forced its initiation, it was up to Rean and Roan to build it.


    If not for the sight of the Dantians and Meridians appearing through Rean and Roan''s bodies, Alanda would definitely be fuming now. It was evident that the Twins didn''t have enough Spirit Stones for the Breakthrough, so they were basically forcing his hand into getting even more for them. Still, Alanda couldn''t confirm if it was on purpose or not, so he greeted his teeth once more and brought out another hundred!


    Rean and Roan noticed that and couldn''t help but feel thankful to Alanda. They are really helpless at the moment. Everything was going in a direction that they haven''t planned before.


    To say that the Soul Gem System wasn''t doing anything wouldn''t be entirely correct either. The system was responsible for the change in Rean and Roan''s Dantians.


    A normal Dantian would usually be pale golden. The further you went into the Energy Gathering Realm, the stronger the golden color becomes. Only when one advances to the Foundation Establishment realm will the lack of luster disappear and the Dantian become fully golden.


    Obviously, Rean and Roan''s Dantians are completely different. One was Pure White, while the other was Pure Black. Alanda had never heard anything about different Dantians Colors. Of course, he had never heard anything about Black and White Aptitudes, nor a 104th meridian. The twins were simply a mystery!


    [Yin and Yang Dantians Process: 35%, 53%, 74%, 91%, 100%]


    [Dantians Formed Successfully.]


    Finally, Rean and Roan let out a sigh of relief. But just as they were about to get up and thank Alanda, the system called them out again.


    [Energy Gathering Realm Achieved.]


    [Updating Reward List...]


    [Update Completed.]


    [Soul Gem Dimension is Now Open For The Hosts.]


    Suddenly, Rean and Roan felt like some information was poured into their minds.


    "Soul Gem Dimension? Is there such a thing?"


    The Twins looked at each other and were shocked. Everything that happened so far went against all they knew. Still, Alanda was right in front of them, so they would need to care about it later.


    "Tribe Vice Leader, thank you."


    Alanda finally came back to himself.


    "Alright, you two will come with me to the Tribe Leader''s House."


    Rean and Roan grimaced and then followed Alanda. Before getting there, Alanda didn''t ask any questions. Finally, they arrived at Juri''s living room. Not long after, Juri appeared on the other side and called them over.


    "Come with me, this is not the place for us to talk."


    After passing a few doors, they arrived at a room that looked like made of entirely of stone. The twins followed Juri and Alanda inside before the door closing behind them.


    "Alright. Alanda, tell me what happened. For you to ask to bring them into my cultivation room, it must be something really important."


    Alanda nodded.


    "It goes like this..."


    As Alanda explained what happened, the more surprised Juri''s face became. In the end, Juri''s surprised expression changed into one of shook! He looked at Rean and Roan as if they were some kind of monsters.


    "Just what are the two of you? And don''t come up with an excuse. I know very well that you are anything but Kids."


    Rean and Roan pondered how they should explain this. It would be hard to believe that they came from another Universe. First of all, do Alanda and Juri even know what the Universe is? They had no idea!


    "I guess I have no choice other than explaining from the start."


    Rean then explained that they were indeed not Kids. Of course, Alanda and Juri already suspected it since a long time ago. It''s just that they had never touched this topic.


    Rean then said that they reincarnated without losing their memories, which greatly affect Alanda and Juri.


    "I know about Reincarnation. There are legends saying that when a cultivator achieves a high enough realm, they will be able to brand their souls to prevent the loss of memories. Of course, I have never seen or heard about anyone who did it. Does it mean that the two of you were strong cultivators before?"


    Rean and Roan immediately shook their heads.


    "I don''t know about Roan, but I was nothing more than an ordinary human with no cultivation what so ever."


    Roan pondered a bit and added.


    "My story is a lot more complicated than Rean, but I was no cultivator either. First of all, in our previous life, this thing that you call Spiritual Energy didn''t even exist."


    If the fact that Rean and Roan are reincarnations was shocking enough, hearing that their previous world didn''t even have Spiritual Energy left Alanda and Juri dumbfounded!


    Rean then continued.


    "Anyway, we went through the Reincarnation Path without losing our memories. We reached this place by mere coincidence too. We didn''t choose it. To be honest, I would prefer to go back to my own world straight away, and so would Roan. Unfortunately, we have no idea how to do so."


    Rean and Roan left a lot of information out. They didn''t say that Roan was a Death Spirit, nor did they tell about the Yin Yang Soul Gem. It didn''t seem like they would know about the Universe, so they didn''t comment about it either.


    Juri sighed and then spoke.


    "Simply put, although you have your previous life memories, none of those memories would help you in the cultivation world."


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    "I wouldn''t say that they would be useless, but I really can''t find a good use for them at the moment."


    Roan nodded as well. His job was basically to guide the souls into the Reincarnation Path. His previous abilities were also related to this job. Because of that, his knowledge isn''t all that useful either.


    The twins then looked at the silent Juri and Alanda. Whatever they say will decide their future.

 Chapter 35锛歂ew Job

    Clap!


    With that, Juri got up and said.


    "Alright. Although I can''t confirm if you are telling the entire truth, I guess I can be satisfied with what I heard. Now I confirmed that you aren''t really kids. At least, not in your mind. Besides, you could have told some other lie, like you came from a powerful Sect or something like that. But you didn''t, you made it clear that you at least trust our Tribe that much. That is already good enough in my eyes."


    Juri''s expression then got severe.


    "I only ask you one thing, do not betray the Tribe. We have done a lot for you, so I expect you to reciprocate."


    Rean sighed in relief.


    "That is, of course, not a problem. After all, this is our new home too. Mother and Father also live here, and they like this place. Compared to the majority of the other Tribes outside, our own is a paradise already. At least for ordinary people."


    Roan agreed with it too.


    "I can''t say that I have a lot of affection for this place as Rean, but I know how to pay favors. So you can count on me as well. Just be aware that there will come a day when I will leave this place."


    Juri nodded. He already knew that Rean and Roan wouldn''t stay here forever. Not to mention that he already has a plan for both of them.


    "Great. Now, let''s talk about how you are going to pay for all the Spirit Stones you used."


    Rean and Roan already had a plan to deal with it too.


    "It is okay. As long as we keep taking first and second places in the classes, we will eventually compensate for what we used today."


    Alanda and Juri''s mouth twitched.


    "Do you even know what the word shame means? Do you really expect me to keep you two competing against a bunch of Kids at the start of their cultivation path? You are two adults, not to mention that you are in the Energy Gathering Realm. No way in hell I will keep you together with them!"


    Rean and Roan looked away as if it had nothing to do with them.


    Juri, on the other hand, had a better idea.


    "No, we should definitely keep them together."


    Alanda was taken aback!


    "Isn''t it way too unfair to do such a thing with the other Kids?"


    Juri nodded.


    "Of course it is, but if we take them out of the classes and start giving other tasks, everyone will find it too suspicious. Don''t forget that they already caught a lot of attention with the Elemental Affinity Test. I don''t want to increase the number of eyes on them. That being said..."


    Juri looked at Rean and Roan with an evil smile.


    Seeing that, they felt a chill on their backs.


    The next day morning, Alanda went on the stage in front of the class and brought Rean and Roan together.


    "Let me introduce your two new teachers. Rean and Roan."


    The Larks Twins looked at all the kids in front of them with a gloomy expression. It turned out that since they are still in their kid''s body, Juri thought that it would be a lot better if they were to help Alanda to teach the children. Kids often pay a lot more attention to their peers than adults. Juri felt that it was the perfect opportunity to bring the most of this situation. Having a whole model would help others improve a lot faster.


    The kids, obviously, got surprised by that.


    Seeing that their attention was caught, Alanda smiled and continued.


    "Rean and Roan will be responsible for teaching you how to write and read. Also, they will help you during the fight lessons, correcting the mistakes you do. You can also go to them when you have other questions when we are not in class."


    Without any other choice, Rean and Roan started to help Alanda with this batch of kids. It turned out that it was harder than they thought, though. Sure, the kids would pay more attention to them, but they also didn''t take Rean and Roan seriously and would often run away. Because of that, the twins had a hard time keeping the kids in check.


    Alanda, of course, was enjoying their suffering.


    "Hahaha! Aren''t you smart? How come you can''t even teach a bunch of kids? I tell you this in advance. If they make no progress until the end of the month... your debts will not reduce."


    Roan couldn''t help but sigh.


    "Well, at least it is not like we are losing Spirit Stones either. Let''s take it slowly. Sooner or later, they will understand that it is important."


    Rean nodded.


    "It''s not like we gonna die because they can''t learn anyway."


    However, Alanda already expected that they would be thinking like that.


    Alanda had been keeping an eye on the twins ever since the assassination event 5 years ago. So he could be said to be one of those that know them the most after their parents and the two protectors.


    "Also... I will tell your mother that all Desserts shall be suspended until you have shown results. I''m sure she will agree with the words of the Tribe Vice Leader... me!"


    After hearing that, a dark and white aura started to spread from Rean and Roan.


    "No... dessert?"


    Boom!


    Two tables in front of Rean and Roan were smashed by their hands. As Energy Gathering Realm cultivators, a simple wooden table was way too weak to resist their fists. Obviously, all the kids immediately looked at them with fear in their eyes.


    Rean and Roan looked at the kids and pointed to the Field.


    "The fighting class is starting earlier today. Everyone will come with us, and those who delay..."


    They took a piece of the broken table each and smashed it with their hands.


    "Will become just like those tables."


    All the Kids had terrified expressions on their faces. In the next second, they all rushed into the Field.


    Rean and Roan then started to give their lessons with a lot of ''passion.'' While they were at it, they were especially harsh with the kids that were messing the most during the writing and reading class. Whether it was a girl or boy, it didn''t matter. They showed no mercy!


    What followed was several cries from several kids who couldn''t take it. However, Aland did not intervene. It is not like he is against spartan teaching methods to start with. Besides, the ones who were doing it were another two ''kids,'' so it should be fine.


    By the end of the class, all the kids looked at Rean and Roan as if they were demons. Several of them had red eyes from crying too much, but the demon twins didn''t care at all, so they had to swallow their tears in the end.


    Rean and Roan then prepared a writing and reading homework for the class.


    After distributing the paper, they looked at the other kids with a cold aura and said.


    "Those who don''t finish this homework by tomorrow will have their fighting lesson extended by two times."


    Yes, they heard it right. The fighting classes would continue. None of them would be able to escape. But those two didn''t finish their homework, would have it twice as hard!


    Once they heard that, fear appeared on their faces. Not a single one delayed, and they all rushed back to their homes. This class was bound to become the most diligent one that the Varen Tribe has ever seen!

 Chapter 36锛歍wo Halves

    That night, Rean and Roan finally got some time to take a look at the Soul Gem System. Or to be more exact, into the Soul Gem Dimension. Previously, the Soul Gem System sent them some information on how to enter it. They just had to focus on the Soul Gem and wish to enter at the same time. Yes, it couldn''t be helped, they had to do it together as well.


    Finally, the Soul Gem activated, and Rean and Roan disappeared from their room. The only thing left behind were their clothes. Sure enough, other than Rean and Roan, nothing else could come with them.


    It only took a second for them to appear in the Soul Gem dimension. Obviously, they noticed the other side naked body but ignored it completely. After being forced to bath together thousands of times by their mother, they simply couldn''t feel care anymore. Instead, they started to look around.


    The dimension turned out to be very small, no more than a few meters from one side to another. It was also almost empty except for the ground and a Black and White Orb at the very center. Rean and Roan nodded at each other and moved closer.


    But as soon as they gave the first step, the system voice appeared in their minds again.


    [Hosts detected.]


    [Hosts Authority Level: 01]


    [Awaiting Orders.]


    Rean couldn''t help but comment.


    "It looks like some sci-fi movie, don''t you think?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Still, it doesn''t look like a machine at all."


    Rean then touched the orb, but nothing happened. He pondered a bit and then sent some Spiritual Energy inside. This time, the orb answered.


    [One Host Detected.]


    [Awating Next Host.]


    Roan understood and touched the orb before sending his Spiritual Energy inside too.


    [System activated.]


    [Please Select An Option.]


    [1- Reward List]


    [2- Information]


    [3- Weaponry]


    [4- Missions]


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and immediately selected Information.


    [Please State Your Question.]


    Rean took a deep breath and asked.


    "What are you?"


    [This is the Soul Gem System. This System is responsible for helping and guiding the hosts during their cultivation path.]


    "What is your objective?"


    [Connect the two halves of the Universe.]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback.


    "What do you mean with two halves?"


    [Hosts Previous Universe is only half of its whole. The Universe that hosts are present at the moment is the other half.]


    It would be one thing if Rean didn''t know about it. But even Roan (Death) had never heard about it before. One must remember that Roan had lived for countless years in the previous Universe and enjoyed a high status. Still, even he didn''t know that his former Universe was only half of a whole.


    "Well, that is considering that what this thing is telling is the truth."


    Roan then looked at the orb and asked.


    "How did the Universe get split in two?"


    [Users'' authority level is too low, access denied.]


    Rean and Roan finally understood why there was an authority level.


    Rean then asked something he had been curious about all this time.


    "How come you appeared inside my Soul?"


    [Host was selected at random. There were no requisites for the selection.]


    ''That was quite plain...''


    "Was it you the one responsible for my lack of emotions during my previous life?"


    [Host is correct. In order to keep the Soul Gem as clean as possible before reincarnating, the Host could not be allowed to have emotions.]


    Rean''s eyes narrowed.


    "Why?"


    [Emotions would affect the Soul Gem, which could severely impact its ability to save memories.]


    "Then why didn''t you activate before? Do we really need to come here to do that?"


    [The process was necessary. The previous Universe has lost its capability of generating Spiritual Energy, which is essential for the Soul Gem System to work.]


    Roan, on the other hand, was more preoccupied with the Universe Unification thing.


    "What will happen if we don''t Unify the two halves?"


    [The two halves are approaching the breaking point. Once the threshold is surpassed, both Universe''s halves will be sucked into a singularity. Everything will be compressed into this point, a new Universe shall be born from scratch. All actual existent life will cease to exist.]


    Rean and Roan were shocked to hear that.


    "Doesn''t that look like the Big Bang Theory of your Earth?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Still, is such a thing possible?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "I don''t know, I haven''t been there at the start. But I can''t say that it is all a lie from everything we have seen so far."


    Rean then thought about something else.


    "Wait. If that is the case, why did you bring us here? Wouldn''t it have been better to simply select someone in this half of the Universe?"


    [Authority Level is too low, access denied.]


    "It seems like there is a big secret behind this choice as well."


    Roan then asked another question.


    "What is the level of authority necessary to unlock those answers?"


    [Authority Level is too low, access denied.]


    Roan''s mouth twitched.


    "I can''t even know how much I need? Fuck you!"


    Rean pondered a bit and then suggested.


    "What if we deliver this orb to some strong cultivators'' Sect? They should be able to do a lot more than the two of us can. Truth be told, I don''t want to get involved in this mess."


    Roan couldn''t help but nod as well.


    [Warning! Soul Gem Removal will provoke the Hosts'' deaths.]


    [Warning! Soul Gem System detected that Hosts are not willing to help.]


    [Soul Gem Detachment Started, Initiating search of new Hosts.]


    Roan and Rean felt a chill on their backs.


    "Cough, cough. I''ve always thought that I wanted to save the Universe. Now look at that, my chance is finally here!"


    Roan nodded vigorously.


    "I''ve always wanted to be a hero. Which hero hasn''t saved one or two Universes before? You can count on me, yes, definitely!"


    [Search of new Hosts canceled. Detachment Process Stopped.]


    If one looked closely, they would be able to see drops of sweat falling from Rean and Roan''s faces.


    "Errr... so... What should we do then?"


    [Hosts'' power is too low. Hosts must increase their cultivation level first.]


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    "What level of cultivation do we need?"


    [Analysing...]


    [Lack of Information. The System can''t determine the cultivation realm necessary.]


    The twins sighed and then made a few more questions. In the end, some could be answered, others needed a higher level of authority.


    "Anyway, let''s take a look into the reward list."


    [Acess Denied, Authority Level is too low.]


    They finally started to get annoyed.


    "What level is necessary to open the reward list?"


    [Authority Level 2 is necessary to open the first rewards.]


    Rean and Roan''s eyes brightened. At least they know the level to open the list this time.


    "Do we need to complete a mission to increase the Authority Level?"


    [Correct.]


    Rean and Roan then select the Mission Option. But surprisingly, there was only a single mission available. It would be okay if it was only that, but...


    [Mission 01 - Increase of Brotherly Affection]


    Immediately, Rean and Roan''s expressions went dark.

 Chapter 37锛歋ister Orb

    "Is this really a mission?"


    [Correct.]


    "Brotherly... affection?"


    [Correct.]


    "Me and him?"


    [Correct.]


    "Now?"


    [Correct.]


    "For example?"


    [A hug.]


    Suddenly...


    Boom! Pow! Bam...!


    Rean and Roan started to kick the Soul Gem Orb without mercy!


    "Brotherly affection, my ass!"


    "Who the hell will hug that guy? I''m in this situation because of him to start with!"


    [Action is Necessary.]


    Boom! Pow! Bam...!


    [Hosts must understand that onl-]


    Boom! Pow! Bam! Crash!


    [Hosts...]


    Boom! Pow! Bam! Crash! Poing!


    [Fuck you! You wanna fight? Then we will fight!]


    Out of nowhere, the Orb took flight and began to crash against Rean and Roan! But above all, it now had a woman''s voice!


    "It can fly?"


    Too late, though. Rean and Roan didn''t have time to think about anything else.


    Boom! Pow! Bam! Crash! Poing!


    It didn''t take long before the twins were full of round purple marks. If the Soul Gem Orb hadn''t held itself back, they definitely would have a few bones broken. Even their Initial Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm was not enough to contend against it.


    [Is that all? Come on! Weren''t you the braves ones just a moment ago? What happened to your guts?]


    [Ah!]


    [Cough, cough. Hosts incapability of movement detected, standing by.]


    Rean and Roan felt like crying already!


    Sister! Who do you think you are trying to fool here?


    While feeling pain all over their body, the twins got up once more.


    Rean then looked at the Orb with some fear, but he gritted his teeth and said.


    "Errr... Sister Orb. Can''t you change the mission?"


    [Request Denied.]


    "Come on, Sister Orb. You are so magnanimous, sure you can choose something else."


    Roan understood what Rean was trying to do and immediately joined him.


    "Right, right! Sister Orb is so smooth, shiny, and elegant. Changing the mission to something more acceptable is definitely an easy task for someone as amazing as you."


    [Request De... Analyzing Request.]


    Rean and Roan''s eyes instantly lit up.


    "As expected of Sister Orb, such an open mind. No wonder Sister Orb is beautiful as a swan."


    "How can you say that of Sister Orb? I swan can''t possibly compare with Sister Orb''s demeanor."


    "Right, right! How could I say such a thing? System Orb is the most beautiful and noble Orb in the entire Universe."


    [Mission Change Request Accepted.]


    [New Mission: Kill 10 Stage One Demon Beasts.]


    Rean and Roan let out a sigh of relief. Anything but a hug! They would rather die!


    "Let''s leave before she changes her mind."


    But it was then that they remembered.


    "How do we leave this place?"


    [Leaving Request Denied.]


    [Database is empty and needs more information.]


    [Hosts most provide more information from the outside world before leaving requests can be processed.]


    Roan looked bewildered at the White and Black Soul Gem Orb.


    "Well, if it is just giving more information about what we saw so far, then it shouldn''t be a problem."


    Although Roan thought like that, Rean had an entirely different idea.


    "Sister Orb... Could it be that you are feeling lonely and want someone to talk with?"


    As soon as Rean asked that, the Orb trembled a little. But it soon returned to its unmovable state.


    "Seems like I hit the bullseyes."


    Roan couldn''t help but ask through their Soul connection.


    "How did you know?"


    Rean only shrugged his shoulder, though.


    "Quite simple. Sister Orb had been inside my soul during my entire previous life, but she had never appeared. Also, I doubt that she can''t see the outside world, so what does she need to hear that she hasn''t seen yet? So I thought that perhaps she was feeling lonely."


    Roan understood what he meant and then started to help. They simply talked about ordinary things that happened every day. Now and then, ''Sister Orb'' would make a few questions using that pretense of a machine language. Of course, Rean and Roan know that, but didn''t point it out. First, they need to get on her good sides. Anything else can wait.


    Finally, after an entire hour of talking, Sister Orb decided to let them go.


    Rean and Roan then magically appeared in their room as if not had happened. Well, nothing as long as no one pays attention to the purple round marks that Sister Orb left on their bodies earlier.


    They quickly put their clothes and went to sleep. Tomorrow was their second day as teachers, after all.


    ---


    The next day morning, Rean and Roan were already back in class. However, the signs that they got a beating was still present on their bodies. When Alanda saw that, he couldn''t help but laugh.


    "To think that you still get beaten by your mother. Hahaha!"


    The twins felt gloomy hearing that, but they couldn''t simply say that a magical sentient orb, which only they can see, was responsible for it. Let alone tell that the Orb seems like to be a female... or so they think.


    ''Well, she didn''t reject when we called her Sister Orb, so I guess it is right to assume that she is a female.''


    As the kids arrived in the class, they soon noticed the awful look on Rean and Roan''s faces. Immediately, they recalled the previous day''s events and felt fearful. Rean and Roan are small, just like them, but they are too strong!


    A few minutes later, all the kids were present. Rean and Roan then started to go kid by kid, checking their homework. Although there were loads of mistakes, there wasn''t a single kid who didn''t at least finish it.


    "Very well, it seems like no one will receive the double beati- cough, cough, fighting lessons today."


    All the kids noticed, though.


    ''He was definitely going to say beating!''


    "Still! Except for Inna Malaka, all of you committed several mistakes, so your fighting lessons will be extended a little more to compensate for that."


    Alanda could help but laugh when he saw the kids'' bodies trembling after hearing that.


    ''Seems like Juri was right, those two can be excellent teachers.''

 Chapter 38锛歊oans Experience

    It has been over one month since Rean and Roan became teachers instead of students. Under their spartan methods, the kids teaching speed increased several times. Especially since Rean still remembered how the teaching methods were back on earth. Obviously, they were much better than the ones in such a sub developed world. Alanda even made sure to record it down so that they could use it with other classes in the future.


    But the impressive one indeed was Inna Malaka. She already knew how to write and read by the end of the first month. Still, there were several errors here and there. But after this month with Rean and Roan, all those problems almost disappeared. Unlike the Twins with adult minds, Inna was really a genius, both in cultivation and mind.


    Not only that, in just two months, she also reached the Bones Enhancement Stage of the Body Transformation Realm. Rivio, the Green Aptitude Color boy, was still halfway there. It was thanks to that that Alanda and Juri noticed the difference. If you say that blue color is 100%, a green one is 50 while yellow is 30 with brown coming at 20. The jump in cultivation speed between Green and Blue was just terrifying.


    Today, Alanda gathered all the kids again. They were going into the surrounding forests with the warriors to hunt Demon Beasts. Of course, they would basically observe while the warriors did the job. They would then help the warriors to separate the meat, remove the hide, and things like that.


    But Rean and Roan had other plans. They wanted to open the Rewards List in the Soul Gem Dimension, so they had to kill 10 Stage One Demon Beasts. One must remember that when they were still in the Spirit Vision Stage of the Body Transformation Realm, they were already able to defeat them. Unfortunately, the kill was another story. Those beasts would usually flee when they noticed that they weren''t a match.


    To prevent any mishaps, Rean and Roan decided to work together. They might not like each other, but they aren''t dumb enough to let personal emotions get in front of real benefits. Besides, after so many challenges against each other, they knew the other side as the back of their hands.


    There was just one problem, they had to convince Alanda first.


    "What, you want to go in a different direction of the group? Are you looking to die?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "We could already fight them before, now that we had our breakthrough, we are pretty sure we can kill a few on our own. Besides, it is not like you are really leaving kids to go out on their own."


    Alanda immediately shook his head.


    "No can do. As much as you are adults, the fact is that your bodies are at the kids'' size. First of all, do you have any weapon that you can use to give a fatal blow? Without one, I can''t picture the two of you being able to do that."


    Roan pondered a bit and said.


    "A Sword will do. I''m proficient with any kind of weapon you can imagine."


    When Roan was Death, his appearance changed according to the beliefs of the natives around. Not only that, but his weapon was the same. Considering that he guided Souls in an entire universe, there were basically no weapons he had never tried before.


    ''Hahaha. Just how many weird and bizarre forms did I transform into in the past? Even my weapon was no exception. Finally, this grandfather''s suffering will pay off!''


    Alanda looked at Rean with doubt in his eyes.


    "What about Rean?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "I''m different from him, I didn''t practice with any weapon in my past life. However, we just need one of us to do the fatal blow. If it a fight with fists, then I''m no inferior to him. Our teamwork is definitely much better than ordinary warriors as well since I know him better than anyone."


    Alanda pondered a bit. He still remembers the last time they left to hunt, and the twins really defeated a few demon beasts with only fists.


    ''Fighting experience is necessary, and considering the level of demon beasts here, they should not be in danger.''


    He looked at those two and then said.


    "Very well. But Roan has to teach Rean how to use a sword. There will be a limit to what one can do with just their fists, after all. Also, you two must not go more than 5km away. Just walk with the group on the sides."


    Alanda then passed the two a red bead.


    "If you end in a dangerous situation, just crush this bead. As long as you do that, I will know where you are and that you need help. Also, bring Opril and Diakar with you to be safe. They know about your real power, so it won''t be a problem if they follow you."


    Roan nodded. He already intended to help Rean to learn how to use some weapon. Obviously, he doesn''t care much about Rean. But they are connected to each other through the Soul Gem Orb, and Sister Orb made it clear that the Orb needs both of them to work. Chances are that if Rean dies, he might die too.


    Rean also understood this issue, so he didn''t refuse Alanda''s words. It''s just that he didn''t want to ask it himself.


    Alanda then warned the two.


    "I won''t be able to check on you since I need to keep an eye on the real kids. There is also the chance that some of the nearby Tribes will attack us. But this is also the reason that you should be fine. After all, they would come for the biggest group than a few stray gods. They would never consider the possibility of geniuses leaving the protection of the warriors."


    Rean and Roan kept nodding at everything Alanda said.


    After that, he passed the two one Sword each. It was quite a weird sight since the Sword was almost as tall as them. However, as soon as Roan took it and began to handle the Sword, it looked like the Sword came to life. Even Alanda had to admit that his swordplay is not at the same level as Roan''s. The only difference is that there were no Spiritual Energy or Elemental Control involved.


    Of course, there was no Spiritual Energy back in the other half of the Universe, so Roan couldn''t use it to start with.


    "Good. I can try it with Spiritual Energy and Darkness Element later."


    Alanda got a lot more assured after seeing that.


    "Alright! All the kids should have arrived at the gate already, so let''s go."

 Chapter 39锛歍he Twins Teamwork

    The group left the gate and made their way yo the closest forest. Not too long after arriving in there, Rean and Roan sneaked out of the group and took a few kilometers of distance. Opril and Diakar were already there waiting for them as well.


    "Hey Rean, Roan, are you two really going to fight alone?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Yes. Oh, right. I''ll be teaching this idiot over there how to use a sword. If you want, you can do that as well. I''m pretty sure it will be of great help to you two in the future."


    Opril and Diakar were taken aback. They had never seen Roan holding a Sword before, so how could he know how to use one? Sure enough, they laughed after that.


    "Hahaha. Sure, we will take a good look."


    Not too surprisingly, they didn''t believe Roan. They can''t be blamed, though. After all, they still don''t know that Rean and Roan aren''t really kids. In their eyes, the twins are just a lot smarter than the others at the same age.


    Roan didn''t mind their distrust. They would be able to see it by themselves later anyway.


    Alanda had given Rean and Roan a copy of the map of the surroundings. Inside, he marked what route the bigger group would be using. Rean and Roan just had to follow them on the sides.


    On their way, Rean would do the exercises with the Sword that Roan demanded. Although they can share new knowledge, old ones are different. It has to be taught. Of course, even new ones would take time to learn as well. One thing is to know how to do it; other is to apply it yourself.


    Fortunately, Roan just needed a single thought to convey everything he wanted to pass to Rean up to the smallest details. Around one hour later, Rean already could perform a few movements, although they looked quite clumsy.


    "Rean, Roan, there is a demon beast ahead."


    Opril and Diakar had been paying attention to the surroundings while Roan taught Rean. Their duty is to protect them both, after all.


    Roan stopped Rean and then said.


    "Alright, leave your Sword with Opril and Diakar for the moment. At your level, it will hinder you more than help. You will be responsible for holding the beast down and distract it while I''ll do the final blow."


    Rean nodded, and they immediately moved out. Opril and Diakar also were there but kept some distance away to not scare the beast. They knew that Rean and Roan''s objective was to kill the beasts themselves. Not to mention that Alanda already told them to only intervene if things get dangerous.


    "It''s a two-tailed demonic ape. This demon beast is a little stronger than what I thought we would find. Still, it shouldn''t be a problem now that we are in the Energy Gathering Realm."


    The demonic Ape noticed Rean and Roan entering its territory and immediately attack as well. Stage One demonic beasts don''t have sentience, so they only move on instinct. Seeing how small the two kids were, it didn''t feel any fear.


    The twins then separated and attacked the beast from two sides. Rean went ahead first and accumulated Spiritual Energym on his first. The demonic Ape also answered with a fist of its own. It is a lot bigger than Rean, so it completely ignored Rean''s punch.


    Seeing that, Rean smiled. Suddenly, the Spiritual Energy accumulated on his hand started to shine. When both fists met each other, an explosion of light happened. The Ape''s eyes immediately got affected, and it began to punch around recklessly. Now that Rean is in the Energy Gathering Realm, he can manipulate a little of the Light Element. Of course, it wasn''t anything that impressive. At the moment, he could only play this kind of tricks and couldn''t make the Light Element really hurt someone alone.


    Roan eye''s lit up, and Spiritual Energy also accumulated on his Sword. The moment that the light burst out, he was already in the right position to attack. With his soul connection with Rean, no one could find a better timing than themselves. In a flash, a Sword embued in a Dark Colored Spiritual Energy pierced the Ape''s neck.


    Unfortunately, the beast''s hide and muscles were really tough. It went just a few centimeters before stopping completely. Roan was already expecting it, so he stepped on the Ape''s back and used it as a foothold to jump away.


    However, the Darkness Element started to erode the place where the Sword hit. That was one of its traits, the capability of destroying life force. Unfortunately, Roan''s control over the Darkness Element wasn''t any better than Rean''s Light one. So the corrosion only lasted for a second or two.


    The Ape quickly turned back, its eyes finally could see again. It didn''t waste time and went straight at Roan, unleashing a storm of punches. Yet, Roan was able to easily parry and block every single one of them with his Sword.


    ''As I thought. Using Spiritual Energy with a piece of equipment is a lot harder. I couldn''t bring out even 30% of my power compared to when I only use punches and kicks. Still, the next attack should go much better than the previous one now that I know where some of the issues are located.''


    Opril and Diakar couldn''t help but feel impressed with Roan. His ability with the Sword obviously far surpassed their own.


    Rean also didn''t waste time. Since the Ape turned his attention to Roan, he used this chance to attack the beast''s knee joint. This time, he accumulated a lot more Spiritual Energy on his foot before attacking.


    The Ape''s hide and muscles might be hard, but that kick immediately made it lose its balance and kneel down in Roan''s front for a second. Roan, obviously, already knew that it was coming. So by the time the Ape kneeled on the ground, a Sword was already flashing at its throat with Darkened Spiritual Energy. This time, the power of this attack definitely surpassed 50% of what it could really become.


    Roan didn''t try to cut the Ape''s head off like the last time. He focused on the throat instead. Blood spurted out at the same time that the Darkness Element destroyed the life force inside. The Ape immediately grasped its wound, but the cut was too deep. It was definitely going to die in a few moments. It tried to flee, but Rean was ready to block its path. After struggling a little, it finally lost its consciousness and fell on the ground. It was dead.


    [Stage One Demon Beasts Killed: 01]

 Chapter 40锛欴emon Core

    Hearing Sister Orb''s voice, Rean and Roan smiled. Sure enough, she was really seeing everything that happened outside.


    Opril and Diakar quickly came out and looked at the dead demonic Ape''s body. They still could remember how beautiful Roan''s sword skills were. Not only that, but Rean and Roan could already use a little of Elemental Power, something that the two of them couldn''t yet.


    Diakar scratched the back of his head and then asked.


    "Roan, where did you learn how to use the sword?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders, though.


    "It was thanks to Tribe Vice Leader Alanda. He said that I had a lot of talent for it, so he passed me those skills."


    Of course, this was a blatant lie. But it was not like Roan could go out there telling everyone he sees that he learned it in his previous life.


    Opril''s eyes shined.


    "Would you mind teaching me as well?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Sure, I''m already teaching Rean anyway, so one or two more will make no difference since the exercises are the same."


    Roan then looked at the Demonic Ape''s corpse and said.


    "But first, we need to bring it back to the main group to have the other kids and warriors take care of the meat."


    Suddenly, Rean felt something weird coming from that Demon Beast''s corpse.


    "Roan, can you feel it?"


    Roan looked at Rean, puzzled.


    "Feel what?"


    Rean was surprised that Roan couldn''t feel the same thing as him.


    "In his head, there is something inside."


    Hearing that, Opril and Diakar''s eyes shined.


    "Are you sure? Let''s open it straight away then! It is probably a demon core."


    Rean and Roan looked at the two, obviously not knowing what they were talking about.


    "Let''s open it first, and then you will see."


    Rean and Roan nodded and immediately started to open the head. Now that the Ape was dead, it couldn''t use its Spiritual Energy to harden its body, so it was a lot easier to cut through than when they were battling.


    Sure enough, they found a small bead inside. When Roan touched it, he finally felt the presence of that energy that Rean talked about. As for Rean, he also understood why only he could sense it before.


    "Life Energy. It not only has Spiritual Energy inside, but there is a lot of Life Energy as well. I guess my Light Element affinity is very suitable for it, so I could feel the presence of the Life Energy in the Ape''s dead body."


    Roan nodded. That made a lot of sense and was very convenient as well.


    "Opril, Diakar, is this thing worth anything?"


    The protectors immediately nodded.


    "Definitely. You can sell it for at least 10 Spirit Stones. Once the merchants stop by the village, the Demon Cores that the warriors find during the hunt would usually be sold to them for this price. I heard that in the city there are some cultivators who are also alchemists. It seems like they have a lot of use for them."


    Rean couldn''t help but remember what he knew about alchemists in his previous life.


    "Is it the thing about transforming other metals into gold?"


    Roan couldn''t help but snort.


    "Why don''t you ask them if there is a philosopher''s stone as well? Who knows, you might even find a cultivator called Harry Potter."


    Rean ear''s got red. Sure enough, Roan saw straight through him.


    Opril and Diakar looked at Rean with a puzzled face, though.


    "Who is Harry Potter?"


    Rean immediately changed the topic.


    "Cough, cough. Forget about him, it''s no one important. By the way, tell me more about those alchemists."


    Opril and Diakar nodded.


    "Well, to answer your first question, why would an alchemist want to create gold? Although it is good for the ordinary people to use for transactions, it doesn''t have much of a value for cultivators. I don''t know if they can really transform other materials into gold. Still, I reckon that it would be a waste of spiritual energy. Instead, they create pills that have miraculous effects on cultivators."


    "Some pill can increase the rate that you can absorb Spiritual Energy, others can help with a Breakthrough. There are also pills that can bring one from the brink of death. Anyway, several types of pills can be used for many different things."


    "Well, I guess I don''t have to tell you that they are also not cheap. A simple Energy Gathering Pill would cost at least 100 Spirit Stones. So our Tribe never buys them. It is too expensive."


    Rean and Roan nodded. At the moment, they don''t need those pills, so they are glad to get an extra 10 Spirit Stones. But it was then that they heard from Diakar.


    "In fact, this demon core should be worth 20 Spirit Stones, but the Tribe gets half of them while the killer gets the other half."


    Rean and Roan''s mouth twitched.


    "Isn''t it robbery?!"


    Opril shook his head.


    "All the Spirit Stones that the Tribe gets is used for the Tribe. As you probably understand already, not all Demon Beasts have Demon Cores. Especially Stage Ones like this Two-Tailed Demonic Ape. The Tribe has to provide Spirit Stones for the warriors that stay in the Tribe and buy other things that we don''t produce ourselves. If anything, we are lacking a lot of Spirit Stones at the moment."


    The twins'' anger immediately deflated like a balloon. They had to admit that it made sense. Considering the life that the ordinary people have in their Tribe, there wasn''t much of a reason to complain.


    "Whatever, let''s bring this Demonic Ape back to the bigger group."


    Opril and Diakar nodded. With the four working together, it wasn''t a problem to carry the Ape''s body back.


    When the other warriors and the kids saw them approaching, they were taken aback. They had noticed the twins'' absence after some time, but Alanda told them that they were fine. Still, no one expected that they would come back with a Two-Tailed Demonic Ape''s body.


    Rean and Roan ignored their eyes and went straight to Alanda to pass over the Demon Core. They had no intention of hiding it to start with. The Tribe had helped them a lot, so they would definitely reciprocate. Not to mention that they still need to pay their debts.


    "Good. With this, the 10 spirit stones that I was going to charge for the Swords are paid. The other 10 spirit stones would be the Tribe''s share to start with, so it doesn''t count. Make sure to work hard to pay your debt."


    The twins'' mouth couldn''t help but twitch.


    "Stingy old man!"


    Alanda just smiled in response.


    "Thank you for the compliment."

 Chapter 41锛歀ife Force

    Rean''s team once more left the leading group. But because there were another two warriors with them, no one cared too much. The other warriors simply thought that it was Opril and Diakar who really killed the Ape. No one tried to explain, so it stayed like that. If there was something to pay attention to, it is the fact that Alanda is allowing those four to move separated from the group. But since it''s his orders, the warriors wouldn''t complain.


    Once again, Rean''s group opened a few kilometers of distance from the leading group. However, the Two-Tailed Demonic Ape was the strongest Demonic Beast they found so far. The next six ones couldn''t compare to it, so Rean and Roan quickly dispatched them.


    The hunt would take five days this time, and so far, three had already passed. Rean and Roan killed 7 beasts so far. Because the route their group was taking stayed only at the forest''s outskirts, there weren''t that many beasts. Of course, that was on purpose. With the number of kids this time around, Alanda would never lead the group deeper into the forest.


    Those three days made a big difference in Rean''s swordsmanship. With Roan being able to teach every detail through their thoughts, it would be a wonder if Rean''s progress was any slower. Opril and Diakar were also putting the effort. Still, Roan had to really explain everything with words and show with his own movement. Obviously, there is a big difference in that.


    Today, Roan finally decided to let Rean use a sword against the demon beasts, so they were looking for a new one.


    "Your Light Element, have you tried to use it in your own body?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "I just now got the control over it, so I only used the Light Element together with the Spiritual Energy to create those light tricks. I was intending to use it in my sword as you do with yours."


    Roan shook his head.


    "If my darkness element can erode and destroy life force, your light element is probably the opposite. If you add it to your weapon, it might be worse than not using it. Make a test for me, put your light element on the sword, and give yourself a small cut. Just something minor is enough."


    Rean understood where Roan was coming from and immediately tried that. Sure enough, after cutting himself with the sword embued in Spiritual Energy and Light Element, the life force around the cut was greatly stimulated. The cut quickly started to heal. Of course, Rean''s Light Element Control is just in a primary state, so the effect soon disappeared. Just 20% or so of the small cut healed.


    "Indeed. My light element is directly connected to the life force. Using it with my sword will only help the demon beasts."


    Roan nodded.


    "As I thought. So when you attack this time, don''t use Light Element on your sword, but in your body instead. Of course, just like me, your control over the Light Element isn''t anything that useful. So you probably won''t be able to sustain this effect for long. Instead, do it like me. I only use my darkness element in the last second of my attack. So do the same thing with your light element."


    Rean nodded and tried to use the Light Element to stimulate his body. Sure enough, he felt himself becoming a lot stronger and faster for a split of a second. However, the effect disappeared right after. Not only that, but he felt quite tired after it.


    "It seems like since I''m using it in my entire body, the time I can sustain it is even smaller than you with your Sword."


    Ron nodded.


    "Next time, try to use it in your arms only and see how long you can sustain it."


    Rean quickly made the test, and this time, he could sustain the Light Element over his arms for longer.


    "I see what you mean. Although my attacks won''t have an additional effect on the demon beasts, they will still be more potent than usual since my own strength improved."


    Rean then went beside a tree and slashed it. With his actual power, he was able to leave behind a 15 or so centimeter long cut. But when he did that again by adding Light Element in his arm, the attack was faster and stronger, leaving an over 20 centimeters deep cut this time.


    Roan nodded, satisfied.


    "It can increase your combat power by around 30% for a second or two. That is an amazing difference that could turn the tables in a critical moment. Try to get better control over it as we look for the next target."


    Rean agreed with Roan, and their group kept moving.


    Around two hours later, they found a Horned Shadow Leopard. Once again, Rean and Roan went in two different directions and used a pincer attack. But the Leopard was fast and quickly escaped. It circled around and attacked Roan.


    Unfortunately for it, Roan was having it easy parrying and blocking the attacks. Rean came from the flank and slashed the sword down. Still, the Horned Shadow Leopard had already marked their presence, so when Rean and Roan attacked at the same time, it would retreat.


    "It''s quite an intelligent one."


    Rean nodded.


    "I will use my light element to blind it for a second. Use this chance to attack its legs."


    Roan agreed with Rean. His Light Trick was very convenient in situations like that.


    Rean went forward while Roan circled around. The Leopard took the time that Roan was still out of range and attacked Rean as well. Once again, seeing that Roan was getting close, it decided to retreat. But it was at this moment that the Light Element burst with light, blinding the Leopard.


    Without losing this chance, Rean and Roan slashed at its legs. However, just as they were about to hit, the Leopard jumped as high as it could. The strength of its four legs together made it soar! Rean and Roan''s attacked missed, and the Leopard landed 20 or so meters away. However, it was at this moment that Rean, Roan, Opril, and Diakar heard a scream!


    "Ahhh!"


    When they looked in that direction, they noticed that another kid was there as well. Not only that, but the Shadow Leopard had also landed right beside the kid. It turned out that the Kid was Inna Malaka, who sneaked out of the big group to follow them.


    "Fuck!"

 Chapter 42锛欻ealing

    The Leopard still hasn''t recovered its vision, so it could only hear the scream at his side.


    Inna Malaka might be a genius, but she is still a kid. Also, her cultivation is still far from being able to deal with that Horned Shadow Leopard.


    The Leopard turned to the direction of the scream and instinctively pounced at it. Inna Malaka froze in place, and her legs simply didn''t move at all. She wasn''t like Rean and Roan, who had adult minds. So Inna couldn''t deal with that situation and was scared out of her mind.


    Opril and Diakar rushed over, but they were even further behind.


    Roan tried to move as fast as he could, but speed wasn''t precisely his fort.


    Rean knew that he was the only one able to arrive there fast enough. But that would require him to overexert himself, forcefully keeping his Light Element over his legs for longer.


    "Fuck it!"


    Light Element instantly gathered on Rean''s two legs, and he burst forward. Just as the Leopard attack was about to hit Inna, Rean appeared in front of her and used his sword to deflect the attack. However, he did that in a wrong position, and his legs gave in right after. The Leopard next claws ended hitting, leaving behind a deep cut on his chest. The attack''s force threw Rean back, making him bump on Inna.


    The Leopard finally recovered his vision partially and saw those two on the ground. But as it was about to attack again, Roan swiftly arrived and slashed down. The Leopard was taken by surprise, and the sword cut one of his legs. Diakar had higher cultivation, so he was the second one to arrive.


    The Leopard tried to retaliate, but both Roan and Diakar were not weak. Once Opril arrived as well, its fate was sealed. With one leg missing, blood loss, and three cultivators attacking simultaneously, it didn''t take long for it to breathe its last.


    The three of them ignored the Leopard''s corpse and immediately rushed to Rean''s side. Inna had only a few bruises on her body while she held Rean.


    Roan looked at the cut on Rean''s chest and narrowed his eyes. Roan is Death, he had seen way too many people dying. Because of that, he knew that Rean''s injury was far from good. Rean was almost losing his consciousness as well.


    But surprisingly, he snorted.


    "Hey, idiot. If you keep bleeding like this, you will die. Use your Light Element to heal your body. Well, if you don''t want to, that''s okay for me. It just means that all the desserts will be mine after you pass away."


    Rean''s expression immediately changed after hearing that.


    "Ke-keep... dreaming!"


    Light Element gathered around the injury of his chest, and it started to heal. Of course, Rean was far from being able to completely heal a wound like that, so the effect quickly disappeared.


    "Again! Keep using it. If you lose control over the Light Element, just try again and keep healing the wound little by little. Make sure to focus deep inside and ignore the outer cut."


    Rean gritted his teeth and did as Roan suggested.


    Sure enough, his wounds started to heal. Every time he lost control, he would take a deep breath and try another time. Rean kept doing it until he completely ran out of Spiritual Energy in his Dantian. After that, he finally lost consciousness.


    Roan looked at the cut on Rean''s chest and sighed in relief. Rean was at least able to avoid leaving behind a fatal injury. It was still bad, but with Diakar and Opril''s aid, they were able to stop the bleeding entirely as well.


    Not long after, Alanda appeared in the scene like a ghost. Roan had crushed the Red Bead that he gave them some time ago, but he was quite far and took this long to arrive. His group had noticed Inna Malaka''s disappearance, and he sent quite a few warriors to look around. But seeing the scene in front of him, he immediately understood what happened.


    Other warriors soon arrived at the scene as well. Alanda passed the crying Inna to them and used his Spiritual Energy to check Rean''s condition. But it was at this moment that he heard Roan.


    "Don''t worry, he will be fine. The way the injury is at the moment will not be enough to endanger his life. Once he recovers his consciousness, he will be able to use his Light Element to finish healing his chest."


    Alanda was surprised to hear that.


    "He can heal himself?"


    Roan nodded.


    "His Light Element stimulates life force, which greatly improves the body''s healing ability."


    Roan then explained everything that happened. And Alanda was obviously amazed to know that Light Element had this ability.


    "By the way, how did Inna Malaka appear here?"


    Alanda shook his head.


    "She snaked out when all the kids were cleaning the demon beasts bodies. Because they were all concentrated around the corpses, the other warriors didn''t notice that she wasn''t present until a long time later. As for me, I was far ahead of the group, taking a look at the surroundings to see if any mob wouldn''t be attracted by the smell of blood."


    Roan and Alanda then glanced at crying Inna, who was being dragged back to the leading group.


    "For her to be able to sneak out without any of the warriors noticing was quite impressive."


    Alanda nodded.


    "Her talents are not only in cultivation, after all. Still, she better be prepared for a very heavy punishment when we go back to the Tribe. When I found out that she had disappeared, my heart almost froze in place."


    After hearing those words, Roan couldn''t help but send a Spiritual Sense message to Alanda.


    "Is she really just a Green Aptitude Level kid? It doesn''t matter how I look at it; she is way above Rivio, who has the same aptitude."


    Alanda grimaced and sighed in the end. First, because he was impressed that Roan can already use Spiritual Sense messages, and second because he noticed Inna''s talent difference easily.


    "With your intelligence, it is not a surprise that you saw that. Make sure to not say spread this information. Inna is, in fact, a Blue Aptitude level kid, far above Rivio in talent. She only loses for you and Rean."


    Roan nodded and didn''t say anything else. He is aware of what could happen with the Tribe if this information is to go out.

 Chapter 43锛歄ut of Luck

    With Alanda''s help, it didn''t take long for Rean to regain his consciousness. That being said, he immediately started to use his Light Element to slowly heal the injury in his chest. It took him an entire day to finish it, though. When he was finally standing again, it was already the last day of the group hunt.


    Inna Malaka looked worried at Rean from a distance, which was quite funny.


    "Well, what were you thinking to appear in that place?"


    Inna looked down, ashamed, and murmured.


    "Vice Tribe Leader always let you two do whatever you want, but when it is me, he still refuses. I also lightened up 7 small affinity orbs and have the same green aptitude level, so why is it only the two of you? That is not fair."


    Rean looked at her and sighed. A kid is just a kid, after all. In the end, their reasons are always that simple.


    "You watched our battle before the Leopard attacked you, right?"


    Inna nodded while still looking at the ground.


    "Then you should have noticed that we are a lot stronger than you. We can even fight adult warriors. Can you do that?"


    Inna shook her head this time.


    "There you go. Vice Tribe Leader let us do that because we are strong. Only the strong can do things like that. You are still too weak and need to cultivate a lot to reach our level. When the time comes that you are in the Energy Gathering Realm, the Vice Tribe Leader will let you do the same. Understood?"


    Inna begrudgingly nodded.


    "I''m sorry."


    Rean laughed and then patted her head. He couldn''t force himself to be that harsh with Inna. After all, his mental age is already 36 years old. Being angry at this kid would bring him nothing in the end. Things like punishment would be applied by Alanda later.


    "It is good that you understand. Let''s do this way. Once you reach the Spiritual Vision of the Body Transformation Realm, I will let you follow us to fight a little. But you will need to put an extra effort into cultivation."


    Inna''s eyes immediately shined, and she showed a smile as bright as the sun.


    "You said it! You can''t go back on your promise."


    Rean laughed inwardly.


    "What are you happy about? You still have Tribe Vice Leader''s punishment awaiting you when we get back. Considering his harsh character, it definitely won''t be anything nice."


    Inna''s smiled disappeared as fast as it came. On her face, fear could be seen now. Still, that only made Rean laugh even more.


    Roan looked at him on the sides and saw that he was fine.


    "Stop bullying the kid, and Let''s go. We still have enough time to finish the last two Demon Beasts."


    Rean nodded, and they immediately departed with Opril and Diakar. Of course, they told Alanda that they would be leaving again. Alanda didn''t mind since he knows that the last event only happened due to Inna Malaka''s actions. Otherwise, those two wouldn''t have had any problem until the end.


    Alanda then looked at Inna and said with a severe face.


    "If you do that again, I will kill you myself."


    Poor Inna almost pissed her pants.


    Alanda then looked at the direction that Rean and Roan disappeared.


    ''What a frightening healing ability. Even the Alchemists in the City wouldn''t be able to concoct a pill that efficient. In just one day, a fatal injury completely disappeared. Not even a scar was left behind. As for Roan, his Darkness Element can destroy life force. It is as frightening as Rean''s Light Element. Juri is right, those two are fated to leave this remote place one day.''


    Alanda put his attention back into his group and shouted.


    "Let''s go, we still have one last day in the forest, so let''s make up for the wasted time. Also, Inna Malaka, you will have to clean one of the beasts'' bodies alone."


    Inna trembled and almost cried. But looking at Alanda''s face was more than enough for her to understand that she would have no other choice. Crying would be utterly meaningless in front of that old man.


    Their group quickly departed to continue their hunt.


    On Rean and Roan''s side, they had it quite relaxed. It didn''t take more than a few minutes for them to find another demon beast. With Rean and Roan''s teamwork, the battle was finished quickly.


    [Stage One Demon Beasts Killed: 09]


    "Phew... I guess I''m started to understand how to use the sword."


    Roan nodded.


    "You can thank this grandfather any time you want. If not for my teaching and the images that I''m sending to your mind, you wouldn''t be even 1/10 as good as you are at the moment."


    Rean nodded.


    "Sure, we will be back to the Tribe tomorrow. You can have my dessert during the meal at that time."


    Roan felt a chill on his back and immediately took several steps away.


    "Who are you? What did you do to Rean?"


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "Fuck you! I tried to thank you for once, and that is how you react?"


    Roan kept rubbing his arms while looking at Rean. It was as if he was seeing something disgusting.


    "Stay always from me, I don''t want to get infected... Though I will accept your dessert."


    Rean felt like crying but had no tears.


    "Hmph!"


    Diakar and Opril only shook their heads.


    "Those two are beyond any salvation, just ignore them and let''s bring this beast''s body back to the leading group."


    But it was at this moment that Rean felt a presence nearby. Or to be more specific, he felt life force! Not only that, but this life force was way bigger than any other Demon Beast that they killed so far.


    "Diakar, Opril, get away from the corpse, now!"


    The two guards didn''t understand the problem, but seeing how panicked Rean was, they didn''t dare to delay and jumped back as fast as possible. Suddenly...


    Boom!


    The ground caved under the Demon beast''s corpse, and an enormous mouth grabbed it. Seeing that scene made Diakar and Opril''s face go pale. If they had delayed just a second, it would probably be them in that place.


    "It''s a Scaled Earth Python! Why is it here on the outskirts of the forest? Rean, Roan, retreat!"


    Diakar immediately took out the red bead and crushed it while they ran away. The Earth Python only took two seconds to send the entire beast''s corpse down its throat. It then looked at those four runnings away and immediately gave chase.


    "Don''t stop! That is a Stage Two Demon Beast, we have no chance against it. Only Tribe Vice Leader Alanda will be able to do so."


    Rean couldn''t help but think.


    ''Just what kind of luck is this?''

 Chapter 44锛欵xchange

    Alanda was with the leading group when suddenly, he rushed out. As soon as Diakar crushed the red bead, he immediately noticed it.


    ''What is happening with those two? There shouldn''t have been another accident.''


    Back on Rean''s group side, they were not as fast as the Python, it only took it a few seconds to reach their group. It then pounced at Roan, but Diakar, who was beside him, took out his Sword and slashed against it. The Sword hit the enemy''s body, but nothing more than a small cut was left behind. Diakar has the highest cultivation, being in the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm, but even he couldn''t damage it.


    Fortunately, it was still strong enough to deflect the attack, giving Roan more than sufficient time to dodge. Roan didn''t run after that, though. Instead, he took that chance and slashed against the Python''s eyes. Because of the speed of the Python, Roan already understood that running would be meaningless. They need to resist until Alanda appears.


    The Python closed its eyes, but it wasn''t enough to prevent the cut. Especially since the power of the Darkness Element immediately started to erode the surrounding area. Rean had heard Roan''s call, appearing on the other side in a second. He was planning to hit the other eye as well. However, the Python understood the danger and immediately dodged while swiping its tails against Rean.


    Although Rean used his Sword to block, his body was too small, so he was still sent flying. The only good thing was that he didn''t get injured. The Python didn''t take this group seriously before, but it won''t hold back anymore.


    Roan looked at it and then told everyone.


    "Don''t try to run, we are not as fast as it. Try to stall for time. Attack together, and defend together. Alanda should be here in any second."


    The Python didn''t waste any time and attacked once more. However, it circled around and went to Rean, who landed further away from Roan, Diakar, and Opril.


    Rean didn''t panic. He waited for the moment that the Python pounced at him and used his Light Element on his legs, dodging the attack in the last second. However, the Python''s tail came once more while still on the air after jumping to avoid the previous attack.


    "Fuck!"


    Bam!


    Although Rean had used Light Element in his arms this time to block the tail with his Sword, he didn''t have a foothold. Thus, Rean was sent rolling in the air, even further away from Roan and the others. Noticing the chance, the Python immediately ran after him.


    Roan and the others were close but would need another second to help Rean. As for Rean, he hasn''t landed yet, so he couldn''t see things clearly. Roan could see that Rean would be swallowed whole if he didn''t arrive there in time, but he couldn''t use the enhancement in his body like Rean.


    [Are you two idiots? Why haven''t you traded Elements through the connection of your bodies yet? Just have Rean send Light Element within the thread and use it on yourself. At the same time, send Dark Element back for the exchange.]


    Sister Orb!


    Rean and Roan didn''t have time to think, so Rean gathered Light Element while Roan did the same thing with Dark Element, quickly making the exchange. This was the first time they tried something like this, but surprisingly, it felt as natural as breathing. Light and Dark Elements passed through the thread in an equal exchange. Two opposites, still, one couldn''t exist without the other, the real meaning of Yin and Yang.


    For a moment, a small part of Rean and Roan''s hairs changed, showing a mix of Black and White colors. Roan ignored this fact and immediately used the Light Element in his legs. He hasn''t tried something like this before, but he had seen Rean enough times.


    For a second, his speed soared, and he was able to reach the side of the Snake''s head just as it was about to swallow Rean. He slashed down against the same eye he hit before, leaving behind an even deeper cut. Not only that, but he had used Rean''s Light Element to increase the power of his arms in the last moment too. The Python''s attack direction changed, and Rean finally landed on the ground.


    Rean didn''t waste this chance and did the same thing, slashing against the Python''s other eye, who had lost its balance due to Roan''s attack. Light Element increased the power of his arms while Dark Element was used on the Sword. The enemy had no time to dodge, and its other eye was hit as well. Greater damage while leaving the erosion of the life force effect behind.


    The Python was now blind! Because it couldn''t see anymore, it immediately went berserk, swiping his tail around. Rean and Roan were once again sent flying, but the Python didn''t pursue. Instead, it tried to go underground one more time to escape. It needed time to heal its eyes.


    "Hmph! Since you are already here, why don''t you stay for a while longer?"


    It was at this moment that Alanda arrived. He grabbed the Snake''s tail and swung it around. The half part of its body that was already underground quickly came out. Alanda is at the Foundation Establishment Realm, so he and the Python should have similar combat power. But because the Python was blind, it didn''t pose too much of a threat to Alanda.


    Rean, Roan, Diakar, and Opril also helped on the sidelines. With Alanda''s Sword piercing through its skull, the Python finally stopped moving. It was dead!


    Seeing its body, Alanda let out a sigh of relief.


    "It is finally over."


    It was then that he looked at Rean and Roan. He could see their hairs, which are black and white, slowly turning back to their original colors. Not only that, but he was also close when Rean and Roan used the other''s Element. However, he decided to ask about it later.


    "Just why is there a Stage Two Demon Beast in this place?"


    Rean''s group shook their heads. They, too, had no idea.


    [Number of Demon beasts Killed: 10]


    [Reward List is Now Open]

 Chapter 45锛欱ack to the Tribe

    Hearing Sister Orb''s voice, Rean and Roan were surprised.


    "It seems like that our contribution was big enough to be considered a kill too. Most likely because it is a Stage Two Demon Beast, so the efforts were equivalent."


    Rean nodded.


    "However, Sister Orb had spoken normally a few moments ago, why does she need to go back to this machine-like speech right after?"


    Roan didn''t care, though.


    "Anyway, we can take a look later. For now, this exchange of elements is of greater concern. Did you feel anything blocking you when we did the exchange?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "No, it was very natural, as if it was already part of me."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "Exactly. That means that our connection through that Black and White thread is stronger than I imagined. I guess it will be a lot harder to get rid of it in the future."


    It was then that Rean mentioned.


    "We tried to go to two opposite sides of the Tribe, but the connection was still there. However, the Tribe is just so big. If a chance appears, we should try to move even further away to see if it would impact our souls or bodies in any way."


    Roan pondered a bit.


    "Very well. We can check it another time. For now, let''s help them bring the Python''s body back."


    Alanda looked at the body and around, but couldn''t find any clue.


    "It came from the ground, and it doesn''t seem like it was lured here. I can only conclude that it was mere coincidence that it appeared in this place."


    Rean approached it and tried to feel it''s life force.


    "Tribe Vice Leader. I can still feel the presence of Life Energy in its head. So this Python probably has a Demon Core as well."


    Alanda already knew about Rean''s ability to feel the Life Energy of Demon Cores.


    "That is to be expected. The higher the Stage of the Demon Beast, the greater the chances of a Demon Core appearing. From the Stage Four ahead, all demon beasts have Demon Cores."


    Rean looked close to the Python''s back and pointed out.


    "However, there are also a few signs of Life Force on its rear."


    "What?!"


    Alanda immediately went there and carefully opened the Python''s body.


    "I see, no wonder it came to outer skirts of the Forest. It is female and pregnant on top of it. It was about to lay its eggs, so it needed somewhere safer since it would be in a weakened state after that. I really can''t say if you four are lucky or not."


    Hearing that, Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Are those eggs worth anything?"


    Alanda smiled and nodded.


    "This demon Beast will naturally reach a Stage Two level when it reaches the adult stage. As long as you have the resources and the ways to train it, you might be able to get a powerful helper. So its eggs are worth at least 200 Spirit Stones each, and there are three of them. Not to mention the Demon Core in its head."


    Rean''s group eyes immediately lit up.


    "But! 50% of it is for the Tribe. It was also because of me that we could kill it, so I''m getting half of the remaining value, which is 25%. It leaves 25% for the rest of you."


    Rean and Roan''s expression changed immediately. But they couldn''t complain since it was the truth. As much as blinding it was helpful, the fact is that the Python would have escaped had Alanda not arrived. Rean, Roan, Diakar, and Opril definitely didn''t have the power to stop, much less kill it.


    "Alright, the three eggs will be worth around 600 Spirit Stones. As for the Stage Two Demon Core, it is worth 500 Spirit Stones. In the end, it will give us 1100 Spirit Stones. 550 are the Tribe''s share. 225 are mine, while the other 225 are yours. The four of you can decide how to split it."


    Diakar then stepped forward and said.


    "Opril and I didn''t do much this time. It was also Rean and Roan who blinded it. So we are fine with 30 or so Spirit Stones."


    Alanda nodded.


    "Very well, so 60 Spirit Stones of your 225 will be given to Diakar and Opril, 30 each. The remaining 165 will be used to pay part of Rean and Roan''s 200 Spirit Stones debt. Very good, the two of you only owe the Tribe another 35 Spirit Stones. Work hard, young ones."


    Rean and Roan wanted to cry but had no tears. After everything that passed through, they weren''t even able to clear their debts. Alanda didn''t give any leeway to them either. So they could only sulk it.


    "I swear that I will give this darn geezer a good beating when I get into the Foundation Establishment."


    Roan nodded.


    "What a surprise, I also feel the same way as you."


    Alanda heard that but completely ignored the two.


    After that, they grabbed the Python''s body and brought it back to the leading group. After seeing the enormous demon beast, all the warriors and kids were shocked. It wasn''t every day that they can see a Stage Two Demon Beast, after all. The group''s hunting immediately stopped, and they took their time cleaning the Python''s body of all its useful parts. Everything that could be used was carefully kept.


    After they finished, Alanda announced the hunting time''s end, and everyone started to make their way back to the Tribe. After arriving there, Rean, Roan, and Alanda went to see Juri in his home.


    "I see, so you can use each other''s elements. Well, even if you haven''t told us that, it wasn''t hard to ascertain. After all, even your hair changed when Alanda saw you using the opposite Element. Still, how did you manage to do that?"


    Rean and Roan shook their heads.


    "You can consider it a link between him and me��a type of connection that the two of us were born with. In fact, we only noticed it during that moment against the Earth Python, so it is also new for us."


    Juri nodded.


    "Anyway, this is a good thing for you. Still, try to not show it around to avoid unnecessary attention. That''s all."


    Alanda and the twins then bid farewell to Juri and returned their homes.


    Sure enough, that night, Roan mercilessly ate Rean''s dessert without the least bit of remorse, much for Rean''s regret. Subsequently, they returned to their room and immediately entered the Soul Gem dimension. It was time to check the new Reward List.

 Chapter 46锛欴estiny Points

    Rean and Roan touched Sister Orb at the same time and sent Spiritual Energy inside. Immediately after, they selected the Reward List option.


    [1- Light and Dark Elements Cultivation Techniques - Free]


    [2- Ape Bones - 10 Destiny Points]


    [3- Spiritual Energy Absorbtion Upgrade Level 1(Necessary to have Light and Dark Cultivation Techniques) - 100 Destiny Points]


    [Further Rewards will be available once authority level increases.]


    Rean and Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    "What are Destiny Points?"


    [The presence of hosts in this world has changed the natural order of things. Every time the hosts create a great disturbance, they will be rewarded with Destiny Points. The hosts'' final goal is to change the destiny of the two halves of the Universe, merging them together once more.]


    Roan pondered a bit and made another question.


    "What level of disturbance is necessary to generate Destiny Points?"


    [It depends on the scale.]


    "In that case, if we do something that changes the destiny of our Varen Tribe, would it be enough to get Destiny Points?"


    [Yes, but this would be considered the smallest scale change, giving the lowest number of points.]


    It was then that Rean thought about something else.


    "Sister Orb, how many points do we have at the moment?"


    [Zero]


    Rean and Roan nodded at each other.


    "Our presence in the Tribe has definitely changed its destiny to a certain extent, but not enough to get destiny points. We would need to make something more significant."


    Suddenly, Rean''s eyes shined as he looked at Roan.


    "What about the ores? Because of our Ore Mine, our Tribe has a few blacksmiths, right?"


    Roan nodded.


    "It does, but what do you need them for?"


    Rean laughed out loud and continued.


    "Have you forgotten what my job was back on Earth? I was already a 31 years old grown man, after all. Not to mention that I had also finished college."


    Roan pondered a bit and tried to remember the information about Rean''s job before his death.


    "Oh! If I''m not wrong, you were something called metallurgist. Looking at the name, it seems like it has something to do with metals, right?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes. Of course, back on Earth, I was nothing more than an average one, but in this world, you could say that I''m the greatest blacksmith ever! At first, I wasn''t planning to show my skills before I got older. But considering that we need those Destiny Points, I guess it is worth a try."


    Roan admitted that Rean was right. The Tribe doesn''t even need to sell the equipment made by Rean, just by equipping themselves with it, the Tribe''s overall strength would increase a lot. That should be enough to generate destiny energy.


    "Well, I already taught you swordsmanship, and I will keep doing so in the future. So for now, I will leave this Destiny Points Generation up to you."


    Rean nodded and didn''t mind that answer. Knowing how to use a sword might make things even faster during this process of teaching the Tribe''s Blacksmiths about Metallurgy''s concepts.


    Having that decided, they went to the next topic, the Cultivation Techniques!


    Rean and Roan didn''t waste anytime and immediately selected the first option. They had been going with nothing until now, and they could see the difference between themselves and the others who had it. It simply wasn''t at the same level at all!


    As soon as they selected it, a stream of information flowed into their minds. Both techniques were almost identical, with only the exception of the Element used for it. Also, there was a unique trait for the techniques. They allowed the cultivator to use the opposite Element to reach a balance, which greatly improved the cultivation speed.


    Of course, for such thing to work, Rean and Roan would need to work together.


    "Why does everything have to be together? Sister Orb, can''t you give us some individuality?"


    [The techniques were created using the hosts'' compatibilities. This is the best result. It is still possible to cultivate without the help of the opposite Element, but the speed will drop several times. It might be even slower than the other elemental techniques you got before.]


    Roan glanced at Rean and sighed.


    "Forget it. It is for the sake of getting strong. Besides, we just need to send the other''s Element through the Black and White Thread, it is not like we need to stay close to each other. So stop complaining and be happy that there is at least a cultivation technique for our elements."


    Rean sulked a bit and decided to give up.


    "Anyway, what are those Ape Bones? I don''t think I heard anything about it in this world before."


    [Ape Bones is the first level of upgrade for the bones. The Body Transformation Realm''s Bones Enhancement Stage could be said to be the initial level. It will improve your overall bodily strength. Speed, Endurance, Defence, all of that will reach a higher level than the ordinary cultivators.]


    Roan already expected this something like that.


    "This is a good thing. However, it will take a long time for us to gather that amount of Destiny Points. So let''s just forget it for now."


    Rean then added.


    "As for the third reward, it is pretty much self-explanatory. Sister Orb, how much is the improvement in Spiritual Energy Absorbtion?"


    [Each level increases the absorption rate by 5%.]


    If Rean and Roan were kids, they might have complained about that amount, but they are not. They know that a simple 5% now would make a gigantic difference in the future. The further they go into the path of cultivation, the greater the difference would be.


    "Anyway, let''s first focus on the Ape Bones, we can think about the Spiritual Energy Absorbtion later."


    Roan then got up.


    "Alright, we got everything we needed, let''s go."


    Rean, on the other hand, shook his head.


    "Not yet, there is still one more thing."


    "One more thing?"


    Rean smiled and then patted Sister Orb.


    "Isn''t that obvious? Sister Orb will feel lonely if we don''t tal-cough, cough. I mean, Sister Orb needs someone to help her feed the database. So we need to give a lot of information. Am I right, Sister Orb?"


    Sister Orb then began to roll in circles as if she had been waiting for this.


    ''I guess this is how Sister Orb shows when she is happy.''


    Roan, on the other end, didn''t seem very willing to waste more time here.


    Rean looked at him and spoke through their Soul Connection.


    "Come on, it is also for our own sake. If Sister Orb decides to keep us here, wouldn''t it be useless even if you want to leave? It will be a lot better to get on her good sides, and you know that too. Besides, she did help us back in the forest, so we own her this much."


    Roan sighed and then sat down again. The twins talked with Sister Orb for hours until finally, she sent them out.

 Chapter 47锛歅reparations

    During the next day, Roan stayed in the class to teach the kids with the other warriors while Rean and Alanda went to talk with Juri. Roan knows nothing about metallurgy, so his presence there wouldn''t have much of use anyway.


    "So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?"


    Rean then started to explain.


    "As I told you before, I came from another world. I worked with metals in that world, so I would like to teach the blacksmiths in the Tribe how to forge something new."


    Alanda and Juri looked at each other before asking Rean back.


    "Didn''t you say that you were not a cultivator in your previous world? If it is just common weapons and armors, we already know how to make them."


    Rean shook his head.


    "You don''t understand. Indeed, that was a world where Spiritual Energy didn''t exist, nor did cultivators and demon beasts. However, it is precisely because we didn''t have them that humans there choose another path. So I can tell that there isn''t a single person who understands metals better than me in this world. Simply put, our methods were hundreds if not thousands of times more advanced than yours."


    "The fact that we didn''t have cultivators led people to use their intelligence. In my world, it means nothing to be strong. It doesn''t matter how much strength your body has, the ones who are at the top of the food chain are those with intelligence."


    "Anyway, even if I explain how my world worked, you two wouldn''t understand very well. I would need several years just to describing the general common knowledge of my previous life, and you probably wouldn''t even believe it. Don''t misunderstand me, I''m not trying to be rude. It is just that both worlds'' methods are totally and utterly different from each other. I could be said to be an idiot regarding cultivation as well. You two definitely know a lot more about it than me, that''s what I mean."


    Juri pondered a bit and then nodded.


    "Very well. I will give it a try since we don''t have much to lose. What do you need?"


    Rean smiled after hearing that.


    "At first, I need three blacksmiths. Their talents don''t matter since my methods are entirely different from yours. I will need as many samples of metals possible. Since we already have an Ore Mine, I''m sure you also used it to trade for other ore types that we don''t have."


    Alanda confirmed.


    "Indeed. Our ore mine is for iron, and at its depth, we have some spiritual iron. Of course, it doesn''t have much of a quality."


    "Spiritual Iron?"


    Alanda nodded.


    "It is Iron Ore that was able to retain some Spiritual Energy. It is a lot sturdier and can make much better weapons. I heard that some high-level cultivation blacksmiths can even make Spiritual Equipments with it."


    Rean nodded and didn''t ask any further. As a metallurgist, he would know what to do when he gets it. He even had some ideas on his mind on how to use this so-called spiritual iron.


    "Very well, at first, I will also need coal and limestone."


    "Limestone?"


    Seeing Juri and Alanda''s puzzled face, Rean could only sigh.


    ''As expected, with another language, other names come with it. It was good that they had iron and coal before, so I learned how they were called here.''


    As mentioned before, the language of this world is different, so even iron and coal were called different. Sure enough, limestone would have a different name. Rean pondered a bit and then explained how limestones looked like.


    Juri and Alanda looked at each other with surprised faces.


    "Is this thing good?"


    Rean immediately nodded.


    "The metal I wish to create here first needs a lot of limestones. It is essential for the entire process."


    Alanda then pointed at another mountain not too far away from the Tribe. It is even part of the Tribe''s territory as well.


    "Well, there are loads of it there, but since we never had any use for it, we never bothered collecting any."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh out loud. They had iron, and coal was easy to produce, but limestones were what he was most concerned about.


    "Great! You guys simply have no idea that that stone will be a mine of gold for you. But that also brings us to another problem, and a gigantic one at that."


    Juri nodded. He immediately understood what Rean meant.


    "Secrecy. If this new metal that you create is really that strong, we would be a Tribe holding a treasure that we cannot protect. It might even bring calamity to us."


    Rean nodded.


    "So far, all the weapons and armors I saw our and the other tribes using didn''t have this type of metal. I guess it is safe to say that no one knows about it yet. First, I need to try my hand on it and see the results. If it turns out to be practical, I will stop immediately. After all, before going ahead with this plan, our Tribe will need a backer and not just any backer. It has to be someone capable of protecting our Tribe even against a force like Hanoi Tribe."


    Juri started to massage the space between his eyes. He couldn''t help but feel a headache coming. Juri doesn''t think that Rean is lying since it wouldn''t bring him anything good. By this point, Juri totally believes that Rean and Roan are definitely not kids, at least not in mind.


    Alanda couldn''t help but comment.


    "The Nari Tribe will be far from enough to do something. In that case, we only have one option, the city lord''s protection. However, they will absolutely ask for the formula to create this metal that you are talking about. Once they get it, there won''t be much of a meaning to protect us anymore."


    Juri shook his head.


    "No, there is one more option that would allow us to keep the secret while getting good enough protection."


    Alanda and Rean immediately looked at him.


    "The Zafa Bank."

 Chapter 48锛歋uccess

    "Zafa Bank?"


    Rean looked at Juri, waiting for him to explain.


    Juri sighed and then continued.


    "It''s the biggest bank in the country. They have branches everywhere, including Astreg City. Due to its size, even the cultivation sects don''t take them lightly. Still, what they want is profit. By the way, what is the name of the metal that you wish to create?"


    "Steel. But this is just the first one. There will be even more different combinations in the future. Especially since this world seems to have several different types of ores as well."


    Juri nodded and continued.


    "They would be able to protect our Tribe, but there will also be a need for part of the profit generated from the Steel Metal that you talked about. Also, they don''t just take anything, it has to be something that will create a large amount of revenue. Otherwise, it won''t even be worth the time of their experts."


    Rean pondered a bit and then offered another option.


    "Now that I think about it, it will be better if our Tribe doesn''t get involved. Or to be more precise, not in the open. What about acquiring a workshop in the City? It would be a lot easier to protect due to the City''s rules. Also, since the Tribe wouldn''t be directly connected to it, it should be safer."


    Juri''s eyes narrowed.


    "It is not that it is a bad idea, but that a workshop in the City would be too expensive. First, we would need to see one of those weapons completed. Not only us but the Zafa bank as well."


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s not a problem. Give me just one blacksmith this time. Obviously, someone that you trust. He and I will then create a Steel Sword. I will give it to you to test, and then you can make your decision."


    Juri nodded and immediately made the preparations. On the same day, Rean was brought into a workshop of the Tribe. When he arrived there, everything was closed, there were even a few warriors around it, preventing anyone from getting close. Inside, there was only a burly old man preparing the tools.


    Alanda then introduced him.


    "This is Erkil Titola, the chef blacksmith of our Tribe. He is also our most trustworthy member. As long as it is him, you don''t have to be afraid of anything leaking out. Also, he is a Middle Stage Energy Gathering Realm Warrior."


    Rean bowed to the Erkil, but the other part only narrowed his eyes.


    "What is the meaning of this? Did you make all these arrangements just to introduce me to a kid?"


    Alanda shook his head.


    "During the next 7 days, we need you to follow his orders. I know that you have a lot of questions. But for now, I wish you to ignore his age and just trust what he says. For this, the Tribe will double your amount of Spirit Stones this month."


    Erkil was taken aback by those words. Why would they want such a thing? Other than Rean''s white hair, he couldn''t see anything that could catch his attention.


    "Sigh... I don''t know what Juri is planning. But since this is his orders, I will follow them. However, I don''t need any extra spirit stones. That man only does things for the Tribe, and I''m sure this situation is not different. If I take those Spirit Stones, I wouldn''t be able to sleep at night."


    Rean and Alanda smiled after hearing that. It was at moments like these that Juri''s reputation came in hand.


    Rean then looked at Alanda and asked.


    "Are the warriors that I asked ready?"


    Alanda nodded.


    "I gathered 10 warriors with wind Element Affinity. They are outside waiting for your orders."


    "Great!"


    Rean then looked at the materials around, Iron, Coal, Limestones, and a few other things that were already there for his use. Seeing Rean holding the limestone on his hand, Erkil couldn''t help but ask.


    "What do you need such a stone for? And why so much coal too?"


    Rean smiled at and said.


    "You are about to create history. Just follow my orders, and you will see what those two things are able to do. Tribe Vice Leader Alanda, call the warriors inside."


    Alanda nodded, and the warriors quickly came in. But Rean didn''t keep then in the workshop, but behind it. They were here for a reason only, increase the temperature of the fire in the furnace. Fire Element Affinity Warriors would not do since the fire they can create is far from having high enough temperature. Perhaps, only after a few realms would a cultivator be able to do it.


    This also prevented them from seeing the creating process and the material used. These secrets would be known only for Rean, Alanda, Erkil, Juri, and Roan.


    "Let''s start!"


    Erkil followed Rean''s order, and they began the creation of Steel. At first, Erkil was puzzled about the amount of coal. There shouldn''t be a need for so much of it. But in the end, he was surprised that it was not used to make fire, but in the metal instead. Coal is such a weak ore, so he couldn''t understand what good could come from it.


    The Limestones were the same thing. However, Rean didn''t offer an explanation. All he said was that he just needed to follow his steps. During the forging process, Erkil finally found out that Rean is in the Energy Gathering Realm, just like himself. That was, without a doubt, the greatest shook he received today.


    Because of how primitive the installations of this workshop were, Rean had to try several times until he found the right balance. However, as a metallurgist, he could identify where the errors happened every time and correct them in the next attempt.


    Finally, after five days of work, the first plate of Steel was forged successfully. When Erkil tried to put it into the water to cool down faster, Rean immediately stopped him.


    "Are you trying to ruin the metal structure? Here, I especially prepared this hot oil for that."


    Erkil ultimately found out what the oil that had been sitting and heating on the corner was for.


    "Wouldn''t it take longer to cool down?"


    Rean nodded.


    "That exactly what needs to happen. Just trust me and put it inside."


    A few hours later, the Steel was completed. Rean smiled at Erkil and said.


    "Why don''t you give it a try? I''m sure you know how to test how resistant something you made is."


    Erkil couldn''t help but nod. He was by far the most curious person in the world at the moment.

 Chapter 49锛欶irst Reward

    Erkil passed the next hour doing all kinds of tests he could think of. By the time he finished, only disbelief could be seen on his face.


    "How is that possible?! How can Coal and Limestones, such weak ores, transform Iron into something so resistant? It makes no sense!"


    Rean only laughed out loud. He could explain, but Erkil would have a hard time understanding since it required knowledge about compositions of materials. In this world, no one knows what attoms are, so they might even think that you are crazy.


    "You just need to remember the process. Besides, although this first creation was a success, this is still a flawed product. There are several things I need to revise again before the real good stuff comes out. So put it away, and let''s restart. We won''t stop until I''m satisfied."


    Erkil was frightened by what he heard.


    "Wait! Are you telling me that it can be even better than this one?"


    Rean nodded.


    "It can. Also, this is just the first product, just wait for the time when I introduce you to other types of alloys. That will really change your view of how metals can be forged."


    This time, Erkil didn''t ask any questions. For him who dedicated decades of his life to forging, this was a dream. As for why Rean knew such things, he already didn''t care about that anymore.


    Rean, too, was having quite some fun. Because of the problem with his Soul back then, his work had never proportioned such a feeling. He couldn''t help to imagine just what kind of changes his Steel would bring.


    By the end of the seventh day, Rean exited the Workshop with Erkil. On the other side of the Workshop, the 10 warriors with Wind Element Affinity left as well. However, they looked a lot more tired than Rean and Erkil. Rean had really made them give their blood during the past seven days.


    On Erkil''s hand, a sword that looked different in appearance of their previous Iron Swords. It was a lot smoother and gave a feeling of sharpness.


    During the creation of this Sword, Rean found out that Spiritual Energy could be used to enhance the final result even more. It was a great surprise that made several other ideas pop on his mind. But first, they needed to show the results of their work.


    Alanda came to get them and brought the two to Juri''s house once more. In front of Juri, there were two swords, one of the ones used by their Tribe, and the new Steel Sword. Just looking at them, it was already possible to see the difference. The steel sword definitely looked much better than their Iron Sword.


    Seeing that scene, Rean laughed and then suggested.


    "Go ahead. Take both swords and strike them against each other. I''m sure you will love the result. Especially since this Steel Sword was made with Spiritual Energy as well. So it should be even stronger than you think. Even its sharpness increased a lot."


    Juri and Alanda nodded, grabbing one Sword each. They didn''t need to use Spiritual Energy. With their Foundation Establishment Realm, their bodies'' power already surpassed any ordinary person. The two took some distance and attacked each other''s Sword.


    Well, it couldn''t even be considered an attack. That was basically the same as throwing an Iron Hammer against a Glass Window, the two simply couldn''t be compared. The Iron sword was slashed in half, while the Steel Sword barely got any collision marks. Juri was sure that even if he brought a hundred Iron Swords here, that single Steel word would destroy all of them!


    "Impressive! Even the Sword I bought in the city can''t compare to it. No, they are in two completely different categories. If this Sword appears in the town, it would inevitably cause an uproar."


    That being said, Juri looked at his Sword and then gritted his teeth.


    "Let''s try again."


    Alanda was taken aback.


    "But you paid 300 Spirit Stones for this Sword!"


    Juri nodded.


    "Yes, but it doesn''t matter. According to the blacksmith shop, they used Spiritual Kaz to make it. Oh, right!"


    He looked at Rean and commented.


    "Kaz is an Ore that is similar to Iron, but a lot sturdier. The Spiritual Kaz is even more so. I have used this Sword for a long time, and it is indeed a good one. However, I can''t hold this feeling to try out against your Steel Sword. I must know how much stronger your Steel Sword is!"


    Rean laughed and nodded.


    "Sure! I''m also curious to see how good a sword made with this Spiritual Kaz is. After all, my Steel Sword was made with nothing more than common ores that couldn''t be more ordinary. But first, let me take a look at your Sword."


    Juri nodded and passed it to Rean.


    After making a few simple tests, Rean''s eyes lit up.


    ''Such an incredible metal, and I''ve never seen it before. I wish I had some to work with. I''m sure I could create something several times better than what they did with this Sword.''


    Still, Rean didn''t point it out and simply gave it back to Juri.


    "Alright, you can start now. However, you better be prepared to lose 300 Spirit Stones."


    Juri laughed out loud after hearing such a comment.


    "No problem at all, I very much wish to lose those Spirit Stones at the moment."


    This time, Juri and Alanda didn''t only use their physical strengths. The Spiritual Kaz Sword was a lot sturdier, so only with Spiritual Energy involved would Juri be able to bring out its full potential.


    Alanda also did the same thing and imbued the Steel Sword with Spiritual Energy.


    Juri and Alanda nodded and each other and immediately attacked.


    Swish!


    The result was as Rean expected precisely. Juri''s Spiritual Kaz Sword was also split in half and was completely lost. However, Juri couldn''t be happier with the result.


    "Great!"


    Rean, on the other hand, looked at his Steel Sword. An enormous dent was left behind, and there was quite some damage to the structure.


    ''Indeed. There is a limit to what ordinary materials can achieve. Even though my Steel Sword won, it wouldn''t be able to cut through another Spiritual Kaz Sword. It would definitely break apart. At most, both weapons would be destroyed. However, the Steel Sword is already better than a 300 Spirit Stones Sword, so it is a good start.''


    [Congratulations, Host has created Steel. Reward: 15 Destiny Points.]


    [Steel will create profound changes in the world. As time passes, the bigger will be those changes. Further points will be rewarded when the impact of Steel in this world increases.]


    Both Rean and Roan received the same message, and they couldn''t help but faintly smile.

 Chapter 50锛欴eath Style

    Having the product necessary, Juri looked at Rean and asked.


    "I will be going to the City tomorrow to rent a workshop. Can Erkil make this kind of Sword on his own?"


    Rean nodded.


    "By the time you are back, he should be able to reproduce this effect. The rest is up to you whether you can convince the Zafa Bank to help us or not."


    Juri nodded, excited.


    "Very well. First, we will need to make these Steel weapons gain recognition. Once the word spreads, there will be eyes aiming at our product formula. But it will be at this moment that I will bring the Zafa Bank in. Whether they want it or not, they will need to recognize this new metal''s value."


    Juri took a deep breath after that.


    "Alright, now we need to discuss your part of the profit. As the creator of this metal, how much you wish?"


    Rean smiled and extended three fingers.


    "30% is more than enough."


    Juri and Alanda were taken aback.


    "Only 30%? This Sword definitely can be sold for at least 300 Spirit Stones, you know? Not to mention that all the materials are ordinary. Let alone 300 Spirit Stones, even a single Spirit Stone would be more than enough to buy the stuff necessary to create it. You can ask for some more. I won''t mind even if you ask for 50%."


    Rean shook his head.


    "30% is more than enough. This amount of Spirit Stones can be used for cultivation at our current levels without having to care about running out. As for using it to buy other things, I don''t have anything I want at the moment. Besides, don''t forget that the Zafa Back will ask at least 20 to 30% as well. Considering the earnings of the Tribe as a whole, the remaining value of every equipment won''t make that much of a difference."


    Juri couldn''t help but feel a little emotional. As someone who did everything for the Tribe, such words really work well on him.


    "Very well, 30% it is. Make sure to teach Erkil correctly."


    Juri then looked at Erkil and ordered.


    "Erkil, select two trustworthy blacksmiths, and have them practice it as well. After I rent a Workshop and come back, I will bring you three to the City straight away for you to start working. If you are worried about your family, I will allow you to bring them as well. But you must not mention a single word about the Steel equipment, understood?"


    Erkil''s eyes shined, and he immediately nodded.


    "Leave it to me, there are two youngsters that I''m quite proud of, they will be perfect for this job. Better than that, they are not married, so they don''t have a family to bring together. I will immediately call them over after we finish here."


    Rean and Juri then discussed a few more things before the group separated. In the and, Juri lost his patience and left for the City while it was still night. The man simply couldn''t sleep at all.


    Rean, Erkil, and his two apprentices then returned to the Blacksmith Workshop of the Tribe. Alanda arranged for other Wind Element Affinity warriors to work together with them too. For the next week, Rean would make sure that they remember the entire process of creating Steel.


    ---


    Back on Roan''s side, he and Alanda continued to teach the kids. Sister Orb said that anything capable of making enormous Tribe changes would be rewarded with Destiny Points. In that case, Roan decided to compile his Sword Style into a book before passing it to Alanda.


    "Pass it to the other warriors who like to use swords. It should help them overcome many obstacles during their practice. If there is any question, you just need to ask me later."


    Alanda nodded and took a look at the book. Roan had already proved to Alanda that his sword style is better. But after checking the book, he had to admit that it was a lot more profound than he expected.


    "Impressive. By the way, how do you call this Sword Style?"


    Roan was taken aback by that question.


    "Name? I''ve learned it by myself, so I don''t really have a name for it. Let''s see... Oh well, just call it Death Style."


    Alanda''s mouth couldn''t help but twitch.


    "Isn''t it too generic?"


    Roan glanced at Alanda.


    "Who cares? Since I say it is Death Style, then it is Death Style. That''s all."


    Alanda sighed and just left.


    Roan also changed the fighting classes, adding wooden swords for practice. In fact, he also put other weapons for the kids interested like wooden staffs, daggers, spears, etc. He also asked for those wooden weapons to be made according to the kids'' sizes, so they were a lot smaller. There wasn''t a single type of weapon that Roan didn''t try before. The only difference is that he had never incorporated Spiritual Energy into them, so he had to change a few things.


    Still, the significant majority of the kids are in the Blood Replacement Stage of the Body Transformation Realm. It will take them quite a few years to be able to bring Spiritual Energy out of their bodies. Because of that, he was able to teach them according to what he knew from his past life. There was no need to use the changes for Spiritual Energy.


    Not too surprisingly, most of the kids selected Swords. Even those who showed interest in the other wooden weapons ended changing them in the end. The only exceptions in the entire group were Rivio, who seemed to like the Spear a lot, and Inna Malaka, who preferred the staff.


    Because of that, Roan had to separate a particular time just for those two. He didn''t mind, though. Without Rean around, cultivation was quite slow anyway, so he might as well wait. As much as he doesn''t like it, the difference without using Rean''s Light Element to achieve a balance between elements is just too high.


    Rivio''s talent for Spear could be said to be good. So it was nice to see his improvement. However, Inna Malaka was really a monster. She absorbed everything he taught her about the staff like a sponge. Not only that, but she seemed to have a lot of fun while using it.


    ''No wonder Juri said that the Sects would come for her if they knew. The difference between her and Rivio is just too great. Be it intelligence, cultivation, or talent with weapons, she is far above him. It''s impressive what the difference of a single aptitude level can do. I wonder just how frightening those Red and Purple Aptitudes are.''


    Just like that, Rean and Roan were kept busy during the entire week.

 Chapter 51锛欽uri Left

    Juri''s visit to the City took longer than expected, and he only came back ten days later.


    "Why do you think there are so many Tribes around Astreg City? That''s because there isn''t enough space for everyone there. So as you can imagine, even a small workshop in a not much bustling street was quite expensive. Well, when I say not much bustling, it is only compared to the main roads. Due to the enormous number of Tribes and the fact that the City is full, even this place has many people passing by."


    Alanda couldn''t help but ask.


    "How much was it to rent the workshop?"


    Juri smiled bitterly and shook his head.


    "Please don''t ask. Just understand that we won''t be able to keep that place for more than two months if we don''t sell anything."


    Rean laughed, though.


    "Don''t worry, the swords and other weapons will definitely sell. You guys saw it yourselves, my sword was even better than a Spiritual Kaz one."


    Erkil and his two apprentices then stepped forward, and Rean took the opportunity to say.


    "Erkil has already understood how the process works. His two apprentices should be able to do that as well to a certain extent. The only thing is that Erkil will have to be by their side when they are forging it. After all, he has to guarantee quality. Anyway, they are ready to go with you anytime."


    Juri was happy to hear it.


    "Very well. As I said, if you have families that you are worried about, I can let you bring them. Just make sure to keep the Steelwork a secret from them as well."


    Erkil''s two apprentices shook their heads. As Erkil mentioned before, they are not married and have been dedicating their life to Blacksmith so far. As for Erkil, he would be bringing his wife only.


    "Our kids are already grown-ups and married off, there is no need to bring them together. So I already talked to them. This time, only my wife will be coming with me."


    Juri didn''t complain.


    It was then that Rean spoke.


    "Tribe Leader. I understood your plan to make the Steel weapons recognized first. But someone might be faster and come for it earlier. If a high-level cultivator uses their Spiritual Sense, they would be able to check Erkil and his apprentices working with it."


    Juri agreed with Rean.


    "I know. That''s why I have already planned things out. At the moment, no one cares about us, so I''m sure we are safe for the moment. That being said, I will have Erkil and his two apprentices forge quite a few Steel Weapons. After that, I will get rid of all limestone and the majority of the coal, leaving only Iron behind."


    Rean''s eyes lit up.


    "That is indeed a good idea. By forging everything we need before putting any to sell. You will be able to spend a few days without caring about running out of Swords. Even if someone comes to spy later, since the blacksmiths will not be working anymore, there will be nothing for them to watch. The limestones will be gone, and the remaining coal will only be seen as the way to make fire."


    Juri smiled.


    "Correct. Also, I''m planning to forge a lot of Iron Swords and leave them outside. I will be making demonstrations with the people in the streets. They will be able to select a sword and test it against the Steel Sword to check the results by themselves. There will definitely be those who will want to test their very own weapons against as well."


    Rean had to admit that it was a good idea. Seeing is believing, after all.


    "Anyway. I will be going. Alanda, you will be in charge of the Tribe in the meantime. If everything goes alright, I should be back in three or four weeks."


    Alanda nodded.


    "No problem. I already prepared a few warriors to go with you, especially a batch with Wind Element Affinity to help with the forging."


    Juri smiled after hearing that.


    The next day, Juri left with Erkil and the rest.


    As Juri disappeared in the distance, Alanda couldn''t help but ask Rean.


    "Don''t you want to go with them? You would be able to check their work firsthand."


    Rean shook his head, though.


    "It is only Steel, there is no need for me to check on it. Instead, I will be cultivating for the time being. I haven''t done any training in the past two and a half weeks at all. This world is too different from mine, intelligence can only bring you so far. Without the strength to back it up, I will only become a target in the future with what I have in my head. Besides, mother would definitely be worried sick."


    Alanda nodded, satisfied. He, too, believes that one''s own strength was the most critical part. Nothing else will matter if you die, and in this world, death is a common occurrence.


    "Good, then go back to classes tomorrow. Roan had been teaching the kids with me while you stayed in the workshop, so you need to catch up."


    Rean looked at Alanda.


    "Considering the amount of Spirit Stones I will get from my Steel Weapons, why should I keep working as a teacher? I will have more than enough to pay the last 35 Spirit Stones to you."


    Alanda shook his head.


    "It is not about the Spirit Stones anymore. All the kids take you and Roan as their model. If you disappear, wouldn''t it affect their own improvement? How can you be so cold-hearted?"


    Rean''s mouth couldn''t help but twitch.


    "You just want someone to do your job, right?"


    Alanda looked away and pretended that he didn''t hear anything. However, he wasn''t wrong. The kids really looked up to him and Roan. Besides, Rean had to admit that it had already become part of his routine.


    "Sigh... Fine. Since Roan is still there, I might as well continue. It is not like I have Spirit Stones to cultivate anyway."


    ''Not to mention that I had never had the chance to enjoy my school life back on Earth.''


    Rean then went back home to wash. After all, Steelworks in an ancient world isn''t exactly the cleanest type of job.

 Chapter 52锛欰ptitude Difference

    During the fighting lessons the next day.


    Rean looked at Inna Malaka in a corner practicing her Staff while all the other kids practiced against each other.


    "Why did you leave Malaka alone?"


    Roan sighed.


    "I didn''t. It''s just that no one is Inna''s match at all, so the other kids began to be afraid of challenging her."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh.


    "So they are not afraid of just us anymore. Hahahaha!"


    Pow!


    Roan immediately slapped Rean''s backhead.


    "Stop with your bullshit and go."


    Rean looked at him, puzzled.


    "Go where?"


    "Isn''t that obvious, Inna Malaka will be your opponent. You need practice with your sword, after all."


    Rean, of course, found it weird.


    "Are you that lazy that you can''t even send me the thoughts for training?"


    Roan snorted, though.


    "You only spent a single weak practicing my Death Sword Style. As for Inna Malaka, she has been using the Staff for almost three weeks. Considering that both of you knew nothing about your weapons before, she should prove to be a good sparring partner. Trust me, that little girl is a monster. Anyway, stop complaining and go ahead."


    Rean sighed and then stepped forward. He had already agreed to not complain about how Roan taught Sword Skills since their level is obviously different.


    Inna was happy to see that someone finally came to train with her. She really liked the Staff, so she had put a lot of effort into it. Rean also took out one of the wooden swords and prepared himself.


    The fight quickly started, and at first, Rean wasn''t having much difficulty holding against the girl. But as the battle continued, Inna Malaka improved with it. Roan had only fought against her with another staff, while the other kids just couldn''t compare to Rean in swordsmanship. Simply put, Inna Malaka wasn''t used to fight against swords.


    Rean couldn''t help but find it fun as well. Inna is just a kid, but her potential is in full display right in front of him.


    Roan, on the other hand, saw their battle with another eye.


    ''As I thought. Rean was only an ordinary man back on Earth, he didn''t really have any talent, and his learning speed was average. But seeing his improvement in the forest and here, it is evident that it isn''t the case anymore. I couldn''t confirm it at first since my skills with weapons can''t go any further at the moment. Still, taking him as an example, I guess both our aptitudes are far above any ordinary kid. It is not just because we have our past memories; our learning capability is just much higher than it was.''


    That was correct. As Inna Malaka improved her Staff against Rean, Rean''s Sword Skills also improved to against her. It was just that Rean thought it to be because of Roan''s teaching and not the difference in his talent.


    ''Well, those two still have a very long road ahead of them before they can be called masters with those weapons.''


    In the end, Rean was able to defeat Inna Malaka, who couldn''t help but sulk a bit. A kid is a kid, after all. Which kid would feel happy after losing? The last thing on Malaka''s mind was how much she improved. She only cared for the results at the moment.


    Seeing that, Rean couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Hahaha! You are already doing great. Still, it is too earlier to fight against me. I only used the same strength as you in this fight. If I had fought you with my Energy Gathering Realm, this battle would have finished in the first exchange."


    Rean wasn''t trying to bully her. He could see her fighting spirit, so he only said those words to make her put even more effort into her training. In fact, Rean had to admit that as long as he keeps his body strength at the same level as Inna, she is really a good sparring partner.


    Roan then came forward.


    "Alright. Inna, you go and continue practicing those movements I told you. Your arms still can''t endure long fights, so you need to train them. Don''t forget to put effort into your cultivation as well. As for Rean, it is time to teach you sword skills as well."


    Rean nodded and stepped on the arena with Roan. The improvement would be a lot better if Roan simply fought against Rean while changing thoughts.


    All the kids gathered around when they saw Rean and Roan. After all, they consider those two as the strongest.


    Still, not too surprisingly, Roan completely trashed Rean while using a sword. It was to the point that Rean''s entire body was in pain. Sure enough, teaching is one thing, but liking Rean is entirely different. Since Roan had a chance to make him suffer a little, he definitely wouldn''t let it pass.


    "Yo-you! Can''t you hold back a little?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Sure. One week of desserts."


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "Forget it."


    After they returned home, Rean and Roan entered the Soul Gem Dimension. They came this time to check those Ape Bones that cost 10 Destiny Energy.


    [Ape Bones - 10 Destiny Points.]


    "We accept."


    Suddenly, Rean and Roan''s bodies started to shine. Or to be more precise, their bones did. The two couldn''t help but fall on the ground in pain. During the Body Transformation Realm, Bones Enhancement Stage, the changes to the bones would occur gradually. But this time, it is all happening at once, so there was no helping it.


    Roan and Roan contorted on the ground for thirst minutes before finally stopping. Even after the change finished, they didn''t have any energy to stand anymore.


    "Holy shit! If I knew that it would be this painful, I would have never bought this thing."


    Roan shook his head, though.


    "Stopping spurting nonsense. Compared to the advantages we get, a little pain means nothing much."


    Only one hour later did the Twins gather enough energy to stand up again. As they did, they could feel how much easier it became for them to move their bodies. It simply couldn''t compare to what it was before.


    "Impressive. I would say that our body strength has improved at least 20%. Sister Orb, you said that this Ape Bones could be considered the next level after the Bones Enhancement Stage. Does that mean that the people outside can also train these Ape Bones?"


    [Correct. However, compiling an Ape Bones manual would require a high number of Destiny Points and level three Authority Level.]


    "How many Destiny Points would we need?"


    [300]


    "Isn''t it too expensive?"


    [There is an alternative option.]


    Rean and Roan''s eyes lit up.


    [Increasing brotherly affection level.]


    Rean and Roan almost cursed her after hearing that. Of course, they still remember very well how strong Sister Orb is.


    "Cough, cough. There is no need for us to spread such a technique. Let''s leave the others with their own efforts."


    Roan nodded vigorously.


    "Self-improvement is very important. Besides, they don''t need to save the Universe as we do."


    Only at moments like this, would Rean and Roan be of the same mind.

 Chapter 53锛欶irst Test

    After spending some extra time with Sister Orb, Rean and Roan left the Soul Gem Space. Since both of them got free, they decided to put some effort into cultivation. Of course, even together, they will need time to reach the middle stage of the Energy Gathering Realm.


    Things were pretty calm for Rean and Roan. They spent their days between training, cultivating, and helping with the classes. However, things were not like that for Juri and his troupe in Astreg City.


    When Juri arrived at the City with Erkil and the others, they went straight to the Workshop. Since their Tribe has an Iron Ore Mine, they also brought enough of it this time around. For the next week, Erkil and his apprentices produced one Steel Sword after another. The Workshop would not open for business before enough of those were made. After all, the idea was to not forge a single extra one before getting an agreement with the Zafa Bank.


    Juri asked for Swords only since that is the most used weapon. They could think about something else later. For now, they had to guarantee a profit.


    Finally, they forged around 100 Iron Swords, a widespread weapon that most ordinary folks used. Those were the ones that would be used by other people to test their Steel Sword.


    One week later, Erkil got rid of all limestone. He also kept just the necessary Iron Ore and Coal. No one would suspect that Coal was part of the forging process.


    The next day, the Workshop finally opened its doors. At first, no one paid attention to it, but soon, they noticed a curious announcement on its outside wall.


    "A new type of Sword has been created, and we welcome everyone to test it. We will allow two lucky customers to check it first hand against Iron Swords. Our new Sword can slash through Iron like butter, and you can feel it yourself. There will be three tries per day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one last at dusk. Please call your friends and see it by yourself."


    The majority ignored it. Some thought that it was false advertising, while others felt that they would provide a Spiritual Sword. If the Spiritual Equipment grade is high enough, it could indeed slash through Iron without much problem.


    However, there would always be those who were curious or just so happen to be passing at the right time.


    "Come, come! Check our new Steel Sword. It is not a Spiritual Equipment but can Slash through Iron as if it was one. If you are doubting our words, you can come and test it yourself. Come, come!"


    Slowly, a small group of people gathered in front of the Workshop. It wasn''t that many, but Juri was happy with this amount already. It was evident that the first test wouldn''t attract much attention, but words would spread after they were done with it.


    Juri called the warrior who was making the announcements back and stepped out fo the Workshop.


    "Welcome, everyone. I know that you are all busy people, so your time is precious. That being said, I would like to ask for any two volunteers straight away. One will be holding our Steel Sword, while the other will use an Iron Sword. All you have to do is to attack each other''s Swords."


    The people looked at each other, and it didn''t take long for two men to step forward. Both of them were in the Energy Gathering Realm, which was a common sight in the City.


    One of them took the Iron Sword and examined it with his Spiritual Sense to see if it wasn''t fake.


    "Good, it''s a common Iron Sword."


    The other guy took the Steel Sword.


    "Oh, it is lighter than I thought, and the metal seems a lot smoother. Well, I''m only interested in your claim, though. So you really don''t mind if we slash the swords against each other with full force, right? I''m not paying anything if it breaks."


    Juri shook his head.


    "This customer has no need to worry. Even if it breaks, our Workshop will definitely not blame you. Put your everything into it, I guarantee that the result won''t disappoint."


    The two warriors guys nodded, and they assumed an attack instance. Spiritual Energy started to cover their Swords, which showed that they were really not planning to hold back. Seeing that only made Juri smile, though.


    Suddenly...


    Swish!


    The Iron and Steel swords hit each other. Not too surprisingly, the steel sword really passed through the iron Sword as if it was made of paper. Rean''s Steel was different from the ones on Earth. It used Spiritual Energy in the process, which greatly increased its attack power. Since the person with the Steel Sword also used his Spiritual Energy, it was no wonder that the Iron Sword destroyed.


    Both the guys with the Iron and Steel Swords lost their balance after that attack. They had prepared themselves for the impact. However, the Steel Sword passed through the Iron one so smoothly that the previous preparation worked against them. When they finally regained balance, the two looked at the half Iron Sword. As for the other half, it fell on the ground close to the crowd.


    "Woowww!"


    Everyone was surprised. It did really slash through Iron, as Juri claimed. Suddenly, one person on the crowd shouted.


    "I don''t believe it! How can a Sword that isn''t a Spiritual Equipment slash through Iron that easily? There must be a trick behind it!"


    Everyone nodded subconsciously. That person was right, as far as they know, ordinary materials shouldn''t be able to slash through Iron that efficiently. In their eyes, only a Spiritual Equipment should be able to do such a thing. They couldn''t be blamed, that is just the common knowledge that they had long since accepted.


    However, Juri heard that and just laughed out loud.


    "If that is the case, would this customer be willing to use your own sword against our Steel Sword?"

 Chapter 54锛歅rofit

    The crowd went on uproar again. It was one thing to lose a simple Iron Sword, but they could see that the Sword on the guy''s waist was of much higher quality. Although it wasn''t a Spiritual Equipment, it was definitely much better than an Iron Sword.


    The guy went pale for a second. After all, he paid quite a few Spirit Stones for that Sword on his waist. But seeing the crowd looking at him, he understood that he couldn''t simply step back anymore.


    "Very well, if you can really Slash through my Rakaz Sword, I will apologize. However, I want to take a look at your Steel Sword First. I want to confirm if it really isn''t a Spiritual Equipment."


    Juri took back the Steel Sword from the first guy who tested and passed it over. There wasn''t the least bit of hesitation in his actions. The person who tested the Steel word just now couldn''t help but feel some longing for that weapon, though.


    "Alright, how is it? Can you feel any Spiritual Energy in my Steel Sword?"


    The guy used his Spiritual Sense several times. Still, he really couldn''t see even an iota of Spiritual Energy on it.


    "Hmph! There isn''t any, but it isn''t guaranteed that this Sword can slash through Iron. The trick might have been in the Iron Sword instead."


    Juri didn''t mind.


    "Good. That means you won''t complain when we use your Sword for the test, right?"


    The guy gritted his teeth and nodded. There was no turning back now.


    "However, if your Steel Sword can''t slash through my Rakaz Sword, you will have to pay for the damage that it received."


    Juri immediately accepted. If this guy knew that even his Spiritual Kaz Sword was slashed through, just what kind of face would he show?


    "Great! Is there anyone who is also in the Energy Gathering Realm Middle Stage like this friend here? I would like you to test our Steel Sword."


    Immediately, three hands were raised. It was then that Juri saw that one of them just so happened to be a woman. She was really in the middle stage of the Energy Gathering Realm too. Juri knew that if he selected the woman, the Steel Sword would have an even greater impact on everyone''s eyes. So he didn''t think twice and immediately called her over.


    "This young lady over there, please come here."


    Be it the woman or the guy with the Rakaz Sword, both were taken aback. Neither side thought that Juri would really select a girl. Still, that also showed Juri''s confidence in his Sword.


    The girl joyfully came out and grabbed the Steel Sword. She checked it with her Spiritual Sense and had to admit that it really didn''t have any Spiritual Energy at all.


    "Alright, you two can start anytime you want."


    After this big tumult, the crowd looking at the event increased even more. That, of course, made Juri and the others even more thrilled.


    The lady and the man also assumed an attack instance and released their Spiritual Energy. Both sides didn''t hold back. As soon as Juri gave the signal, they attacked the other side''s Sword.


    Swish! Clang!


    Obviously, the Rakaz Sword was also slashed through without a problem. Of course, due to its higher quality, the Steel Sword suffered some damage on its sides. However, it wasn''t anything serious, and the Steel Sword could still be used without a problem. It only needed to be sharpened to eliminate the dent, and it would be good to go.


    As for the Rakaz Sword, that was no more. When the guy saw the other half of his Sword on the ground, he almost cried too. He had paid 70 Spirit Stones on that Sword, after all.


    As for the crowd, they all cheered. It was really an excellent presentation, and the product seemed to be legit. There is no doubt that their Steel Sword name will spread soon enough.


    "Thank you, everyone. This is it for this morning''s test. This afternoon, we will make another demonstration. If you wish, please come to see it again. As for those interested in the Steel Sword, you can come inside and select one of the many previously prepared ones. For the people here at the moment, we will give a 10% discount."


    Of course, the majority of the people present were only here to watch the show. They didn''t really want to buy the Sword. Even those who had an interest, most wouldn''t be able to afford such a thing. In the end, only three customers entered the workshop to take a look. Juri wasn''t disappointed, though. The real buyers are still oblivious to this event, but that won''t be for long.


    The girl tried to give the Steel Sword back to Juri, but he shook his head.


    "Since this is the first time showing this Sword to the world, I will make an exception. This young lady can have it. Just make sure to ask for a blacksmith to sharpen it again later. Hahaha!"


    The girl was obviously ecstatic to hear that. Although she is in the middle stage of the Energy Gathering Realm, she was far from being someone rich. It would be quite difficult for her to pay for such a good sword.


    "Thank you, senior."


    Juri nodded and returned to the workshop. That morning, the Varen Tribe''s Steel Workshop sold two Steel Swords. Rean had talked with Juri before, and they decided to set the price at 200 Spirit Stones. Although the Steel Sword was worth more than 300, that was also the price of a Spiritual Equipment. In the end, people would still opt for the latter. There had to be some advantage in buying a standard sword, thus, 200 Spirit Stones. Of course, those two customers only paid 180 each. One mustn''t forget his promises, Juri had declared that he would give a 10% discount to them, and so he did.


    When they left, Erkil, his two apprentices, and Juri looked at the Spirit Stones bewildered. The total cost to make those two Steel Swords definitely didn''t cost more than one Spirit Stone. But then won 360 in a moment. If this wasn''t a profit, then no one would be making a profit in this world.

 Chapter 55锛欱lacksmith Clans

    During the afternoon, a few of the previous day people came back with some friends. But the majority were new ones who were passing by. At Dusk, The crow was slightly smaller, but Juri knew that it was due to the time. Nevertheless, his Workshop still conducted the test.


    On the first day, their Workshop sold a total of 5 Steel Swords, which gave then almost 1000 Spirit Stones.


    The next day, the same thing happened again. Not only that, but someone also thought that to be a trick, just to have his Saber split in half as well. Finally, by the end of the second day, Juri could already feel some interesting eyes on his Workshop. Still, he just smiled and closed the Workshop.


    Rean also received a bird message talking about the profits so far. Since they were still not allied with the Zafa Bank, the money is still entirely for themselves.


    The third day, morning, testing time.


    Juri looked outside and noticed that the crowd was a lot bigger than the previous day. Erkil, who was beside him, grinned after seeing a few of them.


    "There are quite a few blacksmiths this time. Probably, they are part of the Big Blacksmith Workshops of the City."


    Juri nodded.


    "Do you know which ones?"


    Erkil then looked at the symbol on their attires before saying.


    "The Suferia Clan, Watil Clan, and Garkan Clan are between them. Those are the biggest Blacksmith Workshops in the City. I can also spot a few medium-sized ones and some that I don''t know. But since the big three are here, it means that the information already started to spread. Those are probably just scouts, they shouldn''t do anything in this morning test. However, the afternoon one will probably be very tumulted."


    Juri nodded and then stepped out to conduct the same test as always. When those scouts saw what the new Steel Sword, which wasn''t a Spiritual Equipment, could do, their eyes opened wide. None of them wasted time and rushed back to their own workshops. The prowess of the Steel Sword was just too high.


    In the Suferia Clan Workshop, the scout was reporting it to the Chief Blacksmith, Liam Suferia.


    "What? Are you making fun of me? How can a Sword made of ordinary materials possibly cut through Iron than easily?"


    "Master, I know it seems ridiculous, but I''m not lying, this is what really happened there. Their Steel Sword is as strong as a low-level Spiritual Sword. Maybe even stronger. I, your disciple, would never dare to joke around with something like this."


    Liam narrowed his eyes while he looked at his disciple. But in the end, he snorted.


    "That just means they know how to play a good trick. Still, it would be bad for business if others began to believe that such a thing is real."


    Liam then went back into his Workshop and took out a sword. After seeing that, his disciple''s eyes lit up.


    "Master, are you planning to use this Tirakiu Sword to test their Steel one? Isn''t it a little too forceful?"


    Liam just laughed.


    "Aren''t they saying that their Steel Sword is just as good as a Spiritual Equipment, but with ordinary materials? This Tirakiu Metal might be a little strong, but it is still not a Spiritual One. If their Sword is that good, then it shouldn''t have a problem against this Sword of mine. Hahaha!"


    In the other Workshops, similar events were playing. Some thought it to be a trick like Liam, others believed that it might be a business chance. Nevertheless, all of them took their own swords out. As long as it wasn''t a Spiritual Equipment, it wouldn''t be unfair.


    During the afternoon, there was an even bigger crowd around. Not only were there the blacksmith Workshop representants, but also a few stronger warriors at the late and peak stage of the Energy Gathering Realm too. Rumors spread fast, so they got interested in this Steel Sword, which is cheaper and still has the same power as a Spiritual Equipment.


    Juri stepped forward once more and started his show. He pretended that this was just a regular crowd and acted accordingly.


    "Welcome, everyone. Most of you already know about our tests, so I ask two volunteers to test our new Steel Sword. Is there anyone willing to try?"


    "I am."


    Before anyone could talk, a powerful voice spread around the crowd. Erkil, who was watching from inside the Workshop, immediately recognized the guy. Not only him, but the blacksmiths around noticed the man''s identity straight away. Erkil then sent a Spiritual Sense message to Juri.


    "That is Marlen Watil, the Chief Blacksmith of the Watil Clan. Be careful of him."


    Juri slimed and nodded.


    "Thank you, sir. I need one more volunteer who will be using our Iron Sword. Is there anyone else?"


    "Here."


    Another man stepped forward. Seeing that, the blacksmith crowd got even more excited.


    "That is Liam Suferia of the Suferia Clan. He also came to check it."


    Erkil, of course, immediately told Juri about the man''s identity as well. Juri was surprised that their test would attract two Chief Blacksmiths at once. However, this is also a good chance.


    Juri then tried to pass him the Iron Sword, but Liam immediately refused.


    "No need. You said that your Steel Sword is comparable with a Spiritual Equipment, although it isn''t one. If that is the case, I will use my own Sword to test your own. You don''t mind it, right?"


    Liam then took his own Sword out of the sheath. Immediately, all the blacksmiths around noticed what kind of Sword it was.


    "It''s a Tirakiu Metal Sword, Liam is determined to trash this Steel Sword it seems."


    "That''s also good. Tirakiu Metal Sword is good and rare, but it still not at the level of a Spiritual Equipment. There is indeed nothing wrong with him using it."


    Juri looked at that and just smiled.


    "There is absolutely no problem. I just hope this friend won''t charge our Workshop when it breaks."


    Liam snorted and nodded. The price of a Tirakiu Sword was nothing more than pocket change for him. First of all, he doesn''t believe that that Steel Sword could really break his Tirakiu Sword.


    Juri then passed his Steel Sword to Marlen Watil. After grabbing it, Marlen narrowed his eyes.


    ''It''s light. But how did it become this smooth? Also, there really isn''t even an iota of Spiritual Energy inside. They weren''t joking when they said that it was made with ordinary materials.''


    However, it didn''t matter. With Liam and his Tirakiu Sword on the other side, whether this Steel Sword is the real deal or not will soon be found out.


    "Very well, gentleman. You are free to start at any time."

 Chapter 56锛欰cknowledgment

    Surprisingly, both Chief Blacksmiths were at the Foundation Establishment Realm. Not only that, but they were also far above Juri, being at the Late Stage each. That is to be expected, though. They are from two of the three biggest blacksmith clans in the city. It is only right and proper for them to have access to a lot more resources than Juri and his Varen Tribe.


    Spiritual Energy Started to gather around the Steel and Tirakiu Swords. Right after, each blacksmiths'' elements did the same. Marlen''s Spiritual Energy went green while Liam was a bright red. Without any delay, both sides slashed through the opponent''s swords without holding back at all. Their intention was to really get the enemy''s sword destroyed.


    While the people looked nervously at it, Juri and Erkil were laughing inside. For them, the result had long since been decided.


    Sure enough, Liam''s Tirakiu Sword became scrap metal right after. The Steel Sword passed through it easier than it did with Iron Swords. The reason was simple, the level of the ones holding the swords. The power of a weapon is greatly enhanced by the cultivator''s Spiritual Energy. Considering that the Steel Sword was already a lot better, it goes without saying that the attack power difference between them got even higher once Spiritual Energy and Elements were involved.


    In the end, there was barely any mark left on the Steel Sword, while the Tirakiu Sword was slashed in half.


    Liam looked at his half Tirakiu Sword and was speechless. He simply couldn''t believe that his sword was broken so easily. The same expression could be seen on Marlen''s face. Until the entire process, his spiritual sense had been on the Steel Sword. So he was absolutely sure that the sword didn''t manifest any Spiritual Energy at all. That meant that the Steel Sword was really made out of ordinary materials.


    Taking a deep breath, Marlen looked at Juri and passed the sword back.


    "This is a fantastic sword."


    Juri received it and nodded.


    "Thank you for the compliment. Our Workshop worked hard for several years to create this thing. It is the fruit of our blood and sweat."


    Obviously, this was a blatant lie! Unfortunately, even if Juri tells the truth, no one would believe it to start with. What? It was a 5 years old child who made it? What? Did he reincarnate? Who the hell would fall for that?! Of course, Juri would never tell them the truth to start with. He and Rean just thought about a random story, and that was all. It was not like someone could prove they were lying anyway.


    "Wait!"


    Just as Juri was about to return to the Workshop, Liam came forward and asked.


    "Name your price, my Suferia Clan is willing to pay for the formula to create this metal."


    Hearing that, the Watil and Garkan Clans also stepped forward.


    "Friend, don''t listen to him, our Garkan Clan can definitely offer you a much better deal."


    "Hahaha! Bullshit! This friend here, sell this formula to our Watil Clan. No one else will be able to satisfy you better than us."


    Immediately, the three Chief Blacksmiths began to argue with each other. They didn''t even give space to the Medium and Small-Sized Workshops to step in. First of all, they wouldn''t be able to offer more than them to start with.


    Suddenly, Juri raised his hand.


    "Those friends should stop fighting. There is no meaning in doing that anyway. Our Workshop has no intention of selling the formula to create the Steel Sword to start with."


    All three looked at him, baffled.


    "Do you think that such a small workshop like yours will be able to keep it a secret? Sooner or later, the formula will be stolen. This thing is a gold... no, it''s a Spirit Stones mine. If you don''t sell it, you will definitely end up with nothing."


    Juri smiled after hearing that.


    "There is no need for these friends to be worried. I brought a lot of my Tribe warriors to help protect our Workshop. We should be fine for the time being."


    The three looked at the warriors that Juri talked about. But after checking their cultivations with their Spiritual Sense, they thought that this guy was joking.


    "You want to protect it with a bunch of Energy Gathering Realm ants?"


    Juri didn''t mind the comment and just laughed.


    "It is okay, I''m also a Foundation Establishment Cultivator. Also, as long as we are inside the city, the laws will protect us."


    This guy is an idiot. That was the first thought that popped in the three Chief Blacksmiths.


    They tried to convince Juri several more times, but it was to no avail. Juri was adamant about keeping the formula for his Steel Metal to himself. In the end, they could only give up and think another way to put their hands on the method to create it.


    Marlen Watil looked at the Steel Sword on Juri''s hand and requested.


    "Since that is the case, I want five Steel Swords. Please prepare them for me.


    Juri''s eyes lit up after hearing that.


    "Sure thing. Please come with me to our Workshop and select the ones you like."


    The Suferia and Garkan Clans immediately noticed what Marlen wanted to do. They followed, quickly buying another 5 Steel Swords each as well. They weren''t the only ones, though. The Medium and Small Sized Blacksmith Workshops also bought at least one Steel Sword each. Simply put, they wanted to study these swords to see if they could understand the process to make the Steel Metal.


    Juri and the troupe were obviously ecstatic. In this single day, they sold 53 Steel Swords, which meant 6600 Spirit Stones! Even the entire Tribe Working together would have a hard time to make this amount in a month. Of course, that was because they got the eyes of the Blacksmith Workshops. After this, the sellings would go down again for a time.


    On the fifth day after the opening, the Varen Workshop had finally sold its 100th sword. The business was booming. But at the same time, things were going bad for the other Workshops. So far... no one was able to discover the process used to make Steel Swords.

 Chapter 57锛欼 Guess it is a Profitable Business

    In the Garkan Clan Workshop, Omario Garkan, the clan head, was in a rage. Even the Chief Blacksmith, Jun Garkan, couldn''t understand how the Steel was created at all.


    "What do you mean you can''t find how it was forged? Just cut it in half, see what is inside, do whatever! Or are you telling me that they found a new type of ore?"


    Jun shook his head.


    "I can''t say, I have never heard about this type of metal before, let alone seen it. Even to cut it in half was as difficult as splitting a Spiritual Sword. Depending on the material, even harder. Still, it wasn''t as I imagined it would be. There were no other metals inside. At first, I thought that some strong metal was hidden under the surface. But I was wrong, the entire Sword was forged with the exact same type of metal."


    Omario couldn''t accept this.


    "Is there really no way to find how it was made without seeing it being forged."


    Jun nodded.


    "At least, not one that our Blacksmith Shop knows. However, I dare say that the Suferia and Watil Clans should be as perplexed as us. I doubt they would have a way to uncover its secrets by simply researching the Steel Swords."


    Omario narrowed his eyes.


    "In that case, we need to find their forging method by ourselves. Send some Foundation Establishment members to that Varen Workshop. Tell them to keep using Spiritual Sense all the time. Sooner or later, they will need to forge more of those Steel Swords. At that time, we will be able to see it first hand."


    Jun nodded and then left.


    In the other two Big Blacksmith Clans, the same type of scene was playing around. In the end, they could only do the same thing as the Garkan Clan and send some experts out to observe.


    However, two days went by, and no new sword was forged at all. Other than sharpening some weapons that were brought now and then, the blacksmiths inside did nothing else. By now, they finally understood that the Varen Workshop had made a lot of Steel Swords before opening their doors. Simply put, they had no need to forge anything at the moment.


    Juri had made Erkil, and his two apprentices forge a total os 300 Steel Swords. After an entire week selling them, they had got rid of 213. That meant they still had another 87 to send away before they start to forge more.


    Ultimately, those clans sent their Foundation Establishment members inside the shop to pretend to take a look. But in fact, they all used their Spiritual Sense to find out how many swords the shop still had available to sell. Juri noticed the presence of those Spiritual Senses, but he didn''t say anything. There is no law saying that one can''t use their Spiritual Sense, after all.


    At some point, they also tried to check all the materials inside the Workshop. But other than coal, iron, and some other standard tools and ores, there was nothing else there. Not to mention that they thought that the iron was there to forge those useless Iron Swords. In the end, they decided to wait for the time their shop sold all the Steel Swords.


    "They still have 87, considering the speed those swords are leaving, it will take them at most three more days to sell everything. Let''s wait and see."


    They were right, the Steel Swords were selling like water in the desert. Who wouldn''t want a weapon as good as a Spiritual Equipment but for a lower price? That result was more than expected. So it definitely wouldn''t last more than three days.


    However, even as the swords were leaving, no one started to forge anything.


    "If they don''t start forging now, they will run out before they can bring more. Could it be that the swords were forged outside and will be brought here? But if that is the case, we just need to follow those who come to deliver it. That might make things even easier."


    Unfortunately for those observing, after the last Sword was sold, the Varen Workshop... closed! It left them all dumbfounded. There was only a plaque in the front.


    "The stock has been emptied. Please come back another time."


    They kept using their Spiritual Sense to check the Workshop, but no one started to forge a single Sword. If anything, the blacksmiths inside were simply having fun while playing some games, that''s all.


    Finally, the blacksmith clans lost their patience. They decided that they would break into the Workshop and force them to hand over the Steel Metal formula. The three big clans even joined together for the operation. After all, they are inside the city. There are laws in this place. They had to be fast and not leave any clues behind.


    That night, six Foundation Establishment cultivators wearing black clothes appeared outside the Workshop during the night. The streets were empty, and there was only an occasional group of city guards patrolling. They waited for the signal of their other subordinates who were watching those same guards. Once that blank space during the patrols appears, that will be their moment to act.


    Suddenly, the six cultivators heard a whistle. That was the signal they were waiting for. Immediately, a cold light flashed on their eyes, and they broke through the backdoor of the Workshop.


    Boom!


    The six men moved like the wind, going straight into the second floor where Juri and the rest were playing. They slammed the door of the second floor and quickly stepped inside. They soon saw Juri, Erkil, Erkil''s two apprentices, and a few Energy Gathering Realm warriors of the Varen Tribe.


    They weren''t planning to stay long. Their target was Erkil and Juri. One of those would definitely know the Steel Metal Formula. Three men in black went ahead to stall the warriors. In contrast, the other three peak Foundation Establishment in their group went after Juri and Erkil. Even if Juri was in the Foundation Establishment too, he is only an Initial Stage one, so he wouldn''t be able to hold for long.


    But it was at this moment that they heard a snort.


    "Hehe. To think that they really came. I guess this is a really profitable business, after all."

 Chapter 58锛欳onclusion

    Suddenly, a powerful Spiritual Energy pressure came down. The moment the men in black felt it, they all kneeled on the ground. They simply couldn''t resist it at all.


    "What is happening?"


    An old man who was playing with the others then stood up and walked in their direction. Every step he made, the pressure increased. Finally, the men in black couldn''t even stay on their knees anymore and laid down flat on the ground. One could also hear the crack of their bones.


    "Who... are... you?!"


    By now, the men in black already understood that this was all a trap. This Workshop had long since been waiting for them. That old man cultivation was obviously much higher than themselves too. But why would such an expert appear in this place? If this Workshop had such a background, why would it wait until this moment to show it?


    Juri then stepped forward and bowed to that expert.


    "Senior Falael, thank you for your help. As you can see, even the blacksmith clans of the city want our Formula, so I can guarantee that our partnership with your Zafa Bank will be profitable for both of us."


    Zafa bank!


    When the men in black heard this name, they immediately shivered. The Zafa Bank is a titan in their empire. It is so big that even the cultivator sects won''t mess with them easily. They really didn''t expect that the Zafa Bank would step forward to make a partnership with such a small workshop like this one.


    "Hahaha! Don''t worry, when I saw the results of your Steel Metal, I knew that it would become a great business in the future. Our Zafa Bank has made partnerships with new inventors all over the empire and even other countries. All we care about is one thing. Can it make a profit or not? Your Steel is definitely capable of such a thing."


    Falael then looked at Juri and made a question.


    "Have you applied to the bureau of development already?"


    Juri nodded.


    "Yes. Thanks to the Zafa Bank support, they accepted our request. The Steel Metal is now the sole property of our Varen Workshop. If any other Blacksmith Workshop in the empire decides to make it, they will need to ask our permission first."


    Falael nodded, satisfied.


    The men in black grimaced. From the very start, they had no fate with the Steel Metal.


    "Now then, what should I do with these ants? Oh well, I will leave it to the city guards. If I kill them here, it will be annoying to clean the floor later."


    The City guards were quickly called over, and the men in black were taken away. It was also for the interest of the Varen Tribe to not have them killed. After all, it would only generate more hatred against their senders. The blacksmith clans will need to lose a layer of skin before taking them out, though.


    Back inside the Varen Workshop, Falael sat on the beside the table again.


    "Tomorrow, the Arrays Master will arrive. He will set up a Spiritual Sense Concealing Array around your Workshop, so you don''t need to be afraid of being robbed of your Formula anymore. Anyway, even if they stole it, with your request being accepted by the Development Bureau, they wouldn''t be able to sell. So it would be useless anyway. Unless, of course, they move out of the empire, but that is not your or our problems."


    Juri nodded and sat down, as well.


    "Anyway, who was the next one? Quickly make your move."


    Everyone in the Varen Workshop kept playing and drinking happily until the dawn of the next day.


    However, things were not so calm for the Blacksmith Clans. The clan leaders had joined hands to get the Steel Metal Formula, but all their subordinates had been captured. The City Guards already came to their door, and now they must offer an explanation.


    It wasn''t after an entire day of questions and a considerable amount of spirit stones that they left the City Guards building behind. Following each of the clan leaders, were six Foundation Establishment experts. Those were the ones who participated in the last night operations.


    "Damn it! That Juri was obviously playing dumb! No wonder he didn''t sell the Steel Metal Formula. With the Zafa Back as their backer, there was really no need for him to be afraid."


    Roggen Watil just sighed.


    "If the Zafa Bank is involved, then there is no doubt that the Bureau of Development already accepted their ownership of the Steel Metal as well. Even if we acquire the Formula, we won''t be able to sell it. It''s a waste of time. I don''t know about you, but I''m stepping out. This time, the Zafa Bank let us off the hook, but they can totally squash my clan if they wish to. Farewell, friends."


    The other two clan leaders looked at each other and shook their heads. In the end, neither of them could afford to offend the Zafa Clan either. They quickly went on their own directions, putting an end to their desires.


    The next morning, the Arrays Master that Falael mentioned arrived. He was under the Zafa Bank''s orders, so he didn''t waste time and made sure to do a perfect job. In just a single day, a Spiritual Sense Cocealing Formation was raised around the Workshop.


    That being said, Erkil and the others immediately gathered more materials and started to forge again. This time, they also forged other weapons to increase the variety. Swords, Sabers, Shields, you name it. They also began to accept orders for specific types.


    The contract with the Zafa Bank was also completed. 30% of all profits generated by Steelworks would be for the Zafa Bank, while the Varen Workshop would get 70%. The Zafa Bank would offer the protection at the first stages of development and help to promote the Steelworks in other cities of the empire. But ultimately, the ownership of the Steel Metal was Varen''s.

 Chapter 59锛歋urprise

    Back in the Varen Tribe, Rean and Roan were not wasting time. During these last three weeks, their cultivation had been increasing smoothly. By now, they already can feel signs of entering the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm.


    Other than that, the classes continued. Inna Malaka got even more proficient in her Staff while Rivio started to show results with his Spear. Rivio was absolutely not Inna''s match, but he was the only one who dared to challenge her other than Rean and Roan.


    Rean''s Swordsmanship was improving as fast as Inna''s Staff. Considering that he also has an adult mind, his progress was more polished, though. As for Roan, he didn''t really need to practice with weapons at the moment. Only when there was Spiritual Energy involved would he put some thought on it.


    Three days ago, Roan''s manual of Swordsmanship, the Death Style, finally caused a change.


    [Congratulations, hosts. The Varen Tribe''s whole power has increased thanks to the new Sword Style. Hosts are rewarded with 10 Destiny Points. More points will be generated once a few warriors of the Tribe Master the Death Style.]


    Although Rean and Roan were happy to hear that, 10 destiny points wouldn''t have any use at the moment, so they kept their training days.


    Finally, an entire month went by, and Juri returned with the first fruits of their efforts. After calling Alanda, Rean, and Roan over, he started to give a full explanation of the events in the city.


    "During the first three weeks, we were still not in a partnership with the Zafa bank. That means that we sold the 300 Steel Swords on our own, and didn''t have to share their payments. In total, almost 60 thousand Spirit Stones were earned during that time. After that, we started to forge Steel Equipment again. Also, because of the spread of the Varen Workshop''s name, quite a few customers were waiting for it to be opened."


    "Still, I decided to not mix the Spirit Stones earned before the partnership with the ones acquired after. So I only brought the ones from the first Steel Swords. You know, these 60 thousand Spirit Stones are more than what our entire Tribe can make after three whole months of work in the Mine. We just took three weeks to do such a thing. Rean, are you sure you only want 30%? I really don''t mind offering more. You are helping of Tribe Greatly at the moment."


    Rean shook his head.


    "Just make sure to distribute a good amount to the kids in our class. 30% is more than enough for Roan and me. Seventeen thousand is truly an amount that we won''t be able to consume anytime soon. Oh, right. Inna Malaka is really improving extremely fast, so give her some extra ones. Her blue aptitude is really frightening."


    Alanda couldn''t help but sigh.


    "Her progress is frightening? What about you two then? Even your cultivation speed is higher than anyone. The only reason Inna is improving faster is that her cultivation is lower than yours. Once she reaches your level, she definitely won''t be able to compare."


    Roan shook his head.


    "Our case is too special. Using us as a comparison is not the right thing to do."


    Juri nodded and didn''t ask anymore. He then applied 10% of those Spirit Stones in the new class and had Alanda taking care of the rest.


    The next day, the entire Tribe went in an uproar. Suddenly, all the payments of Spirit Stones for the warriors and ordinary people increased. Although it wasn''t much since the Tribe has over 10 thousand people, it was still a happy event for everyone.


    Rean and Roan''s classes received the most significant boost. 10% of the 60 thousand Spirit Stones were injected there. Inna Malaka''s family was the most shocked to see those spirit stones. After all, she brought home almost 500 of them! Together, Alanda explained the situation.


    "As you know, she is a Blue Level talent, so the Tribe is investing in her future. Make sure to support her accordingly, and don''t waste the Spirit Stones."


    Her family quickly accepted Alanda''s words. Those Spirit Stones would indeed help her a lot with her path of cultivation. Of course, Inna is still clueless about her real Aptitude Color.


    Rean and Roan returned home with a few big boxes. However, no one knew what was inside. Even the warriors carrying it had no idea. Rean called Diakar and Opril inside and then closed the entire house. Now, only his parents, Roan, and their two protectors were present.


    Turen and Hamarlia couldn''t help but feel puzzled by that situation.


    "Rean, what is happening here? And what are all those boxes?"


    Rean smiled and then kicked one of the boxes open. Immediately, spiritual energy started to flow out due to a large amount of Spirit Stones inside. Seeing that, both their parents and protectors were shocked! They had never seen so many Spirit Stones before.


    But instead of happiness, Turen, the twin''s father, got concerned instead.


    "Rean, Roan, what is the meaning of this? Where did all those Spirit Stones come from?"


    Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Hearing that, Rean and Roan faintly smiled. The people in this room don''t know about their past lives, so they needed someone more influential to clarify the things for Diakar, Opril, Turen, and Hamarlia.


    When Hamarlia opened the door, she almost had a fright.


    "Tr-Tribe Leader Juri! Please, quickly, come in!"


    Opril, Diakar, and Turen immediately stood up and bowed to Juri.


    Juri smiled and nodded.


    "I see that you already received the Spirit Stones I gave you."


    Hamarlia and Turen were taken aback.


    "Was is Tribe Leader who gave it to us? How could be there so many?"


    Juri laughed and then explained.


    "Don''t worry, this is the correct amount. You just have to understand that Rean and Roan made an enormous contribution to the Tribe, so this is their payment. They also asked me if they could let you use those Spirit Stones, and I agreed. I''m only here to put your minds at ease. Unfortunately, I can''t let them tell you how they helped the Tribe at the moment since it is a secret. I hope you don''t mind."


    Turen and Alanda wee still shocked by it. But since the one who came was Juri, they could only accept. As long as their children didn''t do anything wrong, then it is okay.


    "Thank you, Tribe Leader. We understand."


    Juri nodded before turning around and leaving.


    Hamarlia, Turen, Diakar, and Opril looked at the twins and didn''t know what to say.


    Rean, on the other hand, just laughed.


    "Father, Mother, there is no need to worry too much. Tribe Leader already confirmed that there is no problem, so go ahead and use the Spirit Stones. Diakar and Opril are free to use it too. As our protectors, you need to get strong as well."


    In the end, they could only nod.

 Chapter 60锛欱eing Too Nice

    With all those Spirit Stones available, Rean and Roan had no more obstacles in cultivation. It could be said that the greatest barrier for cultivators in the Tribes is really the lack of Spiritual Energy. Even Juri and Alanda couldn''t use that many Spirit Stones, or else their reserves would dry out.


    With this restriction lifted, Rean and Roan''s cultivation speed exploded. In just one month, they entered the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering realm. Rean convinced his Father to stop working, so both their parents were basically spending their time cultivating now. Of course, both Turen and Hamarlia only have a simple Gray Color aptitude, the lowest one. Even with unlimited Spirit Stones, their cultivation couldn''t compare with the Opril and Diakar, let alone Rean and Roan.


    The twins used at least a hundred Spirit Stones per day, which others would think unbelievable. In fact, they could use even more. But Sister Orb warned the two.


    [If the cultivation is too fast, it will not be possible to consolidate a proper foundation. You two need to give your bodies and souls time to adapt to the changes in your dantians, so make sure not to use more than a hundred Spirit Stones per day.]


    Sister Orb existed to help them achieve the level necessary to reconnect the two halves of the Universe. Obviously, she wouldn''t permit their cultivation to go astray.


    During the time that Rean and Roan weren''t using Spirit Stones, they would practice other things. Basically, Roan would be teaching Rean, Inna, and Rivio how to use their weapons. Other times Roan would train by himself while using Spiritual Energy in his attacks. Only later did Rean find out that Roan was creating his own skills as well.


    "It is not only for me that I''m doing it, but for the two of us."


    Rean felt a chill on his back when he heard that.


    "That''s creepy, please don''t say that."


    Roan''s mouth twitched.


    "Fuck you! Do you really think I would do that willing? If you are weak and die, I will probably die too. So I have no other choice other than make you strong as well, idiot! I want nothing more than cut your head right now, but I''m doing my best to hold back. Besides, you are the one who got us the Spirit Stones, so it can also be considered a payment."


    Rean let out a sigh of relief.


    "For a second, I thought you wanted to act like brothers for real."


    "You are being the creepy one this time. Shoo, shoo, don''t bother me while I''m in the middle of creating something new."


    Rean curiously watched as Roan moved his sword. Suddenly, he made a slash against the dummy in front of him, and it passed through. For a moment, Rean though that that the dummy was cut in half. But it was then that a sword with a Dark Spiritual Energy passed through it again.


    "This..."


    Rean immediately understood. The first sword was nothing more than an illusion, only the second was real. But that wasn''t all, Rean could feel that what Roan used to make that Illusion was his Light Element!


    Rean quickly concentrated on the Black and White thread and could feel that the Light and Dark elements were in the middle of exchanging sides.


    "His using my light element!"


    Rean then gathered Spiritual Energy on his hand and tried to use Roan''s Dark element. Sure enough, the same way that Roan can use his Light Element, Rean can use Roan''s Dark one.


    It was the first time that Rean noticed that he could do it without having to ask for Roan to do the exchange with him.


    Roan noticed Rean''s shook and then explained.


    "I believe this is the Effect of our Light and Dark Cultivation Techniques. They seemed to have been made with the threads connecting our souls as the base. After we advanced into the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm, I noticed that this exchange became constant. Since the Light Element is coming anyway, I might as well make good use of it."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why didn''t you tell me before?"


    "Because you didn''t ask. Hahaha!"


    Rean felt like crying but had no tears.


    "Forget it. If I think too much about it, I will only hurt myself. By the way, were you waiting to finish creating this Sword Technique before telling me about this natural exchange?"


    Roan didn''t deny.


    "We are already cultivating doing this exchange willingly, so telling you would make no difference. Since the technique was not ready, I just waited. After all, what good would be there for you to know this anyway?"


    Rean couldn''t help but feel indignant.


    "I might have created an attack technique as well, you know?"


    "Hahahahaha! You? An attack technique? You don''t even know how to use a sword properly, how exactly would you create something while using my Dark Element? First of all, have you created any light-based one? Any at all?"


    Rean sulked but couldn''t answer. That was right. Other than practice the Sword like Roan told him and cultivation, he really hadn''t tried to do anything else. Let alone tried to create a technique using his Light Element.


    Roan, of course, laughed even more at his silence.


    "Hahaha! You are really an idiot. Weapons and attack techniques are my fields. Since I''m already this way, why would you try to copy me and create something similar? Just leave it to me. Your domain should be somewhere else, especially for a Light Element user like you, don''t you think?"


    Rean was taken aback by those words. Indeed, compared to Roan, Rean wasn''t a good fighter. Although he is much better and learns much faster than the majority, he had to admit that it is a waste of time trying to beat Roan in that field. Rean understood that Roan was giving him a hint, and a very obvious one at that.


    "Hehe. You are right, Roan. I''ll leave those attacking techniques up to you, just teach me them for free another time."


    "Yea, yea. Shoo, shoo, go away already."


    With a smile on his face, Rean quickly left Roan alone.


    Roan just chuckled, though.


    ''I''m being too nice for my own good.''

 Chapter 61锛歀ike the Movies

    Three years passed in a flash. Now, Rean, Roan, and the kids from their classes are already Eight Years old.


    With the Nari Tribe''s alliance and to protect their Tribe and Zafa Bank behind their Workshop, the Tribe as a whole had been having a peaceful life. Juri also made sure to strengthen the relationship with the nearby Tribes, making them understand that their Tribe has no intention of becoming some tyrannical power that will get tributes from them.


    During these last three years, the Varen Workshop in the City also increased in size. But not to the point where they would become a threat to big blacksmith clans. They only forger a specific number of Steel Weapons per month. Once they were done with it, no new equipment would come out until the next one.


    Juri''s plan was very simple, he doesn''t want to catch too much attention. Their Varen Tribe is just too weak at the moment. If they start to expand, maybe others will target their Tribe as well. The Tribe is already doing great with the number of Spirit Stones they are getting at the moment. Once their Tribe gets stronger, only then will Juri think about increasing their Steelworks business.


    Back in the Varen Tribe, Rean and Roan achieved the Peak of the Energy Gathering Realm. The Body Transformation Realm was supposed to be faster than the Energy Gathering one. But with the Spirit Stones, it obviously changed. The difference in aptitudes could also be seen here. Diakar, even with Spirit Stones, achieved the Late Stages while Opril arrived at the Middle. Don''t misunderstand, this is already an impressive improvement for them. Without the Spirit Stones, they had little chance to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm in their life. Still, Rean''s Spirit Stones made such a possibility real.


    Inna Malaka was also doing great with her monthly allowance of Spirit Stones. She already entered the Energy Gathering Realm and was would enter the Middle Stage anytime now. As for Rivio, the only Green Color Aptitude, he is getting close to the Energy Gathering Realm.


    Inside the Tribe''s Blacksmith Workshop, Rean and Erkil were creating something new. Or to be more specific, Rean was giving the orders while Erkil followed them. With the two working together, things were going much faster.


    Rean took a deep breath and gathered his Light Element while looking at the liquid metal in front of him.


    ''Let''s see if this works this time.''


    Light Element and Spiritual Energy seeped into the liquid metal. Gradually the metal started a change until finally, the hot yellow and red color changed a bit into a white hue. Although it was mostly yellow and red, the white shade was still discernable.


    "Success!"


    Erkil''s eyes also lit up, and the two of them immediately started the next process. By the end of the day, Rean and Erkil exited the Workshop with a new sword in hands. It had a blue color, but at the same time, there was a shade of white over it. This is a Spiritual Sword with Light Element imbued into it. As long as Spiritual Energy is sent to the Sword, it would automatically attract the Light Element in the surroundings.


    "This is your first Spiritual Energy, so you should be proud."


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes. I could have created one a long time ago, but it would just be a copy of what the other blacksmiths'' workshops did. I didn''t want to waste such good materials like they always do. That''s why I created this Steel Kaz alloy. It follows the same principle of the Steel. However, finding the right material, temperature, and timings for Element and Spiritual Energy took way too long."


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''If I had Earth''s precision machines, such a job wouldn''t have taken so long.''


    However, he was still very happy with the result.


    After that, Rean and Erkil met Roan, who was training Inna and Rivio at the moment.


    "Roan, I finished the Sword. Give it a try so that I can make some fixes later."


    Roan didn''t mind and grabbed the Sword. All that he knew is that Rean was creating a new type of Spiritual Alloy, nothing else. Once he poured his Spiritual Energy inside, it shined with blue color and white hue over it.


    Everyone looked at that with bright eyes, it was really beautiful. However, Roan''s mouth couldn''t help but twitch.


    Rean, on the other hand, seemed very happy with that view too.


    "Good, the Light Element is gathering as expected. It can''t compare to what I can do myself, but it is still a great boost. The Kaz Steel Alloy is also absorbing the Spiritual Energy with a higher rate than the normal Kaz Metal Swords. Let''s see... How should I name it?"


    Roan snorted and said.


    "Name your ass! Isn''t this thing identical to a Light Saber? I wonder if it will make that ''vromm'' sound like the movies when I handle it."


    Rean almost fainted!


    "Light Saber? Fuck you! They don''t look anything alike! Where have you seen a Light Saber with a Cross Guard? This is obviously a sword! Even the shape is different!"


    Suddenly, Roan slashed the air with the new ''sword.''


    *Vromm*


    Hearing that extremely familiar sound, Roan glanced at Rean.


    "What were you saying?"


    Rean fell on the ground, almost crying already. Where did this ''vromm'' sound come from? This is all a coincidence, alright?!


    Roan then used his Spiritual Energy and made the Sword float a little. Although he could not make it float more than a few centimeters away from his body, that was enough for what he intended to do.


    "Hey, look, I''m using the ''force.'' I should be qualified to be a Jedi already."


    Rean finally vomited blood!


    At the same time, Erkil, Inna, and Rivio looked at those two with puzzled faces.


    ''Just what the hell are they talking about?''


    A few minutes later, Rean finally recovered a little from his saddened state.


    "Forget it, can you give it a test already?"


    Roan nodded, but it was then that a question appeared in his mind.


    "Hey, if this Sword is gathering Light Element, wouldn''t it heal the cut that I leave behind in the enemy?"


    After hearing that question, Rean''s mood finally improved.


    "Hehe. Do you think so?"

 Chapter 62锛歂ew Sword

    Roan narrowed his eyes after hearing that.


    "Is there some trick behind this thing?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Try it out, and you will understand."


    Roan nodded before they all went to the training field, where you could find a few dummies. But this was not the target. The target was one of the savage boars that the warriors usually captured in the forest''s outskirts. Rean had prepared this one especially for it. Roan then assumed an instance and raised his Sword. With everything ready, Spiritual Energy began to gather around it. At the same time, Light Element was drawn from the surroundings. Lastly, Roan also gathered his own Dark Element.


    After so long, Rean and Roan could already use the other''s elements together, so it wasn''t hard for Roan to achieve a balance between dark and light.


    Suddenly, Roan slashed down, and what was assumed to be just a single Sword seemed to become three! This skill was supposed to be made of Dark Element alone, but the Light Element gathered automatically due to the Sword Properties. Since that was the case, Roan didn''t hold back and used Rean''s Light Element as well.


    ''Death Style, Third Instance, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Of course, Roan wouldn''t waste his time saying such long names before an attack. It only appeared for a moment in his mind.


    There were really three swords, but two were made of Spiritual Energy and Elements. Although the two fake ones only had 70% of the real one''s attack power, the point is that the enemy wouldn''t be able to tell which one of the three was real. Not to mention, even at 70%, the two fake were still very strong.


    The attack hit the Boar in three different points. However, Roan didn''t aim to kill the Boar, just to make a few cuts around. The attack succeeded, and the Boar screamed in pain. But no one paid attention to it, what they looked at was to see if the injuries would start to recover due to the Light Element or not.


    However, Roan immediately stopped them.


    "There is no need to look, the injuries on it will not recover. There is no Light Element left to make it happens."


    After saying that, Roan narrowed his eyes while looking at the Boar''s cuts. They were a lot deeper than he intended to do.


    "Rean, you made the Light Element condense so that it would be gone during the attack, am I right? That''s why my attack power increased for a second. Because of that, the Boar received even more damage than I intended."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    "Correct! What happens when you gather light into a single point? That was the principle behind this Sword. That''s also why I love Spiritual Energy and those Spiritual Ores. They allow me to do things that no metallurgist could ever dream about back on Earth."


    Erkil heard that and got puzzled.


    "Earth? Metallurgist? What you mean?"


    Rean smiled and just shook his head.


    "Forget it, this is something between Roan and me. Even if I explained, it would be of no use for you."


    As for Inna Malaka and Rivio, they simply didn''t care about what Rean said. Their minds were still back during the time Roan used the three slashes.


    "So cool!"


    Inna agreed.


    "Yes, really amazing! Roan, would I be able to do something like that with my staff?"


    Rivio didn''t lose this chance either.


    "Me too, me too! I use a spear, so I should be able to do something similar, right? Right?!"


    Roan snorted, though.


    "Keep dreaming! Rivio isn''t in the Energy Gathering Realm yet, so how do you expect to release your body''s spiritual energy? As for you, Inna. Your control over the Spiritual Energy is still too lacking. Besides, your staff is a lot longer than a sword, so you would need a lot more Spiritual Energy too. Even I would have some difficulty in pulling this trick with a staff, let alone you."


    Inna and Rivio immediately started to sulk. One must not forget that they are 8 years old kids. Logic isn''t exactly very useful with them. Rean, on the other hand, just laughed. It was funny to see those two brats dreaming just to have Roan waking them up mercilessly.


    In fact, thanks to the link between the twins, Rean could already use the same technique as Roan. It''s just that he wasn''t as proficient.


    "Anyway, stop pretending to be some caring senior. How was the Sword?"


    Roan nodded and began to explain his thoughts. He took it very seriously, and so did Rean. By the end, Rean took the Sword back and returned to the Blacksmith Shop to make a few modifications with Erkil.


    A few days later, it would be another class hunt day. But this time, Rean and Roan didn''t join by following the main group on the sides. They decided to take a completely different route. Not only that. To avoid catching attention, the twins left two days earlier without anyone noticing. Also, other than the two of them, no one else knew where they were going.


    Alanda and Juri were against it at first, but Rean and Roan were adamant. Besides, considering their strength at the Peak of the Energy Gathering Realm, there aren''t really many beasts that can do something to them. There is also the fact that Alanda fought against Roan in a private space before... and Roan won! Although it was a close call, it was still a battle at the Foundation Establishment Realm. Roan could jump a Realm to fight!


    Rean also tried to fight Alanda. But in the end, he isn''t Roan. Although Rean''s power is similar to his ''brother,'' he can''t use it as well as him. Of course, Rean''s attack power could still be considered as someone in the Initial Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    Other than Diakar and Opril, Rean''s team got one last member. This time around, they were bringing Inna Malaka together. This girl was already too far from the other kids, so her progress would only be delayed with the other group. Malaka, of course, was as happy as she could be. After all, rarely had Rean and Roan allowed her to follow them.


    Just like that, this team of five entered the opposite demon beast forest.

 Chapter 63锛欽iran Forest

    Diakar and Opril still didn''t know exactly where they are going. They asked Rean and Roan, but neither one of them answered. Still, once they got far enough from the Tribe, Diakar finally decided to ask it again.


    "It shouldn''t be a problem to tell where we are going this time, right?"


    Rean looked at him before looking behind. They were indeed quite far from the Tribe, so it shouldn''t be a problem now.


    "We are going to Jiran Forest instead."


    Diakar and Opril were taken aback.


    "This... why would we go there?"


    The Jiran Forest was much further away compared to the one their Tribe usually used to hunt. Not only that, but higher-level Demon Beasts could be easily found there too. Typically, only those at the Foundation Establishment would train in that place, but they have none. Diakar is in the Late Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm while Opril in the Middle Stage, so they were obviously worried about this decision.


    Seeing that, Rean laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! Open the boxes I prepared."


    Diakar and Opril looked at that box they had been carrying until now. Rean asked them to bring it over but not open in the Tribe, so they had been curious about it. They did as Rean said and opened it. Before them, four Swords appeared, and they were all the same. Diakar and Opril only had to look once to understand that those Swords were all Spiritual Equipments!


    "This..."


    Roan didn''t ask and immediately grabbed one. Those are precisely the same as the one Rean had him test a few days ago. Steel Kaz Swords capable of gathering Light Element from the surroundings. Roan then handled it a bit and used some Spiritual Energy as well.


    "It seems like you fixed the parts I told you."


    Rean nodded.


    "Of course. Who do you think I am? I even made more fo them! They are the pinnacle of the Spiritual Swords. Well, as far as the low-level Spiritual Equipments are concerned, that is."


    Diakar and Opril eyes shined, and they immediately took one each. After putting Spiritual Energy inside and handling them, they could totally tell just how good they are.


    "Are they for us?"


    Rean nodded.


    "You have been serving the two of us for so long already, so this is a little gift. Since I was already making one, I might as well make six."


    "Six?"


    Rean nodded.


    "I passed one to Alanda and Juri each. Considering the level of Spiritual Equipments that I''ve seen so far, these Swords should be much better. They should be able to fight those a stage higher than them without any issues and have the advantage. If I''m not wrong, those two can even put up a fight against a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator now."


    Diakar and Opril were surprised to know that these Swords were so powerful. But Roan didn''t find it strange at all. Juri had let him test other Spiritual Sword before from another source. However, after he tested Rean''s Sword too, he knew that they were simply not at the same level.


    "With those Swords and Roan and my strength, we can also fight and kill Stage Two Demon Beasts, so you don''t need to worry.


    But there was one person in their group who seemed to be sulking at the moment. Obviously, it was the 8 years old Inna Malaka, who didn''t get anything.


    "What about me? I want one too!"


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh after seeing her expression. He patted Malaka''s head and nodded.


    "Of course, I prepared something for you too."


    The box was much larger than it should be if it was only carrying swords. From the bottom, Rean took out a Staff that was slightly bigger than the wooden one Inna Malaka usually used. Inna''s eyes immediately brightened, and she grabbed it as if it was her treasure.


    "Thank you!"


    She immediately started to play with the new one. However...


    "It is too heavy."


    Roan then explained.


    "It is not. I was the one who asked Rean to make it like this. With your Initial Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm, the wooden staves couldn''t properly show your power anymore. How many have you broken already while training, uh? The weight and length are perfect for you, considering your body stature."


    Rean nodded.


    "This is also a Spiritual Staff, so it will become a lot stronger once you put Spiritual Energy. Also, I used a different combination of metals to make a malleable alloy. I found out a Spiritual Ore called Rafrit that was just perfect for the job."


    Inna Malaka then poured her Spiritual Energy inside, and sure enough, the Staff became a lot easier to handle. Not to mention that it was a lot stronger now.


    "With that Staff, she should be able to fight a middle stage or even a late-stage cultivator. Their own weapons would probably break apart if they hit each other full force."


    However...


    Boom!


    Inna Malaka hit the ground with her new Staff using her full might. A small crater instantly opened, and the ground trembled. Rean and the others were surprised to see such strength. She wasn''t that strong a few days ago.


    "Inna, did you breakthrough?"


    The little girl looked back at them and showed a proud expression.


    "Hmph! I''m not slow. I reached the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm yesterday!"


    Rean and Roan nodded. No wonder her last strike carried so much Spiritual Energy. That was also a pleasant surprise in the end.


    Their group then left the boxes behind and kept making their way to Jiran Forest. Because of the distance, they would take at least two days to arrive. Diakar and Opril aren''t as strong as Rean and Roan anymore. But they were still adults. So that prevented a lot of problems. After all, if the three ''kids'' were walking alone, it would definitely catch everyone''s attention.


    Close to the Outskirts of the Jiran Forest, there were a few small Tribes where they could prepare. Those tribes were used to receive warriors who wanted to train there, so they welcomed everyone and got quite a few Spirit Stones like that.


    No one paid attention to Ran''s group when they arrived. Rean had made Sword sheets that looked very ordinary, which entirely concealed the Spiritual Swords. Malaka also had her Staff covered with some clothes on her back, so no one thought it weird either.


    However, there are always those who don''t have good intentions to start with. Robbers were commonplace in places like these where so many cultivators gathered. They would follow them into the Forest and take everything they had with higher numbers.


    Rean''s group ended being marked by one of these groups.


    As they looked at Rean and the others, one of them asked their small group leader.


    "How is it?"


    "The two adults seem to be in the Middle and Late stage of the Energy Gathering Realm. They also seem to be carrying a good amount of Spirit Stones. It shouldn''t be much of a problem to take everything from them."


    The other members'' eyes lit up. From that point, they always had someone following them around.


    Rean''s team then stayed in the Tribe for the night, leaving when dawn came the next morning. Sure enough, the group of robbers followed them from a distance.


    Roan looked at the corner of his eyes, and faintly smiled. From the very start, he knew that they were being observed. How many types of assassinations had ''Death'' seen in his previous life? Such tricks were simply useless against him.

 Chapter 64锛歄verpowered

    As Rean''s Team advanced, the deeper they got into the Forest. At first, the bandits found it weird that those guys were bringing the kids to such a place. But in the end, that wasn''t their problem. If anything, it should be easier to deal with the two adults by making the kids hostage.


    Roan then sent a Spiritual Sense message to everyone, including Malaka.


    "They are still following us. Inna, they will probably target us because they think we are weak. Don''t forget, you should not hold back. They want to rob your Staff, so give them a good beating."


    Inna showed an angry expression. She had just got that Staff from Rean a few days ago, so how could she let someone steal it from here?


    Rean, Diakar, and Opril also had their guards high. Still, they pretended to not know anything and kept walking forward.


    Suddenly, they found a Stage One Demon Beast. Seeing their group, it didn''t waste time and immediately attacked.


    Roan faintly smiled, though.


    ''It''s here.''


    Diakar went forward to block the beast while Opril stayed with Rean and the others. Roan was very clear about his plan. Once they found a demon beast, Diakar would step forward to deal with it. Seeing the protection around the kids getting smaller, the bandits would probably take this chance.


    Sure enough, as soon as Diakar started to fight the demon beast in front, the bandits rushed out of their hiding places and attacked Rean and his Group.


    "Rean, there are six of them. Three of them are going to Opril while there is one for me, you, and Malaka. Let''s get rid of the two in front of us straight away."


    Rean nodded.


    Malaka took her Staff out of the clothes and got ready too. The bandits'' fatal mistake was to think that the kids weren''t anything to be concerned about. They were utterly looking down on them.


    Rean and Roan raised their Sword at the same time. Spiritual Energy started to gather on them, and Light Element was drawn from the surroundings. The two also exchanged Dark and Light Element through the connection, and their hairs once again changed color. The two bandits moving against Rean and Roan were taken aback. It was evident that those two were in the Energy Gathering Realm, just like them.


    However, because the two were still kids, they didn''t back up. The only difference is that they changed their plan. At first, they intended to capture Rean and Roan, but with the strength that they were showing, such a thing would be too risky. That being said, they also attacked to kill.


    The twins smiled. Just as the two reached each other, they struck.


    ''Death Style, Third Instance, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Dark and Light Element came slashing down��a total of three swords against each of the bandits. The enemies couldn''t tell which was real or fake. They tried to defend, but their own weapons could only block one of the Swords. Rean''s opponent was lucky and tried to block the real one. However, it was meaningless. A slash came from the flank and another aimed at his head. As for the Real Sword that was about to be blocked... it passed slashed through the bandit''s weapon as if it was made of paper!


    In a moment, Rean''s opponent''s head was pierced through, his waist was almost slashed in half, and the Real Sword cut through the opponent''s heart.


    Roan''s opponent became an even more gruesome view. The guy was literally cut in three parts together with his weapon. Roan didn''t show any mercy at all! Rean and Roan''s opponents died as fast as they arrived. It couldn''t be helped, though. They were just in the Initial Stage of the energy Gathering Realm. Even without the Spiritual Swords, the results would still be the same.


    Boom! Shatter!


    Beside Rean and Roan, Malaka just destroyed her enemy''s weapon. Taking that chance and the enemy''s surprise, she hit his head. The guy was sent flying and crashed against a tree. He immediately lost consciousness, it was hard to tell if he was dead or alive. If Malaka hadn''t held herself back, his head would have burst apart instead.


    Roan, of course, got angry after seeing it. He told her to not hold back, so he will definitely scold her after this is over.


    The other three bandits had barely started to suppress Opril when they noticed that half of their team was already out. They couldn''t help but feel frightened by that vision. It was evident that they had hit a Steel Wall. They immediately stopped their assault on Opril and began to run.


    "Retreat!"


    Roan snorted when he saw that.


    "Since you already came, why don''t we play a little more?"


    Using Rean''s Light Element on his legs, Roan shot forward like a cannonball. He was simply much faster than the bandits. Even their leader, a guy at the peak of the Energy Gathering Realm, palled in comparison.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Using his speed, Roan thrust his Sword forward three times. Spiritual Energy with Dark and Light Elements shot forward as if they were arrows. Two of them pierced right through the two weaker bandits'' hearts, killing them on the spot. Only the leader managed to barely turn his body and parry the Sword Energy, making it hit his left shoulder instead.


    The pressure of the Stellar Piercer made him stumble. He fell on the ground and rolled for quite a few meters too. Just as he was about to get up, a sword appeared on his throat. Cold sweat appeared on his head, and he didn''t dare to move. Right in front of him, Roan showed a disdainful smile. It was evident that his group didn''t have a chance against them from the very start.


    Rean, Opril, Malaka, and Diakar quickly arrived as well, completely surrounding this guy.


    Diakar already got rid of the Demon Beast. It was only a Stage one. Not to mention that he now had a Spiritual Sword, so it was an easy job.


    "Now, then, how should we deal with you?"

 Chapter 65锛欿ill Him

    "I... can give you everything I have with me."


    In the bandit leader''s eyes, Roan wasn''t a kid anymore, but a demon instead. Well... he isn''t far from the truth.


    Roan just snorted after hearing that, though.


    "If I want what you have, I could simply kill you here and take it from your body. At least, I will take the things from your friends'' bodies for sure."


    Roan then looked at Inna Malaka.


    "Come here."


    Malaka got close while looked at the bandit.


    After that, Roan pointed at the bandit''s head and spoke.


    "I want you to use your staff to break his head."


    Inna was taken aback, and so was Rean and the others. However, Roan continued to talk.


    "You had the chance to kill your enemy, but you held yourself back. Now he ins unconscious there under that tree. To make up for it, you will kill this one."


    Diakar tried to intervene.


    "Roan, this is a little..."


    "Shut up!"


    Roan stopped him from continuing.


    "What would have happened if we lost? We would all be dead. When the bandits noticed that we were not just kids, they changed their instance and attacked to kill. Fortunately, we are a lot stronger than them, so things ended well. However, what would happen if Malaka''s opponent had similar strength to her? One was going for the kill while the other is trying not to. I don''t need to tell you what the results would be, do I?"


    Diakar and Opril sighed. As hard as it was to admit, they knew that Roan was right. Showing kindness in a situation like that will not only bring your death but the death of your companions too.


    Malaka looked nervous at the bandit in front of her.


    "If you don''t do that, we are going back to the Tribe straight away. After today, there will be no need for you to follow us anymore, either. Remember, I''m doing it for your own good."


    The bandit knew that the moment he moved a single muscle, Roan''s sword would cut through his throat, so he would be dead even faster. In the end, he could only look as Malaka raised her Staff. However, everyone could see how her hands were trembling. She is an 8 years old kid and a girl at that. So she obviously had difficulty doing it. One could even see the tears accumulating under her eyes. Of course, Roan didn''t care one bit.


    Suddenly...


    Pa!


    Someone was hit, but it wasn''t the bandit. Instead, it was Rean who slapped the back of Roan''s head.


    "Stop your Bullshit. Forcing Malaka to do such a thing will only create trauma for her."


    Roan looked at Rean as if he wanted to eat him alive.


    "Bullshit your ass! So what if she comes across a similar situation again? Worse than that, what if her enemy has the same combat power, or is even stronger? She will be only courting death."


    Rean chuckled.


    "No one wants to court you."


    Roan almost vomited blood after hearing that. Who said that I want to be courted?


    Rean then held Inna''s hands and lowered her Staff. While he patted her head, Rean spoke.


    "When the time comes, she will know what to do. You need to have a little more confidence in your friends. Besides, Malaka is too young, there is no need for her to learn such things now. Give her some extra time."


    Diakar and Opril looked at each other.


    ''Aren''t the two of you at the same age as her?''


    Of course, they didn''t say that loud.


    Roan''s expression was dark. Nevertheless, Rean didn''t care one bit. He doesn''t even like Roan to start with, so why would he care about how he feels?


    In the end, seeing Malaka''s tears and Rean''s adamant stance, Roan finally gave up.


    "Tch..."


    Bam!


    With a kick, Roan sent that bandit leader flying.


    "Count yourself lucky. You better not let me see you again. Also, take that dead weight under the tree with you."


    The bandit leader had just fallen close to his companion, who was still alive. He obviously didn''t ask anything and immediately grabbed the guy before running away. He couldn''t even care about the injury in his shoulder anymore.


    Roan then looked at Rean and added.


    "Well, since that is the case, let''s hope you are right."


    Rean laughed before commenting.


    "You took it better than I thought."


    Roan just shrugged his shoulders and spreading his arms.


    "I simply don''t care. If something happens later, it won''t be my fault, so that is fine."


    Rean nodded and just as he turned around.


    Bam!


    He was sent flying by a kick just like the bandit leader did.


    "Yo-you! Didn''t you say that you didn''t care?"


    Roan confirmed Rean''s words.


    "And I don''t, but it doesn''t change the fact of you slapped the back of my head. This is retribution."


    Malaka couldn''t help but laugh, seeing that. Even her sadness was swept as quick as it came. In fact, Diakar and Opril were holding back to not laugh as well.


    "Hmph!"


    Rean got a few cuts because of the kick, but he quickly healed with his Light Element.


    Ignoring Rean, Roan looked at Malaka before saying.


    "During your fight, I noticed that your Spiritual Energy was in disarray. That is a sign of a shaky foundation. If you continue cultivating this fast, your foundation will get damaged in the future."


    Roan then pointed at her dantian and continued.


    "From now, you are forbidden from cultivating. You will spend time training and getting used to your power. I don''t want to hear that you had a breakthrough for the next year, at the very least, understood?"


    Malaka, of course, immediately sulked.


    "I don''t wanna! If I wait one year, I will never catch up with you two."


    Paw!


    Roan knocked her head after hearing that.


    "No complaining! You will never pass us with a shaky foundation to start with. The worse your foundation gets, the slower your cultivation will be. If you really want to catch up with us in the future, you must follow my words."


    Rean patted Malaka''s head but still agreed with Roan.


    "He is right. If you want to become a strong female warrior of the Tribe, you must do as Roan ordered. If you don''t, I will take my Staff back."


    Malaka quickly embraced her Staff as if her life depended on it.


    "Alright, alright! No taking back, I will properly train and not cultivate."


    Diakar, Opril, and the twins laughed out loud after that. She''s really a kid indeed.

 Chapter 66锛歋ide Effect

    As planned before, they moved deeper into the Forest. Now and then, they would find a Stage One Demon Beast, which Malaka would be responsible for dealing with. After walking for a day, Rean took a map from his bag to check.


    "We should have left the outskirts and entered the inner region. From now on, we might find a few Stage Two Demon Beasts."


    It was then that Sister Orb''s voice appeared in their minds.


    [New Mission Available: Acquire an Azure Spiritual Flower from the Azure Hyenas'' territory.]


    [Mission Reward: Authority Level Increased by One.]


    [Destiny Points Reward: 20]


    [Mission Time: 48 Hours.]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback by that sudden mission.


    "Sister Orb had never given a mission before."


    Roan agreed.


    "For her to take the initiative, this mission should be quite troublesome. We have the option to ignore it, though."


    [Mission Failure Cost: 100 Destiny Points.]


    [If hosts don''t have enough points, hosts will be eliminated, and the search for new hosts will start.]


    Rean looked at Roan with a frown.


    "You just had to open your mouth, right?"


    "Fuck you! If I haven''t commented that, you would definitely do so."


    In the end, they only sighed.


    "Forget it. We don''t have time, so we need to find these Azure Hyenas'' territory first."


    "There is no need. The map I bought back in the Tribe is quite good. If it isn''t wrong, we are half a day away from there. It is located even deeper into the Jiran Forest, but not enough to enter the Core Region."


    All this conversation was made through the connection between their Souls, so Diakar, Opril, and Malaka didn''t hear anything.


    "Alright. I have decided where our training will be. We are going to the Azure Hyenas territory to get an Azure Spiritual Flower. It will be quite dangerous, but it is exactly this kind of experience we are looking for."


    Diakar couldn''t help but intervene.


    "We shouldn''t! Those Hyenas are the type who walk in groups. Besides, there is always a leader at the peak of the Second Stage that controls their territory. It is the same as fighting a Late or Peak Stage Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator. I strongly recommend not to go there."


    Opril nodded as well. They had never seen the Azure Hyenas, but they are quite famous due to their group attacks. That being said, those two guys didn''t want to get even close to them.


    However, Rean and Roan immediately refused them. Are you kidding? If we don''t go, we will die for sure!


    "No complaining. That is where we are going. If you think you can''t take it, then you can stay behind or go back to the Tribe. Roan and I can find our way back."


    Diakar and Opril obviously couldn''t do that. Although Rean and Roan are stronger than them now, they are still considered their protectors. If they return to the Tribe alone, Juri will probably take their heads!


    With teary eyes, Diakar and Opril were forced to follow Rean and Roan. As for Inna Malaka, she didn''t really care where to go.


    As they moved deeper into the Forest, the bandit leader and his companion who survived returned to the Tribe beside the Jiran Forest. If they knew that things would turn out like that, they definitely wouldn''t have picked a fight with those demon kids.


    "Hey, Nial, what happened to you?"


    Just as they entered the Tribe, someone called them from behind.


    Nial was the name of the bandit leader. When he turned back and looked at who it was, his eyes narrowed.


    "Kalav, uh? What do you want?"


    Kalav looked at Nial''s injured shoulder and his companion before laughing.


    "Hahaha! I see you got unlucky this time, yea? What was it? Don''t tell me it was a demon beast because no one will believe it. Those cuts are not something that a Demon Beast would do."


    Nial''s expression went dark, but it was then that he remembered something.


    "It was a group with two men and three kids. They had Spiritual Swords and took us by surprise. I lost four members of my group because of that."


    Kalav was taken aback.


    "Kids? Are you serious?"


    "Yes. We underestimated them. They were probably geniuses from some Tribe. All three of them were in the Energy Gathering Realm. Not to mention that their Spiritual Swords were very strong. We had no chance."


    Kalav''s eyes lit up after hearing that.


    "Tell me more."


    However, Nial only shook his head.


    "You should not get involved. Even I, as a Peak Energy Gathering Realm, was not a match to them. Your group isn''t much stronger than mine, so you will be courting death if you try to get in their way."


    Kalav didn''t mind.


    "It is okay, I can ask brother Luono for help if that is the case."


    Nial showed a surprised expression, but inward he was laughing. Luono is a Foundation Establishment Realm bandit leader that operates a big group of bandits. Nial had heard that Kalav and Luono are in quite good terms too. That''s why he decided to talk so much. If everything goes well, he can get his revenge and profit from it.


    "Would Luono really go after a bunch of kids?"


    Kalav nodded.


    "I can talk to him. I just need to know where those kids were heading. With so many Spiritual Swords, there is no doubt that they also have quite a few Spirit Stones on them. As long as Brother Luono helps, we will be making a good profit."


    Nial pretended to ponder a bit and then nodded.


    "Very well. If you can convince brother Luono, then it is worth a try. Just their Spiritual Swords would already be worth quite a little."


    Kalav nodded, and they went to see Luono. As bandits who operated in this Forest for so long, it wasn''t hard for them to follow the tracks as long as they knew the general direction of Rean''s group.

 Chapter 67锛欳rescent Moon

    Unaware of what was happening behind, Rean''s group arrived at the Azure Hyenas Territory. Of course, since they entered the inner region, they began to find Stage Two Demon Beasts. There was even one that forced Rean and Roan to flee. It was a Demon Dark Eagle, a Stage Two that had the power of a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.


    The twins covered the back while Diakar and Opril ran ahead while carrying Malaka. With the twins'' teamwork, they were able to hold back until the Eagle finally gave up. Sometime later, they met again with the others and continued their journey.


    However, once they entered the Azure Hyenas Territory, they stopped seeing any other Demon Beast. It was evident that the other demon beasts didn''t want to get close to this place.


    "Now then, where will we find that Spiritual Azure Flower?"


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "Since Sister Orb gave this mission that can increase the authority level, it shouldn''t be simple. It is most likely located in a place where those Hyenas would be watching all the time."


    Rean agreed with Roan. The twins then looked at Diakar and Opril before telling their plan.


    "Alright. As you can see, no other demon beasts are coming close to these Hyenas territory. In that case, you three should stay hidden here. Roan and I are going ahead to try to get the Azure Spiritual Flower."


    Diakar wanted to say something, but Roan stopped him.


    "Be it you, Opril, or Malaka, you will only get in our way. It will be easier to hide if it is only the two of us. Not to mention that if we are discovered, it will be much easier to flee if we don''t need to worry about you three. Don''t forget, Rean and I came here to train ourselves, so we have to do it alone."


    Although it was hard to accept it, Diakar and Opril knew that they were speaking the truth. Considering the level of danger in this place, there isn''t much the two of them could do.


    Malaka wanted to follow them too, but Dikar held her back. In the end, she could only give up.


    After finding a place to hide, Rean and Roan left the group behind and ventured deeper inside the Azure Hyenas Territory.


    It didn''t take long to find a few groups of them. The twins quickly hid and looked as they passed. They paid particular attention to a larger group that had a much bigger Hyena walking in the front. It was obviously much stronger than the ones following it.


    "It seems like that the Azure Hyena leader isn''t the only Stage Two demon beast here. The one walking in the front is most likely a Stage Two as well. It''s just that it should not be a peak Stage Two. How should we deal with it?"


    Rean then suggested.


    "We first have to find the Azure Flower. Only then can we think about a plan. Anyway, the best one would still be to lure the tiger away from the mountain, so we might try it after ascertaining the situation."


    Roan agreed with him, and they continued to sneak into the Hyenas territory.


    Finally, they got close to a big lake in the center. Several Hyenas could be seen on the other side. But not only that, Rean and Roan could also see several blue-colored flowers by the lakeshore. Surprisingly, they could feel the presence of Water Element being drawn into them.


    "I see, these Hyenas are using those flowers to gather Water Element into their bodies. No wonder they are all living beside them. However, our ''lure the tiger out of the mountain'' plan won''t work like this. There are at least fifty Azure Hyenas there. Even if one of us gets their attention, there is no way all of them will follow."


    Rean pondered a bit and then got an idea.


    "What about approaching through the lake? We would appear right beside the flowers. Also, it doesn''t look like those Hyenas are a type of aquatic Demon Beast. We could jump straight into the lake once more after we grab at least one flower."


    Suddenly, the water beside the flowers started to move. From inside, an Azure Hyena began to walk out with some fish on its mouth. It didn''t look like the water on its body bothered it at all.


    Roan looked at Rean after that.


    "You were saying?"


    "Cough, cough. I didn''t say anything. I was just thinking out loud."


    "Anyway. Entering the water will be certain death. We need to approach through the ground."


    The twins looked at each other and sighed.


    "It seems like we can only do that."


    "Indeed."


    "Let''s wait for night time to come, it will be easier for us to move like that. Quite a few of them will be sleeping as well."


    "Yes. But we can''t forget our smell. Let''s move to the borders of their territory and kill one of the Hyenas'' groups. The outside groups don''t have Stage Two between them, so it shouldn''t be hard to do so. We can wear their skins to disguise our own smell after that."


    They quickly agreed on a plan and put it to practice. Once Rean and Roan were far enough from the center, they looked for a group of those Hyenas. It didn''t take long to find one, though. This group also didn''t have any Stage Two in the middle and only had five members.


    The twins didn''t waste time and appeared right in front of them while raising their swords. As soon as the Hyenas saw the two kids, they immediately attacked too. This is their territory, and any demon beast that entered would be dealt with straight away.


    Unfortunately, it was Rena and Roan that they were against. Without a single Stage Two in their ranks, they were doomed to fail.


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    That was a wide range attack that Roan developed. With the two of them attacking together and their Spiritual Swords, the Hyena''s group was immediately cleaved in half! The difference in combat power was just too high.

 Chapter 68锛欸ive Me a Hug!

    The twins didn''t waste much time and removed the skins with their Swords. This is still inside Azure Hyenas Territory, so they need to be fast before a new group appears. After taking what they needed, Rean and Roan left straight away.


    The death of those Hyenas didn''t seem to affect the others very much. But that was understandable. They had a vast territory, so now and then, they would lose a few groups due to the fight for space.


    The night quickly came while Rean and Roan kept hidden on the other side of the lake. By now, they had already prepared the skin to cover themselves when they go there. Everything went quiet, and you could only hear the sound of a few Hyenas'' that weren''t sleeping for some reason. They waited several hours but noticed in the end that some Hyenas would always be awoken. If they kept at it any longer, the day would come, and they would need to wait for the next night.


    Roan then looked around before saying.


    "No other way, let''s go."


    He started to gather Spiritual Energy around his body and manipulate it to assimilate the Dark Element on the surroundings.


    After seeing that, Rean said while laughing.


    "My beloved brother, come, give me a hug!"


    Roan felt a chill on his back and instinctively jumped away.


    "Hey, if you stay far, how do you expect me to fit inside your Spiritual Energy range?"


    "Fuck you! If you say something like that again, see if I don''t kick you while we are in the middle of the Hyenas."


    Rean laughed even more. Of course, not loud enough to alert the Hyenas in the distance.


    Rean and Roan then got close together and put one arm around the shoulders of the other. They looked like two drunk guys who were relying on the other to not fall on the ground, it was apparent how neither side liked it either.


    "Let''s go."


    Rean nodded, and he started to control his Light Element as well. But instead of gathering it, Rean used his Light Element Control to make the little light around to circumvent around Roan''s Dark Element Cover. Although it wasn''t perfect and Rean couldn''t bend all the light, the majority definitely moved. Without a doubt, this is an almost perfect camouflage technique.


    They moved slowly and soon entered the Hyenas range. As expected, the majority were lying on the ground while letting their bodies absorb the Water Element naturally. It was particularly enviable since they could do it even while sleeping.


    Rean and Roan were not in a hurry. They moved step by step, slowly making their way to the Azure Flowers. Of course, they had to keep their attention since now and then, one or other Hyena would get up to do something.


    The closer they got to the Azure Flowers, the bigger those Azure Hyenas became. The rules here were quite straight forward. The stronger you are, the closer you can be to the Azure Flowers during the night. Obviously, the Stage Two Azure Hyenas were sleeping just beside the Azure Flowers, with the leader right in the middle.


    Rean and Roan were not intending to go close to those Hyenas, though. The mission only said that you needed one Azure Flower, there were a few small ones that aren''t that close to them. Finally, they got close enough to grab one.


    ''Pluck''


    [Congratulations hosts for acquiring an Azure Spiritual Flower.]


    [Authority Level has increased to level 2.]


    [Hosts Have been rewarded with 20 Destiny Points.]


    [Reward list updated, please check the new items available.]


    Hearing Sister Orb''s voice, Rean and Roan sighed in relief. However, it was at this moment that one of the Stage Two Hyenas got up. Not only that, but it was also looking at their direction furiously. Still, Rean and Roan could see that it had a puzzled expression too, which showed that it couldn''t see them at all. Since that is the case, how does it know that they are there?


    Rean and Roan miscalculated one thing. Their smell! It wasn''t that their own smell could be felt. The twins were fully covered in Azure Hyena''s skins, so their smell wasn''t coming out. The problem was which Hyenas they chose to take the skins from!


    The Hyenas they killed were the weakest ones. That being said, this level of Azure Hyena should not have been allowed to get so close to the Azure Spiritual Flowers. That''s why that one felt furious when those Hyenas'' Smell appeared.


    Noticing that the Stage Two Hyena was still somewhat puzzled while looking in their direction, Rean and Roan started to move back slowly. Every step further away was one step closer to safety. That Stage Two Hyenas also didn''t move since it couldn''t see if there was really a weak Hyena there or not.


    Unfortunately, something unexpected happened. The reason that there were so few Azure Spiritual Flowers was that they couldn''t spread too far from the main one. Rean and Roan had noticed a much bigger Azure Spiritual Flower before, but they totally ignored it since the Azure Hyena Leader was always beside it. Even his food was brought by the other Hyenas so that it didn''t need to move from there.


    But because the twins took that flower far away, the Main Azure Flower noticed its disappearance and trembled. The Water Element''s flow around the Azure Flowers went entirely in disarray, which immediately woke up all the sleeping Hyenas. The leader instantly stood up and looked around. Almost immediately, it noticed the Azure Spiritual Flower that had disappeared.


    With a roar of the Hyenas'' Leader, all the Azure Hyenas started to move like crazy as if they were looking for something. Rean and Roan began to sweat could. They were doing their best to get out of the Hyenas'' circle while dodging the Hyenas that passed running around.


    Unfortunately, dodging so many Hyenas while keeping the camouflage was too hard, and they finally stumbled in one of them.


    The cover immediately disappeared, making them appear for all the Hyenas to see.


    There was no other choice...


    "Run!"

 Chapter 69锛歐hen You do Good

    If there was something good, it was the fact that they were almost outside of the Azure Hyenas Den. Those Stage Two and the Leader were quite far away already. That being said, the few remaining Hyenas around them were not enough to stop either one now that they want to rush out.


    Rean and Roan immediately used Light Element on their legs and shot forward like two cannonballs. Those Stage One Azure Hyenas were not fast enough to stop them with their speeds. The difference is just too big now that they are not holding back.


    Of course, those Stage Two Azure Hyenas immediately dash out as well, including the leader. There are a total of four Hyenas at the Second Stage. The three underlying of the leader had a speed similar to Rean and Roan, so they couldn''t catch up. However, the leader was obviously much stronger and faster.


    In a flash, Rean and Roan left all the Hyenas group behind, with only the leader and the other three being able to follow them.


    "What do we do? The big guy is coming straight at us."


    "Can''t do anything else other than run. Just make sure to be near. Once it gets close enough to attack, the two of us should be able to stop it while buying more time to flee."


    "We passed by the spiked crocodiles'' territory on our way here. They also have a few Stage Two members in between, so we should try to change these Hyenas'' attention to them."


    "It will be a little hard since they are obviously coming for us due to the Azure Spiritual Flower. We will need to pass right through their group if we want them to attack those Hyenas. Wait!"


    It was then that Roan thought about something.


    "They are after us because of the Azura Spiritual Flower, right? We already concluded the mission, so just throw it away. Perhaps they will stop, or at least one of them will do so to recover the flower."


    Rean''s eyes lit up, and he immediately reached inside his bag to take the Azura Spiritual Flower... or so he tried. Suddenly, cold sweat started to appear on his face, and his expression turned grim.


    "Not here..."


    "What?!"


    "It''s not here, the Azure Spiritual Flower is not here!"


    "How the hell it''s not here? I saw you putting it inside the bag, how did you lose it!"


    "Lose your ass! It simply disappeared in thin air... Ah!"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and seemed to have reached the same conclusion. It was also at this moment that they received a message.


    [Assimilation of Azure Spiritual Flower complete.]


    *burp*


    [Cough, cough. Authority Level 2 Fully Unlocked.]


    "Sister Orb just... burped, didn''t she?"


    [Incorrect.]


    *burp*


    The twins felt like crying but had no tears! What ''incorrect?'' Do you think we are deaf? First of all, since when you have a stomach?


    Of course, they did not stop because of that. Rean and Roan used their anger to put even more effort into running.


    The Hyena leader finally caught them and pounced at Roan. However, since the twins were close to each other, they were able to defend together.


    *Clang!*


    Using their Swords against the Azura Hyena''s claws, they use the impact to be sent in the opposite direction. Their distance to the leader opened once more, and they continued to run.


    Although the Hyena Leader was the strongest one, it didn''t have much intelligence. That being said, it didn''t change its form of attacks either, which allowed Rean and Roan to use it to gain distance several times.


    By now, the sun already appeared behind the mountains in the distance, making things clearer for them.


    However, something unexpected appeared in front of them. Rean and Roan jumped down a small cliff in front of them, no more than 7 or 8 meters. With their cultivation, it wasn''t anything hard to jump down. But when they reached the bottom... they landed right in front of someone quite familiar. Together with this guy, several other cultivators that were about to climb that cliff looked at them too. Sure enough, he was the bandit leader who attacked their group back them, Nial.


    For a second, the twins and Nial looked at each other, not believing that they would meet like this. The bandit leader came back to himself right after.


    "It''s them, these are the kids!"


    The other bandits, including that brother Luono, looked surprisingly at those two.


    "Hehe. To think they would fall into our grasp this easy."


    The bandits showed an evil smile. However...


    Rean and Roan''s smiles were even more sinister than the bandits.


    "Say, Roan. Do you believe in Karma?"


    Roan laughed out loud before answering.


    "Not until today, at least. Is that what the people from your previous world meant with ''when you do good, good things happen to you?'' Hahaha!"


    Rean and Roan laughed once again. That indeed looked like the case.


    Nial felt a chill on his back after seeing the Kids'' reaction. Their expressions were totally different from what it should be in a situation like this.


    Suddenly...


    Swish!


    Rean and Roan darted through the Bandits'' group. Yes, they didn''t try to run through the sides but went right through the middle! Even the bandits were taken aback by that. The Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, brother Luono, was also a second too late to react due to his surprise.


    But just as he was about to pursue...


    Boom!


    "Ahhhhhh!"


    An enormous Azure Hyena dropped from the same cliff right over the body of one of the bandits. Immediately after...


    Boom, Boom, Boom!


    The other three Stages Two Hyenas jumped down as well.


    Seeing that, all the bandits palled, including that Brother Luono.


    Any idiot would have understood what is happening. These Hyenas were obviously pursuing those twins, and they had just become their scapegoats.


    Seeing the group of bandits in front of them made the Hyenas crazy. In their eyes, they look just like the kids who stole the Azure Spiritual Flower, so they showed no mercy.


    It was then that Luono remembered the twins and looked in their direction. However, those two were already long gone.

 Chapter 70锛欸reen Stone

    All the bandits immediately began to run to all sides. However, the so-called Brother Luono was the only Foundation Establishment member in the group. The rest were all in the Energy Gathering Realm. Not too surprisingly, the Stage Two Azure Hyenas started a massacre. Brother Luono didn''t even try to stop it, he simply turned around and used the other bandits as his own scapegoats.


    There is no way he could fight all four at once. First of all, he is only a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator. He could tell that the Azure Hyena Leader is at the peak of the Second Stage, he was simply no match for that. Let alone if all four attacked together.


    However, the Hyena Leader noticed that Luono was much stronger than the others from the very start. So the moment Luono turned around to run, it pounced at him. Without another choice, Luono took out his weapon and blocked the attack while he kept running.


    Unfortunately for him, he didn''t have anyone to help him as the twins helped themselves. Rean and Roan might not like each other, but their teamwork is simply unmatched with their souls'' connection.


    But then again, he is in the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment, much higher than the twins. He kept running for two hours without stopping, his body was full of injuries. Finally, the Azure Hyena Leader got worried about the Azure Spiritual Flowers back in the lake, and ultimately gave up the pursuit.


    Luono then sat down and sighed in relief. He had truly escaped calamity today.


    "That damned Nial. If he survives against those Azure Hyenas, I will definitely kill him myself! As for those two brats, just wait until I find out where you came from. So what if you have a background? I doubt they can protect you forever!"


    But it was then that he heard a voice beside his ear.


    "Too bad, though. You won''t have a chance."


    Luono was frightened by that. But before he could even react, six dark and white swords appeared around instantly.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Luono just had enough time to raise his weapon and block one of the Swords. Unfortunately for him, that one was a fake. Well, it still had 70% of the attack power of the real ones, though. Two Swords pierced through his head while the other three went through his heart. That was instant death! All that remained was the expression of shock on his face.


    On both his sides, Rean and Roan looked at the corpse. Sure enough, they didn''t completely run away. Using Roan''s experience about assassinations, the twins followed the Azure Hyena and Luono without them noticing. Even though Rean stopped Malaka, Roan still believed that wiping out the roots was the best thing to do.


    He had noticed that this Luono was strong, so he thought about the possibility of him surviving against the Azure Hyena. Fate played as Roan imagined, and he really got out alive. Of course, it wasn''t for long since Rean and Roan didn''t give him a chance to.


    Roan didn''t feel anything when looking at the corpse, but Rean still felt somewhat annoyed by this feeling of killing someone. It was the same back when they were attacked by Nial''s group.


    Roan obviously noticed that.


    "Get used to it, this is the kind of world we live in now."


    Rean nodded before sighing. He knew that it was the truth.


    "Let''s go back. We left Malaka, Diakar, and Opril close to those Hyenas Territory. The Hyenas might go crazy now that an Azure Spiritual Flower was stolen and might find their hiding place."


    Roan nodded. But before that, he examined Luono''s body to see if there was nothing worth taking back. However, other than a few Spirit Stones and other cultivation resources, there weren''t many things. As for his weapon, although it is a low-level Spiritual Equipment like their own swords, Rean''s ones were still much better.


    However, just as Roan was leaving, he noticed a pendant barely appearing through Luono''s clothes'' cuts. It seemed to be a little too big and didn''t match this type of person at all. He took it out and noticed that it was the type that could keep things inside.


    Rean and Roan looked at it curiously and opened it. Inside, they found a small green stone that seemed to be quite old. However, they had no idea why Luono would keep it with him.


    "Could it be a precious stone?"


    "I don''t think this is the case. Considering that he is a bandit, he would have sold it a long time ago. Besides, he kept it inside that pendant, which was evident that he put a lot of importance on it. Maybe it is some kind of memento from a family member."


    Rean nodded.


    "That might be the case. Anyway, let''s bring it with us as well. Who knows? Maybe it is worth something, so let''s ask Alanda and Juri later."


    Roan nodded and put that pendant around his neck and under his clothes.


    The twins had to run a lot to flee from the Azure Hyenas, so it took them almost two hours to return to Diakar, Opril, and Malak.


    Seeing Rean and Roan appearing once more, the two protectors sighed in relief.


    However, Malaka immediately covered her nose.


    "Rean, Roan, you stinky!"


    Rean and Roan smelled themselves and had to admit that their smell wasn''t very nice. Of course, it was due to the use of the Hyenas Skins and blood.


    Diakar and Opril laughed before saying.


    "You two surely took longer than we expected."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "We didn''t have much choice. We had to wait until night time to come to infiltrate into their den. Fortunately, we got the Azure Spiritual Flower."


    Diakar and Opril were taken aback.


    "You entered their den?! How did you leave that place alive?"


    Rean laughed before explaining everything that happened. Hearing the entire story, Diakar and Opril were shocked. That was really a crazy move. And finding the bandits once again while running, that could only mean one thing. It was evident that those bandits came after them because Roan let them escape. In the end, it played in their favor.


    Suddenly, Malaka grabbed Rean and Roan''s arms.


    "I want to try this ''camouflage'' thing you talked about. Go, go, use it!"


    Roan''s mouth twitched while Rean laughed and patted her head.


    "It is useless during the day, maybe another time, okay?"


    Malaka sulked a bit but gave up in the end.

 Chapter 71锛欽ade Slip

    Rean''s group quickly left the Azure Hyenas Territory. Those beasts would be at high alert for a time, afraid of losing any other Azure Spiritual Flower. Rean and Roan''s plan was to fight a few low-level Stage Two Demon Beast, but the Azure Hyenas are too strong for them at the moment. They already attack in a group, and if the leader decides to appear, they might not be so lucky this time.


    Their group carefully made their way out of the deeper parts, once again arriving at the borders of the inner region. From there, Rean and Roan battled a few Stage Two Demon Beasts while Malaka, Diakar, and Opril practiced with the lower-level ones.


    In the end, the Twins got three Stage Two Demon Cores while Malaka and the other got two Stage Ones. As mentioned before, the higher the Demon Beast''s level, the easier it is to have a Demon Core.


    However, just as they began to leave, something unexpected happened. They bumped on Nial, who was still alive and full of injuries on his body.


    Seeing that guy, Rean''s group couldn''t help but think about fate once more.


    Nial also spotted Rean''s group, but he didn''t even try to run. He had made his best to reach this place without being eaten, and with his injuries, there would be no way to escape. First of all, he probably wouldn''t succeed even if he was in top condition!


    "Hehe. I guess this is the end for me."


    Nial laid against a tree and sat down. All he did was look up in the sky while thinking about what he had been doing so far.


    Rean and Roan arrived on his side and patted his shoulder.


    "Good work, brother! Thanks to you, we were able to survive."


    Roan nodded.


    "It was really karma, I let you live, and you came with a big group of good samaritans to help in our escape."


    Even Malaka patted his head. It''s just that she really took seriously what Rean and Roan just said.


    "Oh! Did you help them? Then you are my friend too."


    Nial looked at them and felt like crying already! Rean and Roan was one thing, it was apparent that they were making fun of him. But seeing Malaka''s eyes, which seemed to honestly believe it, really hurt him deeply.


    ''Who the hell is helping them? I couldn''t wish for anything else other than taking their heads!''


    "Alright, let treat his injuries."


    "Good idea!"


    Quickly, Rean, Roan, and everyone else started to clean and care about Nial''s wounds, which greatly puzzled him.


    ''Just what are they planning?''


    Around thirty minutes later, Rean''s group finished their work and began their journey back once more. Of course, not before ''coincidentally,'' leaving a few words behind.


    "Good! Like this, we did a good thing again. Next time a strong Demon Beast appears, he will probably be there to save us."


    "Indeed. With such a good heart, he won''t stay still, you will see! That''s a true hero!"


    Nial finally vomited blood!


    ''I solemnly swear, I shall never get involved with the two of you ever again!''


    However, the treatment really worked quite well. Also, Rean''s group had taken care of most of the Demon Beasts in that place. That being said, Nial could rest in there for quite a few hours without being bothered. When he returned to the nearest Tribe, he really couldn''t believe he was still alive. The image of the white and black colored kids was firmly engraved in his heart. He will make sure to stay as far as possible in the future.


    Rean''s group also stayed in one of the Tribes that existed close to the Jiran Forest for the night. The next morning, they left and went back to the Varen Tribe.


    Once they arrived, Malaka''s mother came running and hugged her tightly. Alanda''s group had come back already with the other kids, but Malaka was nowhere to be seen. Alanda explained that she had gone on another route and would take longer to come back since it was a different training type. Still, it took longer than he himself expected.


    "Mother, I''m fine, I was just receiving a special training that Tribe Vice Leader gave me."


    "Mother knows. Still, I was too worried, let''s go home first."


    Before Malaka disappeared in the corner, Roan warned her.


    "Malaka, don''t forget, no cultivation! Otherwise, you know what awaits you."


    Malaka shuddered a bit and quickly nodded her head.


    Alanda felt it to be strange and couldn''t help but ask why. After hearing Rean''s explanation, he was surprised to hear that she already got into the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm. But he nodded in the end. Her cultivation is going too fast, she has to stop it for some time to stabilize.


    "Anyway, can you tell me now where you went and what you did?"


    Rean laughed out loud. Until the very end, they didn''t tell Alanda and Juri where they were going.


    "Sure, let''s go see Juri. There is something we want to show you too."


    Diakar and Opril also followed, quickly arriving at Juri''s house. In his cultivation room, they explained everything that happened in that place.


    "You two are simply crazy! Why would you even adventure inside the Azure Hyenas Den? It''s not like you needed that Azura Spiritual Flower, no?"


    Rean and Roan grimaced. The thing is that they needed it, and a particular glutton Orb wouldn''t let them go if they failed.


    "Cough, cough. It was also part of our camouflage training. Anyway, we are fine and already know the effects of that skill."


    Roan just ignored their anger and took out the pendant from his neck. He then opened it and took that green stone from inside.


    "Anyway, can you take a look at it? We found together with the Foundation Establishment bandit. It might have no value, but it seemed quite important for him."


    Alanda didn''t recognize it, but Juri''s face went red as soon as he spotted that thing.


    "A Jade Slip!"


    "Jade Slip?"


    Juri nodded.


    "This is something that only high-level cultivators can create. From what I heard, you need to be at least in the Divine Soul Realm if you want to create one. Let me take a look."


    Roan passed it to Juri and saw him putting that stone on his forehead.


    "As I thought."

 Chapter 72锛歂ew List

    Juri passed the Jade Slip back to Roan.


    "Put it on your forehead, then use Spiritual Energy and Spiritual Sense at the same time."


    Roan did as he was told, and suddenly, a stream of information flowed inside his mind.


    "Is this... a map?"


    Rean quickly took the Jade Slip and checked it as well.


    "It really is a map... wait!"


    Rean reached inside his bag and took out the map he got from the Jiran Forest.


    "Look, although this map is only of the outskirts and inner region, it is very similar to the Jade Slip Map corners. There is no doubt that it is the same place, however..."


    Alanda also took a look and nodded.


    "It''s far deeper in the forest, at the very core of the Jiran Forest. There is no way anyone of us could go there to verify."


    Juri agreed with Alanda.


    "That place is the lair of Stage Three and even Stage Four Demon Beasts. I heard rumors that it might even have Stage Five! Anyway, we would be simply courting death to get close to such a place."


    Roan sighed and put the Jade Slip back in the Pendant.


    "That bandit was probably keeping it with the hopes of one day being able to go there. Well, I will keep it for the moment. When we get strong enough, we can pay a visit."


    Juri would laugh if he heard it from someone else. But if it is the twins, they most likely will reach the level to do such a thing in the future.


    "Very well. What are you two planning to do now?"


    Rean''s eyes shinned before saying.


    "It''s time to enter the Foundation Establishment! We went to the forest to get used to our powers and stabilize our foundations through battle. Now it is sturdy enough, so we can give it a try."


    Roan nodded.


    "That is for the best. Our Tribe is too weak, having only the two of you as Foundation Establishment. With this business of the Steel Weapons, there is no doubt that quite a few eyes are on us at the moment. The Zafa Bank will protect the Varen Workshop, but the Tribe is not part of their Deal."


    Juri was happy to hear Roan talk like that.


    "Still, I think you two are being too fast. It has been only a few months since you entered the Peak of the Energy Gathering. I''m afraid that you might damage your foundations like that. Are you sure that your foundations are really sturdy enough?"


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    "We are absolutely sure. There is no problem in making a breakthrough now."


    In fact, it was not that they are absolutely sure, but that Sister Orb allowed them to do so. She was the one to confirm that it was okay.


    The group talked a little more before the Twins returned home with Diakar and Opril. Hamarlia, obviously, was ecstatic to see that they came back safely and didn''t let them go from her arms for quite some time.


    After three years and the support of Spirit Stones, Hamarlia went from the Bones Enhancement to Muscles Strengthening Stage. Their father, Turen, was in the Organs Change Stage now. Due to their aptitude, even many Spirit Stones wasn''t enough for their Cultivation to go much faster. Of course, compared to what they would usually take, they are already ten times quicker.


    After eating a meal, the twins returned to their room before entering once more into the Soul Gem Realm.


    They looked at sister orb and were able to notice that she seemed more ''energetic'' now. Obviously, it was due to the Azure Spiritual Flower. The twins wanted to kick her away but were afraid of getting a beating again.


    "Forget it, let''s check the reward list."


    They touched sister''s orb together before sending Spiritual Energy inside before quickly selecting the Reward List. Other than the already available ones, an upgrade for bones and a new option appeared.


    [Panther Bones - 50 Destiny Points]


    [Spiritual Sense Absorption Upgrade Level 1 - 100 Destiny Points]


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade - 40 Destiny Points]


    "Sister Orb, what does this upgrade do?"


    [The Soul Gem Dimensional Realm will be able to hold objects as long as they are not alive.]


    Rean and Roan''s eyes lit up! That meant that they wouldn''t need to carry a bag of items anymore, it would be too convenient!


    "Should we hold the destiny points for this one?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Panther Bones caught my attention, but I don''t think we are weak at the moment. We can get it another time, this Dimensional Realm Upgrade will be much more useful."


    "Sister Orb, how many Destiny Points we have?"


    [15 Destiny Points.]


    Roan sighed.


    "We are quite far..."


    It was then that Rean thought about something.


    "Sister Orb, my Steel Weapons had been selling for quite some time. How much more will I need to sell before it starts to make real changes to the city''s territory?"


    [Ah! That''s righ-]


    [Cough, cough. Congratulations, Hosts. The Steel Weapons have been spreading and are already regarded as the first choice for most. It is cheaper and stronger than the standard Low-Level Spiritual Equipments. Destiny Points Reward: 35]


    Rean and Roan''s mouth twitched after hearing that.


    "Sister Orb... You forgot to check, didn''t you?"


    The Soul Gem Orb trembled a bit.


    [Incorrect, The System only waited for the best moment to inform the hosts.]


    "Like hell, you did!"


    Roan couldn''t help but ask after.


    "It''s been three years already since I passed my Death Style Manual. There are even a few warriors who can use it quite proficiently. No doubt, the power of the Tribe as a whole increased again, no?"


    [...]


    [Congratulations, Hosts. The power-]


    Bam!


    "Fuck you!"


    Roan couldn''t hold himself back and kicked Sister Orb away!


    "You really forgot! Here was I thinking that we simply didn''t get enough power yet. What kind of crap system are you?"


    Seeing that, Rean began to sweat cold. Sister Orb then started to float once more until... there were only two kids with round purple marks all over their bodies on the ground.


    Rean felt like crying but had no tears.


    "Why did you hit me too? I didn''t do anything!"


    [Brotherly Affection. The hosts must experience similar experiences to increase their bond together.]


    ''Bullshit! Who the hell would believe you?''

 Chapter 73锛欵ntering Foundation Establishment

    After Sister Orb calmed herself, she continued with her explanation.


    [Anyway, the Death Style thing gave you another 15 points of Destiny Energy, that''s it.]


    ''It seems like Sister Orb doesn''t even want to pretend to be a machine anymore.''


    "Cough, cough. So we have 65 points now. My beloved Sister Orb, would you mind to upgrade the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm for us, please?"


    [Sure. It''s done.]


    "It''s... done?"


    Rean and Roan looked around and couldn''t see any difference what so ever.


    "This was quite disappointing."


    [What were you expecting? Fireworks? Shining Effects? I just lifted a restriction, that''s all. However, it was not possible before I got that Azure Spiritual Flower. So I guess I will thank you for this, at least.]


    In the end, Rean couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    [What is so funny?]


    "Oh, nothing much. It''s just that this Sister Orb is a lot easier to talk with. That machine pretense was really annoying."


    Suddenly, Rean and Roan were sent outside the Dimensional Realm, which took them by surprise. They then quickly put their clothes back before commenting.


    "It seems like Sister Orb can feel embarrassed too."


    Still, Rean and Roan could now feel a different type of connection between them and the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Rean took his back of Spirit Stones and focused on it and the Dimensional Realm at the same time.


    *Vup!*


    Right in front of his eyes, the bag disappeared. However, he could feel its presence inside the Dimensional Realm. Roan also tried the same thing and sent his bag inside. Seeing that, they couldn''t help but feel delighted by it.


    "Very well, half of the dimensional realm is mine, and the other half is yours, agreed?"


    Rean quickly nodded.


    "Agreed. Also, no touching without the other''s permission."


    They quickly shook their hands and nodded at each other.


    "Another thing. Keep an empty bag with you all time. This way, we can pretend to take the stuff from inside. As for the Sword, it obviously wouldn''t fit inside the bag, so let''s keep it with us outside. It would be annoying to explain from where we took our weapons out."


    Rean nodded once more.


    "Alright."


    Suddenly, Light Element started to gather around Rean and Roan''s body. The marks left behind by Sister Orb then quickly disappeared. Sister Orb''s attacks were basically painful but didn''t leave any real damage. With his Control of the Light Element, Rean could heal them in just a minute or so.


    "How should we go with this Foundation Establishment Breakthrough?"


    "It is written in the Dark and Light Element Cultivation Manuals. It seems like we need to build some kind of pillars that will support a future Core inside our Dantians."


    [Correct.]


    Sister Orb suddenly intervened.


    [Also, the number of pillars will determine your future accomplishments. That Juri and Alanda, for example, have three pillars each.]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback by Sister Orb''s voice, but they quickly calmed down.


    "How many pillars are possible to be built?"


    [Usually, nine. But in your case, it has to be ten]


    "Ten?"


    [Yes. The nine standard ones, and one extra for Dark and Light Elements. This will put you far above others concerning aptitude and cultivation speed. The cultivation of a Foundation Establishment is given through the absorption of the Spiritual Energy through the Pillars. The more you have, the faster it will be.]


    "I see, so Rean will need to make the Light Pillar while I will create the Dark one."


    [The opposite. The Light Pillar goes to Roan, and the Dark Pillar goes to Rean. Doing that will allow you two to exchange even more Light and Dark Element between each other. Did you forget, Roan? You already have an affinity with the Dark Element, and it is at the highest level. A Dark Element Pillar would make no difference for you. The same goes for Rean and his Light Element.]


    [What you two need is balance, which is why you will build one pillar with the opposite element.]


    "Wouldn''t it generate a conflict between the two?"


    [In someone else''s case, probably. But you two already have the connection between your elements. It has already become a natural thing to have the other''s element at your control. Your Foundations won''t find anything strange to have an opposite element pillar there.]


    "What about the other nine pillars? What do they represent them? Do they have elements?"


    [No, they are just neutral pillars. That way, they would be able to absorb any other type of element. You can build them with Spiritual Energy. Of course, the more you build, the harder it becomes. So make sure to have a lot of Spirit Stones available.]


    The twins nodded. At least it made things easier.


    [When the time comes to build the tenth pillar, I will give you my support the same way I did when you created your light and dark dantains.]


    After finishing explaining everything, the twins immediately took out their Spirit Stones. They had a lot of free time and nothing better to do at the moment, so they might as well go ahead with it.


    [Concentrate the Spiritual Energy inside your Dantians. Each pillar has to be aligned around the Spiritual Energy Pool. Remember that these pillars will grow and breakthrough the Dantian Shell, arriving on the outside. It is because they have contact with the outside world that they can absorb so much more Spiritual Energy.]


    Rean and Roan nodded and followed Sister Orb''s order. Suddenly, they felt like something like a lock was open in their Dantians. It was quite a magical feeling.


    [That is the proof that you can enter the Foundation Establishment. The acknowledgment of heaven and earth, which allows you to build the pillars. Without that, there would be nothing you could do. That is also why you can''t create a foundation the moment you enter the Energy Gathering Realm either.]


    The twins nodded. Spiritual Energy started to gather into a single point inside their Spiritual Energy Pool. That is Rean and Roan''s Spiritual Energy Reserves. The place where they and all the other Energy Gathering Realm cultivators take Spiritual Energy from. Sure enough, the pillars would be built inside Rean and Roan''s pools.

 Chapter 74锛歋uccess

    Suddenly, the Spiritual Energy began to take form. The first Pillar Base grew in size and slowly approached the Shell of the Datian.


    [Once the Pillar touches the Shell, gather as much Spiritual Energy as possible and sent it all at once to the Pillar. You need to make the Pillar breakthrough the Shell so it can reach out.]


    Rean and Roan followed Sister Orb''s instructions and waiting for when the first Pillar reached the Shell. From there, they gathered as much Spiritual Energy as possible and sent it all at once to the almost fully built Pillar.


    With that surge of energy, their Pillar acted as if it was on steroids and broke through the Shell of the Datian. However... Sister Orb didn''t warn them that when it destroyed the Shell, it was painful as hell! Well, it was not that she didn''t inform them, but that she didn''t know...


    Rean and Roan grunted in pain to the point they almost fainted! Of course, they knew it was not the time to let their consciousness fly away, so they held it. The Pillar grew a little more until it was completely outside.


    [Good, now only need to repeat this process another nine times. Easy, no? I''ll be cheering for you!]


    Rean and Roan.


    #@$%@!%��!#%��@!!!!!


    Of course, they only cursed all of that in their minds. If Sister Orb decided to somehow get on them during the breakthrough, they would definitely fail. Even though she is inside the Dimensional Realm and they are out, they didn''t dare to risk it.


    They concentrated once more and started to build the second Pillar. Once again, another broken shell, and another dispair. Then the third, fourth, fifth, all the way to the ninth!


    [Good, now comes the Light and Dark Pillars. From this point, I will give you support to both Elements and Spiritual Energy control. However, don''t expect it again in the future unless it is something related to a breakthrough. It uses too much energy of the Soul Gem.]


    Rean and Roan nodded. They worked with Sister Orb and started to build the last Pillar. This one appeared in the center of the other nine, which gave the impression that the nine neutral ones existed only to support it. It was okay until this point. But when they saw the size of the last one, their mouths twitched. That Dark and Light Element Pillars were at least three times larger in width than the others.


    They could already imagine how hellish the pain will be once this thing broke the Shell of the Dantian.


    [Why the black faces? You should thank me that I can create a Pillar of such high quality. Others would be envious of you if they knew what you have.]


    The twins wanted to say that they were okay with being ordinary. Unfortunately, the process already began, so it couldn''t stop anymore. Soon, the Dark and White Pillars arrived at the Shell of the Dantian.


    [Alright. I will help you gather even more Spiritual Energy now. Concentrate!]


    Spiritual Energy quickly gathered, and Sister Orb used the 104th Meridian to give them even more. Finally, in one stroke, the Dantians were pierced through one last time, and the Light and Drak pillar came out. However, there was no grunt of pain this time. It was not that it didn''t hurt, but that Rean and Roan passed out straight away after it.


    [Sigh... In the end, I have to do all the work. Fortunately, I only need to mend the cracks. Since there is enough Spirit Stones, It won''t take long.]


    The next morning, Hamarlia found Rean and Roan on the ground. She was frightened by that view and quickly helped them. Still, they didn''t wake up no matter how many times she called. Without another choice, she put them on their beds and rushed to Juri''s House.


    Juri quickly came to take a look and found the two kids with ashen faces. However, after checking their bodies'' condition with his Spiritual Sense and Spiritual Energy, he couldn''t find anything wrong with their health. He then proceeded to their Dantians, but what he saw almost made him jump in fright!


    "What the hell?"


    Hamarlia was taken aback by that reaction.


    "Is something wrong with them? Are they badly hurt?"


    Juri shook his head.


    "No, their bodies are fine, it''s just... Well, they are now in the Foundation Establishment Realm."


    Hamarlia and Turen were taken aback. Foundation Establishment, their 8 almost 9 years old kids? Was that a joke? Obviously, there were shocked too.


    However, Juri wasn''t worried about it. Roan had commented that they would try to make the breakthrough soon, so they being in the Foundation Establishment Realm didn''t disturb him. What bothered him was something completely different.


    Juri pondered a bit and then told the twins'' parents.


    "They are fine. It is just that the breakthrough had drained a lot fo their energy. Just leave them in the bed for a few days, and they will wake sooner or later. Also, let me know when that happens, I have something to ask them."


    Hamarlia and Turen let out a sigh of relief. If Juri is saying that they are fine, then it should be okay.


    Juri gave one last look at the twins before leaving.


    The days passed, and soon, five days went by. This morning, Rean was the first to wake up, with Roan following right behind a few minutes later. But as soon as they tried to move, their entire bodies contorted in pain.


    Hamarlia heard their grunts and rushed inside their room in a flash.


    "You are awake, finally!"


    Tears filled her eyes as she jumped to hug them. However, Rean and Roan were frightened when they saw it.


    "Stop!"


    Too late, she didn''t care about their shouts.


    "Ahhhhh!"


    The pain they felt through that hug was even worse than the nine neutral pillars. They just couldn''t tell if it was worse than the Light and Dark ones because they instantly fainted.


    "Ah! Sorry!"


    She quickly let them go while looking at them, still crying.


    Well, now even Rean and Roan were crying too, but for a completely different reason...

 Chapter 75锛欰dvantages

    After rebuking the two for over an hour, Hamarlia finally asked Opril to call Juri over. Sometime later, Juri came back with Alanda, and for some reason, Malaka was there too. Rean and Roan looked at Malaka, puzzled.


    "Sigh... She found out about you two passing out, so insisted thousands of times that she wanted to come."


    Rean then laughed out loud.


    "I see! It seems like you are missing our fighting lessons. Don''t worry, after we recover, we will double the time just for you."


    Inna Malaka''s face became ashen!


    "You bullies!"


    She turned around and dashed away as if there were monsters in that place.


    Juri and the others saw that and laughed as well.


    "Anyway, I knew you were going to enter the Foundation Establishment Realm, that is okay. But what the hell happened with your Dantians?"


    Rean and Roan looked at him, not understanding what he meant.


    "You mean the ten pillars coming out?"


    Juri nodded.


    "How did that happen?"


    "Wait! You and Alanda''s Dantians don''t have pillars?"


    Juri shook his head.


    "We do have pillars, but they are inside our Dantians. How did it grow to the point of breaking the shell? Also, am I seeing things right? Are there really ten pillars there?"


    The twins were taken aback. They followed what was described in their cultivation manual and Sister Orb''s instructions. When she said that Juri and Alanda had three pillars each, they thought that this is how their Dantians were supposed to be. However, it seems like the others'' pillars stay inside the Dantian instead of coming out.


    ''We need to ask Sister Orb later.''


    "Errr... We made it like this so that the pillar would have an easier time absorbing the surrounding Spiritual Energy. Trust me when I say it is really effective. Well, it was excruciating as well. But everything turned out fine."


    Juri and Alanda were surprised to hear that.


    "Let me see your cultivation speed."


    Rean and Roan nodded and started to cultivate. The exchange of Light and Dark Elements began, and the balance was quickly achieved. However, this exchange happened at least three times faster now. As for a reason, it was obvious. Roan''s Light Element Pillar and Rean''s Dark Element Pillar were intermediating the exchange, so their dantians accepted the opposite element easier than before.


    The surrounding Spiritual Energy then started to rush into their bodies at a frightening speed, which alarmed Alanda and Juri. That speed of absorption was at least four to five times faster than their own. Their hair, obviously, became white and black again.


    "It''s frightening. If Rean and Roan use Spirit Stones instead, just how much faster then can they cultivate?"


    Alanda couldn''t help but wonder.


    "Could it be that we were wrong? Should we have our pillar breakthrough the Dantian Shell too?"


    Juri and Alanda couldn''t answer that question. Neither could they try it anymore since they already finished their breakthroughs.


    Rean and Roan were also delighted to see just how fast their cultivation is now. Also, the spiritual energy pool inside their Dantians seemed to have increased at least three times.


    The twins then stopped cultivating and looked at Alanda and Juri.


    "That''s how it is."


    Juri took a deep breath and then asked another thing.


    "I can''t see anything wrong with your Dantian, it seems like it is working fine even though the pillar came out. However, how did you build so many pillars? Also, what is wrong with the pillar in the middle?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders before saying.


    "We simply kept building them until we couldn''t anymore. As for the middle one, this is an Elemental Pillar. It helps us to control the opposite element better. This was an idea we had on the spot and the reason we fainted in the end."


    Of course, that was Sister Orb and the cultivation manuals'' fault. But they couldn''t talk about neither of them.


    Juri and Alanda didn''t know if they were geniuses or crazy.


    "It is good that all ended well. If you had failed the breakthrough, your Dantians would have broken. You would end going back to the Body Transformation Realm and would need to create a new Dantian again. Well, considering your cultivation speed, it wouldn''t be that big of a problem anyway."


    "Rest well for next feel days since your bodies are too weak. Once you feel better, you can go back to your training or whatever. Well, you two are also adults... partially, so you know what is better for you."


    Rean and Roan nodded. The group talked a bit more before those two left. Hamarlia then came in to check on them, and after seeing that they were fine, she left as well.


    Rean looked at Roan and couldn''t help but feel excited.


    "The cultivation speed is so much faster now! We might be unbeatable in the world."


    Roan nodded.


    "All that pain wasn''t for nothing, at least."


    [Faster? Hahahaha! Sure, it is faster, indeed. Hahaha!"]


    "Sister Orb!"


    Rean and Roan wanted to ask about the pillar breaking through the Dantian Shell, but her earlier words made them even more concerned.


    "What do you mean? Could it be that we are wrong?"


    [You are not, your cultivation speed is indeed a lot faster. The problem is, your Spiritual Pool is much larger and deeper as well. If you rely only on Heaven and Earth''s Spiritual Energy, Alanda and Juri might make breakthroughs earlier than yourselves.]


    They were taken aback by those words. Doesn''t that mean that it would take them several years for every stage of the Foundation Establishment?


    [It seems like you understood. That is also why we had to make your Dantians like this. If not, it would take even longer. Well, that is only in the case where you have no Spirit Stones. Fortunately, Rean''s Steel project has resolved it for the moment. That being said, the time necessary will be significantly reduced.]


    [Of course, it also has its advantages. The amount of Spiritual Energy that you have now can be compared to a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator. I reckon that if you two fight together, you should be able to fight that Azure Hyena Leader that is a peak Stage Two Demon Beast. If you use Rean''s Spiritual Swords, you might even win.]


    Rean and Roan sighed in relief. At least, their increase in cultivation time was not without advantages.

 Chapter 76锛欻igher Rank Spirit Stones

    Just as Juri mentioned, Rean and Roan were already back on their feet a few days later. They also returned to teach the classes after that. Even though they were already at this level, the twins still found it nice to help the kids. Especially when fighting classes started. They could bull- cough, cough, teach the other kids proper weapon combat.


    In the end, Roan also made a few other manuals for other weapons like Staff, Spear, Mace, etc... However, there were no skills for them. Creating abilities take a long time. So far, Roan only managed to create those three skills of the Death Sword Style, so he couldn''t waste time trying to develop skills for the other weapons too.


    The kids would need to rely on themselves in the future is they wanted skills. Of course, the majority of them use Swords, so they could try his Death Sword Style Skills. It''s just that Roan''s skills were really hard to learn, so no one other than Rean was able to use even one of them. Even the warriors who used Swords and had the manuals had a hard time trying to apply the concepts.


    Later on in a training field, Roan asked something that was bothering him.


    "All the Spiritual Equipments you made so far were only Low-Level ones. Although they are much stronger than others at the same level, it doesn''t change that fact. Why haven''t you tried to make a high-level one yet?"


    Rean sighed after hearing that.


    "Do you think I don''t want to? It is because we are poor!"


    Roan''s eyes opened wide after hearing that.


    "Poor? We get at least five thousand Spirit Stones per month, how can you say we are poor?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "The problem is not the Spirit Stones, but their quality. The Spirit Stones that we are using are considered Rank One Spirit Stones, the lowest level. I only know that because Juri told me about it while discussing a few things about the Varen Workshop. Later on, I tried to look for High-Level material for forging. Do you know how much the cheapest one, a Spiritual Ore called Natin, costs?"


    Roan shook his head. He had always left Rean in charge of their weapons, so he had no idea.


    Rean smiled bitterly and then said.


    "1kg of this ore is worth one thousand Rank Two Spirit Stones. It seems like you need 10 Rank One Spirit Stones just to get a single Rank Two. The problem is, no one wants Rank One Spirit Stones, they all prefer to keep their Rank Two ones. So instead of 10, you would need to offer 12 or so if you want to get it."


    Roan was taken aback by that. Indeed, they are really poor. Rean would need to save Spirit Stones for years to get enough material to make other weapons. If it was just 1kg, then Rean could save enough to buy it after two or three months. But that is not the problem.


    One must remember that Rean couldn''t simply buy the ore and make whatever. He needs loads of it and other types so that he can test several types of alloys. Let alone 1kg, Rean couldn''t start anything without at least a hundred of it. Rean spent at least 300kg of Spiritual Kaz Ore to reach the final result of their actual sword. Trial and Failure were a common sight during the creation of this new alloy.


    "It seems like Low-Level Spiritual Ores will have to make do for the time being."


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes. However, you do remember that my Steel Sword, made of ordinary materials, is stronger than most Low-Level Spiritual Weapons, right? If you trust my metallurgist skills, you should know just how much stronger these swords are compared to the normal ones. I dare say that I created an alloy good enough to be compared to the High-Level Spiritual metals already."


    Roan didn''t doubt that. After all, he already tried an ordinary Spiritual Sword before and could tell that it couldn''t even hold a candle to Rean''s one. Perhaps, Rean''s sword is really at the High-Level side.


    "Now that you talked about Spirit Stones, don''t you feel like the ones we have are not being able to keep up?"


    Rean nodded.


    "So you thought that too? I can also feel that I can only take so much from them. Of course, cultivate without them is several times worse."


    Roan then pondered a bit and asked Sister Orb about it.


    [That is understandable. Your rate of Spiritual Energy Absorption is far above others, after all. Rank One Spirit Stones are indeed just Rank One. It would be much better if you used Rank Two. I dare say that the speed of cultivation might go up by another 50% at the very least.]


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh.


    "Unfortunately, Rank Two Spirit Stones are hard to get. Even if we have enough Rank One to buy them, there are simply not many for sale."


    Sometime later, a guard of Juri''s house appeared.


    "Rean, Roan, Juri is calling you over."


    They looked at each other and nodded.


    A few minutes later, they arrived at Juri''s house.


    "Oh, you are here."


    Juri then began to explain.


    "I''ve been thinking about increase the number of Steel Weapons for sale every month. At first, only Alanda and I were at the Foundation Establishment Realm. I was afraid of inviting problems if I took a bigger slice of the market. But now that the two of you are in the Foundation Establishment Realm, I feel more secure in relation to our Tribe''s safety. What do you think?"


    Roan just shrugged his shoulders.


    "Ask it to Rean, money issues are not my focus, combat is. If he is okay with that, then I don''t give a damn."


    Rean immediately nodded.


    "I was also thinking about it. So let''s go ahead with your plan."


    Juri laughed before he and Rean started to discuss the details. Roan only stayed on the side and didn''t intervene since he didn''t care. As long as he has Spirit Stones to cultivate, then that is fine.


    Suddenly, an elder barged inside the room like a hurricane.


    "T-Tribe Leader, you need to come with me quickly!"


    Juri and the twins were taken aback. Still, Juri understood that it was urgent, so he immediately followed the elder. Rean and Roan wanted to go together, but the elder looked at Juri as if saying that they should go alone.


    "Don''t worry about them, just show me the way."


    Receiving Juri''s confirmation, the elder quickly brought them to the Aptitude test hall. Seeing the place where they arrived, Juri and the Twins already had an idea of what happened.

 Chapter 77锛歍he Powers of Jialin

    Today just so happened to be the day in the month where newborn babies go through the Aptitude Test. Of course, Juri arranged for the aptitude tests to be done in secrecy. He was afraid that if someone like Malaka appears again by some miracle, at least he could hide it. Until today, only Malak''s parents, Alanda, Juri, and the Twins know about Malaka''s Blue Color aptitude. Even Malaka herself thinks that she has a Green one.


    Juri''s Tribe policy proved to be correct, and their number of Yellow and even Green aptitudes increased. During the last eight years since Rean and Roan appeared, another three green Aptitude babies were born. That is a fantastic number for a Tribe of their size. Every single one of them had a chance to reach the Foundation Establishment one day.


    Their group quickly entered and reached one of the test rooms. There, they found a family of three with the mother holding a small baby boy. The father just so happens to be a warrior of the Tribe as well.


    "Tribe Leader."


    "Tribe Leader."


    The two quickly bowed to Juri, who nodded back at them.


    The elder that came to inform Juri then went forward and took another drop of blood from the baby. Right after, he dropped it on the Aptitude Orb, which immediately started to shine with... Purple Color!


    Juri''s heart... stopped at that moment. If he didn''t support himself against the wall, he would have definitely fallen!


    "Pur-pur-purple... color..."


    Rean and Roan were also shocked! As mentioned before, the aptitudes are divided in Gray, Brown, Yellow, Green, Blue, Red, and Purple. Malaka is already considered a treasure with her Blue Level Aptitude, but Purple? That is a color that no one in a place like this would ever see during their lives.


    "How''s that possible? Is our Tribe standing on some type oh holy land? Did a god descend here in the past?"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other. It doesn''t matter how they see it, this level of high aptitude babies appearing shouldn''t be normal. There is even a Purple Level one now.


    Rean concentrated on the Dimensional Realm and asked.


    "Sister Orb, do you know anything about this? How come even a Purple Aptitude appeared in this place? Wait! Could it be that the fact that Roan and I were born here was because of the same reason?"


    [Of course not. Otherwise, how do you explain the fact that the Tribe only had an average number of high aptitude babies in the past? The reason you two are looking for is none other than yourselves. Your presence here is balancing the surrounding region''s Yin and Yang. The longer you stay, the better it will become. This place is becoming a blessed land because of the two of you.]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback. This is the first time they hear about it.


    "Why didn''t you tell us?"


    [I forgot.]


    The twins felt like kicking Sister Orb once again.


    [Anyway, it is not like telling you would change anything, right? Or could it be that you would move somewhere else alone? I really doubt so.]


    Rean and Roan shook their heads and decided to not think much about it. In theory, this should be a good thing for the Tribe... as long as Juri can hide this Purple Toddler well enough.


    Still, judging by Juri''s face, it didn''t seem like he had the confidence to do it.


    Juri noticed his own state and quickly recovered.


    "Cough, cough. Sorry, it is just that I was too surprised. I''ve never thought that our Tribe could be blessed by a Purple Aptitude Baby. However, do the two of you understand the implications of his existence?"


    The father, who was also a cultivator and a warrior of the Tribe, immediately nodded. He might not be a highly talented one, but he at least understood what that meant.


    "We can''t let others know about it, so I already talked with my wife. She understands that we must keep it a secret from everyone else, even our child himself. At least, until the day that he can make his own decisions."


    Juri nodded, satisfied.


    "Indeed, once a family has a warrior in the middle, their views are much broader. You are correct, a purple aptitude baby is only a legend in a place like this. I know a little bit more about the cultivation world, so I can tell that it wouldn''t be just a sect being interested in him. Instead, a war between sects might start."


    Juri then looked at Rean and Roan.


    "Since the two of you are already here, I might as well explain it to you, so listen well."


    Roan and Roan''s interest was picked, and even Sister Orb seemed to be paying attention now.


    "Our country of Jialin is a tiny one, and it is located at the very border of the continent on the North-East side. As for Astreg City, it is even more so. It is considered one of the smallest cities in the country, also on the north-east side."


    "Our country has a total of five cultivators'' Sects: the Rohe Sect, Lagan Sect, Dalamu Sect, Umbral Sect, and Raskil Sect. From what I know, you need to have at least Yellow Color Aptitude if you wish to join any of those. There are also another two powers equivalent to the Sects, the Jialin Royal Family and Zafa Bank."


    "However, the Zafa bank is present in the entire empire, not only in our Jialin Country. So in a certain way, they are stronger than our Five Sects; it''s just that they use the power of money instead. Of course, the Zafa Bank doesn''t get involved in any country''s affairs. They only care about profit. Whatever happens to the countries is not their problem. So you can eliminate them from the list of interested."


    "As for our empire, it covers the north side of our continent, and it is called the Sasamil Empire."


    "But let''s focus on the Five Sects for now. Usually, the biggest majority of those who wish to enter the five Sects have green Aptitude levels. Those with Yellow rarely pass the tests. Now and then, a Blue Color appears, but they are quite rare. As for Red Color... Well, I won''t say that there isn''t any, but they are as rare as phoenix feathers. You might find one every two or three annual recruitments. Of course, I''m not totally sure since information is hard to get in the place where we live. There is a very good chance that I might be wrong about something."


    Rean and Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    "What about Purple?"


    Juri sighed and said.


    "I only know about one, and that is because this information is purposely spread by the nobles. He is the progenitor of the Jialin Royal Family and the Founder of the Jialin Country, Zef Jialin."


    Everyone in the room was shocked. A Purple Aptitude person was able to found an entire country!

 Chapter 78锛歍he Medium-Sized Tribes Alliance

    Juri looked at everyone in the room before asking.


    "Do you understand now just how incredible a Purple Color Aptitude is? The five sects would definitely fight for him. Also, the Royal Family would most likely intervene as well. A blue color aptitude would be enough to give us many problems, maybe even wiping out our Tribe. But a Purple aptitude is guaranteed to do so."


    Of course, Juri just gave a Blue Color as an example, he didn''t mention Inna Malaka at all.


    "We understand, Tribe Leader."


    Juri then looked at the baby.


    "By the way, what is his name?"


    "Milo Yalen." (Author''s Note: In fact, I wanted to put Harry Potter here. Let me know what u think. :P)


    Time passed, and Juri discussed with those parents about Milo''s future. They were a little curious about why Rean and Roan were there, but Juri assured them that it was okay. Finally, they all left the Aptitude Test hall.


    On their way back, Juri looked at Rean and Roan.


    "You perhaps don''t have anything to do with this, do you?"


    The twins'' hearths skipped a bit after that question.


    "Cough, cough. Errr... How can I say it... Maybe...?"


    Juri''s mouth twitched, but he didn''t ask anymore. Rean then finished the Steel Workshop discussion with Juri, and the Twins returned home once again.


    "Purple Aptitude, uh? Sister Orb, could it be better than our Black and White?"


    [Hum... I can''t be sure about that. It is obvious that you two are far better than Inna Malaka''s Blue Color one. Still, I have never seen a Red or Purple Aptitude before. Don''t forget that I was also on the other half of the Universe with you before coming here. We would need to pay attention in the future. However, I would say that he is at most at the same level. After all, he can''t do the Elements Exchange like you.]


    Rean and Roan agreed with her.


    "Besides, we do have the tenth pillar too. Anyway, we are almost nine years old at the moment. So by the time his talent starts to show up, we might not even be here anymore."


    The twins then started to cultivate once more.


    ---


    Another year went by in a flash. During this time, Juri expanded the Steel Workshop and started to offer other types of service. Rean also helped to create other types of alloys like aluminum, which couldn''t rust. Of course, they registered everything. With that, the income of the Varen Workshop increased even more. Everyone was curious about how they could think about so many new types of metal.


    Juri had to acquire another two workshops to be able to attend the demand. The Zafa bank, of course, was more than happy enough to help. Rean also visited the Workshops quite a few times to make sure everything was going according to his ideas.


    Thanks to all of that, Rean was able to obtain another 40 Destiny Points.


    On Roan''s side, he kept teaching the kids. As for his Death Sword Style, a few Tribe Warriors finally started to show some progress with the skills. Alanda, for example, could use the first form, Stellar Piercer, on a basic level. As for Juri, he put his focus on the second form, Crescent Moon.


    With the extra spirit stones for cultivation, the Tribe''s overall strength increased, giving Rean and Roan another 20 Destiny Points.


    Varen was definitely at the level of a medium-sized one now. Of course, Almost no one knows that the Varen Tribe has two extra Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators, Rean and Roan. Thanks to that, the other Tribes still considered them to be a Small Tribe. Since the Varen Tribe never looked for trouble with the nearby Tribes, others also couldn''t tell exactly how strong they were either.


    ---


    At the same time, in the Kianme Tribe, Kianme Yisval was in the middle of a meeting with another two Tribe Leaders. Kalan Bokou, from the Medium-Sized Bokou Tribe, and Xinken Hersin, from the Medium-Sized Hersin Tribe.


    "Yisval, so you agree that all the spoils will be shared between Xinken and me alone, is that correct?"


    Yisval nodded.


    "Correct. As long as we wipe out this problem of our territory, you can have everything from there."


    Xinken couldn''t help but ask.


    "But didn''t you say before that you were going to wait after ten years had passed? Why are you acting one year earlier?"


    Yisval grimaced before saying.


    "The Varen Tribe started to receive a lot more Spirit Stones thanks to their Workshops in the Astreg City. It seems like they were even able to create new types of metal again, which increased their income. From what I found from their Tribe, Juri didn''t keep all the Spirit Stones for himself as any other Tribe Leader would. He is sharing it with all his warriors nonstop. If I wait any longer, they might become too hard to deal with."


    Xinken and Kalan narrowed their eyes. They are Medium-Sized Tribes from other territories, so they don''t have much information from the Varen Tribe. Still, they knew about their Workshop, that''s why they decided to take this deal and help the Kianme Tribe. They would be able to take all the Spirit Stones that Juri saved for themselves. But they didn''t expect that Juri wasn''t saving it but giving it all to his Tribe Warriors to cultivate. That meant that their profits would be a lot smaller.


    Yisval understood what they were thinking and then said.


    "Don''t worry. As much as Juri is giving the Spirit Stones to his Warriors, the fact is that he is still a Tribe Leader. Do you really think he wouldn''t keep more for himself? If he is giving so much away, you can already imagine just how much more he has with himself there."


    Xinken and Kalan''s eyes lit up, what Yisval said made a lot of sense.


    "Wait, isn''t the Zafa Bank their ally? Wouldn''t Juri keep all these Spirit Stones in their bank instead?"


    Yisval heard that and laughed out loud.


    "Would you two really leave all your Spirit Stones in the Zafa bank?"


    "Ah!"


    They wouldn''t. They want to be as close as possible of their own things, so at most, they would keep only half there.


    "You are sure that the Zafa Bank will not intervene in this Tribe War, right?"


    Yisval nodded once more.


    "I already checked, the Zafa Bank will only protect the Workshops, they will not do anything about the Varen Tribe. I can guarantee you that."


    "Very well, we are going to gather our warriors. When will the war start?"


    Yisval smiled after receiving their agreement.


    "In two weeks."

 Chapter 79锛歅reparations

    Yisval was right about one thing. Juri was indeed keeping some of the Spirit Stones. But it wasn''t for him, he simply kept it there in case the Tribe needed it in an emergency. So, in fact, it isn''t as much as they think. Juri had really used almost all the Spirit Stones in the Tribe.


    Almost two weeks later, a warrior came into his house to report.


    "Tribe Leader, something is happening in the Yisval Tribe."


    Juri''s attention was picked.


    "What is it?"


    "We noticed that their warriors are mobilizing. From the looks of it, are Tribe war might start at any moment."


    Juri''s eyes narrowed.


    "A tribe war? Were the Kianme Tribe in bad terms with anyone recently?"


    The warrior shook his head.


    "We have kept an eye on all the Tribes around us during the past few years as you instructed us. But so far, no other Tribe seems to be acting weird. We also didn''t find any sign that they were in bad terms with Kianme. Because of that, we can''t ascertain who their target really is."


    Juri found it to be a little too fishy.


    ''Could they be targeting us? But that makes no sense since they would lose too much in that case. Could it be one of the small Tribes around? Or some other Tribe outside our territory?''


    "Keep observing their movements. If anything new happens, let me know."


    The warrior nodded and quickly left.


    Juri then asked another Warrior to call the Elders, Alanda, Rean, and Roan over.


    Late that day, everyone was gathered in the Elder''s hall at the center of the Tribe. Rean and Roan were also there, but they were not appearing. Juri kept those two hidden so that they would only hear the conversation. After all, they are the Tribe''s trump card. The smaller the number of people who know about their real power, the better.


    As the elders discussed the news about the Kianme Tribe, Rean and Roan were also doing the same with each other.


    "What do you think?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Considering everything I heard so far, I would say that there is at least an 80% chance that they are coming for us."


    Rean was surprised to hear that.


    "Didn''t they say that it wouldn''t be worth it to attack us with the Kianme Tribe''s strength?"


    Roan nodded once more.


    "That''s why soon enough, we should get a report of some other Tribes entering our territory. If one Tribe isn''t enough, then try two, three, four... As long as the profit is worth it, you can convince others. The same way we keep eyes on the other Tribes, the other Tribes keep eyes on us. So it shouldn''t be a secret how our Tribe''s strength had been increasing recently."


    "That Kianme Tribe is the only Medium-Sized Tribe in our territory, so they can''t allow another one to appear. It is that simple."


    Sure enough, another warrior appeared a few minutes later to give his report.


    "We spotted another two Tribes entering our territory. Judging by their banners, they are the Bokou from the south and Hersin from the west. Both are Medium-Sized Tribes."


    Juri was surprised to hear that.


    ''It was exactly like Roan mentioned.''


    Before coming to the Elders Hall, Juri had told Rean, Roan, and Alanda about what was going to be discussed. Hearing that, Roan immediately asked Juri to send warriors to watch the borders of their territory. Juri followed his wishes, and sure enough, it proved helpful.


    One of the elders couldn''t help but comment.


    "Does it mean that they are the ones attacking the Kianme Tribe together?"


    Juri was just about to answer when he received a Spiritual Sense message from Roan. He immediately changed what he was about to say after that.


    "Gather all warriors, our Varen Tribe is going into full war mode."


    The elders were taken aback by that.


    "Isn''t it too early to get into conclusions?"


    Juri shook his head and repeated the same words Roan told him.


    "The Kianme Tribe is inside their Tribe Territory, those two Tribes have similar strength to them. That means that if they want to win a war against the Kianme Tribe, they will need to pay a huge price. They would probably not be Medium-Size Tribes anymore when everything is over."


    "That being said, there is no way that Bokou and Hersin would take this risk. With this line of thought, it is almost guaranteed that they aren''t fighting each other. Since they aren''t fighting, it could only mean that they are in an alliance. Now then, which Tribe in our territory would the Kianme Tribe need the alliance to deal with?"


    All the elders'' hearts skipped a bit after hearing that. There is only a single Tribe which the Kianme Tribe would need help to deal with, their own!


    Immediately, a bell sound started to resonate in the entire Tribe. When the people heard that, they immediately started to mobilize. Ever since the Varen Workshop began to make money, Juri thought about the possibility of the Tribe being under attack. So he made sure that everyone knew what to do in case this bell was ever used.


    All the ordinary people immediately gathered in the center of the village. Surprisingly, they all carried bags full of food and water as if they were ready to go on a travel. Juri then went on the stage to talk.


    "It is still not confirmed, but we are almost certain that our Tribe is about to be attacked. That being said, you already know what to do. Everyone who is not related to the Tribe''s protection is to immediately move into the Mine to hide. Elder Jasviu and a few warriors under his command will be leading this group."


    Jasviu stepped forward and received the order. At the same time, Juri asked him through a Divine Sense message.


    "Is that thing ready?"


    Jasviu immediately nodded.


    "We finished it a year ago. No one other than those present in the excavation knows about this."


    Juri nodded, satisfied. He had put Jasviu in charge of making an escape route that led to the Liman mountain''s opposite side. That escape route took more than three years to be done. It couldn''t be helped, after all, the mountain expanded for several kilometers and the number of people involved wasn''t that big to keep the secret. But in the end, their efforts were compensated.


    "Very well. In case we lose, you should immediately destroy the entrance and flee to the previously agreed place, understood?"


    Jasviu nodded, and he began to guide all the common people into the Mines.


    Juri then looked at Roan in the corner where no one was paying attention.


    ''Just how far have you seen?''

 Chapter 80锛欰bout to Start

    In Roan''s previous life as Death Spirit, he had been everywhere. Obviously, the number of battlefields that he saw is uncountable. The number strategies even more so. Such things like predicting that other Tribes would join the fray was just too easy for him. It couldn''t even be considered a strategy, just banding together to overwhelm the other with numbers.


    Once all the ordinary people left, Juri went to talk with him.


    "Was that okay?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Give me 20 warriors, they must obey all my orders, is that fine?"


    Juri pondered a bit and agreed. Although the warriors would find it weird to follow the orders of a kid, Juri could still convince this amount. A few minutes later, those warriors already appeared.


    Roan then looked at Rean and asked.


    "Did you prepare what I asked for?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "You gave me too little time, so just a few were ready."


    Roan smiled.


    "That should do, they won''t be coming now anyway, so just make more while I will be taking them."


    Rean made an okay sign.


    "By the way, don''t you need my help with those things?"


    Roan snorted.


    "Don''t forget our roles, equipments, and resources are up to you, but combat is my field. The last thing I need is for you to ruin my plans."


    Rean just shook his head and returned to the Tribe''s blacksmith workshop.


    Roan then took all that he needed and ran around the Tribe with those warriors. The day quickly passed, and night came. It was then that Juri received the message that the enemies were coming. Sure enough, it would be a night raid.


    On the top of the Tribe''s wall, Juri looked as the three Tribes came over. Together, they had almost a thousand warriors. As for the Varen Tribe, they barely reached two hundred. The Tribe had more than it, but a few of them followed the ordinary Tribe into the mines. In case things go south, they would be responsible for protecting them while they escaped.


    Before the battle started, the Kianme Tribe Leader came forward of the Hersin and Bokou Tribes'' ones.


    Juri smiled at them and asked.


    "I didn''t expect to get a visit so late at night, much less so many. I guess you didn''t come to drink with me, did you?"


    Kianme Yasvil laughed after hearing that.


    "We did, it''s just that the drink will be your tribe members blood. Juri Varen, your Tribe, has become too strong for its own good. This is just my Kianme Tribe, preventing someone else from eating our food later. Don''t take it personally, the world is for the strong."


    Juri laughed and nodded.


    "Indeed, the world is for the strong. So I''ll give you a piece of advice, you should leave now while you still can. If not, don''t blame my Varen Tribe for being nasty."


    Hearing that made the Yaskil, Kalan, and Xinken laugh out loud.


    "Then, we want to see just how nasty you can become."


    The three leaders then went back to their warriors'' group.


    On the Varen Tribe side, Juri came down from the wall and landed just beside Roan.


    "Is everything prepared?"


    Roan nodded.


    "As long as our warriors don''t forget the locations, it should be fine. Although I can''t say that there will be no deaths on our side, you should be strong enough to deal with this amount."


    Juri couldn''t help but feel impressed with Roan''s ingenuity.


    "Everyone get ready!"


    Outside the Varen''s Tribe, the Tribe discussed how they should go with it.


    "Neither of us wants to be the ones losing more Tribe members. So each side will first send half of our groups to go together. The Varen tribe is placed against the Liman mountain, which is south, so it will be annoying to enter from there. In that case, let each group attack from North, East, and West. Is there anyone against these rules?"


    Xenkin pondered a bit before saying.


    "I don''t mind it, but the three groups must have mixed warriors of the Three Tribes. After all, what if one side simply decides to not enter? I hope the Kianme and Bokou Tribes have nothing against it."


    Kalan and Yisval nodded. That was the best option available. The cultivation world was just like this, filled with mistrust. Each side wants to guarantee its safety first above all.


    "Very good, we all brought two Foundation Establishment Realm each counting with us. This first raid, let''s give the command of each group to one of them. Alanda and Juri are the only Foundation Establishment Realms of the Varen Tribe as far as I know. They can only defend two sides, so one of them will be empty."


    Back inside the Varen Tribe, Alanda was positioned on the West Side while Juri was on the East. As for Rean and Roan, they stayed in the north.


    A few minutes earlier, Roan gave his plans.


    "They definitely have more Foundation Establishment than us, but they only know about Alanda and Juri. Rean and I will use this chance to get rid of one of them straight away. The leaders will most likely not attack at first, and I doubt they will send everyone at once. They are completely underestimating our forces just because they have more than double our numbers. Don''t miss this chance and kill as much as possible. Also, don''t forget everything I prepared. That is the first phase."


    Sure enough, it was just as Roan mentioned. From the top of the wall, it was easy to see only half of the thousand warriors moving to the three sides. The walls of the Varen Tribe were nothing impressive. Even Energy Gathering Realm cultivators could jump it as long as they put enough effort. They only had between 6 to 7 meters, which was mostly used to keep demon beasts away, not humans. Also, except for a few guarding points, there was no space for a person to stay on the walls'' top since the walls are palisades. That being said, Roan gave up defending the walls. Instead, he decided to use the Houses of the Tribe as cover for his plans. Of course, it is not like he didn''t leave a surprise behind.

 Chapter 81锛欴arkness

    Without further delay, the enemy warriors started to jump the walls. As mentioned before, there wasn''t space for you to stand on top of it since they are palisades. It''s just that the Tribe had used really thick trees to build them, so an Energy Gathering Realm cultivator would take just too long to break through it.


    First of all, the three tribes alliance didn''t think that it was necessary. However, as soon as they started to land, the ground under them caved into, and they fell. Under them, several metal stakes were placed. Rean didn''t have enough time to make enough stakes to cover the entire length of the walls. However, Roan guessed that they would attack from those three points, and so they did.


    But that wasn''t the trick behind it. Considering that they are all at least in the Energy Gathering Realm, those warriors could still react fast enough. They could turn their bodies in a position where they would fall between the gaps of those metal stakes. Although not all of them would be able to do it, Roan was sure that the majority would. But they committed a mistake when they decided to do a night raid.


    Outside the Varen Tribe wall, you could see the lit torches, which illuminated the outside. However, as soon as you landed on the inside, everything was pitch black! There wasn''t a single torch or any other light source available. The warriors could still use their Spiritual Sense to feel the metal stakes under the ground. However, the Spiritual Sense of Energy Gathering Realm cultivators isn''t anything impressive. It was far from being able to substitute the vision.


    Soon, several screams could be heard coming from North, East, and West. In this little time, about 80 or so warriors were impaled. The Foundation Establishment leaders of each group grimaced. Their Spiritual Sense is a lot stronger than the Energy Gathering Realm ones. Thanks to that, they could see what was happening once they got close enough to the walls.


    "There are Metal Stakes on the other side. Don''t just fall close to the wall. After you jump over it, use the wall to push yourselves ahead to avoid the pit."


    Everyone immediately followed the orders, and they were able to avoid being impaled by the metal stakes. Those who landed on the other side didn''t advance straight away but waited for the others to gather close. Some of them brought the torches from outside the walls so that they could see what was in front of them.


    The East, West, and North were different. The North was the main entrance of the Tribe, so the first houses available were a few tens of meters away from it. The area in between was basically empty space so that the merchants that came once per month could park their carriages where the goods would be moved.


    Because of that, Roan used a different approach to it. The North Enemy group noticed that there were around 50 Varen Tribe Warriors in front. They were positioned in a formation with their weapons in hand. The Foundation Establishment enemy warrior finally landed on the other side as well and looked at those warriors in front. They were just 50 or so, while his forces had around 150 warriors. Although he lost a few for the stakes earlier, he didn''t mind it.


    He then spread his Spiritual Sense forward and noticed that the two men called Alanda and Juri were not present. Yasvil Kianme had told them how they look like, but those two were not present.


    "Hehe! Seems like we won the lottery."


    Both sides stared at each other and didn''t move. Once enough enemy warriors gathered, their leader gave the order.


    "Attack!"


    The North enemies dashed forward in that dark environment illuminated only by the 10 or so torches that they got from outside. But they didn''t care, they couldn''t see well, but so did the Varen Tribe warriors. With their number and no Foundation Establishment to give support, those 50 or so Varen Tribe warriors would be wiped out very soon.


    From behind the Varen Tribe Warriors, a childish voice came out as well.


    "Attack!"


    The Varen Tribe Warriors immediately dashed forward.


    As for the voice, it was none other than Rean''s. At the moment, his hands were closed against each other, as if he was holding something inside them. There were just a few tens of meters between both sides, so this distance was covered in a second.


    Just as both sides were about to clash against each other, Rean smiled and jumped behind his Tribe Warrior members. The enemies couldn''t see well, but there were sure that whoever jumped was quite small, just like a kid. Even the Foundation Establishment warrior was puzzled at that view.


    Suddenly, Rean opened his hands behind the Varen Tribe Warriors at the very moment of the clash.


    *Flash!*


    The almost pitch black world suddenly brightened as if a Sun appeared out of nowhere! All the enemies warriors'' eyes that had got used to the dark went blind! Even the Foundation Establishment Enemy warrior was no exception.


    Obviously, that was Rean''s Light Element Flash! He had used this trick in the past against the demon beasts, and Roan made sure to have it played again. Now that Rean is in the Foundation Establishment Realm, one can only imagine just how much Light Element he could use. Rean kept gathering Light Element ever since the warriors started to jump the walls, compressing it as much as possible. All for the sake of this single moment.


    All of the enemies instinctively covered their eyes with their arms. As for the Varen Tribe Warriors, they did not lose this chance! The Varen Tribe warriors had their backs against the light, so it simply didn''t affect them as much. Although it was bright, they could still see.


    Every single one of them had Steel Weapons. All of them had been cultivating with a lot more Spiritual Stones in the past years. They had access to the Death Style Manuals too. One must remember that Roan''s Death Style had only one objective, kill as fast as possible! Use every chance available to give a fatal blow!


    What happened after was a massacre. In a second, the enemy warriors in the front were cut through like cabbages.


    The Foundation Establishment warrior was the first to recover from his blindness and was enraged with what he saw. Over half of his subordinates were killed in that one clash, and the rampage didn''t stop. But just as he was about to dash forward to kill all those Varen Tribe warriors, he heard a childish voice from behind.


    "Shouldn''t you pay more attention to yourself?."


    Three black and white swords appeared in his vision in an instant. He was distracted by what was happening with his subordinates that he didn''t notice this threat approaching with his Spiritual Sense. First of all, how did this kid even appear behind him? There was simply not enough time for someone to circle around their group and reach his back. Unfortunately, he would never know the answer.


    The guy tried to raise his weapon to defend, but it was already too late.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Swish, swish, swish!


    Next thing he knew, his body was cut in three! The first Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator was dead!

 Chapter 82锛歐est battle

    Why did Roan appear behind him so fast? The reason was simple, Roan had been behind the enemies'' warriors to start with! The insides of the Varen Tribe were covered in darkness with almost no light to start with. He simply laid against the North Walls and used his Darkness Element to change his Spiritual Energy color. It was basically the same trick that he used against the Azure Hyenas.


    At that time, Rean was together to bend the little light away from the darkness. But this time, Roan didn''t need to since they had prepared the environment to be much darker than back then. With Rean and Roan as Foundation Establishment Realm cultivations and no leader, the enemies were quickly wiped out. The twins kept operating around the enemy''s group, preventing a single one of them from escaping. Roan''s objective was to not let them inform the outside about his and Rean''s presence.


    From their 50 or so warriors, only 3 died, and 7 got injured. As soon as this battle was over, Rean immediately used his Light Element to help the injured warriors to recover.


    The Warriors were really shocked by Rean and Roan''s strength. They were nervous at first when Juri told them to follow their orders. Fortunately, everyone trusts Juri''s judgment. It was him that brought up the Tribe to what it was today, so they still obeyed his orders. Sure enough, seeing that they only lost 3 warriors while killing over 150 proved that Juri wasn''t wrong.


    As for Roan, he immediately dashed away when he was sure the battle was won. He went to the west side, where Alanda was defending.


    The west and east sides did not have that enormous gap between the houses and the walls, there were just a few meters. That being said, there was enough space for the battle to happen.


    Roan had only taken 50 of the 200 or so warriors of the Varen Tribe, leaving 75 for Alanda and Juri. Since he and Rean are Foundation Establishment Cultivators, they could do with a smaller number.


    Alanda''s west side battle started at the same time as the north and east. Back then, after the warriors learned to avoid the metal stakes on the ground, they did not find any resistance in front. Because of that, they waited for more of their companions to lend inside before moving forward as a group. This time, they were obviously using their Spiritual Sense to check the ground for more concealed traps.


    What they didn''t notice in the dark environment is that they were being led. Several wooden walls had been raised between the houses to make it look like they had always been there. If it was day, they would have noticed that they are quite new. But during the night, it was too hard to see.


    Finally, they arrived in front of a street where the Varen Tribe warriors were making a line, waiting for them. The commander of this group, a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Warrior, came forward and looked at Alanda, who was in front of his Warriors group.


    Using his Spiritual Sense, he noticed that Alanda is only an Initial Stage, so he wasn''t the least bit afraid. He quickly looked around and understood what Alanda wanted. With little space to move, it would be hard to use their numbers'' advantage.


    "Hehe, cheap tricks."


    But suddenly, something unexpected happened. Alanda pointed his sword forward and shouted.


    "Attack!"


    The commander was taken aback. He though that Alanda''s group was going to keep a defensive attitude, it didn''t pass through his mind that they would attack.


    Still, he was just surprised, not afraid. He also pointed his sword forward, just like Alanda.


    "Attack!"


    At the same time, he sent a Spiritual Sense message to the warriors on the back of his group.


    "The moment we clash against their group, jump over the houses, and circle around them. If they think we will follow their plans and fight in this closed space, they are severely underestimating us."


    The commander took the front to stop Alanda, while the other warriors would hold the rest on the sides.


    Seeing that, Alanda smiled and pointed his sword forward. Spiritual Energy and Wind Element started to gather around his sword while he retracted it. Just a second before both sides were about to collide against each other, Alanda thrust his sword forward.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Alanda''s control of this technique wasn''t as good as Roan, but it was a lot stronger than Roan''s attack back in the Jiran Forest. After all, Roan was only an Energy Gathering Realm at that time. Alanda decided to learn this technique first because it was the best one for his Wind Element. Thanks to that, it could travel much further, and his Foundation Establishment Realm made it a lot more powerful.


    Swish!


    The commander of that group was alarmed! That green like needle energy arrived in front of his heart almost instantly! He only had enough time to turn around his body, barely avoiding a fatal injury. Alanda didn''t mind, though. His target wasn''t the commander, but the packed group of warriors behind him!


    *Puft, puft, puft, puft, puft, puft, puft, puft, puft, puft...*


    In an instant, more than 20 warriors behind the commander were impaled. 10 or so died instantly, while most of the others received grievous wounds.


    The commander was frightened by this attack''s piercing power, he had never seen anything like that before. However, when he looked at Alanda once more, he noticed that he was already preparing to send another attack of the same type.


    "Do you think there is no one here to stop you?!"


    He pounced forward against Alanda and prevented him from using another Stellar Piecer. Alanda and the commander''s weapons clashed while all the other warriors attacked their enemies on the sides.


    The moment both sides reached each other, part o the enemy''s group on the back immediately jumped over the houses. They were expecting to go around Alanda''s group and eat them from both sides. This way, this closed space battle would turn into their advantage, and Alanda''s group would have nowhere to flee.


    However, seeing that scene, Alanda just smiled.


    "Just as Roan said."

 Chapter 83锛欶ourth Form

    Roan didn''t think he did anything impressive. Use the dark environment to guide the enemy. Once they saw that they were in a closed space and can''t use their numbers'' advantage, a part of it would definitely use the houses to circle around the smaller group. It was that simple and obvious. So what is there to be proud of?


    Alanda''s Stellar Piercer target was the warriors behind the commander, that much was true. But the real objective wasn''t to kill them but to force the Foundation Establishment Realm commander to focus solely on Alanda. He was the only one with a Spiritual Sense strong enough to see the traps left on those houses.


    What the enemy commander failed to see is that Alanda''s group only had around 40 warriors defending that street. In that case, where were the other 35 that Roan left with him? The answer was the ceilings of those houses on the side. The moment the enemies jumped over the roofs, Alanda''s warriors broke through the wooden walls, taking those warriors by surprise. In an instant, another 30 or so enemy warriors were killed by the Steel Weapons.


    Considering the deaths at the Tribe''s wall jump, through the Stelar Piercer, and the houses'' roofs, the enemy forces on the west side already lost 80 or so warriors. They now had around 100, and they hadn''t killed a single warrior of the Varen Tribe yet. Without a doubt, their losses were grievous!


    The fight then immediately turned into Alanda''s group advantage. Although the enemy still had more warriors, they are severely lacking on the weapons'' side. One weapon after another was being destroyed by Rean''s Steel ones. Without a weapon to protect themselves, their only choice was to retreat or be killed.


    It only took a minute for Alanda''s side to gain the advantage in numbers, and the massacre continued. The enemy''s commander was enraged with that sight, but there was nothing he could do about it. Alanda''s cultivation is one stage behind the enemy''s Foundation Establishment Realm Warrior. However, both Alanda and Juri got the Spiritual Swords made by Rean, which are several times better than the normal low-level ones.


    The only reason the enemy''s commander weapon hasn''t broken yet is that his Spiritual Energy is stronger than Alanda''s. By covering his weapon with more Spiritual Energy, he could prevent it from shattering. Of course, his weapon was also a Spiritual Equipment, but the quality was just that much worse.


    However, this situation wouldn''t last for long. As much as the commander protected his weapon against Alanda''s, it was still cracking little by little. It wouldn''t be long before his weapon shattered utterly. Seeing that there was no way to salvage the situation, he could only retreat and ask for reinforcements from the warriors outside.


    "Retreat!"


    It was a tremendous humiliation for him. He had more warriors and higher cultivation, but he was still forced to say those words.


    Alanda didn''t stop him. Instead, he turned around and dashed in the middle of the remaining enemy warriors. Without a Foundation Establishment Realm to hold Alanda back, the place turned into a slaughterhouse. Roan was very direct about his plan. Kill as much as possible. Reduce the other side''s numbers to the best of your abilities.


    Seeing that Alanda didn''t pursue him, the enemy commander felt even angrier. He can''t fight Alanda because of his weapon, but he could definitely outrun him. He hoped to have Alanda follow him while his remaining warriors escaped. But contrary to his plan, Alanda instantly ignored him.


    However, Alanda was definitely paying attention to him. If he went back, Alanda would be prepared. As the number of his allies decreased, he would find himself surrounded by Alanda''s warriors. Even though he is a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Realm, he isn''t god. If that many attacked at the same time, he would be done for.


    Gritting his teeth, he turned around and dashed away. That battle was lost, and those warriors most likely doomed.


    He quickly arrived at the west wall of the Tribe. But the moment he jumped, he noticed something inside his Spiritual Sense under the place he was flying over. There was very little light, so it was hard to see with the eyes. Still, he could see that it looked like a small mass black spiritual energy.


    If the battle had gone according to the plan, the enemy''s Foundation Establishment Realm would definitely retreat through this path. That was what Roan thought. Sure enough, here he was!


    However, Roan couldn''t help but think just how dumb this guy is. Instead of getting close to the wall to jump as little as possible, he jumped from several meters back.


    ''Most likely, this idiot is used to show off in his Tribe, so everything he does catches a lot of attention.''


    If this enemy commander had waited to get closer to the wall before jumping, he would notice Roan''s presence sooner. Of course, Roan was still confident that he could win a clash between them.


    Roan''s initial plan was to have this enemy underestimate his kid''s appearance to give a fatal blow. But who could have thought that he was idiot enough to deliver himself in a silver plate?


    Rean, on the north side of the Tribe, immediately noticed Roan absorbing a lot of Light Element through their Soul Connection. Rean just smiled after sensing it.


    ''Seems like he found his target.''


    Roan smiled too as he looked that guy passing over him.


    ''Death Style, Fourth Form, Soaring Dragon!''


    Roan used the Light Element on his legs, which increased their life force and power a lot for a brief moment to jump! Dark and Light Elements gathered around his sword as he soared against the enemy''s commander of the west side. Roan''s White and Dark Spiritual Energy propelled him even faster. It was really like a dragon taking to the skies!


    But what really shocked the commander was that what was coming flying at him was a kid! Not only that, but his Spiritual Sense told him that Roan was also in the Foundation Establishment Realm!


    "How was that possible?!"


    This surprise also delayed his actions for a split of a second. He tried to defend himself. But he was in midair and had no footing to force faster movements.


    Swish!


    His Spiritual Energy barrier crumbled as his body was cleaved in half! As for Roan, he only stopped another 30 meters higher in the skies.


    Looking at the enemy while he descended, he couldn''t help but rub his legs.


    "This attack really puts a lot of burden on the legs. I better not use it often until my body gets stronger."


    The second enemy Foundation Establishment enemy was now dead too.


    Roan then looked at the east before thinking.


    ''It should be over on Juri''s side as well.''

 Chapter 84锛欽uri and Alanda Appeared

    Roan was right. Both East and West were similar in structures, so Juri used the same strategy as Alanda to get rid of his enemies. In his case, he learned the Death Style''s Second Form, Crescent Moon. This is Roan''s area attack that aims a large group of enemies at once. Not surprisingly, Juri''s attack killed even more than Alanda''s Stellar Piercer, immediately grabbing the attention of the Foundation Establishment commander of that side.


    Once again, the enemy tried to use the side houses, and once again, the warriors came from below it to attack them. However, Juri was not able to kill the enemy''s Foundation Establishment Cultivator. Or to be more precise, Juri did not try to kill him to start with. Having him escaping was also part of Roan''s plan.


    Outside, that Eastside Foundation Establishment commander came back, which much puzzled Yasvil, Kalan, and Xinkin. It doesn''t matter how they see it; he came back way too fast. No more than 10 minutes had passed since all the battles started, it should have taken longer. This Foundation Establishment cultivator was part of the Hersil Tribe, so Xenkin started to laugh when he saw him.


    "Hahaha! Look, with Tanka there, the Eastside is gone already. He even came back to report. As for your two commanders, they are still inside."


    Kalan and Yasvil snorted.


    "It just means that he won the lottery and got the side where Alanda and Juri were not present. What is there to be proud of? Sending a Foundation Establishment while commanding a bigger group against a pack of Energy Gathering Realm warriors is very easy. Anyone here would have the same results."


    However, as that Foundation Establishment got closer, the three leaders'' expressions began to change. He had cuts all over his body. The weapon on his hand was almost destroyed. Not to mention that he seemed extremely tired as if he had gone through a life and death battle.


    The truth is precisely like that. This commander is an Initial Stage Foundation Establishment Warrior, just like Juri. If not because his weapon is a big Spiritual Mace, which is much more resistant than a Sword, Juri''s Spiritual Sword would have destroyed it easily. In fact, Juri would have the advantage even without that Rean''s Spiritual Sword. After all, he is a practitioner of the Death Style and had been in the Foundation Establishment Realm''s Initial Stage for much longer.


    The guy then fell on the ground before squeezing the next words of his mouth.


    "Dead! They are all dead! Our entire east side group was completely wiped out. We simply had no chance."


    "What?!


    The three leaders'' expressions turned dark.


    "Explain what happened now!"


    As they heard that commander explaining what happened, they started to have a bad feeling. So far, the other two sides hadn''t sent anyone to report either. It was then that they remembered to see some bright light on the Northside before. However, they didn''t care much about that since they didn''t feel any destructive power coming from that light. At that point, they simply thought it was some trick used by Juri and his warriors.


    "Not good, we need to go take a look!"


    But before they even moved, they hard a voice coming from the North Wall guarding point.


    "Is Yasvil and his friends there?"


    Yasvil felt a chill on his back while he looked in the direction of the voice. Sure enough, it was Juri who talked. Not only that, but Alanda was also by his side! What did that mean? If they are there, it meant that there was no more battle happening inside their Tribe. Their 500 warriors that were sent earlier were completely wiped out!


    Yasvil, Kalan, and Xenkin then came forward.


    The first one to speak was Kalan Bokou.


    "Juri Varen, is it? What happened with my Foundation Establishment warrior on the west side?"


    Juri smiled and looked at Alanda.


    Alanda, obviously, understood his intentions and stepped forward.


    "Oh! Are you talking about this guy?"


    Alanda then threw a head on the ground, right in front of Kalan. Seeing his Middle Stage Foundation Establishment warrior''s head, Kalan felt pain in his heart. Every warrior of this level was precious for a Middle Sized Tribe. Not to mention that he lost over 150 Energy Gathering Realm warriors as well.


    "I''m sorry about that. He was just too weak."


    Rean and Roan, obviously, were also present. However, they stayed behind the walls, only listening to the conversation.


    "Roan, what do you think they will do?"


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "Hum... I would say there is a 50% chance of those two Tribes retreating, ending their alliance with the Kianme Tribe. That''s why I asked to let that East Side Foundation Establishment escape. I wanted him to tell them that we wiped out their forces while losing almost no warriors on our side."


    "Wouldn''t they do the opposite and attack to get revenge for them?"


    "That''s the part I can''t predict in this fight. Just how much do they value their own pride over the well being of their Tribe? The humans'' feelings are a peculiar thing, hard to predict. Logic says that they should retreat and cut their losses, and that''s what I hope as well. All will depend on how Juri plays the cards I gave him. Of course, if they decide to come, we are more than ready for them."


    Kalan bokou looked at the head of his commander and was fuming in rage. However, what Roan said was also weighing in his mind. He heard the Hersil commander''s report and understood that the Varen Tribe haven''t lost much until now. So can they really beat this Varen Tribe? Even if they can, what will be the cost for his Bokou Tribe?


    However, the one who was feeling the worst at the moment was Yasvil Kianme. He understood that this alliance was at risk of breaking up. The Hersil and Bokou tribe will be fine since they came from another territory. Still, his Hersil is in the same region as the Varen Tribe, and they were the ones responsible for this war. He has to convince those two to bring thigs to an end.

 Chapter 85锛歂egotiations

    "Kalan, Xenkin, are you really going to let this go? So what if two Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators died? They were all at the Initial and Middle stages, but the three of us are in the Late Stage. If we do this together, we can still plunder them of everything they have. However, if we retreat now, we are going to be the laughingstock of the South Region. The Middle-Sized Tribes couldn''t wipe out a Small-Sized one. Is that really okay with the two of you?"


    Juri, on the other side, started to laugh.


    "Small-Sized? If you want to believe that, then so be it. However, I ask you this. If Alanda and I are only two, and we were fighting on the East and West Sides, who killed the Foundation Establishment Cultivator who entered through the north?"


    Kalan and Xenkin''s eyes opened wide! That''s right; Alanda and Juri can''t be in two places at the same time. And they don''t believe that a Foundation Establishment would fail to run away even if he was surrounded by Energy Gathering Realm cultivators. Not to mention that the Northside was supposed to have more warriors, so getting surrounded wasn''t an option in theory.


    "He is trying to deceive you. They definitely played some trick that killed the Northside commander. Otherwise, why is only Alanda and Juri appearing here at the moment? Where is that ''helper'' that killed the Northside commander?"


    Juri laughed once more after hearing that.


    "Isn''t that obvious? As long as you don''t know who he or she is, you will need to divide your attention at all times. The moment you let your guard down..."


    Juri stopped talking at that point, but his meaning was clear for all to see.


    "Alright. Let''s do this then. Hersil Tribe and Bokou Tribe are from outside our territory, so you don''t need to be that afraid of retaliation from our side. In fact, my Varen Tribe will not pursue this issue against you either. Why don''t you cut your losses here and we pretend it never happened. Whatever happens with our Varen and the Kianme Tribes in the future will have nothing to do with you."


    Kalan snorted before asking.


    "And why should we do that? So far, it is only your words that we got and no proof that you can really deal with all of us together. We have lost too much, both in resources and face. We can''t just step back anymore."


    Yasvil Kianme let out a sigh of relief. It seems like they still want to take the Varen Tribe''s over.


    However, Juri just kept laughing.


    "Hahaha! Very well. As a proof of good intention, our Varen Tribe will provide the Hersil and Bokou tribes a total of 50 Steel Swords each. If you didn''t live in a cave in the past year, you definitely know about our Steel Swords. In fact, that Foundation Establishment over there can testify for their strength. Also..."


    Juri then raised his Sword, which made the commander who battled him sweat cold. He took this chance and quickly sent a Spiritual Sense message to the three leaders.


    "That is the Sword, which almost destroyed my Spiritual Mace and suffered no damage whatsoever!"


    Xenkin, Kalan, and Yasvil''s eyes glued in that Sword.


    Juri noticed that their attention was caught and continued.


    "I will have one of these swords sent together with the Steel Swords to your Hersil and Bokou Tribes. This will be an extra gift of our Varen Tribe. Also, we would more than welcome creating a trade route between our tribes as well as a way of proving our good intentions. How is that?"


    Kalan and Xinkin''s eyes brightened. They know the Steel Swords, but they are now too hard to get. The Varen Tribe only puts so many every month, and there is even a queue for those who want one. Getting 50 Steel Swords and even that freakish Spiritual Kaz Sword would definitely boost their powers by a lot.


    Yasvil immediately noticed the convictions of the Kalan and Hersil Tribe Leaders waver.


    "You can''t be serious that you trust him, right? You attacked his Tribe and killed several of their warriors. Can such a blood feud really be wiped out this easily, I don''t believe so! Besides, once we clear their Tribe, all their Steel Weapons will be yours to start with, isn''t that even better?"


    Kalan and Hersil began to ponder what would be better. Both sides had very attractive ideas. Retreat and trust that the Varen Tribe would keep their words. Or attack and then take everything for themselves. But in that case, there is no guarantee of victory.


    But it was at this moment that two Strong Spiritual Energy pressures appeared from behind the Varen Tribe''s Walls. That immediately caught Kalan and Xenkin''s attention. Their Spiritual Sense couldn''t go far enough to see what cultivation the ones releasing that Spiritual Pressure had or their appearances. However, they could tell that they are no weaker than themselves. That meant that whoever those two are, they are probably at the same level as themselves.


    Yasvil face also turned pale. The only thing that kept this alliance up was the fact that perhaps, the Varen Tribe really doesn''t have any other Foundation Establishment cultivator. However, this conjecture was immediately destroyed. They do have other Foundation Establishment warriors, and two at that!


    After pondering a bit, Xenkin and Kalan nodded at each other. It was evident that forcing this issue would be very detrimental for their Tribes. Even if they win now, they can''t guarantee that they can kill the other part Foundation Establishment Warriors. If those four decide to join some other Tribe in exchange for help with their revenge, they can think of a few ones that would gladly accept them. At that moment, their Tribes would be doomed if they have to fight so many Foundation Establishments at once and alone.


    "Juri Varen, our Hersil and Bokou Tribes accept your offer. We will send an envoy to discuss the trade route and take the Swords in a few days. We hope you will keep your words."


    Juri laughed while the Spiritual Pressures coming from behind him disappeared.


    "Very well."


    Juri then turned around and returned inside the Tribe. Obviously, he wouldn''t distribute the Steel Swords now since they might decide to attack since they are already here. So he will send them a few days later too. As for the Kianme Tribe, Juri wasn''t the least bit afraid of them attacking his Tribe anymore. They would be sending themselves to their deaths if they did so. Last but not least, taking revenge on the Kianme Tribe is not something he can decide right now.

 Chapter 86锛歍ime to Leave

    Sure enough, the Kianme tribe retreated with the Hersil and Bokou ones. Yasvil Kianme tried everything to convince them to fight to the end, but Kalan and Xenkin utterly refused to keep going. It was one thing with only Two Foundation Establishments, but four was another story. Once the news that the Varen Tribe has four Foundation Establishment cultivators under their banner spreads, they will be considered a Medium-Sized Tribe.


    Thanks to that, it wouldn''t be too humiliating once their defeat is found out. Besides, they are not leaving without anything. Even though their losses were great, they still have a lot of warriors back in their Tribes. The Steel Swords will provide a huge boost to the remaining warriors. Not to mention that them, the leaders, will get one of those Spiritual Kaz Sword of the Varen Tribe.


    "I recommend that Tribe Leader Yasvil find a way to apologize. The Varen Tribe''s wave will be unstoppable from now on. 500 Warriors were wiped out while they barely had any losses. It is obvious that what they have is not only those Foundation Establishment warriors or the Steel Weapons."


    Xenkin then looked at Tanka, the only Foundation Establishment that survived the attacks.


    "Tanka, tell him what you told me."


    Tanka nodded and then explained.


    "Every single warrior of the Varen Tribe was much stronger than ours. I''m not talking about cultivation, but combat skills. Especially the ones with swords, their swordsmanships were really cruel. Their defense was also watertight. I''m not kidding when I say that every single Energy Gathering Realm in their middle could fight at least two of ours alone and probably still end as the winner. I don''t know who is teaching them how to fight, but those were not movements that you can find anywhere in the Tribes of the south region. Probably not even in the Tribes of the whole Astreg City Region."


    Yasvil sweated cold after hearing that. Every single one of them could fight at least two of their warriors and still win. Indeed, it is not something that equipment alone could do.


    However, Yasvil didn''t want to give up. He lost a Foundation Establishment today, lost around 170 warriors too. Worst of all, he is not getting any compensation like the Hersil, and Bokou Tribes are. It was just too hard to swallow such losses and still have to apologize.


    Kalan Bokou and Xenkin Hersil didn''t care, though. They said what they had to say. Whatever Yasvil decided to do in the future was his problem, not theirs.


    Back in the Varen Tribe, Juri called all the warriors over. After he went up on the stage, Alanda, Rean, and Roan followed. The warriors looked at Rean and Roan with shining eyes. Those two were still just nine years old kids, but they were already this strong. If they continued like that, the Tribe would prosper even more. There was no jealousy in their eyes. Those two fought by their sides and saved many of their companions; there was nothing more than admiration at the moment.


    Juri then looked at everyone before saying.


    "As you all found out already, Rean and Roan are also at the Foundation Establishment Realm. I hid it from you all so that our Tribe could keep a trump card under our sleeve. Sure enough, this trump card worked very well, and we showed those guys what our Varen Tribe is made of!"


    Wooww!!


    Everyone bellowed at Juri''s words. Although they lost a few of their companions, they died while protecting the Tribe. In the Tribes'' world, dying while fighting for the Tribe is considered an honor. Crying over their bodies would only be regarded as disrespectful. The Tribe should commemorate its victory and give those warriors all the glory they deserve.


    "Alright! Call everyone back from the Mines. Tomorrow, we will give the warriors who died today a proper burial. After that, we will celebrate our victory with a feast to honor their memories!"


    Juri kept speaking for a while longer until finally, the Tribe members who hid in the Mines came back and started to help clean the battlefield. Roan also had some of the warriors who worked with him earlier to move with them to take out the hidden traps he had prepared. Those were supposed to be used in the second phase of his plan in case the war continued, but in the end, they had no use.


    Juri then called Rean and Roan to his house. Arriving there, they noticed that Alanda was also present. Not only that, but Hamarlia and Turen were there too.


    The twins didn''t seem surprised, though.


    "I guess it is time for us to leave, yea?"


    Juri looked at Roan, surprised, but he soon remembered who he was talking too.


    Hamarlia, however, immediately embraced the two of them. She knew that they were in the Foundation Establishment, and the Tribe needed their help in this war. However, she couldn''t help but feel worried. Only after seeing that they were well did she finally relax.


    As for Turen, he was feeling extremely proud. Juri told him what Rean and Roan did for the Tribe during this war, so how could he not be?


    But they also heard what Roan just said.


    "What you meant with time to leave?"


    Roan looked at Juri, waiting for him to explain. It would be hard for him or Rean to do that without Juri''s help.


    Juri, of course, understood his intentions.


    "After today''s war, Rean and Roan''s existence will definitely be found out. It is shameful to say this, but our Tribe has no way to protect them. That being said, I have no other choice other than sending them away. It is also for their own good that I''m doing it."


    Hamarlia and Turen were taken aback.


    "Then, I go too!"


    Rean smiled and held his mother''s hand.


    "Sorry, mother, but you can''t."


    Hamarlia immediately rebuked him.


    "You brat, what are you saying to your mother? If I say I''m going, then I''m going! End of discussion!"


    However, Roan also refused her.


    "Rean is right. If we are by ourselves, we will be fine, but if we have to divert our attention to protect you, the chances of something happening to you or us are much higher. Mother, you coming with us will only make things more dangerous."


    Hamarlia then looked at Turen, as if asking him to do something. However, Turen looked at Juri instead.


    "Can Tribe Leader give us an explanation?"


    Juri smiled and nodded. He then explained everything about the powers that control their region and Rean and Roan''s terrifying strength. In the end, Turen and Hamarlia could only accept that outcome. It was indeed far beyond the scope of their Varen Tribe.


    "Don''t worry. Instead of waiting for one of those powers to come, I will have the twins join them. If we do that, they will be able to come here to visit you and even bring more protection to our Tribe. This is definitely the best outcome."


    Turen couldn''t help but ask.


    "Tribe Leader talked about the Royal Family''s Army, the Sects, and the Big Tribes. Which one will you be sending them to?"


    Juri laughed after hearing that.


    "To the sects, of course. To be more specific, the Sect controlling the region where we live, the Dalamu Sect."

 Chapter 87锛欴eparting

    Juri then began to explain a little more about the Damalu Sect.


    "As I mentioned before, our Astreg City is situated in the Northeast of the Jialin Country. Not only that, but very close to the border at that. Although the Dalamu Sect is also on the Northeast side, they are a lot closer to the center. So your trip to that place will take quite a few days."


    "Still, you don''t need to worry. I have closed our Tribe, so no one will be able to enter or leave in these next few days. Thanks to that, the information that Rean and Roan are two kids at the Foundation Establishment Realm will not leak out for the time being. This should ensure a safe trip."


    "Fortunately, the next sect entrance exam will be happening in two weeks. This is a lot more time than you need to reach there. Of course, I can''t send Rean and Roan alone since they are still kids (only in body, though). So Alanda will be accompanying them on this trip while I stay behind overseeing the Tribe."


    Juri then looked at the twins before explain.


    "You two must understand one thing, you are definitely heaven-defying geniuses in this place where we live. But the closer you get to the sects, the more you will notice that the average power increases. The Dalamu Sect gathers all the young geniuses of the entire North-East side of the Jialin country. That being said, you shouldn''t feel shocked if you see other young boys at the Foundation Establishment like you."


    Rean and Roan nodded. They had long since understood that they really live in a small corner that almost no one cared.


    Juri then continued.


    "Of course, you did that with your own effort. Completely different from those big clans and families who used their wealth to propel their descendants into the same cultivation realm as you two. Besides, even if they had those advantages, most of those in the Foundation Establishment Realm are already over 10 years old."


    "However, this is a good opportunity. You two had been practicing since little and truth be told, you are quite big for your ages. Part of that is thanks to Hamarlia and Turen, who are tall people to start with. These were some good blood you got there."


    Hamarlia and Turen couldn''t help but few a little embarrassed after hearing that.


    Juri, on the other hand, just laughed.


    "Anyway. You two are turning 10 years old in the next month, but no one will doubt if we say that you are already 12. In the Dalamu Sect, a 12 years old Foundation Establishment will catch some attention, but that is all. There will be quite a few kids between 10 and 13 years old in the same cultivation realm as you two."


    "Once again, I repeat what I said. The majority only got that far thanks to their backgrounds. So don''t think that all your effort was for nothing or that you are not talented. If you were born in one of those prominent families, your cultivation would probably be in the Middle or maybe even Advanced stage already."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "But isn''t it bad for those kids to cultivate too fast? Wouldn''t their foundations be damaged because of that?"


    Juri nodded.


    "They would. However, they don''t lack alchemists'' pills. Between those pills, some can speed up the stabilization of the foundation. Others can strengthen them. Anyway, I guess you understand why they don''t have to be afraid of cultivating too fast. To be honest, I really don''t know how you got such a sturdy foundation after arriving at the Foundation Establishment so quickly. Our Tribe didn''t have anything that could help you with that."


    [Hmph! Clearly, it was because of me!]


    Obviously, Juri didn''t hear Sister Orb''s comment.


    "Cough, cough. We have our tricks."


    Juri didn''t mind that and continued.


    "Just because you see many similar age kids in the same realm as you don''t mean that you are at the same level. I truly believe that you are not weaker than any of them."


    "Anyway, let''s go back to your age. Just say that you are 12 years old to avoid unnecessary suspicion. As for the rest, you can do the way you see fit. There is no way you won''t catch attention since you have the Light and Dark Elements and aptitudes, after all. You might as well show a little of your real power to get a good position in the sect. Still, don''t exaggerate. You two have no backgrounds, so it is not good to make all those young noble kids jealous of you."


    The twins nodded. That was how they were intending to do anyway.


    "Very well. You should stay with your parents this night. I will have you two leaving tomorrow morning."


    Alanda then looked at Juri and asked.


    "What about that other topic?"


    "Ah! That''s right."


    Juri smiled at the twins before saying.


    "I will be sending Inna Malaka with the two of you as well."


    "What?!"


    Obviously, the two got shocked after rearing that.


    "Why would you do something like this? We can''t guarantee our own safety, let alone hers."


    Juri nodded.


    "I know. But after the last war, there will definitely be a lot of investigation. That being said, soon the others will notice the difference in Malaka''s cultivation speed as well. Since that is the case, I might as well have her join the Dalamu Sect. Don''t worry, she is old enough, and with the two of you there, she will not be brainwashed to forget our Tribe."


    Rean and Roan couldn''t help but grimace. They couldn''t refuse it since what Juri said was true. Leaving Malaka here might be even more dangerous for her. Besides, joining a sect with her talent would indeed be the best option since the Varen Tribe could only do so much for her future.


    Rean sighed and nodded in the end.


    "Sigh... fine. Malaka is already a little sister for me anyway."


    Roan didn''t say anything, but he didn''t refuse it either. Of course, Rean knows that Roan also felt the same way as him.


    Juri then talked with everyone for a while before sending them back. He still had to speak with Inna Malaka''s family, after all.


    The next morning, Alanda was already waiting in front of the Tribe. Soon Rean and Roan arrived, with Malaka being the last one. Obviously, their parents were there as well to send them off.


    After a lot of tears of their mothers, Rean, Roan, and Malaka departed with Alanda. Destination: Dalamu Sect!

 Chapter 87 - Majorias City

    Alanda, Rean, and Roan are all in the Foundation Establishment, so they can keep their travel rhythm. However, Malaka is still in the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm, so they had to stop a few times for her to rest. Malaka had followed Roan''s orders and really stopped cultivating for a year, so she started again only recently. There was the option to carry her, but all three men immediately refused the idea. More physical movement is good for her and themselves as well.


    The group stopped by in a City to sleep for the night. Rean and Roan got one room while Alanda took another one with Malaka. That night, the twins once more entered the Soul Gem dimensional Realm. It has been some time since they got enough Destiny Points to buy the Panther Bones, but just now, they decided to go ahead with it.


    "Sister Orb, how many Destiny Points we got after winning that Tribe War? Sure the reputation of our Tribe will change completely once the news spread, right?"


    [Let me check here... Hum... That was not so bad, you got another 20 Destiny Points from that.]


    [Oh! That''s right!]


    [Cough, cough. Congratulations, Hosts. After your vict-]


    "Alright, Roan, we have more Destiny Points now, so let''s take those Panther Bones."


    Rean cut Sister Orb''s speech mercilessly. In fact, if he didn''t do that, Roan would definitely have done so.


    "Good. Sister Orb, exchange the points for us."


    [...]


    [You are no fun.]


    [Anyway, you have 105 Destiny Points in total. After acquiring the Panther Bones, there will be 55 Left. Do you confirm your purchase?]


    The twins answered at the same time.


    "Yes."


    Immediately, Rean and Roan feel on the ground again. The process of changing one''s bones'' quality is excruciating. However, they know that it is more than worth it! As the twin contorted in pain on the ground, the change gradually took place. Thirty minutes later, they were finally over with it.


    Both Rean and Roan had tears in their eyes when they finished, what Sister Orb found quite funny.


    [Two a.d.u.l.ts, one of them being countless years old. Still, you can''t take a little bit of pain. How shameful.]


    "Said the orb that doesn''t know what pain is."


    [I do know what it is.]


    "Oh?! Go ahead, tell me more about it."


    [Seeing one a.d.u.l.t playing Heavy Metal while the other showed a few P.o.r.n scenes during an affinity exam. Those are very painful things to watch.]


    The twins immediately feel on the ground. Let alone Rean, and Roan''s face went red at that moment.


    "Cough, cough. Those were... trials! Yes, we were just testing the level of concentration of each other."


    [Sure... whatever you say.]


    Rean and Roan immediately left the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm after that. They simply had no face to look at Sister Orb anymore.


    After that, they looked at each other, and it seemed like they reached the same conclusion. It is never a good thing to underestimate Sister Orb.


    "Anyway, tomorrow, when we resume our travel, we can then test how these new Panther Bones are."


    After cleaning themselves, they went to sleep as well.


    Rean and Roan could have chosen the ''Spiritual Sense Absorption Upgrade Level 1'' from the reward list. In the long term, it would have a better return. But they opted for the Panther Bones so that they could have a better boost in power in the short term. They don''t know what to expect from this Sect Entrance Exam, so they felt that it was a safer option.


    The next day, the group was on the road again. Rean and Roan took that opportunity to test the changes in their bodies. They run, used techniques, sparred between themselves and Alanda, etc. In the end, they reached a conclusion that the Panther Bones increased their body strength in another 10%.


    "It''s half of what the Ape Bones gave to us. Sister Orb, is this correct? Shouldn''t the Panther Bones be better?"


    [There is nothing wrong with it. The further you go into a path, the harder it becomes. Just so that you know, there are only two more levels of Bones Upgrade. After that, you will have achieved the max that the system can offer. However, you can still strengthen your bodies after that with the resources of the Cultivation World. It''s just that you will need to find it yourselves.]


    Rean and Roan nodded. That indeed made sense. For example, cultivation gets harder the further you go, so the bones bonus reduction was well within this logic.


    The Dalamu Sect was located in the south of the City of Masjoria, 300km away, to be more exact. It was built on the Dalamu Spiritual Mountain, which gave the Sect''s name. It was a point where a lot of Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth gathered. Even in the city of Masjoria, it was possible to feel the difference. Of course, the city can''t possibly compare to the Mountain since it located so far.


    The reason the city was established at that distance from the Sect is that everything in a 300km radius is considered the Dalamu Sect''s territory. Anyone who enters without permission could be killed without warning. Thus, all the kids who would be taking part in the exam this time were gathered in the city, waiting for when the Sect opened its doors.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/majorias-city_47226058449151950 for visiting.


    Alanda''s group arrived there 4 days before the Sect Entrance exam, so they still had some time to look around. Rean decided to visit the blacksmith workshops while Roan passed on the cultivation shops to see what they were selling. Roan was more interested in their weapons skill manuals, to be more specific. In the last Tribe War, he understood that no one there used skills. They were all relying on the brute force of their Spiritual Energies. That was one more reason why Roan''s plans worked so well.


    Malaka also wanted to go somewhere by herself, but Alanda quickly held her back.


    "Why can''t I go? You let Rean and Roan have fun, but always keep me behind."


    "Hmph! That is because they know what they are doing, different from you. When you get older, you will be able to do the same thing."


    "That''s not fair!"


    "Hahaha! This the first lesson I''ll give you now that you are out of the Tribe. The world is not fair."


    Alanda then looked at Malaka with a serious expression and asked.


    "By the way, you did not forget what we talked about, right?"


    Malaka nodded with an annoyed face.


    "Rean and Roan are 12 years old. I must not tell that they are of the same age as me."


    "Good! Since you are being cooperative, I will go with you to look around. Where you wanna go?"


    Malaka''s eyes immediately brightened, and she quickly dragged Alanda around the city to satisfy her curiosity.


    --------


    Weekly Deal:


    1000 Power Stones = 2 extra chapters.


    Every 500 extra = 1 extra chapter.


    Power Stones reset happens every Sunday at 4PM GMT Time. The releases will also happen there.

 Chapter 88 - Roan Goes Shopping

    Roan didn''t need to look for long to find a shop that sold what he wanted. The name on the front was very suggestive as well, Majorias Cultivation Treasure Pavillion. It was a 7 stores giant building close to the center of the city. From what was written outside, the place had almost everything��treasures, cultivation techniques, cultivation resources, skill manuals, you name it.


    But just a Roan was about to enter the shop, he saw a leg coming his way. Out of nowhere, someone was trying to kick him! For a moment, Roan thought about chopping that leg, but he soon remembered that he should avoid causing too big a commotion. Of course, he wouldn''t let it simply go either. That being said, he simply punched.


    *Crack!*


    "Arrrgggghh!"


    Immediately, everyone looked in his direction.


    It turns out that the guards in front of the shop saw how Roan was dressed. Roan lived in the Varen Tribe until now, so his clothes were very ordinary. Personally, Roan didn''t care. Even if he was to walk n.a.k.e.d, he wouldn''t give a damn. Thanks to that, he never paid attention to his appearance.


    That guard that tried to kick him away saw those clothes and thought that he was some beggar. This is a prestigious shop in Majorias City, so how could they allow Roan to step inside to bother its customers? Too bad, though. The guard really chose the wrong person to mess with.


    "You brat!"


    The other guard saw his friend''s broken leg and was enraged. Without asking for any explanation, he immediately released his power and attacked Roan without mercy. He was really planning to kill him! He took out his sword and quickly slashed at him intending to cut Roan''s head.


    However... this guy was nothing more than a Middle Stage Energy Gathering Realm cultivator. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/roan-goes-shopping_47243222732307363 for visiting.


    Seeing that sword, Roan snorted before extending his hand.


    Pin!


    The opponent''s sword was immediately caught between Roan''s fingers! It didn''t matter how much strength that guy put in, he couldn''t move it at all! Only now, he understood that Roan is far from being the beggar that he thought about.


    Boom! Crack!


    With a kick, Roan Broke three ribs of that guard while sending him flying.


    Crash!


    The guard hit the wall before falling on the ground. After that, Roan grabbed the first guard with the broken leg and asked.


    "What''s the meaning of this? Why did you attack me?"


    The guard was frightened to the point that even the pain in his leg disappeared. But just as he was about to ask for help...


    "This little young master over there, please forgive our shop''s guards. They had eyes but could not recognize Mount Tai. I hope you can give this old man face and let them go."


    Roan glanced at the entrance and saw a white-haired man stepping out. The moment he Roan''s eyes stopped on him, he knew that the guy wasn''t simple. At the very least, he wasn''t someone Roan could possibly dream of fighting against.


    Roan then showed a smile and let the guard go.


    "Since this friend came to apologize, I will obviously drop the matter. Still, I didn''t know that the city''s shop would kick its customers. I came from a small Tribe in a remote place, so I apologize if this was the city''s customs."


    The old man laughed out loud after hearing that. Although Roan seemed to be just a kid, his way of using words didn''t look like one at all.


    "I can assure you that the city''s shops don''t have such customs. Still, you can''t really blame then. This is a famous shop in the city, so they can''t let just anyone enter. They got mistaken and thought this little young master to be a beggar who would bother the shop''s customers. Of course, with this young master''s cultivation and power, you are far from being someone like that. Please come in, our Majorias Cultivation Treasure Pavillion will do its best to satisfy you."


    Roan nodded and then stepped inside. As for the guards, the other employees quickly brought them away, and soon, another two new guards took their places.


    Roan didn''t care about that, though.


    Once inside, the man took the role of the host.


    "Sorry for the late introduction, my name is Leu Hictis. So, what would this young master be looking for?"


    In fact, he doesn''t believe that Roan has much money. Although he is strong, he had seen kids with similar cultivations as Roan hundreds of times during every Sect Entrance Exam. Still, he would probably become someone important in the Damalu Sect since any Foundation Establishment of his age was sure to have a bright future. There was nothing wrong with building up some good ties while they were young.


    Roan looked around before saying.


    "I saw written outside that you also sell skill manuals. I want to know if you have a skill better than the one I''m using."


    Leu quickly nodded.


    "We do have a lot of them for selling. But if you want to compare, I will need to see this young master using yours once."


    Roan pondered a bit and nodded. The building had a lot of space, so he could simply use one of his skills in mid-air for Leu to see.


    Roan didn''t take his Spiritual Kaz Sword. Instead, he used a wooden sword that he often carried with him. It was basically used to teach the kids back in the Varen Tribe. During this trip, he used it against Inna Malaka several times.


    Roan walked into an empty space before demonstrating one of the skills he developed. He didn''t use Rean''s light element this time since it was just a demonstration, so his hair color didn''t change when he struck.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    *Swish, swish, swish!*


    Three identical black swords attacked three different points in the air. When Leu saw that, his smile immediately disappeared. All that remained was a shocked expression. He is in the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm, but he couldn''t tell which one was real even with his superior Spiritual Sense.


    ''No, all three swords were real. It''s just that two of them were made of Spiritual and Elemental Energy. Probably, the two Energy ones were somewhat weaker than the wooden one. Still, they had plenty of attack power since I couldn''t see the difference between them before the attack was over.


    Seeing the Manager''s eyes, Roan more or less got the answer he wanted. Still, he asked just in case.


    "Do you have anything better than it?"


    Leu looked at Roan before sighing.


    "Some of our Sword Skills might be on par with your own, but I doubt they would be stronger."


    Roan was surprised to hear that. He thought that not a single one would compare to his.


    ''It seems like I underestimated this place.''


    "Great! Show me them. Oh, right! How much do they cost?"


    Leu pointed at a room on the other side of the building.


    "Please come with me, I will bring them for this young master to take a look. We can talk about the price later."


    --------


    Weekly Deal:


    1000 Power Stones = 2 extra chapters.


    Every 500 extra = 1 extra chapter.


    Power Stones reset happens every Sunday at 4PM GMT Time. The releases will also happen there.

 Chapter 89 - Skill Manuals

    Sometime later, Leu brought a few skill manuals for swordsmen. But as Roan looked through then, he noticed something different.


    "This... Why are all of them made for Core Formation Realm and above?"


    Leu smiled bitterly before asking.


    "My question is different. How can you use such skills without even being in the Core Formation Realm?"


    Roan''s eyes narrowed.


    "What you have here is just a general explanation of how they work. Would you mind if a take a look at the real one? Of course, I''m not saying the entire manual, just the first part is enough."


    Leu pondered a bit before asking. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/skill-manuals_47247738890404152 for visiting.


    "Would you let me take a look at your skills too?"


    Roan immediately accepted. He wanted to confirm his theory about those manuals. He had a few copies of the manuals he made for the Varen Tribe members in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, so it was easy for him to bring one out.


    As the two of them looked at the other''s manual, they seemed to arrive at the same conclusion.


    "The meridians path!"


    The way Roan projected the use of his Sword Skills was completely different from the norm. In fact, Leu was surprised that Roan''s meridians didn''t explode while using this skill.


    "Are you sure you are using that technique with the instructions of this manual? I find it quite hard to believe."


    Roan then put Leu''s manual down before nodding his head.


    "I was the one who created it, after all."


    Leu looked at Roan as if he was looking at a ghost!


    "You... created it?"


    Roan nodded and then made a question of his own


    "My question isn''t much different from yours. How come you guys can''t see the waste of energy when using this sword skill with such a messed up path? Sure, it is a lot easier if you ask me, but at the same time, you lose way too much energy on the process. To be very honest, I can''t think about any other word than ''ugly'' when I look at this skill. Especially since you can only use it at the Core Formation Realm or above. That is one more defect of those points to connect the Spiritual Energy."


    Leu narrowed his eyes after hearing that. Although Roan really looked like a kid, he can''t help but somehow believe his words. Of course, he still had many doubts.


    Roan noticed that and then suggested.


    "Why don''t you give a quick try with mine? This is the same skill you saw back there, the Third Form of the Death Style, Three Claws of the Dragon. Of course, you won''t be able to use it in the end since I only gave you a small part of the manual. Still, you should be able to confirm if the path of the meridians that I found out is wrong or not. It wouldn''t cause you any harm either since you will only try it for a few seconds."


    Leu pondered a bit and had to admit that Roan was right.


    "Very well. Give me a few minutes to get used to it."


    Roan smiled after hearing that. Sure enough, someone with higher cultivation can learn much faster. Not to mention that as manager of this place, he had seen all the techniques for sale, so his knowledge and experience were much higher. Roan thought that this man would take at least an hour before being able to do it. But it seems like he won''t need to wait for much.


    Around 12 minutes later, Leu opened his eyes again. Spiritual Energy then started to gather around him. Since he wouldn''t be able to use it, there was no need for a sword. He only tried out that crazy meridians'' path that Roan suggested. At first, he began very slowly, afraid that he might hurt himself. But as time passed, his expression changed. In the end, there was nothing but disbelief in his eyes. Let alone hurting himself, he even felt comfortable using his meridians. As if this was the way it was supposed to be since the very start.


    Leu couldn''t hold his excitement before asking.


    "How much do you want for the full copy of this technique?"


    Roan pondered a bit before smiling.


    "I don''t need any payment, but I do want to see all your techniques with similar attack power."


    "Deal!"


    Leu understood from the very start the value of this technique. Not only would you be able to use it in the Foundation Establishment, but even Energy Gathering Realm cultivators could also do so. Of course, the Energy Gathering ones would take a very long time to get proficient enough to use it. However, it was totally worth it. As far as he knows, only the Sects and big cultivator families have secret techniques that allow their descendants to use some skill before the Core Formation Realm. Even so, he doubts that there are many available for Energy Gathering ones.


    Not too long after, the employee entered the room carrying several manuals for several types of weapons. At the same time, Roan wrote down the complete manual explaining how to use the Death Style Third Form.


    Leu quickly left after that, leaving Roan on his own in the room. Immediately after, he went upstairs to practice this technique himself. At his cultivation level, he wouldn''t need more than a few hours to be able to use it at a basic level. If nothing goes wrong, then he made a really great deal today.


    Roan didn''t mind it since he would also take a few hours to browse through all those skill manuals. What he wanted was not to learn them, but to use as a reference for future skills that he will develop. The Death Style only had five forms, and so far, he had only used four of them. Roan kept the fifth one hidden as a trump card. Only he and Rean knew about it.


    Roan wasn''t afraid of others using his Death Style Third form against him. The reason for that was quite simple. That is not the full version of the third form. The full version used two elements at the same time, which are Rean and Roan''s Dark and Light Elements. Also, it needed the support of the 104th meridian, something that others simply didn''t have.


    If someone really used it against him or Rean in the future, they would be courting Roan- cough, cough. Courting Death.


    --------


    Weekly Deal:


    1000 Power Stones = 2 extra chapters.


    Every 500 extra = 1 extra chapter.


    Power Stones reset happens every Sunday at 4PM GMT Time. The releases will also happen there.

 Chapter 90 - Rean Wants to Compare

    As Roan spent his time looking through the Skill Manuals, Rean wasn''t idle either. He went straight to the biggest workshop in Majorias City, the Janariz Weapon Store. Arriving there, he was more or less treated the same way as Roan. The only difference was that he didn''t break the guards'' bones, but made a fool of them. They tried to stop him, but he dodged as if it was nothing and entered the building.


    The guards quickly followed and tried to catch him quite a few more times. Rean, on the other hand, just laughed. It wasn''t until the chief blacksmith came out to see what was all that commotion that they finally stopped. Of course, he immediately noticed that Rean''s cultivation was far higher than the guards, and immediately sent them back to their posts.


    By now, all the customers had already gathered to see what was happening. It wasn''t every day you see a kid acting as he pleases in a place like this.


    However, the Chief Blacksmith wasn''t as polite as Leu in the Treasure Pavillion.


    "Brat, I don''t know where you are from, but don''t cause any more trouble. If you came to buy a weapon, there are several on display, so just chose one. Of course, it will depend on whether you have the money for it or not. If you came just to cause trouble, then I''ll deal with you myself, so you better behave."


    Just as the Chief Blacksmith was about to turn around and go back to work, Rean threw his Sword at him.


    "What is the meaning of this?"


    Rean smiled before asking.


    "I want you to give it a look and tell me what you think."


    The Chief Blacksmith of the workshop narrowed his eyes. Usually, he wouldn''t pay attention to a kid. But considering Rean''s cultivation, he thought that perhaps this was a good sword given by his elders. It was at least worth taking a look at it.


    As he removed the sheet, a smooth light-blue Spiritual Sword appeared in front of his eyes. The first impression he had was that this Sword was really beautiful. He understood that it was made of Spiritual Kaz Ore, but it was his first time seeing one with this color. Spiritual Kaz Swords would usually be dark-blue, after all.


    "I admit, this is a gorgeous Sword, but being nice is not what matters when we talk about weapons."


    Rean immediately nodded.


    "That''s correct, so go ahead and test it in whatever way you see fit. I want to see if my Sword can cut through the weapons of this workshop. I don''t mind even if you use a High-Level material sword in the process."


    Everyone in the shop went into an uproar. They all thought that Rean came here to cause trouble.


    The chief blacksmith couldn''t help but laugh, though.


    "Hahaha! Brat, you are funny. There is no need to use a High-Level Sword, any Low-Level sword of our workshop is definitely much better than commons swords you get in other places. It would be more than enough to destroy this pretense of a Sword of yours. However, clashing both Swords against each other would still leave a mark on our product. Can you pay for it?"


    Rean nodded.


    "I saw the prices, the most expensive Low-Level one is Two Thousand Rank One Spirit Stones, right? I can pay that without a problem, so you don''t need to feel concerned."


    The conversation around increased even more after that.


    The Chief Blacksmith narrowed his eyes once more. Rean totally didn''t look like someone from a wealthy family. But after seeing all the eyes around, he couldn''t simply step back. It was the honor of his workshop at stake now.


    "Very well. But you better be prepared for the consequences if it turns out that you can''t pay for our Sword. By the way, my name is Folca Janariz, the Chief Blacksmith of the Janariz Weapon Store."


    Rean laughed and introduced himself, as well.


    "Rean Larks, I came this time around to participate in the Dalamu Sect Exam Entrance."


    Folca turned around and called two of his workshop blacksmiths. Both of them were already over 40 years old and in the Foundation Establishment Realm middle stage. As for Folca himself, he was already in the Core Formation Realm.


    "You two have the same cultivation. Saran, you will take this brat''s Sword. Lazeo, you will use our workshop Garnilia Ore Sword. Don''t hold back, I want to see this thing destroyed in one clash."


    Saran and Lazeo nodded and took the swords. After that, everyone in the workshop opened a space in the center to let those two test the Swords.


    But before the clash, Rean took a look at the Garnilia Ore Sword that Folca would use against his Spiritual Kaz Sword.


    ''As expected, a blacksmith workshop from a more developed place is totally different. At the very least, he knows how to work with alloys. This Garnalia Ore Sword has other materials used in it too. Compared to Astreg City ones, this is a much better piece of equipment. Still...''


    It was then that a smile appeared on Rean''s face again.


    ''It is far from enough.''


    Rean then threw the Sword back at Lazeo.


    With everything ready, both sides prepared to attack. But as soon as Saran began to use his Spiritual Energy with Rean''s Spiritual Kaz Sword, it began to gather the surrounding Light Element! Particles of white light could be seen entering the Sword without stop. That was Rean''s Sword effect. As long as there is Spiritual Energy, his Sword will keep gathering Light Element.


    Let alone Saran and Lazeo, even Folca opened his eyes wide when he saw that. He had never seen a Sword that can gather Light Element before. In fact, he had never seen Light Element being used to start with. However, it was already too late if he wanted to stop them. Saran and Lazeo were surprised for a second, but they didn''t forget what they were here for. Both sides didn''t waste any more time and immediately attacked each other''s swords.


    *Swish!*


    The Spiritual Kaz Sword passed through the Garnalia Sword, instantly cutting it in half. Of course, both Saran and Lazeo didn''t try to protect their swords with Spiritual Energy. All the Spiritual Energy used was to increase the Swords'' attacks, leaving nothing for defense. Otherwise, the Garnalia Sword wouldn''t break straight away.


    A good example of it was Juri and Alanda''s battles during the last Tribe War. Although their Spiritual Kaz Swords were much better than the enemies'' weapons, they couldn''t cut through them straight away. It took quite a few clashes before the Enemies'' Foundation Establishments had to retreat. Even so, their weapons hadn''t been completely destroyed.


    Folca, Saran, and Lazeo looked absent-minded at the Spiritual Kaz Sword. They know very well the difference between Spiritual Kaz and Spiritual Garnalia ores. Although both are considered Low-Level Materials, Spiritual Garnalia is much better than Spiritual Kaz. Still, it was their Spiritual Garnalia Sword that was completely destroyed. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/rean-wants-to-compare_47266378780038703 for visiting.


    Rean then took his Spiritual Kaz Sword back and, at the same time, gave a big back from his waist to Folca.


    "Thanks for complying with my request. As promised, here are two thousand Rank One Spirit Stones. It should be more than enough to pay for your Garnalia Spiritual Sword."


    Folca was taken aback. Their workshop had just lost miserably in Blacksmithing skills, but this Kid was still paying for the broken Sword.


    "Hmph! Are you looking down on me? Since our workshop lost this exchange, I will never accept your payment."


    Rean smiled and turned around, preparing to leave.


    "Wait there. I refuse to believe that you came here just for this exchange. Am I right? Come with me, I will listen to what you have to say."


    Rean laughed before saying.


    "I do have a few things to talk indeed. But it will be after the Dalamu Sect Entrance Exam is over. Don''t worry, whether I pass or not, I will be back."


    Rean then left the workshop without even waiting for an answer.

 Chapter 91 - Future Connections

    Seeing Rean leaving just like that didn''t bother Folca. He knew what Rean wanted to do. Simply put, Rean needed a background before starting any negotiation. The Damalu Sect just so happened to be a perfect one.


    ''Hehe! You dare talk about passing or not? If someone like you fail to pass the Damalu Sect Entrance Exam, then the others will only waste their time there.''


    Folca turned around and returned to his job. He knew that Rean would definitely come back. He will see what Rean has to say when that time comes.


    This was Rean''s biggest problem. The Varen Tribe could only do so much in the place it was located. Astreg City is, after all, a remote area with limited access to things. But if Rean uses this workshop instead, things would get much easier.


    The Zafa Bank would be okay as long as they get their share of the money, the metals produced by his Varen Tribe are ultimately theirs to use as they see fit.


    ''Anyway, I will see what I can do after the Exam is over.''


    Rean then returned to the hotel where his group was staying. Because there were too many kids and their family members coming for the exam this time, the number of rooms was limited. It wasn''t after Alanda offered 50 Spirit Stones per day that they finally got one room.


    Alanda''s heart bled as he gave the Spirit Stones over. He even thought about sleeping outside with the kids while they waited for the exam to come. But after thinking that they passed several days outside already, he changed his mind. The exam was coming soon, and it was better to let Rean, Roan, and Inna have a proper rest in the next few days.


    Alanda couldn''t be blamed for thinking like that. Until a few years ago, 50 Spirit Stones were a great fortune for any warrior in the Varen Tribe. Even though it is only Rank One Spirit Stones, it is still a treasure for them. Suddenly, he needed to pay 50 of those per day just to have a nice room to sleep. How could he not feel pain after that?


    Rean noticed that he was the only one in the room, so he simply sat on the bed and began to cultivate.


    On Roan''s side, he had finally finished looking through all the manuals. As he was leaving the room, Leu appeared while showing an excited expression.


    "I tested out your Three Claws of the Dragon. The meridians path that you created is indeed excellent. Even an Energy Gathering Realm cultivator would be able to use it."


    "However, I noticed that your manual was called Death Style Third Form. Does it mean you have the other two forms? Or perhaps later forms as well?"


    Roan smiled before nodding.


    "I do, but they are my personal skills. I can''t simply divulge them this easily. It was because you allowed me to look at all the Weapon Skills that I let you look at that one of mine."


    Leu nodded.


    "I imagined as much. However, is there nothing you would want to exchange for them? Our Cultivation Treasure Pavillion has a lot more to offer than just skill manuals. In fact, this is just a branch. Depending on what you want, I don''t mind contacting the Headquarters to have your wishes fulfilled."


    Roan was surprised to hear that. He knew almost nothing about the outside world. He had only selected this shop because it was the biggest one. He didn''t expect that this was only a branch.


    "That''s very tempting. However, I don''t want anything else other than skill manuals at the moment. Let''s see... I''m going to take part in the Damalu Sect Exam entrance, so I won''t be able to spend more time here. I need to practice and get ready for it. Maybe I will stop by once I''m done with it. How about that?"


    Leu nodded.


    "That is more than enough. Although I won''t say something that the skills I can get are better than the Dalamu Sect, at least you won''t need credits to see them. As long as we conclude the trade, you can have them straight away."


    The word credits made Roan puzzled for a second. But he soon understood what Leu meant.


    "I see, this Dalamu Sect restricts the access to the skill manuals, am I right?"


    Leu was the one to get surprised this time.


    "Wait, you didn''t know?"


    Roan shook his head. How would he know something like that back in the Varen Tribe? It was simply impossible.


    "I didn''t, but now I do. Anyway, it does make sense for them to have such a system. Once I get inside, I can check how it works."


    Roan then made his way through the door when suddenly, something came flying in his direction.


    However, it wasn''t anything dangerous. It was a green token with the image of a turtle carrying a merchant backpack.


    "This is?"


    Leu smiled before explaining.


    "It''s our Cultivation Treasure Shop Token. As long as you show it to any of our branches around the Jialin Country, you can get a 10% discount on almost all products."


    Roan didn''t have much interest, but he recognized that Rean might make good use of it. Besides, it was evident that Leu was trying to create some good ties with him.


    ''He probably thinks that I have some hidden background. Well, this is also good for my side.''


    "Thanks, it will be very useful."


    After Roan left, an employee came close to Leu to ask.


    "Should we have someone following him?"


    Leu immediately shook his head.


    "That won''t be necessary. That kid is anything but simple, so we better not take the risk."


    The employee nodded his head and retreated.


    Leu also looked in the direction that Roan left while pondering. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/future-connections_47290067672161836 for visiting.


    ''His confidence, he was simply fearless as if no one would ever dare to touch him. As for this technique, if the enemy doesn''t know about it beforehand, you might win the fight in the very first clash. I can feel the vicious thoughts behind the creation of this thing.''


    Leu then laughed a little.


    ''Interesting.''

 Chapter 92 - South Gate

    Sometime later, Roan, Alanda, and Malaka returned. For some reason, Alanda seemed to be very tired, utterly different from Inna Malaka, who was full of energy and excited after everything she saw. She had never been to a big city before. Their group had passed through a few others on the way here, but they only slept and departed on the very next day.


    Before leaving the Varen Tribe, Malaka only had the opportunity to go out for the hunts. So how could she not be like that? Malaka is the only ''real'' kid in this group, after all.


    Alanda then went to his bed and started to cultivate. He didn''t even want to talk at the moment. Seeing that, Rean couldn''t help but laugh. He then patted Malaka''s head, something that he got used to doing. Malaka, too, was used to it, and as a kid, she quite liked it.


    Roan, on the other hand, just looked at her and said.


    "Alright. You followed my words and didn''t cultivate for an entire year. During our sparrings on the way here, I could tell that your foundation has already recovered. So you should focus on cultivation again, go to bed and put some effort into it."


    Malaka nodded.


    "Alright! I can finally try to catch up with you two again. You will see, I will definitely pass you!"


    Roan just shrugged his shoulders.


    "Is that so? Then I want to see it."


    Malaka turned around and immediately went to bed. After taking a few Spirit Stones from her small bag, she quickly started to cultivate.


    Roan then reached his bag and took out a green token before throwing it at Rean.


    "I got this from the Cultivation Treasure Pavillion. They said that you can get discounts in any of their branches when you use it. I don''t have much of a use for this token since you are the one managing expenses, so you might find a better use for it than me."


    Rean looked at it and nodded.


    "The Cultivation Treasure Pavillion is quite big here in this country, so it is good that you got this. Still, why did they give it to you?"


    Roan just gave a little explanation, not minding it too much.


    However, Rean was surprised that Roan gave his technique away this easy. But when he thought that Roan got access to all the other techniques, he had to admit that it was quite a good deal. Besides, he also knows that the Death Style Forms that they use are different from the ones that Roan passed to the others.


    "Well, if you are okay with it, I won''t say anything."


    Roan also joined Rean, and they started to cultivate again. A few hours later, their group went to sleep, finishing the day.


    The days passed, and soon, the entrance exam was about to start. At the south gate of the Majorias City, thousands of kids between 9 and 13 years old were waiting for it to be open. The entrance exam didn''t allow anyone above 13 to participate, so it couldn''t be helped. There were even a few who were even younger, like 8 or 7 years old.


    However, they were really the minority. Cultivators usually can only start cultivating at the age of 5. So coming for the entrance exam so soon might not be a good idea. The kid would not have had enough time to train, after all. He or she would have a big chance of doing poorly during the exam too.


    Because of that, those under the age of 9 usually have something to distinguish them from others. For example, their aptitude or elemental affinity.


    Rean''s was quite shocked to see that many kids, but they soon calmed down... except for Malaka, of course. Still, Alanda made sure to hold her back to prevent any accident. That''s is because, at the very front, closest to the South Gate, several cultivators who looked much older were staying there beside their kids.


    Rean, Roan, and Alanda couldn''t feel their cultivation at all, but they were sure that it was not because they were ordinary people. There is no doubt that those elders are all far above the Foundation Establishment Realm, and came together to protect their descendants. The majority looked quite arrogant and showed an ugly face every time they looked at the kids'' packed behind them.


    Rean, Roan, and Alanda didn''t give a damn, though. It made no difference for them whether they entered first or last. As long as they can take the exam, that will be fine. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/south-gate_47313521414820967 for visiting.


    Suddenly, everyone looked to the sky. That was because they could see three people floating there, right above the South Gate. In fact, even Rean and Roan were surprised by that. They didn''t expect that flying was possible in this place.


    "Roan, can you invent something that can make us fly as well?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "I don''t even know if what they are using is a skill to start with, how do you expect me to create one too? Besides, do you know how hard it is to create a technique? I might take years to create something like that."


    It was then that another kid beside them spoke.


    "Oh! So you don''t know them?"


    Rean''s group quickly looked at him.


    The kid seemed to be around 12 or 13 and was accompanied by an elder that was in the Foundation Establishment. It''s just that the elder was already at the peak of that Realm.


    "Julio, stop talking and concentrate on the exam."


    "Uncle Wen, it is okay. I will just tell them about those Sect Elders."


    The ''Uncle Wen'' just sighed but didn''t say anything else.


    Rean then immediately stepped forward.


    "They are sect elders?"


    Julio nodded.


    "Yes. Can you see the red badges on their robes? That is the Dalamu Sect Emblem. The fact that their emblems are Red-Colored means that they are elders."


    Rean smiled while looking at Julio. It was an excellent chance to make a few things clear.

 Chapter 93 - The Exam Starts

    "Can you tell us about those badges?"


    Julio nodded.


    "Father told me that the Elders have Red Badges. The Dalamu Sect also has Badges for its disciples and menial workers. Of course, there are also the protectors and other types of members, like alchemists, blacksmiths, etc. According to what my father said, it goes like this:"


    "Gray Badges represent the menial disciples. These ones aren''t really disciples but were given a chance to live in Sect. The Spiritual Energy there is much higher than any other ordinary place, so those disciples gladly accept this position. Especially when they don''t have enough talent to be an official disciple. As the name says, they were responsible for the menial jobs, like cleaning, cooking, etc. These menial disciples are also the most common ones inside the Sect."


    "Yellow Badges represent the Outer Sect disciples. Between the official members of the Sect, these are the most ordinary ones. They have access to the least amount of Spirit Stones and other cultivation resources. They also must complete any mission given by the Sect and can''t refuse."


    "The next one is Green Badges Disciples. These ones are part of the Inner Sect. They have many more Spirit Stones per month and the freedom to select any mission as long as it is within their capabilities. Also, they have access to the formations inside the Sect to train. As for what kind of formations are available there, my father didn''t know."


    "Finally, there are the Blue Badges. They represent the Core Disciples. My father didn''t know much about them, but he warned me that I should never disrespect one. If possible, try to have as little contact with them as possible. Inside the Sect, they rule above all the other disciples, so no one would complain even if they killed an outer sect disciple, for example."


    Rean and Roan narrowed their eyes. Isn''t this too much for authority abuse?


    Uncle Wen, who was beside Julio, then added another piece.


    "Don''t worry, Core Disciples are few and far between. Just the chance of encountering one before entering the Sect is as hard as becoming one yourself. As long as you don''t go out of your way to seek a problem with them, you should be fine."


    Rean immediately bowed after hearing that.


    "Thank you, senior."


    That Uncle Wen nodded and returned his attention to the front.


    "After Blue comes Red, which means the sect elders. I understand it now. Does it mean that the Sect Leader has a Purple Badge?"


    Julio nodded.


    "Exactly! But not only the Sect Leader. The Ancestors that stay in the Sect to protect it can also be recognized by their Purple Badges."


    "Another thing, there are differences between the badges of all elders. You can identify it by the color as well. Light-Red is an Outer Sect Elder. Just red means an Inner Sect one. For example, those elders at the South Gate are Inner Sect elders. Dark-Red means a Core Sect Elder. Of course, those are just as hard to find as the Core Disciples."


    "Also, there are a few other colors, but those represent the different side occupations like alchemy, blacksmith, formations, etc. You will learn more about it if you enter the Sect later."


    Roan then asked something else.


    "Do you know why they can fly? Is that a technique?"


    "Ah!"


    Only now did Julio remember that Rean and Roan were talking about the flying elders.


    "It is not a technique. Once you reach the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, you will be able to use the Spiritual Energy''s power inside your dantian to accomplish the same thing. Of course, it will take a very long time until any of us reach that level."


    Roan nodded. As he looked at those elders, it didn''t seem that the wind element was being used to keep them afloat. So Roan thought that perhaps it wasn''t really a skill. Sure enough, Julio confirmed that he was correct.


    "Oh, right! Do you know what kind of tests we will take this time?"


    Julio looked at Uncle Wen, who just shrugged his shoulders.


    "Didn''t your father tell you? They change it every single year. No one knows what it is until the test finally starts."


    Rean and Roan thought that it was the correct decision. It would ensure a higher degree of fairness during the exam. If the Sect is really looking for the best disciples, then not giving anyone the advantage was the best option.


    As Rean exchanged a few more words with Julio, another Elder arrived at the scene. He had the same Red Colored Badge, which proved that he was an Inner Elder as well. However, the other three seemed to treat him with a lot of respect.


    "That guy is probably in a higher position in the Inner Sect."


    It was then that everyone heard that elder''s voice.


    "Welcome, everyone. Today, the annual Dalamu Sect Entrance Exam will finally start. Anyway, I won''t waste anyone''s time anymore. If you are here, then you should know what we want. Only the best ones can enter the Dalamu Sect, it''s that simple."


    That elder then continued.


    "First, those who are accompanying the kids will wait here. None of you can enter the Sect Premises until I say so. That is to prevent the old ones from playing some tricks to help their kids."


    "Once we open the Majorias City South Gate, the test will begin. Majorias City is located 300km away from the Sect Entrance. There are around fifteen thousand kids in this place at the moment, so I''ll make it simple. The first 5000 to arrive at the Sect Entrance, can participate in the second part of the exam. That''s all, good luck."


    Before anyone could ask anything, the South Gate began to open. The quick-witted kids immediately dashed forward, fully displaying their cultivations. Still, Rean''s group was taken aback to how simple it was.


    "Isn''t it too unfair? Those with higher cultivation will obviously arrive first."


    Uncle Wen patted Julio''s head while he looked at Rean''s group.


    "Do you think it is this simple? Trust me, I don''t know what it is, but merely having higher cultivation will not be the determining factor."


    He then looked at Julio and smiled. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-exam-starts_47317291322362872 for visiting.


    "Good luck, brat! Your parents are counting on you."


    "Yes, Uncle Wen."


    Julio then dashed forward, promptly following the other kids.


    Rean and Roan nodded before looking at Alanda.


    "Well, we are going."


    Alanda smiled at them.


    "Take care of Malaka."


    Rean, Roan, and Malaka then quickly departed as well.


    However, as soon as they passed through the gate, they noticed a big problem. Rean and Roan couldn''t help but look at each other while grimacing.


    "Sure enough, it wouldn''t be that easy."

 Chapter 94 - The Marathon Exam

    As they passed through the gate, their cultivation instantly disappeared! It was not that they had been crippled, but that there was a formation covering the entire way, 300km, that prevented any spiritual energy from being used. That being said... the kids would need to depend on their own bodies to reach the end!


    Rean couldn''t help but comment.


    "A marathon and a very harsh one at that."


    Roan nodded but didn''t say anything.


    As the kids'' speed dropped after traversing the gate, the elder who talked with everyone smiled.


    ''Talent is good and all, but talent without effort means nothing! Only those who practiced every day will have built up their bodies to the point where they can conclude this test. As for those who simply sat inside their fancy houses using all the free Spirit Stones and cultivation resources given to them by their families... hehe!''


    The elder then looked at the side to ask.


    "Are the resting places ready?"


    The elder beside him bowed before answering.


    "Yes, Elder Hulian. We set up one resting place where they can eat and sleep every 50km. Not to mention that there is a font of water available for them every 5 kilometers. We also have several Outer Sect disciples along the road to rescue the kids who can''t continue anymore. Those kids will then be brought back here for those responsible for them to retake those children."


    Elder Hulian nodded, satisfied. This elder was one of the ten Elders in charge of the Inner Sect. Different from most, he didn''t have a significant aptitude, being only a Yellow Color. However, through his own immense effort, his cultivation improved, and he reached the position that he is today.


    Every year''s test would be done according to the elder in charge''s whims, so for someone who loves effort like Hulian, a trial aimed at this topic was to be expected. There were quite a few who didn''t like his methods and that put aptitude above all, but few could really hold their own against Hulian. In their eyes, exceptions like Hulian are too rare to be counted.


    Elder Hulian looked behind and saw that all the kids had passed through the gate already.


    "Alright, close the gate. I will be presiding over this test myself. If I see any of the outer sect disciples giving some hidden help to those pompous young masters, you should know what will happen."


    Hulian then took flight and disappeared from their sight.


    There had been several instances in the past that some members of the same clan would help their young ones to bypass the rules. But when it came to Elder Hulian''s time, no one dared to do so. That''s because not only that outer sect disciple will be killed on the spot, but the kid he tried to help would be going to hell with him. Some had tried to do that in the past, but almost none lived.


    Back on the road, Rean and Roan instantly decreased their pace. The majority of the kids in the front kept running forward, completely forgetting the 300km ahead of them. They only thought about being between the first five thousand.


    However, how could Rean and Roan not understand what this meant? Be it the other kids or themselves, they all have undeveloped bodies. It is simply impossible for them to keep that high pace for more than a few minutes.


    Malaka, on the other hand, didn''t think about any of this.


    "Rean, Roan, we are falling behind, quick, let''s run faster!"


    But just as she was about to rush forward, Rean and Roan held each of her hands.


    "Out of the question. You will run just like we are doing."


    Rean nodded.


    "Don''t worry, we will definitely pass this test, just do as Roan says."


    Malaka sulked a bit since she didn''t like to see all the kids passing ahead of her. She even tried to escape and run ahead by herself. Still, Rean and Roan held her hands tight, not allowing her to move a single step away from them. In the end, she could only give up and do as they said.


    But Malaka didn''t feel sad for long. Soon, their group of three started to pass by several kids who were sitting on the ground gasping for air.


    At first, it was only one or another, but soon, there were tens, and then hundreds of kids in the same condition.


    "See? That''s why I told you to not run ahead. You will get tired too fast, and then you will lose in the end. Trust your big brothers, and keep following us. We might not be the very firsts to arrive, but we definitely are going to pass it."


    Malaka''s eyes shined, and she immediately nodded.


    "Okay!"


    Rean and Roan finally let her hands go since it was quite bothersome to run without freely moving their arms.


    Soon, 20 minutes went by. Rean''s group then stopped jogging and started to walk.


    "Eh? Are we not running anymore? I can still run much more."


    Malaka, of course, got confused.


    However, Rean just laughed.


    "Hahaha! Don''t worry, this is also part of the plan. Just trust Roan and me."


    Rean, Roan, and Malaka had put a lot of effort into their other training besides cultivation. Especially since Roan was quite spartan about it. So their three bodies were quite in good shape. Not to mention that they received the nurturance of Spiritual Energy until now. Even if they can''t use Spiritual Energy during this test, their bodies were definitely more enduring than ordinary kids at the same age. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-marathon-exam_47340291694326523 for visiting.


    Roan was the guy who was responsible for Rean and Malaka''s training, so Rean left it for him to do all the calls.


    His plan was very obvious. They can still run a lot more than they did, but Roan knew it would be prejudicial in the long term. He looked at and Rean and Malaka and could already see the sweat on their bodies. That''s why they began to walk instead.


    Once again, several kids began to pass them. But this time, Malaka didn''t complain. She already believed that Roan was telling the truth. Additionally, Roan becomes pretty scary when she doesn''t follow his words.


    Time passed, and over 5 hours went by. Roan would continuously check Malaka and Rean''s condition to tell when they should jog, walk, or stop completely to rest. They also paused to drink some water prepared by the sect on the way.


    By now, the kids who didn''t know how to control their pace had fallen far behind them, which made Malaka very happy. Sure enough, a 9-year-old kid like her was easy and hard to deal with.


    Finally, after keeping this progress for almost 8 hours, they spotted something in the distance. As they got close, Rean and Roan couldn''t help but smile.


    "Just as we thought, they really left some resting points for us. Let''s stay there for 30 minutes, and then we can continue on our way. Make sure to eat your fill so that you won''t feel hungry later."


    However, they were surprised after they arrived. Julio was also there together with a few other kids!

 Chapter 95 - The First Day

    Julio got up and greeted them. However, it was evident that he was quite tired.


    "Hey, so you also made this far already. Seems like being in the first five thousand won''t be a problem for you."


    Rean greeted him back too.


    "From the looks of it, forget five thousand. I will be impressed if even half of it can make till the end."


    Rean was correct. The majority of kids didn''t have the mental fortitude to run without the support of their Spiritual Energy. In the very first 50km, more than three thousand already gave up. Let alone all the 300km. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-first-day_47363432709680187 for visiting.


    Roan didn''t waste time and immediately grabbed the food available for everyone.


    "Stop wasting time and eat, we are leaving in thirty minutes."


    Malaka and Rean nodded and ate the food given to them. However, Roan didn''t take too much, just enough satiate their hunger. Too much food would only make things harder for them. They took 8 hours to reach the first resting post, but Roan is pretty sure that they will need more than 10 to arrive at the next one.


    He also took some of the food and stuffed inside his and the other two''s bags. His plan was to stop to rest somewhere in the middle between the two posts and rest 30 or so minutes before restarting. Naturally, he would need food again.


    Julio also sat down and kept eating his food.


    As Roan looked at that, he warned him.


    "You are eating too much. It will definitely affect your performance if you try to run with too much food in your stomach. Stop for now and put some into your bag."


    Julio looked at Roan and then at Rean and Malaka. He noticed that they were indeed eating a lot less than him. After pondering a bit, he nodded his head and put the food inside his bag as well.


    "Okay. I will trust you."


    Roan nodded and continue to eat, as well. He simply gave that advice because Julio and his Uncle helped answer their questions back in the City. Otherwise, he wouldn''t even bother to say anything.


    Thirty minutes later, Rean''s group got up again.


    "Eh?! Are we going already?"


    Malaka was still feeling tired and especially bored with all the movement. In fact, even Julio was surprised, seeing that they were leaving so soon. However, Roan didn''t care. He was the one who did all the kids'' training back in the Varen Tribe, so he knew very well that Malaka could keep going.


    "No complaining or there will be no food for you until we reach the next post."


    Malaka sulked a bit but still got up as well.


    But before leaving, Roan cast one last look at Julio.


    "If you want, you can come as well. Considering the fact that you reached this place ahead of us, you probably received a lot more training than just cultivation and battle. It''s just that you don''t know how to administrate your pace. As long as you follow us, you will be able to arrive much faster."


    Roan had a good impression of this Julio. Besides, it was a lot easier for him to see others'' pretense with his experience. He had seen countless plots where people wore masks and ended killing someone. After all, he was there to collect their souls, so it was way too easy for him to tell. Considering the time he had lived, there wouldn''t be many out there that can pretend in front of him. That being said, he was pretty sure that Julio really helped them out of his own will without any ulterior motives.


    Julio''s eyes then brightened before nodding.


    "Okay!"


    Rean was quite surprised at that scene, though.


    "Oh my beloved brother, since when did you become a good samaritan?"


    "Shut up!"


    They resumed their jog, taking their time to walk and rest when Roan said so. Sure enough, the few kids that were still ahead of them began to fall behind too.


    Nighttime came, and the decrease in the ambient''s temperature helped them a little. The Dalamu Sect had prepared everything, including a well-illuminated path until the Sect Entrance. That way, the kids could keep their journey even during the night.


    As Roan expected, their group really took over ten hours to reach the next rest point. However, they were not the only ones there. They could see quite a few kids already sleeping or just resting. Since they couldn''t rely on their cultivation, they could only depend on their bodies'' natural recovery.


    "Alright, we will rest and sleep here for the next 8 hours. Rean, I will leave you to look after us in the first four hours. After that, wake me up, and I will watch the next four."


    They might be inside the Dalamu Sect territory, but Roan simply wouldn''t let his guard down.


    Rean nodded without complaining. If Malaka wasn''t with them, Rean and Roan could have done a lot more in this Marathon. So they were the ones in the best condition. Even if it was 4 hours of sleeping, they would be okay with just that. However, Malaka is different, so they had to give her a proper sleeping time if they want to arrive in the Sect intact.


    Besides, Julio was there as well.


    "Eh? What about me? I can watch during the night too!"


    Chop!


    Roan hit her head while showing an angry face.


    "Go eat and then sleep! Rean and I are more than enough to watch over the night."


    Just as Malaka was about to complain while rubbing her head, Rean patted did that for her instead.


    "Hahaha! Don''t worry, Roan said that because you are our secret weapon! If something wrong happens, we will be too tired to protect ourselves. So we will need to rely on you to protect us! But if you don''t sleep well, who will drive the bad guys away?"


    Malaka''s eyes shined like the sun before nodding excitedly.


    "Okay!"


    Julio couldn''t help but feel a little jealous of them. He was a single child and spent most of his time training. Julio didn''t have many interactions like that with other kids either. Besides, he is 12 years old, 3 years more than Malaka, so he could at least tell that Rean and Roan were doing it simply because they cared about her. Although their way of treating her was quite different.


    "Err... I can help with the watch too."


    Roan shook his head.


    "You should sleep, as well. I can see how the soreness on your body too. If you sleep little this night, you won''t be able to keep with our pace tomorrow. Don''t worry, Rean and I are different from you and Malaka. For us, 4 hours of sleep is much more than we need."


    Julio seemed a little hesitant but nodded in the end. First of all, he was supposed to sleep alone, so having someone to watch would be good. His thoughts were that simple. Not to mention that, for some reason, he felt like he could trust Rean and Roan.


    "Okay, but wake me up if something happens."


    The twins nodded, and Rean sat down close to the place where they would rest. Roan didn''t waste any time and stuffed the food in his mouth before falling asleep instantly! Roan''s control over his own body and mind was really awe-inspiring.


    However, there was a certain someone looking at all the kids in the second post without them knowing, especially at the four of them. He was floating in the skies, so high that even Rean and Roan would have difficulty noticing him.


    ''Those twins... Quite impressive. Even after an entire day, their bodies are far from their limit. Besides, the way they treat the one they care about is commendable. That is exactly what my side needs. Let''s see how you will fare in the last 200km.''


    That cultivator was none other than Elder Hulian, the one presiding over the entire exam this time around.

 Chapter 96 - End of the First Test

    The night passed without any significant events. Roan had slept for 4 hours again, and Rean slept after him. In the morning, Roan stuffed even more food into their bags before departing once again.


    By now, it became quite hard to see other kids anymore. The significant majority didn''t know who to regulate their pace. Sure, there were a few ahead of them as the same as behind. But the numbers had been continuously decreasing.


    Roan kept regulating how they would keep moving in this journey, always selecting the best moment to take rests. They didn''t know, but their group was already in the top 50 kids at the front. The only ones ahead of them were kids who also received proper training other than just cultivation and battle.


    Another day went by uneventfully. Just like the previous time, they advanced another two posts. Roan already noticed that they were placed around 50km between each other, so now that they arrived at the forth, it meant that there was only one more. After the next, it would be the Sect entrance.


    Once again, Rean and Roan shared the times of watching while Malaka and Julio slept. Although it looked like nothing much, over ten thousand kids already gave up for several motives. Sure enough, without the a.d.u.l.ts watching over them, most just couldn''t keep their focus on this task.


    The third day Rean''s group was caught by some rain, which soaked them completely. However, it also helped with the heat. Finally, around midnight on the same day, they were able to see the Sect entrance. It was also possible to see a board at the front with a few names and positions on it.


    Immediately, Rean and Roan noticed that those were the kids that arrived before then. In total, the board had 42 names, making their group the numbers 43 to 46. They didn''t feel sad, though. As much as they excelled in this first test, the fact is that it was quite strenuous.


    Malaka, especially, couldn''t care less about her position anymore. The moment she passed through the Dalamu Sect entrance, she collapsed on the ground. Of course, Roan knew very well that it was just her playing dead. She simply didn''t want to do anything anymore.


    Malaka then raised her head to say.


    "Rean, please carry me. I can''t walk anymore."


    Chop!


    Another hit on the head, and she quickly looked at Roan with an angry expression that couldn''t really scare anyone. If anything, people would only find it cute.


    "Stop wasting time and come. They also prepared a place for us to rest, so let''s go."


    Rean shook his head, but he didn''t help her either. Spoiling Malaka too much wouldn''t be right. He preferred to pat her head as a reward for when she finished her tasks. They haven''t really ended the run yet, which wouldn''t be over before they reached the post a few hundred meters ahead.


    Julio, on the other hand, found it very funny.


    Finally, they arrived at the post prepared for this first test and gave their name and ages.


    "Rean Larks, 12 years old."


    "Roan Larks, 12 years old."


    "Julio Riveria, 12 years old."


    "Inna Malaka, 9 years old."


    As discussed before, Rean and Roan would pose as older than they really were. Malaka was the only one who would use her real age.


    "Very well, you can go to the building over there."


    The man behind the counter on that post said while pointing at an enormous building a few tens of meters away.


    "You will find beds, food, water, and everything else there. This test will last another 2 days. So you can take your time to rest and prepare for the next part of the exam."


    At the same time, a disciple put Rean, Roan, Malaka, and Julio''s names on the board. The board only had enough space for a hundred names, though. Those who arrive after would not be put in there. For now, no one knew why that board was there.


    Two days later, the first exam was over. Just as Rean expected, although the first five thousand would pass, not even half of this number completed the marathon. In total, 1736 kids arrived at the Sect Entrance. Of course, some arrived in the last hours, so they were ultimately not in the condition to continue.


    That being said, the Sect gave the kids another two days to rest before going over the next test.


    During those two days, all the a.d.u.l.ts who came with those kids arrived in the Sect, including Alanda. When he was passing by the Sect Entrance, he couldn''t help show a smile on his face when he saw the board. However, he wasn''t surprised. He knows very well what Rean and Roan were capable of, so seeing them in the top 100 was well within his expectations.


    In fact, he believed that if the twins were alone, their position would have been much higher.


    ''But you two would never leave Malaka behind, that''s for sure.''


    He didn''t take long to find Rean''s group.


    "How was it?"


    Roan nodded.


    "It was simply an endurance test, nothing to worry about. They gave the last kids to arrive two days to rest, so we are waiting now. As for what the next test is, I have no idea."


    Alanda was satisfied with that.


    "That''s good enough. The Dalamu Sect won''t accept anyone below the Yellow Color talent, so you will most likely be doing the aptitude and elements affinity test next."


    Rean and Roan agreed with Alanda. This endurance test was most likely made to screen out all those who didn''t have the willpower. Or those who only cultivated their entire lives without putting any effort into training the body.


    Alanda then commented.


    "I heard from the other guys that the elder this time around was someone who values effort over talent. Otherwise, a bunch of those pampered kids would be participating in the next test with you. From what I saw back in the city, most wealthy people had to take their kids back. Some were even cursing their luck to bump into this Elder Hulian tests. Every time he is presiding it, the majority of the wealthy kids fail."


    "On the other hand, those not so wealthy or even poor have a much higher chance of passing. After all, they probably had to work a lot as kids as well, just like you and Malaka, helping their families, tribes, etc. So they were used to putting the effort and had stronger willpower and natural bodies."


    Roan nodded once more.


    "I was already expecting it. Anyway, you should make use of your time, Alanda. The Spiritual Energy in this mountain is several times higher than back in the Tribe. Even if you can only stay a few days, you should take this chance to cultivate."


    Alanda agreed with Roan.


    "I know, I was already planning to do it anyway."


    Sometime later, Julio came to pay a visit to their group together with his Uncle.


    Uncle Wen then stepped forward and bowed to Rean and Roan.


    "Thank you for helping Julio getting a good position."


    Rean smiled, not minding it too much. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/end-of-the-first-test_47387107643155752 for visiting.


    "He helped us back in the city, so it was only proper that we helped him back."


    Uncle Wen laughed, and their group talked for a few minutes before Uncle Wen and Julio left. They, too, know that they should not waste much time and prepare.


    Time passed, and two days went by in a flash. Suddenly, everyone heard the same elder''s voice in the building.


    "Gather in the testing field. Follow the Outer Sect disciples if you don''t know where it is. You all have one hour."


    The second test was about to start!

 Chapter 97 - The Second Test Starts

    Hulian gave everyone one hour, but the field was already full in less than thirty minutes. No one wanted to leave a bad impression by arriving late. One could see around 20 Aptitude Orbs at the very front, and right behind, there were another 20 Affinity Orbs. However, before those orbs, there were tables with several cups on them. Also, a big jar with a strange liquid could be seen.


    "Alanda, any idea what is that liquid about?"


    Alanda shook his head. This is also his first time in a place like this, so he is clueless as to what that liquid is used for. However, Julio''s Uncle was different. He also came out stayed beside Rean''s group since Julio was friends with them.


    "That is the age measurement liquid. It is made with the stratum of the Grave Herb and a few other materials. Depending on the amount you add to the mixture, you will be able to tell whether someone has surpassed a certain age or not. That is to prevent anyone above 13 years old from joining the Dalamu Sect."


    Rean''s group was quite surprised to hear that.


    "And how does that work?"


    "It''s quite simple. If you are above the age limit, you will fall on the ground in pain. If not, you won''t feel anything. This is also a good lesson for those who try to fake their ages. Well, anyway, as long as you are not above 13, you will be fine."


    Rean and Roan nodded. Their bodies are really of a 9 years old boy, so there was nothing to be afraid.


    Soon, Hulian appeared at the stage to speak. Together with him, it was possible to see several other elders who came to watch.


    "Congratulation to the 1736 Kids who passed the first exam. To be honest, it was more than I expected, so I''m glad to see that so many kids nowadays are putting real effort into their training. The tests now are quite simple. First, no one above 13 can participate, so we will test your ages first. Second, the sect doesn''t accept anyone below the Yellow Color aptitude. Last but not least, the Affinity Test has to lit up no less than three Affinity Small Orbs."


    Someone couldn''t help but ask.


    "Is there any meaning in the 100 first kids on the board outside?"


    Everyone nodded after hearing that. They were all curious as to what that was about.


    "You will now after the practical tests start. For now, just focus on passing this second test."


    Without any other choice, everyone made 20 queues behind the tables with the age measurement liquid. Alanda went back and joined the other a.d.u.l.ts, while Rean''s group was in the middle of the leftmost line. The Outer Sect disciples then came forward and started to fill up the cups on the table.


    One kid after another began to drink them and move forward to the Aptitude Test. As they arrived there, no one helped then to take their blood. They had to do that themselves using any method they wished. In fact, this particular arrangement was made by Hulian every time he organized the exam. It was just a drop of blood, but kids would usually be afraid of getting hurt. Although all the kids would still be tested regardless, it was one more way to check if they had the heart for it or not.


    Soon, the aptitude orbs began to shine with Yellow Colors. Sure enough, the majority had Yellow Aptitude. However, it didn''t take long for Green Colors to appear as well. It could be seen that at every 20 or so Yellow Aptitudes, there was at least one Green in the middle.


    Suddenly, a kid began to scream on the ground beside the table with the age measurement liquid. The Outer Sect Disciples quickly took the kid away and didn''t look surprised at all. Obviously, that was a youngster who surpassed 13 years old of age.


    But it was then that Rean and Roan noticed a quite tall boy stepping forward. He was at least 1,70m, and no one would believe if he said that he was under 14. However, after drinking the liquid, nothing happened to him at all. Obviously, that attracted quite a few eyes.


    "Such a tallboy. He should be almost 14 already." Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-second-test-starts_47412747792606179 for visiting.


    However, just as he was about to cut his finger, Hulian asked him from the top of the stage.


    "The boy over there, what''s your name and age?"


    The boy was frightened for a second, but he quickly recovered before bowing to elder Hulian.


    "Mi-Mizan Galaw... E-Eleven Years old."


    Gasps could be heard all around.


    "Only eleven years old? What are his parents? Giant''s descendants?"


    "Such a tall kid, impressive."


    Hulian nodded.


    "Alright, you can continue."


    He then returned his attention to all the other kids.


    Mizan took a deep breath and held a small knife that he kept on his waist. With a quick slash, a short cut soon appeared on his finger. A drop of blood then fell on the Aptitude Orb, which soon lit up with a Blue Color!


    "Oh! The first Blue Aptitude has appeared already. I wonder how many there will be this year."


    "Hard to say, they are too rare. I would say 6 to 8, most likely."


    Hulian was pleased with the tall kid. He cut himself without hesitation and even had a Blue Color Aptitude.


    It turned out that Mizan lit up 6 Small Earth Element Affinity Orbs. This was proof that his body was made for close combat.


    "If he passes the practical test, send him to my Iron Faction in the Outer Sect."


    "Yes, elder Hulian."


    Usually, the elder presiding over the exam would have the first pick. So the other elders around Hulian didn''t say anything.


    Hulian is an Inner Sect Elder, but no new disciple could start in the Inner Sect regardless of their aptitude. They would still have to make their way up. So the several Inner Sect Elders had their own factions within the Outer Sect as well.


    The tests continued, and after some time, another 2 Blue Aptitude cultivators appeared. This time, the Inner Sect Elders fought between themselves to see who would take them in. Hulian and one more elder stayed out, without saying anything. In Hulian''s case, he knew which position those kids finished the marathon test, so he wasn''t very interested in them, especially after seeing their expensive clothes.


    ''Hmph! Another two brats from some whatever clan. You can have as much as you want of them.''


    Soon, it was Julio''s time.


    "Well, I''m going first."


    Rean and Roan nodded. Malaka and themselves would be the next ones.


    After testing his age, Julio''s Orb showed a Green Color Aptitude, which was already very good. As for affinity, it was air type, just like Alanda. Julio was able to lit up 5 Small Affinity Orbs as well. All in all, his test was pretty decent.


    Finally, it was Malaka''s time.


    "Yay! Now I will show you what I can do!"


    Pah!


    Roan, who was just behind Malaka, kicked her butt forward.


    "Stop wasting my time and go!"


    Malaka obviously got angry, but Roan was really her nemesis. She wasn''t brave enough to rebuke him else he will give his punishment during their fighting lessons. Malaka could only walk forward helplessly while rubbing her butt and sulking. Rean and Alanda couldn''t help but laugh out loud, seeing that.


    She obviously had no problem with the age test, so she quickly went to the Aptitude Orb. Malaka also didn''t have anything to make a cut, so she simply bit her finger''s tip. What could a small cut on her finger amount to someone who received Roan''s Ultra Death Hell Style Spartan Fighting Lessons? Naturally, she had no problems with it.


    Still, she was shocked when she saw her Blue Color appearing. After all, she had always thought that she was a Green Color Level Aptitude.


    "Rean, Roan, Look! I have really become stronger!"


    Rean and Alanda once again burst out in laugher while even Roan couldn''t help but chuckle. Her eyes brightened, and her happy face while thinking that her aptitude really increased was really amusing. Even the other a.d.u.l.ts around couldn''t help but feel attracted to her contagious smile. Sure enough, she was the sun of their group.


    "Alright, it is good that it increased. Now go ahead and test your affinity."


    Malaka nodded excitedly and went for the Affinity Test.


    As for the elders, their eyes immediately lit up. Even Hulian was somewhat interested in Malaka since she made it to the top 100 board. She also didn''t seem to mind cutting herself to take a drop of blood, which was very good.


    While Malaka controlled her Water Element, Rean and Roan noticed something different.


    "Didn''t her Water Element Affinity barely lit up the 7th Small Affinity Orb? How come it is fully lit now?"


    It was then that Sister Orb answered.


    [Isn''t that obvious? After spending so much time with Roan, who is the epitome of Yin, how could the Yin Energy in her body not improve? Naturally, her Affinity for Yin Elements like Water would rise after all those years.]


    Rean and Roan''s mouths twitched.


    ''Obvious? What Obvious? Obvious your head! Couldn''t you say that before?''


    Finally, Malaka''s 8th Small Affinity Orb lit up, which was also her limit. This time, the crost of ice around the Affinity Orb was several times bigger than back then when she did her Affinity Test for the first time. However, she was already a Middle Stage Energy Gathering Realm cultivator, so she could free herself without others'' help.


    Once again, Malaka began to jump while waving at Rean and Roan on the back. She was really excited to see everything getting better than she was told.


    The twins just sighed in the end. Since it was done, then so be it.


    On the stage, the several elders were verbally fighting even more fiercely to see who would take her.


    It was then that they heard a sweet voice rising from behind.


    "I hope the elders will leave this little girl to me. Although she doesn''t have a Red Color Aptitude, her Elemental Affinity is almost on par with one. My Blue Orchid Faction is definitely the best place for someone so connected with the Water Element like her."


    Her name was Zaia Shinsuo, an Inner Sect Elder, just like Hulian. But she had a unique trait that no other elder had. She rarely recruited disciples to her faction, and they were all women. Also, due to the size of her faction, she never fought for resources with the others. It was not that she wasn''t confident, it was just that with her numbers, what she already get is more than enough for everyone inside. Perhaps, that was the reason no one ever bothered much with her.


    "Since Elder Zaia is interested in that little lass, I have nothing else to say."


    The other elder also nodded. As long as her Blue Orchid Faction kept as it is, they are satisfied with it.


    Other than recruiting Blue Color talents. The elders would pick their Green Color Talents as well. Some would even take a few Yellow that somehow interested them. Hulian was an excellent example of such an elder. But Zaia only took three girls so far, with Malaka being the third and probably the last.


    "Then this Zaia will thank all the elders in advance."


    She sat on her chair once more and began to leisurely watch the exam continue.


    Finally, with Malaka leaving the test, it was time for Roan to come forward.

 Chapter 98 - Never Seen Before

    As Roan moved forward to test his age, he communicated with Rean through their Soul Connection.


    "Last time, we held each other back, so we didn''t get to see our real affinity level. But this time, I think we should hold back on purpose."


    Rean nodded.


    "Sister Orb, is there a way to change the color that appears in the Aptitude and Affinity Tests?"


    [I have no idea how the Aptitude Orb works, so I don''t think I can help with that.]


    [As for the Affinity Test, it would be useless. Even if it shows another Element now, you will use your real elements once you start to practice. Sure, you can also use other elements, but they won''t be even half as good. In the end, the fact that you tried to hide them would be even more suspicious than showing them now.]


    Rean then told Roan.


    "Have you noticed that the Elemental Affinity Orb has 12 small orbs around it? Juri told me that that one we used back in the Tribe was of a lower quality, so it couldn''t test higher affinity levels. Well, considering the average level of kids in a place like our Varen Tribe, there wasn''t really a need to get one with 12 small orbs. That''s why it only had 9 back then. But I feel that if we don''t hold each other back, we most likely will lit up all 12."


    Sister Orb snorted.


    [You think? I can guarantee, if you do it right, the Element Affinity Orb might even break since it won''t be able to hold against your level.]


    Roan thought the same.


    "Let''s do like Malaka and lit up 8 Small Affinity Orbs. We won''t be able to hide our Aptitude and Element, but they don''t need to know how strong our Affinity Level is." Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/never-seen-before_47435618761891511 for visiting.


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    "Let''s follow your idea then. Besides, there is no such thing as White and Dark colors in the aptitude tests. In that case, they won''t be able to tell if it is good or not. At most, we will be considered irregulars."


    Although they talked a lot, they used their connection to do that. So it only took a few seconds.


    Roan quickly finished drinking the Age Measurement Liquid and moved to Aptitude Orb. Sure enough, as soon as his blood touched the Aptitude Orb, a Dark Light came out of it.


    When the elders saw that, they all got up of their chairs.


    "What is that? Was there such thing as Black Color Aptitude?"


    "I''ve never heard about it, that''s for sure."


    "Is it good or bad?"


    "It should be bad, right? After all, the lowest one is gray. In theory, Black should be even lower than that."


    "Are you blind? He is already in the Foundation Establishment. Have you ever seen a kid with Gray Aptitude at this Realm? Who would be idiot enough to spend resources on him if it was bad?"


    "Get his information and see from where he came from. If he is from some wealthy family, his parent might like him so much that they pushed this kid into that level by using cultivation resources."


    One of the outer sect disciples came running and delivered the papers containing Roan''s information.


    "Varen Tribe? South of Astreg City? I don''t even know where it is."


    An elder had a pensive expression until suddenly, his eyes lit up.


    "Ah! I remember now. I passed by this city once, basically..."


    The elder then explained what kind of place Astreg City was.


    "That poor? There is no way anyone could push someone with an Aptitude worse than Gray into the Foundation Establishment. Which means..."


    The other elders nodded.


    "Black Aptitude might not be a bad Aptitude. But in that case, how good is it? He arrived at such a level in such a terrible environment. Could it be that his Aptitude is comparable to a Blue Color, or maybe Red?"


    "Let''s see his Elemental Affinity first. If it turns out that it is bad, then there is nothing else to discuss."


    Everyone nodded their heads.


    However, since Rean''s time was right after Roan, his Aptitude Test came before Roan could test his affinity.


    "White Color Aptitude!"


    "Aren''t those kids just a copy of each other? It''s just that they have different hair colors."


    "Twins? Each one with the opposite Aptitude Color, what does that mean?"


    Soon, they found out that Rean and Roan were really brothers from the same Astreg City Region.


    Finally, Roan arrived in front of the Affinity Orb and pressed his hand over it.


    Immediately after, the Transparent Affinity Orb became Dark.


    "Dark... Element?"


    "Quiet, wait for him to finish."


    The Small Orbs around the Main one then start to lit up one after another. Finally, the 8th one lit up a little and stopped there. Roan looked at that and sighed inwardly.


    ''So easy...''


    Still, the elders were also surprised.


    "Dark Element with Eight Small Affinity Orbs. It is close to the affinity level of a Red Color Aptitude. But... have anyone ever seen a user of Dark Element before?"


    Once again, everyone shook their heads.


    "It seems like we will need to check how good he will fare during the practical exam. After all, a cultivator that only relies on his cultivation and can''t use his elements is useless."


    Hulian narrowed his eyes before saying.


    "If they are twins, does that mean that the white-haired boy has the Light Element?"


    The other elders had to admit that it made sense. The Dark-Haired boy had a Black Color Aptitude and Dark Element. As for the White Haired one, he showed the White Color Aptitude, so they could already imagine him showing a Light Element.


    Sure enough, the Affinity Main Orb shined with White Light. Right after, just like Roan, 8 Small Affinity Orbs lit up around the Main one.


    They turned out to be identical and pole opposites at the same time. Nevertheless, those elders had never seen anything like that before.


    "Seems like we can only rely on the practical exam to test those two."


    But suddenly, someone appeared right in front of all the elders on the same stage. It was so sudden that the elders who were close jumped back in fright.


    The one who appeared was a female cultivator. She looked to in her mid-twenties, straight brown hair, and used an exquisite blue robe. Her presence seemed to overshadow all the elders around.


    The Inner Sect elders were taken aback when that woman appeared, though.


    "This..."


    But they quickly came back to themselves and bowed at the same time.


    "Paying Respects to Sect Leader."

 Chapter 99 - Aptitudes and Elemental Affinities

    Mia Orzute joined the Dalamu Sect precisely 228 years ago. One of very few Red Color Aptitude cultivators of the entire Jialin Country. She was 9 when she passed the test, and a Foundation Establishment cultivator already. At the age of 15, she entered the Core Formation Realm. At the age of 31, she broke through the Core and Soul Fusion Realm bottleneck. When she completed 57 years of age, she entered the Nascent Soul Realm. Finally, at the age of 138, she became one of the youngest Soul Transformation Realm cultivators of the country. She has been in this Realm ever since.


    She became the Sect Leader 53 years ago at the age of 184. Under her leadership, the sect prospered. Today, one of the reasons for the sect to have such a stable position in the country was also because of her. Rumors say that she is already in the Peak of the Soul Transformation Realm, but no one knows for sure. Still, no one doubts that she will eventually enter the Saint Realm. After all, she has an enormous lifespan ahead of her.


    Foundation Establishment Realm has around 150 years of Lifespan;


    Core Formation goes up to 200;


    Core and Soul Fusion gains another hundred, dying around 300;


    500 is the limit for a Nascent Soul;


    While the Soul Transformation gives an unbelievable 1000 years of life.


    Mia still has 763 years ahead of her, so only an idiot would doubt her chances of entering the next Realm. As long as she doesn''t die, of course.


    She looked behind before asking.


    "Who are those twins?"


    Hulian, as the organizing elder this time around, immediately stepped forward.


    "Reporting to Sect Leader. They are Rean and Roan Larks, they came..."


    Hulian then gave a full explanation, including everything he knew about them.


    "Such a remote place gave birth to those two?"


    Hulian was taken aback by those words.


    "Could it be that Sect Leader knows something about the Dark and Light Aptitude and Elements?"


    Mia narrowed her eyes. If one were to ask if she has ever seen one, the answer would be a resounding no. Whoever, it is not like she has never heard about something similar.


    "I haven''t heard about those Light and Dark Aptitudes and Elements specifically. However, I did hear that different types of Aptitude and Element Affinities do really exist. In our Sasamil Empire, there is a man called Harku Estintel, who supposedly has a Bronze Color Aptitude and Elemental Affinity. It seems like it has something to do with controlling all metal elements, somewhat similar to Earth Element."


    "On the south of our continent, the part controlled by the Flaxin Empire, there is also a woman rumored to have a Cyan Color and Elemental Affinity. However, the Flaxin Empire is too far away, so I don''t know what type of Elemental Affinity the Cyan Color represents."


    She looked at Rean and Roan as they went to meet Malaka and Julio. As for all the eyes on them, they simply didn''t care.


    "And now, a Dark and Light Aptitude Colors appeared."


    Hulian couldn''t help but ask the question that all elders had in mind.


    "Does it mean it is a good thing?"


    Mia sighed before shooking her head.


    "Hard to say. It will mainly depend on those two. As for why is that, you don''t need to think much to understand, right?"


    Hulian only had to think for a moment to understand what the Sect Leader meant.


    "I see... Those are Aptitude and Elemental Affinities that no one saw before. Naturally, there is no such thing as Cultivation Techniques or Skills that they can learn from us. Whatever they do in the future, they will need to think about them from scratch. The old saying is really right. A cultivator that can''t use his primary element is simply useless."


    Mia Orzute nodded.


    "To be honest, I believe that many more Weird Aptitude Colors and Elemental Affinities appeared in the past. However, because of those limitations on techniques and skills, the biggest majority all failed to achieve anything. Of course, this is just a conjecture of mine. I might be wrong about it. In the end, it will all depend on their own effort."


    The other elders'' eyes dimmed after hearing that. It would be too hard to guide those twins. Not to mention that the final results would most likely be terrible. In the end, no one wanted to do anything with them.


    However, there was a single exception.


    "Effort, uh? That''s the word I love the most."


    Elder Hulian''s eyes lit up as he looked at the other elders.


    "If none of you has any interest in the Twins, I''ll be taking them. Is there anyone against it?"


    All the other elders shook their heads. Since Hulian wants them, that''s his problem.


    As Rean and Roan chatted with Malaka and Julio, Mia looked to the sky. She then sent a Divine Sense message to a certain old man hidden somewhere.


    ''Master, the Yin and Yang balance of our sect... seems somehow different.''


    Immediately after, Mia received an answer.


    ''So you noticed as well? It started yesterday when the new kids arrived. However, the changes are way too small for us to say whether it is good or bad.''


    Mia nodded.


    ''A Light and Dark Aptitude and Elemental Affinity kids, and this sudden change. It doesn''t matter how I see it, they are definitely related. What should we do?''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/aptitudes-and-elemental-affinities_47458042517702431 for visiting.


    ''Leave them. The only ones who can perceive this change are the two of us. And that is only because of our connection with this Mountain, so there is no risk of others noticing it. If we were anywhere else, we wouldn''t be able to notice anything. If it turns out that it is a bad thing, it won''t be too late to drive those Twins away. Perhaps, they would have their own uses even if that''s the case.''


    Mia nodded once more.


    ''Very well.''


    She then looked at Hulian and commanded.


    "Just continue the exam as normal. As rare as those twins might be, no one would really care about them. If it is gold, it will shine. Let them fight their way to the top like all the other kids."


    Elder Hulian immediately accepted the order.


    "Yes, Sect Leader."


    Mia then disappeared as if she had never been there. In fact, other than the elders, no one had noticed her presence at all... with a single exception.


    [What a scary woman.]


    "Hum? Sister Orb, did you say something?"


    [Me? Ah... No. I didn''t say anything.]


    Rean thought that answer to be a little strange, but he decided to ignore it.


    The exam continued. In the end, a total of 7 Blue Color Aptitude kids appeared. Obviously, all the elders had already made their own selection. They were basically just waiting for the second test to be over.


    However, just as the last kids were passing through the Aptitude Test, an Orb suddenly lit up with a bright Red Color!


    All the eyes were caught by that image. The boy seemed to be around 12 to 13 years old. He also wore an expensive robe and had an air of arrogance.


    Still, none of the elders cared about that. They only paid attention to the red color in his Aptitude Orb. When he went to the Affinity Orb, it once again brightened with Red Color. However, this time it represented his Affinity with the Fire Element. The temperature around that Kid the soared, and the other kids couldn''t even get close. As for the Small Orb around the Main One, nine of them lit up almost instantly. Even the tenth orb also brightened a little bit.


    "Red Color! Ten Small Affinity Orbs. It''s been over ten years since a genius like him appeared."


    But at the same time that the elders'' eyes lit up, they dimmed almost instantly. That''s because they knew that this kind of talent would not be for them to take.


    Sure enough, five figures appeared on the stage almost instantly. They were the Core Elders, experts at the Nascent Soul Realm!

 Chapter 100 - Have a Roan Wish

    "What''s his name?"


    An outer sect disciple quickly went back to gather the information.


    "His name is Agis Kexidor, from the Kexidor Clan. It is a famous Clan of cultivators with quite a few branches in our country. It seems like he is the great-grandnephew of Qolizen Kexidor."


    One of the elders remembered his name and nodded.


    "Ah! So he is from that man''s family. Qolizen Kexidor was part of our Sect in the past, but he left to create his own Clan later. Qolizen Kexidor is a Core and Soul Fusion Cultivator and on friendly terms with our Sect."


    The Core elders were satisfied with that answer. No wonder this kid was sent in here.


    Immediately, one of them stepped forward.


    "What about you leave that kid for me? I wasn''t here the last two times a Red Color Aptitude appeared."


    However, the others immediately snorted.


    "Hmph! Aren''t you being too greedy, Ranka? The reason you didn''t appear was that you left for the empire''s capital. As far as I know, you got quite a few nice things there."


    The who said that was a Core Elder called Juvian Tarcio.


    It was then that a woman stepped forward.


    "I think he should come to my side. He has the Fire Element Affinity, just like me. I''m best suited to guide him."


    Her name was Tiria Yinsan, one of the two female Core Elders present.


    "Tiria, that is not everything. Fire Element might not be my primary one, but I don''t lack cultivation techniques and skills for someone like him."


    This time, the one who talked was Kassie Galaraz, the second Female Core Elder.


    "Hmph! Seems like it won''t go anywhere like this. In that case, what about we make a bet?"


    The other four Core elders looked at the one who spoke. His name was Ryfon Quilynn, the oldest Core Elder in their group.


    "What kind of bet?"


    Ryfon smiled before saying.


    "Let''s bet about how many points his group can make during the last test. What about it? The elder who guesses the number correctly or gets the closest shall take Agis to his or her side. What about it?"


    The other core elders'' narrowed their eyes.


    "It will be hard to guess. After all, it will depend on Agis''s group strength as a whole, not on his own alone. Especially on his leadership."


    "Isn''t that good? That way, none of us will have the advantage. However, let us wait for to make our guesses after he finishes creating his group."


    All the Core Elders nodded.


    Hulian didn''t intervene and simply waited for the Aptitude and Elemental Affinity tests to be over. Others might have gotten fascinated with that Red Color Aptitude, but Hulian didn''t give a damn. He particularly disliked those descendants of great clans who had everything on their hands since they were born.


    Of the 1736 Kids, only 1587 passed the exam. Those 149 that failed were above 13 years old or had an Aptitude/Elemental Affinity below the acceptable mark.


    Hulian then took the opportunity that all the kids were already gathered to announce.


    "The last test will start tomorrow morning. It is a practical exam to test your abilities as cultivators and as a group. The group must have at least 5 participants and at most 10."


    "If you all remember, there is a board at the entrance of the Sect showing the first 100 kids to finish the Marathon Test. Those who are on the board will have priority on the group selection. All the other kids outside of the top 100 will have to wait until the ranked ones finish building their groups. Of course, those ranked in the top 100 can recruit the kids in the top 100 as well."


    "Now, the content of the practical exam is very simple. You will be sent into the Sect''s private Demon Beast Forest, which is filled with tens of thousands of Stage One and Two demon beasts. There is also a few Stage Three deep inside, so you better be careful where you are walking to. Your groups'' objective is to gather 1000 points. As long as you complete this task, your group will be accepted into the Dalamu Sect."


    "However! Keep in mind that this test will be observed by the Sect Elders. If we catch some kid purposely not helping their group, we will eliminate that kid immediately. Our Sect doesn''t need parasites, it needs strong cultivators."


    "As for the group composition, it must not have more than two Foundation Establishment cultivators. This is to prevent a team made out only of Foundation Establishment Kids."


    "Pay attention to how many points the demon beasts will give you. Each Stage One Demon Beast gives your group 1 point. Stage Two gives your group 10 points. If you can kill a Stage Three Demon Beast by some miracle, it will provide you with 1000 points!"


    "Now, the ranking. The top 10 groups with the highest scores will receive a reward of 1000 Rank Two Spirit Stones to share between their members. Also, the first place will get double the reward, 2000!"


    Rean and Roan''s eyes lit up. Only now did this test become interesting for them.


    Elder Hulian then continued his explanation.


    "We will leave at the end of the afternoon, so use this extra time to mount your team. The test itself will start in the next day morning. If you need help setting up a group or were left out, seek one of the Outer Sect Disciples for help. They will assist you with those and other problems that might appear."


    "The top 100 kids, you now have one hour to build your group. After this one hour passes, the rest of the kids are free to start building their groups are well."


    Elder Hulian then retreated to his chairs and began to observe the kids with the other Inner Sect elders. As for the Core Elders, their eyes were glued at Agis Kexidor, waiting to see who he would recruit into his group.


    On Rean''s group side, Rean couldn''t help but comment.


    "I pretty much like this test. It is very straight forward. But what do we do for the reward? Should we aim for 1000 or 2000 Spirit Stones?"


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/have-a-roan-wish_47480768263416458 for visiting.


    "We already got quite some attention with our Aptitudes and Elemental Affinities. Besides, they all know that we are Foundation Establishment cultivators. So there wouldn''t be anything strange if we got first place. Don''t forget that each team can''t have more than two Foundation Establishment Kids, so it is perfect for us."


    Rean laughed after hearing that.


    "Very well, let''s see if we can get first place then. Well, in the worst-case scenario, I doubt we won''t make it into the top 10, which is already worth it."


    Roan nodded. That was what he was thinking exactly.


    The two of them looked at Julio after that.


    "Since you are already here, wanna come with the three of us? You are in the Energy Gathering Realm Advanced Stage, so you will be of great help."


    Julio smiled before nodding. As for Malaka, she was already a guaranteed member anyway.


    "Now, what should we do for the last member?"


    Julio got confused after hearing that.


    "Last member? Aren''t you going to recruit ten members?"


    Rean and Roan shook their heads.


    "There is no need."


    Julio was quite surprised by the two''s confidence.


    It was then that Malaka spoke.


    "Rean, Roan! Can I chose the last one?"


    The twins looked at each other and pondered a bit.


    "Oh well, it is not like we know the other kids anyway, so let''s leave it to luck. Alright, Malaka, go ahead and chose anyone."


    Roan didn''t have much to complain about, either.


    Malaka''s eyes brightened, but just as she was about to look for someone in the middle of the kids, someone called her over.


    "Wait!"


    Rean, Roan, and Julio, who were just behind her, also looked at who called her.


    ''Isn''t this that kid with a Red Color Aptitude?''


    However, he completely ignored them and went to talk directly with Malaka.


    "Hey, little girl, don''t you wanna join my group? As long as you are with me, you will get the first place in this next test. After all, I have a Red Color Aptitude. I''m also gathering the other Blue Colors. How about that?"


    Rean and Roan''s expressions went dark. He must have a death wish (or Roan wish) to dare hit on their Little Sister.


    ---


    Author''s note: If you like the story so far, consider leaving a few Power Stones to help the story.

 Chapter 101 - Team Name

    However, before the twins could even intervene, Malaka asked Agis while looking at him with her innocent eyes.


    "But how can you get first place with Rean and Roan here?"


    Let alone Agis, even Rean, and Roan were taken aback by that answer.


    Rean couldn''t hold back and burst out in laugher.


    "Hahahaha!"


    He then patted Malaka''s head, which much pleased her.


    "That''s right, Malaka. How can he take the first place with the two of us here?"


    Agis was infuriated after hearing that.


    "Are you making fun of me?"


    Pah!


    Out of nowhere, Roan slapped Agis'' back head.


    "Who would waste time making fun of you? Malaka just stated a fact, that''s all. Now shoo, shoo, you are getting in our way."


    Still, Roan couldn''t deny that felt a little, just a little tiny bit happy to hear Malaka''s answer.


    Agis was indeed quite young. For someone like him, treated with the utmost respect in his Clan, such treatment was humiliating. But just as he was about to burst out and attack Roan, he received a Spiritual Sense message.


    "Ignore them. Your objective is to show your superiority compared to the others. If you attack him here, it will only leave a bad impression on the Core Elders. They will think about you as someone who can''t control his own temperament. Is that what you want? You are a descendant of the Kexidor Clan, so act like one."


    Agis quickly cooled down after hearing that.


    "Tch! Well, you were the one who didn''t want to enter the victorious team."


    He turned around and began to look for the other Blue Aptitude kids, especially the two who were also in the Foundation Establishment.


    Rean and Roan couldn''t care less, though.


    As Julio saw Agis leaving, he asked the others.


    "Is it really okay to buy a fight with that guy? He is the only Red Color Aptitude, after all."


    Roan simply snorted after hearing that.


    "You are putting way too much importance on that ant."


    Rean wasn''t even paying attention anymore.


    "Malaka, have you found the last kid?"


    "Ah!"


    Malaka''s mind quickly returned to the right track, and she dashed to the middle of the kids who were outside of the top 100 board.


    It didn''t take long for Rean and Roan to notice that she seemed to be looking for someone in specific.


    A few minutes later, Malaka finally spotted the right one.


    "Yay! I found you!"


    Suddenly, Malaka clinged on another girl''s arm.


    The girl, of course, was surprised by that. As far as this kid could remember, she had never seen Malaka before.


    However, Rean and Roan immediately understood why Malaka chose her.


    "Rean, Roan, look, look! Doesn''t she look exactly like Liria?"


    Liria was one of Malaka''s classmates when Rean and Roan were working as teachers back in the Varen Tribe. She was a girl who joined at the same time as them and had a Brown Color aptitude. Malaka liked to often play with her back then.


    Rean looked at the little girl closely and had to admit.


    "She does look like Liria a lot. If not that she is older and has shorter hair, it would be hard to see the difference."


    Roan nodded.


    "Indeed, but Liria has a Brown Color Aptitude, so it would be impossible for her to be here. This one also has higher cultivation than her. Still, that is quite the resemblance."


    The girl didn''t know what those three were talking, so she quickly took some distance from them... or so she tried. Malaka wasn''t letting her go at all!


    "Let me go! What do you want?"


    "Ah!"


    Only then Malaka remembered her objective here.


    "We need one more person to our group, so I came here to take you!"


    The girl was taken aback.


    "But aren''t you people of the top 100? I have a Yellow Color Aptitude, you know? Even my Wind Elemental Affinity had barely lit up the Fourth Orb. Not to mention that I''m only an Initial Stage Energy Gathering Realm cultivator."


    Rean didn''t mind, though.


    "It''s okay. Since Malaka chose you, then so be it. It all depends on whether you want to join our group or not."


    The girl didn''t know what to do. Even though she was young, she still found it quite suspicious that they selected her. However, Rean''s group was indeed a top 100 one. Also, she couldn''t feel Rean and Roan''s cultivation at all.


    ''Grandfather said that if I can''t feel someone''s cultivation in this test, it is because they have a much higher one. If that happened, I should be careful to not offend them.''


    Afraid that it might happen, the little girl couldn''t help but agree with Rean''s proposal. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/team-name_47503541790626930 for visiting.


    "O-Okay."


    Malaka''s eyes brightened as she hugged the new girl.


    "Malaka, give her some space. We still don''t know anything about her."


    Rean quickly pulled Malaka back before looking at the new girl.


    "If you don''t mind, can you make a self-introduction?"


    The girl nodded.


    "My name is Lenna Dorvyre, 11 years old. I came from Weageon City, East of Majorias City. You would need around 6 days to arrive there by Spirit Horse. As I said, I''m a Wind Element user at the Initial Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm."


    Rean then asked Roan through their Soul Connection.


    "How''s it?"


    "Just a kid, nothing more. If anything, she accepted our offer because she was probably afraid of offending us. I don''t feel any malice coming from her, either."


    Rean then smiled back at Lenna.


    "Well, welcome to the group then. Let''s go to the Outer Sect disciples to register."


    Lenna couldn''t help but ask the same thing as Julio about the group numbers. Obviously, Rean and Roan gave the same answer. ''There was no need.''


    As they approached the counter, one of the Outer Sect Disciples took a paper sheet out and asked.


    "Is this your entire team?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes, could I bother this brother to register our names?"


    The Outer Sect Disciple felt quite pleased with Rean''s politeness.


    "Sure, but I advise you to bring a few more kids. Otherwise, you might not have enough power to stand the night."


    Rean then shook his head.


    "Thank you for the advice, brother. But we are pretty confident in our skills."


    That disciple sighed but didn''t try to change Rean''s group mind.


    "What''s the name of your team?"


    "Name?"


    They didn''t know they would need a name. However, Malaka quickly jumped forward before saying.


    "Death Team!"


    Julio and Lenna felt quite shocked that a girl as bright as Malaka would come up with such a gloomy name.


    Roan, on the other hand, just chuckled while Rean laughed.


    "Well, so be it, Death Team it is."

 Chapter 102 - Roans Test

    Since all the kids participating were cultivators, the Sect had to provide a lot of space for them to prepared. Roan then decided to take Julio and Lenna to one of the fields available to test their abilities.


    Together with them was Alanda, Uncle Wen, and Lenna''s grandfather, who came this time around to protect her. Lenna''s grandfather was called Tanzon Dorvyre, an expert in the Foundation Establishment Advanced Stage. Different from Alanda and his kids, he lived inside the city. Of course, he wasn''t considered rich or anything. He worked as one of the guards of the City Lord, and his family mostly depended on his wage from that job.


    It''s not that the other family members didn''t work, but that they had ordinary Gray Color Aptitudes, with just his first son being a Brown Color. However, it was far from enough to join the City Guard''s entourage. So they simply did the jobs available for commoners inside the city.


    Lenna was the first one with an acceptable aptitude in his family, having a Yellow one. Because of that, he trained her hard from very young so that she could have a chance at entering the Dalamu Sect. Even if she failed, it would still be a good experience for her. In a certain way, he was betting the family''s future in her accomplishments.


    Thanks to the harsh training, Lenna got quite a resistant body and strong will. That was what she used to pass the 300km marathon test. Tanzon was quite satisfied already that Lenna made it through the first two tests, so he couldn''t help but feel expectant. Especially after he heard that she was chosen by some of the top 100 kids of the first test.


    Alanda, Uncle Wen, and Tanzon came to the field as well. At first, Tanzon thought that it was Rean and Roan''s relatives that would be testing her somehow. But when he found out that their protector was Alanda, he was quite taken aback. After all, Alanda is only in the Initial Stage of the Foundation Establishment.


    Then he looked at Uncle Wen, who was Julio''s relative. But that man was basically at the same level as him. The only thing that gave him some guarantee was the fact that Rean and Roan were in the Foundation Establishment as well.


    "What will you two test from my granddaughter?"


    Uncle Wen looked at Tanzon, puzzled.


    "Test? I''m only here to see what is going to happen too."


    Alanda just laughed, though.


    "We old geezers don''t need to test anything. The one who is going to do it is Roan. Well, just leave it to him."


    Roan didn''t know what those guys were talking about, nor did he care. He only wanted to test those two kids'' abilities.


    "Alright. Malaka, come here."


    Malaka came running.


    Roan nodded and then looked at Julio and Lenna.


    "Malaka will be your opponent. I wish to see you going all out. I will devise our strategy later on based on how well you do."


    Julio and Lenna were taken aback.


    "But Malaka is alone. Not to mention that I''m in the Advanced Stage of the Energy Gathering while Malaka is still in the middle."


    Lenna agreed with Julio.


    "I might only be in the Initial Stage, but my grandfather trained me a lot with swords. If we attack together, it won''t be training at all. It is not fair to Malaka."


    Roan couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    "Is that so? Then I wish to see it."


    Roan then looked at Malaka before saying.


    "If you lose, your fighting lessons will be doubled for an entire month."


    Malaka felt a chill on her back. She immediately took her staff out and got ready for combat. She looked at Julio and Lenna as if they were her greatest foes.


    "Julio, Lenna, I''m sorry."


    Anything but more fighting lessons with Roan!


    Uncle Wen and Tanzon were taken aback by that.


    As he looked at Alanda on his side, he couldn''t help but ask.


    "Your name is Alanda, right? Don''t you think this is a little too unfair?"


    Uncle Wen nodded as well.


    "I agree, shouldn''t you stop it?"


    Alanda sighed. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/roan''s-test_47527728898962040 for visiting.


    "Indeed, I also think this is too unfair. But these friends don''t need to worry. Malaka has a good heart, so she won''t beat them too much."


    Tanzon and Wen were taken aback. They were talking about Malaka being injured, not the other way around! For a moment, they thought that Alanda was being too conceited. However...


    Bang! Pow! Crack! Crash!


    In a span of just a few seconds, Julio and Lenna were already on the ground while contorting in pain. Malaka was really frightened about the double fighting lessons'' idea, so she didn''t hold back at all! One must remember that her Staff Skills were taught by Roan, the one who reached unparalleled proficiency with all kinds of weapons in his previous life (or Death) as Death. Just how many forms did his weapon take in the past? Even he can''t remember.


    Tanzon and Wen looked at Julio and Lenna with their eyes wide open. That was not a fight, but a one-sided massacre!


    "Wait! I think I heard Lenna''s bone breaking!"


    Tanzon quickly rushed to Lenna''s side and checked her body. Sure enough, her arm was broken!


    "You! How will she participate in the practical test tomorrow?"


    Roan looked at Tanzon.


    "We haven''t finished the test yet, so go outside. Julio and Lenna had clearly held back because they thought they had the advantage. Next time, I want them to really go all out."


    Tanzon was infuriated.


    "Go all out your head! Can''t you see that her arm is broken? Are you trying to bully my granddaughter?"


    Roan sighed before shooking his head.


    "Rean, how long will you keep looking? I''m in a hurry, so heal her already."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders after hearing that.


    "Yea, yea... Give me a second."


    Tanzon was surprised by those words.


    ''Could it be that they brought healing pills? That''s why they are not afraid of injuring anyone? But healing pills are super expensive! Do they really have enough Spirit Stone to buy them?''


    However, Tanzon and Wen''s surprised expression changed into disbelief in the next second.


    Rean''s hand began to glow with a bright milk-white light. As soon as he touched Lenna''s broken arm, it began to recover at a frightening speed! No more than a minute had passed, but Lenna''s arm was already as good as new! Not only that, but he also took the chance to heal the other minor injuries on her body.


    He then moved to Julio, who was also quite beaten up. Since he didn''t really have any of his bones broken, his healing process didn''t take more than a few seconds, though.


    "Alright, they are good to go."


    Roan nodded as he looked at Tanzon and Uncle Wen.


    "How long will you stay there? Shoo, shoo! I don''t have all day."


    "Ah!"


    Tanzon and Uncle Wen quickly came back to themselves. They knew that Rean had Light Element Affinity. After all, everyone was there when he went through his Elemental Affinity Test. But they had never expected that Light Element was this overpowered!


    The two old guys immediately retreated. In fact, they were happy to do so. How could they not understand? As long as Rean was in the same group, was there even a need to fear injuries?


    Rean noticed Tanzon and Wen''s eyes at him. He could understand what they were thinking, too, so he decided to give everyone a serious warning.


    "My Light Element is not omnipotent. It is only this effective because my cultivation is much higher than Lenna and Julio''s. However, if they lose a limb, I won''t be able to reattach them. And you can forget about bringing someone back from death. If they die, that''s the end, so they better be careful."


    Tanzon and Wen''s dreams were cut short right there and then. In fact, they immediately understood that knowing that Rean can do such things might make Julio and Lenna ignore potential dangers. That would make it even more dangerous instead. They decided to give Julio and Lenna a severe warning after Roan is finished with them. Rean can''t make others immortal, after all.


    Roan ignored everything else and returned his attention to Julio and Lenna.


    "Again!"


    Those two might be totally fine now. However, as they looked at Malaka, that ''bright girl that is happy about everything'' image disappeared from their minds completely. They can still remember the pain they went through after being beaten black and blue by her just a few moments ago.


    "Lenna, let''s go all out!"


    "Yes!"


    Roan was finally able to see what he wanted. Of course, he wasn''t the least bit afraid of Malaka''s defeat. Well, at least, Julio and Lenna held much longer than the first time. Nonetheless, they ended up on the floor while contorting in pain once more.


    Rean quickly healed those two, putting them back in shape for another round of beating. This process continued for an entire hour...


    "Alright, it is enough."


    Julio and Lenna felt like they heard the voice of heavens when Roan finally called out the end of the test. Too bad, though. That was death''s voice.


    "Okay. Tomorrow, we will wander around the inner skirts of the forest. There will be several Stage Two Demon Beasts as there will be Stage One. Rean and I will deal with Stage Two ones. Your job is to get rid of any Stage One that appears."


    "Malaka will be in the vanguard. Julio is a Spear user, so your job will be to give the final blows. Malaka''s staff is not as suited as yours when it comes to killing. Lastly, Lenna will be responsible for attacking the weak points while Malaka holds them. Try to aim at their legs, eyes, etc. Unless things really get out of hand, Rean and I will not intervene. Remember, the Sect Elders will be observing, so you two have to show that you are really part of the reason why the beasts are being killed, understood?"


    Julio and Lenna nodded vigorously. By now, they simply didn''t dare go against Roan''s words.


    "Good! Take this."


    Roan then threw two books at them. One was the Death Sword Style, and the other was the Death Spear Style.


    "Read it before you go to sleep. Tomorrow, try to implement it during the practical test. If you have any doubt, just ask Rean or me."


    Roan didn''t mind passing those books forward. Considering his understanding of weapons and his addition of Spiritual Energy, those books only touched the very basics of the basics. He didn''t mind if it was leaked or not. Still, it was a lot better than the styles that Julio and Lenna were using so far.


    "Alright, let''s go back, that''s enough for today."

 Chapter 103 - The Last Exam Starts

    The next day arrived in a flash. All the kids were then gathered as they waited for Elder Hulian to come forth. Finally, Hulian and quite a few other elders appeared once more.


    "Good, it seems like everyone is here already."


    Elder Hulian began to walk in a certain direction.


    "All of you kids and their relatives or protectors, follow me."


    Everyone obeyed elder Hulian, and it wasn''t long before they arrived in front of another enormous building. The disciples guarding the front noticed elder Hulian and immediately opened the door for him. Inside, one could see several formations of different sizes.


    Hulian then guided the kids to the one in the very middle, which was the biggest.


    "Alright, this is a teleport formation. It will teleport us to our private Demon Beast Forest. It can support one hundred people at once, so you will all take turns to enter it."


    No one complained as they followed Hulian''s orders. In just a minute, the first one hundred kids and a.d.u.l.ts accompanying them were already over the big formation. It soon activated, and with a flash of Silver Light, everyone disappeared.


    All the kids were surprised by that. The majority saw such a thing for the first time. Still, no one dared to delay, and one group after another was teleported away.


    Finally, Rean''s group time came. They stepped on it with the others before the teleport formation activated. The space around Rean''s group contorted before everything became blurry. Finally, it all became silver for a second when suddenly, they appeared in another place completely different.


    Their sights came back to normal, and they could finally see where they were. It was another building, but this time, there was only one teleport formation inside it. Obviously, it was the one used for bringing them here.


    As Rean and Roan stepped outside the building, they cleared noticed the forest a few kilometers away. Around the building, they could also see a few disciples who were probably responsible for defending the area against the demon beasts.


    Around one hour later, everyone has already gathered again. Rean''s group, obviously, didn''t have any idea where this forest was located.


    Noticing that everyone was there, Hulian began to float above them before he started talking.


    "Very well, this is our Dalamu Private Demon Beast Forest. As I said before, the highest level of Demon Beasts in this place is only Stage Three. However, these ones can only be found around the core of the forest."


    "On your right, you can see several bags prepared for you. They have food and water to last three to four days. After that, you will have to find food on your own. Don''t worry, this Demon Beast forest has a lot of fruits, water, and all the Demon Beasts'' meats are edible. There isn''t a single poisonous type in their midst. If you can''t find anything at all and decide to give up, just come back to this base. But remember that the exam will be over for you at that point."


    "Another thing, attacking other participants is ultimately forbidden, let alone killing! The entire Demon Beast Forest is covered by a monitoring formation. If a participant dares to break this rule, they will be immediately eliminated from the exam, with no exceptions. Understood?"


    All the kids nodded vigorously. The Sect wasn''t here to create discord between their own members, but to get strong cultivators to protect, help expand, and be loyal to it. What future has a Sect full of internal conflict? Such a Sect would end over destroyed; it is that simple.


    "The exam will last two weeks. Remember, you need 1000 points to pass. Also, there will be no one here to save you if something goes wrong, so don''t try to bite off more than you can chew. The other groups might be forbidden to attack you, but the demon beasts don''t give a damn! Keep that in mind."


    "Each group received bracelets with some simple formations inscribed on them. Each time someone in your group gives a killing blow, the formation will record it. Make sure to not lose it since you would lose all your points. Oh, right! I almost forgot. If you want to give up and don''t know the way back, just send your Spiritual Sense into the Bracelet. The formation inside will show you the way."


    "Alright, I said too much already. The exam starts now!"


    All the groups immediately rushed to the bags, trying to take more than one each. But the Outer Sect Disciples didn''t allow them to do so. Each kid could only carry a single bag, that''s all. It wasn''t only a test of strength or ability, but also survival. The kids would need to adapt to this place on their own. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-last-exam-starts_47552180130993960 for visiting.


    Rean and Roan were not in a rush. They waited for the kids to take their own bags and leave. They would be hunting in the Stage Two demon beasts'' territory, so they are not afraid of running out of them. Finally, the space in front of the table opened, and everyone took a bag of food and water each.


    "Should we go then?"


    Roan nodded.


    "There will be no point in waiting around the starting point, let''s move far away first. After all, there were no rules saying that you can''t steal someone else''s demon beast. I can already see several groups ganging up on those Stage One demon beasts at the start."


    Rean nodded. He also thought about this possibility.


    "Should we completely separate from the other groups then?"


    This time, Roan shook his head.


    "No, that would be too dangerous. We are going to wander on the mobs'' outskirts, always making sure that the other groups aren''t too far away from our reach. We don''t know how the demon beasts here act, so the last thing I want is to be surrounded without a place to retreat."


    Malaka couldn''t help but ask, though.


    "But how do you know the other kids are close to us?"


    Roan chuckled before pointing at their bracelets. They had just received them, so it seems like other than Roan, no one verified it with their Spiritual Sense yet.


    "Send your Spiritual Sense into the bracelet."


    As soon as they did, the group immediately noticed thousands of red dots moving on what seemed to be a map. Rean couldn''t help but laugh after seeing that. Not because he was surprised, but because these bracelets reminded him about Earth.


    "Haha! No wonder Elder Hulian said that we can find our way back with the bracelets. It shows our location perfectly. Not to mention that this base is acting as a beacon. I didn''t imagine they would make something similar to our Radars back on Earth. I guess I need to take a good look at these Formations after we join the Sect."


    Julio got puzzled, though.


    "What is a Radar?"


    However, Rean just shook his head.


    "There is no need for you to know."


    Roan then made sure that his group was ready before saying.


    "Alright, enough of wasting time here. Let''s go!"

 Chapter 104 - Death Style Training

    Everything played as Roan mentioned. All the Stage One demon beasts were quickly cleared out from around the base. Not only that, but it was common to see three or four groups attacking the same demon beast. In the end, only one of those groups would be taking the final blow.


    Rean''s group spent some time circling around the place where most groups were gathered, which made their hunt start somewhat later. However, they had the demon beasts around free for themselves.


    "Shadow Leopard, at your right, you guys, go ahead."


    Malaka immediately rushed forward and blocked the demon beast''s path. It was one good with speed. However, Malaka''s defense was watertight, so it simply couldn''t pass by her. Even though Malaka''s weapon isn''t good for killing, it was still a Low-Level Spiritual Equipment made by Rean. If Roan hadn''t instructed her to only hold the Demon Beasts, she could totally finish this one.


    Roan wanted Julio and Lenna to train as much as possible. Especially now that they just got his Death Style Manuals.


    *Slash!*


    Lenna''s sword came from the side when the Shadow Leopard wasn''t looking. However, she was quite off, so the Leopard still dodged. Julio tried to use that change to give a killing blow, but he ended hitting the side of the Leopard''s shoulder.


    Roan looked at that before sighing.


    "Sure enough, it will take time for them to understand how to make use of all opportunities."


    Rean smiled, though.


    "You can''t really expect them to learn your Death Style in a single night, right? I think that they already did quite well by grasping those opportunities."


    Roan didn''t like it anyway.


    "It is okay now since there is only one Demon Beast. With Malaka there, they are not in danger. But even Malaka can''t take care of two simultaneously. When that time comes, Julio and Lenna need to take care of one while Malaka takes care of another. It will be even worse if there are three or more."


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right. But it would take time for them to understand those principles of the Death Style. All opportunities are killing opportunities; that''s the path of Roan''s weapons.


    It didn''t take long before the Shadow Leopard was killed. But it wasn''t a single hit kill. Instead, it acc.u.mulated injuries until it finally fell.


    Julio and Lenna were quite excited with their first demon beast down, but Roan quickly threw a bucket of cold water on them.


    "What a terrible display. Without Malaka, would you even kill it? Stop wasting time and come here, I''ll tell you everything that was wrong."


    Julio and Lenna got a little embarrassed and angry at the same time. Sure enough, they are young, so controlling their emotions isn''t something that they care about.


    Roan didn''t care, though. He went from top to bottom on everything that went wrong. He spoke so much that there was no way Julio and Lenna could remember everything.


    "Alright, let''s go to the next. We are going to use the first three days of the entire two weeks to make sure you will never forget what I say."


    Malaka heard that and felt quite sorry for Julio and Lenna. How could she not understand that look on Roan''s eyes? She was sure that the hellish training time was about to start.


    They continued forward without stop. As soon as a Demon Beast died, Roan was already running to look for the next. However, he and Rean never intervened. He also made Malaka stay out of the battles quite a few times, leaving everything for Julio and Lenna to deal alone.


    Fear? Inexperience? Injuries? Roan didn''t care about any of that. Unless he saw that Julio or Lenna was about to be severely injured or die, he didn''t let anyone intervene. Not only that, but he prohibited Rean from healing them too. They would need to move ahead with their injures open, or they could try to treat it themselves.


    The demon beasts never stopped coming for Julio and Lenna. Roan even Rean bait more so that there would always be a new one as soon as they finished. During all this time, Roan kept shouting at them what was wrong, what they should improve, and what they should forget. Yes, forget. After all, they had been training with other styles so far. So there were a lot of things that Roan deemed useless in their abilities.


    Back on the base, there was an enormous pillar inscribed with several types of formations. As long as one poured their Spiritual Sense inside, they could check the participating kids'' ranking. Not only that, but you could even observe a kid in specific if you decided to do so. Hulian wasn''t lying. The entire Demon Beast Forest was covered in a gigantic monitoring formation.


    Rean''s group was doing quite well. Their position was 37th. This position was acquired while they focused on Stage One demon beasts only, which was quite good. After all, there were over 200 teams in the Demon Forest at the moment.


    However, Uncle Wen and Tanzon expressions didn''t seem the least bit happy. Since they could monitor the participants through the monitoring formation, they could see how Julio and Lenna were doing. That kind of training... was beyond painful. There were several times that they thought that Julio or Lenna would die or receive a severe injury. But Roan would always appear at the key moment to save them. However, save was one thing; killing the demon beast was another. Roan would just deflect the attack, but wouldn''t touch the demon beast at all.


    Eventually, Lenna and Julio would end up killing it. But the time they spent doing so kept increasing more and more. That''s because they were too exhausted! Not to mention the several other injuries that, although not severe, were still painful and made them lose blood.


    Alanda looked at all of that and couldn''t but laugh.


    "Hahaha! It seems like Roan like those two quite a lot. To think he would make them pass through his Death Style Training."


    Tanzon looked at Alanda with a shocked expression.


    "He... likes them? Just what kind of training you offer in your tribe?"


    Alanda shrugged his shoulders after hearing that.


    "That is not our tribe''s training. This is something that Roan devised himself. Don''t worry, though. Nothing will happen to your kids as long as he is overseeing it. Of course, they will have to experience quite some pain in the next few days."


    Although Tanzon was angry, the kids had started the test already. There was no way he could intervene anymore.


    The day passed in a flash. Finally, Roan called an end for Julio and Lenna''s training. As soon as those two heard that, they collapsed on the ground. Their clothes were almost destroyed. There were cuts and bruises everywhere too. If not that they thought that Roan might abandon them right there and them, they would have collapsed much earlier.


    Malaka wasn''t injured, but she too was drained. She participated in at least two-thirds of the battles together with Julio and Lenna. Still, he felt quite happy to see that she now has some friends who understand the pain she experienced in the past.


    Roan then looked at Rean before asking.


    "Well, it''s your part now. Make sure Julio and Lenna are as good as new for tomorrow."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Sure. It is always good to have some new Roan victim friends."


    "What Roan victim? Did you forget that I also applied the same training for myself? I dare say that I went even further on my own practice."


    Rean smiled but didn''t answer. Roan was simply too crazy when it came to these things. He would definitely draw the last bit of energy of their bodies before calling it. However, Rean understood that Malaka and his own progress so far were all thanks to this ''I-rather-die'' training of his.


    He quickly called forward the Light Element and began to treat their injuries. There weren''t just cuts and bruises, but even a few cracked bones too. Those two didn''t notice it only because of the adrenaline that never stopped. As he healed them, Julio and Lenna slowly regained their consciousness.


    But they didn''t even have time to think when the pain in their bodies took over! Immediately, they began to contort in pain.


    "Hahaha! Don''t worry, you two. By tomorrow, your bodies will be 100% ready for another day of happy training with your big brother Roan."


    Hearing that name made Julio and Lenna''s hearts skip for a second. They looked at Roan''s direction and could see a faint smile. He looked at them as if he was looking at his prey.


    Because there were many more injuries this time, Rean took almost an entire hour to heal both of them. Finally, the pain disappeared, and only the fatigue of their body remained. But before they could even get up, Roan grabbed both their arms and threw them inside a river nearby.


    *Splash!*


    "You two stinky! Take off your clothes and wash yourselves. I have a set of clothes for you already." Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/death-style-training_47573431645959595 for visiting.


    Roan was really prepared for everything. He put his hand inside his own bag, and from inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, two sets of clothes appeared on it.


    *Splash!*


    Malaka didn''t even wait for Roan. The moment he looked at her, she knew that she had to go too. She might not have got injured, but she sweated rivers! The only difference was that Roan told her to wash her own clothes instead of throwing them away. Since they were not destroyed, so why should they dispose of it?


    The only ones that were completely fine were Rean and Roan. Stage One demon beasts couldn''t make them even sweat anymore, so they were as clean as when they first arrived in the forest.


    Lenna felt a little embarrassed when she heard that she had to take off her clothes. Although she is only eleven and basically a kid, she is still a woman. However, after seeing Roan''s dark expression, Lenna quickly threw those thoughts away. What if Roan decides to increase her training in the next day because she refused? Some embarrassment was definitely not worth the risk!


    Rean didn''t even care about the kids washing themselves. Instead, he went around to select the beast who seemed to have the best meat to cook. Back on Earth, he was a 31 years old a.d.u.l.t who lived alone, so he had to learn how to cook. Although he doesn''t have the utensils from Earth here anymore, he still could more or less manage to cook something edible.


    As for Roan? The last thing he could care about is a woman''s n.a.k.e.d body. Souls have no clothes to start with, so just how many women n.a.k.e.d souls had he seen in his previous life (or death)? He didn''t even dare try to count. One must remember that a Soul takes the shape of the body when it is brought outside. Back then, the same happened with Rean as well. Not to mention that there were countless instances where the women who died were n.a.k.e.d to start with. For Roan, such things were utterly worthless and didn''t entice him at all!


    The kids quickly finished washing themselves and took Roan''s set of clothes. After they finished eating the food prepared by Rean, they immediately collapsed once more. This time, they fell into a deep sleep. Roan was satisfied with that sight, though. If they hadn''t slept straight away, that meant that his first day of training was not harsh enough.


    "Alright, same thing as always. You keep an eye for the first half of the night while I look the next half."


    Rean didn''t mind and sat above a boulder close to them. Roan then checked every one to see if everything was in order and went to sleep as well. The next day, he would push those two new recruits even harder!

 Chapter 105 - Roan is Feeling Bored

    On the next day, Julio and Lenna''s bodies were fully recovered. They slept for 12 hours straight, and probably wouldn''t wake up if Roan hadn''t made them so. During the night times, a few Stage One demon beasts appeared around. But be it Rean or Roan, they were able to dispatch them without any problems.


    In the morning, Roan made sure that those two eat well to prepare for the day. Malaka also gorged herself with Rean''s food. When everything was ready, the hell training started once more. On the very first day, Julio and Lenna remembered all Roan''s words. On the second, they began to be able to adapt to whatever he said. Of course, there were several mistakes here and there. Still, they were doing much better than before.


    The day continued the same way. Except for the resting time, Julio and Lenna spent most of their time fighting against the Stage One Demon Beasts. Malaka also joined the battle several times, but Roan let her out on her own as well. In the last hours of the day, Roan stopped to use Julio and Lenna as a group and put them to fight alone. Sure enough, injures began to acc.u.mulate even more. Still, they could at least take care of themselves now.


    When the night came, the same scene played once more. Rean healed those two, then Roan threw those two with Malaka in the river for them to wash their bodies, and passed another set of clothes. This time, neither side cared about feeling embarrassed because they took off their clothes once more. Those two were just way too tired to think about such things.


    After they finished eating Rean''s food, they once more collapsed on the ground in a deep sleep, much for Roan''s satisfaction.


    On the third day, the ''I-rather-die'' training continued. This wasn''t really the last day of training, but would be the last one they stayed in the outer region. Although they wouldn''t be able to compare to Malaka, they won''t be totally helpless in case they had to fight alone.


    Tanzon and Uncle Wen, who had been watching Julio and Lenna during the last three days, had to admit that their progress was unbelievable fast.


    Seeing their faces, how Alanda couldn''t understand what they were thinking.


    "Roan might be a little bit cruel with his methods, but they are definitely effective. Under his watch, a single day might as well be the same as a month elsewhere. Also, you probably noticed already that the Sword and Spear styles that they are learning are several times better than the ones you taught them before. Keep looking, once your kids leave this Forest, they won''t be the same ones anymore."


    Tanzon and Uncle Wen nodded. The time to be angry about what happened there was already over.


    Back on Rean''s group side, the end of the day approached. Finally, Roan called the last day off.


    "Good, that''s all for today as well. From tomorrow onwards, we will enter the inner region where we can find Stage Two Demon Beasts. Let Rean heal you and then go wash yourselves. Make sure to eat well and have a good night of sleep too. From now on, Rean and I won''t always be ready to save you if you mess up."


    Julio, Lenna, Malaka nodded. They are happy as long as this hellish training days are over.


    That night, Roan talked to them about what he saw during the day. What they should improve and what was wrong. He also heard their questions and answered with the best of his abilities.


    "Very well, just go sleep now. We are leaving tomorrow when the sunlight comes out."


    When the three kids fell asleep, Rean took the opportunity to ask Roan.


    "I still think that three days is too little for them to adapt well enough. Wouldn''t it be better to give them a week instead?"


    Roan nodded.


    "I know, but we can''t stay put all the time either. Otherwise, we will lose the first position. Still, I''m planning to have them fight a lot as we deal with the Rank Two Demon Beasts. We are not entering the Stage Two Demon Beasts'' territory completely. We will just stay on the border, so there shouldn''t be much of them appearing. We can get a steady amount of points as we let Julio and Lenna adapt to my Death Style."


    Rean then thought about something else.


    "But what about that Red Color aptitude guy called Agis? Wouldn''t he open too much of a distance from us this week?" Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/roan-is-feeling-bored_47597827043415011 for visiting.


    Roan shook his head.


    "I doubt so. Agis is in the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm, but that is all. I doubt he can really control a team properly at his age. Besides, he is quite arrogant, so I can already imagine quite a few conflicts on his side. Don''t forget, all teams are composed of 13 years or less old kids. Do you think they will become his feet and hands that easy? I doubt so."


    Roan was right. Agis did kill a few Stage Two demon beasts with the help of another Foundation Establishment kid. But the numbers were anything but impressive. If not for his own personal strength, his team wouldn''t even be in the first position at the moment. Not to mention that his arrogance was causing quite a few conflicts with the kids in his group. You can''t really expect that bunch of underaged minds to follow orders strictly. In the end, two of the Energy Gathering Realm kids even got severely injured and had to return.


    The next day, Roan woke up Julio and the others. They took their time getting prepared and immediately departed to the inner region of the Forest. Of course, Roan made sure to verify his bracelet so that his group wouldn''t be too far away from the others.


    On the way, he had Malaka, Julio, and Lenna dispose of all Stage One demon beasts. Since they were not purposely looking for them, there weren''t many battles. As he looked at the progress of Julio and Lenna, he gave a small nod. They were improving as he expected.


    Half a day later, Rean''s group arrived at the border of the Inner Region. They found a few other Stage One Demon beasts first, but it didn''t take long for a Stage Two to appear.


    Back in the base, Hulian was watching Rean and Roan closely. He had great expectations for them. Even though they had weird Element Affinities, he was sure that they would sooner or later find a way to use them with enough training. But he never expected that Rean could already use his Light Element so well. The way Rean healed Julio and Lenna made him open his mouth wide at the end of every day!


    Since then, he had been looking at them with even more interest. He saw the entire process where Roan trained Julio, Lenna, and Malaka. For someone who loves hard effort like him, he began to think that he found a kindred soul on Roan. That kind of harsh training was usually something that Hulian would only use for himself. But Roan didn''t care and made the other kids pass through it every single day.


    Now, Rean and Roan were finally entering the Inner Region, so his eyes were glued to see how they would fight. Since Rean can use his Light Element that well, perhaps Roan can use his Dark Element too.


    The Stage Two demon beast that Rean''s group found was Crimson Lion. It had the power of a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Not only that, but it also had a few subordinates who came with it.


    "Julio, Lenna, and Malaka will deal with the Stage One demon beasts. Leave the Stage Two for me."


    Rean looked at Roan and asked through their soul connection.


    "Don''t you want to attack it together?"


    "No need, I''m feeling quite bored after so many days watching over those babies. Besides, since when did you start to care about me?"


    "I don''t, but our mother would be sad if something happened to you, so I''m helpless."


    Roan snorted but didn''t answer. As cold as he might be, he also likes that woman that made so much for him.


    Rean stayed close to Julio and the others just in case he had to save them. As for Roan, he immediately pounced at the Crimson Lion. Stage Two Demon Beasts don''t have intelligence, so it didn''t care about Roan''s size. As soon as it saw him coming at it, the Crimson Lion also attacked using full force.


    In just a few seconds, the two were already close to each other. It was then that Roan''s hair became a mix of Black and White. Sure enough, Roan wanted to finish it in one strike.


    Hulian looked at that and was surprised. That''s because he could see that both Rean and Roan''s hairs changed at the same time. However, Rean wasn''t participating in the battle.


    ''Just what is happening to those twins?''


    He didn''t time to think about it, though.


    Roan used Rean''s Light Element on his legs, and for a second, his speed far surpassed the Crimson Lion. All the Demon Beast could see was a flash of Black and White Light!


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Three Swords came at the Crimson Lion at once. All three powered by the Light Element while filled with Dark Element on the outside. The Lion tried to protect against the one that came for his face. But too bad, that wasn''t a real one. Well, it wasn''t totally fake either since it carried 70% of the power of the Real Sword.


    Swish, Swish, Swish!


    One sword on the neck, other on the face, and the last on the heart. The Lion almost lost his paws while protecting his face against the fake sword. As for the other two, the Lion simply didn''t have anything in his body to use to protect against them. By the time Roan stopped and looked behind, the Crimson Lion had already fallen on the ground on a pool of blood! It was as dead as dead could be.


    "Phew... that''s more like it."


    Rean shook his head as his hair went back to its pure white. He then turned his attention to Julio, Lenna, and Malaka, who were still fighting the Stage One demon beasts.


    Back on the base, everyone heard three loud shouts.


    "Impossible!"


    Sure enough, they were Elder Hulian, Uncle Wen, and Tanzon. Those were the three guys who had been watching Roan''s attack just now. They immediately understood that they had seen the same thing when they hard the others'' voices. In the next second, they all looked at Alanda.


    Alanda, on the other hand, just smiled. He felt quite good with those gazes.


    ''That''s our Roan, alright?!''

 Chapter 106 - Roans Compliment

    They had all the reasons to be shocked by Roan''s skills. First of all, the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators that can really use skills at Roan''s level is minimal. Usually, those are descendants of prominent old families and clans with hundreds if not thousands of years of history. As mentioned before, skills for Foundation Establishment are extremely rare.


    Another thing is Roan''s background. Hulian had made sure to check it and knew that he came from a small tribe. There is no doubt that a place like that wouldn''t have skills for Foundation Establishment cultivators. In fact, they wouldn''t even have for Core Formation either.


    Hulian couldn''t help but send Alanda a Spiritual Sense message.


    "Just where did he learn that skill? The level that he displayed far surpassed anything that I know. Not to mention that I have never seen that skill before."


    Alanda smiled before answering.


    "That was the Third Form of the Death Style, Three Claws of the Dragon. He created it himself."


    "What?! Are you making fun of me?"


    Alanda shook his head.


    "I wouldn''t dare to lie to an elder of the Dalamu Sect. I know very well what might happen to my tribe and me if I tried to do so."


    Hulian narrowed his eyes for a second. Indeed, no one with a background like Alanda would try to make an enemy of their Dalamu Sect. But it was then that he noticed a problem.


    "Wait? What do you mean with ''third form''?"


    Alanda shrugged his shoulders before answering.


    "It means exactly what it means. That is the third form. There is also the First and Second Forms that Roan created first. Anyway, I can only talk to this point. Roan was the one who came up with them, so elder Hulian will have to ask him about that. Although I know the First and Second Forms too, I can only use the First Form, and it is far from Roan''s level."


    Hulian pondered a bit before changing the topic. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/roan''s-compliment_47618946739787116 for visiting.


    "In that case, what about that change in the twins'' Hair Colors? I might be wrong, but I''m almost sure that Roan used Rean''s Light Element. Am I seeing things?"


    Alanda confirmed as well.


    "He did. Those twins were born with a particular connection between themselves, which allows them to exchange elements. If I were to guess, it probably has something to do with the fact that they are twins. But don''t ask me how it works. Even I have no idea how such a thing is possible."


    Hulian began to ponder about it. It doesn''t matter how he looks at it, Roan is way too young to be able to create so many skills. And that Elemental Exchange is even more incredible.


    ''An inheritance, perhaps? No, that shouldn''t be the case. His skill was way too perfect. It was evident that he created it based on the Light and Dark Elements. It might be able possible to use it with other elements as well, but I don''t think it would be as good as what he showed. Even if he had found an Inheritance, there is no way it would be related to Light and Dark Elements. That means that he must have created it.''


    Hulian continued to ponder until he finally thought about a possibility.


    ''Reincarnation? That would indeed explain his proficiency with his Element. However, would that mean that Rean is also a Reincarnator? That seems unlikely. I''ve never heard about a double reincarnation. Not to mention that during these last four days, it didn''t look like Rean and Roan are close at all. Would you reincarnate together with someone you hate?''


    Little did Hulian know that he hit the bullseye. Rean and Roan don''t like each other but did really reincarnate together.


    ''Wait, there is a sure-fire way to confirm whether they are reincarnations or not.''


    Hulian then disappeared from his spot and appeared right above the teleport formation.


    "Activate the teleport formation, I need to go back to the sect immediately. Tell the other elders that I will return in a few hours."


    The disciples taking care of the formation immediately complied with his orders. With a flash of silver light, Hulian disappeared.


    Back on Rean''s group side, Roan watched as Malaka, Lenna, and Julio dealt with the Stage One Demon Beasts, Lionesses. That Crimson Lion had 5 subordinates under his command, so it became a battle of 5 vs. 3. Rean and Roan, of course, did not intervene at all.


    "They did quite well in sharing their jobs. Malaka is fighting two of them while Julio and Lenna work together to take care of the other three."


    Rean nodded.


    "Indeed. However, they are still taking too long to finish it. Especially Malaka."


    However, Roan shook his head.


    "I made Malaka hold those two without killing them on purpose. That way, Julio and Lenna will think that Malaka doesn''t have the spare time to help them. This will definitely drag more of their potential out. Let''s see how they deal with it while outnumbered."


    Roan was right, Julio and Lenna really thought that Malaka couldn''t help them. Not to mention that they knew Roan wouldn''t help them at all, either. After so many days of hellish training, they felt like Roan wouldn''t step out even if they were about to die! Of course, that was just their misconceptions due to Roan''s treatment. If it really came to this point, Roan would still step forward. However, Roan was more than happy that they are thinking like that.


    Lenna and Julio''s eyes were red as they did their best to defend and attack. It was then that Julio noticed an opening on the demon beast''s attack. It came just when Lenna turned her back to one of them, so it was trying to take her by surprise.


    "Lenna, get down!"


    Lenna didn''t know why Julio asked that, but after many days working together, she learned to trust Julio. At the same time that she moved, a spear passed right where she had been a split of a second ago. Although it wasn''t a skill, Julio could at least control his Wind Element to make the attack more swift.


    As the Spear passed above Lenna''s head, a demon beast''s head appeared just beside her. The Lioness was taken aback by that Spear. It was completely concealed by Lenna''s body, so it didn''t see the weapon until it was right in front of its eyes. The Lioness tried to dodge, but because it had pounced at Lenna, it was in mid-air at the moment. It simply couldn''t change directions without a foothold.


    *Puch!*


    The Spear passed through the Demon Beast''s skull, piercing it all the way to the other side. It quickly fell on the floor right after. It was as dead as dead could be.


    One of Roan''s eyebrows raised a bit after seeing that.


    "That wasn''t too shabby of a reaction. Julio noticed that the Lioness was going to pounce from Lenna''s back and positioned himself so that the demon beast wouldn''t see his Spear. Lenna also reacted really fast to his call. Otherwise, such a team play wouldn''t have worked at all. It seems like she has got quite some trust on Julio after so many days of ''happy training'' together."


    Rean glanced at Roan on the corner of his eyes.


    "Happy training, uh?"


    Roan heard that and smiled faintly.


    With one of the three Lionesses out, Lenna and Julio''s burden instantly reduced. The battle continued for a while longer until they finally got rid of the other two. At the same time, Malaka also finished the two Lionesses who were attacking her. Of course, that was because she received Roan''s authorization to do so.


    Once everything was over, Roan looked at Julio and Lenna and commented.


    "Although your teamwork is still ugly to the point I can barely keep watching, that first kill wasn''t too terrible. Now, here are the things you should pay attention to."


    Roan then started his endless stream of words while they moved to find the next demon beasts. Still, Julio and Lenna couldn''t help but feel happy. That was the first time Roan had ever complimented something that they did...


    It was a compliment... right? They weren''t sure, but it was already a significant improvement.

 Chapter 107 - New or Old

    Rean''s group continued to run around the border of the Inner Region. After two hours, they had found a total of three Stage Two Demon Beasts. One thing worth pointing out is that in general, those demon beasts are rarely alone. They always have a few weaker ones of the same species following them.


    Be it Rean or Roan, they had no problem dealing with them. First, their real combat power was far above their Initial Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. As Sister Orb mentioned before, they could fight ordinary Advanced Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. So it goes without saying that even a Peak Stage Two Demon Beast would most likely be helpless against them when they worked together.


    It was also a good thing since Malaka''s group could exercise against the weaker ones that followed them. This time, Julio and Lenna had a lot more time to rest between battles since they didn''t find demon beasts all the time.


    As time passed, the Death Team''s position began to grow in the ranks. Of course, three days killing only Stage One demon beasts without having Rean and Roan''s help made the gap between them and first place quite big. Just a few hours that wouldn''t eliminate that difference.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    A ray of Light moved at extreme speeds against what seemed to be a giant red rabbit.


    *Puch!*


    It pierced through its right back leg, which immediately made it fall on the ground.


    Roan appeared one the flank and finished it with the Third Form of the Death Style. It was a Blood Rabbit. In the first clash against Roan, it instantly got injured. Noticing the danger that it was in, the rabbit immediately turned around to flee. But as seen just a moment ago, it didn''t get too far before breathing its last. Sure enough, it was another Stage Two Demon Beast.


    Roan looked behind and saw several other Blood Rabbits who were in the middle of a battle against Malaka, Julio, and Lenna. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/new-or-old_47643298147392108 for visiting.


    "This Demon Beast had quite a few underlings, no?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Well, it looked like a Rabbit, after all. I don''t know if I could really compare it with a real rabbit from my previous world, but it seemed like it was quite fertile."


    Roan nodded. At the moment, those three were fighting against 8 Stage One Blood Rabbits. However, Rean and Roan could see that they weren''t that strong. It looked more like that used their advantage in numbers than individual prowess.


    "Can they resist so many?"


    "Give them a chance, but stay close to them just in case."


    Numbers had its own quality, so Julio and Lenna had a hard time to hold against them. They kept retreating without stop as Malaka did her best to hold a few of them. Even for Malaka, too many enemies were too hard to deal with.


    Finally, a breach appeared in Julio''s defense, and one of the Blood Rabbits targeted his neck. But just as it was about to hit its target, a ray of Black Light Pierced its shoulders. Julio couldn''t help but sweat cold when the Blood Rabbit''s teeth passed just a few centimeters of his neck.


    "How can you leave your guard down? You have a f.u.c.k.i.n.g Spiritual Sense, so use it! How come you didn''t notice it coming from your side?"


    Roan was harsh as always, which put quite a lot more pressure on Julio. It was not that his Spiritual Sense couldn''t see the Blood Rabbit, it''s just that there were too many for him to focus on. That''s why he missed this last one''s attack.


    Spiritual Sense wasn''t exactly like a 360 degrees sensor. You could cover this area, but you had to lock on the target as well, or you might miss it. Keeping several targets under watch was quite difficult for someone at Julio''s level.


    However, Roan was quite impressed with Lenna''s awareness. Be it during the Lionesses fight or this time around against the Blood Rabbits, it seemed like she had some talent at sharing her attention everywhere. It was easy to see since her cultivation was a lot smaller than Julio''s. Still, she hadn''t been taken by surprise even once in this fight.


    As for Malaka. Well, she was used to this kind of treatment anyway. Just how many times Roan made Malaka battle Stage One demon beasts on the nearby forests of the Varen Tribe? Those were dark memories, so Malaka didn''t want to remember them, though.


    Finally, the first Blood Rabbit fell. With that, a chain reaction began, and the others died one after another. In the end, the last three tried to run away, but they were quickly caught by Malaka and the others. Without their numbers'' advantage, there wasn''t much of a threat coming from them.


    "Good. Although a certain someone wanted to offer his neck on a plate for the Blood Rabbits, the rest of the battle wasn''t too bad. It seems like your teamwork is improving considerably. Let''s go find the next group."


    Julio felt embarrassed but didn''t complain. After all, Roan had still saved his life just a moment ago.


    Half a day passed since Rean''s group entered the Inner Region, but they didn''t find many difficulties.


    Back on the base beside the Dalamu Sect''s private demon forest, the teleport formation inside the build began to shine with Silver Light. Once the Light finally settled, a man appeared above it. That was obviously Elder Hulian. Together with him, there was a female cultivator. Her name was Tarshalia Wolkans, an Advantaged Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator.


    "Well, where are they?"


    Hulian smiled before answering.


    "Let''s check the Pillar. It should be easy after that."


    The two of them sent their Spiritual Sense into the ranking pillar and soon found Rean and Roan''s location. They also had their own bracelets, so they quickly marked which one of the red points on it represented the twins'' group.


    Without giving any explanation, the two of them took flight and dashed into the forest. The other elders saw that and felt quite puzzled. However, since it was Hulian''s time to organize the Sect Entrance Exam, they didn''t mind it that much.


    What took Rean''s group hours to arrive, only took Hulian and Tarshalia around 15 minutes. Eventually, they could see Rean and Roan in the middle of the forest with their Spiritual Sense.


    "I see the twins. All I need to check is the connection of their souls with their bodies, correct?"


    Hulian nodded.


    "Yes, please do."


    The way Hulian thought to check whether Rean and Roan were reincarnations was quite simple. Those who reincarnate with their memories would not be well connected with their own bodies. That''s because they would usually pick up a body that they felt to have the highest potential. That being said, they would enter the body of someone else''s soul. In the end, the soul that was supposed to enter that body will go back into the Reincarnation Path once more to wait for a new chance.


    Since that body was not supposed to be theirs, the connection with the reincarnations and their new bodies would be bellow average.


    Usually, the average percentage of synchronization would be between 90 to 95%. However, an expert who kept memories for reincarnation would already be fortunate if he or she achieved 80%. After all, that wasn''t supposed to be their bodies to start with.


    Because of Hulian''s request, Tarshalia already had an idea about what he wanted to verify. She looked at the twins as she began to draw a few Seals on the air. As those seal acc.u.mulated, spiritual energy started to rush at them.


    "Well, let''s see if they are ''new'' or actually ''old'' friends."

 Chapter 108 - Dead?

    [Hmm?]


    Rean and Roan didn''t notice anything, but Sister Orb was totally different.


    [What is this...? Seals? I''m not from this Universe, so I''m not sure what they are for... I better block them for the time being.]


    Back on Tarshalia''s side, her Seals in the air kept floating until finally, they gave her a result.


    "This..."


    Hulian noticed Tarshalia''s change in expression and couldn''t help but ask.


    "What is it? Are they below 90%?"


    Tarshalia nodded.


    "Yes..."


    Hulian''s eyes lit up.


    ''So they are really reincarnations!''


    However, before Hulian could finish forming this idea in his mind, Tarshalia continued.


    "But there is a problem, their soul and body connection is... 0%."


    "Wait, what?!"


    Hulian thought like he had heard a joke.


    "Are you sure it is 0%? Because that would mean..."


    Tarshalia nodded.


    "I know what that means. It is as if they are dead! Only in death would someone''s soul lose the connection with their bodies entirely." Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/dead_47666068973478489 for visiting.


    Hulian looked at Rean and Roan with his Spiritual Sense.


    "It doesn''t matter how I see it; they are very well alive and kicking! If some dark arts were used to lock their souls inside, their connection would be shallow, but definitely not 0%. Not to mention that the bodies used by them were dead ones. But Rean and Roan are absolutely alive, or at least, their bodies definitely are."


    Tarshalia nodded.


    "I know, I can see that with my Spiritual Sense too. However, the results still show 0%."


    "Try it again, maybe you failed while drawing your Seals."


    Usually, Tarshalia would be enraged by that comment. But even she had to admit that it could only be a mistake. There is no way that Rean and Roan are dead.


    Tarshalia then took a deep breath and restarted the process, just for Sister Orb to block her once more. Two times, three times, four times. It kept showing 0%. In the end, Tarshalia used her Seal on Julio, Malaka, and Lenna. Finally, she got the results she wanted. All three of them had connections between 90 to 95%. That proved that she wasn''t mistaking her readings.


    "Just what is happening with those two?"


    Hulian thought a little before saying.


    "According to their protector, Rean and Roan have the ability to exchange the Elements that they can use. Roan can use Rean''s Light Element, and Rean can do the same with Roan''s Dark one. Their hair colors even change when that happens, becoming a mix of white and black. Do you think this anomaly in those twins could be causing these results in your search?"


    That was the first time Tarshalia heard something like that.


    "This... I really don''t know. I''ve never heard of such a phenomenon before. However, that could really be the case, unless..."


    Hulian''s interest was immediately picked.


    "Unless what?!"


    "Unless someone is purposely intervening with my search. But I''m already in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. So even if it was a Nascent Soul Realm expert, I would still detect it. In fact, I''m confident that even a Soul Transformation Realm would still leave some traces behind. However, there is absolutely nothing in my readings that show it."


    Hulian understood what Tarshalia meant.


    "Are you saying that it might be a... Saint Realm expert? Ridiculous! I refuse to believe that a Saint Realm expert would lose his or her time in a place like this."


    Tarshalia immediately nodded.


    "I agree with you. That''s why I struggled to say that. After all, no one would believe this notion. In that case, we are only left with one option. These twins'' connection is really affecting the readings, which also means that this connection is made through their Souls."


    Hulian agreed with her.


    "This is a lot more plausible than the Saint Realm option. Still, if that is the case, there is no way to find out whether they are reincarnations or not."


    Tarshalia sighed.


    "Most likely, they are not. After all, would two reincarnations try something as dangerous as a soul connection? I don''t know if something like this is possible, but I can guarantee that the risks would be way too high!"


    "Besides, if you were an expert strong enough to brand your soul and keep your memories for reincarnation, why would you do something that risky? There is simply no need for an expert at this level to do that due to their own knowledge. They would be more than competent enough to raise back to their peak on their own."


    Hulian had to admit that Tarshalia is right.


    "That''s not all. You need to be at least above the Saint Realm if you want to brand your soul. I refuse to believe that such an expert would lose his time to enter our Dalamu Sect, right? They would be much better alone."


    Hulian nodded his head once more.


    "I''ll keep an eye on them. Even though they are probably not reincarnations, I can''t simply ignore this. That 0% result is bothering me, after all."


    Tarshalia agreed with Hulian.


    "That''s the correct decision. There is nothing bad in keeping one''s guard up. Anyway, you can continue with your entrance exam, I''m going back to the sect."


    Hulian quickly bowed to Tarshalia.


    "Thank you for your help. Keep it a secret, as we discussed before."


    She nodded and quickly departed, soon disappearing in the distance.


    Hulian looked at Rean and Roan from above for a few more hours after that. Sure enough, Rean and Roan really impressed him. Those two are in entirely different leagues compared to others, especially Roan.


    "Well, their cultivation is still shallow, so it would take decades for them to present the sect any degree of danger. As long as they mean no harm to the Dalamu Sect, then I''m okay with anything."


    Hulian then turned around and returned to the base.


    As for Rean and Roan, they kept going on their hunt as if nothing had happened. Sister Orb was the only one who knew about what happened, but she decided not to comment.


    [I need to finish analyzing those Seals before I can get a conclusion.]


    Just like that, the time continued to pass. Rean''s group finished their fourth day six positions higher, and they are now the 31st one.

 Chapter 109 - Gentle

    "Go wash yourselves, eat, and sleep! Also, there are no extra clothes for you today. So you better take your time to wash them as well."


    Julio, Lenna, and Malaka could only follow Roan''s orders. Well, Malaka has been washing her clothes anyway. However, Rean and Roan also jumped into the river. After all, even if they were not even sweating, several days without washing their bodies left them quite sticky.


    The same thing as always happened after. Rean took care of the first half of the night while Roan took care of the next. Julio kept asking to let him help with that too, but Roan always refused. Especially now that they are close to the Stage Two Demon beasts. As for Malaka and Lenna, those two little girls had learned to not even bother trying anymore.


    On the next day, the hunting continued. But this time, Rean''s group went a little further from the border of the Inner Region. Sure enough, they did find more Stage Two Demon Beasts. There was even an occasion where they found a group of Demon Beasts with two of them. This time, Julio and Lenna were put through a real test. That''s because Rean and Roan had to deal with the Stage Two Demon beasts, so they didn''t have time to care about them.


    Well, at least that''s what they felt like. But the truth was that those Stage Two demon beasts were on the weak side. Their power was equivalent to an Initial Stage Foundation Establishment Realm. But both Rean and Roan had combat power of Advanced Stage ones. So if necessary, one of them could still retreat to help the kids while the other could deal with those Stage Two demon beasts on his own.


    But in the end, that was not necessary, Julio and Lenna began to have much better teamwork with Malaka. With her support, they slowly grinded out the Stage One demon beasts of this group. Of course, they aren''t some geniuses or anything, so there had been several cuts and bruises here and there. Even Malaka got some on them, but she also held the most significant burden.


    "Good. We had to deal with two Stage Two demon beasts, so we wouldn''t have to time save your asses if you were about to die. Keep going like this. Rean will heal you all now."


    Rean felt like he was some kind of unlimited healing pill stock. Still, he did heal the three kids before they continued.


    Soon, the first week went by. By now, the Death Team was already in the 13th position of the rank. Not only that, but their distance to the first place reduced by almost half.


    On the morning of the eighth day, Roan woke everyone up. As they eat their breakfast, he took the chance to announce the day''s schedule.


    "It''s been a week already, so Malaka, Julio, and Lenna''s teamwork improved significantly. Malaka isn''t doing all the job alone as it was at the start. That being said, we are leaving the border and diving right in the middle of the Inner Region. That also means more and stronger demon beasts. There might even be a moment where three or more Stage Two demon beasts appear."


    "So, you better put your all from now on. Otherwise, don''t blame me if you end inside some demon beast''s belly."


    Julio and Lenna felt a chill on their backs. They were able to deal with everything, but there are still times when they get injured badly. Malaka is basically the only one in their midst that can really hold on her own. Of course, Malaka had spent years with Rean and Roan, so that was to be expected.


    Lenna then decided to ask for something else. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/gentle_47690374461846468 for visiting.


    "Can you wait for just one hour? I think I can finally make a breakthrough into the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm."


    After hearing that, one of Roan''s eyebrows raised in surprise. He got up and then pressed his hand against Lenna''s Dantian position.


    Lenna is only eleven years old girl, but she already has some awareness between genders. So when Roan suddenly made that action, her face still got a little red.


    "Circulate your Spiritual Energy as if you intend to make a breakthrough. I need to see if you are really ready or just forcing it."


    Lenna quickly calmed down and executed Roan''s orders. Spiritual Energy began to gather around her, and it was guided to her Dantian through her meridians. A few minutes later, Roan finally took his hand back.


    "Good, seems like all the training paid off. Your foundation is as sturdy as it could possibly be."


    Roan then put his hand inside his bag and teleported some spirit stones from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm into his hand.


    "Use these Spirit Stones so that there won''t be a problem with lack of energy. Go ahead and make your breakthrough without worries, we will protect you while it."


    Lenna was shocked to hear that. This ''gentle'' Roan was completely unfamiliar to her, and even Malaka was taken aback.


    Rean then put his hand on Roan''s shoulder before asking.


    "Has spring finally arrived for you?"


    Roan''s mouth twitched.


    "I don''t know if spring arrived for me, but I can make your body turn as cold as the winter if you continue spouting nonsense."


    Rean couldn''t help but burst out in laugher.


    Malaka, however, didn''t like it.


    "Not fair, you never treated me this well!"


    Still, Roan just snorted.


    "If I treat you well, you will only slack off. For kids like you, I need to be harsh all the time. Also, if you keep complaining, I don''t mind giving ''private fighting lessons'' while we are here."


    Malaka''s mouth immediately closed, even her breath became slower than usual so that she wouldn''t too much sound. Sure enough, Roan is this hyperactive girl''s nemesis.


    "Alright, give Lenna some space while she concentrates on her breakthrough. Once she finishes, we are going to leave immediately."


    Everyone nodded as Lenna began to consumed the Spirit Stones. She was quite happy that she could breakthrough this early, so she still felt thankful to Roan. Well... it was a hell of a week he made her pass through, so that gratitude was barely perceptible...

 Chapter 110 - New Mission

    It was just a small realm breakthrough, so there wouldn''t be problems even without the Spirit Stones. Of course, having them made it faster and less likely to fail nonetheless. After just 20 minutes or so, a wave of Spiritual Energy rushed out of Lenna''s body.


    Obviously, it caught everyone''s attention. As Roan looked at her, he nodded with a satisfied expression.


    "Good. It seems it went very smoothly."


    He then looked at the rest.


    "Alright, now that she finished, we are moving out. Make sure to stay close to each other and tell if you notice something suspicious. Depending on how much you progress you make in this last week, I might let you three fight a Stage Two demon beast to test your abilities."


    Malaka and the other two sweated cold. Even Malaka doesn''t think that she can contend against a Stage Two Demon Beast, let alone Julio and Lenna.


    Roan, of course, noticed that, so he couldn''t help but chuckle.


    "Let''s go!"


    Their group quickly departed. But at the same time, their route was the same as the other groups. Those groups in the bracelet formation were obviously the strong ones with Foundation Establishment in their midst. Sure enough, Roan made sure to never bee too far away from the others.


    Time continued to pass, and another three days went by. With Rean''s group''s new hunting area, their position in the rank began to soar at high speeds. By now, they were already in the third place, and it would take at most a few more hours before they surpassed the second.


    Agis, the leader of the first positioned group, obviously noticed their approach. After all, it was possible to check the ranking positions in the bracelet as well. It was made on purpose so that the teams would put even more effort into their test. The Kids'' parents told them to be positioned as high as possible. After all, It would catch the elders'' attention and bring benefits in the long term while they are part of the Sect.


    Ten days of teamwork would help even a disorganized group to work better together, let alone Agis''s one that had two Foundation Establishment at the forefront. Agis continued to be as arrogant as ever, but the other kids simply began to ignore this attitude of his. To be more precise, they started to follow the words of the second Foundation Establishment kid, a guy called Loki Hatun. He has a Green Color aptitude, but thanks to his family, he had enough resources to push into the Foundation Establishment before the exam started.


    It is not because someone came from a well off family that they would turn arrogant like Agis, and Loki was pretty much this type of kid. The reason he joined Agis''s group was that he thought that it would be the fastest way to get the first place.


    Agis noticed that as well. But since they were working better and killing more, he ignored it. For him, the important thing is to get first place. Not to mention that he was still the one registered as the leader of this group.


    Unfortunately for him, he underestimated the level of the monitoring formation covering this private demon beast forest. As the only Red Color Aptitude, he was one of the most viewed kids. Soon, everyone began to notice that Agis was losing his leadership. His protector, for example, had a terrible expression on his face as time passed. However, he often sighed a lot too.


    He knew why it was like this. Agis had been treated with a golden spoon ever since his talent was found out in the clan, and it turned him into this spoiled kid. Because he had the ancestor''s protection, no one, not even his parents, dared to rebuke him. This is now the final result of such an education.


    The Core Formation elders who were observing him couldn''t help but shook their heads. Since he is a Red Color Aptitude kid, none of them would give him up. But they understood in these last ten days. Agis will need harsh training on the mental side once everything is over.


    "I guess it can''t be helped. Most of those highly talented kids with significant backgrounds turn out like this. Just look at the others Blue and Green talents with expensive clothes. Most of them act pretty much like Agis."


    Another elder nodded before saying.


    "Well, we are used to this kind of new members anyway. Soon, they will understand how useless their backgrounds are once they enter the Sect. Still, Agis isn''t completely helpless. Even though he is losing his leadership in his group, he can swallow it for the sake of the first place. There is still hope for him. I''ll be sure to give him the proper training later so that he will change that pride of him into something more constructive."


    "Hmph! You talk as if he is already entering your faction. Look at the score, the way things are going, he will most likely join my side. The one who will give him the right mental training will be my group."


    None of those core elders wanted to lose the only Red Talent, so they once again began to argue with each other.


    Rean''s group passed the second positioned one in the raking by the end of the 10th day. On the 11th, the difference between Agis and them reduced even more. Finally, Agis began to lose his patience again.


    How can he accept being second with his superior talent? Because of that, he decided to change his plans and go even deeper into the Inner Region.


    Loki, of course, noticed it not too long after.


    "Hey, Agis, we will get too close to the Core Region!"


    Still, Agis didn''t mind.


    "Haven''t you seen the rank, idiot? That Death Team is almost passing us! There is no doubt that they are very deep into the forest as well. If we want to win, we need more Stage Two demon beasts! Stop complaining and follow me!"


    Too bad, though. Rean''s group wasn''t so deep as he thought. In fact, there are quite a few groups that went further than them because they also wanted to go higher in the rank. The difference in Rean''s group was pretty simple, the efficiency of Roan''s commands combined with his Death Style.


    Roan''s Death Style was focused on killing as fast as possible while keeping oneself safe. It was far more advanced than any of the kids'' weapons'' styles. So their killing time was simply unbeatable! Not to mention that both Rean and Roan had the power of Advanced Stage Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators.


    Another point is that Agis and the groups advancing further into the forest are making another mistake. There is indeed more Stage Two Demon Beasts over there, but they are also stronger than the ones closer to the outer region border. So their killing number would probably not change much at the same time that they would be in even greater danger.


    Because Rean''s Group killed their target too fast, they had a lot more time to look for more of these weak Stage Two demon beasts. It was as simple as that.


    Roan, of course, didn''t know about Agis''s group or the others, nor would he care even if he knew. For him, as long as he takes the first position, that will be fine. He had to prove that Malaka''s words weren''t wrong. It was his pride as a big brother.


    But it was at this moment that Rean and Roan received a message from Sister Orb. Or to be more specific, from the Soul Gem System.


    ---


    A few hours later, the core elders noticed what kind of decision Agis made.


    "That idiot is going too deep. Does he think he is a match for the Stage Three Demon Beasts?"


    "It seems like we need to send someone to prevent the worst. We can''t let a Red Color die just like that."


    "Wouldn''t it be against the Sect''s rules? We shouldn''t give any support to any of the kids passing through it. Otherwise, what about the kids who died already? More than 200 passed away already."


    "So do we let him die just like that? How many years will we have to wait for another Red Color Aptitude? It might be just another two or three years, but it might also be decades!"


    These elders continued to argue until finally, one of the Inner Sect elders intervened. In fact, the one who spoke was hulian, the organizer of the tests this time around.


    "Hum...? Is it me, or is there another group following Agis''s right behind?"


    The elders quickly expanded the map around Agis''s group, soon noticing that as well. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/new-mission_47713451606340780 for visiting.


    ---


    Back on Rean''s group side, Rean and Roan were cursing without stop.


    "Sister Orb, you can''t do it with us! That''s a suicide mission!"


    Roan also complained.


    "It is on purpose, right? We haven''t talked with you for some time, so you are doing it to get back at us!"


    [I wish you were right. At least, it would be interesting seeing your faces. However, it has nothing to do with me. The Soul Gem system opens its own Authority Raising Missions whenever it wants. You can only blame your luck. But don''t worry, even if you die, I will simply be transferred to a new host. You already did good enough to help me reach this side of the universe.]


    The twins felt like crying but had no tears.


    Who the hell cares if you are going to be transferred or not? The important thing here is that we will be dead if it really happens!


    "Sister Orb, can''t you simply change the content of the quest like you did last time?"


    [I can''t. In fact, I couldn''t back then, either. It''s just that I had hidden the other missions available, leaving only the ''brotherly affection'' mission for you to see. But this time, this is really the only mission available.]


    "F.u.c.k! So it was really on purpose at that time!"


    [Are you sure you want to talk about it now? I think you should be more worried about how to pass this test.]


    Rean and Roan smiled bitterly. She was right; they could only comply with the system.


    *A few hours earlier.*


    [Authory Mission has Started: Sect members are the same as brothers and sisters, people that you should treat dearly!


    Mission Objective: Save the first positioned group from being killed by the Stage Three Demon Beast, Inferno Wolf.


    Target: No more than 3 members of the group can die.


    Reward: 100 Destiny Points.


    Failure Penalty: 1000 Destiny Points. In case the hosts can''t provide the points, hosts shall be wiped out, and a new host search will start.]

 Chapter 111 - Puppy

    Of course, Rean and Roan didn''t know where Agis''s group was. However, they did know that Stage Three Demon Beasts were in the core region of this Private Demon Forest. All they had to do was to open the map and check which group was the furthest into the there.


    A good thing is that Roan''s group was following in the tracks of Agis''s one. That being said, the places they were passing by had already been partially cleaned out. There had a small number of demon beasts remaining. That allowed them to catch up with Agis and the others faster.


    On Agis''s group side, they finally reached the border between the Inner and Core Regions.


    "Alright, we will begin to look for targets around here."


    However, as he looked behind him, he could see that his group was exhausted already. As mentioned before, the further inside they went, the stronger the Demon Beasts became. Thanks to that, they had little power to move at the moment.


    Agis couldn''t help but get angry again. Still, there was nothing he could do since their cultivations are entirely different. The only one who seemed to be okay was Loki since he is in the Foundation Establishment as well. In the end, Agis decided to look around to see if there wasn''t any Demon Beast he could fight in the meantime.


    Agis stayed away for quite a few minutes, which at least allowed the kids to catch their breath once more. However, it didn''t take long for Loki and the other kids to see Agis running at them at full speed. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/puppy_47735114616072873 for visiting.


    *Howl!*


    "Get up, you all! It''s not time to rest!


    Sure enough, the Soul Gem System wasn''t wrong. There were really Inferno Wolves close to the position where Agis''s group was located.


    Agis came running while three Fiery Red wolves followed him. All three of them were at the Stage Two Level. Not only that, a little bit behind, there was also a big pack with over ten Stage One Inferno Wolves. Be it Loki or the other kids, their face immediately got pale when they saw that.


    That was too hard for the kids to manage, so they quickly panicked. However, Loki promptly took control of the situation.


    "Agis and I will hold the Stage Two Inferno Wolves, you guy do your best to defend against the Stage One pack. Gather together and protect each other''s back. Wolves like to attack those alone, so make sure to not separate. Do that, and we might have a chance."


    With a voice of command, the kids quickly formed a circle and waited. Agis and Loki used their higher strength to catch the Stage Two Demon Wolves'' attention, bringing them away from the Energy Gathering Realm kids.


    However, they are far into the forest, so those three Stage Two wolves were a lot stronger than Demon Beasts back in the middle of the Inner Region.


    The battle soon started. Agis and Loki had to give their all just to bring their side to a standstill. As for the Energy Gathering Realm kids, they were able to hold the advantage thanks to Loki''s orders. The wolves were looking for an opening, but those kids were not let them in. They were even able to injure some of them.


    "Good, keep like that. Once enough wolves have been defeated, the Stage Two ones will feel threatened."


    That was his plan. As long as their numbers were higher, perhaps these Stage Two wolves would retreat.


    However, it was only the start.


    *Howl!*


    Agis and Loki paled when they heard that. It was a lot louder than any of the Stage Two Inferno Wolves. As they looked in the direction of the sound, they could see a wolf much bigger than the Stage Two ones. That beast was at least double the size. There is no doubt. That was a Stage Three Inferno Wolf and also the alfa of this pack. Together with it, there were another twelve wolves, all of them at Stage Two level!


    The Alfa Wolf howled once more, and those extra wolves began to rush at them. But the big guy didn''t do so, it only kept looking from the distance as its subordinates did the job for it.


    Agis and Loki couldn''t help but think about running away. It reached a level where they simply couldn''t fight anymore.


    However, it was at this moment that they heard someone cursing from behind.


    "F.u.c.k those fools! Just how did they attract so many of these dogs."


    "No point in complaining now. Just get rid of the small ones before dealing with the big guy."


    "That is not a guy, idiot. That''s a female wolf."


    "Who the hell cares which gender it is? We need to deal with it anyway."


    Obviously, it was Rean and Roan. Right behind them, Malaka, Julio, and Lenna followed. However, those three got quite afraid when they saw that enormous wolf at the back. It was evident that they wouldn''t be able to do anything against that.


    Roan looked at Malaka and the others and quickly gave his order.


    "Malaka, Julio, Lenna, help the Energy Gathering Realm Kids. Use everything you learned and protect them. Make sure you don''t let them die."


    "Rean, let''s get rid of the pack that is advancing ahead."


    "The Red Color Aptitude donkey over there, make sure to hold these stage two Wolves properly."


    Agis felt like cursing Roan. Unfortunately, the three Stage Two Inferno Wolves didn''t give him any time for it.


    Rean and Roan then separated and got a few meters away from each other. They dashed straight at the wolves coming at them as if they wanted to crash head-on.


    At this moment, all the Inner Elders, Core Elders, and quite a few relatives to these kids were watching this battle.


    "Are they planning to suicide? The majority of those wolves in the front are Stage Two!"


    "I don''t think so, but I don''t know how those twins will deal against so many Stage Two wolves."


    On Alanda''s side, he already had an idea of how it would play.


    ''You only have one chance. After you show your abilities, the wolves will be a lot more careful.''


    Back to Rean and Roan, their hair began to change color, becoming a mix of Black and White. This time, they didn''t try to hide the power of Rean''s Swords either.


    Suddenly, Rean and Roan approached each other once more and switched sides. It''s just that they didn''t go far away from each other this time. By doing this movement, the wolves ahead tried to follow their targets and packed together without noticing.


    Spiritual Energy acc.u.mulated on their swords as Light Element rushed inside at crazy speeds. But because of the layer of Dark Element on the around of the swords, it didn''t look too bright.


    By the moment the two sides were just 50 meters away from each other, The twins used Rean''s Light Element on their legs. That made their speed soar, quickly catching the wolves by surprise.


    *Howl!*


    The instincts of the Alfa Wolf on the back told it that something was wrong. As a Stage Three demon beast, its intelligence was much higher than its subordinates. That howl was given so that the wolves rushing against Rean and Roan would spread and try to avoid those two kids.


    However, the warning came too late. With the Light Element supporting the Twin''s speed, those wolves didn''t even have the time to understand the meaning of the Alfa Wolf''s howl.


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    Rean and Roan''s crossed their swords together before deferring a double wave of Light and Darkness energy forward. Due to their movement speed, the crescent slash arrived in front of those Stage Two Inferno Wolfs in a split of a second. The area of effect was also tens of meters wide, which didn''t give any space for the wolves to dodge.


    The Inferno Wolves simply had no chance to dodge at all. Light Element passed as Dark Element corrupted everything around. The next thing they knew, that Black and White wave of energy passed through their body as if they were made of paper!


    What remained a pack of Stage Two Inferno Wolves cleaved in half! The wave of Light and Dark Elements continued forward for a few more meters before it finally disappeared.


    The truth is that Rean and Roan didn''t have enough Spiritual Energy to send such a big wave. That''s why they crossed their swords before using the attack. Their Spiritual Energy fuelled each other, creating this much bigger area of effect. Something that would be impossible for them to do alone. At least, not until their cultivation goes up a few stages.


    This kind of combination wasn''t something that anyone could do. It was only because of the Link between their souls and elements that they achieved this result.


    Back on the base, all the elders looked at the twins as if they were seeing two ghosts!


    "This..."


    "Where the hell did those two come from?"


    Hulian, on the other hand, couldn''t help but feel excited! Especially after seeing the expression of all the other Inner Sect elders.


    ''Those two are already part of MY FACTION! Do you regret letting them go? Too bad, this grandfather doesn''t give a damn! Hahaha!''


    However, the battle wasn''t over yet. Rean and Roan didn''t even wait for the Inferno Wolves'' corpses to hit the ground before they passed by them like a ray of black and white light! Their target was obvious, the big boss right behind these wolves.


    The Alfa Wolf got enraged after seeing that. But just as it was about to pounce at Rean and Roan, something weird happened.


    Boom!


    Rean and Roan smashed the ground in front of them!


    Dust and dirt flew tens of meters in the air, quickly covering their presence.


    However, the elders back on the base didn''t understand. That''s because Rean and Roan had done that far behind. They were still too far away from the Alfa Inferno Wolf. If their intention was to distract the Alfa Wolf, then they played it way too poorly. They should have waited for when the Alfa Wolf was close so that it would be engulfed by the dust and dirt as well.


    The Alfa Wolf kept looking at the place where Rean and Roan attacked the ground, making sure to look at the sides of the area to see if they wouldn''t appear there. However, both the twins were nowhere to be seen. Still, its instincts told the Alfa Wolf that something was definitely wrong. It felt like it was in extreme danger even though it couldn''t understand why.


    Suddenly, it heard a voice entering its ears.


    "Bye, bye, puppy!"

 Chapter 112 - Okay!

    There was a reason why Roan called the Alfa Wolf''s attention with those words. He wanted it to look at him! With that, the Alfa Wolf quickly looked to the sky. Just in time to see two kids slashing down their swords against it.


    Back when the twins smashed the ground, the dust and dirt flew tens of meters in the air. Right after, Rean and Roan used the Fourth Form of the Death Style, Soaring Dragon. But this time, it didn''t have a target, they used it solely to jump high in the skies.


    If the Alfa Wolf wanted to see Rean and Roan coming out of the dust cloud, it would need to look far above its line of vision. But it didn''t, and that''s why it didn''t notice them until the last moment.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Six Swords, three from Rean and three from Roan, slashed against six different parts of the wolf''s head! Because the wolf looked at Roan''s direction in the last second, it exposed its throat to the twins. Rean and Roan weren''t sure if they would have enough strength to cut the wolf''s head, so they went for the safer route, cutting its throat instead.


    To make sure the slash wouldn''t fail to pass through the wolf''s skin, the two real swords aimed directly at the critical point while the other four acted as a distraction. Even though the four fake swords still had 70% of the real ones'' power, this is a Stage Three Demon Beast. There was no guarantee if they would be enough.


    Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!


    Six rays of Light and Dark attacked the Alfa Wolf''s head as Rean and Roan landed on the ground like two meteors!


    Blood spurted out as the twins immediately dashed away from the Inferno Wolf''s range. The twins guessed it right. Even with their full power attack, it was not enough to cut the wolf''s head. That being said, the wolf wouldn''t die instantly.


    Sure enough, the wold immediately pounced at them. It decided to use the last moments of its life to bring Rean and Roan together with it.


    Because of the forceful jump and landing, the twins'' legs were not in a good state. They couldn''t be as fast as the wolf to start with, let alone now. It was just because of Roan''s craftiness that they landed such a fatal hit.


    However, both of them already expected this from the very start. Rean and Roan have used the Soaring Dragon during practice several times in the past, so they understand very well its side effects.


    When they tried to take distance from the Alfa Wolf, they did not run in different directions. Instead, they stayed together and retreated without turning their backs to the enemy. If they wanted to resist the last struggle of this Stage Three demon beast, they would need to defend together!


    Through their Soul Connection, Rean and Roan moved their swords in unison. There wasn''t a single moment that they didn''t block the attacks together. Not only that, but they used the wolf''s attacks as an impulse to retreat even faster.


    Clang! Clang! Crash!


    The wolf wouldn''t survive for long, but every second looked like an eternity. One single mistake and they might get separated from each other. At their level, it was simply impossible to resist the wolf''s attacks without the other''s help. Still, Roan''s mind was as cold as ice, he was so calm that it even affected Rean''s mind too.


    The attacks soon began to become weaker and weaker. Finally, it reached a point where any of the twins could defend alone. However, Rean and Roan continued together until the very end, not giving any chance for a sudden change. Only when the Alfa Wolf fell on the ground did these two stop.


    "Stay away from it for a while. We will recheck the corpse in a few minutes. For now, let''s help the Red Guy and his friend before they can''t resist anymore."


    Rean nodded, and they joined forces with Agis and Loki, quickly dispatching the wolves. As for the ones attacking the Energy Gathering Realm kids, they began to flee as soon as the stronger wolves perished.


    [Congratulations, hosts. You successfully saved the kids from being killed by the wolves.]


    [Reward: 100 Destiny Point.]


    [Your Authority Level is now 3.]


    [Initiating Reward List Upgrade.]


    [Time: 120 hours before the end of the upgrade.]


    Only now, Rean and Roan were confident that the wolf was dead for sure.


    With the relief of tension, the group of kids felt their legs giving up and fell on their butts. Unfortunately, Rean''s group arrived too late. One of the kids of the Energy Gathering Realm''s group still died in the end. There was nothing that could be done since he perished before Malaka''s group could join them.


    Finally, Rean and Roan went to check the Alfa Wolf. Agis and Loki followed right behind. By now, it had stopped breathing altogether. Its heart also ceased to move anymore.


    Rean raised his blade and began to open the wolf''s head. Rean had already confirmed with his perception of life that this guy has a Demon Core. Some of the kids felt it to be quite gruesome, Agis included. Others seemed to be used to it. That''s the difference between the kids who lived in comfort and those who lived in dangerous places.


    "A Stage Three Demon Core, not too bad."


    Rean then took the Demon Core and put it in his bag.


    "Is it worth something?"


    Rean nodded.


    "We can get quite a few Rank Two Spirit Stones with this little baby. However, we won''t use it for cultivation. Instead, I will keep it to buy more forging materials. I need to get proficient in forging High-Quality Weapons as soon as possible."


    Roan nodded. Rean was always responsible for their finances and equipment, so Roan would not say anything unless it was really necessary.


    Rean then turned in Malaka''s group direction.


    "Malaka, Julio, Lenna, we are leaving."


    Surprisingly, Rean and Roan ignored Agis''s group completely. They didn''t even want to look at them. If not because of their harsh decision to come here, they would have fallen in this situation. At first, it like looked Rean and Roan had control over the events, but the truth was that if anything went wrong, they would most likely have died.


    Loki quickly came forward, though.


    "Wait! Let me thank you for your help first."


    Rean shook his head.


    "There is no need, it was just a coincidence that we ended helping you."


    Still, Loki was happy that they intervened and helped to save everyone. So he thanked them nonetheless.


    Agis, on the other hand, was feeling awful. He wasn''t angry at Rean''s group nor his own. Instead, he couldn''t help but be mad at himself. When the Stage Three Inferno Wolf appeared, the only thing he could think about was to run. But Rean and Roan were different. Their cultivation was lower than his own, but they still charged forward and even killed that Alfa Wolf.


    His pride as a member of the Kexidor Clan was destroyed by those twins today. He is the only participant with a Red Color Aptitude, not to mention that he is the only one at the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Nevertheless, he totally lost Rean and Roan''s display.


    He looked at the Twins'' direction as they left and clenched his fist. Suddenly, a memory surfaced on his mind. It was about that moment when he tried to invite Malaka to his group. He still remembers every word she said.


    ''But how can you get the first place with Rean and Roan here?''


    He finally understood that she wasn''t making fun of him, but stating the truth. With the power that these twins showed, he wasn''t a match at all!


    ''It won''t always be like this, you just wait!''


    Rean and Roan didn''t know what Agis was thinking, nor did they care. After that, Rean looked at Malaka and noticed that she seemed a little bit sad. Following her gaze, he quickly saw that she was looking at where that kid had died. He wasn''t the only one; Roan also noticed the same same.


    It was then that a hand patted Malaka''s head. But surprisingly, it wasn''t Rean this time, but Roan instead.


    "It had nothing to do with you. We already did our best. Remember, people die in the cultivation world. If you really want to follow this path, then this kind of thing will continue to happen in front of you. After today, I don''t want to see you showing this face anymore. Otherwise, I will send you back to the Varen Tribe, understood?"


    Malaka looked away before taking a deep breath.


    "Okay!" Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/okay!_47759454447401944 for visiting.


    Roan chuckled, and Rean smiled as their group quickly moved away before more demon beasts appear. Agis''s group didn''t stay long either and promptly returned to the middle of the Inner Region. One Stage Three Demon Beast was more than enough for him to understand that he will just be throwing his life away in this place.


    Back on the base, all the elders looked in dismay. What Rean and Roan had done far surpasses their view of the world. They were sure that none of them would be able to pull that off in the same situation.


    "What kind of monsters are those two? Wasn''t rare Aptitudes and Elemental Affinities supposed to be hard to train? How come they seem to be so proficient at it. They even have created several skills to use with their elements, ''several!'' How many skills there are out there that Foundation Establishment can use? Even our Sect has only a few!"


    "Are they monsters disguised of kids?"


    "I don''t know, but their talent is simply boundless. Perhaps their Aptitude Color and Elemental Affinity are not burdens, but improvements instead."


    Even the Core Elders were deeply moved by what the twins did. But in their case, what caught their attention the most was their ''connection!'' The way they moved, the way they attacked, the way they defended. Everything matched perfectly! Without that cooperation, it would be impossible to achieve what they did.


    They had to admit that they also wished to take Rean and Roan to their sides. However, after the discussion about their Aptitude Colors and Elemental Affinity back then, they made it clear that they didn''t want to take the twins in. If they chanced opinion now and used their status to take them from an Inner Sect elder, what face would remain for them in the Sect? They could only begrudgingly accept that Hulian already got the golden eggs.


    Hulian, of course, was beaming from ear to ear. He only didn''t start laughing right there because it would be disrespectful to the Core Elders. Still, that didn''t stop him from doing so in his mind.


    ''Hahahaha! Jealous? Of course, you are! But I won''t give them to any of you! Hahahaha!''


    But it was then that one of the Inner Elders asked.


    "Could they be reincarnations?"


    Sure enough, someone would end making this connection. After all, Rean and Roan''s display was simply too astonishing for them to believe that they are just kids.


    Hulian wasn''t surprised either that another elder thought about this possibility.


    It was then that one of the Core Elders, Kassie Galaraz, stated.


    "I also thought about this. Once the exam is over, I will test them myself."


    No one said anything. Since the Core Elder would try it, then that was good. In fact, even Hulian wanted to see what results the Nascent Soul Realm elder would bring.

 Chapter 113 - Last Days Training

    Without surprises, the Death Team jumped straight into the first position after they killed the Stage Three Inferno Wolf. After all, it gives 1000 points while a Stage Two demon beast gives only 10. It was as if they had killed a hundred Stage Two ones at once.


    From there forth, no one caught up to their group. The difference in points was just too big. Having said that, Rean''s group returned to the middle of the Inner Region to continue the exam. They still killed Stage Two Demon Beasts, but not as much as before. Roan focused more on Malaka, Julio, and Lenna''s training.


    On the last day, Roan kept his promise. He really made Malaka''s group fight a Stage Two Demon Beast. Of course, Rean went ahead and looked for a weaker one. It was a bull-type that other than its charges and horns didn''t have much of a risk fighting against.


    Of course, the difference in cultivation was still there. Not to mention that it had a tough skin, so even Julio had some trouble damaging it with his spear. Roan stayed close by while he kept shouting at them mercilessly. It was the first Stage Two demon beast they fought by themselves, so it was definitely much harder. Thanks to that, a lot of flaws were found out. Even Malaka did not escape Roan''s rebukings this time.


    But in general, Roan was satisfied with the final result. At least, he and Rean didn''t need to intervene to save any of them in this first one. Of course, the three kids got quite injured in the end, with Julio being the one in the worst state. Fortunately, they had Rean there.


    "Did you finish healing them?"


    Rean nodded.


    "They are as good as new."


    Roan had an evil smile on his face as he looked at those three. That made Malaka and the other two to feel a chill on their backs. They knew what that meant, it wasn''t over!


    "Great! Let''s find another Stage Two demon beast for them to fight. I''ll make you spend your last day fighting them. Be careful since these demon beasts are much stronger. It means that Rean and I might not be fast enough to save your lives if something wrong happens." Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/last-days-training_47781257865648216 for visiting.


    Malaka''s group felt like crying but had no tears. The bull was already as hard as hell, but they will need to fight these kinds of Demon Beasts until the end of the day. How could Malaka, Julio, or Lenna not feel depressed?


    Well, Roan didn''t give a damn to that, though. So the trio could only begrudgingly follow his orders. In the end, there were still several instances where Roan had to intervene. But Roan was really cold even during these times. He made sure to only save Malaka and the other two in the very last split of a second. He let the deadly attacks of the Demon Beasts miss by a hair or even hurt them but not enough to kill or cause irreversible damage.


    Because of that, these three kids couldn''t help but think. What if Roan isn''t fast enough next time? So they were always on their wit''s end, afraid that they might really die here.


    Back on the base, it wasn''t just Hulian, Tanzon, Wen, and Alanda watching them anymore. Several elders and quite a few of the other kids'' relatives were now paying attention to them. After all, they are the first place in the rank. As everybody looked at Roan''s training methods, they couldn''t help but feel a chill on their backs. But they also understood why Rean and Roan were that strong. With a regime like this, it would be weird if one didn''t improve.


    Well, the final result was visible. It was the hardest day for the three kids during these two weeks of Practical Exam. Their bodies were bloodied, their clothes were basically torn out, and they could barely move at all by the end of the day.


    *Splash! Splash! Splash!*


    Well, Roan still threw them inside of the water without a care. This time, they were not healed before entering the river, so one could already imagine the pain. The only one who took it somewhat well was Malaka, who was more or less used to this.


    "What are you screaming about? It''s just a little pain, nothing more. Consider yourselves lucky, I still have one last set of clothes that you can change. Now quickly wash so that we can eat and sleep."


    Rean couldn''t help but remember his own time training in the surrounding forests back in the Varen Tribe. His days were not the least bit easier than those kids. Instead, Roan was even more brutal with him since he had his Light Element to instantly heal himself. But it wasn''t because he could heal himself that he didn''t feel pain, though.


    ''Forget it, it is better if I don''t try to recall that dark past.''


    When the three stepped out, they quickly put the new clothes, and Rean healed their injuries. Finally, they ate their fill and once more collapsed on the ground. It probably didn''t take even 10 seconds before they went into a deep slumber.


    Roan didn''t even ask Rean to looked around during the night. They already got used to having Rean watching the first half and Roan watching the second. However, Rean noticed a faint smile on Roan''s face, a smile that wasn''t his usual snort of evil one.


    ''He seems quite satisfied with the results of those three.''


    Rean shrugged his shoulder and began to watch for the night.


    On the morning of the next day, a loud sound could be heard in the entire extent of the forest. Right after, elder Hulian''s voice came out.


    "The practical exam is over. All killings from now one are not counted. Return to the base."


    Rean woke Malaka''s trio, and they immediately made their way back. Since everyone was returning in the same direction, the path was quite devoid of Demon Beasts. Around 5 hours later, they were already back. Because they were one of the few teams all the way into the Inner Region, they were also among the last ones to arrive.

 Chapter 114 - One More Test For the Twins

    Finally, all the kids were reunited once more. Obviously, their numbers had decreased by a lot too. Still, the ones who survived seemed to have a different expression from when they departed. The constant killing without any a.d.u.l.ts to defend them made those kids mature a lot during this time.


    Hulian then stepped forward to announce the results.


    "From the 1587 kids who joined in this last exam, 429 perished while 157 were crippled. Still, the Sect had never hidden the danger of its entrance exam, so they can only blame themselves for being too weak. Anyway, let''s go to what matters."


    "There were a total of 182 teams that had between five to ten members each. Only 106 achieved the 1000 points necessary to pass the exam. However, that doesn''t mean that everyone in these groups has passed the exam. I told you before, the entire forest was being observed. If we noticed that some of you were purposely letting all the work to your team, you would be eliminated."


    All the kids felt the tension. Even after reaching this point and being a qualified team, they still might get expelled.


    Hulian then looked at one of the disciples behind him.


    "Have you finished?"


    The disciple immediately nodded.


    "Yes, elder Hulian."


    "Very well, show them."


    The disciple complied with the order as he activated a formation.


    Suddenly, all the kids'' bracelets began to lit with Green and Red lights. However, the number of green lights were definitely higher than the red ones.


    "Those with Green Lights have passed the entrance exam and are now members of the Outer Sect. As for those with Red Lights, they can go back home and try again next year."


    A lot of kids were surprised by those results. There were kids who were inside qualified teams who failed. Although they were few, they still existed. But the surprising thing was that some kids in groups that didn''t get 1000 points passed the exam.


    Obviously, it raised an uproar between the kids who failed and those who didn''t.


    "Silence!"


    However, Hulian immediately made all of them shut up.


    "There is nothing wrong with the results. Sure, 1000 points were the criteria to pass the exam. But I''m someone who loves effort. So I had the outer sect disciples pay close attention to all teams. During the watch, there were obviously a few kids in loser teams who did great. These kids would definitely have passed if they were placed in a good enough group. That''s why they were accepted."


    "At the same time, kids who were part of excellent teams just had to pretend to help while they left everything for the other members to deal with. My Dalamu Sect doesn''t have any need for these trashes, so they are out! Anyway, that''s all. Everyone, return to the Sect!"


    The parents, relatives, or protectors of the kids who failed quickly came forward to prevent them from complaining. This is the Dalamu Sect, if they throw a tantrum here, it wouldn''t be weird if they lose their heads. Over 400 kids died during the last test, so no one would say anything about one or two extras.


    As all the kids began to teleport away, Rean''s group and the others who were in the top 10 were called to another corner. There, they received their prize for finishing in the first 10 positions.


    Agis didn''t mind receiving less Spirit Stones for his second position. After all, with his background, it wouldn''t be hard to get even more than it. What hurt him was to see Rean''s group to get the first place prize. He didn''t dwell there for long and quickly moved back to the teleport formation to wait for his time.


    Rean''s group received their Sprit Stones as well. Rean then gave the 2/5 of them to Lenna and Julio since they were part of the team as well. However, Julio didn''t accept them.


    "I''m far from having contributed enough to get these spirit stones. If anything, Roan trained me all this while for free. Take my Spirit Stones as payment for everything I learned during this time."


    Lenna also did the same.


    "I also grateful for everything. So I won''t take them either."


    Rean smiled and took them back. He won''t refuse these Rank Two Spirit Stones since he really needs them.


    Roan didn''t say anything while Malaka simply didn''t care. Malaka heard Alanda and Roan saying thousands of times that everything related to Spirit Stones is Rean''s business, so she should not bother about them.


    The group then returned to the queue of the Teleport Formation. After waiting for some time, they stepped on it and were teleported back to the Dalamu Sect.


    But just as they arrived on the other side, Sister Orb noticed something.


    [Hm? That again?]


    This time, Rean and Roan heard her voice.


    "Sister Orb, is something wrong?"


    [Nothing much, it''s just that someone is trying to use a few seals to check your bodies.]


    "Check our bodies? No, wait! You said ''that again,'' didn''t you? Did it happen in the past?"


    [It did, but I blocked those seals since I didn''t know what they were about.]


    "Why didn''t you tell us?"


    [Did you see any killing intent like back then during the Tribe War?]


    "Well, no..."


    [That''s why. There was no malice on them, so I didn''t tell you so that you could focus on the exam. Also, I wanted to analyze these seals first to understand what they were used for.]


    "Then, did you find out?"


    [Yes. Basically, they were used to check the connection between your body and soul, that''s all.]


    Rean and Roan got puzzled.


    "It''s probably something they want to check because of our display. They might think that our strength is related to this connection."


    Rean nodded.


    "Anyway, should we let Sister Orb block it again?"


    Roan pondered a bit and shook his head in the end.


    "If we keep blocking it, they will think that something is wrong. It has no effect on us, so just let it do its job. Oh, right! Sister Orb, there is nothing wrong between our connection of body and soul, right?"


    [Yeap! I can guarantee that everything is normal.]


    Roan then shrugged his shoulder.


    "Well, then just let it go. Whatever happens, happens. It will be a lot worse if something that was supposed to work doesn''t work anymore."


    [If you say so, then so be it.]


    Somewhere in the Teleport Formations Building, Hulian and several other elders were looking at Kassie. She was the Core Elder who said that she would test Rean and Roan''s body and soul connection. If it shows a result much lower than 90%, then they are most likely reincarnations.


    Suddenly, Kassie''s expression changed. In fact, it looked like she had seen a ghost!


    "This... Is it even possible?!"


    Kassie quickly released the Seals and repeated the process, but the same result appeared again. She did that another three times, but there was no change. In the end, she used her Seals on the other kids to see if she wasn''t making anything wrong. Sure enough, the other kids showed the natural value that they should. Kassie then rechecked Rean and Roan, and this time she was sure that it wasn''t a mistake.


    All the elders around her noticed that change. Finally, one of the Cores elders couldn''t hold his curiosity anymore and asked.


    "What is it? Are they really reincarnations? What was their percentage? Was it much lower than 90%?"


    Kassie''s mouth twitched.


    "Much lower, you say? Those two freaks are showing a 200% of connection between their soul and bodies!"


    All the elders were shocked by that result.


    "200%?! Are you kidding me? How can someone reach 200%? You must have made a mistake!"


    The other elders who also knew how to use the soul and body connection seals immediately tried as well.


    "Unbelievable, it really shows 200%!"


    "Yes, I got the same result here. Also, the other kids are all showing normal results, so I''m definitely not doing it wrong!"


    "You too? I also tried the same thing."


    After hearing so many identical reports, the Core Elder couldn''t help but look in the direction of those twins.


    In the end, the results were even more shocking than the previous 0%!


    Still, Hulian was confused.


    ''Then why it showed 0% before?''


    It was then that someone asked.


    "So, they are not reincarnations?"


    "Ha! If they are reincarnations, then I''m god!"


    "I believe it has something to do with that connection between themselves. Can''t they use each other''s elements? They are also twins, so it is most likely related."


    All the elder nodded at the same time. That could be the only explanation possible.


    "Anyway, even if we share the values between the two, it would still give us a 100% each. In that case, it is simply impossible for them to be reincarnations."


    That elder hit the bullseye. It was exactly because of Rean and Roan''s Soul connection that they got that result. Also, their Soul connection to their bodies is indeed 100%. Obviously, they have Sister Orb and the Soul Gem System to thank for that.


    In the end, Hulian decided to not mention the 0% he got before.


    ''Perhaps it was just a mistake. After all, so many elders tried this time, and they all got the same result.''


    Hulian was already happy enough with those results. After all, reincarnations were a completely different story. They were beings who surpassed the Saint Realm in the past. Such experts coming to their Dalamu doesn''t necessarily mean good fortune.


    Hulian then looked at all the elders.


    "Well, I guess we are concluded with the exam now. The outer sect disciples will organize the kids according to our agreement last time. So, have a good day, everyone."


    Hulian didn''t waste time and left immediately. He didn''t want to give anyone the chance to talk about giving one of his twins away.


    Only when he disappeared did the other elders notice his intention.


    "That old fox! He ran away!"


    In the end, they could only sigh and curse their poor judgment. There is no way Hulian will pass one of the twins to any of them. In fact, they would definitely do the same, so who can blame Hulian? As for Rean and Roan''s soul and body connection, that is Hulian''s problem to deal with. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/one-more-test-for-the-twins_47781509121241410 for visiting.

 Chapter 115 - Sudden Attack

    All the kids had to go to the allocation hall, which basically dealt with sect members'' residences. It was also there that Rean''s group could finally take out their bracelet. It had an identification number, which the elders could use to allocate the kids they liked to their own factions in the Outer Sect.


    "Rean Larks, you are allocated to the residence number 113, room 42. It is located in the Iron and Blood division. If you don''t know where it is, just ask the disciples around later."


    Rean then took a black token that seemed to have some spiritual energy inside.


    "This is your key, your room can only be opened with it." Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/sudden-attack_47829262161476157 for visiting.


    The disciple then turned to Roan.


    "Roan Larks, you are in the same district and building as him, but your room is number 43."


    Roan also received the same token. The reason they were put together was that Hulian arranged it to be so. It was quite convenient for them since their cultivation manuals rely on the exchange of light and dark elements. The closer they are, the faster it is.


    "Julio Amil, you are in the same district as well, room 45."


    "Lenna Dorvyre, once again, the same district, room 44."


    Even though Roan put them through hell during the last exam, which improved their abilities a lot, the fact is that the other elders didn''t show much interest in Julio or Lenna. That being said, Hulian simply decided that he might as well throw everyone inside his own district. Since Rean''s group members were friends and Hulian saw their efforts during the exam, he decided to let them stay together.


    Malaka was the last one, so she was totally expecting to be together with them as well. However...


    "Inna Malaka, you are in the Blue Orchid District, building number 3, room 7. Again, if you don''t know where it is, just ask the Outer Sect Disciples around, and they will point you the way."


    Malaka was taken aback.


    "Why am I being sent away from Rean and Roan?"


    The disciple behind the counter explained.


    "The arrangements are done by the Inner Sect Elders. In your case, it was elder Zaia Shinsuo. Since elder Zaia liked you, she obviously brought you under her wing. In fact, you are quite lucky. Her faction is basically the only one that never lacks resources. But that is also because she only accepts exceptionally talented women. With so little disciples, the resources allocated to her are more than enough for all women there. For you have caught her attention means that you have a nice future ahead."


    Immediately, Malaka refused.


    "I don''t wanna! I will go with Rean and Roan. Otherwise, I''ll go back home!"


    *Pah!*


    Yet, Roan promptly slapped the back of her head.


    "What nonsense are you talking about? You will have a lot more attention from their instructors for your training and extra resources, so don''t waste it."


    Rean, on the other hand, just patted her head and laughed.


    "I''m happy that you want to stay with us. Even Roan, behind that cold steel wall face, is probably happy too."


    "Hmph! As if!"


    Roan immediately denied, obviously...


    Rean didn''t mind and continued.


    "However, Roan is right. If you got a better chance, you should embrace it. We didn''t come here to play family, we came to be cultivators. So be a good girl and go to the Blue Orchid District. Besides, it is not like you won''t see us anymore. We can still have our training every morning as long as we don''t have other tasks. It''s just different districts, that''s all."


    Malaka pouted a bit but still accepted it in the end.


    "Okay, but you can''t forget me! Julio and Lenna too!"


    Rean nodded with a smile. Julio and Lenna also agreed to make her happy. Malaka is the youngest in their group, being only 9 years old. So she still has a lot of her childish side. Julio is already 12 while Lenna is 11, so they have a lot more mature minds. Of course, not to the point of being considered a.d.u.l.ts. In this detail, only Rean and Roan met the requirements. Well, biologically speaking, they are also 9 years old, though...


    "Let leave Malaka in her home before we go look for the Iron and Blood district."


    It was then that Rean remembered. He looked at the disciple that gave him the token after that.


    "Oh, right. Which Faction the Iron and Blood District belongs to?"


    The disciple smiled playfully.


    "It''s elder Hulian''s faction, the one with the highest number of cultivators giving up being sect members and returning home."


    Rean and the others were taken aback.


    "Why is that?"


    The disciple laughed before answering.


    "Well, it''s because the regime there is hard as hell! Many new disciples simply can''t stand the work given to them, so they give up. Elder Hulian puts a lot of importance on building the body, so there is plenty of training regarding it there too. It''s almost brutal; no, it is totally brutal!"


    Almost at the same time, everyone looked at Roan.


    Obviously, Roan noticed that.


    "What? Do you have a problem?"


    Rean patted his shoulder before saying.


    "Perhaps we found your long lost father."


    Of course, Rean was mentioning about a possible father from the previous Universe.


    Roan''s mouth twitched.


    "Do you wanna see how I can make you never be a father yourself?"


    Roan, Julio, and the disciple behind the counter burst out in laugher. As men, they obviously understood Roan''s meaning.


    However, Malaka and Lenna were completely lost.


    "What is funny about that?"


    Rean patted the two girls'' heads.


    "You will know, eventually."


    Roan then turned around and left first.


    The two girls looked at each other and could see their puzzled faces. They asked a few more times too. However, Rean and Julio refused to explain what Roan meant with that.


    It wasn''t hard to find where the Districts were located, especially the Blue Orchid, which only accepts women. It seemed like a lot of the male disciples liked to dream about that place. However, they also warned Rean and Roan that only death awaited trespassers.


    "Well, it seems quite safe for Malaka in there."


    Roan nodded.


    They soon arrived in front of the entrance of the Blue Orchid District. Although it was also called a district, the fact is that it was several times smaller than the other ones. Calling it a small area perhaps would be more accurate.


    At the entrance, two female disciples seemed to guard it. It was evident that they were already a.d.u.l.ts, no less than 18. Also, Rean and Roan could tell that both were in the Advanced Stage of the Foundation Establishment.


    "Quite the protection, no?"


    Julio then commented.


    "It is probably to prevent Male Disciple from having wrong ideas."


    Rean and Roan didn''t mind, though. They are only here to deliver Malaka, that''s all.


    Rean then asked for Julio and Lenna to wait there while he went to talk with those female disciples of the Blue Orchid District. Roan also tagged along since he wanted to see Malaka off. Well, Roan would never admit that, though.


    However, Rean and Roan didn''t notice a line that demarcated the area of the Blue Orchid Territory. It was not like it was made to be easily sighted either, so even if they had seen, they wouldn''t have cared much.


    As soon as they crossed it, the two female disciples took out their weapons, two swords, and attacked the twins.


    Rean and Roan were taken aback. Immediately, they saw the red color of killing intent appear around them. That was Roan''s ability as death back in the other half of the Universe. The last time they saw it was during the Tribe War.


    "The hell?!"

 Chapter 116 - Teamwork vs. Teamwork

    Fortunately, the killing intent also alerted them that things were bad. Rean immediately pulled Malaka behind him while he took out his sword. Roan noticed that Rean already covered Malaka, so he only paid attention to those two Female Disciples. They also took their swords out, as their hairs changed into a mix of black and white color.


    The female disciples were really fast. If it was anyone else with the same cultivation as Rean and Roan, they would probably not have reacted fast enough.


    *Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!*


    Soon, several moves were exchanged at high speeds.


    Those two female disciples were truly strong. In a different level of Rean and Roan would expect of Advanced Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. But that was to be expected. First of all, this is the Dalamu Sect, so cultivators are generally stronger in here. Also, the enemies are Blue Orchid Disciples. One must remember that Zaia Shisuo only accepts talented disciples like Malaka. So those two were far above average to start with. Still, that deeply impressed Rean and Roan.


    However, no one was more shocked than those female disciples. The two girls can totally see Rean and Roan''s Initial Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivations. However, those two were almost fighting on equal terms against them. Nevertheless, it only made the girls even more determined. They began to work together, one covering for the other, which increased the pressure on Rean and Roan.


    Rean tried to reason with them, but they didn''t hear at all. It was then that he heard Roan''s voice through their soul connection.


    "Stop wasting your breath. Since they came for the kill, we are going to do the same."


    Rean gritted his teeth and nodded. Rean and already kicked Malaka far away into safety, so he immediately got together with Roan.


    "Do you think you are the only ones who know how to teamwork?"


    The Exchange of Light and Dark Elements between the twins began to crazily accelerate. Right after, it seemed like Rean and Roan transformed.


    Both sides immediately stabilized, and neither could take the upper hand. But the balance didn''t last for long.


    Suddenly, Rean''s Swords flashed with an explosion of bright white light, which blinded the two females for a second. Although the two girls have their Spiritual Sense, they still use their eyes. Because of that, it made them lose their focus for a split of a second.


    "Not good."


    Rean and Roan swords came directly at their throats, which they were only barely able to defend against.


    Bam!


    The two were knock backed far away from each other. But that wasn''t all, while one landed further behind, the other stopped close by. When the close girl finally stabilized herself, Rean and Roan were already in front of her.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Suddenly, she saw six swords aimed at six different critical points of her body. Even her Spiritual Sence couldn''t tell the difference between the six. Her face palled, there was no way she could defend against all those attacks.


    Her companion saw that and tried to rush back as fast as possible, but she was just too far away.


    "Wala!!!"


    Obviously, that was the name of the girl who was about to die. However, just as the six swords were about to land on Wala''s body...


    *Boom!*


    An explosion of Spiritual Energy happened right between the Twins and her. Against their will, both sides were thrown far away from each other.


    When Rean and Roan stabilized themselves and back at where Wala was a moment ago, they saw another woman standing there.


    Suddenly, a hand appeared on their shoulders, which frightened the twins for a second. Fortunately, those hands were none other than Hulian''s ones.


    "That''s enough, you two. This fight ends here."


    The woman in front also looked at the female disciples before saying.


    "The same goes for you, there is no need to fight anymore."


    Wala and the other girl were taken aback for a second, but they immediately bowed to the woman.


    "Thank you for your help, Elder Zhaia."


    However, Roan was anything but pleased.


    "What you mean with it is over? Those two attacked us out of nowhere! Do you want us to let it go?"


    Roan was brimming with killing intent, his face as cold as ice.


    Pah!


    However, Hulian immediately slapped Roan''s backhead.


    "It is your fault for entering the Blue Orchid Territory! Don''t you know you can''t trespass into their area? Men are forbidden to enter there unless they are allowed to."


    Rean and Roan looked at Hulian, puzzled.


    "What you mean their territory, we didn''t even get close to the entrance, let alone entering it. We only came here to deliver our little sister."


    Hulian couldn''t help but sigh.


    "The Blue Orchid Territory isn''t just beyond the gates. Can you see this faint line?"


    Hulian then pointed at the line mentioned before.


    "Anything on the other side is considered the Blue Orchid Territory. That''s why they attacked you since they were doing their duty. It was your fault to start with."


    Rean and Roan felt like crying but had no tears.


    "This line? This shit is almost invisible! There is nothing warning about its presence either! How the hell you expect us to notice something like this?!"


    Hulian ignored the twins and looked at Zhaia.


    "I''m bringing them back, you have no complaints, right? This is their first day in the sect, so they didn''t know about it."


    Zhaia gave a charming smile before nodding.


    "Alright. Just make sure they are more careful next time."


    "Rean, Roan!"


    The two heard Malaka and looked behind. It was just in time when she hugged the two, almost making them lose their balance.


    "Are you alright? Are you? Are you?!"


    Rean sighed as he wiped the tears on her face. It seemed like she was still not used to sudden developments like these.


    "We are fine."


    Roan just snorted.


    "Hmph! As if something at this level could do something to us."


    Zhaia then looked at Malaka, who was hugging the twins.


    "You are Malaka, right? Welcome to my Blue Orchid District in the outer sect. Now come here so that our girls can show you your new room."


    Malaka''s expression then changed into anger as she pointed at Zhaia.


    "Who would want a room for you? I don''t want anything to do with those who treat Rean and Roan bad."


    However, before she could do anything, a powerful Spiritual Energy enveloped Malaka, quickly pulling her into the Blue Orchid Territory.


    Zhaia then looked at her before saying.


    "Unfortunately, you don''t have another choice. Since I selected you, then you are now a member of my Blue Orchid Faction."


    Malaka was just about to fight against it when she suddenly received a Spiritual Sense message from Rean. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/teamwork-vs.-teamwork_47829484426023981 for visiting.


    "It''s okay, Malaka. Just go with her. That place is terrible for men, but it is excellent for women. Don''t worry. If you want to see us, just come out when they give you free time. We will be in the Iron and Blood district. Also, you already know our room numbers."


    Malaka pouted once more but decided to hear Rean''s voice.


    Zhaia then disappeared inside the Blue Orchid territory together with Malaka and another Female Disciple who arrived later.


    Wala and the other female disciple who fought Rean and Roan then moved back to the front of the entrance since their guard duty wasn''t over yet. However, the two girls looked at Rean and Roan in a completely different light. Those Twins could fight and even win against them, so they are bound to soar in the cultivation world. There were very few disciples who could fight against members of the Blue Orchid Faction at the same level of cultivation. However, Rean and Roan were not only kids, but their cultivation was also a lot smaller.


    The Blue Orchid Territory is considered very dangerous, so almost no one gets close without reason. In the end, this became an isolated event that only Rean''s group, Zhaia, Hulian, and the two female disciples knew about.

 Chapter 117 - Learning About the Benefits

    It didn''t take long for Rean''s group to arrive at the Iron and Blood district of the Outer Sect. As for Hulian, he left a long time ago. It would be too weird to have him showing the twins'' rooms, after all. The rooms were pretty simple, but more than enough for each of the kids.


    Rean and Roan didn''t spend too long in there. As soon as they were familiarized with the place, they went to the sect entrance, where Alanda was waiting together with all the other a.d.u.l.ts.


    Alanda noticed the two coming his way.


    "So, how is it?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Except for some crazy girls of the blue whatever district, the rest is pretty much fine."


    Rean then took out a token from his waist and passed it to Alanda.


    "This token is the proof that the Varen Tribe has at least one of its members in the Dalamu Sect. As long as you have it, none of the tribes will dare to touch it. This should be more than enough deterrence to the Big Tribe that controls the area where our Varen Tribe is located."


    Alanda took the token from Rean''s hands as if it was some kind of treasure.


    "This is great!"


    Rean then continued.


    "However, it is only valid for a period of three years. After that, someone from the Tribe has to come back and ask for another one. That''s because the Sect can''t guarantee that we will be alive after this period. In case we are dead, they won''t need to look out for the Varen Tribe anymore."


    Alanda didn''t mind.


    "That''s okay, considering your strength, I don''t think you will die anytime soon. Not to mention, we have three members in the Damalu Sect. You, Roan, and Malaka. How unluck do we need to be for all three of you to die?"


    Rean agreed with Alanda. With this, their parents and the Tribe should be safe for the time being. With the steel business running in the Astreg city, the Tribe will have a lot of time to grow until it reaches a point to defend itself.


    "Anyway, what about Malaka?"


    Rean then explained the Blue Orchid Faction issue.


    "I see, so she will probably stay there for a while. Anyway, that might be something good as well."


    Rean and Roan then talked with Alanda for a while longer.


    "Alright. I guess this is all for now. I''ll go back to the Tribe to tell everyone the good news. If anything happens, just send us a letter. I doubt it will be a problem considering the Dalamu Sect resources. Also, make sure to take care of that sunny girl."


    The twins nodded, and they bid their farewell.


    It was still early, so they decided to check what the Iron and Blood District and other places had to offer. Rean and Roan went in different directions to cover a bigger area too. After all, they could simply talk through their soul connection with the Soul Gem System. In the end, it offered an array of benefits. However, to use them, you would need Sect Points. They could be earned in a plethora of ways. Completing missions, helping with the Sect''s affairs, etc.


    "They even have energy gathering formation rooms. I heard from the guy taking care of the place that it is almost the same as using Rank two or even Rank three Spirit Stones depending on the room you select. However, a single hour inside costs quite a lot. The cheapest one goes for 10 points/hour with the most expensive being 100/hour."


    Roan nodded.


    "From what I found, the fastest way to get Sect Points is to complete missions. Obviously, the more dangerous, the more points you get. The tasks go by ranks. Rank One missions give 50 to 100 points, Rank Two gives 100 to 200, Rank Three 200 to 400, and so on."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/learning-about-the-benefits_47875605949119030 for visiting.


    "There are higher ranks, but our level is far from that. Rank Four Missions, for example, would need cultivation at the Advanced Foundation Establishment, at least. Rank Five can only be taken after you enter the Core Formation. This would be things with danger level similar or higher to that Inferno Wolf."


    "At our level, Rank three would be the available choices. Of course, with our strength, there wouldn''t be a problem taking Rank Four missions. But it seems like we need some kind of permissions from the elders to apply for those. That is to prevent low-level sect members from killing themselves because they think they are stronger than they really are."


    Rean agreed with the Sect''s rule.


    Roan then continued.


    "The Sect gets most of its income from those missions. Other than points, you also receive Spirit Stones from the employers. The Sect then takes 30% of it. That''s how they keep all the formations and other things running."


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s okay. We don''t need to worry much about Spirit Stones. Once I get free time, I''ll go back to Majorias City to deal with this problem."


    "That aside, there are also cultivation techniques and skills repository. As you can guess, to have access to their manuals, you will need Sect Points. The manuals can''t be brought outside. You need to read and memorize without leaving the place. The number of points required depends on what you read too."


    Roan wasn''t surprised by that.


    "That''s fine. Oh, right! I found something you might be interested in. There is a place outside the districts where you can learn side occupations. Alchemy, Blacksmith, Formations, Talismans, etc..."


    Rean''s eyes lit up!


    "Really? I''m going to take a look at the Blacksmith one later. I want to see what a sect of this size can do."


    Roan then continued.


    "Another good thing you can find here is the arenas. That is also the place you must go if you want to ascend to the Inner Sect. The Sect seems to have a battle score system that is used to find who is worthy of going up. From the looks of it, only cultivation is not enough. The Inner Sect has a predetermined number of cultivators. So if you want to go up, you will need to defeat one of them."


    "You can challenge anyone in there. However, it seems like the Inner Sect has only 1000 members. So you can imagine that they are not easy to deal with. Also, to challenge them, you need to pay an enormous number of Sect Points."


    "Those two girls guarding the Blue Orchid District''s entrance had cultivations at the Advanced Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. As you probably noticed, those two were definitely stronger than ordinary Advanced Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. Still, they are only outer sect disciples."


    "That''s not all. To prevent unfairness, you can not challenge anyone more than 1 year younger than you. Otherwise, there would be 19 to 20 years old cultivators challenging 10 to 12 years old kids. That can not happen. They are not stronger, they just had more time to cultivate."


    Rean had to admit that such a system was necessary.


    "That''s good enough. Technically, we are 12 years old. Or at least, that''s what we registered in the Sect as. Have you checked those at 12 or higher? Or, right! There are no restrictions if a younger Outer Sect cultivator wants to challenge an older Inner Sect one, yea?"


    Roan confirmed.


    "Exactly. Only the opposite is prohibited, the other way around is okay."


    Roan continued.


    "As for the other question, there is no one under 14 years old in the Inner Sect at the moment. Also, their cultivation is already at the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment at the very least."


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh.


    "As expected of a cultivators sect. From what I can see, the outer Sect definitely has tens of thousands of disciples. I found it weird considering how many passed the last Sect Entrance. But after asking around, that was because elder Hulian''s tests are usually the hardest ones and rarely rely on the kid''s cultivation. During other elders'' tests, it is not uncommon to see over 3000 kids entering the Sect at once."


    Roan didn''t mind that, though.


    "Anyway. There is one last thing about the Inner Sect. Those outer sect disciples above 20 years old can''t enter the Inner Sect anymore. If you fail and go past this age, you only have two options. You can leave the Sect or try to become an outer sect elder. Either way, your future in the Dalamu Sect is pretty much over at that point. Well, it''s not like it matters to us anyhow."


    Rean agreed with Roan. If they couldn''t become simple Inner Sect Disciples by the age of 20, then forget about joining the Universe''s two halves.


    The day quickly passed. The first day in the Sect was pretty much free so that the new disciples could go around to learn more about it. But starting from the next day, all new Iron and Blood disciples would understand why it is called the hardest faction. It is to the point that it became the faction with the least number of disciples after the Blue Orchid.

 Chapter 118 - Talk Business

    First of all, Hulian''s faction and the elders under his command put a lot of importance on the body. Totally different from the rest of the elders who regard the cultivation level as more important. That being said, a lot of training given to the disciples of this faction is based on it.


    The next morning, when the sun had barely appeared, the entire Iron and Blood District was woken up by the bells inside all buildings with bedrooms. The rule was that every single disciple should be out in the training field in at most 10 minutes after that. Rean and Roan didn''t find it a problem. They were used to wake up early anyway.


    However, quite a few didn''t have this habit between the new kids, so it was quite hard, and some even got there late. Too bad for then, though. Lateness was punished with extra work.


    The morning of all Iron and Blood disciples had all kinds of body-related training. But there were differences here. Everything was done without the help of Spiritual Energy. It was to the point that the training field had the same formation used during the 300km marathon exam. Simply put, the disciples wouldn''t be able to use Spiritual Energy even if they wanted.


    Here, there was no such as distinctions between men and women. At most, you would have something like weight training having lower weight for the women and things like that. Still, that was carefully calculated based on the difference between a man and a woman''s body. Simply put, both genders would leave the field with similar degrees of soreness. The Iron and Blood Faction had existed for centuries. Elder Hulian was far from being the first elder who took care of it. Thanks to that, they know very well how much pressure each gender can have.


    Of course, that meant anything but easier, especially kids who had relied on Spiritual Energy all this while. That also included Julio and Lenna.


    The training happened every day as long as the disciple was not in charge of some other duty of the sect. Missions were one of those examples.


    The training would go all the way to midday, which means around six hours of training each time. One can already imagine how the new kids felt once they were finally discharged. The Outer Sect elders really pushed everyone to the limits, no exception was made.


    Rean and Roan were not feeling bad, though. Those two had been following similar spartan methods for several years already. Malaka would be feeling the same if she was here.


    Although Julio and Lenna were close to the breaking point, those two were still better off than the majority of the new kids. Sure enough, Roan''s hell training session during the last exam played a big part in their newfound strength.


    As they left the field, Rean couldn''t help but comment.


    "The Iron and Blood District really knows what to do. The changes are small, but I can tell through the others'' life force that their meridians will improve a lot if they continue like this."


    Lenna couldn''t help but ask why.


    Rean smiled, then continued.


    "Everyone''s meridians exist in the body, not the cultivation inside your dantian. By completing the morning training, the meridians around your body get a lot ''loose.'' After here, everyone will probably begin to cultivate for the day. Their ''loose'' meridians will then be washed with spiritual energy, which will expand them."


    "Of course, this is not something that will happen in just a few days. There will be a need for constant training for years until the results become really apparent. Still, disciples with low aptitude would be the most suited for this method. That''s why Hulian cares little about High Color Aptitude ones. Instead, he prefers those who know how to put the effort necessary."


    Suddenly, their group heard a voice coming from behind.


    "Rean is correct."


    Their group looked at the newcomer, and they all bowed.


    "Elder Guliva."


    Elder Guliva was the one responsible for the Iron and Blood District in the Outer Sect. He was one of Hulian''s most trusted subordinates. Truth be told, he could have become an Inner Sect Elder with his cultivation. Still, he preferred to stay in the Outer Sect to take care of the affairs here while Hulian did the same in the Inner Sect. Rean and Roan also noticed that the Outer Sect Elders didn''t just order the kids around, but they also participated in those bodily training sessions. Elder Guliva wasn''t different. All in all, Rean and Roan, especially Roan, had a good impression of him.


    "Hulian wasn''t wrong. Even though it was only your first day in the morning training, Rean and Roan are utterly different from the other kids. All the others collapsed during it or can''t even walk properly now that it was over. But you two seemed to have taken it as a good warm-up."


    The elder then looked at Julio and Lenna, which made them a little embarrassed. It was easy to tell that the two of them were also one of the kids who barely made it through. They were far from being like the older disciples or the twins.


    Rean smiled.


    "Thanks to the block of ice here, we are used to this kind of regime. Is there something Elder Guliva needs from us?"


    Roan''s mouth twitched.


    ''Who is the block of ice?''


    Guliva nodded and then threw two green tokens at Rean and Roan.


    "These are the Special Mission Assignment Tokens. With them, you can accept missions that are one rank above your cultivation level. Hulian told me that your strength far surpasses that of an Initial Stage Foundation Establishment, so I prepared it for you."


    Rean and Roan were quite surprised by that. After all, they were indeed intending to ask for this kind of permission. To get it this easy was really a good thing.


    "Thank you, elder Guliva."


    Guliva nodded and then left. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/talk-business_47898900509546851 for visiting.


    The twins then pretended to put the token in their bags before sending it into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    In the end, Julio and Lenna were too tired to walk around with them, so they returned to their room to rest.


    As Rean and Roan walked through the Iron and Blood district once more, they noticed that the disciples who had been here for more than two years all had well-built bodies. Even the women had some apparent muscles. It''s just that as cultivators, those women had their own methods of keeping their beauty even in that condition. In the end, women put a lot of importance on appearance. Even the Iron and Blood District ones were no different.


    Rean then went to the affairs office in the District while Roan went to explore a little more.


    Rean quickly arrived there. He then asked the disciple behind the counter what he needed.


    "What do I need to do if I want to go to Majorias City?"


    To leave the sect in the first years, one had to sign their departure. It also depended on whether the sect needed you or not. If you were, let''s say, on a particular building guarding duty, you couldn''t go out until your time was finished.


    "First, I need your number and your disciple''s number."


    Rean quickly passed the information, and the disciple verified it.


    "Oh, you are a new disciple who joined yesterday. Your first duty is the Demon Beasts caring in two weeks'' time. If you need to go out, you will have to be back before it starts, or there will be punishment."


    Rean was happy that the procedures were that simple.


    "That''s good then, I only need to go to Majorias City, and I should be back in at most a few days."


    The disciple behind the counter nodded.


    "In that case, you just need to sign your departure. Remember to use the sect''s badge and robe while you are outside, understood?"


    Rean didn''t mind. He had received several sets of the sect''s robe to use, not to mention that he already had his badge. He quickly signed it and left straight away. As for the morning training, Rean didn''t have a problem skipping it since the elders already know his and Roan''s abilities. Not to mention that he wasn''t really intending to slack. He always makes sure to keep Roan''s regime even when Roan isn''t looking.


    When Rean exited the sect and went past few kilometers, Roan noticed it. That''s because their connection had a limit of distance. Once the limit was broken, they wouldn''t be able to contact each other anymore, nor could they use each other''s elements. However, they could always feel in which direction the other is.


    Rean had brought a lot of Rank One Spirit Stones with him, but it wouldn''t last forever. He was planning to start a partnership with the local blacksmith of the Majorias City to sell Steel weapons. As one can expect, Majorias City also had a Zafa Bank branch.


    The Varen Tribe has a contract with the Zafa Bank, so he first had to talk with them before annexing another blacksmith workshop into the Steel business.


    Even with Spiritual Energy available to use, Rean still took over ten hours to cover the 300km distance between the sect and the city. Well, at least it wasn''t several days like before. It was already late at night when he arrived, so he simply rented a room to rest until the next morning.


    After eating breakfast and once again following Roan''s training regime, he went straight to the Zafa Bank Branch.


    The Zafa Bank employee found it quite weird that a Kid was allowed to take care of such things. Still, after seeing his Dalamu Sect robe and badge, he didn''t comment on this issue. Sure enough, being a member of the Dalamu Sect opened a lot of doors. The issue of being a Kid could also be resolved with it.


    Finally, Rean arrived at the Janariz Weapon Store, the same one where he destroyed their sword back then.


    One of the employees recognized Rean from the last time, and above all, he recognized Rean''s new robe and badge. That being said, he didn''t waste time and went inside to call the Chief Blacksmith once more. Folca Janariz came out a few minutes later. When he looked at Rean, he nodded his head.


    "As I thought, you wanted the Dalamu Sect to have your back before discussing things about that sword of yours."


    Rean smiled after hearing that.


    "It''s good to talk with intelligent people. Indeed, I wanted to join the sect first. Anyway, how about we talk business?"


    Folca chuckled before turning around.


    "Come with me, there are way too many eyes here."


    Rean then quickly followed Folca.

 Chapter 119 - Maybe Another Day

    Rean spent a total of 5 days in Majorias City. During this time, he made a new contract with the Janariz Clan that controls the Janariz Weapon Store. Their clan is quite big, so they have branches in quite a few different cities. Rean had chosen this one to make a partnership precisely because of this reason.


    Rean wasn''t afraid of betrayal since the Zafa Bank was also involved. Janariz Clan would need to be courting Roa- cough, cough, Death if they tried to pull the Zafa Bank''s leg. After all, Zafa bank had 30% of all income acquired through Steelworks. It was in moments like this that Rean liked Juri''s judgment about signing a contract with them. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/maybe-another-day_47922039360644432 for visiting.


    Rean also spent a lot of his time teaching Folca about the composition of Steel. Folca couldn''t help but feel impressed with how Rean worked with such common ores to achieve such a sturdy alloy.


    "In my eyes, you are still a kid, so I don''t believe that you learned it alone. However, as a blacksmith, I couldn''t care less about your origins. What I want to know at the moment is if you know other combinations of alloys that used much better metals."


    Rean smiled and passed his Sword to Folca.


    "This is a Spiritual Kaz Sword that I made. Of course, although it uses Kaz as primary ore, it is an alloy nonetheless. Also, this is the first Spiritual Equipment I had ever forged. As you can imagine, it can only be considered a Low-Level Spiritual Equipment. I don''t have the Spirit Stones necessary to buy High-Level materials since they all need Rank Two Spirit Stones, so this is my limit at the moment."


    Folca was taken aback by the Sword. As far as he could see, the Sword didn''t look like a normal Spiritual Kaz Sword that much. Sure, it still had the blue color, but it was a lot lighter. Standard Spiritual Kaz Swords would be Marine Blue, but this one was more like a Sky Blue. There was also this white hue over it that Folca couldn''t understand where it came from.


    "A Low-Level Sword made with a different technique..."


    Folca then looked at one of his subordinates right after.


    "Bring me a Spiritual Kaz Sword, the best one you can find in the Weapon Store."


    "Yes, Chief!"


    As a big clan of blacksmiths with branches in several cities of the country, they obviously had Spiritual Kaz Swords and other weapons as well.


    The Spiritual Kaz Sword was quickly delivered to Folca, who compared both. Rean''s Sword had the same traits as his Steel Swords. It was a lot smoother and sharper. The weight was also completely different, and Rean''s Sword was around 30% lighter.


    "Won''t the lack of weight reduce its power instead?"


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    "Although I can get more attack power if the weight was higher, I would lose too much in speed. This is a Sword I create for the Foundation Establishment Realm. If it was someone at the Core Formation, I would have increased the weight, as you said. That''s because their strength can counteract the increase in weight. Still, I believe this is the best weight for Foundation Establishment Cultivators. Besides, the main point is not the weight, but the element gathering ability."


    Folca showed a puzzled expression.


    "Element Gathering Ability? Is there such a thing?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Why don''t you try to focus your Spiritual Energy on the Sword?"


    Folca got curious and immediately gathered his Spiritual Energy on it. Sure enough, Light Element began to rush inside from the surroundings, which made Folca''s eyes almost pop out. If not because he was the one using it himself, he would think that the one calling the Light Element was the cultivator, not the weapon.


    Any cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Realm or higher could call forth the Elements they have an affinity with. So there was nothing strange in seeing their weapons shining with the color of the Elements they use. In fact, one could even call other Elements they have a low affinity with. Of course, the result would be several times worse.


    However, Folca isn''t doing such a thing at all! The Light Element, which is also something that he only saw Rean using in his life, was now entering the Sword by itself. How could he not be shocked by it?


    "This!"


    Rean smiled before continuing.


    "I guess I don''t need to tell what the advantages of having a weapon that can call another Element forth are, right?"


    Folca nodded absent-mindedly. Cultivators have an affinity with one Element, that much is true. At least, that is the truth in the world they live at the moment. However, that doesn''t mean they can''t use other elements to increase their attack power. It''s just that only those at the Core Formation and above would begin to do that. For example, a Fire Element Affinity Cultivator also using Wind Element to increase the power of his Fire Element.


    However, if their weapon can already do it by itself, just how much better would it be? Controlling various elements, especially when you don''t have an affinity with them, is anything but easy. This is a kind of weapon that would improve the combat power of any cultivator in the world. Not to mention that it can be used by Foundation Establishment cultivators too! Folca doesn''t know if there are Foundation Establishment cultivators out there that can use more than one Element proficiently. Still, if there are, he is sure that they are few and far between. This weapon, however, would allow any of them to do that.


    Yet, there was one more thing Folca wished to try out. He passed his Store''s Kaz Sword to another guy before saying.


    "Let''s strike the swords against each other. I want to see what else it can do other than gathering elements."


    The other blacksmith nodded, and both sides released their Spiritual Energies in their Swords. Suddenly...


    *Swish!*


    Rean''s Sword cut the Standard Spiritual Kaz Sword right in the middle. One must remember that neither side spared Spiritual Energy to protect their Swords, they both went full attack mode. That''s why Rean''s Sword could destroy the other one so easily. Still, that was the purpose of the test, to see which one was more resistant.


    "Unbelievable. Your alloy alone, even without the Element, is already much better than my Store''s Spiritual Kaz Sword. However, the terrifying thing is that the Light Element in the Sword gathered in the edge, increasing the sharpness several times. No, it would be more correct to say that it helped burn through the other Sword. Both the Sharpness and Light Element worked together, which increased the power beyond the alloy limit."


    *Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!*


    Rean couldn''t help but clap his hands in admiration.


    "Senior Folca is really an expert blacksmith for sure. You are the first one to really see through the trick behind it."


    Folca didn''t care about any of the pleasantries.


    "What to do you want to teach me this? Any price is negotiable."


    Rean took his Sword back before saying.


    "Maybe another day."

 Chapter 120 - Time to go back

    Folca felt like crying but had no tears.


    ''Then why did you show it to me? Are you a sadistic or something? Is it funny to see others suffering?''


    Of course, he only thought it in his mind. He decided that since his Clan got the formula to make Steel, he might use it to research new weapons. Perhaps Rean''s Spiritual Kaz Sword was made based on the Steel crafting process.


    He wasn''t completely wrong since Rean''s Steel was made based on his knowledge as a metallurgist back on earth. However, the main secret behind his Spiritual Kaz Sword was not present in the Steel Weapons, which was how to transform a Spiritual Metal into an Element Gathering One.


    There are types of natural ores out there that already have Elements on them. But those would not gather the Elements to them like Rean''s sword. Instead, they would make it easier for the Cultivator to use that ore''s specific element on the weapon. For example, it would be much easier to use Fire Element on a weapon made with a Fire Elemental Ore. However, it doesn''t mean that the ore will gather Fire Element by itself. That''s something that Rean invented by matching Spiritual Energy and his knowledge as a metallurgist from his previous life.


    "Alright. It seems like your blacksmiths already got the principle behind forging Steel. Do you need an anti-Spiritual Sense formation to hide the forging process? I can ask the Zafa Bank to send someone to deal with it."


    Folca snorted after hearing that.


    "Hmph! Who do you think we are? A blacksmith clan of our size obviously has its own forging secrets. We had long since built those formations to prevent them from leaking out. Besides, since the Zafa Back has 30% of the profits, no one will dare to steal from them. Even if someone is idiot enough to do that and succeed, he would never be able to sell Steel Works in Sasamil Empire. That being said, our business is pretty much safe."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/time-to-go-back_47945028978405586 for visiting.


    Rean nodded, satisfied.


    "Very well. I will leave the price of the Steel Weapons and Armors up to your judgment. Just don''t forget that Astreg City and the surroundings are off-limits. Oh well, I doubt your Weapon Store would open a shop in such a remote place anyway."


    Folca nodded.


    "Indeed, we have no interest in a place so far away. But that is also good since we can put higher prices for the Steel Weapons and the others would buy anyway. It is not worth traveling all the way to Astreg City to buy them. Also, we will make a few enhancements with our own techniques, so our Steelwork will be different from them to start with."


    Rean didn''t mind. Folca is a very experienced blacksmith, so he didn''t need to teach him more than necessary.


    "Very well. As per the agreement, Zafa bank has 30% of the profits, your Shop has another 30%, while I have 40%. However, don''t waste your time gathering Rank One Spirit Stones. Just trade them directly into Rank two if you can. I know that although the exchange rate is said to be 10 Rank one for 1 Rank two, the fact is that you will need at least 12 Rank one Spirit Stones for it. Still, I don''t mind. As long as it doesn''t surpass 13 Rank one Spirit Stones, you can trade it straight away."


    Folca nodded. 12 Rank one Spirit Stones was the average price. If he can even use 13, then it will be easy to trade them.


    Rean then continued.


    "However, if you wish so, you can pay me with High-Level Spiritual Ores and other forging materials. I need to start working on a stronger weapon since my Spiritual Kaz Sword is reaching a limit. I even saw a few of the kids in the Dalamu Sect Entrance Exam using High-Level Spiritual Weapons, so I can''t fall behind."


    Folca wanted to say that Rean''s Spiritual Kaz Sword is already equivalent to a High-Level Spiritual Equipment. However, Rean definitely knows that already, so there was no need to point it out.


    "Very well. You can leave all the crafting process with us. In at most a month, everyone in the cities we have branches will know about the Steel Weapons."


    Rean nodded and was just about to leave when Janariz spoke once more.


    "My offer is still valid. Any price is negotiable for the secret of the Elemental Gathering Metal."


    Rean smiled and finally left. It was not that he didn''t want to share the secret, but that it was too early. Steel Weapons were as good as Low-Level equipments. Still, ultimately, they would be used by Foundation Establishment cultivators as most. Any Core Formation or higher would definitely use High-Level Spiritual Weapons and Armors.


    However, if the Elemental Gathering Metal appeared in the market, maybe even the Dalamu Sect name wouldn''t hold the greedy ones back. This kind of weapon can totally change the way Foundation Establishment Cultivators and above do battle. Before Rean gets strong enough, it was better to not spread it. Having Folca Janariz knowing about it to prepare the terrain for the future was already good enough. That man is smart, and won''t open his mouth easily.


    As Rean left the Janariz Weapon Store, he put his hand inside his bag to pretend to take something. But in fact, he was accessing the Soul Gem Realm to take a few Spirit Stones. But only then he remembered something.


    "Oh, right! I can''t access the Soul Gem Realm if Roan is too far away from me. Such an annoying system..."


    Rean was planning to stay in the city another two or so days but decided against it in the end. He spent quite a few Spirit Stones during the contract process, so he was pretty much broke until he could reaccess his Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    ''I guess Roan is also in the same dilemma at the moment, I better go back.''


    ---


    Author''s note: If you like the story so far, consider leaving a few Power Stones to help the story. =)

 Chapter 121 - Challenges

    Rean arrived back in the sect by the end of the day. Once again, when the distance between him and Roan was reduced to a certain point, their connection was reestablished. Both twins noticed it at the same time.


    ''You took quite some time.''


    Roan said.


    ''There was no helping it. Contracts, teaching, agreements, all of that takes time. I was even intending to stay there two or three more days to observe the first days of forging and sales. But in the end, I was broke, so I came back. Did anything change while I was out?''


    Roan''s first sect duty arrived, so he was now working as... teacher!


    ''Wait, what?! How come you became a teacher?''


    ''The other elders had seen us during the Sect Entrance Exam, so they know my skills with the Sword, Spear, and even the Staff. Now they put me in charge of the sword training for the new disciples at the Energy Gathering Realm.''


    Rean felt like he was given a worse treatment.


    ''That''s not fair, they put me to take care of the Demon Beasts in my first duty, how come you became a teacher?''


    Roan snorted, though.


    ''As if I cared. Besides, you might have more free time than me in the end. Just use it to train more once it starts. Also, I know that you quite like animals too.''


    ''Well, that''s true.''


    Rean then changed the topic.


    ''What about Malaka, did you see her at all?''


    Roan immediately answered.


    ''No, it seems like she is completely locked inside the Blue Orchid District. In fact, other than those two girls guarding the Blue Orchid area''s entrance, I haven''t seen any other girl with the same badge and robe as them.''


    Rean narrowed his eyes. However, it seemed like it wasn''t something targeted at Malaka alone, but all the Blue Orchid Faction''s girls. Because of that, he doesn''t know if she was doing well or not.


    ''Is there a way I can check it?''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''I looked for it already. It seems like this district and faction loves to stay isolated from the other sections. They would only appear once they leave for a mission or when they enter the arena to challenge an Inner Sect disciple.''


    Rean didn''t like how it was going.


    ''What about Elder Hulian or Elder Guliva, have you tried any of them?''


    ''No. We can''t forget that we are just new disciples, that would be overstepping our boundaries. The Dalamu Sect isn''t a place where we can simply do what we want. Nor are the elders here that tolerant to those who break the rules. I doubt they would go out of their way to ask favors to other factions.''


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right. Otherwise, how could they let a bunch of kids fight the demon beasts by themselves? It''s just that due to the talent Rean and Roan showed, they were being a little more favored. Rean then thought for a time when suddenly, his eyes lit up.


    ''Don''t worry, there is still a hand that we can play.''


    Roan''s interest got picked instantly.


    ''What is it?''


    ''Simple, the arena. As long as we pay the necessary points, we can challenge any disciple, right?''


    Roan immediately understood what he meant.


    ''I see, but it can''t be us, it has to be Lenna. Our cultivation is too high, and we are considered to be 12 years old. It goes against the rules of the sect.''


    ''Isn''t Renna 11 years old? She won''t be able to challenge Malaka either.''


    Roan disagreed.


    ''She is not that older. Malaka is becoming 10 years old next month, but I doubt that Lenna is the same. As long as she isn''t really two years older, which means a complete 24 months, she is still eligible for the challenge. We can use that chance to ask Malaka what is happening.''


    Rean agreed with that plan.


    ''Very well, how many Sect points we need to challenge her? She isn''t an Inner Sect disciple, so it shouldn''t be that much.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''I looked into it before. To challenge an Inner Sect disciple, you would need at least 2000 points. But to challenge someone in the outer sect, 200 points is enough.''


    Rean pondered a bit before asking.


    ''Can points be transferred? We can''t simply ask Lenna to give away her points.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''It is. The disciples often use their own points to buy or sell things. We could simply do the same. By the way, my teaching duty will last another two weeks, and it will give me 100 points in the end. How long will your duty take, and how many points is it?''


    ''Give me a moment, I''ll go to the affairs office to ask.''


    A few minutes later, Rean used their soul connection to answer Roan.


    ''It will last one week, and it gives me 50 points in total.''


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    ''We will more or less finish our duties at the same time. In that case, we better take a mission to amass a big bulk of points at once. We can use it to have Lenna challenge Malaka and for other things as well.''


    Rean immediately agreed with the idea.


    ''That''s good enough. Besides, we might receive some information in the meantime as well.''


    Rean''s duty day quickly arrived. The place where the demon beasts were treated was localized on the back of the sect. One must understand that Dalamu''s Mountain is enormous, expanding for over 50 km in all sides. Even with the thousands of disciples, it still had a lot of unused areas. The back of the mountain had another forest with more mountains in the distance.


    Rean easily noticed the building where the Demon Beasts were treated. In general, each one of them was several times bigger than his room. But that was to be expected since it held Demon Beasts from Stage Two to Stage Five!


    *Kraaa!*Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/challenges_47949598555162588 for visiting.


    Rean almost had a heart attack when he approached the Demon Beasts'' section. That cry came from one of the enormous buildings that probably housed the Stage Four and Five ones. It also just had to happen when he was passing by it.


    "Holy Shit, this thing made my heart stop for a second."


    Rean then took a deep breath and continued forward. Everywhere he looked, there were demon beasts and disciples taking care of them. He had never seen so many of them in the same place.


    He didn''t have time to look at all of them for long, though.


    "You there, where you came from?"


    Rean looked at a middle-aged man who came walking his way. From the looks of it, he was also an Outer Sect Elder.


    "I was assigned to this place for the next week, my name is Rean Larks from the Iron and Blood District."

 Chapter 122 - Snow Crane

    "Oh! You came from the body training maniacs district. That''s good, you guys usually are the best ones to take care of the Demon Beasts."


    Rean couldn''t help but feel like the name suited his faction very well.


    The elder had stopped him since Rean looked to be lost. Well, he was just dazzled by all the demon beasts around, though.


    "Anyway, I''m an outer sect elder of Demon Beast Tamers Faction. The one who commands this place is elder Reliance Gongol, from the Inner Sect."


    He then pointed at the only building that seemed to have nothing to do with the Demon Beasts.


    "That''s where you get your assignments for the week. Also, be careful not to enter any of the stronger demon beasts buildings, especially those with cages inside. Anyway, that''s all, you can go."


    The elder then continued to make his way to one of the big buildings.


    Rean didn''t mind and went to the office that the elder mentioned. After reporting his arrival to the disciple inside, he was asked to go talk with an elder called Javiu.


    Surprisingly, that was the same elder he bumped on the way.


    "Hum? How come you are back?"


    "The disciple told me that I was supposed to talk to you."


    "Me? That''s weird, I didn''t ask for any extra help. Oh well, whatever. I won''t refuse any extra hands. Come with me then, I was just about to enter the Snow Crane''s building, so you can take a look to familiarize yourself with the process."


    Rean nodded.


    When Rean heard the name Crane, he thought about Earth''s Cranes. However, he was taken aback when he saw the one in front of him. It did look like a Crane, but it was enormous! It was at least five times taller than the elder. Still, Rean thought that this Crane was really beautiful. It was completely white, and there wasn''t even a spec of dirt on its feathers.


    *Kra!*


    Now that he was inside the building, he had to cover his ears. This Crane''s cry was deafening!


    "Alright, alright. I know, I know."


    Elder Javiu gently touched the Crane to help it calm down.


    "You there, bring that basin close to the entrance. Fill it with some water too."


    Rean followed the elder''s orders and quickly brought the basin over. Javiu then took a bottle with a red pill and mixed it in the water. The Crane reluctantly drank it. It was evident that it hated the taste.


    "Rean, right? Help me arrange her nest. We need to leave it as clean as possible. Snow Cranes hate dirt more than anything else."


    Rean nodded, and the two began to clean everything as the Crane rested there. Rean worked fast and cleanly, not neglecting any point. As Javiu looked at that, he nodded satisfied.


    A few minutes later, they finally finished everything.


    Javiu then looked at Rean to ask.


    "Wanna touch her a bit?"


    Rean''s eyes lit up. It would be a lie if he said that he didn''t want to.


    "Yes!"


    Javiu saw Rean''s excited expression and couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Hahaha! Great, come here. Just be gentle."


    Rean nodded and began to caress the Crane''s feathers. The Crane was a little suspicious of Rean at first, but as he continued to treat her well, she eventually dropped her guard.


    It was then that Rean''s expression changed again.


    "This..."


    Javiu looked at him before asking. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/snow-crane_47949781108052493 for visiting.


    "Is something wrong?"


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    "Was she perhaps hurt recently?"


    Javiu was surprised that Rean asked that.


    "Why do you ask?"


    "I can feel that there is blood coagulation below her spine close to the neck..."


    "Hm? There another one close to her stomach. It seems quite... painful."


    Elder javiu was surprised that Rean could tell this much.


    "Kid, you are quite good. Indeed, she suffered a few injures during a dispute between our Dalamu Sect and the Umbral Sect. It has been quite a few months, so her feathers already recovered. However, the internal injuries are more severe, so she has yet to recover from them."


    When it comes to life force, Rean is probably second to none in the Dalamu Sect. All living beings have life force, and the Crane was no different. It was because of this that Rean eventually found her injuries. Her life force around the arena of the injuries was obvious in disarray as if it was trying to fight something, but ended being absorbed instead.


    Rean then came near the area close to the stomach, where he felt the second injury. However, when he touched that place, the Crane opened her eyes and began to act wildly. Obviously, it felt very painful when one touched that place.


    Elder Javiu quickly pushed Rean away as he did his best to calm the Crane.


    "You see? It will probably take a long time for her to recover, so don''t touch her there."


    However, Rean shook his head.


    "She will not recover. Instead, she will only get worse from now on."


    Javiu was taken aback.


    "What do you mean?"


    "I was only able to touch for a second, but I felt the presence of some kind of energy that is slowly eating her life away. It''s very unique."


    Rean thought that it looked a little like Roan''s Dark Element. However, the semblance stopped there. It was definitely not Dark Element even because no one else should be able to use it.


    Javiu opened his eyes wild as a name appeared in his mind.


    "Bastards! They infected her with Umbral Energy."


    "Umbral Energy?"


    Javiu nodded.


    "It''s the skill native to the Umbral Sect. It is very hard to remove and to detect as well. I didn''t think they would use it against the Crane since only the top cultivators of the Umbral Sect are allowed to learn it. Now it became troublesome."


    "Why?"


    Javiu continued.


    "It has been too long since it entered her body, so it has probably contaminated the organs around the two injuries. With the support of the spread of Umbral Energy, the two main sources will be very hard to eliminate."


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    "I don''t mind giving it a try."


    Javiu felt like he heard a joke.


    "Try what? This is not something that can be removed just because one wants it. I''ll need to see if we can get a healing pill from Sect Master. However, a pill that can heal this stage of Umbral Energy... The Sect Master might not agree to spend so much in the Crane."


    Rean shook his head, though.


    "Then just let me give it a try. It''s not like you have anything to lose anyway. All I need is for Elder Javiu to keep the Crane Calm."


    Javiu was just about to refuse again when Rean''s hands suddenly began to shine with milk-white light. Even though Elder Javiu wasn''t touching it, he could sense a very warming feeling that seemed to invigorate his body.


    "I see... you are the twin that can use Light Element. I''ve heard about you from the other elders."


    Rean nodded.


    "That Umbral Energy inside her looks a little with my brother''s Dark Energy. The difference is that my brother''s one destroys the life force, while this Umbral Energy drains it."


    Rean then thought to himself.


    ''Well, Roan''s one is hundreds of times more aggressive, though.''


    Elder Javiu pondered a bit and nodded in the end.


    "Very well, as long as you don''t make it worse, then I''ll give you a hand."


    Rean nodded.


    "Don''t worry, I don''t know if I can eliminate it, but I won''t make it worse for sure."


    Elder Javiu then approached the Crane''s head and seemed to whisper something into her ears. After a few seconds, he nodded at Rean.


    "You can try it now."


    ---


    Weekly Deal:


    2500 Power Stones = Two Extra Chapters.


    Every 500 after = One More Chapter.

 Chapter 123 - Assault with Dark Element

    Rean once more touched the area close to the internal injury. The moment he did that, the Snow Crane shivered, but because Javiu was there with her, she didn''t try to push Rean away.


    Rean then sent his Light Element inside, trying to get a better view of the situation in his mind. He didn''t try to stimulate the Life Force around the Umbral Energy, though. If he did that, chances were that the Umbral Energy would have even more Life Energy to grow.


    "I see... It really has some semblance with Roan''s Dark Element."


    Rean pondered a bit and then decided to try something different. Suddenly, his part of his hair began to change color as he exchanged Light Element for Dark Element with Roan. Roan, of course, noticed it.


    ''What is it?''


    Rean then answered through their soul connection.


    ''Nothing much, I''m trying to help an elder here in the Demon beasts Faction.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/assault-with-dark-element_47968460726136179 for visiting.


    Roan then cut their connection. Since Rean wasn''t in danger or anything, then he didn''t care.


    Rean then manipulated the Light and Dark Elements together. His Light Element was used around the main source of Umbral Energy to protect the organs, while Roan''s Dark Element was going to assault the Umbral Energy itself. Rean and Roan have free control of the other Element, so he knew that it would not affect his Light Element.


    "Elder Juvian, it will probably be painful, so do your best to hold her down."


    Javiu nodded, and he began to pour his Spiritual Energy into the Snow Crane. It spread through her body rapidly until suddenly, it paralyzed her nerves.


    "Alright, go ahead."


    The Crane noticed that it couldn''t move anymore and tried to use its own Spiritual Energy to break free from the restriction. However, Javiu held her there.


    Rean didn''t hold back and initiated the attack against the Umbral Energy. At the same time, the Snow Crane''s eyes went bloodshot. It wanted to cry, but elder Javiu had control over its body.


    However, it wasn''t anything easy to do. The Snow Crane is a Stage Four Demon Beast, equivalent to a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator. Elder Javiu is only at the Core Formation Realm, so he was definitely weaker than her. If not that the Crane trusted him, he wouldn''t have got control over her movements.


    "Be fast, I won''t be able to hold her for long."


    Rean began to sweat rivers. The Umbral Energy''s quality couldn''t be compared to Roan''s Dark Element. However, the strength was definitely much higher. The cultivator who attacked the Snow Crane with Umbral Energy was definitely far above Rean and Roan in cultivation.


    Fortunately, Umbral Energy didn''t have anyone''s support. With Rean''s constant attack of Dark Element against the Umbral Energy, it quickly began to lose its power.


    The reason the Crane was feeling so much pain was not the Umbral Energy, though. It was all due to Roan''s Dark Element, which destroys life energy/force. It was definitely much more painful than the slow absorption process of the Umbral Energy.


    Fortunately, Rean was the one controlling it, so he could use his own Light Element to support the Crane is this internal battle.


    Finally, the last bit of Umbral Energy disappeared. Rean then quickly ceased the use of Dark Element, and his Light Element began to pour inside like torrents! It was also at this moment that Elder javiu lost control over the Crane.


    However, just as the Snow Crane was about to push Rean away, the pain suddenly disappeared. On the place where the Umbral Energy was acting before, only a very comfortable feeling remained. Rean kept pouring more and more Light Element as it fed the Crane''s life force.


    It was then that Rean fell on his butt while gasping for air.


    "Sorry... I need... some time..."


    Unfortunately, Rean didn''t have enough Spiritual Energy to finish healing the Crane. In fact, he didn''t achieve even 20% of total healing. The Crane was a Stage Four Demon Beast, after all. There was no way for someone at his level to totally heal her in one go.


    Elder Javiu then helped Rean. He could see that Rean''s Spiritual Energy went completely dry.


    "How was it? I thought she would attack you straight away after I lost control, but she didn''t. Could it be that you were successful?"


    Rean smiled before nodding.


    "Yes. I couldn''t get close to heal the injury, but the Umbral Energy Source was utterly wiped out. Even if I don''t do anything, she will eventually reach full recovery in that place. The Umbral Energy contamination around will also disappear now that the source is gone."


    Rean then sat on the ground and brought out a few of his Spirit Stones from his bag. He closed his eyes while concentrating on recovering his Spiritual Energy. Elder Javiu, on the other hand, used his Spiritual Energy to check the Crane''s injury condition.


    "Hahaha! Great! It is already showing signs of recovery."


    Suddenly, Rean almost fell to the side. That''s because the Snow Crane''s head began to rub against his body. Seeing that, Rean and Javiu laughed out loud.


    "Alright, alright. Let me recover my Spiritual Energy first before I continue to heal you."


    The Crane nodded before returning to its resting position.


    "Elder Javiu, can it understand my words?"


    Javiu nodded.


    "She can understand a little indeed. She is a peak Stage Four Demon beast, so her intelligence is partially awakened already. Once a Demon Beast enters Stage Five, they will gain full intelligence, just like any other human. She is very close to doing the same thing."


    Rean was surprised to hear that.


    "As intelligent as a human? No, wait, almost stage five? Isn''t that the same as a Divine Soul Realm cultivator?"


    Elder Javiu nodded.


    "That''s exactly it."


    "No wonder she nodded back at me. She is already quite intelligent since she understood my words."


    Javiu then pondered a bit before saying.


    "Can you help to eliminate the other source of Umbral Energy as well? I''ll be sure to report your achievements later, so it should give you a lot of Sect points."


    Rean''s eyes lit up after hearing Sect points. He would do so even if there weren''t Sect points. But now that Javiu said it, he is even more willing.


    "Sure, leave it to me!"

 Chapter 124 - Direct Contact

    This time, it was easier to convince Snow Crane to accept Rean''s treatment. One thing worth to mention is that Roan wouldn''t be able to do it even if he used Rean''s Light Element. That''s because Rean relied mostly on his perception of life force, which Roan can''t feel at all.


    Sure enough, the Snow Crane went through a lot of pain as Rean used Roan''s Dark Element to get rid of the Umbral Energy. But with Javiu''s help, everything ended fine. Rean stayed there for the day, continually recovering his Spiritual Energy with Spirit Stones and then healing the Snow Crane''s internal injuries.


    When night arrived, Rean was exhausted.


    "Great job, kid. I didn''t think that Light Element was so useful. However, you better not tell anyone that your Light Element can deal with Umbral Energy. I will do the same as well and only tell the Snow Crane''s owner that I got a better medication."


    Rean, who was lying on the ground, looked at Elder Javiu.


    "Her owner?"


    Javiu nodded.


    "Most of the Stage Four and above demon beasts have someone who tamed them in the past. Although most of them are disciples or previous disciples of our Demon Beast Faction, there are also a few from the other factions. They pay us to take care of their own demon beasts since we are better at it."


    Rean nodded. This place really had everything they would need to take care of the demon beasts. The Sect might have several factions, but they are ultimately the same Sect, so things like this happened a lot.


    "By the way, who is her owner?"


    "It''s me."


    Elder Javiu and Rean jumped in fright! Out of nowhere, a woman appeared leaning against the opposite wall, and it seemed like she had been there for a long time already. However, they didn''t notice her at all.


    She has long black hair with black eyes and a slim body. Her appearance was of someone around her late twenties. Still, Rean knows that cultivators can keep their appearance for much longer. That being said, she is probably several times older than she looks like. Nonetheless, she was a beauty in her own merit.


    The only one who didn''t seem surprised was the Snow Crane, which rubbed its head against that woman.


    "This... Elder Tiria, how long had you been there?"


    Elder Tiria gently caressed the Snow Crane as she answered.


    "From the moment you began to heal my Nana''s second internal injury."


    "Nana?"


    Javiu explained.


    "It''s the Snow Crane''s name that elder Tiria gave."


    Rean nodded.


    "Elder Tiria, about the-"


    Tiria didn''t let Rean finish talking.


    "I know. You were able to get rid of the Umbral Energy, which is indeed something impressive. Usually, we need to pay a high price for a pill capable of doing such a thing. It is to the point that my Nana''s value might not be worth it. To be honest, I knew about it, but acquiring the pill for the Snow Crane was just too hard and expensive."


    "You don''t need to worry, I won''t tell anyone about your ability. Otherwise, the Umbral Sect might send some assassins to get rid of you. With your cultivation, you would be dead the first moment you step outside."


    Rean felt a chill on his back. He didn''t think that helping the Snow Crane was so dangerous like that. But Rean felt puzzled for a moment.


    "Even a Core Elder like you can''t get the pill to heal the Snow Crane."


    Tiria smiled a bit before saying.


    "I do have enough authority to get one pill, but I had to use it myself in the end."


    Rean was taken aback. Javiu, on the other hand, wasn''t. Elder Tiria participated in that small fight against the Umbral Sect a few months ago. So it''s not surprising that she was also a victim of the Umbral Energy. From what he heard, that was quite a fierce battle. Of course, the Dalamu Sect also left their own gifts for the Umbral Sect.


    "I see, at least elder Tiria is already healed, so that''s a good thing."


    Tiria''s smile got bitter when she heard that and murmured.


    ''Healed, uh?'' Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/direct-contact_47992011374001979 for visiting.


    Rean and Javiu didn''t hear that, though.


    She patted the Snow Cran twice. The Crane understood her meaning and returned to its nest.


    Tiria then approached Rean and grabbed one of his hands, which puzzled both Rean and Javiu. It was then that she put his hand between her chests! Well, not exactly there, but closer to her neck instead.


    Rean''s face became as red as a tomato! He is quite weak to this kind of thing. Rean tried to pull it back, but with Tiria''s cultivation at the Nascent Soul Realm, he couldn''t possibly be stronger than her.


    Javiu, too, was taken aback by that.


    "Cough, cough. Elder Tiria, should I go away and leave you two alone?"


    Rean felt like crying! Can''t you see the child molestation here? Help me for f.u.c.k.i.n.g sake! This is wrong!


    However...


    *Pah!*


    Elder Tiria did a chop motion with her other hand, hitting Rean''s head.


    "Aren''t you too self-aware for a kid? You better calm your little brother down there, or I swear I''ll cut it off!"


    Rean''s face went from red to pale in the next second. As for his little brother, it immediately lost all its excitement, quickly returning to normal sometime later.


    "I have no interest in you, just do the same thing you did with the Snow Crane to check my condition."


    Rean and Javiu were taken aback once more.


    ''So that''s what you wanted! Anyway, why the hell did you have to select that arena to put my hand? Couldn''t it be your belly or your shoulder? How the hell does your head work?!''


    Of course, neither Javiu nor Rean said that in front of a Core Elder.


    Rean then took a deep breath and sent his Light Element inside elder Tiria''s body. Immediately, an extremely comfortable feeling spread through her body, making her let out an involuntary m.o.a.n.


    Rean almost fainted! If others heard that without seeing what was happening, what would they think was happening between the two?!


    In fact, even Tiria wasn''t expecting to let out such a sound, so she felt a little embarrassed too. As for Javiu, he pretended that he didn''t hear anything for his own safety.


    However, Rean''s expression changed a second later.


    "Holy Shit! The Umbral Energy inside you is at least 10 times stronger than the ones I healed from the Snow Crane!"


    Rean then released his hand and understood why she had to put it between her chests. If he didn''t use that place to send his Light Element inside, it would be hard to reach where the Umbral Energy is concentrated. Elder Tiria is a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. Her body had a natural Spiritual Energy barrier that made it difficult for Rean to Circulate his Light Element inside. That''s was basically because of their difference in cultivation. Only by touching a place ''close'' to where she received the attack of Umbral Energy directly would he be able to check it properly.


    ''Still, couldn''t you have told me in advance? I might look like a kid, but I''m still a man, you know?''


    Elder Tiria had never heard the term ''Holy Shit'' before, but she didn''t care since she could guess why he said that. She then got up and asked.


    "Did you see? Tell me what you think."


    ---


    Weekly Deal:


    2500 Power Stones = Two Extra Chapters.


    Every 500 after = One More Chapter.

 Chapter 125 - I Want to Pass Out

    "Cough, cough. Didn''t Elder Tiria use a pill to eliminate the Umbral Energy?"


    Tiria nodded.


    "I did. However, there was too much of it inside my body, so the pill could only eliminate part of it. I was too careless in the battle a few months ago. Because of that, I was hit head-on by one of the Umbral Sect Core Elders, Furen Posin. That''s why I got into this condition."


    Rean nodded.


    "I see... To be honest, I''m impressed that elder Tiria is still alive. You said you got infected by it a few months prior. Considering the amount of Umbral Energy, I don''t know how you can even walk." Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/i-want-to-pass-out_47995181043086161 for visiting.


    Tiria laughed after hearing that.


    "Once your cultivation goes further, you will be able to control Spiritual Energy much better. In my case, I basically created a barrier of Spiritual Energy that prevents it from spreading or drain too much life force. As long as I have enough Spirit Stones, I can continue like this for quite a few more years. However, I won''t be able to enter a battle in my condition, so I need to get rid of it as soon as possible."


    Tiria then looked at Rean.


    "Then, out of nowhere, a Kid capable of dealing with Umbral Energy without alchemist pills appeared right in front of me. How could I let this chance pass?"


    Rean nodded.


    "I understand. Anyway, that thing inside you is quite complicated. I had to use almost all my energy just to take the Snow Crane''s one. But yours is just too strong. I definitely don''t have the cultivation necessary to eliminate it in one go. However, I shall tell you in advance that it is excruciating. If Elder Javiu wasn''t holding the Snow Crane, it definitely wouldn''t let me finish. Still, all of these aren''t the main problem..."


    Rean stopped at that moment. He really couldn''t bring himself to say the next words.


    "What is it, do you need something else? If it is spirit stones to recover, you don''t need to worry. I have plenty. I can also give you quite a few Sect points. Helping a Core Elder with an issue like this is definitely worth the work."


    Javiu also tried to convince Rean.


    "She is right, you should take this chance while you can. With Elder Tiria''s cultivation, she will eventually get the Umbral Energy removed. It''s just that you could accelerate the process several times."


    When Rean heard that, his eyes lit up.


    "Does that mean that Elder Tiria doesn''t really need my help, she can heal on her own?"


    Tiria nodded.


    "I can, it''s just that it will take at least ten years of constant care, and chances are that it will take even more without the help of more pills. If the sect needs my help during it, I would not be of much use. Umbral Energy is not that omnipotent. As long as it is contained, a Divine Soul Realm cultivator can eventually expulse it from his or her body. Of course, the Snow Crane definitely wouldn''t be able to do it since she isn''t a Stage Five Demon Beast yet."


    Rean nodded.


    "Great! Then you should totally heal it yourself!"


    Tiria and Javiu were taken aback. Did he hear anything they said just a moment ago?


    "Why don''t you want to help?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "Trust me, you definitely will prefer to do it on your own."


    Elder Tiria''s eyes narrowed.


    "Kid, cut the crap, just tell me what you need, and I''ll arrange it. If you keep wasting my time like this, I won''t give you a single Sect Point for healing Nana."


    Rean scratched the back of his head after hearing that. In the end, he dropped his head while coughing.


    "Cough, cough... Well... the problem is that I''ll need to make... direct contact, no clothes on the way. Also... we both know that you haven''t been hit close to your neck, but right over the right b.r.e.a.s.t. That means..."


    Finally, Tiria and Javiu understood why Rean was so reluctant to mention it. Doesn''t that mean that Tiria would need to show one of her b.r.e.a.s.ts to the kid and let him... grab it? Even Tiria felt like it would be too much. Before, she had just allowed him to touch her clothes'' surface, and his hand wasn''t really between her chests per see, but more close to her neck instead. That''s why she could bear with it at first.


    "I told you, didn''t I? Just take your time and heal it properly. Your body has this natural spiritual energy barrier, so I can only treat it if I touch the right place directly. At least, that''s my limit with my actual cultivation. Let''s pretend that we didn''t discuss it, shall we?"


    Javiu didn''t say anything, but he also felt that Rean was right. That would be stepping too far.


    In the end, Elder Tiria also nodded.


    "We shall... forget it..."


    Rean finally let out a sigh of relief.


    ''I really can''t deal with this kind of situation. If Tiria had gone ahead with it, I think my heart might have stopped.''


    There you have, your 41 years old v.i.r.g.i.n soul. Rean really couldn''t step that far. If it meant losing his Sect Points for healing the Snow Crane, then he could only accept it.


    Tiria left sometime later, leaving only Rean and Javiu behind.


    Javiu could only show a weird smile at Rean before saying.


    "Don''t mind it much. I''ll make sure to deliver 300 Sect Points for helping with the Snow Crane''s condition. I would give you 1000 if I could. After all, the Snow Crane is almost a Stage Five Demon Beast. Unfortunately, to give you this much, I would need to tell the real reason. For your own safety, it is better if I don''t."


    Rean didn''t mind. 300 Sect Points was a lot more than he needed at the moment.


    It was already night time, so Rean bid farewell to Elder Javiu and made his way back to the Iron and Blood district... or so he tried.


    Suddenly, his body was enveloped by a powerful spiritual energy. Before he could say anything, he was dragged through the skies at high speeds.


    The G-force was so great that he almost fainted! Finally, he stopped after a minute or so. His blurry vision and mind slowly came back to normal. But just as he was about to contact Roan through their Soul Connection, he saw a familiar face in front of him.


    "This... Elder Tiria, is there something?"


    Elder Tiria''s face began to get a little red as she struggled to speak. But she ultimately opened her mouth.


    "Let''s go ahead with your plan."


    Rean felt that perhaps, it would have been better to pass out.


    ---


    Weekly Deal:


    2500 Power Stones = Two Extra Chapters.


    Every 500 after = One More Chapter.

 Chapter 126 - Sister Orb, Help Me!

    Rean looked away from her, trying to keep his eyes as far as possible while saying.


    "Cough, cough. Elder Tiria, I don''t think this is appropriate. I''m just an innocent kid with no experience in life. You couldn''t really want to tarnish my pure mind, right? This kind of thing should be reserved for your loved one, not a kid."


    Rean noticed that there was no response, so he looked back just in time to see her finish removing the right side of her robe. What appeared in front of him was a perfectly shaped boob. Elder Tiria wasn''t that big in this regard, but she was not small either. The smooth white skin with a beautiful round and pink ''babies'' territory. Seeing that, Rean couldn''t help but swallow his saliva.


    Rean''s heart really almost stopped. He could somehow accept his new mother''s one when he was little since he really decided to take her as his mother in this world. But elder Tiria was a completely different story, especially since his mind is, in fact, a 41 years old v.i.r.g.i.n. He quickly closed his eyes after that while focused on the Soul Gem Dimension.


    ''Sister Orb, help me!''


    [Why should I? I''m having the time of my life watching the show. Hahahaha!]


    Rean felt like crying but had no tears.


    ''You have to do something. Will you really abandon me here?''


    [Abandon you? First of all, what exactly you want me to do? Knock her out? Sorry, but I''m not nearly as capable as that. Besides, if I really intervene, what do you think will happen after I reveal my existence? It''s just a b.r.e.a.s.t, the same one used to feed babies. You touched them before, you even sucked them as well, didn''t you?]


    ''That''s because I had to keep my baby''s pretension. Besides, I do respect my new mother in this world, I really think about her as my real mother too, so it''s totally different.''


    [Anyway, there is nothing I can do. The reason is simple, if you don''t do it now, you will have to do it later. I doubt Tiria will give up that easy. Also, look at her, she doesn''t want to do it as much as you, but she gritted her teeth and went ahead with it. Just grab it already. Since you are already at it, make sure to get a good grasp. Men love this kind of stuff, don''t they?]


    Rean finally understood that Sister Orb would be utterly useless in this situation.


    "Why are you closing your eyes? Do you think I like it? If not that you are just a kid, I wouldn''t be doing it either. Listen, the faster we start it, the quicker we will finish. Besides, do you really think I''ll let you leave just like that? Similarly, you have already seen it, so I can totally take your life so that the word won''t spread."


    Rean immediately retorted, though.


    "But if I do grab it, you will have even more of a reason to kill me later. Would you, a Core Elder of the Dalamu Sect, let a kid who grabbed your b.r.e.a.s.t walk around free? I highly doubt so. Anyway, I''m not doing it! This is wrong. That''s a place reserved for your husband and future kids."


    Elder Tiria looked at the extremely unwilling face in front of her when suddenly...


    "Pst..."


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Rean got confused. He kept his eyes closed, though.


    "What is it?"


    Elder Tiria patted Rean''s shoulders several times while laughing, which increased Rean''s confusion.


    "A place reserved for my husband, you say? Hahaha! To think I would receive such an indirect marriage proposal. And it came from a kid on top of that."


    Rean almost vomited blood!


    ''Who the hell is proposing marriage?!''


    What Rean didn''t notice was that Elder Tiria''s embarrassment disappeared entirely. Rean looked so innocent that she couldn''t help but tease him more. Of course, she still thinks about him as nothing more than a kid.


    [Hahahahahaha!]


    Even Sister Orb couldn''t hold back anymore, which made Rean feel even more helpless.


    "Cough, cough. Elder Tiria, you are mistaken, I''m too young to think about marr-"


    *Grab*


    Rean suddenly felt an incredibly soft, warm, bouncy, and comfortable feeling on his hand. Before Rean could finish his last sentence, Tiria had used her spiritual energy to force Rean''s hand to grab her b.r.e.a.s.t.


    "Done! Whit that, you have no choice other than marry me. Now stop wasting our time and start the procedure."


    Rean''s face was so hot that he felt like it would explode in the next second. Tiria found that even more funny, the little man was simply too pure.


    In the end, he could only grit his teeth.


    "Fine! But you have to let me go after that. I promise that I won''t say a single word about it either."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/sister-orb-help-me!_48016355768713723 for visiting.


    Elder Tiria smiled and retracted her Spiritual Energy, which released Rean''s body.


    "Very well, let''s start. I also prepared enough Spirit Stones for you."


    Rean then told her once more.


    "It''s really going to hurt, so be prepared."


    Tiria nodded.


    "Don''t worry, I can bear with it. I might not look like it, but I suffered a lot during battles in the past. Any cultivator at my level is the same. That being said, I''m already used to pain. Just go ahead and do what you must."


    Rean nodded. He then took a deep breath as the color of his hair began to change into a mix of black and white.


    Roan noticed it once more, but he didn''t care since Rean had warned him earlier. He simply thought that Rean was still using his Dark Element for the same thing. Well, in a certain way, he will be using Roan''s Dark Element for the same purpose indeed.


    Tiria was curious before when she saw that, and now, she was even more so. She knew that Rean and Roan could exchange elements since she was there during the last entrance exam. However, she didn''t really go out of her way to ask. But now that it was happening in front of her, Tiria decided that she might as well do so. However, just as she was about to open her mouth.


    *Grab!*


    Rean grabbed her b.r.e.a.s.t with his other hand a well!


    For a second, she thought that the kid was trying to take advantage of the situation. But she soon noticed that it was not the case. Rean was manipulating both Dark and Light Elements. He used one hand to control the Light, protecting Elder Tiria''s organs around the Umbral Energy. At the same time, the other attacked the Umbral Energy with Dark Element.


    The moment the Dark Element began to attack the assault, Elder Tiria''s body shivered. Rean wasn''t kidding; it was really excruciating!


    *M.o.a.n!*


    "Stop making this kind of sound!"


    Tiria felt embarrassed once more. Of course, Rean understood that this time, it was because of the sudden pain.


    "Bear with it, with the amount of Umbral Energy, we won''t be over before quite a few sessions. If you can''t endure it now, let alone when we get close to finish."


    Tiria gritted her teeth as well and did her best to not move. Just like that, Rean began the process of enjoy- cough, cough, attacking the Umbral Energy.


    ---


    Author''s note: Gonna make one thing clear. This is not the start of a romance, just a funny (and a little lewd) interaction. You can''t really expect an old monster like elder Tiria to have grown feelings for a kid, right? So just enjoy it. :P

 Chapter 127 - I Survived!

    The next morning, Rean was feeling exhausted, both in body and mind. He had to control his own urges for a certain part down there to not go out of control. At the same time, he had to recover his Spiritual Energy more than twenty times, while not stopping assaulting the Umbra Energy.


    It reached a point where even Roan contacted him, complaining that he was using too much of his Dark Element/Energy. Rean could only grit his teeth and say that he had no other choice. Nevertheless, Rean convinced Roan when he said that he would get a lot of Sect Points when he was over.


    Finally, the last strand of Umbral Energy was wiped out of Elder Tiria''s body, completely wiping out the source of the problem. If she had to participate in a battle later, there shouldn''t be an issue.


    Rean then fell on his butt as he gasped for air. His clothes were drenched with sweat too. He wasn''t the only one, though. Roan Dark Element/Energy destroyed Life Force, so an entire night resisting the Dark Energy continually entering her body was a tough ordeal. If not that Rean''s Light Element/Energy was helping to protect her body, she didn''t know if she would resist it to the end. Tiria would rather go into a Death and Life situation than repeat it again. Because of that, her entire body was as drenched with sweat as Rean''s one.


    Rean didn''t notice it before since he was concentrating on ignoring the soft feeling in his hands and controlling the Elemental Energies. But after he fell back a little, he noticed that Elder Tiria''s body lines were clearly visible through her robe. Besides, she still hasn''t covered her right boob. Rean then looked away as he suggested.


    "Cough, cough. Elder Tiria, we are done with it. You should seriously change your clothes."


    Elder Tiria was a lot more worried about the Umbral Energy, so her entire attention was on it the whole time. Even after Rean finished, she kept using her Spiritual Energy and Spiritual Sense to check if the Umbral Energy was really gone. Because of that, she completely forgot about her exposed b.r.e.a.s.t and didn''t even notice how her body was almost completely visible because of the sweat in the clothes.


    Tiria opened her eyes and looked down. Her face went red once more as she quickly covered her b.r.e.a.s.t. Right after, she disappeared in a flash. A few seconds later, she reappeared in front of Rean again. This time, she was using clean clothes. Of course, she didn''t have time to wash her body or anything like that. So her hair was still messy, and the scent of sweat still lingered.


    Rean wasn''t happy with anything like this. After all, he could die at any moment to cover the secret.


    Elder Tiria looked deeply at him. It looked like she was struggling to make a decision. On one side, he touched her and saw her body n.a.k.e.d (well, almost). On the other side, it was she who asked for it. Not to mention that he really saved her ten or so years of work in one night.


    In the end, she remembered that it was also Rean who helped Nana, her Snow Crane. It would really be too unfair, not to mention that Rean was still just a kid. Besides, she still found it quite funny when she teased him last night.


    "Sigh... Listen, kid. Last night never happened, do you understand?"


    Rean''s eyes lit up as he nodded vigorously. He also did his best to prevent eye contact with Elder Tiria and kept looking away.


    "Don''t worry, I want to forget that such a thing happened more than anyone else. I would wipe out my memories at this very moment if I could."


    Elder Tiria''s expression immediately went dark!


    *Pah!*


    Suddenly, Rean was hit on the back of his head, much for his confusion.


    "Are you saying that touching me and seeing my body is a horrible memory?!"


    [Hahahahahahaha! You really are helpless!]


    Rean felt like crying; no, he was really tearing up already! Sister Orb''s laugh didn''t help either!


    However, he at least understood that the way he put his words could really lead to such a misunderstanding. That being said, he immediately tried to correct himself.


    "Of course not! The perfect shaped body curves and the ''oh so soft and warm'' feeling that I still can''t forget in my hands was incredible! Truly! Believe me!"


    *Pah!* Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/i-survived!_48038838848772088 for visiting.


    "Are you courting death, pervert?!"


    Elder Tiria''s face felt so hot that she couldn''t even look at the kid in front of her anymore.


    Rean, on the other hand, wanted to die already.


    ''Just what you want from me, woman?! Besides, who would court that ice block?''


    Never underestimate a 41 years old v.i.r.g.i.n soul!


    "Cough, cough. Don''t worry, I won''t open my mouth. By the way, I better go to the Demon Beasts Faction. If elder Javiu notices that I didn''t appear right after what we talked about yesterday, he might get some ideas. It would be bad for both of us, especially me since I''m the one who could die at any moment."


    Suddenly, Elder Tiria''s powerful spiritual energy enveloped Rean, just like when he was ''kidnapped'' last night.


    "Oh shit!"


    That''s everything he could think. In the next second, he was dragged through the skies at high speeds, once again almost passing out due to the extreme G-Force. When his brain finally came back to the right place, he was standing right in front of the Demon Beasts Faction Area. No one noticed how he appeared there, though.


    As for Elder Tiria, she was nowhere to be seen.


    ''FREE! I''m finally free! I survived! Hahahahaha!''


    It was then that an intense feeling of fatigue assaulted Rean''s body once more. He immediately sat on the ground and took a few Spirit Stones from his bag. But it was also at this moment that he noticed. His bag was filled to the brin with Rank Two Spirit Stones! Not only that, but there was another one attached to his robe on the other side as well.


    ''1000 Rank 2 Spirit Stones! Great! At least she knows how to repay one''s favor.''


    It was then that Rean heard a voice coming from the Demon Beast Faction.


    "Rean! You are finally here."


    It was none other than Elder Javiu.


    "Come with me, there are a few injured demon beasts that I would like you to try to heal."


    Just like that, Rean''s second duty day taking care of Demon beasts started without any time for rest.

 Chapter 128 - Its a Lie

    Finally, for the first time in two days, Rean was able to go back to his room once more. Rean didn''t even cultivate that night. Instead, he went straight to bed and slept like a rock.


    The next morning, Rean went directly to the Demon Beast faction and started his day taking care of them. As for healing Demon Beasts, there was no need to do it all the time. It''s not like all of the Demon Beasts were injured or anything to start with. Elder Javiu only showed the worst cases and put Rean back to the regular job of a disciple on the Demon beasts Duty after he was done.


    The days quickly passed. The Snow Crane seemed to have got a like for Rean, so Javiu also put him in charge of the building she stayed in. Of course, the Snow Crane was allowed to take flight anytime she wanted. But as a tamed Demon Beast, she would come back after a few hours or a day at most.


    As for elder Tiria, Rean hasn''t seen her ever since that night. Well, he felt that to be better since he didn''t know how he should act in front of her.


    Just like that, his week in the Demon Beast faction/area was over. When he collected his Sect Points in the only office building there, Rean found out that he got above 400 points instead of 350 that he was expecting. The disciple in charge told him that he received a bonus for healing other demon beasts around too.


    Rean was more than happy with the extra points, so he immediately returned to the Iron and Blood District to talk with Lenna. Roan''s duty had also finished a few days ago, so he went there as well to discuss it.


    "Hm? You want me to challenge Malaka?"


    Rean nodded.


    "We can''t contact her, so we need an excuse to bring her out of the Blue Orchid District. Don''t worry, you can simply give up when the battle starts. As for us, we will provide you the points to do the challenge. As you know, she is our little sister, and we promised her family to keep an eye on her. We can''t challenge her ourselves because our cultivation levels are too different."


    Lenna looked at Rean and Roan before pondering for a moment. In the end, she nodded.


    "Okay. If I can simply give up, then it is fine to do so. When do you want it?"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other before looked back at her.


    "It''s still early, so it would be good if we go now. Do you have anything else to do?"


    Lenna shook her head.


    "Other than the morning exercises and cultivation during the day, I''m pretty much free. My duty in the Alchemist building only starts next week."


    With that, the three of them went to the Arenas. Of course, Rean first transferred 200 points to Lenna so that she could issue the challenge. Due to the number of disciples in the outer Sect, quite a few of them sparred here, so no one found it weird that someone was issuing a challenge.


    The disciple behind the counter passed the information and then waited. A few minutes later, they received a message.


    "Inna Malaka seems to be in a mission. She can''t receive the challenge."


    The twins'' narrowed their eyes.


    "When is she coming back?"


    The disciple shrugged his shoulder.


    "No idea. Each mission has a different duration. Sometimes the missions are issued to the disciple on purpose so that they will gain more experience outside. Anyway, you will need to wait until she is back."


    Roan then asked.


    "Is it possible to see which mission was taken by her?"


    "It depends. Once you take a mission, you can choose to leave the information open so that others know where you went if necessary. Or you can ask to hide it if you have a reason to not wanting others to know about your movements. Anyway, you will need to check in the mission hall. However, since the girl you are looking for is from the Blue Orchid District, chances are that she hid her information."


    Rean and Roan didn''t need to think much to understand why. A lot of disciples pay attention to this unusual faction, especially men. By hiding the information, it would prevent male disciples from going after the Blue Orchid disciples. It is basically so the girls there can prevent harassment.


    "Thank you."


    Rean, Roan, and Lenna then returned to the Iron and Blood district.


    On the way, however, Rean asked them to pass by the Blue Orchid District. Roan and Lenna didn''t understand why since they couldn''t enter, but they agreed nonetheless.


    After that, the twins thanked Lenna and returned to their own rooms. Lenna wanted to give Rean his points back, but Rean asked her to keep it for now in case he needs something similar later.


    Rean and Roan entered their room and began to talk through the Soul Connection.


    ''It''s a lie.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    ''You sure?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''You might not know this, but Life Energy in each person is different. After spending so many years with Malaka, I know her Life Energy very well. It''s like a Digital Imprint. Of course, it isn''t at the level that you and I are at. Even after going all the way to Majorias City, I could still tell the exact direction you were located at. With Malaka, however, I need to be very close to feel her Life Energy. It would be the same thing with Alanda, Father, and Mother. I spend a very long time with them, after all.''


    Roan understood what he meant.


    ''I see, that''s why you asked to pass by the Blue Orchid District. Their district is the smallest one, so you should be close enough to feel her presence. Anyway, does it mean you can feel all the life forces around at the moment?''


    Rean immediately shook his head.


    ''No. Unless they are just a few meters away from me, I can''t feel other people''s Life Energy presence. But in that case, it is much better to rely on Spiritual Sense since it goes a lot further. Malaka, Alanda, Mother, and Father are special due to the long time I spent with them. How can I saw this? It''s as if I created a very delicate link between their Life Energy and mine. Still, I can only feel that around 2 kilometers at most. More than that, and I won''t be able to tell anything.''


    Sister Orb then added.


    [Rean is not lying. The same way Roan is the epitome of ''death,'' Rean can be considered the ''life'' one. It isn''t strange at all that he can do such a thing. But the main reason would definitely be because of his Cultivation Technique, though. His control over the Light Element reached this point thanks to that.]


    Rean nodded and continued.


    ''Anyway, I can tell that Malaka is definitely inside the Sect at the moment. Or to be more precise, inside the Blue Orchid District.''


    Roan pondered a bit before mentioning.


    ''It''s still not guaranteed. There are no rules saying that a mission inside the Sect can''t be issued. In fact, you can really find a few ones if you want. Maybe Malaka is taking one of those.''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/it''s-a-lie_48062120792740779 for visiting.


    ''Do you think it is the case?''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''If I were to guess, no. But we need to confirm it first.''


    Rean and Roan were not in the same room, but they could tell that they had the same idea.


    ''Seems like we have no other choice.''

 Chapter 129 - Bending More Than Light

    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    ''Should we go to the mission hall or the Blue Orchid District?''


    Roan also thought a bit about the two options.


    ''The Blue Orchid District has the least amount of people. So, in theory, the orchid District would also have the least amount of security. However, it might be one more reason for them to reinforce the vigilance. I would say that we should check the Mission Hall first. If there is really a mission issued to be done in the Sect, we should find the information there. In that case, the fact that Malaka is in a mission wouldn''t be a lie.''


    Rean nodded, and the twins left sometime later. The Sect had disciples coming and going all the time. You never know when a group would be coming back from a mission. Because of that, the Mission Hall was always open. That being said, it wasn''t hard for them to sneak inside.


    Ever since Rean used his camouflage ability for the first time back in the Hyenas'' Territory, he had been improving it nonstop. His ability to bend Light simply couldn''t be compared anymore. That being said, it wouldn''t be easy to see him with the n.a.k.e.d eye.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/bending-more-than-light_48085400052361524 for visiting.


    However, if Spiritual Sense was used, he would be discovered straight away.


    Going four years back in time, Rean had just started to think about Spiritual Sense when it came to his camouflage skill.


    In a certain sense, Spiritual Sense is just like Light. It has a source, and it would spread outwards. Since Light can be bent, why can''t Spiritual Sense? The question is. Would a Spiritual Sense owner notice if his Spiritual Sense bent as Rean does with Light? Would he think that his Spiritual Sense is being interfered with by something or someone?


    Rean, with Sister Orb, Roan, and others'' help, had been testing his theory. It turned out that it depended on how significant the interference was and how far both parties'' cultivation was apart.


    How did Rean reach this conclusion? That''s because of a rule that Juri explained to him in the past.


    "When a strong cultivator, let''s say a Core Formation one, enters the Spiritual Sense area of an Energy Gathering Realm one, the Energy Gathering Realm cultivator can''t sense him."


    Rean couldn''t help but think, why does it happen? It is not something done voluntarily, but that happens automatically. However, only when Rean encountered the Zafa Bank expert, back in Astreg City, that he finally understood it better. At that time, the Core and Soul Fusion Expert of the Zafa Bank explained to him.


    "There is a limit to how well a Higher Realm cultivator can hide from the Spiritual Sense of a Lower Realm one. For example, let''s say an Initial Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator tries to enter the Spiritual Sense range of an Energy Gathering Realm one. At that time, whether the Energy Gathering Realm Cultivator can feel the Foundation Establishment guy or not will depend on how much interference was caused."


    "If the Foundation Establishment guy moves fast, the higher will be the interference. In that case, the Energy Gathering Realm cultivator will probably notice him. However, if he slowly approaches the Energy Gathering Realm cultivator, chances are that he won''t be detected. Of course, if the cultivator''s realm is much higher than yours, then it won''t matter even if he runs."


    It was then that Rean''s idea of Spiritual Sense being bent gained strength. If we use a metaphor, it is pretty much like air in a closed space. If you stay still, you won''t feel it since there is no wind. However, if you start moving, especially running, you will feel the air hitting your body. The wind is the cultivator''s Spiritual Sense. Only when you walk or run can he feel your presence.


    As for why much Higher Realm cultivators can run in the air without you noticing, Rean came up with another theory and metaphor for it.


    "It''s like aerodynamics. The higher your cultivation, the more aerodynamic you become. Low-Level cultivator''s Spiritual Sense would be considered a ''gentle breeze.'' Thanks to the overwhelm aerodynamics of Higher Level cultivators, the Low-Level cultivators can''t feel their ''gentle breeze'' touching the High-Level cultivators'' ''aerodynamic'' body."


    "At the same time, the higher your Realm, the stronger your ''wind/air,'' which is the Spiritual Sense, becomes. If the other cultivators want to hide from it, their ''aerodynamics'' must improve even more, which means that they need to be at even Higher Realms."


    At that time, Roan and Sister Orb had to admit that Rean''s theories made Sense. In fact, chances were that he was probably right. Even Sister Orb''s Soul Gem System didn''t have any information about it, so she recorded everything.


    Now, here''s the million dollars question. How to become more ''aerodynamic'' without having higher cultivation? That''s when Rean''s concept of Light and Spiritual Sense came into play. The Light Element was directly related to Life Energy. Spiritual Sense, as far as Rean knows, can only be used by ''living being.'' That being said, Spiritual Sense is a type of energy, just like Light and Spiritual Energy. It was so much that a cultivator needed to use Spiritual Energy to fuel it. If you keep it going for too long, you will get tired, so Life Energy was included in the process too.


    Rean had to thank the fact that he came from Earth at this point. Ancient Cultivators simply never stopped to think about such complex issues. These conceptions are too ''futuristic'' for this place, especially the concept that Light is a type of energy, just like Spiritual Energy or any other kind.


    However, it was one thing to talk about a theory, but another to put it into practice. Rean took months just to find a link between the Light Element, then Life Energy, and finally Spiritual Sense ''Energy.'' But from that point onwards, the world of Spiritual Sense changed for him.


    Now, Rean is already 10 years old. It has been 4 years that he had been practicing not bending only Light, but Spiritual Sense as well, all of that through his control of the Light Element.


    Today, it was the first time he would try to use it outside the Varen Tribe. The reason is simple. What if others found out that he could hide from Spiritual Energy? It was better to keep such a secret between him, Sister Orb, and Roan.

 Chapter 130 - Spiritual Rebirth

    Although Roan wouldn''t be doing as much as Rean, he could still move on the shadows and find the best spots. His perception is much better than Rean when they are not using Spiritual Sense too. One must remember that if Rean or Roan used their Spiritual Senses to move around in the Mission Hall, those at their level would feel it. Also, there was an even more significant reason for Rean and Roan to infiltrate the Mission Hall together.


    "I hate it."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "There is no helping it since I need to use all my concentration for the task alone. Also, it''s not like you will feel tired anyway. Besides, the smaller the area I have to cover, the better. It will be even better if I can leave all the movements to you."


    At this moment, Rean was piggybacking Roan, much to Roan''s dissatisfaction. Rean wasn''t lying. If the only thing he has to concentrate is the Light and Spiritual Sense bending, that will be much better. Even having to walk around would use some of his concentration. So as much as Roan doesn''t want it, he has to follow this arrangement.


    Rean and Roan were behind a corner outside the Mission Hall. Rean then began to use the Light Element and Spiritual Energy to bend the light, making them transparent. At the same time, he covered the two of them with the same two energies to form a weird barrier.


    This barrier was the result of Rean''s study and training. It simulated the same natural barrier that all cultivators had. The best thing is that it really worked as if Rean''s cultivation was much higher. He could feel when someone scanned the area he was in with Spiritual Sense, but they couldn''t tell that he was there.


    Of course, this ability of his is still on an elementary level. Rean believes that he would at most be able to hide from Spiritual Senses at the Initial Level of the Core Formation Realm. Simply put, Rean couldn''t make the two of them ''aerodynamic'' enough to hide against stronger cultivators. That is also the reason why Roan preferred to go to the Mission Hall instead of the Blue Orchid District. That place is full of high-level talented disciples. It would be much harder to avoid their Spiritual Senses compared to the disciples taking care of the Mission Hall.


    If someone could see the twins now, they would think that they are playing some game. Roan moved from corner to corner as if carrying some kind of precious package. It''s just that the package was Rean himself.


    Finally, they entered the Mission hall through the front door. Rean could feel some Spiritual Senses from the Disciples around. Usually, the place would have a lot more disciples looking into the mission. However, since they came late, there weren''t many at the moment.


    Roan quickly moved in the counter''s direction, where a disciple took care of a few doc.u.ments.


    With a jump, Roan passed over the counter and beside of that disciple. When he landed inside the office, there wasn''t even the slightest sound. Roan was definitely much better than Rean in this kind of thing.


    However, the disciple still felt a breeze passing by his side. He spread his Spiritual Sense for a moment to see if something fell there, but it returned no results.


    Rean and Roan didn''t care, though. Roan looked around and waited for Rean''s signal through their Soul Connection. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/spiritual-rebirth_48108246325586523 for visiting.


    ''Alright. There is no Spiritual Sense passing through here.''


    Roan looked around and could see three disciples in total. He waited for the moment that none of them was looking and opened the door to the archives.


    The twins went directly to the Mission Reports. Everything was well organized by day and time, so it was easy to find what they wanted. Now that they weren''t moving, Rean extended his Spiritual Sense bending ability to the files in front and had Roan browse through them. If he left the files out, others'' Spiritual Senses would see a bunch of paper floating in the air by itself. Naturally, they would come to verify straight away.


    Roan didn''t know the exact day the Malaka ''took'' a mission, so he went to the files that started the day prior and backward.


    Yesterday...


    Two days ago...


    Three days...


    Four...


    He kept browsing through all the missions ongoing. Although he passed through two tasks taken by the Blue Orchid District disciples, neither of them had Malaka there. Finally, he reached on the very first day that day joined the Sect.


    It was then that he saw a few highlighted worlds with a different color in a mission file.


    -Internal Mission Request, Spiritual Rebirth: Inna Malaka and Oka Talantoi.-


    -Posted by: Zaia Shinsuo.-


    -Duration: Unlimited.-


    Rean and Roan looked at each other.


    ''Isn''t Oka Talantoi the only other girl that joined the Blue Orchid District with Malaka?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''The one and the same.''


    They confirmed that Malaka was indeed in a mission. Not only that, but she also started that mission on the very first day they entered the Sect.


    However, why were only their mission highlighted in the files? They had seen a few other tasks that happened inside the Sect and that were issued by elders. However, none of them was highlighted like Malaka''s one.


    Besides, this ''Spiritual Rebirth'' made them feel very uncomfortable.


    ''Someone is coming.''


    Roan quickly put the files back, and they stepped aside. A disciple quickly put another bunch of mission files in their place and left right after.


    ''We should leave. This Light and Spiritual Sense bending of mine aren''t perfect. Besides, it is very tiresome to keep it running.''


    Roan nodded, and they quickly made their way out of the Mission Hall. From start to finish, no one knew that they had been there. Once outside, they began to ponder about Malaka''s issue.


    "Should we ask elder Guliva or Hulian about it?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "That''s a terrible idea. Even if elders knew, it is probably something important. Why would they tell us? Besides, the way it was treated, it might be a secret of the Sect. The fact that we know about it could instead spell calamity for us. Also, how do you plan to explain that we know about it? They will want to know how we found this information."


    They couldn''t help but think.


    ''Is there really no other way to check what is happening to Malaka other than going there?''

 Chapter 131 - Sect Gathering

    The Initial Stage of the Core Formation is the limit for Rean. Even their infiltration to the Mission Hall was quite risky since there were one or other elders above that level who worked there. If they are caught inside the Blue Orchid District, they most likely won''t leave alive. The last encounter with the Blue Orchid Disciples made their instance very clear.


    That being said, they decided to gather intelligence first.


    "We don''t know if this mission is focused on Malaka and Oka or if the other disciples also passed through it or not. Let''s go out and make a few questions."


    Rean nodded.


    "Alright. It isn''t too hard to figure it out. All we need to do is ask if all the new Blue Orchid Disciples disappeared right after they joined the Sect for some time. If we find out that it was the case, then we know that all new disciples probably have to go through the same Spiritual Rebirth mission."


    Roan agreed.


    "Look for some breaching point too, some clues that would make the infiltration easier. Just don''t make it too obvious."


    They waited for the morning exercise to be over and immediately run around, asking the older disciples. To not catch too much attention, they didn''t stay in a single district but went to other ones as well. Although there are several factions, it doesn''t mean that they can''t interact with each other. In fact, the Sect encouraged the disciples to do so. After all, the Sect wasn''t trying to create several feuds between its disciples. The only exception was really the Blue Orchid Faction.


    "Hm? If the disciples who joined with the Sect me but went to the Blue Orchid Sect didn''t appear for some time? What is it, kid? Are you interested in one of their girls? You better be careful since they won''t show any mercy to you."


    Sure enough, the majority thought that Rean and Roan were interested in the beauties inside that faction. However, they also got a few pieces of information.


    "Well, now that you said, that seems to be the case. I remember that Lisa and Yuna didn''t appear in the Sect before three months were gone during my time. At least, I don''t remember to have seen them before that."


    "That''s true, the new disciples never come out after they enter. You won''t see them before a few months have passed by."


    Rean and Roan also found another interesting information.


    "One month after every entrance exam, the Sect would have a gathering between the factions. It is a rule that all factions must participate too. Perhaps you can find the girl you are looking for there. Of course, those on duties or missions don''t need to come. However, you better don''t try to get close to those girls of the Blue Orchid, or your head might fly."


    "I''ve been to a few of the Sect Gatherings, but I don''t remember to have seen any new disciple from the Blue Orchid Faction/District participating. I wonder why, though."


    "Usually, several elders and even the Inner Elders responsible for the factions make an appearance as well. It is a good chance to show off your abilities since the Sect promotes some duels during those times."


    "The Blue Orchid girls also like to take the duels to show their superior abilities and training. As you probably know, only extremely talented girls can enter it. I totally understand you, little brother. You might be young, but you obviously like beauties too. That will be a good opportunity to see those girls in their splendor. I can guarantee you won''t regret it."


    Between misunderstanding and new pieces of information, Rean and Roan gathered everything they needed. They came back at the end of the afternoon to put everything together.


    Roan then started.


    "Alright. It has been almost three weeks since we entered the Sect. The Sect Gathering is happening in a little more than a week. To be more specific, ten days from now."


    Rean nodded.


    "Also, everyone we talked about said that the new girls always disappear for a few months. That pretty much confirms our suspicions. All new disciples probably must take the Spiritual Rebirth mission. Another thing that I noticed is that it doesn''t matter who it is; all the girls from the Blue Orchid District would distance themselves from everyone else. I believe that even old friends are included."


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "All the new disciples wouldn''t appear for the first three months at the very least. So whatever they are doing, it will at least take this amount of time. Our chance lies in the Sect Gathering. A lot of elders and disciples have to participate, so the vigilance in the Blue Orchid will be at its weakest. That will be the best time for us to enter."


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    "That''s true. However, we can''t break the rules. If we are not in a mission or duty, we will need to participate in the Gathering. So what should we do?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders.


    "Who cares? At most, we will get some punishment for avoiding it. It''s not like others can find where we are to start with. After we deal with whatever is happening with Malaka, we might even have enough time to come back to the Gathering. Besides, we are not sure that she is in a predicament to start with. Everything might be just our imagination."


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right. Even if someone comes looking for them, who will think that they went into the Blue Orchid District? That would be too much of a coincidence.


    [Don''t forget you still have the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. If you think you will be caught, just enter it straight away. No one in this place will be able to find you.]


    Rean and Roan nodded. They also thought about doing it in the Mission Hall if necessary. But because no one could see through Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense Bending skills, they had no need for it.


    "Then it''s decided, the infiltration plan will start during the Sect Gathering ten days later." Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/sect-gathering_48128447972696780 for visiting.

 Chapter 132 - Blue Orchid District

    The days passed in a flash as Rean and Roan planned the best approached for the infiltration. The reached the conclusion that it would be better to go through the front gate straight away. That''s because, in theory, the side walls would be the place that most would want to use to enter.


    With Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense Bending, together with Roan''s silent approach, they should be able to pass by those Foundation Establishment disciples. They also reach an agreement that they would immediately enter the Soul Gem Realm the moment Rean felt a Spiritual Sense pass through his Spiritual Sense Bending.


    One good thing about Rean''s ability is that different from other low-level cultivators, he can tell if someone''s Spiritual Sense touched his ''barrier.'' He can''t feel the Spiritual Sense of someone at a level much higher than his. Still, he can tell that those powerful Spiritual Senses passed through his Spiritual Sense Bending.


    Of course, keeping his Spiritual Sense Bending running all times is out of the question. So if someone with much higher cultivation checks him before he activates it, he won''t be able to tell.


    The sect began to get busy. Disciples were running everywhere, preparing for the Gathering. There is no lack of stories where someone gained the elders'' favors after showing their abilities during it. Everyone is confident, so they wanted to show what they were capable of.


    Julio and Lenna were no different. After almost an entire month going through the Bodily Training of the Iron and Blood Faction, they got more or less used to it. Although the changes weren''t that big, they could already feel the differences that this faction training brought to their body and cultivation. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/blue-orchid-district_48150896424579323 for visiting.


    Rean and Roan pretended to be preparing as well, not raising anyone''s suspicion. Just like that, the first month after the Sect Entrance Exam was gone.


    The Sect Gathering was held halfway up to the Dalamu Mountain. Usually, this is the territory of the Inner Sect Disciples and Elders. But once every year, it opened for the disciples of the sect to take a look. This is also a way to motive the Outer Sect Disciples to put more effort into becoming Inner Sect ones.


    There, you could find an enormous building, which was always used for the gathering. On the morning of that day, the Inner Sect opened its door, allowing all the Outer Sect Disciples and Elders to step inside. As one can imagine, there were several areas marked as restricted. Without permission, those disciples couldn''t step inside there.


    Rean and Roan were also marking their presence. At the Inner Sect''s entrance, some disciples recorded all the names that entered the Inner Sect. The twins didn''t want to waste time, so they were one of the first to mark their names there.


    They quickly run away from the others, paying attention to avoid restricted areas. When they saw that there was no one around, Rean activated his Spiritual Sense Bending for half a second. That''s because he first wanted to check if there were any High-Level Spiritual Sense feeling them. Because his Spiritual Sense Bending was only activated for that moment, it wouldn''t be able to bend the other side''s Spiritual Sense. That being said, whoever could be watching them, they wouldn''t find anything strange.


    ''Here is not good. I could feel two Spiritual Senses that are definitely above the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm.''


    Roan nodded, and the two of them moved to another area. The twins changed position another five times until Rean finally found a place without any Spiritual Sense looking at them. Without wasting time, he jumped on Roan''s back and activated both the Light and Spiritual Sense Bending. Although it was quite comic, that was still their best approach.


    With their analysis of the Spiritual Senses'' positions, they quickly found a way out of the Inner Sect without alerting anyone. With their name marked there, it will take quite some time before anyone notices that they aren''t around.


    Roan carried Rean while they moved through another path that few were using. They also tried to avoid anyone who looked like an elder. After that, they only took twenty minutes to arrive at the Blue Orchid District''s border with Roan''s speed. That is already a good mark since Roan had to continually change positions on the way to prevent them from being seen by someone''s Spiritual Sense.


    The two of them found a corner and began to wait. It would take some time before the gathering started per see. That being said, there are probably disciples and elders of the Blue Orchid Faction/District who hasn''t gone there yet.


    ''The Gathering is starting in two hours, so we will move 15 minutes before it. By that time, everyone who was supposed to be in the Gathering will have left already.''


    Rean agreed with Roan as they kept waiting and rehearsed their plan.


    [Alright, it''s time. You two can move forward now.]


    With Sister Orb''s voice, Rean once more jumped on Roan''s back and activated his Light and Spiritual Sense Bending Skills.


    Roan moved straight to the entrance of the district. Sure enough, two disciples at the Foundation Establishment Level were guarding it as always.


    ''Their Spiritual Sense is active. Don''t move too fast, or it will be hard to bend them.''


    Roan nodded, and he approached silently like a ghost. He slowly squeezed through those disciples'' backs and entered the Blue Orchid District.


    ''How is it?''


    ''So far, so good. Other than the Spiritual Sense of those disciples at the entrance, I can''t feel any other.''


    ''Good. Which direction is Malaka?''


    ''Northeast, almost two kilometers away.''


    Roan''s eyes went sharp as he made his way there. As expected of the Blue Orchid District, there were almost no disciples around. The place looked more like a ghost town. Even if the Gathering is happening, the other districts definitely wouldn''t be this empty. That''s the shortcome of having so little amount of disciples to start with.


    Around a kilometer inside the Blue Orchid District, Rean''s Soul message came out.


    ''Stop, there is a Spiritual Sense.''


    Roan jumped to a concealed corner before asking.


    ''Did they find us?''


    Rean shook his head.


    ''No. We are at the very border of this Spiritual Sense, so it is too weak to see here. However, this one is definitely above the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. We can''t go further than it or whoever is releasing this Spiritual Sense will feel our presence.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Alright, I''ll go around.''


    With Rean''s guidance, they avoided that Spiritual Sense. But soon, they found that more Spiritual Senses at a high level in the direction where Malaka was staying. Suddenly...


    ''Enter!''


    *Vup!*


    In less than half a second, Rean and Roan entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. A few seconds after they disappeared, a middle-aged woman appeared at the place where they had been a few moments ago.


    "Hm? Am I feeling things wrong?"


    Inside the Soul Gem Realm, Sister Orb projected an image of the outside world for Rean and Roan to see.


    "Didn''t you notice her Spiritual Sense in time?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "That wasn''t the problem. She wasn''t using her Spiritual Sense when we got close. She only activated it when we were there. Naturally, I didn''t feel it until it was too late."


    Roan nodded. That was really unlucky of their part. There was nothing they could have done about that.


    "Let''s wait a bit. Before she felt our presence, her Spiritual Sense had to force its way through my Spiritual Sense Bending first. So before it really touched our bodies, I had already given the order to enter the Soul Gem Realm. She definitely didn''t feel our presence for more than a tenth of a second, so she probably thinks it was a mistake."


    As they observed the outside, another two girls who looked to be a lot younger appeared as well. They then quickly bowed in respect.


    "Hello, elder Zuna."


    Rean and Roan finally knew her name.


    "Cilia, Rana, have you seen anything around during the patrol?"


    The disciples called Cilia and Rana were puzzled.


    "We didn''t see anything, elder Zuna. We didn''t get any reports either. Did someone enter our Blue Orchid District?"


    Zuna narrowed her eyes as her Spiritual Sense scanned around. But other than the two disciples in front of her, she couldn''t find anyone else.


    "No, I think it was just my imagination. How is the Spiritual Rebirth going?"


    Immediately, Rean and Roan''s ears were picked.

 Chapter 133 - There is no This or That

    The two disciples immediately answered.


    "Everything is going as planned. Inna and Oka already completed over 50% of the process, so it shouldn''t take them more than a month to finish it all."


    Elder Zuna nodded before speaking.


    "Tell the other disciples to go to the gathering them. With the process being over 50%, there is no need for constant attention anymore. The other girls in the gathering would have some difficulty to show our Faction''s Strength with their numbers alone, after all." Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/there-is-no-this-or-that_48176036763991782 for visiting.


    The two disciples bowed and went back to where Malak was staying. Zuna then left as fast as she came.


    Back inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Rean was happy and worried by what he heard. He was happy that there would be less security around Malaka but worried about what that over 50% meant.


    However, Roan snorted right after.


    "Hehe! What a cunning lady. These girls from the Blue Orchid District are really sly."


    Sister Orb and Rean were taken aback.


    "What do you mean?"


    Roan then answered.


    "There is no such thing as reducing the number of disciples around Malaka. If anything, chances are that the security will increase instead."


    Rean''s eyes narrowed. He wasn''t an idiot, so he immediately understood what Roan meant.


    "She said those words for us to hear. Even though she only saw a shadow of our presence that didn''t last more than 0.1 seconds, she still believes that someone is around. Not only that, but considering how we were getting close to the place where this ''Spiritual Rebirth'' is happening, she concluded that Malaka or Oka was our target."


    Roan nodded.


    "I believe that even if we leave right now, you won''t be able to feel any Spiritual Sense around. Not only that, but you also might not feel a single one until you get close to where Malaka is staying. Any Spiritual Sense checking is probably focused there. This is, without a doubt, a trap!"


    Rean couldn''t think about a solution. How can they see Malaka in this situation?


    Do they really have to retreat?


    It was then that Roan''s mouth curved into a cunning smile.


    "Since they are reverting the guards to where Malaka is staying, why don''t we enjoy the other empty places? I''m sure that quite a few goods are out in the open for us."


    Rean was taken aback.


    "Are you planning to rob the Blue Orchid Sect of their resources? I think we shouldn''t go that far. We still haven''t confirmed if they are doing anything wrong with Malaka or not. Besides, I don''t think that they would leave important resources out in the open for anyone to take to start with."


    Roan shook his head.


    "You misunderstood me."


    Roan then explained his idea to Rean and Sister Orb.


    [Hahahahaha! Great! Let''s go, I very much want to see if they will be calm enough to ignore it.]


    Rean, on the other hand, was sweating rivers.


    "This..."


    However, Roan cut him right there.


    "There is no this or that, that''s what we are going to do. Or could it be that you don''t want to know what is happening to Malaka? That''s the best way of driving everyone out of that place."


    Rean couldn''t help but grit his teeth and nod.


    "Alright!"


    A small part of a finger appeared in midair in the place where Rean and Roan had entered the Soul Gem Realm. This was none other than Rean''s finger. He was using his Spiritual Sense Bending to feel the surroundings to see if there wasn''t any Strong Spiritual Sense.


    Suddenly, two twins jumped out of space. One of them was piggybacking the other one.


    ''How is it?''


    Rean concentrated on his Light and Spiritual Bending Skills for a moment before nodding.


    ''All clear, there is no Spiritual Sense around. In fact, I can''t even feel the other ones which were weaker or too far to force their way through my Bending.''


    Roan''s cunning smile appeared once more, and they immediately departed. However, the place they had gone to wasn''t where Malaka was staying.


    Around a kilometer away, there is a tower almost 100 meters high. This tower was basically alone with no other building surrounding it. Inside, one could see two girls sat in the middle of a formation in which a stream of blue energy entered their Dantians. As time passed, the two girls'' demeanor seemed to change little by little.


    One could also see several female disciples keeping watch of those two. However, instead of looking at Malaka and Oka, they were more concentrated in their Spiritual Sense. Not only them, but the only elder around did the same thing. Not too surprisingly, she was Elder Zuna.


    Usually, there wouldn''t be so many people inside the tower. In a normal situation, two or three disciples would be more than enough to keep an eye if something went wrong with the new girls. But because of Elder Zuna''s sudden order, quite a few disciples gathered inside the tower. In contrast, the Blue Orchid District became even more empty than it already was.


    Over two hours passed, but so far, Elder Zuna didn''t find anything wrong.


    ''Could it be that I was really imagining things? I could swear that my Spiritual Sense had caught someone''s presence for a fraction of a second. The only thing happening in our Blue Orchid District at the moment is the Spiritual Rebirth, which was very close to where I felt that presence. Other than that, there is nothing else. There is no point in rob us of our resources either since we are the district/faction that receives the smallest amount of them.''


    Although Elder Zuna had called quite a few disciples to the tower, she still left a few outside doing their patrols around just in case. The two girls in front of the District entrance were two of them.


    Suddenly, one of the disciples responsible for patrolling inside the district came inside the tower in a flash. Everyone could see that she was in a hurry. However, judging by her expression, she wasn''t afraid or anything like that. Instead, her face contorted as if she was trying to suppress the flames of fury inside her body.


    From the looks of it, something terrible was going on.


    Elder Zuna then immediately asked.


    "What happened?"


    The disciple couldn''t calm down as she said while fuming!


    "Someone... Someone stole all the underwears from our rooms. Including... including the used ones that were supposed to be washed later!"

 Chapter 134 - Can You Hear Me?

    Immediately, the entire group went silent. It wasn''t because those girls didn''t mind, but because it took quite a few seconds for those words to fall.


    "What are you saying? Are you sure such a thing happened?"


    That female disciple didn''t even care about being respectful anymore.


    "Am I sure? Hehe! My room''s door was f.u.c.k.i.n.g broken, and the drawers and baskets where I kept my underwear were f.u.c.k.i.n.g empty! The basket, obviously, was where I kept the clothes that needed to be washed. Then I checked the surroundings with my Spiritual Sense, and I could see quite a few more doors that had been breached. The pervert''s target was obvious. Whoever took them, didn''t touch anything else!"


    Suddenly, killing intents began to rise all the way to the skies! At the same time, all the girls'' faces, including elder Zuna, became as red as a tomato. Elder Zuna felt like she had never been so humiliated in her life.


    ''So I was right, there was really someone there before! But the target wasn''t the Spiritual Rebirth. It was just a f.u.c.k.i.n.g pervert! And I just opened all our defenses for his robbery, ah!''


    Let alone her, all the female disciples were blushing while their expressions showed nothing more than fury! Such a thing had never happened before.


    Elder Zuna immediately fell in a dilemma, though. Was it a trap to lure her away from the tower? Or the trap was to lure her inside the tower? Which one was the enemy''s real objective? Malaka and Oka, or the Blue Orchid Disciples'' underwear?


    However, elder Zuna almost immediately concluded that the trap was to have her and the other disciples and elders leave their positions to guard Malaka and Oka. After all, why would someone come to check the Spiritual Rebirth? There was no point in doing that since all the Inner Sect elders and the Sect Head knew about it already. After so many years, the other Sects'' spies already had an idea about what they did here too, so it wasn''t exactly a secret to start with.


    That could only mean one thing, the enemy''s real target had always been their disciples and elders'' private things! Especially since they took away the... the used ones! Elder Zuna couldn''t bear to imagine what this pervert would do with their used underwear. Well, in fact, she had an idea, but she didn''t want to think about it.


    Without saying anything, Elder Zuna dashed outside while spreading her Spiritual Sense. Right behind her, all the girls followed. Right after, they spread in all directions, going back to their own rooms to check if their own clean and used underwear were safe.


    Else Zuna''s first thought was to look for rooms that haven''t been broken into yet. She was blaming herself and thinking about how she fell into such a trap! But when her Spiritual Sense reached her own room, she saw that even her door lock was broken. Naturally, all her underwear was gone!


    For the Blue Orchid District/Faction, that was a declaration of war!


    Elder Zuna then heard lots of screams around. As expected, other female disciples found out that their underwear was gone too!


    "I WILL KILL WHOEVER DID THIS!"


    "Find the culprit!"


    "Close all the exits, don''t let anyone pass through!"


    While the female disciples were going crazy outside, Rean''s mouth was twitching as he looked at the mountain in front of him. A mountain with hundreds of panties, bras, and a few other related things. They came in several colors and shapes. Rean was quite impressed that the Blue Orchid District/Faction girls, which always seemed cold-hearted, liked to use such cute things.


    Embroideries of several different colors were present in almost all of them, small flowers, cute animals, you name it. Not only that but Rean and noticed that most of their rooms would usually have a vibrant atmosphere, like any typical teenager from Earth. Such an image went totally against what Rean thought this district/faction to be. Rean expected that their rooms would all be plain, used only for the sole purpose of their existence. Let alone their underwear. However, he couldn''t be more wrong!


    ''Are those rooms really used by those super cold-hearted disciples? How come I can''t picture their coldness in my mind anymore? Even the elders'' rooms, which are much older than the female disciples, were somewhat cheerful as well.''


    Rean began to think that they might have got things wrong. That whatever the disciples of the Blue Orchid District/Faction showed outside wasn''t what they really were.


    Roan, on the other hand, couldn''t care less. He kept looking outside, waiting for the moment to act.


    As for Sister Orb, she couldn''t stop laughing as she heard all the screams of the girls around. Rean even wondered whether Sister Orb simply had a female voice by default.


    Roan then turned to Rean before saying.


    "Alright, check the Spiritual Senses outside and see if any high-level one is present."


    Since Rean had gone this far, he might as well see it to the end.


    "There are only a few Foundation Establishment Spiritual Senses around, it should be good to go out."


    Roan piggybacked Rean, and they immediately jumped outside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Obviously, Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense Bending skill was already activated. Even if those disciples were right in front of the twins, their eyes and spiritual senses wouldn''t be able to see anything.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/can-you-hear-me_48200761548532536 for visiting.


    Rean and Roan had hidden close to the tower, so Roan only needed a minute to reach the front. The only thing that bothered him was how there were no other buildings around, which could make things harder if they needed to escape. Fortunately, Rean''s Light bending ability really made the two almost invisible to the n.a.k.e.d eyes.


    As soon as they entered inside, the twins noticed Malaka in the middle of a formation with Oka. The blue spiritual energy kept entering their bodies without stop either. As for the disciples, there were only two of them which elder Zuna ordered to stay. After all, someone had to operate the formation.


    [Let me analyze it first.]


    Rean and Roan nodded and waited for Sister Orb''s signal. A minute later, Sister Orb''s answer came out.


    [Alright. I can''t tell what this formation does yet, but I''m sure it is entirely focused on the two girls. Even if you enter the formation, it will not disrupt Rean''s camouflage or Spiritual Sense Bending. I''ll keep analyzing it for the time being to find out what it does. You two can go inside and check what is happening with Malaka.]


    Twi twins agreed with Sister Orb as they entered the formation. Since two disciples were observing it too, Roan carefully walked so that he wouldn''t make any noise.


    Once he stopped beside Malaka, Rean extended his camouflage so that the disciples outside wouldn''t notice any difference in her. That''s also why Roan didn''t send Malaka a Spiritual Sense message straight away. Considering Malaka''s personality, she would definitely have a big reaction after noticing that they came for her.


    Roan then touched Malaka''s shoulder as he asked with a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Malaka, can you hear me?''

 Chapter 135 - The Truth...

    "Ah!"


    Malaka almost jumped in fright when Roan''s Spiritual Sense Message appeared in her mind. Fortunately, Roan had released his Spiritual Energy, locking Malaka in place. Also, he made sure to cover her mouth with Spiritual Energy, too, so only Rean and Roan heard her surprised voice.


    As mentioned before, Rean had extended his Camouflage Skill to Malaka''s head. In the eyes of the disciples in front of her, Malaka was still quiet and undisturbed.


    ''Don''t move, we just came to see how you are. Don''t let your senior disciples notice that you know we are here. Otherwise, we might lose our lives.''


    Malaka calmed down and nodded, not moving at all.


    ''You disappeared for a long time, so what happened?''


    Malaka then explained.


    ''It''s because of the Spiritual Rebirth formation. I have to stay here for two to three months straight. It''s sooooo boring, but my senior sisters won''t let me leave before finishing it.''


    Rean and Roan were taken aback. As far as they can see, Malaka''s personality seems pretty much... fine? However, since they are already here, they might as well ask more questions.


    ''What is this Spiritual Rebirth Formation? What is this blue energy entering your Dantian?''


    Malaka sighed.


    ''It''s a formation that all the new disciples of the Blue Orchid District/Faction must use. The Elder said that it will clean the passages of the Meridians into the Datian, making it easier to control Spiritual Energy. That''s why they call it Spiritual Rebirth.''


    Suddenly, Sister Orb''s voice appeared in Rean and Roan''s mind.


    [I haven''t finalized the analysis of the formation yet. However, from what I can see so far, Malaka is most likely correct. It seems very beneficial for her and has nothing to do with a personality changing. Of course, I''ll only be certain one hour later when I finish the full analysis.]


    Rean sighed in relief. At least, it doesn''t seem like the Blue Orchid is doing anything wrong to their Little Sister.


    Roan then asked something that was puzzling him.


    ''We''ve heard that everyone who enters the Blue Orchid District/Faction becomes very cold-hearted and stops interacting with the others outside. Do you know anything about it?''


    ''Ah! I forgot I shouldn''t be talking this much with you.''


    Rean and Roan obviously got puzzled by that statement.


    ''Why?''


    Malaka seemed to be in a dilemma. In the end, Roan could only use his ultimate weapon.


    ''If you don''t talk, your fighting lessons will be doubled next time you come out.''


    Malaka''s face went pale as cold sweat appeared on her face.


    ''I''ll say! I''ll say! My senior sisters always tell me that I must not rely on anyone from outside. Now that I''m part of the Blue Orchid District/Faction, I can only ask them for help, not others.''


    Rean and Roan''s confusion got even bigger.


    ''Why is that?''


    Malaka seemed to try to recall what one of her senior sisters told her.


    ''I remember now! Senior Sister Amanda said that our Blue Orchid Faction is too small. We also receive the least amount of resources from the sect. However, errr... what was the rest... Ah! If we began to ask for too many favors, others would think that we are weak because we only have women. She said that Elder Zaia created the Blue Orchid Faction to prove that women can also manage their own faction without anyone''s help, especially men. It had something to do with... Oh, right! Something to do with the women''s pride or sort of. I don''t understand it very well.''


    It was then that Malaka remembered something Roan said and got angry.


    ''Right! My senior sisters are not cold-hearted at all! In fact, they are very welcoming and always help me when I ask, so you shouldn''t say something like that. Senior Sister Amanda is especially nice to Oka and me. She is very easy-going and loves to give hugs. All the other girls like her too. The other senior sisters as very warming, and I like them all very much. All the girls here are very close to each other. Senior Sister Amanda said that it is because there are very few members, so we must always stay close.''


    Rean finally made his head up around the teenage style of most of the girls'' rooms. As he had noticed when they stole all the underwear, they weren''t the kind of rooms that ''cold-hearted'' people would use. The only difference was that they didn''t have any electronics like teenagers would back on Earth.


    ''The only thing I don''t like is this Spiritual Rebirth Formation. I''ve been in this thing for three weeks already. I can feel that I''m getting better at controlling Spiritual Energy, but it is still too boring!''


    Rean and Roan looked at each other with a bitter smile. In the end, it seems that everything was a mistake.


    ''Sigh... alright, so you are not in danger, and no one is treating you bad, right?''


    Malaka shook her head.


    ''There are those who bully me. Elder Zuna is one of them. She always makes me train too much and never gives me a break. My first week was really not fun at all. I wish I could give her a lesson!''


    Roan felt the urge to slap Malaka''s back head. It was evident that she was planning to slack off now that he isn''t looking after her anymore. At the same time, he also gave this so-called Elder Zuna a mental nod. That was an excellent elder.


    Rean then added


    ''Fine, as long as you are okay, then so be it. But I will not accept this thing about not talking with us anymore. If you really do that, I will have Roan triplicate your fighting lessons once you are out.''


    Malaka sweated even more and nodded vigorously.


    ''However, you don''t need to show it in front of everyone. You already know how to use Spiritual Sense, so you can simply tell us how you are doing with a Spiritual Sense Message when you pass close to us. Otherwise, your senior sisters might rebuke you if you stop to talk with us. Of course, if we are alone, then we can talk normally.''


    Malaka finally sighed in relief. But it was then that she noticed something else.


    ''By the way, how did you come here? My senior sisters and elders are very strict with visits, and I heard that they never let anyone get close to the Spiritual Rebirth Formation.''


    Roan looked away as Rean began to sweat himself. Only now did they remember that they bought a war with all the girls in this place to reach Malaka.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-truth..._48224664903805262 for visiting.


    ''Cough, cough... Listen to your big brother Rean. Sometimes, men must do what they must do to guarantee the safety of the ones they care about. We did some... ''slightly not nice things'' so that we could make the disciples leave this tower. But we only did that because we wanted to talk to you, okay?''


    Malaka was puzzled.


    ''What did you do?''


    ''Cough, cough... we stole all of your senior sisters'' underwear.''


    There was no point in hiding it since she would find out sooner or later.


    Malaka''s eyes opened wide! For some reason, Rean felt like there was a look of disgust on her face. This was the first time Rean and Roan saw that kind of expression. Malaka had just become ten years old a few days ago, so she is still in the middle of her mental transformation from a kid to a teenager. The Malaka from two to three years ago would have found it funny and laughed out loud. However, the Malaka now seems to think that it wasn''t something funny at all.


    ''Now I understand why all the girls were screaming ''kill, kill, kill'' all the time. What should I do? My brothers became... errr... what was the word Senior Sister Amanda used... Ah! My brothers became perverted dogs!''


    Surprisingly, even Roan''s ears got a little red after hearing Malaka''s words.

 Chapter 136 - Did I do Something Wrong?

    Sister Orb was laughing even more.


    [Hahahaha! Good, I shall call you perverted dogs from now on.]


    Rean also didn''t have a very good expression.


    "Cough, cough... don''t worry, we will give them back."


    Malaka rolled her eyes but nodded in the end. At least, she understood that they were just worried, that''s why they went this far. Neither Rean nor Roan was this type of person.


    "Alright, if you really give the senior sisters'' underwear back, I won''t say anything. But there is one condition, you need to help me escape this formation. I can''t stand it anymore, I''m going to die of boredom!"


    Roan''s mouth twitched as he pinched Malaka, which made her almost scream.


    "Enough bullshit. Since this is a good thing for you, make sure to finish absorbing all the energy. You better not let me find out that you ran away before it was over."


    Roan then turned to Rean before saying.


    "Let''s go, we need to get out before more of her Senior Sisters come back."


    Rean nodded and patted Malaka''s head.


    "Don''t worry, if you hold it until the end, your big brother here will give you a gift once you come out."


    Malak''s eyes immediately lit up; she knew that Rean always kept his promises just like Roan. The difference was that Roan''s promises always had something to do with something she didn''t like, like more training, more training, and even more training.


    "Alright! It''s a promise, you can''t go back on it, or I will tell everyone the truth!"


    Rean nodded then retracted his camouflage from Malaka. Roan immediately moved outside the tower after that. Rean and Roan know very well which direction the elders'' rooms were located after stealing their things, so they didn''t think twice before following another path.


    Their way out was a lot easier than coming inside. That''s because all disciples and outer elders had their Spiritual Senses active all the time! That being said, when the border of the outer elders'' Spiritual Sense reached Rean''s Spiritual Sense Bending skill, he had enough time to make Roan change direction or enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. One must remember that Spiritual Senses become weaker the further they go. Rean was still able to bend them for long enough to not be discovered. Elder Zuna''s case back then was special because she activated her Spiritual Sense only when they got close.


    None of the Female Disciples thought that Rean and Roan would be so blatant to leave right through the main gate. Because of that, only four female disciples of the Blue Orchid District/Faction were guarding it. It was more than before, but they were all in the Foundation Establishment nonetheless. It wasn''t enough to pass through Rean''s Light Element Camouflage and Spiritual Sense bending.


    A few minutes after they left, everyone heard a Female Disciple''s shout.


    "Found them!"


    However, she wasn''t talking about the culprits, but the panties, bras, etc. Right behind the Main Gate, there were two small mountains of them. Surprisingly, the pervert who stole them had kept them separated. The right side had the clean ones, while the left had the ones that needed to be washed. Rean was trying to at least be considerate when they took them.


    Right in between them, there was a letter.


    Elder Zuna quickly arrived and saw the girls looking for their own panties, bras, etc. Even more shocking was that it wasn''t hard for the girls to find their own. That''s because Rean also made sure to bind them with each room''s numbers. He didn''t know all the girls'' names, so he could only use that to identify them.


    Yes, Rean was genuinely trying to be even more considerate.


    As for the letter that was left behind, it was passed to elder Zuna to read.


    ''I''m deeply sorry for the confusion. This was supposed to be a prank, but it seems like I went too far. I left all your panties, bras, etc. behind and marked them accordingly to the rooms'' numbers I took them from. I just hope that the Blue Orchid District/Faction learns something from this and stop acting so cold towards others. Yes, I now understand the truth. All the sisters of the Blue Orchid are, in fact, very warm-hearted and welcoming. The cold expressions you show outside is nothing but a pretense. I''ll be sure to keep it in mind.''


    The letter was burnt instantly after.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/did-i-do-something-wrong_48247264233192991 for visiting.


    "Outrageous! Who do you think you are to tell us what to do? You call stealing our underwear just a prank? If I don''t skin you alive, I will not be called Zuna! I swear, I will find whoever did this!"


    Rean''s plans seemed to have worked pretty well. He didn''t use ''we'' even once in that letter. Instead, he made it look like a single person''s job. Zuna didn''t doubt it since she doesn''t believe someone weaker than her would have pulled such a trick. It didn''t matter how long they looked; they simply couldn''t find who did it. In her eyes, it was definitely the work of a lone pervert adept at hiding skills.


    Rean and Roan didn''t stay behind to see what elder Zuna would make from now on. Instead, they rushed back to the mountain. The entire operation lasted almost four hours, so they had to go back. If they are lucky, maybe no one has noticed that they disappeared yet.


    Rean and Roan sneaked back through the same path they used to leave. Once they left the restricted areas, Rean got back on the ground as he deactivated his Light Element camouflage and Spiritual Bending Skill. They then rushed back to the Gathering as if nothing had happened. But just as they were about to enter the building where the fights were happening, they noticed elder Guliva leaving it.


    Guliva also noticed the twins and sighed in relief.


    "Where the hell have you been? I wanted to have you fighting the other factions'' new kids, but you were nowhere to be found. Even Julio and Lenna had no idea where you went. I was just about to check the entrance list to see if you had really come or not."


    Rean quickly explained.


    "Cough, cough... We went to explore the Inner Sect, so we didn''t notice the time passing. Sorry, elder Guliva."


    Guliva found it somewhat fishy. Would they need four hours just to look around? Still, since they were back in time, he decided to think about it later.


    "Alright, I won''t talk about it now. Come inside quickly before you lose the chance to challenge the other factions'' new disciples. You need to show that our Iron and Blood Faction also has its own geniuses."


    Rean and Roan mentally sighed in relief before following elder Guliva. A few minutes later, several female disciples of the Blue Orchid Faction also arrived. For some reason, these disciples seemed to be even colder than usual. There was an aura of ''get close and die'' around them.


    Elder Zaia, the Inner Sect Elder, and the one leading the Blue Orchid Faction found it weird to see all of them here. One of the disciples quickly came close and sent a Spiritual Sense message reporting what happened. In the next second, the temperature of the air around Elder Zaia plummeted to a terrifying extent.


    The other elders also noticed her change. Elder Zaia always kept that smile of hers, so it was the first time seeing another expression on her face for some of them. Hulian, who was close to her, couldn''t help but ask.


    "Elder Zaia, is everything alright?"


    Zaia gave a death glare at him, which made beads of sweat appear on his forehead.


    ''Di-did I do something wrong?''

 Chapter 137 - Helping Out

    Elder Zaia took a deep breath and quickly calmed down. To find the culprit between tens of thousands of disciples and elders would be almost impossible.


    "Sorry, I just received some annoying information. However, there is no need to worry, it has nothing to do with you all."


    Hulian sighed in relief. At least it wasn''t something related to him.


    Right after, Rean jumped over one of the arenas to challenge the disciple there.


    Guliva had told him that this kid''s name was Mialo Turan, a disciple of the Fire Faction led by an Inner Sect elder called Dierio Qasten. He joined the sect last year, has a Blue Color Aptitude, and cultivation at the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment. As one can expect, he has a Fire Elemental Affinity.


    At the same time, in another arena. Roan challenged, lo and behold, a female disciple of the Blue Orchid Faction! Her name was Ria Zannue, a disciple at the Advanced Stage of the Foundation Establishment. Not only that, but she is also three years older than Roan. Well... only on paper since everyone believes Rean and Roan are twelve years old.


    Seeing that, Rean couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''Why must you go and find a problem with them right after we left their district?''


    Roan didn''t mind, though.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/helping-out_48270643619233247 for visiting.


    ''It''s because we were there that I''m challenging her. Have you ever heard that the best hiding place is right under the light? That''s what I''m doing basically.''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders and didn''t say anything else.


    All the arenas where the disciples showed their skills had a Judge at the Core Formation Realm. They were there to prevent the disciples from severely injuring or killing each other.


    Seeing that both Rean and Roan were ready, the judges gave the signal to start the battle. As soon as that happened, the twins'' hair color changed as they rushed forward.


    Rean''s opponent was a spear user. He gathered his Fire Element on his weapon and rushed at Rean as well. Just as the two weapons were about to hit each other, Rean acted. His Light Element gathered in his legs as he dodged to the side. Mialo was taken aback by that. He didn''t expect that Rean would be able to dodge when they were so close to each other.


    Still, he is a genius with cultivation higher than Rean, so he immediately adjusted his stance. The spear seemed to make a curve and struck like a viper, trying to hit Rean''s abdomen.


    However, Rean already expected that. He knew that Mialo would underestimate him because of their difference in cultivation, so his reaction was too slow. Using his sword, which was covered with Light and Dark Elements, Rean parried the Fire Spear and struck!


    Mialo used all his strength to jump back, but Rean''s Light Element on his legs made him much faster. Just as the sword was about to cut Mialo''s throat, it stopped. The judge, who had a cultivation at the Advanced Stage of the Core Formation, blocked Rean''s sword with his own.


    Surprisingly though, there was no sound of metal hitting metal. Instead, if one looked closely, they would be able to see that there were a few millimeters between Rean''s Sword and the Elder''s one. They did not collide at all!


    The Elder''s eyebrow raised in surprise.


    "Hahaha! So you were already going to stop to start with, uh? Kid, you are good."


    He raised Rean''s hand before announcing.


    "Winner, Rean Larks."


    Hulian was delighted to see that one of his disciples won. Especially since Rean is younger and has lower cultivation. It shows that his talent is better than Mialo. So far, his faction was giving quite an average show. But now things finally turned for the better.


    "Hahaha! That kid isn''t too bad, don''t you think?"


    Dierio Qasten''s mouth twitched.


    "Hmph! It was just luck."


    Of course, he wasn''t the least bit happy that one of the best disciples in his Fire Faction lost.


    Back on Roan''s side, the battle was still ongoing. Ria was definitely stronger than Mialo, and she was quite adept at speed with her Wind Affinity. Roan and Ria already exchanged quite a few clashes between each other.


    But ultimately, she was challenging the master of all weapons. By using an opening that even Ria didn''t know that was possible to be used, Roan sent her sword flying! She tried to jump back straight away, but Roan had Rean''s Light Element support to strengthen his body, especially his legs. In the end, he stopped his own sword just before it pierced Ria''s heart.


    The judge nodded and raised Roan''s hand, as well.


    "Winner, Roan Larks!"


    Ria seemed to be at a loss. She simply couldn''t understand how he disarmed her. Looking at her face and considering what he did in the Blue Orchid District, Roan decided to send her a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''It was your second step after the nearly diagonal slash. The Spiritual Energy acc.u.mulated on your right knee went out of control for a moment. I used this chance to dodge into a position where I could strike your weapon in the weakest part. At the same time, I used my spiritual energy to transfer some of my Dark Element into your hand. It made you lose the grip of your sword, which brought this result.''


    ''The reason it went out of control was the poor management of your Wind Element on your waist, which put extra pressure on the knees. Unfortunately, due to the meridians that you use and the way you control the Wind Element there, you won''t ever be able to fix this issue. Also, most of the flaws I saw in your swordplay were pretty much related to the same problem. I only took this long to strike because of our difference in cultivation. Otherwise, this battle would have finished a lot earlier.''


    ''I recommend increasing the amount of Spiritual Energy on the joints of the knees instead of in your knees as a whole. At the moment, it has a 50/50 ratio, I would change to a 60/40. If you can''t do that, you can also try to limit the number of steps during those strikes, which might also work. However, I strongly recommend the first solution since it is more practical in the long run. Although neither option will resolve the problem in your waist, it will be much harder to attack the flaws left behind because of it.''


    Spiritual Sense messages are compiled of information that can be delivered in a second. So when Ria finally finished processing the whole message, Roan had already left the platform. She couldn''t help but feel startled by what she heard, though.


    ''How did he see so much about me in just one quick fight?''


    Ria came back from the arena without knowing whether she should try what Roan said or not. When her sisters saw her expression, they couldn''t help but ask.


    "Ria, are you alright? Did he hurt you?"


    Rian immediately shook her head. She then turned to one of the girls of their group and asked.


    "Senior Sister Amanda, can I ask something?"


    Amanda nodded, not knowing why Ria had such an expression either.


    Ria then told Amanda the entire message given by Roan. Amanda was also a sword and wind element user, so she was startled by what she heard as well.


    "This! Isn''t it exactly the problem that afflicts both our sword arts? It couldn''t be that simple, right?"


    It was at this moment that Amanda remembered one thing.


    ---


    Week Deal:


    2000 Power Stones = Two Extra Chapters.


    Every 500 after that = One Extra Chapter.

 Chapter 138 - Trying the new changes

    When Malaka joined the Blue Orchid District/Faction, she didn''t enter the Spiritual Rebirth Formation straight away. As Rean and Roan heard before, she had been there for three weeks only. That means Malaka spent her first week doing other things there.


    During that first week, Malaka''s Senior Sisters, especially Amanda, tried out her combat power. It was then that they were shocked by her performance. Be it the use of Meridians, Elemental Control, Techniques, Staff Attack Style, etc. they were simply immaculate. The only reason she couldn''t bring out the entire power of those moves was her lack of cultivation and comprehension. Nevertheless, a perfect foundation was laid bare for her already.


    When they asked where how she learned all of that, she simply replied with a dark expression.


    "It was Roan, he kept forcing me to train, train, train, and train even more. If anything I did was not to his like, he would punish me without mercy. I don''t even want to remember anymore."


    Amanda couldn''t help but ask.


    "Wasn''t Roan a Sword User? Who taught you your Staff Style, and how is it called?"


    Malaka pondered a bit before answering.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/trying-the-new-changes_48292303390950006 for visiting.


    "Roan is good with any weapon. He can defeat me even if he suppresses his cultivation to my level using any type of weapon he wishes. Roan said he invented it. Roan calls it Death Style. My Staff is Death Staff Style, his Sword is Death Sword Style, the Spear is Death Spear Style, etc. He says that his style is totally focused on taking your opponent''s life with the least amount of moves."


    At that time, Amanda and the other female disciples didn''t really believe it. After all, how could a kid be proficient with all kinds of weapons? It would already be very good if they were to master the basics of a single one. Let alone Malaka''s other traits like the use of her Meridians, Elemental Control, etc. How could Roan know this much?


    Back in the Gathering event building, Amanda began to doubt her convictions. Roan only fought Ria for less than a minute, but he already saw through all her flaws and even described them in detail. Not only that, but Roan also offered a solution! Of course, he also warned that it wouldn''t fix the root of the problem. That being said, could it be that Roan had an idea of how to fix the Meridians problem on the waist?


    Still, there was only one way to test the solution given by Roan.


    Amanda then got up in the arena. Her cultivation is at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Her opponent just so happens to be a genius of the Sky Faction, which most of the Wind Element kids are brought over. He also has the same cultivation as Amanda, and their ages are only a single year apart. Amanda is 14 this year, while Lavo, her opponent, is 15.


    The battle started, and it soon reached a stalemate. From the looks of it, a winner would not come out of it anytime soon. However, girls are naturally weaker when one thinks about the body resistance. There was no helping it. It was just how nature worked. If the battle really continued like this for too long, Amanda would eventually lose.


    Amanda knew her opponent, that''s why she decided to battle him. That would also be the best place to try out Roan''s ideas. Although Amanda was reluctant to accept a man''s help, she couldn''t help but want to try it.


    After changing the concentration of Spiritual Energy in her knees, as Roan mentioned, Amanda began her counter-attack once more. At first, the battle continued in the same stalemate. That''s because this was something Amanda was trying for the first time, so she couldn''t miraculously master such a change instantly.


    However, as the battle progressed, Amanda got more and more used to her new stance. The stalemate that would bring her defeat began to crumble as she gained the advantage. The flaws left behind by the poor use of Wind Element and Meridians on the waist got harder and harder for her opponent to exploit. That wasn''t all. Her attack power and speed were also improving with her new stance.


    Finally, Amanda saw an opening. In fact, it wasn''t really an opening. At least, it wasn''t in the past. That''s because she wouldn''t be able to exploit it before hearing Roan''s idea. It was a completely new opening that didn''t exist for her previously. Ultimately, Amanda seized the victory against her opponent, thanks to that.


    "Amanda Wins!"


    Her opponent couldn''t believe what he saw.


    "Amanda, since when you got this strong?"


    His full name was Lavo Cerfio. He knew Amanda very well, and they had fought several times in other gatherings. That''s why he was shocked to have lost. Although victory wasn''t guaranteed, he would always have a higher chance due to the difference in their resistance.


    Amanda, of course, was startled too. At the last moment, her body almost moved on its own and was very comfortable to do so. It was the first time that her sword style connected a hit soo... naturally.


    "I... I''ve been making a few changes in my Sword Style."


    That''s all she could have said. She then looked to the side just to see an 11 to 12 years old kid. He had pure black hair and looked at her with a weird smile. Sure enough, who else would it be if not Roan?


    Suddenly, she received a Spiritual Sense message from him.


    "I''m glad that those changes worked out."


    Amanda''s cheeks and ears went red. Others might not have noticed, but how could Roan not? Those were the changes that he proposed! Of course, Roan didn''t mind it at all if Amanda wanted to take the credit or not. He only taught Ria so much to apologize for what Rean and he did in the Blue Orchid District/Faction. Obviously, he wouldn''t talk about that, though.


    Before Amanda could reign over her embarrassment and answer Roan''s words, he already turned around and left. Roan had no intention of exposing the truth whatsoever. Since he gave the information to them, it was up to those female disciples to decide how to use it. He might as well consider it a gift too.


    Amanda gritted her teeth and stomped her feet on the ground. She then turned around and left the arena while thinking.


    ''Hmph! You must be dreaming if you think I''ll thank you.''


    However, her red cheeks and ears would hardly convince anyone of her words.


    ---


    Week Deal:


    2000 Power Stones = Two Extra Chapters.


    Every 500 after that = One Extra Chapter.

 Chapter 139 - Follow

    The gathering continued for the day, and several other disciples of all factions fought. In the end, Rean and Roan only fought a battle each. Of course, they already caught enough attention by defeating opponents about their cultivation level. Hulian felt very pleased with the eyes of envy of the other Inner Sect elders. In the end, he decided to reward Rean and Roan with 400 Sect Points each.


    Rean and Roan obviously accepted it gladly. Sect points could be used for way too many things. However, before deciding what to spend the Sect Points, they had another more important decision to make.


    [The Reward System has been upgraded.]


    [Panther Bones - 50 Destiny Points] (Bought)


    [Spiritual Sense Absorption Upgrade Level 1 - 100 Destiny Points]


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade - 40 Destiny Points] (Bought)


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 1 - 300 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Destiny Points: 307]


    Before, Rean and Roan had only 155 Destiny Points. However, with Rean''s new partnership with the Janariz Weapon Store, his Steel Swords began to spread everywhere. It has already been a month since they signed their contract, so it was evident that the Steel Equipments started to change the destiny in a greater way.


    One must remember that the Janariz Store Shop wasn''t only present in Majorias City but had several branches in several others too. One entire month seeling Steel Weapons and Armors changed who knows how many people''s destinies. As Rean already expected, a weapon that could defeat a low-level spiritual one and is cheaper soon became famous. They were selling like hotcakes. That being said, Destiny Points began to fall into their pockets.


    Another thing that also gave them Destiny Points was Rean''s night with Elder Tiria. When he healed her back then, it also provided the twins with more Destiny Points. Elder Tiria is at the Nascent Soul Realm, and she is a Core Elder of the Dalamu Sect. The fact that she came back into battle shape so fast obviously would influence the Sect as a whole.


    Rean and Roan then looked at the new option available.


    "What do you think? Should we go for the Spiritual Energy Absorption or Soul Connection Range?"


    Roan pondered a bit before asking.


    "Sister Orb, how far will the Soul Connection Range Upgrade go if we buy the upgrade?"


    [At the moment, you can exchange your elements up to 10 kilometers. After buying the upgrade, it will be 30.]


    "Seems a pretty good upgrade. We never know if we need to go into separated ways, so it might be of big help."


    Rean nodded.


    "I agree. However, I still think we should go for the Spiritual Energy Absorption first. Being close to each other is the best option, after all. Also, we might get separated because of a mission or something like that. Even if we expend to 30km now, it might not make much of a difference."


    Roan had to admit that Rean was right.


    "So, Spiritual Energy Absorption?"


    Rean nodded.


    "That shall be it."


    They tapped on the Soul Gem Orb once more and made their choice.


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Level 1 - 100 Destiny Points.]


    [Confirm Trade?]


    "Yes!"


    Suddenly, Rean and Roan felt their Meridians heating up. Not only that, but the ten pillars inside each of their Dantian Foundations seemed to increase in size too. Sure enough, the two fell on the ground and began to contort in pain.


    The process continued for an hour before it was finally over.


    Rean and Roan didn''t have the strength to lift a single finger after that, though.


    "Why... must it always... be so painful...?"


    Sister Orb simply answered.


    [No helping it, you are changing the very structure of your bodies and even your dantians in a span of just one hour. You should be grateful that you can get such improvements with a little bit of pain.]Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/follow_48293925814847397 for visiting.


    Rean and Roan could only sigh helplessly.


    When the two of them came out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, they immediately checked their cultivation speed. Noticing the difference, They quickly nodded in satisfaction.


    "It''s really 5% faster, just as the Soul Gem System Mentioned."


    Roan agreed with him.


    "It might not look much, but it will make a big difference in the long run."


    Rean then thought about something else.


    "Sister Orb. Now that we bought the first level of the Spiritual Energy Absorption, is the second level available?"


    [Yes. You can buy it at any time.]


    "Great! How much is it?"


    [1000 Destiny Points.]


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "Cough, cough... Forget it."


    Roan didn''t seem impressed, though.


    "That''s to be expected. Otherwise, our cultivation speed might even double if it is too cheap. The fact that it can already increase the absorption speed without doing anything is already heaven-defying enough."


    Rean sighed and nodded in the end.


    "Let''s save points for the Soul Connection Range Upgrade. It might come in hand in the future."


    The next day, Rean and Roan finished the morning training. They were just about to leave when an outer sect disciple responsible for distributing the letters in the Sect approached them.


    "Are you Rean?"


    Rean nodded.


    The disciple quickly passed the letter over and left straight away to make other deliveries.


    After reading what was inside, Rean''s eyes lit up!


    "Great! The first payment has already been deposited into my account in the Zafa Bank. After one entire month of Steel Weapons and Armors selling, I made almost 2000 Rank Two Spirit Stones. As expected of a weapon store with branches in several big cities. In fact, Folca said that he used another 3000 for High-Level Blacksmith Materials, which are waiting for me there in Majorias City."


    Roan nodded. Those things are Rean''s field, so he won''t intervene. Still, he was happy to hear that they will get more Rank Two Spirit Stones soon. They had been cultivating with Rank Ones so far, so it would be a good boost.


    Rean then changed direction while using their Soul Connection to say.


    ''I''m going to Majorias City to take the materials and Spirit Stones. Fortunately, my duty in the beast taming faction helped a lot. I can borrow a flying demon beast to bring me there. I should be back by night time.''


    Roan nodded once more.


    ''Alright, I''ll be in the cultivation tower.''


    With that, the twins went on their separate ways.


    On his way to the Cultivation Tower, Roan took a more secluded path. At some point, he stopped, though. He looked behind, and his gaze fell on an inconspicuous corner.


    "I wonder, how long do you plan to follow me?"


    Right after, a shadow appeared as a person came into view.


    ---


    Week Deal:


    2000 Power Stones = Two Extra Chapters.


    Every 500 after that = One Extra Chapter.

 Chapter 140 - Why Change?

    "Your perception is much better than I thought."


    Roan wasn''t surprised to see her here, though.


    "Amanda, right? Is there something you need?"


    Amanda Rosenvil, the same female disciple that used Roan''s idea after he talked with Ria. Ever since that day, Roan didn''t leave her mind. Of course, the reason for that was obviously the changes he proposed to Ria. But above all, it was the fact that he could tell the problem on the meridians on their waists, something that they couldn''t figure out so far.


    "You know very well why I came. How did you find the problem in our sword skills? Tell me."


    For half a second, Roan looked at the same corner Amanda came from. He then shrugged his shoulders before saying.


    "For me, it is effortless to see such flaws as long as the cultivation difference isn''t too big. I''m already at the peak of the Initial Stage of the Foundation Establishment, while that girl called Ria was at the start of the Late Stage. Our cultivation wasn''t even two entire small realms of difference, so I could tell where the problem was."


    "We both know that you used it after. Ria and another girl also applied the fix I told you later. Since everything is fine, why did you come?"


    Amanda narrowed her eyes. Roan really looked no more than 11 or 12 years old. However, the feeling she got from him was that he was much older than that. Well, Amanda is only 14 this year, so she isn''t that much older to start with. Yet, the feeling Amanda got was that she was talking with one of the elders of the Sect instead. Besides, there was one thing she was suspicious about. The incident of the underwear stealing. Considering the Malaka was going through the Spiritual Rebirth at that time, could it be that the twins had something to do with it?


    "Indeed, we did apply your suggestion, and it played very well. What baffles me is, why would you help us? I know that many of you men like to show off in front of our Blue Orchid Female Disciples. However, different from the others, I don''t feel like you are like them. If anything, you probably couldn''t care less about our existence."


    Amanda had been a member of the Blue Orchid for over 5 years already. She joined when she was only 9. From 11 to 12 ahead, she got used to the male disciples'' eyes around the same age as her from the other factions. One could say that she got quite experienced with it. However, Roan was too young. Also, he didn''t give her the same kind of feeling at all.


    "Oh?! And why would you say that about me?"


    Amanda snorted.


    "Am I wrong?"


    Roan chuckled as he shook his head.


    "You aren''t entirely wrong, but there is one girl there that I do have some connection with. Anyway, you probably know that already, so I won''t jump into details."


    Roan pondered a bit and then continued.


    "Let''s just say that if you are to keep those flaws, it could have affected Malaka''s training while there. Since you got it partially repaired, it should be good for Malaka too. Anyway, there is no need to thank me."


    Roan could tell


    Amanda felt like beating Roan already. His attitude was just...


    "Why should I thank you? You said what you wanted, no one of our Blue Orchid Faction asked for your help."


    Roan nodded.


    "Exactly! That''s why I said there is no need to thank me. I did that because I wanted it. If you came here just to say that you won''t thank me, then we are of the same mind. We can now follow our own paths."


    Suddenly, another girl came out of the shadows. It turned out that it was Ria, the girl Roan fought against. Roan, of course, wasn''t the least bit surprised by that either. Even after Amanda came out, Roan still felt her presence there.


    Ria approached Amanda nervously.


    "Senior sister, we didn''t come here to fight, right?"


    Amanda''s mouth twitched a bit, but she knew that Ria was right. It''s just that because of Roan''s attitude, she couldn''t bring herself to say the words she wanted to. In the end, the encounter reached an awkward silence.


    Roan then turned around while saying.


    "Well, if that''s all, then I''m taking my leave. Make sure to treat Malaka properly. Farewell."


    "Wait!"


    Amanda bit her lips and finally began to ask what she really wanted.


    "You were able to tell that the way we used our meridians in our waist to attract the wind element was wrong. That it couldn''t be fixed, and the knees change was just to help make the flaws left behind harder to be exploited. If that''s the case, does it mean that you know how to fix the problem?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/why-change_48317624655861258 for visiting.


    Amanda''s cheeks and ears were completely red with embarrassment. It was even worse than that day when Roan sent her a Spiritual Sense Message on the arena.


    Roan stopped his steps and looked behind. He noticed she definitely hated asking for help from outsiders, just like Malaka said. After all, she carried the Blue Orchid pride with her.


    Roan chuckled a little before asking.


    "And what if I know?"


    Amanda was taken aback. Only then she remembered a crucial fact.


    ''That''s right, he isn''t like the others who will do everything to catch our attention. He simply doesn''t care about our appearances at all.''


    "Let''s... Let''s make a trade! You teach Ria and me how to fix the problems on our swordplay and meridians, and we will help with something else you need."


    Roan''s interest was finally picked.


    "Anything?"


    Amanda and Ria felt a chill on their backs.


    "As... As long as it is within our abilities. But you better not go overboard. What if I''m wrong, and you are really a pervert like the others? Wouldn''t we be throwing ourselves at the tiger''s mouth?"


    Roan was speechless.


    "I didn''t know that the Blue Orchid Faction''s female disciples had such dirty minds..."


    Amanda and Ria were taken aback. Their faces became even redder! That''s right, Roan never said anything about that kind of topic.


    "That''s..."


    However, Roan didn''t have the patience to keep entertaining the two brats, so he went straight to the point.


    "Leaving your mind aside, I do have something I want. I need a free passage into the Blue Orchid Faction to visit Malaka whenever Rean or I wish. Of course, we don''t mind being accompanied by another of your disciples at that time. You don''t know this, but we promised Malaka''s parents to take care of her, and I intend to keep that promise."


    Amanda and Ria dropped their heads in embarrassment once more. In the end, what he wanted has nothing to do with the two of them. Amanda couldn''t help but think.


    ''Could it be that I''m the perverted one?''


    She quickly shook her head and agreed with Roan''s request.


    "Cough, cough... That''s fine. Our Blue Orchid Faction is usually strict for visits. Still, it''s not like we prohibit anyone from entering as long as they have permission. However, it''s just like you said. Every time you come inside, you will need to be accompanied by a disciple to make sure you won''t do anything else while you are there. That''s a female faction/district, after all."


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s fine. As long as we can talk with Malaka, that will be enough."


    Roan took the chance to pretend that he didn''t know what was happening with Malaka.


    "By the way, it has already been an entire month since Malaka entered your Blue Orchid District/Faction. Still, she hasn''t come out even once to visit us. Since that''s the case, can I go there now to see how she is faring?"


    Amanda narrowed her eyes. It really didn''t seem that Roan knew about the underwear incident.


    ''Well, to avoid all the elders of our Blue Orchid Faction with a cultivation at the Initial Stage of the Foundation Establishment would really be ridiculous. Perhaps, I''m only thinking too much.


    "She is in a mission at the moment. She probably won''t finish it before another month has gone by."


    Roan seemed to get puzzled by that answer.


    "A mission that takes over a month for a new disciple? What kind of mission is it? Also, how dangerous?"


    Amanda shook her head.


    "I''m not allowed to talk about it. However, you don''t need to worry. I can guarantee that she will come back safely."


    Roan nodded.


    "I''ll believe you for the time being. From what I heard, the Blue Orchid Faction/District isn''t the type to say empty words."


    Roan then put his hand inside his back, pretending to take something from inside. However, he was retrieving two books from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm instead.


    He then threw the two books at the girls before saying.


    "This is my Death Sword Style Manual. Give up your sword style and change to this one."


    Amanda and Ria were taken aback once more.


    "Why would we change Sword Styles?"


    Roan snorted before speaking as if stating a fact.


    "Because your current ones are a PIECE OF SHIT!"


    ---


    Author''s note: If you like Roan''s ''gentleness,'' consider leave some Power Stones for the novel. =)

 Chapter 141 - Agreement

    Amanda and Ria were taken aback by those words. Sure, their Swords Styles aren''t at the top of the Damalu Sect. After all, they are still Outer Sect Disciples. However, it was definitely a high grade one. If you only consider the Outer Sect available ones, then it is definitely at the top. Still, Roan considered that nothing more than a piece of shit.


    "You sure talk big, aren''t you going to bite your tongue that way?"


    Roan simply waved his hand a few times before turning around to leave.


    "Whether you believe it or not will not change this fact. Anyway, all you need to do is try my one out. Come back once you have practiced it. If you still have the same opinion after that, I can help you fix the waist meridians'' issue. Anyway, off you go."


    Roan then began to make his way to the Cultivation Tower. But before he left, Amanda gave him one last piece of information.


    "Malaka has already entered the Advanced Stage of the Energy Gathering."


    Roan showed a slightly surprised expression.


    "Oh! She is doing better than I thought. Perhaps, joining your Blue Orchid District/Faction was indeed a good idea."


    Amanda and Ria''s mouths twitched a little. Roan simply didn''t care about how to use his words at all.


    Of course, Roan knew that already. That surprised expression was just a pretense. He and Rean saw it before when they went to see Malaka last time.


    Finally, Roan disappeared in the distance.


    Roan''s manual obviously wasn''t the full version of the Death Style. As mentioned before, only Rean and he have fully comprehensive ones. Especially since it was built with Light and Dark Elements as the base. Other elements could also be used, but they wouldn''t be as effective.


    Amanda and Ria didn''t know what to say. If Roan''s Sword Style was really that much better, why would he give them such a precious manual so easily? His attitude might be horrible. Still, the fact that he was the type who didn''t care about the female disciples of the Blue Orchid Faction was already a plus.


    "Let''s go back and give it a try. If it doesn''t work, we can simply not provide those twins with access to our district."


    Ria nodded and then asked something else.


    "What if it is really much better? Should we share it with the other sisters?"


    Amanda pondered a bit before nodding her head.


    "At the moment, our Outer Sect District/Faction has only 7 Drifting Sword Style practitioners. Even if we share with them, there shouldn''t be a problem. Besides, Roan never said that we couldn''t show the contents. I believe that it was already within his expectations that we would do so. First of all, he doesn''t have a way to stop us even if he didn''t want it."


    She was right. Roan didn''t care that others used his Sword Style. First, because this wasn''t the perfect version. Second, because anyone who used it against him or Rean would only be courting Roa- cough, cough, courting death. If anything, the more people who used the Death Sword Style, the safer it would be for the twins.


    Suddenly, Roan received a message from Rean through their Soul Connection.


    ''How was it?''


    ''It was okay. Still, I didn''t think they would come looking for me so fast. As for our secret infiltration, I believe I dispelled their doubts or at least most of it. By the way, I got them to agree that we can go see Malaka as long as a disciple of theirs escort us during the process in the Blue Orchid District.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''It''s okay. After that Spiritual Rebirth is done with, I believe Malaka will begin to go out on her own, so it won''t change much even if we can enter. Still, that''s a good thing in case we need to talk with her straight away.''


    ''Anyway, I took the flying demon beast already, so I''m going to Majorias City.''


    Sometime later, Rean''s connection with Roan was cut, and they could only tell which direction each other are at the moment.


    With a flying demon beast, Rean only took around 2 hours to reach Majorias City. After retrieving the two thousand Rank Two Spirit Stones from Zafa Bank, he headed to Janaris Weapon Store. Folca, obviously, already expected his visit.


    "So you came, come with me."


    Rean followed Folca, and they soon arrived inside the workshop. In front of Rean, there was a big pile of High-Level ores.


    "As I mentioned in the letter, I left two thousand Rank Two Spirit Stones and used the rest to buy those materials. As you can expect, High-Level ones are quite expensive, so I could only acquire this amount. There are 8 kilograms of Rasidia Ore, 7 kilograms of Muta Ore, and the best one, 2 kilograms of Iridkan Ore. You can check it by yourself and check the market price later. I can guarantee that I got quite a fair deal for them."


    Rean shook his head.


    "That won''t be necessary since we have a contract where the Zafa Bank is involved. We both know that only an idiot would try to do something under their watch."


    Folca nodded. As the Chief Blacksmith of such a big Weapon Store like Janariz, he knew very well what would be the outcome of messing up with a contract of the Zafa bank.


    All the ores were then put inside a backpack for Rean to carry back. Even if he didn''t have his Foundation Establishment cultivation, 19 kilograms isn''t anything hard to carry. Rean and Folca then talked more about the business of Steel Equipments before Rean left a few hours later.


    He couldn''t help but feel excited when he thought about them. It would be the first time he would work with High-Level ores. Rean soon took his flying demon beast and made his way back to the Damalu Sect. On the way, he began to make some plans too.


    ''Roan and I are ready to enter the middle stage of the Foundation Establishment. Once we make the breakthrough, I will check the Blacksmith Hall in the sect. Our Low-Level Swords aren''t good enough anymore.''


    With his mind set, Rean flew straight back to the sect.


    ---Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/agreement_48321997200998943 for visiting.


    Week Deal:


    2000 Power Stones = Two Extra Chapters.


    Every 500 after that = One Extra Chapter.

 Chapter 142 - Blacksmith Hall

    Roan noticed when the Soul Connection was established again.


    ''I already reserved the slots in the Cultivation Tower.''


    Rean, who was still flying back to the Beast Taming Faction, answered.


    ''That''s good. I just need to return the Demon Beast, and I''ll be there soon.''


    Around thirty minutes later, Rean was already at the Cultivation Tower.


    "Did you reserve the room with external gathering formations?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Yes, we just need to pay now."


    Rean and Roan then went to the counter and paid for two rooms close to each other. The external gathering formation is different from the normal ones. It could be charged with external resources like Spirit Stones. Rean got 2000 Rank Two ones back in Majorias City. Don''t forget the other 500 they got from the Entrance Exam. Lastly, the 1000 Rean got after enjoying Elder Tiria''s boo- cough, cough, after healing Elder Tiria''s injuries. In total, they had 3500 Rank Two Spirit Stones! Only the disciples with some background would be able to compare to them.


    Rean separated 1500 for himself and another 1500 for Roan. The last 500, he would pass to Malaka later.


    The rooms they rented were two average ones, which cost 20 Sect Points/Hour. That wasn''t a problem for Rean and Roan since they had 807 and 500 points, respectively. That being said, they decided to rent it for ten hours. They had the points to rent the best ones, but it would be a waste of Sect Points. That''s because they have enough Rank Two Spirit Stones to make up for the difference when using the External Energy Gathering Formation.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/blacksmith-hall_48339724124872286 for visiting.


    After putting several Rank Two Spirit Stones in the formations, they immediately began to work at full speed. The concentration of Spiritual Energy was so high that it was as if Rean and Roan were using Rank Three Spirit Stones instead.


    ''Are you ready?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''I''m fine here, let''s go.''


    Without wasting any time, Rean and Roan immediately rushed for the breakthrough. Their energy pools are much bigger than an ordinary Initial Stage Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator. That being said, they also needed a lot more Spiritual Energy to make a breakthrough. That''s the reason why they haven''t entered the Middle Stage yet. Until now, the concentration of Spiritual Energy wasn''t high enough.


    Their foundations'' ten pillars began to absorb Spiritual Energy like torrents. Rean and Roan''s hair immediately changed as they exchanged Light and Dark Elements without stop. Their Spiritual Pool began to overflow as well.


    To make sure that they wouldn''t run out of Spiritual Energy, Rean and Roan put 500 Rank Two Spirit Stones in each formation. Still, they could hear the Spirit Stones crashing one after another. The sound reminded Rean of popcorn.


    Finally, the Spiritual Pool couldn''t hold the amount of Spiritual Energy and Light/Dark Elements any more. With an explosion of Spiritual Energy, the Pool increased by three times its original size! Immediately after, an enormous pull of Spiritual Energy began to come from the ten pillars. Rean and Roan''s amount of Dark and Light Element exchange also increased. Finally, a few minutes later, the pools were full again.


    ''Phew... seems like it went without any issues.''


    [Of course, it did. What do you think your cultivation manuals are, some shit you can find any store? As long as the conditions are met, you can definitely achieve a perfect breakthrough. It''s just that the amount of Spiritual Energy will increase the higher your cultivation becomes.]


    Sister Orb seemed very proud of the cultivation technique. Of course, for Rean and Roan, it was a good thing that she was.


    ''Cough, cough... Anyway, we rented the room for ten hours, so it should be enough to stabilize our foundation. Let''s make good use of our time.''


    Roan agreed with him.


    ''Certainly. Also, check the formation. Our breakthrough consumed over 300 Spirit Stones, so we better put some more there as well.''


    Just like that, ten hours passed. When the twins were finally out, their foundation had already stabilized.


    [Alright. You two should stop here. If you continue to absorb too much Spiritual Energy, even your heaven-defying foundations will get affected. Keep cultivating with the Spiritual Energy of the Heaven and Earth from the time being. Your foundations should be back to normal in a week or so; you can start using Spirit Stones again after that.]


    Rean and Roan nodded. Rean then turned in Roan''s direction before saying.


    "I''m going to the Blacksmith Hall to take a look into these High-Level materials. As you know, our Swords are starting to get obsolete. Let me know if you want any special trait for the new ones I''ll make later."


    Roan nodded, and he left as well. For Rean, his best way of passing time was forging. As for Roan, he preferred to practice his Death Style. It was then that Roan thought about the arena.


    ''There are quite a few disciples who like to practice there without using points. I guess that a good place to start.''


    Back on Rean''s side, he went straight to the Blacksmith Hall. Before even entering the building, he could already see quite some movement at the entrance. Nothing was happening, though. The Blacksmith Hall was always like this to start with. After all, it took care of most of the disciples'' weapons.


    After arriving at the counter, the outer sect disciples on duty that day asked Rean.


    "What kind of weapon you wish?"


    Rean shook his head after hearing that.


    "I want to join the Blacksmith Hall. What are the procedures for it?"


    The disciple was a little surprised that such a young boy have an interest in blacksmithing. Usually, the young ones would only care about the weapon, and not how they were made. However...


    "I appreciate your feelings. However, the blacksmiths here are not playing around. You can ask again when you get older."


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "I have never played with blacksmithing. I worked as one in my tribe, and I want to continue to practice it here."


    The disciples looked deeply at Rean, who seemed to be very serious about it.


    "Sigh... If you insist, then so be it. You have two ways to join our Blacksmith Hall. The first one is for the inexperienced disciples. That includes those who decided to enter this path for the first time. They will start from the basics and learn everything necessary at the start. They will be evaluated according to their talents. After they reach a certain threshold, they will be allowed to join the Hall."


    "The second way is for the disciples who already have experience as blacksmiths. Depending on your level, you might join straight away or be sent to the proper practice site. After all, if they already have the experience and couldn''t join, there is no need for them to begin from the very start either."


    Rean didn''t even think twice.


    "The second option, please."


    The disciples then extended three fingers.


    "300 Sect Points."


    Rean was shocked by that price.


    "Isn''t that too expensive?"


    The disciple shook his head, though.


    "Only elders can give an evaluation of the new disciples. However, they are all busy with their own things. 300 points are just proper to have them come out."


    Rean sighed and immediately transferred the points with his Sect Badge.


    "Very well, follow me, please."


    ---


    Week Deal:


    2000 Power Stones = Two Extra Chapters.


    Every 500 after that = One Extra Chapter.

 Chapter 143 - Blacksmith Test

    There were a few rooms separated for new blacksmiths. Inside, Rean found everything he could possibly want. He couldn''t help but feel impressed by their equipment too. Although they follow the same medieval trait with no electronics, Rean could tell with a glance that they were the best ones he has seen since reincarnation.


    Soon, an elder entered the room. He didn''t seem very please with his task of testing Rean out, though.


    "Is it you who wanted to take the Blacksmith Test? A kid who is still wet behind the ears?"


    The elder then looked at the disciple who brought Rean.


    "Why did you even let him take the test?"


    The disciples shrugged his shoulders.


    "It''s not my fault, Elder Willio. He paid the 300 Sect points, so I can only follow the rules. You know that as well."


    Elder Willio narrowed his eyes.


    "Hmph! Whatever."


    He then pointed at a bunch of metals on the table before saying.


    "You can forge a weapon or an armor for me to see. As long as it reaches the standard of the Blacksmith Hall, you will be allowed in. But you better understand that our weapons are much better than the ones outside in weapon stores. So even if you forge a Non-Spiritual Weapon, it has to have some degree Spiritual Energy trait at the very least. Do you understand?"


    Rean smiled as he nodded his head. The outer sect disciples left right after since he was still on duty too.


    Rean approached the table and could see that the material was separated into non-spiritual materials and low-level spiritual ones. Rean pondered a bit and decided to go for a non-spiritual one. After all, he only wanted access to the resources and facilities, not to reveal his weapon craft secrets.


    In the end, he went for his old friend, Kaz Ore. As mentioned before, there are Spiritual Kaz Ore and common ones. Regardless, Rean knew how to work with both. He also too some other simple ores which he intended to use during the process. Obviously, he wouldn''t forge a weapon with a single metal but make an alloy instead.


    Elder Willio saw that Rean took four types of metal in total. However, only Kaz ore was enough to forge a weapon. The rest could barely be used for anything.


    "What are you trying to do? There is no combination possible if you use so little of the other metals. Are you messing with me?"


    Rean shook his head as the forger temperature increased.


    "Of course, not. All elder has to do is observe. I paid 300 Sect points, and have no intention of losing it."


    Willio snorted but didn''t say anything else.


    Rean began to melt the metals while controlling the fire precisely. Still, the more he worked, the more confused Willio became. What he couldn''t understand was why the metal Rean was working with hadn''t gone to waste already. From what he knows, it shouldn''t be going this well anymore.


    ''Is he really forging something?''


    Suddenly, the Outer Sect disciple returned, accompanied by another disciple. It turned out that it was Julio.


    "What is it, can''t you see we are in the middle of a test?"


    However...


    "Pardon me, elder. Rean, I brought the big gallon of oil you asked. Just to be sure, I also got one extra."


    Rean smiled as he pointed at a big metal container filled with cold water.


    "Good. Take all the water out and put the oil in. Then turn on the fire on the side and heat it up."


    After hearing those orders, Willio understood that the oil was also part of the crafting process. However, why would he change the water used to cool weapons for oil? Furthermore, he asked to heat it up? Why?


    The outer sect disciple then left once more.


    Time continued to pass until finally, Elder Willio saw the shape of the weapon.


    "An Axe? That is quite an uncommon choice. Are you an axe user?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "Not really, I just felt like making an axe this time, that''s all."


    Elder Willio''s mouth twitched. Usually, people would specialize in one type of weapon and some variant, like being good at swords but can make sabers too. But the way Rean put it, it looked like he worked with anything he felt like.


    "How''s the Oil?"


    Julio looked at it before nodding.


    "Seems to be hot enough."


    Rean the put the Axe Head inside for sometime before taking it out.


    There were other Big Water Containers inside, and Elder Willio was waiting for him to eventually use one of them. However, as soon as he took the Axe Head out, Rean began to work on it. As for the cold water, Rean didn''t even touch it.


    "What are you doing?"


    Rean looked at him and answered plainly.


    "Tempering."


    Elder Willio showed a puzzled expression, though.


    "Temper-what?"


    "Tempering. It''s a heat-treating process, which is used to increase the toughness and elasticity of alloys."


    "Tempering? Heat Treating? Alloys?"


    It was the first time Elder Wilio heard those techniques. He didn''t know if Rean was making fun of him or if they really meant something. Still, since Rean paid for the test, he had to observe to the end.


    During the work, Rean infused his Spiritual Energy in the alloy, further increasing its toughness and elasticity. In fact, there were many more things Rean could have done to improve his work. Here in the cultivation world, there are spiritual energy reactive materials that he found during his self-studies. One good example would be the hot oil used for heat treating. At this moment, Rean was using just a standard oil that can be found anywhere.


    If he worked in a piece of equipment for himself, it definitely wouldn''t be just simple oil. A few materials could be added, increasing the Spiritual Energy flow that he infused during the tempering process. This is just one example of the uses of Spiritual Energy that Rean found in this new world. This was also one of the secrets behind his Element Gathering Weapons.


    Time passed. Rean returned the Axe Head to the forger and took it out several times. Never to use the cold water that all blacksmiths were used to in the Blacksmith Hall.


    Elder Willio is a blacksmith himself, so he already could see the Rean''s Axe was several times better than the ones he himself could make. Not only that, but it reached such a level using common elements that anyone could use, like the hot oil. It''s just that no one had tried it before.


    Finally, Rean finished crafting a good handle to attach it. As mentioned before, he wasn''t going all out. Still, due to the level of the facility, his work ended better than Rean expected. The only reason it wasn''t at the level of his Steelworks was that he didn''t want to show the secret behind it.


    "Elder Willio, I''m finished."


    Rean then tossed the Axe to Willio before asking.


    "Please try it out and give me an evaluation."


    Elder Willio touched it and used his Spiritual Energy and Sense to check it out. In the end, he sighed and just put it away.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/blacksmith-test_48363505627233197 for visiting.


    "There is no need. I don''t know where you learned such advanced Blacksmith Techniques that even I hadn''t seen before. Still, I can at least tell you that your work was excellent. If I test this axe against some of ours, the result will be obvious."


    "Seems like I was too shortsighted. You are more than good enough to join our Blacksmith Hall. In fact, I would like to know if you could share those steps you took with the rest of the blacksmiths."


    Rean nodded and shook his head right after.


    "I don''t mind sharing a few things. But I also have my secret, which I can''t tell anyone that easily. I''m sure Elder Willio understands that."


    Willio nodded, not finding it the least bit annoying. Just like alchemists, blacksmiths also have their own secrets that they didn''t show anyone while crafting. The fact that Rean was willing to offer some of it was already excellent.


    "Very good, take this token and go talk with the disciple who brought you here. He will prepare the badge that represents your standing in our Blacksmith Hall."


    Rean nodded.


    ''The level of blacksmithing in the sect is definitely higher than outside, but it is still far from the knowledge of a metallurgist from earth. I have to make good use of it.''

 Chapter 144 - Categorizations

    Rean passed the next hours with the elders explaining a few things that they always did wrong. Like the fact that submerging equipment in cold water would make it easier to break. So the tempering process had to be done while controlling the temperature. Oil was quite useful for such a thing.


    Of course, he didn''t say anything that could lead them to find out the process of creating Element Gathering Weapons or Armors. That is his secret, which he will only reveal after becoming strong enough to defend himself.


    All the Outer Sect Elders and even the Inner Elder, Odeni Fuker, were enlighted by such reveals. When asked where he learned it, he simply brushed everything to a hidden master that didn''t want to be known. Whether it was true or not, there was no way to confirm it. However, considering Rean''s age, that could be the only possible explanation. Even an inheritance wouldn''t make him so proficient at his age.


    After all, usually, inheritances would need one to learn the things inside by themselves. They refuse to believe that a kid would be able to achieve it alone even if he had the full information. The presence of a master was definitely highly necessary.


    Thanks to those insights, Rean was rewarded by the Odeni. He gave Rean two choices, Sect Points or forging materials. Due to how much his methods would help the Blacksmith Hall, it would give him at least 10000 points, which would be great. On the other side, he could opt for a lot of High-Level Materials or even a few Peak-Level ones!


    But before he could decide, the disciple taking care of his badge appeared.


    "Here''s your Blacksmith Badge, Junior Rean. As per the demands in your token, you are now an Earth Low-Level Blacksmith."


    "Earth Blacksmith?"


    Willio, who was also there, understood that Rean didn''t have much knowledge about Blacksmith Levels.


    "There are several levels of Blacksmith in the world. As far as our Dalamu Sect is concerned, these are the ones we know."


    "Mortal Level Blacksmiths; they can forge non-spiritual equipments. Basically, all blacksmiths in the world who can at least forge a weapon are at this level."


    "Earth Level Blacksmiths; they can forge Low/High/Peak Earth Level Equipments. Simply put, those are the Spiritual Equipments that most cultivators between Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and Core and Soul Fusion Realms use."


    "Heaven Level Blacksmiths; they can forge Low/High/Peak Level Divine Equipments. Those weapons can only be used by Nascent Soul/Soul Transformation/Saint Realm cultivators."


    "As for what comes after it, we don''t know since it is a realm far above what we can grasp."


    "You can divide each of those levels by the Blacksmith capabilities too. That''s why you are considered an Earth Low-Level Blacksmith. Because you can forge Low-Level Spiritual Equipments. After all, you said that you forged yours and your brother''s Spiritual Swords."


    Willio also added.


    "The other side occupations can be separated in the same way. Alchemy, Formations, Talismans, etc., all of them follow this categorization."


    Rean nodded. It was the first time he heard such a thing. Still, it was an excellent way to separate them and find the right Blacksmith when you needed some work done. Rean then pinned the badge on his Sect Robe as well. After that, he made his request.


    "Instead of Sect Points, I would rather have High-Level materials to practice. I intend to become an Earth High-Level Blacksmith. As for Peak-Level Materials, I don''t think my cultivation is high enough to work with them at the moment."


    Odeni nodded, satisfied.


    "Indeed. To forge Peak-Level ones, the quality of your Spiritual Energy has to improve. Not to mention that the amount of Spiritual Energy necessary increases several times compared to High-Level ones. If you get Peak-Level materials, they will be stuck in your bag for a long time. To be honest, with your cultivation only at the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment, I''m not sure if you will succeed forging a High-Level Equipment to start with."


    Rean agreed with Odeni. He is very aware of how much Spiritual Energy he needed to for the Low-Level Ones. So it was already within his expectations that he wouldn''t be able to touch Peak-Level Materials so soon.


    Rean was then brought to the Blacksmith Hall Deposit, where he could select the High-Level Materials he wanted to work with. All in all, he got five times more High-Level Ores than what he got from Folca back in Majorias City. Of course, Folca''s Materials would flow in for a very long time. Different from now where he wouldn''t get such an opportunity any time soon.


    The Blacksmith Hall had several well-known Core Formation and Core and Soul Fusion Realm Blacksmiths. They had their own ways of doing things and their own forging secrets too. That being said, the Blacksmith Hall had long since prepared rooms with Isolation Formations that prevented others from peaking inside.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/categorizations_48368380146678826 for visiting.


    At this moment, Rean was inside of one of these rooms exactly.


    "Sister Orb, did you finish analyzing the formation?"


    [Yes. They were not lying. As long as a Soul Transformation Realm doesn''t intervene, no one will be able to see what you are doing inside. There are no loopholes.]


    Rean also took this chance to ask something else.


    "Sister orb, since you can analyze formations, can you also draw them?"


    [No. Analyzing is totally different from learning. You can think about it as a person driving a car. You know how to operate it, but can you build a car yourself?]


    Rean shook his head. Other than the general concept of explosions that moved the pistons, Rean didn''t know anything else.


    [That''s what I can do basically. I can learn how to use the formations, but I can''t draw them. It is far above what the Soul Gem System can do.]


    Rean couldn''t hide the little bit of disappointment in his face.


    "I see. Well, I guess I was being too greedy. Anyway, just the fact that you can learn how to use them can be of big help in the future."


    Rean then looked at the pile of materials in front of him and licked his lips as a smile returned to his face.


    "Well, time to work."

 Chapter 145 - Not Enough Materials

    The main difference between making a Low-Level and a High-Level Equipment was the amount of Spiritual Energy used. The procedures were basically the same. Of course, due to the materials'' toughness and elasticity, different timings and temperatures were necessary.


    That being said, Rean took a lot longer to figure out the best combinations. Other than going back to sleep and the morning training of the Iron and Blood District/Facion, Rean spent most of his time in the Blacksmith Hall.


    During the years that he and Roan used the Light Sab-cough, cough... Spiritual Kaz Swords, Rean noticed a big difference. His Sword was much better on Roan''s hands than his own. However, it had nothing to do with higher proficiency in weapons or combat. That difference was in the elements that they control.


    First, we need to talk about the Light and Dark Elements they use. It is through the combination of the two that they can show their highest combat ability. It is really a Yin and Yang balance that couldn''t be copied.


    That being said, Rean''s Spiritual Kaz Swords absorbed Light Element from the surroundings when you injected Spiritual Energy on them. However, Rean himself is already a Light Element user. At most, he could increase the Light Element power in the Sword. However, the main point of the Sword was its combination of Light and Dark Elements.


    Because of that, Rean fell quite behind Roan in raw power when using his Swords. After all, it doesn''t matter how much Elements the twins change with each other, Rean will never be able to use as much Dark Element as Roan. That is not his affinity.


    Since that was the case, Rean had only one choice. He has to create a Sword of the Dark Element to complement his own Light one. In a certain way, Rean would receive the most significant boost of combat power after the new Swords are forged. Of course, just the fact that the twins are swapping Low-Level Equipments for High-Level ones is already a massive boost for both. It''s just that Rean will get more from it.


    Nonetheless, that is only raw power. Even after the Swords are ready, Roan will still be stronger than Rean due to his higher understanding of combat.


    Unfortunately, Rean underestimated the fine control that he needed for forging a High-Level Equipment.


    *Crack!*


    A familiar sound that Rean had been hearing quite a few times during the past nine days came out again. Seeing the crack over the Sword made Rean sigh.


    "Although my pool of Spiritual Energy can now be compared to a Peak Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, I''m still not used to control it. I will probably need another two weeks or so before I can make this work."


    Rean then looked at his remaining High-Levels materials and shook his head. He had already used 90% of all of them. There was simply not enough for him to train anymore.


    "Should I reveal a few more secrets in exchange for more materials?"


    However, Rean immediately got rid of that idea. A few simple procedures are okay, but anything else could lead to unwanted problems.


    "The selling of Steel Weapons is increasing by the day as it makes a name in the market. However, considering the rate of High-Level Materials that Folca provides, it will take at least four to six months for me to get enough."


    Rean pondered a bit before contacting Roan through their Soul Connection.


    ''Roan, do you know if there are any missions for our level that provide High-Level Materials?''


    Roan was practicing in the arena against a disciple at the Late Stage of the Foundation Stablishment when he heard Rean''s voice.


    ''Give me a second.''


    Suddenly, Roan''s hair changed into black and white as his combat prowess increased. His opponent was already at a disadvantage, let alone now that he began to use Light Element as well.


    In the days that Rean stayed in the Blacksmith Hall, Roan became quite famous in the arenas. He accepted any challenges without asking for any Sect Points as long as the opponent was below the Core Formation Realm. As one can imagine, he was able to experience several different weapons styles, which proved beneficial for his own comprehension.


    Others also loved to challenge him since he never severely injured anyone. Considering how strong he was, it proved to be of great help for their own training too. Everyone could see just how excellent his Swords Arts were too.


    "Argh!"


    The guy who was against Roan was then sent flying by a kick. Roan knew how to use his body in a way that no one could believe. That made facing him even more complicated.


    After exiting the arena, he answered Rean''s question.


    ''There are indeed a few missions that provide them, but they are Rank 4 ones. Of course, thanks to Elder Guliva''s token, we can apply for a rank above our cultivation. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the difficulty of each one. The more materials, the harder the mission.''


    Rean nodded, satisfied.


    ''I''m reaching a breakthrough in my Blacksmith Skills, but I''m running out of materials. If we wait in the sect for four to six months, I will get enough. However, I really don''t want to postpone something that can be done earlier. Besides, it is related to our new weapons too.''


    Roan didn''t seem to mind.


    ''Then let''s just take a mission. We have been in the sect for a month and a half. The last time we did real life and death battle was during the Entrance Exam. This is a good opportunity to hone your skills. Besides, there are a few new things I wish to test and pass to you as well regarding combat.''


    In the end, both sides wanted to go out. Although their reasons were different, they complemented each other too.


    Sometime later inside the Mission Hall, Rean and Roan were looking at the board of Rank 4 Missions.


    "Which material are you lacking at the moment?"


    Rean looked at the information before saying.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/not-enough-materials_48386958581364082 for visiting.


    "Let me see... There are three good ones that provide a fair amount of high enough level materials. The first one is acting as a scout. The second is to acquire the blood of a demon beast called Qellaw Tiger. The third one is to subjugate a group of bandits that is causing problems around Cinquel City. You can choose the one you think is better for our combat training; the materials in all of them are enough."


    Roan nodded and said.


    "The first one is out of the question. Changes are that we won''t fight anyone. That''s not what I want. The second one looks good, but I''m tired of demon beasts already. That being said, the best one is the Bandit Group subjugation. A large number of opportunities to enter in combat against other cultivators. According to the information, the Leader is an Initial Stage Core Formation Realm while his two strongest subordinates are at the Peak and Late Stages of the Foundation Establishment. In my opinion, this is just perfect."


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and nodded.


    "The bandits'' subjugation it is, then."

 Chapter 146 - Test

    The twins took the notice from the board and passed it to the disciple on the counter. After checking the rank of the mission and their cultivation, he narrowed his eyes, though.


    "You are not allowed to take this mission with your cultivation. Select a Rank 3 one or lower."


    Rean smiled as he took a token from his bag. Sure enough, as soon as the disciple looked at that, he was taken aback. He couldn''t help but reassess the twins in front of him. For an Elder to give special permission for higher rank missions, they must be far above the average disciples.


    He quickly marked down the twins'' mission and passed the command order forward. Rean and Roan then got the detail of their employer, as well as the Sect identification. With those two, they would convince their employer that they were really there for the mission.


    They had to also pass by the Iron and Blood District to tell that they would be leaving for a mission. That being said, they would be exempt from doing the morning practices.


    Thanks to Rean''s prestige in the Demon Beast Taming Faction, he could once more borrow a flying demon beast. It''s just that this time it would take a lot longer for him to come back, so they had to pay for it as well. However, the payment could be made with Spirit Stones, so the twins simply didn''t care.


    The demon beast they got was a Stage Two Mountain eagle. Quite a common type that all sects liked to use for travels. Rean had also learned how to use the taming flute, which he could use to command the eagle. With everything prepared, Rean and Roan immediately departed.


    They thought for a moment if they should bring Malaka to experience the outside world too. However, they recognized that she was probably in the Spiritual Rebirth Formation still. That being said, there wasn''t much of a point in waiting here.


    They didn''t notice that when they left the Sect, a certain woman at the top of the Dalamu Mountain was observing them. Suddenly, her face showed some surprise as if she heard something unexpected. For a second, a cold light flashed in her eyes as she disappeared from her spot.


    Cinquel City was quite far from the Dalamu Sect. Even with the Mountain Eagle''s help, Rean and Roan took an entire week to arrive there. Obviously, they had to stop several times on the way to let the eagle rest and eat too. The same could be said for themselves.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/test_48409005705455133 for visiting.


    Finally, they spotted the city in the distance. Although it wasn''t as big as Majorias City, it was definitely several times their Home City, Astreg. From the information they got, the lord of this city is a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator called Palan Jialin. As anyone can guess, he is a descendent of the royal family.


    There wasn''t anything strange about it. After centuries of development, the royal blood spread a lot due to several marriages and offsprings. Many of the bigger cities in the country were managed by the royal family blood, thanks to that. The cities that weren''t would have city lords with some connection with the sects that commanded that region.


    Still, Rean and Roan''s employer wasn''t the city lord, but the Leader of the city guards. It was common practice in big cities to invite the sects'' experts to deal with bandits around. That would preserve the cities'' forces and help build good relations with the secs, a win-win situation.


    Thanks to their Damalu Sect Robes, no one stopped them from entering the city with their Mountain Eagle. Still, Rean and Roan stopped by the gate to ask where they could leave the Demon Bird. The guards respectfully told them that there is a place in the City Guards Hall, especially for these beasts.


    Conveniently, that was also where they had to meet their employer. They told the city guards employee in that place that they came to talk with their Leader as they passed the Sect''s command order and information. The man who received it was quite surprised to hear that those two kids came for this mission. Still, it wasn''t his place to judge them. Rean and Roan were then guided to the City Guard Leader Office.


    *Knock, Knock.*


    "Enter!"


    The guard entered the room, followed by the twins.


    "Sir, these are Rean and Roan. They were sent by the Dalamu Sect. Please inspect the command order."


    The City Guard''s Leader''s name was Uive Olanmine, a Late-Stage Core Formation Realm cultivator. Uive narrowed his eyes when he saw the kids as he grabbed the paper. After reading which mission they were assigned to, his expression turned even worse.


    "Are you elders messing with me? This is a Rank 4 Mission. How come the Dalamu Sect sent you? Go back and tell your Sect to send me Peak Foundation Establishment Disciples at the very least."


    Rean smiled, already expecting this kind of reaction.


    "There is no need for that, Sir Uive. Although our cultivation is at the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm, our real combat power is definitely at least at the Late Stage. We had even killed a Stage Three Inferno Wolf when we were still in the Initial Stage of the same Realm with only the two of us. We can guarantee that we are suited to this job."


    Uive opened his eyes wide. Even if they worked together to bring down the wolf, the fact that they did it in the Initial Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm was terrifying.


    Rean then brought Elder Guliva''s Token, which allowed them to take higher missions.


    Uive, as the Leader of the City Guards, obviously knew how to recognize the identifications of the sects. He could tell with a glance that Rean''s Token was genuine. Of course, even after hearing all of that, he still harbored doubts in his heart.


    "This mission will be conducted by members of the Dalamu and Lagan Sect. From the information I received, the Lagan Sect''s disciples should arrive by the end of the day. If you can defeat one of their disciples in a spar, then I''ll acknowledge that you have the means to carry off this mission."


    Rean and Roan nodded, not caring too much about that. Roan wanted to experience combat, so the chance to fight other Sect''s disciples was more than welcome to him.

 Chapter 147 - What Was That Shit?

    As Uive said, the Lagan Sect Disciples arrived at the end of the noon. Their group had three members, Two Men and one Woman. From the looks of it, the woman was the leader of their group. Her cultivation was at the peak stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. As for the two men, they were both at the Peak Stage as well. However, Roan could tell that the woman would be much more of a challenge than the two men beside her if they fought.


    The woman''s name was Luina Falan. As for the two men, they were Orist Cradi and Rolim Daedove. As it seems, the Luina was a member of the Inner Lagan Sect, while the two men were members of the Outer Lagan Sect.


    Uive then talked with those members of the Lagan Sect about the arrangements of the mission. After they concluded, he mentioned the test he wanted to give Rean and Roan as he brought Luina''s group to one of their Headquarters'' training fields. Obviously, Rean and Roan were already there.


    Luina''s group was surprised to see Rean and Roan. In their eyes, those two were obviously just 11 to 12 years old. Luina was already 17 while the other two men were 18 each. They are much older. Sure enough, they also thought that Dalamu Sect was messing up with this mission.


    "Kids, there is no need to do this challenge. Just go back to Dalamu and tell them that we need support, not more burden."


    Roan snorted as he stepped into the training field. He then went up to one of the combat platforms that the City Guards liked to use to spar as he pointed at Luina.


    "Cut the crap, I don''t have all day."


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh. Roan didn''t know how to hold back his words. However, since it already came to this, he also stepped inside the training field and on another platform.


    "Oh well, so be it. Anyone of you should suffice."


    Obviously, Luina''s group expressions turned dark. It was evident that those kids think that they won already. Luina then ordered through a Divine Sense.


    ''Orist, Rolim, go and take those kids down. There is no need to hold back either. Since they dared to look down on us, they need to be ready for the consequences. Just don''t kill them.''


    The two guys nodded, and they immediately jumped on the platform as well. Uive was also there to observe and judge the situation. After all, those are disciples of the Five Big Sects. He can''t let Rean and Roan die here, or it would bring unnecessary trouble for him.


    "This is just a test. So be sure to hold back. Once a winner is determined, the fight should stop immediately. Are you ready?"


    Both sides on both platforms nodded.


    "Begin!"


    Orist and Rolim would never forget this day.


    The moment Uive announced the start of the battle, Rean and Roan''s hair changed instantly. They both used Rean''s Light Element on their bodies and sprung forward at a speed that far surpassed those two men. Orist and Rolim were alarmed as they immediately took a defensive instance. Orist was a Saber user while Rolim was a Sword one. However, it didn''t matter for Rean and Roan.


    The twins arrived in front of the Lagan Sect''s disciples in a flash as they raised their swords. The moment they slashed down, Orist and Rolim moved to block it, however...


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    What was supposed to be a single sword, transformed into three! Not only that, but the twins'' opponents couldn''t tell which one was real. Orist and Rolim shouted, trying to block the attacks as they jumped back. Still, it was too late.


    At first, they were delighted because they felt that their Saber and Sword had blocked something. Obviously, they thought that they stopped the real swords from Rean and Roan, and the other two each were fake. Too bad, though. All three swords were real!


    *Swish, swish.*


    Both Orist and Rolim were cut twice by the other two swords. Let alone Orist and Rolim, even Uive and Luina opened their eyes wide!


    Luina couldn''t help but exclaim.


    "How come all the swords were real?!"


    Uive, however, was a lot more composed.


    "The fight is over! Rean and Roan win!"


    Orist and Rolim fell on the ground while sweating rivers. When they first felt the two fake swords cutting their bodies, they thought they would die right there and then. However, the twins showed mercy, so their injuries were nothing serious. As long as they took some healing pills and rest for the night, they will be back to peak condition the next morning.


    Rean and Roan''s hairs then turned back to normal as they stepped out of the arena. On the way, Roan rebuked Rean.


    "What was that shit? It was evident that you missed the points by at least three centimeters with each attack. Also, you have the Light Element Main Source, so how come you were slower to arrive in front of your opponent? Are you messing with me?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head as he said.


    "I''m not as proficient as you, you know that. I''ll never be able to match you in combat. I had to hold back too. Not to mention I just recently had a breakthrough, so I''m not used to my increase of Spiritual Energy either. You should be happy that I was able to do this much."


    Roan didn''t care, though.


    "Hmph! It seems I was right to take this mission; you are lacking combat experience. You better put your heart into it this time. I don''t want to be dragged down with you."


    Uive and Luina were taken aback as they heard the twins conversation.


    ''They held back? You can''t be serious! If that''s what you do while holding back, then how much stronger can you be?''


    Rean then looked at Uive before bowing.


    "I hope this was enough to prove our capability."


    Uive''s mouth twitched. If that wasn''t enough, then he doesn''t know what was.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/what-was-that-shit_48433458028009202 for visiting.


    "That''s... more than enough..."


    Uive then quickly composed himself before saying.


    "Cough, cough... We already prepared the provisions and the Spirit Horses. You can leave the next morning. The Gold Hands Bandit Group usually acts on the passage between Cinquel and Avato Cities. After all, lots of trades happen between both cities. Whatever method you use is fine as long as you get rid of them. We have portraits of this group''s leaders, so we need at least the head of one of them for this mission to be considered successful, understood?"


    Rean and Roan nodded without much care. Luina also did the same, but her head wasn''t in the matter at the moment. She then looked at her sect disciples, who had returned with their heads down.


    "Good. I already prepared your rooms. I''ll see you again after you finish the mission, good luck."


    Uive then turned around and left. Rean then smiled at them before saying.


    "Sorry for my brother''s behavior. He is quite impatient. Let''s give our best on the mission tomorrow. Good night, my friends."


    Luina could only awkwardly nod as she left with Orist and Rolim. Rean and Roan did the same and returned to their room to rest.

 Chapter 148 - Sects Pride

    In the next morning, Rean''s group left through the north gate of Cinquel City. This time, they removed their Sect Robes since it would only scare the bandits away. Whether Rean and Roan are stronger than Luina or not, the fact is that they still look like kids. So it would be quite convenient for them. After all, they would be considered easy targets.


    According to the information delivered for them, the Gold Hands Bandit Group wasn''t all in the same place. The paths to Avato City take at least two days to be traversed, so the area of coverage was enormous. Because of that, this bandit group was separated in at least 10 to 15 smaller groups that surveyed the several routes available between the cities.


    Rean''s group plan was quite simple. Bait one of those groups out and use them to find the rest. But for that to work, they can''t let any of them escape. Otherwise, chances were that the escapees would inform the other groups, which would turn things harder for them.


    With that in mind, Rean''s group was divided into two. Roan and Luina would follow them from the shadows, while Oritis and Rolim would pretend to be escorting Rean as if he was some kind of Young Master. Rean was even using some expensive clothes, while the two guys on his sides used a guardian''s attire.


    There were several roads that lead them to Avato City, but there was obviously a Main One. However, Rean''s group purposely avoided this to not be caught by a big group. They wanted to first capture one of the smallest ones to gather the necessary information.


    At first, Luina was against this arrangement. Why should a proud member of the Lagan Sect like her hide her identity? That wasn''t any different than the bandit groups themselves. She seemed to be overflowing with confidence that they wouldn''t need such low-level tricks. A head-on attack would be enough with their strength.


    Roan, however, immediately denied such an idea.


    "Are you really a Lagan Sect Inner Disciple? What a joke, to think that is the level of their minds."


    Luina narrowed her eyes. She felt anger because of those words, but she knew better to not find a problem with Roan.


    "What you talking about?"


    Roan sighed, and Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "After you got the information from the City Guards Headquarters, did you make any other inquiries?"


    Luina immediately shook her head. All the information necessary was already there, after all.


    Roan then continued.


    "That''s why you can''t see the big picture. Rean and I went around, making a few questions to the low-level guards. It seems like our group wasn''t the first to try to eliminate the Gold Hands Bandit Group. Do you know what happened to the rest who came before?"


    Luina was taken aback.


    "Could it be that they died? No, that''s doesn''t make sense. If they had died, our sect would definitely have found about it. Wait, why is it not in the information provided to us beforehand?"


    Roan ignored her surprise and simply answered the question.


    "For the sake of this mission, I''ll tell you a few things. It''s not that no one died. From what we found, there had been one or another fatality. However, since there was always a group of at least 4 to 10 sects members, the loss of a single one or two wasn''t that important. But this was not where the main issue relies upon."


    Roan then pointed to his and Luina''s Sects Badges.


    "The issue is the sects'' pride. Do you really think that our sects would admit that they couldn''t get rid of a few bandits? Ha! What a joke. The City Guards can''t spread the news to not offend the sects, and the sects can''t reveal the information to not be looked down upon. So, only after talking with the low-level city guards that don''t have any influence that we found out the truth. We just gave a few spirit stones to them, and they immediately bent."


    Luina''s complexion began to get worse. That meant that this bandit group was a lot more troublesome than she thought.


    Roan continued.


    "At this very moment, you are about to follow into the same steps as your predecessors. This useless pride of yours will eventually bring your ruin. If you want to fail this mission, that''s is fine, but don''t drag us down with you. There are a few people in the world who have brains."


    Roan then turned around and was just about to leave when Luina stopped him. Doesn''t matter how prideful Luina is; after hearing to this point, even she had to admit that simply charging into the bandits'' nest would lead to a disaster.


    "I... accept your idea."


    Still, the main reason for her change of mind was Rean and Roan''s strength! If they didn''t completely trash Oritis and Rolim the day prior, she wouldn''t take a single word of theirs to mind.


    Roan looked behind and nodded.


    "You won''t regret it. I might as well tell you this. How do you think the ones who failed before will feel after they find out you completed this mission successfully? Or better, the elders of your Lagan Sect Mission Hall definitely know the truth. So their impression of you would be much more important. However, if they see an Inner Sect Disciple failing against a few bandits... hehe."


    Luina couldn''t help but feel a chill on her back. In just a few words, Roan made her visualize both glory and scorn. She even began to think that perhaps this mission is a test given by the sect, not just a simple task. Oritis and Rolim also had severe expressions. Although they are from the Outer Sect, they are still proud members of the Lagan Sect, after all.


    Back at one of the secondary roads to Avato City, Rean''s group continued moving forward. Roam and Luina kept following them by foot in the shadows. Four hours after they departed, the prey finally ate the bait. Suddenly, a group of fifteen mounted cultivators appeared in their front. The majority was Energy Gathering Realm ones, but they still had three Foundation Establishment members. But that wasn''t all. In places where they couldn''t see, a few more bandits were ready to charge at Rean''s group in case they tried to escape.


    This hidden group was what Roan planned to strike exactly. Without getting rid of this group first, there would be no way to prevent someone from escaping their net. The difficulty of this mission would be directly related to this very first combat.


    Rean''s group immediately entered in a battle against the fifteen mounted bandits. However, they hid their real strength and pretended to be barely holding back. Without any of them notice. One head after another was being sent flying in the hidden places around the main battle.


    Luina went to the right side while Roan went to the left. Roan had to give Luina a mental nod. She was a dual daggers user, and her dagger style was quite good. Although she couldn''t be compared to himself, she was definitely stronger than Ria and Amanda from the Blue Orchid Outer Sect District.


    ''As expected of an inner sect member, I guess?''


    They eliminated all the scouts cleanly, and only then did they charge out of the forest.


    Suddenly, a whistle came out of the trees around. As soon as that happened, Rean''s group smiled and revealed their real cultivation. The bandits were taken aback by their sudden display of strength. In just a few seconds, almost all Energy Gathering Realm bandits fell.


    The Foundation Establishment ones noticed that they fell into a trap and immediately turned around to flee. However, Rean was already expecting it. Light Element covered his body as he shot forward.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Two rays of Light Element and Spiritual Energy pierced right through two of the Foundation Establishment enemies. The last one, with cultivation in the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment, felt terrified with what he saw. He also couldn''t tell why the scouts that he left around hadn''t appeared yet. However, considering that this was a trap, he could at least imagine what happened to them. He urged his horse, even more, trying to leave this place at all costs.


    Too bad, though. Roan had already positioned himself, waiting for that chance. With another Stellar Pierce, he killed the bandit''s horse with a single strike in the head. The bandit, obviously, fell on the ground straight away. Of course, with his Foundation Establishment, he quickly recovered. It''s just that when he tried to run, a black shadow appeared on his side. What shocked him, even more, is that the enemy looked to be only a kid too!


    ''Since when are kids this strong?!''


    He tried to use his sword to fend the enemy off. But that was useless. If even Peak Foundation Establishments aren''t a match for Roan, then let alone a Middle Stage one.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/sects-pride_48455038091185379 for visiting.


    *Switch!*


    The next instant, the bandit already lost one of his legs. He immediately fell on the ground in pain, but his expression changed in the next second.


    Roan pointed his sword at the guy while showing an evil smile. He looked me like the reincarnation of a demon. Well, this bandit wasn''t totally wrong.


    "Hey there, I wonder if you would be willing to answer a few questions."


    In the bandit''s eyes, that wasn''t a kid anymore, but a wolf in sheep''s clothing.

 Chapter 149 - Wake up, girl!

    The bandit didn''t waste time before saying.


    "I''ll say anything, please don''t kill me!"


    Luina, Oritis, and Rolim nodded, satisfied. That''s what they wanted to hear. However, Rean just shook his head. Luina''s group got puzzled by that, but they just waited to listen to what Roan had to say.


    Roan smiled after hearing that too. However, he shook his head as well in the end. He then put his hand on one of the man''s injuries and channeled his Dark Element. Immediately, the bandit''s expression changed.


    "Ahhhrg!"


    Dark Element destroys Life Energy, and Roan was making it circulate the guy''s body. Because Roan had already destroyed his dantian, he is nothing more than an ordinary person now. He simply had no way of resisting it. Having one''s own Life Energy attacked like that was more painful than any injury Roan could ever afflict him.


    Roan then used his Spiritual Energy to Seal the man''s mouth. So even though it was open, no one could hear anything. Roan didn''t care about his suffering, though.


    "I guess you misunderstood my intentions here. Doesn''t matter what you say, you will die. How many innocent people have you killed because of your greed before? There is no way I could let you go after that. At the moment, you only have two options. Die a swift death, which I strongly recommend, or a long and torturous one, I wouldn''t go for that, though. Tell me what we want, and I can give you the first option. Otherwise, well, I guess you know what will happen."


    Luina''s group were frightened by what they saw. The way the man was contorting and his expression showed that he is having the most painful experience in his life. Luina had killed quite a few of the bandits, her companions too. However, even they couldn''t look at what Roan was doing and turned their head away. Cruelty was far from being enough to describe that Roan''s actions.


    In the end, Luina couldn''t help but ask.


    "Ar-Are you going too far?"


    Roan stopped his actions and looked at Luina, puzzled.


    "How many people do you think he killed in these roads so far? No, I guess this is not enough to convince you. Let me change my question. How many women had he r.a.p.ed and then killed in these roads before? Chances are that some of them are still in their nest, being treated like s.e.x dolls. Do you really think I''m going too far?"


    Luina''s expression changed after hearing what Roan said.


    "Are you sure he did such things, though?"


    Roan smiled as he channeled his Dark Elements into the man again.


    "Tell me how many girls have your group r.a.p.ed since you joined them. There is no need for real numbers. Just an estimative is enough."


    The man couldn''t even think straight as his inaudible scream came out. Finally, he seemed to start moving his mouth as if trying to say something. Roan dispelled the Spiritual Energy on the man''s mouth after that.


    "Ahhhh! Hundreds, maybe over a thousand. Kill me! Kill meeee! Ahhhh!"


    Roan then sealed his mouth again as he looked at Luina with the same smile.


    "If you want, I can ask him how they did each time."


    Luina''s expression changed completely. It was apparent she wanted to cut the bandit in a thousand pieces right now. Still, she took a deep breath before saying.


    "Do what you have to."


    She then turned around and left.


    Rean''s expression didn''t change even a bit. He already knew what type of person Roan is. He wouldn''t go this far unless he was sure about his actions.


    Finally, Roan changed his questions and began to inquire about the other bandit groups. Obviously, he did that while channeling his Dark Element into the man''s body. He showed no mercy whatsoever, nor did the smile on his face disappear. That only made the man feel even more dread, though.


    In the end, he confessed everything as fast as he could. He just wanted to die already. After Roan committed everything to mind, he swiftly cut the man''s head.


    Orits, who didn''t leave, couldn''t help but ask.


    "Are you sure he didn''t lie?"


    Roan, now back to his deadpan expression, just nodded, not bothering to answer. How many tortures had he seen in his previous life (or death?) as death? He could tell with a glance that the man wasn''t lying. The simple idea that lying could extend his pain even longer wiped out any thoughts of doing so from the bandit''s head.


    He then joined Luina, who was waiting in the distance. In the end, he decided to give her and the other two Lagan Sect Disciples a piece of advice. After all, they did a good job during the attack, in his opinion.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/wake-up-girl!_48484078512561089 for visiting.


    "First, throw away your overproud self. If not for Rean and me, your group would have charged directly inside the bandits'' net. Second, stop being naive. Although I won''t say that all bandits are rotten like that last one, I won''t stop to think whether they are good or not. Wake up, girl. You aren''t a kid anymore."


    Luina narrowed her eyes, but she couldn''t bring herself to refuse Roan''s words. His actions proved that he was right, that''s all that mattered.


    Roan''s question showed all the other group''s locations. From what he found out, they only have two days to get rid of all the bandits. That''s because the bandits'' group should reunite after that. Once they notice that other groups didn''t return, they will immediately understand what happened. After that, they will promptly cease their activities and spread. It won''t be before a few months before they join together again. They have to finish everyone before that.


    Roan then pointed in the map. He showed the location of the big groups and the small ones. From the groups'' division, it was evident that their leader wasn''t just brawn and no brains. He made it so that the small groups would act as scouts for the big ones. The small group they annihilated was one of the small ones.


    The small groups were located in advantage positions where they had a fair vision of the roads. If the City Guards came passing in, they would immediately retreat and inform the big groups to withdraw into the forest. That''s also why the City Guards couldn''t get rid of them by themselves. They couldn''t hide their numbers. Also, if a merchant caravan passed by the small groups and it was too hard to deal with, they would be able to inform the big ones and then organize a joint attack.


    The location where the big groups were located also showed that they knew how to operate. It would give them the most significant terrain advantage, which proved beneficial even when many enemies were present.


    Everyone nodded after Roan finished his words. Luina then looked at the sun high in the sky before saying.


    "We only have two days, so we should move out now before we run out of time."


    Roan smiled before shooking his head.


    "No, we will wait for the night time."


    Rean didn''t say anything. As they had agreed before, any combat-related strategy was up to Roan. However, Luina and the other two narrowed their eyes.


    "I understand that you want to take them while sleeping. However, it will be hard for our side to act during night time too. Besides, they know the land better than us and will definitely set up several traps after they retreat to their nest to rest."


    Roan shrugged his shoulders.


    "That''s something for me to worry about. You just need to follow my words."

 Chapter 150 - At Least She Likes It...

    Luina narrowed her eyes after hearing that. However, after Everything Roan showed so far, she decided to believe him again. As proud as she might be, she could at least tell the difference between the two of them.


    Their group then moved somewhere near to the first small group and hid in the forest. After that, Roan looked up in the sky and could see that they still have a few hours of daylight. He turned and looked at Luina and her Lagan Sect group.


    "Rean and I are going to take a look, you guys wait here."


    "Wait! I''ll go as well. I can give cover if you are found out."


    Rean smiled at her before saying.


    "Don''t worry, no one there will ever be able to find us out."


    Luina was taken aback for a second. But just as she was about to say something, the two dashed into the forest. She felt quite helpless. It wasn''t this kind of role that she envisioned when she applied to the mission.


    Oritis and Rolim looked at each other as well, not knowing what to do.


    "Should we go there as well? If we continue like this, we will fall into a passive position."


    Luina pondered a bit before shaking her head.


    "Everything went as Roan said precisely. Besides, we do owe one to them since we would really have fallen into a predicament because of our lack of investigation. Let''s see how things will go this night. If it turns out that his plans go wrong, then we will move on our own too."


    Oritis and Rolim nodded, and they concealed themselves once more.


    Back on the twins'' side, Rean already leaped on Roan''s back and used his Light Element and Spiritual Sense concealment skill. Roan was more than experienced enough to move around without making any noise or leaving any clues that he had been there.


    However, they didn''t go to the places where the bandit groups were guarding. Instead, he looked for the places where they would go to rest. He wanted to take a good look at all traps and positions of advantage that they could use.


    It was almost night, and Luina''s group was starting to get worried. Until now, Rean and Roan didn''t give them any sign. But just as the sun was about to completely disappear, they heard Roan''s voice coming from their sides.


    "Alright, we can move now. Follow me and make sure to only step where I do."


    Luina''s group''s eyes lit up as they nodded. It was finally time for action. They followed Roan deep into the forest until they stopped in a place where there wasn''t anything. Luina looked at Roan, puzzled. However, the later only told her to get down and not show herself.


    Around two hours later, their group heard the sound of laugher as a group passed by their position. For a second, Luina got nervous. Those were definitely the bandits, and they were passing close to them. Still, not a single one noticed their presence there. They soon mounted encampment and began to chat, eat, and drink.


    It didn''t take long until the majority feel asleep while just a few kept guard outside. From there on, Roan used Spiritual Sense to communicate with the group.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/at-least-she-likes-it..._48501426439119239 for visiting.


    "Luina, Rean, and I will take the guards at south first. Oritis and Rolim will keep a look to make sure the others won''t notice anything. Luina, there are three traps between you and your target. There is one close to the tree 20 meters in front of him, another just 12 meters on the right side of that one. Lastly, a pit trap which is well concealed just two meters on the target''s left."


    Luina was surprised to hear that last one. She could more or less notice the first two traps even in the dark environment. However, she looked attentively at where her target was staying, but she couldn''t see anything wrong with the terrain 2 meters on his left side.


    "Don''t look down on those bandits. They had been in this business way too long. I told you before, being overproud might kill you earlier than expected."


    Luina took a deep breath and nodded.


    "We will move at my sign."


    Through their Soul Connection, Roan had already told Rean about everything he needed to pay attention to.


    "Now!"


    The three of them moved like ghosts, quickly reaching their target without a noise. Roan was pretty satisfied with Luina''s style. It seemed like she had practiced furtive skills.


    In a matter of just three seconds, the three scouts of the south side were already dead. They made sure to hold their bodies so that they wouldn''t make any noise when they feel.


    Just like that, Roan passed more strings of orders, and they quickly cleaned up all the scouts. All the action didn''t take more than three minutes and didn''t alert anyone. What remained was only the drunk sleeping bandits who didn''t know that their time had come.


    The entire operation took only ten minutes, and the campsite was utterly wiped out. Neither Rean nor Luina''s groups showed any remorse or pity. After what they heard from the first group''s bandit leader, they only felt that they took too long to dispatch the party.


    "Take whatever you can, those will be your spoils from this mission."


    Luina, Oritis, Rolim, and Rean nodded, quickly grabbing whatever they felt to be worth bringing back. Without Luina''s group noticing, Rean and Roan threw their spoils inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. If they asked later, the twins would simply say that they hid it to take them back later.


    "Alright, let''s go to the next camp. Although this place has few demon beasts, they will still come after they feel the scent of blood."


    Everyone nodded as they swiftly left. Sure enough, demon beasts appeared a few hours later.


    By then, Rean''s group was already cleaning the third campsite. However, this time, their group alerted the bandits'' group after killing around half of their numbers. Immediately, a battle started between them. Nevertheless, the bandits understood that they weren''t a match for their opponents, and they tried to flee.


    Too bad, though. Roan had left Oritis and Rolim at the right positions, just waiting for those possible escapees. Although the third attack didn''t go as good as they thought, they still prevented any bandits from escaping.


    *drip, drip*


    However, Rean noticed that Luina was injured. To prevent one of the Foundation Establishment guys from escaping, she threw herself at the front. Because of their difference in cultivation, she didn''t put him in her eyes. Unfortunately, she underestimated him and fell for a trick which almost cost her life.


    Looking at Luina''s injury, Orisits and Rolim''s expressions changed.


    "We won''t be able to continue like this. Even with the healing pills, Luina will need a few hours to recover sufficiently."


    Luina refused, though.


    "There is no need; I can continue."


    Suddenly...


    *Jump! Pah!*


    Roan''s slapped the back of her head. But because he was smaller than her, he had to give a small jump to reach it first.


    Obviously, Luina felt enraged by that. However...


    "What do you want, drag us down?"


    Luina was fuming!


    "You!"


    "You what? How do you expect to battle like this? You will only become a burden. Not only might you die, but we might also die as well because of you."


    Luina gritted her teeth but gave up in the end. She knew that her injury was quite bad.


    "Fine! I''ll stay and heal myself. But you don''t need to go wait for me. Take Oritis and Rolim and continue the mission."


    Finally, Roan nodded his head.


    "That''s more like it. However, you are coming with us anyway."


    Luina''s group felt puzzled. Didn''t you just say that she shouldn''t continue?


    Roan ignored their doubts and looked at Rean.


    "What you waiting for? Go ahead, nurse Nightingale."


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "F.u.c.k you! Who is Nightingale? ... At least call me Dr. House."


    Roan shrugged his shoulder.


    "That would be me, but I can''t heal people."


    Rean looked at Roan and had to admit that he was right. Their personalities match quite well.


    "I will stick with Dr. Wilson then."


    Luina and the other two couldn''t understand anything that they were talking about. But they didn''t have time to ponder. That''s because Rean already grabbed Luina''s shoulder, much for her amazement. Just as she was about to try to shake him off, a burst of white light came from Rean''s hand, which illuminated everything around them in this dark night.


    Light Element quickly rushed into her body. A very warm feeling ran through her meridians as her injury began to heal so fast that they could see it with their n.a.k.e.d eyes.


    Suddenly...


    *Ahw!*


    Luina let out an involuntary m.o.a.n, which startled her companions. Luina was also taken aback by that as her cheeks immediately turned as red as a tomato! Even she couldn''t believe what she just did.


    Rean just sighed as if he was already expecting this to happen.


    "Well, at least she likes it..."


    Even though Luina was extremely embarrassed by what happened, she could tell that her wound would be healed entirely in just a few minutes. Still, she had to control her urgers to not let out more m.o.a.ns, which was quite hard, to be honest. Rean''s Light Element felt too damn good!


    Finally, Rean finished his treatment.


    Luina then quickly got up with an awkward expression. She also felt wronged, but couldn''t muster the courage to blame Rean, who just healed her.


    Roan couldn''t care less, though.


    "Are you finished? Then let''s go."


    Without waiting for their answer, he left straight away. Luina felt somewhat relieved that Roan didn''t seem to care about her m.o.a.n a few moments ago and quickly followed him as well. Rean and the others obviously did the same.

 Chapter 151 - Sixth Bandit Group

    Only after Luina calmed herself a bit did she finally thought about what just happened. Didn''t Rean just heal her injury easily? What was the Light Energy? She had never seen anything like that before. So far, she only thought that Rean''s White Energy color was because of some cultivation arts variation. She didn''t pay much attention to it. However, now she understood that it wasn''t his cultivation art, but the type of element he has an affinity with.


    ''What kind of element was that? Light? Is that one of those super rare element affinities my master talked about? Such a pity... Even though his healing ability is impressive, the lack of a cultivation technique for his element will eventually halt his cultivation path. As time passes, he will only fall behind.''


    Still, she couldn''t help but remember how good Light Element felt. Her last m.o.a.n was more than enough to prove how arousing and pleasurable it was. Of course, as soon as she thought that, she immediately shook her head vigorously.


    ''What the hell am I thinking?!''


    She quickly put those thoughts on the back of her head and focused on the task ahead.


    Rean and the others were circling around the small Gold Hands Bandits'' groups. From what they heard from each bandit leader of those camps, they were separated into thirteen groups at the moment. Three of them were big ones, led by the three bandit leaders. As for the ten small ones, they had at least two or Foundation Establishment cultivators in their midst.


    By the end of the night, Roan''s group had already sent the bandits in five campsites to the next world. However, one thing caught Luina''s attention. Those bandits confessed that they had captured women during their attacks, but they hadn''t found a single one of them until now.


    "Is that really weird? These small groups were made to be fully mobile. If they were found by the City Guard''s or the Country''s Army, they must flee straight away and warn the main groups. If they bring those women with them, they would only hold themselves back. If things go wrong, these women, who definitely hate them to the bones, might even reveal their locations with their screams."


    "This bandit group has continued to act for years already. They aren''t your run of the mil organization. Their leader knows very well the situation they are operating in. That being said, it goes without saying that he won''t allow women to be carried to those small groups. Without a doubt, they are being held in the main nest."


    Rean and the others nodded. That indeed made a lot of sense. Still, Luina couldn''t help but feel more and more impressed with Roan''s knowledge. It''s not that it was something hard to guess. She would come into this conclusion sooner or later. However, Roan seemed to be only 11 to 12, but he was obviously much more intelligent than anyone in their group. It was as if she was talking with one of the Divine Soul Realm Core Elders of her sect. No, even they didn''t give such an air. She felt that she would be well off believing Roan''s ideas than anyone else.


    Of course, she wouldn''t say that out loud.


    "In that case, we are going to find them once we began to attack the three main groups, right?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "No. Even if the three main groups have them, it will only be one or two at most. Also, they are probably their leaders'' exclusive property. The main nest that I''m talking about is the place where the group will retreat when they are not out attacking the merchants'' caravans."


    Luina nodded.


    "I see. Then there isn''t much to worry about."


    However, Roan looked at her with a puzzled expression.


    "What you talking about? There had never been a reason to worry about to start with. Even if the women were there, so what? We would not change our plans anyway."


    Luina was taken aback.


    "Are we going to abandon them?"


    Rean sighed helplessly after hearing that.


    "Don''t worry, Roan is just terrible with his choice of words. We are not abandoning them. Once we kill all the bandits, we will definitely release those women. It''s just that before we can guarantee our victory, we will not risk our lives for them either."


    Luina couldn''t help but ask.


    "What if they take one as a hostage?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/sixth-bandit-group_48525185392893241 for visiting.


    Roan snorted at that idea.


    "That''s even better. The bandit''s hands will be occupied while holding a hostage. That will be the best opportunity to strike. Just use your weapon and pierce right through her body, talking down the bandit on her back. I couldn''t ask for a better chance."


    Luina and her two companions'' expressions changed. That was really ruthless. Obviously, as a woman herself, Luina''s was furious at such thought. What if she was the hostage then?


    "I understand that we cultivators don''t care too much about ordinary people. Still, could you really kill those girls as if they are just tools to hold your enemy back?"


    Once again, Rean could only helplessly step forward and explain what that ''block of ice'' really meant.


    "That''s not what this idiot of a brother meant. Did you hear he saying to kill the hostage together with the bandit?"


    Luina, Oritis, and Rolim were taken aback once again. Indeed, Roan had never said that they should kill the hostage and the bandit together.


    "Could it be..."


    Rean nodded as he raised his hand. Immediately, they saw a burst of white light coming from it.


    "The lower the cultivators'' level, the easier it is for me to heal them. We are talking here about ordinary people who probably haven''t even reached the Energy Gathering Realm. If I can heal an injury like yours before, do you think I would have problems healing an ordinary person?"


    Luina and the others shook their heads. Rean smiled at that and continued.


    "That being said, what that ''block of ice'' meant is that you can pierce right through those women without worry. Just avoid their heart, neck, or head. As long as they don''t die straight away and can stay alive for a few minutes, that will be more than enough for me to completely heal them up. That''s why he said. The bandits taking hostages would only give us advantages. Even better than that. The moment we kill a bandit holding a hostage, they will think that we don''t care about the hostages'' lives at all. Obviously, any bandit holding a hostage will immediately release them and flee or attack. After all, to hold those extra bodies would only put the bandits at an even more risky situation."


    Rean then pointed his finger at Roan.


    "If just the gloomy guy there knew how to express himself, things would be much easier. But he has to make his words easy to be misunderstood. I wonder if it is on purpose or if he is just as dumb as that."


    Obviously, Roan heard those insults.


    "Hmph!"


    Roan then looked away and pretended he didn''t care. Luina, on the other hand, giggled a little. For some reason, this Roan just now was quite cute.


    As they moved, the sky began to turn into blue color.


    Seeing that, Roan smiled.


    "Alright, one last small camp, and we are done for today."


    Oritis looked at the sky as well and asked.


    "Isn''t it too risky? It isn''t that dark anymore."


    Roan shrugged his shoulder and answered that question with another one.


    "Do you think bandits are like an army? Would they wake up early, assume their posts in an orderly manner, and efficiently prepare for the day?"


    Oritis and the others understood what Roan meant. If the bandits were that organized, they would be better off entering the army straight away instead of being here.


    "They will first wake up, then spread around to pee, poop, eat, wash their bodies, etc. I can guarantee that none of them will pay attention to anything important before the sun is completely out. Even better, this is the best opportunity to take them down one by one since quite a few will move out of their camp to relieve themselves."


    Roan then looked at Luina.


    "The girl over there won''t step back just because you see them while they were peeing or pooping, right?"


    Luina''s heart skipped a bit. It was what she was thinking exactly! She was still a girl, after all.


    "Hm-Hmph! Of course not! Why would an Inner Sect Disciple like me care about such ordinary things."


    Roan nodded, pretending that he didn''t notice her hesitation at all.


    "It''s good that it is so."


    Roan had chosen this camp to be the sixth one for a reason. Even though it is considered one of the ten smaller ones, it was still bigger than the other nine. That meant they would have more targets to get rid of. But thanks to what Roan said about the bandits'' habits during the morning, it proved to be even easier than the previous ones. Most of the bandits went out to relieve themselves in the forest and died there silently. By the time the others noticed something amiss, it was already too late. Rean''s group quickly got rid of them and took all the spoils for themselves, leaving just the leader of the group alive for interrogation.


    However, while Roan was making questions to the bandit, Rean felt a faint Life Energy reaction from one of the tents.


    "Hey, there is still someone there."


    They quickly surrounded the tent. Rean then opened it carefully. However, what they found there took everyone aback.

 Chapter 152 - Finishing the Rest

    They thought they would find a bandit hiding or something like that. However, there was nothing inside apart from a giant egg. It was packed in the middle of few chests that seemed to have been the spoils of the bandits'' attacks at the merchant caravans. The faint life force that Rean felt was coming from inside it.


    "An egg? Judging by the size, it''s probably a demon beast''s one."


    Luina and the others also got close to take a look. But it was quite unimpressive, so none of them showed much interest.


    He then brought it where the bandit leader was being interrogated by Roan. The guy only said that he got it from one of their victims, who was a foundation establishment cultivator. He confessed he found it during a training session in the middle of a mountain range before dying. The bandits didn''t ask where that mountain range was located, though. The guy thought that if he nurtured it well, he would have a loyal helper in the future. Without any better choice, the bandits simply took it together with the rest of the stolen items. Perhaps, they could sell it for a good price or nurture it themselves later.


    That being said, Rean looked around and asked.


    "Does anyone want it?"


    He didn''t have much interest either. After all, Dalamu Sect already had a beast taming hall. If he needs a demon beast, he can simply borrow one there. Besides, he doesn''t feel like he would have time to take care of it. Roan, of course, would be even more unwilling to do so.


    Luina''s group also had little interest in it for the same reasons. It would be quite annoying to carry it around too. In the end, they just decided to leave it here. If it is luck, it might come out at some point and survive.


    However...


    [You should bring it with you.]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback by those words. Obviously, it was Sister Orb who said that.


    Rean then examined it with his Spiritual Sense and used his Light Element to take a deeper look inside. Still, aside from the fact that it would be born soon, there was nothing impressive about the egg. Rean had seen other eggs back in the Beast Taming Hall, and they had much stronger Life Energies. So he couldn''t help feel like this demon beast is a very common and weak one.


    ''I can''t see anything good about it. Is there something wrong with the egg, Sister Orb?''


    [Hum... It does indeed seem very weak compared to the eggs of the other beasts you saw in the Beast Taming Hall. The amount of power I can feel from it is quite below average too. But what caught my attention was not its strength, but the purity of its energy. If you compare it with the other eggs we saw, this guy is like a crystalline lake, while the others are just mud water.]


    Roan didn''t understand much about demon beasts, so he only looked at Rean.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/finishing-the-rest_48549283363865809 for visiting.


    Rean then took a deep breath and checked this guy''s life force once more. However, he didn''t pay attention to the amount of energy, but the quality of it.


    ''Sister Orb is right. His life force is weak but very pure. The other eggs can''t compare at all.''


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    ''Oh well, let''s bring it back with us. It might give us a surprise later. If not, we can set it free or leave it with the Beast Taming Hall if they want it.''


    Rean then looked at the others.


    "Since no one wants it, I''ll take with me."


    Roan and Luina''s group didn''t object. None of them wanted that anyway, so they might as well leave it for Rean.


    With that out of the way, they finished their business in this last camp and departed before demon beasts appeared. At some point, they stopped and set up camp to rest. After all, it was already too bright, and the rest of the small bandit groups would have fully woken up by now. If they were found, they might let someone escape.


    As always, Rean and Roan threw all the spoils into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm when Luina''s group wasn''t looking. Half of the day had passed after that, and the sun began to set down again.


    Somewhere else, a man in leather clothes looked at the subordinates in front of him with a dark expression.


    "What do you mean we haven''t received any reports from the other six groups? Are you messing with me? I would understand if one of them was caught off guard and was wiped out, but I refuse to believe it happened with all six of them. Send someone to take a look. I want to know what they are doing or what happened. Also, send a few others to alert the remaining small groups. Tell them to immediately pack everything and join us. Another thing, double the number of scouts around our camp."


    This man''s name was Lovak Cenkrol, an Initial Stage Core Formation Realm cultivator. He was also the leader of the Gold Hands Bandit Group. Just as Roan predicted, he was quite a careful person. He made a rule where the other camps must send daily reports of their activities. However, six of the ten outer camps didn''t send anyone today. Obviously, he thought that something big was happening.


    His subordinates quickly left after receiving the order. After that, he took out a map and looked at it.


    ''All six camps were selected at random, so I can''t see a pattern of attack. Whoever is doing this knows how to not leave clues behind. By now, the other side should already know that I usually receive daily reports from those camps. However, if they were really wiped out without leaving anyone alive, I have to say that it''s very impressive. Should I go out and wait at one of the remaining small groups?''


    However, Lovak immediately shook his head.


    ''No. I know nothing about the enemy''s numbers. There is a chance that there is a spy in my camp too. If I disappear, the other side might attack the ones who remained. If that happens, my bandit group will really take a massive blow. The best to do is to consolidate my forces and retreat for the time being. We already got quite a harvest during the weeks we stayed here. It won''t matter if we retreat a few days earlier than scheduled.''


    Without Lovak knowing, Roan''s group had already moved out. However, they didn''t move to the next target. Instead, Roan gave everyone some specific orders before they all went into separated directions.


    At this moment, Roan was hidden somewhere between the main bandit camp and one of the small bandit groups. It wasn''t dark yet, so he had a good view of his surroundings. Suddenly, he noticed three shadows in the distance, moving at full speed.


    ''Hehe! There they come.''


    Those shadows were none other than the bandits tasked to warn the small bandit group in Roan''s direction. Too bad, though. They wouldn''t get there anymore.


    At the same time, in another three different places, the same scene was playing out. That was Roan''s orders. Intercept the scouts before they warned the remaining four small bandit groups of what was happening. Roan, Rean, and Luina waited in a place on the way between three small bandit groups and the main one. The last one was taken by Oritis and Rolim together. Those two were the weakest ones of their group, so Roam left them together to make sure they would kill all scouts. Rean and Luina were much stronger, so they should have no problem doing it alone. After all, there shouldn''t be more than two or three scouts at once.


    It was also Roan who pointed in the map where they should stay. Sure enough, those scouts appeared where he told precisely. Luina''s group couldn''t help but feel even more admiration for those kids. No, they already gave up treating Rean and Roan as kids a long time ago.


    Poor Lovak didn''t know that he had been playing on Roan''s hands all this time. It was as if Roan was reading his mind.


    After getting rid of the scouts, their group once again gathered at a previously arranged spot.


    Roan then looked at Rean and the rest before giving a faint smile.


    "Alright. With this, we can finish off the rest of the small groups with easy. Let''s go."


    Everyone nodded and departed. By the end of this second night, there would be only the three main groups remaining.

 Chapter 153 - The Fort

    Lovak began to get concerned. He received the reports of the scouts he sent to the groups that disappeared. Sure enough, they had all been wiped out. However, the scouts he sent to warn the remaining slive small groups didn''t return.


    Not only him, but all the bandits in his main camp also noticed the problem. Later, Lovak sent more scouts to check the conditions of the other four small camps. Sure enough, those camps were also cleaned. Not only did the things that were stolen taken away, but not a single survivor was found.


    "Boss, could it be the Jailin Country Army? Otherwise, how could they wipe out 10 small camps without alarming anyone?"


    Lovak shook his head.


    "That''s not possible. I''m more inclined to think that an expert is behind this. Perhaps, a Late Core Formation Realm or even a Core and Soul Fusion one. If it was an army, we definitely would have noticed their movement. They have way too many people to conceal their presence from us. Not to mention that we know these roads and forest better than anyone else."


    The mood in the camp got even havier. It would be hard to deal with such an expert with just their main group. However...


    *Whistle*


    Everyone heard a whistle. Immediately, Lovak''s face showed a smile when he heard that.


    "Good, Laxin and Reabar are here. Seems like their camps didn''t get assaulted last night, either."


    Laxin and Reabar are the two other leaders, being only under Lovak in the chain of command. They were the ones commanding the other two big groups of bandits. Both of them are at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm as well.


    The two of them organized their groups and then joined in the meeting with Lovak.


    "Boss, we received your message. How''s the situation?"


    Lovak nodded.


    "All the 10 small camps that we use as outer scouts have been wiped out, no survivors remained. The enemy is several times harder to deal with this time. Fortunately, I had made the rule that the small camps must report once every day. Otherwise, we would still be in the dark about their fate."


    Reabar and Laxin nodded.


    "In that case, what do we do now? Should we close ourselves and wait for the enemy to appear?"


    Lovak shook his head.


    "The defenses in this place are a lot laxer than back in our nest. If we stay here, I''m afraid that we will be eaten little by little. We have many brothers with us at the moment, so it is way too many mouths to feed. Sooner or later, we will run out of water too. We should take this chance to return to our fort and stay out of sight for a few months to a year. We have enough provisions there to stay put during this time without worrying too."


    Reabar couldn''t help but ask.


    "What if our fort has been attacked?"


    Lovak snorted after hearing that.


    "Unless the enemy is a Core and Soul Fusion Realm or higher, I refuse to believe they can pass through our fort''s protection formation. After all, it can both defend and attack at the same time. Don''t forget that I paid a very high price for that. However, if it really is such an expert that is acting, he won''t allow us to reach our fort to start with."


    Reabar and Laxin felt a chill on their backs.


    "What if it really is someone so strong?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-fort_48571707404899480 for visiting.


    Lovak calmed everyone.


    "You are thinking too highly of our enemy. Even though I''m in the Initial Stage, I''m also a Core Formation Expert. Besides, we have many brothers here at the Foundation Establishment Realm. Although there is a possibility of it being someone at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, I highly doubt it. An expert of this caliber wouldn''t waste his time hunting bandits in the middle of a forest."


    "Also, the fact that we haven''t been attacked so far is another reason for me to believe that Core Formation Realm is the highest power that our enemy can muster. Otherwise, our opponent would only need to carry a King''s Head Decapitation strategy on his own, and I would be powerless against him."


    "That being said, as long as I hold whoever it is back, and our Foundation Establishment brothers support me, we can totally defeat this opponent. Who knows, we might even find a few high-value treasures from this guy."


    Everyone''s expression eased a little after hearing that.


    Lovak then raised his hand and delivered an order.


    "All Foundation Establishment Realm brothers will stay together with me from now on. The rest will immediately start to dismantle the encampment. I want everyone ready to depart in two hours."


    "Yes, Boss!"


    At the same time, somewhere far away from where Lovak''s group was staying, Rean''s group was looking at a place that looked like a fort. As one can imagine, this is none other than the Gold Hands Bandit Group''s main base, their nest!


    Luina also looked at that from a distance and couldn''t help but feel a hint of fear.


    "I don''t know much about formations, but I''m sure that it isn''t something we can fight against. Shouldn''t we go back and attack Lovak''s group while he and the bandits are out? Once they arrive in this place, we will be powerless to do anything to them. Wasn''t that our initial plan?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "At first, I was planning to wipe out the small camps and then shift to the big ones. However, Lovak left behind a rule where the ten small camps must do daily reports. After we wiped out the first six camps on the first day, there was no one alive to report it back to him. Without another choice, I could only use this information to intercept the scouts he sent to warn the remaining four small camps. Fortunately, it went well, and we got one more day to finish them."


    Roan continued.


    "However, considering this Lovak guy''s character, he definitely gathered the other two Big Camps together with his one. Their total number now should be around the same as all the ten small camps together. Not to mention that they have a Core Formation Realm expert, Lovak himself. We simply have no chance of taking them down like that. At most, we could get rid of a few flys who wander away from their group, but we wouldn''t be able to stop him from coming to this place."


    Luina couldn''t help but ask.


    "In that case, what will we do? We need at least one of the three leaders'' heads, Lovak, Reabar, or Laxin. Otherwise, our mission will be considered a failure."


    Roan smiled as he looked behind him. There, one could see Rean, Oritis, and Rolim holding down three Stage One Demon Beasts. At their Foundation Establishment Realm, those beasts simply had no way of escaping.


    Luina''s group was obviously confused as to why Roan asked them to capture those. The only one who seemed to know what was happening was Rean.


    Ignoring Luina''s group confusion, Roan came behind the demon beasts and touched them. Dark Element immediately began to enter their body, which obviously caused excruciating pain to the demon beasts.


    "Release them."


    Rean and the others did as he asked. Sure enough, the demon beast fled as fast as they could. Anywhere would be better than this place. It''s just that they charged directly in the bandit''s fort direction.


    The Gold Hands'' Nest definitely had a few bandits taking care of it. Soon, they noticed those three demon beasts charging at the fort. However, they only snorted at that sight and didn''t move a single muscle. Suddenly, the formation under the fort activated. After that, several Spiritual Energy Swords appeared in mid-air and slashed at those demon beasts.


    Those Spiritual Energy Swords weren''t too strong. Anyone in Rean''s group would definitely be able to fend a few off. However, the formation flashed once more, and a weak, faint gray light appeared around the Demon Beasts. That was a suppression formation. The demon beasts lost speed and couldn''t move very well.


    Sure enough, the Spiritual Energy Swords hit the demon beasts all at once, and they fell on the group, dead.


    From afar, Luina''s group felt a chill on their back. Let alone Stage One Demon Beasts, even Stage Two would be powerless against it. Stage Two demon beasts are equivalent to Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators. Sure enough, that formation would make them helpless too. Even a Core Formation Realm cultivator would have a hard time inside it. Escaping would be his or her only option.


    ''With that, even these twins should have understood that it will be pointless to stay here any further. We will need to think about another way to attack Lovak''s group on their way back.''


    Luina then sighed and looked a Roan, expecting to finally see a dejected expression on the ''ice block'' face. However, what she saw went against her expectations. Roan was showing a faint, cold smile. Not only him, but it also seemed that Rean was quite happy with what he saw too.


    Roan then turned to Luina''s group and Rean before saying.


    "I reckon that Lovak''s group will take at least two days to move their entire group back to this place, so we need to act during this time."


    Roan continued.


    "I know this place doesn''t have many demon beasts since we are in human territory. However, I still need you all to capture as many demon beasts as possible and bring them here for me. Of course, I will also help."


    Luina''s group obviously got confused at that. Nevertheless, they had seen what Roan was capable of doing, so this time, they didn''t ask why. It was evident that he had a plan. Besides, it''s not like they had another choice anyway.


    "Alright, let''s go!"

 Chapter 154 - Its time

    As the day passed, the bandits guarding the main fort began to feel confused. Several Stage One demon beasts appeared now and then, just to be killed by the fort''s formation. This region has a minimal number of demon beasts since it is inside the human territory. Still, they had seen more demon beasts than they would for several months.


    Of course, no one was really worried about it. After all, even Peak Stage Two Demon Beasts would be powerless inside their formation. If anything, they felt annoyed that they had to clean up the beasts'' corpses. After one entire day, almost a hundred Stage One demon beasts died for the formation.


    But then, it stopped. During the next day, not a single demon beast charged into their formation anymore. As weird as the event looked, the bandits keeping guard of the fort soon forgot about it.


    Somewhere close to the fort, Rean and Roan looked at the fort from a distance without doing anything. Luina, Oritis, and Rolim were obviously confused by that, though.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/it''s-time_48595757611150945 for visiting.


    "Is that all? Won''t you need more demon beasts?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "There is no need for more. This was more than enough already."


    Luina looked at the fort''s direction and saw how the corpses had already been cleaned. She thought that perhaps Roan poisoned the demon beasts, and the bandits inside the fort would die to it. However, such a thing would probably kill any hostages inside as well.


    Still, the guards around the fort didn''t seem concerned. That could only mean that nothing happened to the bandits inside the fort at all. Also, the corpses had been disposed of somewhere else. Not a single one was brought inside. Simply put, even after all their work, nothing changed at all.


    "Then what do you plan to do? Lovak''s bandit group should arrive in at most a few hours. Perhaps they sped up and will appear at any moment too. So far, we didn''t do anything at all."


    It was then that she thought about a possibility.


    "Could it be that you were trying to spend the entire protection formation''s energy?"


    Roan''s mouth twitched after hearing that.


    "Are you dumb? With the number of Spirit Stones these bandits acc.u.mulated during these last years, do you really think we could make them run out of it? Ha! What a joke! We can spend an entire year sending demon beasts against it, and I still doubt we would be able to achieve it."


    "Also, let''s suppose that we could really make the formation run out of energy, what difference would it make? Lovak''s group is still whole, and we wouldn''t be able to attack them regardless. In fact, we would only make them even warier. Think a little before opening your mouth, will you?"


    Luina''s really felt like giving this guy a kick.


    "Isn''t there a better way to say those things? Why must you try to buy a fight every single time?"


    Roan didn''t care, though.


    "Hmph!"


    Rean, on the other hand, just sighed as he shrugged his shoulders.


    "Ignore the ice block. That''s just how Roan is. Still, he was right about his points. You should think a little more about the situation before offering your opinions. Those were quite easy to guess points."


    Rean then patted her shoulder before continuing.


    "Don''t worry. We already have a plan, and it is working perfectly. You will see when the time comes."


    Luina then took a deep breath and nodded.


    Rean smiled and then went back to the others to continue waiting.


    Around four hours and a half later, Lovak''s group finally appeared. As they approached the fort, the bandits inside opened the gate and came out to greet him. Lovak nodded, satisfied.


    ''It seems like the fort wasn''t attacked until now.''


    He then took a plate from his bosom, which had a hexagonal format. After pouring Spiritual Energy inside, the plate shined, and a passage was opened in the formation. Another bandit inside who had the same kind of plate then came out.


    "Boss, how come you came back so earlier? We were expecting you a few days later. Also, why are there so few people in the group? Where is the other half?"


    Lovak shook his head and used a Spiritual Sense message to tell everything at once. The guy, obviously, was taken aback by what he heard.


    Lovak ignored his expression and asked something else.


    "How was it? Where you attacked in the past few days?"


    The guy pondered a bit, and they explained.


    "I can''t say that we didn''t get attacked. However, but it was quite weird."


    He then explained how a day ago, many Stage One demon beasts charged at the fort, just to get killed by the formation. However, they didn''t cause any damage whatsoever.


    "Did you check the formation?"


    The guy nodded.


    "I thought it was weird, so I gave a quick check. The protection formation is fine and working 100%."


    Lovak narrowed his eyes.


    ''Could it be that the enemy sent those demon beasts to test the prowess of the formation? Since he stopped sending those demon beasts, most likely, he finished his probing. In the end, did he give up?''


    Lovak then looked at his subordinates and ordered.


    "Let''s go inside. Reabar, Laxin, take Kalan and go check the formation one more time. This time, do a proper check to guarantee that there is nothing wrong. Also, lock all the women in prison, no one is to leave or use them without second order. Lastly, check the entire fort to see if anyone sneaked inside."


    Kalan was the name of the bandit who also had the Formation Plate.


    "Yes, Boss!"


    As Reabar and Laxin left, the rest of the group entered the fort with Lovak. Around two hours later, Reabar, Kalan, and Laxin returned to Lovak''s side.


    "Boss, we checked the entire formation. It is working perfectly fine."


    Lovak narrowed his eyes. His group didn''t get attacked on their way here. However, someone tried to test the defenses of his fort while at it. Still, no damage was found. Nevertheless, he couldn''t help but feel that he was missing something vital.


    "Did you check the entire fort? Was there really no one hiding or anything out of place?"


    The other subordinates around Lovak all shook their heads.


    "We did, Boss. There was really no one hidden anywhere."


    "What about the women we captured, was there anything between them?"


    "No, Boss. We locked all of them, as you instructed. Unless they are gods, they won''t be able to leave."


    Lovak''s guts kept telling him that something was wrong. It was just a feeling, but he couldn''t where the problem was. Still, he was already back into his fort, and he even retrieved all the formations'' plates, so only he could control it now. If anything, this was the safest place he could be at the moment.


    Time passed, and the night time arrived. Because of Lovak''s orders, the fort had several guards standing by in several places. It was evident that he was concerned that they might get attacked at any moment. However, the next day arrived, and nothing happened at all. Then came the second, third, fourth...


    A week later, the guards around the fortress began to disappear. Their alertness dropped, and even Lovak began to relax.


    One day, Roan looked at the sky and then the fort before showing a faint smile during the night time.


    "It''s time."

 Chapter 155 - Driving a Car

    It was quite hard to hold Luina and the other two during this time. Roan explained that the bandits'' awareness was too high, so they had to wait for them to drop their guard first. Still, a mission that was supposed to only last at most one week had been going for eleven days already.


    "So we are going to act? Finally!"


    Roan sighed and warned them.


    "Don''t drop your guard, there is a lot of them inside that fortress, and one is even at the Core Formation Realm."


    Luina and the others nodded. After that, Roan began to move silently to the fort while the rest followed him. It was night time, and the number of guards had decreased quite a lot. Thanks to that, they were able to approach the fort without being detected.


    Luina was expecting Roan to do something to the formation when they arrived in front of it. But who would think that Roan would step inside of it without doing anything? Luina, Oritis, and Rolim''s hearts almost stopped after seeing that.


    However, nothing happened at all. The formation that was supposed to activate didn''t even ripple. It was as if Roan wasn''t there at all!


    "How''s that possible?!"


    Roan frowned as he cast a cold glare at Luina. Right after, he sent her a Spiritual Sense message.


    "Didn''t I say to be quiet? Are you trying to call everyone out?"


    Luina immediately shut her mouth and looked in the direction of the fort. Fortunately, she didn''t talk too loud. It seemed like no one heard her, either. With a heart full of doubts and some embarrassment, she stepped inside the formation with Rean and the others too. Her group was ready to flee at any moment, but their worries proved unnecessary. The formation also didn''t notice their presence.


    Roan then entered the fort with the others without anyone noticing. He went up to an advantageous location and took a deep look down. After confirming all the bandits'' positions, he retreated.


    "Alright. If I''m not wrong, all the hostages must be in the building in the northwest. Oritis and Rolim will be responsible for them. Once I give the signal, run there as fast as you can. You don''t need to worry about the others; the three of us will take care of them."


    Oritis and Rolim looked at the building in the distance felt a chill on their back. There were really quite a lot of enemies on the way. It didn''t matter how they looked at the idea. It seemed suicide.


    Roan understood what they were thinking but didn''t say anything. At this point, they should have understood that they could at least trust his commands.


    "Now!"


    Oritis and Rolim greeted their teeth and began to run. They were already expecting that the moment they appeared, all the enemies would pounce on them. However, none of them did such a thing. It wasn''t that they didn''t see those two, but that they didn''t have time to deal with them.


    At this very moment, the fort''s formation activated, and attacked all the bandits at once!


    Rean couldn''t help but smile at that scene. At the same time, he sent a message to someone else.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/driving-a-car_48624236465542362 for visiting.


    ''Sister Orb, it seems like you have no problem driving this car.'' (Chapter 144 for this reference)


    [Hahaha! It took some time for me to finish analyzing this formation. But now that I know, no one will be able to take control over it anymore.]


    That''s right. Sister Orb had said it before. She can''t learn how to build the formations, but it isn''t a problem for her to know how to use them. All she had to do was to seize the control away after seeing how it worked. That''s also why they sent Demon Beasts to activate it several times.


    The bandits that weren''t sleeping were already very lucky. They were able to react and still try to fend the Spiritual Energy Swords summoned by the formation. However, the majority was still sleeping, especially after so many days of an intense watch.


    Roan didn''t wait eleven days just so that the bandits would drop their guard. Above all, he knew that the bandits would continuously watch and feel the pressure from Lovak''s orders. Now that so many days passed and no one attacked them, their nerves finally relaxed, and they fell to their fatigue. In the end, the majority began to sleep due to their exhaustion.


    Too bad, though. Sister Orb could see every single one of them with her ability to control the formation. She didn''t miss that chance and focused most of the formation''s power on those sleeping dummies. Sure enough, almost all of them died after being pierced by the formation''s Spiritual Energy Swords. In one instant, over 70% of the bandits were sent to the next world.


    Of course, those who survived such a sudden assault had high combat ability and awareness. So, other than those who were already awakened, the remaining ones were the cream of the crop in the Gold Hands Bandit Group.


    Oritis and Rolim felt excited about what they saw. The rushed forward while slaughtering everyone in their way. It would be one thing if the enemy was only paying attention at them, but they were all too busy trying to survive the power of the formation. Once those two Peak Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators appeared close to them, their fate was sealed.


    In just a few seconds, the two reached the building that Roan appointed. That should be the one with the hostages. But just as they were about to enter, the door of one of the buildings behind them exploded in hundreds of pieces!


    From inside, Lovak, Reabar, and Laxin came out. When Lovak saw the situation, his expression went dark! He immediately took his formation plate and tried to use it, but there was simply no response. Only now he understood the enemy''s plan. The formation that he relied for so long upon turned out to be his fort''s weak point!


    He noticed Oritis and Rolim in the distance. Immediately, found out that they were just Foundation Establishment Cultivators. Obviously, he felt enraged.


    "I''ll kill you!"


    Spiritual Energy exploded from his body as he immediately pounced at those two. However, it was at this moment that he felt immense danger. It was nothing but his instincts, but he was sure that he had to do something, or he would die. Suddenly, six Swords of Dark and Light came at him from both his sides.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Sure enough, Rean and Roan didn''t lose the chance to make a sneak attack!

 Chapter 156 - Fifth Form!

    In that moment of life and death, Lovak didn''t panic. After being a bandit for so long, he definitely had had his own near-death experiences. Still, he came out on top and even cultivated all the way up to the Core Formation Realm. He was really a rarity considering his background.


    Lovak didn''t try to block and of the swords. Instead, he concentrated his entire Spiritual Energy on his legs and accelerated! It looked like a suicide answer, but surprisingly, it worked. It wasn''t that Rean or Roan didn''t react in time, but that their speed wasn''t fast enough to cover for that. Thanks to that, the twins'' attacks only left small cuts on his body. Nonetheless, Lovak was alarmed. That''s because he understood there all six swords were real! He thought that from the six, four of them would be fake. Obviously, the six cuts around his body proved that he was wrong.


    Even though Lovak escaped, Roan''s mind was as clear as ever, and it also affected Rean, who was connected to him by the Light and Dark Thread in their souls.


    ''Turn!''


    Almost with impeccable coordination, the twins made a turn and rushed at him. Lovak was taken aback by their movement, but when he noticed the twins'' Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment, he snorted. He felt that those two wouldn''t be able to reach him in time, so he was preparing to counter-attack.


    Too bad, though. Lovak was still within their range!


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Two rays of dark and white were shot against his head and heart at a frightening speed. Lovak''s heart couldn''t help but skip a bit, seeing it. The inertia of his last acceleration was still acting on his body, so he wouldn''t be able to turn to the sides in time.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/fifth-form!_48625334081345583 for visiting.


    "Ahhhh!"


    Lovaks let out a shout, and his legs exploded with Spiritual Energy once more. Instead of trying to dodge to the sides, he stomped the ground with all his might, which immediately made his body soar in the air. Rean and Roan''s Stellar Pierce missed the targets by a hair, but still hit his body, levy two small blood holes. However, Lovak was relieved. The places he got hit weren''t that serious.


    He had used his full strength to jump, but he isn''t a Core and Fusion Realm cultivator. That being said, he can''t use his Spiritual Energy to fly yet. Nonetheless, he could still use it to control his descent... or so he planned at first.


    Before his body even reached half of the way into the air, Rean and Roan stopped right bellow him. If one looked closely, they would see an explosion of Light Element on Rean and Roan''s Legs. Still, their instances made Lovak have a foreboding feeling. All his disdain for these young twins with mixed Black and White hair had already disappeared completely. In his eyes, they could totally fight at his levels and potentially kill him. Sure enough...


    ''Death Style, Fourth Form, Soaring Dragon!''


    Rean and Roan soared in the skies at a speed that far surpassed Lovak''s jump. They swords were sheathed, but Lovak''s Spiritual Sense could tell the amount of Spiritual Energy inside their sheaths. The moment they bring their swords out, it would be a fearsome strike. Lovak was already feeling helpless.


    ''Just how many techniques those two know?''


    Everything happened in a blink of an eye. Lovak then used his Spiritual Energy to adjust his position as he brought his saber forth. Even though Rean and Roan acted in unison, there was a small difference in their ascension. Rean would reach him just a split of a second earlier than Roan. Lovak used the breath moment to parry Rean''s attack with his saber.


    *Bang! Crack!*


    At that very moment, Lovak was shocked. He has a High-Level Spiritual Saber, but a small section of it was still damaged with that first parry. Yet, he didn''t have time to think. He used the first strike force to maneuver his saber faster just in time to block Roan''s one.


    *Bang! Crack, Crack!*


    Lovak was sent flying as Rean and Roan continued to soar for a while. However, Lovak didn''t lose his concentration. He knows that the formation in his fort is in the enemy''s hands, so he had to be ready to fend off any of the Spiritual Energy Swords of the formation. However, contrary to his expectations, not a single Spiritual Energy Sword appeared until now.


    He finally landed on the ground and quickly looked around. All the Foundation Establishment Bandit were busy dealing with the formation. Reabar and Laxin were busy fighting Luina, who had the support of the formation. The only reason they were still holding Luina back was that the formation was also dealing with all the other bandits around. That being said, Sister Orb couldn''t use more power to help Luina. Instead, she had to keep the rest of the bandits at bay, and it would take some time for her to get rid of them.


    As for Oritis and Rolim, they had already entered the building where the hostages were being held. They would probably take some time before getting rid of all the enemies inside too.


    Finally, Lovak understood, the formation was impressive, but it couldn''t against him at the moment.


    *Thud, thud.*


    Lovak looked a few tens of meters away and saw that Rean and Roan had finally landed on the ground as well. More impressively was that the two of them began to walk in his direction with their sword in hands. Lovak then took a deep breath. He finally got rid of his passive instance, where he could only defend. Now, he can finally initiate his attacks as well.


    "From your robes, it seems like you are from Dalamu and Lagan Sects. I have sent to the next world quite a few of your members, but it seems like your sects finally decided to take us seriously. Although you two are just kids, you are still the most fearsome enemies I ever battled. However, as long as I get rid of you two, I can win this battle. I will then leave this country and start a new group elsewhere. But first, you need to die."


    Roan smiled before saying.


    "As expected of a Core Formation Realm. Even though you are just in the Initial Stage, you are still alive after this many attacks. You said it right. As long as you take us down, our group will lose. But do you think it will be this easy?"


    Lovak shook his head.


    "It won''t, but I''m confident in my strength."


    Roan nodded.


    "Good! Then you are worthy of being the first one to see this technique."


    Lovak looked at them and understood that things were not good for his side. He raised his saber as Spiritual Energy began to run around his body at high speeds. One could hear the cracking of his bones and tighten the flesh, showing that he was using Spiritual Energy beyond what his body could handle.


    ''Rumbling Core!''


    That was a skill that he developed himself during one of his moments of life and death. It increased his overall strength by almost 50%! However, he could only keep it for at most a minute. If he doesn''t finish his enemy before that, his body will definitely collapse to the backlash.


    As Lovak activated his technique, Rean and Roan did the same with theirs. They raised their swords against each other as they kept looking at Lovak. Light and Dark Element began to flow through both swords without stop. However, those elements weren''t being exchanged through their Soul Connection alone. The Light and Dark elements also started to flow through the air, entering each other swords. At that moment, their limit of Elemental Exchanged was broken, raising to another level altogether. Both Exchanged Elements then ran through their swords and entered their bodies as well. At this moment, Rean and Roan had never used so much of each other''s Dark and Light Element.


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''

 Chapter 157 - Lovaks Decision

    Without wasting any time with words, they attacked.


    Rean and Roan shot forward with a speed that far surpassed what they had used until now. But that wasn''t all. The moment they left their position, there wasn''t only two, but six of them! Three Reans and three Roans at the same time!


    Lovak was taken aback by that. The worst thing was that his Spiritual Sense couldn''t tell which one was real and which one was false. But then he remembered the first attack he received during that ambush. At that moment, all six swords coming at him were real. He still could feel the pain of the cuts left behind by all six slashes. That being said, he didn''t dare think that there would be fake images. He treated every single one as real!


    Lovak didn''t stay still. Instead, he began to retreat so that he wouldn''t be surrounded by the twins. At the same time, he released waves of Spiritual Energy released through his Saber one after another.


    Still, Rean and Roan were moving too fast! Because of a small mistake, four of the six mirages came surrounded him and launched attacks together!


    Lovak didn''t panic, though. Spiritual Energy burst out of his Saber as he struck the ground with it.


    *Boom!*


    The ground broke as dirt and stones splashed everywhere around him. As fast as Rean and Roan could be, they couldn''t dodge those things if there was no space to do so. Without any other choice, they could only defend themselves.


    Lovak noticed that two of the copies slowed down and took that opportunity to charge out of the encirclement. Of course, he didn''t stop there. He now understood where Rean and Roan were located and immediately launched his attacks against the two.


    Fortunately, Lovak''s proficiency with his Saber was far behind Rean and especially Roan''s ability with Swords. However, that wasn''t all. Lovak''s Rumbling Core technique made his attacks reach the power of a Middle Stage Core Formation Realm. Even though Rean and Roan had more skill, they would suffer from holding back Lovak''s sheer raw power.


    Too bad, though. Lovak just had to fight these twins. Just like they did with the Stage 3 Inferno Wolf, Rean and Roan once again joined hands to fend the enemy''s attacks together!


    *Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang!*


    In just a few seconds, both sides exchanged several attacks. Lovak, of course, couldn''t believe what he saw. He attacked them because he was sure they wouldn''t resist the difference in power. But Rean and Roan combined their strengths to fight him together. Both Swords moved as if they were being controlled by the same person. The combination was so perfect that even Lovak wouldn''t believe if he wasn''t seeing it with his own eyes.


    Lovak didn''t continue for long, though. Not that he didn''t want, but because he couldn''t. Lovak only fended off four enemies with his ground attack. There were still two of them free.


    Still, those last two were a little further, so they could only use their ranged attacks.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Another two rays of Light and Dark Energy came flying at Lovak''s body, which greatly alarmed him.


    ''The copies can use the techniques too?!''


    Without another choice, he could only give up his assault and dodge. Of course, Rean and Roan wouldn''t miss such a chance. Much less the other two copies that finished passing through the rubbles. They knew that Lovak wouldn''t expect that they could defend against his attacks, which would create an aperture.


    ''Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/lovak''s-decision_48648647432266038 for visiting.


    ''Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    ''First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Right where Lovak dodged, another three waves of sword attacks came at him. Lovak felt his heart skip. He immediately brandished his Saber, sending a powerful wave of Spiritual Energy sweeping all the swords coming at him. At the same time, he jumped away. Of course, he couldn''t possibly eliminate all attacks. Only a third of their power was blocked. Still, that just gave him enough time to escape death or being severely injured.


    At this moment, Lovak was in a dilemma. There were way too many enemies for him to deal alone. If things continued like this, he would definitely lose. However, he understood that just like his Rumbling Core Technique, the twins'' technique definitely put a great burden on their Spiritual Energy too. In theory, as a Core Formation Realm cultivator, he should be able to battle for longer.


    However, what if he was wrong? Every second that his Rumblind Core was active, the worse became his situation.


    Lovak then spread his Spiritual Sense around once more. As soon as he did that, he felt a cold chill on his back. His companions were falling one after another. Soon, the power of the formation will be redirected at him. Even if he wins this battle, he might not have enough power to revert the situation and retake control of the formation. Chances were he would die trying.


    *swish, swish!*


    Once again, Lovak dodged two Stellar Piercers from Rean and Roan. At the same time, he finally began to feel the backlash of his Rumblind Core Technique. In the end, Lovak greeted his teeth and made a decision.


    ''Run!''


    Spiritual Energy gathered around his legs as he jumped in a different direction from Rean and Roan. In a moment, he was already on top of the Fort Walls. There was nothing wrong with that decision. One must remember, Lovak is a bandit, not an upright person. He definitely wouldn''t give up his life just to keep his honor, that''s for sure.


    Rean and Roan noticed what he was trying to do, and so did Sister Orb. She then deviated some of the formation''s power and tried to block Lovak''s escaping route. Rean and Roan also rushed at him. Unfortunately, Lovak was still using his Rumbling Core. Not to mention that the formation''s power wasn''t all focused on him. Using brute force, he broke through the Spiritual Energy Swords, quickly leaving the formation''s range.


    Roan looked at that and raised his hand.


    "Let him go."


    Rean stopped as well and didn''t say anything. Immediately after, their copies turned into specs of Light and Dark Energies, quickly disappearing. Rean''s knees then fell on the floor while he used his Sword to maintain equilibrium. Although Roan didn''t fall, he was very close to do that as well. In the end, Lovak was right. Rean and Roan''s Fifth Form of the Death Style was extremely burdensome to the body. One would wonder which side would fall first.


    Rean then took a deep breath and channeled his Spiritual Energy, promptly gathering the Light Element on the surroundings. The used it to alleviate the pressure in his body after they canceled the technique. He also sent a wave of Light Energy into Roan''s body through their Soul Connection to help him recover. Roan, of course, didn''t complain.


    "In the end, he was too much for both of us."


    Roan shook his head.


    "What I didn''t expect was that he had a technique that could increase his power so much. There was nothing we could do about that. Also, don''t look down at what we did. Different from the Inferno Wolf, we were fighting a real human being. Someone who had intelligence! Not to mention that he definitely went through several life and death situations in his life. If we battled that Inferno Wolf again while using the fifth form, that demon beast would have died 10 times over already."


    Roan wasn''t discouraged by the result. His objective during this mission was very simple, acquiring combat experience! This last battle against Lovak left nothing for him to complain about.


    Rean nodded and didn''t say anything else. Around a minute later, he got up and looked around with Roan. At the same time, they saw Oritis and Rolim returning from the building that they thought the hostages were locked inside. From the looks of it, they finished their job too. Luina was still battling the sub-leaders of the group, but it was evident that her enemies wouldn''t last much longer. Not to mention that Sister Orb began to shift more and more of the formation''s power towards them.


    Roan''s expression didn''t change, though.


    "Let''s finish cleaning."


    By the end of the assault at the Gold Hands Bandit Group''s Nest, only their Leader escaped. The rest was utterly wiped out.

 Chapter 158 - Shadow Reapers

    The cleaning didn''t take long to finish. With Lovak''s escapade, the rest of the bandits simply had no chance to resist. Without any other choice, they all spread and tried to flee as well. Too bad, though. Cultivators at the level of Reabar and Laxin were few. Rean and Roan only had to pay attention to those. As for the weaker ones, Sister Orb was more than enough to get rid of them with the formation.


    After the last one of them fall, Luina and the rest gathered together once more.


    "Well, although Lovak escaped, we still concluded our mission. In fact, any other group would probably have failed, so we should feel satisfied. Oritis, Rolim, what about the hostages?"


    The two Lagan Sect guys nodded.


    "They were all locked up. Although the hostages'' conditions were not that good, the fact they were behind bars made things a lot easier. We were even able to prevent anyone from trying to use them as shields or anything like that."


    Luina sighed in relief. She knew that there would loads of women there, so she was happy that they didn''t get involved during the assault.


    "Nice, let''s go take a look at them."


    Oritis and Rolim looked at each other and then back at Luina.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/shadow-reapers_48669013898746227 for visiting.


    "Senior Luina should stay here while we treat them. You definitely won''t like to see how they look at the moment."


    Luina was taken aback.


    Roan, on the other hand, couldn''t care less.


    "Stop wasting time with sentimentalism. Dr. Wilson is here, so he can take care of their injuries, let''s go there."


    Oritis and Rolin didn''t know what Roan meant with Dr. Wilson, but they guided everyone into the cells anyway. Sure enough, Luina''s expression went extremely dark. Most of the women weren''t too bad. Some were even clean, showing that the bandits that got them liked their appearance. But there were a few exceptions. Their conditions were too gruesome for her to even look at. Not to mention the ones who were clearly dead. Not having any clothes was the least of their problems.


    Of course, they could also see a few kids here and there, which were probably children of the bandits themselves. A few of the women were pregnant too.


    Roan looked at all of that as well before commenting.


    "Well, that''s to be expected. When you gather a high number of sc.u.ms, there is bound to be one or another that is far worse than the rest. That''s the world we live in. Regardless, they are already lucky enough that we have Rean in this group. Otherwise, I believe that some might even die before we could bring any help."


    Luina then took a deep breath and immediately began to release all these women. Of course, there weren''t only women. They found a few men who most likely had good backgrounds, which could be used for ransom. Nonetheless, they didn''t make up for even 1/10 of the total of the hostages.


    Oritis and Rolim quickly left to look for a few clothes to cover those without. Rean also stepped forward and began to heal the women who were in the worst condition. Just as he had mentioned before, the majority wasn''t even at the Energy Gathering Realm, so it was relatively easy for him to heal them with his actual cultivation. Too bad that some had already lost limbs, so he couldn''t do anything about that.


    Of course, Rean wasn''t able to heal everyone at once. He had just finished a tough battle and had little Spiritual Energy left. He only stabilized them and sat down to recover his Spiritual Energy. Fortunately, Spirit Stones were the least of his problems.


    ---


    Several kilometers away, Lovak was still running without stop. Although he turned off his Rumbling Core ability, he was still an Initial Stage Core Formation Realm cultivator. No one in Rean''s group would be able to catch him anymore. Around one hour later, he finally stopped to rest. He sat down and regulated his breath, thinking about his next step after here. However...


    "You don''t really think you can escape after what you did to all those women, do you?"


    Lovak''s heart skipped a bit. He promptly spread his Spiritual Sense, but he couldn''t find anyone. Suddenly, he noticed a shadow of a person coming walking in his direction. Immediately, he began to sweat cold. The person was definitely inside his Spiritual Sense range, but he couldn''t feel at all. That could only mean one thing, that person''s cultivation far surpassed his own.


    Finally, he was able to see who it was. It was a woman using a black robe, long black hair, and eyes. She looked to be in her late twenties or so, but Lovak was sure that that appearance didn''t represent her real age at all.


    ''Rumbling Core!''


    Lovak didn''t even care about the side effects of reusing this skill so early again. All he knew was that he would die if he didn''t run straight away. Unfortunately, the very moment he tried to give the first step forward, his body froze in place.


    Lovak''s expression showed horror. That woman was holding him in place with the power of her Spiritual Energy alone!


    "Na-Nascent Soul Realm!"


    The woman smiled after hearing that.


    "Aren''t you a smart kid?"


    Lovak felt like the pressure was crushing his bones, but he still did his best to squeeze a few words.


    "Se-Senior, spare... me! I''ll do... anything!"


    The woman showed some surprise on her face.


    "Anything?"


    "Y-Yes!"


    She approached him before touching his heart with her finger. It was nothing more than a light touch, but Lovak''s expression showed despair at that moment. His body began to freeze from that point onwards. The woman then whispered in his ear.


    "Then die for me."


    Lovak''s body completely froze up after that. The woman then retreated her hand and snapped her fingers.


    *Crack, crack...*


    Lovak''s frozen body cracked all over before crumbling down. Right after, it began to turn into specs of frozen dust that drifted away with the wind. It didn''t take long for his body to completely disappear.


    Suddenly, another voice appeared in the surroundings.


    "So scary... As expected of one of the Core Elders of the Dalamu Sect."


    A man then appeared on a nearby tree as he looked at the woman.


    "Long time no see, Tiria."


    Sure enough, that woman was the same one that Rean healed back then, Tiria Yinsan. She didn''t seem surprised seeing that man. She just smiled back at him before saying.


    "Long time indeed. How have you been, Galios?"


    "Not too bad. Still, I didn''t expect the Dalamu Sect to sent someone like you to watch over those kids."


    Tiria laughed a little before answering back in the same coin.


    "Are you the one to talk? How come you are watching over a few kids? Is there someone special in your Lagan Sect''s group?"


    Galios shrugged his shoulders.


    "You could say that. Well, I guess we both have our reasons to not let anything happen to our kids. By the way, I heard you had been hit by elder Furen''s Umbral Energy attack a while ago. How come you are fine already? "


    Tiria''s expression turned dark after hearing that name.


    "Hmph! As if he could really do that with me."


    Galios laughed after that.


    "Alright, alright. Let''s leave that aside. My sect doesn''t want anyone to know that our little girl is going out to train. After all, it would make things complicated if certain people were to know about it. I believe that Dalamu also doesn''t want anyone to look into those twins either. How about we pretend that neither of us saw anything?"


    Tiria took a deep breath and nodded.


    "That sounds good for me."


    The two Nascent Soul experts seemed to have an agreement. There was nothing else to be said after that, so they both left.


    Tiria''s eyes flashed with a cold light on her way back. She reached her pocket and took off a small black token. This token had nothing to do with her talk with Galios. Instead, she found it on the body of a Middle Stage Core and Fusion Realm assassin that followed Rean and Roan after they left the sect. She had killed that guy way before the twins met with Luina''s group.


    That token had a scythe picture being held by a shadow. Other than that, there was only a number, nothing more.


    ''The Shadow Reapers... Sect Master was right.''


    She then put the token away before disappearing into the night.

 Chapter 159 - Conclusion

    Time passed, and Rean eventually healed every one. Oritis and Rolim already brought back clothes for those women to use. Luina, as the only woman in their group, was responsible for talking with them. Some teared up straight away and wept for hours. Others had bleak expressions, showing that they already had a mental breakdown a long time ago. Nonetheless, Luina treated all of them carefully.


    Sometime later, Rean and Roan went inside the Fort and began to look for their spoils. Sure enough, the place was packed with Spirit Stones, Treasures, Medicines, Art Pieces, etc. However, what really called Rean''s attention was a large number of High-Quality Materials for forging. Not only that, but there were even a few Peak Quality ones. That''s was the main reason they took this job to start with, so Rean was obviously ecstatic.


    Luina noticed Rean''s happy face and couldn''t help but ask.


    "Did you find something you like?"


    Rean nodded and then looked at Luina''s group.


    "Yes. You might not know this, but I''m a blacksmith myself. These metals are essential to me. How about it? I will take all the materials, and you can have the rest. Does it sound fair?"


    Luina, Oritis, and Rolin were taken aback. They could see a large amount of metal available. But above that, there were many other things, specially Rank Two Spirit Stones. Would he really trade everything just for those ores?


    "No can do, it was the two of you who made most of the job. You should take a few more things than just the ores available."


    Rean shook his head.


    "Don''t worry, this is very fair. You can''t identify those ores and materials, but I can. Believe me when I say that I won''t be losing. If anything, it would be a lot harder to acquire all of this with Spirit Stones alone."


    Luina looked at the two behind her, and they nodded their heads at her. None of them were blacksmiths, so the other treasures were a lot more useful to them.


    "Alright. Then let''s do like you said."


    With everything resolved, they separated everything. Later, they went back to rest as well.


    However, before that, Luina had to ask something else that was puzzling her.


    "How exactly did you take control of the formation?"


    Roan smiled and took a hexagonal plate from his robe.


    "Simple, I had a similar formation plate. All I had to do was see how the formation worked, and the change it to control the formation myself. However, don''t ask where I got it. Don''t ask how I did it either. That''s all a secret."


    Luina''s group was surprised to hear that, but at least they had an answer now. Of course, Rean and Roan knew that it was just a lie, but it was better than tell her about Sister Orb.


    At some point, Roan disappeared from the Fort. Rean then quickly explained that he went back to Cinquel City to call for help. They wouldn''t be able to move all these ordinary people on their own, after all. They didn''t need to feel afraid of anything while in this place. The formation was in Sister Orb''s hand, and she didn''t need to sleep, so she could protect everyone even if they were resting. Besides, the bandits left more than enough provisions for them to use.


    Three days later, a group with a hundred or so City Guards from Cinquel City arrived. The formation opened and let everyone inside. They were surprised to see this Fort in the middle of nowhere. But above all, they confirmed that Roan wasn''t lying in his report. Rean, Roan, and Luina then talked with the captain of those guards. They also passed back the plate that could control the formation for them to use.


    "Alright. The mission is concluded, let''s go back to Cinquel City. We need to report back to Uive and deliver the heads of the two sub-leaders."


    Luina couldn''t help but ask.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/conclusion_48692038698325236 for visiting.


    "What about our prizes in the fort?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulder before saying.


    "I already had my metals sent back to my sect. It''s up to you what you will do with your part."


    Oritis, Rolin, and Luina were shocked to hear that. Just when was it that they moved all those metals away? The didn''t see anything at all! In the end, Luina''s group decided to give up understanding these twins.


    "Give me a second."


    Luina left her group and went to talk with the captain of the city guards'' group. After passing her token as a Lagan Sect Disciple, she instructed that those were their rewards of the assault. Later, her sect members would come to help bring everything away. She wasn''t afraid of anyone stealing anything. Very few would be idiot enough to buy a fight against one of the five Major Sects.


    "Alright. Shall we go?"


    Everyone nodded and departed.


    Back in Cinquel City, Uive was already expecting their return. After all, Roan had come to ask for a group to move the hostages in the Fort. As mentioned before, they brought Reabar and Laxin''s heads, which was enough to prove their success.


    "So, Lovak escaped in the end."


    Roan nodded.


    "There wasn''t much we could do since he was stronger than I predicted. I was quite surprised by that ability that increased his combat power by an entire stage. I don''t know if he was lying or not, but before we went through our last clash, he said he would leave the country if he survived. You might try to ask the border patrols to keep a look around. As for if you will find him or not, that I don''t know."


    Uive nodded, still finding it hard to believe that Rean and Roan really fought Lovak in that state to a standstill. Talented cultivators being found in the five Major Sects is normal. But the twins far surpassed those other talents he saw in the past. Not to mention that he still felt bewildered with how mature Rean and Roan seemed every time they talked.


    "Very well, I''ll pass this order over to the border. It will be almost impossible to find Lovak, but at least he won''t be our problem anymore. I doubt he will begin another group after what he experienced here."


    Uive continued.


    "Leaving that aside. Here are the tokens that represent the accomplishment of the mission. Also, you can go to the treasure room and take what was agreed before."


    Rean''s eyes lit up after hearing that. After all, he had some extra High-Level material to take as the reward for completing the mission. Roan didn''t say anything since he only came for the combat experience. Luina''s group was also ecstatic. From the looks of it, the rewards agreement between Cinquel City and the Lagan Sect was different from Dalamu Sect.


    Rean couldn''t use the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm in front of everyone, so he simply selected the things he wanted and told the guards to deliver it in Dalamu Sect. It would take a few days for them to arrive, but he didn''t care since he got a lot from the bandit''s Fort.


    In fact, the number of High-Level Ores and other materials for forging in the bandit''s lair was higher than the payment for accomplishing the mission. One could imagine how happy Rean was at the moment. Rean and Roan then talked with Uive once more before biding their farewells.


    On their way out, they met with Luina''s group once more.


    "Thanks for the help in the mission. Without the two of you, we definitely wouldn''t have succeeded. Chances are that someone would have even died in the end."


    Roan just waved his hand and continued on his way. Rean, of course, could only sigh helplessly.


    "Well, I guess you already expected this kind of reaction of him."


    Luina, Oritis, and Rolin couldn''t help but laugh. Indeed, after so many days together, they already understood that it would be meaningless to ask Roan to act like any other person.


    "Anyway, I''ll be leaving too. See you around."


    "Wait!"


    Rean stopped and looked back at Luina. She then took a token from her bag and passed it to him.


    "If you need help in the future, you can send this token to our Lagan Sect. I will know that it was you. Just attach a message to it, and I will know where to go as well."


    Rean took the token and smiled back at her.


    "Alright."


    After that, he ran to catch up with Roan.


    Luina then sighed as she looked at Roan''s black hair and his back in the distance.


    ''If just he wasn''t a kid...''


    She then turned around and left with her subordinates.


    Rean and Roan quickly arrived where they left their flying Demon Beast. The people working there seemed to already be used to it, so their Mountain Eagle was well treated. They quickly mounted it and left, going back to the Dalamu Sect.

 Chapter 160 - Back to Dalamu

    On their way back, Rean and Roan passed by Majorias City. There were a lot of Spirit Stones for Rean to retrieve and a few more High-Quality materials to get from Folca. Sure enough, Rean heard from Folca that his Steel Equipments got very popular among the low-level cultivators. Cheaper than a Low-Level Spiritual Equipment, but at the same time better than them. How could it not make a success?


    After they left the Janariz Workshop, Rean decided to ask Sister Orb something.


    ''Sister orb, my Steel Weapons are spreading even more. Did we get a lot of Destiny points?''


    Roan also got interested in that question.


    [You did get a few Destiny Points. At the moment, you have 341. As you can see, you didn''t get that many. Also, the number that you will gain from now on will decrease even more.]


    Rean was taken aback. Steel weapons would probably get more and more popular. They will spread much further, and the number of users much higher. How could the point gained from it decrease?


    Roan pondered a bit and then thought about a possibility.


    ''If I''m not wrong, that''s because there is a limit of how many Destiny Points we can gain doing the same thing. Am I correct?''


    [You are. You can say that this is a limitation gave by the Soul Gem System itself to prevent you from getting stuck. If you kept doing the same thing to get illimited Destiny Points, you wouldn''t try to do anything anymore. From what I can see here, your Steel Equipments won''t give more than a hundred points or so. After that, you can forget about getting any Destiny Points from it.]


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh. Still, if he was the one who developed the system, he would definitely have done the same. Since that was the case, he has no right to complain.


    ''Well, at least we got over 300 points. We should take this chance to buy the Soul Connection Range Upgrade.''


    Roan agreed with Rean. Once they get back to the sect and become free, they will do it straight away. After that, they took the Mountain Eagle once more and departed.


    Finally, Rean and Roan came back to the Dalamu Sect. First, they went to report to the Mission Hall the conclusion of their task. After all, they would also get sect points for that. Rank Four Missions give 400 to 800 points depending on their difficulty. The twins would definitely not let it pass.


    However, when the disciple got the report of the mission conclusion, he was taken aback.


    "What?! You killed two of the leaders and wiped out their nest?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/back-to-dalamu_48715679808943472 for visiting.


    Rean and Roan got puzzled. They were only reporting the mission conclusion, was there a need to be that impressed?


    However, the other disciples working at that moment also came to take a look. A minute later, even the elder in charge appeared. He checked the report and confirmed that it was the real deal. He couldn''t help but look at Rean and Roan with shock in his eyes.


    "I didn''t expect that someone would be successful in this mission anytime soon. Let alone two brats at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment Realm. However, the seal in the report can''t be faked, so I can only accept it. Congratulations, considering the level of the mission and your cultivation, there will be a bonus for its conclusion."


    Roan finally understood what was happening. He then used the Soul Connection to explain it to Rean.


    ''Do you remember when we found out that quite a few disciples tried this mission before and failed?''


    Rean nodded and waited for Roan to continue.


    ''Well, it seems like the number of fails was a lot higher than I thought. For them to act like this, it looks like quite a few teams had a bad time fighting the Gold Hands Bandit Group. So it is understandable that they can''t believe we succeed.''


    Rean couldn''t help but nod. Otherwise, there would be no reason to be this shocked just because they concluded a mission. After all, mission conclusions are reported several times per day.


    A disciple quickly processed the results and then asked Rean and Roan''s Sect badge.


    "This mission had an initial reward of 620 Sect Points. It was quite a big reward for this rank. However, it was allocated for Peak Stage Foundation Establishment Realm Disciples or Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm ones. Since you could complete it while not being carried by the others, you will get a 20% bonus due to your cultivation levels. Each of you got 744 Sect Points."


    Rean smiled and took his badge back. Roan''s expression didn''t change much, though. After that, they put their badges back and left. The disciples and the Mission Hall couldn''t help but take one last look at those twins. The other disciples of the sect might not know that mission very well. Still, because they are the ones working here, they knew how annoying that mission was becoming after so many fails. Recently, they had even considered whether they should increase this mission''s level to rank 5 instead.


    The elder then looked at the seal used when the twins took the mission. That was Elder Hulian''s token, which allowed talented disciples to take higher-level assignments than their cultivation allowed.


    ''Hulian really found quite good seeds. I can already see him bragging with the other inner sect elders when he finds out about this. Oh well, I''m just an outer sect elder, that has nothing to do with me.''


    Rean and Roan didn''t do anything else after that. Instead, the twins just went back to their rooms so that they could enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and take their time buying the Soul Connection Range Upgrade.


    Surprisingly, they just happened to bump into Julio and Lenna on their way in.


    "Oh, there you are. How was your mission?"


    Rean smiled before saying.


    "It went quite well. What about you, have you decided to take a mission already?"


    Julio and Lenna laughed after that.


    "We already did. Lenna and I went to the Mission Hall with Mizan. The three of us took a demon beast subjugation task in Lanoy Village after that. Yet, I didn''t think we would conclude our mission before you. It''s been over a week since we came back."


    Rean nodded after hearing that.


    "Well, our mission was quite far away, and it did take some time to wrap everything up. But it''s good to see that you went out to train."


    After that, the four of them talked a little more. Well, Roan didn''t say much in the end. The only time he spoke was when Julio and Lenna asked him about their progress with the Death Style and their doubts about it. Other than that, he kept silent.


    "Alright! Lenna and I still have something to do. See you two later."


    Rean and Roan nodded and were just about to leave when Julio remembered something else.


    "Oh, right! Malaka came here a week ago looking for the two of you."


    The twins stopped and looked back to hear the rest.


    "Did she need something?"


    Julio nodded.


    "She said something about a promise Rean made with her, but she didn''t talk about the details."


    Rean immediately remembered that promise. He told her back in the Blue Orchid District that he would take her out to play as long as she finished the Spiritual Rebirth.


    "Also, she said that her Senior Sisters would take her out for a mission, so she would come to visit you once she was done with it."


    Rean and Roan were surprised to see that Malaka didn''t complain about taking a mission. Nevertheless, they thanked Julio and Lenna for delivering the message and went back to their rooms.


    ''What do you think her mission is about? Should we go to the Mission Hall to check?''


    Roan shooked his head.


    ''That''s something she needs, so leave it. We might have promised her parents to take care of her, but we can''t be by her side all the time. A mission with other disciples is a good thing for her own independence.''


    Rean nodded and then focused on the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Roan did the same thing as him. Right after, the two disappeared from their rooms.


    ---


    Author''s note: If you like the story so far, consider leaving a few Power Stones to help the story. ;)

 Chapter 161 - Universal Restraint

    Rean and Roan touched the Soul Gem Orb and sent their Spiritual Senses inside. Soon after, they selected the rewards list.


    [Panther Bones - 50 Destiny Points] - bought


    [Spiritual Sense Absorption Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points] �C (New)


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade - 40 Destiny Points] - bought


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 1 - 300 Destiny Points] (New)


    Right after, they selected the Soul Connection Range.


    [Confirm?]


    "Yes!"


    Rean and Roan''s 341 Destiny Points immediately plummeted. Following that, they felt a horrible headache. It was like their heads were being split in two. They fell on the ground and, just as always, began to contort in pain.


    The process continued for thirty minutes, and so did the pain. Finally, the pain disappeared as if it had never been there. However, both the twins'' bodies were drenched in sweat.


    "F.u.c.k! Why everything in the Soul Gem System is this painful?!"


    [Don''t ask me, I''m not to one who created it. Anyway, now you can go as far as 30 kilometers away from each other without having your connection split. It should be very convenient in the future.]


    Rean and Roan slowly got up and touched the Soul Gem Orb once more.


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 2 - 1500 Destiny Points] (new)


    "As we thought, the next upgrade appeared right after. The price also went up to a ridiculous number."


    "Sister Orb, how far is the range of the Soul Connection level 2?"


    [300 kilometers. In a certain way, it is quite good. There will come a time where the changes you make to the world will be much bigger. naturally, it will give you more Destiny Points.]


    Rean and Roan nodded.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/universal-restraint_48741440217465778 for visiting.


    Suddenly...


    [Warning! Universal Restraint Detected!]


    [Time: 1 Year.]


    [Destiny Points Necessary To Resist: 1000.]


    [Cultivation Necessary: Peak Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm.]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback. That was not Sister Orb talking, but the system itself.


    "Sister Orb, what is it?"


    [Already? It''s too fast! Why is it here so soon? Could it be... oh, I see...]


    "What are you talking about?"


    [Well, as you know, the plan was for only Rean to come to this side of the Universe. However, the two of you got involved in this situation together. That has accelerated the Universal Restraint Count Down.]


    "But what is this Universal Restraint?"


    [It''s a way for this side of the Universe to get rid of any foreign interventions. You were supposed to belong to the other side, but now you are here, so the Universe is trying to destroy you. The same thing would happen if someone from here were to go to the other side.]


    [However, the Soul Gem System is hiding your roots, so this half of the Universe can''t detect you. Unfortunately, the system isn''t perfect, so it can''t hide you completely. Sooner or later, the two of you would be found. Since the World Restraint is coming, that means this half of the Universe has found you.]


    [It wasn''t supposed to be this fast. I was expecting another two to three years before it detected you two. Unfortunately, the system is having to hide two bodies and souls instead of one. Obviously, it got even harder to conceal your presence. That''s why it came so fast.]


    [On the other hand, as long as you resist this Universal Restraint, the system will be able to cover your presence again. Of course, it will be only a temporary fix. Also, the next time the Universal Restraint appears, it will be stronger! It will need more Destiny Points and cultivation to be resisted.]


    [I guess we will need to speed up your cultivation schedule.]


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why didn''t you tell us in advance?"


    [Teehee!]


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "Since when did you become a dumb character of an anime? Are you messing with me?"


    Roan shook his head, though.


    "That doesn''t matter. What we need to think is how to get 959 Destiny Points and increase our cultivation to the Peak Stage."


    [Cough, cough... Roan is right. However, I think I should at least give you a reason. I didn''t tell you simply because I thought it would get in the way of your cultivation. If you got too worried about increasing your cultivation, it might have had the opposite effect.]


    The reason seemed quite noble. However, Rean still felt somewhat suspicious after that ''TeeHee'' thing. He was pretty sure she simply forgot. Nonetheless, he decided to leave this matter aside and focus on the actual problem.


    "Whatever, what should we do? We intended to stay in the Middle Stage for a year and probably another year and a half in the Late Stage. Only then would we try to make a breakthrough into the Peak Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Let''s not even talk about how to get 900+ Destiny Points."


    Roan nodded.


    "We will need to increase our speed of cultivation by at least two and a half times. After all, we just had a breakthrough around a month and a half ago. However, I''m afraid that it will destabilize our foundations. Even if we reach the Peak Stage in one year, we will probably damage our foundation doing it."


    Rean pondered a bit and suggested.


    "What about alchemy pills? For example, those cultivation stabilizing pills should help in saving time. If we use it while going into combat, the effect should be even better. After all, Spirit Stones aren''t exactly a problem for us at the moment."


    [That wouldn''t work. The pills made in this world take the five elements as the base. However, your cultivation is based on Light and Dark Elements. Do you think you can find pills made for those elements? I doubt so. However, the story would be different if you create the pills yourselves. After all, as Light and Dark Element Users, you have the elements necessary to concoct such pills. What do you think?]


    Rean shook his head helplessly.


    "Don''t look at me. I''m good with metals, but I''m an absolute disaster when the chemicals are not related to them. Roan should be even worse since he is more like a battle maniac."


    Roan completely ignored Rean''s last comment and asked Sister Orb another thing.


    "Does alchemy have a connection with poison making?"


    Sister Orb was taken aback by such a question.


    [Well, in a certain way, poison making and alchemy are two branches of the same tree. Any good alchemist would be able to make poisons and vise versa. It''s just that their specializations are different.]


    Roan nodded after hearing that.


    "Then I guess I can give it a try. I''m Death, I''ve seen countless living beings dying. Obviously, I watched an enormous variety of poisons being made. If the principles are the same, I guess I should have no problem concocting pills."


    Rean was taken aback.


    "Let''s leave the Destiny Points aside. Will you have enough time to learn alchemy from scratch and cultivate at the same time?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders.


    "It''s not like I have another choice, right?"


    *Pin!*


    [New mission available.]


    [Alchemists are one of the pillars of the cultivation world. There are almost no experts that have not used their pills before. It''s not wrong to say that Alchemists and Cultivators walk side by side.]


    [Mission Objective: Become an Earth Low-Level Alchemist in three months.]


    [Mission Rewards 01: Authority Level will increase by two.]


    [Mission Rewards 02: 300 Destiny Points.]


    [Title Reward: Fate Strugglers.]


    Roan couldn''t help but show a faint smile.


    "Well, I guess it''s pretty much decided."

 Chapter 162 - Alchemy Repository

    After they exited the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Roan went to the Alchemist Hall while Rean went back to the Blacksmith one. In Rean''s case, he was already close to complete the High-Level Swords. He only needed some more practice, and that''s why he got that mission. Of course, he would need to call Roan over later to help forge his Dark Element Sword.


    While Rean got occupied forging, Roan arrived in the Alchemist Hall. He hasn''t tried it in the past, but he thought it was worth a try. He went to the counter and talked with the disciple there.


    "I wish to become an alchemist. What would be the procedures for that?"


    The disciples looked at Roan. Due to his body age, he still looked like a child, so the disciple didn''t take him very seriously. Still, he had to comply with the rules, so he told Roan about the process regardless.


    "Not everyone can become an alchemist. First, you will need to gain the rights to take the test. Only then will you be given the studying materials necessary."


    "To gain the rights, you will need to memorize enough herbs and their effects. Once you have committed two thousand herbs to memory, you will be able to take the Alchemist''s Studying materials. At the same time, you will be able to participate in the alchemist test. Of course, you will need to practice your alchemy before taking the test. After all, only when you concoct a pill successfully will you be given the title."


    Roan nodded.


    "Very well, where can I get the book with the herbs'' descriptions?"


    The disciple thought that Roan would give up the moment he said he needed to memorize two thousand herbs. Too bad, though. Roan knew much more than two thousand herbs. It''s just that they were from the other half of the Universe. Still, he could use those as a base to memorize similar ones.


    "First, you need to pay 300 Sect Points. Then you will be given access to the Alchemy Books Repository for a week. You can not copy and bring the books out. Once the time is over, you will need to pay another 300 Sect Points if you want to enter again."


    Roan didn''t waste time and immediately passed his badge over. After the conclusion of the Bandits Group Mission, his sect points jumped to 1244. He had no problem affording just 300 of them.


    "Are you sure you want to do this? Sect Points usually take time to get. You can use it for cultivation in the Tower, for example. I would suggest not to waste your points just because you think it''s fun."


    Roan''s expression didn''t change after hearing that.


    "Don''t worry, I''m very serious about it. Take my points and give me access to the repository."


    The disciple sighed but nodded in the end. As long as the points are paid, he had no right to stop anyone.


    After retracting 300 points, the disciple came out of the counter and guided Roan to the repository. The building where the information was available had several floors. There were also restrictions in place to prevent those without authorization from accessing the higher levels.


    They soon entered and arrived at another counter where an old man was overseeing the entrance.


    "Old Worm, here''s a new applicant. He paid the 300 Sect Points, so you can allow him to check the first floor."


    Old Worm was how everyone called him the old man. As far as the disciples remembered, he had always been here. However, they didn''t call him Old Worm to make fun of him. It''s just that he was often reading the building''s alchemy books, so people considered him an Old Book Worm''s Man. In the end, everyone simply abbreviated it to Old Worm.


    He looked at Roan and nodded. Right after, he took out a blue token and passed it to him.


    "Keep this token with you. At the moment, it''s blue. Once a week passes, it will change into a dark color, that means your time is over. Don''t try to stay around, or you will be punished and will also have to pay more Sect Points. You only have access to the first floor, so don''t waste your time trying to go up since the restrictions won''t allow you."


    After saying that, Old Worm returned his attention to the book and ignored the Disciple and Roan.


    "Well, you heard him. I''m going back, good luck with your research."


    Roan nodded and strode inside. He immediately stopped in from of a bookshelf read their titles.


    -Myriad Herbs of Kaluta Swamp-


    -High Altitude Type of Herbs-


    -The Two Hundred Most Common Herbs For Earth Low-Level Alchemists-


    -Water Element Herbs, Their Effects, and Their cultivation Process-...


    Roan ignored the books about alchemy itself and took just those that listed the herbs and their effects. After pilling up ten books at once, he moved to one of the free tables and sat down. A few disciples that were also there studying noticed his presence. Some found it funny that a kid wanted to study alchemy. Others simply shook their heads and sighed about the sect points Roan wasted to be here.


    Roan, of course, ignored everyone. He opened the first book and began to look into it. Noticing his little regard for everyone else, the onlookers also eventually ignored him. After all, they paid sect points to be here too.


    Roan looked at the herbs and thought about their effects. Soon, he related the herbs to some similar ones back in the other half of the Universe. Of course, the cultivation world''s herbs were several times more potent or had effects that would be impossible to be seen in his previous life (or death). Still, at least it was easy to correlate them through their looks.


    Time passed, and two hours later, Roan closed the last book and returned them to the shelves. He went ahead, grabbed another ten books, and sat down again.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/alchemy-repository_48761870554819692 for visiting.


    The books he got this time had even more examples, so he took three hours to finish committing them to memory. Nonetheless, he put them back into the shelves and once more took out another ten. Just like that, he kept reading.

 Chapter 163 - Not in the Same League

    At this point, the disciples around already took notice of him. They saw which books he took out, so it was evident that Roan was a new alchemist apprentice. There was no doubt that he was memorizing the herbs to gain the right to take the alchemist exam. Still, they refused to believe he memorized all those books'' herbs in just five hours. He didn''t spend more than a minute and sometimes just a few seconds on each page. It was simply too fast.


    "Hey, kid. I know you want to become an alchemist, but you should pay more attention to the herbs. There is no point in simply looking at them if you don''t know what they do later."


    Roan looked at the guy who talked and then returned his attention to the book. Yes, he simply ignored him.


    That guy''s expression went dark after it. He was already an Earth Low-Level alchemist, so being ignored by an apprentice like this didn''t have a good taste. Still, he didn''t do anything and simply sat down. After all, any arguments or fights were prohibited in the Alchemy Repository.


    As time passed, other disciples also called Roan over, trying to give him pieces of advice. Still, Roan didn''t even look at them anymore, completely treating them as if they were air. Roan continued flipping pages every minute or so, which shouldn''t give him enough time to memorize anything... or so they thought.


    At some point, one of the alchemists couldn''t take it anymore. He stood up and called the old man at the entrance.


    "Old Worm, I don''t think this kid is here to learn. Shouldn''t you stop children from playing around with the books? They are too valuable to be put on such hands."


    Old Worm glanced over at the disciple, and the later immediately shut up. No one knew who Old Worm really was. They only knew that he had access to all the alchemy books of all floors, and he could read them as much as he wanted. Old Worm could also ban anyone from ever entering the Alchemy Repository if he wished to, so no one dared to offend him.


    Old Worm slowly closed his book and asked in Roan''s direction.


    "The third book you read after you began your studies. Semi-Water Bed Herbs Descriptions, Page 38. What are the effects of the herb on that page?"


    Roan glanced at Old Worm as well, his expression as cold as ever. If anything, he seemed annoyed that Old Worm also interrupted his reading. However, considering Old Worm''s position, he still answered the question.


    "Moisty Spiritual Herb. It has a hydration effect good for dilution of Earth Element materials of Low-Level. It usually has three or four Dark Green Leaves. Its stem is moisty, just like the name suggests. It grows close to lakes in high altitudes and is relatively easy to obtain."


    Old Worm didn''t say if it was right or wrong before making another question.


    "Seventh Book, Mysteries of Dusk Spiritual Herbs, Page 112."


    Roan once again replied.


    "Dark Blue Seaside Flower. It''s a poisonous flower that blooms only once per month during dusk time. It has, as the name says, Dark Blue coloration. The flower has nine petals and is leafless. The pollen collected during the time it is open is not poisonous, though. It can instead be used in a variety of calming type Low-Level Pills. The most common one is Heart Cooling Pill."


    Old Worm then continued to ask.


    "First Book, Myriad Herbs of the Kaluta Swamp, Page 67."


    "Fourth Book, Secrets of..."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/not-in-the-same-league_48762519363313502 for visiting.


    "Thirteenth Book..."


    Old Worm only asked about the books he saw Roan taking, none other. Roan answered each of the herbs'' appearances and effects perfectly. The disciples around got more and more shocked. Some even felt that Roan had memorized those herbs in the past and was just showing off. However, they couldn''t prove it.


    Finally, Old Worm glanced at the disciple, who made the request to take Roan out before saying.


    "False accusation. You are prohibited from entering the Alchemy Repository for a month. Get out."


    Old Worm didn''t even look at that disciple again and reopened his book. Roan also returned his attention to the books and continued to read as well.


    As for the disciple who opened his mouth, he could only drop his head and leave. He wouldn''t dare to go against Old Worm''s orders. The other shocked disciples didn''t dare to complain again, either.


    As Old Worm read his book, he glanced at Roan once more for a second. After that, he completely ignored him.


    Time passed, and three days went by. Roan had gone through more than two hundred books. He also counted how many herbs he committed to memory, an astonishing number of over five thousand!


    For some reason, Old Worm tested Roan''s memories once every two or so hours. He always picked a book that Roan had already gone through. Contrary to the first time, there was one or another herb that Roan couldn''t remember correctly.


    It''s not that he didn''t pay attention. It''s just that those were herbs utterly different from any type or appearance from those on the other half of the Universe. Obviously, they were a little more challenging to commit to memory. Still, from the herbs that Roan saw for the first time, he remembered the majority when Old Worm asked.


    Roan didn''t mind forgetting those ones. Roan had a plan when he looked at the books in the repository for the first time. Roan used it to associate the herbs that he already knew and those with similar appearances or effects. The second time Roan looked through them, he would make sure he paid more attention to the new ones instead. Forgetting some of the new ones was already within his expectations.


    The disciples who continued inside already threw away any thoughts that Roan might be cheating or that he had read the books in the past. With Old Worm''s sudden tests, they understood that Roan''s mind was several times better than them. It was as simple as that. Well, there wasn''t much of a future trying comparing one''s mind with a monster that lived for countless years. They were simply on entirely different leagues.


    Fortunately or not, Dalamu Sect was only a sect in a small country of the empire. Although there were many herbs in their books, it was far from the total number that could be found in the world. Thanks to that, Roan was close to finishing read through all the books on the first floor that listed the herbs'' appearance and effects.


    Of course, the higher floors also had more examples, but he didn''t put it to mind since he couldn''t read them now.


    However, before Roan could finish the first wave, he received a message from Rean.


    "I need your help to forge our new Swords. Are you free to come to the Blacksmith Hall now?"


    Roan thought about the time. He wouldn''t need another three days to recheck the books. He only needed to check the herbs he didn''t know about. As long as he stays in here one or two more days, he should be done with it.


    "It depends, will it take more than two days?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "No, half a day should be enough."


    Roan nodded.


    "Alright, see you in a few minutes."


    Roan finally got up, put all the books back on their shelves, and made his way out. But just as he was about to leave, Old Worm called him from behind the counter.


    "Wait a minute, I have something for you."

 Chapter 164 - Names

    Roan approached the counter, waiting for what the elder wanted to give him. Old Worm then took another token from his pocket and threw it at Roan.


    "Bring this token to the disciples at the entrance of the Alchemist Hall. It will give you the rights to take the Alchemist Exam. That''s all, you can leave."


    Roan looked at the token with his deadpan face for a second before looking back at Old Worm. In the end, he just nodded before leaving. As for the other disciples studying there, none of them believed what they saw. That''s because it was the first time anyone had ever seen Old Worm doing such a thing. First of all, they didn''t even know that he could!


    Roan didn''t think much about it, though. He was sure that he wouldn''t have a problem gaining the right to participate in the exam; this token only saved him the time of a pointless memory test.


    On the way out, Roan passed the token to the Disciples at the Alchemist Hall. Right after, they took his badge and did something to it. After giving it back to Roan, they said that he could now take the exam anytime he wanted. He only needed to show his badge when the day of the exam arrived.


    Roan put his badge away and headed to the Blacksmith Hall after that. Just like he said, he arrived a few minutes later.


    Rean came out and then brought him into his workshop.


    "Alright. Sister Orb already confirmed that the formation in this workshop won''t allow others to spy on us. That being said, I''ll start the forging of my sword."


    Roan then remember one thing.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/names_48787715805731791 for visiting.


    "Sister Orb, what''s the limit of the concealment of this information?"


    [Divine Soul Realm should be able to piecer through it. However, since I have control over it, I will feel it straight away. Rean can simply stop forging if such a thing happens.]


    Roan nodded, satisfied. It was good to be sure.


    "Alright, then. What about my own sword?"


    Rean then pointed at a weapons'' hack where one could see a light-colored sword.


    "I finished yours already. After all, your sword needed to absorb Light Element, which is my specialty. In my case, I need it to do the same thing with Dark Element. This way, my sword will be at the same level as yours when we fight together."


    Roan got puzzled.


    "Was there a problem with your sword before?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "No. It''s just that our elements must complement each other to bring the max power possible. Your Spiritual Kaz Sword absorbed Light Element, which was perfect to complement your own Dark Element. However, my one also absorbed Light Element, which I already have a lot. The Dark Element I got through our Soul Connection would never reach the level that you can use by yourself. Because of that, my sword couldn''t reach the same power as yours even though they had the same quality."


    Roan couldn''t help but nod. He had noticed that Rean''s sword was indeed a lot less efficient than his.


    Rean quickly started the forging process and controlled the forger with his Spiritual Energy. However, Roan stayed in the side and poured Dark Element every time Rean asked for it. Rean was already successful with Roan''s sword, so the second time was even easier. The only reason he brought Roan here was that he was much better at controlling Dark Element. Rean wouldn''t reach his level through the Soul Connection Dark Element, nor would Roan reach his with Light.


    Rean took the sword and put it into the hot liquid with several Spiritual Materials inside. It wasn''t just oil like he showed to the other blacksmiths before, but something completely different. That''s because Rean''s tempering process was distinct from the others. So it needed a different process too.


    Just like that, the day came to an end. Fortunately, the sword was forged just as Rean expected. In the end, he raised his Dark Element sword as he looked at its color.


    "Phew... it went out pretty well."


    Roan looked at Rean''s sword and couldn''t help but ask.


    "Are they made of different materials?"


    Rean smiled after hearing that.


    "Correct. We got all those High-Quality Materials in the Gold Hands Bandits Group''s Nest, right? There were several types available there. All those years of robbing made their stockpile quite bountiful. Of course, I have no doubt they sold a lot of them in the past as well, but I''m already happy with what we got. There was also the materials we got rewarded with after the mission was over."


    "Anyway, due to the quantity available, I was able to finish practicing and fixed the last details that were preventing me from completing my swords. Still, there were plenty of High-Quality Ores and materials available, so I took my time to test my Light Element and your Dark Element with each one. After I got the result, I worked on two types of different alloys for you and me."


    "Your Sword is an alloy made of Prefusia, Deep River, and Light Iron ores. As for mine, it is made of Dark Swamp Worm, Lemuria, and Profund Black Inky Ores. Their combination was the best one to absorb the surrounding Dark Element."


    "Worm?"


    Rean laughed.


    "Dark Swamp Worm Ore is the name of a metal that grows inside the demon beast with the same name. It acc.u.mulates the surrounding materials into its body and solidifies it. Anyway, it''s also another type of High-Quality Forging Material."


    Roan didn''t understand much of it, so he simply jumped to the next question.


    "So, they are finished, right?"


    Rean looked at Roan and nodded. After that, he looked back at his sword before saying.


    "Yes! As for their names..."


    "What do you think about Light and Dark Annihilators? No, maybe Life Severing and Death Bringer! No, wait! I know! Let''s call them Light and Black Star! Yes, those are quite goo-"


    Rean was talking when he suddenly turned around. However, Roan was nowhere to be seen, nor was his sword. Yeap, Roan completely ignored the name-giving time and brought his sword away, completely ignoring Rean''s enthusiasm.


    Rean''s mouth twitched, and he complained through their Soul Connection.


    ''Don''t you know that the name is one of the most important parts?''


    Roan couldn''t care less, though.


    ''Chose whatever you like. I just want the sword.''


    Rean couldn''t help but feel sad that Roan didn''t understand his feelings.


    ''Fine! If someone asks, your sword''s name is Black Star! Got it?''


    Roan nodded and didn''t waste time complaining.


    ''Yeah, yeah... Black Star it is...''


    Rean wasn''t very satisfied with Roan''s lack of emotion but knew that the Ice Block wouldn''t give him ears. At least, Roan accepted the name he chose.


    Rean then returned his attention to the pile of High-Quality Materials that he still had available.


    ''Hum... When Malaka comes back from her mission, I''ll bring her to help me crafting her new staff. Can''t let her use that Low-Level Spiritual Staff anymore.''


    After that, Rean wrapped everything up and exited the workshop. He looked around and began to think.


    ''1000 Destiny Points... Roan will get 300, but where do I get the rest?''

 Chapter 165 - Need Destiny Points

    So far, Rean had been busy with a lot of things. Blacksmith, Training, Sect Duty, etc... But now, he knew he wouldn''t be able to make any better equipment other than High-Quality Weapons. In fact, he didn''t even have the amount of Spiritual Energy necessary to take a step further into Peak-Quality ones. According to his calculations, it will be impossible for him before he reaches the Core Formation Realm.


    That being said, the time he needs to spend on Blacksmith is now mostly free. Rean planned to do something about their Destiny Points. After all, most of the Destiny Points earned by the twins so far was provided by him. Rean considered it part of his logistics term, so he took it very seriously.


    ''What can I use to change the destiny of a big area. I should be able to since back on earth, we had the technology. Although no one there would be able to stop this world''s cultivators, they still went as far as leaving their planet without a shred of Spiritual Energy. Perhaps, the existence of Spiritual Energy was what delayed this half of the Universe''s Technology. No, that was most likely so.''


    ''Here, the strong prey on the weak. Battles big and small happen everywhere. It was a good call to use my knowledge of metals to make better weapons at a much lower cost...''


    ''There are several things. Cement is an excellent example, but it would take too long to spread this idea. Besides, few would believe in the words of a kid. I could use it when I get older and get more influence, though...''


    ''Cultivators are the ones who make the biggest changes in the world. I should stick with battle-related things. Battle, Technology, Better Equipment, Missions...''


    ''Maybe communication?''


    ''No... back in the Varen Tribe, Alanda passed me and Roan two red beads that we could crush at any time. As long as we were not out of range, Alanda would feel it. No, wait! Communication should work pretty well. I don''t know how to make voices pass through wires like back on earth. Still, I do know that metal conducts electricity. There is always the possibility to spread long wires and use cultivators with Lightning Affinity to transmit signals. As long as a set of rules are made, it would be easy to pass entire messages over. It would be like a morse code.''


    Rean thought that the idea was viable and quite cheap. With the cultivator''s power, he could use them to spread the wires at high speeds. It would make a gigantic difference if the nearby cities could instantly communicate with Dalamu Sect. They can''t use Alanda''s method of red bead for communication since it would be too expensive. Besides, those beads couldn''t pass detailed information. Not to mention that they had a range limit.


    It didn''t have to be elaborated. He just needed to connect the primary buildings of each city like Uive''s City Guards'' Headquarters. It wouldn''t reach the point where anyone could use it. However, the most important ones definitely could.


    With that idea in mind, Rean immediately rushed back to the Iron and Blood District. He had to pass this idea over to elder Guliva first. After all, he wouldn''t be able to convince anyone by himself. It would completely change how the missions of all cultivators, weak and strong, received their information. Of course, it could be used for many more things too.


    If Dalamu was willing, Rean believes they can even build an entire web connecting all cities in their territories. How many destiny points wouldn''t such a thing generate? Rean couldn''t help but feel excited.


    Rean quickly arrived at Elder Guvila''s place and knocked on the door. Guliva was drinking some tea at that moment and didn''t expect to see Rean in his home.


    "Oh, Rean! Are there any problems?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "No, but I would like to talk with Elder."


    Guliva nodded and invited him inside. Hulian puts a lot of importance on the twins, so Guliva also did the same.


    "Speak, what do you need?"


    Rean then made his question.


    "Elder Guliva. I noticed that all the information in the sect is passed through letters. Mission requests are often delivered by birds too. Could it be that the sect doesn''t have a way to communicate with the cities in its territory straight away?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/need-destiny-points_48814652230007006 for visiting.


    Guliva was quite intrigued by that question.


    "Well, it''s not that there is no way of doing it. We do have Sound Transmission Talismans, for example. However, they are costly to make and have a limited range depending on their grade. Obviously, we can''t use them just to transmit a few words if they are not important. Besides, when a voice transmission talisman is used, there is a need for a twin talisman to exist as well. Once it is used, it will disappear, which is even more troublesome."


    Rean nodded. That was what he was thinking exactly.


    "Elder Guliva, what if I say I have an idea to make the communication with the nearby big cities almost instantaneous and ridiculously low in price? For example. It would be so low that things like message birds to report new missions or mission conclusions would disappear completely. Although common people would still need to use them, the most important buildings in each city wouldn''t anymore."


    Guliva was startled by such an idea.


    "Kid, what are you talking about? If such a thing was possible, it would have been made a long time ago."


    Rean smiled.


    "If elder guliva can grant me a team of Lightning and Earth Affinity Cultivators and the help of the Blacksmith Hall, I can make this idea come true."


    Rean then explained the concept of metal wires to Guliva. However, the later narrowed his eyes.


    "I do know that metal can conduct Lightning. However, there is a limit to the distance it can travel. If we use this method, we would need to station disciples with Lightning Affinity every few kilometers or so, it wouldn''t be worth it."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh inside. He already predicted that they knew about electricity being transmitted through wires. But they obviously had never understood why the electricity dissipated.


    "Let me guess, when you built those wires, you dragged them on the ground from one point to another, right?"


    Guliva shook his head.


    "If we did that, others would damage it. Maybe demon beasts or some other cultivators. Because of that, we put them underground. Unfortunately, Earth is strong against Lightning Type abilities. It made it dissipate too quickly. Even I, who know nothing of these weird inventions, know this little bit. Hahaha! Still, it was good you could think of such ideas, kid. Maybe you can find a solution one day."


    Rean kept smiling and nodded. Electricity is nullified by the earth; this is common knowledge back in his previous life. From the looks of it, cultivators know this little as well. Unfortunately, they didn''t think about insulation. Or perhaps they didn''t even know if there was a material capable of insulating the metal, preventing the electricity from touching non-conductors and dissipating.


    Rean also understood why no one tried to put the wires high in the air. Simply put, what would be holding it? Trees? Dry wood is indeed a type of insulation material, but most trees are usually moisty, which turned then into excellent conductors after it rained. Obviously, that didn''t work either. Probably, they got better results, but the distance traveled by the electrical current wasn''t worth it. Let alone that such wires could be cut by anyone, it was an invitation for problems. Bandits definitely wouldn''t let it there either. If Rean wants this plan to work, the wires must go through the underground.


    "I think I have a good idea to resolve this issue."


    What else could it be if not the good and old rubber?

 Chapter 166 - Working Out

    Elder Guliva was in doubt if he should hear him.


    "How will you make it?"


    Rean then explained the concept behind the insulation. Of course, he made it look like he found about it by coincidence. As for whether Guliva believed him or not, that didn''t matter.


    Guliva didn''t know if Rean''s idea would really work, but he seemed really confident about it. After pondering a bit, he decided to at least give a try. In the worst case, they would only lose a few days of work.


    "How many cultivators would you need?"


    Rean smiled before saying.


    "Lightning Affinity, I probably need just two, but I will ask for four of them to help carry more tests. As for Earth Affinity, I will need their help to put the wires underground, so ten or so should do. I might need some other types later too, but I''ll tell you in advance when that happens. As for Blacksmith Hall, I obviously need their help to help me make the cables."


    Guliva continued to ponder and didn''t really see a reason for denying Rean''s request. The number of cultivators that would be involved wasn''t significant, after all.


    "Alright. I''ll let you try, but if you see that it isn''t working, let those cultivators go back to their works. Don''t waste too much time on it"


    Rean was more than happy with that number.


    "Great. I''ll make sure to free everyone if that happens."


    Guliva nodded.


    "You can come here tomorrow, I''ll arrange things for you. To make things safer, I will ask you to do it between our Sect and Majorias City. No one will try to stop you during it."


    Rean nodded.


    "Alright. But there is no need to call the cultivators now. First, I will need cables to be made. Second, there is the insulation material I talked about. It will take a few days before I get enough of it. For now, I just need permission to ask a few blacksmiths to help me make the wires."


    Guliva didn''t mind.


    "Alright."


    He then took a token from his robe and passed it to Rean.


    "A lot of Blacksmiths in the Blacksmith Hall are part of our Iron and Blood District. As long as you show it to them, they will give you their help. There should be quite a few apprentices that didn''t reach the Low-Level Blacksmith Stage yet, so you can ask for the help. Since you are only making cables, there should be no need to employ Low-Level or higher blacksmiths."


    Rean nodded. Rean only needed a workforce, apprentices blacksmiths were enough.


    "No problem. Elder Guliva, I''ll be taking my leave now then."


    Guliva nodded.


    "Very well, you can go. Let me know if you need anything."


    Rean then bowed to Guliva and left straight away.


    As soon as Rean disappeared in the distance, Guliva got up and went to see Hulian in the Inner Sect. After that, he explained everything Rean told him. Hulian, of course, was surprised by that.


    "Do you think he will succeed?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/working-out_48836337771536032 for visiting.


    Hulian knows very well what difference would it make if they could really communicate at such long distances without the talismans. Obviously, he wished that to work. However, he, too, was doubtful of Rean''s idea.


    Guliva shook his head after hearing that question.


    "I don''t know. However, Rean seems very confident. Perhaps this... errr... insulation thing might work."


    Hulian pondered a bit and then said.


    "This is a huge thing. You did right in asking Rean to make this test between the Dalamu Sect and Majorias City. No one will try to intervene now that he has your token. Keep an eye on him to make sure the others won''t bother during his work."


    Guliva nodded and left. Hulian then looked at the direction of the Iron and Blood district in the Outer Sect and smiled. Ever since Rean and Roan appeared, they had only given him joy.


    ''If it works, I want to see who will say that our Iron and Blood Faction is all brawn and no brains.''


    Rean didn''t know about this conversation between the two elders, but he could guess this much at least. Still, he didn''t care. This plan might attract even more attention to him and Roan, but he needed to get those 1000 Destiny Points by any means.


    Rean went to the Blacksmith Hall and immediately gathered the apprentices. Although they were somewhat dissatisfied to be ordered around by a kid, they had to respect elder Guliva''s token. Rean then brought everyone in his workshop and showed them how he wanted the wires to be made. As mentioned before, Majorias City was 300km away from the Sect Entrance, so he would need enough cables to reach that distance, at least.


    Rean made them go out and buy as much copper as possible. In the cultivation world, there were several other metals suitable for electrical conduction and a smaller loss of power during the transmission. However, copper was also present in large quantities. The best thing was that it was extremely cheap when you used Spirit Stones to buy them. Rean passed everyone 100 Rank 1 Spirit Stones, which should be more than enough to buy all the copper he needed.


    In just three days, the apprentices already began to prepare the cables. They might not be as fast as the specialized machines from Earth. However, they are cultivators, so they were definitely tens of times faster than ordinary people.


    Rean didn''t stay in the Sect to check the procedures, though. When he went to Majorias City to help buy copper, he stayed behind.


    In the next days, there was a few news around Majorias City. Someone needed the sap of a specific tree that could be found almost everywhere. Rean didn''t use the Sect''s power for this. Instead, he used ordinary people. Not only that, he offered a real high price for every 10 liters of that sap. Unbelievably, Rean offered Ten Rank 1 Spirit Stones for it! It might look little, but in fact, it was a massive sum for something so simple.


    Any person could get that much sap as long as they were willing to spend the time. The people in the cultivation world were a lot stronger than the ones he knows back on Earth. Even if they didn''t become cultivators, their bodies were much more resistant. The poor ones would suit this job perfectly. Not to mention that Ten Spirit Stones was more than many of them made in an entire month of work!


    The cultivators would look down on such a number, but the ordinary people definitely would take it happily.


    Rean only needed a little more than a week to collect all the sap he required. Just to be safe, Rean stayed in Majorias for another three days doing the same thing. It was always better to have extra than not having enough.


    He also had some people bring it all back to the Dalamu Sect for him. Finally, ten days later, Rean returned to the Sect as well.


    He looked at all the Copper Cables and couldn''t help but smile. As expected, when Spiritual Energy was involved, things would become several times easier. Even without machines, those several blacksmith apprentices were able to make 300km worth of cables by the time he was back! How could he not be happy?


    Suddenly, Rean heard Sister Orb''s voice.


    [If you want, there is a way to transmit more detailed messages through those cables instead of using signals like morse code.]


    Rean''s eyes opened wide when he heard that.


    ''But Sister Orb, wouldn''t it be related to technology? I have no idea how those speakers or anything like that works. I''m only using the principle of electrical conduction to communicate. Anything other than that is far beyond my knowledge. I''m only a metallurgist, after all.''


    [Don''t worry. It''s not anything that ridiculous. You forget that you are in the Cultivation World, so you need to think about Spiritual Energy and the things that are possible to make with it. You already resolved the main issue, which was the insulation of the cables. The rest can be done with formations instead.]


    Rean was taken aback.


    ''But didn''t you say you don''t know how to make formations? That you only knew how to ''drive'' them?''


    [Idiot. Of course, I have no idea how to make them. Still, that doesn''t mean the Formations Master Hall doesn''t. Formations are made of hundreds if not thousands of drawn runes that act independently or in a group. All you need to do is have a Formations Master create a formation that can transform those runes in electrical signals. Wouldn''t it be the same thing? Such a lightning type formation shouldn''t be anything hard for a High-Level Formations Master to come up with.]


    Rean pondered a bit and had to admit that Sister Orb''s words made sense.


    ''Alright! I''ll take a look at it later. But for now, let me finish spreading the cables and confirm that they work first.''


    [No problem.]


    It was then that Rean remembered something.


    ''Oh, right! How''s the Ice Block doing?''


    At the same time, in the Alchemist Hall, Roan was still studying.


    Going back a few days, Roan finished memorizing all the herbs on the Alchemy Repository''s First floor. Since he didn''t need to take the memory test for herbs anymore, he switched to concoction books. However, his seven days were over before he could read much of them.


    Just as he was about to pay another 300 Sect Points to keep reading, the Disciple told him that he didn''t need to. Roan had been accepted as an alchemist apprentice by Old Worm, so it gave him the right to read the books of both the first and second floors for another month! In fact, all new Alchemist Apprentices get the same thing when they pass the memory Test. That being said, Roan immediately returned to the repository and began his reading once more.

 Chapter 167 - The Project Continues

    After hearing that Roan had been reading all the time, Rean left it be. He looked at all the materials he got and used Guliva''s token to get ahold a few cultivators with Fire and Water Affinity. Rubber wasn''t hard to make, but dried sap would work almost the same way and would be even faster. Rean only wanted to test it out first, so he went for the simplest form.


    He made five teams with those Fire and Water Affinity cultivators. He then separated five big tubs with the sap and began to use Spiritual Energy to hold the copper cable. A cultivator then used his Spiritual Energy to run the cable inside one of the tubs, which would exit the other side completely covered in the sap. The Fire and Water cultivators would then stay between each tub and use their Elemental Affinities to solidify the sap. The cable covered in dried sap would then enter another tub and the process repeated. Simply put, Rean had the cables insulated with dried sap five times to guarantee that the insulation wouldn''t be too thin.


    All the Fire and Water cultivators Rean got were at the Foundation Establishment Realm. That''s because this process would take a lot of time if you had to stop to recover Spiritual Energy too often. Foundation Establishment cultivators would take much longer to run out of energy and could recover much faster.


    Although no one understood what was happening, they were all part of the Iron and Blood District. Rean also had elder Guliva''s token. Besides, Rean wasn''t making them do it for free. He was even paying everyone with the Rank 1 Spirit Stones. The majority didn''t have a significant background or a business like Rean, so the payment was quite good for such a simple job.


    Just like that, the creation of insulated copper cables continued. It took Rean''s group three entire days to cover all the wires with dried sap five times, or rubber if you prefer. It didn''t look nice like the cables back on Earth but was more than enough for the purpose.


    Majorias City was 300km away from Dalamu Sect''s entrance. Just to make sure, Rean made an extra 10km of cables. After it was done, Rean let everyone who worked with him go back. From now on, he would need cultivators with Earth Element Affinity. After all, he would need to put these cables deep underground.


    Fortunately, it was also easy to arrange with elder Guliva''s token.


    Talking about elder Guliva, the same had been watching Rean from far away since he started the project. When the other elders got curious about what was happening, Guliva stepped forward and told that it was a project of their district. It also wouldn''t get in the other cultivators'' way, so there was nothing to worry about.


    To make things fast, Rean got quite a few Earth Element Cultivators. While some will be using their Spiritual Energy to make the excavation, others will be recovering. That way, they can keep working nonstop until they reach Majorias City. He also made sure to pay them as well. Sure enough, they were quite happy to receive so many Spirit Stones for doing such a simple job.


    Of course, making it all the way to Majorias just to find out that it was a failure would be pretty idiotic. That being said, Rean also called two Lightning Affinity Cultivators to this project. Their job was pretty simple. One of them would stay in the Sect''s entrance, while the other would be following the group as they excavated and put the cables deep underground.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-project-continues_48860295367544614 for visiting.


    Rean couldn''t help but be even more impressed by the cultivation world. Such type of job would usually take quite a few machines, and the time needed to cover a certain area might take several days, if not weeks. However, with the Earth Element cultivators helping, they only poured their Spiritual Energy and manipulated the Earth Element to do the same thing. In a matter of seconds, they could make several meters deep passages with ease and cover it again.


    The Lightning Affinity cultivator would them test the wire every 10km. He would gather Lightning Element with his Spiritual Energy and pour it into the cable. Naturally, the electrical current would move through all the way to the sect entrance. There, the other Lightning Affinity cultivator would be holding the other cable''s end. As soon as he noticed that pulse of electrical current, he would answer with another one.


    When Rean reached 30km of distance, elder Guliva appeared where the disciples were working.


    "Oh, elder Guliva! Is something wrong?"


    Guliva smiled and shook his head.


    "Not really. I just noticed that you already reached this far, so I wanted to ask if you can still send the Lightning Element all the way to the Sect."


    Rean smiled and pointed at the Lightning Cultivator, who was making the tests. The guy was taken aback and quickly reported what he did so far.


    "There had been no problem, elder Guliva. I just tested the 30km mark a few minutes ago, and I could still feel the Lightning sent by Fellow Disciple Ladone back in the Sect entrance. Not only that, the amount of Lightning that I can feel from him is almost the same as when we reached 10km. If things continue like this, I believe it won''t be an issue for the next 100km or even more."


    Rean smiled and added.


    "Also, I asked him to not pour too much Electricity inside the cable. Just enough to be easily felt on the other side. If, after another 100km, we can''t feel Electrical power all the way anymore, we can simply increase the amount gathered to increase the distance."


    Guliva got puzzled.


    "Electrical Power? What is that?"


    Rean was taken aback for a second. Only then did he remember that the Cultivation World had never heard the name '' Electricity.'' For them, everything was called Lightning, Thunder, etc. Rean quickly thought about an excuse and began to explain.


    "Cough, cough... I find the use of ''Lightning'' inappropriate. Those are things we see during thunderstorms, or by cultivators with Lightning Affinity during attacks. Simply put, it''s the name given for dangerous things. However, we are using it purely for communication. Although it could still hurt someone unprepared, the focus of the project is not to hurt anyone. I think that calling it Lightning isn''t fit for our purpose, so I gave a new name, Electricity."


    Guliva narrowed his eyes. He felt like this wasn''t really a name Rean came up with.


    Still, Guliva smiled and nodded.


    "That''s true. I also think that... errr... Electricity... somehow fits very well."


    As fishy as it looked, it was just a name. The important thing was the purpose of this project.


    ''They were already at 30km of distance, and Rean said that they could at least reach another 100km without the Light- errr... Electricity power dissipating. Not to mention that it was without using too much of it. Could it be that he can really send a... electrical... signal over 300km? I better don''t leave this group''s side for the time being.''


    Five days later, Rean''s group finally reached Majorias City!

 Chapter 168 - Reporting Back to the Sect

    Elder Guliva had been following them all the way to Majorias. Every time the 10km test worked, he grew more excited. Finally, he couldn''t help but breathe cold when he saw Majorias City''s Gate in the distance.


    Just like Rean said, the regular pulse of Electrical power couldn''t go all the way to the Sect anymore after 180km. However, that was only considering the smallest amount of energy that Rean had instructed the Lightning Affinity Disciples to use. After that, Rean simply told the guy to double the power, which was an effortless task for that disciple. Rean made sure to make the cable thick enough to hold high tension, so the increase changed nothing for the cable itself. If Rean wasn''t wrong, that disciple could increase his Electrical output by another ten times, and the cable would still be able to easily hold the tension.


    Sure enough, the Electrical signal ran all the way to the Sect''s entrance once more. When Rean received his confirmation, he simply nodded with a smile. As for Guliva, he already felt excited at that point. By the end of the journey, the Lightning Affinity Disciple had no need to increase the power output anymore. Just like that, 300km was achieved without any issues!


    Elder Guvila saw the last test inside the City working without problems too and laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! Great! We can simply use some simple combination of signals, and messages could be delivered instantly without any cost. How good will that be? The impact in the Sect''s affairs will be huge! Rean, I need you to come back with me to report it to the elders in the Sect straight away."


    Rean nodded without caring much. First of all, he was pretty sure it would work to start with, so it wasn''t any big surprise. It only gave him a lot of work, that''s all.


    "Sure. I''ll take this opportunity to ask the elders there for something else too."


    Guliva didn''t know what Rean wanted to ask, but he was pretty sure that they would accept after hearing what Rean had just done.


    Guliva didn''t want to wait anymore. He simply grabbed Rean and dashed away. But before that, he warned the cultivators who were there as well.


    "I don''t want to hear a single word about it outside. Anyone who breaks this rule will be punished according to the Sect''s rules. Also, come back to the Sect immediately."


    Without even looking back, he disappeared in the distance with Rean. The disciples were taken aback by that order, but they quickly recovered and left too.


    With Guliva''s cultivation and speed, it only took them two hours to cover all the 300km back to the Sect. Guliva also warned the other Lightning Affinity cultivator at the Sect entrance and quickly rushed inside. The guy, obviously, wouldn''t dare to say a single word now.


    In just a few minutes, Guliva arrived at Hulian''s residence. He had Rean explain everything and confirmed that everything was true. Hulian couldn''t help but feel excited. Right after, he took out a Voice Transmission Talisman and said a few things on it. The Talisman quickly burned before completely disappearing.


    "Come with me, we are going to see the Sect Master."


    Rean was taken aback. The things escalated a lot faster than he expected.


    Hulian then brought Rean and Guliva all the way up to the mountain. There, one could see a big building with its top covered by the clouds. However, Rean didn''t have time to admire it since Hulian brought him inside straight away.


    He quickly noticed that several other Inner Sect elders appeared one after another as well. He still remembered most of them from the Sect Entrance Exam. They were all waiting in front of a big gate, not daring to enter without permission.


    "Hulian, what happened? Why did you summon a sect meeting?"


    Hulian smiled before saying.


    "Wait for the Sect Master to call us inside the room. I''ll explain everything there."


    The other elders looked at each other, perplexed. They were even more puzzled by the fact that Rean was there as well. Why would Hulian bring a kid to see the Sect Master?


    Suddenly, a voice came from behind the gate.


    "Enter."


    Hulian took a deep breath and pushed the gate open. Rean and the other elders quickly followed in. Inside, one could only see several seats. At the very center, there was a young lady who seemed to be in her mid-twenties. Obviously, she was Mia Orzute, the Dalamu Sect''s Master.


    On both her sides, one could see another seven people. Three women and four men. Rean recognized five of them, especially a certain woman, Elder Tiria. For a second, she reminded Rean of that night enjoyi- cough, cough... reminded Rean of his attempt to heal her injury made with Umbral Energy.


    As for the other two, Rean didn''t know who they were. However, it wasn''t hard to guess that they were also Core Sect Elders, who he hasn''t seen before.


    The woman in the middle then looked at Hulian before asking.


    "Hulian, why did you call this sect meeting? Although it isn''t much of a problem for us to gather, it would be better if we don''t interrupt others unnecessarily."


    Hulian bowed to the lady and answered.


    "Hulian was aware, but this was necessary as well."


    Hulian then looked at Rean and called him forward. He did the same thing with Guliva, who came just as a witness to Rean''s work.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/reporting-back-to-the-sect_48861549497997400 for visiting.


    "Explain everything to the Sect Master."


    Rean gulped down some saliva as he looked at that lady. Even though she seemed very young, Rean could guess that she was probably older than most elders here.


    [So we met this woman again.]


    Rean was taken aback by Sister Orb''s words. However, he didn''t have time to ask her about what she was talking about.


    "Paying respects to Sect Master. I''ll explain everything to the best of my ability."


    Rean knows very well what such a communication system would mean for the Sect, so he was quite excited to be here now. Rean then took a deep breath and began to tell everything about his project during the last few days. When he finally talked about the part where he tested the Electrical Signal up to 300km in Majorias City, all the elders'' expressions changed. Even Mia looked somehow surprised. It''s just that she was a lot more collected.


    "Rean Larks, right? Is what you said true?"


    Rean nodded.


    "This disciple wouldn''t dare to lie to Sect Master."


    Mia then looked at Guliva, who quickly bowed and confirmed Rean''s word.


    "This lowly one can guarantee that Rean is talking the truth, Sect Master."


    Mia nodded before looking at everyone.


    "This is indeed a huge thing for our Sect. The problem here is another thing, though. How can we hide this... errr... Electrical Communication System... from others?"


    All the elders narrowed their eyes. The cables are expanded for long distances. Hiding this new communication system would be too hard.


    Rean, on the other hand, immediately shook his head.


    "Perdon me for being blunt, Sect Master. But I believe that hiding this would be one of the most idiotic things we could ever do."


    Everyone looked at Rean, surprised. They had to admit that he had some guts to talk with the Sect Master like that.

 Chapter 169 - A Favor

    Mia didn''t seem to care about what Rean said, though.


    "Explain."


    Rean nodded.


    "This is an extremely useful communication technique. Sooner or later, others will find out. Not only that, if you really find a way to hide it, they will take harsher measures to find out the truth. It''s simply impossible for the Sect to hide how it works because of how large and simple it is. Besides, even if you tried to protect the places where the cables are connected, you can''t protect every single one of them. This system can totally cover hundreds of cities. The other Sects and Royal Family only need to check one of those cities to find out."


    "Hundreds of cities, all the other Sects, and the Royal Family have how many Nascent Soul Realm cultivators? Does our Sect have enough Nascent Soul Cultivators to protect all places? I don''t think so. Even if we did have enough Nascent Souls to put one in each city, what if the enemy comes with three, five, ten? They only need to select a single communication point, and it will be over."


    All the elders and the Sect Master had to admit that Rean was right.


    Rean noticed their changes in expression and continued.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/a-favor_48890215200249890 for visiting.


    "That''s not all. Such a system would be beneficial for any organization with big territories. That includes our beloved Sasamil Empire, which also includes the Imperial Family and the several much stronger cultivators there. Let''s not even talk about big countries with much stronger sects too. The information will spread, there is nothing we can do about it."


    "Of course, Sect Master could decide to keep things small. For example, connect only Majorias city and another two or three cities. If that is the case, we might really be able to hide it for some time. It wouldn''t be forever, but it would work for a few years, maybe. However, I guess Sect Master and the other elders here know what that implies."


    Mia narrowed her eyes before saying.


    "If we use it in only two or three cities, the whole meaning of this communication system will disappear. If that''s the case, we might as well not put it in practice at all. Is that what you want to say?"


    Rean nodded once more.


    "Exactly. That''s why we shouldn''t hide. Instead, what about showing it to everyone... for a price? Better than that. What if our Sect suddenly offered such a system... to the Imperial Family?"


    All the elders opened their eyes wide. At that moment, they couldn''t help but think the same thing.


    ''Is he really just a kid?''


    "Hahaha! Kid, you are really bold."


    The elders looked at Mia with surprise in their eyes. Mia was usually cold. It was very hard to simply see a smile on her face. As for laughing, only a handful had heard it before. Obviously, Rean''s idea had pleased her very much.


    Rean smiled before saying.


    "Anyway, that''s all I can do at the moment. This type of conversation is way beyond what someone like me should interfere with. Sect Master and the elders can decide what you can do with this information. Just remember that hiding won''t work, nor will it give the Sect the best advantages possible."


    Mia nodded before saying.


    "Indeed. This thing would definitely attract the Imperial Family''s attention, so you can''t meddle with it."


    She then looked at all the elders present before announcing.


    "Rean only worked to put Elder Hulian''s ideas into practice. He had nothing to do with the invention itself. Do you all understand?"


    Everyone understood what Mia meant. It was evident that nothing good would come out if they told the outside world that a Kid thought about all of this. It was much better to have one of them take all the burden. At least, no one would find it suspicious.


    Mia then continued.


    "Rean, you did well. Is there anything you wish as a reward?"


    Rean thought about it for a second before saying.


    "I would love to have unlimited access to the cultivation tower for my brother and me."


    Everyone was taken aback once more, even Mia.


    "Just that? You could ask for much more, you know? This contribution is enormous. I can even make an exception and accept you as my disciple. I don''t believe any of the elders will go against my decision."


    Rean shook his head.


    "There is no need. Such a title would hold me down much more than it would help me. I want to be able to go out without everyone being afraid of offending me because I''m your disciple. Besides, I''m very confident in my cultivation path, I believe that Roan and I can do well on our own."


    Rean wasn''t lying. He has more than enough ideas to make more Spirit Stones in the future. Just blacksmith alone is already enough to completely support both the twins'' cultivation at the moment, so he didn''t need more Spirit Stones. Also, they have the Cultivation Technique given by the Soul Gem System and Sister Orb to look after their progress, which is part of it. Rean believes that even the Sect Master wouldn''t be able to help them as much as she can.


    "If that looks to be too little, then what about a favor?"


    Mia nodded.


    "What kind of favor?"


    Rean smile before saying.


    "What about Sect Master take my little sister as a disciple instead?"


    Rean and Roan won''t stay in the Dalamu Sect forever. They will definitely leave at some point. Malaka obviously won''t be able to keep up with their progress, so they can''t bring her together. In Rean''s eyes, having the Sect Master as her background would be the best protection they could ever give her before leaving. This would also fulfill their promise with Malaka''s parents. Not to mention that the Varen Tribe would be even safer once that happens.


    Mia looked deeply at Rean. She more or less could tell that he wasn''t lying.


    "Are you sure you want to pass this chance to her?"


    Rean didn''t even blink before nodding.


    "Very well, I shall take her under my wing to pay for your idea. However, I still think I should pay you somehow, so I will also allow unlimited access to the cultivation tower''s formations without Sect Points. That way, we are even."


    Rean bowed.


    "Thank you, Sect Master. Now, there is one other thing I would like to suggest."


    Mia nodded.


    "Speak."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders before saying.


    "It''s nothing hard. In fact, the Sect would come up with this idea sooner or later. I suggest that the Sect get some Formations Masters to create a Lightning Type Formation to be used with the communication system. As you know, formations are made with lots of runes. You can simply have two identical formations built at each end of the electrical cables. Make it so that it has one rune for each letter of the alphabet and one last for spaces. The formation would send a specific pulse representing the letter you want or the space between words. On the other side, the person taking care of it could simply read the runes that were used and receive the message. It will be several times more practical than setting up a sequence of signals."


    One of the Core Elders beside Mia immediately stood up after hearing this. His name was Droman Saliu, one of the elders Rean didn''t know about. Also, he was one of the best Formations Master of the Sect.


    "Great! I already have an idea of how it would work. Sect Master, I will take my leave to prepare it."


    Seeing how excited Droman was, Mia could only nod her head.


    "Very well. Rean can go back to the Sect. As for everyone else, stay behind so that we can discuss how we will do it. Rean, don''t forget, you were only carrying orders when you built the first cable to Majorias."


    Rean nodded, satisfied.


    "Absolutely, Sect Master. I shall take my leave now."


    Rean bowed one last time and finally left. As he went away, Mia followed him with her eyes while thinking.


    ''Was this the reason the shadow reapers were after you and your brother, or just a coincidence?''


    In the end, she shook her head and returned her attention to the issue at hand.

 Chapter 170 - Questions

    *Pin!*


    Just as Rean closed the door behind him, the Soul Gem System began to speak.


    [Congratulations to hosts for starting a new era in the cultivation world. The merge of modern technology and spiritual energy has just given its very first step towards a brighter future. This change has the force to affect all the cultivation worlds of this half of the Universe.]


    [Hosts have earned 10 levels of authority.]


    [Authority Level: 13.]


    [Notice: Authority level has surpassed level 10. Hosts can now access more secure information.]


    [Authority Level increased, Reward List will now be upgraded.]


    [Warning! Users'' cultivation is too low. Some rewards will be locked until the cultivation threshold is achieved.]


    [Reward List Upgrade Time: 720 hours.]


    [Destiny Points will be rewarded according to the changes caused by the Host as time passes.]


    Both Rean and Roan heard all the information at the same time. Obviously, they were taken aback by what they heard. Roan immediately got up from his chair and left the alchemist hall in a hurry. At the same time, he talked with Rean.


    ''Go back to our rooms, we need to check it.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''I''m on my way.''


    Rean and Roan didn''t waste time and arrived in their rooms quite fast. Right after, they entered the Soul Gem System together.


    "Sister Orb, that was the Soul Gem System talking, right?"


    [Well, I''m also part of the Soul Gem System. However, it was indeed not this ''me'' who talked.]


    Roan didn''t care about it, though.


    "Forget that. It is pretty apparent when Sister Orb is the one to say those things and when she isn''t. On the other hand, I''m a lot more interested in the new information available. What can we access now?"


    [It will depend on what you want to know. The system will decide on its own if your authority level is high enough to get that information.]


    Rean and Roan nodded and decided to start with the questions they made several years ago.


    "Well, first, how did the Universe get divided into two halves?"


    [Authority Level is too low, request denied.]


    The twins'' didn''t seem surprised by that.


    "As we thought, this is probably one of the highest authority level needing question."


    Rean agreed with him.


    "Anyway, let''s go to the second question we did back then. Why did you bring me from the other Universe? The Soul Gem System could have simply selected someone from here, and everything would have been easier. When I asked the first time, the authority level was too low, though."


    [Authority Level Accepted.]


    [Host Rean has a connection that will allow bringing the two halves back together. Without this connection, the merger would be impossible. That''s why it has been arranged for the Host to come.]


    Rean was taken aback.


    "I remember Sister Orb saying that my Soul issue in my previous life was necessary to keep the system intact. At that time, I simply thought I was selected by it by coincidence."


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "It still might be a coincidence. The Soul Gem System only said that you have a connection that could allow the two halves to merge. It didn''t say that the other inhabitants of the other half of the Universe don''t have it too."


    Roan looked at the Soul Gem Orb (aka Sister Orb) and asked.


    "Does everyone in the other half of the Universe have this necessary connection?"


    [No. Host Rean is the only one who possesses it.]Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/questions_48933474379297349 for visiting.


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Wait, wait, wait! Before, when we said that we didn''t want to help with this endeavor, the Soul Gem System said that it would kill us and look for new hosts. In the end, we had to accept it. However, if I''m the only one with this ''special trait,'' then how can the system say that it would search for new hosts?"


    Roan didn''t have to think much to understand the answer.


    "I see... You are the only one with this ''special trait.'' The system needed to bring you to this side of the Universe to bring this ''connection'' with it. However, the system had never said that this thing can''t be transferred. If I''m not wrong, the main problem was to get ''it'' on this side. Now that ''it'' is here, any new host will do. Soul Gem System, am I correct?"


    [Host Roan is correct.]


    Rean was once again shocked.


    "That means I''m just a carrier. Soul Gem System, was I born with this ''special trait,'' or was it put inside me together with you?"


    [Host Rean was born with it. The Soul Gem System was added a few moments after Host Rean''s conception.]


    Rean and Roan couldn''t help but be confused.


    "If Rean was born with it, how can it be transferred to someone else?"


    [Because the System has fused with it.]


    Only now did Rean and Roan understand. The system and this ''thing'' are now the same. If the system leaves, the ''thing'' will go with it.


    "Very well. Soul Gem System, just what was this thing I was born with?"


    [Authority Level is too low, request denied.]


    Rean and Roan''s mouth twitched.


    "You already said so much, couldn''t you go a little further?"


    [Authority Level is too low, request denied.]


    "Sister Orb, that''s not you, right?"


    Sister Orb felt aggravated.


    [I told you, this ''me'' that you are hearing now did not answer those questions.]


    Rean nodded.


    Roan, on the other hand, decided to ask something else.


    "Soul Gem System, it seems like I got involved by coincidence too. At the moment, both Rean and I have this connection between us. At the very center of this connection, there is you. You said that you fused with the ''thing'' Rean was born with, and now we are all somehow attached together. Does that mean I have it too?"


    [Host Roan is correct. This ''connection'' with the other half of the Universe is now shared by both hosts.]


    Roan nodded.


    "I expected as much. Otherwise, I couldn''t really see a reason to keep Rean and me together like this. Anyway, let''s continue..."


    ---


    Author''s Note: Weekly deal is back, check the notes.

 Chapter 171 - More Doubts Than Answers

    Roan then made the next question.


    "Who created the Soul Gem System?"


    [Authority Level is too low, request denied.]


    Rean was next.


    "This thing that I was born with. Is it related to the same thing that created the Soul Gem System?"


    [Yes.]


    Rean narrowed his eyes. If that was the case, it opens a lot more windows than if it was just coincidence.


    "I can think about a few possibilities. For example, I might not be related to my previous life parents. Or maybe I am, but the thing that I was born with was put in there during gestation."


    Roan added.


    "Or maybe, your parents or even your entire family was involved in this, you just didn''t know. Soul Gem System, was anything of what we said correct?"


    [Authority Level is too low, request denied.]


    Suddenly, Roan had a thought.


    "Soul Gem System, was my appearance as Rean''s Death Spirit during his previous life just a coincidence? Or was I selected to be there at that moment?"


    Roan made this question in a tricky way. If the Soul Gem System said that it was a coincidence, then it was okay. However, there was no way to deny it. That''s because whether the Soul Gem System said it wasn''t a coincidence or if they don''t have enough authority level, both would mean that it wasn''t. Denying this answer because of the authority level would mean that there was something hidden about Roan''s assignment to Rean back then.


    [Host Roan was involved by coincidence.]


    Roan sighed in disappointment. Unless the system was lying, that means he was just unlucky to get involved in all of this. How sad was that?


    "So it was really nightingale''s fault for dragging me down with him..."


    Rean''s mouth twitched, but he decided to ignore it.


    "Roan, you were not the only Death Spirit back in our half of the Universe, right?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Of course, not. I''m not omnipotent. Just how many deaths there are in an entire half of a Universe? There are countless numbers of Death Spirits."


    Rean then made another question.


    "That means that there was a particular type of organization or something like that which managed everything, no?"


    Roan understood where Rean was coming from.


    "I see what you want. Soul Gem System, was the Universal Transition Organization involved in all of this?"


    [Yes.]


    Roan nodded.


    "Very well, I have no more questions."


    Rean agreed with him.


    "Me neither. Although we got a few answers, the real important questions were not resolved. We can only wait for our authority level to increase."


    In the end, Rean and Roan exited the Soul Gem System with a lot more doubts than answers. Still, it was good to see some of them cleared.


    Roan then looked at Rean before asking.


    "So, what now? Do you think the communication system will give enough Destiny Points by the end of the year?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Should be. This is a massive issue for a medieval place like this world. As long as the system began to be implemented everywhere, we should see a good stream of Destiny Points flowing in. As for what is the cap for this change, that I don''t know. Of course, we might gain more missions that give us even more Destiny Points."


    Roan agreed with him.


    "That''s true."


    However, Rean seemed somewhat worried.


    "The only issue is that I wasn''t planning to introduce something this big anytime soon. This put us at quite some risk."


    Roan shrugged his shoulders, though.


    "If you didn''t do something like this, I would. We couldn''t rely on the random missions that might appear or not to do so. Whatever happens now, we need to cope with it. However, I believe that the Sect should keep it a secret that it was your idea, no? It would be pretty much idiotic to say that a kid thought about all of this."


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes. Sect master already informed the others that it will be said that Elder Hulian had this idea."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/more-doubts-than-answers_48934758842947628 for visiting.


    "Oh, right! Sect Master wanted to reward me for the idea, so I asked her to take Malaka as her disciple. Like this, Malaka will have the best protection possible, allowing us to keep the promise with her parents. Other than that, I got unlimited access to the Cultivation Tower for both of us. There will be no need for Sect points to enter that place anymore."


    Roan pondered a bit and admitted that Rean''s idea was the best one.


    "That''s good. We won''t stay here forever, so we needed to deal with Malaka''s issue. Anyway, I''m going back to Alchemist Hall. I''m almost done reading everything I need from there. If everything goes okay, I should be able to finish the quest given by the system."


    Rean nodded.


    "Good. I have Sect duty after tomorrow, and it seems like I was invited to the Sect''s Doctors building."


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    "Was it because they found out you can heal Umbral Energy?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "No. Other than you, only Tiria and Javiu know about it. Of course, I can''t rule out that they might have told others. However, I don''t think they would want everyone to know that I can cure Umbral Energy. Most likely, it is because of what I did during the Sect Entrance Exam. After all, I healed Lenna and Julio several times. They are probably asking me to help heal those kinds of injuries since it would save a lot of time and material."


    Rean continued.


    "Still, that''s a good thing. I had been thinking about a few new uses for Light Element recently. Having a lot of bodies to test things out will help a lot."


    Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    "What new uses?"


    Rean smiled.


    "You will know the next time we leave for a mission."


    Roan didn''t seem to mind that Rean didn''t answer. He only asked out of curiosity, but he wasn''t so curious that he had to know at any cost.


    The twins then talked about a few other things before going separated ways.

 Chapter 172 - Old Worms Help

    Rean still had two days before his Duty time, so he decided to pass by the Beast Taming Faction first. He still had that weird egg that he got during the last mission, so he planned to leave it there for the disciples to take care of.


    Surprisingly, he encountered Javiu on his way to treat elder Tiria''s Crane.


    "Elder Javiu!"


    Javiu heard Rean''s voice and turned around.


    "Oh, Rean! It''s been a few weeks. What is it, did you come to borrow another flying beast?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "No, I came here to see if someone knew something about an egg I acquired during my last mission."


    "Egg?"


    Rean nodded and took the egg out of his bag. Obviously, he brought it out of the Soul Gem System before coming to this place.


    "I got this from one of the bandits, do you know what it is?"


    Elder Javiu grabbed the giant egg and looked at it closely. He could feel the spiritual energy inside, but it was very faint, indicating that it was quite an ordinary demon beast. However, he couldn''t remember ever seeing an egg like this one before.


    "I don''t recognize it, but the strength of the bird inside seems very weak. Most likely, it is an egg from some demon beast that I don''t know. Still, it shouldn''t turn out to be anything impressive."


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    "I thought the same thing too. However, there is a difference between this egg and the other demon beasts'' eggs I looked after before. Its life force is too pure."


    Elder Javiu knew that Rean used his Light Element to stimulate the body''s life force, which healed the injuries.


    "Too pure, what you mean?"


    "Elder already knows that I can feel life force. That being said, I''ve never seen such a pure life force before. Even elder Tiria''s Crane can''t compare to it. No, this egg and all the other demon beasts here are in two completely different leagues."


    Javiu was taken aback and looked more attentively at the egg. Still, he didn''t have Rean''s ability to check the life force.


    "Hum... How about this? Leave this egg here, and I will have the disciples take care of it. From what I can see, it won''t take too long before it hatches. However, the hatching process usually takes quite some time, so I''ll send you a message when that happens. Remember, come back straight away when you receive it. Birds get attached to the first person they see when they are born, so it''s best if it is you."


    Rean nodded in the end.


    "Alright? How much will it cost me?"


    Javiu laughed after hearing that.


    "Did you forget how much you helped last time? If anything, our faction is still owing you. If you really want to do something, why don''t you come with me to see elder Tiria''s Crane? It will definitely be happy to see its savior again."


    Rean laughed and accepted Javiu''s idea. The Crane was indeed happy to see Rean again, so it kept rubbing its enormous head against Rean''s chest, much to his contentment. A few hours later, Rean left and went back to his room. He decided to cultivate a little before going to the doctor''s building for duty two days later.


    Time passed and a week went by. Today, Roan finally closed the last book he needed to read in the alchemy repository. Of course, he didn''t read all the books available, only the necessary ones. Otherwise, even another entire year wouldn''t be enough.


    After that, he went back to the first floor and passed his token to Old Worm. Roan quite liked the man. He never spoke if it was not necessary and kept his sentences short.


    The old man looked at Roan and asked.


    "Did you finish memorizing everything you needed?"


    Roan nodded. He then turned around to leave when suddenly, Old Worm''s voice came from behind.


    "When are you going to start practicing?"


    Roan looked back and pondered a bit.


    "I intend to start straight away. I''ll just buy a few common herbs and the other tools like the cauldron, stove, etc..."


    Old Worm then got up and began to walk to the exit. He also looked at Roan while at it.


    "Come with me."


    Roan was a little puzzled but followed the man nonetheless. As soon as Old Worm left, some kind of puppet appeared out of nowhere and took Old Worm''s place in the repository entrance. No one seemed to care, though. From the looks of it, Old Worm would often leave the repository to do his own things.


    Roan followed Old Worm, and they soon strayed away from the alchemist hall''s main building. After some time wandering, they arrived at what seemed to be an old hut, which was still inside the Alchemist Hall controlled area. Old Worm then used a token to open the door, quickly disappearing inside. Roan, of course, followed him too.


    As soon as Roan saw what was inside, he was taken aback. The outside made it like a rundown place. However, the inside of the hut was another story. It was an alchemy room with all the possible tools one could possibly wish: caldrons, stoves, bottles, several rare types of wood used for fire, you name it.


    Old Worm then looked at Roan and threw another token to him.


    "You can use this room for your practice. Just make sure to bring your own herbs and materials for creating fire. The ones you see around are mine, so don''t touch them."


    Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    "What do you want?"


    Old Worm shook his head and didn''t answer his question. Instead, he said something else.


    "If you have any doubts about alchemy, you can ask me in the repository. If not, don''t waste my time."


    That obviously wasn''t what Roan wanted to hear. But before he could ask again, Old Worm disappeared from the alchemy room. Roan was quite surprised to see that. It showed that the old man was a lot more complex than he thought. At the very least, judging by the speed he disappeared, his cultivation was several times higher than his own.


    Roan pondered a bit and looked around. He had to admit that this place was perfect for him. In the end, he decided to ignore the mystery behind Old Worm''s actions and use it. After all, he already used a month to read all the books he needed, so he only had two left to become an Earth Low-Level Alchemist.


    Roan then looked into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and saw all the Spirit Stones there. He nodded, satisfied, and quickly left the hut. He already had all the tools, but he needed to buy the herbs as well. Roan soon arrived in the Alchemist Hall''s main building and went to the counter to buy everything. However, it was at this moment that he received a message from Rean through their Soul Connection.


    "Roan, Malaka is back. Let''s go there, take a look."


    Roan shook his head.


    "If there is nothing wrong, then there is no need."


    Rean already expected that answer, though.


    "There is a need. You still have to talk with the Amanda about the Death Style, remember? They definitely have a lot of questions for you too. This way, we can kill two birds with one shoot."


    Roan pondered a bit and had to admit that Rean was right.


    "Fine, I''ll be right there."


    On Rean''s side, he asked permission to go out for a few hours. After all, he was on duty in this place. However, due to the great help his Light Element gave, the supervisor there was more than happy to allow him to do so.


    Rean quickly went to the Blue Orchid District. A few minutes later, Roan arrived there as well. The two disciples in front were already informed about the twins, so they quickly went inside and called Amanda over.


    Amanda also seemed to want to meet them. Therefore she didn''t take a long time to come out. Surprisingly, Malaka came out with her as well.


    As soon as she saw the two of them, her eyes brightened, and she pounced at them.


    "Rean, Roan!"


    Rean laughed out loud and patted her head.


    "How are you? Have you been cultivating properly?"


    Malaka nodded vigorously.


    "Yeap! However, don''t think I forgot your promise. You have to bring me out to play."


    Rean nodded with a smile.


    Rean and Roan then checked on her with their Spiritual Sense and confirmed that she was okay. However, for some reason, they felt that something wasn''t right.


    Rean was just about to ask her if everything was really fine when Roan turned around.


    "Rean, Malaka, let''s go. Since you are going out to play, I''ll go with you too."


    Rean was taken aback. Since when Roan likes to play? However, he quickly understood that Roan also noticed something strange.


    However, Amanda immediately stopped Roan in his tracks.


    "Hey, hey, hey! What about me? Did you forget about our deal? I have a lot of questions about the sword style that you passed me."


    Roan nodded at her.


    "I''ll help you after I come back. I just arrived from a mission not too long ago, so I also need some rest."


    Amanda narrowed her eyes after hearing that.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/old-worm''s-help_48956451900674730 for visiting.


    "Hmph! What if you decide to say a lot of bad things to our little sister while I''m not looking? I''m going too."


    Roan narrowed his eyes, but just as he was about to refuse, Malaka jumped in.


    "Senior Sister is coming to play too? Great! Let''s go, Rean, Roan!"


    In the end, Rean and Roan looked at each other and sighed. Just like that, the group of four departed from the Blue Orchid District.


    ---


    Author''s Note: Weekly deal is up again! Check the notes below.

 Chapter 173 - Real Experience

    Although time was short, Roan didn''t seem to mind losing a day. Rean also liked to pamper Malaka, so he was even more willing to do so.


    Rean then went to the beast taming faction and borrowed four flying demon beasts. He promised to bring Malaka out to play, so it couldn''t be in the sect. He decided to go to Majorias City with her. The other two flying demon beasts were obviously for Roan and Amanda.


    "Let''s go!"


    They soon took flight and made their way to the city. The flying beasts they took this time were much better, so they only took two hours to arrive in Majorias. Malaka then began to talk about the things inside the Blue Orchid District. At the same time, Amanda pestered Roan about the Death Sword Style.


    Finally, they arrived at the city and left the flying demon beasts with the city guards to take care.


    "Alright, Malaka. Where do you want to go?"


    Malaka''s eyes brightened before saying.


    "To buy clothes with my Senior Sister. She and all the other sisters love to use cute clothes when they are not in duty, I want them too!"


    Amanda opened her eyes wide!


    "Malaka!"


    "Ah!"


    Only then did Malaka remember that the sisters in the faction told her to keep those things a secret. The female disciples of the Blue Orchid always acted cold and aloof in front of everyone''s eyes. That''s the image they had built so far. Obviously, others shouldn''t know about what they really liked to do when the rest of the sect wasn''t looking.


    "Sorry, Senior Sister."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/real-experience_48980238234871770 for visiting.


    Amanda could only sigh in the end. She then looked at Rean and Roan before saying with a cold voice.


    "You didn''t hear anything, understood? Otherwise, our deal is over."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "Don''t worry, we have no reason to go against the Blue Orchid Faction."


    As for Roan, he simply didn''t care to start with.


    Malaka apologized once more, and Amanda couldn''t help but give in. Even she had to admit that Malaka was simply too cute to get angry at.


    Malaka laughed once more before grabbing Amanda''s hand, rushing in the distance. Amanda felt helpless as she was dragged away.


    But before they bought anything, Amanda pulled Malaka into a hotel on the way. They got a room and quickly changed. When they came outside, their Sect Robes and Badge were gone, making it look like the two were only two common girls.


    Amanda considers the reputation of the Blue Orchid very important, so she couldn''t go out there buying clothes like a happy-go-girl with her faction clothes.


    Surprisingly, as soon as the two girls left their room, they found out that Rean and Roan had also changed their clothes. Amanda was planning to tell them to do so, but it seemed like they had the same idea. She nodded, satisfied, and they quickly left the hotel. Rean and Roan simply followed after that. At the same time, Roan and Rean talked through their Soul Connection.


    ''Can you feel it?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''She is acting as lively as always. However, I can tell that she is forcing it. It seems like something happened during her mission.''


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    ''I have an idea about what happened, and I believe you do too. Still, I''m not good at these things, so you go and ask Malaka when an opportunity appears.''


    Rean looked at Roan and nodded. Roan might be cold, but he wasn''t really emotionless, especially when Malaka was involved. He did train her for several years after all. Although he probably wouldn''t admit it, Malaka did have a special place in his heart. Of course, that was the same for Rean.


    Rean, of course, ended paying for Malaka''s things on their way. Well, it was just clothes, so he could be thousands of it and still have spirit stones remaining. In fact, Malaka could pay for such simple things on her own already. After all, she also got paid after she finished her first mission.


    Time passed as they went everywhere. Obviously, they did more than just buy clothes for her. At some point, they went into a restaurant to eat something. Rean asked for a private room as well where they could eat in peace.


    Once inside, their group quickly chose what to eat. From the looks of it, Amanda would really tag along until the end of the day. Rean then shook his head and gave up waiting for Amanda to leave.


    He then got up and went to Malaka''s side. Malaka, of course, was puzzled by his actions, Amanda even more so. Suddenly, he pushed her to his side and began to pat her head more gently than usual. He seemed to act a lot more intimate than the other times Amanda had seen.


    Amanda couldn''t help but ask with an unhappy face.


    "What you doing to our faction''s little sister?"


    However, Rean completely ignored her and looked at Malaka with a serious expression.


    "There is no need to hide it. Tell your big brother why you are sad. Did something happen?"


    Malaka was taken aback by that.


    "I..."


    Rean continued.


    "Don''t lie. You might be able to deceive others, but do you really think you can hide it from Roan and me? How many years have you spent with us? We are your big brothers, you know?"


    Malaka looked at Rean and then Roan, who nodded at her. Obviously, he also agreed with Rean.


    Her expression then changed between her happy face and a teary one a few times. But in the end, tears began to fall uncontrollably. She hugged Rean tightly as she poured her emotions out.


    Rean and Roan''s eyes darkened as they glanced at Amanda.


    Amanda, obviously, didn''t know what to say either. She had spent quite some time with Malaka and Oka after they joined their faction. She even went out with these two during their first mission outside the sect as a protector. It''s just that she stayed in the shadows without Malaka knowing. Still, she had never seen Malaka like this.


    "This... Malaka, what happened?"


    Malaka continued to cry while leaving pieces of information here and there.


    "He attacked... sniff... Oka. I didn''t... sniff, sniff... choice... sniff... Oka was going to... sniff...


    Even though she didn''t speak accurately, Rean and Roan immediately understood. In the end, they only sighed.


    "As we though..."

 Chapter 174 - First Time

    Roan then turned to Amanda and asked through a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''What was the content of the mission?''


    Amanda was taken aback by Roan''s question. Still, she answered nonetheless. She also used a Spiritual Sense message to answer Roan, so Malaka didn''t know they were talking.


    ''It was to acquire a Verdant Spring Herb in the Millikan Valey...''


    Amanda then recounted what happened during that time. Amanda just acted as the two little girls protector for their first mission out. However, she didn''t show herself and followed them in the shadows. With her Peak Foundation Establishment cultivation, there was no way for Malaka and Oka to feel her presence. After all, it would be meaningless if she did it herself. This kind of mission is far below her level.


    Malaka and Oka looked for the herb for several days. Finally, they found one. However, it turned out that they had company. Millikan Valley was located in the country''s border, so the disciples of another sect of the neighboring country were also there looking for it.


    This is the cultivation world, and the Verdant Spring Herb was precious for those at the Energy Gathering Realm like Malaka and Oka. Of course, it was very important for the enemies as well. What else could have happened? A battle immediately broke out after that. Amanda watched from the sides, not showing herself. In her eyes, this was an excellent opportunity to hone Malaka and Oka''s wills.


    Both sides were close in strength. Although Malaka was much stronger with her Death Staff Style, the enemy had three members instead of two. In the end, Oka committed a mistake, which would cost her life. Malaka couldn''t simply let that happened, so she immediately attacked with all her might. However, Malaka never killed anyone. When she fought other humans, she couldn''t really bring her full strength out, afraid that she might kill them. But at that moment, that limit was broken due to the desperate situation.


    Malaka knew that she wouldn''t have time to hold back. If she didn''t use her full strength, Oka wouldn''t survive. Of course, Amanda was nearby and ready to jump in if that really was about to happen. She could still intervene in the last second with her much higher speed and cultivation, but Malaka didn''t know that.


    In the end, Malaka killed the guy who was about to kill Oka by smashing his head.


    One must remember that Malaka was using Rean''s Low-Level Spiritual Staff. A full-power head-on hit definitely couldn''t be resisted by a simple Energy Gathering Realm guy if he didn''t defend with something else. Not to mention that that staff was made of metal as well. Rean made an alloy that would bend to a certain point, which was perfect for Roan''s Death Staff Style.


    The other two enemies were enraged by what Malaka did and immediately pounced at her ferociously. However, Malaka was in a state of turmoil at that point, so she didn''t hold back either. In the end, she killed another one of the guys. The last one understood that he wouldn''t be Malaka''s match alone, so he immediately fled. Malaka also didn''t follow him and helped Oka with her injuries instead.


    Amanda wasn''t as naive. To prevent the rising of problems, she killed that last disciple before he could get away without Malaka and Oka noticing.


    After that, she followed Malaka and Oka back to the sect without showing her presence. On their way back, Amanda did notice that Malaka didn''t seem happy. But that only lasted two or three days. After that, she came back to her usual self. Not only that, but Malaka was the one to comfort Oka all the time after what happened.


    Malaka didn''t show any sign of emotional unbalance after what happened. That made Amanda believe that Malaka had killed others in the past, so she didn''t talk about it either. Amanda knew that Malaka came from a tribe far away, and it was customary for wars and killing to happen in such places. Malaka''s behavior in the following days only reinforced that notion.


    Of course, the two waterfalls coming from Malaka''s eyes proved that she was utterly wrong. Malaka was only putting a strong front while she was, in fact, deeply affected.


    Roan then sighed. However, he wasn''t sad about it. This is the cultivation world. There is no such thing as a real friendly competition. Sooner or later, Malaka would have to kill something. It was bound to happen. Otherwise, she would be the one to die instead. He was quite please by Amanda''s decision since he would have done the same thing.


    Malaka continued like that for quite some time. Rean had to even pay for the room once more so that they didn''t need to leave. Finally, the weeping ended, and Malaka slowly got away from Rean with her red eyes.


    *Pah!*


    As soon as she did that, Roan gave her a slap on the back of her head, though. Malaka, of course, was taken aback by that. She then looked at Roan with a wronged expression.


    "What? If you don''t like it, you can try to hit me back."


    Malaka sulked while saying.


    "I want to, but you are too strong."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/first-time_48980487628182191 for visiting.


    Roan agrered with her.


    "Exactly. I''m stronger, so I can do it. That time when you killed those guys, you were stronger, so you could kill them. I know you very well. You would never kill them if you had a choice. However, they wanted to kill you first, and they paid the price for it. Or could it be that you preferred to let Oka die instead?"


    Malaka immediately shook her head vigorously.


    "No!"


    Roan nodded.


    "Good! There is no need to feel sad for them. You did the right thing. I trained you so that you could protect yourself, didn''t I?"


    He then put his hand on her shoulder before saying.


    "I''m proud of you. Remember, Rean, and I, won''t stay by your side forever. This was only the first time you had to deal with things by yourself, and it definitely will happen again. When that time comes, I want you to not hold back."


    Malaka was surprised by what Roan said. It was the first time she heard him saying that he was proud of her. After that, her expression couldn''t help but brighten. Receiving Roan''s commendation was as hard as ascending to the heavens.


    "Say it again!"


    "Say what?"


    "That you are proud of me."


    Roan snorted and returned to his seat while saying.


    "In your dreams."


    Malaka''s excited expression quickly disappeared after that. Obviously, she immediately began to complain and nag at him.


    "Keep talking, and we will return to the sect to do fighting lessons. Let me see, three days straight should be good enough to shut you up."


    Malaka immediately closed her mouth after hearing that.


    As for Rean, he laughed out loud after seeing all of that. He then patted Malak''s head once more before saying.


    "Don''t worry, your big brother Rean will protect you. But just for today, after that, you need to put your efforts into training again, just like your big sister Amanda."


    Amanda was taken aback after hearing her name being mentioned.


    "Cough, cough... your brothers are right."


    She then got up and grabbed Malaka''s hand.


    "But that can wait. We still have an entire day to play, so your big sister will be the one to show the fun places now."


    Malaka''s eyes brightened, and she quickly got up as well.


    "Great! Rean, Roan, let''s go together!"


    Roan immediately shook his head, though.


    "I''m going back to the sect. I have a lot of things to do. If you need anything, let me know later."


    Amanda was just about to stop Roan to ask about the Death Sword Style when suddenly, a book came flying in her direction.


    "You already told me the things you were in doubt on our way here. I can also guess the other parts where you will probably get stuck. Just follow the instructions I put in there. It should be able to clarify most of your and your sisters'' doubts."


    He then turned around and began making his way to where they left the flying demon beasts.


    Rean did the same thing.


    "Me too. I only asked for a few hours free, but I need to return. I''m on sect duty at the moment. Amanda, I hope you can bring her back later."


    Malaka got sad again, but Rean quickly patted her head once more.


    "Don''t worry, there will be plenty of time for us to play again in the future."


    Malaka nodded.


    "Okay."


    Rean then turned around and quickly caught up to Roan in the distance.


    Amanda saw those two running away and then at Malaka, who followed the twins with her eyes. Deep down, Amanda couldn''t help but feel a little jealous of their relationship. As if she wanted to have big brothers like those two too.


    However, she immediately shook her head.


    "What I''m thinking?! A proud member of the Blue Orchid Faction like me doesn''t need any man''s help!"


    Although she said that, her voice''s resolution wasn''t as strong as it would usually be.


    Malaka, of course, got confused.


    "What you talking about, Senior Sister?"


    "Ah!"


    Only now did Amanda notice that she said that aloud.


    "Cough, cough... It''s nothing. So, shall we go? We still have half a day free."


    Malaka''s eyes shinned again.


    "Great!"


    Just like that, the two girls disappeared in the middle of the crowd.

 Chapter 175 - Old Worms Concoction

    Back in the Dalamu Sect, Roan began his practice with Alchemy. There are two ways to make pills in this world, Neutral and Elemental concoctions. The first one is obvious, Neutral Pills that one has no need to care about the user''s elemental affinity. The other is Elemental Pills. Each cultivation technique is based on the cultivator''s elemental affinity. As a cultivator''s realm improves, he gets more and more attached to that specific element. Obviously, elemental pills have to be compatible with them.


    Neutral pills are the most sold ones by alchemists all around. After all, they are easier to be made. However, their effects are not as good as the ones made for the specific elements.


    The problem is that pills made for a specific element usually needs many more materials compatible with it. As for neutral neutral pills, such a limitation is not applied. Of course, what Roan needed was not neutral pills, but elemental ones.


    Because Rean and Roan''s foundation are several times stronger than others at the same level, the pills'' levels have to be on pair with them. Neutral pills would work, but far from the best result. Unfortunately, there are no alchemists with the power of controlling the Light or Dark Elements. Because of that, none of them could create Light and Dark Elemental Pills. Thus, Roan had to learn how to do it himself.


    Roan was trying to concoct his first pill, a simple energy gathering one. That is one of the most basic types and used by a lot of Energy Gathering Realm disciples. This pills'' effectiveness drops the higher your realm becomes, though. For Rean and Roan, such a pill would have minimal effect at their cultivation level. Especially since their Spiritual Energy pool is so much bigger than those at the same level.


    Suddenly...


    *Puf...*


    The smell of burnt herbs began to spread in the alchemy room. Roan then lifted the lead of the cauldron, just to see a black liquid inside. All the Spiritual Energy of the herbs quickly disappeared after that too. Sure enough, he failed his first attempt.


    ''No wonder the system gave three months to reach Earth Low-Level Alchemist Rank. Controlling the Elements to enter the medicinal liquid is really hard. My Elemental Control is definitely much better than those at my level, but I''m still having difficulties grasping it. Now I know why I haven''t seen a single alchemist around my age. It simply takes too long before one can get used to it. Anyone else would probably need a few years. Talented ones no less than several months.''


    Roan pondered a bit and decided.


    ''I''m jumping steps here. I better start with a neutral Energy Gathering Pill first. Once I can concoct it with a good success rate, I can begin making Dark or Light Elemental ones.''


    Elemental Energy Gathering Pills'' materials change according to the Element one wants to create it. Roan had an idea about which herbs he could use to match his element, but he was still not ready for it. Thus, he simply switched to neutral pills that use basically the same herbs.


    However, he still failed several times in a roll in the next few days of trials.


    ''Weird... I''m following the instructions described in the alchemy books correctly. Why can''t I harmonize the properties of the herbs?''


    In the end, Roan could only leave the room and go back to the alchemy repository. As always, Old Worm was sat behind the counter reading his alchemy books. Soon, Old Worm noticed Roan''s presence and put his book down.


    "You came faster than expected. I thought you would keep trying for another week before coming to make your first questions."


    Roan was surprised to hear that.


    "Do you know why I came here?"


    Old Worm shrugged his shoulders.


    "What else could it be if not your constant fails to make your first pill?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes after hearing that.


    "Were you spying on me?"


    However, Old Worm just chuckled.


    "Do I need to spy on you for such an obvious outcome? Anyway, let''s not waste each others'' time. Say it, what do you want to ask?"


    Roan nodded.


    "I can''t harmonize the herbs'' properties even though I''m following the concoction process correctly. I tried several times, but I always get stuck at the same point."


    Old Worm was surprised to hear that.


    "You already reached the harmonization process? I thought you would fail in the medicinal extraction instead."


    Roan didn''t find the medicinal extraction that hard. Although he failed in his first tries, it only took him around a day to grasp its gist. That''s because the only difference between doing this in this world and his previous life was the fact that the herbs have spiritual energy. He simply merged both experiences and came up with his own way of extracting them.


    Old Worm then got up and began to make his way out of the Alchemy Repository.


    "Come, let me see what you are doing during your concoction process."


    Roan nodded and quickly followed Old Worm. He still doesn''t know why Old Worm is helping him, but he only had a month and a half to become an Earth Low-Level Alchemist. That being said, he won''t refuse anything that could help.


    The two quickly arrived at Old Worm''s hut and got inside. Neither side said anything. Roan simply began his concoction process as Old Worm paid close attention.


    Old Worm was quite surprised about Roan''s way of extracting the medicinal liquid. Roan showed a level of proficiency that was hard to imagine for a kid to do. Not to mention that he seemed to do it a little different than what was explained in the Alchemy Repository''s books. Still, it seemed to work pretty well for him, so Old Worm didn''t say anything.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/old-worm''s-concoction_49002979281401701 for visiting.


    The concoction continued, and around an hour later, the same burnt smell began to come out of the cauldron. Sure enough, Roan failed once again.


    "I see what is happening here. You are making a neutral pill, so you gave up any elemental attempt. However, even neutral pills aren''t entirely void of elemental properties. You need to use your own element fused with Spiritual Energy to subjugate those elements. Of course, you won''t add your own element since it wouldn''t be compatible with the herbs inside. Still, it is possible and a must to take care of the herbs'' own elemental properties."


    Old Worm stepped in front of the cauldron and began a new concoction process. Roan, of course, watched that closely. Soon, Roan got bewitched by Old Worm''s movement. From the extraction of medicinal herb, the fire''s control, the addition of the medicinal liquid, etc. Old Worm''s hands seemed to act like magic. Roan couldn''t help but recognize the enormous chasm between him and the old man''s skills.


    Old Worm ignored Roan''s surprise, though.


    "Can you see it? At the harmonization process, you can''t just follow the books. You need to use your own perception to take care of the herbs elemental properties."


    Roan observed Old Worm''s work.


    "I guess I understand the basics."


    Old Worm nodded.


    "Alright, try yourself."


    Just like that, Roan and Old Worm spent the rest of the day in the old hut.

 Chapter 176 - Rean Doesnt Want to Fall Behind

    Rean had been healing cultivators who came back from missions or got injured because of other reasons. The elder who took care of the building was very pleased too. After all, Rean''s Light Element control helped save a lot of pills and expenses. Rean didn''t mind either since it was his duty days, not to mention that he will get 300 sect points when it finishes in two weeks.


    In fact, Rean was quite happy with this chance. That''s because he had been thinking about his own control of Light Element and how to use it recently.


    Rean was inside a room, healing another disciple. However, he wasn''t simply sending Light Element inside that disciple''s body as always. Instead, he was controlling it in a different way to achieve another effect. If that disciple tried to run now, he would definitely be much faster due to the Light Element running through his body.


    There was a big difference, though. This disciple wasn''t Rean or Roan, so he couldn''t use it as well as them. Still, Rean didn''t care. That was only a test to see if he could use his Light Element to improve the body''s strength of other people other than him and Roan. Of course, being able to increase someone else other than him and Roan''s strength was very good too. Nevertheless, the real meaning of these tests was utterly different.


    However, this is only something that Rean was working on the side. After all, Rean and Roan can directly use the Light Element.


    Rean then quickly finished healing that disciple before asking.


    "Try to move now, see if there is any pain."


    The disciple was surprised to hear it as he looked at his injury. Sure enough, not even a scar was left behind. The disciples quickly got up and began to run around. He couldn''t help but feel shocked after that. For the next ten or so seconds, his body strength increased a lot. Of course, the Light Element effect quickly ran out, and he returned to his normal condition.


    "What was that? Not only my injure is gone, I felt like I was so much stronger for a few moments, but then it disappeared."


    Rean smiled before saying.


    "It''s just a side effect of my Light Element. Since I''m not injecting any Light Element in your body anymore, the effects quickly disappeared. Anyway, you are fine now, so you can go."


    The disciples felt a little sad that the increase in his strength wasn''t permanent. Still, he bowed to thank Rean and left right after.


    Rean then looked at his hand and acc.u.mulated Light Element on it.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/rean-doesn''t-want-to-fall-behind_49031368495121576 for visiting.


    ''There has always been a massive issue with my Light Element manipulation. So far, Roan and I couldn''t use it in more than a single part of our bodies at the same time unless we wanted to milder effect. Not only that, but as soon as we stopped using Light Element, our body would revert back to their normal condition. Obviously, we always had to keep using Light Element our bodies without stop during battles.''


    Suddenly, the Light Element on Rean''s hand fluctuated a little and spread around his entire body. After that, it began to disappear little by little. However, the impressive thing was that Rean was not using his Spiritual Energy to keep the Light Element there anymore. The remaining Light Element on his body stayed there on its own, and only after a minute did it disappear completely.


    ''It''s still far from perfect. It only stayed in my body because I kept still doing nothing. If I moved and executed attacks that needed fast and strong movements, it would have disappeared in less than half of a minute. However, now I can make my entire body receive the benefit of my Light Element instead of only a single part like my legs or arms.''


    Rean was able to do this in the past as well. However, to improve the whole body condition, the overall strength had to be equally shared. That being said, he would be slower than when he focused the Light Element only on his leg. Or his attack power with his sword would be weaker than when he used Light Element on his arms alone.


    ''So far, Roan and I have been controlling the Light Element to be used in the right places at the right moment. I also taught Roan how to do that so that he wouldn''t lag too much behind in Light Element manipulation during battles. However, such a fighting style was bound to show openings sooner or later.''


    Rean wanted to increase the whole body''s strength with his Light Element to the best result possible, not only specific parts at the right times. However, there was a huge problem.


    ''Light Element wastage. The Light Element infused in our bodies constantly escaped everywhere. That''s why we couldn''t make a full-body improvement without losing power and had to do that at specific parts. However...''


    Rean looked at the place where the disciple from a moment ago ran around and smiled.


    ''I finally succeed in locking the Light Element inside the body. Of course, there is still a lot of waste. However, it won''t be long before my entire body can be strengthed to the max during battles without selecting specific parts. Still, I''m quite impressed that I was able to develop these skills.''


    Rean then took a deep breath. However, one could easily see the excitement in his eyes. As mentioned a moment ago, Rean and Roan had to keep the flux of Light Energy running at all times. If they stopped, the effects would disappear immediately. Because of that, other people simply couldn''t use his Light Element improvement since they couldn''t provide more of it. The moment Rean stopped touching them, the effects would disappear straight away.


    However, now that his new skill can stop the Light Element from dissipating straight away, his Light Element body strengthening can also be used in others! Not only was it of paramount importance for the twins during battles, but it would also be extremely useful for possible group battles in the future.


    Rean smiled and exited his room. Soon, he returned with another disciple. This one had got himself injured in the arena while training with a friend. Rean quickly started to heal his injuries, and at the same time, he practiced his new skill.


    "Hmph! Who said that only the ice block knows how to create skills? Since I''m not good at offensive ones, I might as well try another field."


    Somewhere else, inside of an old hut...


    *Achoo!*


    Right after...


    *Puf!*


    Roan''s concoction failed once more. His expression darkened as he looked at that. He was doing very well until, out of nowhere, he felt an intense urge to sneeze.


    "F.u.c.k!"


    Back on Rean''s side, he continued to practice during the entire duration of his sect duties. He ended becoming quite famous during this time. That''s because he stayed in there, treating others for far longer than he was obligated every day. The elder who took care of the healers, of course, was delighted with him. In the end, he even decided to give Rean a bonus in Sect Points due to all the work and resources he saved for them.

 Chapter 177 - New Ability

    It has been almost three months since Roan began to study alchemy. Three weeks earlier, Roan finally concocted his first Energy Gathering Pill. However, that was not enough for someone to become an Earth Low-Level Alchemist. Neutral pills are always easier, so the alchemist guild couldn''t take those as a sign of ability unless they were hard pills to start with.


    As one can imagine, a simple Energy Gathering Pill was simply too far from being considered hard in the alchemists'' eyes. However, if the alchemist makes an Elemental Type Energy Gathering Pill, the story will be totally different. Elemental Pills don''t just give better results. They are also much harder to concoct.


    After all, the material used is different. They need to be compatible with the element that the pill is being made for. Roan is trying to make a Dark Element Energy Gathering Pill, which is even harder. One must remember that there are no other Dark Element cultivators anywhere. Obviously, there are no records of how to create such pills and which herbs to use.


    Fortunately, Roan had Old Worm''s help during all this time. Old Worm''s knowledge was really vast, and he helped Roan think about the possible combinations necessary for that pill. Roan had thought about it before when he first tried to create a pill, but it turned out that Old Worm''s ideas were much better.


    Today, Old Worm was overseeing his practice once more.


    "Good, keep that flux of Dark Element. In the end, the hardest part of creating a pill of your element is the decaying effect of it. It''s the only element that I know that has such a strong power against the life force. Herbs are alive, so I can imagine how hard it is to create a pill with their medicinal liquids and your element without destroying everything."


    Roan, who was in the middle of concocting, nodded his head.


    "But that is good. I found out that any herb''s unwanted properties can be easily eliminated with my Dark Energy. That''s why you are so interested in me, right? After all, such an elemental power is both a blessing and a curse. However, as long as I can deal with the curse, my blessing will make my concoction several times easier than others."


    Old Worm faintly smiled.


    "I won''t deny that. Too bad that you can only make Dark Element pills and maybe Light Element ones. Anyway, pay attention. You are almost there."


    Roan nodded. Old Worm was right. As long as Roan can prevent the decaying effect from destroying the medicinal properties, his alchemy life will be much easier. One of the hardest parts of a concoction is to eliminate the impurities during it. Turns out that Roan''s Dark Element can achieve this effect much easier than any other element!


    But then again, that same effect was preventing him from going further. It was then that Roan had an idea. He heard from Rean how he used his Dark Element to destroy the Umbral Energy from the Crane''s internal injury. At the same time, Rean''s Light Element protected the Crane''s organs.


    Since that was the case, Roan decided to use Rean''s Light Element to protect his herbs while destroying whatever impurity or undesired component with his Dark one. At the moment, Roan''s hair was a mix of black and white, which showed that he was exchanging elements with Rean through their Soul Connection.


    Ever since he started to use this method, his concoction skills improved by leaps and bounds day after day. Today, he was trying to finally finish his first Dark Element Energy Gathering Pill.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/new-ability_49033413688092105 for visiting.


    "Good, you passed the harmonization process. Now, use your Spiritual Energy to form the pills. As long as you succeed in this process, you will be considered an Earth Low-Level Alchemist."


    Roan took a deep breath and controlled his Spiritual Energy carefully. It was the first time he passed the harmonization process, so he knew he was close. However, forming the pill was also a challenging process. After all, you had to compact all the medicinal power into a single point. Chances are that he would destroy it before being able to form the pills. There was nothing wrong with that, though. All alchemists had to pass through the same arduous path every time they make a pill. Even if Roan fails now, Old Worm is sure that he will succeed very soon.


    However, Roan wasn''t willing to wait. He only had three more days to become an Earth Low-Level Alchemist, so he couldn''t afford to waste time. That being said, Roan was putting his all during the pill formation.


    "Gather!"


    The medicinal liquid was gathered into three single points. After that, Roan decreased the fire intensity slowly, making sure to keep the medicinal liquid together. Little by little, the Pills began to take form. Roan could see with his Spiritual Sense that the outer layer was already completed. He was only waiting for the rest of the liquid inside to solidify as well.


    However, Roan began to lose control at that point. The pills'' inner layers'' pressure increased as time passed, trying to break the outer layers.


    Suddenly...


    *Crack! Shatter!*


    The first pill broke. Roan narrowed his eyes but continued to concentrate on the other two pills.


    *Crack! Shatter!*


    Just like that, the second one was gone too. Old Worm looked at that and smiled. This was unavoidable, a process that you will pass through with all the other pills you will make in your life. He didn''t find anything wrong with Roan failing the first two.


    Roan, on the other hand, relaxed a bit after the first two were lost. That''s because he could keep his full attention in the last one.


    Sure enough, his work became a lot easier after that. In the end, the last pill finished solidifying. Roan''s cauldron''s lead opened with a boom of spiritual energy, and a Pill shot out. Roan''s eyes lit up, and he immediately caught it before the pill fell on the ground.


    Roan then looked at his first Dark Element Energy Gathering Pill and let out a sigh of relief. As far as he could see, it seemed like the pill held his Dark Element as expected. The pill was dark to the point that it looked like to be burnt, but he knew that it was because of his Dark Element instead. However, the pill wasn''t completely dark. It was also possible to see a few lines of white color on it.


    Roan didn''t need to think much to know that it was due to Rean''s Light Element. It was also thanks to it that the pill''s medicinal properties were not destroyed by his Dark Element.


    In the end, he looked at Old Worm and threw the pill at him.


    Old Worm smiled and caught the pill. Right after, he sent both his Spiritual Sense and Energy inside, checking everything from top to bottom. A few minutes later, he nodded.


    "Congratulations. It''s really an Elemental Energy Gathering Pill of the Dark Element."


    *Pin!*


    [Congratulations to the hosts.]


    [Host Roan has become an Earth Low-Level Alchemist.]


    [Destiny Points Reward: 300]


    [Authority Level Increased by Two.]


    [Title Acquired: Destiny Strugglers.]


    [A new ability has been unlocked for the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.]


    Rean and Roan received the message at the same time. Obviously, the last part caught their attention more than anything else.


    "New ability?"

 Chapter 178 - Announcement

    Rean and Roan weren''t expecting it, but it was good news nonetheless.


    Old Worm noticed that Roan wasn''t paying attention to him, though.


    "Are you okay?"


    Roan came back to himself before looking at Old Worm.


    "I''m fine. So I can be considered an Earth Low-Level alchemist now, yea?"


    Old Worm nodded.


    "Correct. I''ll pass your results to the Alchemist Guild. You will get your badge done by the end end of the day. By the way, what are you going to do now?"


    Roan pondered a bit.


    "I''m going back to rest a little. Tomorrow I''ll be back to practice alchemy again. I need to learn how to make Foundation Estabilizing Pills for my cultivation, so I''ll bother you in the repository again if I get any doubts."


    Old Worm faintly smiled and began to make his way out.


    "As long as you keep practicing alchemy, that''s good enough."


    Roan then slightly bowed to Old Worm to thank him and left as well. After that, he went straight back to his room. However, Rean still had a few more duty hours before coming back, though. Rean already finished his obligatory duty days there, but he insisted on continuing it. Since he wouldn''t have to do any other duty anytime soon, the elder supervising the place allowed him to continue happily.


    Roan decided to wait for Rean to come back when suddenly, the sound of a bell began to echo in the entire sect. Obviously, something important happened.


    Roan exited his room and asked an older disciple on his way out.


    "What was this bell about?"


    The disciple was in a hurry to leave, though.


    "Since you don''t know, come with me. I''ll explain on the way."


    Roan was puzzled by that but followed the guy nonetheless.


    "This bell only appears when the Sect Master has an announcement to make. Everyone who is free has to gather in the main field to hear what she has to say. Even those on Duty or in closed cultivation would try to come out to see what is happening. After all, the sect master only calls everyone out when something important happened."


    Roan nodded and kept following that disciple. Soon, he saw several more disciples coming out from their rooms and running in the same direction as him. Sure enough, the entire sect wanted to see what was happening. On the way, Roan encountered with Rean. Of course, it wasn''t a coincidence. The two of them arranged it through their soul connection.


    "What do you think it is about?"


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    "There are only two possibilities, but I believe you already know both of them."


    Roan couldn''t help but nod. He already had an idea about what it is.


    Outer, Inner, and Core disciples and elders gathered in the field one after another. The field for this kind of announcement was enormous, so it could hold several tens of thousands of disciples. That was to be expected since the sect really did have this amount living inside.


    In the distance, everyone could see the elders in the privileged areas for them. The further ahead it was, the higher their position in the sect. Finally, there was the Sect Master and the core elders on her sides.


    The gathering only took ten or so minutes. That shows how important the bell sound was for the sect disciples.


    Mia Orzute, the Sect Master, then came forward on the stage. She gathered Spiritual Energy on her throat so that her voice could be augmented too.


    "The sect has three things to announce today. First, thanks to elder Hulian''s efforts, the sect has discovered a new way of communication. We will be implementing this communication system between all the cities in our territory in the next few months. Several missions for the disciples will be issues to finish building this as fast as possible, and there will be good rewards for it."


    Mia continued.


    "Second, as the majority here knows, the Jialin Country is part of the Sasamil Empire. Our elders went to the capital of the empire and presented this new system to the imperial family. Thanks to that, our sect will be highly rewarded for its service to the empire. It''s not a secret that our Jialin country is a small one at the empire''s border. That being said, I believe you understand how incredible it is for the Imperial Family to reward us. In the future, expect the conditions of our sect to improve significantly. This will be a new era for our Dalamu Sect."


    "Third, Inna Malaka, step forward."


    Rean and Roan immediately paid attention to the petite figure walking up the stage. As she went up, she tripped quite a few times as her legs trembled. Rean couldn''t help but laugh out loud at that scene. It was apparent how nervous Malaka was feeling at the moment. Even Roan showed a faint but sincere smile on his frozen face.


    "Hurry up!"


    "Y-Yes, Sect Master!"


    Malaka then ran forward and quickly stopped beside Mia. The poor girl was sweating rivers in the presence of such a powerful person. Malaka heard from her senior sisters several times how strong the sect master probably was. That she could kill their Faction Leader, Elder Zaia, with just a finger. That and several other stories were told inside between the sisters. Malaka learned that she should never disrespect the Sect Master, least she gets killed on the spot.


    "Pa-Paying respects to Sect Master."


    In fact, Malaka didn''t know what was happening. At some point, Elder Zaia came forward and brought her to the side of the stage. Then she simply said to wait for when the Sect Master called her up. As one can expect, Malaka was as lost as she could be.


    Mia looked at the girl in front of her with a cold expression and simply nodded slightly.


    "Inna Malaka, from today onwards, you are my direct disciple. Kneel down and accept me as your master."


    Instantly, the entire sect went in an uproar! Mia had never taken a disciple before, so everyone was shocked after hearing the news.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/announcement_49055926296046658 for visiting.


    Malaka froze at that moment. She, too, never expected that she would hear such a thing. However...


    "Bu-but... M-My big brothers had always been the ones teaching me. I-I don''t know if they will be happy if I become your disciple. I-I can''t accept it."


    Everyone''s eyes opened wide! That was the Dalamu Sect Sect Master! Was there even a need to compare which one would be better for her future? Who would ever be reluctant in front of such a great fortune? If it was anyone else, they would probably even disregard their own parents for the opportunity!


    Rean and Roan, obviously, were just as stunned. Roan wanted to knock her head for thinking about such an idiot reason to hesitate. Rean felt like Malaka didn''t really know how to measure the pros and cons of life.


    However, it would be a lie if they said they weren''t at least a little happy that she considered their feelings more important than the sect master''s offer.


    Surprisingly, Mia Orzute smiled after hearing that. She didn''t have much of an impression of Malaka. Mia was only taking Malaka as a direct disciple because of the favor she owed to Rean. But now, she had to admit that she was quite pleased by Malaka''s reaction. She then sent Malaka a Divine Sense message.


    ''Don''t worry, child. I already asked for their permission. If you don''t believe me, turn around and look over there.''


    "Ah!"


    Malaka was taken aback and quickly looked in the direction that the Sect Master pointed. There, she found Rean and Roan, looking back at her. The twins also received a Divine Sense message from Mia at the same time as Malaka, so they understood what that meant. When Malaka looked at them, they nodded at her expressing their approval. Only then did Malaka stop to hesitate. She quickly kneeled in front of Mia before saying.


    "Inna Malaka pays respect to Master."


    Mia nodded, satisfied.


    "Very good."


    Then, she returned her attention back to the rest of the disciples and elders and said.


    "This concludes the three announcements I had to make today. More details about the new communication system construction will be released in the next few days. Everyone is dismissed."


    The Sect Master left with Malaka right after. But at the same time, she sent a Divine Sense Message to Rean and Roan.


    "Come see me at the peak. Hulian will bring you there."

 Chapter 179 - Reasons

    Rean and Roan went to see elder Hulian right after the announcement. As soon as Hulian saw them, he immediately brought them up to the mountain. There, they entered the main building and made their way to the Sect Master''s office. Finally, Hulian left those two in front of the door and left straight away.


    Rean then knocked on the door.


    "Enter."


    The twins opened the door and saw Mia working on a few doc.u.ments. Surprisingly, Elder Tiria was there as well. Mia continued to write on the papers for a few more minutes before she put everything down and looked at the twins.


    "Do you know about the Shadow Reapers?"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and then back at Mia.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/reasons_49060195241883800 for visiting.


    "We never heard about them."


    Mia nodded, already expecting this answer.


    "During the last time you left for your mission, Tiria followed you two. The reason was that my Master detected that someone was spying on you. After that, I had Tiria follow you two on your journey. Sure enough, she found and killed one of them on the way."


    Obviously, Rean and Roan were taken aback.


    "Why were they following us?"


    Mia shook her head.


    "No idea. I called you over so that I could try to figure it out. However, after that guy was caught, we didn''t detect the presence of any other member of this organization anymore."


    Roan pondered a bit and asked.


    "Then, what are those Shadow Reapers? From what you are telling me, it seems like they are some kind of assassin organization."


    Tiria was the one to answer this time.


    "You are correct. The Shadow Reapers are indeed an assassin organization. This group only moves for money, which means that someone put a bounty on your heads. However, the fact that we didn''t detect anyone after we killed the first assassin is strange. Once they take a job, they would keep trying until they succeed. Even if they can''t enter our sect, sure there would be someone observing you. However, so far, we didn''t find anyone like that."


    Roan then asked a few questions.


    "What was the cultivation level of the guy you killed?"


    "Core and Soul Fusion Realm."


    "Did you battle, causing some damage and catching the attention of others?"


    "No."


    "Did you leave any clues behind after he died?"


    "No."


    Roan nodded.


    "I don''t think there is anything strange about it. The first one to come was a Core and Soul Fusion Realm expert. However, he died without being able to get even close to complete the mission. It''s true that they would keep trying, but that is only in case the money is worth it. You said it, they move for money. That means when the first one died that easy, the mission turned into something much more difficult. That also means that the initial payment was not worth the risks anymore."


    "Think with me. That guy died so easily that no clue was left behind. Could another Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator have done it? Not likely. The guy was an assassin, so he knows how to protect himself against assassinations. That means someone much stronger than him that he couldn''t detect with his Spiritual Sense instantly killed him. Simply put, the organization behind him should be at least 90% sure that a Nascent Soul cultivator was involved."


    "That being said, they would not move anymore unless a higher price is offered. That is also considering that they have someone stronger enough to deal with both the target and a possible Nascent Soul protector.


    There is only one possibility here at the moment. The client is not willing to pay for the extra costs of having us killed."


    "Of course, there are other possibilities. They might be biding their time and waiting for when we come out. There might be spies in the sect that are keeping an eye on us. Or perhaps they don''t have or don''t want to risk sending anyone stronger. However, I believe these other possibilities are very improbable."


    Tiria couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why is that?"


    Roan then explained.


    "The answer is related to you two. You seem to consider those Shadow Reapers very dangerous. That means they definitely have some people capable of completing the job. Since they didn''t send anyone, it means the client simply can''t or don''t want to pay for higher service. Or perhaps the client himself decided to try it. Last but not least, the client might have given up."


    Mia and Tiria looked at Roan with weird expressions.


    "Are you really a kid?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes after hearing that.


    "Why does everyone ask this same question so many times? Is it really that unbelievable that I have a brain?"


    Mia sighed and shook her head.


    "Forget it. Do you have any idea why someone would want you dead?"


    Rean answered that question with another one.


    "It depends. How much would it cost to have us killed?"


    Tiria pondered a bit and answered.


    "Considering your cultivation and background, I would say something around ten thousand Rank Two Spirit Stones. After all, it was supposed to be an easy job."


    Rean shook his head.


    "That''s a lot of Spirit Stones. I can''t think about a reason to employ an assassin by such value. I do have my steelwork going around, and it is definitely worth more than ten thousand. However, even if Roan and I die, the metal wouldn''t disappear."


    Mia knew about Rean''s business. After all, she had been keeping an eye on the twins ever since they arrived at the sect. Rean and Roan also considered this possibility.


    Roan then shrugged his shoulders.


    "Well, then we are doing or did something that made some rich guy very angry. But what could it be?"


    It was at this moment that Rean looked at Tiria.


    "Umbral Energy!"


    Tiria nodded her head.


    "You and Roan left our Dalamu Sect to do your mission after you healed the Umbral Energy assaulting my body. Suppose the Umbral Sect found about your ability somehow. In that case, it is definitely possible that they paid to get you killed."


    Mia heard from Tiria about Rean''s capability of healing Umbral Energy before.


    "That makes sense. Also, if it wasn''t too difficult, they wouldn''t do it themselves. After all, the tension between our sects after that last battle is quite high. If we found out that they killed more of our disciples, then a war might have started between us. However, if they employ the Shadow Reapers, there would be no clue left behind."


    Roan immediately found an issue in this theory.


    "There is a problem. If it is really the Umbral Sect, I don''t think they lack Spirit Stones to pay for a better assassin to get rid of us, right?"


    Mia shook her head.


    "It''s not that they don''t have it. It''s just that they are too proud to pay so much just to have two Foundation Establishment Kids killed. I know their Sect master personality. He definitely wouldn''t spend more than it. Chances are that he didn''t even want to pay for it in the first place, but his elders changed his mind. However, now that they failed and the price increased, their Sect Master definitely won''t pay for it again. Which means..."


    Rean and Roan understood what Mia meant.


    "They are coming for us by themselves."

 Chapter 180 - Yin Yang Essence

    Still, there was one thing that Rean didn''t understand.


    "How exactly did they find that I had something to do with the Umbral Energy thing?"


    Tiria pondered a bit, and an idea popped into her mind.


    "Now that Nana is healed, elder Javiu let her free to fly around. Nana is a quasi Stage Five Demon Beast, so the sect''s territory is too small for her. When she goes, she travels several thousand kilometers before she comes back again."


    Rean understood where Tiria was coming from.


    "I see. Nana had also been hit by the Umbral Energy attacks. Also, the pills necessary to heal such a severe Umbral Energy Injury was too expensive. It wasn''t worth it using it on Nana, a Demon Beast. That being said, Nana shouldn''t be flying around anytime soon. I''m sure our sect has a few eyes on the other sects. In the same way, the other sects have eyes on us."


    "A Stage Four Snow Crane that should be lying on her nest without being able to fly was now as lively as ever. Obviously, the Umbral Sect would notice it if we let her out, which we did. If the Umbral Sect wasn''t made of idiots, they would reach the conclusion that we healed the Umbral Energy somehow. However, they know their Umbral Energy very well and how expensive it is to heal with pills. They didn''t believe we paid so much to put Nana back on her feet."


    "After that, they only had to investigate what happened in the Beast Taming Faction. After matching the fact that I was on duty there, that I have my Light Element power, and that the Crane was healed around the same time, they reached the conclusion that I was somehow involved in it."


    Roan agreed with Rean in that conjecture.


    "Rean is most likely right. Now we know the underlying cause. The question is, what will we do now? Rean and I can''t simply stay inside the sect for the rest of our lives. Our cultivation would definitely stagnate like that."


    Mia didn''t seem very concerned about it, though.


    "That isn''t too hard to resolve. People just don''t need to know that you two left. If you decide to take a mission, talk with Hulian. I''ll have him fetch the mission in secret for you two. After that, you just need to leave the sect without anyone noticing. Our sect has several different exits that no one knows about. You can simply use it to both come and go. I can guarantee that as long as you don''t reveal yourselves on purpose, others won''t know about it."


    Rean and Roan nodded, satisfied.


    "That''s good then."


    Mia then smiled coldly.


    "However, we can''t possibly lose this chance to give those idiots a lesson, now can we? We have the ultimate baits on our side at the moment, so we should use them. It will also make them think twice before put more people after your two."


    Roan couldn''t help but look at the sect master with a new light. If Mia hadn''t offered it herself, he would definitely have brought this option to the table. However, he was satisfied that she also thought the same thing.


    "Alright, next time you decide to go out on a mission, make sure to tell Hulian in advance. He will inform us right after. You two are dismissed."


    The twins nodded before turning around to leave. However, just as they were about to go through the door, Mia said a few more words.


    "Oh, right. Malaka, that girl, she''s quite good."


    Rean and Roan didn''t stop for even a second, nor did they turn around. They simply kept moving forward while saying.


    "We know."


    After they left, Tiria looked back at the Sect Master.


    "Sorry, Sect Master. I should have thought about Nana''s issue. If I didn''t let her free to fly around, no one would have noticed Rean''s Light Element ability."


    Mia shook his head.


    "It''s okay. Fortunately, Rean is a Light Element user. That is something we probably won''t see again in our lives. That''s also why the Umbral Sect isn''t being too bold. It''s only one Rean, there is no other, nor there will be. Besides, I''m looking forward to the bait plan."


    Tiria was taken aback.


    "Is Sect Master coming too?"


    Mia nodded.


    "If I kill a few people that shouldn''t have been around, no one will have anything to say, right?"


    Mia then got up.


    "Call Malaka over. I have a few things to teach her now that I''m her Master."


    Tiria nodded, and the two girls left the room right after.


    Rean and Roan made their way back to their room after that.


    "What do you think?"


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "It seems like we are fine now. The worst problem would be an enemy in the shadows. As long as we know who they are, we have the advantage. Anyway, we can bother about this next time we go on a mission. For now, let''s enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and check what happened inside."


    Rean nodded, and the twins focused. Right after, the two of them disappeared from their rooms.


    As soon as they entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, they noticed a big difference.


    "This..."


    [Oh! You are here! What do you think?]


    Rean and Roan mouths twitched. Right in front of them, there was a building. However, what really caught their attention was the words on the entrance board.


    -Bathhouse.-


    "Sister Orb, was the upgrade related to this... thing?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/yin-yang-essence_49079130142079663 for visiting.


    [Yes. Now you can take a bath anytime you want. Amazing, right?!]


    Rean and Roan didn''t know whether to laugh or cry.


    "Amazing your head! What kind of useless upgrade is it?! Are you messing with us?!"


    [Hmph! Idiots! Do you really think that a Bathhouse created by the Soul Gem System would be useless? Why don''t you enter it first before jumping to conclusions?]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback. Still, they looked at each other and nodded.


    "Alright, let''s see what is so good about it."


    They entered the building, and sure enough, there was a bath in there. However, the water inside shined with semi-transparent white and dark colors. Rean and Roan didn''t need to be geniuses to understand that it had something to do with their Elemental Affinity.


    The two quickly took off their clothes and only left the underwear. After that, they entered it to test the benefits.


    "I can''t feel anything."


    "Me neither."


    However, it didn''t last for long. Rean then began to feel somewhat uncomfortable.


    "Isn''t this way too hot?"


    Roan, on the other hand, shook his head.


    "Hot? Are you crazy? This thing is freezing!"


    Only then did they notice what was happening. Their bodies were absorbing the white and dark ''colors'' in the water!


    [Hahaha! Did you notice? That''s the special ability of the bathhouse.]


    However, Rean and Roan felt like they wanted to leave straight away!


    "This is too hot!"


    "This is too cold!"


    [There go the two babies complaining about a little bit of pain again. Stop nagging and stay inside. Your bodies are absorbing the Yin Yang essence in the water, so make sure to not waste it.]


    Rean then asked while gritting his teeth.


    "What is this about?"


    [The essence can strengthen your bodies. Think about it as the Bone Upgrades of the Reward System. However, it is created for your flesh instead. The best thing is that it is not a reward. This bathhouse can be accessed anytime you want!]


    Rean felt helpless already.


    "Sure enough, it can only be good if there is pain. No, wait, these words don''t seem right."


    [I didn''t expect that you two were masochists.]


    "Shut up! I didn''t mean it like that!"


    Roan also complained, but for another reason, though.


    "Can''t you two be quiet? I need to concentrate on absorbing this thing before I freeze to death!"


    Rean couldn''t help but say.


    "Death is freezing to death? I didn''t know such a thing was possible..."


    Roan almost vomited blood. If the two of them were not passing through this, he would have definitely sent Rean flying with a kick.


    Sister Orb, on the other hand, laughed out loud.


    [Hahaha!]


    Obviously, that didn''t make Roan feel any better.


    The process took around ten minutes to finish. After that, the Yin Yang essence in the water finally disappeared. Because of that, the water became utterly transparent too. Seeing that everything was over, Rean and Roan exited the water.


    "Phew... well, let''s see what changed."


    ---


    Author''s note: If you like the story so far, consider leaving a few Power Stones to help the story. =X

 Chapter 181 - New Reward List

    Rean and Roan did notice the change. Their articulations got more flexible, the organs more resistant, and it felt like they could drive Spiritual Energy around their bodies easier. However, the difference wasn''t anything remarkable. They would need to take several of these baths before a significant change happens.


    "Oh well, we can access it any time we want, so we can simply come here every day."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/new-reward-list_49101526232256546 for visiting.


    [Cough, cough... You can access the bath anytime you want, but it will take at least six months before the Yin Yang essence restores to what you just witnessed.]


    Rean and Roan looked at Sister Orb with weird faces.


    [What? I didn''t lie, okay? I just forgot to tell you the rest of the information.]


    The twins would need to be idiots to believe her.


    "Whatever, let''s take a look at the reward system. It has already been over 720 hours, so we should be able to see what changed now."


    Rean and Roan then touched the Soul Gem Orb and sent their Spiritual Energy and Sense inside.


    [Tiger Bones - 500 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Spiritual Sense Absorption Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points] (10%)


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade 2 - 800 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Yin Yang Bathhouse - Reward from Destiny Strugglers Title]


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 2 �C 1500 Destiny Points] (300km)


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop - 400 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop - 400 Destiny Points] (New)


    Rean couldn''t help but look at the Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop with shining eyes. A Blacksmith Workshop created by the Soul Gem System was bound to come with some very attractive extra perks.


    "Sister Orb, what''s the difference between the Soul Gem Workshop and a normal one?"


    [In a single word, control! You can use your connection with the Soul Gem System to control the tools inside the workshop with much higher precision.]


    Rean was excited to hear that. However, after checking the Destiny Points necessary, he could only sigh.


    "400 Destiny Points... Although it''s not that expensive, we really can''t afford to waste our Destiny Points at the moment."


    Roan nodded.


    "Indeed. I''m also very interested in the Alchemy Workshop. However, we need to guarantee that we have 1000 Destiny Points first. Anyway, the rewards won''t disappear, so we can only leave at it for the moment."


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    "Oh, right! Sister Orb, was there any changes in Destiny Points? The Sect already presented the new communication system to the imperial family, so destiny definitely changed to some extent, right?"


    [Indeed. You had 41 Destiny Points when you came up with the idea of the new communication system. Roan contributed another 300 points after he became an Earth Low-Level Alchemist. By the time the Sect Master made the announcement, the electrical communication system had already rewarded you two with 127 points. At the moment, you have 468 Destiny Points.]


    Rean couldn''t help but say.


    "It was a lot less than I thought."


    [There is no helping it. Your system has just been presented to the world. However, the only place that has it installed is Majorias City and our Sect. Simply put, you got 127 by just showing it. The real points will start to come after it began to expand.]


    Rean nodded.


    "Since that''s the case, then it''s good."


    Roan took the chance to change the topic, though.


    "By the way, I understand what the Tiger bones are about. However, what about the Dimensional Realm Upgrade 2? What will we gain if we buy it?"


    [That''s a secret. Before you start complaining, know that it isn''t me who wants to keep it hidden, but the Soul Gem System itself. I can only follow its decisions.]


    Roan nodded.


    "I see. Well, the fact that it is hidden means that it is something quite good."


    [Indeed, I''m sure you won''t regret it when you get enough Destiny Points to buy it.]


    "Well, we saw the new rewards, but we can''t take any. Anyway, I guess the bathhouse is already a good addition."


    Rean and Roan then talked with Sister Orb for a while more and exited the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. By now, night time had already come. Since they were beside their beds, they decided to sleep anyway. After all, they were feeling tired after that hellish bath.


    The next day, Rean and Roan separated once more, going back to their own things.


    Roan quickly arrived at the Alchemy Repository and went direct to Old Worm. The old man, of course, was already waiting for him.


    "What is it?"


    "I need a few ideas about which herbs to use to make Dark and Light Element cultivation Stabilizing Pills."


    Old Worm didn''t even look at Roan before saying.


    "The materials for such pills are quite expensive. Can you really afford them? It can''t compare with the items necessary for Energy Gathering Pills. Not to mention that you will have to do a lot of tests since there are no ready formulas for pills of your elements. That means even more Spirit Stones."


    Roan didn''t mind, though.


    "Spirit Stones shouldn''t be a problem. Go ahead and tell me."


    Old Worm''s attention was finally caught.


    "Oh-ho... Since that''s the case, I can give you a few ideas."


    Old Worm then wrote down two lists of herbs. The first one had the herbs that would be part of the Cultivation Stabilizing Pill regardless of the element. Roan looked at that and recognized that they weren''t that expensive.


    However, the second list was much bigger, with at least five times the number of herbs. Not to mention that there were quite a few rare ones.


    "The herbs in the first list can be bought in our Sect as long as you have the Spirit Stones. However, the second one might be quite hard for you to purchase. Not to mention that you might not even find them in our Sect for sale. In that case, you will need to procure them yourself."


    "The reason I put so many herbs in the second list was that I don''t know what would be the right combination for Dark or Light Element Cultivation Stabilizing Pills. You will need to test it yourself. Anyway, I spoke too much already. You can go."


    Roan didn''t bother Old Worm anymore and quickly left. He already checked the herbs available in the Sect quite a few times, so Roan knows which ones he can get here and which he can not.


    ''Cave Mandragora Essence, Midday Ginseng, Frigid Alligator Core, and Two-Tailed Sun Phyton blood. These four items will be quite hard to acquire...''

 Chapter 182 - Cultivation and Necessary Items

    Roan went back to the Alchemist Hall and bought all the herbs he could. Although it cost a few thousand Rank Two Spirit Stones, neither Rean nor Roan bothered with it. At the moment, Spirit Stones were not as crucial as raising their cultivation as fast as possible.


    Although Roan was missing four materials for concoction, the fact was that the rest was available for sale in the sect. He would need to find the right combination for Dark and Light Cultivation Stabilizing Pills, so he decided to start with the ones he has at the moment.


    However, Roan seemed to have underestimated Old Worm experience. He spent three entires weeks in the old hut, failing his concoctions one time after another. However, he came to understand why Old Worm added those four rare items on the list in the end.


    ''Impressive. I wonder if Old Worm already knew it from the very start even though he had never seen a Dark or Light Cultivation Stabilizing Pill. Those four items turned out to be the only catalysts that can work with the possible combinations I came up with. But that makes sense. If that was not the case, the old man wouldn''t have added them to the list. It would have been much better to put equivalent ones that could be bought with Spirit Stones.''


    Roan then turned off the fire under the cauldron and left the old hut. After that, he went straight to the Alchemy Repository. As always, Old Worm was reading some alchemist book behind the counter.


    "Have you figured it out already?"


    Those words confirmed Roan''s suspicions.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/cultivation-and-necessary-items_49104428036312349 for visiting.


    "So you knew I would need those items to serve as catalysis. Why didn''t you tell me instead of making me waste so much time?"


    Old Worm closed his book and looked at Roan.


    "What if I''m not around? Will you simply give up concocting?"


    Roan was taken aback. But he immediately understood what Old Worm meant. He couldn''t count on the old man to make the choices for him, so Old Worm left it for Roan to find out by himself that the rare items were a must. In fact, Old Worm was very impressed that Roan only took three weeks to find out the truth.


    "You have talent, but you need experience. Unless it is really necessary, I will not help you much. Anyway, why did you come here?"


    Roan then put the other thoughts behind his mind and asked what he wanted.


    "I need the locations of those four items. Will it be considered too much help if you say where I can find them?"


    Old Worm shook his head.


    "No."


    Old Worm then wrote down the locations and passed it to Roan.


    "You can find them in those areas. As for how you will obtain them, that''s up to you."


    He then opened his book again and resumed his reading. The man was really just like Roan, speaking as little as possible.


    Roan, of course, didn''t mind that. He then turned around and left.


    ''Two-Tailed Sun Phytons can be found in the Rohe Sect territory in the Moffen Forest Inner Region. Cave Mandragoras are inside our territory in the Moistery Mountain Range. Frigid Alligators can be found here as well in the Somun Rivers. As for Midday Ginseng, I will need to go to the neighboring country, Qerten.''


    Roan pondered a bit and contacted Rean through their Soul Connection.


    ''We need to go out to acquire a few items for the Cultivation Estabilizing Pills. There are four items with three of them not needing too long to get.''


    Roan then talked about the four items and where they could get them.


    ''The problem is the last one that can only be found in Qerten. Do you think you can get some faster Flying Demon Beasts for us to use?''


    Rean heard the message and answered after a few moments.


    ''I guess I can get two Stage Two Azure Hawks. Considering their speed, we would only need a week to go and another to come back. Would that be fast enough?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''That''s good. I just need to make sure to bring enough of this herb back. Do you want to go look for the other three items first?''


    Rean immediately rejected the idea.


    ''No need. Let''s go direct to the Qerten Country. As for the other three items, we don''t need to go get them ourselves. Instead, let''s just put them up in the Mission Hall. We have a lot of Spirit Stones, so it would be better to save time and let other disciples take care of it.''


    Roan had to admit that it was a good idea.


    ''Very well, but we need to tell Hulain that we will leave the sect.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''I''ll arrange it straight away.''


    However, Roan rejected the idea straight away.


    ''Not now. Our cultivation is already stable enough. Let''s take the next two months to reach the peak of the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. After that, we will have 8 months to breakthrough into the Late Stage and then Peak Stage. The best-case scenario will be for me to come back from our travel and devise the formula for our Elemental Cultivation Stabilizing Pills. If that works, we can try a breakthrough into the Late Stage straight away.''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''What if you can''t find the right formula?''


    ''In that case, we can only risk it. We will make an unstable breakthrough and hope that we can fix our foundations later. The main objective is to reach the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm before one year is gone. We can think about the other consequences later.''


    Rean nodded and made another question.


    ''In that case, isn''t it better to also put a mission for the Midday Ginseng? After all, we won''t be leaving the sect anytime soon because of our cultivation.''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''I found out that the area with the Midday Ginsengs is quite lively. It will be perfect for us to train our combat skills. Don''t forget that only cultivating won''t be enough. We need to know how to use our power as well.''


    Rean then asked back.


    ''What do you mean with lively?''


    Roan faintly smiled before saying.


    ''Nothing much, it''s just that there is a war between two sects of Qerten country happening around that place at the moment. But let''s ignore them. We are just going there to watch the beautiful scenario and get a few ginsengs. There is no need to worry about them. Of course, if we are somehow attacked by either side while at that, we can only defend ourselves.''


    Rean didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. Roan was obviously trying to attract any side to attack them to have real combat experiences once more.


    They talked about a few more things and ended their conversation.


    Later that day, Rean paid a visit to Elder Guliva. They were told to not take any missions by themselves. Instead, use Elder Hulian or Guliva to take the missions for them. That way, no one would know about it. However, this time Rean came to ask Elder Guliva to post three missions instead of taking one. Obviously, those were the missions to acquire the first three items of the list. Although Rean and Roan won''t be leaving now, there is nothing wrong about working on the three easier items first.

 Chapter 183 - Expansion

    After telling Elder Guliva about the missions he wanted to put up, Rean also mentioned that he and Roan were planning to go to Qerten. However, it would only be two months later. With that, The Sect Master could prepare the trap she was planning to.


    Rean then left elder Guliva''s house and returned to his room. Right after, Rean and Roan went to the cultivation tower. They receive the sect Master''s authorization to use the cultivation tower without paying. Obviously, they had been using it ever since it was decided. Now, they finished both their Blacksmith and Alchemy practices, so the only thing available was cultivation.


    To avoid suspicion, Rean and Roan always passed their token to the disciples who were on duty in the Cultivation Tower. The disciple would then deduct the points and give it back. However, the fact was that Rean and Roan''s points never went down. Also, because the disciples on duty changed now and then, they didn''t notice anything weird with the twins using the tower so much.


    The days passed in a flash as Rean and Roan cultivated. Other than that, they had the every morning Iron and Blood exercises, which Roan insisted that they should take. Rean and Roan also went to the arenas quite a few times to fight against each other or other disciples. After all, only cultivation would destabilize their foundations.


    During this time, the plans for constructing the electrical communication network advanced at high speeds. Dalamu Sect got the blessing of the Sasamil Imperial Family to proceed with this project. That being said, no one, not even the Royal Family of Jialin Country, tried to hinder it.


    At least one-tenth of the entire sect was mobilized to this project. The Blacksmith Hall apprentices worked day and night, making the cables. The sect also issued an order to the nearby cities to gather the sap from the trees that could be used to make the rubber than Rean mentioned. However, instead of having cultivators doing it, they opened this business to the common people.


    Of course, they didn''t pay what Rean did in the past. Only because Rean was in a hurry that he spent so much for every ten liters of tree sap. Still, it was quite a good income for such an easy job. Besides, it was a long term one. Even with the cultivators helping to implant the project, it will take a long time until all Dalamu Sect Territory''s cities are connected together. Obviously, they would need a constant stream of the correct tree sap.


    Last but not least, they began to buy copper as if there was no tomorrow.


    One month was enough for the first connections with the closest cities to be built. However, there was only a small problem. Some of these cities were too far away. Even after injecting a lot of Electrical current into the cable, it still dissipated before it reached Dalamu Sect. Nevertheless, when Elder Guliva came to ask Rean''s opinion, Rean looked at him with a weird face.


    "Cough, cough... is there something wrong?"


    Rean sighed and then explained.


    "I''m just surprised that you guys didn''t think about it yet. Anyway, you have two choices here. First, you don''t need to make a cable that goes from a specific city all the way to Dalamu. Instead, make it like a spider web. Connect a city to another, and then to the next, and the next, and the next... until you finally reach Dalamu. You can simply have the information being passed ahead."


    "The second solution is through Lightning Type Formations. You already came up with a Lightning Formation that can be used to transmit messages. It creates a pulse of Electrical Power that can be read by the formation on the other side. If you really need to make a cable that long, just make a repeater formation. This formation would receive the Electrical Pulse signal in the middle of the way just before it dissipates. After that, it would activate and repeated that signal. This way, you can extend a single cable as far as you want. Not to mention that such a formation would have minimal consumption of Spiritual Energy. That being said, you might also create a repeater formation that uses the Spiritual Energy present in the surroundings. Unless the formation is broken by someone, it will keep working indefinitely."


    Elder Guliva immediately noted everything down and left in a hurry. He had to have the Formations Master Hall work on it straight away. Of course, he also passed the idea of connecting the other cities together ahead.


    Elder Guliva returned to ask Rean a few more things now and then, but they weren''t that important. It was just that the sect was afraid of doing something wrong.


    Of course, not everything was perfect. They often found obstacles that impeded them from constructing this system. Demon beasts forests, bandits purposely trying to find problems, lack of working hands, lack of material, etc. Still, this was all within Rean and the sect''s expectations. No project of this size would work without any problems.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/expansion_49123677794528309 for visiting.


    The Mission Hall was the first one to be connected to those nearby cities. After all, missions add up to 70% of all letters that Dalamu Sect receives daily. Obviously, this new communication system would be better used by them.


    Of course, if there was a need to send any other information straight away, the other Halls could simply come to the Mission Hall and request to let them do it.


    It didn''t take long for the Sect Notice how convenient these instant communication formations were. Information that would usually take several days of birds flying back and forth could now be exchanged in a few minutes. Just how good was that?


    Seeing how effective the system was, the sect increased the effort in its construction. The correct sap type collection order was issued in other cities. The sect began to pay blacksmiths outside to forge the cables too. Thanks to that, the price of copper in the entire territory of the Dalamu Sect began to rise, which forced them to seek more of it in the other sect''s territories.


    Of course, such a big success soon reached the other four sects'' ears in Jialin Country. One month and a half after Rean and Roan began to cultivate, the Sect Masters of the four other sects came to pay a visit to Mia.

 Chapter 184 - The Negotiation

    Back on the main building at the top of the Dalamu Mountain, Mia Orzute was sat on the highest seat as the Sect Masters of the other four Major Sect of Jialan looked at her. However, they weren''t the only ones. On the other side of the room, there was another man as well. His name was Luve Jialin, the actual King of the Country and a direct descendant of Zef Jialin.


    Sure enough, the Royal Family of the Jialin Country also took notice of Dalamu Sect''s new communication system. The reason for them to be here was also the same. They wanted to get permission to install it in their own territories. However, they couldn''t simply do that without permission. That''s because the Dalamu Sect gifted this new technology to the Imperial Family of the Sasamil Empire. As one can imagine, stealing it would be the same as going against a behemoth that none of them could afford to offend.


    "It''s quite rare for so many... ''friends''... to gather together like this. May I know the reason for your visit?"


    Luve smiled at Mia before saying.


    "It reached our ears that Senior Mia''s esteemed elder, Hulian, invented a fascinating new communication system. It is possible to communicate with other cities in your territory in real-time with almost no cost to speak of. We wonder if Sect master Mia is willing to share such a discovery with us."


    Mia laughed after hearing that.


    "You do know that we gifted this system to the Sasamil Imperial Family, right? Without their orders, we can''t simply allow anyone to install it anywhere."


    The leader of the Umbral Sect, Sacio Danit, then answered.


    "Sect Master Mia sure jests. Although it is true that this new system has been gifted to the Imperial Family, sure you have the right to allow others to use it, right? It won''t be long before the Sasamil Empire starts to implement this new idea in its territory, so we will receive the permission sooner or later. However, if Sect Master Mia allows us, we will be able to implement it straight away."


    Mia looked at Sacio with the same smiled. However, she wanted nothing more than cut the guy at the moment. After all, he was definitely involved in the assassination attempt against Rean and Roan. Of course, she still hasn''t laid down her trap for the next time they try something against the twins. That being said, she couldn''t talk about that at the moment. However, there were other things she could talk about.


    "You have quite a thick face, don''t you, Sacio? Just a few months ago, your Sect Elders injured our own elders and infected them with Umbral Energy. Now you want me to allow you to use our system as if nothing had happened. Tell me, would you allow that to happen?"


    Sacio expression stiffened after hearing that. However, he was already expecting that Mia would bring that matter up. Still, just as he was about to say something, another Sect Leader intervened on his behalf.


    "Hahaha! Sect master Mia couldn''t really be angry because of such a small matter, right? From what I know, no one died during the battle. As long as you have enough pills, you can totally expel all the Umbral Energy from the elders'' bodies. How about this: The Umbral Sect will pay compensation for that misunderstanding, helping you get the pills to drive the Umbral Energy out."


    The one who talked was the Rohe Sect Leader, Polie Falk. The Umbral and Rohe Sect had always been closer to each other than the other three sects, so Mia wasn''t surprised by his intervention.


    "Oh, a compensation, you say? Other than the pills necessary to drive the Umbral Energy out of our elders'' bodies, what else can Sacio offer as compensation?"


    Sacio narrowed his eyes after hearing that. As the Umbral Sect Leader, he knows very well how hard it is to heal Umbral Energy. Each pill was really expensive. From the reports he received during the last battle, five elders of the Dalamu Sect had been infected by Umbral Energy. The pills to heal them alone would already rip a layer of skin of the Umbral Sect.


    On top of that, Mia was also asking for compensation. How could his mood not be affected? The worst part is that his Sect believes that they have that kid that can heal Umbral Energy. In that case, doesn''t that mean that the pills will simply be stored away instead of used? That made his expression turn even worse.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-negotiation_49148459504158929 for visiting.


    However, all the other Sect Leaders and the King of Jialin were looking directly at him. Obviously, this negotiation would not proceed if he did not appease Mia''s anger.


    "Ahem... Of course, we are willing to offer compensation."


    Mia nodded, satisfied. As for what Sacio would offer, Mia would make sure to hear it in detail after this reunion was over.


    "Good! Now then, Sasamil Empire will sooner or later allow everyone to build the new communication system. However, due to the entire empire''s size, getting permission for such a remote place like ours will probably take several years to come. What you want is my Dalamu Sect''s blessing so that you could start it before anyone else."


    Everyone in the room nodded.


    Seeing that, Mia laughed and then said.


    "That''s not out of the question. All I want is five extra slots for the Profound Abyss. If each Sect Master and sir Luve are willing to give up one of your slots, we can count it as a deal."


    Instantly, everyone''s expressions changed.


    "Impossible! The Profound Abyss only opens every hundred years. The geniuses that we send inside are most likely to become Nascent Soul Realm cultivators in the future. This price is way too high. Ask something else!"


    Mia shrugged her shoulders.


    "I''m only interested in the Profound Abyss slots at the moment. If you want to wait for the Sasamil Empire Orders, then I don''t mind leaving it as it is at the moment."


    Luve then raised his hand.


    "Five extra slots are too much. You know very well that each slot''s cost is astronomical. Even our Jialin Royal Family, which usually spends enough for two additional slots, feels some pain every time we do that. The Profound Stones used to allow the disciples inside are just way too hard to acquire."


    Luve then looked at the other Sect Masters before continuing.


    "However, having us join together to pay for three slots is doable."


    The Sect Masters'' eyes narrowed. However, if it was only three slots while they share the expenses, then they could take this deal.


    Mia pondered a bit and finally decided to accept.


    "Very well, three extra slots. With my Sect''s two slots, we will have five anyway, so that''s enough."


    Luve smiled and then got up.


    "I believe we have a deal then. I''ll return to the Royal Palace and immediately start the plans to expand the new Communication System."


    The other Sect Elders also got up and said similar things. After Mia discussed with Sacio about the extra compensation, everyone finally left.


    After they were gone, Mia looked down at the Sect and thought about those twins.


    ''I got a slot for you two and Malaka. You better not disappoint me later.''


    After that, she turned around and said.


    "Attend me."


    Suddenly, a shadow appeared, soon revealing a hidden cultivator. Mia then passed her orders.


    "Call Malaka over. I''ll start a new regime of training to increase her cultivation as fast as possible."


    The man nodded and then disappeared.

 Chapter 185 - Surprise On The Other Side

    The two months the twins planned to use for cultivation finally passed. Rean and Roan then emerged from the Cultivation Tower as their cultivation reached the peak of the Middle Stage.


    "I guess this is it then."


    Roan nodded.


    "Let''s tell Hulian that we are going out."


    They didn''t waste time and went straight to Hulian''s house. Usually, they couldn''t enter the Inner Sect without permission, but an exception was made for the two of them.


    "I see, so you are going out to gather a few items. I''ll tell the sect master about it, wait here for a moment."


    Hulian left and came back just a few minutes later.


    "Alright, take this."


    He then passed a token to Rean and Roan.


    "There are a few teleport formations that are not available for general use. I''ll pass you the location of one of them. As long as you bring the Spirit Stones, you will be able to activate it with this token."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "What about the ambush that Sect Master Mia was planning to try?"


    Hulian then explained.


    "Don''t worry, it will still happen. However, you two won''t be the bait. We arranged two other cultivators to pose as you. The elders will then follow those two in the shadows, waiting for the Umbral Sect to eat the bait."


    Roan then warned.


    "Don''t just make them go out of the sect in an open manner. That will be the same as saying that you have a trap prepared. The best thing to do is to make it look like we were trying to sneak out without anyone noticing. Only like that will the Umbral Sect eat the bait."


    Hulian nodded.


    "We know. You don''t need to worry. Sect master has already accounted for everything."


    Roan then asked something else.


    "How many know about us using this teleport formation to go out?"


    "You, Rean, me, and the Sect Master. Other than us, no one else knows that you are going out or which teleport formation is being used. That''s the only way to guarantee that the information won''t be leaked."


    Rean then asked something else.


    "What about transportation? I was planning to borrow two Azure Hawks for our travel. But If I go out to ask for it, then others will definitely know."


    Hulian didn''t seem concerned about that.


    "Don''t worry, we also took that into account. The place you will appear is empty, so no one will see you taking flight. Just to be sure, don''t let anyone know that you are going out."


    Roan had to admit that they had done quite a good job preparing everything.


    "Very well, we are leaving now then."


    Hulian smiled.


    "Good. Make sure to be careful since you are going to another country. We have no influence in those areas, so we won''t be able to help you. Also, wait one day before departing. I need to prepare your mounts without anyone noticing."


    Rean and Roan nodded before leaving straight away.


    Back on the Main Building at the top of the Dalamu Mountain, Tiria was beside Mia while discussing something.


    "Are you sure you don''t want me to follow them this time?"


    Mia shook her head.


    "We can''t possibly protect them forever. Don''t worry. Unless the Umbral Sect can predict the future, there is no way for them to know where Rean and Roan are going. Besides, they will have a lot more to consider other than those twins soon enough."


    Tiria nodded and didn''t say anything else. She knew that Rean and Roan were going out through another path, but only Mia and Hulian knew about it. Even she herself doesn''t know which teleport formation it is.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/surprise-on-the-other-side_49165066800518191 for visiting.


    Rean and Roan arrived back in their rooms. After waiting for a day, Rean used his camouflage skills as Roan piggybacked him. Right after, they left for the teleport formation without anyone noticing.


    Later that same day, ''Rean and Roan'' tried to ''sneak'' out of the sect without catching anyone''s attention. But, ''coincidentally,'' they were sighted by one of the Umbral Sect''s spies. The poor Umbral Sect had sore days coming at them.


    The real Rean and Roan finally reached the Teleport Formation that Hulian told them about. After inserting the Spirit Stones, they activated it and disappeared in a flash of silver light. However, they were taken aback once they reached the other side of the teleport formation, especially Rean.


    Hulian told them that he would prepare the mounts for their travel. However, what they found was an enormous Snow Crane that looked at Rean with tender eyes.


    "Nana!"


    Rean was very happy to see her here. Nana is Elder Tiria''s personal demon beast. She is already at the peak of the 4th Stage and would soon enter the 5th. As mentioned in the past, Stage Four Demon Beasts are equivalent to Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators. Since Nana is at the peak of the Fourth Stage, she is the same as someone at the Peak Stage of that Realm.


    Roan couldn''t help but comment while looking at the Snow Crane.


    "So strong..."


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes. Nana is a Stage Four Demon Beast, so she is definitely not someone we could contend against. But don''t worry..."


    Rean then rubbed Nana''s Head, much for her delight.


    "Nana is a very good girl, right?"


    *Creee!*


    Obviously, she was even more delighted with the compliment.


    "Hahaha!"


    Rean then looked back at Roan before saying.


    "With her, we probably won''t take more than a day or two to reach Qerten."


    Roan pondered a bit and asked.


    "Wouldn''t she catch a lot of attention instead?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "That should be okay. Nana can fly several times higher than the Stage Two Azure Hawks. Unless you were already expecting her to appear somewhere in the sky, no one would notice. Besides, she can fly between the clouds if there is any. With her Snow White feathers, it will be even harder to notice. In my opinion, it is a lot easier for us to be found with the Azure Hawks than Nana. Besides, who would believe that two Foundation Establishment Disciples were given a Peak Stage Four Demon Beast to use for travel?"


    Roan had to admit that Rean was right.


    "Oh well... Since you can control her, then let''s get going."


    The two of them quickly jumped on Nana''s back. After that, she gave a soundly cry and took flight. Rean and Roan couldn''t help but hold her firmly when she began to rise in the skies. She was so fast that they could barely stop themselves from falling.


    Nana noticed that and quickly used her own Spiritual Energy to create a barrier for the twins. Only then did they stabilize themselves.


    Roan sighed in relief and used that chance to ask something else.


    "Oh, right! What about that egg you found during the last mission?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "I don''t know. According to elder Javiu, it was supposed to be born already. However, instead of coming out, it only keeps absorbing Spiritual Energy without stop. In the end, I could only leave it there. I''m planning to give it a few spirit stones when we come back to see if the process accelerates."


    Roan nodded and didn''t say anything else. From the looks of it, that really wasn''t an ordinary egg.

 Chapter 186 - Dont be afraid!

    Qerten was located on the south-west side of Jialin. Unlike Rean and Roan''s country, this one is not controlled by a Royal Family, but the sects within. In total, seven sects jointly manage the country, with two of them being at war at the moment.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/don''t-be-afraid!_49174666035657948 for visiting.


    Those two Sects were fighting over a Spiritual Vein recently found close to each one''s borders. However, due to the size of both sects, the area of the war was gigantic. Turns out that the mountain range with the Midday Ginseng is also somewhat close to the area of mutual aggression.


    Thanks to Nana''s speed, the twins only took one day and a half instead of the seven days of flight previously expected. However, Nana did not enter the area controlled by those two sects. After all, a Peak Stage Four Demon beast following two kids on the ground would catch too much attention. It was different from her flying at high altitudes, where it was hard to see.


    "Nana, stay around here while we go out to look for the Midday Ginsengs. There shouldn''t be anyone who can pose you danger unless a nascent Soul cultivator appears. However, if one does come, make sure to flee straight away."


    *Creee!*


    Nana flapped her wings as if confirming that she understood what Rean was saying. Rean then rubbed her head a little more and then left with Roan.


    At the moment, Roan was holding a map in his hands, which he got from Hulian.


    "If we run at full speed, we should get at the mountain range with the Midday Ginsengs in four to five hours."


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s good enough. Still, there is no need to run so fast. It would only make us consume too much energy. We are already five days and a half ahead of our schedule, after all."


    Roan agreed with him and then checked their positions. After confirming which side they should go, Rean and Roan once again departed. They kept running for three hours straight. As Rean mentioned, there was no need to run at full speed, so they continued at a leisure pace.


    However, Roan was right about this place. On their way, Rean and Roan noticed battles ongoing on three occasions. Still, because they passed far away and those combatants were busy with themselves, no one saw the twins nearby.


    However, after running over half of the way, they suddenly bumped into a cultivators'' couple. They had yellow robes and were using a badge with three crossed spears. Rean and Roan made sure to get the information about the sects at war, so they immediately identified those two. They were members of the Sky Piercing Sect.


    But that wasn''t all. The couple seemed to be in a hurry. Their robes were very dirty too, showing that they had been running for quite some time. When the couple saw Rean and Roan, they were taken aback. After all, Rean and Roan looked to be only kids. The twins weren''t using any sect''s attires either, which made their presence in this place totally unexpected.


    Suddenly, both sides heard something and looked in the direction that the couple came from. It was then that they saw five figures rushing out from the back of the trees far in the distance. That group was made entirely of Foundation Establishment cultivators. Four were at the same Late Stage as the couple. As for the last one, he was at the Peak of the Foundation Establishment.


    They were using purple robes. The badges on them had a cloud with lighting coming down from it. Rean and Roan identified that they were a group from the Heaven''s Might Sect. Obviously, this was the sect in a war against the Sky Piercing one.


    When the couple saw that, their expressions turned ugly. The woman then turned to the twins and shouted.


    "Are you blind? Run!"


    However, Rean and Roan looked at the woman with unconcerned eyes. Judging by the enemies'' cultivation, Rean and Roan weren''t afraid at all. If anything, their numbers would prove to be a good challenge for the two. Well, it''s not like they had to believe her words either. Chances are that she shouted ''run'' so that their pursues would switch part of their attention to them. It would make their escapade easier too.


    Surprisingly though, the couple didn''t try to flee straight away. That''s because they noticed that Rean and Roan didn''t move at all after their warning.


    "F.u.c.k! Why do we have to bump into such bummers!"


    The couple then dashed straight at Rean and Roan. For a second, the twins thought that the couple decided to attack them. Yet, the impressive thing was that neither Rean nor Roan could see the red color of killing intent coming from them. As mentioned before when Rean and Roan were still babies, Roan has a unique ability that could detect killing intent directed at them. This ability manifested into a red color that could be seen with n.a.k.e.d eyes. Rean, of course, could see it too, thanks to their soul connection.


    Roan narrowed his eyes. Even if there was no killing intent, he wouldn''t simply let this couple do whatever they wanted with him and Rean. He was going to wait the last second so that neither of the two could escape his strike. After that, they could deal with the rest on the back. However, just as he was about to attack, Rean gave a thunderous shout through their soul connection.


    ''WAIT!''


    Roan was taken aback for a moment, which was precisely the moment he was supposed to attack those two.


    ''F.u.c.k!''


    Roan braced himself for the incoming attack while cursing Rean from distracting him in the last instant. However, the strike Roan was expecting did not come. Not only that, he felt to be moving away from his initial position for some reason. A second later, he finally understood what was happening. The couple grabbed both him and Rean and began to run away together!


    At the same time, he heard the man who was carrying Rean cursing.


    "Why the hell we found kids in this place?"


    The woman who was carrying himself then replied.


    "Stop complaining, and Run! Or could it be that you plan to leave these kids there?"


    The man immediately shook his head.


    "Of course not! This part of the forest is our territory. Those guys from the Heaven Might Sect will definitely think that these kids are from our side. If we leave them there, they will be killed. The fact that they appeared here was our sect''s negligence. We can''t let that happen."


    The woman nodded.


    "Weaklings like them will be trussed as if they were chickens. Look at how frightened they are. Even after we told them to run, they didn''t move a single muscle!"


    The woman then began to pat Roan''s head while speeding away.


    "Don''t be afraid. Your big sister Lana will definitely protect you two."


    Roan''s mouth twitched for a second.


    ''Who the hell needs your protection?!''


    Rean, on the other hand, couldn''t hold himself.


    "Hahahaha! That''s right, Roan, trust your big sister Lana!"


    Roan felt like sending a certain white-haired someone into the path of reincarnation sooner than expected.


    *Pow!*


    Suddenly, Rean felt a pain in the back of his head. Turns out that the man smacked it.


    "What are you laughing, brat? Are you so dumb that you don''t understand the situation we are in?"


    After seeing that, Roan didn''t feel like this couple was that bad after all.


    ''Ah... The sweet taste of karma!''

 Chapter 187 - Reans First Skill

    After a few moments, Roan asked Rean through their Soul Connection.


    ''By the way, how did you know they were not attacking us?''


    Rean smiled.


    ''Instinct.''


    Roan almost vomited blood!Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/rean''s-first-skill_49194995474814954 for visiting.


    ''You bet our lives on your instincts? What if they had attacked at that last moment?''


    Rean laughed after hearing that.


    ''Hahaha! Come on, you also saw that they did not bring any weapon out at all. That meant they could at most use some n.a.k.e.d hands attack. Don''t forget that almost no Foundation Establishment in this world knows how to use skills. We are basically exceptions.''


    Rean continued.


    ''Also, they are nothing more than a single-stage above us in cultivation. With the actual power of our bodies and bones, plus the Spiritual Energy that you and I used to reinforce them, there wouldn''t be much damage even if it was an attack.''


    Roan still didn''t let go.


    ''That''s assuming they were really only going to use a common attack and nothing more, but what if they had some lethal way of dealing with us in that second?''


    Rean shook his head.


    ''You forgot about our appearances. We look just like kids. Would you go all out like that against two kids from the get-go?''


    Roan immediately nodded.


    ''Yes! I would make sure to kill in a single strike.''


    Rean''s mouth twitched. He noticed that he forgot a very important detail.


    ''Cough, cough... I was wrong. I forgot that common sense doesn''t work with you. What I meant is that those who are not ''mindless-killing machines-who-worked-as-death-spirits-in-previous-lives-and-didn''t-know-how-to-hear-their-targets''-plight'' like you wouldn''t act that the way you described.''


    Roan''s expression darkened.


    ''What the hell was that description?!''


    Rean totally ignored him, though.


    The twins'' conversation seemed to have lasted long. However, through their soul connection, it only took a few seconds at most.


    It was then that Rean and Roan saw the red color of killing intent coming from up ahead.


    ''We have company.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''I wouldn''t let her carrying me forever anyway, so it is quite convenient.''


    Suddenly, four daggers came from behind the trees, aiming directly at the couple and the twins.


    It was too abrupt! Because the couple was paying attention to their pursues on the back, they weren''t paying much attention ahead. They simply had no time to bring out their weapons to block the attack, either. However, that was not the case for the twins.


    *Clang, Clang, Clang, Clang!*


    One White-light and one Pitch-black sword suddenly appeared in front of the couple at the last moment, sending those four daggers flying. Not only that, all those four daggers cracked, almost breaking after the collision.


    Right after, two shadows came out from the trees and attacked the couple straight away. The attacks were very well timed, using the daggers to bring the attention away from the real danger. If the daggers didn''t work, the next attack surely would.


    Too bad, though. Rean and Roan didn''t feel the least bit of danger from those two incoming enemies. However, the couple was still moving forward due to the inertia. So instead of trying to finish the attackers, Rean and Roan kicked the couple at the last moment, sending themselves and the couple flying in two different directions.


    Obviously, the income attacks missed.


    The couple finally regained their bearings. Only then did they noticed that their lives were saved by the kids that they had just saved.


    The couple then unsheathed their own weapons, quickly defending against the next attacks. It turns out that the two enemies were at the same level as the couple, Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Now that they lost the surprise element, they clearly wouldn''t be able to finish the couple in a single move.


    However, they were okay with it. That''s because the five other cultivators behind could use that chance to catch up. Just a few seconds and the couple and the twin''s fate would be decided. As for the twins, they didn''t know if what they did was planned or just a reaction. But because Rean and Roan had cultivations one stage below their own, they didn''t put too much importance on them.


    The enemies immediately unleashed a barrage of relentless attacks against the couple. In a certain way, it would be reckless to use so much energy at once, but the couple immediately understood that they were just trying to buy time for the rest of the group to arrive.


    In the end, the man gritted his teeth and shouted at Rean and Roan.


    "You two, run away now!"


    This time, even Roan was taken aback by his words. This is the cultivation word. These guys are in the middle of a war too. So how come they were still worried about Rean and himself? Considering the situation and the fact that they had absolutely no relation to the couple, Roan couldn''t understand why the couple wanted to help them so badly.


    Rean noticed Roan''s confusion and sighed.


    ''You are right. This is the cultivation world. We have seen hundreds of times how the strong prey on the weak. Be it in the Varen Tribe war against the other tribes or during the bandits'' mission, that''s how it always worked. However, it doesn''t mean that every single cultivator in this world is selfish or evil. At this moment, it just so happens that we found two of them, nothing more, nothing less.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes after hearing that.


    ''Fine!''


    Rean smiled as they turned in the direction of the incoming group.


    ''Hey, are you ready to try one of the skills I came up with?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Although the first part of their names was obviously made to bother me, I have to admit you created something interesting.''


    Suddenly, their hair colors changed into white and dark. Then, Light Element gathered inside Rean and Roan''s bodies. However, they didn''t focus on just one part of their bodies like they did in the past. Instead, the Light Element increased the power of their entire bodies as a whole!


    The twins'' bodies then began to glow with gently white light, a stark contrast from the bright light that what they did in the past. It was proof that most of the Light Element was being held inside their bodies instead of leaking without stop.


    Rean and Roan then looked ahead and dashed forward!


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''

 Chapter 188 - Big Brother Roan

    The group from Heaven''s Might Sect on the back was taken aback. Rean and Roan were just moving too fast! Even their Peak Foundation Establishment member could barely follow them with his eyes. Still, they gathered together to receive the twins.


    Too bad, though. That only made things even easier for Rean and Roan. Why? That''s because neither of the enemies thought that Foundation Establishment cultivators, especially kids, would be able to use skills!


    Light and Dark Element gathered on their Light and Black Star Swords. Those were Rean''s new High-Level Weapons. Roan''s Swords could absorb Light Element while Rean''s absorbed Dark one. Not only that, but both Swords did it much faster than their previous weapons. It only took a single second for the swords to be brimming with Spiritual Energy and the right Elements. In the next second, they were already in front of the Heaven''s Might Sect group.


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    Those guys were also waiting for Rean and Roan to get close. After all, it would be easier if they could attack all together when the opponent was obviously much faster. Unfortunately, that decision was also what decided their defeat.


    Two enormous white and dark blades of energy came in an arc, quickly fusing together. Rean and Roan were simply too fast, and they attacked from way too close. There was no chance to dodge at all! Their only choice was to raise their own weapons to block the income assault. They had no other choice!


    However, if Rean''s Swords could already break Swords of the same level, what would happen if the attack came from higher-level ones? One didn''t need to think much know the answer. The enemies'' five weapons were cut through, barely holding the two waves of dark and light elements for a split of a second.


    *Swich!*


    Not too surprisingly, the enemies'' bodies encountered the same destiny as their weapons. If even the metal on their weapons could hold those two blades back, how could flesh and blood?


    Three seconds! That''s all it took to finish all five Foundation Establishment Cultivators. One second to activate the Life Style''s First Form, One second to reach the enemies, one second for the Second Form of the Death Style to send them to the next word!


    When everything was finished, Roan couldn''t help but look at the faint glow of Light Element coming from his own body. After that, he looked at Rean with a rare look of surprise. Rean''s Life Style''s First Form definitely surpassed his expectations. Not to mention his new sword, he had to admit that it was a piece of fantastic equipment compared to the others.


    ''With this kind of power, ordinary Initial Stage Core Formation cultivators are simply not our match. Even Middle Stage ones will probably have to run away if they don''t die first.''


    Rean had been practicing his new Light Element skills focused on their bodies instead of on the outside like Roan''s attack skills. Before, the Light Element used in their bodies would leak out like torrents. That''s why they couldn''t focus on more than one part of their bodies, or the results of the strengthening wouldn''t be of much help. However, Rean found a way to apply the Light Element and prevent most leakage from happening. Of course, it still happened, but now it was only 30% as fast as the past leaks! He succeeded in reducing the wastage by 70%!


    Thanks to that, now Rean and Roan could increase their entire bodies'' power almost at the same level as just a single part of it! Not only that, but this also allowed Rean to control the Light Element several times better! After all, the Light Element wasn''t escaping as fast as it did in the past, so it made sense that he had more time to work with it before that happened.


    On their way to the Qerten Country, Rean made sure to teach everything he knew to Roan through their Soul Connection. By using this cheat, Roan was able to learn it in just a day. Well, Roan also used the same cheat every time he created a combat skill and had to teach Rean about it.


    Too bad Rean didn''t think about this before their battle against Lovak back in the bandits'' fort. Otherwise, Lovak wouldn''t have escaped for sure.


    Roan was surprised, but he didn''t forget their objective. He only spent another second pondering about Rean''s Life Style''s power. He then immediately called Rean''s attention, who seemed to be impressed with the results of the skill he created himself.


    ''Pay attention, there is still another two.''


    Roan was right. Those two Foundation Establishment guys saw when Rean and Roan dispatched all their companions in a single strike! They simply couldn''t believe that two kids at the Foundation Establishment Realm could use skills and such a ridiculous powerful one at that.


    They weren''t the only ones, though. The couple was just as shocked as the enemy. Because of that, both sides stopped their fight without noticing. However, the cultivators of the Heaven''s Might Sect came back to themselves faster. After all, they quickly understood who the next ones on the list were. That being said, they immediately turned around and fled!


    The couple was taken aback when they saw that, and they immediately blamed themselves. They could have held those two back so that Rean and Roan could arrive.


    Seeing that the couple didn''t stop them, those two guys were delighted. They are both speed-focused cultivators. As long as they have the time to accelerate, they are confident that they can outrun their enemies. The couple just gave them the time they needed.


    Unfortunately, Rean and Roan didn''t plan on letting them escape.


    They were still several tens of meters away, but that was more than enough for them. Especially now that they have new weapons, higher cultivation, and Rean''s Life Style''s First Form that increased their bodies'' overall strength.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Suddenly, two rays of Dark and While Light traveled at speed several times higher than Rean and Roan''s bodies. Their two enemies'' face paled when they noticed those attacks coming from behind with their Spiritual Sense. However, if Rean and Roan were already extremely fast themselves, what about attacks that move several times more quickly than them?


    Sure enough, those two Late Stage Foundation Establishment enemies didn''t even have a chance to react! Their hearts were pierced by the two rays of light, making them plummet on the ground right after. In the end, they could only look back at the two white and dark demons until their visions turned dark for eternity.


    The couple looked at the seven bodies on the ground. What was supposed to have been their end didn''t happen. They could barely believe what they happened even though they saw that with their own eyes.


    Rean and Roan then took a deep breath, and their bodies shined brightly for a moment. That''s because they released all the Light Element that was being held in their bodies.


    Roan took the chance to ask Rean.


    "You need to think about a way to reduce this glow. The gains in overall strength are really impressive, but being lighthouses isn''t very good."


    Rean nodded.


    "I know. I''m planning to see if I can mix a layer of your Dark Element under our skin. Just enough to stop the glow and especially the bright light when we finish using the Firm Form of my Life Style."


    Roan couldn''t help but comment.


    "Does it really need to be called Life Style?"


    Rean smiled after hearing that question.


    "Since when do you care about names?"


    Roan immediately shook his head.


    "I don''t, but I keep feeling that you called it this way just to counter the name of my Death Style. That''s the part that bothers me."


    Rean nodded.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/big-brother-roan_49215979611289985 for visiting.


    "Oh, did you notice? Then it was worth it."


    Roan''s mouth twitched. Still, he decided to ignore it in the end.


    The twins then made their way back to where the couple was staying. However, those two seemed to be quite wary of Rean and Roan. Well, they couldn''t be blamed after what they saw.


    Rean thought about something after seeing. He then put his hand on Roan''s shoulder before pretending to be Roan with a comical voice.


    "Don''t be afraid. Your big brother Roan here will protect you two."


    Obviously, he took the words that Lana told Roan and used it again. However...


    *Bam!*


    Suddenly, Rean was sent flying with a kick!


    "Perhaps now you will stop with your bullshit."


    Still, Rean quickly came back while laughing. He obviously didn''t seem to care that Roan kicked him at all!


    "I might lose a bone, but I won''t lose the joke! Hahaha!"


    "What if I make you lose your life then?"


    "Hmph! As if you could kill me. You would only be losing your life too."


    "Indeed. I''m starting to think that it might be worth it."


    The twins then began to bicker at each other as they always did.


    The couple looked at those twins with weird expressions, though.


    ''Just what the hell are these kids?''

 Chapter 189 - New Plan

    The twins noticed that they were straying out of the main topic and returned their attention to the couple.


    "Anyway, the Iceblock and I didn''t really need your help. We were pretty fine on our own. Still, you didn''t know that, so I''ll thank you anyway for your intentions. Oh, right! You can call me Rean."


    Roan simply nodded at them.


    "Roan."


    The couple finally came back to themselves. After that, Lana was the first to step forward to introduce herself.


    "Ahem... As you heard, my name is Lana, Lana Valeno. As for this guy on my side, he''s just an extra; just pretend he doesn''t exist."


    The man felt like he swallowed a fly all of a sudden.


    "F.u.c.k you! My name is Westren Valeno. I''m this idiot''s older brother. I''m also the person who needs to constantly save her ass so that she doesn''t kill herself."


    Lana gave Westren a death glare, which he ignored completely.


    "By the way, who are you? Don''t tell me that you came from one of the nearby villages. No one would ever believe such bullshit. Are you perhaps part of one of the small sects that allied with us during this war? Usually, I would condemn a sect who sent two children into a place like this. However, considering your strength and your resolve during the killing, you are obviously not like common kids."


    Roan simply stayed silent and let Rean do all the explanation.


    "Well, not exactly. Believe it or not, our meeting was just a coincidence. As for being able to kill without fear, that''s because we basically passed by similar situations in the past. You could say that we are used to it."


    Westren narrowed his eyes.


    "Does that mean you have nothing to do with our Sky Piercing or the Heaven''s Might Sects?"


    Rean nodded.


    "We came here to collect Midday Ginsengs. My ice block of a brother needs it to concoct a few pills for our cultivation, so we had no other choice. We were on our way to the Sun Streak Mountain Range when we bumped into each other."


    Lana pondered a bit and nodded in the end.


    "Indeed, the Sun Streak Mountain Range does have Midday Ginsengs. If I''m not wrong, this is quite a rare herb. However, because there aren''t many uses, rarely someone comes here to get them. It''s a herb that keeps absorbing the Spiritual Energy all day long except when the Sun is at its highest point. During those few moments, it uses all the Spiritual Energy acc.u.mulated to absorb all the Sun Light in the area around it."


    Roan showed some surprise when he heard the description. Midday Ginseng was indeed a rare herb that didn''t have many uses, so not many knew about it.


    "Are you an alchemist?"


    Lana smiled and nodded.


    "Indeed. I''m just an Earth Low-Level Alchemist, though."


    Roan didn''t feel surprised.


    Westren then pointed in a specific direction.


    "If your objective is the Sun Streak Mountain Range, then you are around two hours away from there. You were indeed going in the right direction too. However, that is the area controlled by the Heaven''s Might Sect."


    Rean smiled and then explained.


    "That''s even better. Other than collecting the herbs, we also came here to test our combat skills. Still, as long as no one attacks us, we won''t be the ones to initiate an assault either."


    Westren then thought about something.


    "Then, if we had attacked you..."


    Rean just shrugged his shoulders. The meaning of his actions was pretty obvious.


    Lana and Westren felt a chill on their backs. It''s good that they didn''t attack the twins. Otherwise, the bodies on the ground would be theirs instead.


    Still, Lana quickly recovered and said.


    "In that case, I''m going with you."


    Let alone Rean and Roan, even Westren was taken aback by that.


    "What are you thinking? These kids obviously don''t need our help. In fact, chances are that we will get in their way instead."


    Rean and Roan nodded their heads. That''s what they thought as well.


    However, Lana explained why she decided to do that.


    "Although the Sun Streak Mountain Range is under the Heaven''s Might Sect hands, it is right beside the border with our own territory. If I let these twins go there and our sect members decide to attack them, wouldn''t they kill our fellow disciples instead?"


    Rean and Roan finally understood what she meant.


    "I see, so you want to stay with us so that your sect members won''t mistakenly attack us and get killed in the process, right?"


    Lana nodded.


    "Correct."


    Roan immediately shook his head, though.


    "That will kill half the meaning of our travel. We also came here to acquire combat experience, so your presence would instead prevent the battles we need from happening."


    Lana and Westren were taken aback. However, they couldn''t blame Roan. After all, a war zone was indeed one of the best places to find challenges.


    Westren then thought about something.


    "I know what to do. I can bring you two into the Sun Streak Mountain Range through another route. This route will instead pass inside the Heaven''s Might Sect territory. If they see my and Lana''s robes, they will definitely attack us. That way, you can have even more battles while Lana and I can prevent you from killing our sect members."


    Roan couldn''t help but narrow his eyes.


    "I guess you are committing a mistake here. We are not helping any side. It''s because you were not idiot enough to attack us that we didn''t do anything to you either. That''s all. If we do like you said, it will be the same as helping your sect during these times. We don''t really want to take anyone''s side."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/new-plan_49238831236438049 for visiting.


    Westren nodded. After all, he saw the twins'' powers.


    It was then that Lana had an idea.


    "In that case, what about we make a deal? We will follow the route that my brother mentioned. Naturally, it will catch the attention of the Heaven''s Might Sect disciples we pass by. As for any members of our sect who might be on that side, they will let us pass if we talk to them."


    "That will definitely help our sect a lot. So, in exchange, I''ll be your guide inside the Sun Streak Mountain Range. I know that place quite well, which means I can reduce the time you need to find the Midday Ginsegs by a lot. It''s definitely much better than blindly looking for it."


    Rean then asked something else.


    "Why would you take the risk of entering the enemy''s territories and going through the battles with us? We are already letting you go without asking anything. Wouldn''t it be much better to simply report our existence and have your stronger sect members deal with us?"


    Westren immediately laughed after hearing that.


    "Isn''t that obvious? We will get war points that can be exchanged for benefits for each enemy cultivator we kill during this war. You are not part of this war, so you obviously can''t take the points. In that case, it will all be ours. Who would let such a chance to pass? We saw your combat power. You are definitely much stronger than any Foundation Establishment cultivators we saw in the past by far!"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and then back at the siblings.


    "That''s indeed a good reason and deal. Very well, we shall follow your plan."

 Chapter 190 - Leaving Enemies Alive

    Rean and Roan then followed the path that Westren showed for them. On the way, they encountered another two groups of their own sect. From the looks of it, the attack they suffered was made while still inside the Sky Piercing Territory. However, there was nothing wrong with it. After all, both the Heaven''s Might Sect and the Sky Piercing Sect are at war. Their own sect also constantly enters their enemies'' territory to attack them.


    "Alright, from this point onwards, it''s the territory of the Heaven''s Might Sect. Let''s go."


    Rean, Roan, and Lana nodded. Westren then changed direction and began to proceed to the Sun Streak Mountain.


    As one can expect, it didn''t take long for them to find the first group of the Heaven''s Might Sect. Sure enough, as soon as they saw the yellow robes of their enemies, they immediately attacked.


    This group had a total of four members. Three at the Middle and Late Stages of the Foundation Establishment while the last one was at the peak. They couldn''t blame for attacking, though. After all, there were two kids and two a.d.u.l.ts. They obviously thought that they held the advantage. Not only that, but they even sent a single member of their own group to attack Rean and Roan, thinking that it would be more than enough to hold the two Middle Stage Twins.


    Rean and Roan didn''t even use the Life Style first form. After all, there was simply no need for that.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    The guy who came to attack Rean and Roan was shocked. Out of no were, six Black and White Swords appeared in his field of vision. He tried to block one of the swords. Still, the other five were also real ones.


    *Clang! Swich, swich, swich, swich, swich!*


    In a moment, the guy was cut to pieces.


    The other cultivators were frightened by that scene. They haven''t even arrived at Westren and Lana yet, and they already turned around to run.


    "Going somewhere?"


    Westren and Lana laughed and charged at one enemy each, delaying their escaping. Rean and Roan then switched targets and dashed straight at the guy who was still free.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercing!''


    *Puchi, Puchi!*


    Unfortunately for him, he died even faster than the two who were held back by Westren and Lana. Seeing how their companion was killed so fast, the two guys immediately understood that they had no way to escape. Just as Rean and Roan were about to join the couple to deal with the last two, they dropped their weapons and kneeled on the ground.


    "W-We Surrender!"


    Rean immediately stopped his attack, and so did Roan. Rean simply didn''t want to attack someone who posed no threat to them anymore. As for Roan, he felt that it was an excellent opportunity.


    "Let them go."


    Westren and Lana were taken aback. However, since Roan said so, they stopped attacking too. Those two guys couldn''t believe their ears. They were almost sure that they would die. Still, trying to escape was certain death too. That''s why they tried a one in a million chance of their enemies accepting their surrender. Who could have thought that they really got pardoned?


    Roan noticed their shocked eyes and began to lose his patience.


    "Scram!"


    There was no need for Roan to say that twice. They immediately got up and disappeared as fast as they could. If anything, they couldn''t help but curse the fact that they didn''t have another pair of legs.


    Westren then looked at the twins before asking.


    "Why did you let them go?"


    Rean smiled after hearing that question.


    "If we continue like this, those groups will keep appearing in small numbers and with weak cultivations. By letting them go, they will probably call for reinforcements. Only then can the two of us get some challenge. Otherwise, it will be far from enough to test our skills."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/leaving-enemies-alive_49293926540041566 for visiting.


    Westren felt helpless. That''s because he really wanted to get rid of all of them before they could do what Rean said. He was even ready to completely eliminate their bodies to not leave any clue behind. Too bad, though. Rean and Roan don''t want to hide their presence.


    "Sigh... Whatever. Let''s go."


    Westren and Lana collected the enemies'' Sect badges and then left with the twins.


    Exactly as Rean and Roan predicted, those two guys went straight back to their camps. Right after, they reported to the elder about this new group with two demon-like kids in between.


    "Hum? Two Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Kids did that to your group? Do you think I''ll believe it?"


    One of the guys insisted.


    "Elder Buran, we are talking the truth. Not only were they extremely strong, but they could also use skills!"


    Elder Buran was obviously the name of the elder in charge of their camp. Seeing how insistent those two guys looked, he began to think that something wasn''t right.


    "Very well, I''ll send another squad to look at this group. Do you know which direction they were going to?"


    The two guys nodded.


    "They were moving in the Sun Streak Mountain Range direction."


    Buran then looked behind himself.


    "Okrin, come forward."


    Suddenly, a man appeared in the room like a ghost.


    "Yes, elder Buran."


    "Take five more members and get rid of this new group. Don''t look down on them just because they have kids, understood?"


    "Yes."


    "Good, you can go now. Considering their distance from our encampment and the direction they were going, I''ll give you two hours to find and finish them. Otherwise, be ready for punishment."


    Okrin smiled and answered straight away.


    "Don''t worry, Elder Buran, I''ll be back in half of that time."


    The man then disappeared once more.


    Back on the twins'' side, they just finished another small group before letting one of them escape on purpose.


    "This should be enough, right?"


    Roan pondered a bit and nodded.


    "I believe so. We are not moving fast on purpose, nor are we changing direction. If those guys we let escape made their part, we should see someone coming at us in at most one hour. This one will probably give us some challenges too."


    Rean and Roan seemed to not mind it. However, poor Lana and Westren felt more nervous as time passed. They even began to wonder if it was a good idea to do this travel.

 Chapter 191 - Solo Battle

    Rean and Roan continued their way to the Sun Streak mountain. On the route, Roan stopped showing mercy for any enemy. Of course, that was good news for the couple who didn''t want to leave anyone out to start with.


    Suddenly, Rean and Roan''s vision turned red.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/solo-battle_49305302583007634 for visiting.


    ''Killing Intent!''


    The two of them immediately raised their hand for Westren and Lana to stop as well.


    "What is it?"


    The twins didn''t answer his question. Instead, Rean began to acc.u.mulate Light Energy around himself. A few seconds later, he looked in a certain direction in the forest before laughing. Doesn''t matter how well hidden they are; all living beings have a life force. With Rean''s affinity with Light Element, he could feel their presence in the distance as long as he put enough effort into it.


    "Since the six of you already came, why don''t you show yourselves?"


    After saying that, another laugh came from behind the trees that Rean was looking at.


    "Hahaha! Indeed, the reports were true. The first two guys you let go told me about some kind of demon twins. At first, I thought it was bullshit. However, seeing how you found our location this easily, I can''t help but feel that there is a hint of truth behind our disciples'' words."


    A man using a black robe then appeared in their vision. Right after, another five cultivators appeared behind him. The five cultivators didn''t seem much of a threat. After all, Rean and Roan''s Spiritual Sense could tell that they were all in the peak of the Foundation Establishment. However, the man in black was a little different since he was in the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Obviously, he was Okrin, the cultivator that Buran sent to hunt Rean''s group.


    Nevertheless, Roan seemed a little disappointed. With Rean''s new skill and their increase in cultivation, Roan didn''t think that the guy would cause much trouble. Unless...


    Okrin didn''t notice it. Instead, he asked Rean something else.


    "By the way, how did you find us? I''m pretty confident in my concealing technique. Even those in the same realm as me would have some difficulty noticing my presence with Spiritual Sense alone."


    Rean smiled before saying.


    "Haha! Who knows? Maybe I thought that it was already time for someone to appear, so I decided to try my luck and say a few words in empty air."


    Obviously, Rean wouldn''t talk about Roan''s ability to see killing intent through colors. Much less about his own capability of noticing Life Force.


    As one can imagine, Okrin didn''t believe a single word from Rean. How lucky would Rean need to be to stop and look right in his direction when talking? There is no way that it was just a coincidence.


    "Well, I can ask you later after I capture you four."


    Roan then thought about an idea. Since it would be much of a challenge, he would create one. Roan then looked at the couple before sending a Spiritual Sense Message.


    "Westren and Lana will give support to Rean while he gets rid of the Foundation Establishment enemies. Rean will try to finish it as fast as possible. As for me, I''ll hold the Core Formation Guy."


    Westren and Lana were taken aback. Their Spiritual Senses couldn''t go as far as the twins, so they didn''t know that the cultivation of the leader of the enemy''s group. Obviously, they felt nervous when Roan said the words ''Core Formation Realm.'' However, Roan seemed pretty confident in his words, so they decided to do as he said.


    Rean, on the other hand, understood what Roan wanted to do.


    ''Who are you trying to deceive here? I can totally tell that you want to fight that guy alone. Or could it be that you thought I wouldn''t notice, uh?''


    Roan narrowed his eyes but didn''t refute Rean''s words. Roan really wanted to see if he alone was enough to fight a Core Formation Realm enemy. After all, he was sure that their twin combo could efficiently deal with the enemy. However, this would not be considered a challenge at all.


    Noticing his silence, Rean laughed out loud in their soul connection.


    ''Hahaha! Don''t worry. As long as you use my Life Style First Form to attack, that will be enough for me. It is an excellent opportunity to see how well it will perform when there is only one of us. Of course, if you see that you are dying, you can implore for my help. Your grandfather, I, will definitely offer a helping hand.''


    Roan''s mouth twitched.


    ''Hmph! I would rather die and bring the two of us down together than implore for your help. I''ll leave it at your own discernment if I need help or not.''


    The reason Roan wasn''t so sure about his strength alone was that he can''t use the Fifth Form of the Death Style alone. The Mirage Assault skill needed both of them to work. After all, it required a much higher control of Light Element than he can do alone with just their Soul Connection. It was the same thing for Rean. Without Roan''s Dark Element control, the Mirage Assault skill wouldn''t work either.


    Rean then laughed once more and didn''t say anything else.


    Although they talked a lot, the fact is that they used Spiritual Sense or the Soul Connection to talk. Because of that, just a few seconds passed outside.


    Okrin also gave his orders to the subordinates he brought along. However, he told them to leave both Rean and Roan for himself to deal with. Their objective was to take care of the couple at the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment.


    After that, he promptly dashed in Rean and Roan''s direction.


    However...


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement.''


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    The twins'' hairs changed into black and white colors. Right after, Roan shot in Okrian''s direction! Rean, of course, went after the Foundation Establishment guys.


    "Fast!"


    Okrin was taken aback. The ray of black and white energy made all the hairs in his body stand up. Every single pore screamed danger, making him understand that Roan alone is already strong enough to threaten his life!


    ''Sword Wind Blade!''


    Without wasting any time, Okrin attacked with one of his own skills. Spiritual Energy and Wind Element acc.u.mulated in his sword as he slashed the air in front of him.


    As a Core Formation Realm, he obviously could use skills as well. Fortunately for him, he was an agility type cultivator. Thanks to that, he had faster reactions and attacks than other types. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to counter-attack Roan''s Stellar Piercer fast enough. Not that he was weaker, but that he underestimated Roan, which delayed his reaction.


    *Boom!*


    Both the Stellar Piercer and the Wind Blade clashed and disappeared. However, Okrin wasn''t the least bit happy. He is a Core Formation Realm cultivator while Roan is a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment one. Still, Roan''s attack had enough power to nullify his Wind Blade.


    Nevertheless, he didn''t have time to think or stop Rean, who was moving away. That''s because Roan had already appeared right in front of him. At the same time, he received a Spiritual Sense message.


    "I hope you don''t disappoint me."

 Chapter 192 - Threads

    Okrin immediately gave up any ideas of trying to stop Rean. He simply used his Spiritual Sense to tell that he won''t be able to help his subordinates with it. They should focus solely on defense and hold Rean and the couple back as much as possible. After all, from what he heard, both twins are similar in strength. That being said, those Foundation Establishment guys are in deadly danger.


    Roan, of course, wouldn''t let him do that anyway even if he wanted to.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Three black and white swords came at Okrin from three different positions. However, Okrin couldn''t tell which one was real.


    ''Wind Barrier!''


    Spiritual Energy and Wind Element gathered around Okrin''s body. Since he couldn''t tell which one was real, he would use his Wind Barrier to find the real one. He was confident that he could block Roan''s real sword after spotting it with his reaction speed. After that, he would counter-attack with his own skill using any opening left behind by Roan''s skill. Too bad, though. All three blades hit barriers at the same time, causing damage.


    "What?! All three are real?!"


    In his alarm, Okrin jumped while trying to block one of them.


    *Clang! Swich, swich!*


    Okrin was lucky. The sword he decided to block was Roan''s real one. The other two were also strong, but they only carried 70% of the power of Roan''s White Star. Thanks to his Wind Barrier, his reaction time to jump back, and the real sword block, he avoided any severe damage.


    However, Roan smiled nonetheless.


    "My attacks aren''t only physical."


    Okrin''s eyes opened wide! As soon as he heard those words, he felt some kind of energy entering his body. Whatever it was, made him feel as if he was in the middle of torture. As one can imagine, that was Roan''s Dark Element destroying Okrin''s Life Force!


    "Argh!"


    Roan didn''t lose that chance and immediately charged forward. However, Okrin seemed to have a lot of experience in dangerous situations. He gritted his teeth and blocked Roan''s assault while bearing all the pain.


    *Clang, clang, clang, clang...*


    Okrin blocked all Roan''s attacks while jumping back, trying to open distance to get some breath. However, he soon noticed another problem. His sword began to crack!


    "What the hell is that sword?!"


    Roan didn''t answer and continued. Obviously, Rean''s White Star was much stronger than ordinary High-Level Weapons. The only reason Okrin''s sword took this long to crack was the superior cultivation that allowed him to protect his sword with more Spiritual Energy.


    Noticing that he couldn''t continue like that for long, Okrin changed his instance.


    ''Severing Wind Field!''


    Immediately, Spiritual Energy and Wind Element generated tens of wind blades that danced around Okrin''s bodies. Individually, they weren''t as strong as his Sword Wind Blade, but they were enough to protect his body with quantity. The only problem was that this skill used a lot of Spiritual Energy at once.


    Nevertheless, Okrin achieved his objective. Roan had to stop his assault for a second, or he would charge directly inside the sea of wind blades. That gave enough time for Okrin to finally catch his breath and initiate his attack. It was also enough time to focus his energy on blocking the Dark Element in his body.


    ''Call of the Wind!''


    Right after, Okrin began his own offense. Wind Element gathered inside his body as his speed promptly increased. Roan was surprised to see that since it looked quite similar to Rean''s Life Style First Form. However, his control of the Wind Element couldn''t compare to the twins'' Dark and Light. It was evident that a lot of Wind Element was wasted during the process of maintaining it. Not to mention the way he used his meridians was utterly wrong.


    ''I see... he can keep that form because of his cultivation. He obviously has a lot more Spiritual Energy than me, and this is why it works even though the wastage is so enormous. Well, his Spiritual Energy will dry out in a flash if he continues like this, which means...''


    Roan was right. Okrin knew about the side effect of his Call of the Wind. However, he couldn''t hold back against Roan. That''s why he decided to go all out and try to finish it as fast as possible.


    With his increase in speed, Okrin arrived in front of Roan in a second. However, Roan didn''t step back. Although he knew that he could stall for time and win in a battle of attrition, it would not help his own development.


    ''Call of the Wind, Severing Wind Sword!''


    Okrin''s attacks suddenly increased in speed by at leas three folds. However, Roan also didn''t hold back.


    ''Death Style, First Defense Form, Reversive Arcs!''


    White and Dark Element gathered on Roan''s White Star. Right after, his hands moved in several arcs, creating threads of Dark and Light Element in mid-air. However, instead of moving forward, those threads kept stationary. When the Severing Wind Swords hit those threads, they would bounce back. During that moment, the Dark Element would drain and destroy the attacks'' power while the Light Element fueled the Dark Element resistance. Just like that, all of Okrin''s attacks lost their effect before the threads bounced back far enough to hit Roan''s body.


    Rean, who was paying attention to that from far away, couldn''t help but feel surprised.


    ''Oh! It''s the first time I see someone forcing Roan to use his Death Style Defensive Form.''


    Okrin was shocked that Roan could put up a defensive skill that could totally nullify his attacks. After all, the difference in cultivation was there for anyone to see. Worse than that was the fact that his Wind Barrier, which he used for defense, didn''t hold Roan''s Claws of the Dragon at all!


    Finally, Okrin''s Sword began to reach its limit. Noticing that he wouldn''t be able to win this battle, Okrin used his Severing Wind Field one more time to open distance from Roan. Obviously, another huge chunk of his Spiritual Energy was consumed with that. But that didn''t matter, because he used that chance to turn around and... run!


    Unfortunately...


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    His path was blocked by Rean! Okrin was shocked to see the other twin in front of himself. After all, Rean was supposed to be dealing with the Foundation Establishment Subordinates. Too bad, though. He was so focused on his battle that he didn''t notice when Rean finished all of them. The only reason he didn''t intervene until now was so that Roan could have his solo battle. Of course, he paid attention to their fight to prevent this guy from escaping.


    F.u.c.k!


    Okrin tried to jump back in his desperation. Regrettably, Roan was right behind him too.


    Roan didn''t mind Rean entering the fight now. Since his opponent decided to flee, that meant that his battle was already over. The proof was that the Red Color of Killing Intent had already disappeared. That being said, they might as well put an end to it.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/threads_49307346987448925 for visiting.


    Okrin was surrounded by both sides, without anywhere to run.


    However, just as Rean and Roan''s attacks were about to slice him to pieces, the red color of Killing Intent appeared once more. Yet, it wasn''t coming from Okrin this time.


    ''There is someone else!''


    Right at that moment, the ground below Okrin shined with yellow light!

 Chapter 193 - Heavens Might Water

    Right after, two Earth Pillars came at Rean and Roan. Fortunately, the Red Color of Killing Intent warned them in advance. They immediately shifted their attack and aimed at the two Earth Pillars. The pillars were them severed in three parts, quickly falling on the ground. Still, that gave Okrin enough time to jump away from their encirclement.


    It was then that another man appeared.


    Okrin looked at the newcomer and couldn''t help but feel ecstatic.


    "Elder Buran!"


    Buran was the same one who gave Okrin the order to hunt Rean and Roan''s group.


    "I knew something was fishy��two super-powered kids appearing out of nowhere. My gut feeling kept telling me that something was going to happen. Sure enough, Okrin, all your subordinates died, and you were just a second away from following them."


    Okrin quickly bowed as he apologized.


    "I''m sorry, Elder Buran. But I''m really weaker than any of the two. When they gathered together, I was as good as dead already."


    Buran shook his head.


    "It''s okay. I was watching the battle from the moment you used your Call of the Wind. It wasn''t your fault. I gave you a mission that you had no chance of completing, that''s all. Step back. You have almost no Spiritual Energy remaining."


    Elder Buran then looked at Rean and Roan before asking.


    "Who are you? I''m sure you are not part of the Sky Piercing Sect. After all, there is no way we wouldn''t know about two geniuses of your caliber appearing there. Not to mention that your Elemental Affinities are outside the five main elements range. That''s one more reason that you are not that sibling''s fellow disciples."


    Roan smiled after hearing that.


    "Indeed. We are not part of the Sky Piercing Sect. We are only using these siblings as a beacon to attract your sect''s people to attack us. That way, we can gain combat experience."


    Buran nodded.


    "I see... In that case, why don''t you help our sect instead? I can offer a good payment as long as you kill those siblings behind you."


    Lana and Westren began to sweat. If the twins decided to change targets, they would be dead for sure.


    However, Rean laughed out loud after hearing that.


    "Hahaha! Payment? I''m sorry to throw it at your face, but we probably have more Spirit Stones than you. Besides, a Late-Stage Core Formation Realm target just appeared in front of us. How could we let such a chance to pass? You will be a perfect challenge for us."


    Buran was taken aback. He thought that the twins would definitely try to run after seeing his cultivation. However, it seemed more like they wanted to fight him. Still, he didn''t give up.


    "Don''t be so fast to refuse me. Our Heaven''s Might Sect has more things than just Spirit Stones. For example, we can give you some Heaven''s Might Water, which increases the foundation sturdiness. You can ask these two disciples of the Sky Piercing Sect about it if you don''t know about it."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/heaven''s-might-water_49326608019932592 for visiting.


    Rean and Roan were taken aback. Having breakthroughs is what they need the most at the moment. Suppose that Heaven''s Might Water can really increase the foundation''s sturdiness. In that case, that also means they will have an easier time stabilizing it.


    Rean and Roan then looked at Westren and Lana, waiting to hear their answers.


    The siblings knew that lying would be useless. After all, the Heaven''s Might Sect name was created due to this water. As long as they search a little, they will find out that Buran wasn''t lying. Instead, if they lie, they will just make Rean and Roan turn against their sect.


    "It''s true, the Heaven''s Might Sect has a pond that acc.u.mulates the five elements from heaven and earth. Those who drink its water can increase the foundation''s sturdiness, so their sect sees it as one of their greatest treasures. However, it only works up to the Core Formation Realm Peak Stage. After one enters the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, that water loses its effect."


    Buran then laughed out loud.


    "So what? By then, our foundations will already be much stronger than others. Wouldn''t that be perfect? There are very few alchemists'' pills that can achieve such a great effect. Not to mention that they are really expensive. As long as you put hard work into the sect''s missions and duties, you are entitled to some Heaven''s Might Water."


    Buran continued.


    "As you know, we are in a war at the moment. So the sect has taken out a lot of the Heaven''s Might Water for those who contribute the most. With your strength and the fact that others would underestimate you because of your age, you can no doubt make a killing with our reward system."


    Roan then asked something else.


    "Could it be that you also have this water with you?"


    Buran didn''t find the question weird. Since the twins didn''t know about Heaven''s Might Water, they obviously wanted to confirm if it was real.


    "Sure. I''ll pass you a few drops. It''s not enough to make any difference, but you can definitely verify its effectiveness."


    Buran then took three bottles out. One had Heaven''s Might Water while the other two were empty. He then poured three drops in each bottle and threw them at Rean and Roan.


    The twins quickly grabbed the bottles. Then, they pretended to verify the contents. However, they were, in fact, doing something else.


    ''Sister Orb, how is it?''


    [Wait a minute...]


    [Done. I only checked if there were any detrimental effects or not. I still don''t what it does either. However, I can tell that it won''t do anything bad to your bodies or foundations.]


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    ''That''s more than enough.''


    Finally, they opened the bottles and drunk the content inside. Sure enough, they felt some kind of energy rushing into their Dantians. However, they quickly noticed a problem. Like the siblings mentioned, this water was made in the pond that gathered the five main elements. The problem was that both Rean and Roan didn''t have much affinity with any of the other Five Elements. Because of that, the effect of the water was reduced by a lot.


    Of course, they could tell that it still worked nonetheless.


    Westren and Lana looked at the twins nervously. After all, they didn''t know which decision those two would make.


    "Good, it really works, as you said."


    Buran smiled after hearing that. However, just as he was about to continue to talk, the twins pointed their swords at him.


    "Now then, since you already have so much of it with you, we might as well take our rewards earlier."


    Everyone was taken aback, including Westren and Lana. Even they thought that Rean and Roan would end up selecting Buran''s side.


    Buran, of course, felt like he was played with, which enraged him.


    "Hmph! I gave you a chance, but you failed to grasp it. Since that is the case, don''t complain later when I send you to the next world."


    Elder Buran''s body immediately gathered Spiritual Energy and Earth Element. Right after, a layer of rock seemed to gather over his skin.


    ''Earth Armor!''


    Without wasting any more time, Buran charged at the twins.


    "Fast!"


    Rean and Roan were taken aback. Even though Buran was an Earth Element user, his speed didn''t lose to Okrin at all. In fact, he was even slightly faster!


    Knowing that things got dangerous, Rean and Roan also didn''t hold back.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''

 Chapter 194 - Dual Elements

    Elder Buran saw the Light and Dark Element coming back and forth from Rean and Roan. However, he didn''t want to give them time to use any skill, so he immediately stomped the ground.


    ''Earth Spike!''


    Buran was much closer to the twins this time, so the earth spikes came out a lot faster. Not only that, but they came from behind the twins. Both the Earth Spikes pierced through Rean and Roan''s bodies, quickly impaling them from the back. Seeing that, Elder Buran smiled, satisfied.


    However, his smile quickly froze. That''s because both Rean and Roan suddenly became specks of Light and Dark energy that drifted away.


    ''Not good!''


    From both his sides, Rean and Roan appeared simultaneously!


    ''Death Style, Thrid Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Six sword slashes came at Buran. He knew that all of them were real, so he did not try to block them. Instead, he once again stomped on the ground, shooting himself in the air.


    Roan''s eyes narrowed, seeing that. Buran''s reaction was much faster than he expected. However, it wasn''t over. Out of nowhere, another Rean and Roan appeared from behind Buran, also rushing at him right after he jumped.


    ''Death Style, Fourth Form, Soaring Dragon!''


    Buran couldn''t believe it. He can see Rean and Roan on the ground, so where did these two come from? Not only that, he saw that the Rean and Roan on the ground used skills. Now, their copies were also doing the same thing, using skills!


    ''How are they doing it?''


    Still, he didn''t have time to think.


    ''Harden!''


    Suddenly, his Earth Armor seemed to transform into metal!


    *Clang, Clang*


    The two Fourth Forms of the Death Style hit Buran. Blood gushed out, leaving deep cuts on his body. Not only that, but Roan''s Dark Element immediately entered his body, destroying his Life Force while causing immense pain.


    "Argh!"


    Still, Buran was at the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm. His Spiritual Energy pool was much bigger and stronger. He quickly channeled it on his injuries, promptly stopping the bleeding and locking Roan''s Dark Element in place.


    However, Rean and Roan didn''t have any intention of giving him time to recover. They calculated his descending path and immediately rushed there. At the same time, the two energy clones that used the Fourth Form of the Death Style disappeared. On the ground, another two clones quickly took their place.


    Those two clones immediately changed their instance and used their long-ranged attack at the falling Buran.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Buran noticed the two rays of Black and White Energy coming at him. However, he was prepared this time.


    ''Release, Gather!''


    In a split of a second, his Earth Armor separated from his body and gathered in the form of a boulder under his feet. Buran then used that same boulder to change his falling position straight away.


    Because of that, both clones'' Stellar Piercers missed their target by a hair. Not only that, but the real Rean and Roan had to adjust their positions as well. Roan couldn''t help but feel surprised by Buran''s reaction. The Stellar Piercers were extremely fast, but he was still able to respond in time.


    Of course, he knew why it was that. Buran had seen the twins using the Stellar Piercer before. So when he noticed the clones'' instances, he knew that the long-ranged attacks would come. Still, that wasn''t something that just anyone could pull off. It showed just how much experience Buran had in combat and especially how well he knew himself and his own skills.


    Of course, Rean and Roan were not slow. Since they couldn''t pinpoint the right position of his fall in time, they might as well hit the entire area!


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    Buran saw the two big arcs of White and Dark energy coming at him. This time, however, he wasn''t idiot enough to put himself in mid-air with another jump.


    "Hmph! Just because you injured me, do you think you have the advantage?!"


    As soon as he touched the ground, he didn''t stop. Instead, his body went underground at speed even faster than his descent was!


    The twins were taken aback by that. However, Roan''s cold mind didn''t let the two of them lose focus. He immediately looked at Rean and nodded.


    Rean understood what he meant and nodded as well.


    Light Element once again gathered around Rean. However, it was not an attack this time. Suddenly, Rean and Roan jumped back in a specific direction. As for the place where they were a moment ago, another two earth spikes appeared in a flash. This time, the Earth Spikes came out of the ground at least twice as faster. If not for their timely reaction, they would definitely have been hit by them.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/dual-elements_49350815546144332 for visiting.


    Yet, Rean and Roan didn''t stop. They kept jump right and left, back and forth, avoid several Earth Spikes that could come from anywhere. It was as if they predicted every attack.


    The observers, Okrin, Lana, and Westren, were shocked by that. However, they were not as shocked as Buran himself!


    ''What?! Dodging once could be attributed to luck, but not several times in a roll. My cultivation is over an entire realm above theirs. It should be impossible for them to find my presence with Spiritual Sense while I''m hidden in the ground. Just how can they tell where I am?!''


    That''s because Rean was using Buran''s Life Force to find his location under them. He might be able to hide his presence from Spiritual Energy, but as long as he is alive, he won''t be able to conceal his Life Force!


    ''Keep dodging. This kind of Earth tunneling and fast Earth Element materialization definitely spends a lot of Spiritual Energy. If he continues like this, he will run out of energy way before we do.''


    Rean nodded and did as Roan said.


    Sure enough, the sudden flash spikes stopped in just a few moments. However, that didn''t mean Buran gave up.


    "You were really a surprise. In that case, let''s see how you deal with this."


    Suddenly, two different Elements gathered around Buran''s body. Rean and Roan were shocked to see both elements flowing into the ground. This was the first time they had seen someone using more than a single element other than themselves.


    "It''s Water and Earth... He can use Wood Element!"

 Chapter 195 - Dont Forget Me

    They were right. Buran began to use both elements to manipulate the wood element.


    "Hmph! So what if you know?!"


    Right after saying that, the Wood Element spread around the ground with Buran''s Spiritual Energy''s help.


    ''Vine Forest!''


    Hundreds of vines sprouted from the ground, quickly storming and Rean and Roan.


    The twins tried to dodge. However, Rean was a step too slow, which was enough for one of the vines to attach to his leg. Rean immediately passed another order to his clone, who promptly used the second form of the Death Style to cut all the vines. Of course, he used his sword to cut it too. Roan also dodged the vines while using his clones to help Rean as well.


    "Hehe! Do you think I will lose such a good change?!"


    The ground all around Rean shined with bright yellow light for a moment. Right after, several Earth Spikes came from all sides while more and more vines locked Rean in place.


    In the last moment, Rean contorted his body as well as he could. Also, he poured his entire Spiritual Energy into gathering Light Element to increase his strength. Thanks to that, he was able to dodge the majority of the Earth Spikes even in that situation. Unfortunately, two of them still impaled his body.


    "Arrgh!"


    Immediately, two enormous holes appeared in Rean''s body. Right after, both Rean and Roan''s Clones disappeared. Obviously, the Mirage Assault had been broken!


    Roan was taken aback. However, he didn''t stop and continued to rush at Rean. But right at that moment, Buran finally stepped outside of the ground.


    "Where do you think you are going? He''s already dead. Hahaha!"


    Roan didn''t lose his calm, though.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Buran saw that and almost laughed.


    ''Ground Shield!''


    All the slashes hit an Earth Barrier that appeared between Roan and Buran. Buran didn''t stop there. As soon as Roan''s attack hit his shield, he punched the same shield in front of him as well. The shield then broke into several pieces that flew at Roan like bullets. Buran also used this chance to stepped forward to not give Roan time to recover. However, as soon as he gave the first step, he saw a ball of white light in front of him.


    "What?!"


    The ball immediately exploded like a flash grenade! That was a trick that Rean used all the way back in the Varen Tribe. It basically consisted of gathering Light Element in a single point and made it explode. It couldn''t even be considered a skill to start with.


    Simultaneously, Roan repeated the same attack again.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon.''


    Buran was shocked that Roan didn''t retreat when he punched the shield. That''s because it meant Roan bore with the rubble that flew at him. Sure enough, the light only lasted half a second, and as soon as it disappeared, Buran saw Roan''s body full of injuries.


    "Hmph! Trying to bring both of us down together? Not so easy!"


    Although Roan ignored the damage, he was still somewhat slow. Buran saw that and immediately stomped the ground to create another Earth Shield. However, before the shield materialized, he received a Spiritual Sense Message from... Rean!


    ''How can you ignore the most awesome twin, me?''


    "Elder Buran, behind!"


    Okrin tried to warn him, but that it was too late!


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    This time, Buran didn''t have his Earth Armor anymore. Also, his attention was entirely on Roan since he was sure that the damage he caused to Rean would definitely kill him. Last but not least, the ball of White Light made him focus his attention on Roan in front of him rather than the surroundings. Those three factors ended sealing his fate.


    Without having the chance to even look behind, Rean''s three swords pierce his head, heart, with the last one cutting his neck.


    Until the moment his conscience faded away, he kept thinking.


    ''How is he still alive?!''


    Going back to the moment Rean''s body was pierced, it was true that he received two fatal injuries. His normal Light Element Healing wouldn''t be able to help him recover in time to return to the battle either. However, Rean had said it when the twins used his Life Style for the first time.


    ''Hey, are you ready to try one of the skills I came up with?'' (chapter 187, near the end.)


    Yes, ''skills'' in the plural. Rean had created another one during his time healing the members of the sect. His ability to lock down the Light Energy and stop the wastage wasn''t good for increasing one''s strength only.


    During that moment of life and death, he immediately activated his second one.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Of course, although Rean called it Instant Recovery, it was not like his Injure would immediately disappear. Not to mention that Rean had been impaled by two of the Earth Spikes. He had to first remove the pillars from his body before the injuries could start to heal.


    However, the Life Style Second Form was who knows how many times faster than normal Light Element Healing. It was to the point that only Rean could achieve this effect. Roan could also use the Second Form, but his healing speed would definitely not be as fast as Rean. Even the extra Light Element from Roan''s White Star Sword wouldn''t be able to overcome the difference. That being said, Rean was able to recover two fatal injuries in a matter of seconds! Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/don''t-forget-me_49351941079221557 for visiting.


    In fact, it could be even quicker. Unfortunately, Rean could only stop the leakage of Light Element by around 70%. He still has to improve his proficiency a lot. Also, every % extra was more challenging to achieve than the last one. Rean knew that he would need a very long time to eliminate the wasted Light Element by 100%. Nonetheless, the effects were already heaven-defying by themselves.


    As for the battle''s result, another critical point couldn''t be forgotten, the mistake caused by none other than Buran himself. He used several Earth Spikes at once to hit Rean. Although only two hit the target, the rest was still there. All those Earth Pillars then hid Rean while he healed his body.


    Well, in fact, it couldn''t really be considered a mistake from Buran. He at least saw when Rean was impaled by the two Earth Pillars. With such injuries, no one should have been able to recover. If it was anyone else, they would be incapable of battling anymore even if they didn''t die straight away. Too bad that he had encountered Rean this day.


    Okrin was frightened when he saw Buran''s head flying. Without wasting a single second, he immediately turned around to flee. However, he didn''t expect that Westren and Lana would block his path right at this moment.


    "Two punny Foundation Establishments are trying to block my path? Die!"


    However, both Lana and Westren didn''t feel the least bit scared due to the cultivation difference. That''s because they knew that Okrin was at the end of his energies. Not to mention his injuries.


    As for Lana and Westren, they didn''t use much energy when they were dealing with the Foundation Establishment enemies that came with Okrin. After all, their job was basically to help to hold them back while Rean finished them.


    Sure enough, Okrin was able to suppress Lana and Westren, but he didn''t have the strength to kill them anymore. Not to mention that the two were making sure to not let him run away. It would be a disaster if he could call reinforcements right now. After all, they could see that Rean and Roan were exhausted. They definitely couldn''t go through such a battle anymore before recovering their energies.


    Lana and Westren did their best to pin down Okrin. It was to the point that they even allowed themselves to get severe injuries in the process. As spent as okrin might be, he is still a Core Formation Realm cultivator while the siblings aren''t.


    Their battle continued for half a minute. Just as the siblings were reaching their limits, they received a Spiritual Sense message from Roan.


    ''You aren''t so bad, after all.''


    Okrin instincts also told him that he was in immense danger. He quickly looked behind, just in time to see Roan rushing at him.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Okrin''s face paled. He then gritted his teeth tried to breakthrough the siblings'' blockage by brute force.


    ''Wind Barrier!''


    Okrin was almost entirely spent, so even his Wind Barrier was practically ineffective. The siblings'' next attacks ended hitting his body as his Wind Barrier reduced only one-third of the attacks'' power. However, he ignored the pain and the blood flowing from his body and tried to dash forward. Without a doubt, that required an enormous resolution.


    Too bad that resolution alone wasn''t enough. Roan was still much faster than him. The third form of the Death Style hit his body, leaving three more huge cuts behind. Finally, Okrin couldn''t move anymore and fell on the ground, indignantly.


    ''Just what kind of monsters are those twins?''


    That was his last thought before passing away.


    Roan then looked at the body on the ground and took a deep breath. He was also badly injured. Nonetheless, just like Rean, he could use the Second Form of the Life Style. However, as mentioned before, his healing speed couldn''t compare to Rean himself. That being said, he took a few more seconds to recover enough. The rest of the time was spent rushing at Okrin''s location that was a little far away after the end of their battle against Buran.


    Roan then looked at Lana and Westren, who were covering their injuries with their hands before saying.


    "Take everything you can."


    Rean quickly arrived on his side as well.


    "I''m ready here too."


    The four of them immediately departed after that. That was the right decision. A few minutes later, a few more groups arrived, following the previous battles'' commotion. Rean''s group definitely wouldn''t be able to deal with that amount of cultivators with their injuries.

 Chapter 196 - Super Effective

    Rean''s group first looked for a place to recover. Obviously, they didn''t continue to move in the Sun Streak Mountain Range''s direction. Fortunately, they were in the middle of a forest, so it wasn''t that hard to find one in the end.


    Right after, they began to recover their Spiritual Energy. Rean and Roan then brought all quite a few Rank Two Spirit Stones. Not only that, but Rean also threw a few of those Stones at Westren and Lana.


    "You can use those to recover your Spiritual Energy. Once I''ve recovered enough, I''ll heal your injuries too, so just concentrate on not making them worse."


    The siblings nodded and accepted Rean''s Spirit Stones. Still, they were quite impressed that Rean could take out Rank Two Spirit Stones that easily.


    ''It seems like he wasn''t lying when he said that he probably had more Spirit Stones than the elder from before.''


    Around one hour later, Rean finally got up again and approached the siblings. After that, he put his hands on their shoulders before gathering Light Element.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Suddenly, the injuries on Westren and Lana began to heal at high speeds. Nevertheless, because it wasn''t his body, he couldn''t heal them as fast as he can himself. Of course, compared to what he had to do before, it was still several times faster.


    Around a minute later, all the injuries on their bodies disappeared without leaving a single scar behind. Fortunately, they didn''t get any too serious one, or it might have been a problem if they had to wait until now.


    Westren and Lana had seen Rean used this ability on himself. The same happened with Roan. However, it was the first time they were healed by them. Obviously, they were taken aback by the incredible feeling that comes while the Light Element enters their bodies. Both Westren and Lana were just a step away from m.o.a.ning in delight. Yet, it might be because they still feel the adrenaline of the previous battle, but they were able to hold themselves back.


    "Oh! Finally, some people who don''t start making weird noises when are being healed. When I was in the Doctor''s building healing everyone, they kept m.o.a.ning all the time. During the first days, the doctors there looked at me with a weird face because of this. Just after a few weeks did they all understand that I wasn''t doing that on purpose."


    Westren and Lana didn''t know who the people Rean healed were. However, they really couldn''t blame them since they understood why that happened. Rean''s Light Energy just feels way too good!


    "Cough, cough... Forget about the m.o.a.ning. Thank you for taking care of our injuries, Rean."


    Rean smiled before nodding. After that, he returned to his position and continued to recover his Spiritual Energy. As for Roan, he simply ignored everything and focused on his recovery too.


    Back where Rean''s group killed Buran and Okrin, quite a few cultivators of the Heaven''s Might Sect gathered. They kept guarding the place while waiting for someone to arrive. At some point, a man appeared beside Buran''s body without the disciples even noticing. When one of them finally saw the person, he almost jumped in fright!


    "Ah!"


    "E-Elder Galef!"


    The others quickly heard that name and looked at the man. Right after, they all bowed to him.


    "Paying Respects to Inner Sect''s Elder Galef."


    Galef just nodded and kept examining the bodies.


    ''Weird... These injuries don''t match the techniques of the elders of the Sky Piercing Sect. Also, why all their injuries were this rotten already?''


    Obviously, that was because of Roan''s Dark Element.


    Galef then pondered a bit.


    ''Hum... The Sky Piercing Sect seems to have found some new helpers... Perhaps they employed some of the Shadow Reapers? There is a good chance that it is the case.''


    A cold glint then appeared on Galef''s eyes for a second before disappeared.


    ''I didn''t expect that the Sky Piercing Sect would kill two Core Formation Elders so sudden. Most likely, the ones who came were at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm.''


    ''...''


    ''If I''m not wrong, the kids from the report were sent to catch our attention and make Buran abandon his post at the camp. When Buran finally arrived here, he was ambushed and killed. After all, there is no way that Foundation Establishment Kids could kill a Late Stage Core Formation Realm elder.''


    Galef couldn''t be blamed for thinking like that. Where would you find kids at the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment strong enough to do such a thing? Unless you were crazy, one wouldn''t even consider the possibility.


    ''Still, the battle continued for a long time. From the looks of it, the one who attacked Buran and Okrin wasn''t that much stronger than them. What should I do...?''


    Galef then looked at the disciples around before asking.


    "Has anyone seen these so-called freak kids?"


    Everyone shook their heads.


    "We sent quite a few disciples to look for traces, but it was as if they evaporated in mid-air."


    Galef nodded.


    "As I thought."


    Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators could fly. Since no traces of their escape was left behind after such a long battle, Galef believed that they escaped flying. Of course, that couldn''t be further from the truth. However, who could expect a master of killing like Roan to appear here? Things like covering one''s tracks weren''t anything hard for him at all.


    Galef then looked at one of the disciples beside him.


    "The report said that the kids were moving in the Sun Streak Mountain Range''s direction. Get some groups to watch the routes to that place. Tell them that if they find anyone, they are prohibited from engaging in battle. Retreat and report it back to me first."


    The disciple quickly accepted the order and left straight away.


    However, Galef didn''t believe that they would find anything.


    ''Sigh... Whoever did this is probably back in the Sky Piercing Sect''s side already. There is no way they would continue this obvious journey to the Sun Streak Mountain Range. It will be impossible to catch them now.''


    Still, Galef looked in the direction of the enemy''s territory, and his expression changed into a cold smile.


    ''Hmph! Since you guys were bold enough to send a Core and Soul Fusion Realm here to kill our outer sect elders, then don''t blame us for doing the same.''


    Galef then ordered the disciples to bring Buran and Okrin''s bodies back and left right after.


    Little did Rean and Roan know, but their actions had just initiated a chain reaction in this war. At first, the elders were leaving the low-level disciples to battle without intervening. However, Buran''s death changed everything. With that, the scale of the battles quickly escalated.


    Of course, although the twins acted as a trigger, they only sped up the inevitable.


    Back on the twins'' and siblings'' side, the four of them finally finished recovering their energy.


    Roan then looked at Westren to ask something else.


    "We can''t use the same route anymore. After all, they will definitely station scouts around the area. Now that a Late Stage Core Formation Elder is dead, they will put a lot more attention into preventing meaningless deaths too. That being said, it will be quite hard to kill more members of their sect from now on. What I need from you is another route where we can enter the Sun Streak Mountain Range without being noticed."


    Westren immediately asked.


    "So... can we use a route that passes through our own territory first?"


    Roan pondered a bit and nodded.


    "It should be fine now. That last battle was enough for me to understand quite a few things."


    Rean nodded as well.


    "It was good indeed... even though I almost died. Ahem... Anyway, there is no need to poke the hornets'' nest now that they are all waiting for us."


    Westren couldn''t help but sigh in relief. He also believed that continuing to use the same route would definitely be much more dangerous now. Maybe someone even stronger than that Late Stage Core Formation Realm elder could even appear. If that happened, Westren didn''t believe they would be that lucky again.


    "Alright, come with me. Considering the time we spent recovering and the distance we traveled since the last battle, I believe that this route should be pretty safe."


    Rean couldn''t help but mention.


    "You seem to know this place pretty well."


    Westren nodded.


    "But of course. Before this war started, this region was part of our territory. I did quite a few missions in this place. There were quite a few demon beasts in this area too. Too bad that with the war, all of them ran away or were killed. I was used to getting quite a good number of demon cores here."


    Roan immediately understood.


    "Lana''s fault, right?"


    Westren''s eyes lit up as he nodded vigorously.


    "Who else if not her? Hahaha!"


    Rean didn''t understand, though.


    Noticing Rean''s puzzled face, Lana sighed before explaining.


    "As you know, I''m also an alchemist. Quite a few types of pills need demon cores as catalysts. Well, since my idiot brother is almost always lazying around doing nothing, I had him come here to gather demon cores for me."


    Westren''s mouth twitched.


    "Is that how you thank me for my efforts?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/super-effective_49375125597897736 for visiting.


    "What effort? Who were the ones who used the pills in the end, uh? Be thankful that you have a sister who only charges you the price of the items and nothing else. Otherwise, do you think you would have enough Spirit Stones to buy the pills yourself?"


    Westren immediately shut up after hearing that.


    Seeing that, Rean couldn''t help but remember a particular sentence.


    "Westren received a Critical Hit. It''s super effective!"


    Too bad that only people from Earth would understand that reference. Still, Westren could at least tell that he was being made fun of.


    "Ahem... Now, would you look at the time? We better get going!"


    In the next second, Westren dashed away without even looking behind.


    Rean and Lana laughed at each other before their group followed Westren as well.

 Chapter 197 - Consequences

    Rean''s group quickly made their way back to the Sky Piercing Sect side. From there, they followed another route that would also bring them to Sun Streak Mountain. They would only be considered inside the Heaven''s Might Sect territory once they enter the mountain range.


    On the way, they found a few disciples of their sect. However, as disciples of the same sect, they were able to pass without being barred by them. Not to mention that some even knew them.


    The travel there was quite uneventful, much to Westren and Lana''s relief. Finally, they arrived in front of the mountain. From there on, the one guiding them would be Lana instead.


    "Alright. What will we do if we find disciples of the Heaven''s Might Sect? Will we attack straight away or try to hide from them?"


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "If there aren''t many, we can attack. Otherwise, let''s try to not catch their attention, or someone might escape and tell our position."


    Lana and Westren nodded, and they left right after.


    Meanwhile, on the Sky Piercing Sect''s side, a group with several Foundation Establishment cultivators was wiped out. The culprit was none other than Galef, the one who examined Buran''s body. After making sure that none was alive, he quickly hid his presence.


    Sometime later, a few other cultivators of the Sky Piercing Sect arrived. As soon as they saw the corpses, they turned around and fled. Still, Galef didn''t move from his place. He kept waiting until finally, a new group appeared once more.


    The leader of the group happened to be a Core Formation Realm, just like Buran and Okrin.


    He then looked around with his Spiritual Sence but couldn''t find anything. That was to be expected. After all, Galef is in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Not to mention that the gap between him and that guy was more than one entire Realm.


    Galef waited for him to get closer. Finally, he had the confidence to finish the guy and made his move.


    *Clank, clank, clank!*


    Suddenly, a chain appeared out of nowhere, quickly wrapping around the Core Formation Realm cultivator''s neck. Not only that, but several other chains also spread around the area, preventing any of the Foundation Establishment disciples from escaping too.


    "Chain Maniac, Galef!*


    Galef heard that and laughed.


    "Hahaha! It''s good that you know who I am. Because of that, I''ll give a quick death."


    The guy''s face paled.


    "Galef, it is still not time for people of your level to enter this war. Are you trying to escalate things?"


    *Crack!*


    As soon as the Core Formation guy said that, his neck was broken.


    "Hmph! It''s too late for that, don''t you think?"


    With that, the guy''s body fell on the ground, dead. Galef then looked at the other disciples he had caught.


    "You can go on your way too."


    *Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!*


    Just like that, a Core Formation Realm elder and several Foundation Establishment disciples died.


    Galef didn''t stay in the area, though. He immediately took whatever he found to be of some value and left straight away. Later that day, another two Core Formation Realm elders of the Sky Piercing Sect died as well.


    Obviously, the higher-ups of the Sky Piercing Sect didn''t stay put and moved out too. Soon, the battles didn''t have only Foundation Establishment cultivators anymore, but Core Formation Realm ones.


    As for the culprits for these sudden changes, they were in the middle of the Sun Streak Mountain Range looking for Midday Ginsengs. Lana seemed to really know where to go, so it didn''t take long for Roan to find a few of the herbs he needed.


    Although the one showing the route was Lana, the one walking in front was Roan. That''s because he was much better at hiding and finding enemies. Thanks to that, their group always had the advantage. If the group was too big, they ignored it. If not, they didn''t mind attacking them.


    Lana and Westren, of course, caught all of the fallen enemies'' badges. Later, they will be able to exchange them for war points in the Sky Piercing Sect.


    The only thing that bothered Roan was that he found more disciples in the Mountain Range than he expected at first. Obviously, that made things harder to collect the herbs without catching much attention. It was then that they found a group of the Sky Piercing Sect battling the Heaven''s Might one. Not only that, but Rean''s group quickly noticed two Core Formation Realm cultivators exchanging blows in the middle of the skirmish.


    Seeing that, Lana felt that something wasn''t right.


    "Why is Elder Sunder here? He was supposed to be on the feet of the mountain guarding the border of our territory."


    Roan looked at her after hearing that.


    "No wonder there were so many people of the Heaven''s Might Sect around. Something might have happened that made him enter the enemies'' territory."


    Lana nodded. However, she didn''t know that the Core Formation Realm cultivators were now participating in the war because of them.


    Westren then looked at Rean and Roan, waiting to see what they wanted to do.


    "What, do you want us to help them?"


    The siblings nodded.


    "Would that be a problem?"


    Roan looked at the battle and could tell that Elder Sunder had the advantage in the fight. After pondering a bit, he nodded his head.


    "You two can go. However, Rean and I will stay hidden. Don''t worry, from what I can see, this battle will end with your side as the winner. Do one thing for me when you are there, will you? Ask your fellow disciples why they entered the mountain."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/consequences_49398791941439945 for visiting.


    Lana and Westren thanked Roan and quickly joined the battle.


    Rean then looked at Roan before asking.


    "Is there something in your mind?"


    Roan nodded.


    "If I''m not wrong, this event is probably linked to us. Still, let''s wait for Lana and Westren to come back to ask them the details."


    Sure enough, it was, as Roan mentioned. Elder Sunder was obviously stronger than his Core Formation Realm opponent.


    "Retreat!"


    In the end, the guy fled as he shouted for the rest to run away as well. Although Sunder was stronger, he knew that killing the guy would be very difficult. That being said, he immediately changed his target and helped the Foundation Establishment Realm disciples to get rid of the rest.


    "Alright, we are going back to recover; after that, we are entering the mountain again, so be ready."


    Lana and Westren took the opportunity to ask one of the disciples that they were acquainted with. However, when they heard the reason behind elder Sunder''s appearance, they began to sweat cold.


    The two of them weren''t part of Elder Sunder''s group to start with. Instead, they were appointed as scouts, so their job was to move alone to start with.


    Lana and Westren quickly returned to where Rean and Roan were waiting for them.


    "We asked them what was happening. It seems like the elders of the Heaven''s Might Sect entered our territory and killed three Core Formation Realm cultivator elders. Because of that, our sect began to retaliate as well. That''s why Elder Sunder was here in the mountain. Not only him, but it looks like most of the Core Formation Realm elders already began to join the battle."


    Lana then seemed to hesitate as if she wanted to say something. However, Roan already understood what was on her mind.


    "If you are wondering if it had something to do with Buran''s death, then you are probably correct. Well, there was Okrin too. The Heaven''s Might Sect probably thought that your Sky Piercing Sect sent their higher level cultivators to ambush Buran. That being said, they also retaliated on the same coin, killing Core Formation Realm elders of your side. Of course, this is all just a theory; I can''t confirm it. Nevertheless, I''m pretty sure I''m right."


    Lana couldn''t help but ask.


    "What should we do then?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders.


    "Do what? Stop them? The only thing that bothers me is that the Sun Streak Mountain Range has many more scouts of the Heaven''s Might Sect. As for the rest, I couldn''t care less."


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    "He is right. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Let me ask you, do you think this war would have a peaceful ending?"


    Lana and Westren were taken aback. However, they know how deep the grudge between both sects was, so they shook their heads in the end.


    "Then that''s it. Roan and I only sped up the inevitable. Sooner or later, it would escalate to this point. Who knows, the war might be over a lot earlier than expected. Also, you can''t forget the main point here. Everyone who entered this war knew what could happen to them. Now, focus on your job and let us find these Ginsengs. By the time we are done, you will probably have enough badges to buy your way out of this mess."


    Lana sighed.


    "Alright."


    She then pointed her finger in another direction and told Roan.


    "If we follow that path, we should reach another area where a few Midday Ginsengs can be found."


    Roan nodded and immediately dashed ahead. Rean and the siblings then followed him from afar. Just like that, they began their search once more.


    *Pin!*


    [The hosts'' intervention changed the course of the war between two of the most prominent sects of the Qerten Country, successfully altering their Destiny.]


    [Reward: 500 Destiny Points.]


    Rean and Roan paused for a second. Right after, they smiled and continued what they were doing.

 Chapter 198 - Another Time

    Surprisingly, Rean''s group still found another Core Formation Realm cultivator during their time in the mountain. However, this one was even weaker than Okrin. To prevent him from fleeing, Rean and Roan joined forces from the very start, not giving him a chance to do so.


    Of course, he also had a few Foundation Establishment Subordinates that tried to help. Unfortunately for them, the twins used the Fifth Form of the Death Style straight away. With Lana and Westren''s help, they were able to prevent anyone from escaping too.


    They also made sure to hide the bodies this time so that it would take longer for someone to find about their deaths.


    Lana guided them around the Sun Streak Mountain Range for an entire day, allowing Roan to collect quite a lot of Midday Ginsengs. Roan believed that he got enough for several tests, and even if he failed many times, there would still be some for the pills themselves.


    That being said, they decided to leave the mountain once more. Also, with that Core Formation Realm elder disappearance, the Mountain Range was bound to have even more scouts soon.


    Rean and Roan followed the siblings back to their territory entrance, and from there, they made their way back to where they left Nana. The siblings'' presence made things a lot easier while passing by the Sky Piercing Sect territory. Due to the escalation of the war, there were a lot more disciples of their sect around. That being said, their group couldn''t avoid all of them. Thankfully, Lana and Westren''s identities made things a lot easier.


    Finally, they moved far enough from both sides.


    The twins then stopped in their tracks and looked back.


    "Alright, this far is enough already."


    Lana and Westren were taken aback.


    "Are you sure? We are far from the war zone, but there is still a chance that you will find a few scouts of our sect here."


    Rean smiled before shaking his head.


    "It doesn''t matter anymore."


    Seeing the puzzled expressions on Lana and Westren''s faces, Rean turned around and looked at the skies. He then took a deep breath and gave a shout.


    "Nana!"


    A few moments later...


    *Creeeeee!*


    Suddenly, a loud cry came from the distance, alarming the siblings. It was then that they saw a white shadow falling from the skies. Obviously, that was none other than Nana, the Peak Stage Four Snow Crane!


    Nana then gently landed beside the twins. It was so soft that it was hard to believe that Nana was really that big.


    "As expected of a Snow Crane, you hate making things messy."


    *Cree!*


    Nana quickly lowered her head and rubbed it against Rean''s body, much for his delight.


    "Hahaha! I''m happy to see you too."


    Seeing that, the siblings felt a chill on their backs. They could not tell how strong the Crane was at all! Their Spiritual Senses gave them no answer either. Obviously, the Crane far surpassed Stage Two and Three Demon Beasts.


    Suddenly, Nana''s expression changed as she looked in a particular direction in the forest.


    *Cree, Cree!*


    Rean smiled after seeing that, though.


    "It''s okay. It is just an elder of the Sky Piercing Sect that followed us here. He is only a Middle Stage Core Formation Realm cultivator, nothing for you to worry about."


    Roan didn''t seem surprised by what Rean said, but Lana and Westren were completely different.


    "What?!"


    They quickly looked back, just in time to see a man coming from behind a boulder while scratching the back of his head. Obviously, his expression wasn''t very good.


    "How did you know I was here?"


    Rean smiled as he kept rubbing Nana''s head. With Nana here, only a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator could possibly pose any threat to them.


    Lana and Westren, on the other hand, quickly bowed to the man. Still, the shock on their faces didn''t disappear. They didn''t know they were being followed at all!


    "P-Paying Respects to Elder Lyo."


    Rean then explained.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/another-time_49422144483949001 for visiting.


    "Oh, nothing much. Just make sure you are dead next time you follow us."


    Lyo was taken aback.


    ''Dead your head! If I''m dead, how can I follow you?!''


    Of course, with Nana there, he didn''t dare to say those words.


    "Errr... I didn''t understand what you mean by that."


    Rean shook his head.


    "It''s okay if elder doesn''t."


    Roan would always be in front to check the perimeters, but Rean didn''t just follow him either. Every few kilometers, he would stop for a moment and gather the Light Element to scan the surroundings for strong life forces. Sure enough, he noticed Lyo at some point.


    "By the way, why did elder Lyo decide to follow us?"


    Lyo sighed before explaining.


    "After I captured some of the disciples of the Heaven''s Might Sect, I heard from them that they were looking for some twins. From the looks of it, they were used as bait to have some of their Core Formation Realm elders killed. However, I didn''t know about any twins in our sect that fit the description. After investigating a little longer, I found out that Lana and Westren were seen with you two. Through them, I finally caught your tail and came as fast as I could."


    Rean nodded.


    "But you didn''t do anything else other than following us, right?"


    Roan then continued from there.


    "That is simple. Since Lyo knew that we were ''used as a bait'' to kill the Core Formation Realm elders of the Heaven''s Might Sect, he was afraid that someone stronger than him was also following us around. Most likely, he is waiting for reinforcements before making a preventive strike."


    Roan didn''t say much, but hearing that was enough to make Lyo''s expression change. Indeed, he was really waiting for another two elders he contacted to arrive. However, with that Snow Crane here, those two elders would be useless. Not only that, they might even die to it.


    Rean then laughed when he saw Lyo''s nervousness.


    "Elder Lyo doesn''t need to be worried. We are not going to attack you. After all, that would put Sister Lana and Brother Westren in a difficult position. We went to the Sun Streak Mountain Range to collect a few herbs. On the way, we bumped into them. Due to a few circ.u.mstances, we ended saving their lives. To repay the favor, they offered to guide us there."


    Lyo then narrowed his eyes.


    "Then why did you go through the Heaven''s Might Sect territory? It would have been much better if you used our territory to arrive at the feet of the mountain first."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "If we did that, no one would attack us. The reason we selected this war zone was so that we could have some combat experience too. Besides, with Lana and Westren''s yellow robes, we became like beacons of light in the night. They were very useful on the way. We even found a Late Stage Core Formation Realm. How good was that?"


    Lyo was taken aback by those words.


    "Wait! Wasn''t it this Snow Crane that killed Heaven''s Might Sect''s Elder Buran?"


    "Of course, not. Do you think we could bring a bird this big into the war zone without anyone noticing? Well, whether you believe it or not, that''s not our problem. The fact is that we got rid of three Core Formation Realm elders for your Sky Piercing Sect. There is no need to thank us."


    Lyo narrowed his eyes.


    "Because of that, the Heaven''s Might Sect began to send their Core Formation Realm to attack us ahead of time, you know?"


    Roan, who had been listening to the conversation thus far, snorted.


    "You talk as if a peaceful ending was possible between you two."


    Lyo was surprised by that answer.


    "Still..."


    Rean raised his hand, stopping Lyo''s next words.


    "What is done is done. As for Lana and Westren, they were only dragged into this because of us. However, I won''t have you stay silent about their actions for nothing."


    Rean then began to make his way to Lyo''s position. Lyo, of course, felt nervous. That''s because the Snow Crane followed by Rean''s side while showing him a threatening gaze. He didn''t dare to try to flee since he knew he wouldn''t be the Crane''s match in speed.


    Rean quickly arrived at Lyo''s side and put his hand on his shoulder. Right after, his hair changed into a mix of white and black colors.


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    "Arrrgh!"


    Suddenly, Elder Lyo began to contort in pain!


    That was the last skill Rean created. Rean came up with this skill during the time he healed the disciples at the doctor''s building. However, the idea appeared in his mind when he healed Elder Tiria, who suffered from Umbral Energy contamination. Rean used the same principle as he used with Tiria. Dark Element to destroy whatever was attacking the body while the Light Element protected all the organs. The pain caused by the Dark Element was impossible to eliminate, though.


    Of course, back then, it was nothing more than a gross use of Light and Dark Element. Not to mention that the process took several hours. But now, Rean could lock most of the Light Element inside, preventing the wastage. Not to mention that his cultivation has also advanced since then. That''s why he was able to change it into another skill of the Life Style.


    The process only lasted for a single minute! Rean then took his hand off Elder Lyo''s shoulder and jumped on Nana''s back where Roan was already waiting.


    "I hope this is enough to trade for your silence."


    Elder Lyo looked at his body with a shocked expression. That was right, he had been afflicted by a poison a long time ago. However, the pill necessary to heal this kind of poison was far more expensive than he could hope to pay. His only comfort was that he was fast enough to stop the poison''s spread with his Spiritual Energy.


    Unfortunately, that also halted his cultivation completely. It has been over twenty years since his cultivation last progressed. He put his entire effort into saving enough Spirit Stones to buy the pill he needed. Still, he was quite far from it. That''s because he also needed Spirit Stones to recover his energy and keep the poison at bay.


    However, Rean got rid of it in just a minute! Other than the pain during the process, no other side effect could be felt at all! If anything, he felt quite reinvigorated.


    "H-How did you know?"


    Rean then pointed at his finger.


    "The extremities of your fingers were dark. That was clearly a sign of poison contamination. From the way it looked, it seemed like you had been carrying it for a long time too."


    Lyo couldn''t help but nod his head.


    "Twenty years... for twenty years, I''ve been bearing with the pain..."


    Lyo then bowed his head.


    "Thank you."


    Rean smiled and patted Nana on the side.


    *Creee!*


    Nana then opened her wings and immediately took flight. Just like before, she used her Spiritual Energy to shield the twins as they disappeared into the distance.


    Sometime later, the reinforcements that Lyo asked finally arrived. However, they were quite puzzled by what they saw. Lyo was known for always having a bad temper. But for some reason, he was happily chatting with Lana and Westren as if they were his lost children.


    "Errr... Lyo, didn''t call us to help capture someone?"


    Lyo then looked at them with a beaming smile before saying.


    "Oh! That''s right. Don''t worry, it was just a mistake on my part. By the way, let''s quickly return. We have a war to win."


    The other two elders then looked at Lana and Westren.


    "What about these two?"


    Lyo then looked at the siblings.


    "Oh, them? Their talents caught my attention, so I made them my disciples."


    The two elders felt like they heard something even more inconceivable. Everyone knows that Lyo, this grumpy fellow, hated interacting with others, let alone teaching. How come he took a disciple? Not to mention that it was even two at once!


    Of course, the ones really shocked were none other than Lana and Westren themselves.


    As for what happens next, that''s a story for another time.

 Chapter 199 - Back to the Sect

    With Nana''s speed, Rean and Roan only took another day and a half to arrive back at the teleport formation prepared for them. Thanks to the fact that only Hulian and the Sect Master knew about it, the place was pretty safe for the twins. Well, Nana also knew about it, but Rean wasn''t afraid that she would go out to tell others about it.


    After leaving them there, Nana retook flight and went somewhere else. As for the twins, they entered the small hut that had the teleport formation and took some Spirit Stones out. After putting them in the right positions, they activated the teleport formation, quickly appearing inside the Dalamu Sect once more.


    "Phew... we are finally back."


    Roan nodded.


    "Let''s go talk to Hulian. After that, I''m going straight back to try out the new concoction methods."


    Rean nodded, and the two returned to the sect. However, when they appeared there again, everyone looked at the two with surprised expressions. Obviously, Rean and Roan noticed it.


    "Were we that famous before?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/back-to-the-sect_49445953903579104 for visiting.


    "Famous your head! Something must have happened. Anyway, we can ask Hulian, so let''s speed up."


    Soon, they arrived at the Inner Sect and were brought to Hulian''s house. There, they finally got the chance to report that everything worked fine on their end.


    "That''s good. It seems like the secret teleport formation we prepared for you was used correctly. If you need to leave for a mission again, don''t forget to report to me. By the way, did you like Tiria''s surprise?"


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh. Elder Tiria was Nana''s owner. Obviously, he was talking about the fact that she was lent to them for this journey to Qerten.


    "Hahaha! That was great! It only took us a single day to arrive in Qerten, so we saved a lot of time. Otherwise, we probably would still be on our way there."


    Hulian nodded, satisfied.


    "That''s good then. However, don''t expect it to happen all the time. It was an exceptional occasion only. We can hide the fact that Nana would be used by you once or twice, but others will be suspicious if she disappears every time you do."


    Roan wasn''t very patient, so he asked what was bothering him in the end.


    "When we passed through the sect, we noticed that everyone was looking at us. Why is that?"


    Hulian nodded. It was evident that he was waiting for this question.


    "As you can probably imagine, it is because of the ambush we prepared for the Umbral Sect elders. Back then, we got two disciples to play your role. Sure enough, they fell for it, and we gave them a huge blow."


    "With Sect Master present, they simply had no chance, so the two Divine Soul Realm elders who came after ''you two'' were killed without issues. However, the battle''s result ended spreading out. Everyone wanted to know why two Divine Soul Realm elders of the Umbral Sect targeted two kids. In the end, they found out that it was because you guys can Heal Umbral Energy without the use of any pills whatsoever."


    Rean and Roan immediately understood. Obviously, they became the target for all the Umbral Sect members who used Umbral Energy.


    "That makes things a lot more complicated. After all, there will be no lack of greedy people who would happily sell information about what we are doing or where we are going to the enemy. Everyone was looking at us because they think we bought a fight against an entire sect. I won''t be surprised if most of them think that we are already dead."


    Hulian sighed and nodded in the end.


    "Correct. However, it is not all bad news. The fact that you can heal Umbral Energy also caught the attention of several cultivators who don''t have the means to do it themselves. After all, only at the Divine Soul Realm would they be able to use their stronger Spiritual Energy to ''oh so slowly'' drive the energy out, like Tiria was doing before meeting you. Because of that... well..."


    Rean immediately understood.


    "We will probably receive a lot of guests during the next days, correct?"


    Hulian nodded.


    "As to how you intend to use those connections you will make, that is up to you. Anyway, seeing as you can heal Umbral Energy and everyone knows about it, you became an essential asset of our sect. After all, you can save us a lot of money with those extremely expensive pills. Not to mention that you can finish it in less than a day. The pills would still need us to use a month or two. That being said, would you like us to assign you a protector?"


    Combat-related issues were all Roan''s field, so Rean simply looked at him, waiting for his answer.


    Sure enough, Roan shook his had straight away.


    "That''s not necessary. If we get someone protecting our asses everywhere we go, we won''t be able to experience real combat. Even though it would make no difference in my state of mind, I''m still afraid that this idiot here will get complacent."


    Rean''s mouth twitched, but he refrained from commenting.


    Hulian narrowed his eyes.


    "In that case, you will need to have a plan every time you go out. At least until you can protect yourselves if more assassins appear."


    Roan nodded.


    "As long as you can provide those hidden teleport formation, I can take care of the rest. It''s not like disguising is anything that hard to start with. However, you better get someone to stay beside Rean when he is healing those... visitors. I wouldn''t be surprised if one or other suddenly tried something while he is healing them."


    Hulian wasn''t surprised with that last part.


    "We know. We will have one of the Core Elders to be beside him all the time when he is treating the outsiders. At the same time that it is good to make connections and have others owing you favors, you can''t be complacent either."


    Rean also took the opportunity to ask how the new communication system project was going.


    "Oh, nothing much has changed yet. You two were gone for four days only after all. However, it was still enough time to connect Majorias City with Gapan City. Now, both cities are connected to the Mission Hall and the Sect Affairs Office."


    "Sect Affairs Office? Does it mean that you are using two cables instead of one to get more information?"


    Hulian nodded.


    "That was the idea. After all, only the Mission Hall having it was way too inconvenient."


    Rean nodded his head and then shook it right after.


    "Having two cables is a good thing. After all, if one fails, the other is still there as back up. However, you are using it the wrong way."


    Hulian got puzzled.


    "How come? Both formations in the Mission Hall and the Affairs Office are working pretty fine."


    Rean shook his head once more.


    "That is not it. What I meant was that you didn''t need two cables for each connection. Anyway, can you tell Elder Droman Saliu to come to see me? There are a few ideas I had that I want to explain to him. Also, keep using two cables in the project, but there is no need to use each one for a single building."


    Hulian immediately nodded. Rean was the hidden head behind this project, so they would definitely try any idea he comes up with.


    "Very well."


    The twins and Hulian then talked for a while longer. After that, Roan went straight to Old Worm''s Hut as Rean returned to his room. On the way, he decided to ask Sister Orb something else.


    ''Sister Orb, how are our Destiny Points? We got 300 from Roan''s Low-Level Earth Alchemist''s Title and another 500 from that War change, after all.''


    [Well, as you probably can imagine, you two already surpassed the 1000 Destiny Points mark. To be more specific, you guys have 1339 points at the moment. You got an additional 100 points from the death of the two Umbral Sect Divine Soul Realm cultivators. The rest was all from the new communication system.]


    ''As expected, the death of two Divine Soul Realm experts can''t even reach the feet of the initial stage of the communication system.''


    [That was obvious. Even if the entire Umbral Sect was to perish right now because of you two, it would still not give you as many Destiny Points as the communication system. Anyway, that change in the war and the death of the two Umbral Sect Elders sects was really a heavens blessing. If not for that, you would probably need another two to three months before acc.u.mulating the necessary 1000 Destiny Points.]


    ''Well, even if that was the case, we would have been far ahead of schedule. Now, we only need the Peak Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm.''


    As Rean and Roan occupied themselves with their own things, the news that they were back in the sect quickly spread. As one can expect, several figures began to make their way to the Dalamu Sect.


    A few hours later, Elder Droman finally arrived and sent someone to call Rean over. Obviously, Rean went to see him straight away in the Formations Hall. Soon, he was brought into a private room where Droman was already waiting for him.


    "Good, you came already."


    Ran smiled before saying.


    "I thought Elder Droman was in another city supervising one of the formations being constructed. I didn''t expect you to come back this fast."


    Droman shook his head, though.


    "For you to request my presence, it definitely has something to do with the formations. Obviously, I take it very seriously. Anyway, what is it that you wanted to talk about?"


    Rean nodded and began to explain.

 Chapter 200 - A Network Problem

    "It''s not so hard to use a single cable for several places to communicate. Simply put, you just make the formations that send the message to have a specific signal in front of them."


    Droman''s eyes lit up.


    "You mean like an identification?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/a-network-problem_49463723257021950 for visiting.


    Rean was happy to see how fast he understood.


    "Hahaha! Exactly! For example. We have two places in our sect that have communication formations, right? Let''s give them a number. The Mission Hall will be Number 01, and the Affairs Office will be Number 02. Suppose someone in Majorias City wants to send a message to the Mission Hall. His Formation will then add a signal representing the number 01 together with the signal of the message."


    "Since both the Mission Hall and the Affairs Office are using the same cable for communication, both of them will receive the signal. However, only the communication formation in the Mission Hall will display the message since it has the number 01 in front. The Formation of the Affairs Office will completely ignore that signal since it was made to only display signals that had the number 02 in front."


    "That''s not all. At to moment, you guys are all doing a one way only communication system. If someone is using a cable to send a message, the other side has to wait before answering it back. Otherwise, both signals will bump on each other on the way, making it impossible for both sides to receive the message."


    "However, you are already doing a two cables project, right? Make one of the cables being able to only send information while the other only receives. With Elder Droman''s mastery of formations, I know who can definitely modify the existing formations for this purpose. After all, they are simple Lightning Type formations. You just need to work on different outputs of Electrical Currents that are used as Signals."


    Droman couldn''t help but feel excited about the idea. In theory, it should really work. That means they will be able to connect all the important places in the Dalamu Sect while using just two cables instead of tens or hundreds of them. How good would it be? Just how much better and efficient would this communication system become? But it was then that Droman thought about a problem.


    "Wait, but what will happen if two places decide to send a message at the same time? I know that the time needed for a signal to be sent is extremely small. It''s even less than a hundredth of a second. That being said, the chances of two signals encountering each other when they enter the same cable is minimal. Still, the chance exists."


    Rean heard that and had to admit that it was a problem. Electrical signals don''t recognize which direction to take. Suppose you have three buildings in Majorias City that want to send an electrical signal to Dalamu. At the moment, those three buildings'' formations are connected to the same cable that goes to Dalamu Sect. In that case, when one of them sends an electrical signal, it will not go to the Dalamu Sect only. That signal will also enter those other two Buildings'' Cables since they are also connected. That means that this specific signal will move in the opposite direction when it goes to the other two buildings. If, by chance, someone on those other two buildings tries to send a message at that exact moment, this message signal will collide with the previous signal that was coming in its direction.


    One must remember that Rean''s knowledge about electrical signals is not that great. After all, he was a metallurgist. The things he knows about electronic equipment are the same as any college student would know back on Earth. If you asked Rean to build a circuit, he wouldn''t know where to even start. Obviously, he didn''t think that far about it. Also, Droman''s concern was valid as it could be. Although the chances of such a thing happening are low at the moment, it will increase as more and more cities are added to the web.


    ''If things continue like this, they will suffer the thing that most of the gamers back on Earth feared the most, the loss of packets...''


    Rean lost count of how many times he heard his classmates complaining that their internet connection was terrible. Things like too many people in the same connection or not enough bandwidth because someone''s sister watched whatever video. There wouldn''t be space for the communication to work its wonders.


    However, Rean wasn''t dumb as he was in his previous life due to his soul problem. Besides, he has something that Earth doesn''t. Spiritual Energy and several skilled Formations Masters, Droman included, that could work on his ideas. That being said, he quickly thought about two solutions to this problem.


    "Elder Droman, I''m happy to see that you could think that far about the communication system. Even I let that point pass without noticing it. However, I have two possible solutions for it. One is cheap and easier to be implemented. However, this cheap one will not resolve the root of the problem. Not to mention that it will bring other issues to the table too. Still, it works."


    "The second one would probably resolve this issue for good. However, this one will definitely be a lot more complicated. I don''t even know whether the Formations Master, Elder Droman included, would be able to realize this idea of mine or not. Not to mention that it would definitely be more expensive."


    "Which one would you require?"


    Droman narrowed his eyes. This is an enormous project. Obviously, the sect was spending a lot on it. If they could cut costs, that would be the best-case scenario. However, Droman deeply hated half-assed jobs. He is the head of the Formations Masters Hall. He always did his very best when it came to formations. Just hearing about this ''cheap solution that won''t really resolve the main root of the problem'' already made him feel goosebumps.


    "Before I make a decision, what are the two solutions?"


    Rean nodded and then explained.


    "The first solution is the ''answer requirement modification.'' Elder Droman, you know very well that the signals travel at extremely high speeds. It can make its way from Majorias City all the way to Dalamu Sect in a hundredth of a second. That being said, you will need to make one more simple modification to the formations. It is quite straight forward. Once a formation sends a signal, it will also require an answer from the other side''s targeted Formation."


    "That being said, make it a three seconds requirement or something like that. This ''answer'' is basically the receiving Formation sending a signal back to the sender saying ''I received this signal from you'' kind of message."


    Droman immediately understood what Rean meant.


    "I see... If the sender''s Formation doesn''t get this answer in three seconds, it will try to send the message one more."


    Rean nodded.


    "Exactly. However, I believe Elder Droman can already tell what''s the problem with this solution, right?"


    Droman sighed as he confirmed Rean''s suspicions.


    "Yes. The problem is in the ''answering message.'' Suppose this ''answer'' bumps on another message on the way. In that case, the ''sender formation'' will not receive the ''answer'' even though the message was transmitted correctly. Once that happens, the ''sender formation'' will once again resend the same message. It will then continue to do this until it finally gets an answer."


    Rean nodded his head, satisfied.


    "It is indeed a lot better to talk with intelligent people like elder Droman."


    "Hmph! Don''t think you can win me over with flattering."


    Even though he said that, it would be a lie if he said he wasn''t happy. He, too, is loving this conversation about new types of formations. It is an entirely new branch never used before. The proof of it was that even the Imperial family was delighted to hear about it and heavily rewarded their sect for that.


    Rean wasn''t trying to flatter Elder Droman, though. He really thought that this man was a lot more quick-witted than others. It was clearly the fruits of working in complex formations during his entire life.


    "Anyway, the problem with this solution doesn''t stop there. Because of the continuous tries of failed answers, all the formations will keep trying more and more. Once a lot of cities are added to our web, the formations might overload with information. Ultimately, more and more failed answer will acc.u.mulate, making the number of times the sender tries to send their messages increase. It will reach a point of no more space on the communication system''s cables, and the network will crash."


    "Network? What is that?"


    Rean was taken aback by a second. Only now he remembered that this word doesn''t exist in this place.


    "Ahem... that''s just a name I came up with to describe the whole system. If Elder Droman has a better idea, I don''t mind using yours."


    Droman shook his head, though.


    "It''s okay. For some reason, I feel like this name fits perfectly. You have quite a good sense for names, young man."


    Rean scratched the back of his head after hearing that. If just it was really his idea... Too bad, he is just a copycat. Everything he said so far was based on the things he experienced in his previous life.


    "Errr... Anyway... I believe Elder Droman understands why this solution is cheap, but at the same time, far from perfect."


    Droman nodded his head vigorously. He could already see the formations literally breaking down because of the issue. Unless the other idea is impossible to realize, he definitely won''t take this one.


    "Then, what''s the second solution?"


    ---


    Author''s note: If you like the story so far, consider leaving a few Power Stones to help the story. :P

 Chapter 201 - Dromans Change

    "In the first solution, we have all the building cables connected directly to the main one that goes to the other cities and our Sect, right?"


    Droman nodded and waited for Rean to continue.


    "In the second and best solution, not a single cable would be directly connected to the main cable anymore."


    "What? Then, how are you going to pass the electrical signal?"


    Rean smiled as he continued.


    "Here''s the part that I think it will be complicated for the Formations Hall to work. Instead of connecting all the buildings'' cables directly to the main one, you will first bring them inside another formation. This formation will then receive all the signals and send them in order into the main cable. Let''s call it... the Router Formation."


    Rean couldn''t help but think.


    ''Since I already stole the word ''Network,'' I might as well steal all the other names too. Hahaha!''


    "This..."


    Leaving the name aside, which he had to admit, was quite too perfect. Droman finally became speechless. What Rean suggested seemed simple. However, making such a formation would indeed be several times more complicated than the actual ones. He doesn''t even know where to start!Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/droman''s-change_49491676246368641 for visiting.


    Rean could already tell what Droman was thinking too.


    "Indeed, the degree of difficulty will be several times higher. Until now, the formations used for our communication system only had to work with a single electrical signal per time. Obviously, that was simple for Elder to work around. After all, it simply received the signal and displayed what that signal meant to those looking at it. It couldn''t be more straight forward. However, this formation I mentioned is completely different."


    "First, this new formation will need to be able to handle several electrical signals at once. But that is not all. It has to send the received signals into the main cable in proper order too. That means it will need to literally save the content of the signals it received... all of them! After all, if two signals arrive at the same time, the formation can''t send both of them into the main cable at the same time as well. Otherwise, they will once again bump into each other."


    "Since it can''t send both together, it will need to keep one of them ''saved'' in its ''memory'' while it works to send the other ahead. Only after it finishes sending the first one will it start to send the ''saved'' signal next. The complexity and implications of such formation are far beyond what Elder has worked so far."


    "For example. Suppose that this Router Formation received two signals at once. Which one should it prioritize to send ahead first? If you don''t specify before-hand, the formation will probably crash straightway since it will be lost at what to do. It won''t know whether it should still send the signals ahead or not. Or worse, because it received two signals simultaneously, the formation might think they are the same one. In that case, it will mix both signals as if they are only one and then send ahead. Those who see it at the end will only say that the message doesn''t make sense at all!"


    "No, it would still be good if the receiver could see anything in the first place. Because both signals got mixed, the ''identification'' of the signals will probably not match any of the receivers'' formations anymore. That being, those formations will completely ignore that new mixed-signals since they are not supposed to show messages with that weird ''identification'' inside them."


    "That being that, your formation MUST know that two signals or more can arrive at once. It also needs to know which one it will prioritize. For example, let''s say there are 10 buildings connected to the formation. Suddenly, buildings 03 and 07 send a message at the same time. The formation will have to have a priority system. You can simply do something like, the lower the number, the higher the priority."


    "Alright, let''s continue."


    Droman could help but stop Rean.


    "Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! Give me a second for me to note everything down."


    Rean noticed that he got too focused on explaining that he didn''t see that Droman was already sweating cold with everything he heard.


    "Cough, cough... No problem, take your time."


    Of course, Droman said note down, but he instead used a Jade Slip and his Spiritual Sense to save everything inside.


    "Phew... Alright, you can continue now. Tell me all the possible errors you can think about. The more, the better."


    Rean nodded as he continued to explain.


    "Anyway, that is one of the problems. The next one is the saved information. This formation can''t possibly keep saving everything forever. Otherwise, it will reach a limit and won''t be able to record anything anymore. You will need to find a way that the information will only stay saved until the signal is sent out. After that, the saved information will be deleted to give space for more information that arrives."


    Droman then thought about something.


    "What about the jade slips? They can save information exactly as we want, after all."


    Rean shrugged his shoulder after hearing that.


    "Well, Elder is the real Formations Master here. However, I need to point out that what will arrive at this Router Formation are Electrical Signals! Can jade slips save electrical patterns?"


    "That..."


    Droman became speechless again. What the cultivators used to input information inside the Jade Slips was Spiritual Energy, not Electrical Signals!


    "It seems like Elder Droman understood. That is correct. If you want to use Jade Slips to save the information, then your formation will need to first convert the Electrical Signal into Spiritual Energy. That being said, I believe that Jade Slips are a terrible choice. Elder Droman forgot an important point here. To put information inside the Jade Slips, we use both Spiritual Energy and... Spiritual Sense! Can you understand where the main issue with Jade Slips is?"


    Droman immediately nodded. He is, after all, the Formations Masters Hall''s Head and a Peak Nascent Soul cultivator.


    "Yes. The problem is in the Spiritual Sense. We can control our Spiritual Sense with our own Soul. However, formations don''t have Souls. Obviously, they can''t control Spiritual Sense to create detailed information to input inside the Jade Slips. There are formations capable of enhancing or hindering Spiritual Senses, but they are not even close to what we would need."


    Rean agreed.


    "Correct. So, if you really want to use Jade Slips, your formation will need to: Receive the Electrical Signal;


    convert it into Spiritual Energy and Spiritual Sense;


    input the received information correctly into the Jade Slip;


    after that, it will wait for this information''s time in the queue;


    once that time comes, it will use Spiritual Sense and Energy once again to read the information in the Jade Slip;


    convert it back into the correct electrical signal pattern as it was received;


    and finally, send the signal into the main cable once more."


    Elder Droman couldn''t help but smile bitterly.


    "Let''s... drop the Jade Slip idea..."


    "Hahaha! Sure, it would be way too annoying to work around such a thing."


    Rean then asked something he was curious about.


    "Elder Droman, the best thing is to have some material that can literally use electrical signals to save information. Do you know anything that could be used as a memory and that the formation could save the electrical signal pattern inside?"


    Droman narrowed his eyes and began to think. However, even after a few minutes, he didn''t answer Rean''s question.


    "Ahem... Could it be that there is none?"


    Droman finally came back to himself and immediately shook his head.


    "It''s the opposite. I have too many options that I can''t figure out just which one would be the best."


    Rean really didn''t expect that. He thought that one of the biggest issues would be to find something that could be used to save information. Who could have thought that not only there was, but there were too many on top of that.


    "Well, then let''s go for the cheapest options first."


    Droman continued to ponder for a while and nodded.


    "Indeed. I''ve never used those Lightn-... errr... electrical type of materials for something like this before. Because of that, I simply can''t figure out which one is better. Perhaps, the cheapest ones will give the necessary results that we need. At least, I hope they do."


    Rean agreed with Droman as well.


    "Another issue I can think about is the time."


    "Time?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes, time. To be more specific, the time necessary to save all the information and then take it out once more. Seconds are far from good enough. After all, these Router Formations will probably be localized at the intersection of several cities at once. Not only that, there will be Router Formations that will have to handle ALL the information of several other Router Formations that will arrive at it."


    Droman promptly nodded.


    "Indeed. If the busiest formations take as much as one second to make the entire process, it will definitely crumble apart. No, even a tenth of a second is way too much if the Router Formation is localized here in our Dalamu Sect. After all, a lot of information on our territory would definitely pass through here since we plan to make this place the center of the... Network..."


    "Correct. Fortunately, now that we removed the jade slips idea, the formation will basically work with electrical signals. The only difference is that it will also use Spiritual Energy to generate even more electricity to keep the formation itself working. But that won''t be a problem considering the gains of such a great thing. Anyway, what do you think so far?"


    Rean thought that Droman would be somewhat discouraged about this second solution due to its complexity. However, what he saw next was the polar opposite of his thoughts.


    "Hahaha! You want to know what I think? I have no idea whatsoever! I''ve never thought about something this complex before. However, I can''t help but feel overflowed with excitement! This project will be the most entertaining and challenging thing I''ve worked with ever since I became a Formations Master!"


    Suddenly, a wave of Spiritual Energy came from Elder Droman''s body. It was so abrupt that even Droman himself was taken aback by that. Droman was one of the oldest elders in the Sect, being over 400 years old (Check chapter zero for lifespans). He had been in the Nascent Soul Peak Stage for a very long time already. However, at this very moment, the bottleneck that hindered his progress for over 150 years broke apart as if it was made of paper! From today onwards, the Dalamu Sect has one more Soul Transformation Realm cultivator!

 Chapter 202 - It Was Not On Purpose!

    The moment Elder Droman achieved his breakthrough, All Nascent Soul and above level experts in tens of thousands of kilometers noticed his presence. One must understand that Soul Transformation Realm experts are extremely rare in the Country of Jialin. Even put the Sects and the Royal Family experts together, the total number doesn''t reach 10! No one could tell why they could feel that, though. It has always been a mystery.


    Dalamu Sect had only Mia since her Master, the hidden ancestor, is in the realm above. The Royal Family has two. The other Sect that also has two is the Lagan Sect. As for the other three sects, they only have one each! Droman has just become the 9th one here.


    To make a comparison, if you take vagrant cultivators, clans, sects, the royal family, etc., there are more than 500 Nascent Soul Realm Experts in Jialin Country alone! That shows just how difficult it was to become a Soul Transformation Realm in a place like Jialin. It is not a matter of not having enough Spiritual Energy. No, far from that! It is a matter of the soul, a matter of understanding your own path. Few can really tell what their real paths are. Most Nascent Soul Experts will die before ever finding it out.


    Of course, all the sects and the royal family have their own hidden ancestors that no one knows about. Mia''s one is a good example. We are talking about those who surpassed the Soul Transformation Realm. No one knows exactly at what level they are since they left the ordinary cultivation world affairs behind a long time ago, secluding themselves. It was to the point that no one knew who was still alive and who was dead. Because of that, no one counted those long-forgotten monsters. Unless their backgrounds reached a life and death situation, they would not emerge from their nests.


    Elder Droman noticed what happened to him and was speechless. He had been a Formations Master for almost as long as he was a cultivator. He did think that his path would probably have something to do with it as well. However, even after this long working with it, he didn''t feel like the Soul Transformation Realm door was opening at all.


    It was only today, during this breakthrough, that he understood what he was lacking the most. It was not only the Formations themselves, but the challenge of seeking something new that has never been used before. Droman had created several formations in the past. However, he knew that formations like those ones already existed. It''s just that he had never put his hands on their blueprints before.


    Because of that, even though he created them himself, he had never made anything that he could call ''original and challenging.'' Of course, the previous communication formations that he made so far could also somewhat be considered original and new. However, he didn''t feel the least bit of a challenge making them. The very first one only took him around an hour to create. Where was the hurdle in that?


    But today, while Droman discussed this new Router Formation, he realized one thing. The Router Formation was everything he ever wished for! The complexity, the applications, the changes it could bring to the world, not to mention that Spiritual Energy was only used as fuel. Instead, electricity was what would move the entire thing. Above all, the difficulty! It was as if his soul had always waited for this specific formation to appear in front of him.


    It was so perfect that Droman wondered if it could be called fate. His soul pierced through the bottleneck of the Soul Transformation Realm as if it didn''t even exist! If Droman hadn''t been stuck for over 100 years a the Peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, he wouldn''t even say that there was a bottleneck there to start with. After all... he broke through without even trying! It was completely spontaneous!


    "Cough, cough... Elder Droman... if I offended you somehow... cough, cough... I will apologize..."


    Right after, Rean passed out before he could even think about using his Life Style Skills.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/it-was-not-on-purpose!_49513007738311258 for visiting.


    It was then that Droman noticed a white-haired boy stuck on his room''s wall with a pale ghost face. Not only that, but he was bleeding all over! Behind him, the wall caved into the shape of a human. It looked more like the scene of a terror movie. It''s just that Rean wasn''t dead yet. As for the rest of the room''s furniture, they had all been broken into pieces...


    Because his breakthrough was so sudden, he didn''t prepare a place in advance. The burst of Spiritual Energy that came from his body was not aimed at anyone, but it still carried the power of a Nascent Soul Expert. If Rean hadn''t defended himself and jumped back in the last second, he would have definitely died!


    "Ah!"


    Droman face turned as pale as Rean himself. Rean''s shape was so terrible that he thought Rean could die at a moment''s notice. If Rean really died here, he would never be able to forgive himself. The boy was the reason he finally crossed the threshold that held almost all Nascent Soul Cultivators in place. To thank the boy, he killed him. How ridiculous would that be?


    Not to mention that Mia would skin him alive! She might turn him into the Soul Transformation Realm cultivator to have lived the shortest between all those that had ever existed.


    "Boy! Don''t you dare to die on me!"


    He rushed to Rean''s side and used his Spiritual Energy to protect Rean''s organs. Only then did he slowly remove Rean from the wall. Almost all of Rean''s bones were broken. If Droman tried, he could make Rean contort into shapes that a human shouldn''t be able to at the moment.


    He immediately took the best healing pill he had and fed to Rean too.


    A few moments later, several figures appeared inside Droman''s room. Obviously, they were the Core Sect Elders who were all at the Nascent Soul Realm. Also, Mia was there too.


    Mia looked at Rean''s condition and then at Droman, who was holding him. Obviously, her expression turned terrible to watch.


    "Droman, care to explain?"


    Mia said that as the bones on her hands made cracking sounds. Anyone can that that she couldn''t be more enraged.


    Droman felt like crying but had no tears!


    ''It was not on purpose, it was not on purpose at all! Please, trust me!''


    Hard to do that when you look at the situation at hand.


    Finally, everyone calmed down as Droman used a Spiritual Sense Message to tell them what really happened.


    Elder Tiria, who was also there, was the first to talk.


    "So, you really did breakthrough into the Soul Transformation Realm."


    Everyone then looked at Mia, who was the only other Soul Transformation Realm in their Sect.


    "It''s true, I can feel that his cultivation reached the Initial Stage of the Soul Transformation Realm. Seems like you succeeded in finding your own path."


    She then approached Droman and Rean and looked at the fainted white-haired boy.


    "Still, I don''t know whether I should say he is lucky or unlucky. He got a Soul Transformation Realm to owe him a life-changing favor, but he almost died for that."


    Droman bitterly smiled as he kept pouring his Spiritual Energy into Rean''s body, trying to stabilize his condition. Mia joined him too and sent a wave of Water Element and Spiritual Energy into his body. Elder Tiria and the other also got close to take a look and offered a few healing pills as well to help him. Finally, with everyone working together, Rean woke up once more. Of course, his condition was still terrible. The moment he came to himself, a wave of pain assaulted his entire body.


    "Holy Mommy! This hurts like hell!"


    Mia saw that and called his attention.


    "Stopping wasting time and concentrate on your injuries. We don''t have all day to take care of kids."


    Only then did Rean notice all the famous figures around him.


    "This..."


    However, due to the pain, he decided to ask questions later. He immediately checked his condition and sighed in relief. He really looked bad, but there was no permanent damage that couldn''t be healed by his skills.


    Right after, all the surrounding Light Element began to converge inside Rean''s body.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Rean then locked most of the Light Element inside and began his fast recovery.


    Of course, that made all the elders open their eyes wide! They could see with their Spiritual Sense that all Rean''s bones mended back together in a matter of seconds. His organs'' injuries healed, and the outer ones closed without leaving a single scar behind. If not for the fact that Rean''s clothes were in tatters and there was blood all over, no one would be able to tell that he was close to being dead a few seconds ago.


    ''Isn''t this Light Element way too overpowered?''


    Rean then got up and stretched a little.


    "Phew... I thought I was going to die. Elder Droman, if you feel it is too hard to understand what I said, you don''t need to hit me to make me stop talking. Just ask me, and I will take my time making things easier for you to learn."


    Droman almost vomited blood!


    ''Didn''t understand your head! It''s because I understood it so well that it happened, idiot!''


    Of course, he wouldn''t burst out in front of all the other elders and especially Mia.


    "Ahem... Don''t worry, it won''t happen again."


    Only then did he proceed to tell Rean what really happened through a Spiritual Sense message.


    Rean, of course, was taken aback by that.


    "Now... that''s surprising. Congratulations... I guess..."

 Chapter 203 - Sealed Arrays

    *Pin!*


    [The birth of a Soul Transformation Realm can deeply affect an entire sect''s destiny. They are a force to be recognized with, bringing a storm to the country, depending on their achievements. Host helped one of these experts to find his own path, allowing him to take this incredible step.]


    [Reward: 300 Destiny Points.]


    Rean smiled, already expecting something like this.


    ''Not that much, but it already helps.''


    With everything settled, Mia decided to leave with the others. But before that, she said something else.


    "Droman, now that you entered the Soul Transformation Realm, there will be a lot of cultivators coming to pay a visit to you. After all, everyone at the Nascent Sou Realm and above felt your presence when that happened. You better stay in the sect for the next few days."


    Droman was aware of it. He is a lot older than Mia, so he was here when she entered the Soul Transformation Realm too. At that time, the sects and other powers came to congratulate her and the sect. In fact, their sect had done the same thing when other Soul Transformation Realm cultivators appeared in their country.


    "Yes, Sect Master."


    Mia nodded and added.


    "Also, since Rean will spend some time healing those with Umbral Energy during the next few days, you might as well act as his protectors and stay by his side. I doubt anyone will try something idiot with you there."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/sealed-arrays_49537770909130472 for visiting.


    After finishing those words, Mia disappeared from the room. Tiria and the others congratulated Droman one last time and left as well.


    Seeing that everyone was gone, Droman finally let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Rean was fine, so he wouldn''t become the cultivator to have lived the shortest after entering the Soul Transformation Realm.


    "I say, boy. You really know how to scare others."


    Rean couldn''t help but shrug his shoulders.


    "Hey, it was Elder who sent me flying, you know?"


    Droman then looked around his room and scratched the back of his head. He had quite a few things he liked there. However, because of the burst of Spiritual Energy, everything broke apart.


    "Well, not everything can be perfect. Let''s go somewhere else. I''ll have the disciples fix this place for the moment."


    Rean nodded, and the two went to another secluded place. There, Rean and Droman continued to talk about the new Router Formation that Droman would be working with.


    "Well, this is basically everything I can think about at the moment. However, I know nothing about formations, so Elder will have to figure out how to put all of this together."


    Droman looked at Rean before looking at himself. In the end, he decided to offer.


    "You have the knowledge. That being said, why don''t you become a Formations Master? A head for theories like yours would be perfect for the job when coming up with new formations."


    Rean felt a little embarrassed after hearing that. Everything he talked about was the general knowledge he learned back on Earth. There wasn''t anything really original to it.


    "Better not. I''m already a blacksmith, so I prefer to not waste more time learning formations as well. Besides, I only gave everyone ideas. The concept to make those things work is totally different."


    Droman shook his head, though.


    "Now that I think about it, you are really a blacksmith. In that case, you should definitely rethink working on formations. You must understand that it is possible to add tiny formations to weapons as well to enhance their abilities. Well, to be more specific, they are called Sealed Arrays since they are sealed inside the weapons. You can''t mistake it with ''formations'' drawn to be static in a place or ''equipment formations'' made with several equipments that have Sealed Arrays to create Formations on the spot. They are three different uses with their own features, after all. Of course, they are all branches of the Formations Master occupation."


    Rean narrowed his eyes. So far, he hasn''t seen a single Weapon Sealed Array in anyone''s weapons.


    "How come I''ve never seen it?"


    Only then Droman remembered that Rean is still in the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    "Oh, right. You won''t see such works before you deal with weapons at the Heaven Level. That''s because weapons at the Earth Low, High, and Peak-Levels aren''t strong enough to keep the Sealed Arrays'' integrity during a battle."


    Droman then took a small plate out and showed it to Rean.


    "This is a Heaven Low-Level equipment. I paid a fortune to get this little guy. As for the Sealed Array drawn on the plate, it was me who did it."


    Rean looked at the plate with curiosity and could see the Sealed Array that Droman told him about. It wasn''t just drawn on the plate''s surface. The Array entered the plate itself, making it''s way to the other side of it. Even if someone scratches the surface, the Array will continue to work. To make the Array lose effect, one will need to literally open a hole on the plate.


    Droman then threw the small plate in the air. Suddenly, the Sealed Array on the plate began to shine as the plate increased in size tens of times. However, the impressive thing was that the Array increased in size too.


    "This is one of the powers of a Heaven level equipment. It can keep the proportional size of the Array as it changes. Weapons at the Earth Level can''t sustain such a thing. The Arrays inside would definitely crumble apart."


    Rean was surprised to see that.


    "Does it mean that I won''t be able to make a Heaven Level equipment if it doesn''t have a Sealed Array on it?"


    "Not necessarily. You can make a Heaven Level Equipment without Sealed Arrays. However, suppose you put two identical pieces of equipment against each other. In that case, the one with a Sealed Array on it will definitely trash the one without it."


    Rean nodded. He had to admit that these Arrays caught his attention. It was then that he thought about something else. Right after, he contacted Sister Orb.


    ''Sister Orb, would you be able to crack into those Sealed Arrays as you did with the formations we found in the past?''


    [Hard to say since I''ve never encountered one. However, even if possible, it will depend on the Soul Gem System''s processing power. In the end, the battle might be over before I even manage to crack into it.]


    ''Processing power? Like, CPUs? The Soul Gem System has such a thing?''


    [Of course! Why do you think it is called a system? If you want, you can use Destiny Points to upgrade it too. It''s just that your authority hasn''t reached the necessary level yet, so this option is not available in the reward list.]


    Rean was quite surprised by that. But after thinking about it for a moment, he had to admit that it made sense. Of course, the system''s existence was still as weird as ever. At least there was no such an ''all-powerful'' system back on Earth.


    ''Oh well... Heaven Level Equipment can only be used by Nascent Soul Realm cultivators and above. If such an enemy appears in front of me, it will matter little whether his equipment has a Sealed Array in it or not. Still, I better prepare myself for it now that I know.''


    "By the way, what does your Sealed Array do, Elder Droman?"


    Droman smiled as he stuffed his chest with pride.


    "This is one of my masterpieces, a fusion between energy gathering and flying Sealed Arrays. It can gather Spiritual Energy on its own to keep itself afloat."


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "That''s it?"


    Droman nodded.


    "That''s it."


    Rean couldn''t help but spit out.


    "It''s useless!"


    Droman, of course, got angry when he heard it.


    "Useless your head! Suppose you have an attack coming your way. Instead of holding that plate to defend and be blasted with it, you can send the plate to block the attack first."


    Rean snorted, though.


    "And what happens after? The plate will be blasted away, and you will have to go take it back?"


    "Of course not, look."


    Droman then made a seal on the air. Right after, the plate flew right back on his hand.


    "See? I can call it back as soon as it finishes blocking the attack. As long as the Sealed Array is not damaged, I can do it as many times as I want."


    Rean still found it quite impracticable. There were way too many flaws in it.


    "How strong is the Energy Gathering Array? Can it keep with a long battle? Nascent Soul cultivators use powerful attacks. I can''t see the Energy of a simple Energy Gathering Array being able to cope with it. If it runs out of Energy while you are not close by, will it fall into your enemies'' hands? Or maybe just fall on the ground? Consider that it still has Spiritual Energy to spare. If your enemy fakes his attack for you to throw the plate and then grab it, is the flying Array on it able to get the plate free from the enemy''s grasp? If it can''t, what will you do when you lose the protection of this plate? Does it have a countermeasure that will automatically strike the enemy who is holding it? What if..."


    Droman began to sweat. The more Rean talked, the more useless his plate seemed to be. It reached a point that even Droman began to doubt his own choices.


    Suddenly, Droman recalled his plate and put it away while Rean was still talking.


    "Ahem... let''s forget about my little plate for now, shall we?"


    Droman was forced to do it before his own heart broke apart.


    "Anyway, after all the... points... you mentioned just now, you can see just how important Equipments with Sealed Arrays are, right? If you intend to become a peerless blacksmith, you will have to know how to draw your own Sealed Arrays."


    Rean decided to ignore the fact that Droman fled from the topic about his flying plate. After all, he wouldn''t commit the same mistakes.


    "Very well, I''ll do it."

 Chapter 204 - Was it Important?

    Elder Droman was happy to hear that.


    "Great! I''ll have to stay with you for the next few days anyway. It''s an excellent opportunity to get you started in the path of Formations. But before that, let''s go out and check when you have to do those healings of yours."


    It was then that Droman thought about something.


    "Oh, right. Since you will be studying Formations under me, I''ll put your status as my disciple. That should give you some more protection in the future. Although I will only be responsible for teaching you formations, the others don''t need to know it. Let them think I''m your full-fledged master for everything."


    Rean pondered a bit and nodded. Cultivation was being dealt with by Sister Orb. However, Rean had no one to teach about Formations. Besides, it wasn''t as bad as accepting being the Sect Master''s Disciple. That one would instead bother him more than help. But if it was an elder of the sect, it would be easier to deal with the commotion.


    "Indeed. Having a Soul Transformation Realm master can be quite convenient in the long term. Let''s go ahead with your plan."


    Droman''s mouth twitched a little after rearing that.


    ''Quite... convenient...''


    If any other Foundation Establishment heard that they could become a Soul Transformation Realm''s disciple, they would be crying out of happiness. Rean, on the other hand, found it... convenient... How could Droman''s pride not be hurt?


    ''Forget it... Expecting normal reactions from these abnormal twins was a mistake to start with...''


    Right after, the two left together.


    Back on Roan''s side, Old Worm came to the hut to watch him try the new combinations for Dark and Light Element Foundation Stabilizing Pills.


    "Oh, it seems like you got all the items indeed."


    Roan nodded.


    "We posted a few missions for others to collect three of them. Only the Midday Ginseng was remaining. Fortunately, we got quite a harvest on the Sun Streak Mountain Range."


    Old Worm nodded.


    "Very well. You can start now, and I''ll observe. Since it is a new elemental type of Foundation Stabilizing pill, I''m also curious to see the process. I''ll tell you the points you need to correct if I see something wrong."


    Roan didn''t say anything else and immediately began his concoction. Those two weren''t the type to talk much to start with, so they didn''t bother with pleasantries.


    As one can imagine, Roan failed quite a few times. Still, he didn''t use even 10% of everything he had yet.


    "This combination seems wrong too. You better try something else."


    Roan then changed the combination of herbs once more. As mentioned before, both Roan and Old Worm don''t know if it will really work. They can only try several methods and see which one works better. It was a good thing that Old Worm was present since he helped Roan avoid many mistakes.


    "This one was somewhat better. The harmonization process went smoothly most of the time, only failing in the end when Mastoka Grass was added. I think if I change it to Edocel Root, I should get the same effect without losing the necessary properties."


    Old Worm pondered a bit about Roan''s words and nodded his head.


    "Seems feasible. Do it."


    Roan then restarted the concoction and repeated the same process to the end. This one ended using the Midday Ginseng in the process instead of the Two-Tailed Sun Phyton Blood. As for the other two items on Old Worm''s list, they would be used for a Dark Element Type of Foundation Stabilizing Pills.


    Finally, the harmonization process finished without the concoction failing. Of course, Roan was sweating all over since he had to adapt to all the new changes to it. Only after he makes more of them will he get used to it. Still, the last part was to form the pill.


    As mentioned in the past, Roan found Pill Formation to be the easiest part. That being said, it wasn''t hard for him to finish this one too.


    Suddenly, the cover of the cauldron opened as three milk-white pills shot out. Roan was ready for that, so he quickly grabbed all as he put them inside a pill bottle.


    Old Worm then nodded.


    "Seems good enough."


    That was all. Old Worm didn''t say anything else, and neither did Roan want to hear it. Congratulation words and things like that simply wasn''t their style. Somehow, the two of them communicated very well like that. Rean would only find it creepy, though.


    "I''ll recover my Spiritual Energy and try Dark Element ones."


    Old Worm then took a book out of his chest and sat on a chair to read it.


    In the end, Roan and Old Worm spent an entire day to finish the first batch of Light Element Foundation Stabilizing Pills.


    Back on Rean''s place, he was in the Doctors Building while a frightening queue could be seen outside his room''s door. Droman, obviously, was there as well.


    However, don''t misunderstand these words. The queue wasn''t frightening because it was big. Instead, only 23 people were waiting. What was frightening were the cultivation levels of these people. The weakest one was a Core and Soul Fusion Realm Initial Stage!


    If one stops to think, that makes sense. Only people at these levels that practiced Umbral Energy would be able to leave long-lasting Umbral Energy injuries on the others. That''s why the patients that came to see Rean all had high-level cultivation. There was even a Late Stage Nascent Soul Realm elder in their middle.


    "Don''t think too much over it. Now that I''m at the Soul Transformation Realm, no one will be able to touch you. You can go and do your healing thing without being afraid of someone turning against you."


    Droman saw right through Rean''s concerns. After all, his Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation was nothing more than an ant in front of those monsters outside. Obviously, he was nervous that someone might try something under the Umbral Sect orders.


    In the end, he took a deep breath and nodded.


    "Alright. Send the first person in."


    As one can imagine, the higher the cultivation, the higher the priority. That being said, the Late Stage Nascent Soul Realm guy entered first.


    "Oh! Long time no see, Ramon. Seems like the rumors were true. You really had a fallout against Latan from the Umbral Sect over that auction item."


    That''s the name of the old man in front of Rean.


    Ramon saw Droman and was taken aback. That''s because he couldn''t feel Droman''s cultivator as he did in the past.


    "Dr-Droman! I see... so that presence I felt coming from Dalamu Sect was you. Congratulations on finding your own path. Now the Dalamu Sect is on par with the Royal Family and the Lagan Sect. I was already planning to come by later to congratulate the new pathfinder, but it seems like I can do it now."


    Droman smiled after hearing that.


    "You are still young, barely 200 years old. You have a lot of time to find your path after you reach the Peak Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm too."


    Ramon couldn''t help but sigh.


    "If it was that easy, there wouldn''t be so many Nascent Soul Realm cultivators dying over the years without entering the next Realm. Anyway, I didn''t come here to sulk over it. That damned psychotic idiot really didn''t hold back when I left with the auction''s Litoen Pearl."


    Droman nodded. It was evident to him that Ramon got injured quite badly. If Ramon continued like this, he would probably take several more years before driving the entire Umbral Energy out of his body.


    "Of course, I didn''t let him leave that easily either. He is probably suffering as much as I am at the moment. Hahaha- ouch."


    He almost lost control over the Spiritual Energy used to suppress the Umbral Energy because of that laugh.


    "Are you okay?"


    Ramon quickly stabilized his chaotic energy and nodded.


    "Yea, I''m fine."


    Droman couldn''t help but comment.


    "Latan was quite bold, indeed. After all, you are the representative of the Empire in our country. Aren''t they afraid of offending the higher-ups?"


    Ramon shook his head.


    "Although he didn''t hold back, he wasn''t trying to kill me either. At most, the Umbral Sect would get a warning. After all, we are just too far away from the Empire''s capital for the higher-ups to really care about. I might as well not go through the bother."


    Rean was surprised to hear about Ramon''s background. Still, he didn''t try to get in the middle of their conversation.


    Droman and Ramon exchanged a few more words until finally, Ramon took his time to look at the white-haired kid in the room.


    "So, you are the miracle boy that can heal Umbral Energy, yea?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/was-it-important_49558972729981796 for visiting.


    Rean bowed as he introduced himself.


    "Yes, senior. My name is Rean Larks. Nice to meet you."


    Ramon nodded as he asked Droman.


    "Were you tasked to protect him? Well, that makes sense since someone capable of healing Umbral Energy is an important asset to the sect."


    Droman nodded.


    "Indeed. Also, Rean is my disciple, so I have even more of a need to do it."


    Obviously, Droman said that for Ramon to hear. With that, the word would quickly spread.


    "I see... congratulations on finding someone this good to inherit your techniques. Anyway, shall we start it?"


    Ramon then looked at Rean and said.


    "Kid, if you are really able to heal this thing, I, Ramon Doichu, will owe you a favor."


    Rean nodded.


    "Thank you. Please sit on this chair, senior."


    Ramon then sat down as Rean asked.


    "Alright. I will need senior to block all your senses and cultivation as much as possible. It will help finish the job since our difference in cultivation is too high. If you keep driving your Spiritual Energy, it will take forever."


    "Wouldn''t it let the Umbral Energy run rampant in my body?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "Don''t worry, senior. I can protect your organs with my Light Element. You already came here, so you might as well trust me to the end. Just be aware that there will be a lot of pain while I eliminate Umbral Energy. Please bear with it."


    Ramon then sighed and nodded. In any case, Droman was there. If he wanted to kill him, there would be no need to go through all these troubles.


    Soon, he locked all his senses and stopped driving his Spiritual Energy as much as he could.


    Rean then put his hands on Ramon''s shoulders and sent his Spiritual Energy and Sense inside to check his condition. Rean had to be a lot more careful since the difference in cultivation between them was too high. Otherwise, he would have used the Purification straight away.


    ''Hum? He is also inflicted with poison. Seems like he sealed it on a corner of his heart. Oh well, since I''m already at it, I might as well take care of it.''


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    Due to the difference in cultivation, Rean''s Purification still took over ten minutes to finish. After all, the natural protection of Spiritual Energy in his body hindered Rean''s progress by a tremendous amount, and that was while Ramon tried to block it. Still, compared to the several hours he took to heal Elder Tiria in the past, this was basically nothing.


    Of course, that was the time necessary to eliminate the Umbral Energy. As for the poison in the Heart, Rean was finding it a lot more troublesome to deal with it.


    ''That''s quite a strong poison. No wonder Ramon didn''t say anything. He probably thinks I can''t deal with it or that my ability to remove Umbral Energy is different from removing poisons.''


    ''Hmph! Let''s see how much this poison can hold.''


    In the end, Rean took another two hours just to eliminate that poison alone. Obviously, it far surpassed what Umbral Energy could do. Nonetheless, Rean got rid of it without leaving a single trace behind. it''s just that he felt quite tired after it.


    The surprising thing was that Ramon''s expression didn''t even change during the process.


    ''As expected of a Late Stage Nascent Soul Realm, bearing with pain isn''t anything difficult for them.''


    Rean then sent a Stream of Spiritual Energy into Ramon''s head to tell him that the process was over.


    "Already? It has been only a bit over two hours."


    Rean smiled as he said.


    "Senior Ramon can check your body if you don''t believe me."


    Ramon quickly drove his Spiritual Energy and Sense in his body to check the places where the Umbral Energy was present in the past. Sure enough, there wasn''t even a trace of it anymore.


    "Hahaha! Great! Boy, you didn''t disappoint this ol-"


    Suddenly, Ramon''s voice froze on the spot.


    "This..."


    He then looked at Rean as if he was seeing a monster. The poison that was sealed in his heart... was gone! Even the elimination of the Umbral Energy didn''t shock him as much as the disappearance of the poison.


    "Boy... did you do something else other than the Umbral Energy elimination?"


    Rean nodded as his Dark and White hair returned to being just white again.


    "I found that your heart was afflicted with another poison. I was already treating the Umbral Energy, so I decided to destroy it too."


    Rean didn''t think he did anything wrong. However, not only Ramon, even Droman''s expression changed drastically after hearing that.


    "Could it be... that it was important?"

 Chapter 205 - Empires Poison

    Suddenly, Droman released his Spiritual Energy, sealing the entire room from the outside. Ramon, obviously, couldn''t help but feel nervous when he saw that.


    "Droman! What are you trying to do?!"


    Ramon didn''t try to break out since he knew the difference between Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Realm experts. It would be a waste of energy and time to try to do so. Of course, he was prepared to go all out if Droman really decided to attack him in this place. It''s not like he would simply wait for his death.


    "What do you think? Now that it reached this point, I can''t simply let you go, you know?"


    However, just as Droman was about to attack, Rean held him back.


    "Hey, hey, hey! I just saved my patient, and you want to kill him? What kind of treatment is that? Let''s all sit down and talk, shall we? We can definitely reach an agreement without bloodshed."


    However, Rean was more thinking about something completely different.


    ''F.u.c.k you! Just a breakthrough Spirit Energy shockwave almost killed me. If those two fight here, there won''t be even a trace of me remaining to tell the story. If you want to fight, wait for this grandfather to be far, far away first.''


    Droman and Ramon looked at Rean and then at each other. After that, Ramon pulled the chair beside him and sat down. Seeing that, Droman calmed himself and did the same as well.


    "Good, it would be shameful to have two seniors several hundred years old fighting in front of a kid like me. Now, let''s start with the part about what brought you into this state. Just a moment ago, you two seemed to be quite friendly to each other. Why all this hostility all of a sudden? Is it because I healed his poison?"


    Droman didn''t say anything and looked at Ramon, waiting for him to tell what was happening.


    Ramon knew that Droman was aware of the issue at hand, so he decided to bring out the truth too. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/empire''s-poison_49579026737581030 for visiting.


    "That''s precisely the problem here. You should have told me beforehand that you were going to heal it. In fact, even if you had said to me that you could eliminate it, I wouldn''t believe your words. Still, I would ask you to not touch it either."


    Rean nodded. It seemed that it was really a problem related to that poison.


    "Why would you want to keep it inside your body? From what I could see, that thing was several times more potent than the Umbral Energy in your body. Isn''t it good that it is gone now?"


    Ramon nodded his head and shook it right after.


    "It is indeed good that the poison is gone. However, that is also a major issue. Did you hear that I''m the Empire''s representative in the Jialin Country?"


    Rean nodded and waited for Ramon to continue talking.


    "Jialin isn''t the only country to do so. All the countries in our Sasamil Empire also have their own representatives. Of course, their levels are different depending on the status of the country itself. Since Jialin is such a weak and small country, a Nascent Soul Realm representative is more than enough for it."


    Ramon continued.


    "Being a representative is something really good. Because of your relation to the Empire''s capital, you are entitled to a lot more resources and payment than others at the same level. At least, that is so if you compare me to other Nascent Soul Realm cultivators in Jialin. Droman can confirm that too."


    Droman nodded.


    "He is talking the truth."


    Rean already began to get a picture of what was happening here. However, he waited for Ramon to continue his explanation.


    "Anyway, this is the kind of position everyone would love to take. However, there is a certain condition for anyone who takes it."


    Rean couldn''t help but say.


    "Loyalty."


    Ramon bitterly smiled as he nodded his head.


    "Exactly. After all, what would the Empire turn into if its supervisors were all doing their own shady things on their backs? That would lead to a lot of problems instead. Not to mention that the Empire is providing them a lot of resources for their cultivation. Such a situation would be ridiculous."


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s where that poison in your heart came into play. If you were caught doing something that could damage the Empire, they could use it to get rid of you."


    Ramon sighed.


    "Yes. Of course, there are a lot of loopholes around it. For example, if you try something that could take advantage of the Empire without anyone noticing, then you would be fine. After all, it is not like the poison can monitor you. However, that also prevents any of the representatives from trying anything overboard. In the end, they can at most do small things in the shadows."


    Rean agreed with him.


    "That makes sense. Once you try something against the Empire''s Will for your own benefit, it has to be as secret as possible. However, such operations at the Nascent Soul Level or above would usually not only have yourself behind it. After all, considering what you already get from the Empire itself, it would be ridiculous to put your life at risk for some little benefit. For it to be worth it, it would definitely involve many people depending on the operations. That''s where the issue resides. As long as one of them lets the cat out of the bag, this representative''s life would be in great danger. After all, there would be no lack of cultivators who want to take his place."


    Ramon was quite impressed by Rean''s words. It was not something you would expect to come from a kid''s mouth. Still, he quickly came back to himself.


    "That''s exactly it. So, even though I won''t say that there aren''t any of them doing shady works behind the Empire''s back, the ones willing to try are few. So far, it has been an excellent system to keep all their supervisors in check. They keep an eye on the sects, royal families, guilds, etc., and report it back to the Empire Captial. That''s how the Empire has been able to hold a fairly stable government over the last few thousands of years."


    "Of course, no one is forced to take the position of supervisor. However, as you said, there is no lack of cultivators who would love to do so even if they have to become an empire''s dog. After all, it is better than have one''s cultivation path halted. I just so happen to be one of them. It was thanks to all those resources that I reached my level of cultivation at such a young age."


    Droman nodded once more. He is already 427 years old. He reached the Late Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm at the age of 273, a lot later than Ramon. After that, he reached the peak at 315. As mentioned before, Droman stayed in the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm for over a hundred years before entering the Soul Transformation Realm. However, Ramon would definitely reach the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm way before 300. This is all thanks to the resources provided by the Empire to him.


    "Now, here''s the problem. As far as I know, only cultivators above the Saint Realm should be able to remove that poison from my heart. Did you see that it had a seal around it?"


    Rean nodded. When he was attacking that poison, that seal resisted for a long time. However, he thought that the one who put it there was Ramon himself to prevent the poison from spreading. It was thanks to Roan''s Dark Element''s corrosion effect that he eventually broke through it.


    "So, that seal was not yours, but the Empire''s one that was used to keep the poison at bay. If they desired, they could lift it and let it spread into your body. If that happened, you would be dead for sure."


    Ramon nodded once more.


    "Exactly. Now, the seal and the poison are gone. As mentioned before, only those above the Saint Realm were supposed to be able to do so. Of course, I heard that the Empire also has a pill that can heal it in case the representative wants to retire from his position or some other circ.u.mstances. However, the concoction process is a secret that no one other than the Imperial Family knows about. Also, the one who wants to retire from the position will have to pay a high price for it."


    "Still, here you are, a Foundation Establishment Kid who can get rid of the poison without leaving a single trace behind. Do you have any idea how big it is? The fact that you can heal Umbral Energy is nothing compared to it."


    Rean sighed in the end.


    "I try to help others, and that''s what I get. What kind of shit luck is that?"


    Rean then looked at Droman and Ramon.


    "So, Elder Droman was trying to get rid of you before you could tell anyone about it, right?"


    Droman and Ramon nodded.


    "I can understand your thoughts, Elder Droman. However, I can''t agree with it. It is not like it was his fault."


    Still, Rean couldn''t help but think.


    ''If it was Roan, he would definitely not stop Droman.''


    Droman then told Rean.


    "Then, what do you suggest? Do you plan to let him leave? This thing wouldn''t only affect you, but the entire sect, you know? Don''t worry, as a Soul Transformation Realm, I can take the blame for killing him without being killed as punishment."


    Ramon began to sweat cold after hearing that. In the end, it was all in the hands of the white-haired boy.

 Chapter 206 - Same Thoughts

    "Hum... It is quite simple, isn''t it? Let''s have him promise he won''t tell anyone."


    Droman''s mouth twitched when he heard that.


    "Hey, hey, hey! You can''t possibly trust his words that easy, right?"


    Ramon also agreed with Droman... even though he was the one who would benefit from that.


    "He''s right. There is absolutely no guarantee that I wouldn''t tell them about you, you know?"


    Rean was puzzled. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/same-thoughts_49606142476743614 for visiting.


    "Could it be that the empire has a way to know that you removed the poison?"


    "This..."


    This time, it was Ramon and Droman''s time to be puzzled.


    "Well... there isn''t really. Unless a Saint Realm expert comes and verifies it by himself, it is not possible. However, what does it have to do with anything?"


    Rean nodded.


    "So, to remove the poison without the right method or pill, you need someone above the Saint Realm. However, to put it there, Saint Realm is enough, correct?"


    Ramon nodded subconsciously.


    "In that case, with which frequency these... Saint Realm experts... come to verify if you still have the poison or not?"


    Droman immediately shook his head before Ramon could even answer.


    "Saint Realm experts arent that free. Unless there is a good reason, they won''t waste their time doing such a thing. Besides, the empire is very confident in its method."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "Then we are fine. As long as Ramon doesn''t say anything, there is no reason to be afraid of anything."


    Ramon couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why would I keep this secret for you? If they find out that I did not tell about the poison being removed, not only I''m dead, you are dead too. In fact, I might even get rewarded if I go ahead and tell them about it."


    Droman''s expression turned dark, but he knew it was the truth and the reason why he wanted to kill Ramon. Ramon knew that as well. That''s why he didn''t try to hide it either.


    However, Rean got even more puzzled now.


    "I don''t understand. Why would you do such an idiot thing as telling them?"


    Droman and Ramon wondered if Rean had paid attention to what Ramon just said.


    "As I said th-"


    Rean raised his hand and cut Ramon''s next words in the middle.


    "That''s not what I''m talking about. What I mean is, since you can still receive the resources while having no risk of dying, why would you go ahead and tell them? Correct if I''m wrong. Suppose one day you need to leave for some reason, be it an enemy, the empire wanting to change you for someone else, and prefer to kill you since it is faster, or whatever. Wouldn''t it be better if you didn''t need to care about it and simply did whatever you want? It doesn''t matter how I see it. The benefit of having control over your own life is worth more than anything else, especially since you can still work for the empire while receiving all the payments. Or could it be that you like the feeling of having your life on their hands?"


    Ramon was taken aback by Reans words. Of course, he didn''t like the fact that the empire had his life on their hands. However, that was the price he paid to get the things he needed. However, if he can still get everything while not being afraid of dying, wouldn''t it be several times better?


    Rean noticed Ramon wavering and struck while the iron was hot.


    "Besides, if they really find out, they won''t kill you. They will first capture you and then interrogate. At that time, you can simply explain what happened and trade the information about who did that in exchange for your life. Of course, from what I heard from you two, the chances of someone really finding it out is nearly zero. Especially when you are taking care of such a small country."


    "I..."


    Ramon wasn''t faking. Rean''s words had really affected him.


    Finally, Rean used his last trump card.


    "Also, don''t forget you said that you owe me a favor for getting rid of the Umbral Energy. Consider this little secret between us as the payment for that favor."


    Droman, of course, was still against it.


    "I can''t accept your idea. It is too risky for both you and the sect."


    Just as Rean was about to say something else, a voice appeared inside of their room.


    "It''s fine. Let Ramon go."


    "Sect Master!"


    Obviously, it was Mia who intervened.


    "But Sect Master, what if he prefers to try to get a reward and tell about Rean''s ability?"


    Mia then replied.


    "It''s okay. It is not because they found that Rean can do such a thing that they will kill him. First, they will capture him. After that, they will obviously learn that Rean can only do such a thing thanks to his ability to control both Light and Dark Elements. Simply put, other than him and Roan, no one else would be able to eliminate the poison in the same way."


    "Since such a method can''t be copied, there is no risk of it spreading out. Chances are that they will take Rean and Roan under their custody, which might not be a bad thing for the two. After they find out how much of a genius they are, they won''t simply let them go and will try to gain their favor instead for the sake of the empire. However, it would definitely be a terrible thing for Ramon since he was the one to denounce the two. Who knows, Rean and Roan can use his life in exchange for willingly entering the empire''s forces."


    Ramon became even more fearful now that he heard that. If he doesn''t say anything, he might die if the empire finds out. However, if he does tell, he might die if Rean and Roan decide to use his life in exchange for loyalty.


    Mia didn''t say anything else after that. Even though the one who was protecting Rean was Droman, she still kept one eye on the situation. When she saw the restriction being lifted around the room, she immediately used her own authority to pry inside and see what was happening.


    Droman sighed in the end and lifted the restriction in the room. As for Ramon, he could only stand up and walk out. However, he felt like he was under even more pressure now. Who knows? They might have said that just for him to leave the sect and then have him killed outside to cover the traces. Yet, he looked at Rean one last time. It was thanks to him that he still had a chance to live instead of dying in the Dalamu Sect. Nevertheless, he also agreed with Droman that such action was too naive. Of course, after hearing everything, he had no intention of saying a single word of what happened to anyone else.


    Rean smiled and immediately called the next person. Just like that, he began to heal everyone from Umbral Energy as if nothing had happened.


    Somewhere else, Mia retracted her Spiritual Sense from Rean''s room and sent it somewhere else.


    ''Master, is it really okay?''


    Obviously, Mia was talking with the same Ancestor from when Rean and Roan joined their Dalamu Sect.


    ''It''s fine. If the Imperial sends someone questioning, I''ll step out to deal with it. The boy had done a lot for our sect with that communication system of his. It is nothing much to accommodate one of his selfishness. The interesting thing is that his Brother would definitely have agreed with killing Ramon. How can twins be so different from each other? Hehe...''


    Mia then looked up in the sky. As mentioned before, only she and her Master can see the Yin Yang effects happening around their Dalamu Mountain.


    ''It is still changing. Soon, it will start to increase our sect disciples'' fortune.''


    Mia''s Master nodded.


    ''Yes. There is no doubt that it is related to those two. We need to do our best to keep them with us for as long as possible. Of course, with their talent, they are bound to open their wings and fly far away. The rare elements that they have an affinity with don''t seem to be holding them back at all. But until then, I want our sect to make a bound as strong as possible with the two.''


    Mia agreed with her Master.


    ''Don''t worry, Master. I''ll do my best for it to happen.''


    After that, Mia retracted her Spiritual Sense once more and then sighed.


    Suddenly, she noticed a certain figure slowly making her way out of the room while trying to not catch her attention.


    Mia''s eyes narrowed as she gathered some Spiritual Energy. After that, she condensed it and used that to hit a certain naughty girl''s head.


    *Pah!*


    "Ouch!"


    Who else could it be if not Malaka?


    "Master, it hurts!"


    Mia then began to gather Spiritual Energy once more while saying with a frigid voice.


    "Is that so? Let''s see if I can make it hurt even more."


    Malaka''s face went pale, and she immediately ran back to her position, the same position where she was supposed to be cultivating. Seeing that, Mia finally retracted her hand as the Spiritual Energy dissipated. At the same time, Mia couldn''t help but shook her head.


    ''She has such great potential. Why is she this lazy?''


    Little did she know, but a certain Black-Haired Twin had asked himself the same question tens of thousands of times.


    If one didn''t keep an eye on Malaka, she would definitely try to run out as fast as possible. Sometimes, only the fear of pain was strong enough to keep that girl in her place.

 Chapter 207 - The Egg

    In the end, Rean got quite a few favors and items. He didn''t know if he would ever use any of it, but it was good to have them at hand.


    "Phew... it is finally over."


    Droman nodded.


    "Indeed. Alright, let''s go back and start practicing the formations."


    Rean was about to nod his head when suddenly, a disciple entered his room in a hurry. Droman narrowed his eyes, seeing that.


    "What is it? Do you need anything?"


    The disciple then quickly bowed to Elder Droman as he looked at Rean.


    "Fellow Disciple Rean, elder Javiu is summoning you urgently. It seems like it has something to do with the egg you left in his care."


    Rean''s eyes lit up as he looked at Droman.


    "Sorry, elder Droman. I have to pay a visit to the Beast Taming District. I''ll see you later in your room."


    Before Droman could even answer, Rean disappeared from the room in a flash.


    ''This boy... doesn''t he know how to properly treat his master? Where is the paying of respect before leaving my presence?''


    In the end, Droman sighed and left as well.


    Rean didn''t know what Droman was thinking, and he probably wouldn''t care that much either. He even used his Life Style First Form to get there faster.


    Finally, he arrived at the barn where his egg was being taken care of. However, he was taken aback by what he saw. But before he could ask anything, he heard Javiu''s voice coming from the side.


    "Oh, you are here. That is your egg, so you go and do something about it."


    At the moment, the egg was absorbing all the Spiritual Energy of the surroundings like a black pit. It was to the point where it was hard to stay close to it.


    "This... what happened?"


    Javiu shook his head after hearing that.


    "No idea. It was still as always until suddenly, it became like this. Anyway, you better feed it with Spiritual Energy soon. From what I can see, it is trying to hatch, but for some reason, it needs a lot of Spiritual Energy to do so."


    Demon Beasts absorbing Spiritual Energy to hatch isn''t anything rare. Even the mammals do it with their mothers. However, the amount was usually small to the point that no one would notice. Elder Javiu could sense how weak the Spiritual Energy inside the egg during the nurturing was. He always thought that a useless demon beast would come out of it and couldn''t understand why Rean put so much importance on it. At most, it was taking a lot more time to hatch than what he initially expected.


    However, his opinion completely changed now. He had never seen a demon beast egg absorbing so much energy like this before.


    Rean then looked at elder Javiu before saying.


    "Elder Javiu, can you let me alone with it?"


    Javiu didn''t know why Rean asked him to leave. Still, since it was his egg and he paid to use the barn, he decided to do as Rean asked.


    Of course, there was a reason why Rean asked that. He would need to access the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    Rean was only at the Foundation Establishment Realm. Obviously, he didn''t have that much energy to give the egg. Without another choice, he could only bring out his Spirit Stones. Of course, if even Elder Javiu, who was in the Core Formation Realm, didn''t dare get close to the egg, he wasn''t idiot enough to do that either. That being said, Rean began to throw spirit stones close to the egg.


    The egg''s absorption power was really frightening. As soon as a Spirit Stone appeared in Rean''s hand, its Spiritual Energy already began to flow out before he even threw them at it.


    ''Such a frightening absorption power. Still, why do I feel some familiarity with it?''


    Sister Orb answered that question.


    [Oh, that''s because you kept this egg in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm for a long time. Although I don''t know what demon beast it is, I knew it was something interesting due to its Life Energy Purity. After staying in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, the Yin and Yang power that exists here was also absorbed inside it. Most likely, a mutation happened during it that time that created this connection with you and probably Roan as well.]


    Rean couldn''t help but lament once again.


    ''I wonder why you always forget to tell those things ahead of time.''


    [Teehee.]


    A vein popped on Rean''s head.


    ''If just she wasn''t so much stronger than me...''


    Leaving Sister Orb''s memory issues aside, Rean kept throwing his Spirit Stones at the egg as it absorbed it without stopping. At some point, Rean''s Rank One Spirit Stones were gone for good.


    ''Just how much hungrier it can be?''


    Without another choice, Rean began to throw Rank Two Spirit Stones as well. Fortunately, he had received a payment recently. Because he already finished his own, Roan, and Malaka''s weapons, he had no need for more High-Quality Materials. That being said, he took his payments with Spirit Stones alone.


    The Spirit Stones then began to disappear.


    10...


    20...


    40...


    100...


    200...


    Before he could complain, a thousand Spirit Stones were gone, just like that.


    "For f.u.c.k.i.n.g sake! How much more are you going to absorb?"


    Still, it was as if the egg completely ignored Rean''s voice and continued to absorb the Spiritual Energy inside all th stones thrown at it.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-egg_49641865330345787 for visiting.


    It wasn''t after around 3400 that it finally stopped absorbing the Spiritual Energy of the stones. Of course, Rean was feeling quite helpless. Even though he has a lot of Spirit Stones, that is still a tremendous amount.


    *Crack.*


    [Quickly. Elder Javiu said that you had to be the first one that it sees. It will help you form an emotional bond with it.]


    Rean nodded as he approached the egg.


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    Thes egg''s crack spread everywhere until suddenly, a hole appeared as a small head popped out.


    It was yellow...


    It was small...


    It was weak...


    It was...


    "A chick?"


    Obviously, Rean didn''t believe it was a chick. After all, the egg was several times bigger than a chicken egg. Naturally, this chick was just as big. Maybe an ostrich hatchling would be more fit. Besides, where have you ever seen a chicken egg absorbing over three thousand Rank Two Spirit Stones before even being born? That is ridiculous.


    *Chi, Chi!*


    The young chick flapped its plumed wings as it looked at Rean. It tried to get up, but it soon tripped, falling with its head on the ground.


    However, it was thanks to this trip that Rean noticed the plumage on the top of its head. It barely formed the shape of a crown. Not only that, but the crown was made with black and white plumage, different from the rest of the body.


    Rean then helped the ''sticky'' chick up. One must remember it was just born. That being said, its body was still full of the amniotic liquid all over. However, Rean could feel the connection between him and the chick even more clearly now. Sister Orb was right. He could feel some of his own power inside it. At the same time, he could feel a little of Roan''s power too.


    "Sigh... Oh well, let''s help clean you up first."


    Rean then poured some water inside a tub and placed the chick there. While Rean cleaned the little guy, he also asked Sister Orb.


    ''What kind of Demon Beast is it?''


    [No idea. But I can tell that the crown was obviously formed because of the Yin Yang energy it absorbed inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. It might have something to do with its own powers as well.]


    Rean nodded as he thought about something. Right after, he began to gather Light Element on his hands. The moment he did it, the chick seemed to have understood something. It was then that Light Element began to gather around the chick as well. Not only that, but the white plumes that formed half of the crown shined as the chick absorbed it.


    "This... it can also use Light Element?"


    [Seems like it. This Demon Beast is probably quite an impressive one since it can mutate to the point of being able to absorb the same element as you. Judging by the other half of the crown that is black, it can probably use Dark Element too.]


    The water on the tub then began to heat up as the Light Element gathered around the chick. However, the chick quickly got tired and stopped using its Spiritual Energy to assemble it.


    Still, Rean quite liked the chick.


    ''Well, since it can gather Light and Dark Element, it is definitely compatible with Roan and me. Let''s see what it will become in the future. No, wait! Perhaps, elder Javiu knows something about it.''


    With that idea in mind, Rean finished cleaning the chick and brought it outside to ask Javiu.

 Chapter 208 - Not Dead...

    Javiu was waiting for Rean outside. As for the other disciples, he sent them away a long time ago. When he saw Rean coming out, he immediately went to ask how things ended.


    "So, did the egg survive?"


    It was then that he saw a big chick... on Rean''s arms.


    "It hatched without any problems. However, I have no idea what kind of Demon Beast this little guy is. Does Elder Javiu know anything about her?"


    Javiu, obviously, didn''t expect to see such a... weak... demon beast, especially after how much Spiritual Energy it absorbed to hatch. As far as he could see with his Spiritual Sense, there was really nothing impressive about it. He felt that if he put a little pressure, he would break all the bones of the chick.


    "This... if not because it is much bigger than a real chick, I would surely say it is a chicken. Even the yellow plumage is the same as one. Of course, it definitely has nothing to do with chickens after what happened."


    Elder Javiu grabbed the chick, who seemed very dissatisfied with him. However, it had no power to resist at all. It was also tired after using its little Spiritual Energy to gather Light Element a few moments ago inside the Barn.


    "Hum... I''ve never heard of a white and black crown either. Or better, is it even a crown? Well, it does look like one. I will have to take a look into the books of our Beast Taming Repository. However, I know most of the books already, so I''m pretty sure that I won''t find anything in there."


    Javiu continued to ponder until he decided to suggest.


    "I might have some knowledge about demon beasts, but I believe it will be better to seek elder Reliance Gongol''s advice."


    Rean remembered that name. Back then, when he first arrived at the Beast Taming faction, elder Javiu told him that Reliance Gongol was the Inner Sect elder responsible for their district. However, even after working there for so long and the other times he came by, Rean had never seen that Elder in person.


    "I thought that this elder didn''t like demon beasts."


    Javiu immediately shook his head.


    "Of course not. Elder Reliance Gongol loves them as much as we do. I can''t blame you for thinking like this, though. After all, he seldom appears in our district. However, it is not because he doesn''t like it, but because he spends most of his time traveling around to learn more about Demon Beasts. You might as well know that he is the only Nascent Soul cultivator of our sect that is not a Core Sect Elder."


    Rean was quite surprised to hear it. So far, all the Nascent Soul Elders he found were Core Elders.


    "Why is that?"


    Javiu shrugged his shoulders.


    "Isn''t that obvious? Unlike the other Nascent Soul cultivators of our sect, Elder Reliance is the polar opposite of his own name. You can''t rely on him at all! Unless the sect reaches a life and death situation, he probably won''t raise a single finger to help with anything. Of course, unless someone offers something in return. What good would he bring to the sect as a Core Elder? The fact that he is an Inner Sect elder is basically to show some face to his Nascent Soul cultivation."


    Rean had to admit that the guy was quite a figure.


    "Well, then why is he the leader of the Beast Taming faction? Even if he loves Demon Beasts, it won''t be of much help if he isn''t present."


    Javiu then explained.


    "That''s because he usually leaves his Demon Beasts behind in the sect for us to take care. He might not make much himself, but the Demon beasts that he tames definitely do��especially the aerial ones he leaves here. Because of that, he was capable of holding the title of the leader of our faction."


    However, there was still one thing Rean couldn''t understand.


    "If he doesn''t like to help the sect, why would he want to keep the position of Beast Taming Faction''s leader?"


    Javiu shook his head, though.


    "Who knows? He might want to guarantee that he will always have a place to leave his Demon Beasts. Or maybe it is another reason altogether. No one really understands that guy."


    Elder Javiu then passed the chick back to Rean and approached his ear. Only then did he murmur something.


    ''Between the two of us, Elder Reliance is kinda.... no, he is totally a weirdo.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/not-dead..._49657417138496909 for visiting.


    It was then that Rean noticed something strange. Suddenly, right in front of Rean''s Eyes, Elder Javiu was sent flying like a cannonball!


    *Bang!*


    The poor guy crashed against the Barn and broke through the wall, falling somewhere inside. No one knew if he was alive...


    "Who the hell are you talking about?"


    It was then that Rean saw a man approaching from a distance. He had big dreadlocks that surpassed his shoulders. Not a big beard, but enough to cover the skin. Rean could also see he smoking something as the old men did back in his Varen Tribe. Last but not least, he was the first ''black'' guy he had ever seen in this world.


    "Wasn''t Bob Marley dead?"


    "Dead your head! No, wait! Who the hell is Bob Marley?"


    Of course, it definitely wasn''t... Bob Marley... but the guy did look like the man indeed. Even his clothes were quite colorful, one of Bob Marley''s noteworthy trends. Sure enough, even Rean had at least heard about this figure back in his past life. The man in front of him was way too similar!


    ''Sister Orb... were we the only ones to have reincarnated in this side of the Universe?''


    [As far as I know, yes.]


    Rean nodded as he answered the Elder''s question.


    "Ahem... Sorry, Elder. It is just that you look quite similar to... a friend... I met in the past. By the way..."


    Rean then looked at the human-shaped hole on the Barn''s wall and asked.


    "Should I prepare Elder Javiu''s funeral?"


    For some reason, a certain wounded man''s mouth twitched inside the Barn.


    ''I''m still alive, you know?! Can you please not prepare my funeral without first verifying my condition?!''


    Finally, Elder Javiu got up with some difficulty. He then made his way out of the Barn and bowed to the black guy.


    "Cough, cough... Paying respects to Elder Bo- Ahem... Elder Reliance. I wasn''t expecting Elder to come back to the sect so soon. Otherwise, I would have definitely prepared something."


    Elder Reliance nodded.


    "I wasn''t expecting my early return either. However, that brat Mia insisted that I should come to check something. Anyway, I was on my way there when I heard a certain someone speaking about me on my back."


    Elder Javiu then smiled bitterly but refrained from commenting. Who knows, he might make things even worse.


    ''What kind of luck is this? The guy rarely comes back, but when he does, he knows how to select the perfect time.''


    Seeing that Javiu didn''t say anything else, Reliance then made his own question.


    "Whatever, how were my Demon Beasts while I was out?"


    Javiu then immediately answered.


    "They have been treated well. Elder can go and take them anytime elder wishes. However, as per the agreement with the sect, Elder''s Demon Beats are also available for the sect''s use. That being said, a few of them are out of the sect with other disciples or elders."


    Elder Reliance then shook his head.


    "It''s okay, I don''t need to bring any of them with me. As long as they are fine, then that''s good."


    Reliance then looked at Rean.


    "Anyway, who are you?"


    Rean then bowed as well.


    "My name is Rean Larks. I''m a new disciple that joined the sect during the last recruitment. My master is Elder Droman from the Formations Master Hall."


    "Oh, old paw Droman is your master, uh? Oh, right. I heard that Droman broke through the Soul Transformation Realm. Is that true?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes. He should be in the Formations Master Hall, so Elder can look for him there if necessary."


    Reliance then pondered a bit before nodding his head.


    "I do need him to check the imprisonment formation flags that I use. Very well, I''ll go there later to take a look."


    Reliance then turned around and was just about to leave when Javiu stopped him.


    "Elder Reliance, please wait! Our faction has a lot of things that need your verification and approval. Can you do that first?"


    Unfortunately, Reliance couldn''t care less.


    "Too boring, just go ahead and do whatever you want. Just make sure my Demon Beasts are treated well."


    Javiu insisted, though.


    "We can''t! Without your signature, the higher-ups will not accept our decision."


    Reliance then summoned the surrounding Earth Element and used the Earth on the ground to make a seal. After that, he threw it at Javiu.


    "Just put some paint and stamp it on all the doc.u.ments. Remember, this Seal will only hold for a day, so you better stamp everything before it crumbles. Also, I better not hear that it was used for some bullshit later. Alright, I''m off!"


    Javiu didn''t even have the time to reply before Elder Reliance disappeared like smoke. Or better, one could even say that he totally run away! Rean then looked at Javiu and could see that the poor guy was almost crying.


    ''No wonder he said he is the polar opposite of his own name.''


    Suddenly, Rean remembered something as he looked at the chick on his arms.


    "Ah! I forgot to ask Bob Marley about the Chicken!"

 Chapter 209 - The Bird

    Rean then brought the chick together with him to back where Elder Droman was. Since elder Reliance was going to pay a visit to Droman later, it was better to be there with his master when that happened. Of course, Rean didn''t forget Elder Javiu. The poor man ended like that partially because of him, after all.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Rean quickly healed Elder Javiu up, and only then he left. Javiu, of course, was shocked by the healing power of Rean''s skill. Too bad that Rean didn''t wait to hear more questions about it, though.


    Back at the Formations Master Hall, Droman was already waiting for Rean with several books and materials. He wanted to start Rean in the Formations Path before he had to leave to do something else. He only had a few days to do that since he had to work on the Router Formation and supervise the Communication Network System.


    "Alright, let''s start."


    Meanwhile, at the Sect Master''s place, Bob Ma- cough, cough... Elder Reliance had just arrived.


    "Well, you called me back with quite some urgency. What is it that you need, Mia?"


    Elder Reliance was a very rare exception in the Sect. Very few had the right and courage to use Mia''s name. Usually, everyone simply used Sect Master. Well, it was not that he was special, but that he never cared about honorifics to start with. Not to mention that Mia was indeed younger than him.


    "Sorry for interrupting your travel, Reliance. It''s just I need you to go check the Profound Abyss for me."


    Reliance narrowed his eyes.


    "The Profound Abyss? Why would you want me to go there? That thing only opens every 100 years."


    Mia nodded.


    "I know. However, it is only valid for those who come from outside. I want you to use your Obscure Spider to get some Decaying Roots to use against the Decaying Fog."


    One of Reliance''s browns lifted after hearing that.


    "You have always been a smart brat. So you knew that I was successful in taming one of the Demon Beasts inside. And here was I thinking that I was secretive enough."


    The fact was that the Demon Beasts from the Profound Abyss are mostly berserk. It is easier said than done to say that you want to tame one of them. Not to mention that the Profound Abyss has a cultivation''s restriction of at most Peak of the Core Formation Realm. Anyone above that will be stopped by the special barrier set up by the Imperial Family Experts.


    The only exception was the Demon Beasts that lived there. However, they were almost always in a constant berserk state. Not to mention they rarely ever came out of the abyss. Elder Reliance had to camp nearby for over ten years to finally tame one of them.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-bird_49678332840700631 for visiting.


    The abyss was a place changed into a training ground for the geniuses of the empire. It opened for two whole weeks before closing again. However, that wasn''t all. At the most profound parts, it was possible to find a set of caves from where the Decaying Fog came out. Yet, that was also the place where the participants had to aim for.


    Decaying Fog was very detrimental to one''s body. A Spiritual Energy barrier could help to resist it, but not totally. Also, the deeper you went, the more intense the fog became. Naturally, fending off the Decaying Fog made it even harder. Let alone when you entered the source of it.


    That being said, it seemed a crazy idea to enter the caves where most of it came out. However, at the end of those caves, one could find the Vermilion Pools. They were very effective for one''s meridians. The more you could absorb, the stronger your meridians would become.


    That''s why those Sect Masters said that the geniuses who entered it would most likely become Nascent Soul Realm cultivators in the future. Their capability to absorb Spiritual Energy would get much better than the others. It was as if one''s talent suddenly increased for the rest of one''s life. As one can imagine, all the sects wanted to have their own geniuses to enter it.


    "Anyway, why would you want me to get Decaying Roots?"


    "That''s because I believe the surge will come at the same time as the Profound Abyss opening. I want to be ready in case that happens."


    Reliance finally understood the situation.


    The surge was an event that happened in the Profound Abyss. No one really knew why it occurred, though. During the surge, the Decaying Fog in the abyss would increase several times. The problem was that it happened quite randomly. It might happen again in a month, a year, or even after ten years. There was almost no pattern to it. However, ''almost'' didn''t mean ''none.''


    One of the things they knew about the surge was that it never took more than ten years to happen. That was the limit. Also, the longer it took to come out, the stronger it would be.


    "I see... How long has it been since the last surge?"


    "Eight and a half years."


    Reliance then pondered a bit before saying.


    "The abyss is opening in a year. If the surge doesn''t come out before that, there is a good chance that it can happen while the participants are inside. No wonder you want me to get Decaying Roots. With my Obscure Spider, I should be able to grab some from inside. However, what can you give me in exchange?"


    Mia then took out a bad and threw it at Reliance. However, after the guy checked the contents, he threw it back at Mia.


    "Oh! I didn''t expect you to pay this much for the Roots. It seems like you are quite confident in the geniuses you are sending inside. However, I want something else this time."


    "Something else?"


    Reliance nodded.


    "On the way here, I saw a brat called Rean. He was holding quite an interesting bird in his arms. I want that."


    Mia wasn''t expecting such a request. First of all, she didn''t even know what Reliance was talking about. In the end, she had to call someone to make a quick investigation to finally understand what Reliance was asking from her.


    "Why would you want his Demon Beast? Can''t you simply go out and tame one for yourself?"


    Reliance laughed after hearing that.


    "If I could get something like that by going out, I would have done a long time ago. Too bad, though. If information about that thing were to spread out, it wouldn''t be the time for a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator like me to take it. If the bird was an a.d.u.l.t, then there was nothing to be done. But a hatchling? I wouldn''t be surprised if Saint Realm experts flocked our Sect demanding us to hand it over. No, perhaps even they would need to think twice. After all, the monsters above the Saint Realm might stop by for it too."


    Mia couldn''t help but sweat coldly. Fortunately, there was only her and Reliance in that room at the moment. Otherwise, she might have to kill someone to keep those words secret.


    "What is that thing? Also, how do you know about it?"


    Reliance shrugged his shoulders before saying.


    "I would rather not say what it is. Fortunately, it has suffered some kind of mutation, so there shouldn''t be more than ten or so people in the entire empire who can tell you its identity. It is better to keep it like this."


    "As for how I know about it, that''s because that demon beast was the reason I became a Beast Tamer Cultivator. Well, this has something to do with a childhood event from way before I became what I am today. In a certain way, you can say it was fate too."


    Mia couldn''t help but ask.


    "Then, why did you come here to ask me? You could have taken it by force, and there is nothing he could have done about it."


    Reliance shook his head.


    "I hate lying or take advantage of the situation. You were not wrong, though. If it was anyone else, they would have kept this knowledge a secret and stole the brat''s bird without anyone noticing. Too bad, though. It would be a waste of time since the bird had already recognized Rean as its master. Even if he dies, the bird will never obey anyone else."


    That answer made Mia even more puzzled.


    "If it is impossible to take it from him, why are you asking for it?"


    It was then that Reliance laughed out loud.


    "Hahahahaha! Isn''t that obvious? Since I can''t take the bird away from him anymore, I just need to take the whole pack altogether. That being said, I want that kid too."


    Meanwhile, in the Formation Masters Hall, Rean felt a chill on his back.


    ''How come it became so cold all of a sudden?''

 Chapter 210 - Sister Orbs Final Strike

    Mia didn''t know what to say about it. The twins were pretty okay with their own cultivations. If anything, they are a little too fast. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be too bad to put one of them under a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator''s tutelage. However, Rean and Roan''s situation was quite complicated.


    "I can''t decide it for Rean. Besides, I believe Droman will not let you do so. As you probably know already, he was the one to enter the Soul Transformation Realm. Not to mention that he took Rean as his disciple. Also, you need to convince Rean himself."


    Reliance pondered a bit before saying.


    "So, I just need to convince both of them, right?"


    Mia shrugged her shoulders.


    "Yes, but you have to bring back the Decaying Roots first. Well, it will be a good thing since Rean will be one of those entering the Profound Abyss anyway."


    Elder Reliance nodded his head as he turned around to leave.


    "Good! Don''t worry about the Decaying Roots. I''ll get them for you. To be honest, you are not the only one thinking about the Surge, so there will be quite a few trying to obtain it. But that doesn''t matter since most of them can''t do the same as me and have a tame Demon Beast fetch them. Alright, I''m off."


    Reliance then left the room straight away to the Profound Abyss. As for Mia, she didn''t seem very concerned about the issue. In fact, she showed a rare hint of a playful smile. Too bad no one was there to see such a beautiful view.


    ''Reliance... Both twins are not just like any kid you had seen before. I don''t know about Droman, but I''m very eager to see how you will convince Rean about it.''


    The days passed in a flash as both Rean and Roan occupied themselves with their own things. Rean tried to find elder Reliance again, but the man seemed to have evaporated in mid-air. Without another choice, he could only keep the chick with him to train it.


    He thought about leaving the chick with Elder Javiu to take care. However, the chick would go crazy every time he tried to leave it behind. Without another choice, he could only bring it with him.


    Of course, Rean and Roan didn''t forget about cultivation. Every night, they would use some drops of Heaven''s Might Water to fortify their foundations. Too bad that a foundation of their level received very little effect from it. Not to mention that the water was not something for their Light and Dark Elemental affinities. Still, it was better than nothing.


    Two weeks later, Droman had finally finished dealing with all the visits that were congratulating him for the breakthrough. That meant he would need to leave soon to continue supervising the installation of the Communication Network. Also, he ended teaching Rean the basics about Formations, so he took some time to have Rean build a basic one.


    "Alright, it turned out that you were better than I thought. But I should have expected that, though. After all, you were able to come up with the Router Formation concept. Anyway, I want you to show me what you can do. Go ahead and try to make a simple Energy Gathering Formation."


    Rean nodded and immediately began to work. Droman was quite pleased with Rean. Usually, it would take a few months for someone to learn how to use all the most basic necessary runes for this Formation. However, Rean was simply way too fast. Droman was quite confident in his talent for Formations. Still, he wasn''t even near to what Rean could do when he started.


    It is not wrong to say that Rean has a talent for the occupation. However, there were another two points that put Rean far ahead of any other new Formations Master.


    The first one was pretty obvious, Sister Orb! She didn''t know how to build formations herself. However, she was able to analyze them for her own use. With such an ability, she could tell Rean about the flaws in his Formations while he was still building it! That was an advantage that no one could compare with.


    The second main point is that Rean came from Earth! As mentioned before, Rean has no idea how to build a circuit. However, he does know about the concepts behind them. It turned out that Formations were not that far from Earth''s Electronic Equipments. Of course, thanks to Spiritual Energy, the formations were capable of doing things that Earth''s Electronic Builders couldn''t even dream about.


    Thanks to Sister Orb and his experience as an Earthling, Rean really seemed like a heaven-defying genius in the eyes of others. Well, there was obviously one exception. Roan knows about Rean and Sister Orb, so he wasn''t even close to being impressed.


    Rean then began to build the Energy Gathering Formation in front of Droman skillfully. Not only that, but he did it quite fast. As Droman looked at him, he nodded his head in satisfaction from time to time.


    ''He''s really a genius, but it seems like I''m also an excellent Master. Hahaha!''


    Of course, he didn''t let those feelings appear on his face.


    Finally, the Formation was completed and began to gather the Spiritual Energy on the surroundings. Rean had built one of the most basic types, so it wasn''t anything extraordinary. Besides, he still has to study and comprehend a lot of runes that could have improved the Formation. Nevertheless, that was an excellent job for someone who entered this path not long ago.


    "Very good! You are learning a lot faster than I did at your age. Here, take this."


    Suddenly, Droman threw a mountain of books at Rean.


    "Your basics are quite solid, but you lack knowledge. I could see several places where different types of runes and arrangements could have been much better."


    There was no helping it. Sister Orb could only tell what was wrong, not what could be improved or changed.


    "However, it is nothing to be ashamed of. As long as you memorize the contents, things should get a lot better for you. Also, don''t forget that there is nothing wrong with coming up with your own ideas."


    Rean looked at all those books and felt like he was back in high school''s final exams for metallurgists.


    ''Hmph! Since I passed through that hell once, I can definitely pass it twice!''


    Droman then continued.


    "This should summarize around 2% of everything we have available in our Formations Hall. Once you are finished, we will start a new round of training between Master and Disciple to put everything you learned into practice."


    Rean''s confidence suddenly deflated like a balloon...


    "Did you say... 2%?"


    Droman looked at Rean and began to laugh out loud.


    "Hahaha! As expected of someone that I took as my disciple! I really can''t hide it from you, can I? Alright, I just wanted to make you feel better, but it seems like you already noticed that it wasn''t so simple. Anyway, the truth is that it only counts for at most a single %. Besides, our Jialin Country is quite small, so we have a severe lack of information about Formations in our repositories."


    "There was one time when I visited the Formations guild in the Empire''s Capital. It was really an incredible view. I can''t even fathom how many times more information about Formations they have compared to us! If what you have in your hands is considered 1% of our repository, it wouldn''t be even 0.1% of the capital''s one. That was really a sight to behold."


    Droman then looked in the distance as if recalling some happy moments of his life.


    Rean, on the other hand, seemed to be having a nightmare at the moment.


    "Ahem... surely Elder Droman jests, right?"


    Droman immediately shook his head.


    "Of course not! Formations are just this impressive. The number of arrangements possible is basically unlimited! Don''t worry. You will never run out of fun when you are dealing with Formations. As your Master, I guarantee you this much. Hahaha!"


    While Droman laughed, Rean cried.


    "Anyway, I need to leave for a few weeks to get a look at the communication system project. Make sure you have all of this memorized by the time I come back."


    Droman then turned around and left the Formations Master Hall. Rean didn''t even have time to complain about his arrangement. In the end, he couldn''t help but sigh.


    "Well, I went to a pretty common high school back in my previous life anyway..."


    Rean began to ponder a bit and finally reached a decision.


    "Alright, let''s pretend that I suddenly joined Harvard, and I am aiming to become the first in my class."


    Unfortunately, Sister orb was there, hearing Rean trying to comfort himself.


    [Stop dreaming! Considering the possible number of books and how much you need to learn, you better aim to become the best student Harvard has ever seen. Good luck!]


    If one looked closely, they would notice the moment that a tear fell from Rean''s eyes. Sure enough, Sister Orb doesn''t know how to show mercy...Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/sister-orb''s-final-strike_49700285475509811 for visiting.


    Just as Rean was intending to cry a little more, he received a message from Roan through their Soul Connection.


    "Hey, Doctor Wilson. I finished devising the Dark and Light Cultivation Establizing Pills. I should be done making them this night. After that, we can finally make our breakthrough."


    Rean sighed as he picked the first book on the pile.


    ''Well... I might as well start it now until Roan is ready."

 Chapter 211 - Late Stage

    The night quickly arrived, and Rean left for the Cultivation Tower with Roan. There, Roan passed him a bottle with ten white-colored pills that exuded the power of Light Element.


    "Oh, so these are the Cultivation Estabiling Pills..."


    Roan nodded.


    "Yes. This should help us with the Cultivation Stabilization process. Let''s start our breakthrough straight away."


    Rean and Roan had already finished the Heaven''s Might Water they acquired from Elder Buran. As expected, the results were not that impressive. Still, it would help them nonetheless. It''s just that there was one thing Rean was puzzled about.


    "I thought we got enough materials to make quite a lot of pills, no? After all, they are still only Foundation Establishment level ones."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "Yes. I do have more material to make at least twenty or so more pills. However, the more pills we take, the smaller will be their effects as our bodies will begin to reject them. Besides, we are far ahead in our cultivation schedule. It should be fine for us to keep the rest for after we enter the Peak Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm."


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right. At the moment, they are still eight months away from the Universal Restraint day. Since they are already making a breakthrough, there should be more than enough time to acc.u.mulate energy for the next one.


    "Alright. Let''s start then."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/late-stage_49726405604328821 for visiting.


    The twins then entered a room each and used the Energy Gathering Formations. As mentioned before, the Energy Gathering Formations of this place could also use Spirit Stones. That being said, Rean and Roan took out several Rank Two Spirit Stones to use during it.


    ''Sister Orb, is everything ready?''


    [Yes. The Soul Gem System''s cultivation manuals are flawless. As long as you follow it to the letter, your breakthrough should go quite smoothly. Not to mention that you already reached the limit of what you could do in the Middle Stage, so it should be even easier for you two.]


    But it was then that Sister Orb asked.


    [By the way... what about this Chick?]


    At the moment, the Chick was swimming in the Yin Yang Water inside the Bathhouse. The bath was still a few months away from acc.u.mulating the necessary energy for another Bath Time. However, there was a problem. The Chick was absorbing the little bit of Yin Yang Energy that acc.u.mulated inside every time. Because of that, the bath wasn''t able to acc.u.mulate energy at all.


    Rean couldn''t help but shrug his shoulders, though.


    ''Well, it keeps following me everywhere. If I leave it behind, the Chick will begin to go crazy. In the end, I could only bring it with me. The problem is that I can''t have it following me into every corner, so I could only send it into the Dimensional Realm. It seems like this is the only place where the Chick doesn''t cry when it is not with me.''


    [But... What about the Yin Yang bath? It was supposed to be used by the two of you.]


    Roan agreed with Sister Orb.


    ''That''s why I told you to fry the chicken for us to eat. Since you already gave so many Spirit Stones to it, this chicken''s meat is probably quite nutritive.''


    Rean narrowed his eyes after hearing that.


    ''Can''t you feel the connection with the Chick? You should be able to tell that it can also use Dark Element.''


    ''So what? It''s still a chick. Then what? We will have a Chicken or a Roaster that can use the same element as us? What''s the point in that?''


    ''Don''t be ridiculous! Where have you ever seen a chick of this size? I only call it Chick because it looks like one while it''s young. First, let''s give it a few months. If it turns out that it can''t do anything else, then we can think about what to do with it. Besides, it is not like losing just a single Yin Yang Bath will make that big of a difference.''


    Roan sighed but didn''t say anything else. It''s just that he wasn''t sure about the Chick''s power either. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have stayed silent.


    With this issue out of the way, Rean and Roan finally started their breakthrough. The Spiritual Energy of their Rank Two Spirit Stones and the Heaven and Earth''s one immediately surged in their direction. At the same time, Rean and Roan''s hairs changed into white and dark colors.


    Dark and Light Elements began to gather and enter their foundations. Thanks to the Light and Dark tenth pillar of each of their foundations, it was even easier to do the exchange. As mentioned before, Rean and Roan''s manuals used both elements to help them progress in their cultivation.


    The Spiritual Energy then entered the pool inside their Yin and Yang Dantians, quickly flooding it. After the pool reached its limit and couldn''t take it anymore, the Twins used all the Spiritual Energy for the breakthrough.


    Dark and Light Elements raged inside their dantians as the pool of Spiritual Energy increased in size. The Spirit Stones outside broke one after another, just to be replaced by new ones that were already prepared beforehand.


    Finally, a final burst of Spiritual Energy came out of the twins'' Dantians, sending everything around them flying. Fortunately, this was a room made so that the cultivators didn''t need to be worried about it. The only things that were swept away were the Spirit Stones the twins were using, and nothing else.


    Right after, the Spiritual Energy on the surroundings began to stabilize once more as their breakthrough into the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment finished. Of course, just as predicted, the Spiritual Energy inside their Dantians was as chaotic as it could be.


    "Phew... it is finally over. Alright, take one of the Cultivation Estabilizing Pills."


    Finally, the pills they worked so hard for made their appearances. As soon as they swallowed the pills, a surge of Light Element, Dark Element, and Spiritual Energy entered their Dantians. However, they were several times more gentle than the ones present there at the moment.


    Soon, the chaotic and gentle energies began to mix together into one. That process forced the chaotic energy into a calmer state, which helped Rean and Roan to stabilize their cultivations. Still, the effects of the pills didn''t happen in a second. This process takes time to complete, which means that there is no use in taking more than one pill at once. Nonetheless, the effects were amazingly good.


    "No wonder so many people look for these Cultivation Estabilizing Pills. This thing is simply too helpful."


    Roan nodded.


    "Indeed. If I''m not wrong, it will take two days to finish absorbing one Cultivation Estabilizing Pill. Once that happens, wait a day before taking the next one. Otherwise, your body will develop resistance against it much faster. Keep doing it until the ten pills are finally gone. By the end of it, our Cultivations should be good to go again. That will give us seven entire months to acc.u.mulate energy to enter the Peak Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm."


    With everything set up, Rean and Roan left the cultivation tower to do their own things. Rean went back to the Formations Hall and once again started his studies with the books left behind by Droman. The good thing was that he could both absorb the pill''s effect while reading.


    ''Sigh... it will really take a long time to finish this pile. As for memorizing everything, I''m not sure if I can do it before Droman is back.''


    As for Roan, he preferred to go back to Old Worm''s hut to practice alchemy some more. He can now make Cultivation Estabilizing Pills, but he didn''t want to stop there. Perhaps, he will have a need for other pills in the future. For example, Energy Gathering Pills at the Foundation Establishment Level would be very handy. Especially if he makes Light and Dark Elemental ones.


    ''Hum... let''s first try to build a list of items that I could use to create those pills. I can use Hulian to put some missions up for the items I can''t buy. If I can''t come up with something, I''ll go ask Old Worm about it.''


    Just like that, the days began to pass in a flash. Soon, two months were gone.


    During this time, Rean and Roan had completely stabilized their cultivations and began to cultivate again. Since Rean wasn''t taking Metals as payment for the Steelworks sellings anymore, he got even more Spirit Stones. Obviously, they didn''t lack any Spirit Stones for cultivation.


    Rean pondered if he should begin to ask for Peak Quality Forging Materials. However, he quickly gave up the idea. The problem was that usually, one wouldn''t be able to make them before the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Rean wasn''t even a Core Foundation Realm cultivator yet, let alone Core and Soul Fusion. He doesn''t believe he will make a weapon at that level before he is at least a Late or Peak Stage Core Formation one. Of course, he only considered making attempts at those cultivations stage level because of how much bigger his Spiritual Pool is compared to others.


    Today, Droman had finally found some time to go back to the Dalamu Sect. The installation of the cables for the communication system wasn''t much of a problem. The issue was the new Router Formation. Even after two entire months, he still hasn''t finished devising one. In the end, he decided that it might be better to consult Rean about it. Also, it was an excellent opportunity to test Rean''s progress in formations.


    ''Perhaps he can even help me with this new formation somehow.''

 Chapter 212 - I told you, didnt I?

    As Rean was busy with his Formations Master Study, Roan occupied himself with Alchemy. However, Roan had another duty that he couldn''t ignore. As one can remember, he was the one who gave the girls of the Blue Orchid District the Death Style Manuals.


    There was nothing much he could do about it. There were several moments that Amanda or the other sisters of the Blue Orchid District would get lost at what to do. Of course, Roan wasn''t free every time they needed him. That being said, he and Amanda reached an agreement. Once per week, Roan would take three hours of his time to help the girls with their questions and training of the Death Style. Naturally, that was only the case if he was in the sect. If he were on a mission or sect duty, he obviously wouldn''t be able to. However...


    *Bang!*


    Suddenly, a female cultivator of the Blue Orchid District was sent flying, crashing against the ground on the other side of the training field.


    "Why the hell are you using the meridians on your wrist during the skill release?! Are you an idiot to that point? Or maybe you think you are so great that you can ignore what I taught you and do your things, uh? If you really want to do that, at least think about the output of Spiritual Energy, fool! To increase the power of the attack, you disregarded your elbow stability. It made it so easy to parry your attack that I might as well use my finger instead of a sword during the next time."


    He then looked at the other girls waiting on the side and shouted with a cold voice.


    "NEXT!"


    Another female cultivator then entered the field. Too bad that she was trembling as she looked at the demon in the form of a 12 years old kid. Although it was them who called him over to help with their doubts, he would often use straight combat to show how it was done.


    Because of that, his position in the girls'' heart was quite complicated. On one side, they were happy since his instructions would always target the very essence of their abilities. Not to mention that he did all of that almost for free. One must remember that he exchange those teachings for permission to come to see Malaka when he or Rean felt like it. That was indeed a trade that was very disadvantageous to him.


    On the other side, he was merciless! That was quite a strange feeling for those female disciples. Usually, the boys would try to please the girls of the Blue Orchid District. After all, Inner Sect Elder Zaia only recruited talented female cultivators. They were the perfect dao companions that most of the male cultivators of the sect dreamed about. However, it looked like Roan saw all the girls as nothing more than bags of flesh and bones. Well, they were right. Roan simply couldn''t care less whether they were beauties or beggars.


    It was a good thing that Roan didn''t try to gain their favor. It was proof that he was more interested in their skills as cultivators than how beautiful their outlines were. Still... Roan really frightened them to their bones!


    "Why are you taking so long? Attack me already!"


    The girl then gritted her teeth and initiated her attack.


    *clang, clang, clang...*


    Roan exchanged a few moves with the girl when suddenly, he saw an opening. His sword moved in a ridiculous pattern, blocking her saber completely. Right after, he used his leg to kick the girl''s one. The girl then lost her balance and fell on her butt.


    *Swish!*Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/i-told-you-didn''t-i_49746836495335227 for visiting.


    Suddenly, a sword made of black energy passed through her neck.


    "Ahhh!"


    She couldn''t help but close her eyes as she screamed. Not only her, but the other female disciples outside the field cried as well, thinking that Roan would cut her head.


    However, all that happened was that a tiny cut appeared on her throat. A little bit of blood came down from it, but that was basically the extent of the injury. A day would be more than enough for a cultivator like her to have it healed completely.


    "Are you f.u.c.k.i.n.g kidding me? Who the hell would close their eyes in front of a killing blow? That will only make you die faster!"


    Roan then turned to Amanda outside.


    "What the hell are you guys teaching these girls? Sure, you all have very high talents, I admit this much. You were able to use my Death Sword Style quite well too. However, how come there is such a massive lack of experience? It''s a miracle that these girls are still alive!"


    Amanda couldn''t help but get angry.


    "It''s not that they lack experience. It''s just that your training methods are as scary as hell!"


    All the other girls around nodded their heads unanimously. They weren''t lying. If it was someone else, they wouldn''t be trembling every time they heard the person''s name.


    "Yes! It''s because it is you that we get like this!"


    "You could be more gentle!"


    "Don''t you know how to treat ladies? What did your parents teach you!"


    "It''s because you are a demon!"


    "I had gone out for mission several times. Obviously, I had my own share of fights, danger, and killing. But I''ve never confronted someone as terrifying as you!"


    "I even started to have nightmares about you!"


    All the girls then lost their patience and began to nag Roan without stopping.


    Roan narrowed his eyes for a second when suddenly, he snorted.


    "I didn''t expect to achieve this result so early. That''s great! This is enough for me to start the second part of my plan."


    The girls got puzzled at those words. Amanda, as the leader of the girls, immediately asked while a foreboding feeling overcame her.


    "What... second part?"


    Roan coldly smiled as he looked at her.


    "Oh! I just had an idea some time ago. I have a few contacts in the Mission Hall, you know? From now on, I''ll check the reports of your missions when I come by for these training sessions. If I find out that you failed or performed badly... Hehe!"


    The contacts were obviously none else other than Elder Hulian or even the Sect Master. Unless it was something secret, Roan was sure he could get ahold of all the reports of missions performed by these girls.


    The girls couldn''t help but feel a chill on their backs when they heard that, though.


    Roan then continued.


    "Pay attention. I want you to remember my face when you get into those life and death situations you talked about. I want you to ask yourselves, is this enemy as scary as what I''m going to do with you if I find out that you failed a mission? I''m really looking forward to the next training sessions. I''ll make sure that the ones who do not perform to my liking will receive a very special... treatment."


    Before Amanda or any of the girls could even reply, Roan looked at another two figures present at the moment.


    "You two better not think that I will leave you aside. In fact, due to our long-lasting... friendship... I will require much greater performances from your tasks."


    Those two just so happened to be Julio and Lenna. Roan had passed them his Death Sword and Spear Styles, so they could be said to be under his tutelage too. Still, he didn''t want to waste too much time on other things, so he packed them together with those girls of the Blue Orchid District. Amanda couldn''t really refuse it since that was his condition to keep these training sessions. Of course, she warned them to keep their mouths shut about anything they see inside.


    At first, Julio and Lenna were quite happy to be able to participate. But they soon were forced to remember the time back in the Sect Entrance Exam. Too bad, though. They had already been dragged into this. In the end, they became fellow sufferers with the Blue Orchid District girls.


    "W-w-w-we will do... our best."


    Roan nodded and showed a faint smile.


    "Of course you will. After all, I don''t think you can survive what I have prepared for you two if you fail."


    Julio and Lenna''s faces became pale as ghosts. For some reason, they didn''t think Roan was kidding at all.


    Finally, Roan looked back at the Blue Orchid Girls and shouted.


    "Why are you still wasting my time? NEXT!"


    While the girls and Julio receive all of Roan''s ''love'' in the training field, Malaka had just returned from another cultivation session with her Sect Master.


    "Master is just like Roan. She doesn''t give me free time at all! All my bones are hurting already."


    Together with Malaka, there was a woman who also served the Sect Master as a maid. When she heard that, she just shook her head.


    "Sect Master had never taken a disciple before. You should be happy that she is putting so much effort into your training. Trust me, you will not regret it in the future."


    Malaka looked gloomy but nodded in the end.


    It was then that she noticed that she arrived in the training field. Suddenly...


    *Bang!*


    *Crash!*


    Julio had just been blasted away by one of Roan''s attacks, falling right beside Malaka.


    "During the last attack, your Spiritual Energy wasn''t in synch with your Element. It made you lose your balance when I applied just a little pressure on the spear shaft. Go back and ponder about it."


    Roan then looked at the two girls who just arrived, and his eyes lit up.


    "Oh, you are here. Great! Come insid-"


    Before he could even finish his words, Malaka had already turned around and... fled! Not only that, but she was really, really fast! Her training sessions with the Sect Master were obviously showing concrete results. However...


    "Inna Malaka! If you make me leave this training field to catch you, I promise that you will want to die!"


    Well, Malaka completely ignored the warning. She just got herself free from one demon. How could she accept to fall on the hands of another one?


    Roan saw that and snorted, though. Suddenly, his hair changed into a mix of white and dark colors.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    Malaka was just about to disappear in the distance when suddenly, a hand appeared on her shoulder, bringing her body to a complete stop. Right after, a voice capable of freezing hell sounded in her ears.


    "I told you, didn''t I?"


    So what if she was much faster and stronger now? In front of Roan and Rean''s Life Style, escaping wouldn''t be more than a pipe dream!


    "Noooooooooo!!!"


    The hand then began to drag Malaka back to the training field, completely ignoring her scream. Poor Malaka''s lucky star had not been shining recently...

 Chapter 213 - You are still my little sister

    The maid that accompanied Malaka was called Mila. The truth was that she wanted to help the girl. However, she couldn''t do so. Sect Master Mia had told her to take care of Malaka while inside the Sect. If someone tried something, she should deal with it as she sees fit. There was an exception, though.


    "Mila, help me!"


    "Sorry, my lady. But Sect Master gave me an order to not do anything if your two brothers were involved."


    Mia made it very clear. If Rean and Roan were the ones to try something, she must not intervene. Because of that, she could only look at Malaka''s teary face as Roan dragged her back to the training field.


    Malaka also looked at her senior sisters with a pitiful expression. Too bad, though. Roan gave them an ''if you try to bother me, you die!'' stare. All the girls trembled from bottom to top. As much as they were united in the Blue Orchid District, there were limits. Well, Roan was definitely above that limit... by far!


    In the end, they all paid their respects to Malaka as if they were in front of a dead person in a coffin.


    "Your memory will always live in our hearts, little sister. Rest in peace."


    "I''m not dead yet!"


    Roan ignored all their antics and kicked Malaka''s butt inside the stage.


    "Stop with this bullshit. You had been under the Sect Master''s tutelage for some time already. I want to see what you learned so far."


    Roan then went to a weapon''s rack on the side and took a simple wooden staff. Malaka had Rean''s High-Quality Flowing River Staff. That was the name he selected for it. Malaka has an affinity with Water Element, so he made that Staff gather Water Element from the surroundings once Spiritual Energy was used with it. Since Malaka was already a Water Element user anyway, no one thought it was the Staff alone who gathered the Water Element. However, Malaka''s High-Quality Staff was definitely far stronger than other High-Quality Equipments.


    However, even though that was the case, Roan took one of the most simple wooden staves for training on the side.


    In fact, Roan acted in the same way with all the girls and Julio. The girls of the Outer Sect were at most at the Peak Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Any other would have already entered the Inner Sect or applied to become an elder. Some would even return to their home to work for the Sect around their region. That being said, no one could force Roan to bring out his White Star.


    Of course, Roan wasn''t any less scary just because he was using standard weapons to train them. So what if they could use their Spiritual Equipments? Neither of the girls or Julio thought that they would have an advantage while fighting him on the stage for even a second. Malaka knew Roan a lot better than the rest. She knew that the reason Roan took a wooden staff wasn''t to give her an advantage. Oh no, not at all! It was just that with that wooden Staff, he wouldn''t need to be afraid of injuring her... too much!


    "Roooan~. I-I can''t fight now. I just came back from an intense training with Master. My entire body is aching~. You see? I won''t be able to show anything good. What about we leave this training session to another time, yes, yes?!"


    Roan narrowed his eyes. He then got close to her and began to squeeze her body everywhere, making Malaka feel like laughing. If Roan wasn''t Malaka''s ''brother'' and a ''kid,'' the girls and Mila would have jumped in, thinking that Roan was taking advantage of her. Of course, Even if Roan was not a ''kid,'' he would not harbor such useless thoughts towards her anyway. Well, he wouldn''t do so for any other woman in the world either. Once again, they are all just bags of flesh and bones in his eyes.


    "Hum... interesting. It seems like Mia is really putting some effort into your training. Somehow, she brought your cultivation all the way up to the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment. However, I can''t feel any instability in your foundation at all. I guess this was to be expected considering her status and access to cultivation resources. Not to mention that different from Rean and me, the Sect definitely doesn''t lack cultivation manuals and skills for Water Type cultivators."


    Malaka nodded vigorously.


    "Yes, yes! See?! I was really training hard! That''s why she gave me the rest of the day free to rest my body. It is not good to keep training without stopping. Sooo~ can we have this fighting lesson another day? Pleaseeeee~?"


    Mila then came onto the stage and bowed to Roan before saying.


    "Lady Malaka is not lying, Junior Roan. Although she tried to escape several times, Sect Master made sure to keep her in her place and complete all the tasks. It is also true that her body needs some rest before she returns for more training tomorrow."


    Roan glared at Malaka.


    "Tried to... escape?"


    Malaka felt like crying.


    ''Couldn''t you simply say that I completed all the tasks? Why did you have to mention I tried to escape?''


    Of course, she didn''t dare to say those words aloud.


    In the end, Roan simply snorted as he put his hand on Malaka''s shoulder once more.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Roan''s ability to control and to lock Light Element was far from being as good as Rean. However, he could still use his skills. First of all, it wasn''t as if Malaka was injured. Only that her body was strained after a long period of hard training. With Rean''s Second Form of the Life Style, that would be more than enough to recover her body. Of course, Light Element can''t eliminate the necessity for resting. Still, that was more than enough to allow Malaka a few more hours of ''harmless exercises.''


    "Done. Now you can keep going for a while longer."


    Roan then ignored Mila''s shocked expression on the side and opened some distance from Malaka.


    "The maid over there, you are in the way. Get out of the stage."


    Mila''s mouth twitched, but she still complied.


    Once she was gone, Roan suppressed his own strength to Malaka''s level and pointed his Staff in her direction.


    "You better take it seriously, or it will hurt even more."


    Malaka was really feeling helpless. Why can''t she simply have a carefree life? Is she asking for too much? But before she could finish lamenting, Roan had already stepped forward and attacked. He covered the wooden Staff with Spiritual Energy and Light/Dark Elements to protect its integrity too.


    Malaka''s eyes narrowed as she immediately entered the Death Style Combat stance.


    *Bang, bang, bang!*


    The two then exchanged several hits before they were forced to separate from each other by a burst of Spiritual Energy from both sides.


    Roan and Malaka then used their staves against the ground to stop themselves from drifting further away.


    All the girls outside looked at that with wide-open eyes. Of course, Julio was impressed too. When Roan went against the girls or Julio, Roan would always suppress his own strength to their level. Still, no one could last for that long or force him back like that. After all, Roan''s Death Style always aimed to finish the fight as fast and deadly as possible. However, just now, Malaka had fought Roan at the same level.


    "Ohhh!"


    Roan couldn''t help but show a faint smile.


    ''Mia is doing a good job with this brat. She didn''t make Malaka change weapons and kept my Death Style. That''s obvious since I doubt she would be able to develop a better style than mine. Especially after Malaka practiced it for so long. However, I can see that she made a few arrangements in my formula. Not only that, but they were even more fluid. It''s not that my teachings were wrong, but that I''m not a Water Element user. As much as I want to, there will always be things I can''t account for. However, Mia is a Water Element user, just like Malaka. The small changes she added to the manual turned out to be very effective.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/you-are-still-my-little-sister_49760712175699226 for visiting.


    Roan then stepped forward and attacked once again.


    As for Malaka, she couldn''t help but feel a little excited. It was the first time she was able to keep up with Roan.


    *Bang, bang, bang, bang.*


    The two of them kept fighting until suddenly, Roan used an opening to strike Malaka''s right side on the ribs. However...


    ''Death Water Style, First Form, Flowing Dragon!''


    Malaka''s Flowing River Staff glowed with blue light. Right after, an Azure Dragon''s Head and Tail Spiritual Energy Projection appeared on the two sides. During that split of a second, Malaka''s Staff moved like a snake, bending into a complete arc and blocking what seemed to be a sure hit blow.


    Roan''s eyes couldn''t help but show a hint of surprise.


    But that wasn''t all. What blocked Roan''s attack was the Azure Dragon''s Head. Malaka used that bending to attack with the other side of the Staff that had the Dragon''s Tail. For a moment, it really looked like the Azure Dragon spun his body to make a Dragon''s Tail attack.


    Roan only head time to bring his Staff back to block the attack head-on!


    *Bang!*


    *Crack! Shatter!*


    Roan''s Staff couldn''t really compare to Rean''s High-Quality Flowing River Staff. It was just a wooden one, so it immediately shattered even though it was covered with Light and Dark Elements and Spiritual Energy. Right after, it hit his chest, sending him flying back.


    However, Roan was still Roan. He used the Spiritual Energy and Elements'' dispersion as a driving force that sent him in the same direction. Since his body and the attack were moving in the same way, the damage was mitigated by more than 50%. Not only that, but it also forced Malaka to retreat in the opposite direction.


    Finally, Roan and Malaka ended that exchange with Malaka coming up on top.


    The girls and Julio''s mouths were almost hitting the ground. It was the first time they had seen Roan getting injured. Right after, they exploded in cheering!


    "That''s it, Malaka!"


    "Show him what our Blue Orchid Faction can do!"


    "Take the demon down!"


    "You can do it!"


    "Yay, yay, yay!"


    Malaka, of course, was even more excited than the girls.


    "Hahaha! Did you see that, Roan?! I want to see how you will bully me from now on! Hahaha!"


    However...


    "Hehe..."


    Suddenly, everyone felt like a cold wind passed through their bodies.


    "Hehehe..."


    Roan looked at the purple mark on his chest as he laughed.


    "Good! Good!"


    He slowly made his way to the weapon''s hack once more and took out another wooden staff. Then he began to walk back in Malaka''s direction.


    Roan''s strength was still suppressed to her level. Not only that, but he didn''t change the weapon and took another wooden staff. Simply put, the initial conditions of this battle haven''t changed at all.


    However, everyone around the stage and Malaka herself could tell one thing. This Roan in front of them was several times scarier than they had ever seen before.


    "That was a good skill. It seems like Mia fused the Staff Skills in the Death Staff Style Manual with her own ideas, giving birth to that Azure Dragon form. The Dragon''s head to defend, and the Dragon''s Tail to counter-attack. I have to admit, she really knows what she is doing. No doubt, you had been improving by leaps and bounds with my Death Staff Manual and her teachings. It''s finally time for me to began to take your training seriously."


    Roan then looked at the girls and Julio outside the arena.


    "I told you before to remember my face when you were out doing missions, right? That you should think about what I will do with you if you fail or perform them poorly. Very well, I''ll show you now what will be waiting for you if that happens."


    Malaka heard that and began to sweat rivers!


    "Wait, wait, wait! There is no need to go that far, right? I''m your little sister. Don''t take it this seriously!"


    Roan smiled after hearing that.


    "Why are you so scared? I''m still using the same weapon. My strength is still suppressed to the same level as yours too."


    Those words didn''t comfort Malaka even a tiny bit.


    "Oh well, there is no need to worry. You won''t die. After all, you are still my little sister, right? You will just wish that you were dead, that''s all. Trust me, I''m doing it for your own good."


    Malaka wanted to flee, but reason told her that things would get even worse if she tried to do so. All the confidence she had a moment ago was completely gone too. Roan exuded an aura that made one think a demon had been reincarnated in his body.


    Well, as one can imagine, what happened next was not a fight... It was a one-sided massacre!


    If the girls and Julio were already scared of Roan before, now they didn''t even dare to look directly at him.


    They all reached the same conclusion. They will complete their missions perfectly even if they have to die trying!

 Chapter 214 - Elder Fauk

    Roan usually stayed at most three hours in the Blue Orchid District but ended extending this time because of Malaka''s sudden appearance. After making sure he put Malaka in her place, he finally left, but not before leaving a final warning.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/elder-fauk_49795513238737477 for visiting.


    "I believe you saw just now what is waiting for the lazy ones. I''m looking forward to seeing the results next week."


    The girls trembled once again and immediately avoided his gaze. They understood that Roan had been hiding his real scary side all this time. Only after Malaka gave him a good hit did he finally show what it meant to be ruthless.


    Of course, even though Roan made Malaka suffer quite a bit, he healed her completely with Rean''s Life Style. In the end, she just had to go back and rest. The impressive thing was that Malaka still had enough energy to sulk after everything was over. It was quite remarkable since none of the other girls would be brave enough to complain right to Roan''s face after receiving such a beating.


    Roan didn''t care, though. He simply turned around and ignored the angry-looking girl. Well, Malaka''s angry face couldn''t really scare anyone to start with...


    Still, on his way back to Old Worm''s hut, Roan seemed quite satisfied.


    ''I created that Flowing Dragon Skill for Malaka back then. It is part of the Death Staff Style Manual. However, it was a little too dependent on Spiritual Energy manipulation. Malaka was in the Energy Gathering Realm, not to mention that she was still a kid, so she couldn''t use it before. Now that she is in the Foundation Establishment, she was able to bring it out. However, it looked completely different from what I devised. The essence of the skill was still there, but its form was not the same as what I created. There is no doubt, Malaka showed the real Death Staff Style Manual that I made for her to Mia.''


    Roan had mentioned it in the past. The Death Style Manuals that he made for others to use was not at the same level as what he and Rean practiced. Of course, they were usually at the same level or were even better than the others.


    Nevertheless, there were exceptions. For example, Juri, Alanda, and his Parents got a version that was almost at the same level as his one. The only reason it wasn''t at the same level was that none of them used Light or Dark Elements. Still, he made his best with what he knew, bringing them very close to it.


    As for the last exception, it was obviously Malaka. Her manual, too, was at the limit of what Roan could create at the moment for a Water Element User. Every time he made some new breakthrough in his Death Style, he would send a copy to Varen Tribe and revise Malaka''s one in the Sect.


    In Juri, Alanda, and his parents'' case, he warned them to never show them to anyone else. If possible, they should do their best to memorize everything and destroy it right after. Malaka, of course, was the same.


    ''Still, Mia seemed to have been able to obtain it.''


    However, after what he saw today, he didn''t think it was a bad thing.


    ''Mia completely modified the Flowing Dragon Skill with her own understanding. Not only that, but it turned out better than my own. Although it lost a little of its deadly power, the defensive and surprise elements got several times better. It was an excellent trade as far as I can see.''


    Roan couldn''t help but feel a little excited.


    ''Indeed, there is just too much about the application of Spiritual Energy that I still don''t know. I was afraid that I would get to the limit soon, but I was so wrong that I feel like I''m an idiot. If Mia can already improve my Death Staff Style like this, then I still have a lot to learn. Perhaps, this was Mia''s message, showing that I''m still far from understanding the principles of Spiritual Energy. No, I can''t even tell if I''m at the starting line or not. That''s how big the difference between Mia and me is at the moment.''


    Roan''s eyes shined for a second as he looked ahead with a newfound resolve.


    ''So what if I''m far? That''s perfect. The further it is, the more interesting it will become. I''m truly looking forward to it.''


    However, Roan also understood another thing.


    ''She modified my Death Staff Style Manual. However, she didn''t let Malaka give up on it. That being said, one thing is sure. When it comes to the use of weapons without Spiritual Energy, even she can''t beat me. That''s why she didn''t pass a different Style for Malaka to practice. At least, it seems I''m on the right path.''


    Roan then increased his speed and returned to the Alchemist Hall to continue his alchemy practice.


    Back on Rean''s side, Droman had just returned to the Sect and went straight to pay him a visit. Rean was quite relieved since Droman took longer to return than he thought. That gave him enough time to finish studying the Formation''s Books that Droman passed to him.


    "So, how was it? I chose those books because I thought they would give you the best results based on what you showed me."


    Rean nodded.


    "Indeed. If I make the same Energy Gathering Formation now, I can increase its power by at least 5%. But I also noticed one thing. Did you select those specific ones because they were also connected to the Communication Formations?"


    Rean found out that some of the books were not related to the Energy Gathering Formation but to Lightning Type ones. Still, they were just basic books that were far from enough for Rean to become proficient in it. Besides, Rean hasn''t tried creating any Lightning Type Formation yet.


    Instead of answering Rean''s question, he made another one.


    "Did you comprehend them?"


    Rean pondered a bit about their contents and nodded.


    "I did comprehend them. In fact, they were the easiest ones in there. I haven''t tried making any Lightning Type formation yet, but I''m pretty confident I could make a very simple one."


    Droman couldn''t help but nod in satisfaction.


    "As I thought, that''s where your talents reside. The Lightning Type ones were easier for you because your mind works around the Lightning Runes much better than it does on the other types. You might not know this, but every Formations Master has a field they excel at. In your case, Lightning Type formations are definitely the right one. In fact, I''m also the same. Even before you showed me the Communication Formation, I was already used to build Lightning Type ones."


    Droman continued.


    "However, I had to initiate you in the most common type ones first because they were the basis for all the rest. For example, that Energy Gathering Formation you used has no need for any kind of special knowledge. Any Formations Master can build it using thousands of different combinations."


    "Without the knowledge of the basics, it would be several times more difficult for you to understand the Lightning Type Principles in those books."


    Rean nodded. It was a fact that all the examples he found used several neutral elements.


    "I see. Well, that''s good then."


    Droman smiled.


    "Still, you surpassed my expectations once again. Even if you have an affinity for Lightning Type Formations, I thought you wouldn''t comprehend them this fast. It seems like I was wrong."


    "Anyway, it is true that I gave you those Lightning Type Formations'' Books so that you could help me with the Communication System. That being said, I have a proposal for you. How about you follow me for the next few months while we build the System? I believe that would be of great help to you in your Formations'' Path. Not only will I show you what I know about Lightning Type Formations, but all the other types too."


    "Also, you have no need to be afraid of assassination. Now that I''m at the Soul Transformation Realm, I doubt someone will be crazy enough to try something with me there."


    "This..."


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    "Unfortunately, I have to decline. I need to focus on my cultivation as well, so I can''t leave."


    Droman then thought about something.


    "Is it because of the Cultivation Tower''s Formations? If that is that case, you don''t need to worry. I can make similar formations as those ones with my eyes closed."


    Rean shook his head, though.


    "That''s not it. As Elder Droman knows, cultivation has a lot to do with the elemental affinity of each person. However, I''m a special case. I can''t rely on Light Element alone. I also need my brother''s Dark Element to progress. It is not that I can''t cultivate without him, but the results would be several times worse. I wouldn''t be able to do even 1/10 of what I do while I''m with him."


    Only now did Droman remember that Rean and Roan have some kind of connection that allows them to use each other''s Elements.


    "I see... Well, you can ask him too. I don''t mind bringing two people with me during this time."


    However, it was then that a voice appeared in the room.


    "Out of the question. That kid is mine."


    Droman narrowed his eyes and looked at the newcomer. He was quite displeased that someone eavesdropped on his conversation with Rean. However, his eyes changed when he saw who it was.


    "Oh! So it is you, Elder Fauk."


    Rean also recognized that person. After all, he had seen him a few times with Roan. However, it was the first time he heard his real name.


    "Old Worm!"

 Chapter 215 - Decaying Roots

    Old Worm simply nodded at him and looked back at Droman.


    "He has a talent for alchemy. I''m not letting him go."


    As always, Old Worm kept his words as short as Roan.


    Rean was expecting that Droman to complain. However, Droman simply bowed in the end.


    "I understand. In that case, I will do my best to teach Formations to Rean during the time I''m at the sect."


    Old Worm nodded, satisfied.


    Still, Droman was curious about something.


    "By the way, Elder Fauk. What brought you here?"


    Droman knew the Old Worm was definitely not the type to eavesdrop on others'' conversation.


    "It''s about the formations in my place. I need you to do some modifications for me."


    Droman immediately shook his head.


    "There was no need for elder Fauk to come here. As long as you had sent the message, I would have dropped everything to help you with it."


    Rean was quite surprised with the way Droman treated Elder Fauk. He is now a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator. Other than Mia, he should be the only one at this level in the sect at the moment. Still, he treated the other with extreme respect. In fact, Rean felt like Droman even feared the man.


    "I was close by, so I just used the chance to come. Anyway, I''m leaving now."


    Old Worm then turned around and left.


    Finally, Rean couldn''t hold his curiosity anymore and asked Droman.


    "Elder Droman, is Old Worm some kind of important figure in the sect? You conceded to him so easily that it was quite embarrassing."


    Droman''s mouth twitched.


    ''Can''t you at least put it in a way that won''t hurt someone''s pride?''


    "Ahem... Elder Fauk is indeed a very prominent figure between us elders. He is our best alchemist, after all."


    Rean narrowed his eyes after hearing that. For some reason, he felt that it wasn''t the only reason Droman treated him like that. Still, it was not his place to complain.


    "Well, so be it. In that case, I won''t be able to go out with you, Elder Droman. Anyway, there is no need to worry. I''m confident that I will be able to learn things well as long as you show me the correct path. Besides, there are other Formations Master in the Formations Hall. Although they aren''t at your level, they can at least answer the questions of an apprentice like me."


    Rean wasn''t lying. During the time Droman was out, he had asked the other more experienced Formations Masters for advice. After all, he had only started. Whatever questions appeared in his mind could already be answered by most of the Formations Masters present.


    "I see. Very well, then. Let''s continue with your training. First, show me one of the basic Lightning Type Formations. For example, try to make a Lightning Element gathering one. It follows a similar concept to the Spiritual Energy Gathering. At the same time, you probably will use it a lot in the future. All the formations in the communication system use this kind, after all."


    Rean nodded and immediately began to work.


    While Rean and Roan were occupied with their own things and cultivating, Elder Reliance had finally arrived at the Profund Abyss location.


    "Sigh... because this shit is in another country, it took me this long to come here."


    Elder Reliance looked at the enormous chasm that stretched for hundreds of kilometers. But what really caught one''s attention was the yellow light covering the entire extent of it. That was the Formation that impeded anyone from entering. Only during the next Profound Abyss aperture will that Formation allow the cultivators to enter. Of course, anyone above the Core Formation Realm will not be able to participate.b


    Suddenly, a shadow appeared beside Reliance. Right after, it began to leave the ground and take the form of a spider. Reliance smiled as he threw what seemed to be a black stone to the shadow-like Demon Beast.


    "Bilibili, be a good girl and bring some Decaying Roots to this old man, will you?"


    That was none other than Elder Reliance''s Obscure Spider that Mia mentioned. As for the name Reliance gave her... well... let''s not enter into details.


    The Obscure Spider happily finished the weird black stone and felt quite satisfied. It then hissed at Reliance as if acknowledging his order. Right after, it began to turn into a shadow once more so that it could enter the Profound Abyss. However, it was at this moment that someone appeared.


    "Hey, the old man over there."


    Reliance turned around just in time to see three other cultivators staring at him. He immediately found out that all three of them were at the Nascent Soul Realm, just like himself. Also, from the looks of their robes, they all came from the same sect. It''s just that Reliance couldn''t recognize which sect it was. Nevertheless, Reliance seemed to not care the least bit.


    "I''m busy, so be fast."


    The newcomers narrowed their eyes after hearing that. Still, their leader didn''t lose his patience and spoke his mind.


    "I''m Fabiak Turwin, an elder of the Flowing Magma Sect. I saw that you have one of the Profound Abyss Demon Beasts tamed. The next opening will happen in a year, but there is a good chance that it will come together with the surge. We were struggling to get some Decaying Roots here. However, since you have one of those Demon Beasts that can enter and leave as they wish, why don''t you help us get some?"


    Reliance pondered a bit before saying.


    "One thousand Rank Four Spirit Stones."


    The elders of the Flowing Magma Sect were taken aback by that price.


    "Are you taking us for fools? If I bring that many Rank Four Spirit Stones out, why would I even ask you? I just need to post an order, and someone will definitely come to deliver them to me."


    He wasn''t lying. Back when Reliance was talking with Mia, she had first offered him a bag with the same Rank of Spirit Stones. However, she had only brought out one hundred of them. Still, Reliance commented that in normal circ.u.mstances, he would definitely have accepted it. That shows just how rare and expensive those Rank Four Spirit Stones are.


    Now, Reliance was asking for ten times that value to get Decaying Roots for this group.


    Well, the fact was that Reliance simply didn''t like how they acted towards him. It was not a problem of number. Instead, it was because of his different skin color. Reliance was not someone from this side of the world. But because of some events in the past, he was brought to this place. The number of black men and women here is ridiculously low. Although Reliance got used to the weird looks after so many years, it didn''t mean he liked it.


    "Since you can get it from others, stop bothering me. I have no interest in poor people."


    Reliance then turned around and completely ignored those Flowing Magma Sect Members. However, it only made those elders even angrier.


    "These shit foreigners really don''t know their place. Just because there are no rules saying that they can''t live here, they already think they own the place."


    "Last warning, charcoal, you will get those Decaying Roots for us, or we can force you to do so. However, there will be no good end if you chose the second option."


    Right after, the three of them surrounded Reliance to prevent him from escaping. Yet, Reliance didn''t seem to be the least bit concerned with the number''s disadvantage.


    "I just found something very interesting some time ago, so I''m in an excellent mood. That being said, I''ll add a third option. If you take out everything you have and get your asses out of my sight in the next minute, I will let you live. I advise you to accept the third option since you won''t like the results of any other one."


    Fabiak finally lost his patience.


    "Courting death!"


    Fire Element immediately gathered around Fabiak, and he charged forward. As a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator with a Fire Element Affinity, his Fire Control was already capable of making the surroundings burn to ashes without even touching anything. Fabiak looked like a miniature sun that was ready to blast Reliance to pieces.


    The other two guys didn''t even move. Instead, they just paid attention to prevent Reliance from escaping. After all, he is still in the same Nascent Soul realm as them. However...


    *Fuiiiii~~~*


    Suddenly, Reliance whistled.


    Fabiak ignored that and continued his attack, though. Still, just as he was about to strike Reliance, the ground below him opened. Right after, an enormous Dark Green Centipede came out.


    Fast! It was just too fast! Fabiak had no time to dodge at all! Without another choice, he could only redirect the attack to the Centipede instead. Too bad, though. The Centipede completely ignored the scorching flames and swallowed the enemy whole!


    It was then that a muffled explosion sound came from the Centipede''s body. It didn''t stop there. A few more explosion sounds continued to come from there. Still, the Centipede seemed to not care at all.


    Finally, the sound stopped and suddenly.


    *Burp~~~*


    The Centipede burped. Just like that, a Nascent Soul cultivator became a Demon Beast''s meal.


    Reliance then looked at the other two guys before saying.


    "Some people really don''t know how to grab opportunities."


    The two guys looked at the Centipede with terrified expressions. The aura left by the Centipede was far above what they could deal with.


    Suddenly, they heard a voice coming from that same Centipede.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/decaying-roots_49819694709918904 for visiting.


    "Master, can I eat those two as well?"


    Their expression went pale after hearing that.


    "Run!"


    They ignored everything and immediately dashed away.


    As for Reliance, he simply shook his head.


    "No need, Lanlan. Leave some food for Jinjin and Zunzun as well."


    A few moments later, Reliance heard another two screams from a distance and smiled.

 Chapter 216 - Partnership

    That was the main reason Bob Marley didn''t have a problem keeping his status as the Beast Taming Faction Leader. However, very few people know about it. Elder Reliance was more like a trump card that could be pulled out in a critical moment. In the Dalamu Sect, only Mia, Tiria, and Droman knew about Reliance''s Demon Beasts. Of course, we''re only talking about the powerful ones.


    Around a minute after Reliance heard the screams, two more Demon Beasts returned to where Reliance was staying.


    One of the beasts looked like a palm-sized fiery red bird, the type that anyone would ignore even if they had noticed it. At most, some girls might find it cute. However, the fiery red bird looked at Reliance and... talked!


    "Master, I got the long-haired one!"


    Reliance nodded.


    "I know. Good job, Zunzun!"


    The bird then began to jump on Reliance''s hand gleefully after receiving Reliance''s words of approval.


    The second demon beast was a lot bigger than the palm-sized bird. However, compared to the Dark Green Centipede that came from the ground, it was still smaller in comparison. It looked like a dark snake around three meters long. However, it had a horn protruding from its head. This was another Demon Beast that other cultivators wouldn''t find in the Sasamil Empire.


    "Thank you for the meal, Master. That guy''s dantian was quite good."


    This Dark Snake could also talk, but it gave a more refined air when compared to the energetic red bird.


    Reliance also petted the Snake''s head on the side.


    "That''s very good, Jinjin."


    He then looked in the direction where those guys tried to flee earlier and asked.


    "By the way, did you get rid of the bodies?"


    The fiery red palm-sized bird and the Dark Snake nodded in unison.


    "I burned his body to ashes after I ate his dantian."


    "I dissolved him with a little bit of venom. He should be nothing more than a green pool now."


    Reliance was satisfied to hear their responses.


    "Great. Now, let''s stay here and wait for Bilibili to come back. He will probably need quite a few more travels until he gathers enough Decaying Roots. Make sure you stay hidden so that no one finds you."


    Elder Reliance''s three Demon Beasts are all at the Rank Six Level! That was also why the other two cultivators fled the moment they heard the Centipede''s voice.


    Nana, Elder Tiria''s Snow Crane, was at the peak of Rank Four. Because of that, she already had some intelligence.


    At Rank Five, demon beasts'' minds would finally evolve to the level of being as intelligent as humans. Of course, they will start like babies and will need a lot of time to learn. That''s not a problem though since demon beasts at that rank already have long lifespans, just like cultivators at the same level of power. However, they can only convene their thoughts through Spiritual Sense Messages. If they tried to talk, only grunts and growls could be heard coming out of their mouths.


    Finally, at Rank Six, a demon beast would be able to really talk without needing to use Spiritual Sense. A demon beast at this level would be the same as a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator. That shows just how terrifying Reliance is to have Three Demon Beasts at this level. Of course, he didn''t tame them when they were already like this. Instead, he took his time and effort to help all three of them reach this level. Also, he really treated them as if they were his real family. Naturally, Elder Reliance was extremely important for all three of them.


    Now and then, Reliance would tame other demon beasts, but he didn''t keep them with him since it would be too much of a hassle. The only ones that really followed him were always these three.


    In fact, Reliance was someone with outstanding talent. If he didn''t spend so much time with the demon beats'' issues, Mia believed that he would have entered the Soul Transformation Realm already. Of course, the Soul Transformation Realm wasn''t only related to Spiritual Energy. One also had to find their own path first. Hence, Mia never tried to intervene with his own choices. After all, Reliance''s own path might be related to the Demon Beasts that he loved so much.


    A few hours later, the Shadow-Like Obscure Spider returned from the Profound Abyss. It then opened its mouth and spat out two small roots. Those roots seemed to have some kind of dark smoke coming from them as if they were burning. However, it was not the case. That was the effect of growing inside the Profound Abyss where Decaying Energy is constant. That was also the ingredients that Mia asked from Reliance.


    "Very good, Bilibili. I need at least 10 more of this. Go back and bring them to me."


    Reliance then threw another black stone to the spider, who ate it as if it was the world''s best delicacy. Right after, it became a shadow that entered the ground once more and disappeared in the Profund Abyss'' direction. The spider was only a Rank Three Demon Beast. However, it wasn''t hard for Reliance to train it to do some simple tasks. Getting those Decaying Roots were one of them.


    Reliance then looked at the direction of the Dalamu Sect and smiled.


    ''My little chick, I''ll come back for you soon.''


    Back in the Dalamu Sect, Droman had been helping Rean, teaching him all he knew about Formations. Old Worm did the same thing as he helped Roan with alchemy instead. Of course, Roan and Old Worm were totally different from Rean and Droman. Those two rarely spoke beyond the necessary words, while Rean and Droman liked to constantly talk about everything.


    Other than that, Rean would spend his time checking the steelworks in the Jamaris Weapon Store. The business had been booming continuously, which brought a lot of money to Rean, the Weapon Store, and the Zafa Bank.


    As for Roan, other than cultivating and alchemy, he only had to deal with the Blue Orchid District''s disciples.


    Of course, Rean and Roan still had the Sect''s Duties to perform every now and then. That was an absolute rule that no one could escape from. Even Malaka, being the Sect Master''s Disciple, had to do them.


    Still, Rean and Roan didn''t leave the Sect even for a second. Not that they were afraid of being pursued, but that they wanted to reach the peak of the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment before anything else. With the unlimited supply of Rank Two Spirit Stones that Rean was getting, they simply didn''t lack Spiritual Energy anymore.


    Back in the communication system process, Droman had been working on the Router Formation whenever he wasn''t teaching Rean. Of course, he also called Rean over every now and then to ask a few questions or to see if he could come up with some ideas. After all, this Formation was the most complicated one he had made so far.


    "You see? I tried to use Lightning Beads to record the information that reaches the Formation before it gets added to the queue. At first, it was working fine. But soon, I noticed that the sequence and length of signals became disordered as I kept using the same bead. The weird thing is that there is nothing different in the Lightning Bead."


    Rean couldn''t understand most of the Router Formation that Droman was creating. Still, he already learned enough to understand the basics, especially the electrical signals that Droman was talking about.


    "I see what''s happening here. The power of the electrical signal is enough to display a message. After all, the message is not shown by the electrical part of the Formation. Instead, it''s shown by the Spiritual Energy part. However, as I mentioned before, converting Electrical Energy into Spiritual Energy and then back into Electrical signal once again is not efficient at all."


    "Because of that, you made an amplifier that increases the signal''s power but can still keep the sequence and length of the signal. Only then would it have enough power to record the signal it has received until its time in the queue comes. However, the bead is keeping what I would like to call ''residual data.'' On its own, this residual data is not enough to damage the next signals that arrive. However, because you used the amplifier, this residual data that was also made of Electrical Energy comes back."


    "At first, it doesn''t make any difference since it is only a few pieces of signal that make no sense. The receiving formations on the end of the line will ignore those meaningless signals. However, as more and more residual data acc.u.mulates in the Lightning Bead, the more they fight for space in the Lightning Bead itself. The Lightning Bead doesn''t know which signal is right and which one is wrong, so it tries to keep everything. Naturally, it runs out of information space, which causes the problem you see."


    Droman nodded his head.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/partnership_49862907969716929 for visiting.


    "I see... so Lightning Beads seem to be a bad choice since it can''t get rid of the useless information."


    Rean shook his head.


    "It depends. Is this Lightning Bead something created by us cultivators, or is it a natural treasure?"


    "It''s created by cultivators. To be more precise, it was created as a means of defense. As long as you pour enough Spiritual Energy into it, you can release an attack at the late or peak stage of the Energy Gathering Realm. To be honest, it''s quite popular with the clans with the money to spend since it can be used by their weak members to defend themselves. Ah. It''s registered in the Empire''s bureau office as the Lightning Sect''s product, just like your Steel Weapons. Also, the Zafa Bank is the one who helps them with the advertis.e.m.e.nt."


    Rean nodded.


    "Was this the only material capable of saving information?"


    Droman shook his head.


    "I still have a few more candidates that have a good chance of working better. However, they are a lot more expensive, and I mean it when I say expensive!"


    Rean''s eyes then shone as he showed a greedy smile.


    "Then, I think it''s time to buy the copyrights."

 Chapter 217 - Profit!

    "Copyrights?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Copyrights work like this. They will still be the ones to produce and develop the Lightning Beads. However, we will be the ones selling them from now on. We will make a contract with them and the Zafa Bank as an intermediary so that they can''t go back on their words."


    Rean continued.


    "Elder Droman doesn''t think that we are the only ones that will need it, right? Their Lightning Beads are already registered in the Bureau Office. That means we can''t create them ourselves even if we have the blueprints. Otherwise, we would just have a fight with the Zafa Bank."


    Droman was still puzzled after listening to Rean''s words.


    "But why would you want to buy their... errrr... copyrights? Their Lightning Beads are not working correctly. What use will there be even if we get more of them?"


    Rean shook his head in response, saying.


    "That shouldn''t be much of a problem. The fact is that given enough time, these beads can wipe out previous information, right?"


    Droman nodded.


    "Yes. However, the time it takes to do so is too long. A lot of information will arrive and be saved inside before it can be wiped o- Ah!"


    Droman finally understood what Rean meant.


    "I see... that really might just be feasible."


    Rean couldn''t help but smile after hearing those words.


    "Seems like Elder Droman has found the crux of the issue."


    Droman nodded once more.


    "Yes. It was basically a coincidence that I remembered about these beads and tried to save the electrical information. Fortunately, it worked. However, the fact is that these beads were made for attacks, not for keeping... errr... data...? Anyway, the Lightning Sect has the blueprints of these little guys. As long as we work with them, we might be able to modify them for our use."


    Rean nodded, satisfied.


    "Exactly! To be honest, considering how long they have been making these beasts, I believe they are quite proficient in tinkering with it. There is a very high chance that they can be modified for our use. After all, we just need them to wipe out any residual information faster. I believe the reason they don''t do it at the moment is propositional. After all, the more energy the beads can keep, or the less energy they allow it to escape, the faster they will charge. That is an excellent thing when you want to use them for protection."


    "As long as we ask them to remove this property, everything will be wiped out straight away."


    Droman couldn''t help but feel excited.


    "Yes! I can only change the formation to keep feeding spiritual energy to the bead until there is no need for them anymore. After that, the formation would stop doing that, and all the data inside the bead would be gone automatically. After all, there is no need for long term data saving. It''s perfect!"


    Rean also added.


    "That''s not all. This router formation that we are creating will definitely spread as the communication system grows more famous. Until now, people only know about the common communication formation that sends point to point messages. Once they find out about our improvements, they will all need the Router Formation. To make the Router Formation, these Lightning Beads will be necessary."


    "As you can imagine, the more these Lightning Beads are needed, the more expensive they will become. Do you really want to wait until they notice the real value of these things before paying more?"


    Droman shook his head.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/profit!_49925435177358237 for visiting.


    "Of course not!"


    Rean then continued.


    "Correct! With the Copyrights, we will have an unlimited supply of them. After all, we will definitely prioritize our own sect''s needs. However, that is not all. With the Copyrights, we can sell them to the other sects, countries, organizations, and other governing bodies that will need them in the future. As long as we don''t surpass the value of the other materials you talked about, they will definitely buy the modified beads. This will bring a fortune!"


    Droman nodded vigorously, becoming delighted at the idea.


    "Yes! That''s a great idea! I love this... copyright... thing. Come with me, we will go to the Sect Master straight away. Buying the Lightning Sect copyrights will be quite expensive, after all."


    Rean didn''t mind, and the two of them went straight up to Dalamu Mountain to talk with Mia. Obviously, Mia was surprised to hear such an idea and immediately approved it.


    "Droman, you can leave the cable work to someone else. Take whatever you need and go directly to the Lightning Sect. However, before offering this... copyright... thing, make sure that the beads have been modified and that they work as you wish. If they work, pay whatever you need to convince their Sect to sign this contract with the Zafa Bank as the intermediary."


    Droman then showed a playful smile.


    "That won''t be hard to do. It will take quite some time for the Imperial Family of our Sasamil Empire to allow the construction of the communication system in their area. However, as the Sect who created it, we can give them this right to start before everyone in their area. Even if we don''t pay anything, I still believe they will accept this copyright contract. Of course, I''ll need Sect Master''s permission to do so."


    Both Mia and Rean were surprised to hear that. Indeed! Didn''t the other four sects and the royal family come to their Sect asking for the same thing? In the end, Mia made quite a deal with them for the rights to build the communication system ahead of time. There is no doubt that the Lightning Sect would be very interested in it. After all, their Lightning Beads are not that famous or take a big part in their annual revenue anyway.


    "Permission granted! As soon as you are ready, you can leave straight away.


    Droman nodded and left to prepare a few things. However, Mia asked Rean to stay behind to talk to him. Such a thing was becoming quite common already, so Droman wasn''t even surprised anymore.


    "Rean, this copyright idea of yours, was it you who thought up of it?"


    Rean pondered a bit and then shook his head.


    "Not really. I''m sure that some other organizations, sects, etc., already used it in the past. It''s just that it is not anything famous. If you ponder about it carefully, you will see that it is a great deal."


    Mia knew that it wasn''t the whole truth. Rean was definitely hiding more things, just like Roan. However, she wanted them to grow loyal to the Sect, so she didn''t insist on the question. Not to mention that what Rean and Roan did so far had been of great benefit to them. In the end, she simply nodded and changed the topic.


    "This deal with the Lightning Sect will most likely turn into a huge profit for our Sect. That being said, is there anything you would like as a reward for it?"


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    "I will soon start to need higher rank Spirit Stones. However, the common stores can''t acquire Spirit Stones above Rank Two. Would Sect Master be willing to exchange Rank Two Spirit Stones for Rank Three ones?"


    Rean wasn''t lying. He tried to ask the Jamaris Weapon Store to send him Rank Three Spirit Stones instead of Rank Two. However, they told him that Spirit Stones above Rank Two are monopolized by the sects and the Royal Family. It is too hard for them to acquire those Spirit Stones in the common market.


    Mia then pondered a bit and said.


    "Indeed. It is very hard to obtain them outside. Usually, the exchange rate would be ten Rank Two stones for a Rank Three one. However, the fact is that everyone wants Rank Three Spirit Stones and above. Because of that, the price in our country and the surrounding ones increased a lot. At the moment, the exchange rate is around fifteen Rank Two stone for one Rank Three stone. Are you okay with that?"


    Mia lied as she said those words. In fact, the exchange rate was around twenty Rank Two Spirit Stones! However, she didn''t want to ask for too much from Rean. After all, chances are that the Sect will get a lot of Spirit Stones in the future thanks to his copyright idea. Rean didn''t know it yet, but Mia intended to give him a percentage of the earnings if the idea really worked out in the end.


    Rean, of course, already knew the real exchange rate. It was evident that the Sect Master was giving him a great discount here.


    "Great! I accept!"


    Mia nodded before throwing him a token.


    "Bring it to Elder Nalal in the Treasure. As long as you show it to him, he will make the exchange for you. I will send a message to him later telling him about the deal we agreed on just now."


    Rean bowed and thanked Mia before leaving right after.


    Right after, he sent a message to Roan through their Soul Connection.


    "I can get Rank Three Spirit Stones now. Do you want to start using them? If we do, we probably will reach the peak of the Late Stage a lot faster."


    Roan heard that and shook his head.


    "No need. It''s probably too much Spiritual Energy for our cultivation. Just try to save them for when we enter the Peak Stage. It''s not like we are in a hurry anyway."


    Rean nodded.


    "Very well."


    On that same day, Elder Droman departed to make one of the most profitable businesses the Sect had ever seen.

 Chapter 218 - Electrical Formations Repository

    The days passed without much to worry about. Rean and Roan cultivated without many issues as well. However, Sister Orb called the two of them at some point.


    [Hey, you two. You asked me to call you out when enough Destiny Points acc.u.mulated. I just received the last update of the system. At the moment, your total number of Destiny Points has reached 2089.]


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    "Good. Tonight, we will enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and check what we want to buy."


    Sure enough, they finished whatever they needed during the day and returned to their rooms. Right after, they went straight into the Dimensional Realm.


    It''s just that as soon as they entered...


    *Chick! Chick!*


    The chick left the Bathhouse and jumped directly into Rean''s arms. However, it put a little bit too much strength into the dash...


    *Bang!*


    Rean was sent flying away while the chick clutched its wings around him. In the end, the two fell on the ground and rolled for quite a few meters.


    Heavy! That was Rean''s first thought when he was hit by the chick.


    Somehow, the chick had grown several times taller, reaching half of Rean''s height!


    "What?! How did it become so big? I came inside just a few days ago, and it was still the same chick as before. Did it happen inside the Yin Yang bath?"


    [As if! Do you think it simply stayed in the Bathhouse and never came out?]


    Hearing Sister Orb''s remark made Rean have a bad premonition. He looked at the place where he kept their Spirit Stones. Right after, a tear fell from his eyes... In fact, even Roan was taken aback by the scene. After all, he knew how many Spirit Stones were there. At the moment, just a few lonely ones remained there.


    "My Spirit Stones... are gone."


    Rean then looked at the chick just in time to see it...


    *Burp~~*


    Rean''s mouth twitched. The chick looked very... satisfied.


    "Aren''t you a little too overpowered?! How did you eat all those Spirit Stones and not explode?!"


    *Chick?*


    The chick didn''t understand anything as it looked with a puzzled expression.


    Suddenly, Rean heard the sound of a sword being unsheathed. When he looked at the origin of the sound, he saw Roan walking in the chick''s direction with his White Star in hand.


    "I told you, didn''t I? We should have fried this chick a long time ago. That''s an excellent opportunity. Look at how fat it is. It will definitely have a lot of nourishing meat."


    The chick didn''t only eat the Spirit Stones on Rean''s side of the Soul Gem Realm, but Roan''s as well.


    The chick saw Roan''s dark face and trembled all over. It quickly ran away and hid behind Rean.


    "Stop scaring the chick! It was just hungry. Besides, look! It has already advanced into Stage Two!"


    Only then did Roan use his Spiritual Energy to check the chick''s core. Sure enough, the power coming from inside showed that it was definitely a Stage Two Demon Beast.


    "Still, don''t you think it is a little too expensive? How many Rank Two Spirit Stones were there? Over five thousand at the very least! If it took this amount to send the chick to Stage Two, then how many will you need for it to evolve to Rank Three?"


    "This... I just need to find a way to make more money, that''s all. Don''t worry, the next payment from the Jamaris Weapon Store is coming in three days. I will make sure to keep the Spirit Stones away from the chick, so we will have enough to cultivate."


    Roan still had a dark expression but decided to let it go in the end. After all, the one who earned the Spirit Stones was Rean, not him. Besides, they always kept Spirit Stones in bags in the outside world, so they had enough to use until then.


    "Fine! Let''s get over with it and buy the things we need."


    "Wait! Sister Orb, what happened with the chick during these past few days? It hadn''t taken the Spirit Stones before, so why now?"


    [It kept absorbing the Yin Yang energy of the Bathhouse all this time. At first, nothing different happened. But a few days ago, the black and white crown on its head began to shine. As soon as that happened, the chick dashed out of the Bathhouse and attacked the Spirit Stones. It was then that it began to get taller and fatter until it finally stopped at this size.]


    "Once again, why didn''t you warn me beforehand?"


    [It was just some Rank Two Spirit Stones, was there a reason to call you out?]


    Rean almost cried.


    ''What are you, the reincarnation of the goddess of wealth?''


    In the end, he simply shook his head.


    "From now on, I''m going to call you Jennifer."


    [Jennifer? Who''s Jennifer?]


    "Bill Gates'' eldest daughter."


    [...]


    "Oh, right! Now that the chick reached Stage Two, perhaps it can do something different."


    Roan didn''t care about any of that though.


    "Stop wasting my time. If you want, you can check it later. Let''s take a look at the reward list."


    Rean pondered for a bit before nodding. It is not like Roan has to be there anyway.


    The twins quickly touched Sister Orb and sent their Spiritual Energy and Sense inside.


    [Tiger Bones - 500 Destiny Points]


    [Spiritual Sense Absorption Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points] (10%)


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade 2 - 800 Destiny Points]


    [Yin Yang Bathhouse - Reward from Destiny Strugglers'' Title]


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 2 �C 1500 Destiny Points] (300km)


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop - 400 Destiny Points]


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop - 400 Destiny Points]


    [Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository - 400 Destiny Points] (New)


    "Electrical Formations Repository? Was there such a thing before?"


    [Of course not. When you first built the Lightning Element Gathering Formation, the Soul Gem System recognized your side occupation and added it. Not only that, since your affinity was with Electrical Formations, the Repository was also focused on it. It might be because you came from a world where Electronic Equipments were involved.]


    Roan and Rean nodded. It was not like they didn''t think about this possibility before. After all, it would be too much of a coincidence for them to simultaneously have an option to obtain an Alchemy and Blacksmith Workshop in the reward system.


    "I was intending to get the Blacksmith Workshop. However, I won''t be able to make Peak-Level equipment before reaching at least the late Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Maybe I should try and see what this Electrical Formation workshop is about..."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "There is a bigger chance that it will bring us Destiny Points faster than expected. After all, most of the Destiny Points are coming from it. Unless, of course, you decide to release the secret behind the Element Gathering Equipments. In that case, it might bring more Destiny Points in the short term."


    Rean thought about it and made his decision.


    "No, I''m not going to release the secret behind the Element Gathering Equipments yet. I will take the Electrical Formations Repository."


    Roan didn''t mind.


    "Then, so be it."


    The twins focused on Sister Orb and made their choice.


    "We want the Electrical Formations Repository and the Alchemy Workshop."


    The automatic voice of the Soul Gem System appeared on their mind right after.


    [This will cost a total of 800 Destiny Points.]


    [Do the hosts confirm the trade?]


    "Yes!"


    [The trade has been concluded. Hosts now have 1289 Destiny Points remaining.]


    Right after, the Space close to where the Bathhouse began to distort. At the same time, Spiritual Energy gathered around the area as two new buildings appeared beside it. The process was relatively fast and uneventful.


    [Alchemy Workshop Concluded.]


    [Electrical Formations Repository Concluded.]


    Finally, the emotionless Soul Gem System''s voice went silent once more.


    Rean and Roan immediately got up and went to check them.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/electrical-formations-repository_49925468211694016 for visiting.


    Roan was the first one. He entered the Alchemy Workshop, wondering what would be different about it, however...


    "Ahem... Sister Orb... Where is the workshop?"


    [What are you talking about? It is right in front of you.]


    Roan''s expression went dark after hearing that. That''s because...


    "Are you f.u.c.k.i.n.g kidding me?! This shit is empty!"


    [How can you say that? Can''t you see the wall on the side?]


    Roan looked at the direction Sister Orb talked about... and felt even worse.


    There, he saw a tool... one of the most common ones when one is practicing alchemy... a pestle.


    A pestle was basically used together with a mortar to smash the herbs. Roan used it hundreds of times already.


    "That''s all?"


    [That''s all.]


    "Where is the rest?"


    [What rest?]


    Roan began to lose his patience.


    "The f.u.c.k.i.n.g cauldron, alembic, mortar, the ores and woods used for fire, everything! How do expect me to practice alchemy with just this thing?"


    [Oh! That''s simple. You just need to upgrade the Alchemy Workshop.]


    Roan almost vomited blood.


    "I know I''m going to regret asking it, but I''ll do it anyway. How much does the next upgrade cost?"


    [The Alchemy Workshop Level 2 Upgrade costs 1000 Destiny Points.]


    Sure enough, Roan regretted that.


    "Go to hell!"


    Meanwhile, Rean had just arrived at the Electrical Formations Repository. However, his situation didn''t look much better. Shelves full of books, there wasn''t a single shelf to start with. All he found there... was a note laying down on the table.


    "For some reason, I''m not surprised..."


    It seems like Rean already got used to being disappointed by Sister Orb.

 Chapter 219 - Back To The Forest

    Rean bent down to take the note.


    -Congratulations, you now have an Electrical Formations Repository. You can find everything about it in this place. The higher the level, the more knowledge will be available. Please access the System for more details.-


    Right below, there was another small piece of information.


    -Number of articles available in the System: 01-


    "System? Are there no books?"


    It was then that Rean noticed a small orb attached to the wall beside the table.


    ''It kinda looks like Sister Orb... but a lot smaller.''


    He touched the orb and sent his Spiritual Energy and Sense inside. Right after, an interface very similar to the Soul Gem System appeared in his mind.


    [Welcome to the Electrical Formations Repository System.]


    [Please select an option.]


    [01- List of articles available.]


    [02- Formations Test Field (Upgrade needed).]


    "Hum... So this is what''s happening here. Well, that does make sense. Why should the Soul Gem System use books? It would save a lot more energy to simply use a system with everything inside. I guess the entire place is empty so that I can test my formations here. Still, I wonder what the Formations Test Field looks like. Since I can practice Formations anywhere empty, there is probably something extra to this Test Field that I can''t find outside."


    Rean then changed his focus.


    "Sister Orb, how much does it cost to upgrade the repository?"


    [Same thing as Roan''s Alchemy Workshop. 1000 Destiny Points.]


    Rean sighed and returned his attention to the System.


    "Open the first option."


    [List of Articles.]


    [01- Introduction to Circuitry Formations.]


    "It indeed has only one article available... But what does it mean with Circuitry Formations? Is it talking about the Electrical Formations we have been doing so far?"


    Rean then opened the Introduction to Circuitry Formations and began to read it. However, he soon lost himself in the contents of the article. It was simply too marvelous!


    "These things are really Circuitries! However, they have been fused with the runes and materials used for formations. It is a mix of Earth''s Technology and Spiritual Energy Formations. Impressive! "


    Rean read through the several examples used by the introduction and felt like a new world appeared in front of him. Although he had just started learning about Formations, he could still tell the huge difference it has. The formations that Droman worked on looked like child''s play at the moment.


    However, Rean could only sigh in the end.


    "This is indeed just an introduction. It doesn''t go further into how to build and work with the runes."


    Without another choice, Rean could only close the System and wait for when he gathered enough Destiny Points to buy the next level.


    Back on Roan''s side, he finally calmed down as he went to the wall to take the pestle. However, as soon as he touched it, he felt something different.


    "Dark and Light Elements? I can feel that both my and Rean''s element are inside this thing. Sister Orb, is it part of the Alchemy Workshop''s features?"


    [Of course! What use would be there if you got an Alchemy Workshop that is just a copy of the others outside? It wouldn''t be worth your Destiny Points at all! This pestle, for example, can use the elements of both you and Rean to help with the Medicinal Extraction of the herbs or other materials used for alchemy. Not only that, but it will also prevent damaging the medicinal properties during the process. Of course, you don''t have the mortar to make the combo yet, so it is not as good as it will be in the future.]


    Roan''s dark expression finally eased a bit after hearing that.


    "I see... I guess I might as well bring it out and use it in Old Worm''s hut for the time being."


    [You can''t. Any equipment of the Soul Gem Dimension cannot be removed from their workshops.]


    "What? Then what''s the use of this thing?"


    [You can''t bring the Soul Gem tools out, but you can bring tools from the outside world inside. Simply put, you can mount a temporary Alchemy Room inside this workshop while you take your time unlocking the other tools. Don''t look down on this workshop just because it is empty. Most of the 400 Destiny Points were used just to build it.]


    Roan noticed the meaning behind Sister Orb''s words.


    "Does that mean there is something special about this building?"


    [Yes. Here, you can control the environment.]


    "What do you mean? Like, the temperature of the room? I could already do it in Old Worm''s hut. He has a formation under that place that can achieve the same effect. Besides, it is not like there was too much of a difference doing it anyway."


    [That''s true, but it won''t reach the level of this workshop. The Yin Yang Energies in the Soul Gem Realm are perfectly balanced. However, inside this workshop, you can change them at will. It is not as simple as changing the temperature of the room. Anyway, you will come to understand it in the future as your Alchemy Skills increase.]


    Roan knew that he was just at the initial stages of alchemy. With the conclusion of his Light/Dark Cultivation Stabilizing Pills, he had barely reached the level of an Earth Middle-Level Alchemist. There were a lot more things for him to try in the future.


    ''Now that I think about it, it was Old Worm who insisted that I should always pay attention to the environment of the Alchemy Room. It''s just that he didn''t say much about it after that. Oh well, I guess I can only wait and see what will happen in the future.''


    Roan then put the pestle back on the wall and left the Alchemy Workshop just in time to see Rean leaving the bathhouse with the chick. From the looks of it, the chick had gone straight back into the Yin Yang bath after they left. Still, he simply ignored that scene and said.


    "I''m going back to Old Worm''s hut."


    Rean then asked.


    "Wait a minute! Don''t you want to stay and check the chick''s power? It''s not like waiting a few more minutes will change anything for you anyway."


    Roan pondered a bit as he looked at the chick hiding behind Rean. It was evident that it still feared him. Still, Roan had to admit that he was a little bit curious about what the chick could do after absorbing so much Spiritual Energy.


    "Alright. What do you want to do?"


    Rean immediately told his plan.


    "Let''s go back to that private forest of Dalamu Sect and have it battle one of the Stage Two demon beasts there. Since it is also a Stage Two, it should be able to at least defend itself, right?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Alright. But I won''t help it if it''s about to die."


    It was evident that Roan was still resentful about having all his Spirit Stones eaten by it.


    Rean and Roan then exited the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and left their room. Still, seeing that oversized chick following Rean while trying to keep equilibrium was quite a funny sight.


    Before going into that place, they had to ask for permission. After all, that private Demon Beast forest only opened during the exam times. That being said, they went straight to Elder Hulian in the Inner Sect.


    "Hum? You want to go there to test this... chick? By the way, where did you find such a big chick?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "I got its egg during the last mission where we dealt with the Gold Hands Bandit Group."


    "Oh! That mission..."


    "Wait! That doesn''t make sense. It has been just a few months since you went to that mission. How come this Demon Beast is already at Stage Two? Could it be that it was already born at this level?"


    Rean understood why Elder Hulian asked that. Some races of Demon Beasts were really born already in higher Stages.


    "Not really, it was really just a Stage One Demon Beast when it was born. To be honest, I''m also perplexed at its growth rate. That''s why I want to go there and check if there is something special about it."


    Hulian pondered a bit and nodded in the end.


    "Alright. I''m quite free right now, so I will bring you there. You don''t mind it, right?"


    Rean and Roan shook their heads. There wasn''t much of a point about hiding the chick anyway. After all, Elder Javiu and Reliance already saw it in the Beast Taming Sect.


    Hulian then used his Spiritual Energy to grab the three of them and took flight straight away. He was already in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, after all.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/back-to-the-forest_49980162204291495 for visiting.


    They quickly arrived at the teleportation''s building, where they used the same one in the past entrance exam. On the other side, their group appeared with a flash of silver light.


    "Alright, what do you want to do?"


    Just as Rean was about to say something, the chick looked at the forest''s direction and began to run.


    *Chick! Chick!*


    "Eh? It''s the first time it leaves my side on its own volition."


    Hulian, Rean, and Roan looked at each other and nodded. Soon after, they began to follow the chick from a distance.


    The chick kept running while it flapped its wings as if it was trying to fly. Unfortunately, it was just too fat to bring its body out of the ground. Soon, it arrived at the forest''s entrance and rushed straight inside.


    "Just what is it looking for?"

 Chapter 220 - Super Chick

    A few demon beasts noticed the chick. However, due to its Stage Two aura, they all avoided it. Even the weak ones knew how to avoid battles against Demon Beasts stronger than themselves. It''s just that... well... the chick didn''t seem that scary to start with. Still, all the Stage One Demon Beasts knew better to avoid it.


    Rean, Roan, and Hulian followed the chick from far behind but kept it in their field of vision. Suddenly, the chick changed direction and ran even faster... or well... tried to run faster. Finally, after running deeper into the forest did the first Stage Two Demon Beast appear in front of the chick. Hulian then explained.


    "It''s a Blood Hound. With the blood-red fur and its form, there is no doubt about it. The young ones are at stage one. Once they reach the a.d.u.l.t phase though, they can display the strength of a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator."


    Hulian then looked at Rean and Roan to confirm.


    "Will your chick be fine?"


    Rean and Roan had their doubts. Still, they decided to see what would happen first.


    The chick also noticed the Blood Hound and showed a surprised expression.


    *Chick! Chick!*


    It then began to run in the hound''s direction as fast as it could. Well, it was still relatively slow, though.


    The hound, of course, noticed the chick as well. Not only that, but it didn''t feel any danger coming from it. Without wasting any time, it immediately dashed in the Chick''s direction as well.


    "The hound is also attacking! Now we can see what the chick is capable of!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/super-chick_49980857988999268 for visiting.


    The two quickly reached each other''s range. Rean''s group then grew tense (except Roan), waiting to see what would happen next.


    Seeing that the chick was close enough, the hound pounced at it, aiming at its neck. However, just as it was about to bite it...


    *Thud!*


    The chick tripped and fell with its face on the ground. As the Hound attacked, it passed right above the chick, missing its mark.


    Rean''s group looked at the current situation with weird expressions.


    The chick got up again with its face all dirty. On the other hand, the hound landed on the other side and quickly made a turn, rushing at the chick once more. As for the chick, its eyes were watery, as if it was about to cry. Nope, it did really cry in the end. However...


    *CREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!*


    *Boom!*


    Immediately, a powerful sound wave spread outwards. Rean, Roan, and Hulian couldn''t help but cover their ears with their hands straight away. They felt like their heads were about to explode! Only when they redirected their Spiritual Energy to their ears, nullifying the shrill scream, did they finally regain their composure.


    As for the Blood Hound, it was right beside the chick when it began to cry. Right now, it was lying on the ground, as dead as it could be. In the end, Rean''s group could only see blood coming out from its orifices. As a hound, its hearing was several times better than humans. If the chick''s cry already made Rean''s group suffer while they were far away, the hound who was just beside it undoubtedly fared worse. The cry messed up its brain completely.


    The chick continued to cry while it sat on the ground for another minute or so. Only then did it finally regain its calm and tried to move again. It then looked at the hound, which was dead, lying on its side. Suddenly, its sad expression disappeared as its eyes shone once more. It walked beside the hound''s body when suddenly...


    As fast as lightning, the chick''s head attacked the hound''s head. But that wasn''t all. During that split second, Rean and Roan could feel the power of Light and Dark Elements coming from the chick''s body. The Dark Element concentrated on the chick''s beak as the Light was used by its body.


    *Zap!*


    That single attack came with a burst of Spiritual Energy that spread a few meters around. In the end, a big hole appeared on the hound''s head. As for the chick, it now had a Demon Core in between its beak. However, there was no blood. The Demon Core was as clean as it could be. If not because of the perfect hole on the Hound''s Head, no one would be able to tell that the Demon Core came from there. Even Roan didn''t have any confidence in removing that Demon Core without leaving a single drop of blood behind.


    Hulian couldn''t help but mutter.


    "Too fast! How can such a fat chick move like that?"


    Rean then replied.


    "It''s the support of Light Element. It''s a lot cruder than my Life Style First Form, but I can tell that it can also use my Enhancement Ability."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "It also has high control over my Dark Element. Look at the hole on the hound''s head. The Dark Element made the life force around it disappear instantly. Logically, there''s no blood left anymore. Not only that, but I can tell that it also fused the Light Element in that Dark Element attack, increasing its power."


    So far, only Rean and Roan could fuse those two opposite elements together. Well, they were the only ones that could use them to start with. Still, it came as a surprise that the chick could do it on its own.


    The chick then swallowed the demon core as if it was a delicacy.


    *Burp~~~~*


    Not long after, the chick turned in another direction and began to run once again with its plumpy body. Rean''s group, of course, followed it straight away.


    "Wait. The chick had been running in the forest for a long time. It only stopped when it found this specific Blood Hound. How did it know that it had a Demon Core?"


    Only now did they notice this small detail. Although the chick didn''t find other Stage Two Demon Beasts before, it did pass close to places where they were present. Still, it seemed to know exactly where it was going, avoiding the others. One must remember that low-level Demon Beasts had small chances of having condensed Demon Cores. Of course, the chances increased as their Stages got higher. It is known that all demon beasts will definitely have a Demon Core condensed by the time they reached Stage Five.


    However, Stage Two was still too low. Not to mention, this Blood Hound had only reached the strength of a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator in power. The rate of Stage Two demon beasts with demon cores wasn''t even 1 to 100. Of course, there were a few exceptions, like Rare and Strong Demon Beasts. But this was definitely not the case for the Blood Hound as it was a relatively common and quite weak race.


    Rean then thought up of a possible statement.


    "I can use my Light Element to feel the presence of Demon Cores. That''s because those Demon Cores have a lot more Life Force inside them than the rest of the body. The chick can also use the Light Element, so it shouldn''t be a surprise that it can do the same thing."


    Roan found it weird.


    "In that case, the chick is much better than you. After all, it could feel the presence of a Demon Core from outside the forest. As for you, you can only do that when you are close to the Demon Beast."


    However, Rean immediately shook his head.


    "No, that''s not it. The chick''s sensory abilities are definitely not this heaven-defying. Instead, it''s probably its instincts."


    Roan and Hulian looked at Rean before simultaneously asking.


    "Instincts?"


    Rean nodded in response.


    "Yes. It''s not that the chick knew where the Demon Core was located, but it was because it knew that it could find Demon Cores in this Demon Beast forest. It''s a hereditary ability of its race. Of course, its sensory abilities are still powerful. After all, it was able to prevent being found by nearby Stage Two Demon Beasts. It most likely used the same trick I''ve been using since I entered Foundation Establishment. It is using Light Element to feel the Life Forces in the surroundings. From what I can see, the chick is just a little worse with it than me."


    Roan then asked.


    "But how did it know that the Blood Hound had a Demon Core? Even you need to be a lot closer to the demon beast to tell if it has a Demon Core or not, right? The chick obviously noticed the Demon Core''s presence from further away than you can."


    Rean pondered a bit and then said.


    "Well, this is just a theory, but I believe it has something to do with the fact it is also a Demon Beast. Perhaps, its own Demon Core is enhancing its perception ability regarding other Demon Cores."


    "It has a demon core?"


    "Of course! I have found it the moment it was born. Otherwise, where do you think all that Sprit Stones'' Energy went to?"


    Hulian couldn''t help but ask.


    "In the end, what race is this chick from?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "No one in the beast taming faction has any idea about it. I wanted to ask Elder Bob Ma- cough, cough... Elder Reliance about it, but I didn''t get the chance yet."


    Roan kept paying attention to the chick, though.


    "Look, it changed direction once again."


    Rean and Hulian nodded.


    "If it is another Demon Beast with a Demon Core, then we will be certain about the chick''s ability."


    ---


    Author''s note: If you like the story so far, consider leaving a few Power Stones for the Super Chick!

 Chapter 221 - Give the chick a name

    This time, the chick found a deer-like demon beast. However, that demon beast wasn''t a carnivore, so even though the chick came running in its direction, it basically ignored the chick. Of course, if it was any other demon beast, the deer-like beast wouldn''t be so calm. The reason behind it was because the chick didn''t seem to offer any danger, to the point that it didn''t care about the chick.


    Hulian was the first one to notice it.


    "Well, that''s a pretty common one beast, a white-hoofed deer. From what I can feel with my Spiritual Sense, it is an Initial Stage Two one. Simply put, it is even weaker than the Hound."


    *Chick! Chick!*


    The chick arrived at the deer''s side and called for its attention. The deer that was eating some leaves then looked at the chick, puzzled. After a few moments, it took some of the leaves it was eating and passed them to the chick.


    The chick then looked at the leaves and felt somewhat disappointed. Of course, the demon deer didn''t understand that and simply kept eating its leaves. Finally, the chick looked back at the deer. Or better, it looked at the deer''s head with shining eyes. However, the chick seemed to be struggling as well, looking at the deer''s head with a ravenous gaze.


    Rean immediately understood what was happening and was quite surprised.


    "This chick is a lot more intelligent than I thought."


    Roan and Hulian looked at Rean, waiting for him to explain.


    "Can''t you see? The chick''s initial target was to take the white-hoofed deer''s demon core. However, the deer treated the chick well and even shared some of its food. Of course, that was only because the deer didn''t see the chick as a threat. It most likely thought it was just another herbivore, just like itself. The chick is taking it as an act of kindness, so it can''t bring itself to kill the deer for its demon core. If the chick didn''t have high intelligence, it would never consider such a thing. The chick would have simply attacked the deer''s head just like it did with the Hound."


    Roan and Hulian had to admit that Rean was right.


    "The chick is only a little over two months old, but it can already have such thoughts. Its scream can make one''s head almost explode. Its attack power is definitely not something an ordinary Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator could take. It also has high intelligence even though it is only a Stage Two Demon Beast. Just what race did it come from?"


    Finally, the chick closed its eyes and turned around, dashing into the forest once again. At the same time, its expression showed a lot of pain, as if it had made the most critical decision in its life. Rean looked at that and couldn''t help but chuckle a little. He quite liked the chick. Roan, on the other hand, suddenly disappeared.


    *Swich!*


    Right after, Hulian and Rean noticed a white-hoofed deer''s head falling on the ground. As one could imagine, Roan killed the deer with a single strike.


    "Hm? Why did you kill the deer? After the poor chick suffered so much to let it live."


    Roan looked at Rean as if he looked at an idiot.


    "Obviously, to see if it has a Demon Core or not."


    "Couldn''t you have simply asked me? I could feel its presence."


    "I only believe it if I see it with my own eyes."


    "I think you simply didn''t like the chick''s benevolent attitude."


    "I couldn''t care less about the chick''s attitude."


    Finally, Hulian intervened in the twin''s bickering.


    "Ahem... if you take too long, the chick will leave my Spiritual Sense range."


    Roan then performed another sword slash, cutting the deer''s head open. Sure enough, a bloodied Demon Core came rolling from inside it.


    "Seems like it confirms our suspicions. The chick is really aiming for the demon beasts that have demon cores."


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s a good thing. As a demon beast itself, the demon core''s energy is very compatible with it. It will be much better than eating my Spirit Stones. However, it is too young for me to leave it alone. What if it gets lost?"


    It was then that Sister Orb''s voice appeared.


    [There is no need to worry. Since the chick suffered a mutation because of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Energy, there''s a faint connection to it now. I can use this connection to find where the chick is. Of course, it is not as good as you two. If the chick goes too far away, then I won''t be able to tell where it is.]


    Rean was delighted to hear that. However, he quickly shook his head.


    ''Even so, this Demon Beast forest has a few Stage Three Demon Beasts. It will be too dangerous for the chick. I might let it wander around once it gets older or if it reaches Stage Three.''


    Hulian noticed Rean and Roan''s silence.


    "Can we go already?"


    Rean and Roan nodded, and they quickly followed the chick''s trail. The chick ended up finding another demon beast at the Stage Two level with a core. Of course, the chick''s coincidences didn''t happen that easily. This time, the demon beast attack did not miss. However...


    *Bang!*


    The enemy''s claws hit the chick''s fat neck, sending the chick bounding back like a kicking ball. Rean and the others didn''t know what to say. The chick approached the demon beast as if it was going to deliberately give up its demon core to the chick. It didn''t try to defend or attack the demon beast at all. Obviously, the attack hit the chick perfectly.


    Roan and Hulian then looked at Rean with weird expressions. They didn''t say anything, but the meaning in their eyes was apparent for everyone to see.


    ''This chick doesn''t seem intelligent at all.''


    "Ahem... it''s because the chick has no experience in battles. This is good though. It will soon understand that it needs to fight if it wants to survive."


    Roan and Hulian then returned their attention to the kicking chick, much to Rean''s relief.


    ''Well, at least it has a very high defense. The claws only messed up with a few of the plumes. Nonetheless, there was no injury left behind.''


    Finally, the chick got up again. However, it showed the same teary eyes as before.


    "Not good!"


    Rean, Roan, and Hulian immediately used their Spiritual Energies to cover their ears once more. Sure enough...


    *CREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!*


    The demon beast that was coming after the chick stopped immediately in its tracks. It tried to use its own paws to cover its ears as the chick cried. Still, it felt quite dizzy since it didn''t know how to use its Spiritual Energy to protect its ears.


    Finally, the chick stopped crying. However, it looked somehow angry now. The demon beast, still somewhat dizzy, then slowly got up and looked at the chick with fear in its eyes. Its instincts told it that it should flee.


    Unfortunately for the beast, Light Element gathered around the chick''s body as it shot forward. Who said that fat means slow? At the very least, the chick was much faster than the demon beast that attacked it!


    The demon beast was frightened as it turned around and tried to run away. Unfortunately, it was too late.


    *Puchi!*


    The chick''s beak moved even faster than its body the moment it arrived beside the demon beast. Before the demon beast could even think about dodging, the chick already had a Demon Core between its beak. As for the demon beast, only a clean hole was left in the middle of its head.


    This was the first time that Rean''s group saw the chick actually making a proper attack. After all, the first Demon Core was obtained from an already dead Demon Beast.


    "So strong..."


    The chick then swallowed the demon core as it looked at the demon beast''s corpse with an angry expression. Well, at least it tried... too bad that it didn''t look scary at all. If anything, it looked quite funny to see the round chick doing that.


    *Chick! Chick!*


    The chick then turned around and dashed... in Rean''s direction.


    "Eh?"


    From the looks of it, the chick knew that Rean had been following it all the time.


    Once again, the chick jumped on Rean. Fortunately, Rean was prepared this time. Rean then held the fat chick in his arms, much to the chick''s delight.


    "You are still heavy, you know?"


    However, the chick didn''t hear. That''s because as soon as it noticed that Rean could hold it, the chick fell asleep.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/give-the-chick-a-name_49980890738127375 for visiting.


    "Then again, it''s just a hatchling in the end."


    Hulian couldn''t help but ask, though.


    "By the way, shouldn''t you at least give it a name? After all, it is quite annoying hearing chick all the time."


    Rean then pondered a bit but couldn''t come up with something good enough. He then looked at Roan to see if he had a good idea.


    "What? I couldn''t care less about its name. Just choose whatever."


    Rean shook his head in response to his words.


    "Come on, it''s just a name. I''m sure you can think about something. I won''t stop bothering you until you decide something."


    Roan felt like a headache would come if he insisted on not choosing a name, so he simply selected the first thing that came to his mind.


    "Alright. From now on, I''ll call you Kentucky."


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "Do you want to eat it that much?"


    Roan nodded.


    "You think?"

 Chapter 222 - I want them

    "Alright, Kentucky it is, then."


    Roan didn''t expect Rean to accept that name, but he refrained from commenting either. It''s just like he said before, whatever name was okay. Even ''chick'' wouldn''t be a problem for Roan.


    Hulian, on the other hand, was puzzled.


    "Is there any meaning behind this name?"


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh after hearing that.


    "Don''t worry, it''s basically a joke about a certain food company that we know."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/i-want-them_49980929392833113 for visiting.


    Hulian didn''t know what to say. Still, it wasn''t his place to decide what the chick would be called.


    "Alright. Kentucky... seems to be sleeping. It probably is because it''s absorbing the energy from the Demon Cores. That being said, there is no point in staying here anymore, so let''s go back to the Sect."


    Rean and Roan nodded. Soon after, Hulian used his Spiritual Energy and brought them flying back to the teleport formation.


    After Rean and Ron left, Hulian decided to at least report it to Mia. After all, Kentucky could also use Light and Dark Elements. As mentioned in the past, Rean and Roan were the only ones they had ever heard of using those Elements. So it made sense that Kentucky caught Hulian''s attention.


    Mia received the report but didn''t think much about it. After all, Reliance had said all those things to her, so she already knew that Kentucky was something extraordinary. The fact that it could use the Dark and Light Element was most likely due to the mutation Reliance told her about.


    After some time, Rean came to know that Demon Cores were indeed much better for Kentucky. From what he knew, Kentucky would need to eat around 300 of his Spirit Stones before falling asleep to absorb the energy. However, it only required 3 to 5 demon cores to get the same effect. Of course, everyone knew that demon cores had a lot more Spiritual Energy than Spirit Stones, so that made a lot of sense. It''s just that the energy was not good for cultivators to use directly. Usually, the demon cores would be used for alchemy and other things instead.


    In the end, Hulian passed a token that allowed Rean to enter their Private Demon Beast forest. Every time Kentucky got hungry, Rean would teleport there and let it feast on Demon Cores. Besides, it was also good for Kentucky to learn how to defend itself. Except for a few herbivore demon beasts, most of the ones who had demon cores attacked Kentucky. With time, it began to learn how to dodge and attack.


    Another thing was that Rean could clearly see Kentucky''s size becoming bigger. That was a common thing between demon beasts that increased their cultivations. Still, Kentucky was a little too fast compared to the other demon beasts Rean dealt with before.


    And just like that, another three months went by.


    Droman had already returned after confirming that the Lightning Sect could really modify the Lightning Beads for their use. Thanks to that, Droman and Rean''s Router Formation finally got rid of the main problem: saving the signals and wiping them out straight away when not necessary anymore.


    As one could expect, the Lightning Sect immediately accepted the Dalamu Sect''s Copyright contract. They called the Zafa Bank that was already part of the Lightning Bead''s business before and drafted a new agreement that made all three parties happy. The Lightning Sect was more than happy enough in knowing that it could start the construction of their own communication system in their territory. Being able to do it before any of the other powers in their country was a great deal for them.


    In the end, the Dalamu Sect got the rights to sell the Lightning Beads while the Lightning Sect would develop and produce them. The Lightning Sect would then gain 40% of the profits, Dalamu another 40%. At the same time, Zafa Bank, as the intermediary that will prevent the contract from being broken, got 20%. 20% was a substantial amount, considering that Zafa Bank would have almost no work to be done. Their part was basically to prevent other powers from producing the Lightning Beads in their Sasamil Empire. This kind of deal was something that Zafa Bank was already very used to working with.


    Rean and Roan had also been diligently cultivating until now. They were very close to the Top of the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Alongside their cultivation, Roan''s alchemy skills kept increasing by leaps and bounds. At the moment, he could already make quite a few different Light or Dark Element Pills for the twins to use. Well, Old Worm was always helping him, so that was to be expected.


    Rean was also regularly practicing his Formations with Droman. Of course, after Droman came back, he would leave every few days to check how the cable work was going in their Dalamu Sect Territory. Fortunately, the other people responsible for the project got a lot of experience during it, so they didn''t really need Droman that much. It''s just that they didn''t know why Droman would always ask to not connect every city''s cable to the main ones. Well, that was obvious. After all, there would need to be a Router Formation in those places in the future. Connecting them now would not make any sense.


    ---


    Today, Rean and Droman were discussing a few other points of the Router Formation when all of a sudden, a guest arrived.


    "Oh! Elder Reliance! You are finally here."


    Reliance had finished collecting the Decaying Roots, which he already delivered to Mia. As promised, she wouldn''t intervene in his attempt to take Rean and Kentucky with him. That being said, he came straight to the Formations'' Hall where Rean and Droman were working in the formations.


    "I heard you passed by the Sect last time, but you didn''t even spare some of it to come to pay your old pal a visit. Is that how you treat your friends?"


    Reliance smiled as he shook his head.


    "Of course not. It''s just that I wasn''t supposed to be here during that time. I only came by because Mia had sent me a message saying that she needed my help. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have come. Anyway, I finished what that Mia brat asked me to do, so I could finally come here."


    Droman nodded, not finding it surprising at all.


    "So, where are the Formation Flags? For you to come to see me here, it is obvious that you want me to repair them again."


    Reliance didn''t deny it.


    "That''s true. However, I have another reason to come here to talk to you."


    Reliance then looked at Rean... and then Kentucky, who was sleeping in a corner. Rean didn''t keep Kentucky all the time inside the Dimensional Realm. After all, it would make others suspicious if Kentucky kept appearing and disappearing. That being said, he tried to keep it out as long as possible.


    "Droman, I want to take this kid as my disciple. Would you mind giving him to me?"


    Droman''s relaxed expression immediately changed after hearing that.


    "Are you crazy? This kid has the most extraordinary Formations Master talent I''ve ever seen. Even if you kill me, I won''t give him up."


    Rean was also surprised to hear that.


    "What is happening here, Elder Reliance? I don''t remember us having any kind of interactions before."


    Reliance didn''t mind their answers.


    "Kid, to be honest, what I''m interested in is that guy behind you."


    Rean and Droman looked in Elder Reliance''s direction and saw Kentucky sleeping. After three months of eating Demon Cores and sleeping, Kentucky got even bigger. He was almost the same size as Rean and Roan. Besides, his round shape finally began to disappear. Well, he was still quite round nonetheless. On top of that, Kentucky''s Yellow Plumage finally began to fall. In its place, feathers finally started to come out.


    "Are you talking about Kentucky?"


    "What? Who''s Kentucky?"


    "That chick''s name. You talking about my Kentucky, right?"


    Elder Reliance didn''t know what to say about that name.


    "Well... people often say that my naming sense isn''t that good either."


    Droman rolled his eyes at Reliance after hearing that.


    "Your naming sense is even worse. How are Lanlan, Zunzun, and Jinjin doing?"


    Rean couldn''t help but look at Reliance with a weird expression.


    ''Are you the one to complain about my chick''s name?''


    Of course, Reliance was a Peak Nascent Soul Realm elder of the Sect, so he didn''t say that aloud.


    Reliance knew that he was losing ground, so he changed the topic.


    "Ahem... the three of them are fine. Anyway, I want to take this kid with me so I can help him raise the chi... Kentucky."


    Droman couldn''t help but ask.


    "I know that you love demon beasts, so I can understand why you want Kentucky. However, what does my disciple have to do with it?"


    Before Reliance could answer, Rean intervened.


    "Regardless, Kentucky is my and Roan''s Demon Beast. I''m not giving him away."


    Reliance shook his head in response.


    "It''s pointless for you to give him away since he already took you as its-"


    It was then that he noticed a problem.


    "Wait! Did you say that Kentucky is your and someone else''s Demon Beast?"


    As far as Reliance knows, this Demon Beast would only accept one master in its life, so why were there two owners?


    Rean nodded anyway.


    "Yes. Kentucky is ours."


    Although Roan and Kentucky didn''t like each other that much, it was confirmed that Kentucky still accepted Roan somehow. There had been a few times during the last three months that Rean had to leave Kentucky with Roan. Roan was basically the only one other than Rean that Kentucky reluctantly accepted be left with. Any other person would make Kentucky throw a tantrum. Of course, Kentucky still preferred Rean the most.

 Chapter 223 - Reliance is out of luck

    Reliance was then lost in his own thoughts.


    ''That shouldn''t be possible. A demon beast only accepts one Master during their entire lives. At most, they would be friends or treat others better. Still, their loyalty would always be to that single person. Oh, right! That''s what happened. This chick simply thinks about the other kid in a friendly way. It''s not like it also got that one as its Master.''


    Reliance wasn''t wrong. A good example was Nana, Tiria''s Snow Crane. Although Tiria was her Master, Nana still liked Rean very much. It''s just that if there came a day to choose one side, Nana would absolutely choose Tiria.


    "I see... Kentucky also likes your brother, is it? Anyway, I heard you spent some time in our Demon Beasts'' area and that you like them as well. Since that is the case, you should have already heard about the fact that Demon Beasts can accept Masters, right?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes. I saw a few Demon Beasts there who have Masters already. What about it?"


    Reliance nodded.


    "It''s just that a Demon Beast can only accept a single Master during its life. Or at least, that will be the case until they get strong enough. At a certain point, a demon beast will become independent enough to decide whether it still wants to treat you as a master or not. It''s not like it has a forced bond or anything like that. Anyway, this is something that only happens after Stage Nine, so we probably will never see one of those."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "So how do you know that a Demon Beast accepted you as a Master?"


    Reliance shrugged his shoulders.


    "Isn''t that obvious? Although there is no such thing as a forced bond between you two, there is still a connection. Touch Kentucky''s head and release some of your Spiritual Sense on it. You can definitely feel a small link between your Spiritual Senses. It''s nothing that impressive, but it should still be there."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/reliance-is-out-of-luck_50019451491374751 for visiting.


    Rean nodded his head.


    "There is no need. I already noticed it a long time ago. However... my brother can also feel the same thing."


    Reliance''s smiled disappeared once more.


    "Impossible! There is no way a Demon Beast can accept two Masters."


    Droman and Rean looked at Reliance with a puzzled expression.


    "Why?"


    Reliance then answered... or well, he tried to.


    "That''s because... that''s because... because... Errr..."


    It was then that he noticed... there was no reason for a Demon Beast to not accept two Masters. It''s just that he had never seen or heard about it before. Several Cultivators have tried to tame Demon Beasts that already had Masters. However, no one succeeded so far. At most, they had to put some restrictions that forced the Demon Beast to work for them against its will. For example, taking the Demon Beast''s Master as a hostage. Of course, Reliance had no intention of taking a kid hostage. First of all, he didn''t like to force Demon Beasts to start with.


    "Anyways, it should be impossible. I''ve never heard about a Demon Beast with two Masters. Kentucky probably just likes Roan as well, that''s all."


    Droman and Rean then looked at Reliance with a weird expression.


    "Wh-What is it? Did I say something wrong?"


    Rean could only tell the truth.


    "Ahem... Kentucky... probably hates my brother. It feels afraid every time it sees him."


    Even Droman saw the chick''s scared face when it looked at Roan. From what he heard, Roan seemed adamant about eating it at all costs. If not that sometimes they had no other choice, Kentucky would definitely not stay with Roan.


    Reliance finally lost his patience and said.


    "Call your brother here. I want to confirm if what you said is the truth!"


    Droman then intervened.


    "So what? Are you intending to take Roan as well if you find that Rean isn''t lying?"


    Reliance then looked at Droman and nodded his head.


    "And what if I say yes?"


    Unfortunately, that answer only made Droman burst out in laugher.


    "Hahaha! Alright then, I want to see if you can really take Roan away."


    Instead of telling who took Roan in, Droman was more willing to see Reliance stepping on the mine himself.


    ''Hmph! Let''s see what kind of face you will show when you find out the truth.''


    Reliance was a little taken aback by Droman''s reaction, but he decided to ignore it anyway. However, Rean didn''t seem very willing either.


    "Elder Reliance, I don''t intend to become your disciple. First of all, why do you want my Kentucky so much?"


    Reliance then explained.


    "Kid, you have no idea what you have in your hands. Only under my care will Kentucky be able to show his full glory! Believe me, I''m doing you a favor by taking you as my disciple. If not for your heaven-defying luck to get this little guy, I wouldn''t spare a second glance at you."


    Rean didn''t care what Elder Reliance said as he responded.


    "So what? I already helped Kentucky reach Stage Two in only two months. I can definitely help him all the way forward on my own as well. Besides, I don''t need your help to cultivate. I''m more than good enough to cultivate on my own."


    Droman couldn''t help but show a satisfied smile. He knew that Rean was right. Rean and Roan''s cultivation growth was due to their own efforts. Although the Sect Helped as much as they could, most of their achievements were from their own.


    "Hmph! Do you even know what it is?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "Yes. It''s my chick. That''s all I need to know."


    Droman then sent a Spiritual Sense message to Rean.


    ''Do as he says and call Roan over. Trust me, he will drop this idea of forcefully taking you as his disciple very soon.''


    Rean couldn''t help but think of Old Worm. He still remembered how Droman acted super polite in front of him in the past. In the end, Rean decided to trust Droman and did as he said.


    Reliance was just about to continue talking when Rean said.


    "Anyway. First, let me prove to you that Roan also has this small connection to Kentucky."


    Reliance narrowed his eyes but nodded in the end.


    "Very well. I need to confirm if you two are really Kentucky''s Masters anyway. If that is the case, I will have to take you two at the same time."


    Reliance was determined to take Kentucky. If he had to bring another kid together, then so be it. It would all be worth it as long as he could be the one to help Kentucky grow up.


    Back inside Old Worm''s hut, Roan and Old Worm were working on a new pill. Well, in fact, this was a neutral one. As mentioned in the past, Old Worm''s interest in Roan was not only his talent for alchemy. There was also his Dark Element that was much better at destroying impurities than any other Element.


    He might not be good at making Pills of other elements. But if they were talking about Neutral Pills, he was confident that Roan was heads and tails above all others. Not to mention that he noticed that Roan could use Rean''s Light Element as well. Not only could he destroy the impurities, but he could also protect the herbs and other materials with the opposite Element. Even Old Worm felt quite jealous of Roan''s Elemental Affinity.


    Suddenly, Roan stopped his concoction as he looked in another direction. Old Worm, of course, noticed that change.


    "What?"


    Roan sighed.


    "Problems."


    A moment later, a disciple of the Formations'' Hall arrived in the hut.


    "Sorry for the interruption. Elder Droman asked for Roan to come to the Formations Hall as soon as possible."


    Right after delivering the message, the disciple left. Rean and Roan had their own Soul Connection where they could talk to each other, but the others didn''t know about it. That''s why Droman sent a disciple to call him over.


    Old Worm then looked at Roan and asked.


    "Need help?"


    Roan pondered a bit. Just now, Rean explained the situation to him and said to bring Old Worm together if possible. He didn''t really want to get involved in that mess. However, if Reliance really brought Rean away, his own cultivation will be hindered. He also didn''t want to ask Old Worm, who had nothing to do with it. Still, from what Rean said, bringing him would be the fastest way to get things over with.


    "Yes."


    Old Worm closed his book as he got up. He didn''t ask anything.


    "Lead the way."


    As always, those two only exchanged a few words. Still, it was impressive that somehow, they could understand each other that well.


    A few minutes later, Roan arrived at the Formations'' Hall. The side occupation buildings were located around the same place in the Dalamu Sect, so it was expected that he arrived that fast.


    Reliance then looked at Roan and could immediately tell that he was Rean''s brother. After all, they were identical to each other.


    "So you are this brat''s brother. Anyway, he said that you can also feel the link between you and Kentucky. Go ahead and try to feel it. I will hold your shoulder and use my own Spiritual Sense to confirm as I did to Rean a few minutes ago."


    Roan narrowed his eyes, not liking Reliance''s attitude that much. However, he wanted to get over with it soon, so he did as he was told.


    Kentucky was still sleeping, though. He was digesting the Demon Cores energy that he got the day before after going to the forest with Rean.


    Roan then touched Kentucky''s head and released his Spiritual Sense. Sure enough, the same link as Rean was also present with Roan.


    Obviously, Reliance was startled to see that.


    "It''s true..."


    He then looked at Rean and Roan and noticed that their hairs and eyes had the same color as the crown on Kentucky''s head. He heard from Mia that Rean and Roan seemed to have some weird connection that allowed them to use the other''s Element.


    ''Now I understand why the chick suffered a mutation. It definitely had something to do with these twins'' connection. Well, so be it. I can take my time to check it later.''


    Reliance then assumed an imposing stance and said.


    "Since that is the case, you two are my disciples from now on. Get ready. We are leaving straight away."


    Unfortunately for him...


    "Disciples your head!"


    *Pah!*


    Suddenly, Reliance was slapped on the back of his head.


    Reliance was infuriated for a second as he looked at who dared to slap him. He felt like he was about to explode. However, his rage deflated like a balloon as soon as he saw who it was.

 Chapter 224 - Kentuckys Race

    "E-Elder Fauk..."


    He didn''t even notice when Old Worm entered the room.


    "Roan is my disciple. Do you want to take him away from me?"


    Reliance''s demeanor completely disappeared as he immediately shook his head.


    "This lowly one wouldn''t dare."


    Old Worm snorted.


    "Hmph! Of course you wouldn''t. Also, his cultivation is deeply related to how close he is to his brother. You better not try to separate them."


    Old Worm then looked at Roan and asked.


    "Is it over?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Yes."


    Without saying anything else, Roan and Old Worm left straight away. After all, they were still in the middle of alchemy practice when Rean called them over.


    Finally, Elder Reliance calmed down and looked at Droman.


    "Why didn''t you tell me his brother was Elder Fauk''s disciple? Are you trying to kill me?"


    Droman laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! That''s for you to understand that the world doesn''t exist to fulfill your every command. Anyway, Elder Fauk knew that you didn''t know about Rean''s brother, so he won''t make things difficult for you."


    Droman continued.


    "On top of that, I thought of bringing Rean away in the past, but the issue they have regarding cultivation can''t be avoided. That being said, I can''t separate them either. That''s why I spent most of my time teaching Rean in the sect instead of watching over the communication system construction."


    Reliance couldn''t help but feel perplexed.


    "What is this cultivation proximity that you and Elder Fauk talked about?"


    Rean was the one to answer that question.


    "Oh! It goes like this..."


    He then explained the same thing as he did to Droman a few months ago.


    "I see... if that is the case, then I really can''t bring you further away from your brother. What do you do about missions?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "We basically take them together. However, we also make sure that the missions are difficult enough for the two of us to complete. That means we don''t have any problem with real combat experiences."


    Reliance massaged the space between his eyebrows.


    "Droman. Even if I can''t bring this kid away with me, I still want him."


    Droman didn''t yield, unsurprisingly.


    "Hmph! Keep dreaming. Even if I have to fight your Demon Beasts, I will not give up on him."


    Rean then raised his hand.


    "I believe you two are forgetting the main point here. It all depends on me whether I want to get a new master or not. Droman is my Formations Master for apparent reasons. As for you, Elder Reliance, I don''t really have a reason to accept you as my Master."


    Reliance narrowed his eyes.


    "Kid, other than Formation-related things, I can definitely give you as much or even more than Droman. Spirit Stones would not be a problem, for example."


    Rean and Droman looked at each other for a second and then started to laugh.


    "What is so funny?"


    Droman then patted Reliance''s shoulder with an expression of pity.


    "Too bad, my friend. If there is one thing that Rean doesn''t lack, that it Spirit Stones."


    Reliance narrowed his eyes as he looked at Droman.


    "You were quite the money-grubber. Since when you started to treat Spirit Stones that cheap?"


    Rean was the one to answer that question.


    "If Elder Droman is a money-grubber or not, I don''t know. However, I''ve never needed his help with cultivation resources to start with. I have plenty of ways to get Spirit Stones. Just my steel works alone are already enough for my and Roan''s cultivation."


    Reliance didn''t know what Rean was talking about, so Droman gave him a quick explanation about Rean''s Blacksmith Skills. Finally, Reliance came to understand that Rean was already rich in his own right. If anything, the Jamariz Weapon Store had been giving him more and more Spirit Stones every month. Not only that, but they even began to consider expanding their shops to the other sects'' territories as well. After all, the Steel Swords were just way too popular with low-level cultivators that couldn''t pay for Spiritual Equipment.


    Reliance felt a headache already. Rean turned out to be harder to deal with than he thought.


    It was then that Rean said.


    "Elder Reliance only wants to help me with Kentucky''s training, right? How about this: There is no need for you to take me as a disciple. During the times I''m in the sect, Elder Reliance can simply take the chance to help me with it. I''ll basically leave Kentucky''s every step for you to decide. Of course, there will be times that Roan and I will go out for missions. Still, this is also good since we can have Kentucky try some combat."


    Reliance pondered a bit before saying.


    "Very well. But I won''t forgive you if you let it die, so you better take good care of it."


    Rean nodded and then asked the question that was puzzling him for so long.


    "So... What race is Kentucky from?"


    Reliance scratched his dreadlock hairs and looked at Droman.


    "What? Is it some kind of secret? I''ve never talked about Lanlan, Zunzun, and Jinjin, so why would I open my mouth about Kentucky?"


    Reliance then pointed at Rean.


    "Didn''t you just say it to this kid?"


    Droman didn''t care.


    "That''s because you want to take him as a disciple. If that is the case, you obviously have no intention of keeping those three hidden in the first place. Am I wrong? Besides, I just spoke a few names. I didn''t tell him what they are."


    Reliance wanted to refute Droman''s words, but he knew that he couldn''t. If he had really brought Rean and Kentucky away, Rean would eventually find out about his three main Demon Beasts.


    Rean then added.


    "I trust Elder Droman, so there is no need to feel apprehensive about him. By the way, who are Zunzun, Lanlan, and Jinjin?"


    Reliance finally let it go.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/kentucky''s-race_50068553168122362 for visiting.


    "Fine!"


    *Fuiiiii~~*


    Suddenly, a small Fiery-Red Palm-Sized bird entered the room through the window and landed on Reliance''s shoulder.


    "I can''t show you the other two since they are a little too catchy. However, this one should be okay. This is Zunzun, my Fire Tanager."


    Rean didn''t know what to say about the bird. It looked as weak as any common bird around. It''s just that it''s fiery red feathers really reminded him about the fire color. Still, it was just a Tanager.


    Too bad that Rean didn''t try to use his Spiritual Sense. If he did, he would notice that the little bird wouldn''t appear inside his Spiritual Sense at all. After all, the difference in cultivation was just too high!


    "Errr... that''s quite a beautiful bird."


    Still, Rean didn''t know why Reliance would want to keep it a secret. It was then that an idea came to mind.


    "Oh! I see... this Tanager is a rare one, right? Because it is too weak, Elder Reliance is afraid that someone will try to steal it."


    Droman heard those words and began to sweat a bit. All of a sudden, a red flash passed by Rean''s eyes.


    *Bang!*


    Before Rean could even process what happened, his body was sent flying! Something had just hit his chest head-on!


    *Crash!*


    Rean hit the wall with so much strength that the entire room trembled. He fell down right after and vomited some blood. He looked at his chest and saw the scourged black mark left behind by the assault.


    Rean then looked around, afraid that an enemy had attacked him. However, he soon saw Elder Droman''s weird expression as Reliance laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! That''s too funny!"


    Rean couldn''t understand anything. However, he noticed that the red bird on Reliance''s shoulder disappeared.


    "Hey, brat! Where the hell are you looking?!"


    Only then did Rean notice that fiery red bird on the ground... was talking to him.


    "I will let you off the hook this time since Master likes you. However, if you disrespect me again, don''t blame me for not holding back. Hmph!"


    Rean''s fearful expression changed to that of extreme shock in an instant!


    "The bird can talk?!"


    Droman then sighed as he explained.


    "Ahem... Zunzun is a Stage Six Demon Beast after all."


    Rean''s blood drained from his face as he looked at the palm-sized bird in front of him. Without a doubt, this was one of the biggest shocks he had received ever since he was born in the cultivation world.


    "Alright, Zunzun. Leave him alone. It is not good to abuse your power in front of the kids."


    "Yes, Master!"


    Zunzun then became another flash of red light as he flew back to Reliance''s shoulder.


    "Zunzun has a very high affinity with Fire Element, which makes his behavior as fiery as his feathers. Don''t take it personally."


    Zunzun didn''t like Reliance''s words but didn''t say anything.


    "Hmph!"


    Reliance then smiled and explained.


    "Stage Five Demon Beasts can use Spiritual Sense to convene their thoughts. As for Stage Six, they gain the ability to speak with words."


    Rean always had the thought that the higher the Stage, the bigger the Demon Beast. Obviously, that was not the case.


    "So strong! Could it be that Zunzun is some Legendary Tanager or something like that? Could it be that Kentucky is also a Legendary Bird?"


    Reliance laughed once more.


    "Hahaha! Legendary? Far from that. There are so many Fire Tanagers from where I came that you might even see thousands in a single pack. Well, Fire Tanagers usually never cross Stage One, though. I had to put a lot of effort into helping Zunzun reach his actual level."


    Reliance then looked at Kentucky.


    "However, it''s not wrong to say that about Kentucky. After all, it is a Minokawa."

 Chapter 225 - Minokawa

    Rean was puzzled by that name.


    "What''s a Minokawa?"


    Even Droman had no idea what a Minokawa was.


    Reliance then looked at Kentucky before replying.


    "To be honest, I''ve never seen one myself. Well, not before Kentucky. All I knew about were legends shared between the people of my home country. Later on, I found several records that Minokawas are not legends... but real Demon Beasts. Who could have thought that I would find one here?"


    Reliance then continued.


    "Anyway, from what I know, Minokawas are dragon-like Demon Birds. It has a beak and claws that are as resistant as metal. Their eyes are like mirrors. The wings'' feathers are as sharp as blades, while the body has several dragon scales mixed in with the feathers. Most of the feathers and scales are a mix of white and black colors. The legends of my people say that they can grow strong enough to swallow the sun and moon. Of course, I think this part is an exaggeration."


    Reliance then made Rean ask a question.


    "Has it already started to shed its plumage?"


    Rean nodded absent-mindedly. Reliance then approached Kentucky, who was still sleeping, and lifted some of its under neck plumage.


    "Take a look."


    Rean didn''t pay much attention to the places where the plumage had disappeared before. He simply felt that it was normal for a bird to lose its plumage, which would give it space for its new feathers. However, when he looked under the plumage that Reliance lifted, he noticed tiny protrusions between still growing tiny dark and white feathers. After touching them, Rean could feel how hard they were.


    "This... could they be?"


    Reliance nodded.


    "Kentucky had already entered Stage Two. It''s to be expected that his scales already began to take form."


    Reliance then lifted one of Kentucky''s wings and rubbed his hands on both sides as if he was looking for something.


    "Oh! Here you are."


    Reliance then looked at Rean.


    "Give me your hand."


    Without thinking too much about it, Rean extended his hand to Reliance. After that, Reliance rubbed Rean''s finger in the same place he found on Kentucky''s wings.


    "Ouch!"


    Suddenly, Rean felt that something had cut his finger. It wasn''t anything big, but it was definitely sharp. Reliance then lifted the plumage that was covering that part of Kentucky''s wings. Sure enough, Rean saw more of those White and Dark feathers beginning to take form. However, as a Blacksmith, he could quickly tell just how sharp these feathers'' edges were.


    After seeing this much, there was no need for Rean or Droman to doubt Reliance''s words. Everything he said about this so-called Minokawa had been proved correct so far.


    "My people have no idea how strong a Minokawa can become. No, that''s the wrong way to put it. In fact, any demon beast or cultivator could grow to unprecedented levels as long as the conditions allow it. A good example of it is how I was able to help Zunzun reach Stage Six even though he is a common Fire Tanager."


    "However, we can''t ignore that talent and bloodline are also extremely important to a cultivator or demon beast. As a member of the legendary Minokawa race, Kentucky''s potential is simply above our imagination. That''s why I want to train it. I want to see just how far it can get. It really makes me jealous that you were the one to find its egg and not me."


    Rean then went beside Reliance and patted Kentucky''s head with a smile on his face.


    "As I thought, you are really a fantastic chick."


    Reliance then looked at Rean with a peculiar expression.


    "You... don''t seem to care about my skin color that much, no?"


    Reliance was already used to all these white people trying to stay far from him because of how different he looked. Even Droman and Mia were not different in the past. It took quite some time for them to grow used to it. However, Rean didn''t seem to give a damn about it. He even extended his hand when Reliance asked as if there was nothing wrong with that. One must remember that Rean still had the height of an almost 13-year-old kid. Reliance wasn''t wrong to expect that a white kid like Rean would avoid him since there were virtually no black people in the Sasamil empire.


    Rean looked at Reliance, puzzled.


    "Is there something wrong with it? Oh, I see! You heard that I can also use my Light Element to heal other''s injuries, right? Alright, since Elder Reliance told me what Kentucky is, I''ll help you recover. Show me where the problem is."


    Rean wasn''t really pretending. Back on earth, black people were nothing but ordinary where he lived. Although there were still more white people in his city than black ones, they weren''t rare. During his life, he had seen so many that he can''t even guess a number. They were present in school, college, companies, shops, and etc. There were even two metallurgists who worked together with him in the same room, which he interacted with on a daily basis. So yea, Rean didn''t feel anything wrong with Reliance''s skin color at all. The only moment he felt some surprise was when he had seen Reliance for the first time. But that was because Reliance was the first black person he had seen in the cultivation world, not because of his skin color itself.


    "This... errr... no, it''s okay... I can deal with it myself."


    Rean nodded.


    "Well, if you say so."


    Rean then looked at Kentucky again and asked.


    "So, how does Elder Reliance intend to train Kentucky?"


    Reliance''s opinion about Rean turned a lot more favorable after that. He had seen the way others treated him tens of thousands of times, so he could tell that Rean wasn''t pretending.


    "Ahem... how about you tell me how you had been raising him so far?"


    Rean nodded and then looked at Droman.


    "Elder Droman, is it okay if we pause for a moment?"


    Droman shrugged his shoulders.


    "Well, he already gave up the idea of taking you with him, so I guess it is okay. Since I''m already at it, Reliance, pass me the Formations'' Flags you have. You still want to repair them, right?"


    Reliance nodded and threw an old bag at Droman.


    "Sigh... can''t you find a better case to keep the flags?"


    Reliance shrugged his shoulders.


    "It''s not like they will break because of it, right? As long as I can carry them, who cares about how I do it?"


    Droman shook his head and then left the room. Since he was already in the Formations Hall, it wouldn''t be difficult for him to fix the flags. It''s just that he would need the Blacksmith Hall''s help as well, so he needed time.


    After Droman went out, Rean began to explain how he was training Kentucky. Well, he simply let Kentucky hunt on his own in the Dalamu''s private Demon Beast forest. Of course, he didn''t tell about the baths Kentucky took in the Soul Gem Dimension Realm.


    "You will need a lot more than just that. Minowakas can be considered a kind of a ''metal bird.'' Of course, this is just the way I put it. It''s not like the ''metal bird'' denomination really exists. After all, I don''t know about any other demon bird race that needs precious metals for its development."


    "According to the records I found about Minokawas, the rarer the metals, the more sturdy their feathers will be. They aren''t considered as sharp as blades for nothing."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "How come I''ve never seen it touching a piece of metal before? Could it be that it has a specific palate for metals?"


    Rean has many High-Level Spiritual Ores and even some Peak-Level ones in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Still, Kentucky has never touched them before.


    Reliance narrowed his eyes as he pondered.


    "Hum... It''s hard to say since I''ve never trained a Minokawa before. What level of Metals have you shown to it?"


    "High and Peak-Level Spiritual Ores."


    Reliance nodded.


    "This guy is a Legendary Demon Beast. Perhaps these metals aren''t good enough to catch its attention..."


    "Wait here for a sec."


    After that, Reliance disappeared from the room. It was so fast that Rean couldn''t even see his shadow.


    ''As expected of a Peak Nascent Soul Realm cultivator.''


    After that, Rean waited for ten or so minutes. Eventually, Reliance came back. In his hand was a small piece of ore that looked as black as coal. However, Rean could tell that its level was far above any other ore he had seen so far.


    "Could it be...?"


    Reliance nodded.


    "This is a Heaven-Ranked Ore, Malagal Iron. I found it by coincidence while dealing with a few ants in the past."


    Suddenly, Kentucky''s nostrils caught the scent of the piece of ore. His eyes immediately opened, and looked directly at Reliance''s hand. They immediately shone like stars as Kentucky got his plumpy body up and ran directly at it.


    "Stop right there!"


    Hearing Rean''s voice, Kentucky stopped in place.


    *Chick?*Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/minokawa_50068567395201668 for visiting.


    He then looked at Rean with a pledging eye. Rean could even see Kentucky drooling.


    Rean didn''t care, though.


    "Do you know how expensive this thing is? Go back to sleep. This is not for you."


    Obviously, Kentucky showed an almost crying expression.


    Reliance then laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! It''s okay. It''s not like I need it for anything."


    Surprisingly, Kentucky seemed to have understood Reliance''s words as his sad expression warped into an excited one.


    *Zap!*


    As fast as lightning, Kentucky took Reliance''s Malagal Ore and swallowed it.


    *Burp~~*


    Reliance couldn''t help but feel surprised when he saw it. Kentucky''s speed just now definitely surpassed what any Stage Two Demon Beast could achieve.


    "As expected of the legendary Minokawa."


    It was then that he remembered something.


    "Oh, right! The mutation."

 Chapter 226 - Heaven-Level Metal Detector

    Rean looked at Reliance before asking.


    "You can tell that it has mutated?"


    Reliance nodded and then touched Kentucky''s head, where the almost imperceptible crown made out of black and white feathers was present. Kentucky didn''t mind, though. Since Rean was there and Reliance had given him delicious food, he didn''t think that Reliance was bad.


    "There are no records about Minokawas having a crown of feathers, so I can tell it has mutated somehow. Is it me, or the Light Element I felt from you back then is also present in these feathers? Oh, right, Mia already told me everything about you and your brother''s peculiar elemental affinities."


    Rean wasn''t surprised by that.


    "Yes. I think it has something to do with Roan and I having this special connection that allows us to use the others'' elements. Because of that, Kentucky can also use both Light and Dark elements."


    Reliance shook his head in response.


    "You are wrong. Whether you or Roan can use those elements matters little. That''s because Minokawas were already supposed to use those two elements to start with. Your Elemental Affinities are indeed extremely rare, but you guys definitely aren''t the only ones that have ever existed."


    Rean heard that and couldn''t help but ask Sister Orb in secret.


    ''Sister Orb, is that true?''


    [I don''t have much information about this side. Still, it is not hard to imagine that in the entire half of the Universe that other races can do it. However, I can at least guarantee that no one has a higher affinity with those two Elements than you two. At most, they would only be at a similar level, and even that would be almost impossible.]


    Rean had to admit that even if it was half of a Universe, it was still a scale that he could hardly fathom. It made sense that there might be others out there that can use the Light and Dark element.


    ''Alright.''


    Rean then returned his attention to Reliance and asked.


    "Elder Reliance seems pretty sure about it even though you have never seen a Minokawa before."


    Reliance nodded.


    "The reason is pretty simple. Kentucky can use both Light and Dark Elements, right?"


    Rean nodded and waited for Reliance to continue.


    "However, from what I heard, you and Roan can only borrow each other''s elements. It''s not like you can gather the other element alone, but Kentucky can. Besides, the old records already said that it could use Light and Dark Elements. I think that the legend that Minokawas can swallow the Sun and Moon are probably related to this ability to use Light and Dark Elements."


    Rean shook his head after hearing that.


    "That''s not entirely correct. I can gather the Dark Element without Roan''s help."


    "You can?"


    Rean nodded once more.


    "Yes. However..."


    Rean then used his Spiritual Energy to call forth the surrounding Dark Element. Unfortunately, the amount he could gather on his own was almost imperceptible.


    "I''m simply terrible at it. Using my Dark Star Sword and borrowing Roan''s Dark Element is hundreds of times better. Besides, when I concentrate on gathering the Dark Element, my ability to gather the Light Element is deeply affected. Simply put, it''s much better for me to use the Light Element alone than trying to use the Light and Dark Element together. After all, the gains don''t make up for the losses. I would rather use my Dark Star Sword to gather the Dark Element if Roan was not present."


    Reliance understood.


    "I see... Well, those are not elements that I can use, so I can''t help out that much on it."


    Rean then asked something else.


    "Does it mean that Kentucky did not receive any mutation?"


    Reliance immediately denied that idea.


    "No, he definitely mutated because of you and your brother. As I said, Minokawas were not supposed to have a crown of feathers. In fact, the results of the mutation are pretty obvious. Ask Kentucky to do one thing for me."


    Reliance then explained what he wanted through a Spiritual Sense message.


    Rean was surprised to hear it at first, but he quickly nodded and sent a stream of thoughts through Spiritual Sense to Kentucky.


    *Chick? Chick!*


    Dark and Light Elements began to converge around Kentucky like torrents. All of a sudden...


    *Whoosh!*


    Kentucky''s body soon burst into black and white flames! The flames were intense enough to even force Rean to release his Spiritual Energy to protect himself.


    Reliance, on the other hand, just smiled after seeing that.


    "As expected, he really mutated. I might be wrong, but according to the records I found, a Minokawa shouldn''t be able to call forth the Light and Dark Flames before it reached at least Stage Five. Let alone one flames as intense as this one. It''s quite obvious that Kentucky can use his flames to surpass the Stage Two Demon Beast level of power."


    Kentucky maintained his flames for a minute or so. Eventually, he grew tired, and the flames disappeared. Right after, he fell on his butt and began to gasp for air. That was the first time Kentucky had done it, so he didn''t know how to control the flames yet.


    Reliance then continued to explain.


    "The Light and Dark Flames are deeply related to the Yin Yang balance in his body. Before a Minokawa grows strong enough, it shouldn''t be able to control the flames, but look at Kentucky. He is just a hatchling, but it can already do such a thing several Stages below. The mutation he went through has deeply affected his affinity with those two elements and powers. Besides, you probably noticed it already, Kentucky is a lot more intelligent than any other Stage Two Demon Beast."


    Rean immediately nodded. He had to do a few sect duties in the Beast Taming Faction in the past, so he came to know the Demon Beasts there. High-level ones were rare, but low-level ones were everywhere, which included Stage Two ones. Still, none of them could understand Rean''s commands. However, Kentucky seemed to have no problem doing so. He looked more like a super prodigy. He learned things way too fast.


    Reliance then started to pet Kentucky around his neck, much to Kentucky''s delight.


    "Alright. This is all that I know about Minokawas and what I can tell about his mutation. From now on, anything we find about him will be new for you and me. First, you will need to find more Heaven-Level Ores for him to eat. The earlier he builds his feathers with them, the better they will be in the future."


    Rean immediately felt a headache.


    "That''s impossible. I might be making a lot of Spirit Stones right now, but only when considering the expenses of two Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators. Heaven-Level materials are just too far from what I can afford at the moment."


    Reliance had to admit that Rean was right.


    "That''s true. I do have a few more Heaven-Level ores that I acc.u.mulated by chance during all these years. Still, I doubt it will be enough to satisfy a Minokawa. Especially one like this one that is obviously far above in power than others. Kentuck will probably need a lot more ores if he wants to improve his scales and feathers."


    Rean shook his head.


    "I can''t possibly ask Elder Reliance to use your own ores on Kentucky. Any Heaven-Level ore or material is just too rare. Besides, Kentucky is my Demon Beast. I should be the one to afford its food."


    Reliance then smiled as he said.


    "Well, that''s a good way of thinking. However, I''m not doing it for you. I told you before, right? I want to see where Kentucky can arrive. Also, don''t forget what I said. The ores I have with me are far, far from enough for its development. Minokawas need to continually eat them as they grow. Besides, I''m a Demon Beast Tamer. I don''t use weapons. The only pieces of equipment I use are protective ones, which I already have."


    Rean sighed and then nodded.


    "If Elder Reliance is that adamant, then I won''t say anything. I can only promise that I will use all of them for Kentucky alone. Fortunately, it will give me enough time to think about ways to get more Spirit Stones to buy Heaven-Level ores for him."


    Reliance then shook his head.


    "There is a better way for you to do that."


    Rean''s attention was immediately caught.


    "How?!"


    Reliance laughed and pointed at Kentucky.


    "Did you forget? Kentucky is what I like to call a ''metal type'' demon bird. How do you think Minokawas can evolve their feathers and scales? We already confirmed that they need Heaven-Level Ores too. Obviously, their affinity with metals allows them to perceive nearby worth consuming metals. Simply put, Kentucky is a Heaven-Level Metal detector in and out himself."


    Rean''s eyes lit up after hearing that. For a metallurgist in a cultivation world, those words were the same as the call of Gods!Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/heaven-level-metal-detector_50136237557742067 for visiting.


    "That''s great! I''ll be sure to keep an eye on Kentucky from now on."


    Reliance nodded.


    "That''s good. Still, there are a few tricks you can use. For example, when you go out for a mission, try to move closer to mountains where there are higher concentrations of Spiritual Energy. Plan your travels in a way that will make you more likely to find Heaven-Level metal deposits with Kentucky''s help."


    It was then that Reliance''s expression changed.


    "Another thing. Keep this special trait from Kentucky hidden. Even if they are family or close friends, do not disclose Kentucky''s Race or Metal Finding ability. If anyone discovers out about it, you might get into deep trouble. Even the entire Dalamu Sect will be powerless to help you."


    Rean immediately nodded.


    "Yes, Elder Reliance."

 Chapter 227 - Maril Region

    Rean wasn''t an idiot. The ability to detect Heaven-Level Metals. That''s not something anyone would spread. Besides, that was only at this moment. If Kentucky grew strong enough, he might even find metals that surpassed Heaven Level. Obviously, those materials were worth a fortune, so everyone would want to put their hands on Kentucky.


    "Oh, right! Elder Reliance, how many Heaven-Level ores should I let him eat every day?"


    Reliance pondered a bit as he looked at Kentucky''s size.


    "Hum... that also depends on how good the ore itself is. That small Malagal Ore I gave him just now was around 100 grams, and it''s considered a Middle-Level Heaven Material."


    Reliance then sent his Spiritual Sense inside Kentucky''s stomach and watched as he digested that Malagal Ore for a few minutes.


    "Alright. If it''s Low-Level Heaven Materials, give him a similar piece every three days. If it is a Middle-Level one like this Malagal Ore, give him a piece every five days. High-Level ones should be one piece per week. And if you are lucky enough to find Peak-Level ones, and are willing to let Kentucky eat it, give one every ten days."


    Those words made Rean notice one thing.


    "Does that mean they all have the same effect on Kentucky?"


    Reliance nodded.


    "Yes. That''s because Kentucky is refining the ores inside his own body. That means he can separate the impurities so that only the parts that really matter will be absorbed by his feathers and scales. Obviously, the higher the level of the ore, the longer it will take to refine since they have more ''content'' available."


    Reliance continued.


    "However, you should try to feed him as many higher-level ones as possible. Although there is no difference in the end result, the time wasted separating the impurities in his body is too big. It is not worth feeding him only low-level ones since it will take forever for it to bring out any significant result."


    Rean didn''t mind, though.


    "It''s okay. As long as Kentucky can really detect the presence of Heaven-Level Materials, he will be able to sustain himself. My problem would be if I had to buy them myself."


    Reliance laughed.


    "Do you think Heaven-Level Ores are that easy to find? Everyone wants those things, so most near-surface ones have already been mined a long time ago. As I''ve said, using his ability to find metals is only an alternative. You will need to have heaven-defying luck to find more of them around. Also, even if you find it, there will probably just be a few small chunks available. Heaven-Level materials don''t appear in large quantities like Lower-Level ones."


    Rean could only sigh after hearing that. Indeed, things wouldn''t be that easy.


    "Kentucky, feeding you in the future will be quite expensive. Can''t you go out and find some Heaven-Level Spiritual Ores for us?"


    *Chick? Chick!*


    Suddenly, Kentucky closed his eyes. He stayed like that for a few minutes until Kentucky suddenly opened them again as he looked in a particular direction.


    *Chick!*


    Right after, Kentucky ignored Rean and Reliance, dashing straight out of the room.


    Rean then looked at Reliance with a weird expression.


    "Wasn''t it supposed to be hard to find Heaven-Level Spiritual Ores?"


    Reliance scratched the back of his head right after.


    "Ahem... Maybe the records were wrong... or maybe his mutation increased his ability to find them. Anyway, we need to first see if he really found something or not."


    Of course, they immediately got up and followed Kentucky. However, after following Kentucky for a few minutes, they noticed that it intended to go out of the Sect. Reliance believed in the Minokawas'' senses, so he decided to help it. He enveloped Kentucky and Rean with his Spiritual Energy and took flight, bringing them in the direction Kentucky was pointing.


    Some people in the Sect noticed when Reliance brought Rean out, including Droman.


    "Hum? Where are they going?"


    Still, he didn''t care too much and returned his attention to repairing Reliance''s Formation Flags. Reliance had three Stage Six Demon Beasts ready at his beck and call. Even if some spies reported Rean''s whereabouts to the Umbral Sect, nothing would change. The Umbral Sect would only be sending their forces to become the meals of Reliance''s Demon Beasts.


    As for being afraid of Reliance trying to capture Rean, that thought didn''t even pass through Droman''s mind. Even though Reliance had such a weird personality, Droman knew that Reliance would never go back on his words. Since he agreed to not insist on taking Rean away, Droman was sure that he would do it.


    As soon as Reliance stepped out of the Sect, he spread his Spiritual Sense to contact Lanlan and Jinjin. Zunzun had been staying on his shoulder all the time, so there was no need to reach it.


    ''Follow me.''


    Reliance knew about the Umbral Sect issue, so he called everyone just in case.


    Surprisingly though, there was no need to be that alarmed. That''s because Kentucky''s group didn''t even leave the 300km radius of the Dalamu Sect territory. Around 220km to the east of the Sect, Kentucky began to point his beak to the ground.


    *Chick! Chick!*


    "That close?"


    Rean and Reliance immediately became doubtful. This was way too close to the Dalamu Sect; they haven''t even left its territory yet. How come the Sect didn''t find it before? Was there really anything in this place? Besides, they weren''t near any mountain to start with. Rean knew that ores were easier to find close to mountain ranges since tectonic activities would bring them up from below. Of course, that was not an absolute rule, far from it, actually. Still, he thought that if they were to really find a Heaven-Level Ore deposit, it would probably be near the mountains.


    Reliance then landed on that flat land that had a few trees and boulders here and there. Because of its proximity to the Dalamu Sect, no Demon Beasts or any human settlements could be found nearby.


    Kentucky then began to peck on the ground while he used his feet to push the earth away. He was quite fast, considering his plumpy size. However, at that rhythm, it would take forever.


    Reliance then patted Kentuck''s head before saying.


    "Alright, you can stop already. Leave it to me."


    Kentucky then looked at Rean, who used his Spiritual Sense to convey Reliance''s words. Only then did Kentucky stop excavating and waited for Reliance to act.


    "Lanlan, are you there?"


    Right after, Rean and Kentucky heard a voice coming from below as the ground trembled a little.


    "Yes, Master. Do you need anything?"


    Although Rean couldn''t see it, he didn''t need to think too much to understand that this was another one of Reliances'' three Stage Six Demon Beasts.


    Reliance then nodded.


    "Yes. According to this Minokawa, there should be a deposit of Heaven-Level Spiritual Ore under this place. Can you go around and see if you can find anything?"


    The centipede immediately answered.


    "Alright. It might take some time, though. The area that the chick pointed out is quite big, and I also don''t know how deep I need to go."


    Reliance didn''t mind.


    "Take your time. We will be waiting here."


    Rean then felt the ground under him tremble for a moment until it completely stopped. It was evident that the centipede had gone too deep for him to feel its movements.


    "Kentucky, are you sure there is something in this place?"


    *Chick?*


    Kentucky then looked at Rean with a puzzled expression. He wasn''t intelligent enough to understand everything yet.


    Reliance then sat on a corner and played with Zunzun. Around a minute later, a black snake with a horn appeared nearby.


    "Jinjin, come here. I want you to meet Rean and his Minokawa too."


    The Snake then nodded at Rean.


    "I''m Jinjin, a Horned Black Snake from the Everdark Swamp in the Maril Region."


    Rean smiled as he asked.


    "Is Maril Region the place where Elder Reliance and your Demon Beasts'' friends came from?"


    Rean had heard about the place before. It was even further away than the Flaxin Empire that neighbors their Sasamil one. Of course, there was very little information, so he didn''t know much.


    Reliance nodded.


    "Exactly. That place is even bigger than Sasamil or Flaxin. However, there is no government entity there like the Imperial Families here. The ones who control the area are the cultivation sects and other small organizations. There are no countries either. If you want to establish any organization, you will need to fight for territory first. In a certain way, it''s quite chaotic."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/maril-region_50136274333400221 for visiting.


    Reliance then rubbed Jinjin''s forehead as he said.


    "Before you ask, Jinjin is also an ordinary demon beast. There are hundreds of thousands like him in the Everdark Swamp. By the way, the voice from earlier was Lanlan, a female Spring Centipede from the Luva Forest. Just like Zunzun and Jinjin, she is also quite a common demon beast there. It''s just that she is already a Stage Six Demon Beast, so she became several times bigger than the others."


    Rean couldn''t help but feel impressed by Elder Reliance.


    "You made three common Demon Beasts reach Stage Six. That''s amazing!"


    Reliance shook his head in response.


    "I only gave them support. It was through their own effort that they reached this level."


    "That''s not right, Master! If not for you, we would never gain sentience. We were supposed to have died of old age a long time ago without ever really understanding the world."


    Reliance laughed as he pet both the Tanager and the Snake.


    Rean''s opinion of Reliance couldn''t get any better either. After all, he also liked Demon Beasts.


    Time passed, and three hours went by. Suddenly, Rean felt the ground tremble again. However, this time, Lanlan really came out of there. Finally, Rean was able to see the enormous dark green colored centipede.


    "Master! It''s amazing! There is an enormous deposit of High and Peak-Level Spiritual Ores around 29km deep. There is a magnetic field around it too. That''s why no one noticed it before. Besides, the concentration of Spiritual Energy is very high. I believe there is probably some Heaven-Level Spiritual Ores at the very center and not just a bit at that."


    Reliance and Rean immediately looked at Kentucky with surprised expressions.


    *Chick?*

 Chapter 228 - More News

    After that, Rean and Reliance went back to the Sect and straight to the Blacksmith Hall. After all, the deposit was still inside the Dalamu Sect territory, so they would need to report it. The Blacksmith Hall Head, Lian Boares, was surprised to hear that and immediately brought their members to the mentioned place.


    The deposit was very deep into the ground. However, Dalamu Sect had no lack of Earth Element cultivators. Lian even asked two elders at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm with the same affinity. In just a single day of work, they were able to open a tunnel all the way to the deposit''s inner depths.


    Lian was right there to check ores together with Reliance. Rean and Kentucky were not present since it could catch too much attention. Besides, it didn''t matter if they were here. Since they were the ones who found the deposit, they would obviously have a share of it. To make things simpler, Reliance went with Rean to talk with Mia. He explained about Kentucky''s needs and that they would need the Heaven-Level Spiritual Ores present in that place. Mia couldn''t decide it alone since it was a property of the Sect. But after talking about it with the other elders, they reached an agreement that 50% of all Heaven-Level Spiritual Ores would be Reliance and Rean''s. The rest would be the Sect''s property. As for the High and Peak Earth-Level Spiritual Ores, the Sect would have 90% of everything.


    Rean didn''t mind those numbers at all. 10% of the Earth-Level ores was more than he would need for a very long time. He probably won''t even use everything. As for the Heaven-Level, he wasn''t expecting getting any to start with. Getting 50% of it was more than enough to satisfy him since he would be able to feed Kentucky for a long time.


    Lian didn''t take long to identify the ore.


    "Oh! The High and Peak Earth-Level Ores are Zarkirian Ore. It''s excellent for defensive equipment thanks to its low weight and high resistance. It''s quite expensive in the market too. To think we would find such a big deposit like this one."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/more-news_50136353505074575 for visiting.


    It was then that another elder of the Blacksmith Hall mentioned.


    "If Zarkarian Ore is present, then the Heaven-Level Ores at the very center must be Luminun Ore."


    Lian nodded.


    "Indeed. Let''s start the mining process straight away. First, we need to retrieve the Heaven-Level Ores from the center to prevent any accidents."


    Lian then turned to look at Reliance before saying.


    "Elder Reliance, you probably know how greedy others can become if they hear about Heaven-Level ores. Would you mind staying here to guard the mine for a few days? We will ignore the Earth-Level Ores for now and put all our effort into retrieving the Luminun Ore first."


    Elder Reliance didn''t mind. However, Reliance didn''t really stay behind but left Zunzun taking care of it instead. Zunzun was a Stage Six Demon Beast, so his Spiritual Sense perception was much bigger. Not to mention that no one would pay attention to the little Fire Tanager.


    Rean was practicing Formations with Droman once again when Reliance returned.


    "So, it''s Luminun Ore, uh?"


    Rean had also studied the several records in the Blacksmith Hall after entering the Dalamu Sect, so he already knew about it. Luminun Ore was a semi-transparent Ore at the Middle Heaven-Level, which almost looked like glass. However, just like Zarkarian Ore, it was super resistant and light, which was great for defensive equipment.


    The only problem was that Rean was far from reaching the level necessary to work with Heaven-Level Ores, so he didn''t know what kind of work he would be able to do with it. He couldn''t even forge Peak Earth-level to start with.


    "Well, it''s supposed to be Kentucky''s food anyway. I hope to get a few kilograms since I''ll need to feed him around 100 grams every five days."


    Reliance shrugged his shoulder.


    "Well, even if you run out of Heaven-Level ores, it''s not like he will die. Just leave him without any until you can acquire more."


    Droman, who was by the side, took the opportunity and passed a bag to Reliance.


    "Here are your Formation Flags. I''ll make it free this time since you helped find that Ore Deposit."


    Rean looked at the Formations Flags and asked.


    "Are these the flags used by those who don''t know much about formations?"


    Droman nodded.


    "Yes. However, they are costly to forge and repair. Even Nascent Soul Realm cultivators would rarely have them. If Reliance wasn''t quite rich himself, he probably wouldn''t use it either."


    Reliance laughed.


    "That''s all thanks to Zunzun, Lanlan, and Jinjin. Anyway, the flags I got are area restriction flags. As long as I position them correctly, I can seal an area around 100km wide. It''s very convenient when you are trying to tame some strong demon beast and don''t want it to escape."


    Reliance then talked with Rean for a while longer before leaving. He would stay in the Sect for a few days to wait for the removal of the Heaven-Level Ores, so he could come to see Rean another time.


    Soon, the news that the Dalamu Sect found an enormous deposit of Zarkarian Ore with Luninun Ore at the center spread. Unfortunately, none of the Sects and the Royal Family could do anything. If it was outside, they could contest for it. Too bad that it was inside the Dalamu Sect''s range. In the end, they could only look and do nothing about it.


    Still, Lian underestimated the Zarkarian Ore. He thought he would reach the center of the deposit in at most two weeks, but it took him an entire month. Of course, that was also good news since it meant they had even more Zarkarian Ore than expected. Nonetheless, they were able to acquire the Lunimun Ore at the center.


    During this month, Reliance spent a lot of time with Rean and Kentucky. Well, he mostly ignored Rean and only paid attention to the Demon Beast itself. It''s just that the Minokawa, Kentucky, hated to be far away from Rean or Roan, so Rean had to tag along. During his studies, he came up with a training schedule for Rean to follow from now on.


    Another one who liked to visit Kentucky was none other than Malaka. She loved to hug the fluffy plumpy chick the most. At first, Rean and Reliance tried to stop her because of the sharp feathers and the scales hidden under Kentucky''s plumage. However, it turned out that Kentucky could also control their resilience, making them soft as real feathers or hard as blades. That was another thing that Reliance didn''t know about Minokawas. Or perhaps, that was a result of the mutation as well. Malaka always used the free days that Mia gave her to come and see the Minokawa.


    The other person who didn''t stop his training was Roan under Old Worm''s teachings. During his time, Roan was able to consolidate his Middle Earth-Level Alchemist status. Just as Old Worm expected, Roan''s Dark and Light Elements were just way too good for concocting neutral pills. He believed that Roan won''t take more than three or four months to become a High Earth-Level Alchemist. Too bad that Roan''s cultivation would become a limitation after that. Just like Rean''s blacksmithing abilities, Roan would need to wait until he was in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm or at least close to it to be able to advance into the Peak-Level.


    Of course, neither Rean nor Roan forgot about cultivating. Their night times were always spent in their rooms, where they focused on it. Thanks to that, they were even closer to the Peak of the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. By now, they had already finished stabilizing their cultivation with the pill Roan made for them.


    Finally, Elder Reliance came to see Rean one day to deliver the Luminun Ore extracted from the Ore Deposit. Rean was delighted to find out that 50% of the ores gave him a total of almost 10kg! Don''t look down on this number. If Rean tried to sell it, he probably would get around 10,000 Rank Four Spirit Stones! That was a fortune! One should remember that almost no one was willing to part with their Rank Four Spirit Stones to start with, even if you had the money. This rank of Spirit Stones was essential for the cultivation progress of those at the Nascent Soul Realm and above. After all, almost nothing was more important than one''s cultivation.


    Since Luminun Ore was a Middle Heaven-Level Spiritual Ore, Rean had to feed around 100 grams every five days. That meant Rean had enough to last for 500 days! How could he not be happy?


    Rean wasn''t sad that everything would turn into Kentucky''s food. After all, it was Kentucky himself who found it. Besides, he received 10% of the High Earth-level Zarkarian Ore, which he would use to make some defensive equipment for him, Roan, and Malaka.


    And just like that, Rean and Roan continued to train and cultivate. In the end, they reached the Peak of the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment after another month. With that, they still had two months before the Universal Restraint.


    Rean and Roan were pondering when to breakthrough into the Peak Stage of Foundation Establishment when Mia called them over.


    "In two month, the Profound Abyss will open. The Sect has five slots in total. Three of these slots are for you two and Malaka. Make sure you two are ready."


    The twins looked at each other with puzzled expressions as they asked.


    "What is this Profound Abyss?"

 Chapter 229 - Invitation

    Mia then explained.


    "That''s one of the areas that the Imperial Family of our Sasamil Empire prepared for the young ones. There are quite a few of them around the Empire as well. This one, specifically, is a place where Decaying Energy is constant."


    Mia continued to tell everything she knew about the Profound Abyss. How all the countries around would participate, and how a few young members of the Empire''s Capital''s Powers would also be present. She talked about the berserk demon beasts, the Vermilion Pools'' effects on one''s meridians, the Decaying Fog, etc. Last but not least, she talked about the surge. After she finished, Mia took out two pill bottles and threw them at Rean and Roan, who quickly grabbed them.


    "These are Anti Decaying Pills. Usually, no one would get them since that was supposed to be a training ground. However, the surge is most likely to hit the Profound Abyss while it''s open. Once that happens, the concentration of Decaying Fog will increase by more than ten times. There will also be several waves of Decaying Energy that will sweep the Profound Abyss, which are far more potent. With just the natural protection of your bodies and Spiritual Energy, it will be far from enough to resist it."


    Roan opened the pill bottle, and a thin dark fog began to emit out of it. Inside, he could see a black pill emitting that fog. He then used his Spiritual Energy to grab that fog and looked closely at it.


    "Quite a weird pill."


    Mia nodded.


    "Yes, but don''t worry. The dark fog of the pills are quite different from the Profound Abyss. After you consume it, the pill''s energy will spread through your body, especially the meridians. It will act as a barrier that will prevent most of the Decaying Fog''s Energy from entering your body. Each one of you has five pills. Malaka will also have the same amount."


    Rean then asked.


    "The abyss will be open for two weeks, right? Are five pills enough?"


    "There is no point in making more than it. This kind of pill isn''t exactly that good for the body. Because of that, you will develop resistance against it. The first pill will last a day, the second will last half a day, the third 6 hours, the fourth 3, and the last one would only take effect for one hour. Any other pill after that will have no effect whatsoever. You would need to wait at least half a year before your body can retake it."


    Roan wasn''t surprised by that.


    "That''s just how pills work. Still, this one loses its effect a lot faster than normal ones. It seems like you used something from inside the abyss that also has that so-called Decaying Fog Energy. That''s why it happened."


    Mia nodded.


    "Yes. Anyway, as long as you reach the Vermilion Pools, you don''t need to be afraid of the Decaying Fog. Besides, it''s not like you can''t protect yourself against the surge without the pills. There are several safe spots inside the profound abyss where the Decaying Fog''s Energy is weak. Most of the participants will probably rely on it to rest before they continue moving forward. You two should do the same thing and hold back on using the pills as much as possible. After all, this is supposed to be training."


    Rean and Roan agreed with Mia''s words.


    "By the way, what are the rules of the Profound Abyss?"


    Mia already expected the question, hastily responding.


    "There is only one rule. Everyone is an enemy. There are only that many Vermillion Pools, far from enough to support every single cultivator. That being said, no one will hold back inside when it comes to the ''negotiations'' regarding the spots. Others will attack to kill, and you should do the same."


    "Well, there is also the fact that you must be out before the two weeks are over. Otherwise, the Profound Abyss will be sealed again until it opens once more. Simply put, you will be trapped inside."


    Roan was quite satisfied with the ''rules.'' That was the kind of environment he wanted to be in. There was no better way to test one''s strength than life and death situations.


    It was then that Rean thought about something.


    "Right! What about Kentucky? He definitely will throw a tantrum if we leave him behind."


    Of course, Rean could send him into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. However, no one knew about its existence, so it would be weird if Kentucky simply disappeared.


    Mia shrugged her shoulders before responding.


    "Well, you can simply lock him down here in the sect. Even if he throws a tantrum, we are more than capable enough of holding a Stage Two Demon Beast down. I''ll see that he gets fed during this time."


    However, Roan thought about another possibility.


    "Do tame demon beasts use a slot as well? If possible, I would prefer to bring it with us."


    Mia shook her head.


    "Tame demon beasts are also considered part of the cultivator''s strength. That being said, you can bring one with you without using a slot. Of course, the limit is a single demon beast for each cultivator. Also, they must not be above Stage Three, which is equivalent to Core Formation Realm cultivators. However, Kentucky is just a kid, right? Are you sure you want to bring him together?"


    Rean was also surprised that Roan asked for something like that. After all, he isn''t very fond of the Minokawa. However, Rean knew that Roan would never make such a request without a plausible reason, so he didn''t ask why.


    "In that case, we will bring Kentucky as well. This will be an excellent chance to have it gain some combat experience."


    Mia narrowed her eyes. She and Droman were the only ones other than Rean and Roan that Reliance told about the Minokawa. If possible, Mia didn''t want it to die since Kentucky might find other rare ore mines for them in the future. Besides, Kentucky isn''t just a Metal Detector. He is bound to become a powerful demon beast in the future.


    "I don''t have any other Anti-Decaying Pills for it. You better reconsider it."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/invitation_50209205545651740 for visiting.


    Roan shook his head in response as he replied.


    "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing."


    In the end, Mia sighed before nodding.


    "Alright, but you better take care of it. Otherwise, Reliance will skin you two alive."


    The twins nodded.


    "By the way, the sect has five slots, right? Who are the other two coming with us?"


    Mia already knew that question was coming.


    "One of them is Tive Zu, a disciple at the Peak Stage of the Core Formation Realm from the Inner Sect. The last one is Weren Kalave, the previous Red Color Aptitude disciple that joined the sect before Agis Kexidor. He is at the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Don''t look down on his Middle Stage cultivation, though. He can even fight Tive Zu to a standstill even though he is two stages below."


    Rean and Roan obviously remembered Agis. After all, the Soul Gem System forced the twins to save Agis'' group from the Stage Three Demon Beast during the entrance exam. At the affinity test, Agis was the one only to show a Red Color Aptitude, which would only appear every few years.


    "So, he has the same aptitude as that kid back then. Now that I think about it, I haven''t seen Agis Kexidor ever since the exam was over. He never appeared in the fighting arenas, either."


    Mia nodded.


    "He was taken as a Legacy Disciple by one of our Core Elders, Ranka. Of course, the sect rules are the same for everyone, so he had to start in the outer sect. However, instead of training him in the sect, Ranka brought him to train outside. They only appeared in the sect when Ranka wanted Agis to take missions to gain Sect Points. Other than that, the only time they appeared was when Ranka had Agis take the Inner Sect test. He passed that quite easily after defeating one of the Inner Sect disciples. It seems like Agis is putting a lot of effort into his training, so Ranka quite likes him."


    Mia obviously knew about Agis''s steps. Red Color Aptitude disciples are very rare, so as the Sect Master, she had to keep an eye on them. Just like Malaka''s Water Element, the sect didn''t lack Fire Element cultivation manuals and resources. Thanks to that, Ranka was able to help Agis reach the Peak Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    "Well, that''s probably because of what happened during the entrance exam. We killed the Alpha Wolf with lower cultivations while he could only watch without doing nothing. At that time, his cultivation was a stage higher than us, not to mention that he was very prideful. Seeing that we were far stronger even though we had lower cultivations definitely hurt that pride. Of course, this is just speculation."


    Well, the fact was that Roan was spot on! If he saw Agis today, he might even ask if he is the same kid from a year ago.


    "Alright. That is all for now. In forty days, Elder Reliance will bring you five to the Profound Abyss. I was quite surprised to see a selfish man like him volunteering to do it. Perhaps, he already knew that you would bring Kentucky together, so he wanted to guarantee its safety since there will be many experts there."


    Rean and Roan nodded. They knew about Reliance''s three demon beasts, so they would definitely be safe during the journey, at least.


    After that, the twins left the hall. It was then that Rean commented.


    "Now that I think about it, we haven''t joined the inner sect yet."

 Chapter 230 - Inner Sect Rules

    Roan didn''t seem to care about their current positions that much.


    "Is there any point in entering the Inner Sect? We basically have everything we need. Inner Sect Members have access to the cultivation tower, but we already have it. They also get more cultivation resources like Spirit Stones and pills. However, we already don''t lack Spirit Stones. As for pills, I''m the only one who can create pills compatible with our elemental affinity. Neutral Pills are even easier to make thanks to our two elements."


    Rean then remembered something.


    "Oh, right! Didn''t you want to check the cultivation and skill manuals and things like that to take reference? Outer Sect disciples like us have limited access to them. We can''t go past the first floor of the cultivation repository. But if we join the inner sect, we will get access to the inner sect manuals."


    Only now did Roan remember that. Indeed, he had used other skill manuals to help him develop the next skills of the Death Style. Malaka''s Staff Skill was one of them.


    In the end, he couldn''t help but nod his head.


    "That would be helpful."


    But it was then that he pondered.


    "However, isn''t it easier to simply ask Mia? After everything you did for the sect, she wouldn''t mind letting us look at those books."


    Rean then shrugged his shoulders.


    "Where is the fun in that? Besides, let''s not use our favors for such simple things. Since we can enter the inner sect with ease, let''s do so."


    Roan agreed with Rean in that, and so, the two went directly to the fighting arenas. In the arena, you would need to reach a minimum score to challenge the Inner Sect members. Of course, that wasn''t a problem for Rean and Roan. They had been coming here to practice against each other and other disciples several times, always challenging those with cultivations above themselves. They were already close to the very top between the outer sect disciples.


    They quickly went to the counter where the outer sect disciple received the requests.


    "Oh! It''s you two again. I don''t think anyone in the outer sect wishes to fight you two anymore, though."


    There were several outer sect disciples there at the moment, and no one dared to fight these two little demons anymore, especially the black demon.


    The disciple had taken Rean and Roan''s registration several times, so he knew them quite well.


    Rean shook his head after hearing that.


    "We both came here to challenge an Inner Sect disciple. We have been in the outer sect for a long time already."


    "Really?!"


    Suddenly, all the disciples around went in an uproar!Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/inner-sect-rules_50209235610423929 for visiting.


    "Finally, they are leaving us alone!"


    "I always wondered why they stayed in the outer sect for so long."


    "Isn''t that obvious? They probably like to bully others, but now that there is no one to fight them anymore, they can only join the Inner Sect."


    "Still, it will be a sight to behold. Let''s see how they fare against the Inner Sect disciples!"


    "Uh? What are you talking about? A few of the disciples that joined the Inner Sect in the past few months had already battled those two. Of course, they did that before they entered the Inner Sect. Still, do you think they will be a match against the white and black demons?"


    "This brother is right. The Inner Sect entrance exam, which is the challenge fight, will not pose any threat to those two."


    "Exactly. Besides, the twins are only 13 years old at the moment, no? The Inner Sect doesn''t have anyone below the age of 14 except for Agis. However, Agis is a Red Color Aptitude with a Core Elder as a master, so he doesn''t count."


    "Yep. Because of that, they can challenge any one of the disciples at the very bottom of the Inner Sect. Although the Inner Sect doesn''t have anyone below the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment, the twin demons are also at this stage. Does anyone here believe that they would lose to someone at the same cultivation level?"


    The disciple behind the counter couldn''t help but shrug his shoulders.


    "See? You are doing the right thing by trying to join the Inner Sect."


    Rean and Roan could only sigh at that view. This was the result of their constant appearances over time. However, it was then that Rean noticed another advantage of joining the Inner Sect.


    "Hey. The Inner Sect disciples can fight each other directly. Doesn''t that mean you can challenge those at the Core Formation Realm once we join? The Inner Sect average cultivation is already at the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm. There is no lack of people who can really make you go all out."


    Roan couldn''t help but feel a little moved. There was no one else in the Outer Sect that he wanted to fight or dared to take his challenge. However, that was definitely not a problem for the Inner Sect. He could even find Peak Stage Core Formation Realm disciple to practice on his own.


    "Very well. Let''s go."


    The disciple attending them then asked.


    "You two are very young, so there is no problem with the age difference restriction. The Inner Sect always keeps 1000 disciples, but you can only challenge the 901st disciple and below. If you want to challenge the higher-level ones, you will need to join the Inner Sect and make your way up."


    Rean and Roan looked at each other, puzzled.


    "How does it work?"


    "Once you enter the Inner Sect, you can''t challenge anyone more than 10 positions above you in the position board. After all, the Inner Sect would become chaotic if any 999th position guy tried to challenge the top 100 just to try his luck."


    Rean thought that it was strange.


    "Why would they challenge someone so much stronger?"


    The disciple then explained.


    "You know about the age difference restriction, right? Outer Sect Disciples can''t challenge anyone in the inner sect that is more than one year younger than themselves. That is to prevent old disciples from using their cultivation, which they had accrued for a long time, to defeat a disciple who didn''t have all that time."


    Rean and Roan nodded and waited for the disciple to continue.


    "However, inside the Inner Sect, this restriction doesn''t exist. Anyone of any age can challenge any of the other Inner Sect disciples. Also, the higher you are in the rank, the more resources and benefits you get. Obviously, everyone wants to be as high as possible."


    "To keep things under control, there is a rule where you can''t challenge anyone more than 10 positions above you. Otherwise, we would see meaningless battles where overconfident disciples would throw themselves at the lion''s den for the sake of resources."


    "Also, you must be careful. If you challenge someone above you and win, anyone can challenge you straight away. That means you might have to fight while you have no more energy and are full of injuries. If you lose, it is even worse since those below you can take the same opportunity to take your position in the rank. The only ones who are safe are the ones who were challenged. Whether you win or lose, if you were the one challenged, you get one month of protection."


    "Of course, if you think that you don''t need that one month of protection, you can apply to give it up. Also, to prevent others from abusing this one month of protection, you can''t challenge anyone during this time unless you want to give up that protection. After all, we can''t have disciples challenging others above without being afraid of being challenged by those below."


    Rean and Roan had to admit that the system was well thought out.


    "Simply put, this is a system designed to put the ones who issue the challenges in greater peril than those who receive them. Like that, the latent potential of the disciple can be awakened."


    Roan, who was eager to fight, liked it very much and agreed with that system.


    "Alright, here''s my sect badge. Take the 2000 points and let me select someone to fight."


    Rean did the same thing.


    "Here''s my badge as well."


    They had been doing duties and missions for the sect for almost a year already. 2000 Sect Points was not a problem for them at all.


    As they did that, several disciples that were present in the fighting arenas began to gather. Although no one liked to fight the white and black demons, they definitely loved to watch it. Even some disciples from outside began to gather as well after receiving the information.


    "Alright. Here''s the list. However, it only shows the disciples'' names and cultivation level��nothing else."


    Rean and Roan didn''t mind that, though.


    Roan was the first one to select. He noticed that some of the names were marked in red or blue. The red ones were disciples that had been challenged in the past month, so they had a month of protection. As for the blue ones, they were disciples that were out doing missions. Obviously, there was no way to challenge those since they are not present. Anyway, Roan didn''t want to pass through all the first one hundred people, so he chose the highest possible Inner Sect disciple.


    "903rd one, Limio Sunda. Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm."


    Rean pondered a bit and decided that he might as well do the same thing. He might not be Roan''s match in a one on one, but he was definitely stronger than others.


    "907th place, Fredin Jamot. Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm."


    The disciple behind the counter nodded before saying.


    "Very well. I''ll call them over right away."

 Chapter 231 - Fighting their way through

    Rean and Roan then went to their specific arenas to wait for the two guys to come. Limio and Fredin weren''t expecting that, though. After all, every time someone wanted to join the Inner Sect, they would select someone at the very bottom of the list. Still, rules were rules, so they had to appear.


    However, they soon found out who were the challengers. Even though Rean and Roan were part of the outer sect, the demon twins were quite famous already. Especially after the Umbral Energy event, where everyone found out that Rean could heal it. Besides, even before that, a few people heard about the two twins with rare elemental affinities.


    Fredin and Limio then went up to the stage. However, they weren''t idiots to underestimate the twins. After all, they wouldn''t be challenged by then if they were not confident.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/fighting-their-way-through_50256117342729808 for visiting.


    It was then that Limio, who was Roan''s opponent, remembered something.


    "I''ve heard that you and your brother can use each other''s elements to fight, and that your hair color changes into a mix of black and white when it happens. However, this is the Inner Sect exam. You can only rely on yourself to get inside. That being said, you are prohibited from using your brother''s help."


    The disciples around heard that and had to admit that Limio was right. It doesn''t matter how one looked at it. Using someone else''s element is definitely the same as receiving their help.


    Rean''s opponent, Fredin, also heard that statement. He didn''t waste any time and repeated Limio''s words.


    "The same goes for you. If you want to join the Inner Sect, you will have to rely on yourself."


    Rean and Roan nodded in the end. They were indeed going to use the elements exchange since they were stronger that way. However, they couldn''t deny that Limio and Fredin''s words were correct.


    "Very well, no elements exchange then."


    The arenas also had a few elders that acted as judges for important events. Fights for the Inner Sect position was obviously one of them. They were there to prevent anyone from intervening and to make sure that no one died. After all, the sect can''t have their best talents killing each other. No sect would be idiotic enough to let their geniuses die like that.


    "Killing or permanently crippling your opponent is forbidden. Anyone who breaks these rules shall be punished accordingly. If I see that a victor has already been decided, I will stop the fight. Alright, you can start now."


    Still, before the fight started, Rean and Roan exchanged a few thoughts.


    ''We can''t use each other''s elements. However, our swords can already gather the opposite element. We usually use our elemental exchange to hide this fact, but we can''t do it now. I don''t want people to know about my sword''s special abilities yet, so make sure you don''t use it either. Anyway, my White and Black Stars should still be strong enough even if we don''t do that.''


    Roan nodded, not caring too much.


    ''Alright.''


    Right after, the Dark Elements gathered around Roan as he dashed forward. He might not be as fast as Rean without the Life Style First Form. But he was definitely a lot faster than those at his level. Of course, his opponent was an Initial Stage Core Formation Realm cultivator, so Roan was only able to match his speed.


    Nonetheless, Limio was shocked to see that Roan could be as fast as him. Fortunately for him, he already expected that the black demon was strong, so he reacted swiftly. Limio took out his saber and immediately counterattacked. The Lightning Element then gathered around his blade as he used one of his skills.


    ''Chaotic Lightning Slash!''


    Lightning spread out of his saber, sealing Roan''s escape routes as the main blade appeared above Roan''s head. Limio was already in the Core Formation Realm. Naturally, he could already use his cultivation advantage to bring out skills.


    Roan wasn''t any slower, though.


    ''Death Style, First Defensive Form, Reversive Arcs!''


    Dark Element gathered on Roan''s White Star. Soon after, his hands moved in several arcs, creating threads of Dark Element in mid-air. This version of the defensive form was weaker than the real one. After all, it did not have Rean''s Light Element to increase the Dark Threads'' resistance.


    However, Roan wasn''t fighting a Late Stage Core Formation Realm like in the past. Besides, his own cultivation went up a stage as well. That being said, the Dark Elemental Threads were enough to stop both the lightning coming at him and the lightning-imbued saber right in front.


    *Zap, Zap, Zap, Zap...*


    Lightning sounds spread around as the Dark Thread destroyed them. Right in front, Dark Threads and Limio''s saber were in a lockdown. However, it was apparent that Roan''s Dark Threads were on the verge of breaking. They definitely wouldn''t hold for more than a second. That showed just how much weaker the Reversive Arcs were when the Light Element was not present. Still, Roan stopped Limio''s full power attack with his Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation. Limio wasn''t underestimating Roan, but he found it hard to believe that Roan could stop his attack just like that.


    Suddenly, a faint smile appeared on Roan''s lips, which made Limio feel a chill on his back.


    "Not good!"


    Limio shot back at full speed, but Roan didn''t give him time to run. The Dark Threads could only stop Limio''s attack for a single second, but for Roan, that was more than enough. Why? That''s because it left his hands free to use his White Star! At the same time that Limio shot back, Roan exploded forward with all his strength. Both had similar speeds in that situation. Since Limio was already so close to Roan, he had no chance to increase their distance anymore.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Soon, three dark swords aimed at Limio''s head, throat, and heart, respectively. Still, Limio was a genius of the sect and a Core Formation Realm cultivator.


    ''Lightning Suppression!''


    His body released massive amounts of lightning while he brandished his saber, created a protective layer of pure lightning! Roan''s three swords hit that layer at the same time.


    *Bzzzzz!*


    The Three Claws of the Dragon consisted of two semi-real swords and one real. The semi-real ones only have 70% of the real sword''s power, so they were still stopped by Limio''s Lightning Suppression. However, the third one was a lot stronger. Besides, Limio didn''t know which one of the three was the real one, so he used his saber to stop the most dangerous one aimed at his throat. Too bad, though. That was a semi-real one. Roan''s White Star then pierced through Limio''s Lightning Layer, going straight for his heart!


    It was too fast, it was too sudden! Even the elder didn''t have time to act to stop it anymore. In the end, he could only shout.


    "Stop!"


    The moment Roan heard that voice, his White Star froze in place. That''s what he was waiting for, the elder''s declaration.


    Everyone looked at that scene where Roan''s White Start tip made a small drop of blood come out of Limio''s chest. He was moving so fast just a split-second ago, but he was able to stop it instantly. It was evident that Roan had planned it from the start. However, his attack was so brutal, and his killing intent was so strong that everyone thought he was really trying to kill Limio.


    The elder had already braced himself to send Limio to the Doctors'' building, expecting to get a dead disciple.


    ''What a terrifying control over one''s own strength. Even I can''t be this precise.''


    Roan then retracted his White Star as Limio kneeled on the ground with his body fully covered in sweat. He really felt like Roan wanted his life just a second ago.


    ''May I never fight you in my life again.''


    Those were his first thoughts.


    The elder quickly composed himself and announced.


    "Winner, Roan Larks!"


    Roan nodded, not appearing to be that happy with the result. He simply sheathed his sword and stepped down of the arena. At the same time, he looked at Rean''s fight against Fredin, which was still ongoing.


    ''Hey, Nightingale. How long will you take to finish it?''


    Rean''s mouth twitched while he exchanged attacks with his opponent.


    ''F.u.c.k you! Don''t you know that I''m not as strong as you? Ordinary people need time to adjust, you know? Besides... call me Doctor Wilson.''


    Roan snorted, though.


    ''Wilson was a man, but you are moving like a lady over there. What''s wrong with Nightingale? If you put on a dress, I might think that you are dancing in a ball.''


    Roan was usually very quiet and didn''t like to talk if not necessary. However, when it came to cursing Rean or making him angry, he was more than willing to change his style.


    It was then that Roan had an idea and sent the Judge a Spiritual Sense message.


    Rean felt like crying. Thanks to his Light Element, Rean was a lot faster than Roan when using his Life Style First Form. However, his combat prowess wasn''t even close. Because of that, Fredin could still use his advantage in cultivation to fend off Rean''s attack. Rean kept moving everywhere while using one skill after another. Anyone could see that Rean had the absolute advantage in this fight. Still, in Roan''s eyes, that was nothing more than a shameful display.


    The thing was that Rean wasn''t used to fighting without the support of Dark Element. Roan, on the other hand, didn''t have a problem with it. That is basically the difference in experience between the two of them. It''s not something Rean would be able to overcome anytime soon.


    Finally, Fredin couldn''t hold anymore and admitted defeat.


    Rean sighed in relief as he turned around to leave the arena.


    The judge had a puzzled expression on his face. But in the end, he announced as Roan said.


    "Winner, Nightingale!"


    Suddenly, Roan saw the red color of killing intent appearing around himself. However, it was undeniable who wanted to kill him. Seeing that, he looked directly at Rean''s dark face and snorted.


    ''What? Don''t you like it? Then come at me! If you can, of course. Hahaha!''


    Little did Roan notice, but this was the only kind of thing that could make him laugh for real. Sure enough, Roan still remembered that he was brought to this world because of Rean.


    Rean didn''t want anything else at the moment other than to cut Roan''s head off. Unfortunately, he wasn''t Roan''s match in direct combat. There was nothing he could do about that. In the end, Rean could only think to himself.


    ''Hmph! Payback will come.''

 Chapter 232 - Finally a Breakthrough

    After spending quite some time convincing the other disciples that Nightingale was a mistake, Rean and Roan got permission to move into the Inner Sect. The higher the disciple''s position, the higher they lived in the mountain. At the same time, they would also get more Spiritual Energy.


    Well, Rean and Roan had been to the Mountain Peak to visit Mia quite a few times, so they already understood this part. After receiving the room numbers, they took their things and moved up. Of course, Kentucky followed right behind.


    Unfortunately for them, as mentioned before, challengers would not get time to rest; only the challenged would. Once the other disciples discovered that Rean and Roan had joined the Inner Sect and got the 903rd and 907th positions, the disciples lower ranked than them immediately issued a challenge against them.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/finally-a-breakthrough_50256157608037749 for visiting.


    The number 909th challenged Roan while the 916th challenged Rean. Of course, they didn''t see the battles that the twins went through. Otherwise, they definitely wouldn''t have made such an idiotic decision. Neither Rean nor Roan got any injuries to start with. They were both okay with Spiritual Energy as well. In the end, the two challengers ended up getting a good beating. The ones below them in the rank didn''t waste that chance either and immediately defeated those two once more. With that, Rean and Roan''s challengers suffered a terrible setback. Well, neither Rean nor Roan cared about it anyway.


    Of course, the other disciples that were present made sure to check their fight this time. After all, they were two battles at the Inner Sect level, different from the Outer Sect challenging an Inner Sect. In the end, they all reached a conclusion. It''s better to leave the demon twins alone.


    Later in their room...


    ''The Spiritual Energy here will help quite a bit.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''They also have a cultivation tower in the Inner Sect, so it should be of higher quality as well. Let''s go. It''s time to finish our breakthroughs into the Peak Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm.''


    Rean also agreed with Roan, and the two left their new rooms just a few moments after they arrived. But before that, Rean gave one of the Luminun Ores to Kentucky to eat. Unsurprisingly, the big guy immediately swallowed it and went to sleep. Rean already got used to this and knew that the Minokawa wouldn''t awaken anytime soon. That was more than enough time to have their breakthroughs.


    Mia''s token could be used in the Inner Sect, too, so the two did not have to pay for the time to use it.


    Immediately, they retrieved Rank Two Spirit Stones from the Soul Gem Realm and inserted them in the Energy Gathering Formations.


    ''Sister Orb, how are our foundations at the moment?''


    [Well, you two haven''t gone out to battle even once during the last few months with your Late Stage cultivation. Usually, that is the best way to solidify the Foundation during the cultivation time. However, your foundations were already in their best condition in the previous Middle Stage, so it was not affected much during this Late one. It should still be fine if you want to enter the Peak Stage now. However, do not rush with your cultivation while you are in the Peak Stage. Take your time to let the Foundation stabilize on its own.]


    [Oh, right! Because you are making breakthroughs like this, your foundations will be a lot more chaotic than in the perfect conditions after you are over. That being said, you probably will need at least three months before you can start cultivating again. I advise you to not try using the Cultivation Stabilizing Pills this time since it would be forcing your Foundation to calm down way too fast. Give your Foundations time to get used to its own energy naturally.]


    For Roan, that was already good enough. He thought about going out to do some missions during the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. However, the Universal Restraint was getting close. He was afraid that something might have gone wrong during it, so he decided to sacrifice some stability for safety. After the breakthrough, they could take extra time to properly recover their Foundation to its peak state while slowly cultivating.


    ''Alright.''


    Rean and Roan then focused on their Light and Dark Element manuals as they began their breakthrough. Sister Orb also checked their condition through the Light and Dark Soul Connection to prevent any mishaps.


    Once again, Spiritual Energy began to rush into their ten Foundation Pillars that had broken through their Dantians in the past. Rean''s Dark Element Pillar and Roan''s Light Element Pillar also helped them with the Elemental Exchange that kept the balance of their cultivation.


    Soon, their pools of Spiritual Energy, which was already filled up to the brim, began to overflow. Eventually, there was so much Spiritual Energy that the Spiritual Pool, where the ten Pillars were present, couldn''t hold Spiritual Energy anymore. With that, Rean and Roan used the entire energy in their Spiritual Pools to attack the Peak Stage Bottleneck.


    The process was basically the same as the previous stages'' breakthroughs. Their Foundation began to expand, and so did the Spiritual Energy pool. Finally, the pool increased in size as the Spiritual Energy inside was almost entirely used up. The Light and Dark Element that helped with the process also stopped pouring inside due to the lack of Spiritual Energy.


    In the end, Rean and Roan spent two hours to finish their breakthroughs. However, it was just as Sister Orb said. Their cultivations in their dantians was a lot more chaotic than when they entered the Late Stage. That was the price of having a breakthrough before the conditions were perfect.


    *Pin!*


    [Congrtulations, Hosts! You have successfully reached the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. The first condition to resist the Universal Restraint has been completed.]


    [Reward: Authority Level +1.]


    After that, the Soul Gem System went silent once more.


    Rean and Roan didn''t expect that. After all, the System told them about the incoming Universal Restraint, but it didn''t say anything about a possible reward.


    Right after, Sister Orb was the one to talk with them.


    [Well, that was an unexpected reward. Anyway, an extra Authority Level will always be welcome.]


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''But it said that only the first condition was fulfilled. We already have more than 1000 Destiny Points, right? Shouldn''t the second condition be completed as well?''


    Back then, the Soul Gem System stated that they would need both the cultivation and 1000 Destiny Points to resist the Universal Restraint.


    [Don''t worry. The Destiny Points were really the second condition for it. However, this condition will only be completed when the Universal Restraint comes down. Simply put, the Soul Gem System will use those 1000 Destiny Point as ''fuel'' to protect your bodies and souls. So, be sure to keep 1000 points at all costs.]


    Rean and Roan sighed in relief.


    ''That''s good then. By the way, it''s been a few months already. Our Router Formation is not complete yet, but the Imperial Family must have already started expanding their own cables around the capital and nearby cities, no? Surely it gave us quite a few more Destiny Points.''


    Sister Orb agreed with him.


    [That''s correct. You had 1289 Destiny Points after you bought the Alchemy Workshop and Electrical Formations Repository. However, that was three months ago. By now, your Communication System and the Steel Works that is also expanding already gave you another 713 points. Of course, as I mentioned in the past, you are getting almost no more points from the Steel Works. From the 713 that you got, only 47 came from it. At the moment, you two have 2002 Destiny Points.]


    Rean wasn''t surprised by that. He was already not getting much from the Steel Works anyway.


    ''So we got more than 1000 points free for use. Roan, what do you think?''


    Roan pondered a bit and decided to take a look at the reward list first. Of course, they returned to their rooms first before entering the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    [Tiger Bones - 500 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Spiritual Sense Absorption Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points] (5% At the moment)


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 2 - 800 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Yin Yang Bathhouse - Reward from Destiny Strugglers Title]


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 2 �C 1500 Destiny Points] (300km)


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop - 400 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop Upgrade Level 2- 1000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points] (New)


    ''I doubt that the level 2 of the Alchemy Workshop or the Formations Repository will make much of a difference. Besides, we would have only 1002 points once we buy any of those. I don''t like this proximity to the limit number, so we better leave them aside.''


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    ''In that case, the Spiritual Sense Absorption Upgrade Level 2 is also out of the question. That leaves us with Tiger Bones and Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 2. As for the Blacksmith Workshop, I doubt that Level 1 will give me anything useful. Also, I need to wait for my cultivation increase before I can try to forge anything of a higher level anyway.''


    ''By the way, our Authority Level just increased one level. Did it not give us anything new?''


    [Nope!]


    For some reason, Sister Orb''s nonchalant answer annoyed the twins quite a bit.


    ''Well, aren''t we going into that Profound Abyss in a month? We might as well get the Tiger Bones.''


    Rean agreed with Roan, and they finally made their decision.


    [Tiger Bones - 500 Destiny Points]


    [Confirm Selection?]


    ''Yes!''


    It was then that Rean remembered something.


    "Ah! We forgot!"


    Right after... the twins were contorting like two worms on the ground due to the pain.


    [I wish I had a camera to take a picture.]


    "F.u.c.k you!"

 Chapter 233 - Universal Restraint and the Profound Abyss

    The process took around one hour to finish, just like last time. In the end, the twins were drenched in cold sweat. Sure enough, there was no way they could get used to that.


    "I hate this shit!"


    "Indeed. However, it''s already over, so let''s forget about it."


    Roan then got up and performed a few movements. He wanted to see how much his body had improved with the new bones. Rean, of course, was also curious, so he did the same.


    "Exchange a few blows with me."


    "Alright."


    The twins then sparred in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm for a few minutes. As one could expect, Rean received a good beating. Still, as the Light Element user, he recovered from those blows almost instantly. Well, they were just bruises to start with. It was not surprising that bruises disappeared that fast for him, who can heal severe injuries in seconds.


    Roan also wanted to test his own body resistance, so he allowed Rean to hit him several times during that spar. He was also able to heal very fast by using their Soul Connection to get the Light Element. Of course, not as quickly as Rean.


    "Alright, that''s enough."


    Rean nodded and stopped.


    "As expected of the Soul Gem Realm Rewards. I feel like my body strength alone increased by at least 10% or so."


    Roan agreed with him.


    "Correct. It''s not as much of an improvement as breaking through a small realm, but it is definitely a significant improvement. When we were in the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment, we fought that Late Core Formation Realm Dual Element user. We had to go all out during that time to barely achieve victory. However, now that I''m two stages higher and got the Tiger Bones, I feel like I can put an even fight against him on my own."


    Rean pondered a bit and then added.


    "Well, that is in the case the battle doesn''t continue for too long, right? If it turns into guerrilla warfare, that guy would probably be victorious due to his much bigger pool of Spiritual Energy."


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Do you think my Death Style would allow for guerrilla warfare? Don''t forget, my Death Style looks for the fastest way to connect a killing strike to the enemy. I will more than welcome anyone who tries to use guerrilla warfare in front of me."


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right. As the second main user of this style, he understood it very well.


    "Anyway, now we need to deal with our last problem."


    Roan knew what Rean was talking about.


    "Indeed."


    "Sister Orb, the Universal Restraint will arrive at the same time as the Profound Abyss opening. However, we don''t want to lose this opportunity. How will it work?"


    [To be honest, I''m not really sure. I know that this half of the Universe will try to use its own power to destroy the intruders. Still, I''m unaware of how it will do that.]


    Rean pondered a bit and then asked.


    "The Profound Abyss will open in two months. To be more exact, it starts in 58 days. How long will it take for the Universal Restraint to arrive?"


    [From what is showing in the Soul Gem System, the Universal Restraint will come during the third day after you entered the Profound Abyss, which means 61 days.]


    Roan asked another thing soon after.


    "Can we undergo the Universal Restraint inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm? That would be the safest option."


    [I would not recommend that. I''m not sure about it. Still, I think if you enter the Dimensional Realm during that time, the Universal Restraint will destroy it so that it can reach you two. Of course, this is just speculation, but the chances are very high. If that happens, the Soul Gem System will be affected, which will obviously affect the protection it can give to you two.]


    [But that''s not the worst that can happen. Suppose the Soul Gem System is destroyed during the process instead. In that case, there will be nothing there to protect you two against the Universal Restraint. Without a doubt, that will mean instant Roan!]


    Roan''s mouth twitched a little after hearing that.


    Rean, on the other hand, agreed with Sister Orb.


    "Indeed. It looks a lot scarier when you put it like that. Who wants an instant ''Roan?'' It''s like a terrible cup noddles mark no one really buys. Let''s stay outside the Dimensional Realm to be safe."


    Roan''s expression darkened as he threatened.


    "Let''s go back to the main topic before I give you a quick ''Roan'' right here. Different from cup noddles, I guarantee my ''Roan'' will be really ''instant.''"


    Rean laughed out loud with Sister Orb, but they didn''t persist with the joke.


    With that over, Roan asked something else.


    "What about the visual effects? What will happen when others see us passing through it?"


    [No idea. It is the first time you and I will see the Universal Restraint. We need to wait to check how it goes.]


    Roan and Rean nodded. You can''t really blame Sister Orb for not knowing something she had never seen before.


    "Alright, we can just try to stay hidden when that time comes. We will deal with it as the situation requires."


    With all of that over, Rean and Roan exited the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. However, Roan was still kinda itchy for some battle, so he went back to the arena to challenge the next opponent, the 895th one. As mentioned before, one can not challenge more than ten positions ahead of oneself in the Inner Sect. The 895th was the highest positioned Inner Sect disciple that was available to fight at that moment.


    As for Rean, he decided to go back to practice Formations and help Droman with the Router Formation. Unlike Roan, he didn''t have an interest in the different skill manuals that Inner Sect disciples have access to or the battles he could have. Also, since he was alone in his own room, he decided to send Kentucky into the Dimensional Realm. It was better than having it start to scream because no one was around and get into trouble.


    Still, Roan gave him a warning through their Soul Connection.


    ''We just had a breakthrough, and our cultivations are very chaotic. The Inner Sect disciples are a perfect opportunity to help stabilize it through battles. I don''t care if you spend more time with Formations, but you should also try to reach the Inner Sect disciples at the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Besides, you need to practice more to fight with your Light Element alone if such a situation arises in the future.''


    Rean pondered a bit and replied.


    ''Alright. It''s just that Elder Droman and I are very close to completing the Router Formation, so I want to help him finish it.''


    That was indeed a good reason to not start it now. After all, the Router Formation was directly linked to their Destiny Points'' rewards.


    ''How long before you complete it?''


    Rean smiled as he replied.


    ''Version 1.0 should be ready for tests in two weeks or so. Droman and I already prepared a few cities with the correct cabling work to receive it too. Once he goes out to test the formation, I''ll go to the arena to challenge the higher-ranked disciples.''


    Roan nodded and didn''t ask anymore.


    As one could imagine, Roan coming down to challenge the next disciples so fast like that caught a lot of attention. However, what really surprised everyone was that he had a breakthrough into the Foundation Establishment''s Peak Stage! Because of that, quite a crowd gathered to see Roan''s fights while he tried to go up in the rank.


    Rean didn''t care about any of that, though. He quickly arrived at the Formations Hall and found out that Elder Reliance was also there, talking with him.


    "Oh! You are back. Wait, you entered the Peak Stage of Foundation Establishment?"


    Rean smiled and nodded.


    "Roan and I were already at the peak of the Late Stage before, so we just needed to take the last step."


    Reliance narrowed his eyes before warning.


    "Your cultivation is progressing too fast. If you continue like this, your foundation will suffer the consequences."


    Rean agreed with Reliance too.


    "Don''t worry, we already decided that we will let our cultivations stabilize naturally. We will only try a breakthrough in the Core Formation Realm once after we have reinforced it as much as possible."


    Reliance''s expression finally relaxed as he looked around.


    "That''s good then. By the way, where is Kentucky?"


    "I just gave him another piece of Luminun Ore. He is now sleeping in my room while digesting it."


    Reliance nodded, satisfied.


    "That''s good then."


    He then turned to Droman before saying.


    "Droman, I''ll leave that in your hands then. I still need to prepare a few things for the Profound Abyss travel, so I''ll take my leave."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/universal-restraint-and-the-profound-abyss_50256491256537205 for visiting.


    With that, Reliance disappeared from the room.


    Rean, of course, was curious about it.


    "What was that about?"


    Droman shrugged his shoulders, not minding that much.


    "It''s just a few upgrades he wants to make to his Formations Flags. It seems like they aren''t that useful for him anymore now that he is already at the Peak of the Nascent Soul Realm."


    Droman then changed the topic.


    "Anyway, that thing can wait. Come take a look at this. You won''t understand the rune arrangement at your level, but I want your opinion on the concept behind it."


    Rean nodded and immediately began to work with Droman.


    And just like that, the days began to pass.

 Chapter 234 - Good Enough for Tests

    As Rean expected, he and Droman finished Router Formation Version 1.0 fifteen days later. Rean, of course, explained what he meant by ''version.'' In the future, they would have to upgrade it, add different runes, etc. So for each new version, they should preserve the entire building process, guaranteeing that they knew exactly what they did in the past.


    Droman looked at the enormous formation and couldn''t help but sigh in response, though.


    "This thing ended up being a lot bigger than I wanted."


    Rean just laughed out loud, though. He still remembered seeing a doc.u.mentary about the first computers that occupied giant rooms. Their formation could be said to have more or less the same size, which Rean was already expecting.


    "There''s no helping it. For Version 1.0, this is already good enough. Besides, our sect won''t find any issue in freeing enough space in the cities to use one of these guys. We had to do the runes this big so that we knew what was happening. If we used extremely tiny ones like those used in your Heaven Plate, it would be too difficult to tell what was occurring. For test purposes, this is the best we can do. In the future, once we find a more perfect combination of runes, we can start to shrink its size. Besides, I''ve been thinking about an entirely new concept of Electrical Formations that I plan to show you soon."


    Droman''s eyes lit up.


    "A new concept of Electrical Formations? How does it work?"


    Rean smiled and shook his head.


    "That will be a surprise. Once I''m sure about its practical use, I''ll show it to you."


    Obviously, Rean was talking about the Circuitry Formations that he saw in the ''Introduction to Circuitry Formations'' article. It was the one that appeared in the Electrical Formations Repository inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    Rean then looked at Elder Droman before saying.


    "I couldn''t help much with the overall work since I don''t understand most of the runes. Most of the work was done by Elder Droman alone."


    Droman shook his head.


    "Without you, I wouldn''t ever think about such a thing. Anyway, let''s stop with this sentimental crap. I already have all the building process recorded in the jade slips. I''ll take the other high-level formations master of our Formations Hall and share the work with them. I want to have these formations ready to work in at most two months."


    Rean nodded. The formation was very hard to make, and there would be a need for hundreds of it in the entire Dalamu Sect territory. Two months to build all the necessary ones for testing was already a quick result.


    "That''s good. I should be back from the Profound Abyss before the tests start, then."


    Droman narrowed his eyes and warned Rean.


    "The Vermilion Pools are great, but there is no need to put your life on the line for it. I''m sure that you will reach the Nascent Soul Realm with your and Roan''s talents even without it. Make sure to put your lives above anything else. If the opponent is too strong, retreat immediately. There is no shame in living to see the next day."


    Rean smiled after hearing that. He knew that Droman was just worried about him.


    "Don''t worry, Elder Droman. We know what we are doing."


    Later that day, several Formation Masters of the Dalamu Sect flew out of the sect in several directions. Each one of them went to a different city to start building the new Router Formations.


    The other sects and the royal family had been watching closely how the Dalamu Sect acted. They had given them the communication system for them to build. They also confirmed that it worked exactly as the reports said��instant communication over long distances. However, they noticed that the Dalamu Sect wasn''t connecting any of the cables in the cities to the main ones leading to other cities. All cities were left with a big space for work that remained with nothing more than several wires disconnected.


    Obviously, that was the space previously prepared for the construction of the Router Formations. All these wires were connected to the most important facilities of those cities like the city guards, the city office, etc. Once the formation was finished, those cables would be connected to it. Only then would two more cables leave it and connect to the main ones leading to other cities.


    Still, it was too early to see whether they would work as well as in the tests. Rean would not see the results before leaving for the Profound Abyss anyway, so he put the matter behind his mind.


    With that done, Rean began to issue challenges in the arenas as well. As Roan mentioned, the Inner Sect disciples would give him a golden opportunity to help stabilize his chaotic foundation and get used to his increase in combat power.


    In the end, he just so happened to arrive when Roan finished another fight. The judge then raised his hand and stated.


    "Winner, Roan Larks!"


    *Wow!*


    The public around went into another uproar.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/good-enough-for-tests_50256544155099422 for visiting.


    "What position did he challenge this time?"


    "It was the 743rd positioned disciple! Mirio Garland. He was at the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm, but he still lost to Roan."


    "Roan is still at the Peak Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm, right? Not to mention that he is only 13 this year. Mario, on the other hand, is already 25! Now I know what a real genius looks like."


    "Yea, but Mirio is still considered a Genius of our Dalamu Sect. Look at Roan. He is full of injuries."


    They were right. It turned out that the level of the Inner Sect disciples was a lot higher than Roan expected. He thought that he could still easily win against those at the Middle Stage, but it turned out that he had to go all out to do so. Of course, the injuries on his body were quite bad but of little concern. As soon as the battle finished, he connected to Rean''s Light Element and began to heal his wounds with the Life Style Second Form.


    For Rean, that was quite a funny thing. Several times while he was practicing formations under Droman''s teaching or helping with the Router Formation, his hair would suddenly change colors without any warning. It couldn''t be helped, though.


    Nevertheless, Roan was delighted with that development. Mario was considered one of the weaker Middle Stage Core Formation Realm Inner Sect Disciples. Still, he already forced him to this state. That meant he would have plenty of practicing partners even before reaching the disciples at the Late Stage.


    In front of everyone, Light Element began to gather around Roan as his hair changed into a mix of white and black colors. Just like that, his injuries began to close at high speeds. In just a minute, not even a scar remained.


    "Sigh... There he goes, using his brother''s Light Element again."


    "Those who make the challenges will not get one-month of protection. Only those who were challenged can get it. Usually, someone would take the chance that Roan just finished a fight to challenge him and take his higher position. But now, no one dares to do so. Look at that. He is back into peak condition already."


    "You should be thankful already. Thanks to the Inner Sect Rules, Roan can''t get outside help during the fights for positions. Otherwise, he could simply heal himself while exchanging blows with others. That would really be a big problem."


    Roan ignored all the comments and came down the arena. Finally, he noticed Rean looking at him in the corner.


    ''You finally here, uh? Did you finish the Router Formation?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''The first version of it is done. Still, I will only know if it works or not once we come back from the Profound Abyss.''


    Roan didn''t mind, though.


    ''That''s fine. We have exactly a month before we leave the sect for it. Take this time and challenge as many Inner Sect disciples as possible. Turns out that they are much stronger than I expect, so this is a good opportunity.''


    Rean nodded and then left to talk with one of the disciples taking care of the arena.


    "I want to challenge a higher ranked disciple."


    That disciple nodded and passed Rean the list with each Inner Sect''s disciple. But it was then that he noticed a familiar name there.


    "What?! Inna Malaka?!"


    Rean immediately contacted Roan through their Soul Connection.


    ''Why didn''t you tell me that Malaka fought for one of the Inner Sect positions?''


    ''Why should I? You locked yourself with Droman during the past two weeks, so I simply thought you were too busy with that Router Formation. Besides, Malaka was more than strong enough to defeat some of the low-ranked ones. After all, she has my Death Style Manual.''


    ''Still, I would at least have taken the time to come to watch it.''


    ''That''s not my problem.''


    Although he was angry, Rean knew that insisting on this topic would be useless since Roan simply didn''t care.


    "899th positioned one, Laco Hearan."


    As one can imagine, the disciples who saw the ''White Demon'' coming up gathered around immediately to watch.


    Too bad for that Laco guy, though. Rean was in a terrible mood, so he ended discounting everything on him. In the end, the judge had to intervene so that the bullying could stop.


    "Winner, Rean Larks."


    Rean noticed that he had gone a little overboard and healed that disciple before leaving the arena again.


    ''Sigh... whatever. I''ll just spend the rest of the month challenging the Inner Sect Disciples like Roan is doing.''


    Time passed in a flash. Finally, the last month before departure was gone. The Dalamu Sect''s five disciples were ready to go to the Profound Abyss.

 Chapter 235 - Leaving the Sect

    At the Sect Master''s Hall of the Dalamu Sect, Rean, Roan, Malaka, Weren, and Tive were gathered together for the trip. Of course, Mia was there too. Other than them, there were just a few elders.


    Of course, Reliance was also there since he would bring and protect the team during the round trip. Tiria and Hulian were there as well since they knew the teams. Droman also took some time to come and see Rean off. Other than them, there was another Core Elder called Ryfon Quilynn. He had appeared once during the Entrance Exam of the Dalamu Sect. He was also Weren''s Master.


    Well, Kentucky was going as well, but he kept waiting outside. After a few months, Rean finally succeeded in training the chick a bit. Now, it could at least stay alone for some time without starting to cry.


    Mia didn''t feel like wasting much time, so she went straight to the main topic.


    "The Profound Abyss is opening in 15 days. However, it is quite far away. You will need to pass through quite a few countries before arriving there. That''s why I''m sending you off ahead of time. Reliance will be in command. I gave him full authority to deal with anyone who doesn''t follow his rules on the way as well."


    "Remember, this is an excellent chance to improve your meridians. Still, know that there are dangers ahead. The other participants will definitely get rid of you if they see that it will increase their chance of acquiring a spot in one of the Vermilion Pools. I know that you are all confident in your own strengths. However, there will be no lack of Core Formation Realm cultivators there, several of them even with Red Color aptitudes. Even Purple Color aptitudes might appear during it due to how many countries are taking part."


    "You are the future of the sect, so make sure to put your own lives above all benefits. Do not show mercy to anyone. I''m adept at attacking first and making questions later, so I hope you can do the same. If you see that getting rid of someone will give you access to the Vermilion Pools, attack to kill since the enemy will definitely do the same."


    "You are bringing the Sect''s name on your back, don''t disappoint me."


    All the disciples bowed at the same time after hearing that.


    "Yes, Sect Master."


    Mia nodded.


    "Good. Reliance, I''ll leave them in your care."


    Reliance laughed as if it wasn''t a big deal.


    "Hahaha! It''s okay. I''ll bring them all back in one piece... as long as they come back alive from the Profound Abyss, that is."


    With that, Rean and the others left the Sect Master Hall with Reliance. After walking a little, they finally saw Kentucky, who seemed to be walking in circles... with an ''oh I''m so bored'' expression.


    "Kentucky!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/leaving-the-sect_50256580377112961 for visiting.


    Malaka immediately rushed at the Minokawa, who also noticed her. For some reason, Kentucky only acted intimate with Malaka other than Rean or Roan.


    She hadn''t seen it for a few weeks since Mia insisted on increasing her training before the Profound Abyss opened.


    In the last few months, Kentucky''s cultivation continued to increase. Although he didn''t step into Stage Three, he was very close to it. He lost quite some of his plumpness. His yellow plumage was almost totally gone, giving space to his Dark and White feathers and scales. He also increased quite a bit in size, surpassing Rean and Roan''s size and being almost as tall as an a.d.u.l.t. Finally, he was looking more like a proper bird than a chick. Well, the chick''s traits were still present, though.


    Malaka immediately hugged the bird, who was supposed to have feathers as sharp as blades and scales as resistant as metal. However, as mentioned before, Kentucky seemed to control this feature, so all Malaka felt was a velvety sensation. Reliance and the twins didn''t know if it was an effect of the mutation or not either. Right after, she jumped on Kentucky''s back, making him her mount. Kentucky didn''t seem to care either and began to play with her.


    Rean sighed as he shook his head. They were just about to go to a place where they might even die, but the girl seemed to not feel the tension at all. On Roan''s side, Weren and Tuve didn''t know what to say either.


    As Malaka played with the bird, Weren took the chance to talk with Rean and Roan. After all, this was the first time seeing them.


    "Hey there, Weren here."


    As mentioned before, Weren was the previous Red Color Aptitude disciple who joined the sect before Agis. He joined the sect six years prior, when he was eleven. Now, with seventeen years, he already reached the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm.


    Although the twin''s bodies'' age was the same as Malaka, eleven years old, they seemed older. Also, they gave the wrong age information to the sect when they joined it, so others think they were thirteen at the moment. That being said, they didn''t look like the kids from back then anymore, but not a.d.u.l.ts either. Well, Weren didn''t seem to intend to treat them as kids either.


    Roan simply gave a small nod while Rean properly complimented the man back.


    "Hi there, I''m Rean Larks. Don''t mind the empty shell beside me. He''s always like that."


    Rean also took the chance to compliment Tuve.


    Tuve was the oldest of the group, being 25 years old at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm. Because of that, he couldn''t help but see Rean and Roan as kids.


    "Oh! Hey there."


    He didn''t seem to have much interest in them, though.


    Neither Rean nor Roan cared. They were already used to the treatment due to their appearances anyway.


    Weren was just about to make a few more questions when suddenly, a cry sounded by their ears. They all looked at the sky and saw a blue eagle with four wings coming down. That was one of Reliance''s tamed demon beasts that he usually left in the sect, a Stage Four Sky Eagle.


    It quickly landed in front of Reliance and extended its head to him. However, it was then that it saw the small Fire Tanager on Reliance''s shoulder. Immediately, it stopped its actions as it retreated a few steps slowly. It knew very well just how strong the Fire Tanager really was.


    Weren and Tuve noticed its fear, but they didn''t see anything that could cause it.


    Reliance just laughed as he said.


    "It''s okay. He won''t touch you. Come here."


    The enormous Sky Eagle finally showed a happy expression. She brought its head down once more so that Reliance could pet it. Zunzun, who was on Reliance''s shoulder, didn''t seem to like it very much, though. It wasn''t only Zunzun. Lanlan and Jinjin also liked to monopolize Reliance for themselves.


    "Alright, that''s enough."


    Reliance then jumped on the Four Winged Sky Eagle''s back and called Rean''s group.


    "You five, jump on Fanfan''s back. She will bring us to the Profound Abyss''s location."


    As always, Reliance''s sense to give names wasn''t that good.


    But it was then that Weren noticed that Malaka was still playing with the chick on the back. In the end, he couldn''t help but ask.


    "Isn''t she the Sect Master''s disciple? Is it really okay for her to be like that?"


    Tuve agreed with Weren.


    "She is the polar opposite of Sect Master, who is usually very cold and aloof."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "Just leave her be. In a certain way, you could say that this is her best trait."


    Well, Weren and Tuve didn''t mind much since she wasn''t their problem. They already decided to move on their own when they enter the Profound Abyss anyway. In fact, many participants liked to do the same thing to test their own abilities during the event.


    Malaka then shouted from Kentucky''s back.


    "Elder Reliance, can I go flying with Kentucky instead?"


    This time, both Reliance and the Twins were taken aback.


    "What are you talking about? Kentucky can''t fly yet. Come down and bring Kentucky; we need to go."


    For some reason, Kentucky got angry after hearing that. It was as if his pride as a bird had been hurt.


    He immediately opened his wings and flapped them with all his might while jumping. It was quite a comic sight. Unfortunately, it already couldn''t fly alone, let alone with Malaka''s extra weight.


    Roan seemed to lose his patience as he convened his thought to Kentucky with his Spiritual Sense.


    ''Stop wasting time. You are too fat to fly. Come here and get on the Sky Eagle.''


    Roan was the same as Rean. He could send his intentions through their connection, so Kentucky could more or less understand it.


    Kentucky then got even angrier when he heard that. Suddenly, Light Element began to gather around his body with the help of his Spiritual Energy. Right after, his body''s strength increased as he was finally strong enough to force his way out of the ground.


    Reliance and Rean were surprised to see that. They didn''t expect that Kentucky could fly in those conditions. However, it was having quite some difficulty to keep itself in the air. After all, Kentucky was also carrying Malaka.


    Nevertheless, it showed a stubborn face as if saying that he could handle it.


    Malaka then laughed as she shouted from high in the air.


    "See?! Kentucky is the best bird! He can definitely fly!"


    *Chick! Chick!*


    Reliance also laughed before looking back on the rest of the team.


    "Alright, we are leaving very early anyway. Let Kentucky carry Malaka until it gets tired. It will be good training for it too."


    Everyone looked at each other but nodded in the end. Since Reliance said it was okay, they didn''t mind it either. As long as they reach the Profound Abyss in that, that was fine.


    With that, the two groups finally departed the Dalamu Sect... until they reached 50km of distance and Kentucky collapsed. All they could hear was his gasps for air due to its fatigue. Rean and Reliance laughed out loud before placing him and Malaka on the Sky Eagle''s back and continued their journey.


    Poor Kentucky. His first time trying to show its amazingness didn''t go very well as planned.


    Back in the Dalamu Sect, Mia looked with her Spiritual Sense Rean''s group disappearing in the distance. Finally, she let out a sigh and retrieved her Spiritual Sense back.


    It was at this time that she received a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Cold and aloof... said that brat Weren. If just he knew about the younger you...''


    A faint red color appeared on Mia''s face as she replied with a helpless expression.


    ''Master... Why must you bring those past memories back?''


    ''Hahaha! Still, I can see why you like that disciple of yours so much. Polar opposite? No way! She is a perfect copy of your younger self. How many times I had to smack your head for you to go back cultivate? I lost count of how many times you tried to escape under my watch too. If anything, you were even more mischievous than her.''


    ''Master!!!''


    ''Alright, alright. I''ll stop it here. Hehe.''


    Right after, that Spiritual Sense disappeared. Mia couldn''t help but sigh at this. Good thing that not many people knew about it. Nonetheless, Mia couldn''t help but show a faint smile as she thought about the past.

 Chapter 236 - Arriving at the Profound Abyss Settlement

    On the way, Weren and Rean talked quite a bit. As for Roan and Tuve, they didn''t say much. Malaka, of course, did what she could to help with the passing time. However, in the end, they spent the majority of the time cultivating.


    Every now and then, when Kentucky recovered his energy, Malaka would hop on him, and they would follow the Sky Eagle while flying on their own. As time passed, Kentucky got more used to controlling the Light Element to sustain its body strength to keep flying.


    There were several Flying Demon Birds in the Dalamu Sect that could already fly for several hundreds of kilometers without rest. Those Demon Birds were also at the same stage as Kentucky. However, the difference was that they were mostly a.d.u.l.ts, while Kentucky was still a half year old Minokawa. At his age, none of those Stage Two Demon Birds could even dream of carrying someone while flying.


    In the end, Kentucky was able to keep flying with Malaka on his back for 200 or so kilometers. That was basically the fruits of his constant training these past few days. If Malaka wasn''t weighing him down, Reliance believed that Kentucky would be able to keep flying for at least double that distance.


    The only one who didn''t do anything during the entire journey was Reliance. He was already at the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, so cultivation had no meaning for him anymore. His only choice was to enter the Soul Transformation Realm or die of old age. Well, Reliance didn''t seem to care either way.


    Finally, after 13 days of nonstop flight, the group was able to see the Profound Abyss in the distance. As mentioned before, the Abyss stretched out for hundreds of kilometers, so it was more or less easy to see it from up high in the skies.


    Other than that, Rean''s group was also able to see a faint yellow light that covered the entire extent of the Abyss as far as they could see. Those were the restrictions put by the Imperial Family experts to prevent anyone from entering. It wouldn''t attack the cultivators if they tried to enter, but they wouldn''t be able to pass through it either. Others said that only experts above the Soul Transformation Realm could force their way in. However, such old monsters had little interest in a kids'' training ground.


    The Sky Eagle then began to follow the Abyss'' line for another hour or so. After all, they arrived at the Profound Abyss, but not at the gathering point. To be more specific, the place where the entrance was located.


    Finally, Rean''s group began to notice something akin to a small settlement ahead. There, it was possible to see several experts and demon beasts coming and going. Some were flying, while others were moving on the surface. Still, there were a lot of them.


    Reliance then patted the side of the Sky Eagle''s head, who immediately began to descend. Of course, the Eagle was quite big, so it had to stop outside the settlement.


    There, several cultivators immediately came forward to receive Reliance''s group.


    "Senior, shall we take care of your Sky Eagle?"


    Reliance wasn''t surprised by that. Many sects were using demon beasts to come to this place, so they needed people to care for them.


    "It''s okay. It can take care of itself."


    Reliance then murmured something close to the Sky Eagle''s ears and got down. Rean and the others did the same, leaving the Eagle''s back. Soon after, the Sky Eagle spread its wings and took flight once more. From the looks of it, Reliance gave it permission to fly around on its own until he called it back.


    "Alright, let''s go into the settlement. There are still three days before the Profound Abyss opens, so you can take a look around. If you want, you can even have a small sparring session with the other participants as long as there are no serious wounds inflicted."


    "Spar?"


    Reliance nodded as they entered the settlement.


    "The young ones like yourselves like to make bets before the aperture of the Profound Abyss. There are things like Affinity Level Bets, Battle Bets, Talent Bets, etc... You can even find a few side occupation challenges against the young disciples of the other organizations. Oh, right. Rank Three Spirit Stones are quite hard for you guys to get at your level. However, this place definitely has it. All the participants are the geniuses of their own powers, after all. I believe you all have a few of those as well. You can simply challenge others who are also willing to use their own."


    As Reliance walked with Rean''s group, his appearance caught others'' attention. After all, black people were very rare on this side of the world. Then again, Reliance simply treated all of them as air.


    "Anyway, I''m going to find the representatives of the Imperial Family that are taking care of the Abyss this time. I need to register you guys ahead of time to prevent issues. If you need me, just ask Zunzun to call me out. As for where you will stay... well... you are all cultivators. I''m sure you can deal with a few days out in the open."


    The Fire Tanager on Reliance''s shoulder then flew out and landed on Rean''s shoulder. Without wasting any time, Reliance disappeared from where he was. The group was then left alone.


    Weren looked around with an excited expression before saying.


    "I have a few Rank Three Spirit Stones, so I''m going to see if I can grab a few more. See you later!"


    Tuve wasn''t any slower.


    "The same for me, later..."


    The two of them left as fast as Reliance. They couldn''t be blamed. After all, Rank Three Spirit Stones were really hard to get at their level. They wanted to use this time to see if they could increase the scant amount they had. Not everyone had an agreement with the Sect Master to exchange lower-ranked Spirit Stones for higher ones like Rean.


    "What do we do now?"


    Roan looked around and saw several stalls selling cultivation related items. Some of them even had skill manuals on display. Surely enough, this was a great chance to find several items and skills that you usually wouldn''t be able to find. Roan, of course, was interested in the skill manuals. The more references he had, the better he could work around with creating his Death Style Skills.


    "I''m going to take a look around the stalls. I''ll let you know if something happens."


    Right after, Roan began to wander around the smalls.


    Rean then looked at Malaka on Kentucky''s back.


    "Well, I''m pretty much free. What do you want to do?"


    Malaka was delighted to hear that question.


    "Then, then! Let''s go to the Affinity Tests! Master said that my Water Affinity had been improving at an alarming rate that even she can''t believe it. I can get a lot of Rank Three Spirit Stones, too, if I bet with others!"


    Rean didn''t have to think much to understand why. Back then, Sister Orb told the twins that her long time standing close to Roan had also affected her Yin. Because of that, her affinity with Water, which was also that of the Yin element, had improved much faster than others.


    Rean then looked at Malaka with a doubtful expression.


    "Do you even have Rank Three Spirit Stones?"


    Sure enough, Malaka immediately shook her head.


    "I don''t, but you do, right? Right?!"


    Rean''s mouth twitched in response.


    "And why should I give my Spirit Stones for you to bet?"


    Malaka then showed a playful smile before saying.


    "Because if you don''t, I''ll tell my senior sisters in the Blue Orchid District who the Perverted Dogs were."


    Rean almost vomited blood!


    "Yo-you! How can you blackmail your older brother like that? Have you no shame? Just where did you learn to be like this?"


    Malaka answered straight away.


    "It was Master. She said that shame can''t put food in your belly."


    Rean was speechless. The image of the cold and aloof Sect Master in his mind suddenly began to crumble apart.


    "Hmph! Since that is the case, I''ll ask Roan to increase your training session by two times. As long as I pay for it, I''m sure he will too."


    Malaka''s expression changed in an instant. She couldn''t tell who was worse with their Sparta-like training, Roan, or her Master.


    "That''s not fair!"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, though.


    "Life isn''t fair. Deal with it!"


    Malaka then hugged Kentucky while showing a sad expression. Of course, Rean knew Malaka better than herself. That was just her way of making others feel pity for her.


    Yes...


    He knew it...


    He really knew...


    Still...


    "Ahhhh! Fine! Let''s go! I''ll pay for you to try the Affinity Competition against the others. But you better not lose, okay? These Spirit Stones are quite expensive, even for me."


    Malaka''s expression immediately transformed as she jumped from Kentucky''s back to give Rean a hug.


    "Thank you, Rean! You are the best brother ever!"


    Rean could only sigh in response.


    "How long will you act like a spoiled brat? You are already 11 years old, you know?"


    Malaka shook her head as she replied.


    "I''m not a brat anymore. I have already entered puberty."


    Rean felt even more helpless.


    "Is that something a girl should say out loud?"


    "Why not? It''s not like I don''t know how things work. I also have Spiritual Sense, you know? Senior Sister Amanda also explained a lot of things to me while we were out."


    Rean knew very well what Malaka was talking about. During missions or when going out for whatever reason, one would often pass through cities. Using one''s Spiritual Sense during it was simply common sense. After all, Spiritual Sense simply made it way too easy to find one''s way in those places. However, it would naturally make the cultivators catch a few couples here and there inside their houses during their ''private'' moments.


    It wasn''t something a cultivator could prevent from happening, though. It would get even worse as one''s Spiritual Sense increased in range with cultivation. Malaka was already at the Peak of the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment. Rean would have to be too naive to think that Malaka hadn''t seen such things before.


    "Ahem... Fine, you are not a brat anymore then. Let''s go."


    Malaka smiled as she held Rean''s arm while they walked.


    Kentucky felt somewhat jealous and also rubbed its head at Rean, asking for some attention.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/arriving-at-the-profound-abyss-settlement_50369095903802000 for visiting.


    Rean then laughed helplessly as he also caressed Kentucky''s head. The small group of three soon disappeared right in the middle of the crowd.

 Chapter 237 - Yin Energy

    Rean, Malaka, and Kentucky went to the place where the Profound Abyss participants were gathered.


    Meanwhile, Roan walked around the stalls, looking for the Skill Manuals he hadn''t seen before. Unsurprisingly, it wasn''t only the disciples of the various sects selling them. There were also a lot of elders of smaller sects selling their own skills as well. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/yin-energy_50369224232718339 for visiting.


    Then again, the kind of skill didn''t matter to him. Weapon-related or not, he didn''t care. The important part was whether Roan liked it or not.


    As he walked, he saw several different types. Of course, he couldn''t browse into the skill manuals'' entire content, only their introductions. Nevertheless, he still found quite a few good examples.


    "Light Blades, just 300 Rank Two Spirit Stones!"


    "Fire Convergence, 450 Spirit Stones! This is a special manual that you, fire users, won''t find so easily outside!"


    "Come, Come! Fire, Water, and Earth manuals of different types. Get two or more, and I''ll give you a discount."


    Of course, Roan wasn''t an idiot. First of all, those were all manuals for Core Formation Realm cultivators and above. Skill manuals that allowed Foundation Establishment cultivators to use skills were very rare. Those organizations, sects, etc., wouldn''t bring them out this easily. The proof was that none of them were being sold for Rank Three Spirit Stones, only Rank Two and below.


    "Let me check the Water Spirit and the Wind Lashes Manuals."


    "Right away!"


    Roan browsed the introduction of the manuals and nodded with a satisfied expression.


    "I want both."


    The seller, of course, was delighted as well.


    "Both manuals would be worth 825 Rank Two Spirit Stones, but since this brother is buying two at once, I''ll make them 800 for you."


    Roan didn''t mind and immediately took the Spirit Stones out, paying the seller. He again pretended to put the manuals on his backpack as he sent them into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    Roan continued to walk around the stalls as he bought more skill books, thinking in the process.


    ''So far, I only have skills that are dependent on weapons. I''ve been working on a few skills that have no use for them, but I need a few more similar skills to take reference. Finding the right meridians'' path so that one can use the skill while still in Foundation Establishment is quite hard...''


    Suddenly, Roan felt some kind of familiar energy.


    ''Hum...?''


    Roan looked in a particular direction, just to see another inconspicuous stall in a corner. There wasn''t anything different from this stall compared to the others. The disciples and the elder taking care of it announced their products just like everyone else. Some stopped to see the items and skill manuals they had; others didn''t.


    Of course, Roan could feel that the familiar energy he was feeling was coming from there.


    Roan approached the stall and looked at the products for view.


    The elder noticed Roan and immediately complimented him.


    "Welcome, kid. Is there something you like? Buy two or more, and I''ll give you a discount."


    Roan nodded as his eyes landed at the bottom right corner of the table where the items were being displayed. There, he could see a piece of dark blue metal that didn''t seem that useful. So much so that it was being displayed in one of the hard to see places.


    "Can I take a look at that piece of metal?"


    The elder nodded and looked at the item Roan was talking about.


    He then quickly fetched it for Roan so that he could take a look.


    Roan held the piece of dark blue metal in his hand for a few moments while pondering.


    ''No doubt, this is the same Yin Energy my Death Body had before I was dragged into this place.''


    Roan then looked at the elder and asked.


    "What is this?"


    The elder then explained.


    "This is a piece of Yin Ice Ore. This kind of metal takes form in regions of extreme cold. It''s quite good for those who would like to practice the skills that require this type of energy."


    Roan looked at the elder with a doubtful expression.


    "Is there such a thing as Yin Energy Skills?"


    That was the first time Roan heard about that. So far, he had only found skills of the five main elements.


    However, the elder seemed to have understood something and made a question.


    "Oh! You came from one of those countryside Sects, right?"


    Roan didn''t deny it. Others might feel embarrassed to admit such a thing, but he didn''t give a damn, so he immediately nodded.


    "It''s normal for you to not have heard about it since those places as too far away. Skill Manuals that use Yin or Yang Energy are rare even in a place like this, let alone there. Yin Energy skills like the one you have in this piece of metal can even allow others to control unique elements like darkness. Of course, no one is idiotic enough to use Yin Energy for something like that. What''s the point in controlling an element that you have no affinity for whatsoever? That being said, water is usually the main one. There are even some evil cultivators that like to play with dead bodies and souls by using Yin Energy."


    Roan was surprised to hear that. He didn''t expect that other people could use the Dark Element like him.


    "Are there any skills of the Dark Element then?"


    The elder didn''t understand why Roan would be interested in the Dark Element that no one used. Still, he did want to please Roan as a seller, so he explained nonetheless.


    "Well, the only ones that usually use Yin Energy to control the Dark Element are assassins. The Dark Element is very useful for dark environments, after all. Still, skill manuals of the Dark Element are very rare. I doubt you will find even a single one in this place, let alone in the place you came from."


    Roan didn''t mind. He was already satisfied that there were Dark Element skill manuals in this world.


    Still, he understood that they had a different use from his own Dark Element. As mentioned before, helping someone with a rare element to cultivate is extremely hard. Rean and Roan were just doing this well thanks to the Soul Gem System. The cultivators that use these Dark Element Manuals were not Dark Element Cultivators to start with. Instead, they cultivate another mainstream element and use Yin Energy to control the Dark Element. Their cultivation progress had nothing to do with Dark Element, different from himself.


    ''The Empire''s Capital should have some of these. I''ll take a look one day if the chance presents itself.''


    Still, he put those thoughts on the back of his mind and asked the elder back.


    "Is that really okay to put it for selling? It seems quite rare."


    "It''s okay. This one in your hands is a failure. The Yin Energy inside is very concentrated but too impure at the same time. At most, you can use it for Initial Stages of Yin Energy techniques. If you keep using it for too long, it will deeply affect your body. That''s why not a lot of people are interested in it. Otherwise, I definitely wouldn''t put it here for sale. The real good Yin Energy materials can be sold for Rank Four Spirit Stones, just so that you can have an idea."


    Suddenly, Sister Orb sent him a message.


    [Roan, buy this thing and give it to me.]


    ''Sister Orb, can you feel it?''


    [Yes. It has a good concentration of Yin Energy inside. It will be perfect to increase the level of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Too bad we don''t have any Yang Energy Material to make up for the balance. Still, I can work things around. As for the impurity he talked about, the Soul Gem System won''t be affected.]


    Roan pondered a bit before asking.


    ''What if I have a use for it?''


    [You? You''re basically a walking Yin Energy generator of the best quality at this point. High efficiency, with low consumption. Exactly the type everyone would want one at home to show the visitors they had money to buy. Why would you want this piece of metal?]


    Roan''s mouth twitched in response. Somehow, he felt like he was an expensive air conditioner.


    ''What will the Soul Gem Realm give me in exchange?''


    [How could you ask for payment from your little Sister Orb? Don''t you feel ashamed of yourself?]


    Roan snorted and was just about to put the metal back on the table when Sister Orb intervened.


    [Wait, wait, wait! How about this? I''ll tell you what the next upgrade of any of the rewards available will give you.]


    Roan had to admit that he was tempted. There were several rewards that both he and Rean would like to know about. For example, what the next Soul Gem Dimensional Realm upgrade would give them? As for the Workshop and Formations Repositories, what would they create after the upgrade? If they knew about it beforehand, it would be very convenient to decide whether they should buy that first or not. After all, Destiny Points were precious.


    ''Fine.''


    "How much for this piece of Yin Ice Ore."


    The elder smiled as he immediately offered.


    "500 Rank Two Spirit Stones."


    In fact, that was a little expensive, but the elder started with a high price on purpose so that they could negotiate. However, to his surprise, Roan simply nodded.


    "Very well."


    Of course, the elder was delighted to hear that. However, just as Roan was about to pay, a voice appeared from behind him.


    "I''ll give 600 Spirit Stones for it."


    Roan''s eyes narrowed in response after hearing that.

 Chapter 238 - Not Interested In Problem

    He looked behind him and noticed a young man. From his appearance, he was around 18 years old or so. However, what caught Roan''s attention was his red robe sewn with golden threads. Before coming to the Profound Abyss, the Sect warned its disciples about the things they should pay attention to.


    That robe represented the power of the Capital, possibly someone directly descending from the Imperial Family. If possible, they should avoid any conflict with those...at least until they enter the Profound Abyss anyway. Once inside the Profound Abyss, no background would matter. Those were the Imperial Family''s own words. Of course, Roan wasn''t inside the Profound Abyss yet.


    "Kid, give me that piece of Yin Ice Ore. I have a use for it."


    Roan snorted and then threw it at the man. Soon after, he turned around and left as if nothing had happened at all.


    The man looked at Roan''s indifferent expression as he passed the ore over. Still, he ignored it and paid for the ore before leaving as well. Why should he pay attention to a kid from an ant-like power? He was too proud to do that.


    [Ah! My Yin Energy! Why did you just leave? We found that ore first!]


    Roan shook his head in response.


    ''What? You want me to start a betting war with him? Eventually, it will come to a point where we need to fight over it, creating some deep grudge or whatever? Ha! What kind of shit cliche story is that? Forget it!''


    [But...]


    ''Stop complaining. First of all, considering his background, it was a wonder whether all my Rank Two Spirit Stones would be enough to win this price contest. Second, there is no need to buy a fight against someone of the Imperial Family. Did you forget what the man said? That was a failed Yin Ice Ore being sold for only 500 Spirit Stones. From the looks of it, we should be able to find more of them in the future. Besides, I''m not in the mood to make everyone pay attention to me. We better keep a low profile until the Profound Abyss opens.''


    [Low profile? I don''t think that''s possible anymore.]


    Roan was taken aback.


    ''Why''s that?''


    [Well... Malaka could be said to be doing anything but keeping a low profile.]


    Roan''s eyes narrowed. He immediately understood that it had something to do with Rean.


    ''Where are those idiots?''


    Meanwhile, in the place where most of the participants were gathered to compete against each other...


    There was a small arena where two bodies of water could be seen. Under them, one could see a formation shining with blue light while being fed by the Spirit Stones around. That was one of the things the young Profound Abyss participants liked to use to compete against each other. It was none other than the Water Element Disruption Formation. Of course, there were other similar ones for other elements around as well.


    The objective was to use one''s control over the Water Element while being affected by the formation to complete a few tasks as fast as possible. For example, one had to use the body of water inside the formation to attack several distant targets. Or perhaps, use their control to make it assume some complicated form decided beforehand. Simply put, there were several ways to use it.


    Cultivation had no meaning in this. All that mattered was one''s affinity and proficiency with the Water Element. Of course, it''s more or less common sense that the higher one''s cultivation is, the more affinity and proficiency one would get. Usually, those challenges would be done between cultivators with similar cultivation levels. However...


    "Winner, Inna Malaka!"


    *Wow!*


    Malaka then laughed out loud as three water models lost their Spiritual Energy support and fell into the pond again. Malaka and her opponent were tasked to create three identical models to a demon beast that was present at the moment. If both parties finished simultaneously, the winner would be the one who made the most life-like one.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/not-interested-in-problem_50369279513651767 for visiting.


    "Hahaha! I won again! Spirit Stones, pay up, pay up!"


    The other disciples of several sects and organizations around couldn''t help but be shocked with Malaka''s talent.


    "She won against Luvoni Farol of the Sarar Royal Family. He is already in the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm, but he still lost."


    "An entire cultivation realm''s worth of difference? That''s crazy!"


    "Not only that, look at her appearance. She''s still a kid! What kind of talent is that? Does she have a Purple Color Aptitude?"


    "Not even close! One has to first show their Aptitude before starting. She is a genuine Blue Color Aptitude!"


    "Isn''t that crazy?! I heard that Luvoni has a Red Color Aptitude and Water Element Affinity. How did he lose being an entire cultivation level above her?"


    "I''m more curious about why she took the challenge. Her opponent was obviously at a much higher level. Could it be that Luvoni held back?"


    "Held back? Are you blind? Didn''t you see the speed she formed the three models of water? Luvoni definitely went all out, but he still lost by a hair''s breadth."


    "How many Water Affinity opponents has she defeated already?"


    "With Luvoni being defeated, 17."


    Rean looked at that and couldn''t help but feel excited in response. Turns out they were making a fortune with it. When they arrived, they looked around to see which one Malaka should participate. In the end, he decided to use Water Disruption Formation challenges. Not only that, but he had Malaka hold back against her opponents on purpose, always winning by just a bit.


    With that, the challengers kept coming, expecting that to be her limit. Finally, her opponents'' levels increased to the point where she was already being challenged by people with higher aptitudes and much higher cultivation. Obviously, the number of observers began to grow as well. Right now, there were hundreds of onlookers watching the show. Of course, that was anything but low profile.


    "Well done, Malaka!"


    Rean quickly received the Luvoni guy''s payment, who obviously wasn''t very willing to pay, and returned to her side. Even for Luvoni, Rank Three Spirit Stones were very important. Just now, he lost 100 of them to Malaka. Still, going back on one''s words in this place was not possible. These competitions between the Profound Abyss participants were being observed by several elders of all sects and other organizations. Obviously, they wouldn''t allow any of the young ones to go back on their words.


    Rean and Malaka had acc.u.mulated a total of 1256 Rank Three Spirit Stones, a very high number without a doubt. Back in the Sect, Rean could exchange Rank Two Spirit Stones for Rank Three ones. However, Rank Three Spirit Stones were still crucial for the Sect, so there was a limit of at most 100 per month for that trade. In just a few hours, the two of them had amassed an entire year''s worth of Rank Three Spirit Stones!


    "Hahaha! Rean, I''m amazing, right, right?!"


    Rean laughed as he patted her head, much to Malaka''s delight.


    "Of course, you are my little sister, after all."


    Little did they know that Roan had a very dark expression as he looked at them from a distance. What low profile? Those two idiots had basically caught everyone''s attention over themselves.

 Chapter 239 - Do you wanna die?

    Rean then sent a Spiritual Sense Message to her.


    ''How was it?''


    Malaka understood what Rean was trying to ask, responding.


    ''That Luvoni guy was quite powerful. If he was just a little bit faster, I would have lost for sure. I can''t do any better than that... sorry.''


    ''Enough! You did great! You defeated someone an entire cultivation level above your own. There is nothing to be sorry about. I''m very proud of you, and I''m sure that Roan would be as well.''


    Unfortunately for him, Roan wasn''t happy at all. Roan then began to make his way to where those two were staying. However, just as he was about to put an end to the show, a person stepped out of the crowd.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/do-you-wanna-die_50369360044282433 for visiting.


    "Inna Malaka, right? Would you accept my challenge as well?"


    Rean and Malaka looked in the voice''s direction, just to see another girl who didn''t look much older than Malaka herself. She was perhaps around 12, or at most, 13 years old. Her cultivation was at the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Turns out she had blue eyes and blond hair, quite a rare sight in a place like the Sasamil Empire. However, she used similar clothes as the man who took Roan''s Yin Ice Ore.


    Immediately, most of the onlookers shook their heads. Even a Red Aptitude with a Middle Stage Core Formation Realm cultivation lost to Malaka. What does this girl intend to achieve against the little monster?


    However, contrary to the others, Rean and Roan narrowed their eyes.


    Malaka immediately smiled after hearing that, though.


    "But of course! However, it will cost 100 Rank Three Spirit Stones, just like everyone else."


    The girl didn''t mind and immediately took the stones out. She then proceeded to her side of the stage while showing an unperturbed expression.


    ''Malaka, be careful. That girl isn''t simple.''


    She was taken aback for a second but laughed afterward.


    ''It''s okay, I will finish it very fast. After that, you need to take me out to get some good food!''


    Rean didn''t try to stop her. Just now, he received a message from Roan saying to let her go. From the looks of it, both the twins felt something weird from that girl that was going to challenge Malaka.


    The challenge this time was one of the most common ones. Target destroying. They would need to control the pond''s water while the Water Element Disruption Formation was active to hit them. Those targets would appear anywhere above in the air, and it was up to them how they would do that. As one could imagine, the girl who destroyed most of the targets would win in the end. As for the duration of the competition, it would only last for one minute.


    As Malaka arrived at the pond, Roan appeared beside Rean and Kentucky like a ghost. Still, neither of them seemed to be surprised.


    ''Is that what I think it is?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Definitely.''


    The trial quickly started as the target appeared in mid-air one after another. Malaka did her best to destroy them since she knew that hiding her real strength would be meaningless at this point. The other girl did the same thing and began to summon Water Icicles, which she also shot in the air.


    Water Icicles kept flying and hitting the targets nonstop. Turns out that both girls were quite similar in terms of proficiency. Yet, while Malaka seemed to be putting a lot of effort into it, her opponent appeared to be taking things in a relatively lax manner.


    Soon, 30 seconds passed. Malaka had a small lead, having destroyed 14 targets while her opponent got 13 in total. All of the spectators began to feel excited. This was the first time that Malaka seemed to be struggling against one opponent. Still, none of them knew where that blond girl came from either.


    However, no one expected what happened next. Suddenly, that girl summoned several Water Icicles, which were obviously much stronger than the previous ones, and shot them all at once. It''s just that... they were all aimed at Malaka!


    Malaka was still trying to destroy as many targets as possible while looking at the sky. If those Water Icicles connected, grievous injuries would be the best outcome. Death was a lot more probable. After all, Malaka didn''t have any defense up at all!


    However...


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, First Defensive Form, Reversive Arcs!''


    Rean and Roan appeared in front of Malaka in a flash of black and white light, destroying all of the Icicles at once!


    The girl was a bit surprised by Rean and Roan''s sudden appearance. However, her smile didn''t disappear.


    Soon after, the Water Icicles that the girl had used to attack the targets in the air came down. Turns out that those ones were the real attacks. The first ones were only there to catch the attention of any possible protectors, leaving them with no time to react to the killing blow.


    Unfortunately for her, another flash of white and black light appeared right above Malaka... Kentucky!


    Kentucky''s body then burst with Black and White Flames as his feathers and scales hardened.


    *Bam, bam, bam, bam...!*


    The Water Icicles hit his body but failed to leave as much as a single cut. Rean and Roan didn''t seem to be the least bit surprised, though. The moment they moved out, they had noticed Kentucky''s movement as well, aiming for the Water Icicles in the air. They were well aware of Kentucky''s terrifying defense as well. Not to mention that the Water Icicles in the air were a lot weaker than the previous ones.


    Well, he was still sent kicking like a ball because of that...


    It was only at this moment did the girl''s face show some shock.


    The twins'' expression was as dark as it could be, though. They had been paying attention to that girl because they could feel Yin Energy far above what a woman''s body should be able to produce coming from her. Of course, they only noticed that because Roan was a Yin Energy Receptor himself. As for Rean, he had his Soul connected to Roan, so he could feel it as well. If not for that, they definitely wouldn''t have arrived in time.


    Right now, Roan had the worst expression on his face as he said.


    "Do you wanna die?!"

 Chapter 240 - Calina Sasamil

    The girl smiled at Roan before replying.


    "It was just a small test. Since Malaka was so good at controlling the Water Element, I thought she would be able to defend against this little trick. But it seems that I''ve overestimated her. She didn''t even react."


    Roan showed a puzzled expression as he looked at her.


    "Did I talk to you?"


    That answer pulled her legs. Of course, she thought Roan was talking to her.


    Soon after...


    *crash, crash, crash...*


    Everyone noticed the sound of targets being destroyed in the air. It was then that the girl and the onlookers noticed. Even with the sudden attack, Malaka hasn''t stopped attacking the targets at all.


    ''Who would do such a thing in that situation? You were almost killed, you know?''


    That was the thought running in everyone''s minds. Of course, the girl who attacked Malaka was also taken aback by Malaka''s indifferent behavior. Why is she continuing to attack the targets as if nothing had happened?


    Well, Rean and Roan didn''t seem that surprised, though.


    Finally...


    *pin!*


    A sound came out of the Water Disruption Formations, which indicated the end of the dispute.


    "Hahaha! I won!"


    *Pah!*


    "I won your head!"


    Suddenly, Roan slapped the back of Malaka''s head.


    "Ouch!"


    "Why did you do that? I won, didn''t I?"


    Roan wasn''t the least bit happy at all.


    "Let alone the fact that you and Nightingale here just caught everyone''s attention, you knew very well that those icicles were coming for you. Why did you ignore them? Since when did I train such an idiot? I''ll ask you once more, do you wanna die?"


    Malaka sulked as she explained.


    "But... you and Rean were just a few meters away. I noticed you moving with my Spiritual Sense even before she shot the Water Icicles. I knew that you two would definitely protect me."


    The girl who attacked Malaka couldn''t help but ask.


    "Wait! You knew that the attacks were coming and did nothing. Do you want me to believe that?"


    Still, Malaka looked at the girl with a proud expression.


    "My brothers are super strong! They would never let anything happen to me. Even Kentucky helped! Hahaha!"


    *Pah!*


    "Ouch!"


    Roan slapped the back of her head once more.


    "Am I your bodyguard?"


    Rean couldn''t help but say in response.


    "Well, you do have the black clothes already. You just need a tie, and you''ll look the part."


    Roan''s mouth twitched.


    "You shut up!"


    He returned his attention to Malaka and continued.


    "Next time you refrain from reacting, I''ll make sure to beat you up to the point you won''t get up for an entire week."


    Malaka felt wronged. Just now, she won another hundred Rank Three Spirit Stones, but Roan didn''t seem to care about her ''amazing'' accomplishment.


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "I hate to say it. I really, really do. However, I agree with Roan this time, Malaka. What if we were not paying attention? Don''t do something this risky next time, okay?"


    Malaka nodded as her head drooped right after. It was hard to say if she was becoming smarter since she knew that they would definitely protect her.... or dumber since she should have reacted nonetheless.


    "Anyway, you two did enough for a day. Let''s leave this place."


    "Wait! I still have to take the girl''s payment."


    Rean ran to the side of the girl while extending his hand.


    "You lost, pay up!"


    "Ah!"


    The girl finally came back to herself.


    "Are you kidding me? Are you going to ignore what just happened? Won''t you ask why I attacked her or anything like that?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "What else could it be? Jealousy, of course. My little sister is super cute and talented, so you wanted to teach her a lesson. Isn''t that obvious?"


    Rean himself and Roan didn''t really believe these words. However, they had noticed her clothes, which represented the Imperial Family or those closely related to them. Besides, the fact that she had that Yin Energy inside her showed that she wasn''t simple. They quickly decided that it was better not to get involved with her to prevent more issues. If they wanted to try something, it definitely wouldn''t be in a place like this where everyone was looking. Besides, even though Malaka ignored her attack because of Rean and Roan''s presence, the twins knew that she was more powerful than Malaka for sure. Her Water Element control was definitely superior as well.


    Well, Malaka was two realm stages lower than her, though.


    As soon as the blond girl heard that, her face became as red as a tomato.


    "Wh-who''s jealous? I''m a member of the Imperial Family, wh-why would I feel jealous of a country bumpkin like her?"


    Rean''s expression finally showed some real surprise this time.


    ''Errr... I was... right?''


    Yep. Rean was, surprisingly, 100% correct. This girl''s name was Calina Sasamil, from the Sasamil Imperial Family. As one could imagine, she had imperial blood in her veins. Calina was sent to this place to participate in the Profound Abyss as a representative of the Imperial Family.


    Like the Profound Abyss, this type of training grounds could be found in several different places in the Sasamil Empire. It was quite common for the Imperial Family and those closely related to them to send a few of their young ones to those locations. Obviously, Calina Sasamil was the chosen one this time.


    As for her different appearance from the typical black hair and eyes, that was because of a political marriage between the Sasamil Empire and the Chroles Empire far in the north. She also had the blood of the north''s people, where blond hair and clear eye colors were not uncommon.


    In fact, to show the Imperial Family''s higher talent, she planned to make a show in this gathering. However, someone had already caught everyone''s attention by the time she arrived. Of course, that put her plans in disarray, plus she did feel a little jealous of Malaka''s cute appearance and high talent that didn''t lose to her own. It was then that she decided to make Malaka as an example to display her advantages.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/calina-sasamil_50375243360959751 for visiting.


    In the end, it was a completely ridiculous reason as that. It was Rean and Roan''s mistake to think that her actions had a more profound meaning behind them.


    "Hmph! Anyway, as a member of the Imperial Family, I''ll obviously pay for my loss. Here, take it."


    She quickly took out 100 Rank Three Spirit Stones and passed them to Rean.


    A second later, a man came running from the middle of the crowd.


    "Calina! Here you are! Don''t walk around on your own like that."


    Roan immediately identified the guy. It was the same guy who told him to give up the Yin Ice Ore. Of course, the man also noticed Roan... not that he cared anyway.


    The man looked at the crowd gathering around and asked.


    "What happened here? Did someone hurt you?"


    Calina shook her head.


    "Of course not! Who would dare to touch me in this place, huh? Anyway, I finished my business here. Let''s go."


    The man sighed and quickly followed the girl. He was sent here as one of her protectors. His name was Valeu Samikil, a member of one of the clans that served the Imperial Family. His cultivation was at the peak of the Core Formation Realm. He would also enter the Profound Abyss with Calina later to continue protecting her as ordered.


    Rean then returned to Malaka and Roan''s side. By now, Kentucky had already come back. It is just that he was a little dirty because of the kicks he did on the ground.


    Rean then looked at Malaka, whose sad expression completely disappeared as she hugged Kentucky. It was a wonder whether she had genuinely reflected on her actions or not.


    "That blond girl kinda reminds me of Malaka, don''t you think?"


    Roan had to admit that Rean was right.


    "Whatever. Let''s leave this place. Look around. Just how many people do you want to be aware of our strength? Couldn''t you two be a bit more careful?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders and replied.


    "Still, we made a fortune today. We can start cultivating with these Rank Three Spirit Stones once we stabilize our cultivation later."


    Malaka then looked at Rean.


    "It was me who won these stones. I want some too!"


    Rean laughed.


    "Alright, alright. I''ll give you enough for your cultivation once we are back at the sect."


    The Twins, Kentucky, and Malaka then left the gathering under everyone''s eyes while talking. Well, it was basically only Malaka and Rean speaking with Kentucky making his ''chick'' sounds.


    ---


    Note: If you are liking the story so far, consider leaving a few power stones to support it.

 Chapter 241 - Birds of a feather flock together

    There was no point in hiding Malaka''s talent anymore, so Rean and Malaka continued to issue challenges in the gathering. Unfortunately for them, it became harder to find opponents.


    Of course, there were a few that already knew about it but went ahead and did the challenge either way. Usually, they were the disciples of sect leaders, like Malaka herself, or had assumed a high position in their own organizations. Simply put, they were the real geniuses of this gathering.


    With that, Malaka lost some and won others. Finally, others realized that she wasn''t the only monster to have come to this gathering this time around. It''s just that the others hadn''t shown their faces before.


    Rean wanted to go to the arena and go through battle competitions for Rank Three Spirit Stones. However, Roan prohibited him from doing so.


    ''We already did enough by moving against that Calina girl. I don''t want others to know even more about our capabilities. I''m going to keep looking into the stalls for some more useful Skill Books.''


    However, a certain someone came to challenge Malaka every now and then while they were there, Calina. Well, Valeu was always with her now.


    "Malaka, one more time!"


    "Sure!"


    Malaka had won the previous match because Calina had stopped attacking the targets. However, Calina played by the rules this time and solely focused on defeating Malaka. Sure enough, it was as Rean and Roan expected. Malaka wasn''t her match in Water Element manipulation. It wasn''t that Malaka was worse at it, but her cultivation was lower, two stages to be more specific. Not to mention that the Imperial Family was bound to have much better Water Element cultivation techniques than Mia and her Dalamu Sect.


    "Hahaha! It''s my victory this time again."


    Malaka couldn''t help but admire Calina. She was the only one she lost to that didn''t have that much of an advantage in cultivation. No, Malaka was sure that if they were in the same cultivation stage, the fight would probably end in her victory as well.


    "Sister, you''re so amazing!"


    "Si-Sister?"


    Calina wasn''t used to be called in such an intimate way. Everyone around her would usually use her name, honorifics, or her title. However, seeing Malaka''s shining eyes directed at her, Calina simply couldn''t bring herself to complain. She couldn''t be blamed. Even Rean, who knew Malaka for so long, would still lose to that face every time. Roan was basically the only one immune to that.


    "Cough, cough. But of course! I''m not just a girl with an imperial bloodline. I also trained a lot every single day to reach this point."


    Rean looked at that by the side and just smiled, not doing anything. They had already obtained quite a lot of Rank Three Spirit Stones anyway. Even though Malaka lost a few times, she still won more, so they had amassed around 1500 Rank Three Spirit Stones.


    Malaka then nodded her head vigorously.


    "I know, I know! My brother and my Master make me train as if my life depended on it. It''s so painful that I feel like crying every single time. I lost count of how many times I tried to escape, just to receive and more training as punishment."


    Calina''s eyes immediately shone as much as Malaka''s.


    "What?! You too?!"


    Valeu, who was beside Calina, immediately warned her through a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Princess, you can''t tell others such things.''


    Only then did Calina come back to herself and released Malaka''s hands.


    "Ahem... escaping is not good. You have to train hard every day so that you can live up to your family''s expectations."


    Rean had to hold himself to not laugh. She had just admitted that she liked to do the same thing and pretended that nothing happened.


    ''No wonder she looks so much like Malaka. Other than their upbringing, this girl is basically as naughty as this sister of mine. Well, she''s probably no more than a year older than Malaka anyway.''


    Malaka didn''t seem to care and began to ask questions about Calina''s Water Element manipulation. Malaka could tell that there were several points where Calina was simply much better than herself. Well, that was to be expected due to her background.


    Unfortunately, Valeu stopped Calina once more.


    ''Princess, you can''t talk about the Imperial Family''s techniques to outsiders.''


    Calina showed a hint of sadness but immediately recovered.


    "I can''t talk about my techniques, but that doesn''t mean I can''t challenge you. If you can learn something on your own during this time, then it has nothing to do with me."


    Rean understood why she didn''t want to talk. Part of her high control over the Water Element was definitely due to the high concentration of Yin Energy in her body. Roan already told him that her energy was relatively pure, which showed how proficient the Imperial Family was in that area. Roan saw that man taking that Yin Ice Ore before, which was obviously for this girl''s sake. From the looks of it, they also had a way to purify the impurities in that ore to some extent. Most likely, that was some of the Imperial Family''s Secret Techniques. Well, Calina''s Yin Energy could never hope to compare to Roan''s or the Soul Gem System.


    Valeu then warned Calina once more.


    ''Princess, you two are from different worlds. You better not get too attached. You don''t even know if this girl will survive in the Profound Abyss.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/birds-of-a-feather-flock-together_50375289263422857 for visiting.


    Calina couldn''t help but become annoyed.


    ''Valeu, can''t you stop being so annoying for once? I can''t do this, I can''t do that, can''t you give me a break? I know what you mean. Even if she survives, we probably won''t see each other again anyway. But what''s wrong with enjoying the moment?''


    Valeu''s expression darkened as he looked at Malaka. Still, he didn''t say anything else.


    Usually, no one would have noticed anything. However, Rean was the one present this time. Immediately, he saw the red color of killing intent appearing around Malaka. This was Roan''s unique ''Death'' ability from the previous life and something Rean could use thanks to their Soul Connection. It was obviously coming from Valeu.


    Still, that red color only lasted for a second before disappearing. Still, that was more than enough to put Rean on guard.


    But that wasn''t all. Rean immediately noticed Kentucky''s expression changing as he looked at Valeu. In that second, Kentucky already marked that man as an enemy and was even ready to attack.


    ''What?! Kentucky can see it as well?!''


    Rean then sent his intention to Kentucky with his Spiritual Sense.


    ''Stop. Don''t do anything, Kentucky.''


    *Chick?*


    Kentucky looked at Rean with a puzzled expression. Still, he followed Rean''s orders and did not do anything.


    It took some time to explain, but all of it happened with Spiritual Sense as a means of communication. That being said, only two seconds had passed so far.


    Malaka and Calina were oblivious to those things, surprisingly.


    Rean didn''t waste any time and informed Roan through their Soul Connection.


    ''But he didn''t attack, right?''


    Rean confirmed.


    ''Yes. The killing intent only lasted for a second. Besides, it seems like Kentucky can also see it. If I hadn''t stopped him, he would have attacked that guy straight away.''


    Roan was surprised to hear that. It seemed like the small connection Roan had with Kentucky also allowed the Minokawa to see Killing Intent.


    ''That''s a good thing. Anyway, he didn''t attack because that girl seems to like Malaka. Of course, he also wants to kill her for the same reason. However, even if Calina was not present, he wouldn''t be able to take action. Try to use your Light Skill that can perceive Spiritual Senses.''


    Rean immediately did that. That was Rean''s Light Element skill that allowed him to perceive any level of Spiritual Sense. A higher cultivation made no difference for Rean since he wasn''t using the same method as others did. (Read chapter 129 if you don''t remember it)


    Thanks to that, Rean could perceive all of the Spiritual Senses present at the moment.


    ''That''s quite frightening. There are hundreds of Spiritual Senses at the Nascent Soul Realm or higher covering the entire place. There is even one of them that is stronger than Reliance''s Stage Six Demon Beasts. Most likely, it is someone above the Soul Transformation Realm.''


    Roan nodded in response.


    ''Those people are checking everything happening in the settlement. Don''t forget the rule of not killing or crippling anyone before entering the Profound Abyss. That is also valid for that guy beside Calina.''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''That doesn''t make any sense. Didn''t Calina try to attack Malaka before?''


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    ''She did. However, can you guarantee that she was really going to kill Malaka? With the control over the Water Element she showed to us, it would be a simple task to dispel those Water Icicles at the very last moment. Besides, from what you told me about her behavior, I find it even harder to imagine that she was really trying to harm Malaka for real.''


    ''Last but not least, you are forgetting a fundamental issue. There had never been any Killing Intent directed at Malaka coming from Calina before.''


    ''Ah!''


    Only now, Rean remembered that point. Indeed, there was no killing intent coming from Calina during the Water Icicles at all!


    ''We are safe while staying in the settlement. However, we will need to be careful once we enter the Profound Abyss.''


    Rean nodded and finished his conversation with Roan. Just like before, this Soul Connection conversation only took another few seconds.


    Obviously, Malaka, Calina, and Valeu didn''t notice anything.


    With that, other than picking up a few challenges every now and then, Malaka would often have a match with Calina. Not only that, but those two girls would often walk around the settlement.


    Seeing that and how the two girls behaved, a thought came to Rean''s mind.


    ''Birds of a feather flock together.''

 Chapter 242 - Opening of the Profound Abyss

    During these days of waiting, Rean''s group also bumped into other participants from the Jialin Country. They found three members of the Jialin Royal Family and two members of each of the other sects. At first, those sects were supposed to only have a single slot remaining after giving one to the Dalamu Sect. However, it seemed like they cut a layer of their own skin to obtain another slot.


    Rean was also surprised to see that one of the Lagan Sect''s participants was Luina herself. She was accompanied by a man using the same sect''s uniform.


    "Hi, Rean. It''s been some time."


    He still remembered that around a year ago, he and Roan went out on a mission to get rid of the Gold Hands Bandit Group. During that mission, they met up with Luina of the Lagan Sect and had done the mission together.


    "Indeed. I can see that you also reached the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm, congratulations."


    Luina sighed as she shook her head.


    "I''ve done nothing here. Back then, you and Roan were behind me in cultivation. But looking at it now, you already caught up with me in cultivation."


    Just as she was about to continue, Malaka returned from another stall where she was looking at items with Calina.


    "Rean, who is she?"


    Luina was taken aback as she saw the clothes on Calina. Obviously, she was also informed about the participants of the Capital and the way to identify them.


    Rean then introduced.


    "This is a friend Roan and I made while we were on a mission. She and her other two sect members went through a lot with us to get that done. Her name is Luina, a member of the Lagan Sect."


    Rean then looked at Luina and another man on her side.


    "As for the two girls here, the naughty one is my little sister, Malaka. As for the other girl, she''s just someone from somewhere in the Capital."


    Calina didn''t like that introduction at all, but the one who really hated that introduction was Valeu. Once again, a hint of killing intent appeared in his body, just to disappear soon after. Rean couldn''t help but snort in response.


    "What you mean by ''just someone?'' I could have you jailed for the rest of your life just for this offense, you know? My name is Calina. I''m a member of the Imperial Family."


    Luina immediately bowed to show her respect, and so did the man beside her.


    "I see. I''m Luina, the daughter of the Lagan Sect''s Sect Master in Jialin Country. Not that someone of your revered status would know about a small country like ours. Nice to meet you, princess."


    Calina finally nodded, a lot more satisfied.


    "Princess?"


    Rean and Malaka were taken aback. They heard that she had Imperial Blood, but they didn''t know she was a princess.


    "Sister, you were a princess?! That''s so cool!"


    Calina nodded.


    "Well, I''m not anyone that important, to be honest. Considering the life span of a cultivator with the Imperial Family resources, the Imperial Family already has hundreds of princesses and princes. I''m at the very bottom and don''t really have any meaningful status to start with. Of course, I''m still very proud of being a member of the Imperial Family."


    Valeu then said in response.


    "Princess, such issues shouldn''t be discussed with strangers."


    Calina shrugged her shoulders.


    "It''s not like this is any secret anyway. Besides, Malaka is not a stranger."


    Rean then looked at the man on Luina''s side.


    "By the way, this person is?"


    The man replied straight away.


    "I''m Wallad Marc, another member of the Lagan Sect. I came this time around to participate in the Profound Abyss with Luina."


    Rean could tell that Wallad''s cultivation was far above his. Probably at the peak of the Core Formation Realm.


    "By the way, Luina. I didn''t know you were the Sect Master''s daughter. You didn''t say anything last time."


    "This..."


    Wallad then explained.


    "In fact, if not because of the princess'' presence, she wouldn''t have said anything. Very few people know about it. However, we can''t lie to the members of the Imperial Family. I hope you can keep it between us."


    Rean didn''t mind. Everyone had their own secrets. Luina''s identity was being hidden, most likely to protect her.


    "Very well, I shall say nothing."


    Luina couldn''t help but ask soon after.


    "By the way, what kind of demon bird is this?"


    Obviously, she was talking about Kentucky, who was looking at everything with a curious expression.


    "It''s a Demon Bird from our Dalamu Sect. I happened to become its master, so I brought him to participate in the Profound Abyss as well."


    As Reliance had mentioned before, it seemed like no one could tell what race Kentucky was from.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/opening-of-the-profound-abyss_50375301594664050 for visiting.


    Luina nodded, not finding it strange. A lot of cultivators had brought their own demon beasts this time around as well.


    She then looked around as if looking for something.


    "So... where is Roan? Is he not with you?"


    Rean nodded.


    "He''s at the stalls somewhere. He had been using this chance to get a few different skill books. I think I saw him around five minutes ago in that direction."


    Rean was 100% lying. He was simply using his Soul Connection to tell where Roan could be found.


    "Is that so?! Great, I''m going there to say hello to him."


    Luina then bowed to Calina once more and then left with Wallad in a hurry.


    Malaka and Calina then left to look around once more as Rean remained behind with Valeu. So far, he hadn''t said anything to them. But this time, he gave Rean a warning with a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Brat, peasants like you and your sister should not get involved with the Imperial Family. Calina is still naive. That''s why she''s giving you this little bit of attention. Here''s a piece of advice, you better pretend you didn''t see her after all this shit is over. Also, don''t try to get close to her during the Profound Abyss, or I''ll cut you lot myself.''


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he looked at Valeu''s face.


    ''I''ll take Senior Valeu''s advice to heart. Don''t worry, we do know our place in this world.''


    Rean wasn''t the least bit surprised. After all, he had already seen the killing intent he had for Malaka and even himself a few times.


    And just like that, the last two days also passed in a flash.


    Finally, the opening day arrived as all the participants gathered in front of the Profound Abyss entrance.


    Rean, Roan, Malaka, Tive, Weren, and Kentucky were already waiting somewhere behind with Reliance and Zunzun on his shoulder. As a small kingdom, they were positioned at the end of the queue.


    Malaka then took out a blue pendant while she waited with the rest. It had a hexagram with the image of a lion inside. The cool thing was that it didn''t matter from which direction you looked at it. The image appeared to move to match the direction of the person''s eye.


    "Hum? What is this, Malaka?"


    Malaka smiled before saying.


    "Calina gave it to me while that annoying Valeu wasn''t looking. She said that if I wanted to see her again one day, I just had to bring this pendant to the Capital."


    Even Rean didn''t notice when she received that pendant.


    "Is that so? Then make sure to keep it safe."


    Malaka nodded as she wore the pendant and put it inside her clothes.


    However, Rean and Roan noticed. Inside the pendant, some of the Yin Energy they felt from Calina was also present.


    ''Perhaps this is a means of identification as well.''


    Suddenly, a few men and women appeared in the sky above the Profound Abyss. At the very center, there was an old man who seemed to be the leader of the group. He then moved a bit forward and stopped in front of the others.


    "Welcome to the Profound Abyss Training Grounds. My name is Polian Sasamil, and I''ll be overseeing the event this time."


    Rean could tell with his Light Element Skill that the powerful Spiritual Sense he had sensed before came from that man.


    ''Roan, that''s the guy I told you that''s above the Soul Transformation Realm.''


    Roan nodded in response.


    ''By his surname, he is another expert of the Imperial Family. Indeed, the Imperial Family is on another level altogether. If they already sent someone like this to watch over a small event like the Profound Abyss, just how much stronger are the real experts living in the Capital?''


    Rean could only nod at that remark.


    Polian then continued.


    "As you know, only those at the Core Formation Realm and below can enter. Each person can bring one Demon Beast with them, too, as long as it is Stage Three or lower. Your objective is obviously to arrive at the Vermilion Pound and make use of it to improve your meridians. We don''t care as to which method you use to do this. There are no rules about the difference of cultivation or numbers either. Killing, stealing, taking hostages, etc., everything is valid."


    "Also, as always, we have members of the Imperial Family and the Imperial Family''s forces participating as well. However, I''ll swear in the name of the Imperial Family here and now that it doesn''t matter what happens to them inside of the Profound Abyss. The Imperial Family will definitely not look into the matter. This is a training ground for both you and us. If they die, it is because they were too weak. Simple as that. It has always been like that, and it will continue to be so in the future."


    "Lastly, the Profound Abyss entrance will be open for two weeks. If you don''t come out by the end of that time, you will get locked inside until the next opening. Well, no one has ever survived five years of Decaying Energy, so it''s more or less akin to death."


    "Alright, that''s enough. Open the entrance!"

 Chapter 243 - Decaying Energy

    The formation locking the Profound Abyss then began to move as the yellow light barrier slowly disappeared. Not long after, the yellow light at a specific location inside the Abyss completely vanished, only leaving a hole of a few meters in size.


    Calina was at the very front with her protectors. Not only was Valeu there, but Rean''s group could also see two more cultivators with the same clothes as the Imperial Family or their forces. Right beside her were a few more cultivators from other big powers from this region who were also allowed to enter first. Rean''s group could tell that a few of them had never appeared in the gathering of participants in the settlement. They most likely felt that there was no point in interacting with the rest with their higher status.


    Calina and her three protectors were the first ones to enter. As soon as they approached the entrance, faint ripples of Spiritual Energy covered their bodies. That was a formation made to check everyone''s cultivation. It would stop anyone above the Core Formation Realm from entering. Obviously, nothing happened with Calina''s group.


    The next groups then began to enter one after another, quickly disappearing in the dark below. As their turn approached, Reliance warned them one last time.


    "The five of you, be careful of the Decaying Energy. If you feel like you can''t hold on anymore, stop somewhere, and focus on driving the energy out of your body. If that''s not possible, take one of the Anti-Decaying Energy Pills that Mia gave you. Don''t forget. The only place free of Decaying Energy is the Vermilion Pools, so try to get there as soon as possible. However, there are other places where the energy is a lot weaker. You might as well take the chance to rest there if you pass by it."


    "Yes, Elder Reliance."


    Reliance then sent a Spiritual Message to Rean and Roan.


    ''Be sure to keep the Minokawa safe, or I''ll skin you two alive.''


    Roan ignored those words as Rean shrugged his shoulder.


    ''We will do our best.''


    Finally, the turn of the bottom countries arrived. Rean''s group then dashed forward with Kentucky, quickly passing by the cultivation detection formation. After that, they jumped inside the Profound Abyss as well.


    Malaka mounted on Kentucky while following everyone''s descent. Not long after, they began to feel the Dark Fog around their bodies and the Decaying Energy inside it. It was as they were told. The energy could force its way through their Spiritual Energy barrier. To counteract it, they had to use even more Spiritual Energy. Still, the Decaying Energy in this place was relatively weak, so they were able to stop all of it.


    As they stepped on the Abyss walls during the descent, the range of their vision gradually became smaller. That case wasn''t only because of the lack of light, but the Decaying Fog became more condensed on top of that. Another thing that Rean''s group noticed was that their Spiritual Sense seemed to be affected by it. The deeper they went, the smaller the range their Spiritual Sense would have.


    Halfway down, Rean''s group noticed that the other participants in front of them began to change direction. Everyone was choosing their own courses to began to explore. It was also possible to see that quite a few of them separated from their groups to move ahead alone.


    It was at this moment that Tuve and Weren told Rean''s group.


    "Alright, the two of us are going on our own from here onward. You guys will need to take care of yourselves. Whether you like it or not, Tuve and I can''t waste much of our time protecting you all, nor would it be considered training anyway. I wish you three and the bird good luck."


    Rean nodded without caring too much.


    "It''s okay, Senior Weren. We would also prefer to rely on ourselves. Good luck to you and Senior Tuve."


    Weren smiled as he and Tuve selected another direction to continue their descent. For Rean and Roan, that was perfect. After all, they didn''t want to have anyone close by when the Universal Restraint arrived three days later.


    Turns out that the Abyss was larger than it looked outside. The chasm of hundreds of kilometers long on the surface was really just an entrance. The underground world, on the other hand, expanded for thousands of kilometers. If they were not in the Foundation Establishment Realm, covering this kind of distance in just two weeks would be impossible. That was really a training ground made for geniuses.


    It took almost two hours for Rean''s group to reach the bottom. Even though several hundreds of participants entered it, Rean''s group already couldn''t see anyone else. The Decaying Fog at the bottom was also a lot thicker. Even with their best Spiritual Energy barrier, a little of it still entered Rean, Roan, and Malaka''s body.


    "This Energy..."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as the Decaying Energy entered his body. Contrary to his expectations, he wasn''t feeling any discomfort from it at all.


    ''Sister Orb, this Decaying Energy has a little Yin Energy mixed with it.''


    [Indeed. To be honest, I think that Decaying Energy is, in fact, a variation of Yin Energy. It is not wrong to think about it as a very impure type of Yin Energy. However, Yin Energy impurities have no use against you. That''s why you are not feeling anything from it.]


    Rean also let the Yin Energy enter his body. However, different from Roan, it did harm his body to a certain extent. It''s just that the Light Element in his body could destroy it exceptionally easy. His own rate of natural Spiritual Energy recovery was more than enough to keep up for the consumption.


    ''I guess that since Yang Energy is my specialty, it''s more or less not a problem for me to deal with Yin Energy.''


    [Indeed. While Roan is an excellent Yin Energy generator, you are a great Yin Energy destroyer. Once again, the impurities in this Yin Energy have little effect on you. It won''t be as easy for you as it is for Roan, who can completely ignore it, but you should have no issues dealing with it either.]


    Rean and Roan nodded in response before turning off their Spiritual Energy barrier, letting the Yin Energy enter their bodies. Roan didn''t feel anything as expected. However, Rean had to turn his Spiritual Energy barrier once more.


    ''I see. I can deal with the Decaying Energy that enters my body with ease. Unfortunately, I need a lot more Spiritual Energy to eliminate the Decaying Energy that enters my body than blocking it with a Spiritual Energy barrier. That''s because this place makes it very hard to gather the Light Element, so I need a lot more Spiritual Energy for it. It is much more efficient to block it as much as possible and then eliminate the little bit that can pass through my protection and enter my body.''


    [Well, I think you have nothing to complain about. Everyone else is definitely taking it a lot worse than you. After all, they don''t really have a method as efficient as yours to deal with the Decaying Energy that enters their bodies. They will have to slowly drive it out, which will definitely make them spend a lot more Spiritual Energy than you do.]


    Rean smiled and nodded. He was already happy with this outcome. It''s just that he won''t be as consumption free in terms of Spiritual Energy as Roan. He will have to stop every now and then to recover it with Spirit Stones.


    "Right! Malaka, how are you faring?"


    Rean looked at Malaka and the faint blue barrier of Spiritual Energy and Water Element around her body.


    "I''m okay, but this Decaying Energy is quite tough to deal with. Fortunately, Master gave me a lot of Spirit Stones to recover my energy in the profound Abyss. Too bad she didn''t give me any Rank Three ones, though."


    Rean smiled after hearing that.


    "That''s good then. Anyway, don''t worry. It turns out that my Light Element is excellent at ridding the Decaying Energy in your body. If you feel that you have acc.u.mulated too much of it, just tell me, and I can help you straight away."


    Malaka nodded at Rean.


    "Alright!"


    Malaka was still mounting Kentucky even at this moment, so the two looked at it.


    *Chick?*Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/decaying-energy_50375352077306777 for visiting.


    Kentucky''s head bent a little to the side, expressing his confusion to Rean''s concern.


    Let alone a Spiritual Energy barrier. It seemed like Kentucky was taking it as easy as Roan. Rean couldn''t feel any struggles from him at all.


    ''Oh well... Kentucky is a Minokawa, and Minokawas can use the Dark Element to start with, so I guess he is also not affected by Yin Energy. Or perhaps, his mutation in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm made him inherit part of Roan''s immunity. Anyhow, it''s one less thing to worry about.''


    However, Roan approached Kentucky and put a hand on its head before closing his eyes. Rean and Malaka looked at Roan with a puzzled expression, though. Roan wasn''t the type that would waste his time petting Kentucky. A few seconds later, Roan opened his eyes again.


    "This bird is really something else. Not only is it not being affected by Decaying Energy, but it is also absorbing it automatically. I noticed that I can absorb this Decaying Energy as if it is Spiritual Energy. Looks like Kentucky can do it as well. In fact, it seems a lot more nutritious for him than me."


    Rean approached Kentucky and looked closely. Sure enough, the Decaying Fog entered his body little by little. However, it wasn''t forcing its way in like it does with him and Malaka. It was instead being slowly attracted to Kentucky''s Black Scales and Feathers. However, it was so faint that even Kentucky didn''t notice it.


    "Well, that''s even better."


    Roan nodded and then selected a random direction.


    "Alright, we lost enough time already. Let''s go!"

 Chapter 244 - Life Style Fourth Form

    The light was a rare commodity in the underground space. The only way to see something was to generate light yourself. Of course, as cultivators with Spiritual Energy, it wasn''t anything hard to do. However, it didn''t make things much better. The Decaying Fog around made the light stop at just three or four meters away from the origin. In some places where it was more concentrated, it wouldn''t even matter that much.


    What cultivators relied the most upon going underground ended up being their Spiritual Sense. It could travel much further, not to mention that it was an all-encompassing sensory ability. Still, as mentioned before, Spiritual Sense was also affected by the Decaying Fog. Even those at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm couldn''t see much more than 100 meters around or so.


    Rean''s group was no different. Spiritual Sense carried a trace of one''s element affinity, but it was mostly fueled by pure Spiritual Energy. Naturally, they couldn''t escape this restriction. However, Roan still had some advantages over this field, thanks to his Dark Element and Yin Energy.


    "I can''t see more than 20 or so meters. Usually, I can see up to 90 to 100 meters or so with my Peak Foundation Establishment cultivation. This fog is really something. What about you, Malaka?"


    Malaka nodded as she replied.


    "I''m even worse. My Spiritual Sense stops at 12 meters."


    There was no point in asking Kentucky since he probably didn''t even know what Spiritual Sense was to start with.


    "What about you, Roan?"


    "I''m doing much better. Thanks to my affinity and Yin Energy, I can still see up to 35 to 40 meters. Well, if we are talking about specific detection abilities, Rean''s is better than my Spiritual Sense range."


    Rean nodded. Roan could indeed see much further with his Spiritual Sense. However, Rean could literally detect Spiritual Senses of a higher level with his Light Element Spiritual Sense Bending Skill. One must remember that if the opponent''s cultivation was too high, Rean''s group''s own Spiritual Senses would fail to detect the enemy''s position. Also, if Rean stopped using his Light Element Spiritual Sense Bending Skill, they wouldn''t even be able to feel the opponent''s Spiritual Sense either if their cultivation was too high.


    However, higher-level cultivators'' Spiritual Senses had the opposite effect on Rean. They would shine like a sun against Rean''s skill. It was so useful that he even decided to call it the Fourth Form of his Life Style, Hidden Radar. Although pretty lame, the name was indeed quite fit. It could both detect others'' Spiritual Senses and also hide oneself and even others against it. Not to mention that it could both bend Spiritual Sense and Light, so the hidden effect of the Fourth Form was able to hide from others'' eyes too. Anyway, if someone with a Spiritual Sense stronger than Roan''s appears, Rean would be the first one to detect it. Too bad that he could at most hide two people at once. More than that would be too hard to control, so he couldn''t do it for Malaka and Kentucky as well. That being said, Rean was only using it to detect others'' Spiritual Senses and nothing else.


    Also, that wasn''t the only thing. Rean can feel Life Forces from longer distances as well, especially in a place like this where Life Force shines like torches. If the enemy stops using his Spiritual Sense for some reason, Rean''s Life Style Fourth Form wouldn''t detect anything. However, his Life Force can''t just disappear unless he was dead. Rean was basically a walking double-layered detector.


    After hearing the explanation, Malaka couldn''t help but ask.


    "By the way, which one can detect others from further away?"


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    "It will depend on the range of their Spiritual Senses. I was paying attention to the people who distanced themselves from us during our descent. I can feel their Life Force up to 60 to 80 meters. It all depends on their cultivation. The higher their cultivation, the stronger their life force. The stronger their life force, naturally, the further I can feel it. If they have a Spiritual Sense that can go further than 80 meters, I will first detect their Spiritual Senses. If not, then I''ll detect their life forces early instead."


    Malaka nodded.


    "Master told me that Spiritual Sense strength is not only related to cultivation. People''s souls have different degrees of power. That gives them a longer or shorter range of Spiritual Senses. I guess it will come up to their talent whether you can feel one or the other first."


    Rean nodded and smiled. Malaka was only eleven years old. Although Malaka acted happy go lucky all the time, she was quite intelligent for her age. She understood the entire explanation without even needing to ask questions in the middle.


    All of a sudden, Roan raised his hand.


    "Stop! There''s something ahead."


    Rean narrowed his eyes in response. He couldn''t detect anything in there.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/life-style-fourth-form_50375404422223960 for visiting.


    "It''s probably one of the Decaying Demon Beasts of the Profound Abyss that Elder Reliance talked about. If it was a cultivator, I would have definitely detected it."


    However, before they could even think if they should ignore or test its strength, Kentucky''s eyes lit up!


    *Chick!*


    *Vup!*


    Without any warning, Kentucky dashed in the direction of the Demon Beast. Rean''s group could only sigh in response to it and follow it in the end.


    The Demon Beast was very close to start with, so it only took Kentucky a few seconds to enter its detection range. It turned out that it didn''t even look like a Demon Beast at all. It had the shape of a Dark Fog Blade that floated in mid-air.


    As soon as it noticed Kentucky, it began to tremble. Soon after, it shot like an arrow against Kentucky''s head.


    Rean''s group had received a lot of information about the profound Abyss from the Sect Master. All the Decaying Demon Beasts used the Decaying Fog as fuel for their attacks. It made abilities like Spiritual Energy barriers more fragile. Also, if hit, the Decaying Energy in their bodies would immediately flow inside the cultivator''s body like torrents. That being said, all the cultivators participating in this Profound Abyss were warned to avoid injuries at all costs.


    "It''s a Decaying Slasher! Its power is comparable to an Initial Stage Core Formation Realm cultivator. However, it has very high defense, so it will be hard to break through its blade to hit the Core."


    There was only one way to kill Decaying Demon Beasts, destroying their cores.


    Roan nodded.


    "It''s a good chance to see what Kentucky can do."


    Malaka wanted to help Kentucky, but Rean and Roan stopped her. They knew how strong Kentucky''s defense was, after all.


    The Dark Fog Blade was obviously faster than the half plumpy bird. Still, Kentucky didn''t seem to be the least bit concerned. If anything, he looked excited.


    As soon as the Decaying Slasher arrived in front of Kentucky''s head, Kentucky''s Light and Dark Element gathered around his beak. Just like in the past, Kentucky''s head moved much faster than demon beasts at his stage could. Even the Decaying Slasher couldn''t react in time with its speed.


    *Clang!*


    *Shatter!*


    It was a one-sided battle. The blade-like Demon Beast broke right in the middle, where its Core was present. With that, its entire body crumbled, leaving behind just the Core, which was now locked between Kentucky''s beak.


    The beast then tried to gather more Decaying Energy to reform its body, however...


    *Gulp!*


    *Burp~~*


    Kentuck swallowed it like the Core was candy.


    Rean''s group was quite surprised to see it.


    "Elder Reliance was right. A Minokawa''s beak is no joke. Kentucky shattered the Decaying Blade in a single strike."


    Roan nodded.


    "It''s good that it can rely on itself while we are here."


    Rean then came forward and touched Kentucky''s head before convening his thoughts through a Spiritual Sense.


    ''Kentucky. Keep the Demon Core, but don''t start digesting it right now. Wait for the time we come out of the Profound Abyss.''


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky seemed to have understood what Rean said. Right after, he returned to Malaka''s side, who quickly mounted him again.


    "Good boy! Hahaha!"


    "Alright. This is just the entrance. The number of Decaying Demon Beasts will only increase as we move ahead, so pay attention. Let''s go."

 Chapter 245 - Decaying Golems

    Roan was right. As they moved forward, they began to find more Decaying Demon Beasts. However, their strength wasn''t much different from each other.


    This was a Training Ground made for young cultivators by the imperial family. Naturally, they couldn''t allow too many Demon Beasts above the 3rd Stage to exist since the cultivators would be powerless against it. It wouldn''t be considered training if the participants couldn''t even react to the Decaying Demon Beasts'' attacks.


    Before starting every event, the Imperial Family''s experts, led by a Saint Realm Expert, would sweep the entire Profound Abyss. They already had a good understanding of the Decaying Demon Beasts present in this place as well. They would purposely leave just a few Stage Four Demon Beasts with power equivalent to Initial Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators.


    No participant in the Profound Abyss had cultivations higher than the Peak of the Core Formation Realm. However, they were geniuses of their own powers nonetheless. That meant that they could still fight above the average level. Logically, quite a few of them have no problem matching an Initial Stage Core and Fusion Realm average enemy. A few were more powerful than that.


    As for what would happen if a Stage Four Demon Beast found a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator? Well, that cultivator could just be said to be unfortunate. Everyone had been informed about the Profound Abyss'' cultivation limit. If they decided to enter with Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation, then that was their problem.


    "Malaka, I''ll leave those two Decaying Golems for you to take care of. They have a strength similar to a Peak Stage Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, so you can deal with it."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/decaying-golems_50375422407399564 for visiting.


    Rean and Roan weren''t just ordering Malaka to battle. They were battling as well. At the moment, they found a group of Decaying Golems. They were categorized by their sizes��the bigger, the stronger. While Malaka was fighting those with power equivalent to the Foundation Establishment realm, Rean and Roan were dealing with Core Formation Level Golems.


    Turns out that those Golems detected their presence even before Roan''s Spiritual Sense could see them. Still, it was to be expected. This was their own home, so they definitely evolved to detect others'' presence in this environment.


    "Alright!"


    ''Death Water Style, Second Form, Spinning Dragon Tails!''


    Using both sides of her Staff, Malaka rotated her body while hitting body golems at the same time. She was so fast that she could create afterimages using the Water Element to confuse the opponent. The attacks were very fluid, showing the advantages of a Water Element User. Still, she was not very proficient with it. The hitting points were quite off from the places she wished to attack. It couldn''t be helped, though. She came up with this skill with Roan''s help just a month and a half ago. She needed time to adapt to it in real battle situations.


    The Golem''s bodies broke on the sides where she hit them but did not crumble. Not only that, they didn''t feel any pain to start with, so they used that change to attack Malaka as well.


    Malaka wasn''t affected by that, though.


    ''Death Water Style, First Form, Flowing Dragon!''


    The same way as she did with Roan, she used the Dragon''s Head on one side of the staff to defend against the attacks. She then used the counterforce and the staff''s bending properties to power the attack against the golems. If there was one thing that Malaka lacked, it was raw power. She had to use those maneuvers to increase her own strength, or things would be difficult for her.


    *Bang, bang!*


    As expected, Malaka was already used to the First Form. Thanks to that, she hit the Golem at the point where their cores were located. Still, the Golems lacked anything but defense. The area around their cores crumbled as their cores were somewhat affected. However, they did not crumble. The worst part was that as soon as Malaka tried to gain distance, the dark earth under them began to move to recover their bodies.


    "Don''t stop! If you give them a chance to heal, you will run out of Spiritual Energy before you can do anything else."


    "Alright!"


    Rean and Roan were not much better. At the moment, they were using their Death Style Fifth Form, Mirage Assault, to fight several Stage Three Decaying Golems. It''s just that there were just too many of them.


    ''It''s not good like this. Instead of focusing on them all at the same time, let''s destroy them one by one. Ignore the others.''


    ''If we leave others alone, they might attack Malaka and Kentucky. Are you sure?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''This is a training ground. Malaka and Kentucky will not only find opponents at their level during their time here. They have to get used to dealing with adverse situations. Otherwise, only death would await them in the future.''


    He then looked to another side, just to see Kentucky fighting another two Stage Three Golems on his own. Still, his beak was just so long, so his attacks failed to reach the Golem Cores every time. Fortunately, Kentucky seemed to have understood that he had to continue to keep attacking to prevent the Golems from recovering. He focused on a single golem while bearing the attacks of the second. It seemed like Kentucky''s defense wasn''t any worse than the Golems either.


    *Clang, clang, clang...*


    Every time he received and performed an attack, only metallic sounds could be heard. It was a real brawns only battle.


    Rean then looked at Roan and nodded.


    The twins then looked at the largest Golem in the group and changed their targets. As soon as the twins and their mirages changed direction, the Stage Three Golems on the sides changed targets as well. They were not thinking much, just choosing the targets that seemed to be the easiest to kill. Naturally, they charged at Malaka and Kentucky.


    Rean and Roan ignored it, though.


    ''Focus on its core!''


    The four of them dashed at full speed to increase their attacks'' power.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piecer!''


    Stellar Piercer was commonly used for long-range attacks. However, this attack''s real power was at close range. If they considered single target damage, none of Rean and Roan''s skills could beat the Stellar Piercer.


    Four Stellar Piercers came at the Golem Leader from all sides, all of them aiming at the place where its core was. However, the Golem understood the danger and immediately assumed a boulder-like form, covering its core with its enormous dark stone body.


    *Bang, bang, bang, bang!*


    All the Stellar Pierces connected, leaving deep holes into the Golem''s body. However, they still failed to reach deep enough to touch the Core. Soon after, the Golem opened its arms and rotated its body, sweeping Rean and Roan''s group away. However, at this moment, another Rean and Roan appeared right under this guy''s body in a flash!


    "Idiot! Who said that we can only make two copies?"


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    The Golem was already slow to start with, so it simply had no time to react at all.


    *Puchi, Puchi!*


    The twins'' attacks pierced right through the layer of dark rocks, hitting the enormous Golem Core head-on!


    *Crack!*


    *Boom!*


    However...


    *Roar!*


    The Golem looked at Rean and Roan as it brandished its arms at them. Rean and Roan didn''t have time to change the attacks into a defensive form, so they could only move away.


    "Jump back!"


    *Bang, bang!*


    Even though Rean and Roan were fast, they were still a little too slow. The Golem''s attack was powerful, which immediately made some of their bones break on impact. That''s already considering that the twins mitigated some of its power by moving in the same direction as the attack.


    "Focus, he isn''t the only one."


    Roan didn''t lose his calm. He kept his Spiritual Sense locked on the other two Stage Three Decaying Golems that didn''t change target and followed them. Not long after, the two controlled their mirages that were free and blocked the Golems'' path.


    ''Death Style, First Defensive Form, Reversive Arcs!''


    *Bang, bang, bang, bang!*


    The four Mirages were sent flying for trying to stop those Golems'' attacks head-on. Still, it brought the real Rean and Roan more than enough time to land and reach a safe distance.


    It turned out that they hit the Golem''s Core, but they lacked the power to shatter it. In the end, that Golem only had its Core cracked, but not destroyed.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Rean and Roan''s body began to heal, and their bones mended together once more. However, there was really a significant lacking of the Light Element in this place, so it would take at least a minute to finish.


    ''That thing''s level is probably at the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm, but its defense is probably at the late, no, Peak Stage.''


    Rean then looked at Malaka and Kentucky. Rean was surprised to see that Malaka had defeated one of the Stage Two Decaying Golems before the Stage Three ones arrived. After that, she assumed a defensive form and kept retreating in circles, holding one Stage Two and two Stage Three Golems occupied. However, it was evident that she was also reaching her limit. There were also a few injuries on her body, proving that she was hit at some point.


    As for Kentucky, Rean noticed that it had also destroyed one of the Stage Three Golems it was fighting previously. However, with the addition of another two, Kentucky held its ground against three Stage Three Golems. Rean noticed that Kentucky''s scales began to crack already as his blade feathers were broken everywhere.


    "We might need to retreat from this place."

 Chapter 246 - Surprises

    Rean and Roan weren''t really preoccupied. The Golems were relatively slow, so it wouldn''t be a problem for them to retreat. Even if they didn''t have the chance to do that, they could drag Malaka and Kentucky into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. After that, they just needed to wait until the Golems leave for them to come out as well.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/surprises_50375451398428882 for visiting.


    However, it was at this moment that the Golem Leader acted.


    *ROAR~~~~!!!*


    All the other Golems then looked at it and immediately dashed back to its side. The Golem Leader then looked at Rean and Roan as it used its arms to cover the place where his Core was located. Soon after, it turned around and began to run away with its companions.


    Rean and Roan were quite surprised by that. It was not because the Golem chose to flee, but because they thought it would never do that. From Reliance''s information, the Demon Beasts inside this place are in a constant semi-berserk state. Retreating would be one of the last things they''d do.


    Malaka and Kentucky then returned to Rean and Roan''s side. Their condition wasn''t that good, but they weren''t in any danger either.


    "Hehe. We won! Did you see how I held those Golems back on my own?"


    *Chick, chick!*


    Rean smiled as he patted those two heads, much to their delight.


    Roan, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes.


    "Strange. They shouldn''t have retreated. It seems like they''re not in a berserk state like Reliance told us. That Golem wasn''t intelligent, but it could at least understand that continuing to battle us would possibly bring its own death."


    Rean nodded.


    "It''s probably because of the Surge. It must be affecting the Decaying Demon Beasts'' state of mind. Sure enough, the Surge will arrive during the trial."


    Roan agreed with those words.


    "Indeed. This is terrible news. It means that the Demon Beasts will be even more dangerous from now on. Should we give up the Vermilion Pools and retreat?"


    Malaka immediately shook her head.


    "No! I don''t want to go back like this. The others will definitely not give up just because of the Surge, so I won''t either."


    Roan looked at Malaka for a second and nodded.


    "That''s more like it. Alright, let''s recover our energy and injuries first. This place was those Golems'' territory, so there shouldn''t be other Decaying Demon Beasts around. Let''s take the chance to do it now."


    Rean nodded and immediately took a few Spirit Stones out to recover his energy. After he healed his injuries, he touched Malaka and Kentucky before using his Life Style Second Form to heal them. Well, Kentucky could also use the Light Element, so Rean only had to control it to increase the effectiveness.


    Roan could use the Life Style Second Form as well, but not as proficient as Rean, so he only recovered his own injuries.


    Just as Rean was about to finish everything, his expression changed.


    "There''s Spiritual Sense. Someone is coming from there."


    Everyone immediately got up and looked in the direction Rean pointed out. Sure enough, four figures appeared in their vision a few seconds later.


    "That''s quite impressive. As soon as my Spiritual Sense touched you three, you got up and looked in my direction. However, I couldn''t feel any of your Spiritual Senses passing by me. How did you know that we were there? Oh! Wait! Aren''t you that girl with that amazing Water Element control?"


    As expected, Malaka''s display in the settlement caught the attention of a lot of people. The man who talked seemed to be very interested in Rean''s group. Rean and Roan had no idea who they were, but they could at least feel their cultivations. The frontman was at the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm while his companions seemed to be in the Middle or initial Stage.


    "Hahaha! I got a lot of fans at that time."


    Malaka didn''t seem afraid, but she was gripping on her staff quite tightly.


    Roan didn''t care about any of that, so he went straight to the point.


    "What do you want? We have no time to deal with you, so make it quick."


    The man narrowed his eyes. Even though his group had the cultivation advantage, those twins didn''t seem to care much about them. Still, he soon recovered before saying.


    "I, Doren Cantou, am not someone unreasonable that would attack kids. I saw that you guys got many Rank Three Spirit Stones during the gathering in the settlement. As long as you leave them behind, we will pretend that we never saw you before."


    His companions then began to laugh after hearing that. Sure enough, they all had the same idea. Rank Three Spirit Stones were very hard to acquire by people of their level, after all.


    However, Roan snorted in response.


    "Too bad. We won''t approve. Now that you''ve made your intentions clear, I have no intention of letting any of you go. I''ll simply harvest the spoils from your bodies."


    Of course, Roan had already reached an agreement with Rean and Malaka even before saying that. It was evident that leaving this place without a battle wouldn''t be possible. Well, they were lucky that they were able to recover from the Golems'' fight before these guys arrived. Otherwise, they would need to retreat, give their Spirit Stones away, or enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    ''Malaka, you and Kentucky will fight the guy on the right side. Be careful, though. His cultivation is a lot higher than yours, and he is a human that can think. He will be even more dangerous than those three golems attacking you together.''


    ''Don''t worry. With Kentucky here, I''m invincible! Hahaha!''


    Rean and Roan didn''t mind Malaka''s words and immediately attacked the other two Initial Stage Core Formation Realm enemies. Their hair colors changed once more as they gathered Light and Dark Element between their Swords.


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    When Rean and Roan''s opponents saw that, they laughed out loud. Rean and Roan''s speed was just at the level of a Peak Foundation Establishment, and so was the energy coming from their bodies. With their higher cultivation, those twins would be too easy to deal with. Let alone Malaka and Kentucky, who were attacking the other guy.


    However, Doren narrowed his eyes instead. The difference in cultivation was so big, so where did that confidence of theirs come from? He decided that he would not leave it up to chance. Everyone in the Profound Abyss was a genius of their own organizations, after all.


    ''Don''t underestimate those two. Attack with full power!''


    His companions were taken aback for a moment, but they didn''t dare to defy Doren''s order.


    ''Hell Blade!''


    ''Earth Asunder!''


    Doren also didn''t waste the chance and attacked the closest twin, Roan.


    ''Heavenly Wind Slasher!''


    None of them noticed what was happening. No, to be more exact, none of them had ever seen the Mirage Assault before.


    Rean and Roan had faked their actions. Obviously, they aren''t weak to the point where they can only move and release the Spiritual Energy of a Peak Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator. Even if their opponents were vigilant, they didn''t expect what happened next.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    Suddenly, Rean and Roan''s speed and power exploded, reaching the same level as a Late Stage Core Formation Realm cultivator! Doren''s companions, who were about to block Rean and Roan, instantly paled!


    Fast! Too fast!


    Of course, Rean and Roan wouldn''t give them the time necessary to react.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    The surprises had just begun for them, though.

 Chapter 247 - Life and Death Situation

    Rean and Roan passed through the two guy''s defense faster than they could react and immediately attacked.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Three Swords made of Light and Dark Light appeared, aiming for the critical points on their bodies. However, those guys were still geniuses of their own powers. Even if they weren''t a match with their Initial and Middle Stage cultivation, they wouldn''t die that easily, especially the one Roan was attacking. After all, Doren attacked Roan, giving him too little time to properly aim the Three Claws of the Dragon.


    Rean hit two of his three claws but failed to land a killing blow. Of course, those two hits were still bad news for his opponent. As for Roan''s opponent, he blocked one of the semi-real swords while Doren blocked another. In the end, Roan only landed one hit that was not at a vital part.


    In the first exchange, no deaths appeared. Still, that was enough for Doren''s group to understand what was going to happen. This will turn into a battle where no side will leave unharmed... or so they thought.


    However, Doren had a foreboding feeling as he looked at Roan''s face. There, he could swear that he saw a faint smile appearing. His Heavenly Wind Slasher connected, but it wasn''t a clean hit. Roan had used that explosion of speed not only to attack but to also dodge Doren''s attack.


    Roan wasn''t the only one. Rean also had an expression of ridicule aimed at the guy who dodged his fatal strike just a split second ago.


    Their plan worked better than they thought. During that moment where they used the First Form of the Life Style, their enemies were so shocked that their full attention was focused on Rean and Roan. They only had enough time to hear the Spiritual Sense Message from Malaka and Kentucky''s opponent.


    ''Behind!''


    Unfortunately, they were too late. What Rean and Roan had used from the very start was the Fifth Form of the Death Style, Mirage Assault. However, they did not summon the clones until the very last second.


    Two Reans and Roans appeared behind those Initial and Middle Stage Core Formation Realm cultivators just as they retreated to escape the real Rean and Roan''s attacks.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    In that split second, another six dark and white swords of energy aimed at the back of each of them.


    *Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish!*


    Their Spiritual Energy was useless against all six swords. Although the semi-real Rean and Roans only had 70% of the real ones'' powers, their attacks weren''t something that could be stopped with one''s body alone. Heart, head, neck, if it was a critical point, the mirages hit it! However, Rean and Roan only aimed at those two guys, leaving Doren and Malaka''s opponent out. Doren was at the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm, so he might have reacted in time to avoid the blows, which wouldn''t change the battle proportions. As for Malaka''s opponent, he was the second Initial Stage of this group, so it wouldn''t be too risky if he survived.


    In the very first strike, the Initial and Middle Stage Core Formation Realm cultivators already perished. Only Doren and Malaka and Kentucky''s opponent remained.


    "Yo-you!"


    Roan snorted as he recovered his equilibrium after dodging Doren''s attacks. Roan had to pay quite a wealthy price to make the distraction plan work. After all, it was not like the clones could disappear from one''s Spiritual Sense. Because of that, Doren''s Heavenly Wind Slasher left a deep cut on his shoulder where the Wind Element was causing havoc. Still, Roan quickly controlled his Dark Element to destroy it. He also used Rean and White Star''s Light Elements to heal his injury with the Life Style Second Form. It''s just that the healing part would take some time due to the lack of Light Element in this place.


    "Regretting now? Too late!"


    They were the ones trying to extort their group''s Spirit Stones using their higher cultivation. Indeed, Doren was the last person with the right to complain about the outcome of their actions.


    Roan didn''t even wait for his injuries to heal as he dashed at Doren. Rean, who had also killed his opponent, did the same thing. Of course, the four clones of the Mirage Assault also changed their target and pounced at Doren.


    Meanwhile, on Malaka''s side, her opponent was shocked by what happened to his two companions. Seeing his companions dying made him go crazy, increasing his pressure against Malaka and Kentucky even more.


    "Die!"


    He stomped his feet on the ground, releasing an enormous amount of Earth Element that made the ground under Malaka and Kentucky give in. Malaka tried to keep her equilibrium as Kentucky immediately opened his wings to take flight. However, that guy was waiting for that exact moment! Kentucky''s movement was instinctual, so it gave the guy a small window to attack Malaka alone! He immediately used an Earth Movement Skill that allowed him to travel in the middle of the flying rubbles in a flash!


    "You first, brat!"


    Earth Element gathered around his spear as he unleashed his attack.


    ''Myriad Earth Spears!''


    Not only did his own spear attack Malaka from the front, but three additional spears that were almost identical also came from under her as she tried to regain her balance.


    ''Death Water Style, First Form, Flowing Dragon!''


    Without any other choice, Malaka could only use her attack in that situation. She could feel that although the spears coming from the ground had similar strength to the one in her enemy''s hand, they weren''t as dangerous. Those earth spears were firm, but they were there basically to distract Malaka with their higher number while her enemy landed the main attack.


    Kentucky immediately noticed Malaka''s situation as his body exploded with Black and White Flames. Kentucky then flapped his wings, disappearing from his position in a flash! Still, that wasn''t fast enough to stop Malaka''s opponent''s attack.


    Rean and Roan also noticed that, but they were surrounding Doren, trying to prevent him from escaping. Even if they gave up the attack right now, they would take even longer than Kentucky to arrive there.


    In the end, Malaka''s decision to block the spear head-on was right. The Dragon''s Head of the Flowing Dragon Skill parried that enemy''s attack. Malaka also did her best to use the opponent''s force to rotate her body as much as possible, giving up the counter-attack that she could use with the Flowing Dragon. Thanks to that, the three additional spears still hit and passed through her body, but fortunately missed the critical points. Of course, Malaka was immediately severely injured because of that.


    "Malaka!"


    Rean was just about to move to help Malaka, but Roan immediately stopped him with a message through their Soul Connection.


    ''Stop! It''s not over yet.''


    Malaka''s opponent didn''t expect her to survive in that situation. After all, not only was she taken by surprise, her cultivation was also a lot lower than his own. Still, her injuries were not light, so he immediately turned around to give the final blow.


    However, he didn''t have time for it. Malaka''s last desperate struggle bought Kentucky enough time to arrive!


    *Creeeeeeeeee!*


    The amount of Black and White Flames coming from his body made the cultivator immediately give up attacking Malaka at that moment. Instead, he decided that he might as well use the inertia to attack Kentucky as well!


    "Dumb bird! You dare to attack head-on against a spear user with your Stage Two level?! Die for me!"


    Earth Element and Spiritual Energy gathered once more around his spear as he used another one of his skills.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/life-and-death-situation_50375473410136830 for visiting.


    ''Earth God Spear!''


    As a single target attack, this one was even stronger than the spears that attacked Malaka!


    *Boom!*


    The spear and Kentucky''s beak smashed against each other. Light, Dark, and Earth Elements exploded on both sides. Still, neither side was victorious in the exchange.


    "What?!"


    The energy of the attacks sent both Kentucky and the enemy cultivator flying backward. Sure enough, Kentucky''s beak was as strong as ever! Even with the difference in cultivation, Kentucky was still able to bring his strength up to par with his opponent.


    However, it wasn''t over there. Right behind the guy, Malaka stood up once more! Fountains of blood came out of the three holes on her body, but she gritted her teeth and bore with the pain.


    "Roan''s punishments hurt much more!"


    ''Death Water Style, Second Form, Spinning Dragon Tails!''


    The man was taken aback once more after seeing that. Because of the explosion of Spiritual Energy and the Elements, he was knocked with his back turned in Malaka''s direction. All he could do was try to spin his body to defend Malaka''s incoming attack. Unfortunately, he was in mid-air without any contact with the ground. He had just finished a powerful exchange with Kentucky, so he couldn''t redirect his Spiritual Energy to bring out the Myriad Earth Spears that fast either.


    *Bang, bang!*


    Surprisingly, even in that condition, he was still able to defend against two of the strikes. However, he saw one thing that he couldn''t believe. His spear... shattered after that! Rean''s High-Level Equipment showed its prowess at this moment, more powerful than what Malaka''s opponents had. Besides, Kentucky''s attack just a moment ago didn''t help with the situation either. In the end, the spear simply couldn''t resist the pressure.


    Malaka didn''t try to be merciful this time. Her conditions simply didn''t allow her to do so. Kentucky was sent flying away because of the previous strike. Rean and Roan were even further at the moment. If she didn''t make sure to finish him here, she would definitely die since she couldn''t do anything after that anymore.


    *Bang, Crack, Crash!*


    The first strike caved inside the man''s heart. The second broke his neck, and the third crashed his head! It was instant death!


    Malaka couldn''t celebrate after that, though. That was because she passed out before the man''s body could even hit the ground. The two fell on the floor together right after��one girl with severe injuries and one dead body.

 Chapter 248 - Premeditated

    Doren, who was doing his best to find an escape route, felt even more pressure after seeing his last remaining companion falling. Rean and Roan could even fight a Peak Stage Core Formation Realm for some time with Mirage Assault on, let alone a Late Stage.


    First, Doren resisted so far because he was a genius of his own sect. Second, he was a Wind Element user. He was proficient in his own Wind Movement Technique, one of the best elements for speed.


    Nevertheless, Rean, Roan, and the four copies they created kept blocking Doren''s path time and time again. Doren hoped that his companion would force at least one of them to go and help the girl, but who could have thought that she and the fat bird would win in the end?


    Roan also noticed when Malaka gave a finishing blow to the guy''s head and nodded with a satisfied expression.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/premeditated_50375504800312616 for visiting.


    ''It seems like Mia had been training her better than I thought. In that last second, I saw no hesitation in her movements.''


    Rean also sighed in relief. He could feel that Malaka was in a terrible condition, but she would resist for some time still. That was enough time for him to go there and heal her up.


    Rean and Roan then returned their attention to Doren and increased the pressure.


    "Wait! I''ll give you everything I have! Let me go!"


    Roan snorted in response as he said


    "Keep dreaming."


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Rean didn''t say anything as he also attacked. If they were not strong enough, they would be the ones on the ground now. Doren''s group definitely had no intention of letting them go to start with.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Their Mirages also used the same skills, attacking Doren from all sides. Finally, Doren wasn''t able to hold back anymore. The injuries on his bodies were too severe for him to keep his performance up.


    *Puchi!*


    Finally, one of the Mirages'' Stellar Piercer passed through his chest. Doren''s eyes opened wide as he looked at the hole in his chest. Although it missed his head, it was still a match-ending injury.


    *cough.*


    He vomited blood and kneeled on the ground, trying to not fall. Unfortunately for him, it was already over. He had no strength to move anymore. Knowing that begging would make no difference, he closed his eyes and waited for the final blow. However, that final blow that would take his life did not come as he thought. Instead, he felt a cold sensation on his neck. Something was faintly touching it.


    He opened his eyes again, just to meet Roan''s cold eyes, while the White Star pressed against his throat.


    "Aren''t you quite lucky? I have a few questions for you, so you still have a few moments to live."


    As for Rean, he wasn''t there anymore. The moment Doren gave up any resistance, he canceled the Death Style Fifth Form and rushed to Malaka''s position. Kentucky was already there as well, making sure to watch for any danger that could come in Malaka''s way.


    Rean then looked at the pool of blood from Malaka herself and her ragged breath. At the same time, Rean could see the little bit of Light Element coming out of Malaka''s body. Almost none was left. One must remember that Rean was also capable of using his First Form of the Life Style, Enhancement, on others. That being said, Rean and increased Malaka''s combat power before the battle started. That''s why she was able to match a Core Formation Realm cultivator with her Middle Stage Foundation Establishment cultivation.


    Of course, Malaka was quite strong herself. It''s just that her opponent turned out to be much stronger than ordinary Initial Stage Core Formation Realm cultivators. In the same way that Malaka could fight those about her realm, so did her opponent. If not for that, her battle wouldn''t have been so desperate.


    He immediately laid her on his lap and touched her injuries. Soon after, a burst of Light Element came from Rean''s body and began to enter Malaka''s injuries.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Kentucky looked at Malaka with some worry. Seeing that, Rean smiled and comforted him.


    "It''s okay. Malaka will feel weak for a while, but she isn''t in danger anymore."


    Although Kentucky couldn''t understand words well, he could at least catch Rean''s meaning.


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky then sat down on Rean''s side and closed its eyes. Right after, faint ripples of Light Element began to gather on his body. Turns out that Kentucky began to heal his own injuries as well. Of course, he was far from being as good as Rean.


    Back on Roan''s side, he already started to ask his questions.


    "So, why do I feel like you did not find us through coincidence?"


    From what Rean said, Doren''s group was already rushing in their direction by the time he felt their Spiritual Sense. In a normal situation, the opponents would first pause to assess the situation with their Spiritual Sense. Only then would they decide whether to attack or defend. After all, they had to first check the cultivation levels of Rean''s group.


    "You have never had any intention of letting us go to start with, that much I can tell. You only asked for Spirit Stones to make us drop our guard. That would make it easier to catch us by surprise and prevent anyone from escaping. Speak, how did you find us? Why were you following our trace?"


    Doren smiled bitterly after hearing that. He still had some hope after he heard that Roan had some questions. However, he didn''t expect that this ''kid'' would have seen through the entire scheme.


    "If I tell the truth, will you let me go?"


    Roan laughed coldly after hearing that.


    "Of course not. However, I can at least give you a painless death. Believe me, you don''t want to see what I''m capable of doing when I want some information."


    Doren felt a chill on his back after he looked at Roan''s expression.


    Torture? It would be hard to find a single existence in this world better at it than Death himself.

 Chapter 249 - True Reasons

    As Rean healed Malaka, he began to hear some muffled screams from behind. He didn''t need to think to figure out what was happening there. Rean was the one to come up with the issue of the pursuit. After all, it made no sense that Doren''s group came straight at them from the get-go after finding them with their Spiritual Sense. He might not like Roan''s methods, but he couldn''t risk being in the dark about what was happening either.


    Instead, he focused his energy on healing Malaka. Because of the lack of Light Element in the Profound Abyss, it took longer than he wanted. Not to mention that healing others was already much slower than healing himself to start with.


    Sometime later, the screams stopped and what followed next was the sound of a sword being waved around. Soon after, a thud could be heard. Rean knew that Doren was dead and that the sound was his body hitting the floor. Roan appeared by his side a few moments later. He looked at Malaka''s injuries and then asked.


    "How is it?"


    Rean nodded.


    "She''s fine. She lost a lot of blood, which my Light Element can''t recover. But as long as she rests, she will recover eventually."


    Roan nodded as well.


    "She did well. At that moment, she was still able to rotate her body and avoid her body''s critical points. Indeed, there is no better way to practice other than real combat."


    Rean sighed. He didn''t really want Malaka to pass through this. However, he already understood how the cultivation world worked. Since Malaka had become a cultivator as well, this kind of situation would most likely happen again in the future. If she doesn''t become ready now, it will be too late later.


    "By the way, how was it with the interrogation?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he explained.


    "Well, it won''t be of any surprise to you. The one who ordered Doren to come after us was none other than that guy who is always with Calina, Valeu. I asked why he would go to this extent to get rid of us. From the looks of it, he wants Malaka''s pendant back. Of course, if that was the only reason, there would be no need to kill us. You noticed it as well, didn''t you? He''s the type that doesn''t want to mix himself with no named people like us."


    "Because Malaka had somehow managed to become friends with Calina, a princess of the Sasamil Empire, he probably thought of it to be disgraceful. Of course, this reason for killing us is just a theory of mine. He might have another reason altogether. Still, Doren certainly received an offer to kill us instead of just recovering the pendant."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why is this pendant so important?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders.


    "Doren also asked the same question to Valeu, but the latter did not answer, stating that he didn''t have the status to do so. Nonetheless, it''s definitely something with significance. From the looks of it, Valeu only found about the fact that Calina gave it to Malaka a few moments before the Profound Abyss opened."


    "How so?"


    "Simple. With Valeu''s background, he could have tried to buy it from us instead. However, now that we are inside the Profound Abyss, there is a risk that we will lose it here. After all, Valeu only knew about our cultivation and not our fighting prowess. He probably thinks that we will die. Still, he can''t come here by himself since he has to protect the princess. That being said, he offered some rewards so that stronger cultivators at the Core Formation Realm would recover it and keep it safe."


    Rean narrowed his eyes in response. Of course, Roan noticed it.


    "What''s the problem?"


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    "I don''t know. Something tells me that something isn''t right with this guy. How can I say it... during the days we followed Malaka and Calina, I felt like he wasn''t pleased just because Malaka was interacting with Calina. Oh well, this is just a gut feeling anyway."


    Roan did not spend any time with Valeu, nor did he ask Malaka and Rean about the guy. He simply didn''t care about him. Once the Profound Abyss was over, they would never see each other again, or so Roan thought. Because of that, he hadn''t given any attention to Valeu before. However, Rean spent a lot of time with him because of Malaka and Calina''s relation.


    "Whatever. The problem here is that Doren''s group isn''t the only one contacted. More Core Formation Realm groups are coming for us as well."


    Rean nodded.


    "By the way, how did they find us?"


    Roan then pointed at Malaka''s collarbone.


    "The pendant. It has some kind of energy that can be detected from a certain distance."


    Roan then took out a small bluestone. It seemed to be made of the same material as the pendant. After Roan injected Spiritual Energy into it, the stone began to release a few specks of blue light. Those specks of blue light then started to float in Malaka''s direction. Or, to be more specific, the pendant''s direction.


    "From Doren''s words, he found our location when he was around a kilometer away. This is by far much farther than what we could normally perceive.


    Rean pondered a bit before asking.


    "Should we get rid of it? No, maybe we can put it inside the Dimensional Realm, and it won''t be detected there."


    Roan shook his head as he showed a faint cold smile.


    "Why should we do that? Excellent practicing targets will be coming for us on their own, isn''t that perfect? We need battles to help stabilize our cultivations. This is a golden opportunity. Let them come! The more, the better!"


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh as he listened to his words. Everything was a training opportunity in Roan''s eyes.


    "Fine. But I will put the pendant in the Dimensional Realm until Malaka recovers. That much is fine, right?"


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s good enough. By the way, feed her this."


    Roan then took a small pill bottle from the Dimensional Realm and passed it to Rean.


    "What is this?"


    Rean asked as he put the pendant inside the Dimensional Realm.


    "Neutral Blood Replenishing Pills. Although they aren''t as good as Water Element Pills of the same type for Malaka, it is very close. From what Old Worm said, my Dark Element is the best he had ever seen for the concoction. Its capability of eliminating impurities is unmatched or something like that. Not to mention that your Light Element helps me protect the herbs and other materials'' properties while I destroy the impurities. That being said, it seems like my Neutral Pills have around 90% of the efficiency of Elemental Pills. I don''t even need to tell you how much good our Dark and Light Element pills are either, right?"


    Rean was quite surprised to hear that. Not with the pills'' effects, but that it was quite rare to see Roan bragging about anything at all.


    "It seems like I was right in the end."


    Roan looked at Rean with a puzzled expression.


    "Right about what?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/true-reasons_50375587226773213 for visiting.


    "What else could it be? Old Worm was probably your wife in another life. Look just how much you like to spend your time with him."


    Roan''s mouth twitched in response.


    "Couldn''t you just say that he was my father or brother at least?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders in response.


    "Where''s the fun in that?"

 Chapter 250 - Like a Shadow

    Rean fed Malaka a Blood Replenishing Pill and used his Spiritual Energy to help dissolve it in her body. Of course, he also used his Light Element to get rid of the Decaying Energy that entered Malaka''s body. After all, she was unconscious. She wasn''t controlling her Spiritual Energy to form a barrier to block it. Those few moments that Rean and Roan took to deal with Doren was enough for a lot of Decaying Energy to get into her body, primarily through the injuries.


    Soon, the dark color of Decaying Energy disappeared from Malaka''s skin, revealing her pale face once more. A few minutes later, Malaka''s pale face even regained a bit of its color.


    *Guh...*


    Eventually, she regained her consciousness as the pain washed through her body. She then opened her eyes, just to see that she was lying on Rean''s lap while he healed her injuries. Even though she still felt some pain, she had to admit that Rean''s Light Element felt very good.


    "Hehe! Is this my reward for doing a good job?"


    Rean shook his head helplessly.


    "What reward? If you were alone, you would have died because of those injuries, you know? In fact, you probably would have died to the Decaying Energy first."


    Malaka then noticed Roan standing guard on the side with his arms crossed, his expression as cold as always.


    "Will I get extra training because of these injuries?"


    Roan looked down for a moment before shaking his head in the end.


    "You did better than I expected, so there''s no need for extra training... for now."


    Malaka smiled with a satisfied expression. In the end, she only felt this safe when she was with her brothers.


    Kentucky, who had also been recovering on the side, finally opened his eyes as well. He then noticed that Malaka was awake and rubbed his big head against her.


    *Chick!*


    "Hahaha! You''re such a jealous chick."


    Rean then patted the chick on the head.


    "Alright, I finished closing up your injuries, so get up already. However, you lost a lot of blood because of that fight, so you will feel a bit dizzy for some time. I already fed one of Roan''s Blood Replenishing Pills to you, though, so you should be back to normal in two or so hours. Here, take this."


    Rean then passed another Blood Replenishing Pill to Malaka.


    "A single one will not be enough. Take another one hour later."


    Malaka nodded and took the pill. She was just about to put it into her bag when suddenly, she noticed that her Pendant was missing.


    "Ah! Calina''s Pendant! It''s not here!"


    Rean laughed and put his hand inside his bag. Of course, that was just a pretext to take the Pendant out of the Dimensional Realm.


    "I have your Pendant here. However, I''ll be holding it from now on."


    Unfortunately for him, Roan''s hand moved in a flash and took the Pendant from Rean''s hand.


    "I''ll take it. It''ll be safer if I carry it instead."


    "You could have just asked, no? I know you''re stronger than me."


    Roan didn''t answer and put the Pendant around his neck.


    "Why can''t I carry it, huh?"


    Rean was about to create an excuse when Roan intervened.


    "Calina''s protector wants to take it back. He''s using it to track us down and wants us dead."


    Malaka was shocked to hear that.


    "What? Why? I''ve never done anything bad to him."


    Rean sighed and shook his head.


    "We don''t know. We think Valeu doesn''t like cultivators from small countries and powers like us. Besides, the Pendant appears to be something important to him. Anyway, let Roan carry it from now on."


    Malaka nodded in the end.


    "Okay. But... isn''t it better to throw it away instead?"


    Roan snorted as he looked at Malaka''s face.


    "Do you really want to throw it away? It doesn''t look like you want to."


    Malaka couldn''t help but smile.


    "Thank you, Roan!"


    She didn''t want to throw it away. After all, it was a gift from Calina. Malaka didn''t believe that Calina had anything to do with her protector''s actions.


    "There is no need to thank me. This is all for our own training. As long as I keep it with me, more cultivators will deliver themselves to us. It''ll be an excellent opportunity to polish our abilities. Anyway, we stayed still for almost 30 minutes already. Let''s go."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders and said nothing.


    As for Malaka, she jumped on Kentucky''s back, and the group of four continued their journey.


    And just like that, two days passed as they moved deeper into the Underground World. On the way, they encountered even more Demon Beasts and Cultivators. There isn''t even a need to say that the demon beasts always attacked as soon as they saw a cultivator. Still, they weren''t as hard to deal with as those Golems. Although there were quite a few Stage Three Decaying Demon Beasts, it wasn''t that hard to reach their cores.


    As for the cultivators, some moved in groups like Rean''s group, or duos, like Tuve and Weren. Others moved on their own as well. Of course, not all of them were enemies like Doren''s group. Well, at least not until they find a Vermilion Pool. If that was the case, neither Rean''s group nor the other cultivator groups would let it go at all.


    Still, three of them decided to attack Rean''s group in the end. One of those groups simply did that because their leader recognized Malaka. He knew she and Rean had a lot of Rank Three Spirit Stones. After confirming the average cultivation of Rean''s group, they thought it would be easy to take it from them. Unfortunately for them, they also went ahead to meet Roan''s friends in the underworld. Their strength wasn''t even comparable to Doren''s group, having only a single cultivator in the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm.


    Also, it turned out that the other two groups had the same blue stones as Doren. Of course, these two groups had a lot more strength than that unfortunate one. Still, by using the same surprising attack, Rean''s group was able to get rid of them. Malaka was a lot more careful this time, though. Roan had discussed with her everything she had done wrong and how she should have averted that outcome. He even forced her into a bit of training on their way here. Sure enough, that near-death experience was of great help to her as it would be to any other cultivator.


    As one could imagine, Roan also interrogated their leaders.


    "Alright. It seems like Valeu entered in contact with 11 groups in total. However, none of them were part of the forefront runners. It''s probably because those who could enter the Profound Abyss first had significant backgrounds. None of them would care about the rewards that Valeu could give them. After all, Valeu isn''t really part of the Imperial Family, but one of its subordinate clans."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/like-a-shadow_50400728354714750 for visiting.


    "As for their strengths, both the two groups we dealt with before knew much about them. Well, that''s to be expected since this is a gathering of many countries at once. They are separated by thousands, if not tens of thousands of kilometers. It would be weird if they knew so many details about each other."


    "Well, that just means we need to be careful. Anyway, according to the information Sect Master gave to us, this open space is only a small part of the Profound Abyss'' underground world. It sums up to 20 to 30% of the total distance. The part that will take the longest to move through is the Decaying Energy caves."


    Roan and Malaka nodded in response.


    "That''s fine. We have been moving for two days already. Considering the time needed to use the pool and come back, we should find a few of them anytime soon. I can even feel the concentration of Decaying Energy increasing."


    It was then that Rean''s group heard a loud sound.


    *Roar!*


    Immediately, everyone looked in a specific direction. However, the sound came from quite far away, so even Roan''s Spiritual Sense couldn''t tell what it was.


    "Seems like another group got into trouble."


    *Chick...*


    Rean, Roan, and Malaka then looked at Kentucky and could see that he had a worried expression. It was the first time he acted like this since he entered the Profound Abyss.


    Roan narrowed his eyes before saying.


    "I''ll take a look with Rean. Malaka and Kentucky, wait here for a moment."


    Before Malaka could say anything, Roan and Rean already disappeared in a flash.

 Chapter 251 - Ambush

    Rean and Roan ran quickly and stealthily. In fact, Roan would prefer to move alone. However, cultivators had Spiritual Sense on this side of the universe, so trying to keep oneself hidden wasn''t an option unless you had a technique capable of it. That''s why Rean came together. As one could imagine, Rean was using the Fourth Form of the Life Style to bend any Spiritual Sense that passed by them, just like light.


    Too bad that it was so hard to control. Otherwise, Rean could use it on Malaka and Kentucky as well. Eventually, they arrived at the place where the roar came from.


    "Arghhhhh!"


    It was then that they saw a cultivator sent flying by the sweep of a tail. At the moment, five cultivators were fighting against what seemed to be a snake made of dark fog. However, on both sides of its mouth and tail, there was something that looked like blades. The cultivator that was sent flying just now had just been hit by it. Rean and Roan couldn''t even say if he was still alive or not.


    "It''s a Fog Blade Python... but this one... is just huge!"


    Roan nodded.


    "Reliance alerted us before that a few Initial Stage Four demon beasts were also left alive in the Profound Abyss. This one ought to be one of them. The leader among them seems to be at least in the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm, but even he is being suppressed. And that is already considering that his group has the advantage of numbers."


    Rean also agreed with Roan.


    "Let''s get out of here. Those cultivators will eventually flee once they see they are not a match for it."


    Thanks to Rean''s Spiritual Sense Bending ability, neither the cultivators nor the python noticed the twins'' presence. A few seconds later, Rean and Roan were already gone from the scene.


    Malaka and Kentucky didn''t have to wait much for them to come back.


    "What was that sound?"


    "It was a Stage Four demon beast. Let''s leave this place in case it has some sensory ability that it can use to find us."


    Malaka nodded, and the group immediately departed in another direction.


    "We need to be careful. We haven''t found a single Decaying Demon Beast at that level until now. From the looks of it, the ones that were left alive were those close to the Decaying Caves."


    Malaka and Rean understood that as well, so they also got ready for anything that might happen.


    Around one hour later, they finally found the first Decaying Cave Entrance. Of course, this was only one of the thousands. However, it was not because there were thousands that there were thousands of Vermilion Pools. The caves inside were connected, so you could totally bump into other groups that used other entrances. Also, the total number of Vermilion Pools was definitely not enough for everyone.


    "Should we enter this one?"


    Roan pondered a bit but shook his head.


    "The amount of Yin Energy coming from the entrance through the Decaying Fog is not that much higher than the outside. If I''m not wrong, the thicker the Decaying Energy, the closer the entrance will be to a Vermilion Pool. After all, the Vermilion Pools are known to be one of the reasons for the Decaying Fog."


    Rean and Malaka nodded.


    "Great! Then let''s find another one."


    Roan then continued to lead their group further ahead, looking for an entrance with a lot of Yin Energy. They passed several of those caves, but Roan ignored them. They found a few groups of cultivators that had just arrived as well. However, after they saw that Rean''s group gave up using the same cave as them, they discarded the idea of attacking them. It was better to conserve energy for when they enter the cave effectively.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/ambush_50400741776487586 for visiting.


    However, there was one thing that those groups were surprised with. Because the Decaying Fog increased as one moved further into the underground world, it was even harder to proceed forward. The groups, duos, and lonely cultivators that made it to this point so quickly were the ones with the highest cultivations.


    Most of the cultivators with lower cultivations were still making their way here and were still far away. Or perhaps, they died or gave up already. Seeing a group with three Foundation Establishment kids and a Stage Two demon bird was not what they expected. Sure enough, they made sure to remember the faces making up Rean''s group. Some even recognized Malaka from the settlement gathering challenges.


    Finally, Roan stopped in front of a cave entrance that seemed to interest him. He stayed in front of the Decaying Fog coming out of it for a few seconds and then nodded, satisfied.


    "This is the one. Let''s go."


    However, just as they were about to enter the cave, Rean and Roan''s hairs changed into black and white colors. Right after, they immediately attacked two dark corners around the cave. Simultaneously, Malaka and Kentucky gathered their energy and attacked another point that Rean told them with his Spiritual Sense. Rean even made sure to use his enhancement skill on Malaka first before dashing forward with Roan.


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    ''Death Water Style, Second Form, Spinning Dragon Tail!''


    Kentucky''s body burst with Black and White Flames. He then flapped his wings while using his legs to help with the initial ascension. Right after, he descended like a meteor of Black and White Flames, attacking the same point with Malaka.


    *Swish, swish, swish!*


    *Bang, bang, bang!*


    *Boom!*


    "Ahhhhh!*


    In the next second, all they could hear were several screams coming from the three points targeted by their group. It turned out that a group was mounting an ambush in that cave entrance. Not only that, but they seemed to know some techniques that also made it hard to detect with Spiritual Sense. Unfortunately for them, they might be able to hide from Spiritual Senses, but they can''t hide their Life Forces! The moment Roan stopped in front of the cave, Rean already felt their presence in the shadows.


    What was supposed to work in their favor turned out to be their mistake. The position where they were hidden didn''t give the ambushers the option for dodging the attacks. With Rean and Roan''s combat power at the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm, plus their deadly techniques, the outcome was pretty much decided already.


    In fact, the combo between Malaka and Kentucky was almost as powerful thanks to Rean''s Enhancement Ability. The two of them were able to deliver a small area attack with the power of a Middle Stage Core Formation Realm cultivator.


    But above all, their greatest mistake was underestimating Rean''s group due to their age and cultivation. Their guards were utterly down, thinking that Rean''s group was already dead in their hands.


    Soon after, two more figures came out of two hidden places. They didn''t even try to avenge their companions and turned around to flee into the cave. Rean''s group wasn''t the least bit surprised, though.


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    Four Semi-Real Mirages identical to Rean and Roan appeared right in front of them and released their own attacks. Although they only had 70% of Rean and Roan''s strength, it was more than enough to hold them down.


    "F.u.c.k! Who the hell are you?"


    Roan coldly smiled as he dashed forward and stated.


    "I''m Death. I came to send your souls into the path of reincarnation."


    Rean almost burst into laugher after hearing that. Others might think that Roan was only provoking his enemies, but only he knew how real those words were.


    With Malaka and Kentucky''s help, Rean''s group quickly finished them off. Of course, Roan left one alive to ask the same questions again.


    "As I thought, you were one more of those guys contracted by Valeu to take this Pendant back. Have you never thought about the possibility that he was sending you to die?"


    Roan didn''t have to torture the guy. He opened his mouth the moment he was captured.


    "I-I couldn''t resist his offer. H-he promised that I could go to the capital and join his Samikil Clan. The Samikil Clan is one of the subordinate clans directly under the Imperial Family''s rule. The number of resources they''re given per year is unmatched by any sect in my country. I had to take that chance. Anyone in my position, even you guys, would do that too, right?!"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders. In the end, it was the same promise that the other three groups received.


    "You guys are really naive. You don''t even know that even if I don''t kill you here, you will die later anyway. Oh well, whatever..."


    "Wait!"


    "Hm? Is there anything else?"


    "I-I am not a threat for you anymore, right? I''m only at the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Now that my companions are dead, I stand no chance for the Vermilion Pools, nor will I try it. Can''t you let me go?"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "For you to rush and tell the others about us? Thanks, but no thanks."


    "Roan!"


    Malaka then called his attention once more.


    "Can''t we do it just like the last ones?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes before saying.


    "These pills are expensive, you know?"


    Malaka showed a depressed face.


    "But..."


    Sure enough, she might kill when they are in a Life and Death situation. But she still doesn''t like the idea of killing someone defenseless.


    Rean then laughed as he patted the girl''s head.


    "Oh, come on. I''m the one who is paying for the materials of those pills anyway. Just think about it as making me lose money."


    Roan pondered a bit and nodded.


    "I have to admit that this train of thought is a lot more appealing."


    Roan then took two pill bottles from his bag. One contained just a single black and purple pill, while the other had three white ones.


    "Alright, swallow the black one."


    The man didn''t dare to go against Roan''s orders. As soon as he took the black and purple pill, it dissolved and spread through his body. Immediately, he felt a terrifying pain.


    Roan then took out a white pill and made him swallow it. Only then did some of the pain disappear. However, he could still feel it.


    "Alright. I guess it is pretty obvious. I gave you poison, and the white pill is there to prevent it from killing you. However, it is not the antidote. You have another two white pills inside this bottle. Their effects last for one day. After that, the pain will return, and the poison will kill you not long after. As long as you are fast, it should be enough time for you to run out of the Profound Abyss. This is not a poison hard to eliminate. Just ask one of your Nascent Soul elders to use his Spiritual Energy to drive it out of your body. With their power, it shouldn''t take more than a few hours to succeed. Alright, off you go."


    The man didn''t believe that he survived just like that. However, he didn''t dare ignore Roan''s words. He immediately gathered his Spiritual Energy and dashed in the direction of the Profound Abyss entrance. As for trying to find Valeu to tell him the news? F.u.c.k that! All his companions died because of him to start with.


    These poison pills that Roan made were not for this purpose but to threaten and force others to make his bids if necessary. However, because Malaka didn''t like to kill the ones who surrendered, he decided to use them this way. It was something very naive in his eyes. Still, he decided to do as Malaka asked the last few times.


    There was a reason for that, of course. The fact that Malaka was at least willing to kill during the heat of the battle was already a significant advancement. This was only his own way of rewarding her. Besides, he didn''t feel any danger from those guys he let go of since he knew they wouldn''t be idiotic enough to go alert Valeu. They would definitely prioritize their own lives and get out of the Profound Abyss first.


    "Alright, happy? Let''s go!"


    Malaka showed a smile as bright as the sun as she nodded.


    However, just as Rean''s group was about to enter the cave, a blue light began to pulse on Roan''s chest. Obviously, that caught everyone''s attention.


    "This... it''s Calina''s Pendant..."

 Chapter 252 - Distress Signal

    Roan took the pendant out of his robe so that they could all see it.


    "Malaka, do you know anything about it?"


    Malaka shook her head in response as she replied.


    "Calina didn''t say anything about this ability."


    Rean pondered a bit when he thought about a possibility. He then focused on the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    ''Sister Orb, I believe there is a Sealed Array inside this thing that seems to be using the pendant''s material. Can you analyze it?''


    [There seems to be one indeed. The formation inside is quite highly leveled. But if it is just to find its use, I shouldn''t take long. As for how to operate it, that will take a lot more time.]


    Rean nodded. Only now when it showed this reaction did he notice that it might have a Sealed Array inside.


    Roan also heard Rean and Sister Orb''s words, so he waited as well. Of course, Malaka didn''t know that.


    "Rean, Roan, the light of the pendant seems to be shining in that direction, no?"


    Rean and Roan were taken aback for a moment. As far as they could see, the light in the pendant looked pretty uniform. It was then that they understood the issue. It was basically the position they were looking at the pendant from. They quickly moved to Malaka''s side, and sure enough, the blue light seemed to be just a little more inclined to a specific direction.


    "So... is this some kind of tracker?"


    "What is a tracker?"


    Rean smiled at Malaka and explained.


    "Simply put, it is used to find the location of other things."


    Malaka nodded as she looked at it.


    "Can we go take a look then?"


    "Wait a little bit. I''m just checking something."


    A few minutes later, Rean got his answer.


    [Yep. This is indeed a tracker. No, to be more specific, it is a distress signal Sealed Array. This pendant is most likely one of a pair. If the owner of one of the two is in danger, the pendants will activate. However, there is a range limit. If the two parts are more than two hundred kilometers away, the pendants will not react. I will not try to take control of this Sealed Array since it will take too long. Knowing its use should be enough already.]


    Rean and Roan nodded. That was indeed more than enough for what they needed. Rean then explained to Malaka what he found about the pendant.


    "So, Calina is in danger? Then we need to help her!"


    Roan was still showing a puzzled expression in response.


    "That doesn''t make sense. Why would Calina give this pendant to Malaka in case she needed help? It would have been much better to give it to some other group with high-level cultivators. She didn''t know about Tuve and Weren. Even if she did, there was no lack of ''much stronger'' groups that would happily take the job of ''protecting the imperial blood'' for her."


    Roan laughed after hearing that.


    "Hahaha! That''s what happens when you don''t have friends, idiot. You can''t even understand such simple logic."


    Roan narrowed his eyes. Just as he was about to ask Rean what he was talking about, he noticed that Malaka''s expression turned soft. From the looks of it, Malaka also understood why she was given the pendant.


    "What the hell you are talking about?"


    Rean sighed and then explained.


    "Isn''t that obvious? First of all, Calina didn''t tell Malaka what this pendant was about."


    Malaka nodded as she touched the pendant with a smile.


    "Calina wasn''t expecting me to save her. It was the opposite. She gave me the pendant to help me in case I was in danger. She wanted to help me instead. That''s why she didn''t tell what the pendant''s ability was."


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    "Then why didn''t it activate when Malaka was almost kille- Ah! The two hundred kilometer range..."


    Malaka then looked at Rean and Roan with a pleading expression, almost crying.


    "Rean, Roan!"


    Rean sighed as he shrugged his shoulder and looked at Roan. There was no need to ask Kentucky since it would just follow them wherever.


    Roan, of course, understood those two very well.


    "What? That girl had three Peak Core Formation Realm cultivators protecting her. Do you think that we would be able to deal with something that they couldn''t? Besides, something that could put that girl in danger most likely already killed everyone. Also, we already spent a few minutes here. It''s a waste of time."


    Malaka grabbed his hand and insisted.


    "But... still..."


    Rean patted Malaka''s head as he also asked Roan.


    "Oh, come on. Didn''t you want us to train in life and death situations? This is just another chance. Also, there is nothing bad in getting the favor of the imperial bloodline if she''s still alive."


    Roan''s expression got darker and darker until finally...


    "Fine! She planned to help Malaka, after all. It would leave a bad taste if we didn''t do the same. However, don''t keep your hopes up too much."


    Malaka smiled brightly after hearing that.


    "Thank you, Roan!"


    Roan simply nodded with his cold face and poured his Spiritual Sense inside the pendant. According to Sister Orb, the way to use it was to use one''s Spiritual Sense to feel the location, and not really the blue light itself.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/distress-signal_50417987949224375 for visiting.


    "Full speed ahead, let''s go."


    It turned out that Rean''s group did not enter the cave in front of them but moved in another direction. Just another 4 kilometers away, they found another Decaying Cave entrance and rushed inside. They also noticed another thing. The Decaying Energy concentration began to rise even more.


    ---


    Going back in time, Calina''s group was already inside the Decaying Cave.


    "It''s just like the reports said, this Decaying Fog is a lot more annoying once we get inside."


    Other than Valeu, Calina had two more protectors, a man and a woman. The man was called Silo Lavil while the woman was Erna Taran. As Roan mentioned, they were both at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm, just like Valeu. One didn''t need to be a genius to understand that they were also part of the Imperial Family''s subordinate clans.


    "Princess, be sure to keep your Spiritual Energy barrier up all the time. If you see that you can''t hold anymore, take one of the Anti-Decaying Energy Pills."


    "There is no need to worry. This is not enough to force my hand yet."


    While they moved further in the cave, Calina took out a Blue Pendant from her chest and looked at it. This one was identical to the one Malaka had. Seeing that it had no reaction, Calina sighed. The pendant showing no response meant that Malaka wasn''t in danger. However, she also knew about the pendant''s range limit, so it might just be because she was too far from Malaka.


    "Princess, is there something wrong?"


    Calina looked at Erna and shook her head.


    "No, everything is fine."


    Valeu, on the other hand, knew very well why she was looking at the Blue Pendant. He was the only one that knew Calina had given her other Pendant to Malaka. However, he didn''t tell Calina nor Erna and Silo.


    At some point, Valeu took out a jade slip and put it on his forehead. After that, he told the others.


    "Right side in the next cave division."


    The Imperial Family really knew the Profound Abyss better than anyone. Their maps were very complete, giving them an enormous advantage. Few had mapped this place as well as them. Of course, no one complained about that. After all, this place was prepared by the Imperial Family themselves. If they wanted to, they could have kept it closed for their personal use, but they didn''t. That being said, everyone was already delighted to be able to participate. Besides, they could draw their own maps while they were at it.


    Erna, Silo, and Calina also had the same maps, of course.


    Valeu then stopped for a second and looked into the other entrance.


    Silo noticed that, of course.


    "What is it? Did you find anything wrong?"


    Valeu narrowed his eyes before saying.


    "I think I heard something... You three go ahead while I go take a look into this other path. I don''t want us to be ambushed from behind."


    Erna and Silo had no reason to doubt him, so they just nodded and proceeded forward with Calina. After all, they already planned their route, so Valeu wouldn''t get lost.


    Valeu saw the three of them disappearing in the fog a few meters away. The concentration of Decaying Energy was so high that the visibility of the n.a.k.e.d eye didn''t go as far as ten meters. Obviously, one''s Spiritual Sense became more affected here. Even with his peak Core Formation Realm cultivation, Valeu''s Spiritual Sense couldn''t go past fifty meters either. Still, he didn''t seem to care about it.


    It was then that he took another jade slip from his bag and smiled. It was also a map. However, this one was different from Calina''s group. He checked the contents of the map and nodded. Soon after, he took another item from his bag that looked like a black stone. It had similar energy as the Decaying Fog, but several times more powerful.


    *Crash*


    Valeu then crushed it with his hand, which released that energy in the form of fog. However, it was white instead. Using his Spiritual Energy, Valeu made the white fog enter the path that Calina and the others went in.


    ''Sorry, Princess. That''s just how things are.''

 Chapter 253 - Breake Out!

    Back on Calina''s side, her group continued to move forward while keeping their Spiritual Senses spread around them.


    At some point, Silo looked behind as he narrowed his eyes.


    "Why is Valeu taking so long?"


    Erna and Calina stopped as well.


    "Could it be that something happened to him?"


    "That shouldn''t be the case. With Valeu''s strength, even if a Stage Four Demon beast appears, he should be able to flee. There aren''t many demon beasts in the Profound Abyss that could hold us back."


    "Should we go back to check on him, then?"


    Erna and Silo pondered a bit, but just as they were about to make a move, they heard a loud sound coming from the front.


    *Roar!*


    Suddenly, a Decaying Demon Beast came out of the fog ahead. It looked to have a human form, but it was made of Decaying Fog. That wasn''t all, though. As soon as it appeared, several others of the same type began to come out of the cave walls as well. As soon as Erna saw them, her face paled.


    "Decaying Devourers! Impossible! This path should not have such a thing!"


    Every single Decaying Devourer was at Stage Three level, and there wasn''t just a few of them.


    Silo''s expression also turned dark as he shouted.


    "Erna, help me open a path for us to retreat. We need to bring the Princess out at all costs!"


    Decaying Devourers were a type of demon beast that assumed the same form as humans. The worst thing about them is that they always moved in big groups and knew how to attack together. They could be said to be one of the most dangerous demon beasts in the entire Profound Abyss. Any cultivator group would try to avoid them at all costs.


    Calina became nervous as she got close to Erna and Silo. She could hold one or two of them, but definitely not so many. Erna and Silo were obviously stronger than Calina at the moment, but even they had sour expressions.


    ''Wind Judgement Tornado!''


    ''Thousand Water Snakes!''


    A tornado manifested around Silo, Erna, and Calina as Erna''s water snake attacked the Decaying Devourers outside. However, the thousand water snakes'' skill didn''t have that much attack power. All it could do was force the devourers back a little.


    "Breakthrough!"


    Erna and Silo then grabbed Calina''s arm and shot forward while being protected by the Wind Judgement skill. However, they underestimated the Decaying Devourers too much. Because of the effects brought by the Surge, all the Decaying Demon Beasts were affected by it. Not only were they getting stronger, but their intelligence was becoming better as well. They were not in a constant berserk state, as Roan mentioned in the past.


    *Roar!*


    Suddenly, an even stronger roar came from the back of the cave. Silo and Erna immediately felt despair after hearing that.


    "It''s a Stage Four Decaying Devourer!"


    "What is happening here?! Even if we entered the Decaying Devourers territory, it wasn''t supposed to have so many of them. Let alone the leader who always stays hidden."


    After hearing the leader''s roar, the devourers seemed to understand that Calina''s group was trying to flee, so more and more of them appeared in the direction of the exit. One after the other, they threw themselves against the Wind Judgment Tornado.


    The tornado''s wind tried to keep the Devourers outside, but a few of them kept passing through it.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/breake-out!_50418040545791819 for visiting.


    "Silo, keep the Wind Judgment Tornado active. I''ll get rid of the Decaying Devourers that pass through!"


    Silo smiled bitterly.


    "That''s easy for you to say. This skill spends a terrifying amount of Spiritual Energy."


    "Stop complaining, and just do it! As long as we escape their territory, you will have more than enough time to recover. What''s the point in saving energy and dying here?"


    Calina didn''t stay still either.


    "I''ll help too. I''m not as strong as you two, but I can at least hold one or two of them back while we flee. That''s still better than doing nothing."


    "But-"


    Erna and Silo wanted to stop Calina from doing it, but Calina didn''t give them a chance.


    "Silence! We need all the strength we can at the moment. The Decaying Devourer Leader is coming for us from behind. If he catches up, we are done for! Understood?"


    Erna and Silo gritted their teeth and nodded.


    "Alright, Princess. Please lend us a hand."


    Calina smiled after hearing that.


    "Definitely!"


    Erna then switched to the offensive. Lightning began to ran through her body as she summoned her water skills. Sure enough, members of the subordinate clans would be able to use two elements together.


    ''Water Thunder Dragons!''


    Different from the small water snakes from before, the Water Thunder Dragons were enormous. Of course, there weren''t a thousand of them, just three. Still, their attack power was no joke. They ran inside the Wind Judgement Tornado, attacking all the Decaying Devourers that passed through Silo''s protection. Erna was not a weapon user. Instead, she focused on Spiritual Energy skills alone. In fact, Calina did the same thing.


    Calina also did what she could.


    ''Water Compression!''


    ''Compressed Water Explosion!''


    An incredibly simple combination, to say the least. Compressing the water with one''s Spiritual Energy with the help of their Water Element control. However, although the combination was simple, squeezing it with enough strength was another story altogether. It was thanks to the Yin Energy acc.u.mulated in her body that she was able to reach this stage while still being in the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    The spheres of water shot in the direction of the Decaying Devourers that passed through Erna''s Water Thunder Dragons. The devourers didn''t try to dodge it, so when the water spheres touched them, the compressed water expanded hastily like an explosion.


    *Boom! Boom! Boom!*


    Those were all Stage Three Decaying Devourers, while Calina was still in the Foundation Establishment. Although she had combat power at the Core Formation Initial Stage Level, she still lacked attack power. Because of that, there wasn''t much damage to them. However, that wasn''t Calina''s objective. Her intentions were quite straightforward, which was to throw those Decaying Devourers out of the Wind Judgement Tornado. The Compressed Water Explosion just so happened to be perfect for it.


    Unfortunately, Erna and Calina''s efforts were still not enough. There were just too many Decaying Devourers!


    "F.u.c.k! Let''s do this then! You two, use your Water Elements to protect yourselves."


    Silo noticed that his Wind Judgement Tornado wasn''t able to keep enough Decaying Devourers outside, so he decided to go all out. The temperature in the surroundings immediately began to climb to terrifying degrees.


    Calina and Erna immediately noticed what he was about to do, and a layer of water appeared around their bodies.


    ''Hell Judgment Tornado!''


    Silo''s Wind Tornado transformed into an enormous fire one. Sure enough, Silo was also a member of the subordinate clans under the Imperial Family, so using two elements was something he could do. Otherwise, he probably wouldn''t have been chosen to be one of Calina''s protectors.


    His Wind Judgement Tornado was already able to inflict damage to those who tried to force their way in, let alone now. With that, the number of Decaying Devourers that could pass through his barrier plummeted by half. Not to mention that they already arrived inside in a sorry state after clashing against the Fire Tornado. Of course, Silo''s Spiritual Energy expenditure increased even more. He even wondered if he would have enough to reach the end.


    "Keep running! F.u.c.k, where is Valeu? Why hasn''t he come to help us yet?"


    "He might have been caught by the Decaying Devourers as well. Forget about him for now. Focus on controlling your Hell Judgement Tornado. We can ask questions later!"


    Silo and Erna were wrong about one thing, though. The place where they were at the moment was, in fact, the Decaying Devourers territory. It''s just that the Jade Slips containing the map that they had were fake! It simply guided them directly inside the beasts'' mouth. As one could imagine, this was also part of Valeu and whoever was behind his actions'' plan.


    That wasn''t all. That white fog that Valeu used acted as a lure for Decaying Demon beasts. It would mix itself with the Decaying Fog in the surroundings, attracting all the Decaying Demon Beasts several kilometers around it. That''s why even the Decaying Devourer Leader appeared. They had been driven crazy by the effects of the white fog.


    Valeu was still in the same place ever since he separated from the group. He stayed in that position because he knew that this was the limit of the Decaying Devourers'' territory. They definitely wouldn''t cross this line since the Decaying Fog outside was not enough for them to keep their forms.


    Decaying Demon Beasts were kind of different from each other. Some needed vast amounts of Decaying Fog Energy since their entire body was made of it other than the core. Other Decaying Demon Beasts were different, like the Decaying Golems. They could use both the Decaying Fog Energy and contaminated stones/dirt on the ground to form their bodies, reducing the amount of energy necessary. Decaying Devourers were one of the few Decaying Demon Beasts with bodies entirely made of Decaying Fog, so they needed a lot of it.


    ~~Bo~~oom...


    Valeu could hear the sound of explosions in the distance, quickly approaching his position.


    ''As expected, Silo and Erna still made their way back. Most likely, Calina is with them as well. However, I wonder just how much effort they had to put into bringing the little Princess back.''


    Valeu coldly smiled as he vanished in the dark fog.

 Chapter 254 - Death Style, First Energy Form

    *Boom, boom, boom!*


    *Shhhwaaaaa*


    "A little more. We are almost out! Decaying Devourers can''t keep their forms if the Decaying Fog concentration decreases."


    *Arrgh!*


    Silo and Calina paled as they looked at Erna. Just now, she was hit by one of the Decaying Devourers. They could even see the Decaying Fog entering her body through the injury.


    "Erna!"


    However, Erna gritted her teeth and pressed forward.


    "I''m fine! Go, don''t stop!"


    Silo and Calina nodded as they continued to run and use their skills. Eventually, the Decaying Devourers stopped in their tracks and looked as those three left.


    "We''re out!"


    Silo''s Hell Judgement Tornado only had around one-tenth of its initial size. Two of Erna''s Three Water Thunder Dragons had already disappeared as well. She could barely keep the form of the last one. Calina was a little better off, though. Erna and Silo still prioritized protecting her over themselves. Calina knew that trying to stop them would be useless, so she could only help as much as possible. Because of that, she still had some Spiritual Energy to spare.


    Finally, both Erna and Silo''s Skills disappeared as they dropped on the ground, gasping. However, Erna vomited dark blood and fell on the floor.


    "Erna!"


    Calina immediately approached her and looked at her injury. She then took one of her own Anti-Decaying Fog pills and fed Erna. Soon after, she used her own Spiritual Energy to create a barrier around Erna other than herself.


    Silo wanted to help, but he was almost entirely spent. All he could do was approach the two girls and sit beside them while using the little bit of energy he still had to barely hold his Spiritual Energy Barrier.


    Finally, the dark energy inside Erna''s body began to leave her body, much to Calina''s relief.


    "Fortunately, the Imperial Family''s alchemists are the best we can find in the empire. Their pills are much more potent than common ones."


    Silo also sighed in relief after seeing that.


    Erna didn''t pass out, though.


    "Thank you- cough, cough... Princess."


    She then tried to sit once more.


    "Don''t force yourself too much. Your injuries are no joke."


    Erna shook her head as she also sat beside Silo, who started to recover his energy with Spirit Stones.


    "I''m okay. That pill was enough to stop the Decaying Fog from entering my body and began to drive out the energy inside. I can start recovering already."


    Calina was still somewhat concerned, but she nodded and sat down to recover as well.


    Suddenly, Silo and Erna opened their eyes at the same time and looked to the other side. Just now, someone had entered their Spiritual Sense. However, they relaxed right after.


    It was then that Valeu appeared from the middle of the fog. His robes were ragged, his hair disheveled, and there were several blood marks everywhere. He walked while holding one of his arms. It looked more like he had just come back from a war.


    Silo shook his head before saying.


    "As I thought, you were also caught by those Decaying Devourers. Don''t ask for help since we also are almost dead here."


    Valeu bitterly smiled as he approached their group.


    "Seems like your journey was not that good either. It was as you said. I encountered a lot of Decaying Devourers after I entered the other path. What is happening here? Did they move their territory?"


    Erna and Silo didn''t suspect anything. After all, they had the ''same'' map as Valeu. Of course, Calina didn''t either.


    "We have no idea. We almost died back inside."


    Calina nodded in response.


    "It might have something to do with the Surge. We were already told that it will definitely come while the trial is ongoing."


    Silo, Erna, and Valeu nodded.


    Valeu finally arrived at their side when suddenly, he drew his sword in a flash.


    *Swich!*


    Erna and Silo didn''t even know what hit them before their heads were sent flying! In normal circ.u.mstances, they would be attentive enough and try to react. They would even have a good chance of escaping the sneak attack. However, they were at their weakest at the moment, while Valeu was, in fact, completely fine. The injuries on his body were nothing more than just a pretense.


    "Ah!"


    Calina couldn''t believe what she saw. However, she didn''t have time to think about it. As soon as Valeu cut Erna and Silo''s head, he turned in her direction, aiming his sword for her neck as well! But it was at this moment that Erna and Silo''s efforts to protect her paid off. She still had around half of the Spiritual Energy remaining, and she didn''t have any severe injuries either. It gave her enough time to react and jump back as fast as she could!


    *Swich!*


    A small trace of blood came from Calina''s neck. Seeing that, Valeu smiled as Calina''s expression transformed into one of fear.


    ''Water Frame!''


    A wall of water immediately appeared between Valeu and her, blocking his path. However, Valeu simply snorted as he sent her a Spiritual Sense message.


    "Princess, you are incredibly talented. Unfortunately for you, you''re still too young!"


    ''Lightning Flash!''


    Valeu''s sword began to draw on the Lightning Element as he used it to pierce through the Water Frame.


    *Zap!*


    *Splash!*


    Sure enough, Calina''s Water frame wasn''t able to hold Valeu''s Sword attack even for a second. However, as soon as Valeu passed through the Water Frame wall, he noticed a few shards of blue light on his way.


    "Shit!"


    *Boom! Boom! Boom...*


    Each of them exploded with Calina''s Yin Energy power, freezing the surroundings instantly. This was one of her trump cards that could deal a lot of damage even against someone in the Core Formation Realm. However, that forced Calina to lose a lot of Yin Energy she had acc.u.mulated after so long. She wouldn''t be able to do it again anytime soon.


    Unfortunately, the difference in cultivation was just too big. Not only Valeu was at the very peak of the Core Formation Realm, but he could also fight average Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators with his power. Thanks to that, Valeu was still able to create a Lightning Element barrier in front of himself that blocked most of Calina''s attack. Sadly for him, it sent him flying back.


    On the other hand, that bought enough time for Calina to dash away. She knew she wasn''t a match for Valeu, so she had to flee straight away.


    ''Hahaha! Princess, that was quite a nice surprise. If you were in the Core Formation Realm, you might have caused some serious damage to me. Unfortunately, that isn''t the case.''


    Calina''s heart went cold as she received that Spiritual Sense message. Since she could hear it, it meant that she was still inside Valeu''s Spiritual Sense Range.


    "Why are you doing this?"


    Valeu snorted after hearing that question. Right after, a flash of Lightning appeared on Calina''s side, making her face go pale. However, the moment that flash appeared, several water icicles descended on it.


    Valeu thought he had taken her by surprise, but she still prepared a trap for him in that situation.


    "Hmph!"


    Valeu then changed the direction of his attack, hitting one Water Icicle after another.


    *Bang, bang, bang, bang...*


    Of course, he did not let Calina leave his Spiritual Sense range. In the next second, Valeu''s body flashed, leaving his position once more. In the place he was just at, an enormous Sphere of Water appeared.


    ''Water Prison!''


    Calina wasn''t hoping to hold Valeu inside it to start with. She just needed enough time to escape this place. That water prison was the plan she came up with, using the Water Icicles as a distraction. As long as she locked Valeu inside, even if his cultivation was an entire realm above her, she would still gain a few seconds. That should be enough for her to leave his Spiritual Sense range after considering how limited it was in the Profound Abyss.


    Unfortunately for her, Valeu wasn''t a run of the mill cultivator. He was part of the subordinate clans under the Imperial Family''s rule. From the moment he blocked the Water Icicles, he already thought about the possibility of Calina trying something else.


    He quickly regained his balance and used the chance that Calina was surprised by his escapade to deliver a fatal strike.


    Unfortunately, it was at this moment that the earth began to tremble! Just as Valeu was about to reach Calina, an enormous surge of Decaying Energy came from deeper inside the Decaying Cave.


    "What?!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/death-style-first-energy-form_50418348189604884 for visiting.


    *Shuwaaaa!*


    Calina and Valeu were hit by that wave of Decaying Fog simultaneously, which sent them flying in different directions!


    "The Surge!"


    Indeed, the Surge had just started. And with it, the concentration of Decaying Energy in the entire Profound Abyss began to rise nonstop. But that wasn''t all. It also meant the Decaying Demon Beasts that couldn''t leave the caves before now could do so!


    Calina ignored that thought, though. She immediately recovered her balance and used the flow of Decaying Energy to rush out.


    "Princess, you aren''t the only one who can use the Surge''s wave, you know?"


    Calina''s heart almost stopped. She was sure she saw Valeu being swept away in another direction. How did he appear beside her this fast?


    Of course, Valeu wouldn''t give her time to find the answer.


    ''Thunder God Slash!''


    "Bye-bye, Princess."


    However, just as the attack was about to connect, Calina heard another Spiritual Sense message.


    "Get down!"


    Calina couldn''t even process whose voice it was before her body acted automatically, throwing herself on the ground. She only had time to see two flashes of dark and white lights passing over her head!


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!


    *Clang!*


    "What?!"


    Who else could it be other than Rean and Roan?


    Valeu was taken aback as those two rays of light hit his Thunder God Slash!


    Unfortunately, Rean and Roan were still several meters ahead, while Valeu was just beside Calina. Not only that, but the Stellar Piercer lost power the further it went. Even though Rean and Roan used it together to stop the Thunder God Slash, they were only able to slow it down a little bit.


    "Too late, brats! Die!"


    However, that small moment was all that Roan needed!


    Roan extended his free hand forward as the Dark Element gathered in the surroundings.


    Out of nowhere, several shadows that looked like dark ropes, or perhaps vines, appeared around Calina''s body! Before Valeu could even react to the sight, the ropes pulled Calina, sending her flying in Roan''s direction.


    "Ahhh!"


    Calina screamed as her body was dragged away at a frightening speed.


    *Thud!*


    It was then that she felt her body stop as it was grabbed by something. When she opened her eyes again, she was already in Roan''s embrace.


    ''Death Style, First Energy Form, Shadow Bind!''

 Chapter 255 - Timely Help

    Valeu and Calina didn''t notice, but the Blue Pendant inside Calina''s clothes was pulsing with a faint blue light at the moment. Back then, Calina''s Blue Pendant''s Sealed Array recognized that she was in danger, so it immediately activated. This happened while Calina, Erna, and Silo had just been surrounded by the Decaying Devourers.


    Reans group had taken a few minutes before they started moving. However, Calina and her protectors also took quite some time to break through the Decaying Devourers'' encirclement. They also used another few minutes before Valeu cut Erna and Silo''s head. Last but not least, Calina''s own struggle and the Surge''s sudden start had bought her just enough time for Rean''s group to arrive at the scene.


    Now, Calina was saved in the very last moment by Roan''s first not weapon-related skill, Shadow Bind.


    Calina couldn''t help but blush a bit as she looked at Roan''s cold eyes just a couple of centimeters in front of her face. Wasn''t this one of those situations where the hero saved the princess in distress? Unfortunately for her, Roan shattered the young lady''s dreams in the very next second.


    "Heavy! Get the f.u.c.k down!"


    Sure enough, Roan already released her. It was Calina that was still entangled around him like an octopus, not letting go.


    "Ah!"


    Her face got more red as she immediately let go of Roan.


    "Wh-who''s heavy?! I-"


    *Bang!*


    Roan didn''t give her the time to talk. Instead, he gave her a kick, sending Calina flying to the back. Calina, of course, was left at a loss for words from that action. Didn''t he just save her? How come he was kicking her now? However, as she flew back, she saw a flash of light appear right in front of Roan. Obviously, that was Valeu, who wouldn''t wait for them to talk.


    *Clang!*


    Arcs of Lightning and Dark Light spread as both swords hit each other head-on. However, Roan was an entire cultivation realm behind Valeu, so the force behind the attack still made him take several steps back.


    "I can''t believe you brats are still alive. All those idiots that I contracted seemed to be completely useless, but that''s okay. Now that your little group is here, I can deal with you myself and recover the Pendant at the same time."


    Too bad for him, but Roan ignored his words. At the moment, he was feeling the Yin Power of the Surge interacting with his body. The Yin Energy in the Decaying Fog of the Surge seemed to be far purer than what he had felt so far. Because of that, he could tell that his combat strength had increased quite a bit.


    ''A temporary boost, it seems.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/timely-help_50496995198041212 for visiting.


    Roan was right. He was already a Yin Energy generator himself, so there was no need for him to absorb the Yin Energy in the Decaying Fog. What increased his own power was the environment that made it much easier for him and even Rean to control the Dark Element. Once they left the Profound Abyss, it wouldn''t happen anymore. Rean felt that difference thanks to their Soul Connection.


    All the way on the back, Malaka had just leaped and caught Calina, who was falling once again. At the same time, Calina heard Malaka''s Spiritual Sense Message as she hugged her tightly.


    ''Calina! I''m so happy we arrived on time!''


    ''Malaka?! How...?''


    ''It was your Blue Pendant! You showed us the way to find you.''


    ''But... I''ve never told you what the Pendants could do.''


    ''My brother is good with Formations. He was the one who understood that it had a Sealed Array capable of alerting the others when one of them is in danger.''


    Calina was taken aback by those words. As a member of the Imperial Family, she knew just how advanced the Sealed Array inside the Pendant was. It would be one thing if they understood that the Pendant could show the location of the other. But it was an entirely different story to know that it only activated when one was in danger. Of course, she didn''t realize that Rean only knew that because of Sister Orb''s help. He was still a rookie when it came to formations and wouldn''t have been able to analyze that Sealed Array at all at his actual level.


    ''Your brothers are quite impressive.''


    Malaka nodded vigorously.


    ''They''re the best!''


    Their conversation seemed to have taken some time, but it was done through Spiritual Sense, so it only took a few seconds in reality.


    Back on the side where the action was happening, Valeu noticed how Roan ignored his words and became furious. Roan was right about one point. Valeu considered those from far organizations as nothing but peasants. Compared to his status as a member of a subordinate clan, they were simply nothing.


    Lightning Power began to gather around Valeu''s body and enter it. Soon after, it spread everywhere.


    ''Thunder Body!''


    Rean and Roan immediately paid attention to Valeu as soon as he saw that. Sure enough, Rean wasn''t the only one that could use enhancement skills. However, Rean could tell through his Life Force Sense that Valeu''s skill damaged his body. In Rean''s Life Style case, not only did it not leave any damage behind, it even healed the body.


    Valeu''s body then flashed away and moved at a terrifying speed. However, he didn''t aim for Rean or Roan. Instead, he circled them and went straight to Calina. Roan understood his reasons for that very well. If he lost his time fighting the twins, Calina would have time to escape his Spiritual Sense Range. Once she exited the Profound Abyss, he would be pretty much done for.


    Of course, the twins wouldn''t stay still looking at that. Still, Valeu was truly fast. With his Thunder Body, his speed surpassed the Core Formation Realm level. That was something that Rean and Roan couldn''t achieve yet.


    "Kentucky!"


    *CREEEEE!*


    Kentucky immediately appeared in front of Malaka and Calina, blocking Valeu''s path once more. Not long after, his body burst with Black and White Flames as he tried to protect the two girls.


    "Out of my way, chicken!"


    Lightning gathered inside Valeu''s Sword once more as he aimed to cut the Minokawa''s head.


    ''Thunder God Slash!''


    Unfortunately for him, if there was one part of the body that Kentucky could move quickly, that was his head. Kentucky saw the lightning sword come at him and didn''t back down. His eyes flashed as his head moved as fast as Valeu''s sword.


    *Clang!*


    The sound of metal hitting metal echoed in the cave. Black and White Flames shot everywhere together with arcs of lightning. However, Kentucky was indeed too weak at the moment. Although he resisted the attack, he was once again forced back by Valeu''s sword strike. Nonetheless, it was enough to stop him.


    "What?! How can its beak be this sturdy?!"


    While Valeu was aghast, Rean and Roan didn''t let the chance pass up, heading towards Valeu with a full offensive.


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    ''Death Style, First Energy Form, Shadow Bind!''


    Valeu didn''t have time to think as he noticed those shadow ropes appearing around him this time.


    *Zap!*


    He immediately used his Lightning Movement once again, dodging the ropes. However, Roan already expected that Valeu would be able to react fast enough. That being said, he used his Shadow Bind in a way that would force Valeu to dodge in a specific direction, theirs!


    Valeu was enraged to see that. It was evident that Rean and Roan wanted to have a head-on clash with him.


    "Don''t get too conceited, brats!"


    Valeu''s sword continued to flash with arcs of lightning as he changed his target to attack the twins. Immediately, both sides used their own skills.


    ''Lightning Arc Slash!''


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    Similar attacks came against each other, exploding in the center. However, Rean and Roan''s Crescent Moon proved to be weaker than Valeu''s Lightning Arc Slash, crumbling against its power almost instantly. In the end, Rean and Roan could only raise their swords and block the remaining power of the attack.


    Of course, Valeu noticed this chance, following right behind the attack and acting at the exact moment the twins blocked his attack.


    ''Thunder God Slash!''


    Valeu showed a victorious smile. The twins couldn''t resist the power of the attack and were cut by the power of the Thunder God Slash. However, his smile only lasted a split of a second. The moment the twins were cut down, their bodies disappeared into specks of light and dark lights. Immediately, he felt a foreboding sensation.


    He immediately used his Lightning Movement and jumped back at full speed. Right in the place where he had just been a moment ago, Roan''s Shadow Binds appeared once more. Valeu escaped from being confined by just a hair.


    Still, it wasn''t over. Right behind the dissipating bodies, another Rean and Roan appeared. Not only that, but they were already in the middle of using their skill.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Six Swords of Dark and Light Element materialized right in front of Valeu. Not only that, but they were even more powerful than usual thanks to the boost that the Decaying Fog''s Yin Energy environment provided.


    "F.u.c.k!"


    ''Lightning Explosion!''


    Valeu couldn''t tell which sword was real, so he immediately counter-attacked all of them together. The lightning energy in his body then burst outwards, sweeping towards both of the twins at the same time. However, Rean and Roan''s attack was already on its way, so Valeu could only jump to dodge the attacks.


    The Lightning Explosion turned out to be very strong, sending the twins crashing back. It was then that Valeu saw those two bodies disappearing as well. He immediately focused on his Spiritual Sense and found the twins once more, right below him!


    "Just how many clones do you two still have, f.u.c.kers?!"


    Rean and Roan smiled as they shot upwards.


    Rean and Roan could only use four clones in total. Now that those were destroyed, only their real selves remained. Still, that also meant that it was going to be their most potent attack so far.


    ''Death Style, Fourth Form, Soaring Dragon!''


    Valeu noticed the power behind the attacks and could tell that they were much stronger than the four clones he destroyed. However, he already used his Lightning Explosion and would need to gather Lightning Energy again to repeat that.


    "Do you think I can''t do anything?"


    He desperately gathered all the Spiritual Energy he could, ready to defend himself from the twins'' attacks. However, it was at this moment that Water Element converged around his area in the air. No, that was wrong. The Water Element was already assembled there by the moment he reached that altitude. It''s just that his attention was entirely on the twins, so he didn''t notice it in time.


    He noticed Malaka holding Calina''s hands with his Spiritual Sense, sending as much Spiritual Energy as she could.


    "Calinaaaaaa!"


    At the same time, she helped Calina with the Water Element control. Calina had no intention to flee to start with. She had been waiting for an opportunity. An opportunity to help take revenge on Erna and Silo, and it finally showed itself.


    ''Water Prison!''


    Valeu simply had no time to react anymore. The world around him became a giant sphere of water that bound his movements completely. In normal circ.u.mstances, it wouldn''t be able to lock his actions. But after so many surprises after the other, he had nothing prepared to deal with it. That was the decisive factor that cost him this fight.


    The twins'' Soaring Dragon arrived a split of a second later, crashing against his Dantian''s position inside the Water Prison.


    *Swich, Swich!*


    *Crack, Shatter!*


    Roan and Rean were intending to aim for Valeu''s vital points at that moment. However, even they didn''t expect that Calina would act at that very last moment. That Water Prison was indeed perfect, so Roan immediately contacted Rean through their Soul Connection, telling him to change the target to Valeu''s dantian.


    "Arghhhhh!"


    Valeu screamed in pain as his cultivation at the Peak Stage of the Core Formation Realm disappeared in a matter of seconds. However, he didn''t die. Roan still had a lot of questions to do, and so did Calina.

 Chapter 256 - Learning the Truth

    As soon as Valeu''s body hit the ground, Rean grabbed and protected him with a layer of Spiritual Energy. At the same time, he sent a wave of Light Element inside, stopping the bleeding and driving out the Decaying Fog Energy.


    Roan saw that and nodded before giving another order.


    "Retreat now! With this amount of Decaying Energy, the Decaying Demon Beasts from deep inside will appear at any second."


    Everyone nodded, and they immediately dashed away. Sure enough, around a minute after Rean''s group left, the area began to be filled with Decaying Devourers! That was to be expected since this was close to their territories.


    Rean''s group quickly exited that decaying cave and disappeared into the Decaying Fog. With the Surge''s appearance, it became even harder to see or use one''s Spiritual Sense. Even if Roan didn''t know about the Decaying Devourers'' territory, he wouldn''t have chosen that path anyway. After all, it wasn''t as good as the one he felt before.


    Valeu tried to struggle several times on the way. Still, without any cultivation, he wasn''t anything better than an ordinary person. Finally, he tried to bite his tongue to kill himself. After all, he knew that he wouldn''t survive anyway. Unfortunately for him, Rean was present. Such a small injury like that wasn''t anything hard for him to heal. In the end, Valeu was only suffering the pain in vain.


    Finally, they found an inconspicuous corner and stopped to recover their energy. Of course, they made sure to keep Valeu protected against the high concentration of Decaying Energy. There was no need to worry about it with Rean present, even if Valeu lost his entire cultivation.


    "How can your healing skills be this good? No, first of all, how can you completely eliminate the Decaying Energy in my body that easily? I''ve never heard about cultivators at the Core Formation Realm and below being able to do such a thing."


    Calina was also surprised by that. On the way out, Rean had used his Light Element to help her heal the injuries and drive all the Decaying Fog Energy from her body. Even the pills made by the Imperial Family Alchemists were not that efficient.


    Rean looked at Valeu and just shook his head.


    "That''s not your problem. You should be more worried about the block of ice on your side."


    Who else would it be if not Roan?


    "You shut up! Now, how about you start talking?"


    Valeu snorted in response.


    "What? You gonna torture me if I don''t say anything? That''s useless. We, protectors, receive special training to resist such things. Pain is far from enough to make me give in. However, I don''t mind making a deal with you guys. If you bring me alive out of this Profound Abyss, I can tell the things you want to know."


    Calina couldn''t help but explode in a fury.


    "How could you have done that, Valeu?! You are a member of the subordinate clans! Erna and Silo have been my protectors with you for over 3 years already! But killing them as if they were stalks of grass? Are you really going to keep silent now that we reached this point?"


    Valeu couldn''t care less as to what Calina said, responding.


    "Being your protector was one of the worst things that ever happened to me, so you can shut up already. I already said what I had to say. If you want to make this deal, then I can talk more."


    Malaka and Rean looked at Valeu with a hint of pity in their eyes. They got up and told Calina.


    "Come with us for a moment. All you need to do is give Roan a few moments."


    Calina shook her head in response.


    "I''ll stay. Do you think I''ve never interacted with such things before? Don''t worry, I''m fine. Roan, I don''t know if you are really able to open his mouth. But by all means, go ahead."


    Roan faintly smiled as he looked at Calina. He had to admit that his opinion of her improved a little bit.


    As expected, resisting Roan''s technique, paired with his own Dark Element, was not something that Valeu expected. Dark Element destroyed Life Force itself. Having his own Life Force being eliminated while not having a shred of Spiritual Energy to defend was terrifying!


    What was even more surprising was that Calina didn''t even flinch. It''s not like she didn''t mind it, but that her rage for Erna and Silo''s deaths had exceeded her limits. She thought that Valeu deserved that and even more for what he had done. Calina was far closer to Erna, who had been with her the longest.


    Roan was surprised by Valeu''s resistance at first. Usually, others would give up in the very first few seconds. However, it still took more than a minute for Valeu to finally open his mouth.


    "Speak. Why did you attack Calina? Don''t tell me that this was because of some deal. With the Imperial Family''s power, you would obtain even more if you denounced it."


    Valeu gasped for air as he laughed in ridicule.


    "Deal? What deal? It was an order, and I was more than happy to take it. You Chroles people had been mixing your blood with our Imperial Family. What bullshit political marriage? This is obviously a scheme to slowly take control of the Sasamil Empire. All the higher-ups of the clans know about it already."


    "What?!"


    Calina was taken aback by it. She didn''t expect that the name of the Chrole Empire would appear at this moment. As mentioned before, Calina was the fruit of a political marriage between the Sasamil Imperial Family and the Chrole Imperial Family. This wasn''t the only one, though. The Imperial Family just had way too many descendants. They had sent their men and women to marry other powers several times in the past. Of course, they also received them.


    In Calina''s case, her father had the Sasamil Bloodline while her mother was from the Chrole Imperial Family.


    "What the hell are you talking about? I''ve never heard about anything like that. Taking control over the Sasamil Empire? Bullshit! Mother''s Chrole Empire had a peaceful relationship with the Sasamil empire for centuries. Why would they do something like that now? You''re delusional!"


    Valeu snorted once again as he replied.


    "Hehe... You think so? Seems like they really kept you in the dark. That''s to be expected. After all, you are just a twelve-year-old kid at the Foundation Establishment Realm. What help would you be able to offer with such cultivation?"


    *Pah!*


    Roan slapped the man''s head before saying.


    "Stop wasting my time and get to the point. What''s it all about?"


    Valeu felt a trace of fear when Roan talked to him and immediately continued.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/learning-the-truth_50497030916730454 for visiting.


    "Just like Calina mentioned, the Sasamil and Chrole Empire had been on good terms for a long time. However, this is just on the surface. A lot of elders from our clans and even high members of the Imperial Family noticed it already. The Chrole Empire lives in the extreme north in the middle of the cold. They want nothing more than to come down and take the territory of our Sasamil Empire that borders them. Accepting political marriages was only one of the ways they used to slowly take control over us. Sooner or later, you will also be recruited by them to do their deeds."


    As Valeu talked, he became more furious.


    "Still, that idiotic emperor insists that we are just imagining things. That the Chrole Empire doesn''t even have the power to conquer us even if they wanted. He doesn''t see that the longer we wait, the worse the situation will become. However, this situation will not last for long. Hahaha!"


    Calina felt a chill on her back after hearing that.


    "What are you talking about? What do you plan on doing?"


    Valeu cackled as he continued.


    "Hahaha! How would I know? Do you really think that my clan''s higher-ups would go as far as to tell me their plans? Don''t be naive! All I know is that it won''t be long before that idiotic emperor is driven out of the throne. When that time comes, we will immediately wipe out your Chrole bloodline from our ranks."


    "No! I don''t believe you!"


    Calina refused to believe his words.


    "So what if you don''t believe me? Hahaha! Sooner or later, you will be forced to when the emperor falls, and a new one takes his place. Of course, that is considering that you will be alive by then. Still, there is no need to worry. It won''t take long before your mother and her entire Chrole Empire to follow you. Once the new emperor takes the throne, he will immediately get rid of this evil in the north."


    Calina''s expression turned pale as she fell to the ground. Sure enough, this was way too much for a girl that''s barely twelve years old. Malaka noticed Calina''s face and immediately hugged her.


    "It''s okay. The actual emperor is someone strong, right? Valeu must be lying. Yes, definitely!"


    However, Calina was now thinking about her time in the capital. Valeu''s words made her consider the things that had been happening there recently. Her father always had a severe expression while at home. Her mother seemed to be always worried as well. They told her that nothing was wrong, but everything began to make sense after hearing all of this.


    Roan then put a hand on Valeu''s shoulder and sent a wave of Dark Element.


    "Arghhh!"


    He ignored Valeu''s scream as he asked.


    "Who else other than you wants to kill her? Did you act alone? What''s the contingency plan in case you failed? Are there more enemies waiting outside the Profound Abyss? Are there more enemies inside? Who are the ones in the capital on your side, clans, organizations, Imperial Family Members, so on? Talk!"

 Chapter 257 - The Empires Succession

    "I''ll talk, I''ll talk!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-empire''s-succession_50497071450484519 for visiting.


    Roan nodded in response and stopped sending Dark Element into Valeu''s body.


    "I''m acting alone inside the Profound Abyss. However, there is indeed a contingency plan in case I fail. The elder who brought us this time around is also fighting for our cause. The plan was for Calina to die in the Profound Abyss so that no one would have anything to say. However, if she survives, that elder is supposed to finish the job and put the blame on the Shadow Reapers."


    Rean and Roan narrowed their eyes after hearing that. They still remembered that they had been targeted by the Shadow Reapers in the past. But in the end, Elder Tiria got rid of the guy before they even noticed anything. If Mia hadn''t commented about it, they wouldn''t even know.


    Calina didn''t seem surprised to hear it this time.


    "I guess that''s to be expected since Elder Calan is part of your Samikil Clan."


    Valeu nodded.


    "I don''t know how many of the nine clans are on the new emperor''s side, but our Samikil Clan is definitely one of them."


    Roan then asked something else.


    "This ''new emperor'' that you talked about, who is he? Could it be that you also don''t know this?"


    Valeu laughed once again, ignoring his pain.


    "As if that was possible. Considering how far things have gone already, the old emperor would need to be even more idiotic than we thought to not have noticed, let alone when even I know about it. The new emperor and true leader of our Sasamil Empire is Lamares Sasamil."


    Rean and Roan didn''t know anything about this guy. In fact, that was the first time they heard that name. They couldn''t be blamed. After all, it was really rare for a small country like Jialin to receive news from the capital. Of course, that was because their communication system up to this point still relied mostly on the bird messages. However, Calina promptly recognized it.


    "What?! The Emperor''s son, the First Prince?! Absurd!"


    Valeu shook his head in response.


    "It''s not impossible. He was one of the first few people to notice the problem. Now, he is the light that is guiding us out of the darkness. Under his Majesty Lamares, Sasamil will flourish once more."


    Rean thought that it was weird, though.


    "You keep saying old and new emperor. You even called Lamares His Majesty instead of His Highness. Could it be that he already ascended to the throne?"


    Calina immediately shook her head.


    "Of course not. The emperor is still alive and well. How could Lamares take the throne with him there? This is just Valeu talking bullshit."


    Valeu laughed once more.


    "Bullshit? Hahaha! It seems like you also don''t know about the condition of the old emperor. He''s very old. No one knows for how long he can still live. There is nothing wrong in saying that Lamares is already the new emperor."


    Calina shook her head in response.


    "So what? The emperor has several other children. Although Lamares is the first one, he has never received the title of Crown Prince. I might be blind to everything else, but I''m sure that his brothers and sisters are also aiming for the throne. After all, their clashes in the court are apparent for everyone to see. Especially the fifth prince, Salael."


    Valeu immediately replied.


    "Hmph! Just a bunch of fireflies trying to outshine the sun. Salael is just a slightly bigger fly, that''s all."


    Although Valeu said that, Roan noticed a small change in his expression when Salael''s name appeared. It was evident that Valeu didn''t really think that Salael wasn''t a big problem.


    "Who is this Fifth Prince?"


    Calina then explained.


    "His Highness, the fifth son of the emperor, Salael Sasamil. Just like Lamares, I don''t know much about him. However, I do know that he is also contending for the throne, just like the other princes. I heard my father commenting before that he was the only prince with real chances of taking the throne from Prince Lamares."


    Roan nodded.


    "From the looks of it, cultivation isn''t the only thing necessary to become an emperor. Otherwise, you two wouldn''t keep talking about the court sessions all the time."


    Calina nodded.


    "That''s true. From what I learned about our Sasamil Empire''s history, it wasn''t always the strongest prince who got the throne. The throne was always given to the one with the best balance between governing abilities and cultivation talent. There were even two instances in the past where our Sasamil Empire was governed by empresses instead of emperors. The third Princess, Alanora Sasamil, is also contending for the throne from what I know."


    Roan didn''t need to think much to understand that this Alanora didn''t have much of a chance of ascending to the throne. Still, he was quite surprised that such a medieval world would also allow women to take power. Well, his surprise ended there, though. In the end, he simply didn''t care whether it was a man or a woman on the throne.


    Rean then asked something that was bothering him.


    "You guys kept talking about the princes and all. However, you still haven''t told us what the emperor''s take on this situation is. Is he not doing anything?"


    Valeu shook his head.


    "I don''t know the specifics. All I know is that the idiotic emperor isn''t taking anyone''s side. No one knows what''s inside his head. It would be better if he died already so that his majesty Lamares could ascend the throne."


    Roan pondered a bit before uttering.


    "He said that the emperor''s condition is not good. Probably, the emperor doesn''t know or care about which side is right or wrong. Or perhaps, it is precisely the opposite. He is using this situation to see which prince or princess is worthy of inheriting the throne. As for what they will do after that, that''s gonna be up to the next throne''s owner."


    Rean nodded after hearing Roan. He also thought about the same possibilities.


    Rean''s group then continued to ask more and more questions to Valeu. Eventually, they ran out of what to say. At that moment, Roan then looked at Calina.


    "So, what do you want to do, bring this guy out with you? I''ll be straightforward with you. If even the actual emperor already knows about it, exposing this guy''s secret won''t change anything. His clan will just say that he acted alone. Without any proof, nothing will happen. No, it''s already a question whether having proof will be of any help or not."


    Calina dropped her head in response to those words.


    "I don''t know... I don''t know what to do..."


    It couldn''t be helped. Calina only had twelve years of life experience, after all. Although most things were hidden from her, It was already excellent that she knew that much about the general situation. It''s just that her parents didn''t want to involve her... or so Roan thought.


    Malaka then looked at Roan and pleaded.


    "Roan, we need to help her!"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Hah! Help? How? Sure! Let''s go to the capital and kill everyone involved in it. But no, wait! We can''t! Because we are too f.u.c.k.i.n.g weak! Didn''t you see outside? The Imperial Family sent a SAINT REALM expert just to oversee a small event at the corner of the Empire called the Profound Abyss. Do you have any idea how strong the real experts hidden in the capital are? Those so-called princes contending for the throne have the entire Empire''s resources for cultivation, so they''re probably even stronger."


    Roan continued.


    "That''s not all. So far, we only heard a single side of the story. Tell me, what if the first prince was right? That the Chrole Empire was really aiming to conquer the Sasamil Empire? What will you do in that case, join the Chrole Empire to help Calina? Ridiculous! Put your head to work before making such an idiotic request."


    Malaka immediately dropped her head, not knowing what to say.


    Roan didn''t measure his words at all. In fact, he wanted Calina to hear every single one of them. It was better to destroy her illusions now before others made it for her in a worse situation. At least, they would not do anything to her in this place.


    Calina''s expression got even worse. That''s right! Who said that the first prince was wrong? If what Valeu told them about the Chrole Empire trying to conquer the Sasamil was true, then Rean''s group would need to side with Sasamil and the First Prince. Otherwise, it would be their Empire''s Imperial Family being wiped out. Them trying to kill the Chrole Empire''s descendants was just another way to protect their Sasamil Empire.


    "I... I think I''ll go back now. I''ll try to talk with Elder Polian outside so that he can bring me back safely."


    Polian Sasamil was the Saint Realm expert responsible for the Profound Abyss this time around.


    "Can you trust him?"


    Calina shook her head.


    "I don''t know. Still, Elder Calan is an expert in the Soul Transformation Realm. Unless I get Elder Polian''s help, I probably won''t be able to go back safely. I can only try."


    Roan nodded, not trying to intervene. This was an issue of the Imperial Family. The repercussions had nothing to do with them. It was already good enough that she was saved today.


    Roan then looked at Valeu and didn''t see any use for the guy anymore. Instead, he only saw danger in leaving this one alive. Even if Malaka asked, Roan would still kill the man.


    "You did well, goodbye."


    *Switch!*


    With a slash of his White Star, Roan sent Valeu''s head flying as well. However...


    *Pin!*


    [Hidden quest opened, the Empire''s Succession starts now.]

 Chapter 258 - Roans Analysis

    Rean looked at Roan with a weird face, his message obvious.


    ''You just had to do that...''


    Roan felt helpless. It''s not like he could predict that killing the man would initiate this thing. Still, they didn''t have time to complain as the Soul Gem System''s voice echoed in their minds.


    [The Empire''s situation is becoming more and more complicated by the day. At the moment, the waves that it causes are not perceptible for the majority, but it will not last for many years. The Old Emperor can''t decide who will inherit the throne, making the Empire''s destiny more unpredictable than it should be. The Empire needs someone genuinely willing to protect it and keep the peace for the sake of its people.]


    [Objective: Help Princess Calina Sasamil take the throne.]


    [Time for completion: Unlimited.]


    [Rewards: 20000 Destiny Points.]


    [Authority Reward: Five Levels.]


    [Title Reward: Empire''s Destiny Saviors.]


    [Failure Conditions 1: Another Emperor or Empress takes the throne.]


    [Failure Conditions 2: Calina Sasamil Dies.]


    [Punishment for Failure: Hosts'' Eradication.]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback.


    ''This shit really came out of nowhere!''


    They already expected that it would be something complicated. After all, the quest name ''Empire''s Succession'' definitely sounded grand. However, they never thought that it would be something as ridiculous as this.


    ''Sister Orb, this doesn''t make any sense at all! Roan and I are only Foundation Establishment cultivators. What the hell does the system expect us to do? It doesn''t matter how I see it. This sudden jump in difficulty shouldn''t happen to us!''


    Roan couldn''t agree more.


    ''He''s right! We barely know this Calina girl! Why the hell would the Soul Gem System entangle us with her like that? First of all, does she even want to be the Empress? I doubt so! Sister Orb, you must do something! It is obvious that the system is trying to kill us!''


    [Shut up! I have nothing to do with it! Didn''t you see what the system said? It was a Hidden Quest! It meant that even I was completely unaware of its existence. I told you before, I''m more like a helper. I have little effect on the system''s decisions. If you don''t wanna die, you better think about something.]


    [However...]


    Rean and Roan''s attention was immediately piqued.


    ''However? However what? Don''t hold back, just tell us.''


    [Well, I also think that this sudden spike in difficulty compared to what you did before is too unreasonable. Yet, there is one thing that I know for sure. The Soul Gem System will never release a quest or a mission that is impossible to complete. For it to have unlocked this quest, it means that there must be a way of finishing it.]


    [Besides, you saw that, didn''t you? There''s no time limit. That means even the system doesn''t know how long it will take for the Emperor to decide on the next successor.]


    ''Ahh... f.u.c.k it! Let me think.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/roan''s-analysis_50497166191417367 for visiting.


    Roan calmed himself down and began to ponder about the contents of the quest. As unwilling as he might be, he knew that continuing to complain would lead nowhere.


    ''There are a few points hidden in the Soul Gem System''s message. First, it''s the waves caused by the Emperor''s indecision. It said that those waves are not perceptible by those outside the Imperial Family''s circle. That means the situation still hasn''t reached a critical point where the Emperor will be forced to make a decision.''


    ''The second point is the ''will not last for many years.'' That means we still have a lot of time before the real struggle for the throne starts. From what the system said and the pieces of information we got from Valeu, all the princes and princesses are still gathering allies. From the nine subordinate clans, only two have chosen a faction up to this point.''


    During the interrogation, Roan asked Valeu about all of the subordinate clans around the Imperial Family. The Nine Clans were the Samikil, Lavil, Taran, Fole, Susume, Dekaslo, Mantil, Porem, and Wavile clans. Valeu told them that their Samikil clan had allied with the first prince, Lamares. As for the second, the Wavile clan joined the fifth prince''s side, Salael.


    All the other seven clans were still indecisive about what they should do. After all, allying with the wrong side would result in centuries of suppression by the clans and the Emperor they were against at first. The only reason they wouldn''t be destroyed is that they were still part of the Empire''s forces. Yet, none of them wanted to draw the short stick. After all, the outcome would be directly related to their own share of resources of the Empire.


    ''The third point is that the system said that the Empire needs someone genuinely willing to protect it and keep the peace. For me, this is the most critical point. The hidden meaning behind it is what bothers me the most.''


    Rean and Sister Orb became confused.


    [Why? It seems pretty clear to me.]


    Rean nodded.


    ''Same. The objective is to help Calina take the throne. In other words, Calina is willing to protect the Empire and keep it peaceful. Well, peaceful to the point as to what a cultivation world could reach. Compared to Earth, this world had never been peaceful at all.''


    [Right? I also think the same.]


    Roan snorted after hearing those two.


    ''Idiots. It has nothing to do with Calina. Although I''m not 100% sure, I''m at least 90% confident of what I''m thinking. The problem here is that the system could have picked any of the more developed princes or princesses. With Rean''s Communication System and our talent, although difficult, we would eventually be able to join one of their sides. That means this quest would be a lot easier to complete. Don''t you agree?''


    Sister Orb and Rean nodded. Well, only Rean since Sister Orb had no head, but she agreed with Roan nonetheless.


    Roan then continued.


    ''Since the system selected Calina, that can possibly mean just one thing. All the other influential princes and princesses also think that the Chrole Empire is a threat! It''s just that they are not as loud about it as the First Prince, Lamares!''


    ''Ah!''


    [Ah!]


    Indeed. The Soul Gem System wanted someone to keep the Empire peaceful. If any of the other influential inheritors had this wish, it would have been much better to ask Rean and Roan to help them instead of Calina. However, it did not do so. It''s not guaranteed, but that possibly meant that they all agreed with the idea of dealing with the Chrole Empire.


    Roan added another point.


    ''This also means that we now know why the Emperor is indecisive. He most likely knows that all his best inheritors all shared a similar view regarding the Chrole Empire.''


    It was then that Roan noticed something.


    ''Oh, I see... Seems like Sister Orb wasn''t wrong after all.''


    [Of course! I''m never wrong... By the way, what is it that I wasn''t wrong about?]


    Rean and Roan''s mouths twitched.


    ''Never wrong your ass! Can you be even more shameless than that?''


    [Hmph!]


    Roan calmed down again and continued.


    ''Whatever. You said that the system never gives an impossible quest or mission to complete. That''s the part you were right about. Just now, I found out where our silver lining is. Of course, I might be wrong about it as well. However, I''m pretty confident in my hypothesis.''


    Rean was more than happy enough to know that there was at least a way out of this.


    ''What is it?''


    Roan then explained.


    ''From what Valeu said, the Emperor doesn''t have much longer to live. However, we are talking about a monster with insanely high cultivation. His ''much longer'' is definitely a lot bigger than an ordinary person''s ''much longer.'' That means he still has quite a few years to live. The proof of it is also inside the ''not many years'' mentioned by the Soul Gem System''s Quest.''


    ''Anyway, that''s not the main point. The crux of the issue here is that the Emperor will not live for long from the perspective of a high-level cultivator''s lifespan. Since the Emperor already knows that all his princes and princesses with potential have the same view of the Chrole Empire, why is he hesitating to select one of them? At first, I thought that it was because they were similar that he couldn''t decide.''


    ''In fact, it is still the truth. Because they all think the same way about the Chrole Empire, the Emperor hasn''t picked one of them yet. However, the reason for his hesitation was different from what I thought.''


    ''Don''t you think it''s weird? We already know that the first and fifth princes are both talented and intelligent. Considering how close to death the Emperor is, why didn''t he simply pick one of the two? If push came to shove, he could simply have forced them into some kind of competition to decide which one to pick. He is still the Emperor, after all. However, he did not do so.''


    Only then did Rean catch the meaning of Roan''s words.


    ''Ah! I see... The Emperor... doesn''t want to attack the Chrole Empire. We don''t know if he sees the Chrole Empire as a threat or not. But at the very least, he doesn''t think it''s worth starting a war against them. Perhaps he is even friends with the Chrole Empire''s Emperor or something like that. Now I understand why Valeu kept calling him an idiotic emperor.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Exactly! That also brings us to the main point of this quest. To help Calina ascend to the Throne as Empress. That could only mean one thing. The Emperor is waiting for an alternative to appear, someone willing to carry his wishes of a peaceful arrangement. In the Soul Gem System''s eyes, the Sasamil Princess with half of Chrole''s Imperial Family''s bloodline is a perfect choice. Above all, she''s someone that absolutely doesn''t wish for a war to happen. Because of that, we got stuck with this kid here...''


    Roan shrugged his shoulders in the end.


    ''Well, this is all a theory, but I still think it is at least worth a try. After all, only eradication awaits on the other end.''


    Rean didn''t mind, saying.


    ''It doesn''t matter. It will be a hell of a ride at the very least. However, a small chance is still several times better than no chance at all!''


    [Seems like there is no need for me to cheer you up anymore.]


    ''Please don''t. Things are probably gonna get worse instead.


    [You really don''t know how to treat me.]


    Roan ignored Sister Orb and then looked at the princess. She still had a sad expression as Malaka comforted her. However, Roan simply didn''t have the patience for all that bullshit. He moved close to her and...


    *Bang!*


    Kicked Calina''s butt, making her fall with her face on the ground.


    "Stop wasting my time. How are you going to become an Empress with an attitude like that?"


    Rean and Malaka looked at Roan with eyes wide open! As much as she wasn''t as an important princess compared to others, she was still someone with Imperial Blood, you know?


    Calina, who had just eaten some dirt, got up in a fit of rage!


    "Yo-you! You dare kick a princess of the Sasamil Empire in the butt?"


    But it was then that she noticed a strange point in Roan''s previous words.


    "Wait! Empress? What are you talking about?"


    Roan looked at Calina as if he was looking at an idiot. Oh well, he probably considered her an idiot even before that anyway. In the end, he snorted and said as if stating a matter of fact.


    "Rejoice! Because I, Lord Death, am going to help you become the next Empress! There is no need to thank me."


    Rean''s mouth twitched a little. For some reason, that scene reminded him of a particular event from the past that he would rather forget...

 Chapter 259 - First Things First

    Calina didn''t know where to start. Become Empress? Who? Her? First of all, would you kick a future Empress in the butt then? No, wait! What did he mean by Death?


    Roan didn''t give her much time to think, though.


    "You don''t want a war to happen between the Sasamil Empire and the Chrole Empire to happen, right? Then the answer is simple, become the next Empress. You might be at the bottom of the barrel, but you''re still a princess with rights for the Throne."


    Calina and Malaka were shocked by those words.


    "Wait, wait, wait! What are you talking about? Sure, I have a bloodline from the Sasamil Family. However, I also have half a Chrole Imperial Family bloodline! There is no way a half-blood like me can ascend to the Throne. All the princes and princesses would join hands to get rid of me in the very first moment I prove to be a threat."


    "No, first of all, why did you change your mind all of a sudden? Just a few seconds ago, you were so unwilling that I felt more like a burden. That doesn''t make sense at all!"


    Rean then patted Calina''s head while laughing.


    "Don''t mind the details. The important part is that Roan decided to help you."


    Well, they would die if they don''t do anything. Anyone''s opinions would change in a blink of an eye in that situation.


    Calina then glanced at Rean from the corner of her eyes before asking.


    "Since when did I give you permission to act this close to me?"


    Rean showed a puzzled expression as he responded.


    "You are Malaka''s friend, right? I thought you would like this kind of treatment as well."


    "Could it be that you dislike it?"


    Calina''s face got a little red as she saw Malaka arrive beside Rean just to get her head patted as well. She and Malaka had almost the same age, but Malaka seemed to not care about her image at all. In fact, she seemed to enjoy Rean''s pampering very much.


    "... I don''t... hate it."


    Rean laughed out loud as he continued to do that. Sure enough, as much as she pretended to act like an a.d.u.l.t, a twelve-year-old girl was still more or less a kid.


    Still, Calina quickly regained her bearings and shook her head as she returned to the topic at hand.


    "No, forget it now! I can''t become the Empress. There is no way it will work. We can''t fight against all the other descendants. They''re gonna kill us!"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Kill you? I''m sorry, but they''re already very willing to do it. Didn''t Valeu just try it a moment ago? You are already on a path of no return. Regardless of which of the princes or princesses ascend to the Throne, the Chrole bloodline here in Sasamil will be wiped out. At the very least, you will all be severely restricted in your actions."


    Calina couldn''t help but ask.


    "I can understand that it will happen if Prince Lamares takes the Throne, but why would the others do that?"


    Sure enough, without hearing Roan''s analysis, it would be hard for her to understand. At the moment, she thinks that the other princes and princesses have nothing against her.


    Rean then looked at Roan before asking through their Soul Connection.


    ''Just explain to her the whole theory. She might be only twelve, but she''s quite smart. I believe she will understand her situation once you put it into words.''


    Roan nodded. That was the fastest way indeed. Of course, Roan omitted the Soul Gem System''s existence and everything related to it.


    Calina was once again shocked by what she heard. She knew that all Roan said was only his own theory. However, she was still a princess of the Imperial Family. As soon as Roan talked about why the actual Emperor hasn''t decided the next Emperor yet, Calina immediately understood that Roan was probably right. She only had to think back to remember how the other princes and princesses with pure Sasamil bloodlines treated her to reach this conclusion.


    "What should I do...? I have no idea when someone might appear to attack me. No, the other people from political marriages with the Chrole Empire are probably in as much danger as me as well."


    Roan then asked something.


    "Have you heard about some of them being attacked or anything like that?"


    Calina pondered a bit and immediately remembered a few things. It was not like she couldn''t tell odd happenings.


    "Yes. I heard about Uncle Ganmon being ambushed by an assassin of the Shadow Reaper Organization. He is much older than me but still has half of his bloodline from the Chrole Empire. Because he escaped in the end, I didn''t put much thought into this. There was also a rumor that the Imperial Office manager''s wife suddenly passed away. I didn''t know her, but I know that she was also someone from Chrole."


    Roan nodded.


    "Seems like you were not the only one. These two you just mentioned are just the ones you know about. There are probably more of them in the same situation as you in there. Anyway, we already confirmed your status. Now we need to work on the way to make you turn into the next Empress."


    "Ah! Are you talking seriously? I don''t want to say this to the people who saved my life but, you guys are just way too weak to change anything."


    Rean laughed after hearing that. Of course, they knew that. They even complained about that with Sister Orb before.


    "It''s okay. We''re all in the same boat."


    Those words puzzled Calina once again.


    "Same boat? How come? As long as you don''t get involved with me, you should be just fine."


    Roan shook his head.


    "You don''t need to know why. All you need to do is trust us for now. The question here is, if we can make you the next Empress, would you believe us?"


    Calina then asked Roan another question instead of answering his one.


    "Why would you help me become the Empress? You said it yourself. There is a chance that the first prince is right, and we might be facing an attack of the Chrole Empire. In that case, helping him would be the right thing to do. Don''t you want to protect the Empire?"


    Roan couldn''t care less about that anymore. Empire? F.u.c.k that! What use will that have if they die? It had nothing to do with who was wrong or right, but she had to become the Empress so they could save themselves.


    "Who doesn''t want to become the reason for an Emperor or Empress to rise to the Throne, right? Let''s just say that it will be much better for Rean and me if you take the Throne instead of the others. Sure enough, you would reward us well."


    Malaka then hugged Calina''s arm before saying.


    "Trust Roan. He is super dark but super smart. If he said this much, then there is definitely a way to do this."


    Roan didn''t mind Malaka''s words. Better dark than dead.


    Calina couldn''t help but feel a little jealous of how much she trusted her brothers.


    "Malaka..."


    Calina then went silent for a few minutes, not saying anything. Surprisingly, even Roan didn''t mind waiting for her this time. In the end, she gritted her teeth and nodded.


    "Alright! I''ll do it! If I do nothing, only Death awaits me in the end. But you better understand that I have no allies whatsoever. At most, I would get my father''s support. But even that would be difficult since he wouldn''t believe that I have any chance."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/first-things-first_50497220415379921 for visiting.


    Roan didn''t seem to mind, saying.


    "Don''t worry. If everything works the way I think it will, then your chance will appear by itself in the next few years. At that moment, you just need to grasp it. Rean, I, and the happy-go-lucky girl on your side will help you with the rest."


    This time, even Rean was surprised by what he heard. Roan hadn''t commented about this chance at all.


    "What are you talking about? What kind of chance is that?"


    Roan shook his head, replying.


    "There is no point in telling you about it now since I''m not 100% sure either. When the time comes, you will know."


    As Roan said that, he thought to himself.


    ''Old geezer, I know very well what you''re planning. You better not grow afraid of doing that when the time comes.''


    Rean and the others could only nod in the end. If Roan wasn''t willing to say, not even God would be able to force his mouth open.


    Calina then took a deep breath before asking.


    "What should I do?"


    Roan nodded and then explained with a cold smile.


    "When the time comes, you will need to have the strength to fight for the Throne. I don''t mean raw power, but you have to prove that you have the talent and mind to become an Empress candidate. If you can''t even do that much, then you are doomed from the very start. Hehe... I hope you are at least confident about your own capabilities."


    Suddenly, Malaka''s body on her side began to tremble. Soon after, she looked at Calina with an expression of pity. It was as if she was looking at a dead body.


    "Wh-what? I''m very confident in my capabilities, okay? Say it, what should I do first?"


    Roan nodded with a satisfied expression, saying.


    "First off... I need you to die."

 Chapter 260 - Coming Into Terms

    "Uh?"


    Malaka and Calina went stiff for a second. Didn''t they just save Calina? How come they were killing her now? Of course, only the two kids thought like that. Seeing the two girls'' confusion, Rean then explained.


    "Well, I don''t know what he''s planning, but I believe that he wants you to disappear, am I right?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Yes. What I want is for others to think that you are dead. At the moment, I don''t know just how many people want you dead, which will make things quite annoying to deal with. From the looks of it, even the Shadow Reapers are involved. Well, that''s to be expected since the Imperial Family definitely doesn''t lack money to pay them."


    Roan then continued.


    "However, this Profound Abyss gave us an opportunity. As long as you don''t leave this place, everyone will think that you died, especially after they notice that none of your guardians came out from it as well. That''s simply perfect."


    Calina immediately asked in response.


    "Wait, wait, wait! If I don''t leave this place, I will definitely die! Let alone with the surge ongoing, once I run out of Anti-Decaying Pills, I can''t resist the Decaying Energy anymore. How do you expect me to stay here? Could it be that you want me to wait for the next time the Profound Abyss is open?"


    Roan snorted in response, saying.


    "Don''t be ridiculous. Let alone you, even peak Core Formation Realm participants in this thing will die in no time if they stay here. What I mean is that others should think that you didn''t leave this place."


    Calina had a worried expression, inquiring.


    "But what about my mother? She''s a member of the Chrole Empire who was sent to this place to marry Father. I can''t leave her behind. Also, what will we do about telling her that I died? I can''t let that happen."


    Roan shook his head in response.


    "Your mother is different. She''s a pure Chrole Family Member, right? She should know her own limits, and there is your father, who''s a prince. No one will try to kill one of the prince''s wife under the Imperial Palace''s roof. The proof for that is that they had to arrange this weird plan of having you dying in the Profound Abyss instead of killing you in the Capital."


    "As for the news about your death, this is only a temporary thing. Once the old Emperor makes his move, it will be the moment you can reappear. You can simply apologize as much as you want after that happens."


    Calina didn''t like that, but she still nodded in the end.


    "What about pretending that I''m dead? There is only one way out of Profound Abyss, and it is a very narrow entrance on top of that. There is no way I can pass through it without anyone seeing me��especially Elder Polian, who''s in the Saint Realm."


    Roan didn''t seem to care.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/coming-into-terms_50565587184700431 for visiting.


    "You don''t need to worry. We have a way of doing it. When the time comes, I''ll explain it to you."


    Calina narrowed her eyes in response.


    "Fine! It''s not like I have another option other than trust you anyway."


    Roan nodded.


    "After that, you will come back to our sect with us to spend your time training. I''ll be sure to give you some... special attention."


    Roan then noticed a certain naughty girl looking into the distance as if it had nothing to do with her.


    "Of course, since the one who insisted on saving your ass was Malaka, she will be glad to accompany you during that time. You two are both talented girls with Water Element Affinity. It will be simply perfect."


    "Ah! Why me?"


    Roan answered as if stating a fact.


    "Isn''t that obvious? That''s your friend. How could you abandon her?"


    Rean almost burst out in laugher. It was evident that Roan didn''t give a damn to the friendship between them. He only took the opportunity to make Malaka pay for dragging them into this ridiculous quest. After all, if Malaka hadn''t insisted on saving Calina, the hidden quest would never have activated.


    Malaka wanted to say something, but that would be the same as denying Roan''s words. As for Calina, she couldn''t help but feel curious about this situation. Every time Roan spoke about training, Malaka''s face would become pale. In the end, she sent a Spiritual Sense message to Malaka.


    ''Is his training that difficult?''


    One must remember that Calina was really pretty much like Malaka. She even tried to escape her training sessions several times in the past too. Perhaps that''s why these two girls got so well along.


    Malaka then looked at Calina with a crying face, telling her everything about Roan''s ''Special Methods'' of training through a single Spiritual Sense message. As one could imagine, Calina became paler than Malaka. Roan''s methods were really... brutal... to say the least.


    ''I-I-It can''t be that... bad... right?''


    Malaka shook her head.


    ''If anything... it might be worse.''


    Roan didn''t know what the two girls were talking about, nor did he care.


    "Alright. We are already inside the Profound Abyss anyway, so we might as well go after the Vermilion Pools. That was our primary objective to start with. It can also help with Calina''s training, which will be a great help for her cultivation."


    Roan then looked at Rean, who immediately understood his intentions.


    "Alright, guess it''s my time now. Calina, come over here."


    Calina was puzzled but did as she was told anyway. Rean then touched her face with his hands, which made her a bit fl.u.s.tered.


    "What are you doing?!"


    "Just wait a bit. We can''t let you go around with this appearance of yours, right? Just leave it to me."


    Suddenly, Light Element began to gather around Rean''s hands and enter Calina''s face. Calina couldn''t help but relax her entire body. Rean''s Light Element just felt way too good!


    Soon after, a weird scene played in front of everyone. Calina''s blonde hair turned into a snowy white color. Not only that, but her eyebrows suffered the same fate. Following that were her blue eyes. It also changed into the same silver-white color as Rean''s. Last but not least, the structure of her skin and bones also changed, making her look at least three to four years older! At the moment, Calina looked like a completely different girl!


    *Wow!*


    Malaka couldn''t help but widely open her eyes! It was the first time she saw Rean doing something like that. Not too long after, Rean finished his job.


    Curious, Calina summoned the Water Element to create a clean water mirror in front of her. Sure enough, she couldn''t recognize herself. Not only did she get quite a few centimeters taller, she really looked a lot more mature. It''s just that her face, eyes, and hairs were not the same anymore.


    "How did you do that?!"


    Rean smiled but didn''t explain. He could increase the body''s strength with the Light Element to a ridiculous degree. Changing one''s appearance wasn''t anything too difficult for him.


    "This change is not permanent. I will need to provide you Light Element every few hours to keep the transformation. Besides, it can only fool the Core Formation Realm and below level participants in the Profound Abyss. The elders'' Divine Senses outside would notice something wrong with you straight away. Still, that is more than enough for others in here to not relate ''Princess Calina'' with us if we are spotted while inside the Profound Abyss."


    Roan nodded at the sight before saying.


    "Alright, that''s good enough. Let''s go!"

 Chapter 261 - Universal Restraint Preparations

    In the end, there was no need to move to the cave entrance Roan had selected before. That''s because they found out about Valeu''s fake Jade Slips and the real one in his body. Sure enough, it had an almost complete map of the cave maze of the Profound Abyss.


    Seeing that, Rean couldn''t help but comment.


    "As expected, you guys were sent straight inside the Decaying Devourers'' nest. I''m surprised that you were even able to escape more or less alive before encountering Valeu."


    Calina had a slightly sad expression on her face as she recalled the time Valeu killed Silo and Erna back them.


    "It was a mistake on our part. If we had just checked the Jade Slip with the elders beforehand..."


    "There is no point in thinking about it. Instead, focus on the task ahead. We might have a good map now, but that doesn''t mean we know where the Demon Beasts are. Don''t forget that with the Surge, things became quite chaotic. I doubt we will reach a Vermilion Pool without finding a single one of them."


    Calina nodded.


    As they moved forward, Sister Orb talked with Rean and Roan.


    [It''s almost time for the Universal Restraint. Although the Soul Gem System knows the day of its arrival, it doesn''t know the exact time. We have been inside the Profound Abyss for almost two entire days. The Universal Restraint is supposed to arrive at the third. So you better find a safe place to wait for it to pass.]


    Rean and Roan nodded. In the end, they selected one of the caves that had the most Decaying Energy coming out on their map. The reason was simple, because of the Surge, none of the other groups would select it. Calina, of course, was taken aback when they selected that one. After all, Decaying Energy was no joke. Only then did Rean tell her about his Light Element and its capacity to get rid of Decaying Energy in one''s body.


    With that kind of advantage, it would be idiotic to not select the most dangerous path, which was, in fact, the safest one with Rean there. Of course, the Jade Slip Map also depicted the Decaying Caves that were territories of stronger or numerous Decaying Demon Beasts, so they avoided those. Roan wanted to practice combat, but he didn''t have a ''Roan'' wish. Nonetheless, there were still Decaying Demon Beasts available for them.


    ''Water Frame!''


    ''Water Prison!''


    All of a sudden, a Decaying Demon Beast hit a Water Wall in front of Calina. Soon after, a sphere of Water formed around it, suppressing its movements.


    "Now, Malaka!"


    Malaka pounced forward, holding her Staff. Spiritual Energy entered it as the Staff attracted the surrounding Water Element on its own. With both Malaka and her Staff attracting the Water Element, the power of her attack increased even more as it became more fluid.


    ''Death Water Style, Second Form, Spinning Dragon Tail!''


    *Bang, bang, bang!*


    *Crack, Shatter!*


    The Decaying Demon Beast''s Core then shattered after Malaka took the chance it couldn''t defend itself. With the two girls together, they could fight weaker Initial Stage Three Demon beasts and even defeat them quite easily. The demon beast they finished off just now was more powerful than that, though. It had the power of a Middle Stage Three one. Nonetheless, the two girls were able to work together to finish it after some time.


    *Creeeee!*


    *Crash!*


    Malaka and Calina heard the sound and looked to the side just in time to see Kentucky''s attack hitting another Decaying Demon Beast''s body. Right after, his head pulled back as the Decaying Demon Beast''s body crumbled. They were also able to see a Demon Core between his beak.


    *Gulp!*


    *Burp!*


    Once again, Kentucky defeated a Stage Three demon beast without much difficulty. He especially became more excited when he fought them since he could eat their Demon Cores.


    Calina then looked at Malaka and asked something that had been in her mind for a long time.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/universal-restraint-preparations_50565619396956998 for visiting.


    "What kind of Demon Bird is this? It is still a Stage Two but can trash weaker Stage Three ones easily. It even held a full-power strike from Valeu, a Peak Core Formation Realm cultivator."


    Malaka shook her head in response, saying.


    "Rean and Roan never told me what race it came from. However, it doesn''t matter. The important thing is that Kentucky can protect itself and even help us."


    Still, Calina couldn''t help but feel curious. Unfortunately, neither Rean nor Roan answered her question either, which was why she asked Malaka.


    With both sides finished, they cast their gazes at Rean and Roan. The two were obviously fighting as well. It''s just that they decided to not use each other''s power. Thus, it took longer for them to end the Late Stage Three Decaying Demon Beasts on their side.


    "Phew... It''s finally over. With this, we finished cleaning up the entire territory."


    Roan nodded.


    "Considering the amount of Decaying Energy in this Cave Path, no other group should select it. Now that the demon beasts are dead, we should be safe for some time."


    Roan then turned around and began to walk in the girl''s direction. However, his expression didn''t seem that joyful. Seeing that, the girls understood what was coming, more lectures... It looked like it didn''t matter how much better they did; Roan always had something to complain about.


    After filling the girl''s ears with complaints and the things they did wrong, Roan finally entered the main topic.


    "We will stay here for the third day."


    Malaka and Calina got confused.


    "Why? We can still go further."


    Rean arrived soon after with a bunch of Demon Cores, which he threw to Kentucky before explaining. Kentucky''s eyes lit up as he swallowed them one by one and ignored whatever Rean and Roan had to say.


    "It''s nothing to do with you two. It''s just that Roan and I have understood a few things during our previous battles, so we need some time to ponder about it. Of course, you should take this chance to rest as well. Think about all the things Roan said so far and improve on it."


    Calina noticed that they seemed to be dead set on staying, so she could only comply. She definitely wouldn''t try to move ahead by herself.


    Malaka didn''t seem to mind and immediately pulled on Calina''s hand.


    "Then, let''s play with Kentucky!"


    "Ah! Wait, Malaka. This is not the place to do such things."


    Unfortunately, Malaka completely ignored her.


    Rean then warned the two.


    "Don''t go more than twenty meters away from me."


    Roan narrowed his eyes in response. Roan had just said that she should ponder about his teachings, but the happy-go-lucky girl forgot it in a matter of seconds. Rean, of course, noticed that.


    "Are you fine with it?"


    In the end, Roan shook his head.


    "Forget them. Lectures will be a lot more efficient once we are back at the sect. I don''t have the time to force them to take the training seriously in this place. Sit down, let''s wait for the Universal Restraint."


    Rean nodded and sat down, as well. Of course, they didn''t know when it would come, so they didn''t stay still either. The several battles they had, especially those against Valeu, helped stabilize their foundation quite a lot. They also really had things to ponder about their own performances.


    As they did that, Rean took the opportunity to ask something else to Sister Orb.


    ''Sister Orb, how is it? Is the Yin Energy in this Decaying Fog of any help to you?''


    Back then, Sister Orb wanted the Yin Ice Ore because of its Yin Energy. The Profound Abyss was full of Yin Energy, but it was mixed in the Decaying Fog, making it incredibly impure. Still, Sister Orb had commented that the Soul Gem System didn''t have problems with the impurities found in Yin Energy, so Rean was curious.


    [Hum... It''s not entirely useless, but nothing worth commenting on either. The Decaying Fog indeed has Yin Energy in it, but it''s primarily made of other things. It''s just not enough to help improve the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm or the System itself.]


    ''What are you using it for, then?''


    [For the Yin Yang bathhouse. The good thing is that I can convert the excess Yin Energy into Yang Energy, so the bath should be full of Yin Yang Energies for you two quite soon. We will stay here for two weeks, which should be enough to fill it up.]


    Rean and Roan nodded. Although the changes given by the Yin Yang bath weren''t that big, they were c.u.mulative. So the more they got, the better.


    And just like that, the time began to pass. At first, Calina had some restraint because of the location. But she eventually grew calm and enjoyed her time with Malaka and Kentucky. There wasn''t really anything to worry about with Rean there to help drive out the Decaying Energy.


    Rean used his time to read a little about Formations with the books he brought in the Dimensional Realm. As for Roan, Dark and Light Elements moved around his hands every now and then. He seemed to be practicing something, but Rean couldn''t tell what it was.


    Soon, more than six hours went by. The girls finally got bored and began to practice, as Roan mentioned. Kentucky also joined the two in their efforts. Rean and Roan did their own things too.


    Suddenly, Rean''s eyes moved away from his book as he looked in a specific direction.


    "Calina, Malaka, Kentucky, come back."


    Roan''s attention was picked as he looked at Rean.


    "What is it?"


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he said.


    "Someone is coming."

 Chapter 262 - Request

    Malaka and Calina quickly returned to Rean and Roan''s side with Kentucky. With Rean''s Fourth Form of the Life Style and the high concentration of Decaying Energy due to the Surge, no one could hope to have a higher detection range than him. Soon, Rean''s group began to hear some sounds from a distance.


    "F.u.c.k! Are you sure this path is okay? It doesn''t matter how I see it. There is too much Decaying Fog here."


    "Don''t worry, We only used our Anti-Decaying Energy pills by the time we arrived at the Cave''s entrance. It should give us enough time to reach the Vermilion Pool. Besides, everyone will be afraid of the concentration of Decaying Fog here. Other than Decaying Demon Beasts, we should have a free pass to the Ver-"


    It was then that the guy''s voice stopped. Inside his Spiritual Sense, five figures appeared. Not only that, but they were looking directly at him.


    "Are you kidding me?"


    But soon, his companion noticed that he kind of recognized those silhouettes.


    "Wait! I know them. It''s twins."


    Rean, Roan, and Malaka also looked at the newcomers and were taken aback.


    "Tuve and Weren!"


    It turned out that they were the other two members of the Sect that came with this time around.


    "What are you guys doing in a cave like this one? Can''t you see the amount of Decaying Energy?"


    Rean asked the same thing back.


    "That''s our question. We took this path because we knew no one would use it. How come you two chose this place?"


    Tuve and Weren looked at each other for a second before looking back at the twins'' group.


    "We basically did the same thing. However, we are still in the Middle and Peak stage of the Core Formation Realm. Your group is full of Foundation Establishment ones. It''s a lot more strange for you guys to be here."


    Rean and Roan nodded. Weren couldn''t be blamed for thinking like that. A Foundation Establishment cultivator definitely wouldn''t take a cave with so much Decaying Fog like this one in normal situations.


    "Don''t worry, we are fine. In fact, we are probably a lot better than you two."


    Weren and Tuve were surprised by those words. But when they scanned Rean''s group, they noticed that their bodies had no concentration of Decaying Energy whatsoever. This was shocking to them since even the Anti-Decaying Energy Pills couldn''t eliminate 100% of it. The usual way to do it was to go to a place without any Decaying Fog and use one''s Spiritual Energy to slowly drive it out.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/request_50565638707536430 for visiting.


    "It''s true... How are you doi- Ah!"


    Weren seemed to have remembered something.


    "Don''t you have that weird Light Element Affinity? That''s the reason you guys are fine at the moment, right? I can''t think about anything else."


    Sure enough, Rean and Roan were famous even in the Inner Sect.


    "Senior Weren is correct. I didn''t know about it before I entered the Profound Abyss, though. It also came as a surprise for me when I noticed that I could get rid of Decaying Energy with my Light Element."


    Tuve then looked at a certain girl that was together with them. White hair, taller than the twins, silver-white eyes. He was sure he had not seen this girl back in the settlement gathering. Of course, Rean and Roan gave her other clothes for her to wear a long time ago. It would be quite idiotic if she was still using the traditional clothes of the Imperial Family.


    "And this girl is?"


    Rean then introduced her.


    "She is someone we rescued from a demon beast attack. Her name is Freta Azule. Her Sect Members couldn''t hold the pressure, so they left her behind. It was through sheer luck that she bumped into us."


    Weren nodded.


    "Is that so?"


    Weren and Tuve didn''t know if it was true, nor did it matter at the moment. What interested them was the fact that Rean could use Light Element to resist Decaying Energy. They selected this Cave as a gamble to reach a vacant Vermilion Pool. They weren''t sure if their Anti-Decaying Energy Pills would be enough to go all the way in and then come back. But if Rean helped them, that would make things several times easier. Besides, there was another thing that they needed from Rean''s group later.


    "By the way, Rean. I know it is extremely shameless for me to ask this after we got separated from you, but can you help us with your light element as well? Tuve and I will owe you a favor."


    Roan then sent a Spiritual Sense Message to Rean.


    ''Accept it. I have something I want them to do.''


    Rean nodded. They were members of the same Sect as him, and it was not like they had any grudges to start with. Even if Roan had opposed it, he would have helped them anyway. Besides, the Sect Master had never said that they had to follow him and Roan around.


    "No problem. There is indeed something that I will need the seniors'' help with, so I''m more than glad to help you."


    Tuve and Weren were delighted. That''s what they exactly needed. Rean then approached the two and extended his hands.


    "Give me your hands."


    Tuve and Weren did as Rean said. Right after, Rean controlled his Spiritual Energy to gather the Light Element around. Following that, he sent a wave of Life Element inside their bodies, which immediately began to clean the Decaying Energy that had acc.u.mulated there. Of course, the lack of Light Element around and the prolonged exposure to the Decaying Fog made it take quite some time.


    Around three minutes and a few Spirit Stones later, Rean finally finished taking care of the whole issue.


    "Done. Now you two should have even more time before you need to take your Anti-Decaying Energy Pills."


    Weren and Tuve couldn''t help but feel impressed by Rean''s abilities. Not only was there no Decaying Energy in their bodies anymore, they even felt a lot more invigorated.


    Weren then looked at Rean before asking.


    "Thank you. Now, tell us. What is it that you need our help with? As long as it doesn''t delay our travel to the Vermilion Pool, I don''t mind acting right now."


    Rean then looked at Roan.


    "In fact, the one who needs the seniors'' help is my brother."


    They all looked at Roan as he approached them.


    "Let me tell you something else. We have here a map that shows the location of several Vermilion Pools. If we keep following this Cave, there will be two Vermilion Pools in the end. This should be enough for all of us to use. Not to mention that we probably won''t need to care about someone else appearing due to the Surge and the Cave Entrance we selected. However, if you follow the wrong path, you might not find anything at all. How much are Rean''s favor and the correct path information worth in the seniors'' eyes?"


    Tuve and Weren were shocked to hear that.


    "Wait? Are you serious? Do you really have such a map?"


    Roan nodded and waited for their answer.


    Still, Tuve couldn''t help but ask.


    "Aren''t you afraid that we will simply take the map from you by force? We are from the same Sect, but we all need the Vermilion Pools, you know?"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "I invite you to try it."


    Weren, on the other hand, decided to put an end to those antics.


    "Tuve, shut up! It''s thanks to them that we now have a realistic chance of getting into a Vermilion Pool. Even if you want to take their map by force, I won''t stay put and simply ignore it. Besides, I know you well enough to understand that your pride wouldn''t allow you to do it either."


    Tuve scratched the back of his head after hearing that. It was true that he didn''t have that intention, but he also didn''t like the fact that a kid was leading the conversation.


    "Fine! Tell us, what is so important that you are willing to even show us the correct path to one of the Vermilion Pools?"


    Roan nodded before sending them a Spiritual Sense message. As soon as the two heard that, they looked at Roan as if he was crazy.


    "Are you out of your mind?"


    Roan laughed. But just as he was about to continue talking...


    [Rean, Roan! The Universal Restraint is here. Get away from everyone else!]

 Chapter 263 - Resisting the Universal Restraint

    ''Wait? Move away? What do you mean? You said nothing about getting away from the others before.''


    [That''s because I didn''t know what would happen. But just now, I felt a terrifying power approaching. Anyway, there is no time to waste. Move away now!]


    ''F.u.c.k!''


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    Rean and Roan then transformed into two flashes of Black and White Lights as they dashed away. At the same time, Rean used his Spiritual Sense to talk with those two. Fortunately, Spiritual Sense messages were instantaneous. As long as you know what you wanted to convene, it would be transmitted.


    ''Seniors, something urgent came up. Please look at Freta and Malaka for a bit. Roan and I will be right back.''


    Of course, Tuve and Weren, as well as Malaka and Calina, were taken aback by their sudden escapade. It was too sudden, after all. However, what really shocked them was the twins'' speed just now. They were just a little bit slower than Weren. Well, in fact, they would usually be faster than what they are now. Unfortunately, the lack of Light Element in this place reduced the effectiveness of the Enhancement Ability. That was more than enough for them to understand how they got to this place so fast.


    ''Wait, you two. Is it an enemy? We can help.''


    Rean then messaged them one last time before they left his Spiritual Sense range.


    ''It''s not an enemy, nor it is Demon Beasts. It''s something personal. Please, just wait a bit. If we take too long, you can simply go ahead by yourself. The time I bought for you with the Light Element should make up for it.''


    Weren and Tuve didn''t know what to say, but it was evident that Rean and Roan didn''t want anyone to follow them. They didn''t think that Rean and Roan were trying to trick them, though. That''s because the twins were going in the opposite direction as them. It wouldn''t make sense unless they were planning to move all the way to the entrance and find another cave.


    Tuve then looked at Weren before asking.


    "What do we do?"


    Weren shrugged his shoulders.


    "What else can we do? We can only wait. Did you see how fast they moved? They already left our Spiritual Sense range anyway. Finding them in this Decaying Fog again will be extremely annoying. Besides, I still want to hear more about Roan''s idea."


    Tuve couldn''t help but comment.


    "Are you crazy? Those are the Imperial Family Experts we''re talking about. Do you really want to mess with them?"


    Weren shook his head.


    "Of course not. But I don''t think that kid would ask something like that for no reason. You noticed it already, didn''t you? Those twins aren''t normal. Besides, Rean indeed helped us a lot with his Light Element just a moment ago."


    Tuve then began to scratch his head helplessly.


    "Ahhh! Fine! But if he doesn''t give me a good reason for it, I''m out!"


    Malaka and Calina then move closer to Kentucky. Just before the twins disappeared, Roan told them that Tuve and Weren would stay with them.


    "Why did they run away?"


    Asked Malaka, puzzled.


    "I was hoping that you two girls knew the answer."


    Malaka and Calina shook their heads in response. They were just as puzzled as Tuve and Weren.


    Tuve sighed and then looked at ''Freta.''


    "By the way, who are you? I don''t remember having seeing you before."


    Calina had discussed with Roan about an excuse in case they needed to talk about her identity with others. She just didn''t think she would need it so early.


    "Well..."


    However, just as she was about to talk...


    *Tremble!*


    The entire area began to shake. In fact, it wasn''t only where they were staying. The entire Profound Abyss began to tremble as well.


    "What is this? Earthquake?!"


    All the cultivators stopped in their tracks. Not only them, but even the Decaying Demon Beasts weren''t moving either. Everyone didn''t expect something like this to happen.


    Back on Rean and Roan''s side, they also noticed when it started.


    [Stop! It''s here.]


    As soon as Sister Orb said that, the world around them began to change. What before was a cave full of Decaying Fog and darkness suddenly became a vision of outer space. There were no planets close to them, nor a sun. All they could see were the stars that were probably tens of thousands, millions, or maybe even billions of light-years away.


    However, something ridiculous seemed to have happened right in the next instant. The stars that were supposed to be so far away were suddenly pulled to their side! The twins'' vision then became filled with millions of suns of all sizes. But that wasn''t all. They also noticed several black holes in the middle.


    Unfortunately, they couldn''t admire it for long. The moment that all those celestial bodies appeared near them, an enormous pressure pressed on their bodies, trying to crush them to dust! By far, that was the highest pain that the twins had ever felt.


    Fortunately, the Soul Gem System acted at that very instant.


    [Universal Restraint Detected.]


    [Analyzing Rejection Conditions.]


    [Peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm: Complete]


    [1000 Destiny Points: Complete]


    [All Conditions Met, Initializing Universal Restraint Rejection.]Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/resisting-the-universal-restraint_50565656709485526 for visiting.


    *Vup!*


    Just like when Rean and Roan brought items from the Dimensional Realm, the Soul Gem Orb appeared in front of them in the same way.


    [Yin Yang Protection Mode Initialized.]


    The Soul Gem Orb then began to shine with a White and Dark Light, which covered the twins like a membrane. As soon as that happened, Rean and Roan felt the pressure over their bodies reduce by at least 99%. Although it looked like the Soul Gem Orb took a long time to act, the fact was that not even half a second passed yet. Still, that less than half a second was enough to almost kill the twins right there and then!


    Of course, 99% was still not 100%. That meant that Rean and Roan still had to resist that last fraction of power attacking their bodies. Once again, the twins began to contort like worms. It''s just that it happened in the middle of outer space. That less than 1% was still enough to make them feel like their bodies were being smashed by a mountain.


    Rean and Roan even began to bleed through their entire body as injures began to appear one after another. To be more specific, it looked more like ''cracks'' were covering their bodies instead.


    "Fu-ck!"


    As Rean and Roan resisted the pressure, the area outside the Profound Abyss was also in chaos. Even Elder Polian, the Saint Realm Expert, couldn''t tell what was happening. With his Spiritual Sense, he could see that everything hundreds of kilometers around this place was passing through the same ''Earthquake.''


    ''What is happening here? Is it the Profound Abyss? Or is it happening to all the countries around?''


    Another elder responsible for the event then came close to him before asking.


    "Elder Polian, should we stop the Profound Abyss trial?"


    Polian immediately shook his head.


    "No. We don''t know if what is happening is because of the Profound Abyss or not. Even if it is, it is common for cultivators to find adversities during their path to higher realms. They will have to deal with it on their own. Once the Profound Abyss comes to an end, we can take a look inside."


    The elder nodded and didn''t say anything else.


    Back on Rean and Roan''s side, the Soul Gem Orb continued to shine with White and Black Lights as it protected the twins. That torture continued for ten minutes straight. If Rean and Roan didn''t keep using the Life Style''s Second Form nonstop, they might have bled to death already. It was constant destruction and reformation. Luckily, they had passed by similar experiences before with the Soul Gem System Upgrades, so they could still resist the pain and focus on healing themselves.


    It was then that the Soul Gem System''s voice echoed in their minds once more.


    [Universal Restraint Has Been Repelled Successfully. 1000 Destiny Points have been consumed.]


    As soon as the system said that, Rean and Roan felt like they plummeted from outer space straight into the ground in less than a second! The world around them came back to normal right after, and they were once again inside the Decaying Cave.


    However, they soon noticed that the cave wasn''t the same anymore. Instead, the twins seemed to be inside a massive spherical room! Although the ceiling was still there, what before was just ten or so meters above their heads, now was at least two kilometers away! As to why they could see it? That''s because there was no Decaying Fog around whatsoever. That event had literally destroyed everything around them, Decaying Fog included! It was a perfect 2km radius on all sides, with the twins at the epicenter.


    Of course, the lack of Decaying Energy didn''t last for long. Soon, Decaying Energy began to come out of the walls and the ground and slowly filled the room they were in.


    *Pin!*


    [Congratulations to the Hosts for resisting the first Universal Restraint.]


    [Reward: One Free Upgrade from the Reward System.]


    The Soul Gem Orb then disappeared, going back into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    [Hey, do you need me to find a coffin, or maybe two?]


    Rean and Roan''s mouth twitched. Sure enough, Sister Orb was back.


    ''Ignore it, ignore it. Focus on recovering.''


    [Oh! By the way, your suffering was not in vain. You got a tiny bit of Universe Essence just now.]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback. What''s Universe Essence?

 Chapter 264 - I Did

    [It is what I said it is, Universe Essence. Consider it a type of energy, just like Spiritual Energy or Yin Yang. However, this is very useful. Check your bodies. You should be able to feel this essence circulating through your meridians.]


    Rean and Roan nodded as they used their Spiritual Senses to check their own bodies. Sure enough, they could feel some kind of different power present there.


    ''What can this thing be used for?''


    [Keep it. You will want to use it when your Spiritual Pools change into Yin Yang Cores. Although it won''t increase your combat powers, your Yin Yang Cores will become a lot more resistant to impacts. It should improve your cultivation speed a little bit as well.]


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    ''That''s quite good. If someone aims to cripple our cultivation, it might just become our silver lining. We already got a free upgrade in the Reward System anyway, so this is a bonus.''


    Sister Orb agreed with them.


    [Indeed. Besides, this is not the only Universal Restraint you will have to pass through, so you will get more of it.]


    ''Wait! There will be more of that thing?!''


    [Of course! Do you think this side of the Universe would let you two change its living beings'' Destiny and do nothing?]


    ''And once again, only now do you tell us about it.''


    [Well, you never asked.]


    "$&*#$!%[email protected]&$##!!!"


    Rean and Roan then spent a few more minutes gathering Light Element and used the Second Form of the Life Style. Still, before they healed even half of the injuries, Roan got up once more.


    "We already stopped the bleeding. Take a blood replenishing pill, and let''s move. I don''t think anyone else selected our Cave Entrance, but I don''t wanna risk being seen by others in this place."


    Rean nodded and got up with some difficulty. Still, he gritted his teeth and followed Roan right after.


    Weren''s group was still waiting in the same place. However, they seemed to be in a quite bad shape. That tremor made several fall on them. They had to put a lot of effort to prevent themselves from getting buried there. Fortunately, Malaka, Kentucky, and ''Freta'' weren''t weak either, so they also helped with resisting.


    "What the hell just happened? No one told me about Earthquakes happening in the Profound Abyss before."


    Calina, who had a lot more information about the abyss, was also confused. Her elders didn''t mention anything about earthquakes either. As for Malaka, she was more concerned about Rean and Roan, who had just left moments before that happened.


    Weren and Tuve then looked at each other while communicating through Spiritual Sense messages.


    ''Isn''t it too much of a coincidence that this shit happened as soon as those twins left?''


    ''Indeed. However, would they be able to cause a stir like this? Even if we gathered all the Core Formation Realm cultivators in the Profound Abyss, we wouldn''t be able to do it.''


    ''I know. Still, I can''t help but think that it did have something to do with them. You saw how urgent they looked when they suddenly dashed away, didn''t you?''


    ''Yeah. I don''t like this feeling. Let''s wait just a few more minutes. If they don''t come back, we will proceed forward with these two girls. I believe Malaka and this girl called Freta also have a copy of the map they talked about. If that''s the case, Rean and Roan won''t have any issues finding where we went.''


    ''Very well. It''s better than staying here. I don''t want this entire cave falling on our heads either.''


    Tuve and Weren nodded. However, it turned out that there wasn''t a need for it. Rean and Roan came back just a few minutes later. However, they soon noticed their injuries.


    "What happened to you?"


    Rean sighed as he said.


    "What else could it be? An Earthquake appeared out of nowhere. We were caught in the middle of the falling rocks everywhere. We are fortunate to have suffered just these injuries."


    Roan didn''t have the patience to talk, though.


    "The caves around here are too unstable. Let''s get out of here first and talk later."


    Neither Weren nor Tuve had any objection to it. Malaka and Calina also nodded after hearing that. Right after, they dashed away from the place. Fortunately, that was the right decision. That''s because the cave they were in collapsed just a few minutes later. It couldn''t be helped. After all, it was located very close to the place where Rean and Roan went through the Universal Restraint. Several other nearby passages also collapsed just like this one.


    The group moved forward as Rean and Roan healed their injuries with the Light Element. Surprisingly, they didn''t encounter any Demon beast even after moving for more than one hour. From the looks of it, all of them fled from the place where the Earthquake originated.


    "Alright, this place seems good enough. Give Rean and me some time to finish healing our injuries."


    Weren, Tuve, Malaka, and Calina nodded. They also took the chance to ask them if they knew what happened.


    "What happened? The Earthquake happened."


    "But why did you run away in the first place?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head before saying.


    "Ahem... Roan had a sudden urge to take a dump. Because he is very vulnerable during those moments, so I had to go with him to protect his ass."


    Roan''s mouth twitched.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/i-did_50565678167548613 for visiting.


    ''Are you looking to die?''


    ''Hahaha! Bite me!''


    Calina''s face went red as Malaka laughed out loud. Weren and Tuve''s mouths twitched in response.


    "F.u.c.k! Do you think we will believe that?"


    Rean sighed helplessly. It was not like he could tell what happened for real. First of all, no one would believe it anyway.


    Roan then glanced at them.


    "Then there is nothing we can do if you don''t believe us. By the way, it is not like this information is important to find a Vermilion Pool, right?"


    "This..."


    Weren and Tuve wanted to disagree, but it was confirmed that what mattered the most at the moment were the Vermilion Pools.


    "Fine! We won''t ask anymore. Anyway, what about that thing you wanted us to do to show the correct path to one of the Vermilion Pools?"


    Roan nodded and then explained.


    "It is as I said exactly. I need you two to report to the Imperial Family elders that you saw several men in black surrounding Calina''s group during your travel. You didn''t want to get involved in others'' conflicts, so you retreated straight away. After all, there were many more enemies while you two were only traveling as a duo."


    Roan then continued.


    "Do that, and will I not only show you the correct path but also give you a copy of our map. I''m sure it will be of great help to you two."


    Tuve immediately shook his head.


    "You are asking us to lie in the face of the Imperial Family experts. Are you crazy? If they find out that we are lying, not even our bones will remain."


    Roan laughed, not minding that too much.


    "Don''t worry, they will not look into it. All they''re going to do is thank you for the report."


    Weren couldn''t help but ask.


    "How do you know?"


    "You don''t need to care about it. All you need to know is that the risks involved are minimal. It is a small price to pay for the Vermilion Pool and the chance of entering the Nascent Soul Realm in the future."


    Tuve wasn''t convinced.


    "I don''t know what you are planning or why you would want us to report it. However, I''m not an idiot either. Did you see the Imperial Family experts and the Princess being killed?"


    It was then that Calina approached them and said.


    "I did. I was there, after all."

 Chapter 265 - Going Separated Ways

    Weren and Tuve''s attention shifted to Calina, or ''Freta,'' in this case.


    "I knew it. Roan asked us such a strange request, and it just so happened to be while you were here with us. Speak, what''s your relationship with the Imperial Family?"


    Calina then brought a token out of her clothes and showed them. It was a token representing the Imperial Family forces.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/going-separated-ways_50565703148821037 for visiting.


    "I was one of the princess subordinates. Unfortunately, the enemies were too numerous and strong. In the end, I was the only one able to escape, thanks to the help of Rean''s group. However, I can''t be the one reporting it. Nor can I let Rean''s group, which has only Foundation Establishment members in their midst, do that. I needed people who would have a realistic chance of seeing what happened and the same realistic chance of being able to escape."


    "And why don''t you report it yourself?"


    "Because I have to avoid everyone''s eyes. I need to go back to the capital to report it directly. Otherwise, chances are that I will be taken care of first since I was also part of the Princess'' group. But in your case, you have no relation with the Imperial Family whatsoever, so no one will bother with you. I need others to think that I''m also dead."


    Weren shook his head.


    "Those ''men in black'' saw you escaping, right? They know you''re alive, so what''s the point?"


    ''Freta'' shook her head.


    "Don''t worry, they will definitely think I''m dead as well. That''s because I will not come out of the Profound Abyss."


    Weren and Tuve were taken aback.


    "Are you planning to stay here? Then you''d be dead for sure!"


    ''Freta'' didn''t seem to mind.


    "Don''t worry, I have a few tricks under my sleeve. Don''t forget that I''m a member of the Imperial Family Forces. It was the Imperial Family that prepared the Profound Abyss, after all. Anyway, this is an almost no-risk job with huge payment. Will you take it?"


    Calina might have said ''almost no-risk job.'' Still, Weren and Tuve knew that any mistake would possibly have them buried outside, so it was a hard decision to make. The key point was that they wouldn''t say they saw the ''men in black'' killing the Imperial Family Members. Instead, they were supposed to only say that they saw them ''being attacked'' before running away. It was a completely different concept.


    "Sigh... Fine! Give us the map."


    Calina smiled as she threw them two jade slips identical to their own. Still, Weren couldn''t help but ask.


    "Rean, Roan, what is there in it for you two?"


    Rean laughed before saying.


    "What else could it be? Our little friend here promised quite a few good rewards to us since we helped kill her pursuers, so the rest don''t know what happened to her. Our only objective now is to help keep her alive until the day the Profound Abyss closes. We will then follow our own paths after that."


    One didn''t need to think much to understand that it was Roan who told Calina to say those words. There was no way for the twelve years old girl to come up with this deep scheme by herself. It''s just that Rean''s transformation made her look a lot older, so Weren and Tuve honestly believe that it was her plan instead of the kids.


    "Very well. However, we will wait outside the Profound Abyss until it closes completely. We will only report this once we confirmed that you didn''t come out."


    Calina, or ''Freta,'' nodded.


    "That''s what I need from you two exactly. It seems like we have a deal then."


    Tuve and Weren nodded before getting up once more.


    "Very well. In that case, we are going to go separate ways from here onwards. By the way, there are only two Vermilion Pools to be found in this specific cave maze. Or at least, that''s what the map shows us. We are going to take the right one, is that okay?"


    Rean''s group nodded.


    "No problem. We are only four here. A single pool should be enough for us. That being said, we will take the left one."


    Weren and Tuve nodded before leaving straight away. They had to use their time the best they could since once they separate from Rean, there would be no Light Element to help anymore.


    Once Weren and Tuve disappeared in the middle of the Decaying Fog, Calina finally decided to ask.


    "Is it really okay to trust them? As far as I know, they can simply pretend that they didn''t hear anything."


    Roan wasn''t concerned about that.


    "They will. You might not know this, but Rean and I have a certain special status in the Sect. It would be for their own good that they don''t go back on their words. Besides, if they aren''t idiots, they should know that this favor might bring them lots of advantages in the future."


    Calina nodded. For some reason, she felt a lot more reassured when Roan talked. Maybe it was his demeanor that inspired trust. Malaka and Rean seemed to always trust his words when it came to these complicated things.


    Without any surprises, Rean was the first one to fully recover from his injuries. He was better than Roan in the Light Element to start with. Not to mention that he didn''t lack Spirit Stones to recover his Spiritual Energy either. After that, he touched Calina''s face once more before closing his eyes and focusing on keeping her features the same way.


    Roan finished healing himself around ten minutes later.


    "Alright. We are still around two days away from the Vermilion Pool. Let''s go. Also, be careful. Because of the Earthquake, the Decaying Demon Beasts retreated deeper into the caves. They will be a lot more packed now."


    Calina, Malaka, and Rean nodded as their group immediately restarted their journey.


    Sure enough, it was just as Roan had mentioned. They began to find bigger packs of Decaying Demon beasts as they pressed forward. Especially since the caves they selected had a higher concentration of Decaying Energy. Let alone the fact that they were in the middle of the Surge.


    Still, that wasn''t all bad. Roan simply used a luring strategy, separating the mobs into smaller groups for them to fight. It helped him and Rean get their battle experience and further stabilize their cultivation. At the same time, Roan could force a more rigid training onto Malaka and Calina as he wished.


    By the time they finished every battle, Calina and Malaka ended in a sorry state. Still, Roan ignored that and forced even more Decaying Beasts over them. Of course, he didn''t take it easy on himself or Rean either. While he left the Initial and Middle Stage Three Demon Beasts to Malaka and Calina, he and Rean took care of all Late and Peak Stage Three ones.


    Calina finally understood why Malaka trembled every time Roan talked about training, especially ''special treatment.'' She felt she got close to death several times.


    There was even a one-time event where they found a Stage Four Demon Beast. Fortunately, they noticed it fast enough, thanks to Kentucky. Kentucky seemed to have a keen sense for these Decaying Demon beasts. Or, to be more specific, their Demon Cores. When the Stage Four one approached their group, Kentucky immediately stopped moving and entered a guard mode. The only time he did that in the past was when Rean and Roan found the other Stage Four Demon Beasts attacking another group on the surface.


    That being said, their group also stopped and retreated without even thinking. On the way to find another path, Rean couldn''t help but say.


    "See? Bringing Kentucky here was a good idea, after all! Hahaha!"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Obviously. Otherwise, becoming fried chicken would be the only outcome for him."


    Kentucky couldn''t understand words well, but he still felt a chill that made all his feathers puff out at once. Immediately, he ran behind Malaka, seeking protection.


    *Chiiick!*


    "Roan, stop bullying Kentucky!"


    Roan shook his head and simply ignored the two.


    Rean, on the other hand, had a doubt in his mind.


    "Why don''t you do those ''Mighty Cries'' when you are not battling? This chick, chick, chick sounds kinda lame."


    Surprisingly, the one to refuse Rean wasn''t Malaka, but Calina. She immediately hugged Kentucky before saying.


    "How can you say that? Can''t you see that that''s Kentucky''s charm? You don''t understand anything!"


    *Chick! Chick!*


    Even without understand anything, Kentucky seemed to agree with Calina for some reason.


    Seeing that, Rean couldn''t help but ask Roan while narrowing his eyes.


    ''Why do I have the feeling that he is doing that because of the girls?''


    Roan''s expression didn''t even change as he responded.


    ''You think?''

 Chapter 266 - Vermilion Pool

    Ignoring the shameless bird, Rean''s group continued on their way after selecting another path. There were a few more difficulties here and there, but nothing that could really stop their group from moving forward. Around a day and a half later, they finally began to approach the Vermilion Pool.


    It was just like Mia had informed them. At some point, the Decaying Fog began to disappear. It was hard to imagine that the Vermilion Pool was also the reason for the Decaying Fog. The one that felt the most intrigued was Rean.


    "So much... Life Force..."


    Roan looked at him, puzzled.


    "What do you mean?"


    "I mean, this place is overflowing with Life Force. Not only that, the Light Element is abundant as well. We haven''t seen the Vermilion Pool yet, but I can already tell that we are close. It''s no more than two kilometers away."


    Roan nodded.


    Sure enough, a few turns later, they arrived at an enormous cave space. At the very center, everyone could see what seemed to be a lake. Or better, a red lake with steam coming out of it.


    "Isn''t that just a Hot Spring?"


    "A Red Hot Spring?"


    Rean looked at the lake and could tell that all the Life Force he could feel was precisely coming from there. He then looked behind from where they came and felt the surroundings with his Light Element manipulation. Only then he understood what was happening.


    "I see..."


    Roan, Malaka, and Calina looked at him.


    Noticing their gazes, Rean then tried to explain what he was seeing.


    "Well, how can I put it. There is no doubt that these Hot Springs are really the reason for the Decaying Fog. There is an enormous amount of Life Force and Yang Energy coming from it. However, all of this is connected to the Hot Spring somehow. As the Life Force and Yang Energy get further away from the Hot Spring, they begin to lose their connection."


    "Because of that, the Life Force and Yang Energy start to change. Of course, just this isn''t enough to create Decaying Fog. If I''m not wrong, what changes them, in the end, is the environment of the Profound Abyss. The Life Force and Yang Energy then begin to transform due to the impurities of the place itself. This mix of Profound Abyss and detached Life Force and Yang Energy creates the Decaying Fog and Energy."


    "It''s quite funny how if we have been absorbing almost the exact same type of energy that we sought all this time. It''s not wrong to say that absorbing the Vermilion Pool''s medicinal properties is the same as absorbing Decaying Energy, but in a different state."


    Malaka and Calina didn''t understand much of it. They were young and can''t use Light Element to start with. But it was different for Roan. He understood that it might not be a good thing for himself.


    ''Sister Orb, will it be okay for me to enter the Vermilion Pool?''


    [Oh, that''s fine. In this Universe, there is no Yin without Yang. Obviously, the opposite is also applied. Usually, it would be extremely hard to mix them. But you just so happen to have the Soul Gem System and your Yin Yang Soul Connections. Thanks to Rean''s existence, you can enjoy it as much as anyone else.]


    Roan nodded. As long as it worked, then he didn''t care.


    *splash!*


    While Roan was thinking, a certain plumpy bird jumped directly inside of the pool. Soon after, it began to swim around as if it was its private bath. That obviously irritated Roan quite a bit.


    "Hot water and chicken. Seems like we can have Chicken Soup today."


    *Vup!*


    In a flash, Kentucky disappeared from the pool, appearing right behind Rean.


    "Hahaha!"


    Rean, Malaka, and Calina couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    "Well, whatever. Just go back inside. You had been absorbing the Yin Energy in the Decaying Fog all time along. This Vermilion Pool will probably be good for you to balance your powers."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/vermilion-pool_50565787974426343 for visiting.


    *Splash!*


    Kentucky immediately jumped back inside the pool as fast as it had run away from it.


    "How can there be such a shameless bird in this universe?"


    Rean just shrugged his shoulders.


    "Leave Kentucky be. He did a pretty amazing job fighting the demon beasts while protecting Malaka and Calina. Think about it as his reward. Besides, I already felt the power acc.u.mulated in this Vermilion Pool. There is more than enough for everyone to use."


    Malaka also couldn''t wait anymore.


    "Rean, can I go too?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Alright, go ahead. Don''t forget to absorb the Pool''s Energy into your meridians to strengthen them. The medicinal properties mixed into the Vermilion Pool seemed to be very beneficial for them. Otherwise, there would be no reason to come to this place in the first place. Also, once you feel that you reached your limit, come out. Too much will be no good for any of us."


    "Great!"


    Malaka immediately threw her clothes in the air and jumped straight inside, not minding the fact that Rean and Roan were there at all!


    *Splash!*


    Calina was shocked by that, though. Malaka completely ignored that Rean and Roan were there when she took off her clothes. Little did she know that back in the Varen Tribe, Rean and Roan would bring her to train outside against the Demon beasts. They would often wash in any nearby river or lake since it would be a waste of time to go all the way back to the tribe. They did it for years, too, since very young. So for Malaka, it made no difference whether Rean and Roan were there or not. She was simply too used to it. Of course, that only applied to the twins.


    "Malaka! You''re a girl! At least cover the important par-"


    *Ban!*


    *Splash!*


    Unfortunately for her, Roan wasn''t in the mood to hear all that bullshit. He couldn''t care less whether they were wearing clothes or not. So he simply kicked Calina inside the pool and jumped inside with Rean too.


    "Instead of wasting your time, just start absorbing the Vermilion Pool''s Energy already."


    Right after, he sat with only his head out of the water and closed his eyes. Rean wasn''t surprised by that either. That guy never had the tolerance to start with. In his eyes, this was just like washing oneself anywhere else. Clothes? Embarrassment? Men and women? Ha! What a joke. The day Roan starts to care about such things, the Universe would collapse. Rean also entered and completely ignored the n.a.k.e.d Malaka playing with Kentucky on one side of the pool. In his case, as long as she did what he said and absorbed the Vermilion Pool''s medicinal properties, he didn''t mind.


    Calina rubbed her butt as she looked at Roan with an angry expression. Still, she wasn''t idiotic enough to try to pick a fight against him. She then went close to where Malaka and Kentucky were staying while absorbing the energies into her meridians. As much as Malaka didn''t care, she still did. She had to do something about it as her friend.


    After complaining with Malaka for about ten minutes, she finally convinced the happy-go-lucky girl to put on some clothes. With that, they all continued to absorb the Vermilion''s Pool Medicinal Properties. It was like the reports said precisely. The Vermilion Pool had the power to strengthen and enlarge the Meridians, allowing for a higher and more stable Spiritual Energy flow. Naturally, it would improve one''s cultivation speed. Even Kentucky was no exception.


    Just like that, they continued to enjoy the comfortable and highly nourishing Vermilion Pool.


    Another good thing about the Vermilion Pool was the fact that no Decaying Demon Beasts would approach it. For them, the Life Force and Yang Energy acted more like poison, destroying their Demon Cores.


    Last but not least, not everyone would be brave enough to venture into one of the caves with high concentrations of Decaying Fog. Because of that, their chances of really encountering another group here were minimal. Let alone during the Surge. In fact, Rean was still surprised that Weren and Tuve tried such a thing. Although he knew that there will definitely be other groups who have tried it, they were quite rare compared to the majority.


    Soon, an entire day passed. What was first was a very comfortable sensation, had already become quite unbearable. That was to be expected, though. After all, the pool worked by absorbing its properties into one''s body. Sooner or later, the ones absorbing those energies would reach their limit.


    Finally, the first one to decide that it was time to come out was Roan. Nothing to be surprised about there. Although he could absorb the Vermilion Pool''s Yang Energy, he was still what Sister Orb liked to call ''the epitome of Yin Energy.'' Obviously, his body would be the first one to get out.


    The next one was Malaka, quickly followed by Calina. The two girls came out while their entire bodies ached. As women, they were pretty much like Roan, having Yin Energy as their carrier force. They would need quite a few days for their meridians to finish fully processing all the Vermilion Pool''s Medicinal Properties.


    "Take it."


    Suddenly, Roan threw two sets of clothes to Malaka and Calina. Malaka seemed to be used to that already. Still, Calina simply couldn''t tell from where the hell Roan took those clothes from. Not only that, but they were pretty much of the right size. Without a doubt, women''s clothes. Obviously, those clothes came from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    It couldn''t be helped. Calina would be surprised if she knew just how many sets of clothes Malaka destroyed while following Roan''s hell-like training. The same was true for the twins themselves. They had several sets of spare clothes ready to be changed into. Calina was almost the same age and size as Malaka, so Malaka''s clothes obviously fit her very well.


    Malaka didn''t notice Calina''s surprise as she looked at the pool together with Roan.


    "Rean and Kentucky don''t seem to be having a hard time in there."


    Roan nodded.


    "Rean uses the Light Element, so his body is a lot more resistant to Yang Energy than anyone else. In Kentucky''s case, he is a demon beast. His body''s natural resilience is stronger than humans to start with. Not to mention that he can also use the Light Element. Those two being able to absorb more energy is well within expectations."


    Roan then glanced at Malaka and Calina.


    "You two should just sit down and focus on the Vermilion Pool''s Medicinal Properties inside your bodies. The sooner you finish processing it, the better it will be for the meridians that were just expanded by it."


    Malaka and Calina nodded and did as Roan said.


    As for Rean and Kentucky, it wouldn''t be before another entire day went by that the first one came out of it.

 Chapter 267 - Leaving the Vermilion Pool

    Rean then got up and moved out of the pool before putting a new set of clothes on.


    "Phew... That was really nice. My Meridians did really get stronger and wider. Too bad that I reached my limit so soon."


    Roan glanced at him.


    "I could only stay for half of your time. What are you complaining about?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "Does it matter? Our cultivations are done through our exchange of elements, so the better I get, the faster you become as well."


    Roan narrowed his eyes but didn''t say anything. What Rean said was true, after all.


    "What about Kentucky?"


    "Still swimming in the pool. It won''t take long for Kentucky to come out as well, though. We both stayed there for much longer than others would be able to, so we absorbed a lot of the pool''s medicinal properties already. Can you see the color of the water? It is a lot clear now. Even if Kentucky can hold for much longer, the pool doesn''t have much more to give him anyway."


    Roan nodded, not minding too much. It''s still the sixth day, so they had time to spare.


    Roan then looked behind.


    "I hope you two didn''t stop processing the Vermilion Pool''s medicinal properties."


    *Tremble.*


    Malaka and Calina''s heart jumped a bit after hearing that. Doing that all the time nonstop was boring for the two young ladies, so they did indeed stop for some time.


    Malaka immediately nodded.


    "O-Of course not!"


    Calina did the same right after.


    "How could we? We haven''t moved at all since yesterday."


    Roan snorted in response. How could he not know the truth?


    *Pah! Pah!*


    "Ouch, Ouch!*


    Malaka felt gloomy and immediately concentrated once more. As for Calina, she felt even more indignant.


    "How can you hit a girl''s head like this? I''m also a member of the Imperial Family, you know?!"


    Roan then raised his fist once more, not minding her words at all.


    "I see, so you still have time to talk."


    "Wait, wait, wait! I''ll do it, I''ll do it!"


    Finally, Roan returned to his position and started to do the same thing as the girls once more.


    Calina, of course, wasn''t happy. No one had ever treated her like that ever since she was born. Roan''s ice-cold face was being engraved in her memory more and more as time passed, which made her even angrier.


    It was then that she received a Spiritual Sense message from Rean.


    ''Don''t take it too seriously. That''s just Roan''s way of showing how much he cares about you. After all, he is dead set to make you the empress, isn''t he?''


    Well, of course, Roan cared about her... After all, her progress was directly linked to his own life. Different from Malaka, that was the only reason Roan cared so much about Calina at the moment.


    Rean just... twisted the meaning of his words... a little bit.


    Still, Rean''s words made Calina remember the time Roan pulled her into his embrace during the battle against Valeu. Soon after, a tinge of red appeared on her cheeks as she immediately shook her head.


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh inside when he saw that reaction from the young girl. That was what he wanted exactly! He then looked at Roan, who seemed to not have noticed anything.


    ''This is going to be fun! Hahaha!''


    Roan then glanced at Rean with a dark expression.


    "Why haven''t you started to process the Vermilion Pool''s medicinal properties yet?"


    Rean nodded while seemingly in a good mood.


    "Yea, yea... I''ll start now."


    In the end, Kentucky came out of the Vermilion Pool a few hours later. Just like Rean mentioned, the medicinal properties of the Vermilion Pool were basically almost gone now. It would be useless for Kentucky to stay in there any longer. Not to mention that even Kentucky was reaching its limit as well.


    Roan then got up and looked outside. Because the pool was almost entirely used up, the Decaying Fog from outside got quite close to it. Then again, that didn''t matter. Their main objective in coming to the Profound Abyss had been completed. It was time to leave.


    "Alright, let''s go back."


    Rean nodded and approached Calina once more. He then used his Light Element to reinforce her appearance change once more. Following that, their group departed from the Vermilion Pool. On their way back, Calina decided to ask something else.


    "Are we meeting with Tuve and Weren?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/leaving-the-vermilion-pool_50565812670488583 for visiting.


    Roan shook his head.


    "It will be better if we leave the Profound Abyss at different times. Even better if no one sees us together on our way back. I want the elders outside to think that we selected different paths, although we are from the same sect. It will give more credibility to their claim."


    Calina and the others nodded.


    "Rean, Malaka, remember to not say anything. If anyone asks, we know nothing. At most, just say that you believe our seniors'' words."


    "Alright."


    As for Calina, she was still puzzled about how Roan would pull her out of the Profound Abyss without anyone noticing. After all, Rean himself said that his appearance changing ability would not fool those at the Nascent Soul Realm and above.


    "Can you tell me already? How are you going to bring me out?"


    "Don''t worry, you will understand once we get closer to the entrance. At the moment, take your chance to train since we are battling our way out."


    Rean, Malaka, and Calina sighed. Sure enough, Roan wouldn''t give them even a second of respite.


    On the tenth day, Rean''s group came out of the Decaying Caves. Sure enough, no one else entered a cave with a much higher concentration of Decaying Fog. That being said, they only found Demon Beasts on their way out, but no humans.


    From here on out, they were only two days away from the entrance. Of course, they finally began to bump into other teams who also started to make their way out of the Profound Abyss. However, since they all seemed to only want to leave this place, almost no one tried anything. The only exception was another group from those ones Valeu had promised a reward for the Pendant and Rean''s group lives.


    It couldn''t be helped. After all, they didn''t know that Valeu was already dead. Unfortunately for them, Rean''s group was already hard to deal with before, let alone now that Calina was also helping. Calina wasn''t as merciful as Malaka, though. Since those guys came after Rean''s group because of Valeu''s words, she made sure to dispatch them to the next world. Besides, no one would complain about a few Core Formation Realm cultivators that wanted to use their higher cultivation to bully Foundation Establishment ones.


    Malaka didn''t like that, but she knew how angry Calina was because of Erna and Silo''s death. As for Rean and Roan, well, they weren''t much happier now that they got that ridiculous quest either. Those guys could only blame their luck for trying to find problems with those three.


    A day quickly passed until suddenly, Malaka asked them to stop for a while.


    "Why?"


    Malaka then explained.


    "I reached the limit of what I can do in the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. I would like to make a breakthrough into the Late Stage. Master also said that I shouldn''t hold my cultivation back once I reached the limit and should go into the next stage straight away."


    Roan nodded. If that was the case, then he had no reason to deny that. Rean then gave Malaka a few Rank Three Spirit Stones and touched her back with his hand. He would send Light Element into her body during the process to keep the Decaying Energy away. That would make her breakthrough easier.


    Malaka then took a deep breath and began her breakthrough. She used one of the best Water Element cultivation manuals of the sect, Mia''s one. Water Element quickly began to gather around her as her Spiritual Energy raised quickly. The Spiritual Energy inside the Rank Three Spirit Stones also began to come out at a fast pace. The process inside her Dantian then started.


    Roan and Calina kept their eyes open, looking around to see if there wasn''t any danger. But at some point, Calina''s eyes narrowed as she looked at Malaka. Roan, who was beside her, noticed that change.


    "What is it?"


    Calina then sighed before saying.


    "Malaka''s cultivation technique is quite good. Still, it doesn''t use Yin Energy. That''s also why my control over Water Element is so much better than her. You should consider changing her cultivation manual into a Yin Energy Water Element one."


    Roan shook his head in response.


    "We don''t have such a thing in our Dalamu Sect. Cultivation Techniques that use Yin Energy are too rare for us."


    Roan then glanced at her before saying.


    "She could make good use of yours, though."


    Calina also thought about that. However...


    "The Imperial Family''s Cultivation Techniques shouldn''t be passed outside. Those are the rules. Sorry."


    Roan nodded. He was expecting that answer already.


    Roan definitely had the highest talent for Yin Energy, but he couldn''t help Malaka with it. That''s because he didn''t have a Water Element Affinity. Not only that, but his own cultivation manual was not made by him, but the Soul Gem System instead. Cultivation manuals are several times harder to create than skills. So much so that the Sect''s Repository only had around a hundred skill manuals for every cultivation manual.


    It was then that Rean warned Roan through their Soul Connection.


    ''Just our luck... Someone is coming again.''

 Chapter 268 - Roans Charm

    Roan wasn''t that surprised by that. This time, Malaka''s breakthrough definitely caused a higher stir that could be felt for at least a few hundreds of meters. It was much further in range than Rean''s detection ability could reach. Not to mention that most of the groups that were still alive were also making their way back to the Profound Abyss'' entrance. Because of that, their group had already bumped into quite a few groups.


    But it was then that they noticed, the ones who appeared just so happened to be Luina and her Protector, Wallad Marc. Still, they weren''t the only ones. Their group had joined hands with the Umbral Sect this time around since Luina''s side was afraid of letting her go with Wallad''s protection alone. That being said, another two members of the Umbral Sect were also with her.


    "Hey!"


    Luina immediately felt happy to see him. She was just curious to see who would try a breakthrough in this place, not expecting that it was Rean''s group.


    Roan nodded at her.


    "We meet again."


    He looked at the side and asked.


    "And who are these two?"


    The person with the highest cultivation, Late Core Formation Realm, then stepped forward to introduce them.


    "I''m Sulion Druma. This one beside me is Val Cronze. We are members of the Umbral Sect."


    Roan narrowed his eyes after hearing that. The Umbral Sect was the same one that wanted Rean dead because of his Light Element. It could heal their Umbral Energy, which was terrible for their Umbral Sect.


    Calina then got close to Roan before whispering in his ear.


    "Is this alright? My appearance has been changed, but she knows my real one. She might notice something."


    Roan shook his head.


    "That shouldn''t happen. Rean''s ability is very thorough. Even the aura of your body changed slightly because of his Light Element. I doubt anyone in the Core Formation Realm or below can notice anything."


    Calina sighed in relief before nodding.


    However, Luina didn''t like it when Calina got that close to Roan. She had never seen the girl before, not to mention that she knew Roan''s personality. For him to let her get that close meant that she wasn''t just anyone.


    Luina then got even closer to Roan before asking.


    "Roan, who is this person?"


    Calina was a little taken aback by that. First, because she didn''t understand why Luina seemed to be cold towards her. Second, because for some reason, she didn''t like seeing Luina getting that close to Roan either. She then got in between the two before introducing herself with a cold voice.


    "I''m ''Freta.'' Roan''s group helped me back in the Decaying Caves, so we are making our way back to the Profound Abyss entrance together. How about you?"


    Of course, Calina knew who she was, but she had to keep her pretense too.


    Wallad and the two guys of the Umbral Sect looked at that situation in dismay. What made the two girls look at each other with so much hostility?


    As for Rean, he was trying to not laugh. He knew that Roan probably didn''t notice anything and only thought that those two girls'' behavior was annoying.


    Invisible sparks flew in the air as the two girls seemed to be ready to fight at any moment.


    Finally, Wallad approached them to say.


    "Ahem... Luina, we need to leave the Profound Abyss as well. You should not intervene in Rean and Roan''s business."


    Only then did the guys from the Umbral Sect notice the problem. Immediately, they exchanged Spiritual Sense messages.


    ''Sulion, aren''t those two the Rean and Roan that Sect Master told us to get rid of if we had a chance?''


    Sulion nodded.


    ''The description matches the names. They are definitely the two. However, they seem to be friends with Luina and Wallad. If we really get in a fight, there is a huge chance that the Lagan Sect will intervene.''


    Val shook his head in response.


    ''Look at Rean. Even after we arrived, he didn''t leave that girl''s side. From the ripples of Spiritual Energy, she is definitely in the middle of a breakthrough. As you know, Sect Master prioritized Rean''s death over Roan. As long as we act fast, we can definitely take his life. If Wallad still intervenes after that, we can simply run away. He isn''t strong enough to kill us anyway. Also, look at Roan and the rest; they are all Foundation Establishment kids and a Stage Two Demon Bird. There is nothing to worry about them.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/roan''s-charm_50565868236629667 for visiting.


    Sulion had to admit that the idea was good. Even if they fail, the chances of anything terrible happening to them were low anyway. Besides, fights inside the Profound Abyss are regular. They aren''t doing anything wrong in here to start with.


    ''Alright, give me-''


    *Swish!*


    *Crack!*


    Suddenly, a white and black sword slash cleaved the ground in front of Sulion and Val, extending several meters ahead. Sulion and Val noticed the attack, so they immediately jumped back just as it passed in front. Still, they sucked in cold air. That was too fast! If they weren''t vigilant, they might have been cleaved in half just now.


    When they looked from where the attack came from, they saw Roan with his hair in a mix of white and dark colors. Not only them, but Sulion and Val also noticed Kentucky and Rean looking at them with cold eyes. Sure enough, the moment Sulion and Val decided to attack, their Killing Intent began to come out of their body. How could Rean, Roan, and Kentucky not notice it?


    Luina and Calian were surprised by that sudden movement.


    "Ro-Roan... what happened?"


    Sulion and Val also asked the same thing.


    "Why did you do that? Were you trying to kill us?!"


    Roan then smiled before saying.


    "Oh, sorry, sorry. That was my mistake. I could swear I heard something in that direction. I thought that it could have been a Decaying Demon Beast, so I attacked. Don''t worry. If I wanted you two dead, I would have aimed correctly. But I didn''t, right? I only aimed that attack in front of you, so there is no need to be so angry."


    No way in hell anyone there believed Roan''s words. Still, it was confirmed that the attack was not aimed at Sulion and Val but in front of them. Luina, Calina, and Wallad understood. That was a warning, but a warning for what? Sulion and Val didn''t move a single muscle until that moment. Still, Calina and Luina, the two girls who knew Roan, knew better to never doubt him.


    Seeing how Luina and Wallad also looked at the two of them, Sulion and Val immediately dropped any ideas of trying a sneak attack. They would only be giving excuses to get themselves as targets with little to no chance of success in their killing attempt.


    "Hmph! Then make sure to be more careful next time."


    In fact, Roan really wanted to attack them. However, with Malaka in the middle of a breakthrough, he didn''t want to take unnecessary risks.


    Sulion then looked at Luina and Wallad before asking.


    "Anyway, we want to go back. How long do you intend to stay here?"


    Luina narrowed her eyes and was just about to refuse. However, Wallad sent her a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Young Miss, the elders already agreed with this temporary Profound Abyss alliance. Until we are out, both sects have to work together. If they come out just to tell our elders that we allied with someone else, it will put Elder Erval in a tight spot.''


    Luina sighed but nodded. In the end, she was still the Lagan Sect Master''s Daughter. There was more attached to her existence than just her own wishes.


    "Alright, we are moving back."


    Just at this moment, a burst of Spiritual Energy and Water Element came out of Malaka''s body. Soon, her cultivation began to rise together with her Spiritual Energy. A few moments later, her cultivation finally stopped at the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment.


    "Phew... I''m finally done."


    Rean then patted her head with a smile, much to her delight.


    "Very good. I could feel the Spiritual Energy in your body during the breakthrough. It was very smooth without any bottlenecks, congratulations."


    "Hehehe~! Of course, I trained very hard."


    Roan snorted in response.


    "You mean you were forced to train very hard, no?"


    Malaka protested Roan''s words by sticking her tongue out.


    Only then she looked at Luina and the others.


    "Oh! Good to see you again, Senior Luina."


    Luina smiled at Malaka.


    "Good to see you too."


    After that, she looked back at Sulion and Val.


    "Alright, let''s go."


    Wallad, Sulion, and Val had nodded, and they immediately left in the direction of the Profound Abyss entrance. Finally, Calina asked Roan just what happened.


    "Well, you will stay with us for some time, after all. Simply put, their Umbral Sect uses a thing called Umbral Energy. It just so happens that Rean''s Light Element can heal it. Because of that, they would rather have him dead. That attack was just a warning so that they wouldn''t try anything idiotic while Malaka was in the middle of her breakthrough."


    Calina then looked at Rean.


    "Is there something your Light Element can''t do?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Of course! I can''t change the ice block''s deadpan face, for example. That''s really regrettable."


    Roan glared at him.


    "You would not live to see it anyway, so why bother?"


    Rean then asked something else.


    "Between showing a happy expression and the Universe Destruction, which one would you chose?"


    Roan snorted in response as he replied.


    "The Universe can go boom!"

 Chapter 269 - Hiding Calina

    Malaka couldn''t help but ask.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/hiding-calina_50565904206980892 for visiting.


    "What''s a Universe?"


    Rean laughed in response.


    "That''s something you won''t understand or even believe if I talk about anyway. Maybe one day, you will be able to take a glimpse of it."


    Calina also wanted to ask the same question, but she gave up after hearing Rean''s answer.


    "Well, that''s enough talk. Let''s go."


    At this point, Rean took Malaka and Calina''s pendants from them. He simply said that he would hold on to it so that he could be the target. He was even faster than Roan with his Light Element, so he would be the best against a sneak attack. Of course, that was simply a lie. Instead, Rean sent them into the Dimensional Realm. According to Sister Orb, as long as they were there, the remaining groups with the blue shards won''t be able to locate them.


    With that, they continued their journey out of the Profound Abyss. However, once they were just a few hours away from the entrance, Roan asked them to stop.


    "Alright, this is enough for now. Time to take care of Calina."


    Roan then looked at Rean before asking.


    "How is it?"


    Rean, of course, knew what Roan meant.


    "It''s okay. I can''t feel any Spiritual Senses reaching this place. Even if it was the elders outside, their Spiritual Sense would still not escape my Hidden Radar skill. I also can''t feel any presence of Life Force close to us. We should be fine in this place."


    Roan also called the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm with his mind.


    ''Sister Orb, what about you?''


    [Don''t worry. If there was a formation monitoring this place, I would know. There is definitely nothing like that around. They really made this Profound Abyss so that no one would try to intervene.]


    Sister Orb then continued.


    [However, are you sure you want to do it this way? If you go up the Abyss through another path, I can analyze the Formation and control it to open another passage elsewhere.]


    Roan shook his head in response, asking.


    ''You don''t know if you would be found, right?''


    [Well, there is a risk since my processing power is kinda low for that level of Formation. Still, it wouldn''t be high.]


    ''Forget it. Calina''s death must be confirmed. I would rather not risk being found at this point, even if she doesn''t get killed. After all, once she returns to the Imperial Capital, we will not have a chance to communicate with her any time soon.''


    [Alright.]


    Roan nodded, satisfied.


    Rean and Roan then approached Calina and put a hand each on her shoulders. Still, seeing their solemn faces, she couldn''t help but feel a little nervous.


    "Wh-What? Does this have to do with the way to go out without being found out?"


    Roan confirmed.


    "Yes. However, you must understand one thing. You shall never tell anyone about what you are going to see, am I clear? If I had another choice, I would not use it since it is linked to our own secrets. Can you guarantee that?"


    Calina didn''t hesitate as she nodded.


    "The Imperial Family might be in this situation, but one thing definitely won''t change. The Imperial Family Members will never go back on their word. I promise that I won''t say anything about whatever happens now."


    Rean and Roan were satisfied with the answer.


    As for Malaka, she looked curiously at all that happened.


    "Very well. You will feel some kind of pulling force, do not resist it."


    Calina nodded. Sure enough, the pulling force appeared. In the very next second, Calina disappeared from the face of the world.


    Rean and Roan accepted her promise. But above all, they trusted the Soul Gem System''s decision of picking her. If it had chosen her, then she should be able to at least keep her words.


    *Wow!*


    Malaka came running and looked everywhere around. Still, she couldn''t see Calina anywhere.


    "How did you do that?! Where is Calina?!"


    Rean smiled as he patted Malaka''s head once more.


    "That is also valid for you, Malaka. You can''t ever tell anyone about what you saw today, okay? Otherwise, Roan and I might really die. Calina would be no different either. Understood? That also includes your Master, Mia. If you really need to talk about something related to this with us, do not use words. Use Spiritual Sense messages instead."


    Malaka was used to seeing Roan''s cold face, but it was incredibly rare to see Rean doing the same. Even during dangerous moments, he wouldn''t look as serious as that.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll never say anything."


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky, for some reason, also agreed to those words he couldn''t even understand. Rean couldn''t help but laugh seeing that, saying.


    "Really a smart bird. You can at least understand that we are being serious here."


    Malaka immediately asked the same question again, though. It''s just that she used a Spiritual Sense message this time.


    ''Then? Where is Calina? How come she disappeared.''


    Roan glanced at her before saying.


    ''We will show you once we are back to the sect. For now, you just need to understand that Calina is safe and she is coming back with us.''


    Malaka was surprised that the one who agreed to tell was Roan instead of Rean.


    ''Alright! It''s a promise. You can''t go back on your words either!''


    Roan nodded, not minding much. Malaka had been with them for way too long already. Sooner or later, she would start formulating her own questions. He simply saw it as inevitable.


    Back inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Calina appeared just beside a bathhouse. However, she couldn''t care less about that at the moment. She didn''t know how, but her vision went blurry for a second. When it finally came back to normal, she was already inside this strange place.


    "What happened? Rean, Roan, where are you?"


    [Can you shut up? Even if you talk normally, they can hear you.]


    Calina was taken aback again. Just behind her, there was a white and black ball floating. She could swear that the one who talked was that ball. Still, before she could confirm if she was going crazy, Rean''s voice echoed inside the Dimensional Realm.


    ''Don''t worry. You are fine. Once we arrive back in the sect, I''ll let you come out.''


    Still, Calina was just too young and curious.


    "But what is this place? You haven''t answered yet."


    This time, it was Roan''s voice that appeared.


    ''That''s the safe place we prepared for you to stay. That''s also why the elders outside will not be able to detect you. There is enough food for you to eat around as well. As for places you shouldn''t go, Sister Orb will take care of it.''


    Sure enough, Roan wasn''t planning to let her go around doing whatever she wanted. He had long since asked Sister Orb to stop her from entering the workshops, Yin Yang bathhouse, and from touching anything of value like the Spirit Stones.


    Rean laughed before telling her.


    ''Let me warn you. Sister Orb can totally trash Roan and me while working together, so you better not irritate her. She''s a demon in the form of an Orb. Do you think Roan is scary? That''s because you had never seen her in a bad mood.''


    [Who''s a Demon?! I''m a Soul Gem AI, okay? A Soul Gem AI!!!]


    Calina once again heard the orb in front of her talking. Still, the impressive thing was that Sister Orb had no mouth. Well, it was only an Orb, after all. Instead, Sister Orb''s voice echoed directly inside her mind. Spiritual Senses could do something similar, but she could tell that Sister Orb''s words were transmitted in some different way.


    However, what made her more fearful than anything else was Rean''s words. Sister Orb can trash Rean and Roan while they were working together! Isn''t that totally overpowered? She can''t feel any cultivation coming from Sister Orb at all!


    "He-He-Hello. I-I-I''m Calina Sa-Sasamil. T-Th-Thank you for letting m-m-me stay he-here...!"


    Stronger and more fearful than Roan? What kind of reincarnation of all evil is that? Let alone the twelve-year-old Calina, even a real demon would be crying already.


    [Don''t mind them. I will not do anything to those who treat me well. However, it is as they said, you can''t break my rules. Otherwise, even the twins won''t be able to save you. Do that, and we will be best friends. By the way, how is the life of a princess? Tell me more! Rean likes to talk to me every now and then, but the black-haired dead body only contacts me when he needs it. I''m kinda bored with having only those two to talk to.]


    Rean laughed as he shook his head. Obviously, Sister Orb was very interested in talking to someone else other than him and Roan. Roan didn''t seem to mind Sister Orb''s words either, so he immediately pulled his focus out of the Soul Gem Realm. Sister Orb would be able to take care of everything there.


    "Anyway, we can go out already. If I''m not wrong, Tuve and Weren should have stepped outside a long time ago already. There shouldn''t be a problem with us appearing now."


    "How do you know?"


    "Simple. You and Kentucky could resist the Vermilion Pool for much longer, thanks to your constitutions. However, Weren and Tuve definitely couldn''t do it. They probably left as soon as they reached their limit, which should have been more than an entire day ahead."


    Rean nodded.


    "Well, then I guess this is the end of the Profound Abyss for us."


    Roan nodded too.


    "Yes. Let''s get out of here."


    A few hours later, Rean''s group finally scaled up the Abyss, leaving it once for all.

 Chapter 270 - Profound Abyss Closes

    Rean''s group passed by the Formation''s entrance, coming into Reliance''s view. Just as Roan had mentioned, Weren and Tuve were already on his side. Of course, they weren''t the only ones. All the participants seemed to have gathered around, waiting for the Abyss to close. It''s just that it was still two days ahead.


    Under the eyes of hundreds of elders of several sects, Rean''s group made their way to Reliance''s side.


    "It seems like everything went okay on your side."


    Rean and Roan smiled bitterly. If by ''okay'' he meant getting a ridiculous nonsense quest, then yes, it went okay. Still, they couldn''t possibly talk about it with Reliance.


    "It was okay. We found a Vermilion Pool. In the end, we did not have a need for the Anti-Decaying Energy Pills that Sect Master prepared for us, though. It turned out that my Light Element was capable of getting rid of it a lot easier."


    Reliance nodded, not that surprised to hear it.


    "Well, I thought that it might have happened. After all, your Light Element did heal quite a few weird things already. Anyway, we can''t leave yet. Everyone has to wait for the conclusion and closure of the Profound Abyss. Those are the rules."


    Rean, Roan, and Malaka nodded.


    Reliance then looked at Kentucky and nodded.


    "It seems like Kentucky had quite a good harvest this time around. Oh! It has already reached the level of a Peak Stage Two demon beast. Did he eat a lot of Demon Cores?"


    Rean nodded and answered with a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''We basically gave him all the demon cores that did not shatter in battle. His Minokawa Dark Element seemed to be compatible with the environment as well. Not only he didn''t get affected by the Decaying Fog, his body even absorbed it. We also allowed him to enter a Vermilion Pool. He stayed over two days until the pool was basically clear of any medicinal properties. From what I can see, he used the Vermilion Pool to balance the power he got from the Decaying Fog and Demon Cores. Minokawas are really frightening.''


    Reliance looked at Kentucky with a surprised face.


    ''No wonder he reached the Peak Stage Two so fast. Yin and Yang Energies are probably incredibly nourishing for him. This Profound Abyss was really worth it then. Oh, right! How about combat? Was he able to adapt to the changes?''


    Rean nodded once more.


    ''Yes! At first, he kept being knocked all around. But as time passed, he began to get the gist of it. Turns out that his instinct for it is incredible. His defense is really heaven-defying too. Even Stage Three Decaying Demon Beasts have a tough time causing him damage.''


    Reliance was happy to hear that.


    ''The Legends were not wrong, indeed. It is definitely because of Kentucky''s scales and his blade-like feathers. Of course, his body''s internal structure is probably a lot more resistant than almost all demon beasts at his level so that it can absorb the impacts.''


    As Rean and Reliance talked about Kentucky, Weren and Tuve asked Roan about ''Freta,'' the member of the Imperial Family''s group through Spiritual Sense Messages.


    ''She left already. She told you, didn''t she? As a member of the Imperial Family Forces, she had her own way of leaving the Profound Abyss without using the entrance. It''s just that we don''t know how she did that. Once we got close to the entrance, she separated from us and went somewhere else. Well, as long as she doesn''t appear, that will be fine.''


    Weren and Tuve nodded. Once the Profound Abyss closed and the Imperial Family experts saw that their members didn''t come out, they would definitely ask questions. Of course, they won''t force anyone to say anything since the Profound Abyss rules apply to them as well. Most likely, they will offer some reward for any information about them. Roan also believed that since they were the ones in control of the Profound Abyss, they would eventually enter it and look for clues.


    Reliance then looked at Malaka.


    "I see that you also had a breakthrough. Very good."


    Malaka smiled happily.


    "Hehehe! Of course! I''m amazing!"


    After they finished talking, Reliance decided to ask something else.


    "Oh, right! Did you find anything strange during your time there? We felt a strong Earthquake while waiting outside. Everyone believes it started in the Profound Abyss itself."


    Of course, Rean and Roan knew what it was. However, they feigned ignorance.


    "No idea. Roan and I were also caught by it and got quite a few injuries while inside the Decaying Caves."


    Weren and Tuve narrowed their eyes. The face that Rean and Roan had dashed away just a few moments before the Earthquake still makes them suspicious. Still, it is hard to imagine that the twins would be able to create that phenomenon either. They might even be seen as crazy if they say that.


    "Nothing on our side. We were also caught by surprise by that."


    Reliance nodded.


    "Alright. Sit down and keep processing the Vermilion Pool''s Medicinal Properties. I really didn''t expect that all of you would be able to find Vermilion Pools for your own use. After all, the Decaying Caves can lead to several dead ends. Mia''s map showed the location of a few, but they were definitely taken by others. Not to mention that those easy to find ones probably had several bloody battles for their use. This travel was a big success."


    Rean and the others nodded as they sat on the ground. Just as Reliance said, they still needed some time to finish processing all the Vermilion Pool''s Medicinal Properties in their meridians. That would consolidate the changes that happened to them.


    Time continued to pass as the thirteenth day arrived. By now, the experts that came with the Imperial Family Members already began to narrow their eyes. According to their calculation of Calina''s group''s strength, they should have been among the firsts to come out. But so far, not a single one of them appeared. Still, they could not act until the Profound Abyss was over.


    The hours passed as more and more cultivators stepped out of the Profound Abyss. Some were successful in finding a Vermilion Pool only for themselves. Others had to fight over the pools against many others, losing several of their members.


    The elders of all forces sighed at the view. Because of the Surge, they noticed that the number of cultivators coming out was already relatively small. They understood that the Surge alone had created several victims, let alone the demon beasts that got even stronger because of it. From the looks of it, around 40% of all participants would not come out. Not everyone had Anti-Decaying Energy Pills, after all.


    Finally, the fourteenth day arrived. With that, Elder Polian came forward to make the announcement.


    "The Profound Abyss will now close. Congratulations to everyone who was able to use the Vermilion Pools. For those who came back empty-handed, know that this experience will also help you greatly in the future. Close the Formation!"


    "Wait, Elder Polian! Calina and her protectors haven''t come out yet!"


    Polian shook his head, not minding it too much.


    "That''s their problem. The rules are the same for everyone. If they didn''t come out, then they died or got stuck in there. In any case, rules are rules. The Imperial Family never goes back on its words."


    The other elder then asked something.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/profound-abyss-closes_50565972926459283 for visiting.


    "What about the Earthquake? Are we not investigating it?"


    Polian nodded.


    "There will be an investigation. I''ll go there myself after everything outside is settled. After all, I don''t need the Formation to enter it. Still, I will not bring anyone from there outside. If you get stuck, then you will need to wait five years. That includes the Imperial Family Members. If you really want to know what happened to them, go ask around and see if you find any information. Now, close the entrance."


    Although some of the elders didn''t like it, they still closed the Profound Abyss. No one would go against a Saint Realm Cultivator''s words. Still, they decided to do as Polian mentioned and started to ask for any information about Calina.


    Soon, they found out a few groups that seemed to have been promised rewards for killing Rean''s group by Valeu, one of Calina''s protectors. Sure enough, they went to Reliance to ask what was going on.


    "That you will need to ask our Dalamu Sect disciples."


    Roan, already expecting this outcome, came forward to speak. At the same time, he took a Blue Pendant from his pocket.


    "This... It''s the Imperial Aquamarine! How did you get it?"


    Roan nodded as he looked at Malaka.


    "Princess Calina presented it to my sister during the time we were outside the Profound Abyss. It seemed like Valeu or whatever his name was wanted to take it back by force from what we found out."


    "Calina gave it to her as a gift? Do you think we will believe it?"


    Suddenly, a voice echoed around the elders and Rean''s group.


    "It''s true. I kept my Spiritual Sense open during the entire gathering. Nothing escaped my eyes. I saw the moment that Calina gave that kid the Imperial Aquamarine."


    The elders stiffened as they simultaneously said.


    "Elder Polian!"


    Everyone knew that Polian took his job of overseeing the gathering very seriously. He was even doing so at this moment. If he said that, then it was definitely true.


    "But Elder Polian, the Imperial Aquamarine..."


    Before the elder could even finish talking, Roan threw the Aquamarine at him.


    "Take it. If this thing only brings us problems, I''d rather have my sister not carrying it."


    The elder looked at Roan and nodded, satisfied. Still, he had more questions for them.

 Chapter 271 - Following the Plan

    "That was the correct decision, kid. I can tell you why Valeu sent people to take it back from you. The Imperial Aquamarine is the symbol of the Imperial Family. Only those of high status like the princess can carry it around. Other than them, only powerful cultivators with close ties to the Imperial Family have the privilege of having one as well. If you had insisted on bringing it back, you would only become a target for everyone else. In your case, this Aquamarine is more like a curse than a gift."


    Roan nodded.


    "I see... No wonder he wanted it back to the point of sending people to kill us. Those guys really gave us a hard time."


    The elder nodded.


    "Indeed. Anyway, since we are already on this topic, did you see the Imperial Family Members?"


    Roan looked at Rean and Malaka, who shook their heads.


    "We didn''t. We only found out that it was Valeu who sent the assassins because we forced the answer out of those guys."


    The elder narrowed his eyes. At the moment, Roan''s group was basically the only clue.


    Suddenly, Weren lifted his hand.


    "Pardon me, elder. I didn''t know anything about this Aquamarine since their group and ours went on separate ways after entering the Profound Abyss. However, if you are looking for information about the Imperial Family Members, Tuve and I did see something on our way to the Decaying Caves."


    The elder''s attention immediately shifted.


    "Hum? You guys are from the same sect but went separate ways?"


    Weren nodded.


    "Yes. Our cultivation difference is quite big, as you can see. We simply didn''t want to waste our time protecting them. Well, a lot of the participants of the same sect also did it, so it shouldn''t be anything uncommon, no?"


    The elder had to admit that Weren was right. It was not just because they were from the same sect that they would go in together. Weren''s words seemed a lot more convincing since the difference in cultivation between Rean and Weren''s groups was evident for everyone to see.


    Reliance looked at all of that with a frown. None of them had told him anything about all these problems, so he didn''t know what was happening.


    The elder interrogating their group nodded in the end.


    "Whatever. Whether you went together or not matters little to me. Speak, what did you see?"


    Weren and Tuve looked at each other, seemed to be a little afraid to speak about it.


    "Don''t worry. The rules of Profound Abyss are stringent. Even if you were the ones who killed them yourselves, our Imperial Family wouldn''t do anything to you. That would only mean that Calina''s group was too weak, that''s all. All we want to know is what happened to them since we still need to report it back in the Empire''s Capital."


    Weren and Tuve nodded but still decided to use a Spiritual Sense message. Well, that was all part of the play.


    ''A few hours before we arrived at the Decaying Caves, we heard the sounds of battle. Well, as you can imagine, we only approached to see if we could fish in troubled waters. It was there that we saw the princess... I think? It wasn''t that easy to see with all the Decaying Fog. Well, the blond hair was relatively easy to notice, though.''


    Tuve continued.


    ''She had three other cultivators on her side, helping to protect her. However, she really had a lot of enemies at that time. The weird thing was that they were all wearing black clothes without any sect or organization''s emblems. They were also using some technique that made it impossible to see their faces even with Spiritual Sense.''


    ''We immediately noticed that we barged into some shit and didn''t even look behind before dashing away. After all, their number was enough to even include us in the big platter. I''m sure that they saw us since we felt their Spiritual Senses. However, perhaps because we were not their primary target, they didn''t follow and left us alone. That was the only time we saw them or the princess team. After that, we didn''t bump with them anymore. We also don''t know what the results of that battle were, nor did we care at that moment.''


    As soon as the elder heard the message, his face went dark. That''s because he already had an idea about who those people were and why they were attacking the princess. After all, he was also part of the Imperial Family''s force. He knew what was happening behind the scenes. Still, he had to confirm one more thing.


    The elder then took a jade slip out of his pocket and passed it to Weren and Tuve.


    ''I want the two of you to point the location where you saw that happening.''


    Weren and Tuve nodded and immediately marked the location. How could Roan not have thought about that possibility? When he explained his plan to Weren and Tuve, he also told them where they should point at if they were questioned. With Calina in his group, it was easy to know what route her group took.


    That''s what the elder wanted to confirm. He simply matched the time of Weren and Tuve''s travel with the route that he knew Calina''s group would use. If they really saw her here, they would point to the right location, which proved that they were probably telling the truth. The Profound Abyss underworld was enormous. The chances of them randomly pointing at the specific location was just way too small.


    Seeing how fast they marked to location gave Weren and Tuve''s words even more credibility.


    The elder immediately narrowed his eyes after looking at it. Sure enough, both the average travel time and the location matched what Calina''s group should have followed. The elder''s face sunk. Blond hair, location, time, black clothes, facial hiding technique... He knew very well what that meant.


    ''Those damned Shadow Reapers! Have those Anti-Chrole princes and princesses already gone this far to get rid of any Chrole Bloodlines?''


    The elder sighed before looking at Weren and Tuve. By now, he already threw Rean, Roan, and Malaka to the back of his mind.


    "Weren and Tuve, right? Thanks for the information. I will ask you two to stay here for a moment while I call Elder Calan over. Oh, by the way, my name is Dale."


    "Who''s Elder Calan?"


    Dale then explained.


    "He is the elder who brought Calina to this place and is in charge of protecting her during the travel."


    Weren and Tuve nodded while still showing a somewhat nervous expression.


    Dale immediately left right after, which finally gave Reliance the chance to speak.


    "What the hell is happening here? Since when did you get an Imperial Aquamarine?"


    Malaka, who seemed sad for losing her Pendant, then said.


    "That was a gift Calina gave to me. She''s my friend."


    "How did you become friends with a princess of the Empire to start with?"


    Rean then gave Elder Reliance an account of what happened during the Gathering.


    "Such a thing happened?!"


    He then looked at Malaka without knowing what to say.


    "I don''t know if I should call you lucky or cursed. You just so happen to become friends with a princess of the Empire, which is definitely a lucky thing. But then something happens to the princess just after she gave you that Pendant, which is ominous as hell. Not to mention that her guardian sent people to try and kill you."


    Reliance then looked at Weren and Tuve.


    "Then we have the two of you, who just so happen to have bumped on their group during such a shit time. You were even more cursed than Malaka herself. I''ll hear your explanations later. I just hope they won''t pin anything on us."


    Roan shook his head in response.


    "Their rules say that no one has to take any responsibility for what happens in the Abyss, right? We should be fine."


    Reliance shook his head.


    "That''s what they say on the surface. If no one had seen anything, then that''s okay. However, both of your groups were just lucky enough to get some interaction with them. It''s to the point that it is even hard to accept. Still, for some reason, that Elder Dale seemed to have believed you straight away. Just what is happening here?"


    A few moments later, Dale came back with that so-called Elder Calan. Together with him, there were also a few subordinates.


    "Was it the two of you who saw what happened?"


    Weren and Tuve nodded, still keeping the play. Soon, they repeated everything once more.


    "I see..."


    Calan and Dale looked at each other. It seemed that they reached the same conclusion.


    "Alright, take this."


    Calan then threw a bag at Weren and Tuve. Inside, there were no more, no less than a thousand Rank Three Spirit Stones! Weren and Tuve were finally really taken aback for real.


    "This..."


    Calan raised his hand.


    "Keep it. All I want from you is to not open your mouths. This event has a much deeper meaning than you think, so stay shut from now on, understood?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/following-the-plan_50566054245613740 for visiting.


    Weren and Tuve nodded, excited. They would get 500 Rank Three Spirit Stones each! How could they not stay silent?


    "We will definitely do it, Elder Calan."


    Calan nodded as he looked at Reliance.


    "A foreigner, uh? Maril Region, right?"


    Reliance nodded, not bothering to try to hide at all.


    "People like you are quite rare around here. Anyway, that''s all for now. Thank you for your cooperation."


    Reliance nodded.


    "No problem. We will now take our leave, then."


    Calan and Dale nodded, not trying to stop them. After they left, Dale turned to Calan.


    "Well, you were the one responsible for Calina, so you will do the report. I''ll take my leave since I still have other things to take care of before we depart."


    Calan sighed as he nodded.


    "Yes. I''ll be sure to report everything correctly."


    With that, Dale also left, leaving Calan and his subordinates behind. It was then that one of those subordinates sent him a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Master, is it really okay to let that group go?''


    Calan nodded.


    ''Yes. Our plan was to have Valeu kill Calina and the other two. However, it seems like we were not the only ones after Calina''s life. It shows that many people in the Imperial Family also don''t want the Chrole Bloodline to stay there. Having those guys as witnesses will, in fact, help our side. We can totally pin all the blame on the Shadow Reapers, and it won''t even need to be a lie. That''s just perfect. Valeu''s death was a little price to pay for it.''


    The subordinate nodded and didn''t say anything else.

 Chapter 272 - Back to the Sect

    Little did Calan know, he was playing on Roan''s hands like a marionette.


    Rean''s group then went outside the settlement. There, Reliance whistled once again, which immediately called the Sky Egle in the distance.


    *Creee!*


    The Sky Eagle quickly arrived, landing right beside Reliance and the others.


    Before they left, Roan received one last visit. Who else could it be if not Luina? Seeing Roan, she decided to talk with Spiritual Sense messages.


    ''What happened there in the gathering? Why did the Imperial Family experts call you over?''


    Roan shook his head in response.


    ''They told us to keep our mouths shut, so I can''t talk about it.''


    Luina was a little disappointed but did not insist.


    ''By the way, where is that other girl?''


    Roan glanced at Luina for a moment before answering.


    ''She left on her own after joining her group. I don''t know where she went after that. I doubt we will see each other again anyway.''


    Well, he only talked that much because he didn''t want to increase suspicions. Otherwise, he probably would have driven Luina away already.


    Luina smiled after hearing that.


    ''I see! Well, that''s too bad. Anyway, do you plan on going out on a mission anytime soon? We could join forces again, you know? Look at me, I''m already in the Core Formation Realm Initial Stage!''


    Unfortunately for him, Roan couldn''t care less about that.


    ''Not interested.''


    Still, Luina didn''t seem perturbed. She did spend enough time with Roan to understand his personality.


    ''Come on! You know I''m the Lagan Sect Master''s Daughter, right? I can definitely get a few good missions for us.''


    Roan couldn''t help but ask as his eyes narrowed.


    ''Your sect shouldn''t like similar level cultivators going out on missions with you, no? You said it yourself, you are at the Core Formation Realm already. Wouldn''t it be better to simply gather some people in the same realm? Why are you so interested in me?''


    ''Eh?''


    Luina''s face got a little red. One must remember that Rean and Roan might be eleven years old but looked much older. They joined Dalamu Sect when they were ten but told everyone else that they were thirteen already. No one doubted that after looking at them either. Now that more than one year has passed, they did look to be fourteen indeed. And Luina believed that as well.


    Also, Luina already showed some interest after their mission a year prior. With Roan''s physical change, she felt like it was already worth a try. The only problem was his ice-cold demeanor that was really hard to crack. Nonetheless, that might be precisely the thing that she felt attracted to.


    ''Errr... That''s because I know that you are much better than them, especially when it comes to using one''s head...''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/back-to-the-sect_50566117613173011 for visiting.


    She dropped her head as it got redder.


    ''Is it bad?''


    Roan''s eyes finally relaxed a bit. Indeed, he knew his own abilities very well. He was far from being a narcissist, but he was sure that he far surpassed those at his level, not just because of the Soul Gem System. He thought that Luina''s vision of him was just right and proper. For a mission partner, he would indeed be a much better choice.


    ''At least she understands this much.''


    He thought to himself, not noticing poor Luina''s real intentions at all. Still, what if she ''understood?'' He felt it to be a bother nonetheless.


    ''I appreciate your vote of confidence. However, it''s better if-''


    Suddenly, Rean put his arm around Roan''s shoulders before cutting right in the middle of the conversation.


    ''Sure, we would love to go on a mission with you again!''


    Roan''s mouth twitched. What is this idiot thinking?!


    Luina had no idea how Rean knew about her and Roan''s Spiritual Sense conversation. Still, she ignored that fact and nodded with a happy face.


    ''Great! I''ll let you know when something good appears. Wait for my contact.''


    Right after, she dashed away as fast as the wind.


    Roan, however, didn''t seem the least bit happy with it.


    ''What the hell are you doing? Why would you promise such a thing? We have nothing to gain by involving ourselves with her! Worst of all, others might find out where we had gone through her, you know? Did you forget that the Umbral Sect still wants our heads?''


    Rean shook his head in response, saying.


    ''Don''t worry, we are just making some friends. There is nothing wrong with getting a better relationship with the daughter of one of the five sects'' Sect Master. I''m thinking about your futu- ahem, our future.''


    Roan felt like kicking this guy right here and then. For some reason, he didn''t believe a single word from Rean''s mouth.


    Reliance saw that Roan finished his conversation and then spoke.


    "Alright, get on Fanfan''s back. We need to go."


    However, Malaka decided to use Kentucky instead.


    "Kentucky got a lot more powerful. He can definitely fly with me for much longer!"


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky also showed a confident expression as Malaka mounted on his back.


    Rean and Reliance could only laugh at that scene, though.


    "Alright. Long-distance flights are also useful for Kentucky to get used to the skies. We will do the same thing as before. You keep flying with Kentucky. Once he gets tired, make him land on Fanfan''s back to rest."


    Malaka nodded and immediately took flight with Kentucky as Rean''s group followed right behind with the Sky Eagle.


    However, Rean noticed something different.


    "I feel like Kentucky''s wingspan increased quite a bit, don''t you think, Elder Reliance?"


    Reliance nodded, not surprised at all.


    "It''s like I said. Kentucky has reached the Peak Stage Two level while in the Profound Abyss. As a demon beast, the higher his cultivation, the bigger he becomes. You didn''t notice it before, probably because of the Decaying Fog and that Kentucky didn''t fly around. Only after reaching Stage Seven will they be able to control their body''s size to a certain extent."


    Rean''s interest was immediately piqued.


    "They can change sizes? That''s impressive!"


    Reliance just laughed, saying.


    "Well, we are talking about Demon beasts with a power equivalent to Saint Realm cultivators. How many do you think there are? It''s still something from far in the future."


    Rean agreed with Reliance and returned his attention to the path ahead.


    They kept flying for a day when suddenly, Reliance murmured something on Zunzun''s ear. Soon after, the Fire Tanager took off, flying in a different direction.


    Rean and Roan were the only ones who noticed that, though.


    ''Seems like the Imperial Family''s interrogation caught a few people''s attention. Oh well, with this guy having three Stage Six Demon Beasts, we should be fine.''


    Soon after, they closed their eyes once more and ignored everything else.


    Rean and Roan were right. Although no one from the Imperial Family followed or asked anyone to do anything to them, there were still a few curious ones. They were planning to intercept Reliance''s group and ask what it was about. After all, they felt like they were being left behind.


    Unfortunately for them, Zunzun, Lanlan, and Jinjin didn''t give them the chance to even appear near Reliance''s group. Around an hour later, Zunzun came back. In its beak, one could see three pouches that were even bigger than the Tanager itself. Of course, with its Stage Six level, carrying a few things like that was anything but complicated. It''s just that it looked quite weird due to the size difference.


    Zunzun then dropped the pouches in front of Reliance before landing on his head before using Reliance''s hair as a nest. Reliance didn''t seem to care anyway.


    ''Good job, Zunzun. Did you kill anyone?''


    Zunzun immediately shook her head.


    ''Nope. We let them go as Master said.''


    Reliance nodded, satisfied.


    ''That''s good. We don''t know which powers they are from, so it is better not to force their hands. It should also scare the nearby other powers. Our travel should be safe from now on.''


    Reliance was right. Three Stage Six Demon beasts wasn''t something that anyone could take care of. The majority only sent their own Nascent Soul Realm elders to bring their disciples, so they weren''t the demon beasts'' match. Even if there was a Soul Transformation Realm between them, it wouldn''t be worth fight three Stage Six Demon Beasts at once. That was basically Reliance giving them a warning to not bother his team.


    ''Now then, let''s take a look at our rewards.''


    Reliance then spent his time looking through the items in the bags. Every now and then, he would throw something to the Fire Tanager, who would fly out in the distance and come back later. Rean knew what he was doing. He was simply sharing the spoils with his three demon beasts. Simple as that.


    Kentucky''s increase in power also showed itself in his endurance. When he arrived at the gathering, he could only fly for 200 kilometers at most before stopping to rest. Now, he was able to fly for over 400 before doing the same thing again. That was a huge improvement considering that only two weeks passed inside the Profound Abyss. Perhaps, Kentucky was the one who harvested the most benefits in this adventure.


    Just like before, their group took another two weeks to go back to the Dalamu Sect. During this time, Calina stayed in the Soul Gem Realm without being able to come out. By now, Rean''s Light Element had already dissipated, making her size and appearance go back to normal. Her white-snow hair had turned blond once again while her silver-white eyes returned to the previous blue color.


    However, Calina was already feeling quite helpless. She never thought that an Orb could talk so much. It reached the point where she had to implore Sister Orb to give her a break. She also felt incredibly bored. She couldn''t go anywhere near the workshop, electrical formations repository, bathhouse, or the twins'' possessions. In the end, she could only train by herself in that place.


    Still, she noticed something incredible about that place. Her ability to manipulate the Yin Energy in her body increased several times. It made her training a lot easier to the point where it even felt good. That was to be expected. After all, the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm has a perfect balance of Yin and Yang Energies. It was even able to create a mutation on Kentucky while he was an egg.


    ''I wonder if they would let me train here a few more times in the future.''


    Back outside, Rean''s group went up to the mountain to talk with Mia and report the travel results.


    "Well, that''s basically everything that happened."


    Mia nodded, satisfied. Leaving the thing about the Imperial Family aside, the fact that all five of them could use the Vermilion Pools was great news.


    "Alright, you guys can go back now and rest. I''ll let you be duty-free for the next two weeks. As for the thing about the Imperial Family, I''ll think about it later."


    Weren, Tuve, Malaka, Rean, and Roan then bowed to Mia and left. Right after everyone disappeared, her eyes narrowed. Something told her that things were not that simple.

 Chapter 273 - Consequences of the Communication System

    That same day, Mia called Droman over. Droman had gone to the capital before to present the Electrical Communication System to the Imperial Family. After thinking about what Tuve and Weren said, she thought it would be good to confirm the situation there.


    "Sorry for the delay, Sect Master. I was in a nearby city working on the Router Formations."


    Mia nodded, not minding it much.


    "Rean and Roan had just come back."


    Droman''s interest was immediately piqued. He had been using the Router Formation during this time that Rean was out. They were working as planned, but there were several things that he noticed that can be improved. He was just waiting for Rean to come back so that he could go over the ideas with him.


    "That''s good! Did they enter the Vermilion Pools?"


    Mia smiled after hearing the question.


    "Yes, all five of them and even that bird was able to use it. In the end, Rean''s Light Element was also able to get rid of the Decaying Fog. I felt like the Anti-Decaying Energy Pills I had prepared for them was quite useless because of that."


    Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.


    "Come in."


    Right after, Rean and Roan entered the room. Before they left the build earlier that day, Mia sent them a Spiritual Sense message, asking them to see her later when Droman arrived.


    "Good. You are here. Droman had gone to the capital recently to meet the Imperial Family. That princess had given a Pendant to Malaka, so I thought that you might be able to talk about something."


    Rean and Roan didn''t mind, but they still decided to ask.


    "In that case, isn''t it better to call Malaka, Weren, and Tuve as well?"


    Mia shook her head in response.


    "There is no need. Malaka isn''t the type who likes to scheme around... yet."


    "As for Weren and Tuve, different from your group who really interacted with that princess, they only got to bump into that event. They probably don''t know much more than that."


    Mia then glanced deeply at Roan before continuing.


    "Of course, that is considering what Weren and Tuve told me was what really happened and not what ''someone'' asked them to say."


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    ''This woman is really sharp.''


    Mia didn''t try to pursue the matter, though. She then looked at Droman and told him everything that Rean and Weren said before.


    "And that''s what happened. You had been to the capital before to show the Communication System. Did you notice anything different happening there?"


    Droman narrowed his eyes as he looked at Rean and Roan. How could he not understand what Mia meant with that ''someone'' asking Weren and Tuve to say something else? Still, since Mia herself let it go, he wouldn''t press the issue either. Droman then pondered a bit about his travel to the capital and began to speak.


    "Although the Imperial Family and the nine clans are trying to keep it outside people''s line of sight, I did find a few things indeed. However, all I know is that it seemed to be at most a few changes in the powers around there. What happened in the Profound Abyss might really be related to it."


    Rean and Roan weren''t surprised. That was already part of what Calina told them. The Princes and Princesses were fighting to see who will ascend the throne. Obviously, shifts of power would be common events.


    Droman continued.


    "Of course, I did not try to pry any further. Our sect is small and located in the corner of the Empire. So I did not dare look into it too deep. As soon as all the arrangements about the communication system were over, I left straight away."


    Mia nodded.


    "Are you sure nothing else caught your attention? Any small detail might help."


    Droman pondered a bit when suddenly, something came into his mind.


    "I don''t know if this counts as suspicious. But once I finished explaining how the electrical communication system worked, the Imperial Family people seemed to get a lot more excited than I thought they would. I mean, a lot for real! At that time, I didn''t mind it too much, thinking that they simply liked the new system a lot."


    For Mia and Droman, that information didn''t seem to have much use. But for Rean and Roan, that was like a bomb dropped on their heads.


    ''Shit!''


    Rean looked at Roan and asked through the Soul Connection.


    ''Are you thinking about the same thing as me?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Yes. The most powerful weapon in war, communication! I can already see those Princes and Princesses opening all doors to have the communication system implemented as soon as possible.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/consequences-of-the-communication-system_50566143651412329 for visiting.


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    ''Exactly! Now that I think about it, I believe we would have bumped into some of the Soul Gem System''s hidden quests regardless. The only difference is that it probably would have nothing to do with Calina if we had taken that path.''


    Although there was no guarantee, Roan also thought that the chances of Rean''s communication system activating a ''Chrole War-Related'' hidden quest was indeed very high. Otherwise, it wouldn''t have opened one with Calina.


    ''Chances are that the hidden quest would be very different as well if we haven''t saved Calina. Who knows? The quest that we would activate might have been something like ''Help the Empire win the war with the communication system,'' or something like that. Your communication system might, in fact, have accelerated the process by several times.''


    Rean sighed and nodded his head.


    ''If we didn''t need to stop the war, we probably would get many Destiny Points from the communication system during the war. Well, I still prefer to not have a war, though.''


    Roan didn''t care about it and gave up thinking about what ''could'' have happened. They already got a quest to help Calina become the empress, after all.


    ''No, wait. The quest never said that a war can not happen. Its only objective was to put Calina on the throne. That was all. This war brewing behind the scenes might still occur even if we succeed.''


    Rean was taken aback for a second. Indeed. Although the quest description seemed to point to a peaceful resolution, the objective really had nothing saying about no wars.


    ''Do you think I should stop the development of the Router Formation? This will give us more time before the emperor is forced to make a decision.''


    Roan shook his head in response.


    ''It''s too late. Even if there was no router formation, the Empire would still work with the most common communication type. That alone is already a huge advantage. In fact, you should try to implement this much more complicated Router Formation into the projects of the Empire regardless. After all, it will take a lot longer to build a system with the Router Formations than it would without it, right?''


    Rean immediately nodded.


    ''That''s true. In that case, I will continue to develop this idea.''


    As always, their soul link communication just took a few seconds, so Mia and Droman didn''t notice anything wrong.


    Mia then looked at Rean and especially Roan.


    "Do you have anything to add?"


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "Sect Master should be prepared for a few sudden changes in the future. The fact that the people who received Rean''s communication looked so excited doesn''t feel like a good thing."


    "Why?"


    Roan then asked a question that anyone with a little knowledge about history on earth would be able to answer.


    "Sect Master, what do you think is the greatest advantage in a large scale battle?"


    Mia pondered a bit, but just as she was about to answer, Droman intervene.


    "Communication. Although the Electrical Communication System is not ready yet, we still have communication talismans. Of course, they are a lot more expensive and are single-time use things. Nonetheless, they are of imperative importance during those times. Our Dalamu Sect had gone to war in the past, so we know very well how important communication is."


    Mia agreed with Droman. If he hadn''t said that, she would definitely do so.


    Roan nodded.


    "I hope I''m wrong, but these pieces of information about the princess being attacked and the situation in the capital seems ominous. Especially after Droman noticed how excited they are with the Electrical Communication System. If Droman and Sect Master can understand this principle, then let alone the Imperial Family and its subordinate powers."


    Of course. Roan knew very well that a war was coming. That was a fact after what the Soul Gem System and Calina said. However, it would be weird if Roan affirmed it straight at Droman and Mia''s face. That being said, he had to pretend that he was only putting a hypothesis on the table, not a fact.


    Mia couldn''t help but comment after hearing all of that.


    "A war, the communication system, the skirmishes in the capital, an attack against a princess that had nothing to do with the Profound Abyss event itself. I don''t like it. I don''t like it at all."


    Rean added.


    "Well, this is all a theory Roan came up with. Who knows, it might not happen at all."


    Rean wasn''t lying. There was really a good chance that such a thing would not happen if they are successful in putting Calina on the throne.


    Mia nodded once again.


    "Alright, I just wanted to get a picture of the situation anyway. It''s still too early to decide anything. You guys can go back and do whatever you were doing before. I''ll let you know if something really appears."


    Rean, Roan, and Droman nodded. Right after, they bowed to Mia before leaving the building.


    A few moments later, a person covered in black clothes appeared in her room.


    "Send a few people to monitor the situation in the capital. Let me know if any big change happens as soon as possible. Nothing should happen anytime soon, but better be safe than sorry."


    "Yes, Sect Master."


    Soon after, that person disappeared.

 Chapter 274 - Majorias City Once Again

    After leaving the building, Rean and Roan continued their discussion.


    ''Sect Master seemed to be pretty sure that Weren and Tuve didn''t really see anything.''


    Roan nodded.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/majorias-city-once-again_50566200811376195 for visiting.


    ''Yes. However, Mia still believes that the princess was attacked nonetheless. In the end, it''s just a difference in how it was done, so she didn''t insist on the topic. She might even think that the ones who did it were us. Regardless, Profound Abyss rules stated that even the Imperial Family wouldn''t have any protection, so it doesn''t matter.''


    At some point, while descending the mountain, Rean received a message from Droman.


    ''I need you to come with me to check a few things with the Router Formations. They are already working, but there are a few problems to check and improvements I want to try out.''


    Rean then went to the Formations Hall, where Droman was already waiting.


    "Are you ready to go? We need to look at the formations in other cities. Don''t worry, we should be back soon enough as long as you come flying with me."


    Rean pondered a bit before asking.


    "Roan and I got a lot to digest after this last trial. I would like to stay in the Sect for the next two weeks. I hope Elder Droman doesn''t mind it."


    Droman shook his head in response.


    "It''s okay. It was too harsh to ask you this just after you come back from that place. Still, you can at least help me with the things that can be done here in the Formations Hall, right?"


    Rean smiled as he nodded.


    "Of course. That''s why we kept one of the Router Formations built in here. You can tell me what you found wrong and your ideas about what you want to improve. I believe you had time to do a lot of those tests while I was out."


    Droman sighed in relief.


    "That''s good then. I don''t want to delay things for too long since many cities are already added to the network. The Mission Hall and other buildings already started to make use of it as well. Things are starting to pick up speed."


    Rean and Droman then went ahead to work on the Router Formation. Of course, Droman didn''t neglect Rean''s training, so he also took the time to teach him about other Formations.


    There was a reason why Rean asked for two free weeks before going out of the Sect. That''s because it has already been over a year since he and Roan had entered and joined the Sect. That also meant that the next Sect Entrance Exam was about to start in a week or so. It was a very convenient moment since they needed an excuse to get Calina inside.


    Roan also returned to check the things with Old Worm.


    "Finished?"


    Roan nodded.


    "I''m pretty free now."


    Old Worm then took a few notes out and passed them to Roan.


    "Here are a few things I thought up of while you were out. They are all related to your use of Dark Energy during alchemy. Make sure to take a look and see what is practical for you."


    Roan wasn''t surprised by that. Old Worm seemed to be someone who lived and breathed alchemy. He was always reading those kinds of books and had been interested in the usage of Dark and Light Elements so far. Since Roan still had nine days until the start of the Exam, he might as well take a look into it.


    The days passed in a flash. Soon a week went by.


    During this time, a few things happened. The first thing was that Rean and Droman finished what they called version 1.1 of the Router Formation, which Droman immediately went out to test. The second thing was that the twins'' cultivation finally finished stabilizing. With that, they could cultivate once again.


    Still, Sister Orb warned them that their foundation was a little shaken because of the fast progress between the Late and Peak Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Because of that, they should refrain from using Spirit Stones for the next two months at least. They had to give it time to ''heal.''


    Another thing was that they finished processing the medicinal properties of the Vermilion Pool. With that, their meridians also stabilized, which allowed them to see how much better they got. The same could be said for Malaka, Calina, and Kentucky.


    [The results are not bad. It is the same as if you had upgraded your Spiritual Energy Absorption in the Soul Gem System Reward by one level.]


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''That means we got 5% or so of improvement. Still, considering how famous those Vermilion Pools were, this was quite a small improvement, in my opinion. Besides, shouldn''t I have got a higher effect from the pool since I stayed in there for longer?''


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    ''I also expected something better. After all, those who enter the pool are known to have a big chance of entering the Nascent Soul Realm in the future.''


    [First. You find it strange that Rean''s improvement was similar to Roan''s even though he stayed longer inside the pool, right? However, there is nothing odd about it. Rean''s body was already extremely compatible with Yang Energy, which was abundant in the Vermilion Pool. Naturally, improving even more wouldn''t be easy. To use a metaphor, think about an experienced fighter and someone who had never fought before. Once they start training combat, which one of them will have the most significant improvements during the same time?]


    Rean and Roan understood what Sister Orb meant.


    ''I see... that''s why Roan was capable of improving the same 5% while he stayed less than half of the time inside.''


    [Exactly.]


    [Next, let''s talk about why the Vermilion Pool is famous. You guys are not wrong. The problem is, this small improvement was only for the two of you. The others did really get a much higher benefit from it. Calina, for example, got a whole 20% or so of improvement in her Spiritual Energy absorption. Malaka''s improvement was probably even greater.]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback. Isn''t that a considerable difference between them?


    [Before you ask, the reason for that is because both your bodies have been nourished by the Soul Gem System ever since you were born. You always had the purest Yin and Yang Energies in your bodies. Not to mention that you cultivate by exchanging Elements with each other, so you get nourished by the other part. Simply put, there wasn''t much there to be improved to start with.]


    [Did you forget? Your Foundation''s Spiritual Pools are already significantly larger than other cultivators at your level. However, you two still can cultivate faster than them? Why is that? That''s not just the Soul Gem Cultivation Manuals'' effect. Your own bodies, especially the meridians, have always been much better than others. What Malaka and Calina experienced was basically a ''catch up'' to your levels.]


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''It feels like we didn''t get much from this adventure and even got a huge burden instead.''


    Roan agreed with him.


    ''Indeed. Still, no point in complaining now. Let''s enter the next topic.''


    With only two days remaining before the Sect Entrance Exam, there was one thing Rean and Roan had to do. They quickly arranged everything and furtively left the Sect without anyone noticing. Rean got even better with his Bending Light and Spiritual Energy abilities, so Roan didn''t need to piggyback him anymore. As long as he stayed beside him, that was enough.


    As for Kentucky, the Minokawa was finally starting to become more independent. With that, Rean could now leave it at the Beast Taming Faction for them to take care of. He or Roan just had to make sure to appear there once every few days so that the chick wouldn''t feel restless.


    With that, Rean and Roan sped to Majories City. At their cultivation level, what took them ten hours before, now only took four at most. Soon, they passed through the city gates.


    "Alright, Roan. Let me just go to the Zafa Bank take my part of the payment for the Steel Weapons. After that, I need to quickly pass by the Jamariz Weaponstore to check the things. We can do what we came here for once I finish these things."


    Roan didn''t mind it.


    "In that case, I''m going to rent a room in the hotel."


    Rean then asked.


    "Can you find a room available? The Sect Entrance exam starts in two days. Everything should be full now."


    Roan nodded.


    "Don''t worry, I just need to show our Sect Emblem, and they will arrange it for us. There won''t even be a need to tell who I am."


    "Oh, that makes sense. Majorias City is just beside the Sect, after all. It would be weird if they didn''t have a few rooms reserved for Sect Members."


    With that, Rean and Roan separated to do their own things.


    Rean was already used to all the process, so he didn''t take too long to get his payment and pass by the Jamariz Weaponstore. Everything was working pretty much fine, so Rean quickly arrived at the Hotel that Roan found. With their Soul Link, Rean had no need to ask where Roan was going. He could always tell where he was.


    However, Rean wasn''t empty-handed. In his hand, he had quite a few products he had never used before.


    He entered the room, just to see Roan waiting for him.


    "I got what we needed. Did Sister Orb check the room already?"


    [Yes. There is indeed a formation to prevent Spiritual Senses from prying inside. It is working pretty okay as well.]


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s to be expected. Dalamu Sect is just too important for Majorias City. They definitely treat all its disciples as best as they can."


    Roan then looked at Rean.


    "Just to be sure, check it yourself once more."


    Rean nodded.


    ''Life Style, Fourth Form, Hidden Radar.''


    Instantly, Light Element gathered around Rean. With that, he could perceive any possible Spiritual Sense. The higher the cultivator''s level, the easier it would be.


    Rean smiled before turning the skill off.


    "We are fine. There is no Spiritual Sense entering the room."


    Roan nodded.


    *Vup!*


    Suddenly, Calina appeared inside the room out of nowhere. Rean and Roan had finally brought her out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    "Phew... It''s good to be out again. Where is this place?"


    "It''s a Hotel in the city beside the Dalamu Sect. The Sect Entrance Exam always starts here."


    Calina nodded. She already knew that they would use the Exam to put her inside.


    "Isn''t it two days away from it?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Yep. However... we can''t have you participate in it with your real face, right? It''s time for an image change."

 Chapter 275 - Calina Needs a New Identity

    "Eh? What do you plan to do?"


    Rean looked at Calina, puzzled.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/calina-needs-a-new-identity_50566230892920917 for visiting.


    "Isn''t that obvious? You can''t simply appear at the exam with blond hair and blue eyes, don''t you think? I went to a beauty shop and bought everything. I didn''t expect that women here had so many of these things. The only thing I didn''t find were pads."


    Calina was the one puzzled now.


    "Pads? What are pads?"


    Rean then explained.


    "That thing you girls use during your periods. After all, you can''t just let the blood flow down on your legs, right?"


    Calina''s face immediately went red.


    "Oh, right! Since you don''t use pads, what do you use exactly? I can go out and buy it for you. Or could it be that you simply use some folded cloth and wash it up later? If you use a different name for it, let me know."


    Surprisingly, Roan had his own opinion.


    "She''s a cultivator. Couldn''t she simply hold it there with Spiritual Energy until she goes to the toilet?"


    Calina was getting even redder.


    Rean looked at Roan and pondered a bit.


    "Well, that''s true. But wouldn''t it be uncomfortable? Besides, you can''t keep track of it during a battle, right?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes. He had to admit that Rean was right.


    "Now that you said that, none of the women we battled or saw battling before started to bleed between their legs during it. I doubt that they would be able to keep it in there during such savage clashes."


    Rean agreed with him once more.


    "Perhaps all the women try to prevent doing battle during their periods?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "That would be too complicated. Doesn''t that mean that they would have a weak moment every time it happens? I doubt they would do so."


    Calina finally couldn''t hold it back anymore.


    "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! What the hell are you even talking about? Just leave the women''s problems to the women, okay? Don''t worry, we do have our own... ''products''... for these occasions. I have some in my bag too. Just don''t talk about it anymore!"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and then back at Calina.


    "Well, if you say so. Anyway, since you aren''t planning to get pregnant anytime soon, there is no need to care about it now. Let''s see what else I have here."


    Calina felt helpless in that situation.


    "Alright. I got a few things that can change your hair color. You will inevitably catch a lot of attention with your Peak Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation, after all. Blond hair is definitely out of the question."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "The ones who saw you in the Profound Abyss event also know that you have long hair, so we will have to cut it."


    "Eh?! I need to cut my hair?"


    Roan nodded.


    Rean then asked something else.


    "What about her blue eyes? It''s not like we can dye that either."


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "Different from blond hair, blue eyes are not all that uncommon. It should be fine, no? If someone really asks, she can say that it was a side effect of her cultivation manual. After all, she does have Water Element Affinity. Plenty of cultivation manuals bring some changes to the users'' bodies too. Just in our Sect, I saw one purple, two yellows, and even one red pair eyes. I refuse to believe that those people were born like that."


    Rean nodded. He couldn''t use his Light Element change on her anymore since it would turn it into silver-white. The problem is that it could be perceived with a strong enough Spiritual Sense. Not to mention that if he wasn''t close every day, it would eventually go back to the same blue color.


    "What about her face?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Leave it to me. Even though her face won''t change, once I''m finished with the rest, even her mother would have difficulty recognizing her."


    Roan then looked at Calina.


    "Well, let''s start."


    Roan took the bag from Rean and put Calina on a chair. Calina wanted to stop that, but Roan didn''t let her. Unsurprisingly, Roan was really good at that. Well, the guy could use almost any weapon, so scissors wouldn''t be anything hard for him. In the end, Calina got a pretty well-made short haircut. Of course, not short enough to be like a man''s. Roan stopped at Calina''s shoulder length. Still, compared to her old one, that was indeed a lot shorter and different.


    Calina summoned a water mirror in front of her and was surprised. Roan''s haircut job was excellent. It was to the point that she really liked the end product.


    ''Isn''t he a little way too skillful at everything? Is there anything he can''t do?''


    Roan then took a few more products from the bag Rean brought and prepared a dark mixture. But before applying to Calina''s hair, he asked Rean.


    "How good is this thing? Can it hold in there for long?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulder.


    "Well, the lady in the beauty shop said that as long as you don''t dye it with some other color, it definitely won''t come out. According to her, this thing is a recipe from the alchemy guild. It doesn''t really dye the hair. Instead, it permanently changes the color on the insides. Only when her hair grows again from the root will it come out as her natural blond one. That being said, she will have to dye her hair every now and then for her blond hair to not appear on the base."


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s good enough. Since it really changes the hair color itself, it shouldn''t be noticed even with Spiritual Sense."


    Just like that, Calina began to be treated by Roan. In the end, she looked like a completely different girl. Even her eyebrows were changed into a dark color as well.


    Finally, Roan took a better look at Calina from head to toe, which made the girl a little fl.u.s.tered.


    "Alright. This should be enough."


    Rean, who had been waiting on the side, then tossed another bag to Calina.


    "You and Malaka have basically the same sizes, so I bought several clothes similar to hers. We can''t let you use those special ones from the Imperial Family, after all. There are a few pants and bras there as well. Take a look inside and see which ones you want. I''ll send the rest inside the Dimensional Realm."


    Calina nodded and quickly left the room to try them out. She would definitely not change in front of them as Malaka did.


    Rean and Roan then changed the topic as they waited. It didn''t matter how embarrassed Calina might get. In their eyes, she was nothing more than a kid.


    "The problem here is her Peak Foundation Establishment cultivation realm and background."


    Rean nodded.


    "I asked her before, and she has a blue color aptitude. It is a very good one, but not enough to bring her to this stage without a backer."


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "The Sect Entrance Exam age limit is under 14 years old. We can have Calina tell that she is almost 14 but not there yet. The sect''s test can only tell if someone is below 14, not their actual age. She has been well trained since she was a kid, just like Malaka. Her body has developed enough for others to not doubt it."


    Rean agreed with him.


    "That would have given her almost two extra years of cultivation in everyone''s eyes. Although hard to believe, it is still possible for someone to reach this stage with a Blue Color Aptitude and this age. Malaka only got that far so soon because she has the full support of the Sect Master, after all. We just need a backer now."


    Rean and Roan got stuck at that point. Jialin is just too weak compared to the countries close to the capital. It''s too hard to find someone like Calina in this place.


    Calina finally came out of the room, already wearing the new sets of clothes.


    "I''ve always used the clothes given to me by the servants in the Imperial Family. Somehow, it feels quite uncomfortable."


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s to be expected. You don''t think that the clothes bought in a cheap shop would be on pair with your normal ones, right?"


    Calina nodded.


    "It''s okay. I quite like them since I''ve been using the Imperial Family ones for a long time. It feels refreshing to change it a bit."


    "By the way, is there anything else I need?"


    Rean then sighed before saying.


    "The main problem now is your background. We can''t think about one good enough to explain your high cultivation."


    Calina heard that and then laughed.


    "Hahaha! That''s not a problem at all. We just need to go to Zafa Bank, and it will be arranged."


    Rean and Roan''s interest was immediately piqued.


    "How so?"


    Calina then explained.


    "Well, there are several times when the Imperial Family or its experts don''t want to be identified. Because of that, we have a partnership with the Zafa Bank to help us with fake identities. They give you everything. Background, reason, etc. All I need to do is show my token of the Imperial Family."


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    "Wouldn''t that attract the attention of the Imperial Family in the capital? After all, you were supposed to be dead."


    Calina shook her head.


    "Everything has to be kept secret. Unless I cause a massive problem for the Zafa Bank itself, they will not report it back. That''s part of the agreement made between the Imperial Family and them to prevent the fake identity from being found. It should be safer than any excuse you guys might come up with."


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and nodded. If such identity requests are really not reported, then that is indeed their best option.


    "Very well. Then, let''s go there."

 Chapter 276 - Joining the Sect

    The process was more straightforward than Rean and Roan thought. Calina first requested a private room and then called the Zafa Bank Branch supervisor in Majorias City. As soon as she showed her token, the Supervisor understood what kind of background she had.


    He wasn''t afraid of the token not being genuine. Anyone caught trying to fake the Imperial Family token would not have a good ending. It was to the point that all relatives would be affected as well. The Empire put very high importance on this topic too.


    After that, they just had to wait a few hours. Not long after, the Supervisor came back with a bunch of papers containing all the background that Calina could work with. Their service was so good that even if the Dalamu Sect sent someone to check, they would really find a ''family, friends, story, etc.'' Well, the Imperial Family was a very lucrative partner to the Zafa Bank, so they really took it seriously.


    In the end, Calina''s name temporarily changed to Illia Zafin, a young girl from the Fosk Country. Her background was quite a prominent one, which explained the resources necessary for her actual cultivation. She was sent to travel through the countries on her own to experience life, just like all the young members of the ''Zafin Family'' did. As one can imagine, she decided to enter the sect for the time being out of ''necessity.''


    This part wasn''t a lie. There was really an influential Zafin Family in the country of Fosk. And thanks to the Zafa Bank''s help, now they also had registries of a black-haired blue-eyed girl called Illia in their ranks. That''s just how good this service was. Not many know, but the Zafa Bank can even arrange for someone to join the Shadow Reapers as a member, if necessary.


    Soon, Rean, Roan, and Calina came out of the bank.


    "See? My father is a prince of the Empire, but at the same time, he works with Empire''s Bureau Office. He had used this service of the Zafa Bank several times in the past to investigate frauds. All princes and princesses in the Imperial Family aren''t allowed to simply live there, doing nothing. They have to work and prove that they are worthy of carrying the family''s name. It would also be the same for me once I become 15 years old."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/joining-the-sect_50566253709939240 for visiting.


    Even Roan was quite impressed by that. It was quite a complicated system for a medieval world like this one. His opinion of the Imperial Family increased a little as well. The great majority of the Royal, Imperial, or similar powers he saw in his previous life would simply use the ''blood'' excuse to keep enjoying their status. Only a few between them would run the family, leaving the rest free to do whatever they wanted.


    "You are not as helpless as I thought. Oh well, it is mostly thanks to the system that the Imperial Family put in place, though."


    After that, Rean''s group returned to their hotel again, where Calina began to memorize all the details of her ''new'' identity. Rean and Roan took a look at it as well, just to be sure. They weren''t afraid of anyone coming to look for them since they warned Hulian about it. It''s just that they didn''t tell where they were going.


    For the next two days, Rean''s group did not leave the hotel. They stayed there cultivating or other things. Since Calina already knew about the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, they even let her enter it again, where Roan forced his training methods on her. Fortunately for Calina, Roan didn''t go all out. He wanted to leave her in top condition for the exam, just in case.


    Soon, the Sect Exam entrance arrived once more. Rean and Roan left the hotel earlier to not be seen with the girl. Even when they went to the Zafa Bank, they kept Calina''s head covered so that others wouldn''t see her appearance. That way, no one would relate them to her once she appears.


    "Do you think everything will be okay?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders.


    "No idea. If worse comes to worst, we can talk directly with Mia. Let''s go back to the sect. It would be weird if we suddenly decided to watch the Sect Entrance exam."


    Rean nodded.


    "By the way, who is overseeing the exam this time?"


    "It''s Zaia, the Inner Sect of the Blue Orchid."


    Rean was quite surprised by that.


    "Her? That''s quite a coincidence. She definitely won''t let a girl like Calina go and will use her first pick chance to get her."


    Roan didn''t mind, though.


    "That doesn''t matter. Do you remember Malaka''s case? Zaia would still use her own methods to get Calina for herself. The fact that she is overseeing the exam just means that she won''t have to pay anything for it."


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right.


    "Well, that''s true."


    Back then, everyone could have contended for Malaka. Still, Zaia got her into her Blue Orchid Faction with ease even though the other elders also wanted her.


    It didn''t take long for the exam to start after that. As everyone expected, just seeing Calina and her Peak Foundation Establishment Realm caught everyone''s attention. After all, only those under 14 years old could participate in it. The guardians of each of the kids warned them to not get in her way at any cost. If possible, it would be better if they could ally themselves with her.


    Quite a few young boys tried to talk to her, just to be ignored completely. Calina couldn''t care less about all of that. In her eyes, only Rean and Roan could speak at the same level as herself in this place. Zaia also noticed Calina in the middle of the participants and was taken aback. If it depended on herself, she would have immediately brought that girl into the sect.


    However, she knew better than to do so. With such a talent and cultivation, that girl would have no issues whatsoever to pass her exam. There was no need to incur others'' evil thoughts by allowing her to enter through the backdoor.


    No surprises appeared in the first part of the exam. Calina ended being the first place with an overwhelming advantage. Once the Affinity and Aptitude Tests began, the age test before them proved that Calina was indeed under fourteen years old, much to Zaia''s delight.


    Calina mentioned before that her Aptitude was at the Blue Level, which was confirmed during the test. Zaia wasn''t sad by that, though. If Calina turned out to have a Red Color aptitude, the Core Elders would definitely have stepped forward to take her for themselves.


    The next one was the Elemental Affinity Test. Roan warned Calina about her Cultivation Technique before that, though. It could increase her body''s concentration of Yin Energy and allow its use. If she went all out in the Elemental Affinity Test, she would far surpass any of her peers. That being said, Roan told her to hold back. Calina, of course, followed Roan''s orders there. Her Elemental Affinity Test lit up eight Affinity Orbs. Malaka, for example, lit seven during her time. However, Malaka was younger and had lower cultivation. Nonetheless, that was an excellent number already.


    Finally, it was the practical exam that Zaia prepared for them. It was a group exam, just like Hulian did in the past. In the end, Calina carried her group members to the end. When the time came to pick up the member of each faction, no one was surprised that Zaia picked Calina straight away. Other than her, Zaia only got another three girls for her Blue Orchid Faction.


    Of course, Zaia called Calina over on that same day to ask about her background, reasons to be here, etc. Calina then followed the entire script, saying that she was almost 14 years old. As part of her family''s tradition, she came here to experience life and would only stay for a few years before going back. Since she had to live on her own efforts, she might as well join a local sect to acquire the resources she needed. It was then that she found out that the Dalamu Sect had its own Entrance Exam approaching. In the end, here she was.


    Zaia felt somewhat sad to know that this girl would still go back to her country after some time. Nevertheless, having a strong girl like her in her Blue Orchid Faction would be a good thing to stimulate the actual members there.


    She was offered to enter the Spiritual Rebirth Formation, just like Malaka. However, Calina refused, saying that she already received a similar treatment back in her home. A second time would make no difference for her. It wasn''t a lie. If a faction in the Dalamu Sect could use such a thing, then the Imperial Family would surely have something like it as well. Theirs was even better, in fact.


    Soon, the news about a super talented foreigner joining the Blue Orchid Faction spread. That same day, Rean and Roan went to see Malaka and made sure she wouldn''t spill the beans. She could continue to be friends with Calina, but she had to call her Illia while in the sect, be careful of not showing that they knew each other already, and things like that. After some time, they could go back to normal except for Calina''s real name. It would basically look like Calina and Malaka met for the first time again in the sect and turned friends after some time.


    With that, everything was settled down. Finally, Rean and Roan could pay attention to their own things once again.

 Chapter 277 - Time for Upgrades

    While Calina went through the steps to set foot in the Blue Orchid District, Rean and Roan had once again returned to their rooms. They had been holding back until now, but they could finally enter the next step on their schedule.


    Soon, the twins disappeared from the rooms, entering the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    [So, are you finally ready to select something?]Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/time-for-upgrades_50578105135332459 for visiting.


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    What else could it be if not the free upgrade they got after successfully resisting the Universal Restraint?


    [Let me warn you first. You can''t wait to use the free upgrade. As soon as the system rewards open, it will only accept the free upgrade, not Destiny Points. Only after you buy something with the free upgrade will you be able to use Destiny Points again.]


    Rean and Roan didn''t find it strange.


    "See? I knew it wouldn''t be that good. The upgrades'' price will keep rising. How could the system allow us to use it for the really expensive ones?"


    Roan agreed with him.


    "That''s okay��better this than nothing."


    Rean then turned in Sister Orb''s direction before asking.


    "Sister Orb, can you calculate the number of Destiny Points we made during the time we were out?"


    [Sure, give me a se-]


    [Hey! Are you insinuating that I forgot to do that?]


    "You didn''t?"


    [...]


    [I''ll be done with it in no time.]


    A few seconds later, Sister Orb''s voice echoed in their minds again.


    [Alright, the Destiny Points from the communication system is picking up speed. The Empire''s Capital probably began to build it around their territory on a big scale. There is also Droman and the Router Formation that he is testing now. All of those changes together gave you two another 748 Destiny Points in just a month and a half. As for the steelworks, it has finally reached a cap. You got only 17 points from it, and it''s not going to generate anything anymore. In total, you got 765 Points.]


    [You already had 1502 Destiny Points before. However, the system used 1000 to resist the Universal Restraint, so you were left with 502. In the end, you now have 1265 Destiny Points available for use.]


    Rean''s eyes lit up.


    "That was excellent! It was a lot more Destiny points in a smaller period than before. It seems like the communication system was really the best option for Destiny Points at that time. I have a few other ideas about getting more Destiny Points, but I will not go for it now. I don''t want to risk activating another hidden quest while we are dealing with this one."


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s a good choice. It seems like the flow of Destiny Points from the communication system will continue to increase too. Not to mention that I can''t feel the cap of this side approaching either. Let''s leave it at that."


    After saying that, Rean and Roan touched Sister Orb before sending their Spiritual Energy and Sense inside. Obviously, they were opening the reward system.


    [Tiger Bones - 500 Destiny Points] Bought


    [Spiritual Sense Absorption Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points]


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 2 - 800 Destiny Points]


    [Yin Yang Bathhouse - Reward from Destiny Strugglers Title]


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 2 �C 1500 Destiny Points] (300km)


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop - 400 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop Upgrade Level 2- 1000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points] (New)


    Rean was straight to the point.


    "To be honest, I think we should simply buy what will save us the biggest number of Destiny Points. The Soul Connection Range Upgrade is our best choice for the Free Upgrade."


    Roan thought the same thing.


    "We already have Destiny Points to buy other things. Let''s go ahead with your idea."


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 2 �C 1500 Destiny Points] (300km)


    [Hosts'' Destiny Points: 1265]


    [Note: Selecting this upgrade will instead use your Free Upgrade point.]


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    "Yes."


    [Purchase Confirmed.]


    [Soul Connection Upgrade Level 2 Started.]


    The Soul Connection between Rean and Roan always happened through the Soul Gem Orb. That being said, the Soul Gem Orb began to shine with White and Black Light as soon as they confirmed the upgrade. At the same time, Rean and Roan felt the Black and White threads connecting them to the Soul Gem Orb. They could tell that their connection with the Soul Gem Orb had become a lot clearer and stronger.


    Fortunately, the Soul Connection did not give them any pain. The Soul Gem Orb continued to shine for another ten minutes or so before finally stopping. Now the twins could go as far as 300 kilometers away from each other without breaking the link while allowing them to use the Soul Gem System perks.


    [Alright, you two. The upgrade is complete. Do you want to upgrade anything else?]


    "Of course! Since we have enough Destiny Points, we might as well go for it."


    [No problem. Which one will it be?]


    There was one upgrade that had left Rean and Roan curious for quite some time already. The Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 2! They had asked Sister Orb what it was in the past, but she said she couldn''t tell them since she wanted it to be a surprise. Since then, it had been stuck there.


    "Should we go for it? There are quite a few practical things like the Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 2 or the Repository and Workshops."


    Roan pondered a bit and nodded in the end.


    "I think we should. We are already getting quite a few Destiny Points anyway, so we should just go for it. Sister Orb seemed quite excited when she talked about the ''surprise'' that it would bring as well."


    With that said, Rean and Roan finally decided to upgrade the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 2 - 800 Destiny Points]


    [Hosts'' Destiny Points: 1265]


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    "Yes."


    [Purchase Confirmed. Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 2 Started.]

 Chapter 278 - New Dimensional Realm Ability

    Suddenly, the world around Rean and Roan blurred. Rean and Roan could tell that something was happening, but they couldn''t really tell what.


    "Sister Orb, is everything okay?"


    [Don''t worry, the System is just making the changes. Wait a bit.]


    Rean and Roan nodded as they waited for whatever was happening to be over.


    Even though Sister Orb told them to wait a bit, the fact was that the transformation took over four hours to be over! They tried to go out during that time, but it seemed like they got stuck inside the Dimensional Realm during that time as well. Finally, when they started to think that something might have gone wrong, the world around them began to return to normal.


    The blurred images in front of them disappeared as the new Dimensional Realm showed its true face. Immediately, the twins noticed the first and most significant change to it. The Dimensional Realm had a range limit. Beyond that point, there seemed to be a dark wall. Even if they tried to press forward, they simply couldn''t move ahead anymore.


    However, that Dark Wall now changed. Instead, a few ripples of Silver Light could be seen appearing and disappearing. That wasn''t all. The Dimensional Realm''s size itself increased as well. Before, it was around 50 or so meters in radius. With the Alchemy Workshop, Bathhouse, and the Electrical Formations Repository, it was feeling a little cramped already. But now, it doubled in size.


    The buildings had always been close to the ''dark wall,'' and it was not different now. That meant that the buildings were moved together with the expansion of the Dimensional Realm.


    Lastly and the most eye-catching, a formation appeared right at the center of the Dimensional Realm. Rean looked at that and could see that the Electrical Circuitry introduced in the Repository was also used to build it. It was the first time Rean saw a Circuitry Formation in real life. However, it was just way too complicated for him to understand. There were hundreds of runes and paths that he couldn''t make heads and tails of.


    "Sister Orb, is this a new feature of the Dimensional Realm?"


    [Exactly! How is it, do you like it?]


    Rean and Roan looked at it, not knowing what it was for.


    "Can you at least explain to us what this Circuitry Formation can do?"


    [Oh, right! This is the Formation responsible for saving return points.]


    "Return... points?"


    [Yes. You will love it! The Dimensional Realm can now mark places where you can use to teleport back. For example, suppose you mark your rooms as a return point. In that case, you can go out, enter the Dimensional Realm, and then use this Formation to teleport right back into your rooms! Amazing, right?]


    Rean and Roan''s eyes immediately lit up!


    "Indeed. Such a thing would be extremely convenient. It''s not like the other teleport formations that are static. We can bring our Dimensional Realm anywhere we want. Not to mention that we would leave no traces behind."


    "By the way, do we need to charge it with Spirit Stones?"


    [You need to. After all, it''s a Circuitry Formation. Not only does it use Spiritual Energy, but it also uses Electricity. Of course, as a Circuitry Formation of the Soul Gem System, it is not as expensive as common teleport formations. That''s why it can teleport you from much further away with a smaller cost.]


    Rean nodded but also thought about something else.


    "I understand. However, in our Dalamu Sect, most of the teleport formations used can''t teleport someone more than 50km away. The only Long-Distance Teleport Formation available can reach 1000 kilometers at most and is f.u.c.k.i.n.g expensive. Believe it or not, you need Rank Four Spirit Stones for that! As far as I know, it wouldn''t be used unless extremely necessary. Even if the Soul Gem Circuitry Teleport Formation uses less Spiritual Energy, it is bound to be expensive just for Roan and me, no?"


    [Seems like you aren''t studying formations for nothing. Perhaps, you can become the most brilliant student Harvard has ever seen. Hahaha!]


    "Shut up! Don''t bring bad memories to the surface. Just answer my question."


    [You are right, it is costly. The Circuitry Teleport Formation only operates with Rank Three Spirit Stones or higher.]


    "Rank Three or higher? How is it cheaper than the standard teleport formations then? Those teleport formations that send others a few tens of kilometers away can even be charged with Rank One Spirit Stones, you know?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/new-dimensional-realm-ability_50694053129407358 for visiting.


    [I''m not lying. It is a lot cheaper. What you are forgetting here is that you are not teleporting within the same Dimension. It''s different from the teleport formations outside. Once you enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, you enter a different dimension for real. You should be happy that it can at least follow you around and charges nothing for you to enter it.]


    [Anyway. What I mean is that teleporting you two between dimensions is what makes the teleport cost this much. If you used standard formations, let alone Rank Three Spirit Stones, perhaps even Rank Four wouldn''t be enough.]


    Rean nodded.


    "I see. Then I guess it is already good enough. By the way, that''s not the only limit, right? How far can we teleport, and how much would it cost?"


    [Correct. You need a hundred Rank Three Spirit Stones every one hundred kilometers. Also, the limit is limited by the Soul Connection Level.]


    "You mean the Soul Connection Upgrades? Does it mean that we can teleport back to the saved point as long as we are within 300 kilometers?"


    [Yep. As long as you use 300 Rank Three Spirit Stones, you can teleport back to the saved point from 300 kilometers away.]


    [Oh, one more thing! The limit for Rank Three Spirit Stones is a thousand kilometers. Once your soul connection surpasses this limit, and you decide to teleport back from further away, you will need Rank Four Spirit Stones.]


    Rean and Roan nodded. Their Soul Connection Upgrade was only 300 kilometers anyway. There is no point in thinking about over a thousand kilometers now.


    "Anyway, although we can''t use it all the time, this is indeed a great feature. Is there a limit to how many saved points we can have?"


    [There is. Your Soul Connection is at level 2 now, so you can have 2 saved points. At level 3, you can have 3. I think you understand how it goes.]


    "Yes. What about changing a saved point?"


    [Once you reach the limit of saved points, you can add a new one. However, the Circuitry Teleport Formation will not be able to hold the coordinates of the oldest saved point anymore. Simply put, get rid of one to get a new one.]


    Rean and Roan didn''t mind that. All they knew was that this feature was really convenient and life-saving. They might save a point outside dangerous places and then use it to go back. The Profound Abyss was an excellent example of it. Of course, the Profound Abyss extended for much further than just 300km, but it would still be very useful nonetheless, depending on the circ.u.mstances.


    "Alright, should we save one point in our rooms straight away?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Indeed."


    The twins then exited the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and immediately contacted the Soul Gem System.


    [Saving a Coordinate will cost 100 Destiny Points.]


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    Rean and Roan''s mouth twitched.


    "Well... f.u.c.k!"

 Chapter 279 - Savage Roan

    ''Sister Orb, why didn''t you tell us about the price for the save points?''


    [Teehee!]


    A vein popped out of the twins'' head, but they took a deep breath. They needed to wait for a day where they could be stronger than the orb. Only then could they teach it a lesson.


    "Whatever. Having one coordinate saved in the Sect is definitely a must. Let''s do it."


    [Purchase Confirmed.]


    [Saving Coordinates.]


    Out of nowhere, something that looked like a green cube appeared in mid-air. As Rean looked at it, he could see the several tiny runes and the circuitry engraved on it. Without a doubt, it was a very advanced Circuitry Formation.


    The Formation then began to interact with the space around it. Right after, the cube began to descend slowly. However, it did not touch the ground. Instead, it looked as if it was entering an invisible portal. The space around it rippled as if a stone was thrown into a calm lake. Finally, it completely disappeared from Rean and Roan''s visions. There was simply nothing else in there anymore.


    [Coordinates Saved.]


    "Good. Now we have a way to come back if necessary. Too bad it can only reach 300 kilometers."


    "It''s okay. We might as well save Destiny Points to buy the next level of Soul Connection."


    ''By the way, is the next level already available, Sister Orb?''


    [Yes. As soon as you bought the last one, the new one took its place.]


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 3 �C 5000 Destiny Points] (3000km) (New)


    Rean and Roan almost fainted.


    "5000 Destiny Points! Holy shit!"


    "However, it will also increase the range to 3000 kilometers. I guess it makes sense that it became this expensive."


    "Still... Just how long will it take to acc.u.mulate 5000? Should we really wait that long and buy nothing else?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/savage-roan_50694080778262103 for visiting.


    Rean''s words made sense. Considering how fast they were getting Destiny Points, it would probably take at least half a year before they had enough.


    "Leave it. Besides, we don''t have Rank Four Spirit Stones to use the Formation beyond 1000 kilometers anyway. Let''s focus on the other attributes for the moment."


    Rean agreed with him.


    "Our next priorities should be the Spiritual Energy Absorption Level 2, the Alchemy Workshop, and the Electrical Formations Repository. Even putting all their next level upgrades together, they aren''t as expensive as the Soul Connection."


    Having reached that decision, Rean and Roan finally got over with the upgrades from the System Rewards.


    "Roan, Elder Droman asked me to go out with him for a few days to check the Router Formations at work. I have no choice but to go since I need to see them. Are you tagging along so that we can keep cultivating, or will you stay behind?"


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "I''ll stay behind. Next weekend will be the first time I will enter the Blue Orchid District since the Profound Abyss. It''s part of the agreement with the girls there to help them with their doubts about the Death Style. I will also take the chance to test Calina out. Besides, we can''t use Spirit Stones to cultivate yet since our foundations have been shaken. We might as well keep cultivating slowly with natural energy while you are out."


    Rean nodded, not minding that much.


    "Alright. I''m going back to the Formations Hall. Oh, right! Keep an eye on Kentucky while I''m out. Don''t turn him into fried chicken, please."


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Can''t guarantee anything."


    Sure enough, Droman returned to the Sect after three days. On the fourth, he and Rean left the Sect with several elders of the Formations Hall. Everyone knew that Droman took Rean as ''disciple,'' so none of them found it weird at all.


    As for Roan, he stayed in the Sect doing several things. He fought his way up in the Inner Sect, reaching as far as the 412th position. However, his progress became a lot harder from there onward. There were only Middle Stage or higher Core Formation Realms in there. Not to mention that those at the middle stage were geniuses above the average level. There was one Late Stage guy called Sulino, who Roan was not able to defeat in the end.


    Although it was difficult, Roan was still delighted with that. The outer sect disciples simply couldn''t pose a challenge for him anymore. Finding those experts in the Inner Sect was really a treasure in his eyes.


    He also continued to practice Alchemy under Old Worm''s tutelage. He was making his way to becoming an Earth High-Level Alchemist. Rean was already an Earth High-Level Blacksmith, so he couldn''t possibly be worse.


    Finally, the day to train the girls in the Blue Orchid District arrived once more.


    Roan then went on the stage where he usually bullie- ahem... trained the girls and looked at the small crowd. Julio and Lenna were there. Last but not least, Roan found Calina almost instantly. From the looks of it, she had been keeping her appearance as mentioned.


    He didn''t see Malaka there, but he knew it wasn''t because she avoided him. Instead, Sect Master Mia was most likely taking care of her as always. Roan knew that Mia was an excellent Master since he saw Malaka''s improvement during the Profound Abyss, so he wasn''t concerned.


    Everyone was feeling nervous, even Amanda herself. Back then, Roan was behind her in cultivation by three stages. However, he had already caught up to her while Amanda still hasn''t advanced into the Core Formation Realm. Even Malaka was quickly approaching. How could she not feel pressured? Not to mention ''Illia,'' who also had a Peak Foundation Establishment cultivation and was a lot younger.


    Roan didn''t pay attention to the girls and Julio for long, though. Instead, he lifted a bunch of papers in his hands while showing a cold smile. Seeing that, everyone around felt a chill on their backs.


    "Now then. Here are the papers I got which are related to the missions you took while I was out. I believe none of you have forgotten my words, right?"


    All the girls nodded their heads vigorously, Julio and Lenna even more so. Roan had told them that he would check how they performed after he returned. Those who did not reach his expectations... well... they could only hope that it wasn''t the case.


    "Before that, I can see four new faces in the crowd. Are these the new members that joined the Sect after the Entrance Exam?"


    One of the new girls nodded as she stepped forward. Still, she couldn''t understand why everyone was feeling so afraid of Roan. As far as she saw during the past few days, the girls here never act like that in front of the other disciples outside. There were plenty of them who were even in the Core Formation Realm, but her sisters still behaved as if there was nothing to be impressed about.


    It was bizarre. Even a few of her sisters literally began to tremble once Roan started to look into the papers. There were quite a few sisters here with the same cultivation as him, so why all the hustle? For some reason, none of her sisters wanted to talk about it, nor did they warn about this ''training'' day.


    "I''m Fanalia Luan. Peak Energy Gathering Realm. Brother Roan, how come you can enter the Blue Orchid District, but the elders don''t stop you? Shouldn''t it be the elders who are going to train us instead?"


    Roan nodded, not finding it at all strange that the new girl had her doubts.


    "Simply put, your elders'' training methods suck! That''s why I''m here."


    Elder Zuna''s mouth twitched. She had long since found out about this gathering. Still, Zaia Shinsuo, the Inner Sect Elder leader of the Blue Orchid Faction, told her and the other elders to not stop it. In the end, they had to admit that Roan was just too good with weapons and detecting flaws, let alone as a teacher, so they accepted it in the end. Especially since it looked like no one outside the Blue Orchid District knew about it. Neither Rean nor Roan had ever gone around telling others about it. Or, to be more specific, it seemed like they didn''t give a damn!


    She found out that Roan began to do those training sessions every week as part of a trade between him and Amanda. Since it was a fair deal for both sides, she more or less accepted it.


    Still, Roan''s mouth was just too sharp. He never held back. She wanted nothing more than to go up on stage to teach the kid a lesson, but she knew better than to act on that impulse. First, even if Zuna wins, just how much older was she? Second... Roan was f.u.c.k.i.n.g strong. Elder Zune was the outer sect elder of the Blue Orchid District with the highest cultivation, Peak of the Core Formation Realm. Yet, she wasn''t absolutely sure if she could take him on.


    Fanalia was also shocked that Roan said it right in front of the other elders. Still, even though they showed dark expressions, none of them said anything. Well, it was confirmed that Roan''s mouth was like that, but his methods were the real deal. Their disciples really improved a lot every time he came by. They had to keep telling it themselves, or else they would all attack him together.


    "Now, get back. Let''s start this shit."


    "Let me see here..."


    "Juliana Agars."


    One of the Sisters on Falania''s side suddenly trembled more than the others.


    "Y-yes!"


    Roan looked through the report of her last mission and nodded his head in the end.


    "Your results were not too shabby. For you, it will be the regular beatin- ahem... training. Come up!"


    All the girls and Julio felt like crying.


    ''He was about to say beating, right? Right?!''

 Chapter 280 - First Time Lessons

    *Bang!*


    Suddenly, Julio was sent flying back like a cannonball.


    In the exchange just now, Julio thought he had blocked Roan''s skills perfectly. He even prepared a follow up since Roan''s sword was locked with his spear. But he didn''t expect Roan''s body to rotate all of a sudden and use his leg to send him flying!


    "You fixed the spin of your hands while brandishing the spear. That was very good. Still, you kept paying attention to my weapon alone. Did you forget that I have a body? Use everything available to you, don''t forget it."


    *Cough... cough...*


    Julio then vomited some blood as he got up. Nevertheless, he was happy. For Roan to praise how he used the spear correctly was quite a big deal. After all, Roan rarely ever let out a compliment.


    "Thanks. I''ll think more about it."


    Most of the girls looked at Julio with some envy in their eyes. Especially Lenna, who was always together with him.


    "Hmph! I will definitely get him to recognize me next time."


    Julio shrugged his shoulders.


    "So what? I got it now. Hahaha!"


    Lenna was also not in great shape either, showing that she also had her ''special time'' in the arena with Roan.


    Roan ignored their conversation and looked at the small crowd of girls. It was then that his eyes paused on Calina.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/first-time-lessons_50694096632727478 for visiting.


    "You are the new girl everyone was talking about, right? Come up already."


    Calina nodded as she took a deep breath. She was trying to act as if she didn''t care about the training. However, after seeing how Roan didn''t hold back at all, it was quite hard to keep her composure.


    "I''m Illia. I just joined the Blue Orchid Faction."


    Roan shook his head in response.


    "I don''t care. Come at me already with everything you got."


    Calina couldn''t help but get angry.


    ''When will this idiot start to treat me like a princess? No, he wants me to be the empress, couldn''t he be more gentle then?''


    Unfortunately for her, that was just wishful thinking.


    Calina then concentrated on the spar as Water Element gathered around her. It was a lot stronger this time since she recovered the Yin Energy she lost against Valeu. The temperature dropped as she initiated her attack.


    ''Southern Ice Wave!''


    A wave of Water Element that froze the air came from Calina, covering Roan''s surroundings. That was one of the applications of Yin Energy and Water Element, attacks of the Ice attribute.


    Roan wasn''t using his White Star. Instead, he kept the same wooden sword as always. Because of that, he had no support from the Light Element since Rean was also not around. Still, Roan had no need to suppress his cultivation since Calina was in the same realm as him.


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps!''


    Roan then became a shadowy blur as he sped up to Calina. Shadow Steps was a skill that Roan came up with during the Profound Abyss. To be more specific, he learned the principles behind it during a fight against one of the Decaying Demon Beasts.


    The Decaying Demon Beast was called a Shadow Kurian. It was a type that looked like a humanoid but walked with four limbs. Most of its body was made of Decaying Energy. The impressive thing about it was how it could merge with the Decaying Fog in the surroundings, making it almost indistinguishable.


    Roan became quite interested in that ability, so he and Rean didn''t defeat it straight away. Instead, Roan had Rean work with him to lock the Decaying Demon Beast down. It forced the Demon Beast to use that ability several times in a row during the battle.


    Finally, Roan noticed that it wasn''t really merging with the Decaying Fog, but the Decaying Energy in the fog instead. Decaying Energy had a small concentration of Yin Energy in it, which Roan used to analyze the bests'' movement. Finally, he came up with the idea of using his own Dark Element to fuse with the shadows around. It was easier said than done, though. Only recently was he finally able to use it, and this was his first time trying it in battle.


    Roan''s Spiritual Energy covered his body to fend off the freezing energy as he appeared in front of Calina like a ghost.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon.''


    Of course, Calina was still a princess who received top-notch training.


    As soon as the three swords appeared, a sphere of water appeared around her body.


    ''Water Prison!''


    ''Reverse!''


    The Water Sphere then instantly expanded, forcing Roan to recall his attack. Right after, several spikes came from above, aiming where he was exactly.


    ''Glacial Icicles!''


    Roan looked at that and gave a slight nod.


    ''Now that she has recovered all of her Yin Energy, her attacks became a lot better. Changing her attacks into solid ice also increased the attack power. However...''


    ''Death Style, First Energy Form, Shadow Bind!''


    All of a sudden, several shadow-like vines materialized in mid-air and locked the Glacial Icicles. It was really hard to believe that. After all, Calina had summoned over 10 Glacial Icicles at once. Of course, Roan was able to bind all of them just as they were about to reach him. Just how crazy was Roan''s control over his own element to do such a precise movement? Not to mention that he was doing it while her Southern Ice Wave was active!


    "If they were Water Icicles, I wouldn''t be able to bind them."


    Calina looked at Roan with a surprised expression. Unsurprisingly, she quickly recovered and continued.


    "I''m not done yet."


    Water Element began to converge as she prepared her next attack. As long as she could keep Roan far away and her Southern Ice Wave active, Roan would eventually run out of energy. However...


    "No. It''s already over."


    Roan''s voice sounded just beside her ear, which sent a chill all over her body. Calina tried to cast another Water Prison around herself, but it was too late.


    *Bang!*


    With a kick, Roan sent Calina flying out of the arena. Calina didn''t understand what happened. Roan was several meters in front of her, holding the Glacial Icicles with his Shadow Bind. But suddenly, he was behind her. How did that happen?


    "The Water Prison in reverse was a good choice. You really forced me to retract my attack. However, you grew complacent, certain that I had fallen into your scheme. Because of that, you didn''t even notice when I used my technique to fuse with the shadows and left that clone behind. Your Spiritual Sense was focused entirely on that, leaving an opening on your back."


    "Your mistake was not only that, but the fact that you didn''t have a countermeasure in case you were ambushed is also a problem. Can you guarantee that you are fighting a single enemy? You fight using Spiritual Energy Skills, no weapons included. Naturally, you have nothing to help you defend against a sudden close-range attack. You are also losing a good opportunity since you could use it as bait to get rid of the enemy."


    Roan then went back to his position before saying.


    "Come up again. Your techniques are a lot more variated, so I need some time to devise something for you. Especially since you are not a weapon user."


    Calina gritted her teeth and got up again. This time, she would not commit the same mistake. Yet...


    *Bang!*


    She was sent flying out of the arena even faster than before.


    "Are you taking me for an idiot? To think you would try to use the same Water Prison trick in front of me. Ridiculous!"


    This time, when Calina used the Water Prison and Reverse, Roan used his Shadow Bind to lock himself in place. Calina didn''t think that Roan would take the Water Prison''s Shock head-on, so she was taken by surprise once again. That was more than enough for Roan to send her flying once more.


    ''What kind of monster is he? He only needs to see it once and can already make my strategy useless.''


    Still, Calina had a lot of pride as the princess of the empire. She once again ignored the pain and went up the arena.


    *Bang!*


    "Again!"


    *Bang!*


    "Again!"


    *Boom!*


    "Again!"


    Even the girls and Julio outside were already feeling pity for her. For some reason, Roan seemed to be paying a lot more attention to this new girl. Well, most of them thought that it was because of her cultivation and talent, which were obviously the best between them all. Even Amanda lost to Calina when they sparred for the first time.


    It wasn''t before Calina was sent flying seven times that she finally couldn''t stand up anymore. Roan really didn''t care about genders. He always kicked at the best possible point that would assure his victory. That meant that even Calina''s chests had a foot mark on it. Well, they weren''t that developed due to her age anyway.


    "That''s enough."


    Calina was the last girl in the group today, so Roan came down from the arena right after. He then went to a corner where there was a table and began to write something on a paper. A few minutes later, he gave it to Calina.


    "I''m very sensitive to Yin Energy, so I can tell that you also rely a lot on it. I marked here the mistakes I noticed you doing while controlling the Water Element and Yin Energy. Also, the problems in the path of meridians that you used. Pay close attention to it during this week. I left a few things that I think might be of good use during your Yin Energy and Water Element cultivation. Try to follow this training schedule and tell me next week if it worked."


    It''s not that Roan didn''t want to devise training for Calina before. However, she had told him that she needed time to recover her entire Yin Energy. Only then would she be able to show her real potential. Roan was waiting to see her fighting with her full potential. He had to admit, the training she received before from the Imperial Family was quite good.


    After that, Roan turned around and left. But not before leaving a warning through Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''This is just the start. If you really want to become a candidate for the throne, things will only get harder. You better train since your life truly depends on it.''


    He would not hold back. He could not hold back. He will make Rean, Malaka, and Calina''s life as hard as possible to squeeze out all of their potentials. But it was then that he thought.


    ''Now that I think about it, I don''t remember the last time Nightingale complained about training. Oh well, that''s even better.''

 Chapter 281 - Router Formation Version 1.2

    Gartok City, a city found inside the Dalamu Sect Territory. At this moment, Rean, Droman, and a few elders of the Formations Hall were working in the Router Formation.


    "During the time you were in the Profound Abyss, I passed the specs that we wanted for the Lightning Beads to the Lightning Sect. Still, only today did we get the third version of the Lightning Beads."


    Rean nodded.


    "It''s okay. Development is an arduous process. Elder Droman should be aware of this more than anyone else."


    Rean then held one of the Lightning Beads in his hand. The Lightning Beads now had a completely different format than before. First of all, according to what Droman and Rean devised, it wasn''t a bead anymore. Instead, it looked more like a rectangular cube. Not only that, but it wasn''t just 4 centimeters long on all sides anymore. Now, it was 12 centimeters long and 6 centimeters high.


    Other than that, there were several small holes on the two extremities, no less than twenty on each side. Unsurprisingly, each hole had the size of one of the copper cables that the communication system used. Sure enough, one side would be where the Electrical Signals would come from, and the other side would be where they would leave. This was Rean and Droman''s version of a storage device. Unlike the previous Lightning Beads, this one that didn''t look like a bead at all had no attack power whatsoever.


    Rean then took a few of the separated cables connected to the important buildings of Garlok City. Those buildings already had the standard communication formations, so they could send messages anytime that was necessary. Soon after, he connected them to the Lightning ''Bead.''


    "Elder Droman, ask them to send the message."


    Droman nodded as he spread his Spiritual Sense. Thanks to his cultivation, his Spiritual Sense could cover the entire city. That was more than enough to send Spiritual Sense messages to the Formation Masters stationed at the communication formations.


    As soon as Droman did that, the formation master began to send several messages at once. Those messages had no real meaning. They were only doing that to test the new storage device.


    Rean, Droman, and the other elders kept their Spiritual Sense inside the Lightning ''Bead'' as it received the information through the Router Formation. After a few minutes, the messages stopped after Droman asked them.


    One elder called Oitive mentioned right after.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/router-formation-version-1.2_50694107890243636 for visiting.


    "We will need to do a few modifications on the amplification runes."


    Rean nodded.


    "Indeed. The previous Lightning Beads required a strong electrical signal to save the message information inside, but this one has no need for so much anymore. The Lightning Sect really knows their own product very well. Even though what we asked them was so different, they still delivered an excellent product. Not only can even more information be saved in this little guy, but it can also reduce the consumption of Spiritual Energy necessary."


    Droman and the others agreed with Rean.


    "Alright, let''s start the creation of Version 1.2 of the Router Formation."


    All the formation masters got excited and immediately began to work while following Droman''s directions. Rean helped in what he could, but his knowledge about formations was still far from enough to understand all those runes. Still, the elders were impressed with his talent. They could totally understand why Droman would take Rean as his disciple.


    Time passed as the modifications took place. Of course, not everything worked perfectly.


    "Idiot! Can''t you see that this connection will delay the information if you use the 56th and 91st runes together? Use the 56th with the 70th instead."


    "What are you talking about? This is exactly how it should be. If we try to save it too fast, the information might be lost. Are you dumb?"


    Rean narrowed his eyes.


    "Just try both of them, for f.u.c.k''s sake. See which one will work better. If it loses information, we can reduce the speed. If not, we keep it like this and test it for a few days."


    Problems kept appearing as arguments popped up here and there. However, no one was really feeling angry. It''s just that they were all too excited to be working with this thing. Just like Droman, they never thought that Electrical Formations could be this fun to build.


    Suddenly, Droman''s eyes narrowed as he looked in a specific direction. Rean noticed that and couldn''t help but ask.


    "Again?"


    Droman nodded.


    "Yes. Everyone noticed that we have been working on this Router Formation, so the spies keep increasing. That''s because they can''t understand the principle behind it. We have deliberately changed those formations so that no one could make heads and tails of how it works."


    Rean agreed with him.


    "This isn''t the only city with our Router Formation set up. Without a doubt, these guys had gone to the other ones to check it. We even received a report that a black-clothed Nascent Soul cultivator used his Spiritual Energy to lift the entire ground to bring the formation away with him. He definitely wanted to bring it back to his own power intact for analysis."


    Droman added.


    "Indeed. But most of those who checked the router formations should have understood that it is not that easy to copy it. Especially because they don''t know about the Lightning Beads. The Lightning Beads we used in the Router Formations are already very different from the defensive bead that the Lightning Sect sold in the past. Unless they find out where we got it, it will be useless to get the formation alone."


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh.


    "Still, they should have already understood what the Router Formation does. As long as they aren''t idiots, they should have noticed the problems of not having a Router Formation to deal with the over-information issues. But since they can''t understand how the Router Formation works and don''t have the modified Lightning Beads, they can only send people to spy over our work."


    Droman and Rean found that to be quite funny. Although they were hiding it right now, they eventually intended to give the final product to the Imperial Family. Once they do that, everyone would get access to the Router Formation. After all, the Router Formation was simply a must in a giant network like what the empire would become.


    What the sect expected was to make a fortune when it is finished. After all, the Lightning Beads were under the Lightning Sect, Zafa Bank, and their Dalamu Sect''s control. As long as others wanted to build it, they would need to buy those things from them.


    "Just leave them be. The more they appear, the better. It shows that our efforts were not for naught. Elder Droman just has to take care so that the people who know about the formations aren''t kidnapped."


    Droman nodded.


    "Don''t worry. Out of everyone in the Formations Hall, only you, me, and Oitive''s group of five here knows the entire thing. The rest that came with us know only small bits. Not enough to have the project stolen. I''ve been keeping all you six close to me for the same reason. No one will try such a thing with a Transformation Realm cultivator protecting you."


    Droman then waved his hand, which sent a wave of Spiritual Energy out.


    "Arrrgh!"


    They only heard a scream from a distance before it stopped.


    Droman didn''t kill the guy, just taught him a little lesson at most. The spy was a simple Core Formation Realm cultivator, nothing more than an ant in his eyes.


    The spies felt quite helpless. There was only one way to check how Droman''s group was working. They had to use their Spiritual Senses to see it, but would Spiritual Senses of such low-level cultivators escape Droman''s Senses? Ha! What a joke.


    Two days later, Rean''s group finally finished making the modifications necessary for the new Lightning ''Bead.''


    "Alright, let''s try it out."


    All the communication formations in the city then lit up once more. The formation masters began to send several messages at once, which all entered the Router Formation.


    "Alright, stop."


    "We need to verify the..."


    A few little changes were then made here and there.


    "Alright, again!"


    Just like that, the tests continued.


    It wasn''t before an entire week, and tens of spies were dealt with, that they finally got Router Formation Version 1.2 to work properly.


    "Great! It''s working!"


    Everyone cheered as the Router Formation saved and sent information ahead correctly.


    Droman also smiled, satisfied.


    However, it was at this moment that his eyes changed.


    "Shit!"


    His Spiritual Energy immediately wrapped around Rean, and he shot into the sky like a bullet! The G-Force was so great that Rean almost passed out.


    But he suddenly stopped. Not because he wanted to, but because he was surrounded. Around him, five Soul Transformation Realm cultivators blocked his path.

 Chapter 282 - Captured

    All of them used black clothes and techniques that didn''t show one''s appearance with Spiritual Sense. Still, Rean could see Droman''s grim face. For him to be like that, it was evident that those guys were by no means weaker than him.


    "What do you want? This is the Dalamu Sect''s territory. Are you sure you want to find problems here? Just so that you know, I already used a talisman to alert my sect."


    Droman could tell their cultivations. Two Middle, Two Late, and one Peak Soul Transformation Realm cultivator. He had only recently broken through, so it would take a very long time before he could even enter the Middle Stage. Naturally, he didn''t act harshly here.


    "Elder Droman of the Dalamu Sect, right? We know that you have been working on a new type of Formation that increases communication formation effectiveness. We would like you to be our guest."


    Droman wasn''t surprised by that.


    "You want to rob the Router Formation blueprints?"


    The leader then replied.


    "If you want to see it like that, then so be it."


    Droman couldn''t help but snort.


    "That''s really a pointless action. I might as well tell you that once this Formation is finished, we will present it to the Imperial Family. Sooner or later, everyone would get its blueprint."


    The man shook his head in response.


    "Unfortunately, we can''t let that happen."


    *Boom!*


    All of a sudden, the Formation that Rean and Droman worked on during the past week exploded together with the Formation Hall''s elders. That took Droman aback. As long as they had captured one of those elders, they could ask them how to build the Formation. There was no need to have him for that. Mainly because he was the one with the highest cultivation in this place.


    "What''s the meaning of this?"


    The man repeated his words.


    "I told you, we can''t allow this Formation to fall in the hands of the Imperial Family. However, we also need it at the moment. So, what better solution would be there other than bringing the creator with us? We know very well that it was not created by that Elder Hulian of your sect. Otherwise, he would be here with you."


    Droman and Rean didn''t know what to say. Droman helped in its creation, but the general concept and idea came from Rean. However, they think that the one who created it was Droman instead. Well, they couldn''t be blamed since Droman was indeed the head of the Formations Hall. Not to mention that Hulian was supposed to have no knowledge about formations.


    "So you don''t just want the Router Formation... You want me to work for you in developing more of those things. But I''m not the only one with the Router Formation''s blueprint. My Sect Master also has it. It would be pointless."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/captured_50694133928484887 for visiting.


    The man laughed after hearing that.


    "Hahaha! Let''s be honest here, shall we? Even if she does have it, she doesn''t know how it works. She can try to bring it to the Imperial Family, but they will be far from being able to comprehend it as well as you do. While they would move at a snail''s pace to understand it, you would be flying like the wind. By the time they understand how it works, we would have long since achieved our objective."


    "You should really consider coming with us. I might as well tell you that whatever you receive from Dalamu Sect at the moment, we can give several times more."


    Droman snorted in response.


    "That''s something you''d only give after you put several restrictions in my body and have total control over me, right?"


    The man shrugged his shoulders.


    "We can''t take risks, after all, but we promise we won''t harm you as long as you follow our orders. We can also guarantee to bring you all the way up to the Saint Realm as compensation. If you don''t accept, we will need to use force. I advise you to not resist and flee. I already made sure that no one can escape this area. You will only make a lot of the civilians in this city die during the battle to capture you."


    Droman couldn''t help but ask.


    "Are you not afraid of the Imperial Family coming after you? You should know very well that they are supporting our sect at the moment. Besides, my sect members might arrive at any second."


    The man laughed once again.


    "Don''t be ridiculous. Since we dared to act, then we are obviously sure about our chances. I can guarantee you that no other cultivator capable of helping you will appear for at least two hours. Elder Droman, my patience is limited. What will you chose?"


    Rean was feeling quite helpless at the moment. Roan was more than 300 kilometers away, so all the Soul Gem System features were not accessible. That also included entering the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Still, he had a plan. Soon after, he sent a Spiritual Sense Message to Droman.


    ''Elder Droman, did you really contact the Sect?''


    Droman heard Rean''s message and replied.


    ''I did. All Nascent Soul Realm and above elders have a super long distance Thought Transmission Talisman for their use. This is to inform the sect straight away in case an emergency appears. However, Garlock City is just too far from the sect. Even if the reinforcements come out straight away, it will take a few hours for them to arrive, not just two. There is no way I can resist for that long.''


    Rean didn''t mind the rest.


    ''That''s enough. Just surrender with the condition of keeping me by your side. I''m only at the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. They will not think anything about me. That will be more than enough.''


    Droman was taken aback.


    ''Are you crazy? These guys definitely came out prepared. As soon as they capture us, they will leave this place as fast as possible. To be honest, I think they''re not from the Sasamil Empire. They acted too indifferent when I brought the Imperial Family''s name out. If they bring us away, I don''t know what will happen anymore.''


    Rean shook his head in response as he replied.


    ''Don''t worry, they will not be able to hide or run away. Sect Master Mia will definitely be able to find us.''


    Droman found it hard to believe.


    ''How can you be so sure?''


    Rean smiled.


    ''Trust me, I know.''


    Droman narrowed his eyes. Still, there was really little to no chance of escaping these guys. Besides, that would be while he was all by himself. If he tried to bring Rean together in an escapade, then his chances were definitely null. The difference in numbers and power was just too big.


    Droman looked at Rean''s confident expression and gritted his teeth.


    "Alright. I will go with you. However, this kid here is my legacy disciple. He has to come with me and stay by my side all time. As long as you can guarantee his safety, I will agree. But, if you do as much as hurt a single hair of his head, even if you torture or kill me, I won''t move a single finger for you."


    The leader laughed before nodding his head.


    "That''s not a problem at all."


    Right after, he threw some kind of pill at Droman.


    "Swallow it. Don''t worry, this is not poison. It will only lock your Spiritual Energy for a few days."


    Droman looked at Rean, and they nodded. Soon after, he descended on the ground and took the pill. Sure enough, he felt his connection with his dantian disappearing. It was as if a wall had separated the two of them. Because of that, he couldn''t use his Spiritual Energy anymore.


    The men in black quickly descended by his side and locked the Master and Disciple with their Spiritual Energy. They didn''t even bother to seal Rean''s Spiritual Energy since a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator was simply powerless in front of them.


    "Objective achieved. Keep those two together as the old man requested. Let''s leave this shitty empire straight away."


    With that, the five of them pulled Droman and Rean together as they disappeared in the distance. Only then did the other cultivators and civilians come out again to talk about what had happened.


    Back in the Dalamu Sect, Mia had received Droman''s message. Sure enough, her face went immensely grim after checking it.

 Chapter 283 - Thats Enough

    Although she was angry that such a thing happened, she was also surprised. She thought that as long as Droman was present, that would be more than enough to stop anyone from trying to force their hands. She never expected that the enemy would send five Soul Transformation Realm cultivators, including a Peak Stage one.


    However, she didn''t call for a sect meeting. After all, Droman''s message was apparent. He was surrounded by five Soul Transformation Realm cultivators. None of the Nascent Soul Realm elders of the sect would be of much use there. In the Dalamu Sect, there were only four people capable of helping them.


    The first, obviously, was Mia herself. As mentioned in the past, people believed that Mia was at the Peak of the Soul Transformation Realm. In fact, they were wrong. Mia was at the Late Stage of the Soul Transformation Realm at the moment. Of course, considering her age, that was a huge achievement already.


    The second person was obviously Elder Reliance. Everyone knew that Reliance was only at the Peak of the Nascent Soul Realm. Still, his three Demon Beasts, Zunzun, Lanlan, and Jinjin, were Stage Six Beasts. Surprisingly, his Fire Tanager, the smallest of his Demon beasts, was the strongest in that bunch. Zunzun was a Late Stage Six Demon Beast, while Lanlan and Jinjin were at the Initial and Middle Stages, respectively.


    The third person was none other than Roan''s Alchemy Master, Old Worm. Old Worm was more or less like Reliance and his three hidden demon beasts, someone that almost no one knew about. Even Roan himself did not know Old Worm''s cultivation level. It should be no surprise to anyone that Old Worm''s path that allowed him to enter the Soul Transformation Realm was alchemy. Turns out that Old Worm had the highest Soul Transformation Realm cultivation in the sect.


    It was kind of funny. Both Rean and Roan''s Masters just so happened to have entered the Soul Transformation Realm thanks to their side occupations.


    Last but not least, the Dalamu Sect''s one and only Saint Realm cultivator, Mia''s master. However, that man rarely left the sect, so Mia wasn''t sure if he would move out now. In the end, she could only try.


    ''Master.''


    Somewhere in a secluded place in the sect, an old man opened his eyes.


    ''Hmm? What is it, Mia?''


    Mia then explained everything to him.


    ''Five Soul Transformation Realms together? That doesn''t sound like something the Royal Family of Jialin or the other Four Sects would do. Besides, our sect received the favor of the Imperial Family. Everyone knows that already. That being said, I doubt just any kind of force would try something like this.''


    Mia nodded.


    ''Indeed. If I''m not wrong, this is not a force from our empire. It was my mistake. I thought that Droman would be more than enough to keep Rean safe, but I never thought that others would come after Droman instead. Rean was basically involved in the mess.''


    Suddenly, a white-haired man appeared in front of Mia like a ghost.


    "Master! Are you going to act?"


    The man nodded.


    "I have no other choice. It''s not just because of Droman and Rean, but because I don''t think that those Soul Transformation Realm cultivators are the only ones involved. If they really came from another empire, there must be a supervisor watching over them. If you guys go along, I''m afraid that our Dalamu Sect might lose all our Soul Transformation Realm elders."


    Mia wasn''t surprised by that. In fact, she was ready to use the exact same argument. Fortunately, her Master noticed the issue even faster than she could.


    "Thank you, Master."


    "Hahaha! It''s time for Zuan Lamil to make an appearance in the outside world once again. Don''t worry, we will bring them back. Besides, leaving the empire isn''t simple. With their cultivations, those guys need to be careful on their way out. They absolutely won''t fly at full speed. Call the other elders capable of helping. We will need to act together to get the kid and Droman back."


    Mia nodded as she immediately called Old Worm, who was with Roan at that moment.


    "Hmm?"


    Old Worm then looked in a specific direction as his vision darkened. Right after, he looked at Roan.


    "Your brother got kidnapped, come."


    Roan was taken aback for a second. Still, those words were more than enough for him. He simply nodded and approached Old Worm. Soon after, his body was enveloped by Old Worm''s Spiritual Energy as he pulled Roan with him.


    Reliance was in the Beast Taming Faction, helping to train Kentucky. If not because of the Minokawa, Reliance would probably be somewhere else now. It was then that he received Mia''s message as well.


    "F.u.c.k!"


    He looked at Kentucky, who was eating a demon core, and thought.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/that''s-enough_50694143860596934 for visiting.


    ''Better leave it here since it would be too dangerous. Still, who the hell would attack Droman with five Soul Transformation Realm cultivators? Oh well, I can hear more from their corpses later.''


    Reliance then looked at the Fire Tanager and murmured something to him. Right after, Zunzun disappeared in a flash of red light into the distance. Obviously, Zunzun was going out to call Lanlan and Jinjin. Reliance didn''t wait, though. Instead, he went straight up to the mountain.


    It had been just one minute since Mia received Droman''s message, but everyone was already gathered in front of her.


    However, Mia''s eyes narrowed as she saw Roan. With his cultivation, there would be nothing he could do.


    "Elder Fauk, why did you bring his brother? He won''t be of any use in this matter."


    Old Worm shook his head in response.


    "He needs to know what is happening. It''s his right. We can simply leave him here after we are done talking."


    Roan, however, didn''t seem to be the least bit concerned with Rean''s situation. If anything, his only worry was he would die because Rean died as well. He wouldn''t panic or even have a change in expression because of it, though.


    Mia nodded after hearing Old Worm''s opinion. However, just as she was about to start the discussion, Roan stepped forward.


    "Do you know where they have gone?"


    Mia''s master was quite surprised that Roan didn''t feel intimidated in the presence of so many high-level cultivators. That was the strongest front that the Dalamu Sect could put, after all.


    Well, Mia, Reliance, and Old Worm didn''t think like that. All of them have had enough interactions with Roan to know that he simply doesn''t give a damn about things like that.


    Mia then shook her head.


    "No. But if we call a few favors and spread the net, there is a good chance that we might catch their trail."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he said.


    "That will take too long. Just bring me together. I know exactly where you can find those two."


    This time, everyone was really shocked by that statement.


    "How?"


    Roan then pointed at his own head.


    "The connection between Rean and I is not only to the point where we can exchange elements with one another. It doesn''t matter where the other goes. We can feel the average direction where we can find each other. At this very moment, this group you talked about is moving south-southwest. The closer we get to Rean, the more precise I can feel their location. As long as Droman and Rean are together, you will find Droman as well."


    That was great news for all of them. That meant that they wouldn''t need to ask for anyone''s help. Not to mention that the kidnappers probably thought about this possibility, so the truth was that they had little hope of finding them.


    "Since that''s the case, the matter is decided. Let''s go."


    Mia''s Master, Zuan Lamil, didn''t waste any time and enveloped everyone with his Spiritual Energy. It would be a lot faster if he brought them with him rather than letting them fly by themselves. Besides, at his cultivation level, bringing a few people and demon beasts with him didn''t spend any significant Spiritual Energy.


    Somewhere outside of the Dalamu Sect, Zunzun, Lanlan, and Jinjin were also caught by Zuan and brought together.


    On the way, Roan sent a Spiritual Sense message to Zuan Lamil.


    ''How far can a Saint Realm''s Spiritual Sense reach?''


    Zuan looked at him and then answered.


    ''So you noticed that I''m not a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator, huh? Anyway, it depends on the stage of cultivation and Soul Power. But generally, Initial Stage is up to around 100 kilometers, 150 for Middle, 200 for Late, and 300 for Peak.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''That''s enough.''

 Chapter 284 - Close

    Hearing that made Zuan puzzled.


    ''Why would it be enough?''


    Roan didn''t mind answering part of the reason.


    ''That''s because 300 kilometers is the maximum distance I can pinpoint the exact location of that idiot. Further than that, and I will only be able to show the general direction.''


    Zuan nodded.


    ''I see. It seems it''s not as simple as Spiritual Sense, right?''


    ''Correct. My Spiritual Sense is just slightly bigger than average. At the moment, it can only go as far as 250 meters.''


    Zuan''s mouth twitched. Just slightly? A peak Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator could only sense as far as 150 meters. The ones with superb soul power and talent might reach 200. But to think that this guy can see up to 250 f.u.c.k.i.n.g meters! It might mean nothing to Zuan''s actual level, but he was far from Roan''s range back when he was at the same level.


    Roan didn''t say anything about the teleport formation in the Dimensional Realm. It would be better to stay silent in case anything went wrong. Once he reached a distance close enough for the Soul Gem System to reconnect, he would check things with Rean first. The problem is that while the Soul Gem System was disconnected, neither he nor Rean can talk with each other or even Sister Orb.


    Back on Rean''s side, he and Droman had been in a passive state ever since the kidnapping. Droman was even feeling a little embarrassed at this point. After all, it was he who said that no one would try something like this. But look at the situation right now.


    ''Sorry. I''ll find a way to get at least you free.''


    Rean heard that but shook his head.


    ''It''s fine. The problem would have been if they had killed me. However, they seem to be dead set on getting your help. Because of that, they kept us together. Besides, help is already on the way.''


    Droman couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Are you sure your brother can feel your general location?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Yes. I can also feel Roan''s, and I can tell that he is quickly approaching.''


    Droman nodded as he pondered a bit.


    ''When I sent the message to Sect Master, I also told her the enemies'' cultivation level. That being said, Mia, Reliance, and Elder Fauk are probably coming as well. It''s our luck that Reliance is staying in the Sect because of Kentucky. Otherwise, things would be very complicated without his three demon beasts.''


    Rean got curious after hearing that.


    ''Old Worm? So, he''s really that strong?''


    Droman nodded.


    ''Indeed. Other than our Ancestor Zuan, Elder Fauk has the highest cultivation there. He is at the Peak of the Soul Transformation Realm. However, keep this fact a secret, okay? I''m only telling you because you will definitely see him in action once they arrive. Elder Fauk''s strength is also something that almost no one knows, just like Reliance''s Demon Beasts.''


    ''Who is Ancestor Zuan?''


    Only then did Droman remember that Rean had never seen the Sect''s ancestor.


    ''Oh. This part isn''t exactly a secret. All five sects and the Jialin Royal Family can only hold their power because of their ancestors. They are the only cultivators of Jialin at the Saint Realm.''


    Rean was surprised to hear that.


    ''Is this Ancestor coming as well? I hope he does because it will be necessary.''


    ''That... I don''t know. But why will it be necessary?''


    Rean smiled but didn''t explain. He had his Fourth Form of the Life Style, Hidden Radar. Because of that, he can tell that these five guys scouting them aren''t the full force. Since the very start, there was someone with an even stronger Spiritual Sense who had been following them in the shadows. For Rean, the stronger one''s Spiritual Sense, the easier it would be to detect. This guy''s one was as strong as Polian back in the Profound Abyss Entrance.


    Seeing that Rean didn''t want to answer, Droman changed the topic.


    ''Our problem at the moment is the fact that we are in their hands. They can use even you or me as a hostage to hold our Sect''s hands. It will make things complicated.''


    Rean narrowed his eyes. He did have a way to get both him and Droman out of there safely. However, that meant revealing the existence of the Dimensional Realm and the Teleport Formation to him. In fact, considering that Roan was also with the Sect Master and the others, they would also find out about it. At the moment, he wasn''t sure if he should do it or not.


    Ancestor Zuan was correct about one thing. The enemies were not flying as fast as they could. Instead, they were making their way out while keeping their presence as hidden as possible. They didn''t want to catch other high-level cultivators'' attention. After all, they did indeed come from another empire.


    Time passed, and almost half a day had gone by. Suddenly, Rean and Roan felt a jolt in their Souls. The connection with the Soul Gem System was recovered.


    [Hum? How come you two are so far away from the Sect? Wasn''t Roan supposed to stay behind?]


    Sure enough, Sister Orb''s words immediately echoed in their souls.


    Roan then looked at the elders around before saying.


    "Found Rean. He is exactly 300 kilometers away from us."


    Roan then had everyone slow down until they reached the same traveling speed as Rean''s group. With that, they would stay out of the enemy''s sight and Spiritual Sense ranges while he and Rean talked.


    As he did that, he contacted Rean straight away.


    ''Hey, Nightingale, still alive?''


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    ''At least more alive than you had ever been.''


    ''Whatever. Both me and Droman are fine. However, what do you think we should do? If I enter the Soul Gem Realm now, I can escape on my own, but I don''t want to leave Droman behind.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''That''s the problem here. If you do that and teleport to where I am with the Circuitry Teleport Formation, Sect Master and the others will definitely ask how we did it. However, being in the middle of a battle of this level would have us killed if a single mishap occurs.''


    Roan then continued.


    ''However, I thought about a way to do it and trick everyone. The problem is, you will need to find a way to keep Droman in the dark for a few seconds.''


    Rean thought about it for a moment and nodded.


    ''Don''t worry, I know an excellent way of doing it. In fact, he will stay in the dark for much longer than just a few seconds. By the way, what''s your plan?''


    Roan was surprised that Rean could pull that off. However, he didn''t waste time asking what he would do. Instead, he explained the plan.


    ''I will get a random item from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and pretend that it is some kind of teleport device that we found in an inheritance. I will also cover it with my Dark Element so that they can''t see what it is. After that, you and Droman will teleport to where we are as I destroy it.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/close_50694192447415151 for visiting.


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Isn''t it way too convenient? Do you think the elders will believe it?''


    Ron snorted in response.


    ''What is there to doubt about? They will see you and Droman appearing by our side in a second. It doesn''t matter how suspicious they are. They can only believe it.''


    Rean found it too ridiculous. But he had to admit that the Sect Master and the others would have no other choice other than to believe it. After all, would they come to the conclusion that Rean and Roan had a Dimensional Realm with a Teleport Formation just for the two of them? Now, that would be even harder to believe.


    ''Alright. Tell me when you''re ready.''


    Roan nodded.


    After that, he asked everyone to stop for a second and took out a Rank Three Spirit Stone from his bag. Of course, he covered it in Dark Element so that no one could see what it was. All they could tell is that Roan was holding something that had Spiritual Energy inside.


    "What is it?"


    Roan smiled as he answered.


    "That''s Rean and Droman''s pass out of that situation. I didn''t want to use it, but it seems like I can''t take risks here."


    Not long after, Roan gave Rean the signal to start.

 Chapter 285 - Friends from Afar

    Rean heard that and took a Rank Three Spirit Stone from the Dimensional Realm into his hand. His bag with his items had been taken away from him, after all. Still, it appeared inside his hand, so no one noticed.


    He then sent Elder Droman a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Elder Droman, you will feel your body being pulled away for a second. Do not resist it, okay?''


    Droman was puzzled by that message. Still, he trusted Rean, so he nodded.


    Right after, both twins'' hair colors changed into a mix of Black and White. Rean then controlled the Dark Element he was getting from Roan to spread it around him and Droman. Droman''s cultivation was sealed. Because of that, he couldn''t use anything Spiritual Energy related. Even his Spiritual Sense couldn''t go more than a few meters away, which was more than enough for Rean. The black energy he gathered around them completely sealed Droman''s Vision and Spiritual Sense.


    The enemies around Rean immediately noticed the change and stopped.


    "Brat, what are you doing?!"


    However, before they could do anything...


    *Vup!*


    Rean and Droman disappeared into thin air!


    "What?!"


    Back on Roan''s side, the Dark Elements he summoned around the Spirit Stone increased in size several times, which made everyone around him puzzled. As Roan did that, a message appeared in Rean and Roan''s head.


    [Saving a Coordinate will cost 100 Destiny Points.]


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    ''Yes!''


    [Purchase Confirmed.]


    [Saving Coordinates.]


    [Coordinates Saved.]


    Roan''s Black Energy also covered the cube that the Soul Gem System summoned outside. However, he couldn''t hide the ripples of energy. Let alone the elders, even Zuan, was shocked by that strange energy. After all, that was a Circuitry Formation that didn''t exist in the outside world. But in the end, they still felt that it was quite familiar in some ways.


    "Isn''t that similar to when we use a Teleportation Formation?"


    "It is indeed. What is the thing in Roan''s hands?"


    "How would I know? Let''s just wait and see what will happen."


    Back inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, a cloud of black energy suddenly appeared right above the Teleport Formation in the center. That Cloud was obviously Rean and Droman. Because of the Dark Element around them, Droman couldn''t see or feel anything with the little Spiritual Energy he still had.


    Sister Orb was already waiting for them. Roan had her put the Spirit Stones necessary for teleport in the formation, so it was ready to go. That being said, Rean and Droman didn''t even have time to hit the ground before the Circuitry Teleportation Formation activated.


    *Vup!*


    Only a second passed in the Dimensional Realm before Rean and Droman disappeared once more.


    *Vup!*


    Sure enough, a Cloud of Black Energy appeared right beside Roan. It had the same shape and size as the one he summoned himself. That was Rean''s plan. With Droman''s cultivation sealed, he could completely lock Droman''s senses with Dark Element alone.


    *Crack, Shatter!*


    *Crack, Shatter!*


    Immediately after, everyone heard the sound of something crumbling. Of course, those were the two Spirit Stones that Rean and Roan had in their hands, the decoys. As the Spirit Stones'' dust was carried away by the wind, the Cloud of Black Energy disappeared as well. From inside, Rean and Droman appeared in front of everyone.


    "What?!"


    "How did they do that?"


    "Was that the thing that Roan was holding?"


    "It must be!"


    Rean and Roan didn''t seem happy, though. Their expressions made one think that they had received a tremendous loss.


    "Sigh... Our only Pinpoint Teleport Stones, gone, just like that..."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "There is no helping it. Didn''t we save them for a moment like this? They have served their purpose. It was a lot better than staying in the enemy''s hands as hostages."


    The elders and even Droman wanted to ask something else, but Zuan immediately stopped them.


    "We can ask questions later."


    Right after, he put his hand on Rean and Droman''s shoulders to check their conditions. Rean didn''t have anything wrong with his body. However, Zuan quickly found the blockage in Droman''s Dantian.


    "Hmph!"


    A powerful wave of Spiritual Energy then entered Droman''s body and crushed the barrier around Droman''s Dantian. It wasn''t poison, but more like a Spiritual Energy restriction. With Zuan''s Spiritual Energy strength, it was more than enough to shatter it with brute force.


    Right after, Droman felt his Spiritual Energy running around his body once again.


    "Great! Thank you, Ancestor Zuan."


    Zuan nodded as he looked at the direction their group was moving a second ago.


    "The enemy is in that direction, right?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Yes. But now that Rean returned, I can''t tell where they are anymore."


    Zuan snorted in response.


    "That''s all I need to know."


    He then looked at Reliance.


    "Ask Lanlan to bring Rean and Roan back to the sect. The rest of us, we can''t possibly go back to the sect without giving our visitors a departing gift, don''t you think?"


    All the elders'' eyes turned cold as they nodded.


    Reliance then talked with Lanlan, the enormous centipede. Lanlan simply nodded and opened its mouth. Before Rean and Roan could even react, it immediately swallowed the twins. A second later, Lanlan descended from the skies and entered the ground. It decided to tunnel its way back to the sect. Even a Saint Realm cultivator would have a lot of difficulties stopping it.


    As it tunneled its way back, Rean and Roan heard Lanlan''s Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Hehe! Don''t worry, I will not digest you. Master just told me to deliver you back to the sect''s entrance. Well, we are underground, so it will take some time. You two might as well sit down and cultivate for the time being.''


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    ''Thank you, Sister Lanlan.''


    The centipede was taken aback.


    ''Sister? Hahaha! Now, that''s a way no one has called me before. Anyway, you are safe with me here. As for Master and the others, there is no need to think about them either.''


    Back on Elder Zuan''s side, he quickly grabbed everyone with his Spiritual Energy and disappeared in a flash. As for their enemies, they were still looking around with their Spiritual Senses, but they couldn''t find anything. However, it wasn''t just the five Soul Transformation Realm cultivators there anymore. Other than them, another cultivator with black clothes and using a technique to hide his face appeared. That was the cultivator Rean and Zuan talked about, the Saint Realm enemy.


    "Where the hell did they go?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/friends-from-afar_50694206959703120 for visiting.


    "Forget it! They probably had some treasure that teleported them away."


    "If they had that, why didn''t they use it until now?"


    "Maybe they were waiting for something?"


    Suddenly, a powerful Spiritual Sense fell over everyone. The Saint Realm leader then looked in a particular direction and immediately understood.


    "F.u.c.k! They didn''t teleport before because they were being tracked down! We can''t stay in Sasamil Empire anymore."


    It was then that a laugh entered everyone''s minds.


    "Hahaha! Leaving already? How could you do that? You still haven''t enjoyed this old man''s hospitality, you know? What about staying for a bit longer?"


    As soon as that happened, an enormous fireball appeared above everyone there. Not only that, but the Wind Element fueled it, making it even more terrifying. Ancestor Zuan''s Elemental Affinity was Fire, but he had also achieved superb control over the Wind Element at his level. Someone like Silo, Calina''s dead guardian, could only kneel down to it.


    The enemy''s Saint Realm cultivator narrowed his eyes and acted. A Yellow Light came out of his body as Earth Element gathered like torrents. Right after, an enormous Earth Shield, which was as tough as a Heaven Level Metal, was shot against the descending Fireball.


    *Boom!*


    The shockwave made even the Soul Transformation Realm cultivators on the enemies'' side find it hard to keep their balance in the air.


    Right after, Ancestor Zuan arrived with everyone else. Mia and the others didn''t need his orders. They immediately started their attacks against the enemies'' Soul Transformation Realm cultivators as soon as they appeared.


    However, they didn''t seem to be going all out. Instead, they began to play it very safe. Still, that was terrible news for the enemies. The enemy''s Saint Realm cultivator knew very well what they wanted to achieve.


    ''They are trying to create a commotion to attract the nearby powers here. The longer we wait, the more disadvantageous it will become.''


    However, he didn''t have much time to think. That''s because Zuan came at him like a cannonball.


    "Friend from far away, let''s play, shall we?!"


    *Boom, boom, boom...*


    Immediately, the place turned into a battlefield. Still, the Saint Realm leader sent a Spiritual Sense Message to everyone.


    ''Disengage! We can''t stay here for longer.''


    Like that, the battle became a cat and mouse situation bound to extend for several countries worth of distance.

 Chapter 286 - Speed Up?

    In the end, Zuan and the other Soul Transformation Realm cultivators of the Dalamu Sect were able to take two of the kidnappers down. That was because the commotion from the pursuit ended up catching the attention of other cultivators at a similar level. Still, the rest ended up escaping, including the Saint Realm enemy.


    Later on, when the Sect Master and the others came back to the Sect, they said something that didn''t make Rean and Roan the least bit happy. It turned out that the two cultivators that died were most likely from the Chrole Empire. Or at least, they had traces of the people from there, which was basically the fact that they had blond hair, just like Calina. Only Empires from the north shared this kind of trait. Of course, that didn''t mean that once couldn''t find blond-haired people outside there. However, they were relatively rare.


    Unfortunately, Zuan''s group couldn''t get any information from those two since they died. It was not because they were killed, but because once they noticed that they couldn''t escape anymore, they took their own life.


    Still, the fact that the Imperial Family was thinking about invading Chrole was a secret for most of the people. That being said, Rean and Roan couldn''t bring up the issue about the possible war against them to their Sect Master and the elders. In the end, they just participated in that meeting to give their opinions. The twins would have to wait until the Dalamu Sect found it out by itself.


    As for the ''Teleport Item'' that Rean and Roan used, they simply said that it was something related to an inheritance they found a long time ago. However, they weren''t willing to share more details than that. In fact, Mia and the others thought that it was something like that. After all, who would give the twins such impressive teleport stones which could be used without preparation? Unless, of course, the twins had a background that no one knew. Naturally, that was even harder to believe than an inheritance.


    Mia also resolved to give them a vote of confidence since it was thanks to those stones that they could get Droman back. One must not forget that the enemy wasn''t after Rean or Roan, but Droman instead. Wasn''t it because of the twins that Droman was rescued without any risks? The twins had this kind of card to play.


    Later, Zuan and Mia finished their meeting and let the twins and other elders go, leaving only the two behind them.


    Zuan knew his disciple well, so he was the first one to talk.


    "What? Do you think this is also related to what you told me about the Profound Abyss events?"


    Mia nodded.


    "Master also heard what Roan said before, right? What''s the most powerful weapon in a large-scale battle? Communication! Now, we had an entire group, including a Saint Realm expert, come after Droman. They were also from another Empire, which means that they have eyes in the Sasamil Empire''s Capital. I can''t help but think that everything is related somehow. Every time the twins are involved, something out of the ordinary happens, after all. Even though Droman was the target, Rean was the real author of the Router and Communication formations."


    Zuan then shrugged his shoulders before saying.


    "Why don''t you simply lock the twins inside the Sect for some time, then? That would ensure their safety in case you are worried. However, you aren''t worried about them, right? It''s Malaka instead. You know how much she likes her brothers. That''s why you don''t want anything to happen to them."


    Mia couldn''t help but sigh. Even though she didn''t say anything, her Master saw right through her.


    "Well, it''s not like I don''t care about the twins at all. They did bring a lot of fortune to our Sect as well. I can''t just ignore their wishes either."


    Zuan nodded.


    "It''s fine. As for this war that you are worried about, it''s just too early to think about it. We can''t even guarantee that those guys were really from Chrole. Even if they are, since they committed suicide, the Chrole Empire could simply deny knowing anything about that. Other than that, you should think of a way to keep Droman safe instead. From the looks of it, they only believe that Droman was responsible for the creation of the Communication and Router Formations. Then again, that''s understandable. After all, we never told the Imperial Family about Rean''s involvement in it."


    Mia agreed with her Master.


    "Master, do you think I should ask for the protection of the Imperial Family? After all, we can''t keep Droman in the Sect since he needs to work on the communication system. Especially now that the other Formation Elders that knew about it are dead. He needs to train a few others to help him with it, which can''t be done in the Sect alone. Besides, there''s a chance that he will need to bring Rean out with him as well. Next time, I doubt they will hear his wishes to keep Rean alive or bring him with Droman."


    Zuan narrowed his eyes as he thought about it. Indeed, Rean wasn''t a target in the Communication System''s case since almost no one knew of his involvement. However, if they really called for an expert at the Saint Realm of the Imperial Family to look over it, Rean''s abilities were bound to be found. It''s not like it was a bad thing, but the problem was that they didn''t report it to the Imperial Family either. They couldn''t tell if the Imperial Family would blame them or try to woo Rean over to their side. Perhaps, even both were possible.


    In the end, Zuan sighed as he said.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/speed-up_50724775047260280 for visiting.


    "Seems like I have no other choice. Anyway, with the Dalamu Sect''s Formation, you shouldn''t have problems in defending it even if I''m out. I''ll take the responsibility of looking over Droman''s safety for the next few years. That should be enough for everyone to learn about any possible upgrade Droman and Rean make. Droman should be safe once that happens."


    Mia nodded.


    "Thank you, Master. With you there, I doubt someone will try to take Droman again."


    Zuan nodded and then left the room. He would simply keep an eye on Droman and follow him in the shadows once he needed to work in the Communication System outside again.


    On Rean and Roan''s side, their conversation was even more heated. After all, they did know that Chrole and Sasamil were the two main characters in this war they were involved in.


    ''Seems like you''re right. The Empire really wanted the Communication System built as fast as possible because of Chrole. Chrole noticed the changes happening here and went out to find a way to gain the advantage. In the end, they came after the creator of the communication system, but thought it was Droman.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''But it wasn''t all that bad. At least now we are sure that the Sect really didn''t say anything about me to the Imperial Family. I just so happened to be with Droman at that time.''


    ''By the way, do you think that it will speed up the Emperor selection?''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''I don''t think so. We are talking about Empires here. Do you think that the Imperial Family would be idiotic enough to think that there are spies around? Let alone Chrole, there should be a few spies of each Empire in all the Empire Capitals in this world. Although they came for Droman, who is at the Soul Transformation Realm, it was quite a harsh decision. It wasn''t totally impossible. We are at the same point here, with just a few years before things start to heat up.''


    As the two talked, Rean received a Spiritual Sense message from Droman.


    ''Rean, we will depart to continue the project tomorrow.''


    Rean narrowed his eyes before asking.


    ''Is it really okay? We just received an attack, you know?''


    ''It''s fine. I just received a message from Mia saying that she already took care of our safety. If I''m not wrong, Ancestor Zuan will probably be watching over us from now on. Besides, we had already finished Version 1.2 of the Router Formation. We just need to rebuild it to make a few more tests.''


    Rean didn''t mind.


    ''Alright, then. I''ll come by tomorrow. However, I can''t spend too long out. After all, I need to cultivate as well, and you know that I need to stay close to Roan for it to be effective.''


    Droman accepted that.


    ''No problem. Once we finish rebuilding it, I''ll bring you back straight away. Oh, right! Make sure to study well. I''ll also use our free time to teach you Formations.''

 Chapter 287 - Check That Thing

    Things seemed to calm down after the last event. No one tried anything against Droman and Rean anymore. Roan also passed his days in the Sect practicing alchemy or winning and losing a few battles in the Inner Sect ranking fights. Of course, there was that single day in the week where he would appear in the Blue Orchid District to bea- train the girls and Julio.


    After a few times, the girls and Julio noticed that Roan seemed to be picking on Calina. However, they only thought that it was because Calina was the only one who could force his hands more than any other. Calina, of course, began to be afraid of that special day in the week. It wasn''t as if she never landed any hit on Roan. But what she achieved so far seemed so lackl.u.s.ter in comparison that she couldn''t even tell if she was advancing or not.


    It was only after Roan ordered Calina to fight four of her sisters in the Blue Orchid District that she finally felt the difference. Although it was by a hair, she was still able to achieve victory. All the girls knew that Calina was more talented than them, but she was improving way too fast!


    Roan nodded after seeing that, satisfied.


    "That''s more or less it for you in the Blue Orchid District. From now on, you will do two things. First, take missions. The harder, the better. You needed to go through life and death experiences, or you will get stuck at some point. Second, go enter the Inner Sect. The people there are a much better fit for your current level."


    Roan then looked at Amanda.


    "In fact, you should try the Inner Sect as well. You are definitely stronger than the last 100. I don''t know why you are still here."


    Amanda was a little surprised that Roan thought that about her.


    "I didn''t expect that you thought that about me."


    Roan didn''t mind her response, replying.


    "Other than this Illia girl, you are definitely the strongest here. However, you should know this already. Is there any specific reason for you to stay? It''s not like Inner Sect disciples can''t choose to live in the Outer Sect. If you just don''t wish to leave, you can simply stay here."


    Amanda shook her head.


    "I will enter the Inner Sect, but I decided to do that once I enter the Core Formation Realm. At least, I''ll be able to go much further through the ranks instead of staying at the bottom."


    Roan didn''t think that it was necessary. Still, since she decided to do that, then so be it.


    "Anyway, I''m finished here today. Illia, don''t forget to revise what I passed on to you."


    Roan didn''t even wait for an answer before disappearing.


    On Rean''s side, he and Droman finished installing Version 1.2 of the Router Formation. Now, Droman changed his focus to expanding the Communication System so they could hold a real stress test. After all, there wasn''t enough information passing through it to test the limits of their creation.


    At some point, Droman went to the other Sects and the Jialin Royal Family, asking to connect their already made networks with the Dalamu Sect. In exchange, he would pass them their actual Router Formation blueprints for them to build it. The Sects and the Royal Family gladly accepted it.


    Just like that, time continued to pass. Rean and Roan were finally able to stabilize their foundations and returned to cultivating at full speed. The good thing was the extra Rank Three Spirit Stones they got from the Profound Abyss event, which helped them even more.


    However, they were not the first ones to reach the limit of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Instead, it was Calina who got there first. At some point, she went to the cultivator tower and started her breakthrough. Roan decided to be there as well. Since her cultivation technique also relied on Yin Energy, he could help her with it.


    The next day, Calina returned to the Inner Sect, which she had already entered as Roan solicited. When she appeared there, she immediately started to issue challenges to higher level cultivators. The reason was obvious, with her finally entering the Core Formation Realm. With the boost in power, she could finally go up in the ranks again.


    However, what she really wanted to try was to challenge Roan. She was already stronger than Core Formation Realm cultivators at her level. She wanted to see if she could finally teach the corpse a lesson.


    Roan, of course, saw no reason to decline. Calina''s progress was directly linked to his life. He was more than willing to see how much she changed after the breakthrough.


    "Alright, let''s start."


    Calina and Roan''s battle caught a lot of attention that day. After all, Roan was used to trashing those at the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. However, Calina really gave him a run for his money. Although Roan won in the end, it wasn''t as easy as it always was for him.


    Others might be impressed that Calina forced Roan that much, but unfortunately, she wasn''t the least bit happy.


    "So annoying! I''m already at the Core Formation Realm. How come I still can''t win?"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Simple. I''m stronger. Still, you did much better than the other Initial Stage Core Formation Realm cultivators of the Inner Sect. It seems like all the training I gave you was not for naught. You''ve begun to think ahead, always expect a counter-attack, not freeze up when something goes wrong, and son. Even I had some difficulty in taking you down. You should be proud of yourself. If you were in the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm, it would be a draw, or I would have lost."


    "Don''t worry. You certainly improved a lot, but there is a lot of room for growing. I told you, didn''t I? I will make you the Empress. For that, you have to show a talent higher than your brothers. That''s the only way of being recognized by the actual Emperor."


    Calina couldn''t help but feel a little fl.u.s.tered by that. Every time he talked about her becoming an Empress, the scene where she fell into his embrace would surface in her mind.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/check-that-thing_50724804558387408 for visiting.


    "That''s enough for now. I came to ask you something."


    Calina''s interest was immediately piqued.


    "It''s not every day you ask for something. Say it, I''ll do what I can."


    Roan nodded and then explained.


    "I would like to ask for you to reconsider passing your cultivation technique to Malaka. In the end, this enormous quantity of Yin Energy that you get from it is better than her actual technique. I know that it is one of the Imperial Family''s techniques, but there should be something I can do in exchange for it."


    Calina sighed as she shook her head.


    "Forget it. I''ll give it to Malaka."


    Roan was a little surprised by that.


    "You were quite adamant about not doing it in the past. What changed now?"


    Calina then explained.


    "To be honest, I couldn''t bring myself to totally believe you guys before. Because of that, I always had some reservations. But it is clear to me now that you really want to help me. Malaka had always tried to do what she could to cheer me up. Rean also healed my injuries every time things went bad. He only doesn''t do more because he can''t help me with training as much as you do. Since you have all done so much for me already, I might as well go all in."


    Roan''s expression didn''t change at all.


    "Wasn''t that obvious? We asked you to trust us, but you did that out of pure necessity. There was nothing wrong with keeping your guard up. In fact, if you really did, then you would hardly be fit for the position of Empress. Seems like you aren''t completely helpless after all."


    For some reason, Calina didn''t feel bad about Roan''s last words. It was more like if he didn''t throw stones at you, that wouldn''t really be him.


    "Just remember. No one can know that I passed that technique to Malaka."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he pondered. Mia would definitely notice if Malaka changed her cultivation all of a sudden. The hard part was to convince Calina, which was done, but keeping Mia in the dark wouldn''t be easy either.


    It was then that he had an idea.


    ''Seems like it is time to go check that thing. It will serve as the perfect excuse.''

 Chapter 288 - Most Expensive Purchase

    Roan was thinking about the Jade Slip the twins got back in the Jiran Forest. They didn''t dare to enter it in the past because it had Stage Four Demon Beasts. In fact, even now, entering it at their level was not a good idea at all. Not to mention that Juri said that there were rumors of even Stage Five Deamon Beasts existing in there.


    However, Rean and Roan were planning to enter the Core Formation Realm pretty soon. Once they do that and put all their abilities together, their average strength should shoot up significantly. With Rean''s Enhancement and Roan''s Shadow Steps, they should at least be able to escape if necessary. Of course, that was only in the case of Stage Four Demon Beasts. If a Stage Five Beast appeared, the story would undoubtedly change.


    Still, Roan wasn''t in the mood to wait for the time they could safely do everything. After all, it would not serve as training at all. In his eyes, the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm was a perfect choice. They could test their own increase in power and experience real Life and Death combat.


    However, it was then that Calina asked Roan.


    "Are you worried about Malaka''s Master finding out that she changed her cultivation technique?"


    Roan nodded, not minding too much.


    "It''s not really a worry. Mia will definitely notice it straight away. After that, she will ask Malaka how she got it. Obviously, she will find out about you sooner or later. After all, the amount of Yin Energy in your body is very high. Zaia most likely already got someone to check your identity, which is safe because of the Zafa Bank. However, Mia is a lot sharper than Zaia. She might, no, she will get very suspicious."


    Calina shrugged her shoulders.


    "In that case, I just need to give it to Malaka in the open. What I said is that others can''t know the technique itself. I''ve never said that others can''t know that I passed it to someone."


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    "Chances are that Mia will ask Malaka to show it to her. After all, she is Malaka''s Master. She has the right to be worried that Malaka might be cultivating something bad. Besides, this would make a lot of people jealous as well."


    Calina couldn''t help but sigh.


    "Why does everything have to be this complicated? Fine, I will give a copy to Mia as well. As the Sect Master, she should be able to at least keep her word, right? I just need to ask her to not spread it."


    Roan looked at Calina.


    "How come this secret technique of the Imperial Family doesn''t seem that secret anymore? Aren''t you being way too open all of a sudden? Just because she is the Sect Master doesn''t mean that she won''t spread it, you know? Where did you get your confidence from?"


    Calina got angry.


    "Can''t you just decide already?! Do you want me to do it or not?!"


    Roan could only nod in the end.


    "Fine, let''s do as you say. I hate to admit it, but it''s true that Mia has a habit of keeping her words. As long as you say that it''s part of the techniques of your Family, it should be okay. If she asks why you decide to give it to them, just say that you wanted to. After all, you and Malaka are already back to that ''best buddies'' behavior, just like in the Profound Abyss."


    Calina finally smiled. She felt like she finally won an argument against Roan, which was quite rare.


    "By the way, Malaka and I are going out for a mission in a week again."


    "I know. You two are doing well like that. I checked with the Missions Hall. The two of you have been selecting pretty hard missions. That''s a good way to test your strengths. However, don''t exaggerate. Challenging Missions and Suicide Missions are entirely different."


    Calina laughed as she said.


    "Don''t worry, I''m not an idiot."


    With that, Roan finished his talk with Calina and left. However, even though Calina resolved the issue of ''secrecy'' herself, his plan to visit the Jade Slip location was not canceled. He wanted to see what was being kept in there. Well, Roan also knew that considering their resources now, whatever it is that was hidden there might not be that impressive.


    Later, he told his plan to Rean as well.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/most-expensive-purchase_50724855041028353 for visiting.


    "Are you sure about that? If Tribe Leader Juri''s words are true, we really could end up bumping into a Stage Five Demon Beast, you know?"


    Roan nodded.


    "So what? It''s no different compared to when we went to gather those ginsengs. We entered the middle of a war where we could have found someone we would be helpless against. Still, did we stop? Just focus on cultivating so we can breakthrough in the next two months."


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right. They got into quite a few situations where danger was at every corner. This would just be one more of them.


    Later on, Calina passed her cultivation technique to Malaka, who also gave a copy to Mia. When questioned, she spoke what Roan suggested. Malaka was her best friend in the Sect, so she wanted to help her. She went even further and said that this technique of her Family wasn''t really super-secret. As long as one got the connections and paid the price, her clan didn''t mind passing it out.


    Mia looked at the technique and had to admit that it was incredible. However, she also knew that ''Illia'' was supposed to be a daughter of the Fosk Clan. From what she knew, a clan as powerful as that one would indeed have something like this. It couldn''t compare to the Nine Subordinate Clans of the Imperial Family. However, it was still more powerful than her Dalamu Sect.


    Mia then got into a dilemma. She wanted to pry more about ''Illia''s'' sudden decision of passing this technique to them. However, she also couldn''t help but feel tempted by it. Her Master had a similar technique. However, it was only compatible with Fire Element users, so she couldn''t use it.


    "What do you want in exchange for it?"


    Illia shook her head.


    "This is for Malaka. All I ask is that Sect Master doesn''t spread it. I''m only passing it to you since you would be worried if Malaka suddenly changed her technique. Well, there is also the fact that my punishment wouldn''t be that bad if my elders find about it. It''s a risk that I don''t mind taking."


    Mia nodded but still insisted.


    "I''m glad that you think like that. I will not even investigate further since this technique is crucial to both my disciple and me. Still, I feel bad to just obtain it for free. Zaia told me that you entered the Sect because of resources, right? Let''s do it like this. I''ll give you free access to the cultivation tower from now on. That way, you won''t need Sect Points anymore. Of course, I don''t think that it is enough to pay for a technique like this, so I''ll let you take 100 Rank Three Spirit Stones from the treasure every month as well. No need to pay."


    Calina was indeed planning to give the technique for free. However, she wasn''t surprised that Mia decided to pay so much for it. She knew better than anyone else good it was. After all, it was one of the Imperial Family''s Manuals. If anything, Mia''s payment wasn''t even close to being worth the technique. Nonetheless, getting to receive something when you decided to give it for free wasn''t bad at all. Not to mention that those Spirit Stones would indeed be of great help.


    Things continued to move at a smooth pace. Just as Calina mentioned, she and Malaka began to go out on missions every now and then together.


    Rean and Roan also continued to practice their own things. Droman had finally given Rean the title of an Earth Middle-Level Formations Master. As for Roan, he caught up to Rean''s Blacksmith level, reaching the Earth High-Level Alchemist rank under Old Worm''s guidance.


    Of course, there was another thing that didn''t stop. Destiny Points! In the end, Rean and Roan decided to play it safe. Because of that, they didn''t expend a single point of it for half a year! Why? Because they wanted to buy the next level of the Soul Connection Upgrade, which was Level 3! The thing with the highest price at the moment, 5000 Destiny Points!


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 3 �C 5000 Destiny Points]


    [Destiny Points Balance: 5237]


    [Confirm the Purchase?]


    "Yes!"


    [Initiating Upgrade.]


    As the Soul Gem System worked, Rean and Roan also discussed something else with Sister Orb.


    "Sister Orb, how''s our cultivation so far? Do you think we already reached the limit of what we can do at the Peak Stage of Foundation Establishment?"


    Rean and Roan wanted to enter the Core Formation Realm too!

 Chapter 289 - Core Formation Realm and an Extra...

    After hearing that, Sister Orb analyzed the Twins'' Dantians.


    [Not bad... You two did well. This Last Stage of the Foundation Establishment took you a lot more than any of the previous stages. However, that was because you two didn''t have enough time to wait for your Late Stage to mature appropriately.]


    Sister Orb continued.


    [Fortunately, there''s no danger of a Universal Restraint approaching anytime soon, so you took your time to stabilize your foundations naturally. After you finished stabilizing your foundations, you had a lot of Rank Three Spirit Stones to use as well. So far, it seems like your foundations are in the best condition. As for the limit you talked about, I think it is already good enough.]


    Rean and Roan nodded, satisfied. They had followed Sister Orb''s instructions to the letter. After half a year, they had to admit, they also felt like their foundations were back to their prime conditions. They acc.u.mulated enough energy for their breakthrough as well. Their Pools of Spiritual Energy couldn''t be fuller at the moment as they both brimmed with energy.


    "Good! Once the Soul Connection is finished upgrading, we will make our Core Formation Realm breakthroughs as well."


    As soon as they finished saying that, the Soul Gem System announced.


    [Ugrade to Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 3 Completed.]


    Rean and Roan didn''t even need that announcement. They could feel it through their Soul Connection to the Soul Gem Orb. From now on, they would be able to use the Teleport Formation up to 3000 kilometers!


    Sister Orb then warned the two.


    [Don''t forget, Rank Three Spirit Stones can only teleport you two up to a thousand kilometers. Anything above that will need Rank Four Spirit Stones instead.]


    Rean and Roan nodded. They could only teleport 300 km before. Now they can at least guarantee 1000. That was already an excellent upgrade. Besides, it''s not like they couldn''t acquire Rank Four Spirit Stones in the future.


    "Let''s not waste our time. I want to go check that Jade Slip location and test our strength at the Core Formation Realm."


    Rean and Roan then left the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and went straight up to the Cultivation Tower in the Inner Sect. As one could imagine, the Energy Gathering Formations in this place were even better than the tower in the outer sect. The best thing was their free pass into it without the need of Sect Points.


    As soon as they took a room each, they began to place the Rank Three Spirit Stones in the formations. Only then did they sit and contacted the Dimensional Realm.


    ''Sister Orb, we are done here. Now then, how do we go around with this Universe Essence you asked us to keep?''


    [The Core Formation Realm is just like the name implies. You two will need to form a Core of Energy that later will lodge part of your souls. However, let''s leave the soul thing aside. After all, that will only happen once you breakthrough into the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Let''s concentrate on creating the Cores here.]


    [Normal Cores would be formed with the same element as the cultivator''s Elemental Affinity. For example, Malaka and Calina will form a Water Core in the future. However, your Foundations have 10 pillars, with the tenth pillar being of the opposite Element of your Elemental Affinity. The Cores of your Core Formation Realm will follow a similar principle. Although they will be mostly formed with your Main Element, you will carry a trace of the other''s element too. That is all for the sake of balance between your elemental exchange.]


    [To form the Core, you need a foundation for it. As for the Foundation, it will be the 10 Pillars. Well, that''s why it was called the Foundation Establishment Realm. The more pillars you created when you entered the Foundation Establishment Realm, the better it will be once you start building your Core.]


    Roan couldn''t help but say.


    ''Cut to the chase. All these steps are already described in the Yin Yang Cultivation Manuals. We also know about the constant exchange of elements while building the Cores as well. Tell us about how to use the Universe Essence.''


    [There is no harm in reviewing the steps, you know? Anyway, once you start pouring your elements into the Core, mix them with the Universe Essence. It will naturally add to the Core''s shell. Don''t forget, it won''t make you stronger. It will only make it harder to break and slightly increase the Spiritual Energy absorption. Of course, those two alone are already very good.]


    Rean and Roan nodded before starting the breakthrough. They weren''t afraid of something going wrong with the normal process of the breakthrough. After all, the Yin Yang Manuals of the Soul Gem System had always been flawless in that regard. They were only worried that the Universe Essence might have some effect or make things different.


    Rean and Roan''s Foundations had one extra pillar than the best foundations known by others, the Light and Dark Element Pillars. Rean had a Dark Element Pillar, while Roan had the Light one. These two pillars were located right in the middle of the Spiritual Pool, surrounded by the nine neutral ones.


    When the breakthrough started, the nine surrounding neutral pillar bases began to move in the Elemental Pillar''s position in the center. The place where the Elemental Pillars were located was also where the Core would start to form. Usually, it would be empty, but Rean and Roan''s Elemental Pillars were there.


    ''There comes the painful part.''


    Rean and Roan gritted their teeth and waited. Suddenly, the speed that the nine neutral pillars moved had increased.


    *Bang!*


    It was then that all nine in each of the twins'' foundations smashed against their Elemental Pillars. It was already incredibly excruciating when Rean and Roan broke the shell of their dantians to expose the ten pillars outside. Let alone now that one of them was being destroyed.


    Their Dark and Light Pillars then began to crack as the Twins let out tons of cold sweat due to the pain it caused. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/core-formation-realm-and-an-extra..._50724910875605574 for visiting.


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    *Shatter!*


    Finally, the Elemental Pillars couldn''t hold it anymore and were shattered into pieces. There was no helping it. According to the Yin Yang Cultivation Manuals, Rean and Roan would need to use the Elemental Pillars as the energy necessary to create the Light and Dark Cores. Rean''s Dark Pillar would be used in his Light Elemental Core, while Roan''s Light Pillar would be used in his Dark Elemental one. That''s what Sister Orb mentioned by creating something similar to the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    With the pillars destroyed, the space at the center of the Spiritual Pool was finally free. With that, the Spiritual Energy in the pool began to gather at the center. Not only that, but the fragments of the Light and Dark Pillars also joined in the party.


    Rean and Roan didn''t stop either. They gathered and exchanged Dark and Light Elements with the Rank Three Spirit Stones'' and the Energy Gathering Formation''s support. Obviously, they mixed the little bit of Universe Essence they got some time ago into it.


    Fortunately, the twins seemed to have underestimated the manuals created by the Soul Gem System. That''s because once they started to form their cores, they felt like the Universe Essence fused with the Core as if it was meant to be. It was so smooth that it was scary to them.


    Their Spiritual Pool''s energy quickly disappeared. The Light and Dark Cores took form while using the nine neutral pillars as foundations. Rean''s Core was mostly snow-white, but one could see faint dark lines spiraling around it. Roan was the opposite. His Core was primarily dark with soft threads of white. The Universe Essence also fused with the Cores'' Shells, making it stronger and a bit more compatible with Spiritual Energy.


    When the last drop of Spiritual Energy in the Spiritual Pool finally disappeared, Rean and Roan''s Cores began to resonate with each other. That resonance then began to make the balance of Yin Yang in the surroundings tremble. However, the only ones that noticed it were Mia and Ancestor Zuan.


    ''Master, what is happening?''


    Zuan spread his Spiritual Sense and soon found the epicenter of the event.


    ''Well, what else could it be? It''s those two brats again. They had just entered the Core Formation Realm.''


    Mia''s Spiritual Sense quickly arrived at the cultivation tower and watched the twins. Sure enough, she felt the power of the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm coming from them. In the end, she couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''It''s awe-inspiring. Even though there is no such thing as Light and Dark cultivation manuals, those two can still cultivate this fast.''


    Yep. Other than Rean and Roan, no one else knew about the Yin Yang cultivation manuals. The two observed their progress as the twins finished their breakthrough.


    Not too long after, that resonance began to calm down, stabilizing the surrounding Yin Yang energy.


    Rean and Roan then opened their eyes as they checked their bodies. They were completely drenched in sweat, but other than that, there wasn''t anything wrong. However, it was at this moment that they felt similar energies coming from another direction.


    ''This... It''s coming from the Beast Taming Faction.''


    ''Indeed. For us to be able to feel this, it can only mean one thing.''


    ''It''s Kentucky!''


    Sure enough, a particular bird was finishing its breakthrough at that moment. Kentucky was now transforming into a Stage Three Demon Beast!

 Chapter 290 - The Link Between Them

    Rean and Roan quickly left the cultivation tower and headed to the Beast Taming Faction. But it was also at this moment that they noticed the difference now that they were in the Core Formation Realm. Without the Life Style First Form''s help, they were already as fast as when they used it in the past in the previous realm.


    In the Beast Taming Faction, Reliance was watching Kentucky''s Core reach the new level. Reliance had been curious about something as of late. Kentucky had reached Stage Two as a Demon Beast extremely fast. Considering that speed, he was supposed to have entered Stage Three way before now. However, he seemed to have gotten stuck there. Reliance knew that Kentucky had acc.u.mulated more than enough Spiritual Energy for a breakthrough a long time ago. But only today, out of nowhere, he suddenly started his breakthrough.


    Kentucky was almost done with his own breakthrough when suddenly, the twins arrived inside the building Kentucky was staying. Reliance wasn''t an idiot. The moment he saw the twins, he immediately understood what was going on.


    "So you two just entered the Core Formation Realm, huh? I found it weird that Kentucky hadn''t had its breakthrough until now. It seems like he is bound by your cultivation levels. If you didn''t enter the Core Formation Realm, Kentucky wouldn''t be able to become a Stage Three Demon Beast. I just don''t know how that happened."


    Rean nodded. He had also discussed this issue with Reliance quite a few times.


    "I think so as well. I told you before that Roan and I have some connection with Kentucky. Where we could feel his presence even from far distances. It''s not as good as the connection between Roan and me, where we can feel each other''s general location regardless of distance, but it is similar. It seems like this connection also limits Kentucky''s cultivation, though."


    Reliance agreed with Rean.


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky finally came back to himself and noticed Rean at the entrance. He was obviously happy to see him and came running to Rean''s embrace. It''s just that there was a small problem, he was a little too fast and... too big! All Rean saw was a flash of Dark and White Lights coming in his direction.


    "Wait, wait, wait!"


    *Bang!*


    Kentucky''s head smashed against Rean''s chest, sending him flying like a cannonball!


    *Crash!*


    Rean''s body crashed against the building''s wall before slowly sliding down. Rean felt helpless at that. He wasn''t expecting Kentucky to be that fast, so he didn''t react in time. The problem was that Kentucky''s breakthrough had increased the guy''s size a lot. As a Peak Stage Two demon beast, Kentucky was already as tall as Reliance. Now, he had suddenly expanded to twice his original size. Although Kentucky lost some of his fatness in the process, becoming a lot slimmer, he still got a lot heavier just with the overall size increase.


    "Cough, cough..."


    "Kentucky, you should be careful when you approach others from now on, okay?"


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky nodded as if he had understood Rean''s intention. This time, he walked instead of flying. Rean couldn''t help but laugh as he used the Second Form of the Life Style to heal that clash''s injuries. He then patted Kentucky''s head, much to the Minokawa''s delight.


    "You are already this big, but you still like a kid. Oh well, if age is regarded, then you are still a kid anyway."


    Roan saw that everything seemed fine, so he didn''t have much interest in the rest. Rean was the one responsible for the oversized chicken anyway.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-link-between-them_50724942534199975 for visiting.


    "I''m going back. Don''t forget to take my Cultivation Stabilizing Pills once per day. Once we finish putting our cultivation under control, we will go to Jiran Forest."


    Rean nodded as Roan left.


    Reliance then shook his head as he looked at Rean.


    "Oh well, leaving Roan aside, there is another thing I noticed. The reason Kentucky reached Peak Stage Two so fast was probably related to this connection between you three. However, this is more like a submissive connection in this Minokawa''s case. Kentucky''s level doesn''t affect the two of you, but your level affects his own. Because you were already at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage when Kentucky was born, it increased his cultivation speed."


    "By the time you and Roan reached the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm, Kentucky was already right behind. Finally, he reached the Peak and got stuck there with the two of you. Now you also know why Kentucky needed so many cores and Spiritual Energy. He was using it to catch up to the two of you. It''s just that even he didn''t notice it most likely."


    Rean didn''t mind.


    "It''s okay. If Kentucky really cultivated that fast and surpassed us, it might be hard to control in the future. I''m happy that he will have time to get used to each step he takes."


    Reliance nodded once again.


    "Indeed. That was also a concern of mine, but now I don''t need to be worried anymore. My only concern now is that the two of you would become too slow and hinder his progress."


    Sure enough, Reliance never minded making it clear that he only cared about the Minokawa and not the twins themselves. Helping the twins was only a way to get what he wanted from Kentucky.


    "By the way, what''s this Jiran Forest about?"


    Rean didn''t mind telling the truth since they would report their leave to Hulian anyway.


    "And that''s how we got this Jade Slip with a map inside. Oh, right! Elder Reliance, do you know if the core of the Jiran Forest really has Stage Five Demon Beasts?"


    Reliance wasn''t against the twins going out since it would also help develop Kentucky in the wild.


    "Hmmm... considering the location you told me, I would say there shouldn''t be any. Of course, I can''t rule out the chance of being wrong. In any case, even if there are Stage Five Demon Beasts, there shouldn''t be more than one or two of them. However, there should be a considerable number of Stage Four ones.


    Rean nodded.


    "As long as I know this, that''s enough."


    Reliance then added.


    "If you want to find Stage Five and above Demon Beasts, your best choice would be Canatol''s Mountain Range and Forest. This information might be of some use for you in the future."


    *Chick, Chick!*


    Rean understood what Kentucky meant and reached for his bag. From there, another piece of Luminous Heavenly Ore came out. Rean threw it at Kentucky, who immediately swallowed it whole.


    *Burp*


    Satisfied, Kentucky then returned to the nest prepared for him and began to sleep to digest the ore.


    "This guy really only knows how to sleep and eat."


    "Well, he is incredibly powerful in battle, though."


    Rean then turned around and prepared to leave.


    "I''ll let you know when we decide to go to Jiran Forest, Elder Reliance."


    Reliance nodded. He knew everything, so he wouldn''t tell about the twins'' destination to anyone to prevent unnecessary issues.


    On his way back to the Inner Sect, Rean took out one of the Cultivation Stabilizing Pills and swallowed it. Immediately, the soothing effect of the pill began to act upon the chaotic energy of his Dantian.


    After that, Rean went to Elder Hulian''s house, which was located in the Inner Sect. It was better if no one knew when he and Roan went out for missions, so the twins always asked Hulian to fetch the missions available for them. It would also be useful since they always reported to Hulian when they were going out. That way, they could use one of the hidden teleport formations leading outside of the Sect.


    "Oh, so you two entered the Core Formation Realm, huh?"


    Rean nodded with a smile.


    "Fortunately, everything worked fine. Elder Hulian, do you have the list of missions available?"


    Hulian nodded, not finding it surprising. Anyone who reached a new realm or stage would usually go out to test their newly acquired strength. In fact, it would be weird if they didn''t.


    "Here''s the list. Is there any specific one you want?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "We haven''t decided yet. I will just take a look at the ones available at the moment."


    Rean began to peruse through the records. The missions on the list were separated by region, so it wasn''t hard to find the ones related to the Jiran Forest''s surroundings. As mentioned before, it was known that Jiran Forest had quite a few Stage Four Demon beasts. So it was often used as a training ground and the Demon Beasts'' material acquiring place not only for the Sect, but also for other powers in the Dalamu Sect''s Territory.


    "Oh! This one seems interesting."

 Chapter 291 - On the Way

    The mission Rean looked at was quite specific. It required them to help look for a certain someone in there. Anyone who found any clues of the person inside would be rewarded. It didn''t seem anything out of the ordinary. After all, there was no lack of people who entered a forest teeming with Demon Beasts just to never appear again.


    One of the things that caught Rean''s attention was that this request talked about a Middle Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator disappearing in there. Even if the guy or girl lost in a battle, they would still be able to run at such a level. Especially since Stage Four Demon Beasts haven''t developed real intelligence with sentience.


    Of course, just that wouldn''t be enough to catch Rean''s attention. The part that interested him was that the guy disappeared around the region Rean and Roan had to adventure into. Since they were already going there, they might as well keep an eye open.


    The second part that interested Rean was the reward. The contractor was the Mayor of one of the Dalamu Sect Territory''s Cities, Juan Amakal. What he offered was a Serene Blue Jade. This cultivation resource was excellent for Water Affinity cultivators. That''s not something one could buy even if one had the money. Dalamu Sect doesn''t have it, for example. It''s not that it never had, but that it was definitely used by the Sect.


    Serene Blue Jade can be used to guarantee a perfect breakthrough of a Water Element Cultivator. The only problem was that it only worked with breakthroughs below the Nascent Soul Level. That''s also why the Sect doesn''t have any. After all, the best thing to do was to use it on the geniuses of the Sect. After seeing that, Rean immediately thought about Malaka.


    ''Hey, ice block, look at this mission. We might take a look while we search for the place in the Jade Slip. If we get this Serene Blue Jade, we can give it to Malaka later. What do you think?''


    Roan heard the content of the mission and pondered a bit.


    ''Well, wouldn''t this guy or girl be dead by now? After all, even that Mayor hasn''t found any clues so far.''


    Rean agreed with him.


    ''That''s true. However, this mission doesn''t require us to definitely find the target or bring the target back. Any clues will be enough to receive the payment. It''s like I said, we can simply look for both things at the same time. Even if we don''t find the target, it''s not like we lost anything. Who knows?''


    Roan nodded in the end.


    ''So be it. I''m going back to get my things.''


    Rean then took that mission without anyone knowing with Hulian''s help before leaving his house. Right after, he went straight back to work on his Chaotic Breakthrough Energy.


    Thanks to the perfect breakthrough provided by the Yin Yang Cultivation techniques, it only took Rean and Roan one month to stabilize their cultivations. Well, the Arena in the Inner Sect was of great help as well. That''s because the top two hundred also posed a challenge to the twins while they weren''t using each other''s elements.


    Eventually, the twins decided to leave. Rean first went to the Beast Taming Faction, where he fetched Kentucky. Reliance was still there, but he didn''t try to stop them. Instead, he decided to use this time that Rean and Roan will be out with Kentucky to also go out. Reliance wasn''t someone who often stayed in the Sect to start with, so he was getting really bored already.


    Right after, the twins went to Hulian''s house to see which teleport formation they could use.


    "Here, take these tokens. They can activate the hidden teleport formation in the North-Northwest side of the Sect. The same thing as always, be sure to leave without anyone noticing. You can go through the route you used before to avoid more contact."


    "Thank you, Elder Hulian. By the way, please inform Sect Master Mia that we might take a few weeks to come back."


    Hulian nodded.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll do that for you. Just make sure to come back alive, and that will be enough. Anyway, I also have things to do, so you two can leave now."


    Rean and Roan didn''t waste time. They quickly arrived at the teleport formation before teleporting outside. This time, however, Hulian didn''t prepare any transportation for them. With their Core Formation Realm cultivation, they should be able to move fast enough on their own. Of course, it still wasn''t as good as flying.


    Ran then looked at the much bigger Kentucky before transmitting his intentions to the Minokawa.


    ''So, big guy, do you think you can carry the two of us now?''


    *Chick! Chick!*


    Kentucky immediately showed a confident expression, as if saying that they could leave everything with him. Rean laughed as he jumped on Kentucky''s back. Roan didn''t like it very much since there was almost no space. Still, flying would be much better.


    Kentuck, who lost most of his fat by now, soon extended his wings and shot to the skies with a few flaps. He wasn''t strong enough to do that with his body''s power alone, though. Still, he knew how to enhance his capabilities with the Light Element. That being said, both of them working together allowed Kentucky to carry the twins now.


    Sure enough, a lot of flying with Malaka on his back and his recent breakthrough allowed Kentucky to carry the twins for a very long distance before getting tired. It wasn''t before Kentucky crossed the 500 kilometers that he first descended to recover his energies.


    Rean was already delighted with Kentucky''s endurance. Rean and Roan were heavier than Malaka to start with, and Kentucky was carrying both. In those conditions, Kentucky could still carry them for much longer than before his Stage Three breakthrough. Not to mention that it indeed saved the twins some time.


    On the way, Rean and Roan also talked about their recent breakthrough.


    "The Core Formation Realm is really different. Even while cultivating with Rank Three Spirit Stones, I think it will take no less than a year to reach the Middle Stage."


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s to be expected. Our Spiritual Pools and Core need more energy to breakthrough. Besides, did you see the other cultivators at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm? So far, I haven''t seen a single one younger than 25 years old or so in that Realm. I''ll be thrilled if we reach that level at the age of 18 or so."


    [Roan''s right.]Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/on-the-way_50725021991097453 for visiting.


    Sister Orb''s voice suddenly resounded in their minds.


    [You two really do need a lot more energy to make breakthroughs. However, that is also one of the reasons why you are so strong at your level. The amount of Spiritual Energy you can use and manipulate would only be possible in others'' dreams. Still, you are already cultivating extremely fast for your levels. Probably only members of the Imperial Family, who have access to much better resources, would be able to compare to your speed. Look at Calina, for example. She even entered the Core Formation Realm before you two. Well, you can reduce the time a little if you buy the Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrades.]


    Rean and Roan nodded. According to Calina, she had access to a certain amount of Rank Four Spirit Stones every month. That showed just how well-treated Imperial Blood could be treated. Mia would never allow low-level cultivators to use Rank Four Spirit Stones.


    "Sister Orb, how long do you think it will take for us to break through into the next realm at this rate?"


    [That''s hard to say. Too many variables are present when it requires you two to cultivate together. Still, a wild guess would put you two between 18 and 22 years old.]


    Rean and Roan had already turned 12, with Malaka doing the same just a few days after them. That means that they had at least 6 years of cultivation ahead, which was the best scenario without the upgrades.


    [Don''t complain about it. Otherwise, all the Core and Soul Fusion Realms cultivators in the world might join hands to kill you out of anger.]


    Rean laughed and shook his head.


    "It''s okay. Our lifespans are already increased to 200 years, so we are still on the winning side even considering the time used for cultivation by far."


    Roan nodded.


    "It''s good that you think like that."


    For Roan, time had stopped being an issue a long time ago. His only reason to be in a hurry nowadays was because of the Soul Gem System''s ridiculous requirements.


    As they flew forward, Rean thought about something else.


    "By the way, since we are going to Jiran Forest, we might as well pass by the Varen Tribe. I want to see mom and dad."


    Surprisingly, Roan wasn''t against this idea.


    "Very well."

 Chapter 292 - Taking the Mission

    Before heading to Varen Tribe, the twins had to stop by the city of Talamol. The mayor there was the one who put up the request and had the information about the person they should look for.


    Between Rean and Roan, the only one who really caught a lot of attention was Rean because of his White Hair and Eyes. If Roan walked by himself, he didn''t look that much different from others. That being said, no one paid too much attention to him as he went to the City Hall.


    He stated his reason for the visit, which made the guards at the door look at him with doubtful expressions. Even though Roan''s body gave the impression that he was around 14 years old, 14 years was still too young. Besides, they couldn''t ''feel'' his cultivation. Well, the truth was that their own cultivation was too low to perceive it, so they thought that Roan was an ordinary young man.


    "Brat, do you even know what you are talking about? The mayor did post this request everywhere for anyone willing to look for the missing person. However, the core of the Jiran Forest is full of Stage Four Demon Beasts. What do you want to do there? You will only die, so go back home."


    Well, Roan was already used to that. Hee just had to take out his Dalamu Sect Badge and show it to them. But before he did that, another voice came from behind.


    "Are you two blind? This ''brat'' you talked about can trash you two with a finger!"


    Roan looked at the person who talked. It was a middle-aged man using a similar uniform as the guards at the front of the City Hall. However, Roan could tell that his cultivation was already in the Late Core Formation Realm. Well, it was pretty evident that he was in a high position in this city, so it made sense.


    "You can''t even tell that he is a Core Formation Realm cultivator. Why do I even keep you two here?"


    The two guards were shocked to hear that. Isn''t Roan way too young for that? Besides, they are only at the Energy Gathering Realm. How could they feel such high-level cultivation with their weak Spiritual Senses?


    "So-Sorry, Captain Wacklan!"


    As mentioned before, Jialin Country also had its own army instead of a sect. Most of the average and big cities had their presence. Wacklan just so happened to be part of it.


    Roan then looked at the man before saying.


    "Doesn''t matter. Can I get the specifics of the mission and the description of the target? I''ll be staying around that place for training, so I might as well keep an eye open. That Serene Blue Jade is very useful for me."


    The man called Wacklan narrowed his eyes after hearing that.


    "I admit that you must be a genius to be able to reach the Core Formation Realm at such age. At least, I''ve never seen one as young as you. Still, Stage Four Demon Beasts aren''t something Core Formation Realm cultivators should mess with."


    Roan didn''t care.


    "I just want to get the mission. Whatever comes next is my problem."


    Wacklan sighed before nodding.


    "Well, if you insist... are you a Dalamu Sect Member? Oh well, obviously you are. Where else could we find someone like you in this place? Come with me."


    Wacklan entered the City Hall with Roan and went to the mayor''s office. After knocking on the door, they entered it.


    "Juan, another one is looking for the searching mission. I have things to do, so you talk to him."


    Without even waiting for an answer, Wacklan left the room, leaving Roan and the Mayor behind. Roan''s Spiritual Sense could tell that the mayor was at the Initial Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. That was quite a high cultivation for a place like this one.


    "You are Juan Amakal, right? I got your mission back in the Sect."


    Juan looked at Roan and was shocked by his age and cultivation. Well, most of the people in the world would be anyway. He couldn''t help but laugh a little in the end.


    "Hehe... Looking at you makes me wonder what I''ve been doing so far. Anyway, you are not here to hear about my complaints. I''m Juan Amakal, Mayor of Tamadol City. Still, are you sure you want to enter the Core of Jiran Forest with that cultivation?"


    Roan nodded, not giving any explanation.


    Juan then shrugged his shoulders and continued.


    "Well, I''m not here to stop you. Who knows, you might really come back alive and find some clue. At the moment, I''m even accepting a kitten''s helping hand in this issue."


    Juan opened one of his table''s drawers and took a picture from inside.


    "Here, this is the person I need you to find. Her name is Latalia Amakal, my Aunt."


    Roan took a look at the picture and saw that it was a woman.


    "You do know that if she didn''t come back until now, she is most likely dead already, right?"


    Juan nodded.


    "Yes. However, I have to try."


    "Why?"


    Juan shook his head.


    "That''s a personal issue. All I need is for you to look around while you are there. As long as you find any clue that Latalia is dead, you can return for the reward. Of course, if she is alive and in need of help, I''ll be even more pleased if you help her come back."


    "What if she doesn''t want to come back?"


    Roan still found it possible that a Middle Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm wouldn''t die that easily. Perhaps the woman herself didn''t want to be found or come back, so he had to ascertain all the situations.


    "Not a problem. If Latalia is fine, you wouldn''t be of any help to her either. Just ask for something from her that can prove her identity, and that should be fine for me to pass you the reward. Of course, I will need you to tell me where you saw her."


    Roan nodded. It was evident that there was a lot more behind in this story, but that wasn''t his problem. He only wanted the Serene Blue Jade for Malaka.


    "Very well, I''m going now."


    Roan left straight away. However, Juan narrowed his eyes once Roan was gone.


    ''Core Formation Realm at the age of 14 years old. Perhaps...''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/taking-the-mission_50725051787433181 for visiting.


    Juan then took out a transmission talisman and poured his Spiritual Sense into it. After a few seconds, the talisman shone for a moment before transforming into blank paper once more.


    Roan didn''t waste time and left the city straight away. Somewhere hidden outside, Rean and Kentucky were waiting for him.


    "How is it?"


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "Hmm... I''m not sure, but I think that Juan might have known who I am. It''s just an intuition, though."


    Rean nodded.


    "I didn''t enter the city because, as you know, I''m easy to be recognized. We wanted to prevent that since it would attract the Umbral Sect. What do you think, should we head back to the Sect instead?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "We can''t hide forever. If worse comes to worst, we can simply enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Let''s go."


    Rean nodded as they once again jumped on Kentucky''s back and began to fly.


    A few days and nights later, the twins could see Astreg City in the distance. It had only been two years since they left, so they couldn''t see much changes while flying above it. Still, Rean paid attention to the place where the Tribe sold his Steel Swords. From what it looked like, the workshop was still as busy as it was when he left the place. Since that was a workshop that gathered Spirit Stones for the Tribe, this was a good sign.


    Still, neither Rean nor Roan stopped there. Instead, they continued on their way to Varen Tribe.


    However, the Varen Tribe was utterly different from what they remembered. From far away, it was already possible to see that the Tribe''s size had grown at least four to five times! However, that was also strange since the Tribe didn''t have enough people to use all that space.


    The people in the Tribe then saw the white and black colored bird descend on it.


    Immediately, the warriors of the Tribe passed the news as they gathered. After all, it could be a strong demon beast from nearby demon beast forests. However, they soon noticed that there were two people on the bird.


    "Hey, those white and black hair, it''s Rean and Roan!"


    "Quick, call Tribe Leader over. The twins came back from the Dalamu Sect!"


    "Oh, call Harmalia and Turen as well! They will definitely want to see their kids!"


    Kentucky then landed right in the middle before retracting his wings.


    "Such a mighty demon beast."


    "Looks so cool!"


    "As expected of the Dalamu Sect, don''t you think?"


    "I wonder what kind of sound it does?"


    Rean heard that last comment and couldn''t help himself.


    "Hahaha! Do you wanna hear it?"


    Rean then patted Kentucky, how took a deep breath and suddenly...


    *Chick!*


    *Boom!*


    Everyone fell with their faces on the ground... kind of feeling.


    Roan ignored all that bullshit and simply looked around. Soon, he noticed Juri coming over.


    "Rean, Roan, you are finally back! Hahaha!"


    Juri quickly approached and patted the two men''s shoulders.


    "Come, come! I already told the others to bring your parents to my home. You can meet everyone there."


    Rean and Roan nodded. They were finally back once again.

 Chapter 293 - Back to the Tribe

    Rean and Roan quickly arrived at Juri''s house, just in time to see Harmalia rushing over. She didn''t mind anyone and immediately embraced the two while tears flowed from her eyes.


    "Mom, we are back."


    Harmalia nodded as she showed a bright smile.


    "It''s good that you are back!"


    The twins then looked at their father, just in time to see him carrying a baby in his arms.


    "This... Who is that one?"


    Harmalia laughed. She had received Rean and Roan''s letters several times and answered them. However, she had purposely kept a secret from them to make a surprise once they came back. She quickly took the little bum from her husband before introducing the baby.


    "Say hi to your little sister, Rana."


    Rean was definitely happy to hear that. Well, even Roan showed a small change of expression, seeing the little girl. They knew that Harmalia always wanted a daughter, so it seemed like their father worked hard to make it happen.


    The little girl was different from the two of them. She really carried their parent''s eyes and hair colors. Obviously, there was no such thing as intelligence at this age as the twins had. She was a normal kid through and through. Nonetheless, Rean already liked her regardless.


    "Mom, that''s great! By the way, did you really have to name her similarly?"


    Turen couldn''t help but sigh.


    "I tried to change her mind, but she was adamant about it."


    Harmalia glared at Turen before saying.


    "So what? It''s a mother''s right to put similar names if she wishes so. Rana Larks is a perfect name, okay?"


    Turen shrugged his shoulders before turning his attention to his sons.


    "By the way..."


    *Bang, Bang!*


    Turen then knocked Rean and Roan''s heads. Well, at their level, Rean and Roan could have dodged easily, but they didn''t do so.


    "You brats! Two years! How come you took two entire years to come and visit? Even Malaka had passed by two times before."


    Rean rubbed his head as he asked.


    "Malaka came here? How come she didn''t tell us?"


    Roan understood why in an instant, saying.


    "It was probably to keep the secret of our new sister."


    Harmalia laughed as she nodded.


    "Yes. I asked Malaka to not tell you anything so that I could make this surprise. You two are now older brothers, so you better protect her well."


    Rean and Roan didn''t dare to refuse.


    "Certainly!"


    Turen then looked at the enormous bird beside Rean and Roan before asking.


    "And this demon beast? It seems quite strong."


    Kentucky seemed to understand Turen''s words as it stuffed his chest with pride.


    *Chick!*


    Turen was taken aback by the sound, though.


    "Ahem... Well, at least its build looks strong... I guess?"


    Everyone laughed after hearing that.


    Harmalia couldn''t help but say.


    "I kinda like it."


    The other females looking at it around nodded their heads. Sure enough, Kentucky was always a hit with the women, not only Malaka and Calina.


    Roan narrowed his eyes since he knew Kentucky only made ''chick'' sounds because of the women.


    "Pervy chicken."


    Kentucky completely ignored him as it dropped its head beside Harmalia, obviously asking for some pets.


    Harmalia couldn''t resist the temptation and passed Rana back to Turen to hold before giving it a hug.


    "So fluffy! Can we keep it?"


    *Chick!*


    The other females felt quite jealous, though.


    Rean laughed helplessly after seeing the shameless Minokawa.


    "His name is Kentucky. We found his egg in the hand of some bandits during a mission for the sect. In the end, I decided to raise it. Now, he is already this big. Believe it or not, Kentucky isn''t even two years old yet, but is already a Stage Three Demon Beast."


    Juri and the others around felt their hearts almost stop. They all took several steps back and looked at Kentucky with some fear in their eyes.


    "Stage Three!"


    "Holy shit! How did the Larks Brats tame this thing?"


    "Harmalia just hugged it. What if it had attacked?"


    "Idiot, this is a tamed demon beast. It won''t attack without the Larks Brats giving the order."


    "Yeah? Then why are you staying even further away?"


    "Ahem... the view from here is better."


    "Better your head!"


    Juri also looked at the Demon Bird for a moment before coming back to himself.


    "Alright. How long will you guys keep making this show in the middle of the Tribe? Go back to your work. Turen and the rest can come inside. As for Kentucky..."


    Rean shook his head.


    "Kentucky is too big to fit inside. Just let him walk around. He won''t harm anyone. I can guarantee that."


    One of the females in the crowd couldn''t help but ask.


    "Can we hug it too? Will it attack us?"


    *Chick!*


    Before Rean could even answer, the shameless bird already dropped its head beside her.


    "Well, there is your answer."


    All the other females didn''t hold back and made a queue to have a chance to pet and hug Kentucky, much to the perverted bird''s delight. As for the men around, they were the ones to feel jealous now. Not about the hug, but the success the bird was making with the women.


    Leaving the shameless bird aside, Juri quickly brought the Larks'' Family inside his house. He also sent an order to prepare a banquet for their return. Rean and Roan wanted to refuse, but their father didn''t allow it.


    "Brats. The Tribe Leader is inviting you, so just accept it."


    Helplessly, they could only agree with that. The twins couldn''t go against their father''s wishes either.


    A few seconds later, Alanda appeared as well.


    "Oh, so it''s true. You brats are finally back."


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    "Long time no see, Elder Alanda."


    Alanda nodded as he asked.


    "Good! By the way, I can''t feel your cultivations with my Spiritual Sense. Have you reached the late stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "We just entered the Core Formation Realm around a month ago."


    Juri and the others froze once again.


    "Brats, is that for real?"


    Rean smiled as he released his Spiritual Energy. That way, even lower realm cultivators would be able to feel it. Naturally, Juri and Alanda immediately noticed their Realms. Seeing that, Juri burst into laugher.


    "Hahaha! My Varen Tribe now has two Core Formation Realm cultivators!"


    Turen and Harmalia looked at their two kids. Although they didn''t say anything, anyone could see the pride in their eyes. Which parent doesn''t wish for their kids'' success?


    Rean then stopped doing that as he looked at Alanda and Juri.


    "I can see that elders also advanced in the past two years."


    Alanda nodded.


    "Well, with those Spirit Stones from the Blacksmith Workshop and steel equipment, it would be weird if we haven''t."


    Alanda, who was in the Initial Stage of the Foundation Establishment two years ago, entered the middle stage. As for Juri, he went from the Middle Stage to the Late Stage. All of that was thanks to the Spirit Stones available to them.


    Roan also looked at his parents in this world.


    "Mother and Father seem to have finally entered the Energy Gathering Realm."


    Rean made sure that his parents would have no issues with Spirit Stones. Especially after he began his trade with the Jamariz Workshop in Majorias City. That being said, even for a gray aptitude like theirs, the resources were enough to help them achieve the breakthrough. Their father was in the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm while Harmalia was in the Initial Stage.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/back-to-the-tribe_50725073010609261 for visiting.


    "Well, that''s because you helped this old man. I just feel somewhat embarrassed that you have to call a weakling like me as a father. Hahaha!"


    Rean didn''t like that joke, though.


    "Don''t worry, father. I might not be here all the time, but I can at least provide enough resources for you two to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm. In a place like the Astreg City''s region, it should be more than enough to protect yourselves and Rana."


    Harmalia and Turen smiled happily, not trying to refuse it. Filial piety was extremely important, and they just felt it to be right and proper. They, too, helped their own parents as much as they could in the past before they passed away.


    "Oh, right! How come the Tribe got this big? I also saw a lot of faces I''ve never seen before."


    Juri already expected that question.


    "That was the result of having three members of our Tribe Joining the Dalamu Sect at once. If it was just one member, the other Tribes and similar powers around would exercise caution but not care too much. They would simply refrain from touching us. After all, if that member died, the Dalamu Sect''s protection would be over as well. But since three joined at once, chances are that you won''t die altogether. Because of that, a few Tribes saw a chance of acquiring some protection for a long time."


    "They offered us to merge our tribes together. Of course, I didn''t simply accept anyone. I have a good grasp of information about all the Tribes around our own. I selected three of them to merge together with us. It goes without saying that I also explained how our system worked. That being said, I took the Tribes that I believe could drop the old ways."


    Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Wouldn''t that make the new Tribe go through a power struggle in the future?"


    Juri shook his head.


    "Not while at least one of the three of you are alive. After all, none of them will dare to steal the power of the Tribe protected by Dalamu. During the next years, I''m sure our Tribe''s system will convert them into real members. We did it once during a time where danger was much bigger, let alone now."


    Rean and Roan decided to not intervene. Juri had brought the Tribe to the level it was before they were born. He definitely knew what he is doing.


    Rean then changed his communication method to Spiritual Sense.


    ''By the way, how is that Purple Color Aptitude Baby?''

 Chapter 294 - Home Sweet Home

    Juri and Alanda nodded.


    ''He''s growing up just like any kid. He''s still two years old, so we have another three years before he starts to cultivate here in the Tribe. However, his talent will definitely appear at that time. At the moment, I''m not sure about what I''m going to do with him.''


    Roan then asked.


    ''Wouldn''t it be good enough to simply put him in the Dalamu Sect? You don''t need to worry about someone changing his way of thinking while we are there.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/home-sweet-home_50725162668054606 for visiting.


    Truth be told, Roan didn''t mind the kid that much. However, he still cared about his parents in this world. Keeping a Purple Color Talent here might be dangerous in the future if someone found out about it.


    Juri narrowed his eyes.


    ''What are you talking about? As if you two kids would have enough influence in a sect of that size to say something like that. Of course, I know you are not real kids, but that''s how you look in the eyes of the elders there.''


    Rean shook his head.


    ''Don''t worry. We do have this influence you talked about. You have no idea how many things happened during this time in the Dalamu Sect. We can guarantee that he won''t receive any brainwash treatment or anything like that.''


    Juri and Alanda were quite surprised to hear that. Still, they know that Rean and Roan didn''t have a reason to lie. After all, with their cultivation, they could simply kidnap the kid, and no one would be able to stop them on the Varen Tribe. One must remember that Foundation Establishment was the highest cultivation available in this Tribe at the moment.


    ''Well, if you say so, then I guess we can go ahead with this plan of yours. However, I would like to keep the kid in the Tribe for a few years after he starts cultivating. I won''t lie. The most important thing for me is for everyone to have a sense of belonging to our home, to not forget it. That''s how I always worked.''


    Alanda agreed with Juri.


    ''That''s right. Call it selfishness. We won''t mind. You and Malaka left the Tribe when you were 10 years old. We want to keep Drian here until around the same time. Well, the two of you were much older than 10, but you understand what I mean.''


    Roan nodded after hearing that.


    ''It''s okay. That''s your way of assuring the continuation of the protection given by the Dalamu Sect. I would have done the same. Anyway, the problem would be if you wanted to keep him here forever. With his talent, he would definitely feel confined in a place like this and leave by himself eventually. But if you take the initiative to let him go after he grows fond of the Tribe, that will give you the best result.''


    Juri and Alanda were happy to hear that. It was good that Rean and Roan agreed with that plan.


    Even though the conversation through Spiritual Sense didn''t last long, the others in the room noticed it happening. In the end, the twins'' father couldn''t help but ask.


    "What are you talking about? If it is some kind of sensitive topic, your mother and I can leave first."


    Juri laughed after hearing that.


    "Sorry, sorry. It''s just that I had to ask a few things about the Dalamu Sect, so it wouldn''t be good to talk about it in the open. Anyway, the twins already told me everything I wanted to know, so we are finished now. Besides, I invited you all for a banquet. How could I allow you to leave before we do it?"


    Rean smiled as Roan simply nodded. They passed the rest of the day in the Tribe. During night time, the twins decided to stay in their parents'' house, talking about their adventures outside. It went without saying that they kept the parts that shouldn''t be talked about hidden, of course.


    Later on, Rean used some of his time to play with his new sister. Well, he grew quite fond of her very fast. He even talked with Juri to reserve Spirit Stones for her in the future once she started to cultivate.


    The Twins'' presence in the Tribe for 10 years had indeed changed the balance of Yin and Yang there. Even though they left for over two years, the effects had barely changed. As mentioned before, that affected the fortune of the Tribe as a whole to the point where even more talents would be born there.


    However, that didn''t mean that everyone would be born with high aptitude colors. In fact, the majority would still be a Gray Colored Talent. There was nothing that even the Soul Gem System could do about it.


    That being said, Rana was also one of them. She only had the most common and disregarded gray color talent when she was tested after being born for a month. Still, Rean didn''t care. In his eyes, being normal was nothing to be sad about. After all, he still remembered how emotionless his life was on Earth due to his Soul Problem. Rean considered normal to be a great thing.


    Besides, he didn''t intend to leave her to cultivate on her own. While he and Roan were still on this planet, and even after he leaves, he will do his best to support her and his parents.


    As Rean played with the little bum, Roan entered the room as well.


    Seeing the ice block''s cold face, Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "What? Did you come here to say to not get too attached or some bullshit like that? If so, then you can leave already. I don''t mind getting attached at all."


    Roan surprisingly shook his head as he touched Rana''s forehead.


    "Although I''m not as excited as you, I can still feel the connection by bloodline between her and me. I couldn''t care less about you and would have cut your head several times already if it didn''t mean I would die too. However, she has nothing to do with the fact that I''m here, so I will give her my support as well. I already have one Malaka to take care of. This one shouldn''t be as hard."


    Rean looked at Roan as if he was looking at an alien. Suddenly, he went to the window in the room and began to look for something with a severe expression. Obviously, Roan noticed that.


    "What are you looking for?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "Nothing much. I just thought that the world would explode just now, so I looked outside to see if I could find an escape route. Seems like the world is still working fine, though. How weird..."


    [That was really scary indeed. I even looked to see if some cracks didn''t appear in my Orb. Fortunately, it seems to be fine.]


    Even Sister Orb couldn''t stay silent after that.


    Roan''s mouth twitched in response.


    "Go f.u.c.k yourselves!"


    Harmalia then entered the room with a smile.


    "Tribe Leader Juri told me that at your cultivation level, you don''t even need to sleep anymore. However, your little sister is different. So leave her alone for some time, will you?"


    Turen entered right behind as he agreed with Harmalia.


    "Your mother is right. Oh! Now that I think about it, I don''t think you ever cried when you were kids, no? Rana cries a lot, just like any other normal kid. I wonder what was so different about you two."


    Rean simply laughed while Roan pretended to not hear. They had never told them that they were reincarnations. The only ones who know about it are Juri and Alanda.


    After that, they left the room with Turen while Harmalia stayed to help Rana sleep.


    In the living room, Roan took some papers and began to write several things on them. He had spent a lot of time in the Sect''s Repository and got to read many cultivation techniques. Not to mention that Inner Sect Members had access to even better ones. He decided to use this chance to pass Harmalia and Turen two cultivation techniques that would usually only be available for Dalamu Inner Sect Disciples. As for permission, he would ask about that after he went back to the Sect.


    "Father. Here are two techniques. The first one is suitable for your Earth Element Affinity. The other one is a Wind Element Cultivation Technique for mother. However, these techniques are supposed to only be available for Inner Sect Dalamu Disciples. That being said, do not spread it out, or you will invite a lot of problems to you two."


    Turen shook his head in response.


    "There is no need. If passing this technique to us will invite problems for you and your brother, then your mother and I have no need for it."


    Rean smiled as he helped Roan in this rare moment of mutual agreement.


    "Don''t worry, dad. If it is just you and mom, Roan and I can get permission without receiving any punishment."


    Turen narrowed his eyes as he looked at the two. It was indeed quite rare to see them acting together like that.


    "Sigh... Fine. However, you better not be deceiving me about it."


    Roan nodded.


    "We aren''t."


    Rean and Roan then spent the rest of the night in their house before finally leaving in the morning.


    As for Kentucky... Well, that pervert chicken got pampered by the Tribe''s girls all day long. During the night, they even prepared a nest for it to sleep in. It was hard to say who was happier to have come to the Varen Tribe, the humans or the Minokawa.


    Finally, they headed to Jiran Forest once more.

 Chapter 295 - Death Style, Sixth Form

    Roan looked at the Jade Slip''s information on the way and compared it to their location.


    "Let''s enter through the Southwest direction. That''s the shortest path to the Core Region."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/death-style-sixth-form_50847377824739657 for visiting.


    Rean nodded as he transmitted his intention to Kentucky. Back then, they only needed a few days to arrive at the forest''s borders by foot. Not to mention that they were in the Energy Gathering Realm. But with Kentucky flying over the land, it only took them a few hours.


    Finally, they spotted the forest in the distance. From above, it was possible to see one or more cultivators, most from nearby tribes like their own. There were also a few demon beasts here and there as they flew by. With Kentucky''s Stage Three Cultivation, even the flying demon beasts of the border didn''t get close to them.


    The twins then entered the forest from above and continue on their way. Stage One or Two Demon Beasts at the outer region of the forest had no meaning for the twins. Kentucky also didn''t feel any urger of eating these levels of Demon Cores anymore.


    Jiran Forest was massive. Flying over the Outer Region alone took Kentucky more than two days. Not to mention that they selected the closest path to go. On the third day, the twins and Kentucky entered the Inner Region. That being said, Stage Two Demon beasts became a common sight while Stage Three ones would appear occasionally.


    The Twins only had to deal with them when Kentucky landed to rest. Still, Stage Three Demon beasts were no threat anymore. If anything, the ones that appeared just had their Cores fed to the Minokawa. Of course, there were Flying Demon beasts at Stage Three as well. Sometimes, those Demon Beasts would come with an entire group to take Rean''s group down.


    Too bad that the twins were not the only ones that experienced an increase in their combat power after a breakthrough. Kentucky was also not something that Initial, Middle, or even Late Stage Three Demon Beasts could deal with. Unless, of course, they were some rare race like Kentucky himself. It''s just that you can''t find Minokawas and similar legendary beasts at every corner.


    That was also something that always puzzled Rean. How did a Minokawa''s egg end in the hands of an ordinary merchant? It seemed unlikely that Kentucky''s parents would let his egg be taken that easily.


    Other than demon beasts, Rean''s group would find one or another Foundation Establishment or above cultivator''s group. There was even one that overestimated themselves and tried to assault them while Kentucky was resting. After all, anyone capable of reaching this place was bound to have a few good things. Maybe they even had a lot of Demon Cores. In the middle of the wilderness, stealing and killing were nothing rare.


    Between flights, rests, and quick battles, the twins took three more days to pass by the Inner Region. Only when they arrived close to the Core Region''s border did Rean and Roan ask for Kentucky to go back to the ground.


    The Core Region was known for its Stage Four Demon Beasts. However, the fact was that it had a lot more Stage One and Two, with a fair amount of Stage Three Beasts. Real Stage Four ones were the minority by far.


    "Okay, we should take around two days to arrive in the region shown in the Jade Slip. We need to look for a mountain with four peaks. However, I can''t tell how long it has been since this Jade Slip was made, so we don''t know if that still exists."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "It''s a mountain. Can it disappear that easily? Chances are that we might find it very fast. After all, it''s a mountain. Anyway, now that we are here, you should be able to compare the Jade Slip information with the terrain, right? How big is the search area?"


    Roan narrowed as he looked at it.


    "From what I can see, it''s a radius of 3000 kilometers."


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "Are you kidding? Just how many mountains might we find with Four Peaks in a place that big? Is there no other clue?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "At least, I can''t see any. Anyway, it wouldn''t take more than a week or two to cover the entire area with our actual cultivation. Well, that is considering that nothing will happen in the meantime. Besides, it might be a good thing to find the target as well. Although there is no guarantee, the more we see this part of the core region, the bigger our chances."


    *Chick!*


    Suddenly, Kentucky looked in another direction with a serious expression. That was more than enough for Rean and Roan to know that Kentucky felt something was off.


    *Roar!*


    *Tremble!*


    The ground shook as the roar got closer. Rean then used his Light Element to detect Life Force in the surroundings. It was then that he looked down at the ground. The enemy was there!


    "Move!"


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky immediately jumped away. Right after, the ground they had been just a moment ago caved in. The Twins then sent their Spiritual Sense inside the hole and were finally able to see what''s inside.


    "Oh... It''s a Tusk Earth Lizard. To think this one was able to progress to Stage Four, that''s quite rare."


    Roan nodded.


    "Indeed. Usually, Stage Three is their limit. This guy probably ate something that allowed it to cross that threshold. Anyway, it will be quite annoying if it decides to stay underground."


    "Jump!"


    Roan then disappeared from his position, just in time to see the ground under him caving again.


    "F.u.c.k it. I don''t have the patience to wait for it to come out."


    As soon as the Lizard finished creating that hole and was about to move again, Roan jumped right inside. Rean sighed but followed right behind as well. As for Kentucky. Well, the chick didn''t want to go, so it simply stayed outside, waiting.


    The Tusk Earth Lizard noticed the prey entering its hole by themselves. Without wasting time, it immediately gave up the plan to move again and immediately attacked. After all, the underground was its field.


    *Roar!*


    Earth Element gathered around the Lizard as the earth around moved according to its wishes. It decided to trap Rean and Roan there to prevent them from fleeing.


    Roan snorted in response after seeing that.


    "Hmph! It''s quite confident."


    Rean laughed as he nodded. As they fell, their hair changed into white and black color.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement.''


    Light Element got locked inside their bodies as their overall strength skyrocketed. They didn''t try to stop the fall. Instead, they used the falling rocks as steps to increase their speed of descent even more.


    ''This guy is quite big, just like those Decaying Golems from the Profound Abyss. It will be quite hard to break its defense.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Its thick skin is present even on its head. Our swords are just too small to cause any significant damage in the short term.''


    That''s a problem Roan understood after their cultivation increased. Demon beasts grew in size as their Stage increased. In some cases, like the Decaying Golem and this Earth Lizard, the twins'' weapons were just not big enough to reach the vital organs. As for parts of their bodies that were more vulnerable, the beasts would usually keep them protected.


    The only attack with some effect would be the Stellar Piercer. After all, it would shoot a sharp ray of Spiritual Energy mixed with Dark and Light Elements. If used at close range, the Spiritual Energy attack will pierce further than the swords'' total length.


    However, that was far from optimal since Stellar Piecer was supposed to be more like a long-range attack. As for the other forms, they were more suited for smaller targets like humans. Because of that, Roan worked on something new other than the First Movement Form, Shadow Steps, during the past six months in the Sect. On the way, Roan used the time Kentucky rested to help Rean practice it as well. It was easy in their case since Roan could directly transmit all the memories necessary at once through their Soul Connection. The same thing went for the new movement form.


    Suddenly, the Tusk Earth Lizard''s scales got up and was shot in the Twins'' direction.


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps.''


    The twins became two shadows, merging with the surrounding darkness and dodging the Scales that came in their direction. The Lizard thought that the twins wouldn''t be able to avoid all scales with the tunnel-like descent, but it was obviously wrong.


    *Roar!*


    Seeing that its initial attack didn''t work, it immediately shot forward, intending to take the twins'' head-on.


    Rean and Roan didn''t stop and accelerated even more.


    ''Death Style, First Defensive Form, Reversive Arcs!''


    The Arcs of Light and Dark Threads created a giant bubble-like protection field, which retracted as they consumed the Lizard''s attack energy. The twins didn''t let that chance slip and immediately switched their stances.


    Light and Dark Element gathered around the twins with the help of Spiritual Energy. However, instead of a smooth flow like the initial five forms, this one made those two elements grow chaotic. Light and Dark were not supposed to mix together as easy as Rean and Roan could make. They were supposed to be opposite elements, after all. Roan''s new skill basically used this natural rejection between them to create a powerful and destructive attack.


    ''Death Style, Sixth Form, Destroyer!''

 Chapter 296 - Several Fronts

    Rean and Roan''s White and Dark Stars pierced the Lizard''s thick skull. Right after, the chaotic Light and Dark Elemental Energies spread around as the Twins quickly shot back away. The chaotic opposite elements reached a critical point in just an instant when suddenly...


    *Boom!*


    An explosion generated by both elements blasted the top of the Tusk Earth Lizard''s head! Surprisingly though, the Lizard didn''t die.


    *Roar!*


    Noticing its own desperate situation, the enormous Lizard immediately tried to turn around and flee underground. Unfortunately, Rean and Roan were already prepared to attack if the first strike didn''t work. With its own natural defense gone, the twins could aim directly for its head. Not only that, but they were faster than it to start with.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon.''


    With no protection whatsoever on its head, Rean and Roan''s Six Dark and Light Swords slashed through the already damaged brain.


    *Roar!*Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/several-fronts_50859390865032652 for visiting.


    With one last scream, the Tusk Earth Lizard''s body stopped moving.


    The Sixth Form of the Death Style didn''t work the same way as the others. The first five forms aimed for the fastest killing time, taking all chances possible to finish the battle as soon as possible. Destroyer, however, was different. It was only useful against big targets since they didn''t need to control it once they hit. They just need to let the energies spread and reach a critical point.


    After all, if they pierced their swords in the body of a small target, that target would most likely be dead already. There was no need to do such a thing as making both energies go chaotic. Against them, fast killing strikes would definitely be much better. One could say that Destroyer was a skill created to decimate the enemy''s defense.


    Rean then looked at the Lizard''s body, looking for something.


    Stage Four Demon Beasts had a good chance of having a Demon Core, and this Lizard just so happened to be one of them. Rean quickly took the Demon Core before the twins shot up once more. Not long after, they emerged from the underground.


    As soon as they came out, they saw Kentucky with another Demon Core in its beak. They looked around and soon found the bodies of three other demon beasts lying on the ground. All three of them at the Stage Three level. It turned out that these beasts attacked Kentucky when they saw it alone. However, Kentucky was much stronger than any Initial Stage Three demon beast, so he was able to take care of them by himself.


    *Gulp!*


    *Burp*


    Rean laughed as he looked at the Stage Four Demon Beast''s core in his hand. This battle ended up being a lot easier than they expected. The twins had just broken through the Core Formation Realm, though Stage Four Demon Beasts wouldn''t die that easily. However, the Lizard had really chosen a terrible terrain for battle just now. Against other enemies, that small space would have given it an enormous advantage with its defense and high raw strength.


    However, Roan''s Shadow Steps turned the advantage in space against the Tusk Earth Lizard since it was fast enough to dodge any of its attacks. Also, it limited the movements that the Lizard itself could do inside there. All in all, everything played to the twins'' advantage.


    "Hey, Kentucky."


    Rean then threw the Stage Four Demon Core at the Minokawa, who moved as fast as lightning to catch it.


    *Gulp!*


    Kentucky felt extremely satisfied once the energy of that Stage Four Demon core began to run through his body.


    *Chick! Chick!*


    Roan looked around and didn''t see any other demon beast coming.


    "Alright, let''s keep going. Don''t drop your guard. A battle against a Stage Four as easy as this one won''t keep happening."


    Rean nodded as the three of them departed.


    While the twins rushed inside the Core Region, a new group with twenty-two cultivators appeared outside the Jiran Forest. They all wore Purple Robes with the emblem of the Umbral Sect embroidery on each of them. Each of their cultivations varied between the Late Stage Core Formation Realm and Middle Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm.


    Their leader, however, was at the Peak Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion. As they looked at the Jiran Forest in front, one group member couldn''t help but ask that same leader.


    "Senior Lian, are we really going to look for that boy in here? This Jiran forest is gigantic. Besides, even though the description matches, we are not after this twin. We need the white-haired one."


    Lian Buran, who was in charge of this group, nodded his head.


    "Vio, I understand what you mean. However, as far as we know, those twins rarely go out alone. If that Roan came to try this mission, his brother most likely followed him. As big as the Core Region of Jiran Forest might be, we still need to try. Besides, the mayor told us the approximate area where his aunt told him she would go. We might have a good chance of finding those twins there. If we do so and kill them, we will have performed a huge achievement for the sect."


    Another member then mentioned something else.


    "Jiran Forest has many Stage Four Demon beasts, so it might also have Stage Five ones. Isn''t that a little too risky? Unlike the Dalamu Sect, which most likely has some agreement with the Stage Five Demon beasts of its territory, we have nothing. Maybe we will be targeted as soon as we disclose our Umbral Energy in there."


    Lian shook his head in response.


    "Don''t worry. Even if Jiran Forest has Stage Five Demon beasts, there shouldn''t be more than one or two. If lucky, there might be three. The chances of bumping into one of them are very low. Also, we won''t move as a full group. Instead, we will separate our group into four different ones. Even if one of the groups get caught by a stroke of misfortune, the other three can still continue the search."


    Everyone nodded.


    "Senior Lian. Rean is a very detrimental existence for our Umbral Sect. Since there is a good chance of finding him in this Forest, why didn''t the sect dispatch Nascent Soul Realm elders to look for him? It would be several times faster and easier to scan this place."


    Lian sighed as he explained.


    "Unfortunately, our Umbral Sect is being watched all the time. If we do make some unusual movements, the Dalamu Sect will most likely act. We were lucky that the mayor of Tamadol City owed a debt to one of our elders. That''s the only reason why he reported Roan''s location to us. We don''t want to scare the prey away because we are being too hasty. Don''t worry, with our four groups searching simultaneously, we really have a good chance of finding them."


    "Alright, we won''t be able to hide our approach from now on. Change your sect robes to some everyday clothes, and let''s enter."


    The Umbral Sect Members nodded and changed before quickly heading for the Core Region.


    Back in the Core Region, somewhere deep underground, a woman made her way through what seemed to be a maze. If Rean and Roan were here at the moment, they would immediately recognize her. She was Latalia Amakal, the target they were searching for together with the place in the Jade Slip.


    ''For f.u.c.k''s sake! Just where the hell is the core?''


    Latalia had been in this underground maze for weeks already. Fortunately, as a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator, she didn''t need food or water anymore. Otherwise, she would have died a long time ago. However, not being able to find a single clue in this place after flying around for so long already started to take a toll on her.


    *Roar!*


    ''Shit!''


    As soon as Latalia heard that roar, she turned around and disappeared into the maze''s passages. Being lost in this place was not the only thing she had to care about. There were also a lot of creatures that lived here. Latalia tried to fight them before. At first, she found it to be relatively easy. Although the creatures had power equivalent to a Core and Soul Fusion Realm Cultivator, they didn''t have any intelligence. It wasn''t a problem to use a few tricks that led them into their own demise... or so she thought.


    Unfortunately, she came to understand that it was impossible to kill them. She killed them several times, but they always recovered. When she finally began to run out of Spiritual Energy, she had to flee. She wanted to investigate further, but she had to keep moving before they recovered completely.


    ''It must be some kind of massive formation that keeps recreating those beasts. Well, that makes sense. If these beasts were real ones and had been locked here until now, they would have died already. Still, it''s no wonder so many people began to disappear around this place. If they were trapped inside this location, then most of them would die indeed. They didn''t know what they were getting into. Once they got trapped here, only death awaited them. Even my Amakal Family only has superficial knowledge about it. Still, why did this place only open now?''


    Unfortunately, she also didn''t find a way to deal with the formation either. She already gave up battling those monsters and would flee as soon as she heard them. Her only choice was to find the exit or a way to stop the beasts from resurging. However, that''s not her plan. Latalia had other thoughts in mind regarding her stay here in this place.

 Chapter 297 - Training Continues

    Rean and Roan knew nothing about what was happening. Instead, they just kept moving forward in the direction of the search range. Every now and then, they would bump into Demon Beasts. Still, as mentioned before, the majority of them were Stage Two or Three. These kinds of Demon Beasts posed little to no threat to the twins.


    Of course, Stage Four Beasts also appeared. As strong as the twins might be, there was also a limit to how much they could fight against. At their Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm, Rean and Roan could fight on equal terms with a Middle Stage Four demon beast while going all out. They only had a small advantage over Initial Stage Four Ones as well.


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    *Creee!*


    An arc of Light and Dark Element came from the twin''s swords, aiming at a mob of demon beasts in front of them. Kentucky followed right behind the attack, flashing against any demon beast that dodged the attack.


    *Swish, swish, swish!*


    *Puchi, puchi, puchi!*


    One demon beast after another dropped dead to the ground. Still, that was far from being enough. They had a cave to rest and didn''t find anything with their Spiritual Senses at first. However, the cave was really deep, so they couldn''t see that far. However, after staying there during the night, they suddenly felt the ground tremble. It turned out that the cave was also a lair for a bunch of Dark Cave Spiders.


    The majority were only Stage Two ones, with a few Stage Three in the middle. However, the problem was that there were too many of them attacking the twins and Kentucky. Besides, they could tell with their Spiritual Sense that a Stage Four Beast was controlling all these spiders at the very back. It was quite intelligent since it knew how to use mobs to worn out its prey.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/training-continues_50859497954008421 for visiting.


    "Roan, should we retreat?"


    The battle didn''t have much meaning since they couldn''t approach the Mother Spider at the back. Besides, they were close to the entrance. As long as they turned around and run, those spiders wouldn''t be able to stop the three of them.


    However, Roan shook his head.


    "No need. Let''s take this opportunity to see how long we can last with our Spiritual Energy. I want to see if we will run out of energy or reach the mother spider first."


    Rean didn''t mind since they had the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm for any emergency.


    "Alright."


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon.''


    ''Death Style, First Form...''


    ''Life Style...''


    *Creee!*


    The battle continued for thirty minutes. Finally, the Mother Spider began to run out of subordinates and decided to step forward.


    Of course, it wasn''t easy for the twins either. Both Rean and Roan had been hit by the spiders several times. Besides, these spiders'' main issue was their poison. If not because Rean had his Third Form, Purification, they would have collapsed a long time ago. At the very least, they would need to consume some anti-poison pills.


    Suddenly, the mother spider shot her web forward, trying to catch the twins unprepared. However, the only one stuck by it was Kentucky. Sure enough, Kentucky still only knew how to rely on speed and raw power. It lacked experience.


    Seeing the chance, the Mother Spider controlled her brethren to hold Rean and Roan back while she attacked Kentucky. Stage Four Demon Beasts were only one realm away from acquiring sentience, so they were already intelligent enough to understand prioritizing something in battles.


    Kentucky saw the Mother Spider coming at him and immediately ignited his feathers. Light and Dark Flames spread out of his body, and they destroyed the web holding him in place.


    *Shiiii...*


    Still, it was too late. The Mother Spider descended as it attacked with its mandibles.


    *Crash!*


    Although the Mother Spider was giant, Kentucky was quite big himself. It would be impossible for the Mother Spider to swallow him whole. That being said, she tried to crush his head first.


    However, she really underestimated the Minokawa''s defense. Some blood trickled out of Kentucky''s head, but it was due to superficial damage to his skin. Most of the attack damage was stopped by the blade-like feathers and scales.


    Well, Kentucky still panicked once he saw his head inside the Spider Mother''s mouth.


    *Creeeeee!*


    His Dark and White Flames then burst with even more ferocity as he used his wings and legs to get himself free. The Mother Spider''s defense was also quite good. However, the insides of her mouth were not as resistant. She could only resist the Life Destroying and Extreme Heat of the flames for a few seconds before giving up and letting Kentucky go.


    Kentucky fell to the ground as the Mother Spider was pulled back with the help of her webs above the air. However, those few seconds were enough for Rean and Roan to open a path through the Mother Spider''s younglings. The Mother Spider only had time to see the twins under her as they soared in her direction. Not only that. It wasn''t just two enemies, but six instead!


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    ''Death Style, Four Form, Soaring Dragon!''


    Three Reans and Roans soared as their Swords brimmed with Light and Dark Elements and Spiritual Energy.


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!*


    The Mother Spider was hit on her belly where her defense was the weakest.


    *Hisssssss!*


    The Spider Mother hissed as green blood poured down like fountains. Still, the Mother Spider was a Middle Stage Four demon beast. Not to mention that her younglings came to give her help in the very next moment.


    Without any choice, Rean and Roan could only defend against the suicidal attacks of the weaker ones since there were still quite a few of them.


    *Clang, clang, clang, clang...*


    Rean looked at the Mother Spider as it shot back into the cave.


    "It''s running away."


    Roan shook his head in response.


    "Leave it. There is no way we can catch it in its territory. Besides, we are completely spent already."


    That last Mirage Assault and Soaring Dragon had drained the rest of the twins'' Spiritual Energy.


    Rean looked at Kentucky and could see the same using its Light Element to heal its head injuries. Seeing that, Rean sighed in relief. When the Spider Mother pressed her mandibles around Kentucky''s head, Rean really thought it would be crushed by it.


    Roan ignored everything before saying.


    "Let''s leave this place. The Dark Cave Spider Mother''s younglings will keep attacking us without stopping, thinking that we will try to pursue her. We can''t stay here anymore."


    Rean arrived beside Kentucky and used his Purification Skill to accelerate the process of getting rid of the Spider Mother''s poison inside Kentucky.


    "Alright. Let''s go."


    Right after, the three of them shot out of the cave, leaving the Dark Cave Spiders behind. However, as soon as they passed through the cave entrance, the Spiders pursuing them stopped. It seemed like the Spider Mother gave them an order to not leave the cave.


    That was a good thing for the twins. They noticed that there were no Demon Beasts around, most likely because they knew that this place was the Spider Mother''s territory. Now that the Spider Mother was injured, she wouldn''t come out anytime soon, nor would her subordinates. This meant that they had a perfect place to rest.


    They didn''t go too far before concealing themselves beside a small cliff. Only then did the twins and Kentucky take out Spirit Stones to recover their Spiritual Energy.


    "Phew... As expected of Stage Four Demon beasts. Even after being hit by Six Soaring Dragons at once, it still survived and ran away."


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s good. It''s this kind of battle I wish to experience."


    Roan felt excellent since the number of enemies just now forced him to use his Shadow Steps to the limit. Still, he and Rean were hit by the spiders'' attacks many, many times. That showed how much he had to improve with his techniques.


    ''Indeed. Battles with Spiritual Energy are completely different from Battles without it.''


    The same could be said to Rean since his First Form, Enhancement, was active during the entire battle. The progress was slow. Still, Rean got even better at how to lock the Light Element in their body little by little, preventing it from escaping. That was the base of most of his Life Style Skills.


    Rean then looked at Kentucky before asked Roan.


    "What do you think?"


    Roan understood what Rean meant before saying.


    "There is nothing much that can be done. Kentucky is too young, so expecting impressive reflexes from it will not bring us anywhere. He can only rely on his own instincts to get better at fighting. However, it does, indeed, learn very fast. I doubt it would fall into the Spider Mother''s Webs a second time in the same situation. I guess, no, it is definitely due to its impressive bloodline. It just has to stop relying on its defense so much."


    Rean laughed as he remembered Kentucky''s frightened expression when the Spider Mother''s mouth tried to eat his head.


    "Hahaha! Don''t worry. After being scared like that, I doubt it will purposely continue to take hits head-on as it has done so far."


    Sure enough, Kentucky''s head was full of the images of the insides of the Spider Mother''s mouth.


    Rean then looked at Roan before asking.


    "How far are we from the region of search?"


    Roan looked at the Jade Slip before saying.


    "We are close. Considering our speed, we should arrive there tomorrow afternoon."


    Rean nodded as they spent the rest of the night recovering and pondering about today''s experiences.

 Chapter 298 - Contact

    Other than Demon Beasts, there were also a few groups of cultivators. Of course, it was not easy to find them. They would bump into one or two every 500 to 1000 kilometers. Sometimes even none. That makes sense since only those with high cultivation would dare to enter here.


    If Rean and Roan found those people, then so would others as well. At the moment, Rean and Roan just so happened to be talking with one of those groups. As for the topic...


    "Are you two sure that you are not lost? Where have you ever seen 14 years old brats like you two training in a place like this? I''m surprised that you haven''t died yet."


    This group had one Initial Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator while the other three were at least at the late Stage of the Core Formation Realm. They had come to the Core of the Jiran Forest to gather demon beasts'' materials and demon cores. After all, Stage Four demon cores and materials were still worth a lot even if they can only be sold for Rank Two Spirit Stones.


    Roan became annoyed at their blabbering as Rean sighed helplessly. As much as this group has good intentions, being stopped for such a reason really bothered them. If anything, they were in a much better condition than them, with the Dimensional Realm available for emergencies.


    "We appreciate your thoughts, but you don''t need to worry. We are more than strong enough to survive in this place. We are members of the Dalamu Sect, after all."


    The leader of that group nodded.


    "That explains how two brats at your age were able to reach the Core Formation Realm so fast. This old man spent over 30 years to reach the same stage as you two. It took me even longer to arrive at the Core and Soul Fusion. Not to mention that I have no hope of reaching the Nascent Soul Realm one day. Still, even if you are from the Dalamu Sect, you should return. This cultivation of yours is too low."


    Roan finally lost his patience.


    "Whatever, just ignore them. Let''s go."


    Without even looking behind, Roan dashed into the forest. Rean bitterly smiled as he nodded.


    "Don''t worry, sir. We know the risk. Just leave us be."


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky saw the twins running away and quickly followed as well.


    A man in this group couldn''t help but ask the old leader.


    "Father, is it really okay to leave them? Shouldn''t we try to stop the two? I believe the Dalamu Sect would even give us a reward for helping bring those two geniuses back to their sect. After all, I don''t think they would allow them to enter this Core Region with their cultivations."


    The man pondered for a bit about the situation. Although he wasn''t part of a sect, he at least knew how they work. As his son said, those sects wouldn''t allow geniuses of that level to venture in a place like this without the necessary cultivation.


    Another member of their group also added.


    "I believe he is right, Clan Leader. Since our Lopin Clan lives in the Dalamu Sect''s Territory, it wouldn''t be a bad decision to acquire a favor from them. Besides, they are already lucky that no one tried to rob them yet and that it was us who came. Others would most likely try to rob them once they saw that they were part of the Dalamu Sect. After all, they are bound to have quite a few good items with the cultivation they are showing."


    Well, the truth was that Rean and Roan had already encountered two groups like that. One was while they were still in the Inner Region, while the other was after they had just entered the Core Region. Robbers in a place like this weren''t anything rare. Demon beasts were far from being the only risks to take here. Unfortunately for those two groups, they really selected the wrong group to attack.


    Finally, the man nodded his head.


    "Fine, but let''s not try to stop the twins straight away. You are young, so you can see it. Something tells me that they are not as simple as they look. It''s just like you said, they were way too lucky to not have been robbed so far. That makes one think, had they really been lucky or not?"


    "Is father saying that they might really have the power to defend themselves with that cultivation?"


    The Clan Leader nodded.


    "It seems ridiculous, but you must understand one thing. Don''t ever underestimate the sect''s powers."


    The Clan Leader''s son and the other two companions looked at each other in dismay. Could that really be the case? The Clan Leader didn''t wait for them to say anything before grabbing them with his Spiritual Energy and taking flight. At the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, one can finally use Spiritual Energy to fly, after all. It would be a lot easier to watch the twins like that.


    Rean and Roan kept moving forward, as Roan commented.


    "We already entered the region where we need to look for that mountain with four peaks."


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s good. Let me fly with Kentucky to take a better look around."


    Rean then jumped on Kentucky''s back and transmitted his intention through Spiritual Sense. Kentucky immediately opened his wings as Light Element gathered in his body. In the next second, the Minokawa shot at high speeds to the sky.


    Rean then looked around to see if he could see any mountain before uttering through their Soul Connection.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/contact_50859523472150186 for visiting.


    ''I can see two mountains, but I can''t tell if they have four peaks or not since they''re covered by clouds.''


    Roan nodded, not finding it too surprising.


    ''It seems like we will need to verify one by one from now on. Come down. You will gather too much attention if you keep flying above everyone''s heads.''


    Rean nodded before telling Kentucky to descend. However, he also noticed that the group of cultivators from a while ago was also nearby.


    ''Well, those guys seem to be following us.''


    Roan couldn''t care less, though.


    ''Ignore them. As long as they don''t bother us, then that''s fine.''


    Rean then asked.


    ''What if we find this Jade Slip''s location?''


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    ''In that case, we can simply change direction and lead them somewhere else. After that, we will enter the Dimensional Realm and wait a while until they leave. Simple as that.''


    ''By the way, did you find any clue that might be related to the target we are looking for?''


    Rean shook his head.


    ''The region is too big. That group of cultivators was basically the only one since we arrived in the searching area.''


    Roan nodded again.


    ''Alright, let''s keep an eye just in case we find something. It''s not like we need to bring the old woman back anyway.''


    Rean agreed with Roan when all of a sudden, he felt some familiar energy as he looked behind.


    ''Ah! Found another group. They are coming from the same direction as the guys from before. Could it be that they are gathering forces to attack us?''


    Roan snorted after hearing that.


    ''As if! They have a Core and Soul Fusion Realm member in their midst. Do you think they would feel afraid of two Initial Stage Core Formation Realm teenagers? If they wanted to attack us, they would have done so as soon as we met.''


    Rean nodded. No one knew about their real combat power, after all. However, his eyes narrowed after a while. The new group didn''t seem to be anything different from the others they found in the past. However, Rean finally remembered where he had felt that familiar energy before.


    ''Umbral Energy!''


    He quickly patted Kentucky and had it fly down. Roan already heard his words through their Soul Connection, so he was already on guard too. As soon as Rean left everyone''s sight, he touched Kentucky''s body and sent the Minokawa into the Dimensional Realm. Soon after, Light Element gathered around his body while Roan stayed close to him.


    ''Light Style, Fourth Form, Hidden Radar!''


    With that, Rean would be able to feel all Spiritual Senses while being able to bend them in order for the two of them to be undetectable. Of course, Rean''s bending ability had a limit. If the Spiritual Sense was too strong, he would still feel it but wouldn''t be strong enough to bend it. Fortunately, the Umbral Sect''s strongest member at the back was only at the Middle Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Rean could just barely bend his Spiritual Sense with Light Element before it touched them.


    Roan then looked at Rean before asking.


    ''Have they noticed you?''


    Rean shook his head.


    ''I doubt so. It was because of the Umbral Energy that my attention was caught at first, but they definitely noticed the previous group that stopped us.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Since you can keep us hidden, let''s go take a look. They most likely came for us, so I want to know how many are there.''


    As soon as Rean''s group disappeared, the Lopin Clan Leader showed a shocked expression. Rean''s group had just disappeared right inside his Spiritual Sense. However, he didn''t have time to think about that as his son called his attention.


    "Father, there''s a group coming."


    The Clan Leader then looked behind and saw a six-member group moving in their direction.


    "Be careful. There are two Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators with them. One Initial and one Middle Stage."


    As the Umbral Sect group arrived, no one noticed the change in the light near their position. Sure enough, Rean also used his Light Element camouflage.

 Chapter 299 - Umbral Sect Attack

    The Lopin Clan Leader then ignored Rean and Roan''s disappearance and stepped forward to talk with the newcomers.


    "I''m the head of the Lopin Clan, Rovan Lopin. What do these friends need?"


    Rovan kept his guard up since the opposite side had the power to kill his group. If they really attacked, he wasn''t sure if he could even escape, let alone his son and the other two.


    As mentioned before, the Umbral Sect had separated into four groups. Two groups had six members, while the other two had five. The one at the Middle Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion then asked them a question.


    "We are looking for two teenagers that have entered this part of the Core Region. They are twins with different hair colors, one white and one black. Have you seen them?"


    Rovan and the others'' expressions didn''t change. They were all experienced enough to not give clues. Still, they didn''t expect that such a high-level group would be looking for those teenagers. However, Rovan thought it to be strange. No one would openly look for members of the Dalamu Sect like that. After all, if you lived in the Dalamu Sect territory, it wouldn''t be a good idea to pick a fight against them. Anyone who decided to attack those twins would only do so if they could guarantee that they could get rid of the evidence later.


    "Who are you? Are you members of the Dalamu Sect?"


    Obviously, the Umbral Sect members wouldn''t tell the truth.


    "That''s none of your business. Have you seen them or not?"


    Rovan then received a Spiritual Sense message from his son.


    ''Father, this is not a group we can mess with.''


    Rovan nodded as he looked back at the guy.


    "This friend is right. I was too harsh. I haven''t seen them, but I''ll keep it in mind if I notice a duo like that."


    Rovan might not want problems, but it didn''t mean he would say anything either. They couldn''t prove that his group had seen Rean and Roan to start with. Besides, considering the Core Region''s size, the chances of them seeing the twins were meager as well. It wouldn''t be strange if they didn''t see anything.


    Rean didn''t expect the guy to not tell the truth. Why would he hide it? However, Roan understood very well.


    ''You have the wrong idea. They were not trying to protect us. Instead, the Rovan guy just doesn''t want any problems. The best way to do that is to pretend that he doesn''t know anything. As soon as the guy from the Umbral Sect finishes his questions, Rovan will immediately take his members and get the hell out of here.''


    Rean sighed but nodded in the end.


    ''What do we do, then?''


    Roan then showed a cold smile as he looked at the two sides.


    The Umbral Sect guy snorted in response after hearing that answer.


    "Is that so? Then so be it."


    Umbral Energy began to gather around the guy''s hands as he immediately used his Movement Technique. The Umbral Sect''s presence in this place was a secret. When Rovan stopped to ask who they were, showing his doubt, they had already decided to get rid of this group.


    "Not good! It''s the Umbral Sect!"


    Rovan reacted as fast as possible, but he got attacked by the Initial and Middle Stage Umbral Sect members. Besides, he wasn''t part of a sect. His own combat power was already lower than the Initial Stage guy.


    ''Extreme Titan''s Palm!''


    ''Umbral Heavenly Finger!''


    *Bang, Bang!*


    Rovan already vomited blood as he was sent flying back. At the same time, Umbral Energy began to invade his body and affect his organs.


    The other members of the Umbral Sect didn''t stay put either. They also attacked the very moment the two Core and Soul Fusion Realm members acted.


    "F.u.c.k! Run!"


    The Lopin Clan members tried to flee, but how could the Umbral Sect members allow them?


    "Hahaha! Do you think you can escape?"


    Several flags were shot in various directions. In just a second, they created a circular zone around the battlefield. Suddenly, they began to shine with yellow light as Spiritual Energy linked them. Right after, something that looked like a yellow dome appeared in that area.


    Rovan''s heart sunk after seeing that. Those were Flag Formations that allowed one to use them even without having to build anything. Those things were very expensive and hard to make. However, if it was the Umbral Sect, it made sense that they could have some of those. Without breaking the barrier, none of them would be able to leave.


    Taking advantage of the situation, the Umbral Sect members attacked with all their might.


    "Old geezer, die!"


    ''Umbral Extermination!''


    ''Earth Convergence!''


    Rovan quickly regained his bearings as he tried to resist. He pulled out his Saber, trying to use it to block the attacks with his own skill.


    ''Rise of the Flames!''


    Fire Element gathered around his body as he slashed against the two-pronged attacks. He knew he wouldn''t be able to fend them off, but it would at least give him some chance. He would then need to think about a way to escape this place after that.


    However, he noticed something in his field of vision approaching his two attackers at high speeds. He couldn''t tell what it was since it looked more like a distorted spot. The weird thing was that that distorted spot wasn''t appearing in his Spiritual Sense. If he wasn''t seeing it with his own eyes, he wouldn''t even know it was there.


    Obviously, the distortion was due to Rean''s camouflage effect. As for the Spiritual Sense concealment, that came from the Hidden Radar Skill.


    Roan stopped Rean from acting when the Umbral Sect members attacked first. He saw that they were acting complacent due to their numbers advantage. That was what he exactly wanted. After those two Core and Soul Fusion guys connected their attacks on Rovan and the Flag Formation activated, they got even more complacent. Only then did he and Rean began to move.


    Because of the Flag Formation, those Umbral Sect members didn''t think they would be attacked by anyone else. That being said, they completely dropped their guard as they were sure they had to only pay attention to Rovan''s group.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps!''


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    The moment Rovan was about to receive a potentially fatal strike, that distortion in mid-air changed into a cloud of Dark and Light Elements and Spiritual Energy. From inside it, Rean and Roan appeared in a flash as their swords changed into claw-like attacks.


    As shocked as Rovan could be, he would need to be an idiot to let such a change to pass. He understood what Rean''s group was doing, so he increased his Fire Element and Spiritual Energy output as much as possible. With that, his defense display got even more appealing, creating the perfect moment for a sneak attack.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/umbral-sect-attack_50859565616519232 for visiting.


    Sure enough, no one was expecting that someone was hidden inside the Flags'' Protection Formation. By the time those two Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators noticed it, the six swords were already right on their backs! Besides, they were also in the middle of releasing their own skills, so they couldn''t simply stop it that fast.


    ''What?! Where the hell they came from?!''


    Both of them tried to change the course of their attacks, but how could Rovan let them do so? Instead of retreating while using his Rise of the Flames, he immediately pounced forward! That forced the Umbral Sect Members who were already in front of him to defend against his attack first.


    *Bang!*


    Still, those two''s attacks were a lot more powerful than Rovan''s. Not to mention that Rovan forced himself to take them head-on! Because of that, Rovan received severe injuries as his body was once again sent flying, crashing against the Flags'' Protection Formation. Yet, if one looked at his face, they would see a smile appearing.


    The Umbral Sect enemies tried to use their Spiritual Energy to create a barrier to block Rean and Roan''s attack as much as possible. However, they were utterly underestimating Roan''s Dark Element effects. Rean and Roan''s Six Swords cut through their barriers like a hot knife on butter, landing all the attacks in the most critical points!


    *Swish, swich, swich, swich, swich, swich!*


    Two heads and hearts were pierced through as two necks were slashed clean. They didn''t even have time to scream before they were killed on the spot!


    Because it was a sneak attack, the twins did not release the Mirage Assault. After all, Rean couldn''t hide the two of them plus the clones at the same time from others'' Spiritual Sense.


    The rest of the Umbral Sect Members were shocked when they saw their two strongest members falling and immediately gave up attacking the Lopin Clan members. They moved in a different direction from the twins and tried to rush out of the Flag Formation. Since they were the owners, the Flag Formations could be deactivated anytime they wanted to.


    *Creeeee!*


    However, it was at this moment that they heard a loud cry as a Light and Dark Flame Meteor came crashing down from above them.


    *Boom!*


    Kentucky had entered the action, immediately blasting the area in front of the Umbral Sect Members! Without another choice, they could only step back while defending against the Minokawa''s attack. Once again, they changed direction, trying to flee in another direction. Unfortunately, the king of the underworld''s voice sounded in their ears at that moment.


    ''Did I give you permission to leave?''


    Their hearts froze as they saw six black and white-haired twins appearing. Not to mention that the Lopin Clan members wouldn''t let them simply go like that either. Their fates were sealed at that point.

 Chapter 300 - Bait Plan

    Of the four remaining cultivators, three were killed in a flash, leaving just one alive. The guy knew that he wouldn''t be able to survive in that situation, so he immediately surrendered.


    Roan''s Dark Star then pressed on his throat as he nodded.


    "Good boy. You are quite smart."


    Only when everything was over did the Lopin Clan guys finally process what just happened. Obviously, they were shocked by the display of strength that the twins just showed. They even started to think about how ridiculous their idea of saving them and bringing them back to their Sect was. Who the hell needed their protection with that much combat power?


    Rovan''s son quickly came back to himself.


    "Father!"


    His body flashed as he went to help Roan.


    *Cough, cough*


    Rovan vomited blood as he did his best to got up. Ervan then held him as he poured his Spiritual Energy inside the old man.


    "Father, don''t force yourself. Here, take this healing pill."


    Rovan bitterly smiled as he looked at his son.


    "Ervan, leave it. There is too much Umbral Energy in my body. No pill will be able to save me now."


    Ervan gritted his teeth and kept trying to heal him. Unfortunately, it was far from enough. There was too much Umbral Energy inside.


    Rean then approached the man as he laughed.


    "Old man, you did quite an excellent job just now. Instead of using that chance to retreat, you released even more power to catch their attention. I was even more impressed when you pounced forward to take their much stronger attacks head-on. Although I and the iceblock were still more or less confident about our chances of winning that fight, that made things a lot easier."


    Rean then patted his shoulder while praising the old man.


    Seeing how Rean didn''t seem to care about his father''s injures made Ervan angry, though.


    "Shut up! It was because of you that we got involved in this shit!"


    Rovan raised his hand to stop his son.


    "Wrong. That was not the twins'' fault. It was evident that they didn''t want us to follow them, but we did nonetheless. Blaming them for our own actions will not make things easier."


    Rean laughed again before saying.


    "Why are you acting like a dying old man? Get up already."


    Rovan didn''t know what to say. Can''t he see with his Spiritual Sense how bad his condition is? However, just as he was about to talk, Rean held Rovan''s shoulder with his hands as he smiled.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recover!''


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    Right in front of everyone, Rovan''s injuries began to disappear at high speeds. Rean''s Light Element healed his body and protected his organs as Dark Element ran through his body and destroyed the Umbral Energy.


    Rovan grunted in pain because of the Dark Element, but everyone ignored that. After all, they could all see with their Spiritual Senses how the Umbral Energy in Rovan''s body quickly disappeared.


    Rovan''s grave injuries didn''t take more than two minutes to disappear. Well, it was already a long time, though. That''s because Rovan''s cultivation was an entire realm above Rean. Rean''s Healing abilities'' effectiveness was deeply linked to the difference in cultivation, as mentioned in the past. Besides, it always took a lot more time to heal others than heal himself. If it was only Rean, it would have taken at most a few seconds.


    The Umbral Energy took longer, though. The Purification Ability wasn''t as fast as Instant Recovery, so Rovan had to hold the pain of having Dark Element running through his body for another 15 minutes or so. Well, if others could tell how fast he was recovering, then let alone himself. Just a moment ago, he thought he was done for. Who cares about pain when you can avoid death?


    Finally, Rean''s Light and Dark Element stopped coming out as he got up. As for Rovan, other than his worn clothes, he looked as well as he had ever been. In fact, the remaining Light Element in his body made him feel quite vigorous.


    "Phew... Alright, old man. You can get up now. Thanks for the help a moment ago. We got to capture one of the guys of the Umbral Sect because of that."


    Rean''s abilities reminded Rovan of something he heard a few months ago.


    "I know who you are! You are the boy from the Dalamu Sect that can heal Umbral Energy that everyone was talking about. The Umbral Sect had even put a bounty on your head for some time."


    Rean laughed as he nodded his head.


    "Hahaha! Well, now you know why these guys appeared in this place."


    Suddenly, everyone began to hear screams coming from behind. Rean didn''t even need to turn around to know that Roan already began to question the last survivor of this group.


    Rovan and the others felt a chill on their back as they looked at Roan''s evil smile. It was really a good thing that they didn''t try to piss off these twins.


    Around a minute later, Roan slashed his sword as the guy''s head flew in the air. Rean didn''t say anything this time. They already knew that the Umbral Sect was after them. Since they want them dead, they should be prepared to die too.


    "Hey, ice block, what did you find?"


    Roan glanced at Rean before saying.


    "It seems like the marvelous Tamadol City''s Mayor had some relationship with the Umbral Sect. He did indeed recognize me back then, so he warned these guys about our trip to the Jiran Forest."


    Rean narrowed his eyes. That was quite a big risk to take when you live in the Dalamu Sect territory.


    "I see. Anyway, we can deal with the guy later. What about the Umbral Sect? Are these guys all of them? Did they send Nascent Soul Realm cultivators after us?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "No. It seems like the Umbral Sect''s Nascent Soul cultivators are under watch. Most likely, it is because of the communication system. The other sects don''t want the Umbral Sect to find problems with Dalamu before they are done with their own communication system networks. This guy said that them leaving from the Sect was already very secretive."


    Rean nodded.


    "So, what can we expect?"


    "There are three more groups. All of them have Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators in their midst. We were lucky that these guys acted as bait this time, but I can''t tell if it will work with the others. Besides, they even have a Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator between them. That''s not something we would be able to deal with."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/bait-plan_50859608834628362 for visiting.


    Rean agreed with him.


    "Indeed. In fact, this battle would last a very long time if that Rovan guy didn''t use his own life to force the Middle Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm guy''s hand. Humans are much harder to deal with than similar strength demon beasts, after all. What do you think? Should we cancel our search and return?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "Since there are no Nascent Soul Cultivators, there is no need for us to flee either. In fact, I''m looking forward to battle those guys."


    "What about the Peak Stage cultivator?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders before saying.


    "We aren''t his match, sure. But I still believe we can pose some resistance. Anyway, we can''t simply run away every time something goes wrong. That won''t work in our condition. Besides, it''s not like I think we could avoid the Umbral Sect forever."


    Rean nodded once more.


    "Alright, then."


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky then came forward as well. It seemed like he wanted to be praised for his actions too.


    "Hahaha! Alright, alright. You did well just then."


    When Rean and Roan finally revealed themselves, they also released Kentucky from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. He was responsible for helping the other guys and for preventing the Core Formation Realm enemies from escape.


    "Alright, we are done here."


    "What about the Flags'' Protection Formation?"


    "Don''t worry, I already asked how to remove it."


    Roan then extended his hands as Spiritual Energy came out from them. It quickly touched the barrier created from the Flags, which deactivated immediately. Roan then collected those flags before putting them into his bag. Or better, into the Dimensional Realm.


    "Let''s go!"


    However, just as they were about to leave, Rovan stopped them.


    "Wait! I have something to ask. Did you come here because of the missing people?"


    Sure enough, Rean and Roan''s attention was piqued.

 Chapter 301 - More Information and Some Help

    "Missing people? Wasn''t it supposed to be just one woman?"


    Rovan noticed that they didn''t have the full story, so he began to explain.


    "Around a few months ago, the cultivators venturing in this area began to disappear without any clues. The weird thing is that quite a few of them were in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Cultivators, at this level, wouldn''t die that quickly in this Core Region. Even if they did, it would be because of some fierce battle or similar event. However, no clues whatsoever were found."


    Rean and Roan then looked at each other.


    "So, it was not only that old woman Latalia. There were more. Could it be that she was sent here to investigate the disappearances?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/more-information-and-some-help_50859632993820276 for visiting.


    "Probably. However, Juan Amakal seemed to know more than just that. Otherwise, there wouldn''t be a need for him to be searching for any help possible."


    Roan then turned to Rovan.


    "Are you here because of Juan Amakal''s request too?"


    Rovan nodded.


    "Exactly. That Serene Blue Jade is an excellent help for my granddaughter back in the clan. However, I had my people look into this issue until I found the constant disappearances happening here."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Then, why did you come? Was the Serene Blue Jade worth the risk? You are the Clan Head of the Lopin Clan, after all. What if you disappear?"


    Rovan shook his head.


    "My granddaughter has greater talent than me or my son here. She will definitely inherit the position of clan head in the future. I''m already old, as you can see. My lifespan is reaching its limit, so I need to prepare for the worst. That''s why these two elders and my son accepted that mission regardless."


    Rean nodded. He was trying to obtain a better future for his clan, so that was understandable.


    "Anyway, we are indeed looking for the same person. Is that all you wanted to confirm? I might as well tell you that the Serene Blue Jade is also essential for us. Otherwise, we wouldn''t have come."


    Well, the Jade Slip''s location was the real reason, though.


    Rovan nodded before asking.


    "What about we join together to look for her. In exchange, you will give me those Umbral Sect people''s items? Does it sound like a good deal?"


    Rean and Roan understood. Sure enough, even if he was in a clan, his resources couldn''t possibly compare to the disciples like the Umbral Sect''s ones. The weapons and items that they brought here would be of great help. Of course, the Serene Blue Jade would be even better. However, that was not an assured reward. As for their enemies'' items, they might be lower in value, but they were guaranteed.


    Rean and Roan didn''t have much interest in these Umbral Sect Members'' items to start with. In that case, they had to admit that this was quite a good deal. Even if Rovan and his companions decide to escape with everything after, Rean and Roan wouldn''t care too much about it.


    "Very well. However, we have some uses for the Flag Protection Formation. If you are fine with the rest of the items here, you can have everything."


    Rovan and the others immediately nodded. Although the Flag Protection Formation would sell for a lot, the rest of the items were by no means worse.


    "Great!"


    Rovan then took a jade slip from his bag and passed it to the twins.


    "Take a look inside. It is a general map of this place. The parts that I marked were places we looked at already, so you can ignore them if you want. Of course, you can look inside them as well if you wish."


    Roan then looked at Rovan''s group before asking.


    "Did you find a mountain with four peaks in these areas?"


    Rovan and the others showed a puzzled expression.


    "A mountain with four peaks? I don''t remember anything like that. What about you three?"


    His son and the two elders shook their heads as well.


    "Nope, nothing in our end either."


    Rovan then looked at Roan before asking.


    "Is there any meaning in that mountain?"


    Roan nodded before he took a badge out of his robe. That was his Earth High-Level Alchemist Badge!


    "I''m an alchemist. Another reason to come here was to collect a few herbs that only grow in that place. Since there was also a searching mission too, we decided to take both at the same time."


    Rovan''s group couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''He is already that strong at this age, and he still found time to become such a high-level alchemist. How can the difference in talent be this great?''


    Rovan quickly recovered before nodding.


    "Very well. How do you want us to contact your group?"


    Rean then put his hand inside his bag before taking out a talisman from it. Although talismans were a lot more expensive than using the Communication System, they had their advantages. For example, the fact that they could be activated anywhere instead of having to find a communication formation to do so.


    ''Perhaps I''ll be able to create cellphones in the future. Hahaha!''


    Rean then threw it at the Clan Leader.


    "Here''s a Thoughts Transmission Talisman. If you find the Four Peaks mountain, just contact us through it, and we will come as fast as possible."


    Roan also added.


    "Don''t forget that this Umbral Sect''s group wasn''t the only one. Next time, don''t try to pry into their identities. Just say that you don''t know anything."


    Rovan bitterly smiled as he scratched his head. How could he not understand that specific question turned them into corpses? He wouldn''t be idiotic enough to make the same mistake again.


    After finishing that and discussing a few more things, Rean and Roan soon departed with Kentucky. As for the Umbral Sect items, they simply left them there for Rovan''s group to collect on their own.


    As the twins disappeared in the distance, Ervan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Are we really going to help them look for the targets and that mountain? What if we are attacked by the Umbral Sect''s remaining members?"


    Rovan shook his head in response, replying.


    "It''s okay. We just need to be more careful next time. Besides, it would be great if we can form a friendship with those twins. You saw their power, right? I think we have a lot more to gain if we help them in this endeavor. They are bound to accomplish great things in the future. If we are the ones to find what they want, we can even ask them to help your daughter once she joins the sect next year."


    Ervan and the other two elders nodded. That was indeed a tempting option.


    "But what if we were caught by whatever is making the cultivators disappear?"


    Ervan was the one to answer that question.


    "Didn''t we already come here even though we know about that? What is there to be afraid of? Father already said what would be better for us, so let''s go."


    Rovan nodded, satisfied.


    Rean and Roan already left the Lopin Clan''s members Spiritual Sense range by this time. Thanks to the research they did, Rean and Roan were able to risk more than 40% of the search''s total area. They quickly paid attention to the places still available and moved to the next one.

 Chapter 302 - Information Share

    It wasn''t a lie when Rean and Roan were told that Juan Amakal accepted anyone willing to look for Latalia. Because of that, that specific Core Region area had a few more cultivator groups than usual. Of course, considering the necessary level to explore this place, that number wasn''t that high.


    Still, Rean and Roan ended finding more of them. It looked like the Serene Blue Jade was tempting not only for the twins but also for several other powers. Fortunate or not, they didn''t seem interested in attacking the twins.


    However, that also made the search of the other three Umbral Sect Groups easier since they could ask those groups if they had seen Rean and Roan.


    Unfortunately for them, they didn''t know that the Umbral Energy inside their bodies could be perceived from a much higher distance than their Spiritual Senses could reach. Thanks to that, Rean had enough time to react and send Kentucky into the Dimensional Realm before concealing him and Roan. He preferred to do that since he could also practice using the skill. Otherwise, the twins could also go into the Dimensional Realm.


    Just like that, the time continued to pass as Rean and Roan looked for mountains with four peaks. In a 3000 kilometer radius, there was really a lot of them to be checked. Soon enough, another two days passed in a flash.


    Roan was quite satisfied since they were ''lucky'' enough to find more Stage Four Demon Beasts. That made them go all out to defend themselves, including Kentucky. It''s just that defeating those Demon Beasts and killing them were completely different stories. Even the Sixth Form, Destroyer, wasn''t strong enough to the point where it could instantly kill the big ones. That being said, just like the Spider Mother, most of them fled once they saw that they couldn''t win.


    However, it wasn''t always the demon beasts who fled. Rean, Roan, and Kentucky had to put their tails between their legs and sometimes run as well. Middle Stage Four Demon Beasts and higher were indeed just too strong. The Tusk Earth Lizard had only died due to the terrible compatibility between it and the twins'' abilities. Sure enough, breaching more than an entire cultivation realm to fight was anything but easy.


    Suddenly, Rean''s Thoughts Transmission Talisman shone inside his robe. Seeing that, he immediately took it out and put it on his forehead. The Talisman then released a stream of Spiritual Energy that entered his head. Following that, the marks on the Talisman disappeared after relaying the message.


    Roan noticed a change in Rean''s expression, so he immediately asked.


    "Was it the Lopin Clan guys?"


    Roan asked that since they didn''t only have the Thoughts Transmission Talismans from Rovan''s group. They also had a few others like Droman and Old Worm''s.


    Rean confirmed with a smile.


    "It was them, indeed. It seems like they found a mountain with four peaks around 550 kilometers from here. They are asking us to come over to verify if that is what we are looking for."


    Roan nodded, satisfied.


    "It seems like they didn''t flee with the Umbral Sect Members'' items after we left. That''s quite good already."


    Rean and Roan had to admit that they were expecting Rovan''s group to leave straight away after they gave up the items. However, it seemed like the other part knew how to keep their word.


    "Anyway, let''s go. Still, once we get around 20 or so kilometers close, we should stop and go by foot. There is still a chance that the Umbral Sect might have found out about them and forced their group to deliver this message to us."


    Rean nodded, not minding that too much.


    The twins then called Kentucky over and immediately began to run in the direction mentioned by Rovan and his group. Even now, the twins still preferred to not fly since it would catch too much attention.


    Back on Rovan''s group side, they looked around as their vision expanded to the horizon. They were now at the highest peak of the mountain they found. However, there was one thing making them puzzled.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/information-share_50859646398820211 for visiting.


    "This mountain does have four peaks, but there are almost no herbs on this one. Is this really the place that black-haired twin talked about? I don''t think the herbs here are of much use. At least, I don''t feel much Spiritual Energy inside them, nor can I recognize any rare one."


    Rovan shook his head.


    "None of us are alchemists, so we can''t really guarantee if these herbs are wrong or not. The important part is that we did find this Four Peaks Mountain. Even if they say that this wasn''t what they were looking for, it will still serve the purpose of building a good relationship."


    Ervan, who was also hearing their conversation, then asked something else.


    "What if what they are looking for are not herbs? Could this mountain have something they want instead?"


    Rovan pondered a bit as he looked around. However, he couldn''t see anything out of the ordinary with his Spiritual Sense.


    "It seems pretty normal for me."


    Yet, Ervan felt like he was missing something after they failed to identify any valuable herb.


    "Father, I''ll go take a look around. Is that okay?"


    Roan nodded, not minding too much.


    "Alright. Just make sure to not leave the range of my Spiritual Sense."


    Rovan then looked at the other two elders before saying.


    "You two go with Ervan as well. I''ll stay here on the peak to watch around. Fortunately, there are no clouds around this mountain, so I have a privileged vision here."


    The two elders nodded, and they immediately departed with Ervan.


    Meanwhile, the three Umbral Sect groups had just gathered once again somewhere in the Core Region.


    Their leader, Lian Buran, looked at the other two groups as he narrowed his eyes.


    "Where is Gugo''s group? They were supposed to have arrived already."


    The others looked at each other, but they all shook their heads.


    "We''ve been here for quite some time already. Still, we haven''t seen even a shadow of Gugo and his group members."


    Lian pondered a bit before taking a Thoughts Transmission Talisman from his robe. Right after, the Talisma burnt as the message was sent. Lian then took another Thoughts Transmission Talisman from his robe and began to wait. He had just used one Talisman to send a message. Now Lian was using the other to wait for an answer. Obviously, the one he tried to contact was the so-called Gugo''s Group.


    However, even after ten minutes of wait, no answer came back at all.


    "This..."


    "Could it be that something went wrong?"


    Lian nodded.


    "Most likely."


    Vio then guessed.


    "Would there be a group capable of taking Gugo''s group down without giving him a chance to contact us back?"


    "If that is the case, I can only think about Nascent Soul Realm cultivators or Stage Five Demon beasts. Even a Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator wouldn''t be able to finish Gugo that easily. Besides, Wilk was with him. With two Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators in the group, at least one would have been able to escape."


    Lian shook his head in response.


    "That way of thinking is too simple. They might have been ambushed as well, which didn''t give Gugo a chance of contacting us back. Don''t forget that only Gugo has the Thoughts Transmission Talisman on him. If he died straight away, the others wouldn''t be able to do anything to warn us."


    Sames, another Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator, then asked.


    "Could it be the Dalamu Sect? Considering the importance of Rean to that Sect, it wouldn''t be weird if he had Thoughts Transmission Talismans on him. Maybe he called for reinforcements after finding that we were here somehow? If that is the case, we might be really dealing with higher-level cultivators here. Should we give up this search?"


    Lian shook his head once more.


    "No. The chances of that happening are too low. Let''s keep searching for them. However, keep your Thoughts Transmission Talismans in your hands all the time. If you see that you get ambushed or found something wrong, use it immediately. That should at least give the other remaining two groups time to react."


    Vio and Sames nodded. After that, their group discussed a few more things before once again separating. The search continued.

 Chapter 303 - Pulled Inside

    Ervan looked around the mountain as he collected a few of the herbs present. Although he didn''t think they had much use, perhaps they were what Roan was looking for. The same could be said to the other two elders who were searching with him. Just like that, three hours or so went by.


    Suddenly, he received a Spiritual Sense message from one of his companions.


    ''Ervan, come take a look at this.''


    Not expecting too much, Ervan moved a few hundred meters until he arrived at the location that the elder told him. Together with him, the second elder appeared as well.


    ''What is it, Elder Sian?''


    Sian then pointed at an aperture on the other side. It was relatively small and would be easily overlooked if one didn''t pay very close attention. Sian only found it because he thought that he could find some herbs around the place as well.


    ''Ervan, Luo, try to use your Spiritual Senses. Can you see that crevice in there?''


    Luo and Ervan narrowed their eyes as they spread their Spiritual Sense. Sure enough, they could see everything around them... except for that aperture at the wall.


    ''This... Isn''t it the same as what those two twins did previously? They also disappeared from our Spiritual Sense, just like when we met the Umbral Sect members.''


    Sian nodded.


    ''Exactly. That''s why I called you two over. Ervan, you were doubting that the black-haired boy really wanted the herbs, weren''t you? After all, all the herbs we found here have little to no Spiritual Energy inside. They don''t seem suitable for alchemy, as far as we can see. Maybe this is what he and his brother were really after.''


    Ervan narrowed his eyes as he looked at the area ahead. Still, he shook his head and looked at the Mountain''s Highest Peak.


    ''Let''s call father over before we check it.''


    Sian and Luo nodded. However, just as they were about to turn around, a burst of energy came out of the aperture. It was too fast for any of them to react. However, they were not attacked by that, but captured!


    "What?!"


    Ervan, Sian, and Luo were shocked and immediately activated their Spiritual Energies, trying to get free of whatever was holding them. Unfortunately, they were too weak! Soon after, that aperture on the mountain wall began to engulf the Spiritual Energy, quickly pulling Ervan''s group with it.


    Rovan, who was still in the Mountain Peak, suddenly opened his eyes. Ervan and his group were inside his Spiritual Sense all the time. Naturally, the place they found was the same. However, a powerful burst of Spiritual Energy appeared out of nowhere close to their location. Not to mention that he saw them struggling as they seemed to be pulled over.


    ''Not good!''


    Rovan flash away as he quickly made his way to where his group was located.


    *Tremble!*


    The mountain shook as Rovan flew there. However, the tremble was concentrated. Only those on the mountain or at most a few kilometers around could feel it. Considering the Core Region''s size and the search area, most likely, no one noticed that.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/pulled-inside_50859667605221523 for visiting.


    It only took a few seconds for Rovan to cover several hundred meters. Unfortunately, he arrived just a bit too late. Ervan, Luo, and Sian were already pulled inside. Of course, Ervan was his son while the other two were elders of his Clan. That being said, Ervan also rushed inside straight away... or so he tried.


    *Bang!*


    Rovan then smashed against an invisible barrier. The blow was so hard that Rovan even felt dizzy for a few seconds. Nonetheless, he quickly recovered as he looked at the aperture in front of him in dismay. Of course, he wouldn''t stay put without doing anything.


    "Open for me!"


    His Saber came out as he immediately attacked the barrier with all his strength.


    ''Emperor Flame Saber!''


    Fire Element gathered all over his body for a few seconds before he sent the attack down.


    *Boom!*


    The ground trembled as flames spread everywhere. The earth and dirt flew everywhere around the crevice as well, increasing the gap of that aperture. Still, the barrier itself didn''t even budge.


    Rovan was really shocked this time. Emperor Flame Saber couldn''t be said to be a famous skill. The few seconds that it needed to charge was more than enough for cultivators at Rovan''s level to release several other attacks. In a battle, it wasn''t efficient. However, if given the time to do so, it was indeed a powerful single-target skill. Yet, the barrier didn''t move at all. How could Rovan not be startled by that?


    It was then that Rovan noticed something different. At first, there was just a small aperture on the Mountain Wall. But after his attack, that aperture expanded several times as the wall was blasted away. However, he quickly noticed that the mountain wall was, in fact, hiding something else. Now, Rovan could see something like an ancient ruin wall with several patterns carved on it.


    But the impressive thing was not the carvings. Instead, it was the fact that Rovan''s strongest attack also didn''t leave behind as much as a dent on these ruins.


    ''Just what the hell is this place?''


    Rovan then gathered his Spiritual Energy once more and attacked the place time and time again. Nonetheless, it brought him the same result. Rovan simply didn''t have enough power to break through the ancient ruin or the energy barrier. In the end, Rovan was left in front of the barrier, gasping for air.


    ''F.u.c.k!''


    As Rovan complained, Latalia heard some kind of mechanical sound reverberating through the entire maze. She narrowed her eyes and looked at the roof.


    ''It has opened again. Someone else has just been caught. Or was it a Demon Beast this time? I''m not sure.''


    She then ignored the sound and looked ahead of her. Latalia was quite good at survival. Because of that, she escaped from the Energy Beasts time and time again until she finally found something different. She was now in from another ancient ruin wall with similar patterns as the one Rovan saw outside. There was a door also made of the same material as the rest of the wall in the middle. Unfortunately, it didn''t matter what she did. She couldn''t force it open.


    ''The Laan City remnants from over ten thousand years ago. Way before Zef Jialin arrived at this place and founded the Jialin Country. Even my Amakal Family only has a few records about its existence.''


    Several thoughts passed through Latalia''s. It was then that she looked at a few small gaps beside the door. There were even more if one looked further away. But above all, there was a small pillar right in front of it that seemed to be necessary to open the passage.


    ''I don''t have the keys to open this thing. As for that part...''


    Latalia sighed before shocking her head.


    She then looked at an open room on the back, close to the place where she used to enter this area. She seemed to have understood what it was used for and felt some relief. However, she shook her head in the end and decided to not enter it.


    ''I can''t give up now. Better continue to investigate.''


    Latalia didn''t just run around aimlessly. She also made sure to memorize her path to mount a map for her use. The only problem was that the maze seemed to change its format, so it took her quite a lot of time to understand the patterns.


    Latalia then focused her mind on the parts where she hadn''t investigated yet and quickly left once again.


    Meanwhile, Lian and his group continued their search for the twins. Finally, they got another clue from a group of cultivators who saw the twins passing by. Different from the Umbral Sect members, the other cultivators didn''t have Umbral Energy in their bodies. Naturally, Rean couldn''t feel their presence from further away. Not to mention that Rean couldn''t keep the Hiden Radar skill activated all the time. That being said, they would end up inside someone''s Spiritual Sense in case they got too close.


    This one had just been one of the groups that had bumped into the twins and the Minokawa with their Spiritual Senses while they made their way to Rovan''s place. Of course, it was not just because they saw Rean''s group cultivation that they would decide to attack or rob the other part. Not everyone acted in that manner. In fact, most of the groups didn''t come here for that but to train or acquire Demon Beasts'' materials. It was that simple.


    After acquiring the information, Lian contacted the other two groups. Right after, they headed in the direction the twins were seen the last time.


    Back on Rean and Roan''s side, they finally spotted the Four Peaks Mountain in the distance.


    "We are here. Rovan should be at the highest peak waiting for us."

 Chapter 304 - Transformation

    *Boom!*Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/transformation_50859688811622785 for visiting.


    As the twins made their way up, they suddenly heard the sound of an explosion coming from another part of the mountain. Before entering the Mountain, Rean began to use his Hidden Radar and Light Camouflage skill. Only then did the twins made their way up. As for Kentucky, he was sent into the Dimensional Realm once again. That being said, Rovan didn''t know they were there.


    The twins then looked at each other before moving in the direction of the sound. Only then did they find out what was happening.


    *Boom!*


    Turns out that Rovan didn''t give up. He kept hitting the barrier and ancient ruin''s wall time and time again. He tried to find another entrance by digging holes beside the wall or going from behind. However, it was all useless. This place seemed to be some kind of pyramid, deeply buried in the mountain. There were no other entries other than the sealed entrance in front of him.


    Rean and Roan then looked around to see if Rovan was alone. After confirming that, Rean finally Brougth Kentucky out of the Dimensional Realm as the Hidden Radar and Camouflage Skills deactivated. That way, it looked like all three of them appeared together.


    Rovan wasn''t an idiot. He kept his Spiritual Sense spread nonstop. Obviously, he quickly noticed the presence of the twins approaching him. Still, he couldn''t help but feel surprised how they could hide from Spiritual Senses and suddenly appear like that.


    Rovan then put those thoughts behind his mind and went straight to the point.


    "You two. Were herbs really the reason that you asked for our help to find this Four Peaks Mountain?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes but shook his head in the end.


    "I would need to be an idiot to try to keep this lie. You would be an even bigger idiot if you believed that as well."


    Rovan nodded. Even if they said it was a coincidence, he wouldn''t believe it one bit.


    "What is this place? My son and the two elders of my clan were pulled inside this thing. It doesn''t matter how many times I attack this shit. It doesn''t even budge. You can forget about finding other entrances either. I tried that already."


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and nodded. Rean then returned his attention to Rovan.


    "We are indeed looking for something different other than that old woman called Latalia. However, we are not sure if what we are looking for is this thing. Of course, the chances are high."


    Trying to hide it now would be useless since the ancient ruins were right in front of Rovan.


    "The issue is that we also didn''t know what we would find. We acquired a Jade Slip by coincidence a long time ago, which showed a location on the Core Region''s Map. However, all we could figure out was that it was inside the Core Region of Jiran Forest and that it was located in a Mountain with Four Peaks. As for what is inside, we have no idea."


    Rovan narrowed his eyes as he looked at the barrier in front of him. There was no guarantee that the twins were talking the truth. Especially since the twins seemed to have a similar ability to disappeared from others'' Spiritual Senses. Still, at least they admitted that they knew something about this place.


    "Do you have any idea to open this thing?"


    Roan answered that question with one of his own.


    "How did your son and those two elders enter it in the first place?"


    Rovan shook his head.


    "I don''t know. This thing doesn''t appear in my Spiritual Sense, just like you two. Because of that, I could only see them being pulled inside by some kind of Spiritual Energy Skill from a distance. When I got close, they were already at the entrance, just about to fall inside. When I tried to rush over to save them, I smashed my head at what seemed to be an invisible barrier."


    Rovan then controlled his Spiritual Energy to grab a rock and threw it at the entrance.


    *crash!*


    Sure enough, the rock seemed to hit something in mid-air before crumbling to the ground.


    "The barrier itself doesn''t seem to have any kind of danger to the attackers. Then again, it''s definitely not something I can take down with my strength. Believe me, I tried."


    Roan thought for a moment before reaching a conclusion.


    "You said before that several cultivators began to disappear around this part of the Core Region recently. Obviously, this thing is most likely the reason. Still, this is also good news. That''s because we know that this phenomenon will happen again. You will have your chance to enter this place sooner or later. The only problem is how long it takes for each event."


    Rovan nodded since he also thought about that possibility.


    "However, the issue is how to leave after that. I would not be the first Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator entering this place, after all. Still, I haven''t heard about anyone coming out anymore. Otherwise, Juan Amakal wouldn''t have put that mission up to find Latalia. It is evident that none of the ones who fell inside have escaped."


    Rean then approached the ruins as he looked at the ancient marks. Of course, he didn''t understand anything.


    ''Sister Orb, is it possible to translate these words?''


    [Sure.]


    Right after, the Soul Gem System''s voice entered the twins'' mind.


    [Detected ancient Vruve Characters.]


    [Translation will cost a total of 137 Destiny Points.]


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    Rean and Roan got puzzled.


    ''Vruve Characters? What are those?''


    [I didn''t expect to find Vruve Remnants in this place. Still, I''m sorry. The system doesn''t allow me to say anything.]


    Rean and Roan were not surprised by that. After all, they still remember all those ''access denied'' messages once they tried to pry into the secrets of the Universe Division.


    Roan then commented.


    ''It doesn''t matter. Sister Orb''s Silence is an answer in itself already. The only thing the system keeps secret about is things related to the calamity that divided the Universe. So it has something to do with that too.''


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    ''What do you think? Should we pay for the Translation of the words? We just have a few hundred Destiny Points remaining after buying the Soul Link Upgrade. Still, it might be worth it if we find some answers inside.''


    Roan pondered a bit before looked at the wall as well. It was then that he noticed something. There was a small gap on the entrance''s side that didn''t seem to be part of the carvings made in that weird language. Right after, he noticed what it looked like.


    ''Oh, so that''s how it is.''


    Roan then made his way to the wall before touching that gap.


    "Alright. I think I know what it is."


    Right after, Roan pulled out the Jade Slip from his robe. It was the same Jade Slip that they found the information about this place. Jade Slips weren''t identicals. They were just pieces of Spiritual Materials used to keep Spiritual Sense information. That being said, they had several forms depending on where and who made them.


    Roan then put the Jade Slip on the gap, which just so happened to fit perfectly.


    *Tremble!*


    As soon as he did that, the mountain began to tremble once again. However, the tremble was several times stronger than it had ever been.


    Rovan and Rean were taken aback as they spread their Spiritual Senses. Suddenly, Rovan pointed somewhere with his finger.


    "Look, the highest peak."


    Rean then added.


    "Not only that, but the other three peaks as well!"


    The Four Peaks suddenly began to crumble down. Rocks came down from the mountain as something was revealed under it. The mountain had Four Peaks��one in the center, which was the highest, and another three around it. When the peaks crumbled, four buildings that looked like pyramid tips were revealed.


    The earthquake continued as more and more of the mountain came down. Rean and Roan used Kentucky to fly above it as Rovan flew by himself.


    Suddenly, the three pyramid tips surrounding the main one began to shine with light. It was as if they were being charged with energy. It was then that three rays of light shot forward, striking the main peak''s pyramid tip.


    Rean, Roan, and Rovan couldn''t help but think.


    ''What...what the hell is happening here?''

 Chapter 305 - More Groups

    A few seconds after the three rays hit the highest peak, another light ray shot through the skies, much thicker this time. It quickly hit the clouds above, disappearing inside. That was really a big spectacle. It shot so high and was so bright that anyone thousands of kilometers around could see.


    Finally, the earthquake that shook everything in a radius of hundreds of kilometers stopped. Still, the light didn''t retract. It was there for anyone who wished to see it.


    Roan narrowed his eyes after seeing that scene, though.


    "This isn''t good. It won''t take long before all the cultivators around start to come to see what is happening. Obviously, the Umbral Sect members won''t be different."


    Rovan looked at the place where Roan had put the Jade Slip. However, Ervan, Sian, and Luo didn''t come out of it. Without any choice, he decided to check if things were still the same as before.


    Rean also thought about the invisible barrier, so he patted Kentucky''s head, telling the Minokawa to go down as well. Once they reached the ground, Rovan, Rean, and Roan went to the place where the invisible barrier was located. However, it was nowhere to be seen anymore. If anything, the entrance had expanded several times because of the event. Even large demon beasts would be able to enter it.


    Rean then looked at Roan before asking through their Soul Connection.


    ''What should we do here? This thing is too eye-catching. It will definitely attract a lot more attention than just the cultivators in the Core Region. I know that this might be related to what brought the Universe''s separation, but I don''t think we can hide it. What about contacting the Dalamu Sect?''


    Rean said while looking at the Light Pillar shooting into the skies.


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    ''Indeed. At the very least, those guys from the Umbral Sect will definitely do so. I refuse to believe that they don''t have Thoughts Transmission Talismans capable of reaching their Sect. If we don''t call for reinforcements, things will get complicated once Nascent Soul and higher realm cultivators begin to appear.''


    With that said, the twins took the Talismans they had. Rean had one for Droman, while Roan had one for Old Worm. Their thoughts entered the mark before the Talismans burnt down.


    ''Still, considering the distance, it will take several hours for them to arrive even if they come at full speed. What should we do? Wait?''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''The cultivators that are coming here will definitely not do so. That includes the Umbral Sect Members. To be honest, once they see this place, they will probably change their priorities and enter the ruins instead.''


    The twins looked at each other and seemed to have arrived at the same conclusion.


    [Saving a Coordinate will cost 100 Destiny Points.]


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    ''Yes!''


    [Purchase Confirmed.]


    [Saving Coordinates.]


    [Coordinates Saved.]


    The twins nodded before they turned to Rovan.


    "We are going to enter the ruins. What about you?"


    Rovan snorted.


    "What do you think? My son is there with two more elders. I have to get them out safely."


    Rean and Roan didn''t say anything. There would be no point in stopping Rovan here since the cultivators'' army coming in this direction definitely won''t stop.


    "Let''s go."


    Rean, Roan, Rovan, and Kentucky then jumped inside the entrance.


    Suddenly, their field of vision distorted.


    ''Sister Orb, what is happening?''


    [There is a formation at the entrance. You are being teleported to another place. Hold on to each other, or you might be teleported to different locations.]


    Rean and Roan didn''t have time to think as they held Kentucky. Rean also saw Rovan becoming distorted, so he quickly grabbed him as well.


    ''Shit! Are the 1000 kilometers of the Circuitry Teleportation Formation enough to bring us back?''


    [Wait for the teleport to be over so that I can check.]


    Finally, Rean''s group vision came back to normal. They then released Kentucky and looked around. However, the room was completely empty. There was only a single exit with something that looked like some kind of number. Unfortunately, they could read it. At least, not without paying Destiny Points, that is.


    "We were teleported, it seems."


    Said Rovan as he checked their conditions.


    ''Sister Orb, how is it?''


    [Don''t worry, you are still inside the 3000-kilometer range for teleportation. It seems like your group was teleported underground instead of another surface somewhere.]


    ''3000 kilometer range? What range exactly? We only have Rank Three Spirit Stones, so we can only use them for 1000 kilometers. Above that, and we will need Rank Four ones.''


    [It seems to be around 1700 kilometers.]


    Rean sighed, already expecting something like that.


    ''No point in thinking about it now. Let''s move out. Since we were sent to this place, there must be an exit somewhere. Perhaps we can go up enough to reach the 1000 kilometers range.''


    Rovan noticed the twins'' silence and asked.


    "Are you two okay? We can''t stay here forever."


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    "We are fine. Let''s take a look outside first. Rovan, do you have a way to contact your son and the two elders?"


    Rovan shook his head.


    "No. It''s not like we have a way to find each other to start with. At most, I could use a Thoughts Transmission Talisman. However, when I tried to use it outside, it didn''t work."


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "Perhaps you can use it now. After all, we are in the same place that your companions were sent to. We might get some valuable information from them."


    Rovan''s eyes lit up as he took out that same talisman as before. Because it couldn''t connect to his son''s talisman, it was not spent. Rovan quickly put his thoughts inside and tried to activate it. However, the result was the same. The talisman couldn''t find its pair that his son carried. Naturally, it wasn''t consumed again.


    "No can do."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "What''s the range of your talismans?"


    Rovan scratched the back of his head after hearing that.


    "Thoughts Transmission Talismans are super expensive, so my clan could only afford ones that could reach 300 kilometers. More than that, and it would be a waste of Spirit Stones."


    The twins were not surprised by that. They knew very well that the talismans they had were indeed very expensive to be able to contact the Dalamu Sect from so far away. People using low-quality ones like Rovan was quite common. In fact, if Droman and Old Worm haven''t given the talismans to the twins, Rean and Roan wouldn''t even have one.


    "Keep that talisman in hand. It might be that you are still out of range even though we were teleported to this place."


    Rovan nodded, and their group finally left the room. Rean and Roan expected this place to be full of caves everywhere, just like the Profound Abyss. However, what waited for them outside were perfectly made tunnels or corridors. The one right in front expanded as far as their eyes could see. All the ways had the same ancient carvings as the outside too.


    Those tunnels also shone with yellow light, showing the presence of Earth Element inside them.


    Roan then took his sword and attacked.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    *Clang!*


    The sound of metal hitting metal then echoed around. As for the place where Roan attacked, not even a dent was left behind.


    "It seems like creating our own way out won''t work."


    Rovan nodded.


    "It was the same as the walls outside. But that isn''t all. Have you noticed that your Spiritual Sense is also affected?"


    Rean and Roan nodded. They tried to spread their Spiritual Senses as soon as they arrived, but it couldn''t go further than a few meters. The interference in this place was even worse than the Profound Abyss.


    "Let''s move."


    As Rean''s group began to explore the place, the outside world began to get lively. One by one, more and more cultivators at the Core Formation Realm and Core and Soul Fusion arrived. Those were the nearby cultivators that just so happened to be inside the range of the pillar of light. Naturally, they rushed over, ignoring everything to see what was happening.


    Not too long after, the groups from the Umbral Sect arrived as well.


    "Isn''t it too much of a coincidence? This is the direction those guys told us they saw the twins moving at."


    Lian nodded.


    "Indeed. However, it matters little now. Something much bigger is happening here."


    Suddenly, another cultivator group arrived. Vio and Sames thought about getting rid of them straight away. However, Lian immediately stopped the two.


    ''Don''t act harshly. They don''t know where we are from. Besides, more and more cultivators will arrive as time passes. There is no way we can deal with all of them together. It will bring us no good to increase our number of enemies here.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/more-groups_50859710554895932 for visiting.


    Vio and Sames nodded as their group calmed down. They waited to see what the other group would do. However, when they passed through the entrance, they suddenly disappeared in a flash of silver light.


    ''A teleportation formation?''


    ''It seems like it. I wonder where it will send them.''


    ''Should we stay outside and wait for the elders?''


    Lian shook his head.


    ''Let''s enter. This is the Dalamu Sect Territory. As you can imagine, they will definitely arrive before our sect elders. In fact, most of the sects'' elders closer to here than our Umbral Sect will not take long to find what is happening either. We need to take the initiative. Don''t worry. Even if the other sects are keeping an eye on our Nascent Soul Cultivators, they won''t try to stop them once they find what is happening here.''


    Vio and Sames nodded together with the rest.


    ''Then it''s decided!''

 Chapter 306 - There You Are

    Rean''s group continued to explore the area and soon found out that they were inside something like a maze. However, it had several different floors as well. They also looked for weak points where the wall could be broken, but it seemed to be completely sealed with no gaps.


    "Since it''s a maze, we might as well use the old strategy."


    "What strategy?"


    Rean then touched the wall on the side before saying.


    "We just need to follow the wall. As long as we do that, we will eventually find an exit."


    Roan immediately shook his head.


    "That''s not gonna work? Didn''t you hear those mechanical sounds? I''m pretty sure that this maze is changing shape all the time. You will only get even more lost if you do that."


    Rovan couldn''t help but say.


    "I thought those sounds were because of more people being sent inside this maze. With the show happening outside, there should be quite a few cultivators inside already."


    Roan agreed with Rovan.


    "That''s right. However, the more people that are sent inside, the maze continues to keep changing. Did you forget about the thin above the entrance of the room we appeared in? It had different formats from most of the carvings on the walls. I''m pretty sure that was a number. If I''m not wrong, there should be several more rooms like that where others are being teleported."


    Rean narrowed his eyes.


    "That doesn''t explain how you know that the maze is changing form, just that there are more teleportation destinations."


    Roan snorted before saying.


    "You still doubt it? Very well, let''s move back. Don''t worry, it will only take 30 or so minutes."


    Rean and Rovan had made sure to keep track of the places and paths they took. Obviously, they could return if necessary. Unfortunately, after running back for around 20 minutes, they reached a dead end.


    "It''s true... There was not supposed to have a dead-end in this place."


    Rovan nodded.


    "Yes. I''m sure we were supposed to go down from here."


    Roan then turned around and began to walk while saying.


    "That should be enough to prove what I said. What bullshit follow the walls, and you will be out? Who would make such an idiotic mistake like that? Since this place is a maze, then it was definitely built to keep people inside for sure."


    Rean and Rovan quickly followed Roan with Kentucky.


    *Roar!*


    Suddenly, a roar came from the direction they were heading. Rean''s group immediately stopped and looked ahead. Sure enough, several Demon Beasts appeared in their sight a few moments later.


    "Were these ones trapped as well?"


    However, Rean immediately shook his head.


    "They are not real demon beasts."


    Rovan and Roan looked at Rean, puzzled. These Demon Beasts had Stage Four cultivations and looked very much alive. They couldn''t see anything that indicated that they weren''t Demon Beasts. Of course, if Rean said that, then there was a reason. Roan already understood what it was, but Rean had to tell Rovan at least.


    "My Light Energy allows me to feel life force. Every living being has it. However, this place is devoid of plants or people. Because of that, any sign of Life Force like you, Kentucky, or Roan, shine like the sun in my eyes. Those demon beasts ahead though... there isn''t as much as an iota of Life Force in them. They are not alive at all."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he said.


    "Leave the conversation for after. There are three Stage Four Demon Beasts in that pack. We need to take care of them."


    Rovan and Rean nodded as they immediately pulled their weapons out. Rovan didn''t know how the twins fought, so he didn''t try to help them. Instead, he selected one of the enemies and charged at it. However, Rean stopped him before that.


    "What? We need to take the initiative!"


    Rean agreed with him as he touched Rovan''s shoulder.


    "I know."


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    Light Element poured into Rovan''s body like torrents, which immediately increased his combat prowess.


    "This..."


    Rovan could tell just how much his strength suddenly increased. He was pretty sure that he would be able to fight that Middle Stage Core and Foul Fusion Realm cultivator of the Umbral Sect head-on now.


    "Stop admiring and go. This skill of mine has a time limit. Once the Light Element in your body is used, your strength will return to normal."


    Rovan quickly came back to his senses and charged at one of the demon beasts.


    ''Searing Split!''


    *Swich!*


    *Boom!*


    *Roar!*


    The fake demon beast didn''t have intelligence, so it tried to fight Rovan had on. As a result, the very first strike already left a deep cut on it. Rovan felt very good after seeing that. Just now, his speed broke the limit of what he could usually do. Rean''s skill was really unique.


    Rean and Roan didn''t waste time either.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    Roan then sent his thought to Kentucky, who immediately charged at one of the Demon Beasts!


    *Creeee!*


    Dark and white flames spread from Kentucky''s body as his body became as resistant as metal. Light Element then enhanced his body strength, and he crashed head-on with another Demon Beast.


    *Boom!*


    Although Kentucky''s Minokawa bloodline enhances his defense to a ridiculous degree, the fake demon beast in front still had a Stage Four cultivation. Because of that, Kentucky was forced to retreat after their clash. Nonetheless, his defense proved efficient as he didn''t suffer any immediate injury.


    Rovan was fighting one of the Demon Beasts as Kentucky held another back. Thanks to that, Rean and Roan were free to deal with the last one. Roan''s plan was to quickly get rid of one and join Kentucky or Rovan to finish the rest.


    The demon beast pounced at Rean and Roan, ignoring everything else. However, the lack the intelligence made things a lot easier for the twins.


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps!''


    The twins flashed out of the demon beast''s sight, quickly reappearing on the side. Simultaneously, two clones took Rean and Roan''s place and grabbed the beast''s attention.


    Of course, Rean and Roan could summon not two but four clones. That being said, another two clones of the Mirage Assault appeared on the demon beasts'' side together with the real twins.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Several Dark and White Swords appeared everyone, hitting the demon beasts'' critical points all at once.


    *Roar!*


    The beast screamed in pain as it tried to turn its body. However, the two clones that were pulling the beast''s attention acted at that very moment.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    The rays of light flashed through the air, hitting both of the beasts'' eyes. And just like that, the creature went blind! It then went berserk, attacking everything on all sides.


    Unfortunately for the beast, how could such clumsy attacks be of any use against the twins? Taking the chance where the beast couldn''t even protect itself, Rean, Roan, and the clones began to showering it with attacks one after another.


    The demon beast wasn''t that big, so it wasn''t worth using the Sixth Form of the Death Style. Besides, the twins'' couldn''t use other attack skills during the time they made the Light and Dark energies go chaotic. The Mirage Assault Clones, for example, needed a fine control of Light and Dark Elements. If they tried to use the Sixth Form, the clones would immediately disappear.


    *Swich, swich, swich, swich...*


    *Puchi, puchi, puchi, puchi...*Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/there-you-are_50859725050410705 for visiting.


    Finally, the demon beast collapsed on the ground. Rean and Roan didn''t waste time to check it, though. As soon as this battle was over, they rushed at Kentucky''s opponents. Different from Rovan, Rean and Roan knew how Kentucky acted. They immediately joined forces with the Minokawa and overwhelmed the demon beast it was fighting against.


    Last but not least, there was Rovan''s Demon Beast. However, Rovan seemed to have almost finished things on his side. Seeing that, Roan nodded, satisfied.


    ''He might not be a genius of any sect, but for him to reach the Core and Soul Fusion Realm without the sects help shows how much he went through in his life. His battle experience is already very rich. With Rean''s Enhancement, it isn''t a surprise that he could independently defeat an unintelligent demon beast.''


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky then simply helped Rovan to end what was almost finished already. Rean then looked at the fake demon beasts'' corpses and shook his head.


    "Sure enough, fake demon beasts don''t have Demon Cores. I can''t feel the strong life force that demon cores exude after their owners die."


    Roan didn''t seem to care.


    "Doesn''t matter. Let me take a look inside their bodies."


    However, just as Roan was about to use White Star to open the beast, something strange began to happen. The Demon Beasts started to recover! It was then that Rean, Roan, and Rovan noticed a huge amount of Spiritual Energy coming from the walls, entering the demon beasts'' bodies.


    Rovan couldn''t help but comment.


    "Shit! No wonder I thought things were going too well."


    Rean nodded as he looked at Roan.


    "Should we leave before they recover completely?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes before he said.


    "You two, help me open this beast''s inside for me to take a look."


    Rovan and Rean looked at each other and nodded.


    "Alright."


    They used their own skills to open the body faster than it recovered. Different from Latalia, who was alone, their combined effort surpassed the recovery speed. Especially since Roan was using his Dark Element to help with it. Finally, Roan found what he was looking for.


    "There you are."

 Chapter 307 - Meeting Latalia

    Roan didn''t explain what that thing was. He simply grabbed it before saying.


    "Let''s go! The other two demon beasts are almost recovered. There is no point in defeating them again."


    Rean and Rovan nodded. Soon after their group left the demon beasts behind.


    *Roar!*


    Sure enough, their group heard the roar of those two demon beasts that finished recovering from behind. However, their group had already left the beasts'' line of sight, so they didn''t pursue Rean''s group.


    "As I thought, they can''t use Spiritual Sense either."


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes. However, I still feel like they knew where we were before. After all, even before seeing our faces, they were already running in our direction. I wonder why they aren''t doing it now."


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "Maybe because they can''t feel our presence all the time. We might have triggered something that showed our location to the nearby demon beasts. It''s just that we didn''t notice it. Maybe it was a formation."


    Rovan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Anyway, what was that thing you took out of the Demon Beast''s body? Was it a core?"


    Roan then took out the thing Rovan talked about.


    "This is not a core, look."


    Indeed. Rean and Roan noticed that it was far from having the spherical form of a Demon Beast core. It looked like a round stick, just six centimeters tall, perfectly linear on the sides.


    "What is it? A token?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "I''m not sure, but it does look like some kind of token indeed. However, I could feel a different energy inside it after we killed the first demon beast. It was different from the Spiritual Energy that kept the Demon Beast''s bodies whole. Since we have no clues yet, I thought I might as well take it, just in case."


    Rean thought about something and contacted the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    ''Sister Orb, can you find any formation present in this place at the moment?''


    [Give me a moment.]


    Rean and Roan waited for a few minutes until, finally, Sister Orb answered.


    [There is indeed a gigantic formation acting in this place.]


    ''Can you control it like the others?''


    [Yes, but it will be useless.]


    Rean and Roan got puzzled.


    ''Why?''


    [That''s because the complexity of this thing is too big. I would need a few days just to analyze and find its uses. As for taking control over it, that would probably take a few months. The processing power of the Soul Gem System is too low at the moment.]


    The twins understood.


    ''Fine. Still, go ahead and analyze it since we don''t know how long we will stay here. It would be good if we could at least understand what this thing does other than creating and recover those demon beasts.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/meeting-latalia_50859736861570905 for visiting.


    [Alright.]


    Rean and Roan were not the only ones experiencing the same problem. After a few hours, several groups entered the building, thinking they could find some treasure inside. Sure enough, they were all teleported to different points of the maze, just like with Rean and Roan.


    *boom, boom, boom!*


    *Roarrr!*


    "Shit! Just how many beasts like these exist here? It has no end!"


    "Stop complaining and run. There is no point in attacking them since they always recover."


    Of course, there were stronger groups that had the power to kill those demon beasts.


    "Phew.. another one down. See if it has anything worth using."


    "Senior Min, I found something inside this one."


    "Hum? What is it? A token?"


    A similar situation happened here and there. The Umbral Sect Member, which ended up being separated during the teleport, also had the same issue. Of course, with their power, they could at least kill a few of those demon beasts if necessary.


    "How many of these tokens did you find already?"


    "Three. Not all demon beasts have these things inside."


    Lian nodded as he put them inside his robe.


    "Let''s keep these things for now."


    Somewhere else, Latalia was traveling alone inside the maze until all of a sudden, she saw a group approaching from a distance. However, instead of trying to join them, she immediately turned around and hid. After all, there was no guarantee that the other party had good intentions. The good thing was that Spiritual Senses were extremely restricted here, so it wasn''t hard to hide from others.


    "I''m starting to regret having entered this place. Everywhere is the same. Besides, we didn''t find any treasure whatsoever."


    "Don''t complain. We entered this place because we saw everyone going inside as well. Focus on keeping your peak condition since we don''t know when we will need to deal with those demon beasts again."


    One of that group''s members played with a token in his hand. With their combined power, they were able to kill one or other as well. One of those demon beasts just so happened to have a token inside as well.


    Latalia, who was hidden in a corner, was taken aback when she saw the token.


    ''Laan City Token! Where did they find that?! Wait, could it be...''


    She immediately thought about what might have happened.


    ''Other than the door leading into the Laan City, there are only the maze and the demon beasts. No wonder I haven''t found anything so far. The demon beasts have the token.''


    But she also faced an issue now. She could find demon beasts, but she wouldn''t be able to get rid of them by herself. That''s because those demon easts never move independently. Their groups always have at least three together. She had defeated some of them, but she didn''t have the time to look for those tokens since they recovered too fast.


    Latalia pondered a bit as she looked at the group moving in the distance. Finally, she shook her head and gave up the idea.


    ''They have two Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators with another three Core Formation ones. It would be hard to flee if they decide to turn against me. At the moment, I should be the only one with a grasp of the maze and its changes. I have to use it to my advantage.''


    That being said, Latalia turned around and left in a different direction than the group she had just seen. She hid from a few groups while she had to also flee from others who spotted her first. Finally, she seemed to encounter a group that fit her needs.


    "Hey, you three. Are you alone?"


    Turns out that the group she found was Ervan''s one.


    Ervan and the two elders of his clan moved slowly, trying not to get anyone''s attention. Unfortunately, they weren''t lucky enough to avoid the demon beasts, so they had to flee several times. Fortunately, those Stage Four Demon Beasts didn''t have any intelligence. Through some luck and wits, Ervan''s group had survived until now.


    Ervan, Sian, and Luo looked at Latalia and were taken aback.


    "Ah! It''s Latalia!"


    Latalia was also taken aback for a second. She had never seen them, so why did they know about her. However, she wasn''t an idiot. She only had to think for a moment to understand why.


    "I guess that idiot nephew of mine sent you over, right?"


    Ervan''s group nodded while keeping their guards. After all, Ervan''s father wasn''t here. Besides, Latalia was at the Middle Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Even though they were all in the late or Peak Core Formation Realm, they didn''t think they could hold a candle against her.


    "Mayor Juan Amakal is contracting several cultivators to enter the Core Region to look for you. He promised that he would give a Serene Blue Jade for anyone who found you or any clue that led to you."


    Latalia snorted after hearing that.


    "Hmph! That good for nothing still hasn''t given up. Well, whatever. I have an offer for you three. I need to kill a few of those demon beasts in this maze, but I need someone to help me hold down the other members of their groups. As for the Serene Jade, I''ll make Juan give it to you once we are out of this place."


    Ervan couldn''t help but say.


    "But senior, we are all in the Late or Peak Core Formation Realm. I don''t think we will be of much help to you."


    Latalia shook her head in response.


    "Don''t worry. I''m not asking you to kill the demon beasts. I just need you to hold down one of them while I take care of the rest. As long as we find a group with only three Demon Beasts, that will be enough. In exchange, I can also help you flee when bigger groups appear."


    "I''ll be honest here. Considering your strength, it is already a miracle you are still alive. But if you join me, the chances of leaving this place alive will be a lot higher."


    Latalia also didn''t have a choice since any group stronger than that would be too hard to control. Unless, of course, she decides to trust one of them, which she obviously didn''t want to.


    Ervan, Sian, and Luo discussed through Spiritual Sense Message for a moment before they reached a decision.


    "Very well, we would be glad to help."


    It was true that they survived against the demon beasts so far because of sheer luck. Not to mention that they don''t know what Latalia might decide to do with them if they refuse. That being said, they might as well join here and bet on their luck once again.


    Latalia smiled as she nodded her head.


    "I''m someone who always keeps her word. As long as you don''t die straight away when holding the demon beast, I will keep my part of the deal."

 Chapter 308 - Latalia Does or Doesnt Care?

    As a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator, Latalia could also fly with her cultivation. With that, she could bring Ervan and company together, which was much faster and practical.


    Another good thing was that others would think that she wasn''t alone, but with a bigger group, which was quite common.


    Latalia did find another Demon Beast group, but most of them had more than 3 in their midst. Because of that, she could only flee while keeping a look at the surroundings to know where she was.


    Perseverance finally paid off when she encountered a group of Demon Beasts with only three.


    "Alright. You two will hold back that Middle Stage Four demon beast on the left. I''ll deal with the other two."


    Ervan, Sian, and Luo were taken aback. She was leaving the strongest demon beast between the three for them to hold back.


    "Senior Latalia, we won''t stand a chance against that thing."


    Latalia didn''t care, though.


    "Stop complaining. I don''t need you to win, just to hold it back. I will quickly finish the other two since they have cultivation levels smaller than mine. That''s the fastest way of finishing this battle and preventing them from recovering in time."


    Latalia then released Ervan and the other two before charging straight at the demon beast. Without another choice, Ervan''s group also did the same.


    Sian then took the front before saying.


    "Ervan, Luo, I''ll be the vanguard. You two try to hit its legs to hinder its movements. We don''t need to kill it. Just hold on for long enough."


    Ervan and Luo nodded. Sian was the only Peak Core Formation Realm in their group, while Ervan and Luo were at the Late Stage. Sian would be much better at resisting the attacks.


    *Boom, boom, boom!*


    Soon, sounds of explosions began to come from the sides. Latalia kept her word as she threw herself against the two Initial Stage Four fake demon beasts. Of course, the Middle Stage Four was there as well.


    Seeing that, Sian gritted his teeth and dashed forward. He pulled a spear from his back and attacked the demon beast from the side.


    The fake demon beasts didn''t use Spiritual Sense. Because of Latalia''s attacks at the front, it didn''t notice Sian by the sides.


    ''Mountain Pierce!''


    Earth Element gathered around Sian and his spear, which made it feel several times heavier than usual. Soon after, it came crashing down against the demon beast.


    *Bam!*


    *Roar!*


    The spear pierced the Demon beast''s body, making it scream in pain. Naturally, it immediately shifted its attention from Latalia and pounced at Sian. Sian''s attack caused good damage, but it was not enough to threaten the demon beast''s life.


    Sian knew that, so he immediately changed into a defensive stance to hold the counter-attack. But at the same time that the demon beast attacked Sian, Ervan and Luo approached it from the sides and attacked its legs.


    ''Splitting River!''


    ''Extreme Wind Slash!''


    *Bang!*


    *Swich!*


    *Swich!*


    Sian was sent flying back as the legs of the demon beast were hit. Unfortunately, the damage on them was even lower than Sian''s Spear just a moment ago.


    The demon beast then spun its body as it clashed against Luo on the side.


    ''F.u.c.k!''


    In the end, the Middle Stage Four demon beast was much stronger than any of them, so its attacks were also much faster. Luo could only try to raise his sword to defend against the attack.


    *Clang!*


    The claws and the sword hit each other. However, Luo was not strong enough to hold it, so his sword was sent flying from his hand. Without anything to defend himself, Luo could only increase the Spiritual Energy around his body, trying to use it to reduce the damage.


    *Crash!*


    The Demon Beast''s paw hit Luo''s chest head-on, crushing his body against the ground.


    "Luo!"


    Sian and Ervan immediately pounced at the demon beast when they saw that.


    ''Mountain Pierce!''


    ''Extreme Wind Slash!''


    The Demon Beast was paying attention to Sian and Ervan this time, so it immediately stopped its attacks and jumped away. Ervan and Sian didn''t stop and followed. They didn''t have time to check on Luo at the moment.


    This situation continued for another 30 seconds or so. However, this amount of time was enough to push Ervan and Sian to their limits. They were overwhelmed by the difference in strength between them and the Demon Beasts and were full of injuries.


    The demon beast then made a sudden shift just as it was going to attack Sian, aiming at Ervan instead.


    ''Shit!''


    Seeing the deadly situation, Ervan immediately gave up his attack and tried to defend as well. However, just as the Demon Beast was about to get Ervan, a flash of green light hit its body by the side.


    *Roar!*


    The attack was a lot more powerful than when Sian hit the Demon Beast in the first sneak attack, which immediately made the demon beast retreat.


    Only then did Ervan and Sian noticed that the green flash was Latalia. At the same time, they received a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''That was good enough. You can leave the rest to me.''


    Latalia then started a fierce battle against the Middle Stage Four Demon Beast. However, the beast had no intelligence. With the other two Initial Stage Four ones ''dead,'' it didn''t take too long before Latalia took the upper hand. Although Ervan''s group attacks didn''t kill the beast, they were still of some help to Latalia.


    Ervan noticed that Latalia was going to win and immediately rushed to where Luo was. Sian, of course, did the same.


    "How is Elder Luo?"


    Ervan eyes darkened as he looked at him. In the end, he shook his head.


    "He isn''t breathing anymore. Elder Luo was taken by surprise with that sudden spin, so he didn''t have time to put up a good defense. Besides, he was a Water Element User and quite old, so his body''s resistance wasn''t that good either."


    Sian sighed as he sat on the ground. He and Luo had been friends for a long time, so he was also affected by his clan member''s death.


    *Boom!*


    *Roarrrrrrr...!*


    Finally, Latalia landed a critical hit on the Demon Beast, taking its ''life.'' Right after, he looked at the injured Ervan and Sian before shouting.


    "You two, come here, fast! Help me open up this body."


    Ervan felt like he was about to explode. But Sian immediately stopped him.


    ''Don''t be rash. Latalia can kill us two in a second, especially now that we are injured. Luo wouldn''t want you to die because of a fit of rage.''


    Ervan gritted his teeth but nodded in the end. The two then dragged their damaged bodies and helped Latalia open the Middle Stage Four demon beast''s corpse.


    "There you are!"


    Latalia then took another token similar to the one she saw before.


    "Sure enough, it was really inside the Demon Beasts. I guess at least one of them carries it in each group."


    Latalia quickly put the token in her robe before looking at Ervan and Luo.


    "Take this."


    Suddenly, two pills flew into their hands.


    "What is this?"


    "Don''t ask, just swallow it. If I wanted to kill you, I wouldn''t need to resort to this bullshit."


    Ervan and Sian swallowed the pills. It turned out that those ones were Healing Pills. On top of that, very good ones capable of working even on Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators. So for them, it was even more useful.


    "I got what I wanted, so now is my time to keep my word. As long as you don''t try anything funny, I''ll help you leave this place. Relax your bodies and focus on healing. I''ll bring you two away with me. We can''t stay here for long since those Demon Beasts will recover anytime now."


    Sian and Ervan then looked at the demon beasts that Latalia killed and noticed their injuries quickly closing. Enormous amounts of Spiritual Energy rushed into their bodies, coming from the walls on the side. Right after, they noticed that the same thing started to happen with the demon beast beside them.


    ''No wonder she needed help. She wouldn''t be able to kill all three of them before one of them finished recovering.''


    Still, before Luo and Ervan could ask what was happening, Latalia caught their bodies with her Spiritual Energy and flew away with them.


    "Wait! What about Elder Luo''s body?"


    Latalia snorted after hearing that.


    "Do you really think I''ll drag a dead body around? Kid, we had a deal. I would help you leave this place as long as you helped me get what I wanted. However, it did not include carrying corpses around. Of course, if you want to stay and bring it away, be my guest. Our deal will be over here and then. In fact, it would help me greatly if I don''t need to look after you."


    Sian shook his head as he looked at Ervan. He then used a Spiritual Sense message to say.


    ''Ervan, leave it. We need to leave this place first. Perhaps, we might find your father here. Once we go back outside, we can make a symbolic funeral for Luo according to the clan''s customs. Remember, your father is already quite old as well. Until your daughter can take the position as Clan Head, you will be the one doing it if your father leaves. The most important thing at the moment is your safety. I believe Elder Luo thought about the same thing as well.''


    Ervan could only force a nod before going back to recover from his injuries.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/latalia-does-or-doesn''t-care_50859761557633166 for visiting.


    Latalia was somewhat far away from the door she had found in the past, so she would need a few hours to make her way back, depending on the situation. Time began to pass, and around 1 hour later, Ervan''s Thoughts Transmission Talisman began to shine.


    ''It''s father''s talisman!''

 Chapter 309 - Meeting Point

    On the twins'' side, they had been moving further into the maze. Little by little, Roan began to memorize the patterns and the changes the maze went through every time. His capability was even better than Latalia, who had stayed in this place for several weeks already. Thanks to that, they were not as lost as they had been before. At the very least, Roan could guarantee that they were moving into new areas.


    Of course, as the number of cultivators increased as time passed, Rean''s group bumped into other cultivator groups, who had been teleported into other areas. Not to mention that they began to find more Demon Beasts as well. The twins understood that those tokens would be of some use sooner or later, so they also focused on gathering them.


    When the demon beast group was too big, they would flee. If they were small groups like the first one, they would defeat it, take the token, and leave before they recovered.


    However, not all groups of demon beasts had tokens. After some time, Rean and Roan understood. It''s not that they didn''t have those tokens, but that the tokens inside their bodies were taken by other groups.


    Another point was that the number of cultivators inside this place was several times higher than when the cultivators began to disappear in the past. Thanks to that, the demon beasts'' damage was a lot smaller. Single groups or lonely cultivators wouldn''t resist for long since they would encounter the fake demon beasts several times. They would eventually run out of energy and die inside. But now, because of the numbers in the maze, the demon beasts that ruled this place were scattered everywhere, which gave the groups and lone cultivators time to recover between each battle.


    So far, Rean''s group had acquired four tokens, and that''s because they arrived a lot earlier than other groups. One must remember that Rean''s group was far from being considered one of the strongest ones. They weren''t weak, but there were groups here with Middle, Late, and Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators. Rean and Roan might be able to fight an Initial Stage one head-on and even put up a fight against a Middle Stages. But Late and Peak stages were still far from their league.


    The only reason their ambush worked so well against the Umbral Sect group was the several points that aligned together. The Flag Protection Formation made them think no one would take them from behind. Their complacency against Rovan''s abilities was also a factor. Not to mention that Rovan himself put his body on the line to further drag the enemies'' attention away when the twins appeared. Only after all of this did they succeed that easily. Otherwise, as long as the Middle Stage guy had escaped the ambush, their battle would have turned into a bitter one.


    Every now and then, Rovan would take his Thoughts Transmission Talisman out and try to activate it. However, with a limit of 300km of communication, he got no results. Besides, Roan believed that this maze further decreases the talisman''s power since it also affected Spiritual Sense to a great extent.


    Roan was right in the end. When Rovan''s Thoughts Transmission Talisman finally activated, their group was only 40 or so kilometers away from Ervan and Sian.


    "It worked!"


    Rean and Roan immediately stopped and looked at Rovan.


    "Alright, you and Ervan only have another two talismans capable of communicating. We don''t know if Ervan''s group is on the same floor either. Send a message asking him for all the details he can give you about his location and the direction he is heading to. The more detailed, the better."


    Rovan nodded. He didn''t waste time asking how they were faring since that could be done once they reunited. Rovan quickly summarized the information in his head and activated the Thoughts Transmission Talisman.


    On Ervan''s side, he looked at how his Talisman shone, showing that it received a message from his father. He then looked at Latalia.


    "Senior Latalia, as I told you before, we didn''t come to this place alone. Just now, my father''s talisman reached me. Would you mind if I contacted him back?"


    Latalia narrowed her eyes before stopping to ask.


    "What''s his cultivation level? Are there more people with him? I''m not in the mood to fall into a trap."


    Ervan sweated as he shook his head straight away.


    "Senior. With your strength, you should be able to at least run. Besides, my father is at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm Initial Stage. As for people with him, there are two other cultivators at the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm and an Initial Stage Three Demon Beast."


    Ervan didn''t want more problems to arise, but he didn''t want to stay with Latalia either. That being said, he told the truth, expecting her to let them stay with his father. If she really didn''t want to force them to do anything else, she shouldn''t have a reason to refuse. Of course, that was considering that she believed Ervan''s words. She could totally think that Ervan was trying to lead her into a trap and refuse that idea as well.


    Latalia pondered a bit about her chances. She did indeed want to keep her word. However, if she can leave those two behind earlier, that would be even better. She considered the risks of it being a trap as she looked at Ervan and Sian. In the end, she thought it was worth a try and nodded.


    "Alright, go ahead. But keep in mind that once you reunite with your father, you will have nothing more to do with me. That means I won''t owe you anything else and will have no reason to help you go out."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/meeting-point_50859794860403988 for visiting.


    Ervan and Sian were delighted to hear that as they immediately nodded.


    "Alright!"


    Ervan then organized his thoughts and tried to include as much information as possible into the Thoughts Transmission Talisman. That was the only remaining one he had to use, so he also asked Latalia and Sian for any other information he might have missed.


    The issue was that the maze seemed to be almost identical everywhere, so it was hard to give any point of reference. However, Latalia appeared to know the place very well, which helped Ervan explain everything.


    When Rovan received the answer, he didn''t read it since it could be done only once. Instead, he passed the last Thoughts Transmission Talisman to Roan since he already noticed how much better he was at understanding this place.


    "There you go. It''s the last one, so make sure you won''t miss any words."


    Roan nodded as he pressed the Talisman against his forehead. The information then quickly poured inside his mind as he read the entire content. A moment later, his eyes shone.


    "It seems like I''m not the only one with a brain in this place. The description was quite accurate. Come with me."


    Roan immediately changed direction and headed back. A few kilometers later, he began to enter the superior deeper floors. Every now and then, he would change direction again. Finally, he stopped and pondered a bit about the information he received.


    "Alright, they should be just above us. Wait here a moment."


    Back on Latalia''s side, she had also brought Ervan and Sian to another place and stopped there.


    "Let''s wait here. We will start to move as soon as things are done with."


    Ervan''s group became puzzled.


    "Why wait? What things?"


    Latalia then said.


    "That''s because there the next passage capable of leading us down is over a hundred kilometers away. It will be a waste of time to go there, and we might reencounter other demon beasts."


    That didn''t answer their question, though. However, just as they were about to ask why they would wait in this place, the area began to tremble.


    On Roan''s side, he faintly smiled as he heard the mechanical sounds once again. This time, however, it was a lot louder than usual.


    In front of Rean and Ervan''s groups, the room around them closed on both sides. Latalia and Roan stopped them from trying to escaping, saying that it was part of the plan.


    Right after, they felt the floor under them moving, bringing them somewhere.


    "This is why following the walls won''t work. The maze changes shape every now and then. I noticed a few small details that pointed to which part of the maze moved. If I''m not wrong, this one should connect to where Ervan is staying right now."


    Latalia also explained the same thing to Ervan and Sian, which surprised them. That showed that Latalia''s understanding of this place was a lot higher than they expected.


    The rooms they were in continued to move for a few more seconds when they finally heard a sound that felt like something had reconnected. Roan immediately understood that the rooms had connected to the new area. It''s just that the rooms didn''t stop trembling yet, which showed that more rooms would connect to this place any second now.


    The side walls began to open again. Sure enough, Roan and Latalia''s group saw each other stopped right in front of them.


    Rean and Latalia were taken aback, though.


    In Rean''s case, that was because he did not feel their Life Force presence until the walls finally opened. So he didn''t know they were right in front before.


    ''So these walls can even lock the perception of life force, just what are those things made of?''


    As for Latalia, she was surprised about something else.


    ''How did they come to this place? I was supposed to go meet them somewhere else. Could it be that they already understand the tricks behind this maze?''


    Roan, on the other hand, noticed Latalia''s presence.


    "Is that Latalia, the one we were looking for?"


    "Ah!"


    Rovan and Rean immediately nodded. In the message from Ervan, he didn''t comment about Latalia''s presence as per her own request.


    However, Rean''s attention was immediately taken by another thing. Another path opened in another corner a few meters away. When the walls locking that room sides opened, another cultivator group appeared.


    "Umbral Energy!"

 Chapter 310 - Counter Attack

    Both Rean and Latalia''s group were taken aback by the newcomers. Latalia was surprised to see Roan''s group there, but she at least knew that they would be meeting. However, the Umbral Sect group was not part of her plan. Naturally, she thought about the possibility that this was a trap against her.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/counter-attack_50859828129628095 for visiting.


    However, she immediately noticed Rean''s group entering a guarding stance. Just as she was about to say something, Rean sent her a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Senior Latalia, be careful. Those guys are part of the Umbral Sect.''


    The Umbral Sect members were also surprised to find Rean and Roan here. They had noticed that the maze would change as well. However, they really arrived at this place by mere coincidence. When they saw the maze changing once more, they decided to stay put to see where the room would connect them. Finding Rean and Roan here was not what they expected. This group had Vio and Sames, two Middle Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators.


    ''Vio, it''s the twins!''


    ''I know, but they aren''t alone.''


    ''So what? There are only one Middle and one Initial Core and Soul Fusion Realm in their group. We, on the other hand, have two Middle Stages and one Initial Stage cultivators.''


    They weren''t the only ones talking through Spiritual Sense Message, though.


    ''Rovan, Rean, be ready for battle. If they attack, we will use the same strategy as before. Let Rovan take one of their Core and Soul Fusion Realms cultivators'' attention. Latalia will hold one of them as well. They will definitely send the last one to deal with us. If we play it right, we can get rid of the guy straight away.


    Unfortunately, Latalia wasn''t in the mood to participate.


    ''What are you talking about? Why should I get involved in your battle against the Umbral Sect? I don''t know how you pissed them off, but I''m out.''


    Roan snorted in response.


    ''Too bad that it won''t be possible. The moment Rean said Umbral Sect, they already marked you as a target to be eliminated as well. They will not let you leave this easily.''


    Roan was right. Suddenly, Vio took several Flags from his bag and threw them at all the exits. Latalia saw that and immediately used her Wind Element and tried to stop it.


    ''Wind Blade!''


    However, Sames appeared in front of her attack.


    *Clang!*


    His sword, covered in Spiritual Energy and Fire Element, blocked the wind blade attack.


    "Old lady, why don''t you spend some time talking with me?"


    Latalia gritted her teeth as she looked hatefully at Roan. She really didn''t want to get dragged into this mess.


    Rovan knew that a battle was inevitable, so he immediately contacted Ervan and Sian. As for why he couldn''t see Luo, he would ask about it later if they survived.


    ''Erva, Sian, don''t hold back!''


    Rovan then charged into the Umbral Sect ranks. He wasn''t trying to attack the Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators, but the Core Formation ones.


    As mentioned before, each group of the Umbral Sect had five or six members. Sames and Vio were two different groups that joined together, so they had a total of eight Core Formation Realm cultivators other than the three Core and Soul Fusion Realm ones. As for his side, it only had five. Not to mention they had one extra Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator.


    "Old geezer, do you really think you can do that with your miser Initial Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivation? What about asking me first?"


    Vio, who had just set up the Flag Protection Formation, immediately intercepted. At the same time, Vio sent a Spiritual Sense message to the rest of his group.


    ''Beal, you go ahead and kill the twins while we hold their Core and Soul Fusion Realm members. With your Core and Soul Fusion Realm, it shouldn''t be hard for you. As for the rest of you, go and get rid of their Core Formation Realm ones.''


    Beal was the name of the third Core and Soul Fusion Realm guy. He and the others immediately acknowledged the orders and charged against Rean, Roan, and the others.


    Rean and Roan then showed a panicked expression and immediately retreated. Kentucky, Ervan, and Sian were then left to deal with the remaining forces. Obviously, they would be able to do that against the sheer numbers'' disadvantage.


    But at this moment, Roan sent them a Spiritual Sense message. His voice cold, totally different from how he acted in front of that Core and Soul Fusion Realm guy.


    ''Retreat! Don''t engage in battle. All you need to do is to hold for a few seconds. Although all paths are sealed, you should still have enough space to do so. If things get dangerous, use the idiot bird as cover.''


    Ervan and Sian nodded straight away, and soon, they began to retreat with Kentucky.


    Beal quickly reached the twins'' side even though they tried to escape. Naturally, he attributed that to his advantage in speed and cultivation. Besides, seeing how the twins were young and how they were panicking made Beal even more confident of his ''superiority.''


    One couldn''t blame Beal for that. It was not that he was dropping his guard or underestimating the twins. The issue was that the twins were an entire realm below in cultivation. He simply didn''t believe that they could pose any threat.


    Beal then pulled his sword out, quickly gathering Spiritual Energy gathering around it. At the same time, purple energy seemed to appear in the middle of the Spiritual Energy. Sure enough, Beal also had the Umbral Energy Cultivation Technique of his sect.


    ''Purple Extermination!''


    An arc of purple energy came at the twins, aiming to cut them in half. Even if it didn''t, the Umbral Energy would still enter their bodies once they got injured. Rean and Roan panicked even more and quickly turned back, trying to use their White and Dark Stars to block the attack.


    *Boom, Boom!*


    However, they could not hold the attack due to the difference in cultivation and were blasted backward.


    "Arrghhh!"


    Their bodies were hit by the Umbral Energy, receiving quite a few cuts even after parrying it with their swords.


    Beal smiled coldly after seeing that. Without giving the chance to recover, he pounced forward, determined to finish the two teenagers.


    Rovan saw that and also panicked.


    "Stop!"


    He turned around and tried to help the twins, but Vio once again appeared in his path.


    "Hahaha! Why are you bothering with others when you can''t even take care of yourself?!"


    Latalia, who was in a stalemate against Same, also narrowed her eyes when she saw that. However, she didn''t lose her calm or tried to help the twins. Instead, she focused on her own battle. Sames then tried to provoke her with a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Aren''t you going to save the two kids? Well, not that you could do it anyway.''


    However, Latalias'' dark expression suddenly changed. A cold smile appeared on her lips as she answered back.


    ''Don''t worry, the one who needs help isn''t the twins.''


    Sames was taken aback by those words. Latalia''s cold smile made him feel a foreboding sensation. Unfortunately, it was too late already.


    Vio also saw something strange. Just a split-second ago, Rovan had a panicked look at the twins'' situation. Since the very start of the battle, Rovan had been at a disadvantage against Vio. After all, Vio was in the Middle Stage while Rovan was in the Initial Stage. However, Rovan''s panicked expression suddenly disappeared just as he tried to block his path.


    ''Rise of the Flame!''


    ''Emperor Flame Slash!''


    Rovan totally changed his stance and attacked Vio with all his might.


    "What?!"


    *Boom!*


    Vio was taken aback. Out of nowhere, Rovan''s attack power jumped to the same level as his own! No, at the moment, Rovan was a little bit stronger!


    Vio was forced to retreat, not understanding from where Rovan got that strength all of a sudden.


    However, the main event was not happening here.


    A moment ago, when Vio and Sames were unaware of what was about to happen, Beal was sure that he would kill the twins in the next attack.


    ''Purple Extermination!''


    "Die, brats!"


    However...


    *Boom!*


    The Purple Extermination hit the twins. However, Beal didn''t feel the list bit happy. That''s because the attack feeling was not the same as when you hit a living body!


    Sure enough, Rean and Roan''s bodies suddenly dissipated into specks of White and Dark Light.


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    "Not good!"


    Unfortunately for Beal, Rean and Roan had done all of this so that Beal would not escape. Not that he noticed the change, but it was already too late.


    ''Life Style, Firm Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps!''


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    With two clones destroyed, only two remained. However, those two, together with the real twins, suddenly emerged from the shadow from all sides! Together with them, nine swords materialized, giving him no chance to escape!


    "F.u.c.k!"


    Beal panicked and immediately tried to stop his advance by using a movement skill technique.


    ''Purple Glimpse!''


    Umbral Energy and Spiritual Energy gathered around his legs, quickly increasing his mobility. The attacks were too close, but he at least intended to move fast enough to prevent a fatal injury.


    Unfortunately, one of the four figures that appeared from the shadows didn''t attack. Instead, he had his hand extended in Beal''s direction.


    ''Death Style, First Energy Form, Shadow Bind!''


    Obviously, it was Roan. Even before he emerged from the shadows, his Shadow Bind Technique was ready to be cast. He just waited for the perfect moment to release it.


    Shadow-like vines appeared from the surroundings, quickly entangling Beal''s legs before he could even react. In the end, he only heard a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Do you even know what death really means?''

 Chapter 311 - Finish Them!

    Everything happened too fast. Neither Vio nor Sames had time to react to that. In fact, even if they wanted to, Rovan and Latalia wouldn''t let them.


    Nevertheless, Latalia was really surprised when she heard Roan''s plan.


    Back then, just when the Flag Protection Formation was put in place, she heard Roan''s plan.


    ''Rean and I will definitely get targeted by one of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm guys, most likely the Initial Stage one. However, I''m pretty sure we can kill him by ourselves. All I need is that you and Rovan don''t let those Middle Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators intervene. As for those Core Formation Realm guys, I will let Ervan, Sian, and my Demon Beast hold them just for a few seconds.''


    Latalia, obviously, didn''t believe that Roan and Rean could do that. After all, they were an entire realm of cultivation behind their opponent.


    ''Of course, I know that you don''t think that we can do such a thing. However, those guys won''t let you run either. At the moment, you can only enter our boat or die alone in the sea. Besides, you will lose at most a few seconds following my plan. If it doesn''t work, you can still use us as bait to run by yourself. Well, I don''t think you have any chance of breaking through this Formation fast enough, though.''


    Roan then explained that he and Rean would pretend to be weak, waiting for the best moment to strike. It was only when she saw everything working like Roan said that she finally believed that they might be able to really do so.


    The nine swords slashed Beal from every side. Dark and Light Elements cut through his Spiritual Energy barrier like butter. Especially when used together with Rean''s White and Dark Stars, which were much stronger than ordinary Earth High-Level Weapons.


    "Garrrhh!"


    Beal could only let out a loud scream as his body was cut to pieces.


    Vio was shocked by that. Soon after, he became enraged.


    "I''ll kill you!"


    However...


    "Hahaha! We just started playing, didn''t we? Why are you leaving so soon?"


    Why did Rovan get stronger than Vio? Obviously, that was because of Rean''s Enhancement Skill. Before the battle started, Rean had touched Rovan, increasing his combat ability. However, Rovan didn''t use it straight away. He held himself back as Roan initiated the feigning weakness plan on the move. Only when he saw that the twins would act again did he release his body''s full strength, bolstered by Rean''s Enhancement Skill.


    Rean''s skill wouldn''t last long. At the Core Formation Realm, he was able to lock enough Light Element inside Rovan to last perhaps a minute. However, to a fight of this level, one minute was a huge amount of time.


    The twins'' pretense plan only lost them around 30 or so seconds. As soon as Beal fell, their eyes turned in the direction of the Core Formation Realm cultivators.


    Sure enough, as much as Sian could, Ervan kept retreating inside the Formation. They were already reaching their limits. It was thanks to Kentucky''s ridiculous feathers and scales'' defense that they survived this far.


    *Creee!*


    Once again, Kentucky spread his White and Black Flames, blocking the cultivators'' path, trying to finish him and the other two.


    "This dammed bird!"


    It was then that they heard Sames'' Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Give up the bird, go after the twins!''


    The guys were taken aback when they heard that. They immediately shifted their attention to Rean and Roan''s battlefield, just in time to see Beal''s several body parts falling on the ground. Soon after, Rean, Roan, and the two remaining clones charged at them.


    "What?! How did they do that?"


    "Who cares? Leave the bird, and those two trashes alone, kill the twins!"


    All of them immediately turned around and charged at the twins as well. As much as Beal might be dead, the fact was that they could still feel Rean and Roan''s cultivation. They were the same Initial Stage Core Formation Realm as before. The reason they didn''t see what the twins did to kill Beal was that this place restricted Spiritual Sense. In their eyes, they probably used some trick to reach that result.


    ''Umbral Severing!''


    ''Purple Sun!''


    ''Northern Cicada Awl!''


    ''Limitless...''


    The twins also understood that there was no point in pretending anymore, so they went all out against the Core Formation Realm opponents.


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    ''Death Style...''


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom...!*


    The attacks from both sides arrived almost instantly. However, Rean, Roan, and the remaining two clones'' attack still displayed a power equivalent to those nine Core Formation Realm cultivators.


    "What?!"


    "What kind of monsters are they?"


    "Focus! Don''t look down on them!"


    Ervan, Sian, and Kentucky didn''t let the chance slip. Since Rean and Roan could put the fight to a stalemate by themselves, what would happen if they joined?


    Ervan and Sian gritted their teeth and bore with the pain of their injuries before throwing themselves into the fight. Kentucky was also injured, but he had used a lot of Spiritual Energy to help hold these cultivators back. Still, the Minokawa also threw itself into the fray. In fact, Kentucky was feeling extremely excited. He was becoming more and more used to his own power and abilities.


    ''Mountain Piercer!''


    ''Extreme Wind Slash!''


    Ervan and Sian had taken the front for the first time. With Rean and Roan grabbing the enemies'' full attention, they finally had a chance to help.


    Seeing that, Rean and Roan mentally nodded.


    ''Great!''


    Without another choice, two of the Core Formation Realm enemies could only separate from the main group to hold Ervan and Sian back.


    Vio and Sames also saw the situation on their side, quickly changing their minds and tried to get away from Latalia and Rovan. However, how could those two not know what they were trying to do? So they increased the pace of their attacks even more, making sure that neither Vio nor Sames would have time to care about anything else.


    Sian and Ervan on one side. Roan, Rean, and their two clones on the other. There was one missing.


    When the enemies noticed that the demon bird hadn''t attacked them as well, they immediately looked around, trying to find it. Too bad that Kentucky had disappeared. In fact, even Rean was taken aback by that. That''s because just a moment ago, he saw Kentucky bending light to create a camouflage effect!


    ''That''s my skill! I demand copyright!''


    Roan felt like kicking this guy away.


    ''If you have time for such bullshit, increase your number of attacks. Otherwise, the chicken''s next attack won''t be as effective.''


    Of course, Kentucky''s skill wasn''t as good as Rean''s. Still, it was enough to get away from everyone''s sight for a moment. Well, Rean and Roan still knew exactly where it was due to their connection as masters.


    *Creeeeeee!*


    Suddenly, Kentucky reappeared above the Umbral Sect Core Formation Realm cultivators. His body descended from above like a meteor, his body covered in black and white flames!


    Rean''s eyes lit up, seeing that.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/finish-them!_50860086381299449 for visiting.


    "It''s the Fried Chicken Cannonball Attack!"


    Roan almost tripped when he heard that name. Since when did Kentucky''s attack have a name? And why would you call it like that? Well, Roan often called it a chicken, so he didn''t have the right to complain.


    The Umbral Sect cultivators had little time to react as Kentucky crashed against the ground.


    *Boom!*


    Black and White Flames soon spread together with a powerful wave of Spiritual Energy. Some of the Umbral Sect cultivators were blasted away, while others were able to somehow defend themselves. Kentucky had used an area attack, descending right in their midst. The Fried Chicken Cannonball was really mighty!


    Sian, Ervan, Rean, and Roan didn''t let the chance slip.


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    ''Earth Splitter!''


    ''Green Flash Wave!''


    *Boom, boom, boom!*


    *swish, swish, swish!*


    One by one, the Core Formation Realm cultivators of the Umbral Sect fell. The moment their numbers became lower than Rean''s group, they immediately gave up the fight and turned around to flee.


    "Seniors, save us!"


    Vio and Sames were trying to help, but Latalia and Rovan were even using their bodies to stop them. Even though that put them in advantage in the battle, things would change when those monster twins joined the fray. It was evident that Rean and Roan could fight at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm level.


    Vio and Sames quickly reached a decision through a Spiritual Sense conversation.


    "Retreat!"


    Vio shot in another direction as he extended his hand. Soon after, Spiritual Energy began to gather in his hands. He was trying to dissipate the Protection Formation for them to escape this place.


    Roan, of course, noticed that.


    "Hmph! Since you came, you might as well stay here... forever."


    Right after, several other flags flew from Roan''s bag, heading towards the several exists.


    Of course, Sames and Vio got shocked once again when they saw them.


    ''It''s Gugo''s Flags!''


    They weren''t idiots. It was evident that the twins'' group killed Gugo''s group before.


    Sames and Vio noticed that they wouldn''t be able to escape in time. Because of that, they gritted their teeth and completely ignored Rovan and Latalias'' attacks. Even if they get hit, that would be better than getting trapped inside the Formation. As for the Core Formation Realm members, they couldn''t care about them anymore.


    *Boom! Boom!*


    Rovan and Latalia''s attack did indeed connect. However, Rovan was more experienced in the end. He understood Vio''s intention and changed his aim. Instead of trying to deliver as much damage as possible, he attacked in a way that delayed Vio''s movements.


    "Noooo!"


    *Shuwa!*


    Finally, Roan''s own flags activated their Protection Formation, trapping Vio and the remaining Core Formation Realm Cultivators inside. As for Sames, he didn''t even turn back as he flashed away with his body bleeding everywhere.


    Roan narrowed his eyes after seeing that.


    ''In the end, I''m not used to these things. I took way too long to aim in the right places.''


    He then looked at Vio and the rest.


    "Finish them!"

 Chapter 312 - Conversation

    With Latalia, Rovan, and the twins working together, Vio was quickly overwhelmed by the group attack. Not to mention that he had tried to escape earlier while ignoring Rovan''s attack. That only contributed to his terrible situation.


    The other Core Formation Realm cultivators were also quickly dealt with, leaving almost none alive.


    In the end, only Vio was left alive. However, it was done that way so Roan could ask him a few questions.


    However, as soon as the battle was concluded, Sian and Ervan fell to the ground. They were already gravely injured while Rean and Roan prepared the trap for Beal, forcing themselves to stand up and attack the Umbral Sect''s group after the twins'' help finally arrived.


    Latalia narrowed her eyes as she looked at the two. After that, she arrived beside Ervan and began to pour Spiritual Energy into his body. Rovan wanted to do the same, but the Enhancement Skill''s effect had already disappeared a while ago. He didn''t receive serious injuries, but he could barely move at the moment.


    Latalia then looked at Sian before shaking her head.


    "This one called Ervan can still be saved, but he has absorbed too much Umbral Energy, so I don''t know if he can fully recover. As for the other guy, he is beyond what a healing Pill can fix. Just give him a quick death."


    However, everyone other than Latalia looked at Rean at that moment.


    "Alright, alright. Don''t look at me with those puppy eyes. I''ll fix him, okay?"


    Latalia didn''t know what Rean was talking about. What fix? Does he have a high-level healing pill?


    Of course, that was far from the truth.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification.''


    In front of Latalia''s eyes, she saw all the injuries on Sian''s body quickly closing. Not only that, her Spiritual Sense could tell how the Umbral Energy inside his body was being swiftly destroyed.


    "The hell? What are you, a god?"


    Rean laughed as he looked at her.


    "Nope, I''m an angel."


    Everyone other than Roan showed a puzzled expression.


    ''What the hell is an angel?''


    Roan simply added in response.


    "It does match the nightingale''s nickname."


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "F.u.c.k you!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/conversation_50906606497491609 for visiting.


    While no one understood what they were fighting about, Rean finished healing Sian up. Sian was not at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm like Rovan, so it was a lot faster to finish him.


    Soon after, Rean moved closer to Ervan.


    Latalia finally came back to herself and retreated to the side. Compared to his healing abilities, her Healing Pills and Spiritual Energy were simply useless.


    "Nnghhh."


    "Bear with the pain. Destroying the Umbral Energy inside your body is the first priority before it can damage your organs. If that happens, it will take even longer to heal you."


    Sure enough, as much Light Element as there might be, having Dark Element running through ones'' body was anything but comfortable.


    "Impressive. Now I know why the Umbral Sect was after you two. There was a rumor about a kid who could heal Umbral Energy without the need for pills from the Dalamu Sect. That kid is you, right? I didn''t expect that your healing abilities were that powerful that even Healing Pills pale in comparison."


    Rean smiled as he nodded.


    "It seems like I''m quite famous. Hahaha!"


    *Pah!*


    Roan slapped the back of his head right after.


    "Since when being famous is a good thing in the cultivation world, you idiot? Stop wasting time and finish this guy."


    Rean rubbed the back of his head as he looked at Roan.


    "Did you finish with that guy?"


    Roan nodded.


    "I did. They didn''t come at us by following a track or anything like that. It was purely coincidence that they just so happened to use the same maze change moment that brought us together. It seems like quite a few groups are starting to understand how this maze works. If they don''t die to the Fake Demon Beasts, they will eventually head in the same direction."


    It was then that Latalia remembered.


    "Wait! Don''t think I forgot how you pulled me into this mess. Although we won the fight, we almost died, brats!"


    Roan looked at Latalia and snorted in response.


    "Hmph! That was your own luck. None of us knew that the Umbral Sect would appear in that place. After all, the initial idea was to simply get Ervan''s group back. We didn''t even know you were with them. Of course, we didn''t know because you didn''t allow Ervan to say that in his Thoughts Transmission Talisman, right? That is also part of your own fault."


    Latalia''s expression darkened, but she couldn''t come up with an answer. It was true that she was the one who ordered Ervan to not tell them about her presence.


    On Ervan''s side, he finished explaining what happened to Luo through a Spiritual Sense message.


    Rovan sighed after hearing that. How could he not understand how Evan felt? They were a small clan. Because of that, their few members were quite united too. Ervan obviously grieved the loss of Elder Luo. However, Rovan shook his head in the end.


    ''We all knew about the risks of coming into the Core Region to look for Latalia. It was all for the Serene Jade and your daughter''s sake. Besides, she really kept her word and protected you all during the rest of the way. That alone was already heaven-defying luck of your part. You will be the next Clan Head in the future, so you must look at the greater picture.''


    Ervan''s expression turned gloomy, but he knew that Rovan was right.


    ''Yes, father.''


    Rean then finished dealing with Ervan before he extended his hand to Latalia.


    "Please give me your hand for a second."


    "What do you want?"


    "Senior Latalia was also hit that guy called Sames, right? I can feel the Umbral Energy inside your body. Although it isn''t much, that''s not something you can eliminate with your cultivation alone. You will need a specific pill for that, which I don''t think you have at the moment."


    Latalia wanted to deny it, but it was apparent when looking at her body that she had been injured in the battle as well.


    "Brat, you better not try anything funny."


    Rean smiled as he shook his head.


    "Don''t worry. However, it will be quite painful, so bear with it."


    "Hmph! It is okay as long as you finish it properly."


    Rean sighed at how she acted high and mighty. Nevertheless, he still started with his treatment.


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification.''


    Rean held Latalia''s hand and began to eliminate the Umbral Energy inside her body. His control over the Purification Ability was several times better than when he healed Tiria and Nana. He didn''t need to touch the parts where Umbral Energy was gathered anymore to get rid of it. Besides, the amount of Umbral Energy inside Latalia''s body paled in comparison to what Tiria had.


    Latalia understood why Rean warned her. It was indeed painful to have the Dark Element running through ones'' body. If not for the Light Element protecting her organs, she would have pulled her hand back straight away. Still, she gritted her teeth as she kept her prideful stance.


    Unfortunately for her, Rean had first treated the Umbral Energy in her body. He had left the healing of her injuries to be done after that on purpose.


    The pain of the Dark Element quickly disappeared after the Umbral Energy was dealt with. Following that, Rean playfully smiled as he began to heal the injuries on her body instead.


    ''Let''s see if you can keep your facade up now.''


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    Rean went all out as a burst of Light Element and Spiritual Energy came from his body. It quickly washed over Latalia''s entire body, healing her injuries at fast speeds. However, his aim was not that...


    Latalia was taken aback because of the sudden burst of... pleasure... and couldn''t hold her voice back.


    *M.o.a.n~*


    She quickly covered her mouth in less than an instant, not believing what she had just done. She was over a hundred years old, with a middle-aged appearance. Not to mention her serious yet cold expression she kept ever since meeting Ervan''s group. That ''cute'' m.o.a.n had really attracted all of the men''s attention in the area. Immediately, Latalia''s face turned as red as a tomato. When had she ever m.o.a.ned in front of others like that?


    Rovan, Ervan, and Sian coughed as they looked away, pretending that they didn''t hear anything.


    She then looked hatefully at Rean. It was evident that it was his fault that she did that. The Light Element made her entire body feel way too good! Especially some ''particular parts'' down there that Rean purposely focused his Light Element on.


    "Done. You are as good as new now, senior Latalia."


    Latalia then looked at Roan, who smirked at her.


    "Didn''t know you had such a side. Guess you aren''t that cold after all."


    "F.u.c.k you! It was your brother''s fault!"


    Rean looked at Latalia with an innocent and wronged expression.


    "Why put the blame on me?! I just eliminated the Umbral Energy and healed all the injuries on your body. Take a good look, I even got rid of all the scars, new and old, that you had before. And this is how you thank me?!"


    Latalia was taken aback as she used her Spiritual Sense to check her body. As an old cultivator at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, she had participated in several battles. Naturally, she got quite a few scars as time went by. Even Tiria and Mia back in the Dalamu Sect were no exception to these issues.


    However, now that she looked at her entire body, she noticed that all the scars had really disappeared completely. In fact, her skin looked as smooth as never. As cold as she might be, Latalia would be lying if she said she didn''t mind those things.


    "This... Is this a permanent change or temporary?"


    Rean nodded.


    "It''s permanent. After all, scars are also considered old injuries, not part of the body. That being said, I can stimulate the cells to recover those damaged parts."


    Latalia couldn''t help but ask.


    "Cells? What are cells?"


    Only then Rean remembered that people don''t know the concept of cells in this medieval world.


    "Ahem... All you need to know is that your scars won''t come back. Of course, if you get new ones, then there''s nothing I can do."


    Latalia was in a dilemma. Be angry because of the embarrassment she had just felt, or thank Rean for doing something any woman would love to receive.


    Rean then faintly smiled as he got an idea.


    "Alright. I healed your body and got rid of the scars as compensation for pulling you inside the Umbral Sect battle. We owe you nothing anymore. If you get other injures and scars in the future, that is your problem. Everyone, let''s move out!"


    Latalia''s expression suddenly changed. That''s right! In the future, she really might obtain more injuries. That''s something that all cultivators are at risk of receiving as they progress. Wouldn''t it be great if she could ask Rean''s help to heal them for her?


    Of course, there were alchemist pills that were made to help get rid of scars. The problem was that the stronger one gets, the stronger the pill had to be. Besides, depending on how one got those scars, the remaining power in the injuries might make it impossible for the pills to heal them. Latalia''s own scars just so happened to be that type. The ones that could be cured with pills she did already. Besides, she knew quite a few other female cultivators that would love something like that.


    "Ahem... Let''s not act so harsh towards each other, right? Didn''t we just go through a life and death battle together? Aren''t we basically friends now?."


    Roan and the others'' mouths twitched. Since when had she thought about them as friends? As for Rean, he couldn''t help but inwardly laugh out loud.


    ''The ultimate women''s trap! Hahaha!''

 Chapter 313 - How the Maze Works

    Roan then looked at Rean before asking.


    ''What the hell did you do to her?''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders in response as he replied.


    ''Me? Nothing. I just paid our debt. She''s probably so grateful that she wants to befriend us now.''


    ''Befriend your ass!''


    Roan then ignored Rean before looking at Latalia.


    "Whatever. I might as well let you know that the Umbral Sect came to this place because of your nephew. He recognized me when I went to take the mission to find you. That''s why there are Umbral Sect cultivators in this place at the moment."


    Latalia''s expression darkened once more.


    "F.u.c.k that little piece of shit! So it was also his fault again."


    Latalia then looked at Roan before saying.


    "You don''t need to worry over it. Even if you don''t do anything, I definitely won''t let him get away with it that easily."


    Latalia then asked something else.


    "Leaving that idiot aside, how did you appear in front of me when the maze finished changing? You were supposed to be waiting for me somewhere else after I passed the information about this place to Ervan."


    Roan snorted.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/how-the-maze-works_50907937937351927 for visiting.


    "Why should I? You''re not the only one who understands how this place works, you know? All I had to do was pair the information that I received from Ervan with what I knew to understand where you would come from. It wasn''t anything hard to do, really."


    Latalia was surprised to hear that. She already spent several weeks in this place and already had some knowledge about this place''s history. However, she took much longer to finally get a grasp of how the mazes worked. In contrast, Roan already grasped it.


    "Sigh... whatever. After what you showed me during that battle, I might as well believe what you said. Anyway, where are you planning to go? Did you enter this place to run away from the Umbral Sect?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "No. We entered this place because of a certain jade slip."


    Roan then explained about the Jade Slip that he and Rean found in the past. There was no point in hiding it now since the Jade Slip was used already. It disappeared when the entrance to this maze closed. Besides, other than showing this area''s general location, there was no additional information inside of that thing.


    Latalia nodded after she heard everything.


    "So that''s what happened. Does that mean that you are after treasures in this place?"


    Roan and Rean looked at each other before they nodded at Latalia. It wasn''t wrong to say that they were after treasures. It''s just that the treasures they want were information. All they knew was that this place had something to do with ''Vruve Remnants'' and that Sister Orb or the system didn''t give them permission to look into this information. That''s the reason why they entered. Of course, if there were other treasures with some value, that would be good too.


    "You could say that. Well, that''s why most of the groups entered this place, too, right?"


    Latalia nodded. After she heard how the Four Peaks Mountain changed, shooting light rays into the skies, she understood why so many cultivators entered this place at once.


    It was then that Rovan remembered something.


    "Oh, right! Why was the maze pulling cultivators who passed nearby inside by force? Also, this was a recent event, so why didn''t it happen in the past?"


    Everyone nodded as they looked at Latalia. That was something which really puzzled them.


    Latalia then sighed as she answered that question with another one.


    "Many cultivators disappeared because of the maze these last few years. However, have you found any trace of them? Bones, old battle marks, anything?"


    Everyone shook their heads. Rean''s group was the first to enter after the mountain revealed the maze entrance. Still, they didn''t find anything whatsoever.


    "Where have they gone?"


    Latalia then explained.


    "To be honest, I think that the demon beasts we have been encountering so far are exactly those cultivators."


    "What?!"


    Everyone was shocked by that revelation. However, Roan immediately understood why Latalia thought like that.


    "I see... Latalia is most likely correct. Have you noticed? We haven''t found a single Demon Beast at Stage Five or above so far, right? We only found Stage Three and Stage Four ones. Besides, the Stage Three ones were usually Late or Peak Stage Three. Almost not a single one at Middle Stage Three or below can be found."


    Roan continued.


    "The Jiran Forest is a training ground for Core Formation Realm and Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators. But in the Core Formation Realm cultivators'' case, they are usually at least at the Late or Peak Stage Core Formation Realm. After all, this is a place with Stage Four Demon Beasts ruling. Coming to this place with a Middle Stage or below cultivation is quite an idiotic idea if you don''t have the power to keep yourself alive."


    Latalia was happy that she didn''t have to explain everything herself.


    "It''s good that you understand. It''s too much of a coincidence that the Demon Beasts in this maze have the same average level as the cultivators that roam outside. Besides, it''s as you said, they are all fake demon beasts. Not real ones."


    Rean then asked something else.


    "Wait! Then how did they transform into that? Also, senior Latalia has been here for a long time already. How come you didn''t change into one of them?"


    Latalia shrugged her shoulders.


    "How would I know? If I were to guess, it''s because I''m very good at running. I believe that the primary condition is for you to get captured or killed by the demon beasts."


    Roan pondered for a bit before saying.


    "There are a few cultivators that can use skills or cultivation techniques to gain some temporary or permanent demon beast traits. They are quite rare, but they do exist. It''s not hard to think that these guys were forcefully transformed. Most likely, the key is their dantian. Once they die, they can be transformed by using the power inside. The strong ones will then receive those ''tokens'' or whatever they are in their bodies."


    Latalia nodded.


    "Exactly. That also explains why the maze would try to drag a few cultivators inside every now and then."


    Rovan then asked.


    "Okay, I can understand most of it, but I still can''t understand why it just began to happen recently. We all know that the missing cultivators'' issue only started a few years ago. Before that, it would always be simple deaths and things like that. Also, why drag cultivators inside? Wouldn''t it be better to simply pull a few demon beasts to do the job? Why go through the pain in the ass process of changing a cultivator''s form to create those fake demon beasts?"


    Latalia didn''t find those questions surprising.


    "I can''t answer your first question. I also don''t know why the maze started acting up just now. However, I can answer the second one. Well, at least I think I can. Keep in mind that I might be wrong here."


    Rovan and the other nodded as they waited for her answer.


    However, just as she was about to continue talking, Rean finished healing Rovan''s injuries and Umbral Energy as well.


    "Alright, I''m done."


    Roan then looked at everyone before saying.


    "Good, let''s leave this place first. Don''t forget that the Umbral Sect still has another group with a Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator in their ranks. Not to mention that that group has other Core and Soul Fusion Realm members too. I don''t want that escapee to lead them to us. Rean and I can''t use the pretense of being weak to take them by surprise anymore, either."


    Everyone immediately got up and departed.


    "Where to?"


    Roan pondered for a bit. However, Latalia answered before he could say anything.


    "I know where the city entrance is located. Come with me."


    Rean''s group showed puzzled expressions.


    "City entrance? What city?"


    Latalia then replied.


    "First, follow me. I''ll talk about Rovan''s question first on the way."


    Everyone nodded and did as she said.


    "Rovan asked why the maze would pull cultivators inside instead of demon beasts. The key for that should be intelligence. I believe that there is a gigantic formation under the maze that controls the Demon Beasts."


    Roan and Rean nodded.


    "Yes, we also reached the same conclusion. Only that could explain the super-fast recovery of the defeated Demon Beasts."


    Latalia nodded and continued.


    "Correct. However, Demon Beasts below Stage Five still haven''t acquired sentience, let alone intelligence. That should be an issue if you want to give them orders. However, a transformed cultivator is still an intelligent one. He or she can understand commands and act accordingly. Once again, this is just my own theory. I can''t guarantee that I''m right since I don''t have access to the formation. Even if I had, I don''t think I would understand how it works anyway."


    Roan wasn''t surprised by that.


    "You are probably right. I can''t think of any other reason to take cultivators in instead of real demon beasts. Besides, real demon beasts are savage. The problem wouldn''t be just the fact that they can''t receive orders, but that they would act aggressively against anything else too."


    For now, everyone decided to accept that theory. Rean then asked about the next topic.


    "Alright. Can senior Latalia explain more about this city entrance? You said you found a door in this maze. How do you know there is a city behind it?"


    Latalia went silent for a bit before saying.


    "That''s because my family members are descendants of one of its citizens from thousands of years ago."

 Chapter 314 - Amakal Family

    Everyone looked at Latalia with a surprised expression. However, Roan immediately asked.


    "Why would you tell us that? As far as I can see, it was supposed to be some kind of great secret, no? What made you change your mind all of a sudden?"


    Latalia shrugged her shoulders before saying.


    "Look around. Do you think we would be able to hide it for long? Even you noticed that something wasn''t right with Juan''s request, trying to look for me, let alone the leaders of sects and other powers. Sooner or later, they will knock on my idiot nephew''s door. Once that happens, that coward will spill all the beans."


    Rovan still found it strange.


    "But you could have kept it a secret until there was no other choice but to tell us, no?"


    Latalia shook her head.


    "That would be impossible. The reason is simple. The city entrance needs two things to open. The first, I believe you already know what it is."


    Roan nodded as he pulled out one of the small ''tokens'' from his robe.


    "So this is some kind of key, uh?"


    Latalia nodded.


    "Yes. There will be a need for several of these things. You could also say that the reason the maze began to pull the cultivators inside was so that it could convene the keys to the latecomers. I might be wrong, but I believe that being able to acquire the tokens is also some kind of trial."


    Everyone nodded. After being inside this place for so many hours, they would be lying if they didn''t at least think about that possibility before.


    "Alright, but this reason doesn''t explain why you went ahead and told us about your descendency. What is this second condition then?"


    Latalia then pointed at herself before saying.


    "My blood. Without the bloodline of one of the residents of that city, you won''t be able to open the entrance. Right in front of the door, there is a small pillar used to control the door. I need to drop my blood inside it for that to work. However, it will only work once enough tokens are gathered. Once I drop my blood to control it, everyone there will obviously notice that I have some relation to this place."


    Roan understood what Latalia wanted.


    "I see. You could have simply waited at that door until the cultivators eventually gathered there. However, you would be without a token yourself. Last but not least, you would be on your own. That being said, you had no other choice other than to go out and look for help. First, you got help from Ervan''s group since you wanted to get a token that would be only yours."


    "After that, you intended to find a relatively stronger group to ally with. When you heard from Ervan about our existence and our average cultivation level, you thought it was a perfect choice. After all, you would still be the cultivator with the highest cultivation in our midst. You could talk about this city or whatever while still being certain about your own safety."


    Latalia''s expression didn''t even change after hearing all of that.


    "So what? Are you telling me that I was wrong? You also stand to gain in this trade since you will be able to enter as well. It''s a win-win situation. Are you not satisfied?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "Not at all. I prefer to make it clear about both sides'' stakes. We have something you need, and you have something we do. That''s the best way to keep both interests intact."


    Well, the truth was that Latalia still felt Rean''s group to be slightly weaker than she wanted. Nevertheless, her female side wanted to befriend Rean for future ''uses.'' The ultimate women''s trap was just that powerful!


    Roan then decided to enter the main topic.


    "Alright. What about this city thing? What are we expecting here? From what I know, there wasn''t supposed to be a city in this place, no?"


    Latalia nodded.


    "During the time Zef Jialin founded this country, the city was already non-existent. This is a story from way before the Sasamil Empire arrived in this region as well. The city''s name was Laan, a relatively small city if you take the country''s capital as an example. Still, the people who governed this place all had heaven-defying cultivations. Some say that they even had a few ascenders."


    Everyone looked at Latalia with a slightly puzzled expression.


    "Ascender? What is that?"


    Unfortunately, Latalia just shook her head.


    "I also know nothing about it. The only thing I heard is that once your cultivation surpasses a certain level, you will ascend. However, no one knows what this ''ascendance'' means. Cultivators can fly. Does it mean they leave our world? Or perhaps they are sent into another place through some kind of teleportation? Maybe they receive the right to do so and then decide whether to go or not. Perhaps they are forced to leave or pulled away? In any case, I have never seen one. You will be luckier if you ask your sect elders about it."


    Latalia then continued.


    "All you need to know is that this was a city where no one dared to mess with. Sasamil Empire was already strong at that time. Perhaps they didn''t dare to let anyone take this area since they didn''t want to mess with Laan City. Of course, this is just speculation."


    Rean then asked.


    "So, what happened to the city? How come Zef Jialin came to this place and took over? Also, didn''t the Sasamil Empire try to stop him? Or perhaps they sent Zef here instead?"


    Latalia shook her head once more.


    "I don''t know. According to the records of my clan, Laan City suddenly disappeared one day. No one knew why, but the city simply vanished into thin air. In its place, only barren land remained. Thousands of years later, when Zef Jialin arrived, the land had already been taken by the demon beast forest that surrounded the city before. No one knew what happened to the citizens of this place."


    Roan felt that something was strange.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/amakal-family_50907984393459988 for visiting.


    "Then how come you''re a descendant? Did someone flee from the city before it disappeared?"


    Latalia then scratched her back head with a helpless expression.


    "To be honest, it seems like our ancestor was exiled. There are no records of what happened. It''s just that he did something that had him almost killed and thrown outside."


    Latalia then shrugged her shoulders.


    "Well, to be honest, I''m delighted that he did. After all, I wouldn''t be here today if he didn''t create his own family later on outside. Anyway, it was also thanks to that that we know something about what happened. The city didn''t really disappear, but it was moved. It''s just that it was impossible to track it down. All that we know was that it was still inside Jiran Forest, that''s all."


    "The problem was that we had no idea about its location anymore. My ancestor looked for it until the end of his life came. The next generations did the same, but none of them were lucky. Jiran Forest seemed to be the same as always, and it continued to be so for many, many generations. Until a few years ago, sudden disappearances began to happen."


    "At first, no one paid much attention. After all, the Jiran Forest''s Core Region had many Stage Four Demon Beasts, maybe even a Stage Five somewhere. Every now and then, some would die inside, never to be seen again. Probably ending up in some Demon Beasts'' belly."


    "However, the situation worsened as time passed. Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators had also turned into casualties. It was a rare thing. Even in a desperate situation, as long as they decide to pay the price, they would still be able to escape. Let alone that Stage Four demon beasts don''t have intelligence and sentience. A good example was that Umbral Sect guy who ran away. Even in that situation, he still found a silver lining that allowed him to keep his life."


    Roan wanted to say that Latalia didn''t use the right movements to delay his movements, but he decided not to do so. After all, Roan also thought that he wasn''t as perfect as he was when he used the Flags.


    "Once we noticed that a lot of cultivators were disappearing without leaving any clue behind, we immediately started to make an investigation of our own. Of course, their disappearances could have been for any other reason. Still, it was not like we had any further clue. To my surprise, I was also captured by the maze. It was then that I saw the patterns on the walls and confirmed that this was really related to Laan City!"


    Rean then asked something else.


    "Then why does it look like your nephew wants to stop you?"


    Latalia laughed before saying.


    "Isn''t that obvious? That nephew of mine is a coward. He wanted to give up any more research about Laan City. Even it existed, what good would it bring to our Amakal Family? He wanted to bring me back and force me to forget about our ancestor''s wishes. Well, to be honest, I couldn''t care less about that. I''m here for the same reason as the rest. I want to get the treasures left behind as well. As a real descendant, I believe that I will have access to many things that others won''t. Why should I give up?"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "That is considering that your banished ancestor''s bloodline is still accepted, right?"


    Latalia didn''t deny that.


    "Do you have a better idea?"


    Roan was tongue-tied. In the end, he could only answer.


    "No."

 Chapter 315 - Teleport Formation

    When the Umbral Sect entered the Laan Maze, they had separated into two groups. One was Sames and Vio''s group, while the other one had Lian Buran. Unfortunately, they had encountered Rean''s group. Naturally, Sames tried to make his way back to Lian''s group.


    They had noticed that people were being teleported when they entered the maze. Because of that, they made sure to keep together to be teleported to the same place, just like how Sister Orb warned Rean and the others to do so. They didn''t know that it was a maze at first and only separated after discovering it. Of course, they also made plans to meet again before that.


    Sames had stopped at some point to recover from his injuries. After stabilizing his own condition, he once again made his way to the meeting point. Then again, it was easier said than done. They knew that the maze frequently changed shape, making it very hard for either Lian or Sames to go where they wanted.


    Because of that, it took Lian an entire day and several dangers to finally find his way back to Lian''s group. It couldn''t be helped. If it was easy, the maze wouldn''t have any meaning.


    Lian''s group had five members, different from Vio and Sames'' group with 11 in total. However, they were definitely the strongest group between the two. That''s because Lian was at the Peak of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, not to mention having two members at the Initial and Middle Stage of the same Realm. With Sames coming back, they now had four members in that Realm.


    Lian narrowed his eyes when he saw Sames approaching. After all, Sames wasn''t supposed to be alone.


    "What happened?"


    Sames bitterly smiled as he organized his thoughts before sending a Spiritual Sense message with the entire story in tow. Of course, he sent the same message to everyone in Lian''s group.


    "What?! Are you serious?"


    "Can two Initial Stage Core Formation Realm kids be that strong?"


    "You must be kidding, right?"


    Sames shook his head.


    "I wish I was. Everyone other than me died because of them. Beal thought that they were not a threat and was the first one to die because of that. Of course, I can''t blame them since I would probably have thought the same."


    Lian nodded.


    "I was thinking about ignoring the twins for now since we found this place. However, considering their growth rate and strength, we better get rid of them as soon as possible. Not to mention, our Umbal Sect and the Dalamu Sect has been on bad terms for quite some time. It will be problematic if they reach the Core and Soul Fusion Realm or even the Nascent Soul Realm in the future."


    Everyone nodded. It was already under their orders to kill the twins, especially Rean, but mostly because of Rean''s ability to heal Umbral Energy. Right now, however, their own strength was the problem in this place.


    "Do you know where they have gone?"


    Sames shook his head.


    "No idea. I left the place as fast as I could. I didn''t dare to stay around. However, everyone in this maze is probably heading to the same place. After all, there seems to be nothing more than Demon Beasts in the maze itself."


    Lian and the others nodded. They had been exploring the maze as well, but they didn''t find anything of value either. They also asked other groups just to receive the same answer. Without any other choice, everyone could only move in the same direction as they slowly understood how the maze worked. Of course, there were still those tokens, but no one found out what use they have yet.


    "Alright. Give Sames some time to recover, and then let''s move out."


    Back at Rean''s group, they ended encountering more of those fake Demon Beasts. However, even though their numbers were enough to kill them, it was becoming something without much use. That''s because those demon beasts already lost the tokens inside them.


    "It seems that even though we might be ahead of others, the demon beasts in the maze are all acc.u.mulated where most of the cultivators are. Otherwise, the groups of demon beasts we found should have those tokens with them."


    Everyone nodded.


    "There is no helping it. The fake demon beasts are supposed to be a trial, right? It is normal that they were found already. Anyway, how far are we from that door you talked about, Latalia?"


    Latalia smiled before replying.


    "We''re getting close. We just need to wait at the next juncture for the maze to change shape again. Once the room reconnects, we should be almost on the side of the City Entrance."


    Just as Latalia mentioned, they unsurprisingly arrived at another point of the maze that changed from time to time. They waited in that position for around an hour until finally, mechanical sounds resounded once more. Just like before, Rean''s group was then locked inside the corridor as the maze changed the connections between passages.


    Eventually, the corridor they were in was opened once more, allowing them to come out.


    "Alright, it should be just ten kilometers ahead where the City Entrance is located."


    Latalia then looked at Ervan and Sian.


    "Also, there is something there that might be of some help to you two."


    Ervan and Sian looked at each other, not understanding what Latalia meant by that.


    Latalia didn''t explain as their group went ahead. After some time, they finally saw what seemed to be some open gate in the distance. However, Rean''s group also noticed that a few cultivators seemed to already have arrived there.


    Latalia wasn''t surprised by that, though. She had found this place before and then left. It had been more than a day since she had been here. Some lucky group or lone cultivators would eventually reach this place after so long.


    The other cultivators looked at Rean''s group as their eyes stopped on Latalia and Rovan. However, different from before, no one noticed who Latalia was.


    Rean knew that a few groups had been sent to the Jiran Forest to look for Latalia. Naturally, they had talked with Juan as well and received her picture. Imagine a situation where Latalia continued to move around with her real appearance. In that case, things might get annoying as others would be able to recognize her. Because of that, Rean did the same thing he did to Calina with her, changing her appearance with his Light Element.


    Latalia was surprised after looking at her appearance after the transformation. If she could, she probably would keep this one rather than heading back to her previous appearance. Unfortunately, Rean told her that it was only temporary. He needed to keep the transformation with Light Element by repeating the process every few hours.


    Nonetheless, that was enough for no one to recognize her. That alone was already a very good thing.


    Everyone then focused their attention on Latalia and Rovan. Of course, not that they recognized the two, but because they were the only Core and Soul Fusion Realm in Rean''s group.


    "Another group arrived. It seems like that Light Pillar really went very far."


    "It did. I was a few thousand kilometers away, but I still could see that. Fortunately, it only took a few hours to arrive with my cultivation."


    "Hey, the newcomers over there, do you know anything about this door? Or perhaps that room on the side of this room entrance?"


    Rean and the others then looked at the room the others mentioned. Sure enough, there was an extra room connected to this place. However, everything was dark inside, and only a few of those ancient words were visible above the entrance.


    "Didn''t any of you enter to check?"


    Everyone smiled but didn''t say anything. That, of course, made Rean''s group apprehensive. However, it was then that Latalia sent them a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''That room has an automatic Teleport Formation. Once you enter that, you will be teleported outside, leaving the maze entirely.''


    Latalia then looked at Sian and Ervan.


    ''I promised you two that I was going to bring you out, right? That''s why I said that. I knew that I could send you out through this teleport formation.''


    Ervan couldn''t help but ask.


    ''How do you know that?''


    Latalia smiled as she pointed at the words carved above that room entrance.


    ''It''s written right there.''


    Rean and Roan''s interest was immediately piqued.


    ''Can you read this ancient language?''


    Latalia then explained.


    ''Just a little. My ancestor''s recording had several texts explaining Laan City''s language, enough to recognize essential words like the teleport formation. However, more significant sentences with more complex meanings would be quite hard.''


    Rovan then looked at Ervan and Sian before saying.


    ''You two should leave. Go back to the clan.''


    Ervan was taken aback.


    ''But father!''


    ''Enough!''


    Rovan then shook his head.


    ''I know that you want to help, but truth be told, you and Sian are too weak. You indeed helped in the last battle, but you almost died. If not for Rean''s unique ability, you would be dead already. If something happens to me, it will be up to you to take care of the Lopin Clan until your daughter matures.''


    Sian also agreed with Rovan.


    ''Your father is right, Ervan. The clan always come first.''


    Ervan gritted his teeth before asking.


    ''Then why doesn''t father come too? We will be safe once we go out.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Rovan, you helped a lot out already. Perhaps you should really go back with your clan members.''


    Rovan shook his head in response.


    ''I will stay. Besides, I don''t have much of a lifespan left anyway. Unlike these two, I won''t be able to stay around for long. I might as well join you three inside.''


    Rean nodded, not trying to stop him. After all, Rovan''s presence would indeed be helpful.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/teleport-formation_50964174360083748 for visiting.


    Ervan was unwilling, though.


    ''Still...''


    Rovan shook his head.


    ''This is the Clan Head''s order. Return to the clan. If I don''t come back, Ervan is to be the next Clan Head. That''s all.''


    Sian bowed to Rovan, accepting the order.


    Ervan unwillingly did the same.


    Rovan then smiled before saying.


    ''Don''t worry, I''m not going in to have myself killed. Who knows, I might even find something that can increase my lifespan. Hahaha! Oh, right! Don''t forget to bring the Umbral Sect items we got from the last battle too. They are worth a lot to us.''


    After the last battle ended, neither the twins nor Latalia seemed to have much interest in the Umbral Sect members'' things. Naturally, Rovan had Ervan and Sian gladly take it all for themselves.


    After that, Rean''s group pretended to be curious about the ''unknown'' room and had Sian and Ervan ''conveniently'' check it. Sure enough, they were teleported straight away, which made the expression of Rean''s group turn ''dark.''


    The others laughed but didn''t care about the glares of Rean''s group.

 Chapter 316 - Outside Situation

    Outside the maze, things began to heat up. Like the Dalamu Sect, other sects also came to know what was happening in the Jiran Forest. Because of that, they all sent their elders there to check what it was all about.


    The Dalamu Sect was a lot closer to Jiran Forest than the other powers. It was natural that they were the first ones to arrive. Of course, they wouldn''t dispatch their full force to do that. None of the other sects would either. In the Dalamu Sect''s case, the ones who came were Tiria Yinsan and Juvian Tarcio, two Nascent Soul Realm cultivators.


    "The twins weren''t joking. Just what is this place?"


    From far away, they already noticed the pillar of light. Even though Tiria and Juvian were informed ahead of time, they were still surprised to see it.


    "I have no idea. The twins'' message simply said that this was the place where the Jade Slip they found had guided them. However, it didn''t say what it was or how it ended over here."


    "And where are those two brats?"


    "Where else? Would you be able to hold yourself back and wait for reinforcements? Of course, they entered the place already. Not only them, but I''m pretty sure a lot more cultivators who''ve seen this definitely entered already, including those guys from the Umbral Sect they talked about."


    Tiria''s expression darkened after hearing that. In the twins'' message, they also commented about the Umbral Sect coming to this place. Most likely, they found about the twins'' location and sent that group here to get rid of them.


    "Let''s first secure the place so that others can''t enter."


    Juvian shook his head in response.


    "It''s useless. The ones who wanted to enter have entered already. Only a few others will arrive after all this time has passed. Not to mention that the other sects and the royal family have definitely been informed about this place already. Once their experts arrive, we won''t be able to prevent them from entering."


    Tiria nodded.


    "Should we enter as well, then? Or perhaps call Elder Droman to come since he''s a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator?"


    "Droman''s busy managing the Communication System. We can''t have him move every time something happens. After he lost many of his most trusted Formation Master members from the Formations Hall, he has become even busier training new ones to help."


    All of a sudden, Tiria and Juvian felt a Spiritual Sense wash over them. In an instant, their eyes narrowed as they looked in a specific direction. From there, they saw two cultivators moving in their direction at high speeds.


    "Lukia, Soran, your Sect moved quite quickly."


    They were the Nascent Soul Realm elders of the Raskil Sect, one of the five major sects of Jialin Country.


    "Hahaha! You guys are slow, that''s all. But don''t pay too much attention to us. There''s bound to be more of us soon enough."


    Sure enough, it was just like Soran mentioned. Not too long after, more Nascent Soul elders of the other sects began to arrive as well.


    Tiria and Juvian were not surprised by that. They understood that those guys must have used one teleport formation after the other to reach this place this fast. Otherwise, how could they arrive just a few minutes after them? Their Dalamu Sect, on the other hand, didn''t need to do that since this was already their territory.


    Tiria''s expression darkened as she looked at one of the elders. He was Feren Posin, the same guy who had hit her with Umbral Energy in the past. If not because of Rean, she would probably still be slowly getting rid of the Umbral Energy in her body.


    Furen noticed her eyes and gently smiled as if nothing had happened in the past.


    "Oh, long time no see, Tiria. How have you been? I hope your days were not that painful."


    Tiria snorted.


    "Very well, to be honest. And how has Elder Furen been since the last time we met? Have you been feeling cold recently?"


    Furen''s mouth twitched, but he continued to smile nonetheless. Tiria was a Water Element User. Just like Elder Furan hit her with Umbral Energy, Tiria had also left a few gifts behind. It''s just that it wasn''t as troublesome to deal with as Umbral Energy.


    Galios, the Lagan Sect''s Nascent Soul Realm elder that Tiria met before during the twins'' first mission, soon stepped forward, putting an end to their antics.


    "Are you two having fun? What about we talk about this place first? If you want to settle scores, just step aside and get your problems resolved somewhere else."


    Tiria and Furen ignored each other. After all, Galios was right.


    Galios then looked at a group with three Nascent Soul Realm cultivators in tow. They were not part of any of the sects, but the Royal Family of Jialin instead.


    "Mali, Colen, Xansio, if there''s anyone here who knows what might be happening, that''s gotta be your Royal Family."


    Xansio looked at the entrance before shifting his attention to the strange words written on the walls. He narrowed his eyes as those words indeed brought back a few memories. The Royal Family records repository was the biggest in the country. After all, this was an abandoned place when Zef Jialin first arrived. No one had been here for longer than them.


    He then pondered on whether he should talk or not. However, the fact was that he didn''t have any useful information. The only information he had was of a few records talking about an ancient city that existed in this place way before the country was founded. In the end, he decided that he might as well share this information to not be on bad terms with the others. The Royal Family might be powerful, but they wouldn''t be able to contend against all five sects at once.


    "From what I know, this Jiran Forest was the place where a city called Laan was located in the past. However, it was long before Ancestor Zef Jialin founded the country. Other than the fact that the City disappeared one day, I know nothing else."


    The others didn''t know what to say about that information. It''s not like it was of much help to them, after all. A Nascent Soul Cultivator from the Rohe Sect named Rago then asked.


    "And how do you know that this place is related to this so-called Laan City?"


    Xansio pointed at the walls beside the entrance.


    "Those patterns match up with the records I read in the past, but don''t waste your time asking me anything else. Even Ancestor Zef didn''t know much about this place, let alone me. Besides, even if you don''t believe me, it''s not like I''m obligated to tell you everything I know."


    The others narrowed their eyes but didn''t complain in the end. It''s not like they wouldn''t keep a secret or two themselves.


    "So, what do you guys want to do?"


    Galios shrugged his shoulders before responding.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/outside-situation_50998239909963506 for visiting.


    "I don''t know about all of you, but Fia and I are going in to take a look."


    Fia was the other Nascent Soul Realm cultivator from the Lagan Sect that came with Galios. A female cultivator at the Middle Stage.


    Galios and Fia then headed down, ready to enter the place. The others also looked at each other before quickly following. Without wasting time, they all passed through the entrance and were teleported straight away. Obviously, they were sent into the maze, just like everyone else.


    Back at Rean''s group, they looked at the City Entrance before asking the people around.


    "So, what are all of you waiting here for? Can''t you open that door?"


    One of those cultivators snorted in response.


    "Aren''t you an energetic kid? Why don''t you go and open it for us, then? If we knew how to open it, we wouldn''t be waiting outside."


    Latalia then pointed at the slots on the walls close to the door.


    "Can''t you see that? It is evident that you need to use those tokens in there, don''t you think?"


    The cultivators knew what tokens Latalia was talking about. After all, for them to be here, they must be strong groups that also defeated the fake demon beasts on the way. Naturally, they got a few tokens from their bodies.


    "Hehe! Do you think we didn''t try? The tokens do fit in the holes indeed. However, nothing happened even after we put them there."


    Another cultivator added.


    "We believe that we don''t have enough of them. There are 42 holes on the walls, but we only have 22, counting the tokens of all groups."


    Latalia narrowed her eyes in response. She thought that with the number of people currently here, they would have close to enough already.


    However, Roan snorted after hearing that.


    "22, huh? Who would believe that? Let''s not treat each other like fools. You guys definitely have a few more that you didn''t bring out."


    "Brat! Are you sure this is a place where an Initial Stage Core Formation Realm can talk?"


    Latalia was surprised for a second but immediately understood. Soon after, she stepped forward and responded.


    "Enough. Since no one wants to show their hands first, I''ll be the one to do so."


    Latalia then took four tokens from her robe and approached the walls. One by one, she put them inside the slots. Since she had the highest cultivation, Roan passed the tokens to her to prevent problems. No one would find it weird if a Middle Stage Core and Soul Fusion had them.


    "I''m sure you all want to open this door too, right? If you keep waiting, more and more cultivators will arrive here. Don''t you want to have a head start?"


    Everyone looked at each other apprehensively. Roan was right. A few of them were hiding their own tokens since they didn''t know if they would need more ahead.


    Finally, one of the cultivator groups stepped forward and brought three more tokens out.


    "Hey, didn''t you say you only had two tokens?"


    The guy who was holding them snorted.


    "So what? Bite me!"


    Latalia''s words were correct. It was better to have a head start.


    Seeing that, a few other groups also began to step forward. One by one, the 42 slots began to be filled.

 Chapter 317 - You Forgot

    Everyone was looking at each other as their own groups protected the tokens they had. Unfortunately, in the end, there still wasn''t enough to fill all the 42 slots. In the end, 34 slots were filled up, showing that they needed more groups with 8 more tokens to come.


    Latalia then looked at the others before uttering.


    "Alright, then. I''ll wait here for more groups. I won''t take my tokens back. It will be better than starting this game again by pretending to not have a token. Since you already arrived in this place, others will eventually do the same."


    Latalia, Rovan, and the twins then leaned their bodies against the wall with their tokens and began to wait there. Seeing that someone else took the initiative to wait, the others did the same. And just like that, time passed.


    Around one hour later, two more groups appeared, contributing five more tokens to the mix. Now, only three were needed. While they waited, Roan decided to ask Latalia about something else. He also used a Spiritual Sense message so that others couldn''t hear her.


    ''According to your story, Laan City disappeared with its people in the past, right? Does it mean that behind this door, there is a living city?''


    Latalia pondered a bit and shook her head.


    ''I don''t know. Because our ancestor was banished, he had no idea as to what would happen with the city''s people. Or at the very least, his records from thousands of years ago didn''t mention anything about the destiny of the city residents.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''We don''t know if they will become allies or enemies, so we better take care. Depending on what happens, we might have to retreat straight away.''


    Suddenly, another group arrived at the entrance of the room. However, Rean immediately recognized the energy in their bodies.


    ''It''s the Umbral Sect.''


    Latalia and the others then looked at the newcomers, especially the guy at the front. In an instant, their expressions darkened. Just as they had heard, there was a Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator between them. Right behind them, they finally saw Sames, the guy who had fled from them before.


    Naturally, the Umbral Sect members also noticed Rean''s group.


    ''Senior Lian, it''s them!''


    Lian nodded. If it was anywhere else, he would have attacked straight away. He had the advantage in both cultivation and number by far. However, the room was packed with people from the Dalamu Sect territory. He even identified two more Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators. If they all decided to gang up against his group, they could only flee.


    Suddenly, Roan snorted before saying.


    "Oh! To think that the Umbral Sect also sent people here. Aren''t you all quite c.o.c.ky to enter the Dalamu Sect''s territory like that?"


    At that moment, everyone''s eyes focused even more on the newcomers. It was no secret to anyone that the Dalamu and the Umbral Sect don''t get along. As one could imagine, Umbral Sect members weren''t welcome in their territory.


    ''That damned brat!''


    Sames felt like striking without caring for anything else. However, Lian immediately raised his hand to stop him.


    "Brat! Are you thinking that I can''t do anything to you because you''re part of the Dalamu Sect?"


    In contrast to the Umbral Sect, it was no secret that Rean and Roan were part of the Dalamu Sect. After all, where would you find cultivators at the Core Formation Realm at around 14 to 16 years of age? Everyone restrained themselves against Rean''s group because of that same reason.


    Roan didn''t seem to care about Lian''s group, though.


    "Is that so? Then why don''t you try? If you even have the gall to attack the Dalamu Sect members in their territory, then I wonder what you would do to the others once they''ve separated."


    No one here was an idiot. Roan was basically pulling them all into the conflict of their sects. However, his words had hit the right spot. Indeed, if they disregarded everyone here to attack Roan''s group, what would they do once they get separated?


    Of course, if a battle for treasure arose, no one would hold back against anyone. That naturally included Dalamu Sect members. However, the Umbral Sect group was a lot stronger than Roan''s team.


    The only problem was that no one wanted to start a battle at this very moment. Wouldn''t it be a shame if their groups were forced to retreat even before seeing what was on the other side? And just like that, the room reached an impasse where neither side wanted to make a move. As much as the Dalamu Sect group was outnumbered, they had four Core and Soul Fusion Realm experts in their midst. Umbral Energy was an extremely annoying thing to deal with, and no one wanted to be hit by that.


    In the end, Roan grinned as he pointed at another side of the room.


    "Since you don''t have the guts to do what you said, then don''t waste our time. Can you see those slots on the wall there? Take your tokens out and use them. At least, your existence will have some utility."


    Lian''s expression didn''t even change from the provocation. He looked at the other groups and knew that the situation was not in his favor, so he didn''t dare to act harshly. He looked around calmly, analyzing what was happening. It didn''t take long for him to understand that everyone was protecting their own tokens that they had put in the wall slots.


    "Hmph!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/you-forgot_50998276954057142 for visiting.


    Suddenly, three more tokens appeared in his hand, and he went straight to the last slots available on the walls. Soon after, he inserted them into the holes and waited to see what would happen.


    As soon as the last one entered the right slots, all the holes with the tokens inserted closed at once. Everyone was taken aback as they looked at that. Following that, each of the closed holes began to shine with Spiritual Energy. It was then that the small pillar in front of the door came to life as it radiated a faint white light.


    Everyone got excited, expecting the door in the front to open. However, nothing happened after that. In the end, one of the cultivators'' groups lost their patience and stepped forward. All the others did the same once they saw that. After all, the tokens were locked behind the slots on the walls. They simply couldn''t take it back anymore.


    "What are we supposed to do with this thing?"


    The first guy to get close touched the pillar, but nothing happened either.


    "Get out of the way. Let me take a look."


    The guy snorted but didn''t care, quickly giving way. Since he didn''t know what to do, staying there like a statue would be useless.


    The next person then used his Spiritual Sense and Energy, just like the last one. Still, nothing seemed to happen to the pillar. He looked around, but the pillar was even on all sides. There was nothing for them to use.


    "Get out. It''s my turn."


    One by one, the groups looked at the pillar, starting with the strongest groups, of course. Still, none of them found anything different.


    Latalia and her group didn''t mind that. They just pretended to wait for their time to take a look-see as well.


    At some point, Lian''s group also came forward to verify the glowing pillar. Or perhaps, it was better to call it a pedestal. Of course, Lian only dared to do that because the other groups seemed to have given up. Well, to be more specific, they were waiting for someone to open the door for them somehow.


    "Perhaps we need more of those demon beast tokens?"


    Everyone looked at each other, not sure if that was the case.


    Finally, it was the turn of Rean''s group. Latalia then pretended to look around and test the thing, just like everyone else. She also tried to move the pedestal to no avail.


    It was then that Latalia took another token from her robe.


    "Hehe! So you said all of that, but you had extra tokens as well, uh?"


    Latalia laughed, not looking the least bit ashamed.


    "At least I decided to use my own. Or are you guys telling me that none of you have an extra token somewhere?"


    The others snorted but refrained from answering. Sure enough, a few of them still had at least an extra token that they kept to themselves. In fact, even Lian''s group from the Umbral Sect was no different. They also gathered more than just three tokens, but didn''t try to use another one.


    That was Roan''s idea. According to Latalia, she would need to use her blood on the pedestal for it to work. However, to prevent others from noticing it, Roan had her make a cut and drench the token with her blood first. Now that the token came out, it had some of her blood on it, but others didn''t care. First, they didn''t know if it was her blood. It could have been from someone from another group they stole from or whatever, or it might even be from the Demon Beasts themselves. It simply didn''t matter. In their minds, what could possibly work was the token itself and not the blood.


    That was the moment of truth. The records only said that the citizen''s blood was necessary to enter the city, nothing else. She was a faraway descendant. Tens of generations had gone by before she was born, so her blood might not even have the necessary thickness of her ancestor''s blood either. Last but not least, there was no guarantee if the pedestal would work with the blood of a banished person.


    She placed the token with her blood on it on the pedestal... but nothing happened as well.


    Latalia couldn''t help but sigh after seeing that.


    ''In the end, it didn''t work.''


    It was then that Rean appeared by her side.


    "Senior, you forgot to try something else."

 Chapter 318 - Arrival

    Rean then lifted the token and... used his sleeve to wipe the glowing pedestal...


    Everyone''s mouth twitched after seeing that.


    "Brat, what the hell are you thinking about? This is obviously a Spiritual Equipment of some sort, the dust has no eff-"


    *Clack...*


    Suddenly, Latalia''s blood-drenched token fused with the pedestal, quickly disappearing. Well, What was really being absorbed was Latalia''s blood. The token was only taken as a souvenir by the pedestal.


    *Clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack...*


    The mechanical sounds continued as the door in front began to tremble. The dust in the room was stirred up as it felt like the entire room was on the move.


    Rean then looked at the guy who had just talked.


    "You were saying?"


    If there was a hole at the moment, the guy would definitely have jumped inside it.


    "Hmph! Who cares. If it opened, then that''s what matters."


    The others around laughed out loud but quickly regained their focus. Finally, the Laan City entrance began to open slowly. Light shone from the other side until finally, it opened enough to at least see what was on the other side.


    Rean''s group wasn''t impressed by that. After all, Latalia already said that there should be a city behind it. However, the others were indeed surprised to see it. The door was located at what seemed to be an advantageous point. Because of what was stated before, they could see an entire city stretching for tens of kilometers.


    However, there was one thing that surprised Rean''s group. Unlike the others, they were sure that they were deep underground. The other cultivators only thought that it might be possible since they haven''t seen the sky until now. But even so, there was no ceiling above the City. All they could see was a deep blue sky like any other part of the surface.


    Immediately, Roan asked Latalia.


    ''What''s happening here? Weren''t we supposed to be underground?''


    Latalia was also taken aback. However, she quickly noticed a difference.


    "Wait. Look closely. That''s not a real sky."


    Latalia didn''t use her Spiritual Sense. Instead, she talked in a casual manner. Naturally, everyone around heard her as well. They paid close attention to the blue sky and finally noticed what she was talking about.


    A few lines of light ran through the blue skies at high speeds. However, they were very tiny and hard to detect. Still, the cultivators noticed that those lights followed some patterns, releasing their energy into the air, quickly fusing with the sky itself.


    "It''s a formation that creates an illusion of a sky, not a real sky per se."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/arrival_51008818934499456 for visiting.


    "Well, those guys made this strange maze with false demon beasts. It''s not hard to believe that they could make a fake sky with a formation."


    "Wait. This is a city, but is it empty at the moment?"


    As soon as that doubt appeared, everyone spread their Spiritual Senses into the City in front. However, they didn''t take too long to get their answer.


    All of a sudden, a strong Spiritual Pressure fell over all their bodies, forcing them all to the ground. Soon after, an old man followed by what seemed to be a feathered person descended from the fake sky in front of the cultivators. Everyone immediately dropped any thoughts of resistance. That Spiritual Pressure alone was enough for them to understand that they were nothing more than ants in front of the newcomers.


    "Who are you? You were not supposed to be able to open the City Entrance without having the citizens'' bloodline. And what are you doing inside our Laan City''s training ground?"


    Latalia bitterly smiled. Even after thousands of years, there were still cultivators present in Laan City. She thought that it would be completely empty since none of them appeared outside anymore.


    Someone then lifted his head and tried to explain.


    "Se-Senior, we found the token after battling strange demon beasts in the maze behind us. Some of them had some kind of tokens inside their bodies, which we used to open the door. As for the bloodline, we don''t know what Senior is talking about."


    Everyone also understood something else. The treasures that they were expecting to receive from this hidden ground was only a pipe dream right now. How could they possibly think about robbing a city protected by such strong cultivators?


    The man narrowed his eyes as he scanned everyone in the small group. Due to their cultivation, he wasn''t afraid of them trying anything. It was then that another cultivator had arrived there. Just like the bird-like man, this one had traits of Demon Beasts on his body. His arms were covered in scales similar to a snake or python.


    "Elder Darkon, wait a moment."


    The man beside the bird guy looked at the newcomer.


    "Sira, what''s the matter?"


    Obviously, that was the scale-covered man''s name.


    "Oh... are those the outsiders? It has been a long time since some have appeared."


    Darkon then narrowed his eyes.


    "Sira, what are you thinking? You should know that we are not supposed to interact with outsiders."


    Sira didn''t seem to mind Darkon, though.


    "Darkon, you''re as annoying as always. The old geezers who made those rules already departed or died a long time ago. Don''t you want to go see the outside world? Since these guys came inside, maybe there''s a way out now."


    The man with feathers on his body then criticized Sira.


    "Sira. Did you forget what will happen to those who leave the City? They will be forever banished! The ancestors won''t come to take them away either!"


    Sira snorted in response.


    "Gali, the last time anyone came to take us was over 10 thousand years ago. Wake up, idiots. No one''s coming anymore."


    Rean''s group and the others didn''t know what was happening. But from hearing the conversation between them, it wasn''t hard to imagine that the citizens in this City were trapped here. That also answered Latalia''s ancestor''s question. Why haven''t they seen any of the Laan Citizens again?


    Darkon and Gali''s expressions darkened, but Sira ignored them and asked the group.


    "Hey, tell me. Where did you come from? Was there an exit somewhere?"


    They all looked at each other. At that moment, Latalia decided to talk.


    "Senior. I''m not sure if that is an exit, but there is a teleport formation in a room connected to the same room as this City''s entrance. Two of our companions disappeared as soon as they entered that chamber."


    "What?!"


    Sira immediately ignored Latalia and stepped out of the entrance. He then looked at the room Latalia talked about, and his eyes lit up.


    "Darkon, Gila, look! The teleport formation is active again!"


    Darkon and Gila didn''t remove their attention towards the group, but they still stepped outside to see what Sira mentioned.


    "It''s true... ever since the City was moved to this place, the teleport formation inside the training grounds had been deactivated."


    Sira then looked at Darkon and Gila before saying.


    "We need to report it to the elders. This is a golden opportunity!"


    Darkon and Gila were still unhappy with that idea, but they agreed that this situation should be reported.


    "What should we do with these guys?"


    "Let''s kill them to prevent any problems from arising."


    Everyone felt a chill on their backs. However, Sira quickly intervened.


    "You know, you don''t have to f.u.c.k.i.n.g kill every outsider we meet? They''re our passes to the outside world, so keep them alive."


    While everyone was thinking about what to do to escape safely, Rean and Roan were more concerned about how these guys were involved in the so-called Vruve Remnants. In their eyes, these guys'' strength was a big problem, but not as big as finding an empty city. That would instead make things a lot harder to comprehend.


    ''Roan, they seem to understand the words on these walls. However, they also speak our language, albeit with some heavy accents. This is perfect. Maybe they can directly answer what Sister Orb and the Soul Gem System talked about, the Vruve Remnants.''


    In response, Roan narrowed his eyes.


    ''That also carries its own risks. Maybe they don''t want anyone to know about the Vruve thing, as if it was a taboo, for example. If we talk about this topic, they might kill all of us instead.''


    Rean was taken aback for a second.


    While Sira was arguing with Darkon and Gila, everyone suddenly heard a voice coming from the distance.


    "Bring the outsiders in."


    Sira, Darkon, and Gila looked at the direction the voice came from. Soon after, Sira laughed before saying.


    "See? Even the elders agree with me. Let''s go. Maybe our confinement is about to be over."


    However, just as they were about to bring everyone away, another big group of cultivators appeared at the city''s entrance.


    When Rean''s group was waiting for more tokens to come, several hours had gone by. They also spent some time waiting for others to test the glowing pedestal before Latalia finally had the chance to try.


    In the end, all that time was more than enough for the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators to arrive in this place. First of all, none of the demon beasts inside posed any threat to them. Also, they were moving together in the maze, so it was even easier. What Rean''s group took two or so days to pass through, the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators only took a few hours. That was basically the difference in cultivation speaking by itself.


    Tiria and Juvian immediately noticed Rean, Roan, and Kentucky in the middle of the group. However, they didn''t act harshly. That''s because the three guys in front of them were nothing but weak.


    ''Soul Transformation Realm!''

 Chapter 319 - Entering the City

    The three cultivators in front of them were one realm above them. That would make it impossible for them to attack independently. In fact, they would be the ones in danger since they were all in the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Sira looked at them as well before asking.


    "Are you all outsiders as well?"


    It was then that Xansio, the expert of the Jialin Royal Family, stepped forward. Since the City Entrance was open, he was able to spread his Divine Sense in there. Because of that, he quickly noticed that it was a lively city with many residents. However, there was supposed to not be such a thing as a city in this place. At the same time, he also remembered the records that his Royal Family has.


    "I''m Xansio Jialin, representative of the Royal Family. May I ask if these seniors are citizens of Laan City?"


    Sira''s group was surprised to hear someone mention the name of their city.


    "Oh! So you know about us?"


    Xansio nodded.


    "Yes. Our Jialin Country was founded after Laan City disappeared. Still, our Jialin ancestor knew a few things before coming to this place. He left behind a few records telling us of a city called Laan from thousands of years before he arrived at this place. The calligraphies on these walls are also the same as the ones we have."


    Sira became even more excited as he said.


    "Good, then come inside as well. We have a lot to discuss, especially about how you guys entered this place."


    Darkon and Gila didn''t say anything since the elders already requested the outsiders to enter.


    Xansio, Tiria, and the rest nodded. In an instant, the Spiritual Pressure over Rean and the others disappeared. Soon after, they went straight to Tiria and Juvian''s side. However, they also saw Latalia and Rovan coming. However, seeing Roan nodding his head, they didn''t say anything.


    As they entered the city, Juvian took the opportunity to send the twins a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''You guys really found quite an impressive thing. However, we can talk about it another time. What do you know about this place?''


    Rean nodded as he explained.


    ''It goes like this...''


    Fortunately, Spiritual Sense messages were instantaneous, so it took only a few seconds for Rean to organize his thoughts before sending Juvian and Tiria a full account of what happened. Of course, he didn''t mention anything about Vruve Remnants or things like that.


    ''So this girl is a descendant of an old citizen. Because of that, her blood was able to open the City Entrance. However, from what you told me, they used that place as trial grounds. Most likely, the maze had run out of Fake Demon Beasts for the tests. That''s why cultivators began to disappear in recent years.''


    ''However, it seems like they still haven''t found out that Latalia is a descendant of a banished person. It was then that Sira appeared, and everything changed. We arrived just a few minutes after that.''


    Rean nodded. It was an excellent recollection.


    Tiria also looked at Latalia before asking.


    ''What else do you know about this place?''


    Latalia shook her head as he replied.


    ''This is really everything I know. We thought that the city might have people. However, we didn''t really believe that. I was really shocked when I saw someone coming at us, especially cultivators this strong.''


    Tiria narrowed her eyes. Of course, she wouldn''t just believe Latalia''s words that easily. However, it was not time to pry further into it.


    As soon as they entered the city, they were met with a wave of Spiritual Energy. No, to be more precise, that was the real concentration of Spiritual Energy in the city itself.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/entering-the-city_51008920956754865 for visiting.


    ''Impressive! The Spiritual Energy here is so concentrated that I feel like I''m cultivating with Rank Three or higher Spirit Stones. This is just the common Spiritual Energy.''


    They walked through the streets and saw several citizens looking at them. There were a lot of normal humans, but there were humans with demon beast features as well.


    ''I guess this explains why the formations they have can transform humans into fake demon beasts. This is a city that has many cultivation techniques that leave Demon Beast features on them.''


    ''That''s not all. Look at their cultivation. Everyone here has higher cultivation that you would encounter in ordinary cities. All the young a.d.u.l.ts are at least in the Energy Gathering Realm. The older ones are at least in Foundation Establishment.''


    ''Yes, but their numbers don''t seem that high. If you think about the city''s size, there are, in fact, only a few people. You guys said that these people from Laan City have been trapped in this city, right? There might be a chance that they had to keep the balance of the population.''


    ''Yes. Another thing is the buildings. They are all made of the same material as the maze walls. Extremely resistant. At the very least, Rean and I were not able to leave even a dent on it. This means that these buildings have been the same for a very, very long time.''


    Finally, Sira and the others arrived at what seemed to be an enormous hall. Sira, Darkon, and Gila paid their respects and quickly brought them inside. Each one of the guards protecting it was at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, at the very least. If this city was a Sect, it would definitely become the strongest Sect of Jialin.


    It was then that they finally saw a few elders waiting for them inside. Some looked like normal humans, while others also had some demon beast features. They seemed to be there to welcome them. However, none of the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators felt happy. That''s because they couldn''t even tell what cultivation they had. That meant that this city had at least a few Saint Realm Experts. Even if you put all of the powers of Jialin together, you wouldn''t have this many Saint Realm Experts. That was no good news for any of their sects or the Royal Family.


    "So these are the outsiders, huh?"


    One of the elders, who seemed to be the leader of the group, then stepped forward.


    "Welcome to Laan City. My name is Wario Qualton."

 Chapter 320 - Vruve Question

    "Well, you''re probably as lost as we are. After all, it has been thousands of years since an outsider entered this city��all the way from the time the city was located outside. To be honest, we only have records about it since anyone who saw outsiders have already ascended or died of old age."


    Tiria and the other Nascent Soul Elders were surprised to hear that.


    "Don''t you guys never go out?"


    Wario shook his head.


    "The formations left behind by our ancestors were not something we could breakthrough. Besides, we received strict orders that no one shall leave the city until their return."


    Xansio couldn''t help but ask.


    "So, are you telling us that your ancestors moved the entire city to this place and locked it down? However, they left right after and left you alone?"


    Wario sighed as he nodded.


    "Putting it in simple terms, that''s what exactly happened."


    Wario looked at everyone''s puzzled faces and could tell what they were thinking.


    "You''re probably imagining why we look so unphased with your presence in this place. After all, this is the first contact we had with outsiders during all this time, right?"


    Everyone nodded. Even Rean and Roan had to admit that they found it a bit strange. Considering how long this city had been locked, why were they not more excited? The only exception so far was Sira, the guy with snake scales all over his body.


    Wario continued.


    "That''s because most of us simply don''t care about it. We don''t want to leave the city, so your presence doesn''t matter much to us."


    Furen Posin asked straight away.


    "Why? If what you said is true, then you have been confined in this tiny space for your whole life. I would feel mad already, to be honest."


    Wario smiled as he answered.


    "That''s because we are waiting for our ancestors to come and grab us away from this place."


    Colen, another expert of the Royal Family, asked.


    "Are you talking about the so-called ascenders?"


    Wario nodded.


    "Exactly. Many of our ancestors reached a level high enough to break through the barrier to a higher realm. Such a thing happened many times in the past. Before the last ones left, they told us that they would lock us so that no one would threaten our existence. We should simply wait for their return. Once that happens, they will bring us together to the higher realm."


    Everyone couldn''t help but think it was a bit creepy when they heard that. Wario looked like some fanatic from a weird religion, though it did make sense. Otherwise, how would they have endured so many years to the point of being born and dying in this place?


    Sira then sighed as he also stepped forward.


    "Elders... We can finally go out. There is no need to wait for our ancestors anymore."


    Wario and other elders just smiled at Sira, as if he didn''t say anything out of the ordinary.


    "Child, we are happy to be in this place. With our cultivation, our lifespan is incredibly vast. We have already waited for so long, always believing. We will not waver that easily."


    However, there were two elders in the middle of all of those who came forward. Just like the leader at the front, none of the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators could see their cultivations.


    "Wario, most of you believe that, but it''s a fact that the city has more and more people who don''t wish to wait anymore."


    "Indeed. If you guys wish to stay, then so be it. However, we won''t lose this opportunity. We are going to leave."


    Sira nodded as he joined those two elders. Every elder of the outside powers looked at the current situation with weird faces. For some reason, they seemed to have become some kind of spectators. It was as if their presence didn''t mean much. Or, to be more specific, they set off the fire, but their own fire was now useless in front of the size of the flames that they had created.


    Wario and the elders who still believed in their ancestors'' words didn''t seem to mind their attitudes.


    "I know. That''s why I didn''t do anything to the outsiders and even called them inside. Fuka, Nifere, you two had never been very satisfied with the life here. Since that''s the case, the other elders and I had a meeting and decided that we might as well banish you together with the citizens who don''t want to stay. Unfortunately, we couldn''t banish you anywhere since there was no way out. That being said, the outsiders'' presence is truly convenient for us."


    "This..."


    Fuka and Nefere were taken aback. It was apparent that they didn''t know about this meeting at all.


    "When was it?"


    Wario then explained.


    "It had been decided several centuries ago. Of course, since there was no way to banish you, we didn''t say anything. However, I guess this is not a bad deal for any of you since you will have your desires fulfilled."


    Fuka couldn''t help but ask.


    "What if a way out hadn''t appeared?"


    Wario shook his head.


    "It wouldn''t have been the first time. If the situation reaches a critical point, then we would be forced to eliminate the root of the problem. Fortunately, it didn''t reach that stage yet."


    Before Fuka could say anything, Wario turned to Rean and the others before saying.


    "Even though we have different beliefs, it was a fact that they were born and raised in Laan City. They are important to us, nonetheless. The reason I decided to let you in was to ask all of you for a favor."


    Everyone''s attention turned in Wario''s'' direction.


    "Fuka, Ferene, Sira, and many others who want to leave don''t know how the outside world works. In fact, no one in the city remembers it anymore, either. I want you to help all of the people who will leave with this problem. In exchange, we can also share some of our cultivation knowledge, or spare a few treasures that would greatly help low-level cultivators like you all."


    Even the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators were considered low-level at this moment. However, they didn''t dare say otherwise since it was a fact that those elders were much stronger. Perhaps some of them had even surpassed the Saint Realm.


    Wario once again looked at Fuka and Nefere before saying.


    "Go. Gather all of the citizens who have doubts about our beliefs. You all have two days to gather everything before you leave. If you don''t, we will have to move you out ourselves."


    Fuka and Nefere immediately nodded and left the room with Sira. The city wasn''t that big, so it wouldn''t take that long for them to gather everyone.


    However, the sect powers and the rest were still puzzled. There were many questions unanswered. For example, weren''t they afraid of the sects and royal family to come back to try and take their city? What about the people they would bring out with them? Weren''t they afraid of the ''outsiders'' fooling their city members and imprisoning them? Maybe even killing them?


    Of course, none of them thought about that. What they wanted was nothing more than convincing those high-level cultivators to join their own powers.


    However, they decided not to bring those topics up. At the moment, they were a lot more interested in the payment the city would give them.


    Xansio then stepped forward and asked.


    "When can we take a look at the cultivation manuals and treasures?"


    Everyone''s eyes lit up. However, there were two exceptions. Rean and Roan.


    ''Should we ask them for information instead?''


    Roan was pondering precisely that. They wouldn''t have time to look into all this place. Not to mention that they probably wouldn''t be left alone to start with. However, they were truly a lot more interested in information regarding Vruve than anything the elders promised. After all, they had the Soul Gem System. Those things couldn''t beat what the Soul Gem System could provide in the long term.


    While the twins thought about what they would do next, Wario explained how it would work.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/vruve-question_51067512363737731 for visiting.


    "Each one of you will have the right to chose one thing��a suitable cultivation technique for you, or a treasure. However, as you can see, many of us use cultivation techniques that affect our bodies. There is a chance that you will also receive a cultivation technique that might transform some parts of your body."


    "But don''t you worry, your offsprings will still be normal humans. The changes can''t be passed down by bloodline. If you think it is worth it, then choose your cultivation techniques without fear. As for treasures, it will depend on what you want. It can be a cultivation resource, a weapon, an armor, a formation blueprint, etc. We will let you choose according to your own levels."


    It looked like a lot. However, the key point was ''according to your level.'' The highest cultivation was Nascent Soul Realm. For a city with experts at the Saint Realm Level or even above, the items of Nascent Soul Realm cultivators probably didn''t matter much.


    Rean and Roan then looked at each other and nodded.


    ''Sister Orb. How far are we from the Save Point?''


    [1478 kilometers.]


    The twins'' nodded. Soon after, Rean turned to look in Tiria and Juvian''s direction and asked with a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Elders, if I suddenly say that I need 500 Rank Four Spirit Stones, would you have it? Don''t ask why. I just need an answer in case things get complicated.''


    Tiria and Juvian were taken aback. But as Core Elders, they knew about the twins'' special position.


    ''If Juvian and I take everything we have, we should barely have this amount.''


    Rean and Roan nodded before turning in Wario''s direction to send a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Elder Wario? Can my brother and I ask for information instead?''


    Wario was surprised to hear such a proposal, but nodded nonetheless.


    ''As long as it is something we can answer, then yes.''


    Roan''s expression then turned solemn as he asked.


    ''What do you know about Vruve?''


    From the very start, Wario''s expression had never changed. However, as soon as the term Vruve appeared, shock instantly appeared on his face.

 Chapter 321 - Soul Gem

    ''How do you know this name?''


    Roan didn''t explain, saying.


    ''That''s our problem. We only want to know if we can obtain information regarding it instead. If not, then forget it.''


    Wario narrowed his eyes as he looked at Rean and Roan. Finally, he let out a sigh before saying.


    ''I should have killed you two straight away. Still, it has been too long, and you are indeed helping us by taking non-believers away. However, I can not give you the answer you seek. If you really want to know more about it, you will have to ask the City''s Artifact Spirit. If he doesn''t answer you, then there is nothing I can do.''


    Rean and Roan instantly had puzzled expressions on their faces.


    ''Artifact Spirit? What''s that?''


    Wario then explained.


    ''You saw how the city was built, right? All the buildings are connected to the terrain itself. In fact, they are all the one and the same. There isn''t really such a thing as several houses. They are all part of the same structure. Simply put, this is an artifact. The entire city is a large piece of equipment.''


    Rean and Roan were taken back. They didn''t expect that such a big piece of equipment could exist.


    Wario then continued.


    ''This equipment has a Spirit, which is the real one responsible for everything inside. The reason you were able to enter this place is most likely because the Artifact Spirit allowed you to. If it wanted to, you would all be dead a long time ago.''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''What kind of equipment is this? What does it do?''


    Wario shook his head.


    ''It''s not up to me to answer that question. If the Artifact Spirit wishes to, it will give you that answer. Anyway, that''s as far as I can tell you. Do you want to meet it right now? Remember, this will be done in the place of your rewards. If the Artifact Spirit doesn''t wish to talk to you, then we can''t do anything about it. You two will end up being sent out empty-handed.''


    Rean and Roan nodded almost instantly. They didn''t have much interest in the treasures and cultivation techniques of this place to start with.


    Wario then appeared beside the twins like a ghost, which alarmed Tiria and Juvian. However, they quickly calmed them down.


    "Don''t worry, elders. Senior Wario is bringing us to get the reward we chose. There is no need for the things we asked you anymore either."


    Tiria and Juvian wanted to ask what was happening. After all, everyone was kept inside the hall while they chose their own rewards. However, only the twins were being brought away. However, Juvian and Tiria knew that there was nothing they could do. The difference in level was just way too big.


    Wario enveloped Rean and Roan with his Spiritual Energy and then disappeared with the two.


    "Tiria, do you know what''s happening?"


    Tiria shook her head.


    "I have no idea. However, something''s not right. Those twins definitely know something that they don''t want to talk about. Also, I''m still puzzled why they asked for Rank Four Spirit Stones before."


    Juvian nodded.


    "It seems like we can only wait for now."


    Tiria and Juvian were not the only ones to notice it. The other sects, as well as the royal family, also saw how the twins suddenly disappeared with Wario.


    ''It''s those twins again. Just what is wrong with those kids?''


    ''I need to report it back and have them further investigated.''


    The ones with the worst looks were obviously the Umbral Sect members.


    ''Those twins will be the greatest threat for us in the future. Perhaps we should really pay the price the Shadow Reapers required for the job.''


    Meanwhile, in several parts of the city, many citizens were informed about the elders'' decision.


    "What? We can leave?"


    "Idiot! This is not leaving. We are being banished."


    "So what? Do you want to stay here forever?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/soul-gem_51067694346199410 for visiting.


    "Hmph! That''s only for the non-believers. When the ancestors come back, you will be stuck in this world. How can you give up the ancestors'' words that easily?"


    "Indeed. In fact, it is better that you are gone. This will purify our city."


    "Zerio, are you really leaving? Are you going to leave your parents behind?"


    "Sorry, mom, dad. However, I can''t stay here anymore. Instead, you should come with me. Nothing will change if you stay in this place."


    "Brat! How dare you say such things?"


    This kind of conversation was happening in the entire city. In the end, the number of believers was much higher than the ones who didn''t. Only around 10% of the population wanted to leave. Another 10% were in doubt where it was the right decision or not. As for the remaining portion, they were fanatics that genuinely believed that their ascender ancestors would come back and bring them away.


    The guards around the city repeatedly advised everyone.


    "Everyone who wishes to journey outside, be aware that this is a permanent decision! Once you step outside the city, you will be forbidden to ever come back. Ask yourselves, is that what you really want? Can you leave your family and friends behind? You have one day to decide. On the second day, we will start to bring everyone out."


    While all of that happened, the twins finally arrived at the back of the city. There, they could see an enormous sphere that glowed with a faint light. They couldn''t help but remember the glow on the pedestal that Latalia used to open the city''s entrance.


    Wario then bowed to the giant Sphere before saying.


    "This lowly one seeks the Artifact Spirit''s assistance. I''ve brought two outsiders who wish to know more about the Vruve."


    Rean and Roan looked at each other, and then at the Sphere. Although the elder said that, nothing seemed to be happening.


    Wario then sighed as he looked at the twins.


    "I''m not sure if the Artifact Spirit will answer. If it doesn''t, then we are lea-"


    Suddenly, the Sphere''s glow shone more brightly as a Spiritual Sense message entered their minds.


    ''Wario, you can leave.''


    Wario was taken aback. Although he had brought them here, the truth was that he didn''t expect that the Artifact Spirit would really answer. However, he didn''t dare to neglect the Artifact Spirit''s orders.


    "Yes, this lowly one shall come back later to fetch the twins."


    Wario then disappeared like a ghost. He was too fast for Rean or Roan to see his movements. Well, that didn''t matter now. They finally seemed to be able to obtain a few answers.


    Rean then bowed to the giant Sphere before saying.


    "Thank you for receiving us, Senior Artifact Spirit."


    Roan didn''t say anything but still bowed to the Sphere as well.


    However, the Artifact Spirit ignored the twins. Instead, he looked at Kentucky, who was brought together with them. The Artifact Spirit didn''t have a mouth, so he could only communicate with Spiritual Sense.


    ''The swallower of suns and moons. How long has it been since I saw a real Minokawa? I can''t even remember correctly anymore. Still, this one seemed to have received some kind of mutation.''


    Rean and Roan were taken aback. The artifact spirit was the first one other than Elder Reliance to identify Kentucky''s race.


    *Chick?*


    "Do you know about Kentucky?"


    The Artifact Spirt confirmed.


    ''Yes. They are powerful creatures capable of bringing death to entire planets.''


    Rean and Roan had the knowledge from Earth, so they understood what the Artifact Spirit meant. If Kentucky could really devour a sun, any planet in that solar system would lose its support. A sun was crucial for the existence of life, so it wasn''t wrong to say that eating the sun would also mean the death of planets with life on them.


    "Don''t worry. We will raise Kentucky well."


    The artifact spirit didn''t seem to care, though.


    ''It doesn''t matter. That is not my problem. The life that exists inside me can be sustained even if the Sun and Moon disappear, but I''ll give you a piece of advice. Minokawas can''t escape their fate. They need to swallow one sun and many, many moons to compensate for the Sun''s Yang Energy. Be careful once you decide which ones you will let it eat.''


    Rean nodded. He already knew how the universe worked thanks to his education back on Earth. There was no lack of life-devoid solar systems in the universe. Well, this was a problem that he won''t need to care about for many years. He still didn''t even know how they would leave the planet to start with.


    However, that wasn''t as shocking when compared to what the Artifact Spirit said right after.


    ''Leaving the bird aside, what kind of relationship do you two have with Soul Gem?''

 Chapter 322 - Famous Character

    Rean and Roan were shocked to hear that name. No one other than them knew about the Soul Gem System. Even Calina, who stayed in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, was not told about the system or its name.


    Rean was about to ask him how he knew about that name when all of a sudden, Roan stopped him. Soon after, Roan looked at the giant sphere and asked.


    "Who is Soul Gem? Do you know that person?"


    Rean finally understood what Roan was trying to do. Indeed, the giant sphere didn''t say Soul Gem System, only Soul Gem. It felt like it was talking more about an individual rather than a machine.


    ''You have his aura all over your body. That''s why I can tell that you have some connection with him.''


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    "We did meet someone connected to this Soul Gem who was of great help for us in the past. At the moment, we are trying to figure out who he is and why he selected us. However, the only clue we have is that Vruve name. If it is not a problem, could you tell us more about that?"


    The Artifact Spirit became silent for a moment. Finally, it talked once more.


    ''All I know is that Soul Gem was involved with a disaster from many, many years ago. After that, he completely disappeared without a trace. Unfortunately, most of my memories of that epoch have been lost. However, I do know a few things about Vruve.''


    Rean and Roan''s interest was immediately piqued.


    "What is Vruve. Were they a clan? A race? Both? Perhaps it''s the name of an event?"


    ''There is no need for you to know.''


    Rean and Roan felt like cursing this Artifact Spirit. If so, then why did you bring it up?


    ''I''m joking.''


    "..."


    Was it a common trait? Why does this guy remind the twins of Sister Orb so much? It''s just that this Artifact Spirit didn''t look like it had emotions. Obviously, that wasn''t really the case.


    [I like this guy. I wish I could talk to him.]


    Roan''s mouth twitched before answering.


    ''And I would like to get rid of you. Too bad neither of us can have what we want.''


    [Hmph!]


    Of course, the Artifact Spirit couldn''t tell about Sister Orb''s existence. That being said, Rean and Roan had no intention of revealing the Soul Gem System''s presence.


    Rean then shook his head helplessly before asking.


    "Ahem... so, can you tell us about Vruve?"


    ''Vruve is the name of a long-extinct organization. Soul Gem was also one of their members. They did many things in this universe and could be said to be one of the strongest powers. They were also the ones who created me. However, I wasn''t sentient by that time yet. Nonetheless, I still retained a few of the memories from the time I was used by them. But that was only until the Severing Day.''


    "Severing Day? What''s that?"


    ''I don''t know the details. It''s just that something had gone horribly wrong, affecting the entire universe. After that, I was damaged and sent away in the middle of the chaos. As for what happened, why it happened, and so on, I don''t know.''


    Rean and Roan didn''t need to think much to understand that Severing Day was most likely the reason for the universe''s separation. After all, their mission in this half of the universe was to unify both parts of the universe together once more.


    "Do you know if there are any Vruve survivors or where Soul Gem had gone?"


    ''I do not know about any Vruve survivors. However, you two should know more about Soul Gem than I do. After all, you met someone related to him before. Yet, I might know who this person who helped you is. Send me a Spiritual Sense message with your memory of his appearance.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes. After all, they didn''t really meet anyone. However, he didn''t expect Rean to do that in his place.


    ''There you go.''


    Roan looked at Rean, puzzled. Immediately, he talked with Rean through their Soul Connection.


    ''We don''t know anyone like that. Why did you send someone''s picture? Also, who did you show?''


    Rean then explained.


    ''If we hesitated for too long, the Artifact Spirit might get suspicious that we are lying. Don''t worry, it''s no one important.''


    Although Rean was right about not delaying the answer, Roan still felt that something wasn''t right.


    Finally, the Artifact Spirit answered.


    ''Sorry, I don''t know anyone called Harry Potter.''


    Roan almost vomited blood.


    ''You sent him a film character?!''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    ''Of course! That''s a very easy face to remember and the first one that came to my mind. Even I, who didn''t care about anything in my previous life, at least knew what the actor looked like.''


    Roan didn''t know what to say. First of all, why would you select that guy?


    Roan then calmed down. It didn''t matter since the guy was from the other side of the universe. The Artifact Spirit obviously wouldn''t know about him.


    ''I really don''t know who Harry Potter is, but I do know this face. Perhaps he changed his name.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/famous-character_51067719579138400 for visiting.


    Rean and Roan were taken aback. You know someone like that? Even the mark on his forehead?


    ''But, I wonder what happened to his forehead. There is a strange mark there. Maybe it was an effect of the Severing Day.''


    Oh... so he didn''t have the mark. No, wait, it doesn''t change the fact that someone who looked like Harry Potter was part of the Vruve Organization. Oh, well, the actor''s name wasn''t really Harry Potter, though.


    "Ahem... You know him? That''s great... I guess? Errr... Do you know how we can meet Harry Po- cough, cough... I mean, this guy? Oh, knowing his name would be good too."


    The Artifact Spirit then replied.


    ''His name was Harry Troter.''


    Rean and Roan''s mouths twitched.


    ''Harry Troter, your ass!''

 Chapter 323 - Not Enough Time

    The Artifact Spirit then continued. Obviously, he didn''t notice the twins'' weird expressions.


    ''I don''t know where you can find him. To be honest, he wasn''t anyone important. I thought he had died back in the Severing Day due to how weak he was.''


    The twins nodded. It was already a miracle that there was someone who really looked like that to start with.


    "How do you know him, then? Didn''t you lose most of your memories?"


    ''Hum... That''s true. How come I can remember him? Maybe he was just lucky to be within my memory fragments. Nonetheless, I can''t tell you where he is or how to find him.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/not-enough-time_51067789657566267 for visiting.


    Roan then pondered about other questions.


    "What about other information regarding Vruve? How about places where we can find them if they still exist? Also, any other information about Soul Gem will help too. What did he specialize in? Did he have enemies? Family? Anything is valid."


    The Artifact Spirit thought about the questions before answering.


    ''If Vruve still exists in the same place, it would be in the Higher Realms. However, you will need to investigate by yourself if you ever arrive there. As for Soul Gem, I know almost nothing about him, nor do I know what he was working on together with the organization. All I can tell is that he was quite important, so much of his information was covered up.''


    The Artifact Spirit continue to ponder and check the memories that still existed until finally, something else came up.


    ''Oh! I don''t know if this is of any help, but I think I heard the others who worked with Soul Gem talking about something called the Unification Plan. However, I don''t know what it is about.''


    Rean and Roan fell into deep thought.


    ''Unification Plan? Is it about the plan of unifying the two halves of the Universe?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''This is a very important piece of information. Suppose this Unification Plan is really related to our own Universe Unifying mission. In that case, that means the Vruve organization knew that the Universe would be split in two before it happened.''


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    ''Well, we can''t guarantee that this is the same thing, but the chances are high. It could also confirm that the Soul Gem System was entirely built for that purpose.''


    Roan then asked.


    ''I wonder what the other side of our universe has to do with it. I''ve been wondering, were they the perpetrators?''


    ''Are you talking about your Universal Transition organization where you worked as Death?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''The one and the same. However, we were just a branch of a higher power that controls the universe.''


    ''What kind of power?''


    ''Well, putting it in Earthlings'' words, they would be what you call gods.''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''There is one thing I don''t understand, though. Our previous half of the Universe doesn''t have Spiritual Energy, right? Since that''s the case, what kind of energy did you use as Death? After all, you could open portals, travel between places, etc.''


    Suddenly, Roan showed a puzzled expression as he replied.


    ''Now that you talked about it, I do wonder what kind of power I used. It''s definitely not Spiritual Energy, that''s for sure. If I were to guess, it would be something similar to souls, maybe even the same thing exactly. After all, I know that I was a Death Spiritual Soul.''


    ''Can''t you use Soul Power in this side of the universe?''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''I tried it as soon as our souls entered our Mother''s w.o.m.b. Just as I said, I couldn''t connect with the other side at all. It was that connection that allowed me to do everything. I will think more about it later.''


    Rean nodded, and they returned their attention back to the Artifact Spirit.


    However, before they could say anything else, the Artifact Spirit intervened.


    ''Seems like our time is up. You should all leave.''


    It was then that Rean and Roan noticed a faint white light appearing under their feet. However, they weren''t the only ones. All the citizens who had doubts or didn''t believe in the so-called ancestors also saw the same thing. Before Rean and Roan could ask what was happening, Sister Orb''s voice rang in their mind. No, to be more specific, it was the Soul Gem System.


    [Forced Teleportation Detected.]


    "What?!"


    [Forced Teleportation Activated.]


    Rean, Roan, and everyone else then suddenly disappeared from Laan City. The twins only saw their surroundings blur and go dark for a second. When the light returned, and the blurriness disappeared, they were already outside Laan City.


    When they looked around, Tiria, Juvian, and everyone else appeared around them as well. Everyone looked confused, not knowing what was happening. Last but not least, the non-believers of the city also appeared outside together with the rest. That also included Fuka and Nefere, the two elders that were at least in the Saint Realm.


    "What happened? Didn''t we have two days to gather everyone together? Also, weren''t we supposed to use the exit teleport formation to go out? How come we all got out already?"


    "That''s not all. Look around. All of those who were still in doubt whether they would leave Laan City or not were also brought outside."


    Suddenly, everyone felt the ground tremble as they looked at the mountain ahead of them. Rean and the others immediately noticed a difference. Before, the pillar of light shooting into the skies was white. Now it had become silver.


    It was at that moment that the Silver Light intensified many times. Everyone couldn''t help but close their eyes or look away. Not even the Nascent Soul Realm elders could resist the strength of the Silver Light.


    Still, it only lasted for a few seconds. Not long after, it completely disappeared. However, it wasn''t just the Silver Light that disappeared. The Four Peaks Mountain was gone as well. Tiria, Juvian, and all the Nascent Soul Realm elders immediately used their Spiritual Senses to check it. However, all they could see was a bottomless hole.


    "Laan City... is gone!"

 Chapter 324 - Decisions

    Not long after, Nascent Soul Realm experts began to fly into the hole where the mountain was located. Juvian then looked at Tiria before saying.


    "Take a look at the twins. I''ll go there as well to see how things are inside."


    Tiria nodded as Juvian disappeared off into the distance with other experts of the other sects. As one could imagine, Laan City''s experts also went there to check while the low-level ones waited behind. Since they would need to wait, Tiria took the chance to ask the twins about the situation through Spiritual Sense.


    ''Was this related to the two of you?''


    Rean and Roan immediately shook their heads. They had opted for acquiring information. However, the disappearance of the city had nothing to do with them. First of all, they still had a lot of questions to ask the Artifact Spirit.


    ''We have no idea either. We opted to ask for a few pieces of information instead of getting rewards. We even met an Artifact Spirit.''


    Tiria was puzzled.


    ''Artifact Spirit? What''s that?''


    The twins thought that someone of Tiria''s status would know, but it seemed like even she had never heard of it. Without any other choice, the twins told her the same thing Wario told them.


    ''So the city was, in fact, a piece of equipment? No wonder we couldn''t inflict any damage to the walls after we entered it. Just what level does it have to be to reach this state? Even something like an Artifact Spirit was born in it.''


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    ''We were also shocked by that. We didn''t know that a piece of equipment could acquire sentience.''


    Tiria narrowed her eyes.


    ''Anyway, what was it that you wanted to know?''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    ''Something that we can''t get in this place. Information about Light and Dark element cultivation techniques and skills.''


    Tiria was taken aback. Indeed, their sect didn''t have any cultivation technique or skill for Light or Dark Element cultivators. In fact, probably even the Imperial Family wouldn''t have such a thing due to how rare such an elemental affinity was.


    ''But why would Wario ask to bring you away to talk about that? Also, why would you need Rank Four Spirit Stones?"


    Rean and Roan shook their heads. Of course, those were blatant lies. However, they couldn''t talk about things involving the Soul Gem System either.


    ''Perhaps Light and Dark Element techniques have some secrets? As for the Rank Four Spirit Stones, we wanted to use them to buy the techniques if they didn''t want to give it to us.''


    Tiria''s instinct told her that Rean and Roan were definitely hiding something from her. However, it was a fact that everyone had the chance to select any reward they wanted. Before everyone was teleported outside, they were all able to choose the things they wanted in the end. It might not look like that, but Rean and Roan''s conversation took quite some time, which was enough for the others.


    Tiria then looked at a Jade Slip in her hands. It had a cultivation technique of the water element extremely compatible to her constitution. She was even planning to pass it to Mia since Mia also had a Water Element Affinity. On top of that, this cultivation technique was targeted towards women.


    Everyone waited around an hour before those experts returned from the hole. Juvian headed straight for Tiria to tell her what they found.


    "Empty. There is absolutely nothing there anymore. Just a super deep hole that goes over a thousand kilometers down. We found the place where the city was located before, but it turned into an enormous square-shaped room, nothing else."


    Tiria and the twins nodded.


    "What do we do now?"


    Juvian and Tiria then looked at the experts of Laan City who were also banished. At the moment, they were trying to calm down everyone while deciding what they should do from now on.


    "Everyone wanted those experts to enter their sects. The trade was also meant to help them, so they would probably come to talk to us soon. It would take some time for Mia and others to arrive, not to mention that Ancestor Zuan is following Droman at the moment."


    They all nodded. Laan City had too many experts. Even though just around 20% were sent out, they had more high-level experts than a single sect alone. For example, Fuka and Nefere were both experts at the Saint Realm. If they decided to open a sect, they would instantly be on par with the power of Jialin. Let alone Soul Transformation and Nascent Soul Realm cultivators who were more numerous.


    Eventually, Fuka, Nefere, Sira, and a few other members of Laan City came forward to talk with the Nascent Soul Realm experts of Jialin.


    "Well, this turned out a bit different than we expected. Even those who didn''t know if they should come out or not were teleported outside with us. It took some time to calm them down."


    Xansio of the Royal Family then asked.


    "Does Senior Nefere know where Laan City went to?"


    Nefere shook his head.


    "We didn''t even know that the city could disappear like this. Perhaps that''s how the city was moved in the past. No, it was most likely the case. Anyway, we have no way to know where it has gone now. It might be in this world, or it might not be. In any case, at least half of us already wanted to leave anyway."


    Tiria asked something else.


    "Aren''t you afraid that it was your ancestors that took the city away, leaving you behind? That would have proved Wario and the other elders'' beliefs."


    Fuka and the others immediately shook their heads.


    "We doubt it. Why would they have waited until this last moment to do so? Just to see who believed and who didn''t? That doesn''t make sense since many generations came and went. Just two or three thousand years ago, there wasn''t a single non-believer. Even if there was, it would be only a few, not enough to make up for even 1% of the population. Wouldn''t that time be much better to bring the city away?"


    Furen shook his head.


    "They might not have had the chance to do that in the past, simple as that."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/decisions_51067837959169561 for visiting.


    Sira shrugged his shoulders in response.


    "Anyway, what difference would it make? We are out, just like most of us wanted. Laan City is no more either. There is no point in pondering about it anymore. We need to focus on what to do from now on."


    Fuka nodded as he looked at the Nascent Soul Realm experts of Jialin.


    "Well, then. Who wants to start? We would like to hear an explanation of how things work around here. From what I can see, you are all from different powers, so it will be good to hear each sides'' opinion."


    Galios then asked what most of them wanted to know.


    "Before that, what do you intend to do? To be honest, with the number of experts that senior Fuka and Nefere have, it wouldn''t be hard for you to establish your own sect. I won''t lie here since you would find about it sooner or later. You alone would be stronger than any of our sects. Only if we allied would we be able to pose any threat to experts of your level."


    Fuka and Nefere nodded.


    "Indeed. We also thought about creating our own place to stay, but I''m happy that you were sincere about you guys being weaker. You probably noticed after you saw our conversation in Laan City, but Laan Citizens are not found of killing. We prefer to have things as peaceful as possible. Perhaps that''s because we have lived in that city during our entire lives, so we had to cherish the little company we had."


    "That being said, we really have no intention of causing any trouble to you or any other power around. That''s why we want an explanation about the world we are in at the moment."


    Galios nodded, satisfied. It would be very troublesome if they suddenly decided to take someone''s territory forcefully.


    And just like that, the Nascent Soul Realm experts of the sect began to explain about Jialin, the surrounding countries, the empire, and so on. Because they were all from different sects, no one tried to lie since the other five could immediately reveal the truth.


    A few hours later, both sides finally finished the questions and answers they had for each other.


    "I see, now our Laan City has a picture of where we stand."


    Fuka looked at the others, and they nodded.


    "We need some time to decide."

 Chapter 325 - Roan Approves

    They didn''t try to leave the Demon Beasts'' forest. Instead, the Laan City experts built a few simple structures just for their ordinary people to stay. Even though the majority was at least at Foundation Establishment, there were also a few under this level. This was still the Core of Jiran Forest where Stage Four Demon Beasts lived, after all.


    As the twins saw the Laan people preparing to start discussing their next steps, they couldn''t help but think about what they learned this time around.


    ''Sister Orb, Soul Gem was not a system, but a cultivator, right?''


    [You know I can''t talk about it.]


    Rean shook his head.


    ''There is no point in hiding this fact since we already found it. You could just confirm it with a simple yes or no.''


    [Still can''t. It''s the Soul Gem System''s rules. You will need to increase the Authority Level if you want to know more about it.]


    Roan noticed something strange, though.


    ''Now that I think about it, the Soul Gem System didn''t give any mission, nor did it say anything during the time we were in Laan City. I thought that such close involvement with what happened in the past would make the System react somehow.''


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    ''That makes sense. However, it might also be because the System doesn''t allow us to learn more about the past that it also didn''t bring any quest up.''


    [There isn''t much of a point in thinking about it. After all, the System won''t answer. Besides, you are forgetting an important part in all of this.]


    Roan nodded.


    ''I know what you''re talking about. Indeed, there is no proof that what the Artifact Spirit told us is the truth. He could be tricking us from the very start. However, nothing can prove if the Soul Gem System is telling the truth or not either.''


    [I won''t deny that. I can''t give you any proof to confirm the integrity of what you learned from the Soul Gem System. Still, if my word means anything to you, I can guarantee that the System is not lying.]


    Rean and Roan shook their heads.


    ''So the system is most likely lying as well.''


    "Yep. No doubt about it.''


    Sister Orb would cry if she had eyes now.


    [Are my words that unreliable?]


    ''Uh-huh!''


    [F.u.c.k you!]


    Rean and Roan ignored Sister Orb''s sadness and continued. And just like that, a few more hours passed. All of a sudden, another Spiritual Sense fell over everyone as they looked in a particular direction. Whoever it was, he or she wasn''t trying to hide their presence. Even the low-level cultivators noticed it.


    Tiria and Juvian looked at the newcomer and sighed in relief.


    "We pay respects to Ancestor Zuan."


    Although Zuan was far away, taking care of Droman, he was still inside the Dalamu Territory. Naturally, he was the first of the Jialin powerhouses to reach this place. Talking about Droman, the guy was also there with Zuan.


    "Rean, what did you get yourself into this time?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "Master. It''s not like we asked for all of this to happen, you know? We told Elder Hulian that we would be going out to do some missions to train and check that possible inheritance we found. But, well, things obviously went out of control, as you can see."


    Zuan ignored the two. He then asked Tiria and Juvian about everything. He had received Mia''s message to come to this place as soon as possible, but he knew little about the situation.


    Tiria and Juvian then compiled everything they knew and passed the information through Spiritual Sense to Zuan and Droman.


    ''What? Lost City? Artifact Spirit? How come everything these twins get involved with turn out into such a big mess?''


    Rean helplessly laughed as he told Roan through their Soul Connection.


    ''Perhaps we have the protagonists'' power.''


    *Pah!*


    ''Protagonists'' power, your head!''


    Rean rubbed the back of his head, feeling like he had been wronged.


    Zuan then looked in the direction of the Laan City experts as he narrowed his eyes. As a Saint Realm expert himself, he obviously noticed Fuka and Nefere, but that wasn''t all. There were also 12 Soul Transformation Realm experts and more than 40 Nascent Soul Realm experts among them. Perhaps only the Royal Family would have the power to contend against the Laan City experts on its own.


    The Laan experts also noticed Zuan''s arrival, but they didn''t come out and continued their discussion with everyone.


    "Do you think I should go there and talk to them?"


    Tiria and Juvian shook their heads.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/roan-approves_51067860776183623 for visiting.


    "Because all six powers of Jialin are here at the moment, we had to tell the truth. Otherwise, the other one would reveal the fact that we were lying. That being said, we already told them everything that should be said. Even if Ancestor heads there right now, it won''t make much of a difference. Instead, they might find it rude that you interrupted their meeting."


    Zuan nodded as he accepted Tiria and Juvian''s opinion. Zuan then looked at the Umbral Sect members and snorted. Slowly, he began to make his way to where they were staying.


    Obviously, the Umbral Sect members noticed it and began to feel nervous. In front of a Saint Realm expert, they were nothing more than ants. Let alone the fact that they were inside the Dalamu Sect''s territory.


    "So... I heard that some people sent a few idiots to kill our sect members. Not only that, but it was a mayor of one of the cities in our territory who opened his mouth. I wonder what I should do with people who come to kill my sect members. What do you think?"


    Furen immediately stepped forward and bowed.


    "Elder Zuan knows very well that our sect is on edge because of Rean''s healing ability. Umbral Energy is just too important for us. So I won''t deny that we really did send a small group to try and get rid of them. However, not only did they fail to do so, more than half of the group died in your twins'' hands. I hope Elder Zuan can take it as our punishment and not make things more difficult for us."


    Zuan laughed after hearing that.


    "Sure! I won''t make things difficult for any of you. I''ll simply kill everyone, and then there will be nothing difficult to deal with anymore."


    Zuan raised his hands as Fire Element in the surroundings began to gather around it. Furen and everyone else immediately felt the pressure. Even Nascent Soul Realm experts were nothing more than ants in front of Zuan''s power. Before they could even react, their surroundings ignited, preventing any of them from escaping.


    Roan looked at that but didn''t bother to say anything. Even Rean, who wasn''t that keen on killing as Roan, refrained from opening his mouth. Those guys came to kill them. It wasn''t as if they fought because of some other reason, like treasures.


    Furen and the other Nascent Soul Realm experts immediately enveloped everyone with their Spiritual Energies as they tried to resist the flames. Zuan snorted once again and increased the power of flames once again. He wanted to slowly cook these guys so that the Umbral Sect would think twice before sending someone to deal with the twins once again.


    However, someone from the Royal Family Experts stepped forward.


    "Senior Zuan, could you please let them go just this once?"


    Zuan looked at who talked to him and saw that it was Xansio.


    "Hehehe! And why should I do that?"


    Xansio then looked at the experts of Laan City before saying.


    "It would look too brash if we start killing each other here, no? We still don''t know what the Laan City experts will do. It would be better to not give them a reason to doubt our words after they decided what to do."


    Zuan narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Laan City members. They didn''t look like they were paying attention to this place, but Zuan could tell that at least the Saint Realm experts had an eye on him.


    "Hmph!"


    Suddenly, the Fire Element around everyone from the Umbral Sect disappeared. However, just as they were about to sigh in relief, several fire snakes shot from the ground, piercing through the dantians of all the cultivators below the Nascent Soul Realm. In less than an instant, they all became as weak as ordinary humans.


    "Consider yourself lucky. This Zuan left you alive and didn''t cripple your Nascent Soul Realm experts."


    Furen bitterly smiled as he looked at Lian and the rest. They had no right to complain since they did really come here to kill the twins.


    Roan, who watched all of that, approved of Zuan''s actions.


    ''That''s how things should be done.''

 Chapter 326 - The Reason

    Time continued to pass, and more and more cultivators of the six powers soon arrived. The first one was the ancestor of the Lagan Sect, Burin Falan, who also had a bloodline connection with Luina. It''s just that they were separated for several generations due to Burin''s age.


    Zuan noticed when the guy appeared and immediately went to greet him.


    "Brother Burin, it has been a long time."


    Burin smiled as he replied.


    "Indeed. The last time was at the Brittle Dragon Valley over 30 years ago, no?"


    Zuan nodded.


    "Indeed. Anyway, we are all waiting on what those guys will decide. Join us down there."


    Burin nodded as he came down. He also asked his sect members through Spiritual Sense message about the whole situation. After confirming everything, he began to wait as well.


    Not long after, the other sects'' ancestors began to arrive��Umbral Sect, Rohe Sect, Raskil Sect, and finally, the Royal Family''s expert. The Umbral Sect ancestor, a cultivator named Darnil Belue, noticed what had happened to his sect members before asking Furen what happened. Furen obviously told everything with a Spiritual Sense message.


    "Zuan, are you not ashamed of raising your hands against a few kids?"


    Zuan, not caring about Darnil''s expression at all, snorted as he said.


    "Do you really have the right to say that? A group with several Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators came to assassinate two kids at the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Am I really the one shameless here? Ridiculous!"


    As always, the Umbral and Dalamu Sects didn''t get along. The same went for their ancestors too.


    "You can stop already. That''s not the reason why we''re here. Once this situation with the Laan City members is resolved, you two can do as you wish."


    Obviously, the other powers wanted nothing more than have those two kill themselves. Darnil and Zuan knew that very well, so they simply stopped it there.


    Finally, around a day later, the meeting between the Laan City experts was over.


    Fuka and Ferene, the two Saint Realm experts of Laan, then came forward to announce their decision.


    "Thank you for waiting, everyone. After considering all the information you gave us together with our own situation, we decided that we will be moving out of your Jialin Country. In the end, we don''t want to be put under someone''s power, but instead, make our own. Besides, we have two Saint Realm experts, which would make the command chain of your own sects or Royal Family afraid of having us rebelling one day to take over."


    Zuan immediately intervened.


    "Wait! In that case, come to our Dalamu Sect. I don''t mind sharing the power of our sect with two other Saint Realm experts at all."


    Everyone looked at Zuan, shocked! Who would simply give away the power they have fought so long to build? However, they immediately understood. Suppose Dalamu Sect became a power with three Saint Realm experts. Wouldn''t they be more powerful than the Royal Family itself? As far as those ancestors knew, the Royal Family only had two Saint Realm Experts, after all.


    Still, they didn''t think it would be good for the Dalamu Sect at all since they might even cease to exist and instead become a new Laan Sect. Their leadership would be replaced, and they even might have their experts killed or forced to give up the sect''s power to join the other side. That was something that none of the other sect ancestors would bear to see within their own sects.


    The initial plan of the ancestors of each power was to divide the Laan experts and redistribute them within their own sects or Royal Family. That way, they could control them while increasing their own powers. These Laan Experts might refuse to fight their own Laan members who joined other forces in the future. Still, just their presence alone, especially the Saint Realm ones, would be a massive boost against outside intervention. So they felt quite sad when these experts decided to leave Jialin for good instead.


    Obviously, Fuka and Serene didn''t expect Zuan to offer that either. They obviously thought about what all those sects wanted, to divide their forces. However, they would instead move into a more barren region that was still free to take to keep their people together.


    However, there was a problem with that. Neither of the other sects could allow Dalamu Sect to take all these experts for themselves, even if it meant losing their sect. After all, their strength would be much higher than any of the others. The balance would be disrupted.


    "Zuan, you can''t do that. Do you think the rest of us would let that simply happen?"


    Zuan didn''t seem to care at all as he replied.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-reason_51067899984537238 for visiting.


    "Why would you care? You guys obviously want to separate their forces, but you forget that they have lived for a very, very long time together in the same place. I knew from the very start that they would instead decide to leave Jialin behind."


    Zuan then turned in everyone''s direction before saying.


    "However, that would be a waste! Don''t forget that although we live at the empire''s borders, we are still surrounded by other countries that would love to invade and take our places. If our friend of Laan City decided to stay, the country as a whole would get stronger. Instead of thinking only about yourselves, why don''t you think about the big picture?"


    Darnil snorted in response.


    "Do you think we''re all kids? Who would believe this patriotic bullshit you''re spouting out? It''s obvious that you just want your Dalamu Sect to replace the Royal Family as the strongest power."


    The Royal Family Saint Realm expert, Kocei Jialin, narrowed his eyes after hearing that. However, it wasn''t because of what Darnil said, but because it was evident that Darnil was trying to stir discord between the Royal Family and Dalamu Sect. The only problem was that he was right. They couldn''t just let Dalamu become more powerful than them. Counting himself, the Royal Family had two Saint Experts. They would be one below if Dalamu succeeded.


    However, Zuan seemed to have expected that answer already.


    All of a sudden, Roan''s expression changed a bit.


    ''Oh, I see... This Zuan guy, he''s quite smart.''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''What are you talking about?''


    Roan faintly smiled.


    ''Just wait and see. Finding opponents to fight will be quite easy for the next few years..''


    Zuan then looked at everyone.


    "Oh, so that''s the problem? Then let me change the idea into something else. The issue is that there would be no space for Laan City members in Jialin if they decided to create a power their own, right?"


    The Ancestors, Fuka, Serene, and the rest all nodded. None of the Jialin Country powers would be willing to give some of their own territories away. They fought very hard in the past to have what they do today.


    Zuan shrugged his shoulders before saying.


    "Then that''s simple. The fastest way would be if they all joined a single sect, but you obviously don''t want it. In that case, we just need to find a place for the Laan experts to create their home. That being said, let''s increase our Jialin Country''s territory. What about... we expand a little into the Cassen Country?"


    *Boom!*


    Everyone felt like they were struck by lightning! Zuan wants to conquer part of their neighboring country! Well, everyone except for one teenager. How many war reasons has Roan seen in his previous life? He just so happened to have seen a few similar plots in the past.

 Chapter 327 - Settling Things

    Fuka and Nefere immediately replied.


    "Wait a second! Are you planning to start a war with our help? Not gonna happen!"


    Zuan laughed out loud as he said.


    "It seems like our friends from Laan City don''t fully understand how the world works yet. It doesn''t matter where you go. You won''t be able to take territory without a fight. It''s always like this, and it''ll always be. If you don''t believe me, I''m more than willing to wait for you guys to go look for something by yourselves. Once you find out that I''m not lying, you can come back, and we can talk again."


    Kocei Jialin pondered about the advantages and disadvantages of getting to expand Jialn''s territory. On paper, the Jialin Royal Family was still the ruler of the country. The country''s entire territory was shared between the five sects, but the Royal Family receives taxes from all of them. For the Royal Family, it would be a great deal.


    However, that also meant that a new power called Laan would take that place. They had two Saint Realm experts, not to mention several more Soul Transformation Realm cultivators than them. They would definitely be on par with the Royal Family on their own.


    Then again, having a bigger territory and so many new experts would also increase the country''s power as a whole, making it more stable. It''s just as Zuan mentioned in the past, all countries are always waiting for a chance to increase their territories. Jialin was obviously no exception.


    Zuan then continued.


    "Don''t worry, if you think that we will have you fight in the frontlines while we watch, that won''t happen. The expansion of the country''s power is something that all sects and the royal family would love to see happening."


    Zuan then looked at the others.


    "Am I wrong?"


    No one, even the Umbral Sect, denied Zuan''s words. As much as a new power in Jialin would create problems, the truth was that increasing the country''s size was an overall benefit for all of them.


    Fuka and Nefere fell into contemplation. Finally, they looked at Zuan before asking.


    "We are not saying that we believe all of your words. We will indeed go out to investigate other places to guarantee that you are not fooling us. However, let''s consider that what you said is actually true. What would be the risks for us if we accepted this idea?"


    Zuan then looked at Kocei Jialin.


    "Well, the best person to talk about it would be none other than our Royal Family experts. Kocei, you go ahead and say what you think."


    Kocei Jialin bitterly smiled, but it was indeed the country''s rulers who are the ones who should have a better picture. Kocei then began to ponder about the chances, changes, the territory they would take, the possible retaliation, etc.


    "I would say that the chances are quite good. Our Jialin Country has more experts to start with. It''s just that if we decided to attack, the price might have been too high. Not to mention that while we''re out fighting, other countries could be behind our backs and attack while our experts are out."


    "However, with the addition of two new Saint Realm experts and so many Soul Transformation and Nascent Soul cultivators, we would be able to guard our backs while advancing."


    "Of course, I won''t say something as naive like there will be no losses and such. Any new conquest would have its own burden. However, this is not all bad. All sects and Laan City members'' real talents would be screened out through real life and death situations. The same could be said for our Royal Family. But if we are talking about the high-level cultivators like us, Saint Realm ones, chances are that none of us would really die during it."


    Fuka and Nefere had to agree that the proposal seemed feasible. They just had to take care so that they wouldn''t be the only ones fighting. However, it wouldn''t be too hard since they would be overseeing it. Besides, Kocei said something that greatly affected them. The fact that their Laan Cultivators were lacking in combat experience way too much. The only reason they could advance this far in cultivation was due to the extremely high-concentration of Spiritual Energy in Laan City.


    However, such a thing was not available anymore. Laan City disappeared, and no one knew where it was sent to. Even if they knew, they were now considered banished citizens. They simply couldn''t go back anymore. Proper cultivation and a steady income of Spirit Stones would be necessary from now on. But above all, battles would be the main driving force to bring out their members'' real potential. In this case, even they, the Saint Realm Experts, were severely lacking compared to Zuan and the others.


    Fuka and Nefere then asked something else that was bothering them.


    "However, would the Empire allow its countries to fight each other? Wouldn''t Cassen go and complain to the Imperial Family that we are trying to steal their territories?"


    Zuan and the others laughed after hearing that.


    "It seems like you guys had really lived in peace for way too long. Don''t worry, the Imperial Family won''t lift a single finger. In fact, they welcome these disputes. It''s within these environments that the real experts of the Empire will rise. Overall, they consider it as getting rid of the trash that waste resources to train the experts that will defend the Empire in the future."


    Although it seemed harsh, that was the formula for a long-lasting Empire. It was not uncommon either to see countries of different Empires fighting themselves. As long as it wasn''t anything too big, the Imperial Families wouldn''t intervene.


    Fuka and Nefere nodded after hearing everything.


    "Give us some more time. First, I''ll have Fuka lead a group to investigate whether what Zuan said was true or not. If there is no free place for us to take, then we can discuss it once more. Besides, we need to talk with the rest of the Laan citizens about it."


    Zuan then replied.


    "Well, it''s not like you won''t find anything at all. However, the free ones are all barren lands with no resources whatsoever. Only small powers with at most a Core Formation or Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator would have taken root there. Suppose the low concentration of Spiritual Energy and severe lack of resources don''t matter to you. In that case, you can simply pretend that I didn''t say anything."


    Zuan was very confident. Considering the high-level cultivation techniques that these Laan City members have and their above-average talents, they would definitely not choose to live in those places.


    Fuka and Nefere nodded before returning to their group and beginning to discuss the Jialin Country''s project.


    As the Laan experts talked, Kocei and the other Saint Realm experts of Jialin also gathered to discuss this.


    "I won''t say that Zuan''s idea doesn''t have its merits. However, would it be okay to have one more power taking root in Jialin?"


    Zuan shook his head.


    "They wouldn''t exactly take root in Jialin, but in the Cassen Territory. That''s not a land that we possess at the moment, so it''s not like we would be losing anything. Besides, helping them acquire it would also put us on friendly terms with those guys. After all, it would be the same as acquiring a nice home for someone without it."


    Kocei nodded.


    "They have the techniques and talents, but they lack the resources to make full use of it. Just like Zuan said, we all know that the only territories available are barren lands that are not worth anything to experts of our level. Let them investigate as much as they want. They will come to the conclusion that our offer is much better."


    It was a rare moment that all sects and the Royal Family reached an agreement so quickly. It was just that advantageous.


    Kocei then turned around and prepared to leave.


    "Although I agree with the ideas, I have to report it back to the rest of the Royal Family. Xansio, you will stay here and act as our representative. Help the Laan citizens as much as they want while I''m out."


    Xansio immediately nodded.


    "Yes, Ancestor."


    Zuan, Burin, Darnil, and the other Saint Realm experts also decided to do the same.


    "Droman will go back with me. Tiria and Juvian will stay here to do the same thing."


    Tiria and Juvian nodded.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/settling-things_51067914480052046 for visiting.


    "As for the twins, there is nothing for them to do here anymore, so you will come too."


    Rean and Roan nodded, not minding it too much. Of course, they would first resolve a few things with Latalia and Rovan.

 Chapter 328 - Leading

    Rean and Roan then went to see Latalia soon after.


    "Senior Latalia, I believe you know what to do, right?"


    Latalia bitterly smiled as she nodded. These Umbral Sect members that came after them were here because of her nephew. It wasn''t just a problem with Rean and Roan. Having someone acting as an informant to the Umbral Sect inside the Dalamu Sect territory would not be allowed. Even if she doesn''t do anything, the Dalamu Sect will.


    Of course, Dalamu Sect members weren''t idiots. There are definitely many others who act as spies for all the other sects and Royal Family. Still, it was one thing to know that they exist and knowing who they are.


    "Don''t worry, I''m dealing with it. In any case, thank you."


    Rean smiled.


    "There is no reason to thank us, you helped everyone get what they needed, after all."


    Latalia shook her head.


    "That''s not it. I''m thanking you for stopping the entire Amakal Family from taking the blame because of my idiotic nephew. If it was in any other circ.u.mstance, the entire family would be affected. However, you are only focusing on Juan alone. That''s already an immense favor."


    Roan didn''t seem to care, but Rean felt a little embarrassed that his intention was seen through. Indeed, he had asked Tiria and Juvian to not do anything to the Amankal family. After all, there was no way Roan would raise such a request.


    "Ahem... that was nothing. By the way, you also got your own reward during this trip. What did you ask the Laan City elders?"


    Latalia smiled as she winked at the twins.


    "That''s a secret."


    Rean laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! Well, I guess that''s to be expected."


    Rean then extended his hand to Latalia.


    "Senior Latalia, until next time."


    Latalia answered his handshake.


    "I hope it won''t be too long. Oh, right! Don''t worry about the Serene Blue Jade. I''ll send it to you once I get everything settled back in Tamadol City."


    Rean smiled as Roan merely nodded.


    After Latalia left, only Rovan remained.


    "Senior Rovan, it looks like you are quite satisfied with what you got."


    Rovan laughed as he nodded.


    "Indeed, I am. I got a cultivation technique for my granddaughter. Since I''m her grandfather, I know all her aptitudes from top to bottom, so Laan City''s elders got one very suitable for her. I was just waiting for the sects to finish their businesses so that I could leave as well."


    Rean and Roan nodded. They knew already that Rovan did everything for his granddaughter. His age was quite advanced, and he had no hopes of advancing anymore.


    "Well, I wish her good luck."


    Rovan then scratched the back of his head before asking.


    "Would it be too much to ask you two to give her some help when she joins the sect? I intend to have her take the Sect Exam next year."


    Roan didn''t say anything since he didn''t want to waste time. As for Rean, that was up to him.


    Rean then narrowed his eyes before saying.


    "Senior Rovan, the truth is that I can''t help her much since it goes against the sect rules. If she wants to join the sect, she must take the exam and pass it through her own effort. But if it is something simple like helping her with her equipment or finding a suitable mission, then I don''t mind giving her a hand."


    Rovan nodded, satisfied.


    "That will be more than enough. With the cultivation technique I got for her, she will definitely pass the exam next year."


    Rean accepted that since he didn''t mind helping a little. Rovan then told him how she looked like and her name. He also said that he would be there when the sect exam started next year. Only after that did he finally depart.


    Following that, the twins returned to Zuan and Droman''s side.


    "Did you finish everything?"


    The twins nodded.


    "Very well, let''s go back."


    Zuan quickly enveloped the twins and Droman with his Spiritual Energy before bringing them away.


    On the way back to the sect, Zuan looked at Roan before asking.


    "I kept my Spiritual Sense spread the entire time I stayed there. When I revealed that I wanted to conquer part of Cassen, you were the only one who didn''t seem surprised by that, though. Did you expect that?"


    Roan looked at Zuan and simply nodded.


    "That was the only plausible choice when you consider the situation between countries and each one''s powers. None of the sects would give up part of their territory, let alone the Royal Family. Cassen was the only possibility if you wanted to keep the Laan City members here."


    Neither Rean nor Droman seemed to be surprised by that, though.


    However, Zuan didn''t know Roan well, so he couldn''t help but sigh in praise. Of course, he knew that Roan might be lying to catch his attention, but his instinct told him that Roan wasn''t lying.


    "You two, if everything goes as planned, we will begin a battle against the Cassen Country since it is the easiest one to take. However, battles at the Nascent Soul Realm and above are quite rare. Only at the very end are we going to step in. That being said, most of the time will be a war fought by those at the lower level. You don''t need to worry about the Umbral Sect using this opportunity to get rid of you two, so you should take this chance to hone your skills."


    Rean and Roan nodded. They had participated in a war before for a small period of time, so they knew how it worked. Just like Zuan said, high-level cultivators were not present there.


    "We understand, Ancestor."


    Zuan nodded with a satisfied expression.


    Rean then looked at Roan before saying through their Soul Connection.


    ''Well, that''s a good opportunity for Calina and Malaka. We can have those two participating in increasing their level, especially Calina, who needs it more.''


    Roan agreed with him.


    ''Yes. There is one special thing that I will need Calina to get used to. I was thinking about starting to train her in that in a year or two. But since this war is coming earlier, I can move my plans ahead.''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''What is it that you need her to do?''


    Roan replied straightforwardly.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/leading_51067929244002422 for visiting.


    ''Commanding.''

 Chapter 329 - New Versions

    Rean nodded as he understood what Roan meant.


    ''Calina said that the princes and princesses that can be considered real candidates to the throne need to be both talented in cultivation and intelligence. That''s so that the next emperor or empress will have the ability to run an empire. What you are doing is related to that, right?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Yes. However, that''s not the only reason why I''m doing that. Anyway, it''s not certain yet, so I''m just preparing the terrain.''


    Rean didn''t mind it. Following that, he thought about a problem.


    ''Wait, to command, one needs to gain the rights to do so. Even if this war comes around, how will you make Calina one of the commanding characters?''


    Roan shook his head as he replied.


    ''I don''t need to. I just need to be a commander myself. I will then have her watch and teach her while I''m doing the orders.''


    ''Oh... Then that''s fine.''


    War is not something that you start in a single day. Besides, they weren''t sure if the Laan experts will accept it or not. Because of that, the twins returned to the sect with Zuan and Droman. They didn''t know how long it would take, so Rean and Roan went out to do their own things.


    Rean left with Droman, Zuan, and Kentucky to check the Communication System work. Router Formation Version 1.2 worked pretty much fine after a few weeks of testing, and they only needed to make a few adjustments. Droman also helped a few lower-level Formation Masters learn how to build the Router Formation. Thanks to that, the Router Formation began to spread between the cities that had the older version or none to start with.


    As for the cabling work, several months had already gone by. With the sect mobilizing its Blacksmiths, Earth Element experts, and Lightning experts, more than half of their territory was already connected like a web. Still, they were just waiting for the addition of the Router Formations themselves. As much as Droman taught others how to build it, this formation wasn''t something that could be made in just a few hours.


    After all, every city had so many buildings that they wanted to connect. Bigger cities obviously needed more complex Router Formations than smaller ones.


    Surprisingly though, Rean and Droman were not inside any city at the moment. Instead, they had stopped in a hub that connected the main cables of several cities at once.


    "So that''s our problem at the moment. We prevented the cities themselves from intervening with each other. We just need to work on a Router Formation that can now manage all cities together."


    Droman nodded as he looked at several cables coming from several directions. Although there weren''t as many cables as big cities, each one of them carried way more information than any city alone would generate.


    "I wonder if the Router Formation can hold so much information at once."


    Rean didn''t seem to mind as he replied.


    "It''s fine. For now, all we need to do is build Router Formations in parallel. After that, we connect them together to work in unison. But first, let''s not connect too many at once. Three, for now, is a good start."


    Droman nodded as he said.


    "Indeed. Three will give us an idea if there will be a struggle or not. The problem is that a single city couldn''t force the Router Formation to the point where it couldn''t deal with the information. That being said, we couldn''t test its limit yet."


    Rean agreed with Droman.


    "Exactly. Who knows? Perhaps we are underestimating our own creation, and just a single one can deal with everything. Anyway, let''s start."


    "Oh, right! I also got a new idea for the Router Formations that we can add to Version 1.3 later."


    "Version 1.3?"


    Rean nodded.


    "It would be about the sending and receiving of signals. We can simply add a rule where the formation will not pass information that a specific city doesn''t need. As you know, the Router Formation only takes all the information in and organizes them in a queue to send them forward without hitting each other."


    "In Version 1.3, each hub like this one would screen the information codes. For example, messages sent to Harevi City always start with code F13. Thus, no communication formation receptor that is not from Harevi City will display the message that the signal code F13 is bringing. However, at the moment, the Router Formation doesn''t screen it. It queues this information up to be sent to all possible routes."


    Droman immediately understood as his eyes lit up.


    "I see... Once we make a screening process in the Router Formation hubs, they will only send code F13 information through the cables connected to Harevi City. That will decrease the burden on the cables and Router Formations by many times since they won''t need to take care of signals that have nothing to do with them."


    Rean really liked how Droman always got excited with every new idea.


    "Hahaha! Exactly! Still, Master, it isn''t that simple. We also need contingency plans. Otherwise, the web-like communication system will lose most of its effectiveness."


    Droman''s interest was piqued once again as he looked at Rean.


    "What do you mean?"


    Rean then explained.


    "For example. Suppose we change the Router Formation to screen the F13 code from Harevi City. Now the Router Formation Hub will only send this signal through the cables destined to Harevi City. However, what if someone cuts the cable used to deliver that message to Harevi? Wouldn''t it make it impossible to connect to Harevi?"


    Droman had to admit that Rean was right.


    "That''s true. But if that''s the case, wouldn''t it be better to not add these screening abilities to the Router Formation?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/new-versions_51067960114085333 for visiting.


    Rean shook his head.


    "I understand what Master means. If there is no screen, the Router Formation will send the signals through all cables in the proper order to not jumble other signals. Since we have a web-like communication system, Harevi City would receive the F13 signals through different routes, right?"


    Droman nodded and waited for Rean to continue.


    "That''s where Version 1.4 will come into play."


    Droman was taken aback.


    "Version 1.4? Weren''t we talking about Version 1.3 just now?"


    Rean smiled as he explained.


    "Version 1.3 is the one that will make the screenings. Version 1.4 will do the same screening but will have the contingency plan I told you about before. In Version 1.4, what will be changed is not the Router Formation but the communication formations. I like to call it, Answer Protocol."


    Droman became even more confused as he asked.


    "Answer Protocol?"


    Rean smiled before continuing.


    "The Answer Protocol is very straightforward and, at the same time, very complicated. Simply put, the sending Communication Formation will require an answer from the Communication Formation that will receive the signal. Think about it like this: the Communication Formation in Harevi City received the signal with the code F13. It will then send an automatic answer back to the sending one ''Hey, I got your signal.''"


    "Once the communication formation that sent the message at first gets this answer, it will then ignore it as it continues to work on the other tasks. However, if it doesn''t receive this answer, it will change the route and try again."


    Droman felt puzzled.


    "Wait! Isn''t it exactly the same thing that the communication formations already do? No, wait, I see... so that''s what you mean by the changes."


    Rean smiled.


    "Seems like Master understood what the difference from the previous Communication Formation is. That''s correct. The trick here is how the Communication Formation will act once it doesn''t receive an answer. It will then try to send that message once again, but this time, it will send a code to the Router Formations telling them: First Route has failed, try another route."


    "For example. F13 is the code for signals going to Harevi City. We could put another Code in front of it that only the Router Formations will understand, not the Communication ones. Let''s say... 404F13###. The first Router Formation will immediately understand that the first route it tried to use didn''t work, so it will try another. The Communication Formation will then wait for an answer once again. If it fails another time, it will ask the Router Formation to try another route. This process of trying different routes will keep happening until it gets an answer."


    Droman nodded with a satisfied expression as he uttered.


    "It will indeed reduce the burden in the Router Formation by several times since most of the cables will not be used to pass that specific signal. However, there''s another problem. What if all routes into Harevi City have been cut? Wouldn''t the sending Communication System keep trying to send signals endlessly? That might turn into a burden in the end as well."


    Rean shook his head.


    "That''s the easiest part to fix. We just need to set up a limit saying that the communication formation can only try 10 to 100 times. If the destination doesn''t answer, the sending formation will give up and then warn the sender through its display that it was impossible to reach Harevi City."


    Droman loved the idea straight away.


    "That''s great! That way, we can even know when there is a problem in our network and send someone to check what is happening. We would be killing two birds with a single stone."


    Rean nodded.


    "Exactly! However, we first need to work on Version 1.3, and I believe Elder Droman knows how complicated it will be."


    Droman didn''t mind it at all.


    "Who cares? Let''s do it."


    Rean stopped him, though. He then said.


    "Not yet. First, let''s make sure Version 1.2 works fine and then present it to the Imperial Family. Version 1.3, and especially 1.4, will take way too long to develop. We need the empire to already start working on spreading Version 1.2 to later receive the upgrades easier. After all..."


    Rean then smiled.


    "We need them to buy our Lightning Beads. Hahaha!"


    Droman was taken aback and began to laugh out loud too.


    "Hahaha! Right! We need them to do that, indeed."

 Chapter 330 - Should Start Soon

    While Droman and Rean greedily thought about the massive amount of Spirit Stones the sect would receive, Roan had once again returned to the Blue Orchid section. However, Malaka and Calina were not around this time since they went out for a mission together. That being said, he spent his training hours bully- helping Julio and the others.


    After he was done with it, he returned and began to cultivate.


    ''Oh! You''re cultivating already?''


    The one who talked to him was Rean. Thanks to the last upgrade of the Soul Connection, their communication range extended up to 3000 kilometers. Droman and Rean just so happened to be inside the range.


    ''Old Worm went somewhere else. Besides, I''ve reached a bottleneck of what I can do with Alchemy at the moment. To create Peak Level Pills, I would need to be at least in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm.''


    Rean had already expected that. The Side Occupations'' levels were pretty much divided in the same way. He had to become a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator if he wanted to forge Earth Peak-Level Equipment. That was an easier way of separating the level since it could be done together with cultivation.


    ''I see. I''m not done with Droman and the formations here yet, so I can''t sit to cultivate right now. However, I should be back in the sect in the next three days or so.''


    ''By the way, have you received any information about this possible war against Cassen?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Yes. Elder Tiria and Juvian are still there in Jiran Forest, watching over the Laan experts. That Saint Realm guy called Fuka had stopped by once to report what he found so far, and it seems like they confirmed that the situation is like Zuan told them. After that, Fuka left again and continued their investigation. Still, everything points to the start of this war to conquer part of Cassen.''


    Rean nodded, not too surprised by it. Zuan had mentioned before that he wasn''t lying when he explained everything to the Laan citizens. It was just a matter of time until they confirmed that this was indeed their best choice.


    ''What about the other powers? I doubt that Jialin Country was the only one to notice what happened in Jiran Forest.''


    Roan answered straight away.


    ''Correct. The experts at the Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Realm of Jialin locked the Core of Jiran Forest down. Low-level cultivators can''t get close at the moment. However, the other surrounding countries noticed the chances and decided to send their own high-level experts to investigate.''


    ''It didn''t take long until the news that a bunch of experts had appeared in our country. Fortunately, no one knows who they are or where they came from. Naturally, they don''t know if those experts are Jialin''s enemies or allies. Still, they began to raise their guards since more Jialin experts meant bad news for their side.''


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    ''That makes sense, but it doesn''t matter either. Elder Zuan and the other sects already took into consideration those things. After all, once the war starts, they would all find about those Laan experts anyway. The only thing we need to pay attention to is Cassen itself in case they decide to build defenses before the war starts.''


    Roan shook his head in response.


    ''That doesn''t matter. After all, the borders are just too big. There is no way to build up anything meaningful to that extent. They would need the help of other countries if they wanted to do that. Unfortunately for them, it doesn''t seem like Cassen has any allies around as far as we know. Well, the same could be said to most of the countries close to the borders of the Empire, ours included.''


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''It''s kinda sad, don''t you think? If a few small countries simply allied with each other, they would be much safer, but they don''t do it.''


    Roan snorted after hearing that.


    ''It seems like you don''t understand how this world works yet. The problem is cultivation resources. They are thousands of times more important than any resources humans needed back on Earth. After all, they are directly linked to their own lifespans. Who would not like to live hundreds, if not thousands of years?''


    ''If they really made such alliances, they would not be able to attack each other. No, it would be worse than that. Those alliances would never be real ones. You would never know when someone might stab you in the back to rob your country of its resources. Only absolute might can keep countries at bay. That''s what the Imperial Family has been doing so far to the point that all 10 clans don''t dare to rebel against it, let alone the other countries surrounding it.''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Wouldn''t it be possible to ally together to attack other countries'' then? That way, they wouldn''t need to stab themselves in the back and still get resources for everyone.''


    ''No. Because if you do that, the countries that will become targets will also ally with each other to move against you. It''s simply a fear state. If that country was taken by the alliance, we might be the next ones. Only when mutual benefits surpass the fear of distrust will an alliance come up. In this case, the fear of being conquered one by one or the promise of benefits for the attackers. In the end, they would once again reach the same impasse. Since that''s the case, they might as well stay neutral.''


    Roan continued.


    ''Of course, I''m not saying that there are no countries allied in our Sasamil Empire. There are always a few exceptions to the rules. Maybe they have a deep relationship, perhaps they passed through turbulent times together, and so on. In any case, those types are quite rare in a world like this.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Still, I don''t think such a state will continue for too long. Eventually, it will be a lot more difficult to start wars like this one we intend to do.''


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    ''Seems like you at least understand your own doings. Indeed, the communication system will most likely reduce the number of new wars by more than 90% once it spreads through the entire Empire. After all, it will become a lot harder to conduct operations when the enemy side has constant communication available. Anyway, this is something that will happen far in the future. Perhaps we would have left this Empire already when the situation reaches this point.''


    Rean pondered a bit before shifting his attention to the Soul Gem Realm.


    ''Sister Orb, would fewer wars reduce the changes of destiny? Or is it considered a major change instead?''


    [Of course, it would be considered major changes. However, don''t forget that each new thing you do to gain Destiny Points have their own caps. The Communication System will eventually not give you any Destiny Points even though the changes continue to increase.]


    Rean nodded.


    ''That''s fine, then.''


    Rean then finished talking with Roan before returning his attention to the communication system.


    Time continued to pass. Rean eventually returned to the sect three days later, where he focused on Inner Sect Fights and cultivation with Roan. Two weeks went by when Malaka and Calina finally returned. Calina had specially selected a mission outside of the country, so they took this long to come back.


    "What happened to you two?"


    Rean looked at the two girls that were filled with injuries on their bodies.


    "Didn''t Roan say that we should have more dangerous experiences? We went to Javei Country, where an inheritance had been discovered. However, it was only at Core and Soul Fusion Realm level, so the Nascent Soul Experts stayed out. Still, many Core Formation Realm cultivators went there as well. Even a few Core and Soul Fusion cultivators appeared."


    Malaka bitterly smiled as she followed up where Calina left off.


    "It was horrifying. The people of Javei targeted those who came from outside quite often. Calina and I were obviously selected a few times."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/should-start-soon_51068088409451933 for visiting.


    Rean patted Malaka''s head, knowing that she probably couldn''t hold back and had to kill.


    "There is no need to think about it too much. In such a situation, your lives were obviously more important than your enemies. You did a good job, Malaka."


    Light Energy acc.u.mulated on Rean''s hands, and he healed the remaining injuries on Malaka''s body.


    Even though she knew she could do it, Malaka still hated to do it. However, he soon noticed someone showing a jealous expression on the side. Because of her pride, though, she wasn''t saying anything.


    "Hahahaha!"


    Rean also patted Calina''s head.


    "Of course, Calina also did amazingly well. You probably had to protect Malaka, who has lower cultivation than yours, several times, right?"


    Calina finally smiled as she nodded.


    "But she also saved me too."


    All of a sudden, Roan appeared there as he looked at the two girls. His Spiritual Sense then entered their bodies for a moment before he nodded.


    "Not too bad. Even though you two had only recently broken through, your cultivations seem quite stable already."


    Malaka smiled as she nodded vigorously.


    "Of course! We''re geniuses!"


    Roan ignored Malaka''s shameless words, though.


    As for Calina, she seemed to be a lot happier than Malaka after hearing Roan''s praise.


    "Ahem... I followed the steps you gave me. They helped me very much during my cultivation. Thank you."


    Roan nodded, already expecting this much. After that, he looked at Rean.


    "Finish healing those two and then come with me. We need to talk about Cassen."


    Rean was surprised to hear that.


    "Is it time already?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Yes. It should start soon."

 Chapter 331 - Bring It On!

    Back in the sect, Roan had gone to talk with Hulian, asking for a position to command a few groups. Usually, Hulian wouldn''t even bother to hear such a request. However, since it was the twins, he still decided to give them a chance. It''s just that he needed to test Roan first.


    There was a war game similar to chess, but several times more intricated, called Sisca. It had close to twenty times more pieces on each side compared to a chess game, with a board obviously several times bigger. However, the size of the board wasn''t a problem for the cultivators. After all, they could simply spread their Spiritual Energy to move the pieces and make their movements. The main objective was to take over the enemy''s castle on the other side of the board.


    It was often used to test a person''s intelligence. Obviously, it was also perfect to see their ability to command as well.


    "I''ve never played this thing."


    Hulian wasn''t surprised by that.


    "That''s not a problem. I''m not expecting you to suddenly become a professional in Sisca. I just want to see how you perform on your first try. That would also reflect how you would react in a random environment like a war zone. In a certain way, not knowing the game is the perfect condition to see your abilities to command."


    Roan nodded, not minding it too much. Hulian then passed him a booklet with all of the rules of the game. Roan quickly browsed it a few times while shaking or nodding his head from time to time. Around twenty minutes later, he closed the book and passed it back to Hulian.


    "Done."


    "Done?"


    Hulian looked at Roan with a surprised expression.


    "There are a lot of rules and variations described there. Shouldn''t you take a little longer to get used to it?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "No need. Let''s start."


    Hulian shook his head in disappointment. He already felt like Roan was rushing things too much. That was not a good quality for a commander.


    Rean, who was also present, quickly grabbed the booklet from Hulian.


    "Alright, let me look at it as well. It seems fun."


    Hulian didn''t mind as he brought Roan to the board in another room.


    "Okay. The black pieces are yours. The white ones are mine. You can put them in any sequence you like on your side except for the center field."


    Roan nodded.


    "I already memorized all the rules. Let''s start."


    The way to position each person''s pieces worked in turns. Each side could only put one piece down each turn. That would prevent them from knowing the final form of the enemy''s formation ahead of time, making the game fairer.


    However, Hulian noticed that Roan didn''t seem to be following any particular strategy. He placed his pieces on the board in a very standard formation. It was as if he wasn''t even thinking about it. Still, Hulian didn''t complain. He simply didn''t expect that much from Roan anymore. He would quickly finish it to show Roan that the art of commanding wasn''t that simple.


    Meanwhile, Rean kept reading the booklet on the side, trying to memorize its rules.


    "Alright, let''s start. You can move the first piece."


    Roan didn''t mind and immediately made his first move. Hulian then followed with his own. And just like that, time began to pass. When those two were around a hundred moves into the game, Rean finally closed the booklet.


    "I understand how it works now."


    He quickly took a look at the board and analyzed the positions.


    "Hum... I think I know what they are trying to do."


    Hulian smiled, not really believing that Rean knew what his aim was. So far, Roan''s moves didn''t seem anything impressive. He also made a few moves that made it easier for Hulian to move forward and conquer territory.


    Finally, it reached a point where Roan seemed to not have any chances anymore.


    "Alright. Let''s stop it here and start a new one."


    Roan looked at Hulian, puzzled.


    "Why?"


    Hulian pointed at the board before saying.


    "Isn''t that obvious? You can''t possibly recover from this."


    Rean, who was on the side, shook his head.


    "What are you saying, Senior Hulian? Can''t you see that Roan already won this battle?"


    Hulian''s smile froze as he looked at Rean.


    "He won this battle? What are you talking about? I''m totally dominating his side."


    Roan also looked at Rean with a surprised expression.


    "You can see what I''m doing?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Pretty much. Elder Hulian''s five main forces had been lured into a trap where they can''t escape anymore. In the next few moves, his right side will crumble while the left side will only be able to desperately hold its position. However, it will be too late since you will take the enemy''s castle while impeding Elder Hulian''s left side from ever joining the battle until everything is over."


    Roan couldn''t help but be surprised.


    ''Since when were you good at commanding strategies? Or perhaps you''re only good at games?''


    Rean pondered a bit before replying.


    ''Hum... Now that I think about it, I don''t know. It just comes into me naturally. Most likely, this is the influence of our Soul Connection.''


    [Rean is right.]


    Sister Orb said while they were talking through their Soul Connection.


    [It''s just like how Roan can lock Light Element in his body almost as well as Rean. It is the influence of Roan''s proficiency that allows him to do so. Of course, be it Roan''s commanding ability or Rean''s Light Element control ability, both your talents also play a huge part in this. Well, this is a good thing for both of you anyway, so just enjoy each other''s help.]


    Rean''s eyes lit up and quickly asked.


    ''Sister Orb, is there a way to enhance this ability?''


    [Sure!]


    Both Rean and Roan''s interests were piqued.


    ''How?''


    [Increase of brotherly affection. What about starting with a hug?]


    The twins almost fainted!


    ''Ahem... There should be no need to rush things. Step by step learning is also essential to consolidate our knowledge.''


    Roan agreed straight away.


    ''Exactly! Besides, if we force it, we might develop some brain issues in the future. Let''s stay like this, shall we?''


    Rean nodded vigorously.


    As they said those words, they also thought.


    ''Brotherly affection, your ass!''


    ''I would rather die!''


    ''F.u.c.k you!''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/bring-it-on!_51068121712224744 for visiting.


    ''You are lucky that you are a lot stronger. Otherwise, I would have broken your orb in half already!''


    Sister Orb felt a little disappointed.


    [Oh! Okay, then...]


    All that conversation only took two or three seconds through their Soul Connection, so Hulian didn''t notice anything.


    Instead, he was more worried about what Rean just said. Because of that, he began to analyze the battlefield, especially the right side.


    "This... How did you do that without me noticing?"


    Roan looked at Hulian and answered as if it was something simple.


    "Your overconfidence was the main point. I just pretended to be weak and lured you inside. You never bothered to take me seriously even once, so it was extremely easy."


    Hulian''s ears became red when he heard that. Sure enough, Roan never bothered to measure his words at all.


    "Ahem... Let''s continue this battle. I want to see how the end will develop."


    Roan didn''t mind as they continued to battle. Sure enough, Hulian''s side crumbled fast as his left side got trapped by Roan''s pieces. In the end, Hulian''s castle fell without much of a resistance. The weird thing was how Hulian had a lot more pieces remaining than Roan, so his loss was quite an ugly one.


    Still, Hulian was really shocked by that. That was Roan''s first time playing this game, and Hulian had even lost in such a terrible way.


    "Errr... Again! I admit I wasn''t expecting anything from you at all. This time, I will not commit the same mistake. It will be a real test of your commanding abilities."


    Roan nodded. He also didn''t like this last battle since his opponent was holding back. The two quickly reorganized the pieces on the table and began to put them one by one in their positions each turn. The start of the game quickly followed right after. However...


    "How did I lose even faster now...?"


    Rean, who observed the entire game, immediately replied.


    "You used a pincer attack between the right and left side of your field. However, Roan positioned his piece in a way that he wouldn''t lose many of them during that attack. The problem was that when you finished your attack, your pieces were left vulnerable to a counter pincer attack. He simply defeated you with the same strategy you tried to defeat him."


    Roan nodded.


    "He''s correct. You made quite a brilliant move this time. Perhaps you wanted to wipe out the shame of having lost so miserably last time. Too bad that you ignored the traps on both sides. Of course, I made sure to hide it well so that you wouldn''t notice before it was too late."


    Hulian gritted his teeth before saying.


    "Again!"


    Roan faintly smiled as he nodded.


    Hulian acted a lot more carefully, thinking about every movement this time. As a result, this was the longest game they had so far. Unfortunately for him, the result was still the same. It didn''t matter how many times Hulian tried. Roan always found the quickest way of delivering a fatal blow to his forces. Roan''s playstyle was just like his combat one. The type who looked for the fastest way to kill the opponent.


    Hulian finally admitted that he wasn''t Roan''s match. Not to mention that Roan got better at it with each game.


    "Wait here for a minute. Let me invite someone else."


    Hulian liked the game, but he knew that he wasn''t any prodigy on it. He decided to call someone else instead.


    As soon as Hulian left, Rean went to the other side of the board.


    "One week of mother''s dessert!"


    Roan''s gaze turned cold as he replied.


    "Bring it on!"

 Chapter 332 - Taking Up the Position

    After Hulian left the room, he went straight to the Talismans Hall. There, he headed straight to the upmost floor. When he arrived there, he saw two disciples guarding the door to the room behind.


    When the disciples saw Hulian, they immediately paid their respects.


    "Welcome, Elder Hulian. Are you here to see Master Kassie?"


    Hulian nodded.


    "Yes. Please let Core Elder Kassie know that it is an important matter."


    The two disciples immediately nodded. Following that, one of them entered the room while the other stayed outside. Hulian was only an Inner Elder, while Kassie was a Core Elder. To be a Core Elder, one had to be at least in the Nascent Soul Realm, so her status was definitely higher than Hulian.


    Half a minute later, the disciple who had entered the room returned.


    "Elder Hulian, you can enter."


    Hulian smiled as he opened the door and entered the room. There, he saw an old woman focusing on a piece of paper in front of her that was almost as big as the table. On the sides, there were several cultivation resources, as well as other high-level materials. By making several combinations, she could create various types of ink used to draw those talismans.


    Kassie''s hands moved quickly yet precisely. Each stroke seemed more like a piece of art than the last. Eventually, she drew the last stroke. As soon as the last stroke was done, the talisman lifted in the air by itself. The piece of paper also began to shrink fast. Suddenly, it became a palm-sized talisman that could be easily carried around.


    "Phew... Finally done."


    Kassie then looked at Hulian with a smile.


    "What is it? Do you need help with some resources again?"


    Hulian shook his head.


    "No. The reason I came here has nothing to do with resources. Instead, it''s about Sisca."


    Kassie was surprised to hear that.


    "Oh! Have you come to play a match with me? Why didn''t you say that earlier? Come, we can play in the room at the side."


    Kassie was known in the elders'' cycle as an easygoing elder. She rarely complained about anything and spent most of her time managing the Talismans Hall. But other than that, she was also a fantastic Sisca player. In the sect, almost no one could defeat her. If war really came to happen, there was no doubt that she would be in charge of strategies with Mia and a few more intelligent elders.


    "No, it''s not me who will play."


    Kassie stopped walking and looked around. But other than Hulian, she couldn''t see anyone else.


    "Who is it, then?"


    Hulian then took a deep breath and began to explain what happened in his home. As Kassie heard his story, she couldn''t help but get excited.


    "Oh! That''s quite interesting. Those twins are really full of surprises. Not only did they learn Sisca extremely fast, but they could even defeat you on their very first try."


    Hulian felt somewhat ashamed.


    "Well, Rean hasn''t played with me yet, so I haven''t lost to him."


    Kassie laughed as she shook her head.


    "He could tell how you were going to lose three times in a row before you yourself could do it. Obviously, he could play at a much higher level than you. Anyway, where are they? I want to see what they can do against me."


    Hulian nodded, already expecting this reaction.


    "They are waiting in my room. Please follow me, Core Elder Kassie."


    Hulian and Kassie then returned to Hulian''s room. But as soon as they stepped into the room, they felt a chill on their backs. There was so much killing intent in the air that even they, who couldn''t see it, could at least feel its presence.


    "Not good! The twins!"


    Hulian and Kassie immediately charged into the room when the twins were supposed to be waiting. However, the bloodbath they were waiting for wasn''t happening. All the killing intent was focused on both sides of the board.


    ''Is there a need for this pressure? Why do I feel like they are about to kill each other?''


    Well, Kassie and Hulian were not far from the truth. If the bet wasn''t specific for a Sisca game, someone might have lost their head already.


    Kassie then stepped forward and looked at the field on the Sisca Board. However, she couldn''t tell at which level they were playing since she didn''t know how they reached those positions.


    Still, Rean and Roan continued to make their moves one after another. As the match proceeded, Kassie''s expression changed. The two continued to build and destroy intricated traps one after the other. Sometimes, Roan got the advantage. On others, Rean pulled ahead. Nevertheless, they always had contingency plans for possible mistakes.


    "This... just what kind of monsters did you find, Hulian?"


    Hulian bitterly smiled while scratching his head.


    "Well, I guess my Iron and Blood Faction was quite lucky, I guess?"


    As equilibrated as their match might be, their own pieces were being lost one after another. Sooner or later, a winner and a loser would appear.


    "F.u.c.k!"


    Rean looked as Roan finally broke through his defenses and surrounded his castle. From that point onward, it was a lost fight. Finally, the cattle fell, and Roan achieved victory.


    "Let''s do it out of three."


    Roan snorted in response.


    "In your dreams! Mother''s desserts are mine. If you don''t wanna die, you better stay far away from them."


    Rean clicked his tongue.


    In the end, Rean lacked a lot of experience. Roan had seen too many battles that he couldn''t even count. The fact that Rean could hold his ground this long was already a miracle in itself.


    Finally, Rean looked at the side and saw Kassie.


    "Oh! It''s Elder Kassie."


    He still remembered her from the time Mia called all the elders to talk about the Communication System. It''s just that Rean and Kassie had never really talked to each other.


    Kassie smiled as she asked.


    "Can you step aside? I wish to challenge Roan as well."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/taking-up-the-position_51068165987302854 for visiting.


    Rean sighed and nodded.


    Kassie and Roan then initiated another Sisca Game. Kassie, Rean, and Roan then alternated between opponents all day long. As for Hulian, he could only watch by the side, trying to understand most of their moves and objectives. In the end, Roan finished all their matches with a perfect score. Neither Rean nor Kassie could beat him even once.


    As for matches between Rean and Kassie, they were pretty much even. Out of 16 games, Kassie took 9 while Rean got 7.


    Kassie then sighed as she told Hulian.


    "Just go ahead and give him a few groups to command. If I could, I would have him take care of at least half of the sect''s forces, but the others wouldn''t accept it. Still, a few groups at the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation Realm shouldn''t be much of a problem."


    Hulian nodded, satisfied. Those words really meant a lot for someone who also worked with strategies like Kassie.


    "Alright. Roan, I can''t have you controlling many people since it would bring up issues with the others. I''ll first give you ten teams with ten members each, a total of one hundred cultivators. When the war starts, you will be responsible for their movements and strategies. However, if you prove to be as good at commanding as you are at Sisca, the groups in your hands will eventually increase. Don''t forget, my Iron and Blood Faction rewards those who put in the best effort and bring the best results."


    Roan didn''t mind. A hundred cultivators at once was already better than he expected.


    Hulian then looked at Rean.


    "Do you want a commanding position as well? Although you aren''t as good as Roan, you were still able to put up a fight against Core Elder Kassie."


    Rean shook his head in response.


    "There is no need. I wasn''t in the mood to become a commander to start with. I would rather stay with the ice block since it''s safer."


    Hulian nodded. Kassie then passed her token to him so that he could start the arrangements. Finally, Kassie decided to bid her farewell to the twins.


    "Today was a lot of fun. If you feel bored, come to the Talismans'' Hall. We can play as much Sisca as you want."


    Rean and Roan didn''t mind that and nodded. Finally, Kassie turned around and left.


    As she disappeared in the distance, Rean noticed Hulian following her closely.


    "Oh! Elder Hulian, could it be that you are interested in Elder Kassie?"


    Hulian was taken aback when he heard that.


    "Ahem... Don''t spout nonsense. Kassie is a Core Elder, while I''m just an Inner Elder. What is there to be interested in?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "Well, you''ll never know if you don''t try, right?"


    It was then that Roan left the house. He already got what he wanted, so there was no need to stay there anymore. As for whatever romantic talk he might have with Hulian, he simply couldn''t care less about it.


    Rean then looked at Hulian before saying.


    "Anyway, I''m cheering for you, Elder Hulian! If you need my help, let me know."


    Rean then ran out as he caught up to Roan. As for Hulian, he simply shook his head as he closed the door.


    Sometime later, Roan arrived at the Blue Orchid District. He said that he wanted to see Malaka, so no one thought anything about it. When they arrived at her room, Calina, or better, Illia, was there as well.


    It was then that he sent Calina a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Alright, I got a commanding position. However, you will be the one to give the orders. During the next few days, I will teach you everything I can about it.''


    Roan then showed a faint cold smile before continuing.


    ''You said it before, an Emperor or Empress candidate has to be both strong and intelligent, so you better be prepared.''


    Calina trembled a little when she saw that. Still, she gritted her teeth and nodded.


    ''Alright.''

 Chapter 333 - Time Skip

    Ten months later, somewhere deep inside the south side of the Cassen Country.


    At the moment, Roan was on the rear of a mountain as he looked at the map in front of him. On the map, he had the position of every cultivator group and their levels. They were marked with blue carving pieces that looked to have come from chess games.


    On the other side, Roan had similar pieces as well, but with red colors. The map also had several other marks with different colors. First, he had yellow colors representing cultivator groups from the other four sects or the royal family. For lend marks, he used brown, purple for traps, and black for danger points.


    On Roans'' side, one could see a few familiar faces like Rean, Calina, Malaka, and Kentucky. Well, Kentucky was sleeping in a corner, to be more precise. However, there were many more that the twins only came to know later on.


    All of a sudden, a small communication formation shone as a stream of information appeared in front of it.


    -Liang, Lontis, and Waxae Sect groups, possibly with cultivation varying between Foundation Establishment Late Stage and Core Formation Middle Stage. Moving through sector twelve in the north-west direction. Requesting urgent orders.-


    Roan nodded as he used his Spiritual Energy to move the pieces on the map.


    "Very well."


    Roan then looked at Calina before asking.


    "Tell me, what is wrong with this pattern? What are they trying to do? What''s the countermeasure to achieve the best results with minimal losses. What will be the repercussions once you lose or win this exchange?"


    Rean couldn''t help but respond.


    "Aren''t they trying to-"


    "Shut up!"


    Roan glared at Rean. Only then did Rean notice that he misspoke. This was supposed to be a test for Calina, not him.


    Everyone looked at that and didn''t seem that surprised to see this. Obviously, Roan had been asking Calina her opinions about the battlefield for a very long time. Calina was quite frightened at first. But as time passed, she became used to have Roan asking her about what to do on the battlefield.


    Not only that, but Roan also spent a lot of time outside battle to teach Calina the arts of war. Rean just happened to be around, so he listened as well. The surprising thing was that Rean seemed to understand it much better than Calina. In fact, he seemed to understand Roan''s teaching better than anyone else.


    It wasn''t just because of the Soul Connection between the two of them. Roan had to admit that Rean was incredibly swift at understanding those things. It wasn''t a bad thing, though. The better Rean understood how war strategies and analysis worked, the better it would be for both of them.


    Finally, Calina looked deeply at all the positions on the map, the terrain, the allied and enemy forces, as well as the danger zones. She thought about several possibilities and slightly shook her head from time to time. Still, it only took her a few dozen seconds to come up with the answer.


    "They are trying to circle through Sector 13 and 9. Most likely, they''re aiming for a pincer attack on groups 14, 16, and 17."


    Roan nodded.


    "Not too bad. Now, what''s wrong with the pattern they chose. Why is it not good enough?"


    Calina continued to fry her brain as she focused on it.


    "Ah! Here, on the Danger Zone near group 14. They aren''t timing their attack correctly. The support of the danger zone where their own traps are located won''t achieve the maximum effect possible."


    Roan nodded again.


    "That''s one of the issues. What''s the next one?"


    Calina continued to look at the map. However, she was having difficulty seeing where this other mistake was. She then looked at everyone and had almost given up when, all of a sudden, she noticed Rean''s eyes. He didn''t say anything, just switching his focus between her and a certain point in the map.


    Calina then looked far behind into the enemies'' lines and finally noticed the second problem.


    "Found it! It is subtle, but I can tell that they''re also relying on supporting a higher cultivation level group back in Sector 7. Because of the wrong timing, they will not receive the proper help to eliminate our cultivator''s group. Most likely, it would result in quite a few of our forces escaping from their ambush. Of course, things will change our groups here that join the battle later."


    Roan looked at Calina, which made her feel a chill on her back. Could it be that she was wrong? Finally, Roan spoke.


    "That''s correct, however..."


    *Pah!*Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/time-skip_51068191505444555 for visiting.


    Roan slapped the back of Rean''s head.


    *Ouch!*


    "Why did you do that?"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Do you even need to ask? Next time, see how I pull your eyes out of their sockets. I''ll make it so that even your Light Element can''t restore it anymore."


    Rean didn''t seem to care, though.


    "Hmph! As if you would do that."


    "Wanna try it out?"


    "Go ahead, let''s see it."


    The two were just about to hit each other when they suddenly heard a cough coming from behind.


    "Ahem! You two, stop with this mess. Our cultivators are still out there, waiting for your orders."


    The one who talked just so happened to be Amanda. For some reason, she was put in the same group as the twins.


    Rean and Roan then calmed down.


    "Anyway, I just slightly pointed her in the right direction. She understood the whole meaning of the issue as soon as she put her eyes over there. Shouldn''t her discernment be praised because of that? I also believe she would sooner or later find it."


    Roan immediately answered.


    "What''s the point of this if she can''t understand it by herself?"


    Roan then looked at Calina, who seemed ashamed that she relied on Rean''s help to find that problem.


    "What''s done is done. Anyway, you often forget to expand your field of vision because of how rare it is for far away forces to make short time differences. Don''t look just where the action is happening. Make sure that the entire battlefield is always inside your mind."


    Calina immediately nodded.


    "Yes!"


    Roan then pointed at the map again before asking.


    "Next! What''s the best countermeasure?"


    This time, Calina answered almost instantly.


    "The Danger Zone they want to use against us is the best option. They probably think we are unaware of the traps in that place because of how they are moving. Instead of trying to avoid it, we should have our groups retreat straight inside it. Using the information we have, we can make the timing issue on their side an even bigger problem. Just make the groups pretend that they are running away and enter the Danger Zone. There, we can use the few trap locations to our own advantage to eliminate part of their forces and then break out with minimal losses."


    Finally, Roan''s expression seemed to soften a little.


    "That''s quite good. Last but not least, what are the two possible repercussions?"


    Calina showed a happy face for a moment. However, she quickly regained her bearings and returned her attention to the map.


    "The worst case would be the loss of the entire group. Of course, the repercussion of it would be most felt here, here, and here."


    Calina then pointed at three different parts in the map, including one that seemed to be quite far away from where the battle would occur.


    "The two near forces need that path that our group is protecting as buffers, so its loss would force them to retreat until the situation is controlled."


    "As for the faraway forces, the 24th group, who is not under our command, would miss an attacking chance. After all, the help that the enemies are waiting for would leave a gap behind their own defense perimeter. However, if our group loses, they might need to offer support to the lost zone, making it impossible to realize their attack."


    "As for the repercussions of winning, it would obviously be the same one I just mentioned. The 24th group will be able to pierce through the defense line gaps, possibly giving us a chance of taking control of that region."


    Roan agreed with Calina.


    "That''s good enough. You forgot about the supply chain from behind, but that wouldn''t be a big issue since there is enough time to retreat with a sudden order. I''ll give you 7 out of 10 points for this last analysis."


    However, Calina seemed to want to say something.


    "Do you have something to say, Illia?"


    As one could remember, Calina was using the fake name Illia at this moment.


    Calina then looked at Kentucky, who was sleeping in a corner, before saying.


    "If Kentucky could fly there and use his defense to help the group, chances are that we would save a lot more of our forces. After all, we know about the danger zone and the traps, but not all of them. His defense is always the best in defensive situations like these."


    Roan nodded.


    "Very well, just have Nightingale here wake it up."


    Roan then turned around and passed his orders.


    "Start luring the enemies into the Danger Zone. Tell our forces to remember, their objective is to create a gap for their safe retreat. If everything goes as expected, the enemy groups will lose more than us and still give a chance for the 24th group to attack."


    Another cultivator close to the communication formation immediately wrote the orders and sent the message.


    Rean then looked at Kentucky before saying.


    "Release the Kraken! I mean, the Chicken!"


    Roan felt like crying already.

 Chapter 334 - Past Events

    Everyone looked at Rean with puzzled expressions. Who the hell was Kraken? Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/past-events_51068230948671117 for visiting.


    Roan then took in a deep breath before saying.


    "Ignore the idiot. Get ready since we are going as well."


    After the war started, Droman and a few other elders were in charge of putting several communication formations. They made it in a way that only they knew how it worked. Thanks to that, information was quickly delivered through the entire battlefield swiftly without leakage. There were obviously Thoughts Transmission Talismans, but they couldn''t afford to use those things for every movement on the enemy''s side.


    This time, it was quite easy and fast to build this particular system. After all, it would only pass orders back and forth. There is simply not enough traffic to overload the cables. They also made it in a web-like manner so that even if one or two cables were cut, the communication would most likely not stop.


    Jialin Country was already expected to get the advantage with the boost in power from Laan City experts. Still, they didn''t expect that everything would go so smoothly with the addition of the communication system. The ability to be able to keep regular instant reports was tremendous!


    That had also indirectly helped Rean and Roan since Destiny Points began to flow even faster into the Soul Gem System. Nevertheless, they refrained from buying anything so that they could get used to their power first. They were planning to spend the points once the war was over.


    As for how the war was going so far, over half of the needed territory was already conquered. Jialin wasn''t trying to conquer the whole country, but just a part of it, enough for the Laan experts to build their own power.


    Trying to conquer the whole Cassen Country would not be a good idea. After all, other countries might become afraid that this would affect them as well. For example, the countries that had their borders connected to Cassen but not Jialin. Who could guarantee that Jialin won''t try to do something once they consolidate their new rule in the old Cassen? They would be forced to offer support to Cassen to stop that from happening.


    That''s why Zuan said that this wasn''t a war to take over a country from the very start, but just a small part of it. All the sects and the Royal Family also accepted that.


    During the war, the other countries bordering Jialin kept their eyes open. Sure enough, it was as everyone expected. As soon as they thought a chance appeared, they also attacked Jialin, trying to get some territory for themselves. Unfortunately for them, Jialin was already expecting that. With Fuka, Nefere, and the several extra Soul Transformation Realm cultivators from Laan, they were able to hold them back.


    It''s not like Jialin could really fight all those powers alone. It''s just that they would have to pay a high price for them to succeed in conquering territories in Jialin. In the worst-case scenario, some of them might even lose their own sect''s Saint Realm experts. None of them were willing to try it. Those two extra Saint Realm experts were really the last resource necessary to make something like this work.


    When the war started, a merit point system was also initiated. After all, even sect cultivators were quite selfish, let alone vagrant cultivators that were much more numerous in Jialin. If the sects wanted them to put their lives on the line to get Cassen territory, rewards on par with their lives had to be offered.


    Very few cultivators in this war were like Rean and Roan, who didn''t need those rewards. Because most of them didn''t support the sects or the royal family, this reward system was incredibly beneficial. Each sect had its own system, and Dalamu was no different.


    At least half of the cultivators on Roan''s group were outsiders that came for this same reason. One could already imagine how they felt when they found out that their commander was a teenager. However, if they wanted to receive their resources, they needed to follow his order.


    The worst part came when Roan began to leave the commanding issues up to Illia, and they were right to be afraid. After all, Illia (Calina) really made many bad decisions or took too long to decide on what to do, making things even worse. However, for some reason, they never suffered significant losses. Instead, they always emerged victorious in their battles.


    It wasn''t long before they understood that it was all thanks to Rean and Roan. Even when Illia messed up, the twins always had a contingency plan to come up ahead of the enemies. As time passed, they really began to respect those two, especially Roan since most of the orders came from him.


    Of course, as time passed, Calina''s own talent surged. She began to commit lesser mistakes and be faster at recognizing the battlefield. She simply needed someone who could teach her correctly.


    Another thing present in this war was the Ranking System. It was determined through the number of cultivators killed, territory conquered, battle victories, support, etc.


    At the start, Roan''s group didn''t appear too much since he spent a lot of time training everyone. Yes, Roan didn''t go straight into battle as soon as his group was determined. Instead, he created several combat formations that they had to memorize.


    The first three months of the war were spent on the backlines. They rarely ever went forward to do battle. Even when they did, it wasn''t anything meaningful. Obviously, that also incurred the discontent of those who came for the resources.


    But the situation changed three months later. Their first battles were messy because of Calina''s lack of experience, but those formations really saved their lives. With Rean and Roan''s timely support, they began to amass one victory after the other.


    Ten months later, Roan''s group shot up in the ranks. Or better yet, the Death Group did. Very few groups were still contending against Roan''s.


    Last but not least, Roan''s group also increased in size as time passed. What before was only around 100 cultivators, had now risen to a total of 300! That was the recognition of the sects and the royal family. In fact, Roan''s group was even offered a bigger group, but he refused. He wanted to use this one to make sure that Calina understood things properly.


    As one can expect, all the outside cultivators were now very happy. There were rarely any significant losses on their side while they were amassing large amounts of merit points. It reached a point where many cultivators kept applying to join the ''Death Group'' but were kept waiting. After all, since the number of deaths was low, the number of replacements was also the same.


    ---


    Back to the present, Kentucky got up after Rean called. Soon after, Rean jumped on his back and flew in the direction of the Danger Zone. After all, Kentucky still couldn''t fulfill such complicated orders on its own.


    As for the rest, they would be going for the cleanup.


    "There are at least 120 cultivators between the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation Realm on the enemy side. Once Rean and Kentucky help them with the retreat, we will cover the sides. Remember to work as I told you, and we should be able to achieve a much greater result with smaller losses. Anyone who breaks up the formation will be replaced."


    Roan then looked at Calina.


    "Illia, same thing as before, you will lead half of the group. The number of deaths will depend on your decisions. If everyone goes as expected, we should be able to inflict heavy losses on the enemy."


    Calina nodded with a determined expression. Roan wasn''t only teaching Calina about war strategies. He still needed to increase her combat power. This war was just perfect since he could have her fight while leading the groups at the same time.


    Thanks to the fact that Kentucky could fly, Rean arrived at the danger zone very fast. Immediately, they began to offer support to their group in there. Kentucky was seriously a meat tank. Not only was his defense extremely high, but he could now spread his White and Black Flames far away. Kentucky often created fire walls that blocked the enemy''s passage while bearing their focused attacks in the frontlines. Even when Rean went all out, he couldn''t offer such a wide range of support. This also proved that Kentucky''s Spiritual Energy pool was enormous, probably larger than any of the twins.


    Sure enough, their group kept their formations while using the enemy''s own traps to hinder their progress.


    Suddenly, Rean''s eyes lit up as he saw the chance for a breakthrough.


    "Kentucky!"


    Rean then passed his thoughts through Spiritual Sense. In an instant, Kentucky flapped his wings and shot through the skies. However, he only went up for a few seconds when all of a sudden, he began to drop down like a meteor.


    *Creee!*


    *Boom!*


    Immediately, an enormous crater appeared in the middle of the enemy''s forces. Kentucky''s Fried Chicken Cannonball''s shockwave sent all the cultivators at Foundation Establishment flying. Those who were too late to move suffered grievous injuries or died on the spot.


    "Arrow Formation, charge!"


    Rean''s group then charged into the enemy''s ranks, slaughtering everyone on their path as they passed through. Rean then passed another Spiritual Sense thought to Kentucky, who immediately jumped to the back of the formation. There, he used his Black and White flames to defend their back while the group retreated.


    Of course, the Cassen cultivators were enraged to see that. Not only had the ambush failed, but they suffered heavy losses during the attack. Their numbers advantage didn''t help at all. Following that, they immediately started to run after Rean''s group.


    Rean looked behind with his Spiritual Energy and smiled before using his Soul Connection with Roan.


    ''There they come.''

 Chapter 335 - Not Fighting Alone

    Roan received Rean''s message and immediately looked at Calina.


    "Let''s go. Remember to keep the same pace. As soon as you see Kentucky flying in the skies, charge through the right side with your group while I do the same through the left. The formations and things like that will be up for you to decide."


    Calina nodded.


    "Alright. Let''s go."


    Soon after, she disappeared on the right side. Roan didn''t waste his time either and guided his group through the left.


    Rean''s group continued to run for another minute. Rean then felt Roan''s presence through their Soul Connection and immediately gave Kentucky an order.


    Soon after, Kentucky flew up in the skies while burning with White and Black Flames.


    *Creeeeee!*


    The cultivators from Cassen immediately stopped, thinking that Kentucky would use the same attack again.


    "Come, damned bird. We are ready for you now."


    All of them prepared to attack and strike Kentucky down as soon as he charged into them. However, Kentucky stayed in the same place. It was then that they saw Rean''s group moving even further away.


    "F.u.c.k! It was just a distraction! Liko''s group will keep an eye on the Demon Beast. The rest of you, after them!"


    Everyone immediately resumed their chase. However, Rean''s group suddenly stopped and turned around. Out of nowhere, the escaping group was now coming directly at them.


    "Wedge Formation!"


    The cultivators on Rean''s group then assumed an inverted V shape with Rean right in the middle. Those with the best defense abilities charged in the front while the rest followed behind.


    The Cassen group was taken aback for a moment. They weren''t idiots. Rean''s group had a lot fewer cultivators. If they suddenly decided to attack, then something definitely wasn''t right.


    Sure enough, two more groups of cultivators immediately appeared from the sides. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/not-fighting-alone_51068326796907899 for visiting.


    Calina looked at Roan''s group in the distance and immediately understood what he wanted.


    "Triple Line Formation. Create a wall to prevent the enemy from escaping."


    Roan looked at that on the other side and nodded with a satisfied expression.


    "Triple Line Formation!"


    The Cassen group quickly saw itself surrounded. A few even wanted to hastily get away and leave everyone behind. However, that would only make them a bigger target since they could see a few smaller cultivation groups who waited behind the enemy''s ranks.


    The leader of Cassen then gritted his teeth as he said.


    "Since they want to fight force against force, let''s give them that. Everyone, full power ahead! Use all your best skills and crush them!"


    In the end, this group of Cassen was still bigger than Rean''s group alone. Only when the two bigger groups from Roan and Calina joined the attack were they evenly matched. Since Rean''s group had the smallest number, one couldn''t blame Cassen for trying to aim at it. Besides, different from Calina and Roan''s one, there was no support behind Rean''s group.


    Rean saw that and smiled.


    It turned out that Roan and Calina''s groups weren''t the main attackers. The fact was that the highest cultivation and attack power was within Rean''s group. In that case, Roan and Calina would form a path so that Rean''s Wedge Formation would once again sweep forward with pure might.


    However, that wasn''t all.


    A burst of Spiritual Energy began to come out of Rean as he lifted his free hand in the air. Not long after, all the Light Element on the surroundings started to charge at him, acc.u.mulating right above his hand into a giant sphere of whitish energy. Anyone could tell that Rean had spent a lot of Spiritual Energy just to do that, not to mention the time necessary. Fortunately, his group was still some distance away from the enemy, which gave him the required time. Just as both groups were about to clash against each other...


    ''Life Style, Fifth Form, Light Aura Burst!''


    The sphere of Light Element burst for real! At the same time, Roan and Calina''s groups covered their eyes. As for the enemy group, they didn''t know what was going to happen. There was no way they would close their eyes when their opponents were right in front of them. That being said, they went all blind because of the sudden extreme brightness.


    But that was just a side effect of Rean''s Fifth Form. Immediately, Light Element entered the bodies of everyone around Rean. Their combat strength, which was already the highest between their three groups, soared!


    That''s Rean''s new skill. He could now enhance everyone''s combat power at once. Not only that, but through his control of the Light Element, he could also prevent it from affecting the enemies. Only the allies received the boost, while the others saw nothing more than an explosion of brightness.


    Of course, there was a significant difference in this skill compared to Rean''s First Form, Enhancement. The Enhancement Skill was a lot more potent since Rean directly touched his friends'' bodies. It could also last for more than an entire minute now that Rean was in the Core Formation Realm.


    As for Light Aura Burst, the increase of strength wasn''t as sharp. Also, the increase in strength would only last 15 to 20 seconds at most. However, Rean could enhance everyone''s attack power inside the area of effect. Compared to touching each person and using the second form several times, the Light Aura Burst was much more practical. It was a skill made for large scale battles!


    Calina and Roan''s groups then clashed against the Cassen group''s sides, cutting off any path of retreat. Simultaneously, the boosted Rean Army charged through the enemy''s ranks like a herd of buffalos. In the cultivation world, this clash was even more frightening, with skills flying everywhere!


    *Boom, boom, boom...*


    *Clang, clang, clang...*


    *Swich, swich, swich...*


    Hearts got pierced through, heads were sent flying, limbs fell everywhere. It was a real slaughterhouse. There was nothing beautiful about that scene.


    Calina and Malaka, obviously, didn''t like that, but they didn''t stop. When there was a war, people would die. If they held back, they would be the ones lying on the ground.


    That was one more of Roan''s objective. To teach the two girls and any other naive male or female cultivator in their army how wars looked like. Whether a side would emerge victoriously or not didn''t matter, corpses would be left behind anyway.


    The Cassen cultivators that recovered from the blindness saw the situation and immediately tried to flee through the gaps. They couldn''t care less about what would happen to the rest of the group anymore. However, Roan had prepared small groups of three by the rear, especially for these moments.


    Those who managed to leave the encirclement would immediately encounter the attacks of those cultivators.


    The entire encounter didn''t last for more than a minute. In the end, just ten or so cultivators with higher cultivations were able to escape after paying hefty prices.


    However, Roan, Rean, and Calina knew that it wasn''t over. Back then, when Calina was coming up with a countermeasure plan against this attack, they found out that another group would be coming to give support. In the Cassen group''s eyes, the battle would take much longer than just a minute, and the last group was supposed to arrive to give the final blow.


    Roan then looked at Calina, his meaning obvious. Right after, Calina received his Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Think! What''s the next step? Where are we? How should you react? Should we retreat? Are your allies still in a condition to fight? How long do you think the next group will take to arrive? Could they have already arrived and are hiding to strike us? Give orders! I hope you didn''t forget the whole situation after this last battle started. A commander never forgets his or her duty. If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.''


    Calina couldn''t help but feel the pressure. She didn''t forget her duty. As all three groups attacked together, she kept herself at the back, only giving support. Simultaneously, she focused on the time they spent to arrive here, started the attack, and defeated the enemy. In the past, she couldn''t keep so many things in her mind at the same time. However, it was different now. Besides, deep down, she wanted Roan to recognize her skills more than anything else.


    Rean, on the other hand, couldn''t help but laugh mentally.


    ''I didn''t know that you read the art of war.''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''I didn''t. I just so happened to have sent the guy who wrote that treatise into the path of reincarnation. When his information entered my mind so that I could do my job, this special sentence appeared several times. I have to admit that it was quite a good one, though.''


    Rean was taken aback. Sure enough, death was really old.


    Calina didn''t hear that conversation, of course.


    "The condition of our group is still good. Considering the place and the time we took to finish this, the last enemy group should be two to three minutes away from our position. However, there is a high chance that the cultivators who fled will inform them anytime soon. If they charge at us, there would not be enough time to build up an ambush."


    "Still, the 24th group that is waiting for an attacking chance will not be able to charge through the gap left by this group. After all, they will retreat the moment they see that we are not here anymore. The best option would be guerrilla warfare that prioritizes reducing losses, just enough to hold this group here. That will create the perfect opportunity for the 24th group."


    Calina then looked at Roan.


    "The 24th Group is under Lavile''s command. Do you think he would notice this change?"


    Roan smiled faintly.


    "He will. I already sent someone to tell him what is about to happen."


    Roan then looked at Calina.


    "Well thought. You can continue."


    Calina couldn''t help but feel a burst of happiness. It was incredibly rare for Roan to not point any mistake. However, everyone immediately looked at her bright expression and gave her a few meaningful smiles. Poor Calina immediately became as red as a tomato.


    Suddenly, Malaka murmured in her ears.


    ''I don''t mind giving up my brother if it is you.''


    Sure enough, Malaka might act like a spoiled child, but she wasn''t an idiot.


    "Shut up!"


    Calina then immediately changed the topic.


    "Pay attention, assume the Echelon Formation. We will charge forward until the enemy notices us. After that, change into a Center Peel Formation and retreat while keeping the enemy''s attention."


    Everyone nodded as they assumed the positions and marched forward.

 Chapter 336 - Finishing the Battle

    It was just as Calina mentioned. Their group quickly encountered the enemy group. Not only that, but it was the same size as their own. However, they had no intention to win or lose, just dragging it out as long as possible. With Rean and Roan around, the losses were reduced to a minimum. After all, Rean and Roan could use the Instant Recover Skill. It''s just that Roan wasn''t as good at it as Rean, so they separated their jobs accordingly. Rean focused on the most grievous injuries, while Roan took care of the rest.


    Their enemy group didn''t take too long to notice that Roan''s group was holding them back. Naturally, they tried to increase their attack power, but it wasn''t of much use. Eventually, their leader decided to retreat since they were entering too deep into the Jialin Army''s territory.


    Unfortunately, Roan''s group didn''t let them do so. Once they started to retreat, Calina would give orders to change the formation and attack. If they decided to retaliate again, she would change the formation into a defensive one while retreating.


    The battle continued like that for over twenty minutes. Neither side had any significant losses either, especially on Roan''s side. Finally not taking it any longer, the leader of the Cassen group gritted his teeth before ordering.


    "Ignore them, retreat into the back lines. We have been here for way too long already."


    He had no choice since Roan''s group kept being healed because of the twins. Although the difference was small, it would acc.u.mulate as time passed. In the end, they would lose this battle of attrition.


    Calina once again changed the formation into an offensive one, but their enemies still ignored that. Because of that, the slower ones ended up being engulfed by Roan''s Unit.


    Roan couldn''t help but show a faint cold smile when he saw that.


    ''It should be about time.''


    All of a sudden, another group appeared in front of Cassen''s Unit.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/finishing-the-battle_51118067618475204 for visiting.


    "What?! Who are these guys?"


    "We had eyes in the nearby groups! How come they appeared here?!"


    "F.u.c.k! Spread out! Focus on retreating! Ignore everything else!"


    Obviously, that group was none other than the 24th unit, led by a cultivator named Lavile. Well, in fact, it was only half of his group. The other half charged into the gap left behind by this Cassen group, quickly taking over the region they were defending. Lavile''s Unit had an easy time conquering the area, so he immediately dispatched half of his unit to give Roan''s group some support.


    Calina wasn''t that slow either. At the very moment she spotted the 24th unit on the other side, she immediately changed into a full-force attack.


    However, Rean was even faster.


    ''Life Style, Fifth Form, Light Aura Burst!''


    The 24th unit was on the other side of Cassen''s group, so the Light Burst didn''t affect them as much as the enemy. However, Rean''s Light Element skill had a limited range. If he spread further than that, the effects wouldn''t be as significant. That being said, only his unit was boosted by the Light Aura Burst. The 24th unit had to rely on themselves.


    Well, the enemy already had no will to fight anymore, so it wasn''t as if it made things worse for the 24th unit.


    Under Calina''s command, their boosted unit separated into several smaller groups. They quickly charged into the enemy ranks together with the 24th unit. However, the 24th unit was not being controlled by Roan, Rean, or Calina, so they couldn''t display the same organization. That being said, around half of the enemy''s group still escaped since the 24th group failed to hold them down.


    Seeing that the rest were escaping everywhere, Calina immediately stopped their group.


    "Stop! Don''t chase them. Gather around and collect the spoils."


    This was the cultivation world. Each participating cultivator would usually be carrying their Spirit Stones and equipment. Spirit Stones could be used for their own cultivation while equipment could be used by themselves or sold later.


    When the 24th unit saw Roan''s group taking everything, they decided to join in. However, their leader immediately stopped them.


    "Don''t touch the spoils."


    One of his group members couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why? We also helped them with this victory. We have as much of a right to take as they do."


    The others also agreed with him. However, their leader still shook his head.


    "The only reason we got this victory was that they let us do so. It was Death''s Unit who told us about the gap that would appear in the enemy''s defense line, allowing us to conquer that region. Just the rewards of taking over that area will be a lot bigger than what their group is getting now. Let''s go. We need to stabilize that region before Cassen Country organizes other groups to retake it."


    Everyone''s eyes lit up when they heard that. Indeed, that was a huge accomplishment for their 24th unit, led by Lavile.


    "Send someone to the nearest communication formation. Tell the headquarters that we need other units to join us in holding the newly acquired territory down. Make sure to state that it was the 24th unit who conquered it."


    Their leader might have left the spoils of this battle to Roan''s Unit, but he definitely wouldn''t share the reward from the conquered area.


    Calina saw those people quickly disappearing in the distance and looked at Rean and Roan.


    "Is it okay to let them go like that? They will definitely claim the entire credit of that conquered area."


    Roan shook his head.


    "Leave them be. The elders are not that idiotic. They will soon understand that it shouldn''t be possible for Lavile''s Unit to conquer it independently. Once that happens, they will investigate and find out why that happened. We will receive our own share when that time comes."


    Malaka couldn''t help but say in response.


    "But that will take some time. By then, no one will care about it anymore."


    Rean smiled as he said.


    "That''s what Roan exactly wants. For him, the least amount of attention we get, the better. This is directly related to the number of losses our own group will suffer in the future, so this is a good thing instead."


    Calina and Malaka nodded. As much as they were in the middle of a war, it doesn''t mean the two girls liked killing.


    "Let''s go back!"

 Chapter 337 - Cassens Deal

    On the side of Cassen Country, one of their commanders had just received the report of the attack''s failure, as well as the lost territory.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/cassen''s-deal_51118106256407963 for visiting.


    "Sigh... why did these idiots attack the Death Unit?"


    Roan did what he could to not catch that much attention. However, with the ranking system in place, it wasn''t that effective. Of course, in the long run, it still made a big difference. It was only after more than seven months that the Death Unit began to catch everyone''s attention. However, once they did, the units of Cassen Country also wanted to test them out.


    They also had their own reward system. As one could expect, defeating top-ranked units from Jialin gave a lot more rewards than common units. Naturally, more and more wanted to challenge that unit since the reward was high.


    However, six groups had already got themselves killed because of their greediness. It only contributed to making the Death Unit even more famous. This time, the report said that the 24th unit of Jialin was the one who conquered the area, but this commander knew that it was because of the Death Unit that it happened.


    Of course, there were also a few other dazzling groups on Jialin''s side, so all the attention wasn''t on Roan''s Unit alone. Every sect and even the Royal Family had at least one elite group with an experienced commander. This was also a moment in time where unknown cultivators began to make themselves known. It was not because they were cultivation geniuses, but because they had a keen eye for strategy.


    However, what bothered this Cassen commander the most wasn''t the elite units of Jialin.


    "Reporting! Commander Gofen, Jialin units appeared in the area where the 56th unit was defending. We didn''t have enough time to mount a counterattack before they secured their positions."


    Gofen let out a sigh once more after hearing that.


    Fast! It was just too fast! That''s definitely the strongest war weapon in existence for you, communication! Jialin had an overwhelming advantage in communication speed compared to them. Even their smallest units far in the distance received the reports of any new event tens of times faster than they could.


    "Leave it. The Death Unit was probably sent there to give support. If their commander takes over the reins of the defense, we will need to pay too high of a price to reclaim that place."


    The subordinate bitterly smiled. Cassen Country suffered one defeat after the other because of Jialin''s communications system. They were really helpless in this regard.


    "Can''t we ask for a few of our Nascent Soul Realm cultivators to lead the units? They can help get rid of the commanders before they can receive support. The battle would end in a flash."


    Gofen shook his head as he replied.


    "Do you think Jialin hasn''t thought about the same thing? They have Soul Transformation Realm cultivators on the front lines with their Spiritual Senses spread. If we really send Nascent Soul Realm cultivators to intervene, they will send their own. At that moment, the battle will quickly scale up."


    Gofen''s subordinate couldn''t help but feel dejected. Their country was losing its territory way too fast.


    "Is there nothing we can do about it?"


    Gofen nodded.


    "There is. If everything goes as planned, Jialin''s fast advance should stop really soon."


    The guy was taken aback.


    "This... how?"


    Gofen smiled before saying.


    "We are not the only country unwilling to see our territories being taken away. Soon, we will receive some reinforcements to help deal with the situation. At the very least, we will finally arrive at an equilibrium."


    However, Gofen''s subordinate had a puzzled expression.


    "As far as I know, the other countries wouldn''t intervene as long as Jialin doesn''t really wish to conquer our entire country. Also, Jialin is keeping an eye on the countries on its borders. There was even an attempt against them after they started the assault against us. Still, Jialin''s enemies were stopped thanks to their new experts."


    He wasn''t wrong. Both Jialin and the surrounding countries thought about the same thing. Jialin was indeed conquering their territory quickly, but they had already announced that they only wanted enough territory to expand their borders, not engulf the entire country. The Jialin Royal Family was even bold enough to demand the extra land to prevent unnecessary conflict. Obviously, Cassen rejected and went to war. He was right to find it strange that some other country wanted to intervene.


    "Don''t worry. The reason we will receive reinforcements is thanks to Cassen''s Royal Family. From what I know, it seems like Cassen''s King thinks very highly of this territory. He is paying a hefty sum to have the Tolak and Rorel countries help us."


    Tolak and Rorel countries didn''t have borders touching Jialin. That being said, they were out of Jialin''s reach at the moment.


    "No country likes to see the others growing strong; that''s the natural rule of the world. With the payment from Cassen''s King and the fact that Tolak and Rorel are not at war with anyone, we will be able to get this extra force to help us. Of course, they won''t send all their experts. Instead, it will mostly be Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators. There will be a few Nascent Soul Realm cultivators in tow, but they are only there to oversee the war."


    Gofen''s subordinate couldn''t help but ask.


    "Still, why do I feel like this is not the only reason they are coming to help us? If making payments was enough to make other countries'' powers move, many countries would have used this method before to defend themselves. However, all countries are selfish. They would rather keep their forces alive."


    Gofen agreed.


    "That''s correct. However, I don''t know the details of their negotiation. In any case, it doesn''t matter to us. The important part is that we are getting the reinforcements we need to hold Jialin''s forces back. Whatever the reason is, it''s beneficial to both Cassen and those two helpers. That''s all we need to know."


    Back at Death Unit, Kentucky''s eyes suddenly lit up as he looked in a particular direction. If one looked closely, they would even be able to see him drooling.


    *Chick!*

 Chapter 338 - New Discovery

    As Gofen mentioned, the Death Unit had received orders to help secure the new area acquired during the last battle a few days later. Naturally, they had to move to that place. However, when they finally arrived there, Kentucky''s perception immediately found something.


    Rean noticed the change in Kentucky''s behavior as the Minokawa looked in a particular direction.


    "This... what''s wrong, Kentucky? Did you find anything?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/new-discovery_51118114846342604 for visiting.


    *Chick! Chick! Chick!*


    Kentucky jumped, excited while using his wings to point in the direction he was looking in.


    Roan looked at it and remembered something.


    "Isn''t this the same reaction when the chicken found that..."


    However, Roan stopped talking there. After all, Kentucky''s abilities were also a secret. Instead, Roan used their Soul Connection to convene his words.


    ''Isn''t that the same reaction Kentucky had when he found the Luminun Ore deposit?''


    ''Ah! That''s right!''


    Rean didn''t have much Luminun Ore remaining. After all, it had already been over a year since they found the Luminun Ore deposit. At that time, Rean got 10 kilograms of that metal. As a Middle Heaven-Quality Ore, Kentucky could eat and digest around 100 grams every five days, which gave Rean a supply that would last five hundred days. By now, he only had 400 or so grams left in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    Of course, he still had Elder Reliance''s stock that could last him another month or so. Reliance himself said that he didn''t mind parting with it. Yet, that would soon be over as well. Kentucky could live perfectly fine without the Heaven Level ores to eat. In exchange, the development of his feathers and scales would be almost halted since Kentucky would only be able to use Spiritual Energy on them.


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky then tried to run away in the ore deposit''s direction, but Rean immediately stopped him.


    ''Stop right there!''


    Kentucky then looked behind, puzzled.


    *Chick?*


    ''You can''t go right now. Stay here. Understood?''


    Kentucky couldn''t help but look with a sad expression. However, Rean was adamant.


    After confirming that Kentucky wouldn''t run out by himself, the twins finally started to talk.


    ''Considering Kentucky''s search range, the deposit might very well be hundreds of kilometers away.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Kentucky only noticed that deposit''s presence once we arrived at this newly conquered area. That means we are at the very border of his perception. Also, don''t forget that he is a lot stronger now than when we found him. His perception range has probably increased a lot since then. I wouldn''t be surprised if this deposit was a thousand kilometers away.''


    Rean agreed with him.


    ''That is well within the Cassen''s army territory. It already took this long to take this area that was only 50km into their territory, let alone conquer all that 1000.''


    ''We need to talk with Droman and Mia.''


    Other than Reliance, Droman and Mia were the only ones who knew about Kentucky''s real identity. Obviously, they also knew about its ability to detect Heaven Level metals.


    Roan then stayed in the area while Rean dashed back to where they came. Rean was responsible for everything related to equipment, so Roan did not intervene and let him do as he wished.


    The Jialin forces were already building another Communication Formation in the new area. Still, it would take a day or two to pass all the cables and connect everything. Without any other choice, Rean had to go back to where the closest one was located. Well, with his Enhancement Ability and Core Formation Realm cultivation, that wasn''t anything hard to do.


    Finally, Rean reached the Communication Formation.


    "Halt! Who goes there?"


    The guards protecting the formation had noticed Rean immediately.


    "It''s me."


    Rean finally got close enough for them to see who it was.


    "Oh, Rean. What''s up? You need to pass any message?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes. Can I use our communication formation for a second?"


    The guards nodded and let Rean pass after he showed his Dalamu Sect badge. Not everyone could use Jialin''s Communication Formations. Only the leaders of each Unit could do so, and they needed to have a good reason for it. However, Rean was Droman''s Disciple, the Formation Master responsible for all communication formations, so he had a free pass.


    Rean didn''t say what he found in Cassen''s territory. He simply requested that his Master came to see him as soon as possible. Their communication system was still too primitive. There were no such things as cryptograph or the like. At most, they had a few codes with hidden meanings. It was better to talk with Droman face to face.


    Droman didn''t take too long to appear after that. Since he was responsible for all communication formations, he obviously stayed nearby.


    "What is it? It is not the time for your Formation lessons yet."


    Rean shook his head before using a Spiritual Sense message to explain everything.


    ''Kentucky seems to have found another Ore Deposit with Heaven level ores. This time, he was a lot more excited as well. I believe that whatever he detected is of very high quality, or there is a huge amount.''


    Droman was surprised to hear that.


    ''That''s great! Give me a second.''


    Droman took a Thoughts Transmission Talisman and immediately contacted Mia. Sure enough, Mia also arrived after some time. The good things about Thoughts Transmission Talismans were that they were safe, so Droman already told her everything when he sent her the message.


    ''Rean, are you sure about that? Is there really another Heaven Level deposit here?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''I''m sure. However, I don''t know where it is since it''s within Cassen''s territory. Also, Kentucky is at the very limit of his detection range, so the deposit is definitely far inside the enemy''s ranks.''


    Mia nodded, not minding that part.


    ''It''s fine. I just need the general direction so that we can focus our attacks on that side. However, you must understand that the spoils will be the property of the entire alliance. We will need to share it with the others.''


    Rean already expected that. After all, if they tried to take everything for themselves and were found after, that might start an internal conflict instead. That''s the last thing Jialin and Dalamu needed at the moment.


    ''How are you going to tell others about it?''


    Mia smiled before saying.


    ''Don''t worry, that''s a simple matter.''

 Chapter 339 - Continue

    The reason Rean asked that was that Kentucky''s ability should not be revealed. Mia wasn''t an idiot, so she knew how to act.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/continue_51118127731244594 for visiting.


    ''Alright, Rean. Tell me everything you know at the moment.''


    Rean nodded and explained what he knew to Mia and Droman.


    Mia wasn''t sad that they would need to share the deposit with the Royal Family, the Sects, and the Laan experts. After all, Heaven Level materials were worth a lot to the point that even shared amounts are worth acquiring. Besides, wars were incredibly costly for countries. The rewards of the new territory would take a very long time to make up for the loss. Those Heaven Level Ores would help a lot in that case.


    Mia left not long after talking to Rean. A few moments later, Droman also bid his farewell and returned to his place. Rean smiled and also left the area, going back to the newly conquered region.


    ''It''s done. Mia went to talk with the other leaders about this Heaven Level deposit. I just hope she doesn''t reveal anything about Kentucky.''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''There is no need to worry. Mia can simply state that her spies found this information, and none of them would be able to do anything about it. In fact, they won''t care how she found this information either. Once they heard that a Heaven Level Ore Deposit was located, they will immediately switch their attention to securing it.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''That''s good. I just hope to get some of it so I can feed Kentucky.''


    ''That shouldn''t be a problem. Knowing how Mia acts, she''ll probably give you another 50% of what the sect acquires. Of course, considering the share between all the powers in this war, the amount will probably be smaller than the time we found the Luminun Ore deposit.''


    Rean didn''t mind that.


    ''Anyway, why do I feel like everyone is tense?''


    Roan then passed Rean a bunch of doc.u.ments with information inside.


    ''It seems like Cassen''s King convinced the two countries behind it to offer support during this war. Several units with cultivation ranging from Foundation Establishment to the Core and Soul Fusion Realm are coming now.''


    Rean was taken aback.


    ''Isn''t that bad? We won''t be able to advance anymore if the difference in numbers is that big.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Indeed. After 10 months of war, we have acquired quite a significant part of their territory. Although it couldn''t be compared to the Sects or Royal Family ones, it is still enough for the Laan experts to build their home. That being said, there''s a good chance that Jialin will stop this war right here.''


    Rean narrowed his eyes. If that happened, they wouldn''t be able to acquire the ore deposit. Naturally, there would be no food for Kentucky.


    Roan could tell what Rean was thinking.


    ''Don''t worry, this is just a possibility. Didn''t Mia leave straight away when you told her about this information? Chances are that Jialin will try to at least reach the ore deposit before calling this war.''


    Roan was right. Right now, Mia was talking with the leaders participating in this war against Cassen.


    "Heaven Level Ores! Are you sure about that?"


    Mia shrugged her shoulders.


    "How can I be? This is just something that my Dalamu Sect spies found. However, they haven''t seen it by themselves. However, it is most likely true."


    Burin looked at Mia and Zuan, who was beside her.


    "How can you be so sure about that?"


    Mia then explained.


    "Simple. Didn''t we just receive a report that Tolak and Rorel joined in an alliance with Cassen to help hold us back? Don''t you think it would be too weird? We didn''t get even close to conquering enough territory to force those two countries to move. Even if Cassen''s King paid them, that shouldn''t be enough for them to move. Only in a case where the benefits were enormous would it be worth risking the lives of their forces."


    Everyone in the room soon became pensive.


    Sure enough, they knew about the income help. After all, there was no way such a huge amount of cultivators would appear on Cassen''s side without being noticed.


    "That makes sense. We were all puzzled as to why those two countries decided to help out of nowhere. However, as good as Heaven Level materials are, would it be enough to make those two countries move? After all, it''s not like they can''t get these kinds of metals as long as they are willing to pay the price. Their overall force should be more important than the deposit."


    Everyone agreed with that as well. However, it was then that Rago from the Rohe Sect said.


    "In that case, it can only mean two things. One, this deposit is so big that those countries think that it is worth a shot. Or two, there is High, or Peak Level Heaven Materials there. I personally feel like it''s the first option."


    Everyone agreed with Rago. Indeed, for it to be worth a country''s mobilization, the reward must be big enough.


    "Alright. At first, we were discussing whether we should continue this war or not. After all, the addition of those two countries'' armies was out of our calculations at this point. However, I believe all of you don''t want to give up this deposit anymore, right? After all, if Cassen can mobilize two allies, this deposit is bound to be worth it."


    Roan was right. They were really considering stopping this war. Kentucky''s findings overturned the situation.


    "Those who agree to continue in securing the deposit, raise your hands."


    Mia and Zuan immediately raised their hands. Not long after, Umbral Sect did the same. Rohe, Lagan, and Laskil quickly followed. In the end, only the Laan experts remained.


    "Could it be that the ore deposit doesn''t attract your interest?"


    Fuka shook his head.


    "That''s not it. It''s just that back in Laan City, we had access to quite a few pieces of equipment at the Heaven Level. It''s quite weird to have to fight for it now."


    When the Laan experts were teleported outside the city, their equipment didn''t come with them. The Artifact Spirit had retrieved everything. After all, they didn''t win those things. They were given by the Artifact Spirit itself.


    Eventually, Fuka and Nefere raised their hands.


    "Alright. We''ll need to get a few weapons for us as well, so we agree."


    With that, the continuation of the war was set in stone.

 Chapter 340 - Last Defense Army

    With Kentucky''s findings, the flow of the war had changed. The units filled with cultivators were now following the path indicated by Mia. However, things turned a lot more gruesome now that two countries joined to help in defending Cassen. Tolak and Rorel Countries had only dispatched part of their forces. If not for that, Jialin would be forced to stop the war due to the numbers'' difference.


    Back on the side of the Death Unit, Roan and the others were once again looking at a map of the region. Mia was right about her thoughts. It was indeed because of the Heaven Level Ore deposit that Tolak and Rorel joined Cassen''s side.


    There was a big problem ahead of Jialin at the moment.


    At first, Tolak and Rorel were expecting to not lose a single cultivator. That''s because the idea was to show their hands and force Jialin to stop, thinking that it wouldn''t be worth continuing this war. Unfortunately, Kentucky''s ability changed that outcome.


    Soon, they noticed how Jialin slightly changed their path of attack. Naturally, they were moving in the direction of the ore deposits. Mia would even ask Rean from time to time if they were moving in the right direction, which Rean confirmed through Kentucky.


    Unfortunately, Jialin had now reached an impasse. Since Cassen, Tolak, and Rorel knew where Jialin''s army was heading towards, they immediately mounted a defense line. That''s to be expected since the reason for their alliance was behind them.


    At the same time, they began to mine the place. Their objective was to get the Heaven Level Ores before Jialin arrived.


    Cassen had found this deposit by pure coincidence. It was because Jialin was attacking that their forces gathered around. If not for that, this deposit would probably be kept hidden for who knows how long. After investigating, they understood that this was a Triliun Ore vein. Triliun was an Earth Peak-Level material.


    As mentioned in the past, the Luminun Ore was discovered because of the Zarkarian Ore. As for Zarkarian Ore itself, it was an Earth High-Level Ore. Luminun Ore appeared at the very center of Zarkarian Ore. It''s not wrong to say that Luminun Ore was an evolution of Zarkarian Ore.


    As for Triliun Ore, as long as the vein was big enough and had a constant flow of Spiritual Energy, one might be able to find Transten Ore. This was a rare Heaven High-Level type of ore known for being able to circulate Spiritual Energy easily. One doesn''t need to be an expert to understand that it was incredibly valuable, especially for cultivators at the Nascent Soul Realm and above.


    Of course, one couldn''t ignore the Triliun Ore itself. After all, it was just a weaker level of Trasnten Ore. Earth Peak-Level Ores would also be worth a lot.


    The problem that Cassen was facing at the moment was that this deposit was too big. In the past, Dalamu Sect took over a month to reach the Luminun Ore located at the center of the Zarkarian Ore Vein. Not to mention that Zarkarian and Luminun Ores were a lightweight type of metal, so they were easier to mine.


    Triliun Ore was a metal of higher level than Zarkarian. Even if it was at the same level, Triliun was already considered a metal with a higher defense than Zarkarian since Zarkarian was a lightweight material. Also, the deposit was much bigger than the Zarkarian deposit found in the Dalamu Sect territory. That being said, the time necessary to mine it and reach the center of the Triliun Vein would be several times higher. At least four months to half a year would be required depending on how deep inside the Transten Ore was.


    Unless you were at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, you could not fly. Nascent Soul Realm cultivators and above also refrained from joining the battle. That''s because neither side wanted to risk losing those level of experts.


    That being said, most of the war was conducted on the ground through their Foundation Establishment and Core Formation Realm cultivators. There were very few Core and Soul Fusion cultivators participating. They couldn''t give up their own allies on the ground.


    That was all Cassen needed to mount a strong resistance. They selected an area where they would have the terrain advantage. Jialin couldn''t circ.u.mvent it either. Going around with a few cultivators and going around with an army of tens of thousands were two completely different things. It took time to move everyone in an orderly manner.


    That also meant that Jialin would have to turn their backs to Cassen''s alliance. Cassen and the other countries could use that chance to strike the middle of the pack or their rear. In the end, Jialin would need to lose a good part of its forces. It simply wasn''t worth it since they wouldn''t have the numbers to contend against Cassen''s alliance once they finished that.


    It also wasn''t possible to make a much bigger detour. This was Cassen''s territory. The Cassen alliance had a free pass behind this defense line. They would be able to move much faster and mount another defense line somewhere else to stop Jialin''s advance. Not to mention that they already know the terrain much better than Jialin did. That being said, Jialin would only waste its time and resources by doing that. One couldn''t forget that it would give Cassen, Tolak, and Rorel even more time to mine the Triliun Vein and the Transten Ore.


    There was only one path remaining. Jialin had to defeat this defense line in head-on combat. It would be a clash to test the power of its cultivators and their own strategists.


    Back in the Jialin Army, one of the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators couldn''t help but ask.


    "They have all gathered ahead. Can''t we simply go there and level the ground for our army to pass?"


    Zuan, the Dalamu Sect''s Ancestor, shook his head.


    "That won''t happen. You can''t feel it, but how can I and the others not? The four Saint Realm experts of Cassen are there, watching us. They also brought most of their Soul Transformation and Nascent Soul Realm cultivators. The moment we move, they will do the same. At that moment, the army below us will be the ones who''d suffer."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/last-defense-army_51118142243521041 for visiting.


    It was awkward how both Jialin and Cassen couldn''t use their high-level experts to decide the outcome. Jialin couldn''t bring all their Saint, Soul Transformation, and Nascent Soul Realm experts. After all, someone had to stay in Jialin to defend their homes. However, Cassen was inside of its own country. There was no problem for them to bring almost everyone.


    That being said, Jialin and Cassen had the same number of Saint Realm Experts waiting. Soul Transformation and Nascent Soul ones were not that different either. It was fine for their countries to lose a high number of Foundation Establishment and Core Formation experts. Considering the lifespan of cultivators, they would recover those level of experts in no time. However, Nascent Soul cultivators and above was another matter entirely. Even Core and Soul Fusion were already quite powerful, so not a lot had participated in this battle.


    All of a sudden, one of the Saint Realm experts of Cassen came out of the defense lines.


    "Who is the Jialin Country representative? Step forward!"


    Kocei Jialin was the one who came this time.


    "I''m Kocei Jialin. Speak!"


    Immediately, everyone''s eyes and ears were attracted to the skies.

 Chapter 341 - As Long as I have Full Control

    Seeing that the Jialin Representative appeared, the man began to speak.


    "I''m Larael Cassen, the Ancestor of Cassen''s Royal Family. I came forward with a deal. Your country has already conquered quite a significant part of my own. That should be enough for whatever reason you need it since you said you wouldn''t try to take us over completely."


    "Let''s end it here. I know that you guys are continuing this battle because you also learned about the mineral deposit. We can share that deposit equally between the four countries involved at the moment, 25% for each one, what do you say?"


    Kocei narrowed his eyes as he looked behind. Zuan and the other two Saint Realm cultivators couldn''t help but agree with that offer. Indeed, 25% wasn''t the same as the entire deposit, but they would obtain it without having to risk their armies in this even fight.


    In fact, Jialin didn''t even know if they had the advantage. They had the communication formations spread on their side of the battlefield. That would indeed be of enormous help during the fight. However, the Cassen Alliance had the terrain advantage and an equal number of cultivators. The area they selected was really not very good for the attackers.


    As for Tolak and Rorel Countries, their share would simply change from 33% to 25%. It wouldn''t be too much of a difference. Not to mention that they would leave this country without having lost many soldiers. That was a deal that they were more than happy to take.


    Kocei then looked behind at the Laan expert, Fuka. The territory they conquered so far was basically their new territory once they joined Jialin. It depended on whether this was enough for them or not.


    Kocei then returned to the other three Saint Realm cultivators to talk.


    "What do you think? Do any of you think that we can overcome their forces and take the entire deposit?"


    Burin was the first one to talk.


    "I''m not sure. Even if we can, it will be difficult. To be honest, I think 25% would be a good exchange."


    Zuan shook his head in response.


    "I think we should try. With the communication system on our side, I believe we can overcome their terrain advantage. An entire deposit is much better than just one-fourth, after all."


    Kocei and Fuka, the other two Saint Realm Experts, turned silent. The offer was good, but both of them wanted something more. Jialin Royal Family wanted the deposit. Laan wanted a larger territory since the actual one was only barely enough to stay. However, it was true that they could prevent more losses if they took this offer now.


    Back in the Death Unit, everyone was looking at the ancestors in the distance. They also heard the offer from the Cassen Country since Larael didn''t try to hide his voice. The opinions all around were mixed. Some would prefer the war to be over so that they wouldn''t risk more deaths. Others wanted it to continue since they wanted more merit points to exchange for rewards from the sects.


    Suddenly, Roan looked back and narrowed his eyes. In his case, he wanted it to continue so that Calina and the others would have more chances to train. But he felt like the Ancestors would eventually opt for the safer path.


    "Illia!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/as-long-as-i-have-full-control_51118164523664018 for visiting.


    Calina heard her fake name and immediately stepped forward.


    "Yes!"


    Roan looked at her before saying.


    "You will be taking full control of the Death Unit. This will be your final test, so you better perform it accordingly. Rean will stay here with Kentucky to give you support with strategies. I need to go somewhere else, so I''m not participating this time."


    Calina was taken aback. So far, Roan had always been the real commander behind everything. Even when he didn''t come together with the group, he would still be the one giving orders from behind. All of Calina''s orders were done with the mentality that Roan would be there to fix her errors if things went wrong.


    "B-But... What if I make a serious mistake?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "Is that your resolve? Did you forget what you need to do? Or do you think I''ll be able to offer help all the way? Wake up, girl! You will need to do something like this alone sooner or later."


    Roan then turned in Rean''s direction and sent him a message through their Soul Connection.


    ''I need to leave before they cancel this war.''


    Rean could already imagine what Roan was going to do.


    ''Can you convince Zuan?''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''I don''t know, but I''ll try. If you need anything, let me know through the Soul Connection. Make sure those two girls don''t die.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Don''t worry. If worse comes to worst, I''ll drag both of them into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.''


    Roan turned around as soon as he heard that, quickly dashing to the back of the forces where the Ancestors were talking.


    Zuan and the others were still talking. However, it was just like Roan predicted. It looked like they were about to accept Cassen''s offer.


    Suddenly, Zuan received a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''I''ll lead the army. Just tell everyone to follow my orders, and we will crush this defense line.''


    Zuan was shocked by those words and immediately looked down. There, he saw Roan coming out of the sea of cultivators while looking at him.


    ''Brat! What nonsense are you talking about? Let alone that I wouldn''t let you do it, do you think the other sect representatives and ancestors would let you lead their armies? Quit dreaming.''


    Zuan couldn''t tell where Roan''s confidence was coming from. However, he didn''t consider accepting Roan''s idea even for a split second. As impressive as the twins might be, he didn''t think that they were this heaven-defying.


    However, another person was together with the Saint Realm cultivators and sects'' representatives, Kassie. Roan didn''t send that Spiritual Sense message to Zuan alone, but her as well. Kassie saw Roan''s power in Sisca. Still, she also thought that Sisca and real war were two different things. Yet, she was also curious why Roan seemed that confident.


    ''Ancestor Zuan, let''s at least hear what he has planned.''


    Kassie was one of the main strategists in this war, so Zuan still considered her opinions. Nevertheless, he narrowed his eyes.


    ''Are you serious?''


    Kassie nodded.


    ''There won''t be anything wrong with listening to what he has to say, right? Besides, I''m sure Ancestor doesn''t want this war to end like this. Perhaps Roan has a way to convince everyone to continue.''


    Zuan pondered a bit but nodded in the end. Just hearing a few words would not be a big deal.


    ''Speak, what do you want to do? Hurry up since it won''t take long before everyone decides to give this war up.''


    Roan sighed in relief. At least, they were willing to hear what he had to say. The hardest hurdle was now gone.


    ''This plan goes like this...''


    Roan then compiled everything he had in mind and passed it to Kassie and Zuan through a Spiritual Sense Message.


    Immediately, Zuan and Kassie looked at Roan with shock in their eyes once again.


    ''Is that even possible?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''As long as I have full control, there will be no other outcome other than success.''

 Chapter 342 - War Agreement

    ''Ancestor Zuan, what do you think?''


    Zuan pondered a bit before saying.


    ''Even if I accept, the other leaders won''t. At least, not if it''s a kid who''s suggesting it.''


    Zuan then looked at Kassie before saying.


    ''But if it''s you, they might agree with it. You can simply have Roan stay with you during this time and give the commands yourself. Roan would then use Spiritual Sense messages to tell you what to do.''


    Kassie pondered a bit and admitted that it was a good idea. If anyone asked, she could simply say that she took him as a disciple or whatever. First of all, she wasn''t obligated to give anyone an explanation to keep someone close to her.


    ''Alright, let''s try.''


    Kassie then turned to everyone before saying.


    "I think I have a way to win this war. However, I will need full control of everyone''s units."


    Immediately, all eyes focused on Kassie. Soon after, Kocei Jialin spoke.


    "You are the main strategist of the Dalamu Sect. Speak, what do you have in mind. If you can really convince us you can win this war, we might follow your arrangements."


    Kassie nodded and immediately sent the entire plan through a Spiritual Sense message.


    "What? Can you really do something like that?!"


    "This is too crazy! Kassie, are you sure?"


    Kassie immediately confirmed.


    "I can, but I won''t lie. There is a good chance of it failing. If you think it is not worth the risk, then we can disband right away."


    Everyone immediately fell into thoughts as they analyzed their chances. Finally, Fuka looked at Kassie before saying.


    "The chances of failing are significantly high. However, it also has a great chance of working if Kassie can pull it off. My Laan City members would obviously be delighted to get a bigger territory to manage. After thinking about the odds, I decided to accept her idea."


    Kocei was the next one.


    "My Jialin Royal Family also accepts it. At least, we do have a feasible method. Besides, Kassie is known for being a formidable commander. She might just be able to really pull it out."


    Zuan, obviously, didn''t have any issues.


    "Kassie is part of my Dalamu Sect, so our opinion is the same as her."


    The Raskiu, Lagan, and Rohe Sect also nodded in the end and accepted the idea. Seeing that everyone decided to follow the plan, Umbral Sect eventually accepted it as well.


    "Alright, that''s up to you now."


    Kassie nodded.


    "Leave it to me."


    Kocei then turned around and headed back to where Larael Cassen was waiting.


    "We decided to continue. In the end, the territory is not enough for what we need. However, once we conquer the Pali Mountain Range ahead, it will be enough."


    Larael narrowed his eyes.


    "So you decided to attack us even though we have the terrain advantage, huh? Seem like you''ve become too greedy about the Triliun and Transten Ores. Very well. In that case, I have another deal for you."


    Kocei nodded.


    "Speak, what kind of deal?"


    Larael continued.


    "Let''s make this the last clash between our forces. If our side wins, your Jialin Country will immediately retreat and be happy with what you got. If you win, then we will retreat ourselves. Also, no cultivator above the Core and Soul Fusion Realm is allowed to participate in this battle. That way, both countries will be able to preserve their real experts. Of course, they can still give orders. After all, strategists are necessary for both sides. What do you think?"


    Kocei narrowed his eyes. This deal seemed a lot more advantageous for their Jialin Country than it was to Cassen.


    "You seem to be very confident in your chances of victory."


    Larael didn''t deny that.


    "We are. However, the first deal is still up. We can end this war with an equal share right now."


    Everyone then looked at Kocei. Everything that had to be said was said already. In the end, it would come up to the Royal Family''s decision.


    Finally, Kocei made his choice.


    "We will fight. I also accept your second deal. No cultivators at the Nascent Soul Realm and above shall participate in this battle. If we lose, we will immediately retreat without getting anything from the Ore Deposit. Only the already conquered territory."


    Larael Cassen smiled after hearing that.


    "That shall be done."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/war-agreement_51118179019178774 for visiting.


    Right after, he turned around and returned to the back of the defense line. Of course, none of the Saint Realm experts would retreat. They would keep their Spiritual Senses spread out, ensuring that neither side would intervene using high-level cultivators.


    Kocei also went back to his side.


    "You already heard what Larael said. We will not intervene in this battle with our power. Only the commanding is allowed. Kassie, we will leave it up to you from now on."


    Kassie nodded, and she immediately soared higher in the skies. However, Zuan did something different. Instead, he went down and grabbed Roan with his Spiritual Energy before flying to another place. A few people noticed that, including the other Ancestors. However, neither of them cared too much. After all, a few of them also had a disciple or another on their sides to learn.


    The plan was quite simple. Zuan kept Roan close enough to Kassie so that his Spiritual Sense could reach her. From there, he would give her the order, which she would repass to all the other commanders.


    Kassie pretended to ignore that and then spoke.


    "Listen up! From now on, I''m the one commanding all units. Those who refuse to comply with my orders will be executed, no questions asked. The other sect leaders already accepted this arrangement, so you can ask them directly if you want."


    Obviously, everyone was surprised to see that an elder of a single sect would be in charge of all forces. But when they asked their own side about this, they found out that it was really the truth.


    Kassie waited a few minutes until everyone had confirmed that her words were true before saying.


    "I believe everyone has understood it by now. All forces! Prepare to battle!"

 Chapter 343 - Taking Control

    The Units then began to reorganize themselves according to what Kassie said. There were several types of Units around. Some had only Foundation Establishment cultivators, while others had a few Core Formation cultivators in between. A few elite teams had more or were entirely made up of Core Formation Realm cultivators. Usually, these elite teams would have a Core and Soul Fusion leader, but it was rare for more than one to be present.


    However, there was one problem in the cultivation world. It was the fact that all cultivators relied too much on their individual prowess. That being said, even when they moved as a Unit, you rarely encountered a group moving with formations.


    The Death Unit was basically the only one that solely relied on it. Of course, the first three months when Roan trained everyone was worth it in the end. Roan''s group was considered one of the top Units in the War Ranking. However, they only had 300 members. Compared to the other elite Units, they didn''t even have half of their forces.


    Calina was in the front line, preparing their team to attack, when all of a sudden, she received a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Welloi, Salatis, Juka, Zouei, and Verder. Ask those five to take another 49 members and move to the positions I''ll tell you.''


    Calina was taken aback for a moment. That wasn''t Roan''s voice, but Kassie instead. Still, as the main commander in this attack, Calina had to comply with the orders.


    Those five were puzzled when they received those orders as well. Of course, they didn''t dare to ignore it and immediately divided the group into six parts. Soon after, they moved away to join other Units at the front line.


    Seeing that, Calina couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''How am I going to lead our Death Unit now? To think that we would be separated even before the battle started. Well, Rean and Kentucky are still here with the elites of our group. However...''


    Calina then looked at the five people the order mentioned.


    Welloi and company were five cultivators that showed some talent at leading. During the three months Roan had been training their Unit, not only did he focus on Calina, but also on those five. A Unit isn''t just led by a single commander. Small unit leaders were also necessary to piece the whole Unit together through the main commander. Only through an action like this could they use the Formations properly.


    However, she soon noticed something different.


    "This..."


    It turns out that although those five had been separated from Calina, they were still inside her Spiritual Sense range. That being said, she could still give them orders on how to move together.


    Soon, more strange things happened. Welloi and the others noticed that several Units began to attach to them. Not to mention that those Units were the elite ones with many Core Formation Realm cultivators. Calina wasn''t an exception. She was specially given three Units with Core and Soul Fusion Realm leaders in the middle.


    "Why are they staying behind us?"


    "How would I know? They simply came on their own."


    "Is it part of the plan?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/taking-control_51229888685863567 for visiting.


    Suddenly, Welloi, Calina, and the other four heard a Spiritual Sense message. However, it wasn''t from Kassie this time, but Roan.


    ''You six groups will be responsible for guiding the main elite groups during the attack. Use everything you learned. It''s still morning, so you have until the end of the night to teach them how to use the cutting edge formation. The success of this operation depends on you.''


    Soon after, Roan began to focus on other groups. He didn''t have enough time to deal with those guys, so he left it for Calina and the rest to deal with.


    Calina''s group immediately began to sweat all over. Let''s not even talk about the limited time to work with these new teams. Would they accept being led by the six of them? Especially with ''Illia,'' a teenager, as the main commander between them all?


    Besides, the cutting edge formation is just...


    Sure enough, complaints began to appear right from the start.


    "Leader, I can''t accept this! Why do we need to follow that brat''s orders?! She''s gonna get us killed!"


    "This isn''t right. Death Unit is indeed one of the top-ranked Units. However, we are not any weaker. Shouldn''t it be us that should lead instead?"


    "Forget them. Once the battle starts, we will move as we wish."


    Several similar sentences appeared right and left, making Calina and the others feel helpless. How would they teach these guys when they obviously have no intention of following their orders? Besides, the number of cultivators under her command right now was several times bigger than before. She had at least three thousand elite cultivators to lead!


    It was then that Rean touched her shoulder and used a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Calina, this is also a test. Tell me, how can you convince the Imperial Family of your rights to the throne if you can''t even convince a bunch of low-level cultivators? This is just another roadblock in your path. Compared to what the future has for you, what can it be accounted for?''


    Calina looked back at Rean, who seemed to be very calm. Finally, she took a deep breath and began to shout.


    "Listen up! From now on, we are all a single Unit, and I''m the main commander! My orders are god''s orders! What I say is the rule! Those who don''t comply with it will be punished accordingly under the rules agreed between the Sects and Royal Family. Who are the leaders of the Units who joined me?! Step forward!"


    All the Units looked at Calina with a surprised expression. Finally, one of the leaders stepped forward before saying.


    "Little girl, no one here has any intention of doing whatever you want."


    He was a cultivator from the Lagan Sect called Via Sunimai, his cultivation level at the Initial Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm. The guy was quite big, being almost twice Calina''s size. However, the girl didn''t step back.


    "Hmph! Should I consider it as you breaking the rules Senior Kassie put in place?"


    Via narrowed his eyes. Kassie was very straightforward. Those who don''t follow the order would be executed. Of course, Via and the other leaders wouldn''t simply leave things like that.

 Chapter 344 - Challenge

    Roan could have asked Kassie to play the strict commander role to help Calina. All Kassie had to do was to say a few words. For example, she would follow their entire new Unit with her Spiritual Sense. If she saw as much as a single cultivator showing signs of rejecting Calina''s orders, she would kill that guy or girl straight away.


    With just this much effort, everyone in Calina''s new Unit would be forced to follow her orders to the letter. After all, none of them wanted to die from an attack of a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator from behind. The other sects gave Kassie full control, so they knew she could do it.


    However, Roan had left Calina to control the things on her own on purpose. Until now, it was he who put their group under the leash. Calina only had to worry about giving the correct orders and focus on the battlefield. However, that wouldn''t be good enough in the future. This just so happened to be a golden chance to test Calina''s abilities to deal with this situation.


    While Calina thought about what to do, Roan switched his attention to the rest of the Units. Calina was controlling around 3000 elite members, but elite Units were somewhat rare. The majority were still common Units that were just as important in a war. After all, there''s a limit to what one can do against numbers.


    At the moment, the other Units out of Calina''s command had a total of more than fifty thousand cultivators! Laan Experts counted only for two thousand or so of those, while the Royal Family had the biggest number since they had a real army under their command. As for the other five sects, each had around five thousand included in this army.


    Roan knew that it would be impossible to teach these guys how to properly work with formations in just a single day. However, he would need to at least teach them the most basic forms of movement.


    There was a big difference between the medieval era back on Earth and the cultivation world. Thus, it made things even harder to practice since Roan had to account for friendly fire. Even the most simple formations became a pain in the ass when the cultivator''s skills were accounted for. However, once they understood how to work together as a unit, they were really unstoppable.


    Different from the elite under Calina''s command, Roan didn''t refrain from using Kassie''s authority. He never said or pointed anything out. All the words were transmitted through Spiritual Sense to Kassie, who then pretended that she was the one giving the orders.


    Still, as time passed, Kassie became more and more shocked with Roan''s abilities.


    ''How the heck does he know all the Units'' average power and abilities this well?''


    Roan didn''t know what Kassie was thinking, nor did he care. His mind was working at full speed, thinking about nothing more than the war.


    Meanwhile, Welloi, Salatis, Juka, Zouei, and Verder were becoming even more nervous. They were all in the Core Formation Realm. However, they couldn''t possibly contend against all those elites. Not to mention the Core and Soul Fusion Realm ones.


    Sure enough, Calina was having issues dealing with those guys.


    Another leader of those elite Units also came out after hearing Calina''s provocation. His name was Dillo Xarvei, an expert of the Rohe Sect.


    "Hehe! Do you think we''re afraid of such words? There''s no way that Senior Kassie would kill all of us. At least two-thirds of the elites of the entire army are gathered here. Would she slaughter all of us? If so, how do you expect her to win this battle?"


    All the cultivators that felt fear at first quickly calmed down. Indeed, killing them for ignoring these orders was far from realistic.


    Calina laughed after hearing that, though.


    "Hahaha! There is no need to kill all of you. I just need to report who the leaders are and get rid of them. The rest will definitely follow orders after that. If they don''t, I can just keep spitting out names of random people until I believe no more leaders are remaining."


    Via and Dillo were taken aback. This girl was small and seemed quite frail, but they had to admit that she had some courage.


    "Little girl, do you think everyone will simply follow your orders just because you did that?"


    Calina smiled.


    "I know what you are thinking. You simply have to pretend to do what I want for now. Tomorrow, once the battle starts, you can simply move out on your own. At the very least, you can sabotage my plans just to seek revenge or say that I''m not suited to be the leader of this new Unit. Am I correct?"


    Via nodded.


    "It''s that simple. We are from different sects. None other than us understand our Units best. Just stay quiet in your corner and let the grown-ups do their jobs."


    Calina smiled after hearing that.


    "Oh! So you''re saying that I can''t lead your groups better than you. Is that correct?"


    Everyone nodded without even thinking.


    "Very well. Should we make a small bet, then?"


    Via and Dillo had puzzled expressions.


    "A bet? What kind of bet?"


    Calina then explained.


    "Simple. As long as I can prove that I''m a much better commander than all your Units'' leaders, you will strictly follow my orders. What do you say?"


    Via snorted.


    "And what if you lose?"


    Calina laughed once again.


    "In that case, I won''t say anything about your little rebellion here. You can act as you wish when tomorrow arrives. I believe that not having your Unit leaders killed is already a good reward, no?"


    Via, Dillo, and the other Units'' leaders didn''t like how Calina pieced her words. Still, she could really have them killed if they insisted on not following her orders. In a certain way, that was the fastest way to put an end to this issue. However...


    "It looks good and all, but how do you expect to prove that you are a better commander than any of us?"


    Calina nodded.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/challenge_51229945610957453 for visiting.


    "Well, the answer to that is quite simple."


    "I''ll be challenging all of you together."

 Chapter 345 - How to decide

    Everyone was taken aback. Those were truly bold words. After all, a few of the leaders were even in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. How does she expect to beat all of them with her Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm cultivation?


    However, Via soon noticed the loophole behind those words.


    "Wait... You said you would prove that you are a better commander, so a direct battle is useless. How do you expect to do it, then?"


    Calina smiled before responding.


    "The idea was for me to command a unit against a unit controlled by you all. However, you all have your own way of leading your teams. If I really asked you guys for something like that, I would have the advantage since there would be no divergence of opinions and orders."


    "That being said, we have two options. First, you can all select a leader who will represent your units and control a team against me. However, can all of you decide on who you''ll put your trust in?"


    Immediately, everyone went silent. Not a single one of them would select someone else. They all wanted to be the representative of the Units. Obviously, there would never be a decision in the end.


    "This won''t work. What''s the second option?"


    Calina shrugged her shoulders.


    "The game that almost any cultivator who likes to command knows about, Sisca. With that, you can all discuss your commands and reach a decision together on how to move. As you all know, Sisca is a good way to test someone''s ability to command. How about that? All your heads together against mine."


    Roan had to admit that he liked this game called Sisca quite a lot. That being said, he also brought a Sisca Board with him inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Every now and then, he would use Sisca to measure Calina''s current progress other than just real battles. Even the map they used to check the terrain was used with Sisca game pieces.


    The longer you spent on the planning table, the higher your chances of success. Roan truly believed in this saying. Other than Calina, he played several times against Rean too. Last but not least, he forced Malaka to learn how to play it. The girl didn''t like to think that much, but she had to since the punishment for poor display wasn''t anything funny. To a certain extent, Malaka had a good understanding of tactics now.


    Unfortunately, it was just that Roan was way too good at this kind of thing. And so, he always crushed Calina, Rean, and Malaka.


    At the moment, this was the only way Calina thought where she could defeat all the leaders of the other Units together in a small amount of time.


    "Sisca? You want to bet the command of the elite Units in a game? That''s ridiculous."


    "That might sound idiotic. However, that would indeed prove her ability if she wins. Besides, suppose we don''t accept anything. In that case, she can simply tell the Main Commander, Senior Kassie, that we are not following her orders."


    "He''s right. In any case, do you think she can win against all of us together? I don''t know about you guys, but I''ve played Sisca with my grandfather hundreds of times. That''s why I like being in command. If you want, I can play with her on your behalfs."


    "Hmph! Do you think you''re the only one good at this game? Forget it, I''ll play with her. I doubt she would be better than me."


    "Enough! There is no need for us to select a representative. We can all play together since we can take our time to discuss the best moves. As long as we don''t need to follow her orders tomorrow, I don''t mind what method we use."


    In the end, they all nodded. Calina was right. Most of the cultivators who like to lead were also players of Sisca. Only one of the Elite Units had a leader that hasn''t played the game before. The rest thought that they were very good at it.


    Finally, they all reached the same agreement and accepted Calina''s offer.


    "Very well, but on one condition. Neither side can receive external help. Let''s use a Spiritual Sense Alerting formation. That way, no one can send hidden strategies to others."


    There were Anti-Spiritual Sense formations out there. However, those were harder to build and more expensive. However, if it was just a simple alert formation, then it was more simple. Even Rean could build one in just a few minutes. Of course, if the Spiritual Sense Level was too high, a simple formation wouldn''t work. Fortunately, the highest cultivation in the middle of the elite teams was only the Core and Soul Fusion Realm.


    Rean and a few more cultivators of the other teams quickly built a Spiritual Sense Alert formation. Sure enough, in the middle of over three thousand cultivators, there was bound to be a few who had Formation Master as a side occupation. With them working together, building the formation was faster, with higher quality, and prevented someone from playing some tricks.


    "Wait! Does anyone have a Sisca Board?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/how-to-decide_51229959032730444 for visiting.


    Suddenly, a white-haired young man appeared with the big board above his head. Naturally, it was Rean. The moment Calina brought her idea up, he retreated to somewhere hidden and took the board out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. He then placed it close by before he helped in building the Spiritual Sense Alerting Formation.


    ''Where the hell did this guy keep this board?''


    Rean smiled but didn''t say anything. He simply placed the board in the middle of the formation.


    "Alright. Here are the board and the pieces."


    Calina smiled and couldn''t help but send him a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''So, you don''t think this is a bad idea?''


    Rean shook his head.


    ''Nope. It''s just as you said, we couldn''t have all of them become commanders at the same time to fight you. Sisca is indeed a quick way to prove your side without them complaining.''


    Calina then looked away before asking.


    ''Do you think Roan would approve this idea?''


    Rean laughed after hearing that.


    ''Probably.''


    Far away in the sky, Roan glanced at Calina''s group. A faint smile appeared on his lips for a second before it disappeared.

 Chapter 346 - Organizing

    While Calina played with the other leaders, Roan paid attention to the army. He kept sending Spiritual Sense Messages to Kassie almost nonstop. It had even reached a point where Kassie was already having problems keeping up with everything.


    ''The 37th unit, their Core Formation Realm members are moving too far. Make sure they give cover to the back group.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/organizing_51229972722938834 for visiting.


    ''The 26th and 28th Unit won''t be able to form a double line defense like that. Tell their stupid leaders that you don''t give a damn to whatever disputes they have. If they don''t start cooperating, you will kill them and appoint two new leaders for their teams.''


    ''104th unit is too far ahead. They are one of the elite units staying out of the main elite group. They have too many high-level cultivators, so their speed is much higher. However, they aren''t doing that on purpose. Tell them to swap 20% of their Unit Forces with the 103rd and 105th Units. That will force them to follow the pace of the nearby teams.''


    ''The 7th to 28th teams are starting to understand their role. Good, tell them that they can close their distance. I want to see them reduce their space while keeping the formation by at least 20% in the next hour.


    ''What the hell are the 145th and 147th Units doing? It doesn''t matter how low their cultivation level might be. They shouldn''t be that slow. Those idiots are obviously afraid of the incoming clash, so they are lagging behind on purpose. Take away half of their merit points as a warning and tell them that next time, merit points will not be the only thing they will lose.''


    ''So what if the gathered spear team is made with members of several different Units? All they need to do is give support to the line formations, for f.u.c.k''s sake! Tell them to f.u.c.k.i.n.g focus on straight piercing skills on the gaps between the line formations. Why the hell are they trying to show off here?''


    After some time, Kassie began to sweat without even noticing. She was passing so many Spiritual Sense commands that even she herself was feeling overwhelmed.


    ''What kind of monster is he? How the hell can he pay attention to all those teams at the same time? I still don''t know how he found about most of the Units'' specialties either.''


    Kassie couldn''t be blamed. No one placed more importance on information than Roan in this world. If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained, you will also suffer defeat.


    Roan was an information freak now that they had the communication system activated. Using Rean''s authority over the communication formations, he gathered all possible information about everything he could. Obviously, he knew more about all the units than anyone else.


    There was no need to tell Rean how important it was, so Rean did the same thing and memorized everything. Calina wasn''t an idiot and followed in their footsteps. The three constantly exchanged information and opinions on cooperating with the other teams if the chance appeared. Well, Roan liked to call it ''how to take advantage of others if possible.''


    Of course, in everyone''s eyes, the one thinking about all those things was Kassie. She had to prevent the other strategists from complaining about her commands. That being said, all her Spiritual Sense messages also reached them.


    "I knew about Kassie''s ability to command. But when did she get this good at it?"


    "Is she receiving help from someone else?"


    "But who though? If any of you could do what she is doing at the moment, would you stay here and let her take all the credit?"


    "Of course not. Still, it is hard to believe that Kassie can do all of that at once."


    "Who cares? She said she would convince us about the power of combat formations before the battle tomorrow. So far, it seems like she wasn''t lying. Don''t forget that all that matters is to win this fight and take control of the Triliun and Transten Ore deposits."


    Meanwhile, a fierce fight was happening in the elite groups where Calina and Rean were located. Well, not a real one, though.


    "Just what is happening here? I''ve never seen someone using this kind of strategy before."


    "It''s your fault. Didn''t you convince us to take the mountain approach so that we could cover our castle and attack at the same time? Look at what is happening. She found a flaw in the formation and is breaking through our middle."


    "Shut up! I did come up with the idea, but you all analyze the pros and cons before agreeing with me."


    Calina looked at all those leaders with a bright smile. Just how many times had she been utterly crushed by Roan during these ten months in Sisca? She even had nightmares about this game at night. All the ideas these guys were coming up with were things that she tried herself against Roan. Still, that block of ice wasn''t only cold but could reflect all her thoughts as well. It looked like nothing worked against him. Compared to Roan, just what did these guys amount to?


    Eventually, they reached a decision and made their moves. Every time it looked like they would retake control of the battlefield, they would fall for a more intricated trap.


    As mentioned before, the objective of the game was to take control of the castle on the enemy''s side. However, doing just that would not convince these prideful elite unit leaders. From the very start, Calina had only one objective. Kill all their forces until only the castle was left.


    Doing such a thing was several times harder than conquering the enemy''s castle. Because of how each piece could move, trying to achieve a slaughtering victory gives several chances for the enemy to conquer your castle instead. Nevertheless, Calina was doing just that!


    ''I will not give you any room to complain about the results.''

 Chapter 347 - Last Day and Night

    Rean just observed everything as Calina slowly but surely wiped out all of their forces with each move she made. Her opponents used every second they had to think of a way out, but in the end, it was useless. Finally, it reached a point where Via, Dillo, and the others simply couldn''t retaliate anymore. From there on, it was a downwards slope until the last piece was taken away. The game was over with Calina''s overwhelming victory.


    "Well, then. I guess I won against all of you at the same time. As proud members of the five sects and royal family, you won''t be going back on your promise, right?"


    Via and the others had ugly expressions. The higher one''s cultivation was, the more they cared about face. Losing to Calina was already terrible enough, considering that they were all thinking together. However, it would be even worse if these Core and Soul Fusion Realm experts decided to not uphold their part of the deal.


    "Hmph! This old man has never gone back on his word in his life. However, if I see that you are bringing my Unit to a death trap, I will immediately take the command back."


    "Same here. I don''t know where you learned to play like this, but it shows that your commanding skill isn''t too bad. I''ll be watching what you''ll do from now on."


    The other leaders also said their pieces, but Calina didn''t care that much.


    "Fine by me. Who would willingly throw themselves at the enemies without thinking? Don''t worry, you just need to learn what I''m going to teach you during the rest of the day."


    Calina then looked at Welloi and the others. Obviously, they watched the game and sighed in relief after she won.


    "Welloi, Salatis, Juka, Zouei, and Verder. Take control of the units, as Roan mentioned before. We are going to start training them on the cutting edge formation. We already spent an hour on this game, so we don''t have much time."


    With that, the elite units were quickly divided into six groups. Calina knew that it would be impossible to train everyone well enough with the limited time. Still, she could at least bring it up to a basic level.


    Roan looked from far away and noticed how the six elite teams began to position themselves for the formation.


    ''She was quite fast. I guess there is no need to intervene in the end.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/last-day-and-night_51230015135730474 for visiting.


    Roan then focused on the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    ''Sister Orb, how is the analysis?''


    [It''s going well.]


    ''Will you finish in time?''


    [Yes. It was made in a hurry, so it is easy to find the flaws to take control of it. It should be ready by tomorrow when the battle starts.]


    Roan nodded once again, satisfied.


    With everything in place, time began to pass as training continued.


    Of course, Cassen Country wasn''t just staying there doing nothing. As Roan''s army practiced their formations, they also increased the defenses on their side.


    Cassen had selected an elevated area that was easier to defend. There, they built several walls, holes, traps, etc.


    "Faster, faster! I want those spikes all in place before noon!"


    "37th to 82nd Units, step forward to test the defense!"


    "What are these guys doing?! Are they trying to kill me out of anger? Tell those idiots to bring more weapons right now! We need as many replacements as possible!"


    The strategists of both sides looked as both countries prepared their armies. Because of the lack of time, neither side could care about looking for a hiding place to train them. Everything was being made on the spot.


    Roan''s Spiritual Sense couldn''t reach that far, so he had Ancestor Zuan''s help with this. Zuan kept his Spiritual Sense over the entire enemy''s defense line, telling Roan of every single change. Roan then thought about how it would affect the actual formation and made the necessary arrangements.


    Still, he couldn''t help but narrow his eyes.


    ''The majority haven''t participated in wars before. Because of that, they aren''t used to formations. First of all, formations aren''t that famous between cultivators due to their individual strength. I''m not sure if they will be able to reach the most basic level to fight tomorrow.''


    There was one good thing, though. Cultivators could replace sleeping with Spiritual Energy. It wasn''t as good as a good night''s rest, but it wouldn''t be a problem if it was done only once. That being said, Roan and Calina continued their army training during the night as well.


    Torches and other light sources were lit up as they illuminated both sides of the battlefield. Several screams and shouts kept coming from both sides without stop all night long. The sound of several cultivators'' skills echoed throughout the area for everyone to hear.


    Deep into the night, Roan looked at the sky with a pensive expression. Finally, he reached a decision.


    ''This should be enough.''


    He looked at the army and then at Kassie.


    ''Tell everyone to sit down and meditate. Make sure there are enough Spirit Stones for them to recover. The battle will start when the sun completely appears in the sky.''


    Kassie sighed in relief before giving everyone the order to stop and recuperate. However, she was satisfied. In the end, Roan was still able to make these groups reach a basic understanding of the formations he explained to her.


    "All Units, stop! Sit down and meditate! The supporters will give you Spirit Stones for your recovery. If there is anyone with some serious injuries, immediately inform us so we can help you recover."


    *Crash!*


    As soon as those words came out, everyone fell to the ground. Roan didn''t hold back at all, so everyone was tired to the bone. If this wasn''t the cultivation world, wishing this army to start battling just a few hours later would be a ridiculous thought.


    The cultivators quickly received the Spirit Stones and used their energies to recover their fatigue. Unfortunately, there was one guy that couldn''t rest yet.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery...''


    Rean flashed everywhere, healing everyone who got injured during the battle.


    ''F.u.c.k this shit! I won''t even be able to stand up later if I continue like this.''


    Roan didn''t care.


    ''Stop complaining. Just use the Light Element to recover yourself if you get tired. You better make everyone get back to their peak condition if you want this battle to go as smooth as possible.''


    ''Yeah, yeah, yeah. It''s quite simple for you to say that when you just have to float in the air looking around, right?''


    ''Oh! Is that so? Then why don''t we change sides? I''ll stay with Calina and protect her. You will lead the army during the war. How about that?''


    Rean looked away and pretended that he didn''t hear anything.


    ''Today is such a beautiful night, don''t you think? Let''s not get angry over details. Don''t worry. Everyone will be healed in time.''


    Roan snorted after hearing that but didn''t say anything else.


    Eventually, the sun came out, and everyone finished recovering their energy. It was time to start.

 Chapter 348 - Forward!

    The sun illuminated the battlefield as both arms prepared for the clash. Rean and Roan looked around and could see the red color of Killing Intent rising throughout the surroundings. Kentucky, of course, could see the same thing. Still, after many months, Rean and Kentucky were already used to it. Roan obviously didn''t have this problem.


    Kassie then looked at Roan for a moment before looking back at the battlefield.


    "Left Wing, Right Wing, start!"


    Jialin Forces were spread into three primary forces: Right Wing, Left Wing, and Center. The first part of the plan was to have both those wings move at the same time.


    In an instant, tens of thousands of cultivators began to move in unison. Spiritual Energy got chaotic as they channeled it. They didn''t charge forward but moved in a disciplined manner. However...


    "Where are they going?"


    "They aren''t coming at us."


    "Are they trying to surround us?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous! We selected an elevated terrain so that we could be ready for attacks from any side."


    "Correct. It doesn''t matter what side they choose. The final result will be the same."


    The right and left wings opened even more distance from the main unit at the center. Yet, they weren''t trying to surround the Cassen Country cultivators. Instead, those two wings formed what seemed to be a bowl or funnel shape.


    Seeing that everyone was in their respective positions, Roan immediately gave an order to march forward to Kassie.


    "Right and Left Wing, Echelon Formations! Forward!"


    The two wings then assumed the echelon formation. The echelon formation was also called the ladder formation since it was in a ladder shape. This type of formation allowed the units to change into other formation types faster while moving all the companies together.


    As one could expect, the Right Wing''s ladder shape matched the right defensive line like how the left one did the same to the left line.


    Everyone began to move in the direction of the enemy''s defenses. Little by little, their movement speed began to increase as they moved together.


    Roan then looked at Calina and her group in the body of the army.


    ''Tell the Elite groups to move forward as well. Illia already knows what to do.''


    Kassie nodded as she passed to Calina Roan''s orders.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/forward!_51230036593794711 for visiting.


    Calina then looked at her group.


    "Let''s go! Don''t walk too fast. Remember, we can''t be the first group to arrive. The Left and Right Wings need to prepare the terrain for us first. Otherwise, the Cutting Edge Formation won''t work properly."


    Calina was putting on a strong front, but she was quite nervous. The Cutting Edge Formation was very hard to use. Roan had only explained to her how to use it, but had never tried in a real battle. It''s not like Roan didn''t want to, but it was that there were not enough cultivators to make it work.


    In fact, the three thousand or so cultivators in Calina''s Unit were just barely enough to bring it out of the theoretical stage. To make things worse, they didn''t have time to properly train it. They could only achieve a basic level of understanding.


    Fortunately, the Elite Units that formed this bigger one weren''t called elite for nothing. They were much faster than the average warriors at grasping orders. If not for that, even the cutting edge''s basic level wouldn''t have come to fruition.


    The Cassen Country wouldn''t just watch as the enemy charged at them, though. Gofel, the commander in charge of all units, made a move as well.


    "Ranged Cultivation Units! Begin the suppressing attack."


    In less than a second, several attacks began to come from behind the defensive line. There were various cultivators specialized in long-range attacks. There were even a lot of archer cultivators as well.


    However, Jialin''s Left and Right wings were not slow either.


    "Shield Formation!"


    The various blocks of the Echelon Formation immediately changed into a defensive form. Although it was called the shield formation, shields were not the only things used in it. Several cultivators specialized in defense stepped forward and used their skills, armors, and finally shields to defend the units. This was the cultivation world. The cultivator''s means were several times broader.


    *Clang, clang, clang...*


    *Bang, bang, bang...*


    The attacks rained down as units defended against the attacks. However, several casualties already began to appear even though the defense was put in place.


    Kassie looked at Roan from the corner of her eyes.


    ''Is this okay?''


    Roan shook his head and sighed.


    ''There''s no helping it. They had to learn how to use the shield formation in just a single day with the other types. Naturally, a lot of gaps and confusion would happen.''


    ''Still, it''s already showing a result far better than I expected. Don''t worry, we will not be in this passive form for too long.''


    Roan was right. They could only defend at first due to the elevated terrain on the enemy''s side. That allowed their opponents to throw all their attacks further away. If Jialin''s group fired back, it would have little to no effect at that distance.


    Eventually, the right and left wings moved forward enough so that they could retaliate.


    "Ranged cultivators, Suppressing Fire!"


    In the shield formation''s center, several cultivators opened space for the ranged attackers to do their jobs. Immediately, several skills, arrows, and other means of long-ranged attacks began to come out. However, contrary to all expectations, they didn''t target the cultivator''s on the enemy side.


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom...!*


    "They are targeting our offensive!"


    That was correct. Roan knew that using ranged attacks to deal damage on elevated terrain would be of little use. It''s not that it wouldn''t work, but that the enemy was prepared for it. The entire terrain on the enemy cultivator''s side was protected by a vast formation that spanned the entire defensive side. As soon as those ranged attacks arrived there, they would lose most of their attack power or not reach the enemy at all. That being said, it would be much better to focus on reducing the casualties first.


    And just like that, Jialin Forces continued to advance.

 Chapter 349 - More Enemies

    Gofen looked at the approaching army and how they were suffering next to no losses from their ranged attacks.


    ''What kind of tactic is that? How did they succeed in making the cultivators work together like that?''


    Gofen already expected that Jialin would try to minimize the losses in their ranks before arriving at the hill that they were standing. If their strategists had sent the cultivators without any plan, then why would strategists even exist? Still, he didn''t expect that all their ranged attacks would have next to no effect. Roan''s basic defensive formation was doing way beyond what Gofen expected.


    Still, he didn''t lose his calm just because of that. Instead, he looked at the main army coming through the front. It''s just that he couldn''t tell what they were planning to do.


    ''They seem to be quite slow. Is that a mistake? Forget it. As long as I deal with the two wings in time, I won''t need to care about the late ones.''


    He then looked down the hill and saw an enormous line made of Earth and Fire Affinity Cultivators. They were all waiting for orders without moving a single muscle. Everyone on Jialin''s side thought that those would be the first enemies they would clash directly against. However...


    ''Begin!''


    As soon as they received Gofen''s orders, those cultivators stepped forward and moved to the very edge of the protection formation. Immediately, Earth Element began to gather around as it was channeled into the earth in front of them.


    *Tremble!*


    So many Earth Element users made the ground suffer an earthquake as the earth got loose in front of them. Any rock or stone present inside was reduced to rubble, making the area quite soft. Soon after, all the Fire Element users focused on that area with their own skills.


    Kassie and the Jialin experts on the back bitterly smiled. Before their army could approach the mountain, Cassen''s alliance had created an enormous lava moat! The moat extended so far that there was no gap for Jialin''s melee forces to pass. If they wanted to reach the other side, they would need to fly above it.


    The problem was that only the Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators present could fly. All the rest would need to pass that moat by foot. Of course, they could stop and use other skills to cool down the moat so that they could traverse. Or perhaps they could jump to the other side if they were strong enough to cover the entire distance.


    However, the first situation would make Jialin''s forces stop and wait passively under their ranged cultivator''s attack while they cooled the lava down. The second option would break the shield formations, which would be perfect for Cassen Country.


    Kassie then looked at Roan.


    ''Maybe we should retreat and think of another way to cross this moat.''


    However, Roan didn''t seem to be too worried about it.


    ''There is no need. Although they can only use my formations at a basic level, it should be enough. Pass my orders. Make half of each Unit''s ranged cultivators focus on the Earth and Fire Element Users on the other side. The other half will continue to defend against the incoming aerial attacks.''


    ''All Water Element cultivators will move behind the first line of defense inside of each Unit and focus on their Water Element skills. Make sure that they don''t come out of the formation. They need to use their Water Element skills from behind the formations'' defensive lines.''


    Kassie couldn''t help but ask.


    ''If they do that, they might hit the cultivators in front. They need a clear view of their target if they do such a thing. Besides, their own skills will disturb the cultivators focused in defense.''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''Don''t worry. The cultivators at the front already understand where the attacks are coming from. Even if their vision is restricted, they will be able to defend against most of the damage. As for the risk of hitting their allies with their water element skills, that will not happen either.''


    Kassie narrowed her eyes but passed the order anyway. Soon, the Shield formation changed as half of the ranged cultivators began to target the lava moat creators. While they did that, the Water Element cultivators appeared right behind each Unit''s main defense line. They were all nervous since they had to do all of that while receiving constant attacks.


    However, as soon as they began to channel their water skills in the front, they noticed that they were having quite an easy time avoiding their allies. It turned out that the gaps left behind for the front defensive line were just enough for them to use focused Water Element Skills.


    Roan''s orders were straightforward. Don''t try to use any area of effect skill since there was not enough space. As long as they used focused skills, they would have enough space to work with. The effect on the Lava Moat wasn''t as significant as it would be with area of effect water attacks. Still, when you put so many cultivators at the same time, that problem wasn''t as big.


    The lava moat began to be cooled down from the border. All the Units on both sides then began to step on the solid rock that was lava just a few seconds ago and continued to advance. Although their movement was slowed down, it didn''t reach a point where it could affect the general situation.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/more-enemies_51230046811114723 for visiting.


    The Earth and Fire Element Users couldn''t keep the Lava Moat active due to ranged attacks aimed at them. They needed to focus if they wanted to do that.


    Gofen saw from the top of the hill that Jialin''s forces would soon reach the other side of the Lava Moat almost intact. Obviously, that affected him quite a bit.


    ''Those combat formations can actually do such a thing?''


    Still, he understood that the Jialin Forces would reach those Fire and Earth Element cultivators if he didn''t do anything. That being said, Gofen sent their leaders a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Give up the Lava Moat. Retreat to the first defensive line, and wait for orders.''


    All those cultivators sighed in relief and immediately gave up the Lava Moat.


    Gofen then looked behind at a middle-aged man with messy hair.


    "Elder Rurio, can you help me stop their advance?"


    Rurio laughed before saying.


    "Hahaha! I thought you wouldn''t ask."


    Rurio then lifted his hand to the skies.


    *Creeeee!*


    As soon as he did that, everyone began to hear the sound of demon beasts coming from behind the hill.


    *Creeeee!*


    *Creeeee!*


    *Creeeee!*


    *Creeeee...*


    Those sounds multiplied as they began to get louder and louder. Eventually, several aerial demon beasts appeared in the sky. One could also see one or two cultivators on their backs. But what really caught everyone''s attention was the basket they carried. Each one had several red orbs of the size of a tennis ball.


    "It''s the Tolak Aerial Beast Army!"


    The nervous Cassen cultivators immediately rejoiced at the sight. Tolak was famous for being a mountainous country. Naturally, many Aerial Demon Beasts lived there. With time, the cultivators in that place began to get used to tame large amounts of flying demon beasts. In the end, their country''s forces became famous for their Aerial Beast Army.

 Chapter 350 - Reliances Help

    Roan''s eyes narrowed as he looked at the sky.


    ''So, they really brought the aerial army.''


    Tolak helping Cassen was something that Jialin knew for quite some time already. Naturally, they also had quite a good deal of information about this country. After all, Jialin and Tolak were separated by just a single country, Cassen. That meant that they were still a threat to Jialin, depending on the situation.


    Of course, none of the Aerial Demon Beasts surpassed the Stage Four level. In fact, the majority were at Stage Two, with just a few at Stage Three. Stage Four Aerial Demon Beasts could be counted on just one hand.


    All of a sudden, one of the cultivators on the back of a demon beast took one of the red orbs. Soon after, he infused his Spiritual Energy into it before throwing the red orb at the Jialin Army.


    The Army below was busy defending against the ranged attacks from the hill, so they had little time to pay attention to that single red orb. However, before it touched the ground, it was hit by one of the ranged attacks of the Jialin Army.


    *Boom!*


    An enormous explosion came out in midair. The explosion immediately attracted the attention of Jialin Units as well.


    "Explosion Fire Beads!"


    It was a similar product to the Lightning Beads. However, one needed to have higher cultivation to activate it due to the amount of Spiritual Energy necessary. Of course, the greater the Spiritual Energy, the larger the explosion. These Explosion Fire Beads couldn''t be used by Energy Gathering Realm cultivators but were much stronger than the Lightning Beads once charged by Foundation Establishment cultivators or higher.


    The results were for everyone to see. A single bead could generate an explosion on par with a Foundation Establishment Cultivator''s full power attack. If a Core Formation Realm charged it, then the explosion would be even more frightening.


    As soon as the first Explosion Fire Bead detonated, several more of them began to rain from the skies.


    *Boom, boom, boom...*


    Immediately, the Units of the Left and Right wings were caught in a chaotic environment. The Shield Formation''s efficiency soon plummeted as the ranged attacks from the Cassen Cultivators increased the damage.


    The few Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators of the Jialin Army immediately shot into the skies. They were the only ones capable of flying, so they had to stop it. Unfortunately, Tolak Army was already expecting that.


    Before the Jialin Experts could even cross half the distance, several other Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators appeared in front of them.


    "Do you guys think we will let you do as you please?"


    "Hahaha! Ignore the Demon Beasts above. Come and play with us for a while."


    A small-scale battle was immediately initiated in the sky between Jialin and the other three countries'' Core and Soul Fusion Realm experts. Seeing that made the units below feel even more helpless. After all, the Explosion Fire Beads did not stop coming down.


    Just as everyone thought that the formations would be broken, something happened.


    *Creeee!*


    *Creeee!*


    *Creeee!*Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/reliance''s-help_51230063454117017 for visiting.


    *Creeee...*


    Suddenly, many more Flying Demon Beasts appeared from behind Roan''s Army. Seeing that, the Cassen experts cheered even more.


    "Even more reinforcements!"


    "Those Jialin scoundrels are done for!"


    "Hahaha! We gave them a chance, but they refused. This is the price of that decision."


    However, as the Cassen Army rejoiced, Elder Rurio''s expression went dark. Gofen noticed that and decided to ask.


    "Are those flying demon beasts part of your Demon Beast Army?"


    Rurio shook his head.


    "No."


    Gofen didn''t have to hear any more to understand what was happening. Jialin had also brought their own Flying Demon Beast army to deal with Tolak.


    When the battle against the three countries started, Roan understood that there was a big chance that Tolak brought their Aerial Demon Beast Army. Obviously, he wouldn''t just stay still and do nothing about it. That being said, he called Elder Reliance and asked for his help.


    Kentucky was participating in this war as part of the Death Unit. How could Reliance lose the chance to see the Minokawa improving its combat abilities? Reliance had always followed Roan''s group closely while he researched the Minokawa''s capabilities.


    Once the information about Tolak arrived, Roan told Reliance that they would definitely need a way to stop their Aerial Demon Beast Army. With that said, Reliance had Zunzun fly back to the sect and gather all the Aerial Demon Beasts back in the Dalamu Sect. Most of them were his own demon beasts, so no one would complain if he took them all. Not to mention that he was the leader of the Demon Beast Faction in the sect.


    However, everyone soon noticed that Jialin''s Aerial Demon Beast Army was much smaller than Tolak''s. Well, that was to be expected. One was a country specialized in taming Aerial Demon Beasts. The other was basically Reliance alone using his resources. he couldn''t possibly tame more demon beasts than Tolak.


    The only good thing was that Tolak didn''t dispatch their entire army for this war. Only a small part of it came to give help to Cassen since Tolak also had to worry about their own land. Otherwise, Reliance''s own forces would be far from enough to make any change in the situation.


    The new cloud of Aerial Demon Beasts came flying in the direction of the Tolak ones. On their back, one could also see several cultivators ready for battle. However, there was another difference between the Tolak Demon Beast Army and Reliance''s one. Roan didn''t bring Explosion Fire Beads for them to use, nor did he have the time to request them. Naturally, they couldn''t use the same strategy as Tolak. That being said, Roan changed his plans and gathered very specific types of cultivators.


    Suddenly, one of Jialin''s cultivators stood up on the flying demon beast and took a bow from behind his back. An arrow quickly appeared in his hand, which he used to pull the string. The Bow bent into a half-moon shape as the arrow was prepared to be shot. At the same time, Fire Element gathered on the arrow tip.


    Finally, the cultivator shot the arrow that flew at a frightening speed against the Aerial Beast''s bag of Explosion Fire Beads. That arrow was so fast that even the cultivator on the back of the Demon Beasts didn''t have time to react. Everyone could already imagine the results when that arrow hit its target.


    *Boom!*


    An enormous explosion generated by tens of Explosion Fire Beads went out. The explosion also affected three more Aerial Demon Beasts nearby, making their Explosion Fire Beads detonate as well.


    The Cassen Army''s cheering immediately stopped when they saw that. They looked at the skies as the four Demon Beats were annihilated together with their cultivators by the explosion of the beads.


    Roan faintly smiled as he looked at the scene. Obviously, it didn''t stop there��several other cultivators on the back of Reliance''s Demon Beasts stood up soon after.


    Roan had been very specific with the type of cultivators he needed for Reliance''s Flying Demon beasts. At least at the Late Stage Core Formation Realm, specializing in ranged attacks, and a Fire Element user. Only with that could he prevent the enemy''s cultivators from defending against the attacks on the Explosion Fire Beads through overwhelming attack power.


    Tolak''s Aerial Demon Beast Army had a lot more Demon Beasts than Jialin''s. But at this moment, they all felt like they wanted to flee as fast as possible. None of them wanted to be there when the Explosion Fire Beads detonated.

 Chapter 351 - Its Here

    *Boom, boom, boom...*


    Explosions kept happening one after the other in the air as pieces of demon beasts and cultivators fell from the sky. Of course, that wasn''t all. Jialin''s ranged cultivators in the air especially targeted the demon beasts close to the Cassen''s defense line. Not all the Explosion Fire Beads were destroyed, so many of them began to fall on the enemy''s side.


    Because of that, both Jialin and Cassen''s ranged cultivators on the ground had to switch their targets, aiming at the sky. They were all trying to destroy the Explosion Fire Beads before they hit their own forces. At first, it gave the sensation that both arms got into a stalemate. However, that was not the case.


    Jialin''s Left and Right Wings began to advance even faster now. Without the suppressing fire from Cassen''s side, they didn''t have to worry too much about their steps. Sure, many Explosion Fire Beads were falling from the skies. However, those ones were many times easier to hit now that they were not being controlled. That allowed Jialin Army to take a breath.


    The Core and Soul Fusion Realm experts of Cassen noticed that change.


    "F.u.c.k! Stop them!"


    However, the frustrated Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators from Jialin wouldn''t simply let them do as they wished.


    "Hahaha! Didn''t you all ask us to stay behind to play? How come you are all leaving now? Since we already started this game, let''s bring it to the next level, shall we?"


    Sure enough, they didn''t waste this chance and also blocked the enemy''s path. The Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators from Jialin couldn''t help but feel refreshed at this outcome.


    Gofen narrowed his eyes after seeing that. It didn''t matter what they did. Jialin always seemed to have a way to counter-attack and even use the situation for their advantage. The reason Cassen was so confident about their chances at first was that they believed they could keep Jialin Army''s at bay. However, they continued to advance nonstop. Not to mention that their side casualties were far from what Gofen and the others expected.


    Gofen then looked in another direction and saw another cultivator. The guy''s name was Hyinkio Syrile, the representative of Roren Country.


    "Hyinkio, can your formation stop them?"


    In the end, the Formation covering the entire hill was not made by Cassen, but Roren Country instead. That was their own specialty as a country with many Formation Masters. No one liked the idea of attacking Roren since it would be extremely annoying. Their average combat power wasn''t that impressive, but their formations guaranteed a high degree of safety.


    "We only had enough time to build a disruption formation. As you know, it will target those who we deem enemies and disrupt their actions. It''s a type of protection formation that''s very useful during battles of large scale. If the cultivators on the enemy''s side are too weak, their ranged attacks can''t even reach our side."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/it''s-here_51230090297662988 for visiting.


    He was right. That was the reason why Jialin''s Ranged Attackers didn''t target the other side, but instead, the attacks were coming at them. They tried to attack the enemies, but the effect wasn''t good enough. It wasn''t just the ranged attackers that suffered, though. The skills of close combat cultivators were also affected to a certain extent, giving Cassen''s side even more advantage.


    "However, this size of formation needs a lot of spirit stones to keep working. Rank One and Two are not enough. It has to be powered by Rank Three Spirit Stones at the very least. At the moment, we are all forking the price to keep it running. If you want to increase the power, we will need to switch the level."


    Gofen bitterly smiled. Rank Three Spirit Stones were already hard to get in this place. As mentioned before, all the countries close to the borders control the use of those Spirit Stones. That being said, one doesn''t even need to think about Rank Four ones. That level of Spirit Stones was usually only used by Nascent Soul Realm cultivators and above. They all considered them extremely important and would rarely take them out unless really necessary.


    In the end, Gofen gritted his teeth and said.


    "We have the Triliun and Transten Ores deposit. That alone will be more than enough to pay for any Spirit Stones we use during this war. However, if we don''t use Rank Four Spirit Stones, we might lose right here and now. Let alone pay for the use of Spirit Stones. We will have to retreat without anything to make up for them."


    However, Hyinkio shook his head.


    "Our Roren country only mobilized a small part of our army. Although losing it would be bad, it wouldn''t be as bad as losing our Rank Four Spirit Stones. It''s all good if we win. But if we use them and lose, it will be a huge blow for our high-level cultivators."


    Gofen then looked at the representative from Tolak Country, Rurio. Unfortunately for him, Rurio also shook his head. He wouldn''t use any Rank Four Spirit Stones either. In the end, it all came to Cassen Country to decide. Did they think they could pay for the Rank Four Spirit Stones alone? Gofen couldn''t make this decision.


    Not long after, Gofen took a Thoughts Transmission Talisman from his pocket and pressed it on his forehead. This Talisman was of a very high level, just like the ones Rean and Roan used in Jiran Forest. Gofen decided to contact the King of Cassen about this decision. However, he didn''t even have to do that.


    "There is no need to contact the king. The Spirit Stones are here."


    All of a sudden, a bag with thousands of Rank Four Spirit Stones fell beside Gofen.


    "Ancestor Larael!"


    In the end, the Saint Realm Expert from the Cassen Family made the decision himself.


    "For Tolak and Roren, this would be just a small loss. However, for our Cassen Country, it would be the loss of a huge chunk of our territory plus the ore deposit. We can''t hold back, so use it."


    Gofen didn''t complain and immediately threw the bag at Hyinkio.


    "You heard Ancestor Larael. Go!"


    Hyinkio nodded and immediately left for the Core of the Disruption Formation.


    Jialin''s Army already began to head up the hill. Since the Aerial Army and the ranged attackers were not that big of a problem anymore, they had no problem moving forward. Cassen Country, obviously, began to prepare to receive the enemy. Even though their ranged teams weren''t of much use anymore, the melee teams were ready to fight. Besides, they had the support of the Disruption Protection Formation. They weren''t afraid of Jialin''s forces at all. The two sides would clash anytime now.


    However, just as the clash was about to happen, the entire hill began to shine! The Spiritual Energy in the hill started to revolve even more weirdly. The cultivators from Jialin immediately noticed that their control over Spiritual Energy and Elements became even harder. Obviously, it only affected the Jialin Army. Such an effect had no use against Cassen''s forces.


    Roan, who was observing it from afar, also noticed that.


    ''It''s here!''

 Chapter 352 - The Turn Point

    Suddenly, all of the ancestors and sects representatives looked at Kassie. According to what Kassie explained, she had a way to deal with the Disruption Protection Formation on that hill. It''s just that she would need to wait until the Formation increased in power. However, they didn''t understand why a stronger formation would be better. Maybe she would make it explode, so the potency of the explosion would be stronger. In any case, she refused to comment.


    They couldn''t help but feel a little excited. After all, everything Kassie did during this war made them open their eyes. Since she already did so much, then just how incredible would her next method be?


    Poor Kassie felt everyone''s eyes on her as cold sweat began to come out of her body. What incredible methods? These were all Roan''s doings. She was as shocked as they were.


    ''You are looking at the wrong person, for f.u.c.k''s sake! If you want to ask something, ask the ice block over there, will ya?''


    That''s what she wanted to say, but she knew she couldn''t. While everyone looked at Kassie with expectation, she looked at Roan with her Spiritual Sense, nervous.


    Roan didn''t need to think much to know what Kassie was thinking. All he said was that he could deal with the Formation, but not how.


    ''Sister Orb, you can start.''


    [Hahaha! Finally, it''s showtime for the Greatest Orb in the Universe!]


    The Soul Gem Orb inside the Soul Gem Dimension began to shine like a sun. Sister Orb already finished analyzing the formation and was just waiting for the right moment to take control over it. She quickly connected the Soul Gem System to the outside world, linking it with the Formation Core on that hill.


    As mentioned before, the formation was built in a hurry to resist the Jialin Army. Such a huge formation would usually take over a month to be done. The fact that Roren Country could build something like that in such a short time already showed its higher proficiency in formations compared to Jialin and other countries.


    Unfortunately, it was completed with way too many flaws. For Sister Orb, it wasn''t any harder than the Fort Protection Formation that she used back when the twins went out on their first mission. Of course, it was all thanks to the Soul Gem System that it was possible. Otherwise, others would need to go to the Formation Core to be able to do anything. Cassen, Tolak, and Rorel would never let anyone get close to it, though.


    The Formation Core in the hill suddenly began to give off ripples of Spiritual Energy. However, no one noticed it. After all, the Formation didn''t stop working.


    Jialin''s ancestors and the sects'' representatives of the ancestors that stayed back in the country began to get nervous. The two armies were just a few seconds away from clashing against each other. Still, nothing happened with the formations at all. The entire hill still shone with the same light as before.


    "Kassie!"


    "Do something! The armies will clash."


    "Didn''t you say you could deal with it? Turn it off!"


    "At least do something to reduce its power. Otherwise, it will be a slaughter!"


    Kassie gritted her teeth before shouting.


    "Shut up! Everything is under control. Just observe!"


    Roan already told her that everything was fine. Now, she could only trust him.


    The Left and Right Wings quickly approached.


    100 meters...


    50 meters...


    30 meters...


    10 meters...


    Just as the first units on both sides were about to clash, the battlefield changed. Suddenly, the disruption effect on the Jialin Army''s side disappeared as if it had never been there. At the same time, everyone in Cassen''s Country''s side, including the cultivator armies of the other countries that were increasing their numbers, felt the disruption formation acting on them.


    "What?!"


    "What''s happening?!"


    "Ahhh! I can''t control my Fire Element skills!"


    Gofel and all the other leaders'' faces paled in an instant! They were expecting anything to happen except a sudden shift in the formation. However, it was too late to think about a countermeasure.


    All the leaders on the Jialin side didn''t know what happened. Still, they could tell that the annoying Formation''s power had disappeared.


    "Quintuple Line Formation! Puuuuush!"


    The echelon formation that the Jialin Country immediately changed. The Cultivators formed five lines of forces and connected to each other before clashing head-on!


    *Boom!*


    The now much weaker Cassen''s Alliance Army was sent flying. The ones who stay on the ground were forces back. Head, limbs, blood, a gruesome sight quickly appeared on the battlefield. The sudden change in the formation''s power had created chaos between the Units. Even the leaders couldn''t find a way to bring order back.


    Jialin''s leaders looked at that with wide eyes! Just how did Kassie take control over their formation? Immediately, all their eyes focused on her. They all thought that she would destroy the Formation or find a way to counter-attack its power. But never in their wildest dreams did they think she could take control over the enemy''s formation. No wonder nothing happened until the very last moment.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-turn-point_51230108282838906 for visiting.


    However, that was far from being the main effect of the plan. That''s because not everyone got affected by the sudden change in the Formation. All the cultivators from Rorel that were in the middle of the Army didn''t feel anything.


    All of a sudden, someone began to shout!


    "Look! The Rorel Country Army is not affected by the Formation! Those bastards, they allied themselves with Jialin to stab us in the back!"


    "The Rorel Army is not an ally! They came to help Jialin destroy our Cassen Country!"


    "Rorel scoundrels! We had a deal! How could you betray us?!"


    No one knew from where those voices were coming from. But after seeing the situation of the battle, everyone began to feel confused. Did Rorel really betray them? Soon after, a member of the Rorel Country attacked a Cassen Army member. Not only that, but a few other Rorel Army soldiers also stepped out and began to attack the Cassen and Tolak Armies on the sides!

 Chapter 353 - Elite Unit Arrives

    Everyone was taken aback. After all, they were confused at first, finding it hard to believe that Rorel really betrayed them. However, seeing Rorel Army members attacking their allies changed everything.


    "Hahaha! It''s the end of your Cassen Army! Today, Rorel and Jialin will take over the entire Cassen Country! Tolak will then be out next target!"


    "Cassen is a weak country to start with. Who would join them for real? Hahaha! Idiots!"


    "Death to Cassen and Tolak, follow the Jialin Country!"


    The weird thing was that there weren''t many doing that. Just fifty or so cultivators from Rorel stepped out to do that. However, that was more than enough to convince everyone on the side of the Cassen and Tolak Army.


    The Rorel Army felt hopeless. Did they join the Jialin Army? How come they didn''t know about that? Obviously, some of them understood that it was all a well-made plot. Those guys weren''t members of their Rorel Country at all! Unfortunately, Cassen and Tolak already began to attack their members as well.


    The once organized army of the three countries had suddenly fallen into chaos as they killed each other. The leaders'' shouts and Spiritual Sense messages couldn''t control that anymore. All of that while the Left and Right Wings from Jialin continued to push them back from both sides.


    Let alone the other sects'' ancestors and representatives, Kassie was feeling even more shocked than them. Any idiot could tell that all of that was premeditated. Those cultivators from Rorel were, in fact, their spies! However, they were there to pass the information. Who could have thought that Roan would use them like that? However, it didn''t matter now. That''s because Roan''s orders began to fall into her mind like torrents.


    ''Have the 43rd to 57th Units increase their pace.''


    ''The 165th and 175th Units are too ahead. Tell them to hold so that a gap won''t appear in the Quintuple Line Tactical Formation.''


    ''Ask the units at the very end of the Left and Right Wings to close the wings.''


    ''Tell the closest units to start the funnel plan.''


    ''Ask the ranged attacks from...''


    Kassie quickly calmed down and used her Spiritual Sense to pass all Roan''s messages to the specific Unit Leaders. Just like that, the Left and Right Wings began to fit into the huge war machine.


    Back at the top of the Hill, Gofen roared at Hyinkio.


    "Hyinkioooo! What the hell are you doing?!!!"


    Hyinkio felt like crying but had no tears.


    "Shut up! It''s not us! Someone took control over our Disruption Formation! We can''t control it at all!"


    Gofen and everyone else was taken aback.


    "What? Do you take us for five years'' old kids? Only your f.u.c.k.i.n.g Rorel members were allowed to approach the Formation Core. How the hell could someone take control over it?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/elite-unit-arrives_51230121150968544 for visiting.


    Hyinkio felt even more helpless.


    "If I knew even a single f.u.c.k.i.n.g thing about it, we wouldn''t be in this situation! I''ve never seen anything like this before! The Formation isn''t answering our commands! I already tried to restart it, but it was useless as well!"


    "What? Do you think we really joined Jialin?! Are you that idiotic? We are right in the middle of Tolak and Cassen''s Armies, for crying out loud! Your Saint Realm experts are here while we didn''t bring anyone with cultivations higher than the Nascent Soul Realm! Do you think we could simply betray you and then run away!? This is obviously a plan from Jialin! I have no f.u.c.k.i.n.g clue how the hell they pulled that out!"


    Gofen''s expression changed together with everyone else.


    "F.u.c.k! Those Jialin bastards!"


    "Can you take the formation back?"


    Hyinkio shook his head.


    "I don''t know. I''m working with everyone at the moment, but I''m not sure what''s causing the Formation to act like this."


    Suddenly...


    *Boom!*


    An enormous explosion hit the Formation''s Core, crashing it into dust! Everyone then looked at the source of the attack and soon found out that it was none other than Larael Cassen, the Cassen Royal Family''s Ancestor!


    "Since we can''t use it anymore, then forget it! Focus on calming the army. We have the numbers'' advantage, so the situation can still be salvaged."


    Gofen and the others quickly nodded and turned back to the army below.


    Back on Jialin''s sides, everyone noticed that the Formation that was helping them suddenly disappeared. Obviously, Roan was no exception.


    [Oh, come on! Why did you destroy the core? Couldn''t they let me have my fun for a while longer?]


    Roan completely ignored Sister Orb''s disappointment as he looked at that development.


    ''Hehe! Do you think you can take back control of the armies with me here? Keep on dreaming!''


    Roan then looked at the elite groups that quickly approached through the middle.


    ''Just in time!''


    Rean, Calina, Malaka, Kentucky, and all the others were there. Right after, Roan sent them a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Calina, Cutting Edge Formation!''


    Calina''s eyes lit up as she raised her hands.


    "All forces, initiate the Cutting Edge Combat Formation!"


    As soon as Calina said that, their forces arrived on the battlefield. At the same time, Roan controlled the two wings to push the Alliance Army together.


    Suddenly, the six leaders of the elite Unit began to work together. They divided themselves into two circular formations attached to the start of the Right and Left Wings. Soon after, the two Formations started to revolve in the same directions as they moved forward.


    Obviously, Gofel and the others noticed the newcomers.


    "What is that thing?!"


    "It''s another one of their weird formations."


    "We can''t let them do as they wish."


    "Take the Units that are close to them and have control over their armies. Send them to intercept the Jialin Army''s main body. We have to stop those guys from accomplishing whatever they are aiming to."


    Sure enough, the units close by quickly arrived to take care of Calina''s forces. However...


    ''Oh! So it''s finally my time to shine, huh?''


    Rean smiled as he lifted both his arms to the sky. After that, Light Element began to converge into two Spheres of Energy above them.


    ''Life Style, Fifth Form, Light Aura Burst!''

 Chapter 354 - Escalation

    At the moment, Rean was right in the middle of the two cutting wheels. However, he wasn''t on the ground, but above it instead. Obviously, he mounted Kentucky and was flying there. Even if some ranged attack came in their direction, with Kentucky''s overwhelming defense, only cultivators at the Peak Core Formation Realm and above could pose a threat to it. Thanks to that, Rean wasn''t afraid of having to spend a few moments in the open air to gather enough Light Element.


    Rean didn''t use just a single Light Aura Burst either, but two instead. Each of the two Light Spheres flew above the two groups commanded by Calina. There, they burst apart as soon as the enemy units arrived. Just like in the past, the enemies'' eyes went blind for a moment while everyone in the Cutting Edge Formation felt their strength swelling!


    The Death Unit''s group was already used to it. However, Via, Dillo, and the other groups that joined their Unit later were shocked by what happened. They could tell just how stronger and faster they suddenly became. Not only that, but their perception had increased as well. At the moment, all of them could fight at least one stage higher than before. The closest ones got even greater buffs. Rean''s Light Aura Burst was really just that good for large scale battles.


    "Death Unit, charge!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/escalation_51230134035870522 for visiting.


    *UOHHHH!*


    The cutting edge formation was created for pure slaughter. The enemy''s unit wouldn''t have a chance against it even without Rean''s move, let alone now.


    *Swish, swish, swish...*


    *Puchi, puchi, puchi...*


    *Bang, bang, bang...*


    Swords, sabers, spears. Several skills came out at the same time in a constant flow while the two wheels revolved. The main point of the cutting edge formation was the cooldown time. All cultivators would have some pauses when switching between skills. Even if they didn''t, they wouldn''t be able to use many skills in a row.


    That being said, when the unit attacked, they had to step back at some point to recover. However, the Cutting Edge Formation got rid of that problem. As the Formation revolved, the cultivators that came at the front would have their skills ready. As soon as they let it out, they would keep following the rotation, soon retreating behind it. Naturally, the next cultivators who came behind that one would have their skills ready too.


    When they were running behind the wheels, they could recover and prepare to launch the next one. However, frontal skills were not the only focus of this rotation. After all, there were cultivators specializing in melee combat while others were ranged. While the outer edge was made of melee elites, the center was made of ranged ones. The center''s main point was the same as the outer edge, a constant flow of skills. That meant that the ranged cultivators also maintained a rotation to prevent the skills from ever stopping.


    Last but not least, there was the area between the two revolving groups. The enemies would naturally try to avoid incoming attacks. However, because of the Left and Right Wings, they couldn''t escape to the sides. Unfortunately for them, they could only try to avoid it by moving to the middle.


    Too bad, what waited for them there wasn''t safety. Instead, they would enter the real slaughtering ground. Without the ability to move back due to the army behind them, they were slowly pulled in between the two rotating wheels. That was the point of the formation where the most dangerous attacks came from. Once they fell inside that area, even peak Core Formation Realm cultivators could only wait to die. There were just too many skills coming out at that point, so protecting oneself was out of the question.


    Of course, the higher level cultivators would still use their strength to jump back into their own army. However, the ranged cultivators would also be waiting for it. The moment one of them jumped back, trying to escape, he would be bombarded by the center of the Cutting Edge Formation. It''s just that it wasn''t always guaranteed that they would kill those guys.


    "Fall back, fall back!"


    "We can''t! There are too many cultivators behind us!"


    "It''s the two wings of the Jialin Army! They are pushing us tighter and tighter!"


    That wasn''t all. The two wings couldn''t move as fast as the elites inside the Cutting Edge Formation. It was thanks to Calina''s cooperation with Welloi and the other four leaders that they were able to keep order. Of course, Rean''s constant use of Light Aura Burst made a gigantic difference!


    Well, not everything worked as perfectly. Back on Roan''s side, he could see how the cutting edge formation worked. The cultivators inside constantly tripped on each other. Their own skills would often partially or totally hit their companions. There was no helping it. These elites simply didn''t have enough time to train this Formation, nor the chance of using it before. They had to learn and adapt to it on the spot.


    ''More than 400 of the cultivators in the wheels died already. From this number, more than 150 died to friendly fire. That is already considering that Rean is healing those he can while using the Light Aura Burst every time it goes out.''


    Roan then looked at Calina. The girl kept shouting right and left without stopping, trying to keep the Formation working. It was clear to see how hard it was for her to keep so many details in mind all the time. There were many times where she made mistakes that ended costing the lives of some of the cultivators in the Cutting Edge Formation.


    ''Still, this is good. Only in a situation like this will Calina''s latent talent come out. Commanding an army from behind is totally different from controlling them on the spot. So far, she is doing a pretty decent job.''


    Roan then switched his focus to the Right and Left Wings once more.


    As for Rean, he didn''t have it easy either.


    ''This is really hard. My Spiritual Energy Pool won''t last forever like this.''


    Still, Rean looked ahead and smiled.


    ''Well, I guess I won''t need to anyway.''


    The Cutting Edge Formation continued to move forward. They were also much faster than the enemies who tried to retreat. The Right and Left Wings kept pressing their sides while packing them even closer. Of course, the wings'' cultivators also killed as many enemies as possible while at it.


    Soon, the death count began to soar. It was already quite high, with more than 5000 in the first clash when the formation changed. There were also another 3000 or so who died due to the internal conflict. From there, things only escalated.


    10000...


    13000...


    19000...


    23000...


    Soon, the advantage in numbers that the three allianced countries had disappeared like smoke. The chaos created by Sister Orb and the spies didn''t help it either. Many cultivators from Cassen and Tolak were still fighting or acting reserved toward the Roren Country''s cultivators.


    Gofen, and especially Larael, were gritting their teeth. They kept sending a ton of Spiritual Sense messages, trying to reorganize the army. However, the enemy''s strategist seemed to always strike the point where it would break again. They simply reached a point where they didn''t know what to do anymore.

 Chapter 355 - Acknowledgment

    More than half of the casualties on the enemy''s side was thanks to the cutting edge formation. Calina''s control over the six groups making both wheels was a pivotal point for it to work as well. However, the main reason for the efficiency of the cutting edge formation was, in fact, Rean''s abilities. The fact that he could increase everyone''s average combat power and even heal those who got injured was essential.


    When the deaths on Cassen''s alliance side surpassed the 30000 mark, their cultivators finally fell into complete chaos. Everyone began to retreat without even asking for orders. Gofen and the rest had a dark expression. They had the greatest advantage, both in number, position, and preparations. Yet, the enemy commander still forced them to this point.


    Finally, Tolak''s representative issued the order.


    "Tolak Army, retreat!"


    Gofen and Larael looked at Rurio straight away.


    "What? Do you think this war can still be won? Look around! Every second we lose will only bring us more unnecessary deaths. It''s over. Focus on getting as much Triliun ore as possible before Jialin arrives at the deposit."


    With Rurio''s orders, the Aerial Demon beast Army and the cultivators on the ground immediately turned around and started to retreat.


    The next one was Hyinkio.


    "Roren Army, Retreat!"


    Soon after, he looked at Gofen and Larael.


    "We tried, but it didn''t work. That''s how wars are played. I will prioritize reducing the losses from now on. You should do the same since you have the highest number of cultivators in the field."


    Gefen and Larael felt like killing this guy. After all, it was the shift in the formation that started all of that. However, it was obvious that it was done by the other side somehow. Besides, Cassen couldn''t really attack anyone at the moment.


    One should remember that they were already being attacked by Jialin. If they decide to kill the Rorel and Tolak experts who came here to help, they would be making an enemy of those two countries as well. The worst-case scenario would be all three countries attacking Cassen at the same time. Gofen and Larael had to prevent that from happening at all costs.


    Gofen then looked at Larael and waited for his decision. Even though he was the Army''s main commander, Larael was the Ancestor of Cassen''s Royal Family. Only with his consent could he end this war.


    Finally, Larael gritted his teeth and nodded at Gofen.


    "All forces, retreat! The main units must focus on holding Jialin Country back as the rest make their way out."


    Finally, everyone stopped fighting and began to run away. Well, that was not considering the ones who already fled even before that.


    Roan looked at the development from afar and gave Kassie his final order.


    ''Tell everyone to let the enemy go. Priority is to secure the hill and consolidate our forces. This war is our victory, so there is no need to force our way anymore. Anyway, the rest is up to you from now on.''


    Roan then looked at Zuan and asked him to put him back on the ground again.


    Zuan nodded as he looked at the kid. They really won this war with an overwhelming advantage. He still didn''t know how the hell Roan controlled the enemy''s formation. Still, he and everyone else had many things to do, so he would leave this aside for now.


    After touching the ground, Roan headed to the battlefield to check on Calina and the others.


    Back on Rean''s side, he looked as the enemy forces'' retreated. Finally, he took a deep breath and fell back on his butt. He really worked a lot this time to the point that his Spiritual Energy Pool was empty. At some point, he began to hold Rank Three Spirit Stones in his hand to absorb their power so that he could use his skills a few more times.


    Roan''s command of the Army really brought them victory. However, if Rean wasn''t there to give support to the Cutting Edge Formation, it would be hard to imagine the result. After all, this elite group didn''t have time to train it before. Without Rean, the enemy and friendly casualties would probably have made the formation collapse from inside out. It''s not wrong to say that half the reason this war went well was because of his Light Element Skills.


    "I''m dead tired! I don''t want to move anymore!"


    *Chick?*


    Kentucky got close to him as it rubbed its head against his body. Kentucky seemed quite worried.


    "Hahaha! Don''t worry, I''m fine. This just means that my cultivation is too low in the end."


    Finally, Rean got up and looked around. Everyone in the Cutting Edge Formation wasn''t that much better either. However, he could also see the excitement in their eyes. These elites knew more than anyone else what they had just accomplished.


    Malaka then came forward and laid on Calina. She was as tired as everyone else. However, Calina fell to the ground as soon as Malaka did that.


    "Ah! Illia, are you okay?"


    Calina bitterly smiled as she looked at her trembling hands. How could she be okay? Be it physically or mentally, she was utterly spent. Besides, as a young girl, this Cutting Edge Formation really affected her to some extent. The number of deaths she saw today was higher than all fights she had gone so far.


    "Malaka, how can you be so fine?"


    Malaka looked at Calina and shook her head. Fine? What fine? Just like everyone else, Malaka had blood marks all over her body. She alone probably killed over 100 enemies. Malaka then hugged Calina before saying.


    "I''m not fine. I''m just trying to not think about it."


    It was then that Roan appeared in the middle of their group. Other than Calina, Rean, and Malaka, no one knew where he went. He never appeared during the battle. Still, they know that he definitely hasn''t fled either, so the Death Unit didn''t say anything.


    Roan looked at the two girls and could tell what they were thinking.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/acknowledgment_51230173495875304 for visiting.


    "Was it hard? It must have been. However, that''s how the cultivation world works. There is absolutely no reason to feel bad for the enemies. Cultivators are selfish. If they came here, then they had their reasons and knew what could have happened. It was the same thing for you two."


    A rare sincere smile appeared on his face as he patted the two girls'' heads.


    "You two did well. I''m proud of you."


    Malaka and Calina couldn''t help but tear up and cry at that point.

 Chapter 356 - After Battle

    Well, Calina and Malaka were not the only girls present. Although men were still the majority, the cultivation world had a huge number of women too. Between 20% to 30% of the entire army was composed of them. That being said, quite a few were present in the elite Unit.


    Rean arrived a moment later, just in time to see Roan patting the girl''s heads.


    "Give up, impostor! What did you do with the real Roan?!"


    Roan''s mouth twitched as he looked at Rean.


    "Since I''m an impostor, I guess there is no problem in beating a few enemies. What about I start with you? Does it sound a good idea?"


    Finally, Rean nodded.


    "Oh! Seems like you are the real one. There is no need for that."


    *Pfft*


    *Hahahaha!*


    Immediately, everyone around began to laugh, including Malaka and Calina. The bad mood was quickly swept away with that. After that, a few of the leaders, like Dillo and Via, who were not part of the original Death Unit, came forward to say something.


    "Little girl, this Cutting Edge Formation was really something else. I can''t believe you really kept it working all the way to the end."


    "Indeed. You opened this old man''s eyes. I guess one really can''t judge a book for its cover."


    Other female cultivators also came to compliment Calina.


    "You really showed all these guys how things are done."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/after-battle_51230243825971319 for visiting.


    "Good job, girl. If you need my help in the future, just come to my Sarai Clan. I''ll be sure to lend you a hand."


    Calina couldn''t help but feel a little embarrassed with all those compliments. It''s one thing to have the ability, but another to be recognized. She quickly wiped away the tears in her eyes and bowed to everyone.


    "Seniors, sorry for the way I treated you before. That was the only way I could use to make everyone work together."


    Via just shook his head before saying.


    "Don''t worry about that. We didn''t do any better to start with."


    Dillo agreed.


    "It would have been the same, whether it was you or any other appointed commander. It''s nothing personal. It''s just that we believed that keeping our own Unit under our command would be better than some outsiders taking control of all. Any other person on our side would have complained all the same. However, you proved to be able to do it, besides..."


    Everyone then looked in the direction that Cassen''s Alliance retreated.


    "We did something incredible thanks to this Cutting Edge Formation. Although we did lose a few of our members, everyone knew what to expect during this war. I can already imagine the rewards that everyone who participated will receive."


    Immediately, everyone''s eyes shone. Indeed, they made the highest contribution during this battle. They would all receive a tremendous amount of Merit Points after the calculation was done. One must not forget that it was only because of these rewards that a significant portion of the cultivators took part in this war.


    Calina smiled. However, she knew that the Cutting Edge Formation was passed to her by Roan. The formation didn''t collapse under her command. That was true. However, the main factor was still Rean''s area of effect Light Element Abilities. Not to mention every time he went around with Kentucky healing everyone who got injured.


    However, just as she was about to say that, Rean also stepped forward.


    "Indeed. Illia did a really great job. It was all thanks to her commands that everything went okay. Of course, we are all responsible for our success, myself included. Still, we need to be grateful for that."


    "Ah? No, That''s-"


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "Snow White is right. I wasn''t even here due to a few problems on the backlines. Fortunately, she was a good apprentice, so she was able to accomplish this independently. I''m really impressed with this formation as well."


    Calina was taken aback. Why are they giving all the credits to her? They knew very well that she didn''t do it alone. However, Rean and Roan ignored her.


    "Who the hell is Snow White?"


    "Oh! Don''t you like the name? I find it to be perfect."


    "Perfect, your ass! Stop coming up with these weird names."


    "Ha! Said the guy who uses everything except my name."


    "My names are still better than Snow White."


    "The hell they are!"


    In the end, Calina didn''t even have the chance to clarify anything as the twins bickered against each other.


    Finally, the two got tired of the argument a few minutes later.


    "Whatever. I''m not going to waste my time with you anymore."


    Rean then looked at the teams before saying.


    "Everyone who is injured, come forward. I''ll do something about that."


    Roan also ignored Rean and pulled Calina with Malaka away.


    "Roan, I didn''t do all of that alone, you know that."


    Roan shook his head.


    "You should take as much support as you can. In the future, it might prove beneficial to you. Do you think the leaders of those Units are idiots? They know that Rean''s Light Element was also one of the main factors for the Formation to work until the end. Still, they silently agreed to leave all the credits for you. Just keep quiet and accept it. Otherwise, all our efforts would have been for nothing."


    Roan then looked at Malaka.


    "You too. Don''t go around saying nonsense, understood?"


    Malaka felt wronged.


    "But I didn''t say anything!"


    Roan nodded.


    "It''s good that you didn''t."


    Roan then changed the topic.


    "Alright. Now I want to hear everything you learned. What happened while commanding, your thoughts, why you did what you did, everything. I''ll then tell you what I saw from far away and give my opinion based on what I hear."


    Calina and Malaka nodded. After every battle, he would take the two girls and give his lectures based on their experiences. As little as it might change, he would never let it pass.


    While Rean and Roan got busy, the ancestors and representatives of the various countries gathered together again. As one could imagine, all the eyes were on Kassie and ''her'' stupendously great commanding ability. It far surpassed what the other sects and royal family strategists knew about. The thing that caught their attention the most was how ''she'' could make everyone work with formations even though it was their first time.


    Kassie looked at Dalamu''s Ancestor, but Zuan shrugged his shoulders. Right after, he sent her a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''What do you want me to do? Tell everyone that the real commander was Roan? Let alone whether they will believe it or not. Even if they do, it''s a terrible idea to let others know what he did today. Having the Umbral Sect aiming at them is already enough. The twins don''t need more enemies. Just come up with some excuse, and that''s it. Besides, considering Roan''s personality, he probably couldn''t care less about fame.''


    Kassie sighed as she looked at everyone.


    "Ahem... There is no need for everyone to feel this impressed. While I''m not cultivating, I spent most of my time drawing talismans or playing Sisca. After so long, I obviously came up with many strategies. Today I just tried to put them into practice."


    "You saw it yourselves, didn''t you? There were many, many mistakes which had a lot of our cultivators killed in the process. You are making it look bigger than it really is. I''m happy that we achieved this victory and that we can now take over the Triliun and Transten Ore deposit. We should now focus on it and on the rewards of the survivors."


    However, Burin didn''t let it go and immediately asked the question in everyone''s minds.


    "I can understand that your formations worked fine. However, how did you take control of the enemy''s formation? If not for that, this war would have been a lot more gruesome. That was truly the turning point of this battle."


    Kassie felt like crying. How would she know? The one who made it was Roan, not her. Still, she had already come up with the perfect excuse.


    "Hehe! The way I used to take control over their Formation was obviously... a secret!"


    Other than the Dalamu Sect members, everyone else cursed Kassie in their minds. The problem here was precisely that. If she could take control over the Formation on the Cassen''s Country Side, couldn''t she do the same with their sects or Royal Family formations? Still, Kassie couldn''t care less about what they were thinking.


    Zuan also agreed with Kassie before saying.


    "Who would be idiotic enough to tell others about such a thing? Wouldn''t it make our Dalamu Sect''s advantage disappear? Let alone me, I doubt that any of your sects or the Royal Family would tell the others either. You should just be happy that I used it for us to take control of the enemy''s formations, guaranteeing our victory."


    No one could find a flaw in Zuan''s words. Indeed, if they were the ones to discover a way to pull such a move, they wouldn''t say a single word either. In the end, they just made a mental note to have this event thoroughly investigated later. However, for now...


    "Let''s finish and organize everything as fast as possible. We will depart tomorrow morning for the Palau Mountain Range. That''s where the Triliun and Transten deposits are located. I have no doubt that Cassen and the other countries will try to extract as much mineral as possible before we arrive there."


    Everyone agreed with those words and immediately left to take care of the arrangements.

 Chapter 357 - Something Else to Offer

    While Roan discussed the past battle with Calina and Malaka, Rean spent the rest of his day healing those with severe injuries. Although there were many Healing Pills, only the most potent ones could compare to what Rean could do. Naturally, the majority couldn''t afford such a thing.


    In exchange, Rean got several favors and got quite a few interesting items to use in forging later. Even a few Umbral Sect members had to grit their teeth and put their pride away to ask for his help. Rean didn''t really mind. Instead of refusing to help, which would create an even greater grudge, he preferred to make them think twice before trying something against him later. Of course, just that wouldn''t change the entire Umbral Sect''s opinion about his abilities, but it was a start.


    At some point that night, Kassie and Zuan came to visit the twins in their encampment. This place was perfect for mounting a temporary base with the terrain advantage until the next morning arrived.


    "Oh! Ancestor Zuan, Senior Kassie, you''re here."


    Zuan and Kassie nodded.


    "Yes. We came to see how the situation of your Death Unit was. After the battle was over, the extra Units that were part of the Elite Group went back to their own positions. Now you are the same 300 cultivator sized unit as before."


    Rean nodded as he looked around.


    "Well, that battle was not without losses. From the 307 members that we had before it started, we now have 236. We will need to scout for replacements tomorrow morning before we march to Palau Mountain."


    Kassie shook her head.


    "Don''t worry. I will arrange the replacements for your Unit. With how famous you guys have gotten, I doubt there will be a lack of options for you to chose."


    Rean smiled after hearing that.


    Zuan then looked at the twins and entered the main topic.


    "You two probably know why we are here. It''s about the Disruption Protection Formation that covered this hill during the battle. How did you take control over it?"


    Rean and Roan were already waiting for that.


    "It''s not exactly something we can explain. What you need to know is that this isn''t something we can pull out anytime we want. It was due to several circ.u.mstances that we were able to pull this out. In any other case, it wouldn''t work."


    Zuan didn''t care about that, though.


    "That doesn''t matter. What I want to know is what you used to do it. You must understand that all the sects are now looking at our sect with suspicion. I can''t blame them for that either. After all, I would also be afraid if I was on their side. Who can guarantee that we can''t take control of the formations that protect their sects or the royal palace? We want to understand this ability better so that we can act accordingly in the future."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/something-else-to-offer_51230291624255815 for visiting.


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "As I said, we can''t explain. Ancestor Zuan must understand that everyone has their own secrets, and so do we. Isn''t that good enough to know that we are part of the Dalamu Sect? Obviously, we wouldn''t use it against you all. Or could it be that Ancestor Zuan only trusts us this much?"


    Zuan shook his head.


    "If I thought that you were a real risk to my Dalamu Sect, I would have dealt with you two a long time ago. The fact that you two are alive and kicking is the proof of my trust."


    Rean smiled after hearing that.


    "Then that''s it. Just play the roles correctly. As long as you refuse to tell the other powers anything, they won''t be able to do anything to Dalamu. In the end, it all depends on whether Ancestor Zuan and Kassie will tell the others about us or not. It''s that simple."


    Indeed. Other than Zuan and Kassie, no one else knew about Rean and Roan''s feats in this war. As famous as they might be, no one would believe that two Core Formation Realm boys did something like that. Everyone thought that it was Kassie and Zuan who acted back during the battle.


    Zuan narrowed his eyes as he looked at the twins. He wasn''t an idiot. He knew that they definitely weren''t just two teenagers as they looked. Still, it was correct to say that they had done a lot for the sect so far, including achieving this victory.


    Although this war helped Dalamu a lot, the fact was that Rean and Roan were doing it to help themselves.


    Rean wanted the Transten Ores to have something to feed Kentucky. Roan thought this was the perfect chance to train Malaka and Calina during a real war. In a certain way, their reasons had little to do with Dalamu itself.


    In the end, Zuan sighed. The fact was that he already expected that the twins wouldn''t tell him what they did.


    "Fine... Perhaps this is a good thing that we don''t know how you two robbed the formation''s control. Such knowledge is helpful and dangerous at the same time. Try not to show this ability to control formations to others from now on. Otherwise, even I would not be able to cover for you two."


    Rean nodded, not caring too much.


    "Don''t worry. We know what we are doing. Only because we were sure that no one would find the truth that we went ahead with this plan."


    Zuan nodded, and then they changed the topic.


    "The other thing I want to know is about Roan''s commanding knowledge. Roan, I will not ask you how you learned that. However, would it be okay if you taught some elders who are good at commanding as well? Of course, if you want something in exchange for it, I''m more than happy to comply."


    Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Isn''t it a bad idea? If I began to teach all of them, the information would escape someone''s lips sooner or later. Umbral Sect is already enough of a bother."


    Zuan agreed with him.


    "I know. You don''t need to worry. I can have Kassie act as the middleman. She would be the one appearing, pretending to be teaching everyone, while you would be communicating with her through Spiritual Sense. I''ll make sure that no one in our sect or outside will find out about it. I can give you my word about that."


    Roan pondered a bit before nodding.


    "If the payment is good, I don''t mind giving some help. At the moment, I usually pass by the Blue Orchid Sect to teach the girls there about combat. It will basically be the same thing."


    Zuan and Kassie were satisfied to hear that. Kassie was even more delighted since she would learn first than anyone else. As for Zuan, he was just thinking about the future of his Dalamu Sect, nothing more. He wasn''t very good at strategies, so he wouldn''t participate in the teachings himself.


    "Very well, what would you like to receive as payment?"


    Roan then looked at Rean, and the two nodded. The answer to that question was already obvious.


    "Rank Four Spirit Stones. Would that be possible?"


    Zuan and Kassie were taken aback.


    "This..."


    Zuan quickly calmed down before explaining.


    "You two should know better than anyone else just how rare Rank Four Spirit Stones are, no? Even the Nascent Soul Elders and above only have a few tens or maybe hundreds of them at most. And that was the result of several years of acc.u.mulation. Those stones are just too hard to acquire. Even I only have a little bit more than a thousand of them."


    "Of course, our own personal stashes are separated from the Sects'' Treasure. Still, I believe we don''t have more than three thousand or so in there. The situation is more or less the same for all the other sects. Only the Royal Family probably has more of it, but it wouldn''t be that much."


    Rean and Roan narrowed their eyes. They didn''t have much more things they wanted at the moment, after all. They wanted Rank Four Spirit Stones is obviously to use the Circuitry Teleport Formation if necessary. Back in Laan City, they had to ask Juvian and Tiria for that. Fortunately, there was no need to use them in the end.


    Zuan couldn''t help but say.


    "Rank Four Spirit Stones is hard to provide. However, I might have something of interest for you two. You two already know about cultivation techniques that allow one to use Yang or Yin Energies, right?"


    Rean and Roan nodded. In fact, Calina''s technique was one of these types. At the moment, Mia and Malaka also switched to it after Calina passed it over.


    "My own cultivation technique just so happens to be a Yang Energy type. I don''t want to brag, but my technique is quite good. Usually, I definitely wouldn''t pass it to anyone else. However, I do think that Roan''s commanding and Rean''s healing abilities are worth as much. Would you be interested in it?"


    Roan didn''t say anything as he looked at Rean. In the end, such a technique would be more useful to Rean. However, they already have the Light and Dark Element Cultivation Techniques of the Soul Gem System. Obviously, they wouldn''t change cultivation techniques in that case. That being said, Zuan''s technique wasn''t as appealing as Zuan probably thinks it is.


    Rean then asked.


    "Does it have some Yang Energy skills included?"


    Zuan nodded.


    "But of course! Why would one use the Yang Energy Cultivation Technique without the skills that make good use of this energy? It''s just that they are all Fire Element ones, so I don''t know how good it would be for you."


    Rean pondered a bit and nodded in the end.


    "Alright, we accept."

 Chapter 358 - Outcome

    Sure enough, by the time they arrived at the Palau Mountain Range, they found it full of cultivators extracting Triliun Ore. However, they didn''t try to resist. After all, the deal was that Cassen wouldn''t try to stop them anymore. If that really happened, this battle would become a high-level one. Everyone at the Nascent Soul Realm and above would enter the fray. Cassen Country definitely didn''t want that to happen.


    Jialin quickly scared those cultivators away and took over the Palau Mountain Range. With that, all the Triliun and Transten Ores were now in their hands. Obviously, all the Sects, Royal Family, and Laan City experts were delighted by that.


    Still, Cassen and the other two countries didn''t hold back when extracting the ores because of the urgency of the matter. They went all out, trying to reach the Transten Ore deposit at the center. Even Saint Realm experts attacked the vein nonstop. Everywhere they looked, there were giant holes and deformations.


    Unfortunately, in the end, they did not find where the Heaven Ore Metal was located. It was one thing to know that there would be Transten Ore in this place. However, knowing which part of the deposit held Transten Ore was another thing altogether. After all, this deposit was just too big. Also, Transten Ore would appear anywhere with the highest concentration of Spiritual Energy. To find that place, they would need to make their way inside. Spiritual Sense didn''t help much with this point.


    Kassie and the others quickly ascertained the situation and began to give orders.


    "Senior Droman and the other Formation Masters, please connect the Communication System to this place. Also, start building a protection formation. We don''t know if Cassen and their alliance will change their minds, so we need to be prepared."


    "Bring the Excavation Team forward and have them began to look for Transten Ore inside the Triliun Vein. We need to be sure that we take those ores as soon as possible."


    "Each power will have a few watchers looking at the excavation to make sure that no one will take everything for themselves. This deposit will also help pay for the costs of the war, so we need to share it equally."


    "Spread the Army Units outside around the Palau Mountain Range and have they secure the place. No one can enter without our permission. Tell the vagrant cultivators that they will get extra merit points and some Triliun Ore to forge their own equipment if they stay here. Our own cultivators and disciples will also get the same rewards if they stay longer."


    Around one day later, Jialin sent a message to all the surrounding countries. Their conquest of Cassen''s territory has now finished. As promised, they would not try to conquer the country, but just a small part of its territory for their own use. A few cultivators of each nearby country entered Cassen to check. They confirmed that the war stopped after Palau Mountain Range was taken.


    Cassen, Tolak, and Roren tried to negotiate with Jialin to get some of the Transten Ore in the Mountain Range. After all, it was just too important for all the countries involved. Surprisingly, the main commander of the army, Kassie, accepted their proposal.


    Well, the one who really accepted that was Roan. According to what he said, they wanted to guarantee the safety and stability of the new territory. The best way was to reach an agreement with the previous owners. Even though they would lose some of the Transten Ore, it was a fact that this territory would bring them more benefits as time passed.


    ''One must look at the big picture. By doing this, you can prevent those countries from trying anything funny anytime soon. That will be perfect for Laan Experts to build their own power in this place. Once the entire territory is firmly under their grasp, you won''t need to worry anymore.''


    Kassie said exactly the same thing to the other powers'' representatives. Since they all think it was Kassie who achieved this victory for them, they decided to give her a chance and accept this deal. In exchange for 30% of all Transten Ore found in the Palau Mountain Range, Cassen would officially accept the loss of its territory. Tolak and Rorel would also give up any idea of trying to take the deposit back.


    This deal seemed very similar to what they got in the past. However, there was a big difference. Now the Laan Experts had a much bigger territory. Above all, Jialin also had access to a massive amount of Triliun Ore, which wasn''t offered in the previous deal.


    Of course, this agreement wouldn''t last forever. Cassen might very well try to take the territory back one day. That being said, they also agreed about a time frame for peace, fifty years! For the experts at the Nascent Soul Realm and above, this really wasn''t much. After that, Cassen would be free to try anything if they wished to. Last but not least, they called a representative of the Imperial Family to seal this deal. This way, neither Cassen nor Jialin would dare to go against the agreement.


    With that done, all the vagrant cultivators were finally dispersed. Each of them received five kilograms of Triliun Ore, which had a considerable value for cultivators at the Core Formation Realm and below. Even Core and Soul Fusion Realm considered it a good extra. Of course, they also had their merit points, which they all used to exchange for cultivation resources and other items.


    After that, there were the cultivators of the sects and the royal family. In their case, only half of their forces returned home. The other half stayed just in case something happened. After all, the agreement was only between Cassen and Jialin. There was nothing said about other countries who might decide to use this chance to attack.


    Roan''s Death Unit just so happened to be one of the Units that stayed behind. Well, that was more of a personal request from Kassie. Neither Rean nor Roan thought it was bad since they had to wait for the Transten Ore to be mined. Sure enough, Mia and Zuan promised the two half of their share of Transten Ore.


    As for the high-level cultivators, the majority of Laan Experts stayed in the new territory. After all, they would create their home here. The other sects and royal family sent half of their high-level forces back, leaving only the other half to watch over the Ore Deposit.


    Time passed as the dust settled down. The news about Cassen''s defeat quickly became forgotten as a new sect appeared in the conquered territory, the Laan Sect. The reason that Triliun and Transten Ore appeared in this mountain range was due to the rich Spiritual Energy beneath it. That being said, The Laan Sect was built in the same place.


    Around three months later, the Jialin Excavation Force finally found the location of the Transten Deposit. Well, they could have been much faster if the Twins had used Kentucky. But to prevent others from getting suspicious, they didn''t let the Minokawa get close to the deposit. Day and night, the demon bird looked at the mountain as its mouth drooled. It turns out that they were right. There was a great amount of Transten Ore present at the moment. Another month was used to slowly and carefully mine it.


    In the end, 637 kilograms of it was mined out of the deposit. Don''t look down on this number. This is a Heaven High-Level type of metal! 191 kilograms were then given to Cassen, Tolak, and Rorel as per the deal. The other 446 was shared between the six sects and the Royal Family of Jialin.


    Dalamu got 74.3 kilograms, which was then divided into two portions once more. Both Dalamu and the twins ended up with 37.15 kilograms each. As Reliance mentioned in the past, Rean only had to give 100 grams of Heaven-Level ore to Kentucky each time. The frequency would depend on the level of the ore.


    Low-Level would be once every three days;


    Middle-Level every five days;


    High-Level every seven days;


    Finally, Peak-Level every ten days.


    As a High-Level Material, Kentucky would need seven days to digest every 100 grams. With 37.16kg of ore, the twins would be able to feed Kentucky for the next 2601 days! That was the same as seven years worth of food for Kentucky!


    Or so Rean thought...


    "What? Of course, it''s not that easy. Kentucky''s level is increasing. Obviously, he can absorb a lot more Heaven-Level ores as well. Have you not checked his digestion time of the Luminun Ore after he entered the Stage Three level?"


    Rean shook his head.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/outcome_51230317108843124 for visiting.


    "I just kept giving him the same 100g every five days."


    Reliance shrugged his shoulders.


    "Well, if you want to give him just 100g every seven days, you can do it. But that will also delay his progress."


    Rean looked helplessly at the enormous black and white bird on his side.


    *Chick?*


    "Oh well, it was you who found the deposit to start with, so I guess it''s okay."


    Rean threw another 100g to Kentucky, who swallowed it in one go. In the next days, he and Reliance checked Kentucky''s body to see how long he took to process that amount. In the end, Kentucky absorbed the entire thing in just four days!


    "Oh well, this is still 1486 days worth of food, or a little more than four years. It''s more than double of what I had before."


    Rean then threw another 100g for Kentucky to eat and left. A few days later, it was decided that Rean and Roan''s Death Unit would be dispersed as well. With that, everything related to Laan City was finally settled down.


    *pin!*


    [Congratulations, Hosts.]

 Chapter 359 - Harsh!

    [Hosts have successfully intervened in the destiny of Laan citizens and have conquered part of Cassen''s Country by introducing a higher level of combat tactics. Hosts have also directly commanded the army in the decisive battle, reducing the number of losses to the minimum. On top of that, the remaining Laan experts have now created their own Sect, which was also annexed to Jialin Country.]


    [Calculating rewards.]


    Rean and Roan were surprised to hear that.


    ''Oh! I thought that anything involving Laan Experts would not be counted in the end.''


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    ''Indeed. We didn''t get anything after leaving Laan City, after all.''


    Sister Orb then explained.


    [The City Events really didn''t give you anything. However, once these experts were separated from the City Artifact, their destinies were also divided into two different directions. That being said, while they are the old Laan Citizens, they don''t have anything to do with it anymore. That''s why their destinies are now part of the reward of destiny change.]


    Rean and Roan nodded. However, Rean also noticed something.


    ''It seems like the City Artifact is not present on this planet anymore.''


    Roan understood what Rean meant.


    ''Indeed. The Soul Gem System is considering their shared destiny with Laan City completely cut. That means that both of them won''t have any relation with each other anymore. At the very least, not any time soon.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Exactly. If they were still on this planet, there was still a chance of meeting each other in the future, just like Latalia did by becoming a descendant. However, it probably means that even their descendants won''t have a chance of finding the City again in the future.''


    Rean also considered another possibility.


    ''If I''m not wrong, there is a high chance that Laan City was brought to the higher realms, don''t you think?''


    Roan became confused.


    ''Are you talking about those so-called Ancestors that were supposed to come back to bring them away?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''The City simply vanished into thin air. Even the Saint Realm experts didn''t think such a thing was possible for them to do. You have to admit that it might have been the intervention of someone from above.''


    Roan shook his head in response.


    ''I find it highly unlikely. There is nothing to prove that the Artifact Spirit couldn''t move the City anytime it wanted. Perhaps it only didn''t do so because no one had found it in the past.''


    Rean had to agree that the possibility existed.


    ''Then what was the light ray on the top of the four peaks? Couldn''t it be some kind of communication system to tell those ''Ancestors'' that they are ready to be brought away?''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''If that was the case, why didn''t the Artifact Spirit do it earlier? Did you forget what the elders in that City said? The Artifact Spirit has control over everything. Naturally, the light ray should be part of it.''


    Rean then shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    ''Well, we can''t confirm any of these theories. In any case, one thing is most likely confirmed. The Laan Citizens that stayed behind will not find Laan City again. I''m almost 100% sure about it.''


    Roan nodded. He also thought that Rean''s analyses were correct.


    It was then that Sister Orb''s voice appeared.


    [Oh! There comes the reward of the system.]


    Sure enough...


    [Calculation finished.]


    [Destiny Points Reward: 2937.]


    [Authority Level: 01]


    ''Oh! This wasn''t even a quest before, but we still got all these points.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''We even got one Authority Level. It was better than I expected. Let''s take a good look once we get back to the Sect.''


    The twins then returned to their Unit and announced the orders passed by the Sect.


    "Alright. Everyone is now free to go anywhere. Don''t forget to pass by the rewards building to exchange your Merit Points. From today onwards, the Death Unit is disbanded."


    Everyone was taken aback by the sudden announcement.


    "That easily? Sigh..."


    "Well, wars between countries aren''t that easy to happen, after all."


    "Exactly. Do you really expect that the sects would continue to give us Merit Points for staying here doing nothing?"


    Calina and Malaka had also made a few friends in the Death Unit, especially with the female ones.


    "Well, I guess there''s no helping it."


    Malaka couldn''t help but look at the twins.


    "Rean, Roan, is there really no way to keep everyone?"


    Rean laughed after hearing that.


    "Let''s not consider that not everyone here would want to stay. Even if they did, how do you expect us to provide for their cultivation? Sure, I have a considerable level of income at the moment, but I''m far from being able to keep a unit of this size. Besides, more than half of our unit is made up of vagrant cultivators. They have their own clans, families, etc."


    All the members nodded. They were happy to have been part of the Death Unit. After all, it was one of the strongest units, which gave them many benefits. However, the majority only joined for the rewards of the war. They all had their own plans after this, including the Sect Members.


    "Little girl, you should stop being so naive. Hahaha!"


    "He''s right, Malaka. Maintaining such a large group of cultivators is anything but easy."


    "Indeed. Otherwise, do you think the sects or royal family would disband us? They also want to increase their power, but the cultivation world is always lacking resources."


    "However, I hope you guys will call us next time when something like this starts again. The Death Unit is bound to bring us many rewards, after all. Hahaha!"


    Everyone also laughed after hearing that, including Rean.


    However, Roan couldn''t help but show a scary smile.


    "Hoho~! So you all liked the hellish training of this unit, huh? Very good. I''ll be sure to keep your names in mind. Next time, I''ll increase the level so that this unit can at least reach a basic level of battle."


    Everyone felt a chill on their backs when they heard that. So everything Roan made them pass through still wasn''t enough for them to reach the basic level... Then, just how terrifying would it be to become a high-level unit in his eyes?


    "Cough, cough... I might... not be available."


    "Exactly! My parents are old. I can''t make them worry about me like this."


    "Didn''t you say that your parents died a long time ago?"


    "Today is such a beautiful day, don''t you think so, guys?"


    Roan snorted but didn''t say anything. Rean, Calina, and Malaka giggled inside. Their Unit had many cultivators above 40, 60, and even 100 years old, especially those at the Core Formation Realm and above. After all, not everyone was a genius that could breakthrough during their youth. Still, even they felt fear when Roan talked. His status was not made through his commanding alone. He made everyone respect him through brute force!


    However, a voice then came from the middle of the Unit.


    "I don''t mind harsh training. Let me join you!"


    Roan looked at the guy who spoke. It was Welloi, one of the cultivators that Roan considered to have some talent for leading. He was also one of the six sub-commanders in his unit.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/harsh!_51230361669129540 for visiting.


    "Me too!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Don''t forget about me, okay?!"


    "I won''t stay behind."


    Salatis, Juka, Zouei, and Verder. All the cultivators that Roan also taught war tactics stepped forward as well. Roan was especially harsh in their training menu during these 14 months since the start of the war. However, they knew very well just how much they improved thanks to that. He even passed them the basic manual of the Death Style for each of their weapons. Rean was also there to help them all the time. He healed everyone''s injuries, giving them an extra layer of safety. Also, his commanding abilities were only behind Roan himself. Although Calina always took control of the Unit and was indeed very good at controlling it, they knew that the real masters of this unit were Rean and Roan.


    Calina couldn''t help but ask after hearing that.


    "Why would you come with us? We can''t really help you guys with anything, you know? Besides, only Welloi and Zouei are part of our Dalamu Sect. The rest of you are vagrant cultivators. We don''t have the power to bring you inside."


    These guys were by no means geniuses. Welloi and Zouei were both at the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. However, they were way past fifty years old. At the moment, they were indeed part of the Dalamu Sect but not disciples. Instead, they were what the Sect called reserve forces. They surpassed the age necessary to enter the Inner Sect but didn''t become Outer Sect Elders. For cultivators like these who didn''t want to leave the Sect, the reserve forces were created.


    Of course, these reserve forces received a lot fewer resources than the actual sect disciples. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be possible to keep them. Still, just having the Dalamu Sect emblem was a huge help if you lived in the Dalamu Sect Territory like them. That''s why they didn''t mind being part of the reserve forces.


    Salatis, Juka, and Verder were vagrant cultivators even older than Welloi and Zouei. Salatis was the most senior, 112 years old, and was a Middle Stage Core Formation Realm vagrant cultivator. It was hard to say if any of them would even reach the Core and Soul Fusion Realm one day. It was easy to see how difficult becoming a Core and Soul Fusion cultivator was by looking at Dalamu Sect''s forces. In total, Dalamu didn''t have even 40 of them. And this was a sect with tens of thousands of members if you counted everyone involved.


    Still, they seemed dead set in following these twins.


    However, Roan shook his head.


    "I don''t need dead weight following me."

 Chapter 360 - Parting Ways

    Welloi and the others were taken aback by those words. However, Roan didn''t give them a chance to ask questions before continuing.


    "Let''s be honest here. You''re good at commanding. That''s why I taught you guys how to do it. However, your personal powers, and especially your cultivation speeds, are severely lacking. We might be at a similar level for now, but what about five or ten years from now? Wouldn''t you just become burdens? You should leave and create your own clans, cultivate peacefully, or whatever."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Isn''t that a little too harsh?"


    Roan snorted in response as he replied.


    "Harsh? This is the cultivation world. In this war, we were lucky that the big shots decided to not intervene after the agreement. It was also because of their advantage that they offered such a deal. They thought they would win but lost in the end. Otherwise, what do you think would have happened?"


    Rean understood what Roan meant and sighed as he uttered.


    "Once the Nascent Soul Realm and higher cultivators saw the problem that our commanders were causing to the low-level armies, they would shift their attention to them. Considering the difference in cultivation, they would only need one strike to end the problem."


    Roan nodded as he continued where Rean left off.


    "We would need to have our own high-level cultivators, constantly keeping them busy for that to not happen. Of course, since they can aim at our units, we can do the same to them."


    Calina then added by the side.


    "That''s why most of these wars are only fought by low-level cultivators for most of it, right?"


    "That''s pretty much what it is. No side wants to lose all its geniuses, so the high-level cultivators always keep this unspoken agreement of not intervening unless things get heated. But once that moment arrives, neither side will hold back just because the enemy''s commander is low-level."


    Welloi couldn''t help but ask.


    "But couldn''t we still help before that moment comes? I can''t accept that we''re just dead weight."


    Roan didn''t care what they thought, saying.


    "It seems like you don''t understand. As far as the low-level wars can go, it will ultimately be decided by the high-level cultivators. That''s why any commander that wants to be under me has to have a high level of cultivation."


    Roan then continued.


    "Do you know? I thought that we would lose most of you, leaders, during this battle. The agreement where no high-level cultivators would appear in the end was unexpected, even for me."


    Welloi''s group finally understood why. Still, they had to ask.


    "Illia was also the main commander of this Death Unit during the last battle. Wouldn''t she have been killed too?"


    Roan nodded.


    "She would."


    Of course, Roan omitted the fact that Rean would drag her into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm if that situation really happened. Calina and Malaka also knew about it, so they didn''t say anything.


    "Does it mean you were ready to have us sacrificed during the last battle?"


    Roan snorted.


    "Sacrifice you? This is war! How many sacrifices have we made already? You could die, Rean could die, Illia could die, everyone could die! Not only you, but all of us are sacrifices, myself included! Then again, I still have the confidence of surviving in that situation, though."


    The unit knew that Roan was straightforward, but he could always make things look worse.


    Welloi gritted his teeth before asking.


    "Is there really no other way? I really like commanding!"


    Salatis, Juka, Zouei, and Verder also insisted.


    "Us as well!"


    Rean was the one to shake his head now. Although he thought Roan was too harsh with his words, he knew that Roan wasn''t wrong.


    "Unless you guys can suddenly increase your cultivation speed to somewhere similar to me, Illia, or Malaka, that would not be possible."


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s how things are. However..."


    That last word immediately took everyone''s attention. Everyone looked at Roan, waiting for the continuation.


    "It''s mostly during the last stage of a war that the high-level cultivators will join the battle. The several months or even years before the critical point is still fought by cultivators at our low-level. If you want to participate during those times, I don''t mind giving you all the same type of role again."


    Welloi''s group immediately shook their heads.


    "That''s not what we want! We are talking about being taught by you and Rean in the future. If we need to wait for a war to happen again, just how long will it take? Just a moment ago, Jialin and Cassen closed a deal of non-aggression for the next fifty years! We might even die of old age by the time Jialin goes into war again."


    Everyone nodded. That would be quite a useless pact since no one knew when they needed to gather the army again.


    "Enough!"


    Roan began to lose his patience already.


    "So what if you want any of that? That''s not my problem! If you really want to become a commander, don''t rely on me. Go cultivate, go do missions, go study. There might not be any war going around Jialin at the moment, but you can definitely find them around the empire. Just go anywhere. If I need you one day, I''ll tell you, and that''s all."


    Roan then turned around and left. He really had no intention of taking any of the guys in. One Malaka and one Calina was already annoying enough to deal with.


    Rean sighed as he looked at Welloi''s group''s disappointed expressions.


    "Well, you can''t blame him for it. We have too many things to care about, so we really have no time to spend on you all. Just take this war as a chance and go out practicing on your own. Who knows, there might be a day where we truly need your help."


    Rean then looked at Calina and Malaka.


    "You two, it''s time to go."


    The two girls nodded and quickly followed Rean as well.


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky, who didn''t understand anything that was going on, simply followed as well.


    And just like that, the Death Unit was left behind.


    However, it was then that Welloi decided.


    "He''s right. I''m too weak. I thought it was enough to be part of Dalamu''s reserve forces and use their name to live in Jialin, but I was wrong."


    Salatis shrugged his shoulders.


    "You, at the very least, are part of Dalamu''s Reserve Forces. I''m just a vagrant cultivator. Not to mention that I''m much older than you."


    Zouei couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Well, this is also a chance, don''t you think?"


    Verden looked at Zouei and nodded.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/parting-ways_51329167391770089 for visiting.


    "Zouei''s right. Didn''t Roan already tell us what we need to do? Many wars are happening around the empire. With our cultivation levels ranging around the Core Formation Realm, it wouldn''t take too long to arrive in a country where it is happening."


    Welloi agreed with him.


    "That''s what I was thinking. I''m going to leave to cultivate and practice my commanding skills in other countries. Rean and Roan are just teenagers but are already that determined. I won''t just sit down and accept the fact that I''m dead weight. I''m going out!"


    Salatis quickly decided what he would do.


    "This old man might have no cultivation talent, but I can make up for it with effort. I''ve decided! I''ll exchange my merit points for the best cultivation technique possible instead of cultivation resources. I''ll then join the wars of other countries and gather the cultivation resources after. Do any of you want to come? Of course, if you have families or anything like that, you better consider it carefully. I''m a lonely cultivator, so I''m okay."


    Verden, Zouei, and Juka also agreed to go out together. They already got familiar with each other''s strength and knew how to combine their forces.


    Surprisingly, a few more cultivators of the Death Unit also joined those five and decided to go out as well. Of course, most of the Death Unit still decided to go back to the sect or go out to do their own things. Not everyone was that passionate about the Death Unit as them.


    Back on Roan''s group side, Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "You did all of that on purpose, right?"


    Calina and Malaka got confused.


    "What do you mean?"


    Roan glanced at the two girls before saying.


    "They wanted to follow Rean and me to learn more about being an Army Leader. However, I already taught them enough about it. I wasn''t lying. I can''t waste more time with them since I already have you two. From now on, they need to rely on themselves, not me or Nightingale here. It would be complicated and above all, extremely annoying."


    Rean smiled as he said.


    "Well, that''s how cultivators are. They have to rely on themselves. It will all depend on how well they can put what they learned into practice."


    Calina narrowed her eyes in response.


    "Hey, wait! Are you saying that teaching this princess is annoying too?"


    Roan snorted.


    "Not just annoying. Extremely annoying!"


    Malaka didn''t seem to care as she uttered.


    "Hahaha! I don''t mind not receiving any more training from now on, then?"


    Rean was the one to shake his head as he said.


    "That would make things even more annoying. Who knows what kind of calamity you''d bring if we don''t teach you properly. Sigh... such a burden."


    Roan immediately agreed with Rean.


    "It''s rare for us to agree so much with something, but I guess this is definitely one of those. In that case, let''s increase Malaka''s tasks once we go back."


    Calina couldn''t help but laugh as Malaka showed a frustrated expression. Even though Roan said it was incredibly annoying to teach her, he didn''t seem to care that much anymore.

 Chapter 361 - Old Friends

    The twins decided to go back to the sect on their own. Surprisingly, before they left, Luina appeared. Wars between countries were one of the best places for cultivators to awaken their potential. Naturally, the Lagan Sect also sent Luina to participate.


    However, she was part of the Lagan Sect, after all. Even though she wanted to join the group led by the twins, she had to help her own sect first. Besides, as the sect master''s daughter, she was also given a unit to command. In the end, she didn''t get any chance to meet the twins, or Roan, to be more specific, during the entire duration of the war.


    "Hey! I heard you two are going back now."


    Rean and Roan looked in the voice''s direction and saw Luina walking in their direction.


    Rean smiled and immediately complimented her.


    "Oh! It''s been two months since we saw each other, no?"


    Luina smiled back and nodded.


    "Indeed. It was during the seventh gathering to discuss the plans of attack. I''ve been too busy with my own unit, so I couldn''t come out to see you."


    Luina then looked at Malaka and ''Illia.'' Luina had obviously seen Illia before. However, she didn''t know that Illia was, in fact, Calina. Nonetheless, she couldn''t help but feel like she had seen this girl before. She thought a lot about it. Though, in the end, she simply gave up. Illia didn''t look like anyone she recognized.


    "Hi, Malaka, Illia, good to see you two."


    Malaka didn''t care about ''face'' and simply hugged Luina.


    "Luina, listen! Rean and Roan want to increase my training regime again. Can you do something?"


    *Chop!*


    "Ouch!"


    Luina didn''t join Malaka''s side, saying in a stern tone.


    "Stop complaining and just go do it. Do you know how famous Rean and Roan''s training became during this war? Roan''s methods were very harsh but effective. Rean''s healing abilities could put your entire unit back in shape to battle even after the training was over. There was no lack of cultivators who wanted to join your unit."


    She wasn''t lying. As the Death Unit skyrocketed in the ranks after the third month, the other units sent a few people to check how they trained. It was there that they saw how the twins gave hellish training just to be fully recovered after it was done. Unlike the Death Unit, they didn''t have a Light Element user to recover them, so they couldn''t go as far as the twins'' group did.


    Malaka looked down with a gloomy expression but nodded in the end.


    Luina then looked at Illia.


    "Errr... Illia, right? We didn''t have much of a chance to talk before."


    Calina agreed with her.


    "Indeed. I''ve just joined the Dalamu Sect recently, so it''s not unusual that you don''t know that much about me."


    Luina nodded.


    "I see... But why are you walking with Rean and Roan? Malaka is their younger sister, but what about you?"


    Rean''s eyes lit up before saying.


    "Oh? That? It''s simple. My brother here thinks very highly of Illia''s commanding skills, so he had been ''closely'' teaching her recently."


    Malaka almost burst out in laugher after hearing that. How could she not know what Rean was trying to do?


    Calina, on the other hand, thought that Rean was talking about someone else.


    ''Think very highly of my skills? Who? Roan? Since when?''


    Luina narrowed her eyes as she waited for Roan''s answer.


    One must remember that 14 months had passed till the end of the war. During this time, Rean, Roan, and Malaka turned fourteen years old. However, everyone thought the twins were two years older. In Luina''s eyes, it was already time for her to take action. Unfortunately, the war came. So she didn''t have the chance to invite Roan to go out on a mission with her.


    Roan, however, just ignored the two and asked.


    "How long will you guys blabber? Can we go back already?"


    Not a confirmation, and not a denial either.


    "Oh! Since you''re going back, let me join you. My unit has already been dispersed as well."


    Rean didn''t let the chance slip.


    "Oh! That''s great! Roan had helped you a little with your dagger skills in the past, right? We''re close friends, so I''m sure he won''t mind giving you some personal lessons on the way back."


    Roan didn''t seem to like it, so he immediately asked through their Soul Connection.


    ''What the hell are you trying to do? I don''t want to waste my time teaching anyone else.''


    Rean immediately came up with an excuse.


    ''Luina is the Lagan Sect Master''s daughter, remember? There is no problem in trying to befriend her a little more. Besides, you would just give her a few pieces of advice on our way back. It''s not like we would lose time like that. All in all, this is a good way of making more connections. We lose nothing in exchange for a few possible benefits.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes. He could tell that Rean had some other hidden purpose. Still, he had to admit that Rean''s reasoning wasn''t wrong. In any case, Roan was the type who preferred to get as many benefits as possible.


    ''Fine.''


    Luina''s expression brightened after hearing that.


    Rean then looked at Calina as her expression darkened.


    ''It will be fun!''


    Sure enough, Rean just wanted to set the entire house on fire!


    His words truly hit the right spot on Calina.


    "We are going back to Dalamu, not Lagan. You should stick with your sect members, no?"


    Luina looked at Calina. Immediately, she understood that ''Illia'' wanted something with ''her'' Roan as well.


    "That''s my problem. You don''t need to worry about how our sect does its things."


    "Hehe! So that''s how much you value your fellow disciples? You''ve opened my eyes."


    "Oh! Then how come I don''t see your Death Unit coming back with you? I heard that you were also one of the commanders there."


    "We already bade our farewells. Everyone knows what to do, so there''s no problem."


    "Is that so? Then what makes you think that I didn''t do something similar? First of all, I''ve known my sect members for way longer than you know yours. So, shouldn''t YOU spend more time with them instead?"


    In the end, the two girls looked at Roan to hear his opinion, however...


    "Where is everyone?"


    Rean, Roan, and Malaka had suddenly disappeared without the two girls noticing. Only then did they see Roan''s group running from afar. Sure enough, Roan couldn''t care less about their argument. He only wanted to go back to the sect as fast as possible.


    Calina and Luina looked at each other. It looked like sparks would fly out from their eyes any second now.


    "Hmph!"


    The two turned around and quickly departed in Roan''s group direction.


    Far ahead, Malaka laughed as she looked at Rean. This fourteen-year-old girl had grown up as sly as ever, so she could totally tell what Rean was trying to do. That being said, she decided to send Rean a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Hahaha! It''s so funny. Then again, Roan hasn''t noticed a single thing.''


    Rean immediately replied.


    ''Hahaha! Right? It''s so fun! What do you think? Can you give me some help?''


    Malaka''s eyes shone as she immediately nodded.


    ''Definitely! However, I want to hear one thing first. Who are you shipping at the moment?''


    Rean was taken aback.


    ''Shipping? Where did you hear this slang?''


    This was something that Earthlings like to use when talking about possible couples. It''s not something that he expected to hear in this cultivation world.


    ''Sister Orb told me.''


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''Sure enough, it had to be her. Oh well, whatever. I''m not shipping any of the two. Don''t forget that Calina will become the empress one day if everything works out. She will have to bear the country on her back in all possible manners. That also includes marrying the right person and giving birth to successors.''


    ''As for Luina, she isn''t in such a powerful position as Calina, but she''s still the Lagan Sect Master''s daughter. I have no doubt that he already has things planned for her future. Naturally, it wouldn''t work for her either. To be honest, I don''t think Luina got permission to come out with us. She probably sneaked out of her unit just to come and see Roan. Only when she found out that Calina was also interested in him did her plans of coming back right after disappear.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/old-friends_51329189135042263 for visiting.


    Rean was 100% right! It''s just that no one noticed that Luina had disappeared. Well, no one except for a single person, Galios. He was the same person who had followed Luina back when Rean and Roan went out for their first Sect Mission. He was her guardian, after all. At the moment, he was also following Luina from afar with his Spiritual Sense.


    ''Sigh... This girl really should think more about her own position. Oh well, it won''t be long before she can''t do these kinds of things anymore...''


    Malaka was taken aback when she heard Rean''s words.


    ''Then... why are you doing all of that?''


    Rean laughed before answering.


    ''The first reason is that it''s really fun! The second...''


    Rean looked at Calina and Luina, who didn''t seem to care about anything else other than beating the other person at the moment.


    ''I want them to forget about all the shit the two need to think all the time. Let Luina and Calina bring out their feelings now since they probably won''t have many chances of doing it in the future.''


    Malaka couldn''t help but feel a little sad after hearing that. Her expression then changed not long after as she looked at Rean.


    ''What do you need me to do?''

 Chapter 362 - Which One Do You Like Most?

    As Rean explained what Malaka should do, Calina and Luina caught up with them.


    "Couldn''t you guys have at least said that you were leaving?"


    Roan glanced at the two girls and replied.


    "Aren''t you here? That''s enough. Luina, take your daggers out and show me your movements."


    Luina was taken aback.


    "While we''re running?"


    "What else? Stop wasting time and start already."


    Luina nodded and took out her two daggers. As they ran, she used a few skills, stringing them into a combo.


    "How is it?"


    Roan shook his head as he succinctly replied.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/which-one-do-you-like-most_51329215173282977 for visiting.


    "Terrible!"


    Calina couldn''t help but giggle a little when she heard that, making Luina''s expression take a turn for the worse.


    "However, you at least followed the pieces of advice I gave you back then. I can see that you''ve improved a lot regarding silent movement and the meridians'' usage to prevent your aura''s leakage."


    In an instant, her gloominess disappeared as a bright smile appeared on her face. Soon after, she looked at Calina with a victorious expression.


    "Hmph! Anyone can do that much if they train under Roan''s teachings."


    Roan shook his head as he said.


    "Not true, Illia. I''ve received quite a few teaching duties in Dalamu, so I''ve seen many dagger users. However, only two of them had similar talents to Luina. Whoever selected the dagger for her did an outstanding job in understanding her special traits."


    Roan wasn''t by any means complimenting Luina. He was simply being objective about his opinions of her abilities. However, for the two girls, that was a huge difference.


    "See? Even Roan recognizes that I''m good with my daggers."


    Seeing Luina''s disdainful expression made Calina almost throw caution to the wind.


    ''How dare does she talk like this with this princess?! I want to see if you would act like this if you knew who I really was.''


    Of course, Calina was still an intelligent girl, so she didn''t do such a thing. Instead, she looked in Roan''s direction and asked.


    "Roan. What do you think about our commanding abilities? You have seen both our units during the last war, right?"


    Roan nodded. He had indeed seen both of them. Well, he had literally seen all of the units. In his mind, Calina just wanted to compare her abilities with other units, which wasn''t a bad thing.


    "Both groups had their own traits. Luina was given a lot of agility type cultivators with a lot of Wind Affinity ones. That being said, her job was to give support to part of the Right Wing. If one of the units began to get pushed back, she would help them keep moving the line."


    "That means that Luina and your jobs during the last battle were quite different. However, if you are asking about overall proficiency over your own units, then Illia was ahead."


    Illia nodded, satisfied.


    ''Girl, you are no match for this princess.''


    Luina didn''t seem to care, though.


    "Well, that''s to be expected. After all, Illia did receive Roan''s teaching during the entire war. If I were there, I would have done it much better."


    Unfortunately for her, Roan shook his head once again.


    "That''s not quite right either. The same way you have a talent for daggers, Illia has a knack for commanding. I''ve trained a few guys good at leading in my own unit during the duration of this war. However, Illia was still much better than the others."


    It was Calina''s time to look at Luina with contempt. However, neither of them were happy. In the end, Roan didn''t say which one of them was better overall.


    Rean and Malaka looked at the interaction and kept laughing inwardly. Seeing the two girls competing for Roan''s attention while the ice block didn''t notice anything was just too fun!


    It was then that an idea popped into Rean''s mind.


    "Oh! In that case, which one of these girls do you like the most?"


    Calina and Luina''s face immediately turned red. How did this conversation suddenly changed into like or dislike? However... they wanted to know!


    "Isn''t that obvious? I would take both."


    The two girls almost tripped!


    ''Hey, hey, hey! How can you say you want both? Were you that perverted all along?''


    Rean and Malaka, on the other hand, couldn''t hold it anymore.


    "Hahahaha! Both! He wants you both!"


    "Hahaha! Indeed! Perhaps you should share Roan between yourselves!"


    Roan looked at the two laughing idiots and narrowed his eyes.


    "What''s so funny about that? Having both would indeed be the best option. I could use them at the same time."


    Calina and Luina almost died of embarrassment. Should they serve Roan at the same time, then? Neither girl would ever accept sharing their man. What kind of joke was that?


    Roan continued, though.


    "After all, their abilities complement each other. Illia could stay on the back, commanding while Luina would be on the sides giving support. The only thing missing would be a good attacker unit to make use of their abilities simultaneously."


    Calina and Luina''s expression froze.


    ''You were talking about combat all the time?!''


    ''How much of a stone head can this guy be?!''


    Rean agreed with Roan as if nothing happened.


    "Indeed. I also thought that the two were perfect together. So, why don''t you get along? You might do great things together in the future!"


    Only then did Calina and Luina understood. All their misunderstandings happened because of Rean, and it was obvious that he knew how Roan would react.


    In a rare mutual understanding, the two girls attacked Rean at the same time.


    Unfortunately...


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    *Vup!*


    Rean began to dodge all of their skills while he followed Roan. Obviously, with his Light Element Enhancement and space to maneuver, it would be too hard for the two girls to capture him. Rean did all of that while laughing out loud. Well, Malaka did the same on the sides.


    "Wrong! Why the hell did you use Glacial Icicles instead of Water Prison there? Even if he had dodged, he would fall into Luina''s attack range. Luina, you too. Didn''t you have your Wind Specter Movement? If you had used it through the knee meridians at that moment, you would most likely land a clean hit. What kind of shitty coordination is that? You need a lot more training."


    Roan, not knowing any better, started to lecture the two girls when they began to attack Rean. The two girls felt even more helpless after that. They weren''t training at all!


    ---


    Note: Over 17000 Power Stones! You guys beat the previous record by almost 2000! Thanks everyone. Here are the eleven chapters + the regular one! Enjoy!


    Also, it seemed you guys liked the lower cost of the chapters during Mass Release last week.


    That being said, I did the same thing and kept most of them at 6 coins price again. ;)


    I''m looking forward to this week too. \o/

 Chapter 363 - Its Up To You Now

    At some point, Calina and Luina finally gave up and focused on their tasks. As Rean mentioned, Roan continued to give Luina a few pieces of advice here and there. Sometimes he would fight Luina to show her points he deemed to be important. Of course, he wasn''t the only one. Rean also fought with her a few times. After all, he wasn''t much weaker when compared to Roan.


    Roan also included Malaka and Calina in these training sessions. He was going to do it anyway, so he might as well put everyone to work. However, it was the fight between Calina and Luina that was the most intense. Unfortunately for Luina, Calina was still a princess of the Empire with top cultivation techniques and skills. Because of that, she was beaten up quite badly.


    ''Just who is this Illia? I have close to no chance against her. If it was a real life and death battle, I would only be able to flee. Only sneak attacks have some effect on her. But even that doesn''t make that much of a difference.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/it''s-up-to-you-now_51392236302161993 for visiting.


    Calina smiled with a confident expression as she said.


    "Hahaha! Is that all you have? Weren''t you so confident before? You''re a disappointment!"


    It was then that Rean''s voice began to echo in Luina''s mind.


    ''Three steps to the right. Then charge straight forward.''


    Luina was taken aback for a second but immediately complied with those words.


    ''As soon as you appear in front of Illia, don''t attack. She definitely has something ready for you there. Use your speed to force her to show her card. After that, use your speed again to dodge and attack her.''


    Luina''s three steps were perfect. She passed through Calina''s attacks and appeared in front of her in a flash. Calina was surprised but did not panic. The moment Luina was about to land a hit, she activated her hidden skill. Roan had taught her very well. As a cultivator who didn''t use weapons, her body''s vulnerability was her greatest problem. She always had something ready for anyone who got close.


    ''Water Prison!''


    In an instant, an enormous sphere of water appeared right where Luina was. Since she was charging directly at Calina, she would definitely fall into it. However, Luina showed a faint smile as she used her Wind Specter Steps. The straight attack only landed on an afterimage as she moved in another direction.


    ''What?!''


    Calina was shocked that her trap didn''t work. Still, she didn''t give up. The time for Luina''s dodge was enough for her to open distance again. But it was at this moment that a dagger came from the skies, aiming right at her blind spot.


    Calina''s Spiritual Sense finally noticed the dagger when it got close, quickly dodging as fast as possible. Still, it hit the side of her body, leaving a deep gash. Of course, Luina didn''t really aim at a vital point like the head or the heart. This wasn''t a battle to the death, but just ''training.''


    "Oh! You don''t seem that confident anymore, either. Little girl, this woman is much more experienced than you."


    Roan glanced at Rean, who pretended to not notice it and looked away.


    ''What''s the point of training if you tell her what to do? She needs to learn by herself.''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    ''Telling her the right thing to do will also help her with her training. This wasn''t a fair training session to start with since Calina got your personal training lessons for a long time. I''m just balancing the stakes.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes but didn''t say anything. It''s not like Luina would stay for long anyway. As long as she remembered everything he told her, she would eventually improve with time.


    ''By the way, is the guy still following us?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Yep. Not only him, but there is an extra presence as well.''


    As mentioned before, Rean''s Fourth Form of the Life Style can also detect any level of Spiritual Sense. Obviously, he noticed Galios coming for their group a long time ago.


    ''There''s no doubt. One is Luina''s protector, while the other one''s probably Tiria or Juvian.''


    Although they left on their own, the Sect knew that the Umbral Sect was still after them. Obviously, they wouldn''t let the twins walk alone if they weren''t sure no one followed them. This time, it was Juvian who was following the twins from afar with his Spiritual Sense together with Galios.


    Galios also observed it from afar and couldn''t help but be impressed.


    ''The twins'' training methods are truly incredible. Luina can go all out without worrying about injuries. Rean can simply heal everything that isn''t fatal while Roan is giving her instructions. I wish our Sect had someone like them.''


    Galios then looked in another direction and smiled.


    ''Seems like Dalamu also understands it very well. Someone had been following the twins for a long time already but didn''t do anything. Well, that''s good too.''


    Calina and Luina''s battle continued for a long time. Every now and then, Rean stepped in to heal the two girls'' injuries so that they could continue. Of course, he, Roan, and Malaka also participated after those two were done. And just like that, they continued on their way back while skills flew everywhere. The only one who didn''t do anything was Kentucky. The Minokawa just kept flying above as if nothing was happening on the ground at all.


    Finally, dusk approached as light dimmed.


    Roan then looked at everyone before saying.


    "This is enough for today. We can continue tomorrow."


    Malaka and Rean''s eyes met each other for a second as they reached a mutual understanding.


    "That''s good. There''s a river close by. Let''s go there and wash our bodies before we prepare something to eat, shall we?"


    Roan, Calina, and Luina didn''t find anything strange with those words, so they simply nodded.


    "That''s good. I have blood marks and dirt everywhere. I need to wash it off."


    As soon as they arrived at the river, Rean then sent Malaka a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''It''s up to you now.''


    Malaka nodded.


    ''Leave it to me.''

 Chapter 364 - Convincing!

    Roan approached the river and simply took his clothes off without any care before jumping inside. In an instant, Calina and Luina''s faces became as red as a tomato. Can''t Roan see that they had girls with them? Unfortunately, Roan didn''t give a damn to those kinds of things.


    Just as Calina was about to complain, Malaka also threw her clothes away before jumping inside the river completely n.a.k.e.d, splashing water everywhere. Some of it hit Roan too.


    "Stop the bullshit and wash properly!"


    Soon after, he focused on washing himself. It was as if the n.a.k.e.d Malaka and the clothed Malaka made no difference to him. Well... she really wasn''t...


    Rean shrugged his shoulders and did the same thing, not caring too much, leaving only Calina and Luina at a loss of what to do. Eventually, Luina came back to herself and began to shout.


    "Are you all perverts?! How can you walk n.a.k.e.d in front of the girls like that?"


    Calina had to admit that this time, she agreed with Luina. She was even more helpless since she thought she had convinced Malaka to stop doing such things. However, just as she was about to complain, she received a Spiritual Sense message from Malaka.


    ''Calina, this is your chance!''


    Calina was taken aback.


    ''W-What are you talking about? Just put on some clothes already!''


    Malaka stood up in the water and looked directly at her.


    ''Are you kidding? You have a rival right beside you! Instead of asking me to put on some clothes, you should do the same thing as me, idiot!''


    Calina almost vomited blood. Like hell would she do that!


    ''Huh?! What are you talking about?''


    Malaka shook her head.


    ''Idiot! You''re forgetting an extremely important point here. Roan. Doesn''t. Give. A. Damn! He sees everyone as nothing more than bags of flesh and bones! Women? Men? He couldn''t care less about any of that. You know that much at least, don''t you?''


    Calina nodded. Of course, she knew. Roan was completely emotionless towards both men and women. She had noticed this a long time ago.


    ''Still... why would I do that?''


    Malaka then glanced at Luina, who looked away to not see the n.a.k.e.d twins. Well, Luina didn''t care about Rean, only Roan.


    ''Isn''t that obvious? Luina doesn''t know about that! Isn''t this the perfect chance to show that you are willing to do much more for Roan than her? The best thing is that you don''t need to be afraid of Roan looking at you like other men would. Remember, clothes or no clothes are all the same in his eyes. However, this isn''t the case for Luina. She will have no other choice but admit that you are willing to go much farther for him.''


    And with that, Calina fell into a dilemma.


    From far away, Galios looked at everything as his mouth twitched.


    ''What are those scoundrels doing? The twins and even that girl stripped n.a.k.e.d as if they didn''t do anything out of the norm. Still, how dare they strip in front of the Sect Master''s daughter?! If not that someone is also looking at the twins, I would have beaten those three to a pulp already!''


    Juvian was somewhere nearby. He was watching everything as well.


    ''I''ve never thought that those three were that open. Oh well, my job is only to protect them if something happens, so who cares?''


    Juvian could tell that the other protector wasn''t moving either, so he didn''t act.


    Back at Rean''s group, Calina''s face turned redder and redder as she thought about Malaka''s offer.


    ''Wh-What about Rean? He definitely isn''t the same as Roan.''


    Malaka shrugged her shoulders.


    ''Where is your sense of priority? Who cares about Rean? The one who matters here is Roan! If you can''t even understand this much, then I don''t know if you''re truly the right one for my brother.''


    Calina was taken aback by those words. However, she finally arrived at a conclusion and threw caution to the wind!


    ''I definitely can do much more!''


    She quickly stripped all her clothes and jumped into the water with a red as tomato expression. However...


    *Splash!*


    *Splash!*


    Instead of a single splash, there were two! Calina and Luina looked at each other and were taken aback. Both girls were completely n.a.k.e.d right in front of Roan!


    ''Why the hell are you n.a.k.e.d?!''


    To explain this, we need to go back in time a little bit. When Malaka started to convince Calina about stripping, a certain white-haired boy also did the same with Luina.


    ''What?! Are you making fun of my face? I''m the Lagan Sect Master''s daughter! How could I do something that shameless? First of all, you three should put on some clothes instead!''


    Rean sighed.


    ''It seems like you forgot an important point. Illia doesn''t know that you are the Sect Master''s daughter. She only thinks of you as a member of the Lagan Sect, nothing more. Did you forget that mission we had together? You should have noticed a long time ago that Roan simply doesn''t give a damn to whatever gender you might be. However, Illia doesn''t know that either. This is your chance! You can prove to Illia that you are willing to go much farther for him.''


    One should remember that the one who knew about Luina being the Sect Master''s daughter was ''Calina'' and not ''Illia.'' Luina didn''t know ''Illia'' at all.


    ''H-Hmph! Who can guarantee that Roan really doesn''t care about it?! Besides, there''s still you here. Roan might not care, but you''re definitely a pervert for coming up with such an idea.''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    ''You are interested in my brother, not me. Right now, your rival is right in front of you. I won''t tell you to believe me, but I can guarantee you that Illia definitely doesn''t want to give Roan to you. Besides...''


    Luina''s interest was piqued.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/convincing!_51392248130094984 for visiting.


    ''Besides what?''


    Rean looked at Roan for a moment before saying.


    ''Are you really okay knowing that Roan has no interest in your body? You are beautiful. Certainly, he would have a little reaction. Wouldn''t that at least prove that he has some interest in you?''


    Luina''s mind froze for a moment as she looked at Roan. So far, the ice block seemed to not care about anything as he simply washed his body. Eventually, Luina gritted her teeth and threw caution to the wind as well.


    And just like that, a n.a.k.e.d Calina and Luina appeared in the water right in front of Roan.

 Chapter 365 - Washing Together

    "Ah!"


    Calina and Luina pointed at each other in dismay. Why was the other girl n.a.k.e.d too? Of course, they only needed a second to understand that Rean and Malaka plotted this situation against the two. The two girls immediately covered their b.r.e.a.s.ts and genitalia with their hands as they searched for the culprits. Unfortunately for them, Rean and Malaka had disappeared as fast as the two girls jumped into the water.


    Eventually, the two noticed the black-haired teenager, who was looking at them with a dark expression. He was standing in front of the girls. Sadly, the ''reaction'' that Luina expected was nowhere to be seen. The black dragon was still sleeping as peacefully as ever.


    "If you girls want to wash yourselves, can you not make a f.u.c.k ton of commotion?"


    The two girls became even redder as they slowly hid their bodies in the water. Aren''t they just two idiots? How the hell did they fell for their tricks? It was obvious that Rean and Malaka were setting the two up. And sure enough, they fell for it, hook, line, and sinker.


    Back outside, Rean and Malaka watched from far away in an inconspicuous corner. The two didn''t even care that they were n.a.k.e.d as well.


    "Hahaha! It worked!"


    Malaka nodded.


    "Hahaha! Yes! Look how red those two are! It''s too funny."


    Rean added.


    "Not only that, but Roan is still as dense as ever! His lower body had no reaction at all after seeing the two. It was just as I expected. That only made Calina and Luina even more self-conscious of him."


    Finally, Rean remembered the situation they were in and looked at Malaka.


    "Did you finish washing up?"


    Malaka nodded.


    "I did."


    Rean then took two robes from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and passed one of them to her. However, Malaka noticed one thing while she laughed.


    "I can understand why Roan would have no reaction down there. He simply doesn''t see any difference between men and women, after all. But what about you? It doesn''t seem like your little boy had any reaction either after seeing Calina and Luina going completely nude."


    Rean didn''t seem to care as he replied.


    "Hmm... It''s not that I don''t think Calina and Luina aren''t beautiful. No doubt their bodies are very e.r.o.t.i.c in their own way. However, I can''t help but see the two of them as kids. It''s basically the same thing with you. In my eyes, you are just my little sister, so I don''t care about whether you''re n.a.k.e.d or not."


    Rean wasn''t lying. First off, he was indeed much older than any of the girls present, so it wasn''t wrong to say that they were just kids in his eyes. Second, it was mostly because of his previous emotionless life. That also affected how he felt towards the opposite s.e.x.


    Still, Malaka felt that it was weird, so she asked another question while she put on the new clothes.


    "Kids? Luina and Calina are older than you, you know?"


    Rean laughed as he put on his clothes as well.


    "Maybe one day I can tell you why. For now, let''s just enjoy the show."


    Rean and Malaka weren''t the only ones seeing it. Galios was gritting his teeth hard to stop himself from coming out. Luina was just too important to their Lagan Sect, so why the hell did she suddenly take off her clothes in front of the twins? Not only that, but she was also washing with them!


    ''It has to be something the twins did! It has to be! However, I didn''t feel anything with my Spiritual Sense, so it wasn''t a skill. Just what did they do to force Luina to take off her clothes?! Not only that, but the girl on her side also did the same thing! Just what the hell is happening here?!''


    He then noticed Malaka and Rean running to another place and how Roan stayed alone with the two girls.


    ''Little boy, if you even try touching one strand of Luina''s hair, I will definitely cut you to pieces even if it means war against Dalamu.''


    Juvian was also looking at everything with his mouth open.


    ''Is this alright? Or could it be I''ve been cultivating in seclusion for so long that it has become normal to wash without caring about gender?''


    Alright. The two elders were also idiots.


    Calina and Luina were still hiding their bodies underwater with red faces as they watched Roan continue washing his body. Sure enough, Roan didn''t even bother hiding anything from them, nor did he think about it. Still, for some reason, they couldn''t take their eyes away from him.


    Unfortunately for them, Roan was not the type to waste time, so he washed very quickly. But before he left the water, he looked at the two girls resting inside the water. The water in the river was quite clear, so it wasn''t hard to see what was inside. That being said, Calina and Luina kept hiding their b.r.e.a.s.ts and genitalia. Still, Roan''s deep gaze made the two girls feel like they weren''t hiding anything at all, becoming even more embarrassed. Well, when they first jumped in the water, they really weren''t hiding anything, so Roan had already seen what he could see.


    "How long are you two going to stay still there? Didn''t you enter the water to wash up as well? Stop wasting time and start already."


    Finally, he turned around and left.


    As always, he reached inside his own bag but, in fact, connected to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Three pairs of clothes then came out of it, much to Luina''s surprise. After all, two of those pairs of clothes were obviously made for women.


    ''Why would he carry female clothes in his bag?''


    Juvian and Galios also had the same question in their minds.


    Calina, of course, knew about the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    Roan then looked at the two girls as he put on his robes.


    "Use these clothes since your clothes turned to rags during the training on the way here."


    He then glanced at Luina and added.


    "You are older than Illia, so your b.r.e.a.s.ts have already developed a lot more than hers. I''m not sure if these clothes will fit you well, but that''s all I have for now. Anyway, that''s it."


    Luina felt a mix of embarrassment and delight.


    ''He did pay attention to me, after all!''


    ''No, wait! That''s not what I should be thinking at the moment, idiot me!''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/washing-together_51392266366937013 for visiting.

 Chapter 366 - Back to the Sect

    And with that, Roan finally turned around and left. Only then did Calina and Luina get up again as they quickly rushed to the shore before grabbing the robes. The two felt like idiots as they put on their robes. Of course, they knew who the culprits were.


    "I''ll kill those two the next time I find them."


    "What a coincidence. I had the same thought just now."


    Still, Luina couldn''t help but show a victorious expression.


    "Well, at least Roan noticed this lady''s body."


    Calina snorted in response.


    "The way he said that was more like he was talking about two bags of meat."


    Luina didn''t care as she responded.


    "Two bags of meat that caught his attention. What about you? There isn''t any meat there to start with."


    *Touche!*


    "H-Hmph! This is just because of our difference in age! Just you wait!"


    The two girls then left the riverside and followed the direction Roan left.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/back-to-the-sect_51392297790658566 for visiting.


    From afar, Juvian and Galios sighed in relief. At least, the situation didn''t develop as they thought it would. If Roan started to have ''fun'' with the girls right there, wouldn''t it make them two old perverts watching the young ones have fun?


    ''I have to tell Sect Master to keep Luina as far from Dalamu Sect as possible! No, wait! If I tell him what happened just now, he would probably come out to kill those twins. Our Lagan Sect can''t afford to start another war. What to do, what to do...''


    Juvian didn''t think that far.


    ''Well... As long as they''re safe, that''s what matters... I guess?''


    Calina and Luina arrived at the place where Malaka and Rean were waiting with Roan. The two just so happened to be preparing some food as well. Rean then looked at the two beet-red girls and said.


    "Oh! You came back. Sit, sit. The food will be ready in no time."


    Malaka also helped him.


    "Rean''s food is quite good. Senior Luina will definitely like it."


    Calina and Luina''s mouth twitched as they looked at the two. They were acting as if nothing had happened at all!


    Of course, Rean and Malaka were still laughing like crazy in their minds. It was quite impressive how they hid it so well.


    *Chick!*


    As soon as Malaka said food, Kentucky, who had been flying in the air all this time, came down in a flash.


    *Chick! Chick!*


    Rean then took another piece of Transten Ore and threw it towards the Minokawa. Kentucky happily swallowed that before sitting down to rest. Of course, Rean didn''t throw an ordinary piece of Transten Ore. He had concealed it under a layer of food. It was only 100 grams every time, so it wasn''t hard to start with. Otherwise, he wouldn''t show Kentucky eating a High-Level Heaven Metal that easily.


    As Rean prepared the food, Calina and Luina looked at Rean and Malaka with dark expressions, waiting for a chance to deal with them. However, those two were too aware of their surroundings. They were always in a position where they could flee straight away. It only made Calina and Luina''s even angrier in response.


    As cultivators, their group didn''t really need to sleep. Even eating could partially be avoided by consuming Spiritual Energy instead. However, Rean and Malaka still liked to eat. Well, the truth was that Roan liked it as well, so he never complained about the time wasted making food.


    After some time, they finished eating and recovering their Spiritual Energy. Soon after, they resumed their travel back to Dalamu Sect. Calina and Luina tried to get back at Rean and Malaka. However, Rean was just too fast and aware of them.


    However...


    "Rean, help me!"


    Rean looked behind and saw how Calina and Luina caught Malaka. Sure enough, she wasn''t as capable as Rean, so the two eventually succeed in capturing the happy-go-lucky girl.


    Rena then bowed to Malaka from afar before uttering.


    "Your sacrifice shall not be in vain."


    Malaka felt helpless.


    "Traitor!"


    Roan looked at everything with a puzzled expression.


    "Calina and Luina put a lot of effort into attacking you two during the training. Did something happen?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "Oh, don''t worry. Those two girls are feeling the effects of PMS at the moment."


    Roan nodded. He at least knew what that meant.


    "I see. I guess there''s no helping it then."


    Calina and Luina almost vomited blood.


    ''Who the hell is having PMS?''


    Sadly, they couldn''t catch Rean. In the end, they could only release their anger on the weak side of the link. Poor Malaka, she had to bear all of it alone.


    *Sob, sob...*


    "It hurts..."


    Calina then looked at her.


    "It was supposed to hurt, idiot. Just try something like that again to see if I won''t skin you alive."


    Luina nodded in agreement with Luina but didn''t say anything.


    The two girls felt quite relieved after that. It would only be more perfect if they had caught Rean as well. Unfortunately, that guy would definitely not drop his guard that easily.


    Roan, on the other hand, simply said.


    "PMS or not, I don''t care. It''s time for training. Let''s go!"


    The two girls felt helpless again but decided to ignore it. They couldn''t blame Roan for not understanding anything either. In the end, they could only put their all in Rean and Roan''s training menu.


    The days quickly passed as their group approached Dalamu Sect. Calina and Luina had to give up catching Rean in the end. Malaka, who had been abandoned by him, also tried to help, but it didn''t help either way.


    Finally, they spotted a city in the distance. That was none other than Majorias City, the town closest to Dalamu.


    "Phew... We''re finally back."


    Everyone was happy to see the sect again. Well, everyone except for Luina. She would need to go back to Lagan after this. Nonetheless, she didn''t forget to point at the twins and say.


    "You two still owe me a group mission together. Once I arrive back in Lagan, I''ll send you the information. I don''t want to hear any refusal."


    Roan nodded, not minding it too much. Since he didn''t refuse back at the Profound Abyss, he wouldn''t do that now.


    "Alright. Don''t forget to review everything I told you."


    Luina smiled after hearing that and nodded. Not long after, she bid farewell to Malaka and the others before leaving in a flash.

 Chapter 367 - Time to Upgrade!

    Rean took the chance to obtain all the Spirit Stones from the Steel Works before going back to the sect with Malaka, Calina, and Roan. There, Malaka and Calina returned to the Blue Orchid District as the twins went back to their rooms in the Inner Sect. After that, they secluded themselves and went straight into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    [You two finally came. It was quite boring to wait for that girl to leave your group.]


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "It would be useless anyway. The sect also sent someone to watch us if we were attacked by the Umbral Sect. In the end, we couldn''t enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm even if Luina didn''t follow us."


    Roan didn''t care about any of that, though.


    "Enough of that. Let''s check the rewards. Sister Orb, how many Destiny Points do we have?"


    [Well, you guys haven''t touched your Destiny Points during the last 14 months. Also, you got that extra reward from the conclusion of that war since you two played huge roles there.]


    Different from what happened in Qerten Country, Rean and Roan really did participate in this war directly. Their effect in Qerten might have escalated a lot, but it was only a side effect of what would happen sooner or later. However, this time, it could be said that it was because of the two that the war against Cassen was won. Obviously, they got a lot more Destiny Points.


    [You two had 265 Destiny Points before the war started. The war results gave you another 2937 Destiny Points. On top of that, the acc.u.mulated points from the Communication System gave you another 4328 Points. In total, you guys have 7530 Points.]


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Didn''t the Communication System give way too little? Compared to what we did before in just three months, these fourteen months are quite lacking."


    Sister Orb disagreed with Rean.


    [That''s not correct. The bigger the system becomes, the more common its effects become. Think about it as the new destiny of the world, having the communication system into it now. The world''s destiny is adapting to your idea, that''s all. However, there is good news. It doesn''t seem like the Destiny Points you can get from the Communication System are reaching the limit yet.]


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    "So that''s why. Well, this huge amount is still greatly welcome."


    Soon after, the twins touched the Soul Gem Orb and sent their Spiritual Sense and Energy inside.


    [Dragon Bones - 5000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points]


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 3 - 8000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Yin Yang Bathhouse - Reward from Destiny Strugglers Title]


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 3 �C 20000 Destiny Points] (10000km) (New)


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop - 400 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop Upgrade Level 2- 1000 Destiny Points] (New)Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/time-to-upgrade!_51392310390352398 for visiting.


    [Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points] (New)


    "Oh! There is a new reward related to bones. Dragon Bones, huh?"


    [Yes. It appeared after you got that last Authority Level Point.]


    "There is also the next level of the Dimensional Realm, but it''s too expensive as well. We better leave those two aside for now."


    Rean agreed with Roan before they took a look at the rest. However, they didn''t take long to select something since they already knew what they wanted.


    "First, Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade level 2!"


    Sister Orb''s voice changed as the Soul Gem System talked in her place.


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points]


    [Hosts'' Destiny Points: 7530]


    [Confirm the Purchase?]


    "Yes!"


    Rean and Roan quickly braced themselves as the acute pain immediately assaulted their Meridians. At least, they were ready for it this time. They resisted it as well as they could until it was finally over around an hour later.


    [Tsk! The worm play didn''t happen this time, so boring...]


    The twins'' mouths twitched. They really felt like using a hammer to smash Sister Orb. However, they knew that nothing good would come from it, so they ignored the annoying orb.


    Eventually, the system announced.


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 2 Completed.]


    "Phew... Alright, we had 5% extra Spiritual Energy Absorption before. Now it jumped to 10%. Let''s check if there''s a new upgrade available. We might use it straight away if that''s the case."


    The twins had to admit that the thing that annoyed them the most was how long it took to cultivate now. So they had already decided to use everything on the Spiritual Energy Absorption upgrades. However...


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 3 - 10000 Destiny Points]


    "..."


    "Ahem... Let''s buy something else instead."


    Without any other choice, the twins selected the next upgrades.


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop Upgrade Level 2 and Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository Upgrade Level 2.]


    [Total cost, 2000 Destiny Points.]


    [Confirm the Purchase?]


    "Yes!"


    Immediately the Alchemy Workshop and the Electrical Formations'' Repository began to shine. However, their outlines didn''t change at all as the Spiritual Energy gathered on them. Finally, the two buildings finished upgrading.


    "Well, it was a lot shinier than the last time."


    "Who cares? Let''s check what''s inside first."


    "Wait, check if the next upgrade is available for them already."


    [Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository Upgrade Level 3 - 3000 Destiny Points.]


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop Upgrade Level 3 - 3000 Destiny Points.]


    "Oh! It was a lot cheaper than I thought. I was afraid they would jump straight to 10000 Points as well."


    Roan ignored that and went straight into the Alchemist Workshop. Finally, he saw something that might be of some use for Alchemy. The system decided to give him the Cauldron this time.


    "Well, it ought to be somewhat better."


    [But of course! Different from any of the real world cauldrons, this one allows you to perfectly control the temperature! Many types of Spiritual Fires need to be controlled in specific ways. This Cauldron will resolve most of those problems. Of course, the Cauldron can''t do anything about their purities. For that, you will need to upgrade the Workshop some more.]


    "I never thought you could say something so pleasing to the ears."


    [What are you talking about? I''m always pleasing!]


    Roan snorted but didn''t say anything. After all, the level of shamelessness the orb had was beyond comprehension.

 Chapter 368 - Last Upgrades

    Rean also got his upgrade in the Electrical Formations Repository. As mentioned before, most of the repository space was empty, so he could practice the formations there. In the end, it didn''t receive any visible change. However, Rean was more interested in the system of the Repository.


    "Last time, I only got an introduction to Circuitry Formations, but nothing about how to build them."


    Rean quickly touched the orb on the wall before sending his Spiritual Sense and Energy inside again. Soon after, the same menu reappeared.


    [Welcome to the Electrical Formations Repository System.]


    [Please select an option.]


    [01- List of articles available.]


    [02- Formations Test Field (Upgrade needed).]


    Rean quickly accessed the first option, and a new list appeared for him.


    [01- Introduction to Circuitry Formations.]


    [02- Circuitry Formations: Methods of Creating - Basics.] (New)


    Rean''s eyes immediately lit up.


    "That''s what I''m talking about! Option Number Two!"


    [01- Spiritual Electric Current Usage and Control - Basic.]


    [02- Spiritual Electromagnetic Waves - Basic.]


    [03- The Components Necessary for Circuitry Formations - Basic.]


    [04- Spiritual Circuitry - How to create or transform basic formations into Circuitry type formations (Requires the Mastery of the First Three Options).]


    Rean couldn''t help but become excited.


    "Hahaha! So what if they''re just basic types? They would be revolutionary in the cultivation world! Oh, right! Sister Orb, what does the Formations Test Field do? Does it have any special feature?"


    [But of course! This is a simulation field. As long as you have the parts necessary, you can use the Test Field to put them together.]


    "Uh? Wouldn''t I be able to do the same in the outside world?"


    Sister Orb laughed after hearing that.


    [Idiot. Do you think it''s that simple? The simulation field only needs an example of the material. After that, it can simulate as much as you need. Let''s say you have just so much gold for a Circuitry Test. The Test Field can bring out an infinite amount of gold for you to work with. Of course, that gold doesn''t really exist in reality. As I said, it''s just a simulation. Still, can you imagine just how much work it would save you?]


    Rean became even more excited after hearing that!


    "That''s great! What do I need to do to open the test field?"


    [It''s the next level of the Electrical Formations Repository. You still have Destiny Points available, so you might as well buy it.]


    Rean pondered a bit and narrowed his eyes. Soon after, he messaged Roan and explained everything.


    ''So you would need to use 3000 Points to upgrade it, right?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Yes. I really think it is a good idea since many of our Destiny Points come from it.''


    Roan began to think about the other options available, including his own Alchemy Repository. However, they already didn''t have enough points for the good ones. As for his Alchemy Workshop, it''s not like they use many of his Pills anyway. Sure, the Energy Gathering Pills and Cultivation Stabilizing Pills were good, but Roan won''t need an upgrade to make them.


    ''Alright. Also, you might as well get that Blacksmith Workshop since it only costs 400 points. Our weapons depend on your Blacksmith Skills, after all.''


    Rean nodded. 400 Points wasn''t really that much for the two.


    ''Great! Let''s meet outside and make the purchase.''


    The two touched the Soul Gem Orb once more and accessed the Reward List.


    [Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository Upgrade Level 3 and Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop.]


    [Total Cost: 3400 Destiny Points.]


    [Confirm the Purchase?]


    "Yes."


    As expected, Rean''s Electrical Formations Repository began to shine once more. At the same time, a new building started to materialize beside the Alchemist Workshop. The twins waited outside without caring too much until the upgrades were finally concluded. As always, the system voice appeared in their minds to say that everything was over.


    "Good! Let me take a look."


    Roan nodded as he turned around.


    "I already got my cauldron, so I''m going to Old Worm''s Hut to test it out."


    Rean didn''t mind it. However, he quickly remembered something else.


    "By the way, how many Destiny Points do we have now, Sister Orb?"


    [1130.]


    The twins couldn''t help but sigh.


    "14 months of acc.u.mulation gone, just like that."


    "There is no helping it. At least we got what we wanted in the end. By the way, don''t you want to upgrade the Blacksmith Workshop to level 2?"


    Rean shook his head.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/last-upgrades_51392324080560796 for visiting.


    "Let''s save these points since we don''t know if we need to buy more save points soon."


    Roan nodded and didn''t insist. After that, he teleported outside of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm before heading to Old Worm''s Hut. Rean, on the other hand, went straight to the Blacksmith Workshop. He already knew what the Electrical Formation would do with this last upgrade, so he preferred to see what he got in the Blacksmith Workshop first.


    However, he was quite surprised by what he saw.


    "This... Isn''t that a Hydraulic Forging Press?!"


    [Wrong! It''s a Circuitry Spiritual Hydraulic Press! The control and pressure it can achieve is not something you could ever dream of doing at your current level with hammers. As the name suggests, it uses Circuitry Formations to operate the control. Last but not least, thanks to the Spiritual Materials on this side of the universe, the pressure exerted by it far surpasses any Hydraulic Presses back in your previous life.]


    "Hahaha! That''s extremely beneficial! I thought that the first levels of all buildings would be useless. To think that I would actually get a Hydraulic Press. I wonder if I should recreate our White and Dark Stars now that I have it. No doubt they will be a lot better than they are right now."


    [That seems like a good idea. In any case, that''s just the first tool. It doesn''t mean you won''t need hammers in the future either.]


    Rean agreed with Sister Orb.


    "Obviously! I was a metallurgist, remember? In any case, I''m looking forward to when I use it."

 Chapter 369 - The Uses

    Still, Rean decided that learning the Circuitry Formations would come first.


    "By the way, Sister Orb. Can I make copies of the Circuitry Formation Articles and bring them outside? It would be good to have Droman''s help with it."


    [You can, but I wouldn''t recommend that. You should think about your Destiny Points. Suppose they learn the Circuitry Formation by themselves. In that case, you will only get an indirect amount of Destiny Points for the changes it brings later. After all, the Circuitry Formations made by them were thought up by them. They wouldn''t be something that you introduced to the world like the Communication System.]


    [The best thing to do is to learn them first, then come up with a few ideas to use before teaching Droman and the others yourself. In that case, the system will consider that you were the main reason for everything.]


    "I see... Alright then."


    Without wasting time, Rean dove into the articles of the Electrical Formations Repository. However, soon after, Rean found out that each of the options available had many more sub-options inside. Just the Spiritual Electric Current Usage and Control article alone had thousands of pages! Let alone learning it, just to finish reading the articles would take several weeks!


    "This is a lot more complicated than I expected."


    [Of course! Did you forget how many rune arrangements can be made with the usual formations? If they already have so many things to study, how about Circuitry Formations, which is more compact and complicated.]


    "Ahem... Isn''t there a form of pouring all the knowledge directly inside my brain?"


    [I wouldn''t recommend that.]


    "Why?"


    [Simple. Memorizing and learning are two completely different things. Chances are that the excess information will make you pull the cart in front of the horses. Suppose you get all the information at once and start to learn it. Because you already have the rest of the advanced data, you will try to apply it even though you shouldn''t. The best thing is to do it step by step.]


    Rean understood what Sister Orb meant.


    "Sigh... I wonder just how long it will take before I finish everything."


    [Go! Harvard''s best student of all time! You can do it!]


    Rean''s mouth twitched.


    "F.u.c.k you!"


    [Hahaha!]


    Back outside, Roan arrived at Old Worm''s hut. Surprisingly, Old Worm was already there, waiting for him.


    "Weren''t you supposed to be in the Alchemist Hall Repository?"


    Old Worm shook his head as he replied.


    "It has been a long time since our last session. I wanted to see how much you improved on your own during this time."


    Roan nodded. During wartime, he also concocted pills for the other cultivators in his group several times. Those guys used their own merit points to buy the items, so it was a great chance to train alchemy with free materials. Although Roan couldn''t step into the Earth Peak-Level Alchemist Rank, his own concoction proficiency improved quite a bit.


    Roan then pondered a bit if he should use the Soul Gem System Cauldron in front of Old Worm or not. However, he didn''t think about it for long. He and Old Worm had spent a lot of time together, so he knew what kind of person Old Worm is. Roan was sure that Old Worm would never try to steal it or reveal the information if he asked.


    "I got something interesting for you to see."


    Roan had already brought the cauldron out when he left his room, so there was no need to pretend to go back to take it. Roan then brought the thing inside for Old Worm to take a look.


    At first, it looked like any cauldron. However, Old Worm quickly found something different to it.


    "What are those metal spikes? Also, isn''t its base way too big?"


    The cauldron''s base was at least twice as thick when compared to a normal cauldron. It would usually make it much harder to control the fire since it would take longer to transfer the heat. The spikes were even more of a puzzle since they could also affect the usage of the cauldron.


    Roan faintly smiled as he also showed something else to Old Worm. It looked like a small sphere attached to a box. Only half of the sphere appeared outside. In fact, there was only one half of a sphere. Inside the box, many components made up the heat control system of the cauldron, but that wasn''t all. The box had the same number of ''spikes'' as the cauldron.


    Roan already received the method on how to use it from the Soul Gem System, so he quickly prepared everything. Well, all he needed to do was to put the cauldron under the fireplace and turn it on. But it was then that something happened. All the ''spikes'' on the cauldron began to emit some kind of Spiritual Current that reached the ''spikes'' of the small gadget.


    As for the base, many runes began to shine nonstop as the fire touched it.


    "This... What kind of Spiritual Cauldron is that?"


    Roan then pointed at the sphere on the box.


    "Send your Spiritual Energy and Sense into the Sphere. You will understand once you do that."


    Old Worm wasn''t an idiot. He could tell that there was some Formation inscribed on the Cauldron. It wasn''t hard to guess that it had something to do with the fire either. However, as soon as he did what Roan said, a stream of information appeared in his mind. Several lines were depicting various numbers that changed constantly.


    "This... temperature? It can show the temperature in the form of numbers, is it?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Yes."


    Old Worm was really surprised by that.


    "This is some excellent stuff. It''s a lot easier to control the temperature with something like this."


    Roan then touched the sphere as well before sending a Spiritual Sense command inside. In an instant, the continuously changing temperature numbers froze in place. Simultaneously, the runes under the base of the Cauldron shone as the fire hit it.


    "What?! That''s possible?!"


    Roan nodded.


    "This cauldron can control temperature perfectly. As long as there is enough heat, you can select any number to stop."


    Old Worm couldn''t help but ask straight away.


    "Where can I buy one?"


    A burst of rare laughter came out of Roan''s mouth. It wasn''t easy to make someone like Old Worm act like this.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-uses_51392346914351088 for visiting.

 Chapter 370 - Good News

    "There isn''t any copy of this available. At least, not that I know of."


    Old Worm''s excited expression quickly returned to its usual emotionless state.


    "I guess that''s to be expected. Anyway, I believe this is also part of the things you don''t want to talk about, right?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Indeed. However, I don''t mind sharing it."


    It was then that Sister Orb''s voice resounded.


    [The cauldron is part of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. If you go too far away from it, the cauldron will be automatically teleported back into the Alchemy Workshop.]


    Roan was surprised by that.


    ''Well, I guess I don''t need to be afraid of it being robbed then.''


    Old Worm didn''t hear Sister Orb''s voice. Instead, he took a few items out and immediately started concocting. He wasn''t the type to talk much to start with. Since Roan said he could allow the use of the cauldron, Old Worm accepted it gladly.


    Roan took the opportunity to watch Old Worm''s concocting process. It turns out that Old Worm was already a Heaven Middle-Level Alchemist. Hence, the pill he concocted was several times better than Roan. At first, Old Worm had some trouble controlling the cauldron. After all, he never had such a precise cauldron in his life. But as time passed, he became more proficient at it.


    Of course, he also took the opportunity to teach Roan about the concoction process of Heaven Level Pills. Even though Roan didn''t have the cultivation necessary to make them, it wouldn''t be bad to know how it was done.


    Finally, the first pill that Old Worm was satisfied with came out of the cauldron.


    "Impressive! Using Rerqol Flame to concoct is quite annoying due to its chaotic state. However, I simply don''t need to care about the temperature anymore. Making this Anti-Umbral Energy pill was a lot easier."


    Roan had seen the pill before. It was incredibly costly and hard to concoct. It was the same pill that Tiria used to deal with the Umbral Energy in her body before Rean appeared.


    ''No wonder Tiria said it was too hard to get these pills. They are at the Heaven Level, after all.''


    Old Worm then put the pill in a bottle before turning to Roan.


    "There will be some times where I will need to borrow this cauldron of yours. Do you mind?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/good-news_51392365167962377 for visiting.


    Roan shook his head.


    "As long as I can watch the concoction process."


    Old Worm didn''t mind that. Since he took Roan as an Alchemist Disciple, showing his techniques would make no difference.


    "Good. Let''s start with your own practice now."


    Roan and Old Worm then spent the next few days in the Hut. However, Old Worm still asked Roan to use the normal cauldrons. After all, an Alchemist''s level was also determined through their control of the fire. If Roan wanted to become a higher ranked alchemist, he couldn''t rely on that cauldron alone.


    Back on Malaka''s side, she was called over by Mia. Now that the war was over, Mia wanted to restart Malaka''s training. As always, the girl tried to find some excuses, which turned out to be useless.


    "You had your breakthrough to the Core Formation Realm not too long ago. To be honest, it was a lot faster than myself, so I''m afraid of your cultivation going berserk. You will stay here to cultivate with me for the time being so that I can make sure you are doing well."


    Malaka could only follow Mia''s training schedule and hope for her master to let her go soon.


    As for Calina, she began to revise everything Roan taught her in the last war. She often fought against the other sisters of the sect as well as the Inner Sect Rankings.


    Of course, after the war was over, both the Outer and Inner Sect''s members decreased a lot. From the 1000 Inner Sect Members, only 689 remained. The number of girls in the Blue Orchid District, which was already low, decreased as well. In compensation, the remaining level of cultivators increased. The weak died, and the strong survived. It was that simple. The same thing happened in all the other sects and the Royal Family.


    Calina decided that she wouldn''t go out for the next few months until she digested everything she learned.


    Time began to pass as everyone did their own things. And just like that, another half a year passed in a flash. As mentioned before, the Core Formation Realm needed a lot more time to cultivate. The only advantage was that Rean got a self-sustained Rank Three Spirit Stone income, so the twins'' cultivation wasn''t too slow. Of course, the Spiritual Energy Level upgrade in the Soul Gem System also helped a little.


    Rean was inside the Formations'' Test Field in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. He had been studying the Circuitry Formation Articles while he also got to learn normal formations from Droman. Circuitry Formations were a fusion of both Electrical Components and the cultivation world''s Formations. Naturally, knowing the Circuitry part was far from enough.


    In front of Rean, there was a big box with one of its sides open. Inside, one could see three boards with quite a few cables passing everywhere. Obviously, those were Rean''s first Circuitry Formations. At the bottom, there were Spiritual Stones that offered the power necessary for those boards to work.


    Other than the Electrical Paths on the board, Rean could also see many tiny runes. The circuitries often ended in a junction with a ton of layered runes before new circuitry started on the other side. However, there were many empty spaces where the circuitry ended and began. They just so happened to be of the same size as the other parts where runes could be found. Obviously, runes were supposed to be inserted there.


    "Alright. The empty spaces will be for Droman to work with. I still can''t make a lot of the runes of the Router Formation at my level. Too bad this is just a simulation. I will need to start building it again once I go outside."


    [What are you complaining about? Thanks to the Test Field, you could reach this state without losing a single material during trials. You should be happy that you have such an option. Everyone else can only do trial and error while spending fortunes with mistakes.]


    Rean had to admit that Sister Orb was right.


    "Okay. Anyway, I can''t go further than it now. If I want to build a Router Formation on my own, I''ll need to reach the Earth Peak-Level Formations Master. Rank"


    Rean had advanced into the Earth High-Level Rank. However, the runes for the Peak-Level also depended on the person''s cultivation. Once again, Rean''s cultivation was lacking, just like his Blacksmith profession.


    Rean pondered a bit and finally concluded.


    "It''s decided. I''ll bring this project outside for Droman to take a look at. This should be enough to be considered something that I created as well."


    Other than training Rean, Droman also supervised the Communication System Project. Sure enough, the Imperial Family loved the Router version 1.2, which they began to implement straight away. There was a description of the things necessary for that Router, and one of them just so happened to be the Lightning Beads of the Lightning Sect.


    The Imperial Family soon found out that Zafa Bank had a contract with Dalamu and Lightning Sect, taking their copyrights. That being said, even the Imperial Family couldn''t demand those Lightning Beads. They had to buy it if they wanted to use it.


    Of course, the Imperial Family Formation Masters immediately started to look for a replacement for the Lightning Beads. They were quite confident of doing it since their level was on par or even higher than Droman''s. In the end, they really did find a few candidates that could be used in the place of the Lightning Beads.


    Unfortunately, those candidates were even more expensive! Unless they decide to create something new like the Lightning Beads themselves, they could only buy the ones available.


    The Imperial Family wasn''t the only one. The Router Formation was quickly made public, so many countries surrounding the capital began to build their Router Formations. One must remember that the Imperial Family already allowed them to build the normal communication formation. It''s just that something like the Router Formation still didn''t exist at that time.


    That being said, the Lightning Sect began to receive a massive amount of orders for Modified Lightning Beads. They even considered changing the name of the Lightning Beads since it wasn''t a bead anymore. After talking to the Dalamu Sect, they ultimately decided to call the new version ''Data Storages.'' Well, that was Rean''s idea anyway.


    The versions 1.3 and 1.4 quickly followed in the next months, increasing the demand for Data Storages even more. Dalamu then began to get the focus of the other countries because of the ''Copyrights'' contract. A term that almost no one had heard before. They really began to make a fortune. Rean also got his own share of the profit thanks to that. Too bad that this kind of deal still couldn''t give Rank Four Spirit Stones. That''s where his self-sustained Rank Three Spirit Stone income came from.


    Rean quickly recorded everything about the Circuitry Router Formation that he created and left the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Soon after, he exited his room and went to the Formations Hall.


    Droman stopped coming out from the sect at some point. Instead, he taught many new Formation Masters of the sect, who did that for him. That also allowed Zuan to go back to his seclusion. Now that the Router Formation reached the Imperial Family, kidnapping Droman became useless.


    "Oh! You finally came to visit me. I have some good news for you."

 Chapter 371 - The New Projects

    Rean''s interest was immediately piqued.


    "What a coincidence. I also have something to show you. Anyway, tell me your news first."


    Droman nodded before continuing.


    "I got permission to enter the Formation Masters Repository in the Formation Master Guild in the Capital. The last time I went was over 50 years ago."


    "The Repository is the most complete one in our Sasamil Empire. Because of that, there are way too many Formation Masters who want to enter it. The rule says that each Formation Master who isn''t part of the Capitals'' Formations Master Guild can only browse their books for a month at most. After that, they can''t return before a hundred years has passed."


    "Fortunately, the Communication System helped me avoid this rule. It was considered a huge addition to the Formation Master Guild, so they made an exception. It was so good that I can even bring someone with me. Obviously, I thought about you."


    Rean was delighted to hear that. That was indeed an excellent chance.


    "Great! You talked about this place so much that even I got curious. However, you said that Guild Members can enter anytime they want. Why don''t you join their guild as well?"


    Droman shook his head.


    "It''s not that simple. There are so many slots for Formation Masters to join the Capital''s Guild. After all, if they accepted anyone who concluded a Formation Master test, there would be way too many people again. Because of that, they only take around ten or so Formation Masters every year. I''m pretty confident about my abilities, but not to the point where I can compete at the Empire level."


    "Also, half of these slots are destined to new Formation Masters. That being said, it''s even harder for me to enter the guild."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Shouldn''t the Communication System be more than enough to allow you to enter the Capital''s Guild? Even the Imperial Family was moved by it, after all."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/the-new-projects_51392402748926827 for visiting.


    Droman laughed after hearing that.


    "Hahaha! Of course, I can use that. However, the one who created the communication system was you, not me. I won''t use your idea to benefit myself."


    Rean shook his head in response.


    "You know very well that my existence as the creator of the Communication System is a secret. That being said, I can''t take it either. Isn''t this chance being wasted instead?"


    Droman didn''t seem to care, though.


    "Even if it''s okay for you, it isn''t for me. Call me stubborn or whatever, I don''t care. Once your Formation Master level increases, you can go ahead and take this slot in my place."


    Rean pondered a bit before asking.


    "What about these ten slots available every year? I could try that. If I get to enter the Capital''s Guild, you should have no excuse to not enter anymore, right?"


    Droman laughed once again.


    "Do you think it''s that easy to join? You definitely have a lot of talent for formations, but that is the Capital''s Guild. There is no lack of Formation Master Geniuses who try it every year. It would be tough for you to enter the top five and get a slot for yourself. I''ve been teaching you all this while. Trust me, I know."


    Ren shrugged his shoulders in response.


    "Well, we are already going there anyway. It won''t hurt to give it a try, don''t you think? Besides, I''m particularly good at Lightning Type Formations. Who knows? I might be lucky, and they will select these types of formations for the test."


    "This..."


    Droman pondered a bit and nodded in the end.


    "Well, it would at least be a good experience for you. Very well, the next test just so happens to be around the corner. Since we are already going there to look in the Repository, I can use it to prepare you for the exam. The Formation Knowledge there is a lot better than the ones we have here, after all."


    Rean was happy to hear that.


    "When is the next test?"


    Droman then thought about the date and said.


    "It will start in 67 days. We have one month free to use the Repository in the Capital, so it is more than enough. The travel will take us around half a month to arrive if we keep using Teleport Formations."


    Rean couldn''t help but feel excited. He has never had the chance of competing in Formations with others until now. The Formation Masters in the Sect at his level were not his match, especially at Lightning Type Formations. As for Droman and the higher-level ones, it would make no sense to compete against them. After all, the difference in age, cultivation, and the runes they could use were too different. Rean wanted to find people who had been studying formations for the same time as him.


    Droman could tell what Rean was thinking and smiled. In the past, he had also participated in the Capital''s Test. The level of Formations during that time really opened his eyes.


    "Anyway, what did you come to talk with me for?"


    Only then did Rean remember the Circuitry Formation he had been working so far.


    "Ah! That''s right! I finally finished developing that idea of mine."


    Droman was surprised to hear that.


    "Oh! You did say something over a year ago that you were working on something completely new for the Electrical Formations. I asked you several times what it was about, but you never said anything. Did you change your mind now?"


    Rean laughed before explaining.


    "It''s not that I couldn''t show you, but it was not a mature concept yet. I wanted to first ensure it was viable before showing it."


    Of course, that was a lie. It was just that the Electrical Formations Repository didn''t have anything regarding the Circuitry Formations at that time. Obviously, Rean wouldn''t say that.


    Rean then brought out many piles of paper with several schematics. It wasn''t only the Router Formation that was described there. Rean also thought about many other uses. That would ensure that no one would come up with the ideas before him, affecting his Destiny Points income. Still, the majority of it was all related to the router formation.


    "This... How long will I need to read all those papers?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "Now you know why I took this long to bring it out for you to see. If I could use jade slips, I would have done so. However, we both know that only at the Nascent Soul and above would I be able to put information into them."


    Droman laughed, not minding it too much.


    "Alright, alright. Let me take a look first. With my cultivation, I can at least read them much faster than you."


    Droman then used his Spiritual Energy to grab everything and lifted the papers in front of him. After that, he used his Spiritual Sense to read the texts one by one. It was a much faster way of reading than using one''s eyes. Of course, Droman also had to make sure to pay attention to the content. That being said, there was a limit to how fast he could read and understand everything that entered his mind.


    Droman had a smile on his face as he read everything. After all, Rean always came up with new ideas that made his profession as a Formation Master more enjoyable. However, his smile began to disappear as surprise took its place. The concepts of Circuitry Formations were something completely different from everything they had done so far.


    His surprise then slowly changed into shock. The more he read, the more he had to slow down the reading to make sure he wasn''t missing anything. At some point, he completely forgot that Rean was still in the room as his entire being merged with those papers in front of him. Every now and then, Rean heard Droman murmuring something.


    "Amazing! Can it really work?"


    "Oh! I see... the metal paths on the board can keep the electrical signals separated even though they are so close to each other."


    "What?! Can it really work with such a small output of electricity? Isn''t it too weak?"


    "SPU? Spiritual Processing Unit? What is that?"


    "This is crazy! No, wait! Let me go back to the SPU part to check something first."


    "It might really work!"


    By the time Droman finished reading everything, over a day had passed. It''s not that it took him that long. After all, Rean didn''t really put everything he knew in the papers, only the basics of the basics. For example, the Electromagnetic Waves were not there at the moment. Droman took this long to finish because he basically referred to different parts of the doc.u.ments many, many times. At the same time, he applied his own knowledge of Formations into the project presented in the papers, which made him even busier.


    "Rean! This is world-changing!"


    "Uh? Where is he?"


    Around an hour later, Rean returned to the Formations Hall after Droman sent someone to look for him.


    Still, Droman seemed a little embarrassed when he looked at Rean.


    "Ahem... I might have got a little too excited with these doc.u.ments that I accidentally forgot you were there."


    Rean laughed, not minding it at all.


    "Hahaha! It''s okay. Instead, I''m shocked that Master finished reading everything in a single day. It took me months to put all of this together, you know?"


    Droman sighed before going back to the main topic.


    "Rean, you aren''t an idiot. You do understand how big this is, right?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes. That''s why I came to you first, Master."


    Droman nodded before saying.


    "I''ll be direct. We should use another power to display these Circuitry Formations."


    ---


    Note: Next Weekly Deal is Up. Thanks for the new record again. Also, don''t forget that the weekly deal is always ongoing. =)

 Chapter 372 - Guilds

    Rean was taken aback.


    "Wait! What?! Why?!"


    Droman then explained.


    "Can''t you see? It''s too strange! We''re already standing out a lot since we created the Communication System. If we start to bring out even more of those Electrical Ideas, everyone will become suspicious. Chances are that the Imperial Family and the other powers will think that we found some kind of inheritance and will demand it from us."


    "This..."


    In fact, Droman really thought that Rean and Roan got some kind of heaven-defying inheritance. Otherwise, what could explain their accomplishments until now? At the moment, everyone could accept that Droman thought about the Communication System. But if the Circuitry Formations came out from Dalamu, that would be too hard to swallow.


    Rean, of course, became dejected. There were many Destiny Points right in front of him, but he couldn''t get them. How sad was that?


    Seeing Rean''s face made Droman laugh in response.


    "Hahaha! Don''t worry. There is a way to avoid inviting problems with the Imperial Family. To be honest, it was quite convenient that we''re going to the capital. Instead of using the Imperial Family, let''s use the Formations Guild Instead."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/guilds_51392490258875373 for visiting.


    "The Formations Guild? But aren''t they subordinates of the Imperial Family to start with?"


    Droman shook his head.


    "Of course not! The Formations Guild is an independent organization. In fact, all the side occupation guilds are the same. Why do you think we have a Formations Hall instead of a Formations Guild in our Sect? That''s because the Guilds prefer to keep their distance from everyone. In that way, even if a country is conquered by someone else, the Guilds will not become affected."


    "The Guilds are present in the entire world. Also, they have good relations with each other. So, in case one of them is threatened, the other guilds will ally together. Of course, only if the Guild being threatened is not in the wrong. For example, if a certain country of empire wishes to rob them of their secrets just because they can."


    "When all the Guilds are put together, even an Empire like Sasamil will not buy a fight against them lightly. In exchange, the Guilds have an agreement with these powers. They will not get involved in the power struggles of any countries or empires."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "The Guilds definitely have members that are part of the Imperial Families or the powers controlling each region. What happens in that case?"


    Droman understood what Rean meant.


    "The Guilds had thought about it a long time ago. They won''t stop their members from helping one side during a war or whatever. However, these members must understand that they won''t receive any help from the Guilds. They will join those struggles on their own. The Guilds also won''t protect them in case the side these members fought for loses. So asking for asylum in the Guilds is meaningless."


    Rean then asked something else.


    "One of these guilds is the Formation Master Guild. However, can they really stop the Imperial Family from finding problems with us?"


    Droman nodded.


    "That''s why I selected them. As always, I''ll be the one to hold the name of the creations. Once you grow strong enough, I can simply announce that it was you all along."


    "I would then offer these Circuitry Formations to the Formation Guild. Once that happens, even the Imperial Family won''t be able to do anything. Besides, we did give the Imperial Family the Communication System they have today. It would look bad to them if they went as far as buying a fight with the Formation Guild because of some new invention we had."


    Rean scratched the back of his head.


    "It sounds so complicated... The world should give more space for inventors, you know?"


    Droman sighed after hearing that.


    "You have no idea how many times I had the same thought. Unfortunately, this is the cultivation world. Might is right! Simple as that. The Formations Guild have might, so they are right. That being said, we would instead have both the Imperial Family and the Formation Master Guild guarding our backs. Anything related to the Communication System and Circuitry Formations would be safe."


    Rean nodded.


    "Okay. Then we can do both things at the same time. We can look into the repository while you talk with the Guild."


    It was then that Rean noticed one thing.


    "Wait. Wouldn''t it be bad if we simply gave it to them for free? I refuse to believe that having their protection is enough."


    Droman nodded.


    "Now that you said that, we could use it to make you a member of their Guild straight away. That way, you don''t need to go through any exams."


    Rean immediately shook his head.


    "Denied! Don''t spoil my fun, alright? I want to participate in that test against everyone else by hook or by crook. Also, we will not give them the Circuitry Formations for now. Or could it be that you don''t want to work on these projects before anyone else?"


    Droman''s eyes lit up before laughing out loud.


    "Hahaha! Indeed. I definitely prefer to be the first one to try these little projects. Very well, we will keep these Circuitry Formations between you and me for now. By the way, we will be leaving the Sect in two weeks. After that, we will be gone for at least two months."


    Rean nodded.


    "No problem. I''ll get everything ready on my side."


    Rean couldn''t cultivate the Light and Dark Cultivation Techniques of the Soul Gem System if Roan was too far away. Naturally, he would need Roan to go as well. Rean and Droman then let the next few days pass, talking about the Circuitry Formations. As a higher level Formation Master, Droman contributed a lot to the parts where Rean got stuck.


    Rean then called Roan through their Soul Connection straight away.


    ''So you would need to go to the capital?''


    ''Yeah. I''ll take the Formation Guild Test to be accepted as their member after finishing my free month in their repository. Will you be able to come as well? After all, we still need to cultivate. I just don''t know if Old Worm would accept that.''


    Roan pondered a bit.


    ''This is convenient. We will be entering the Imperial Family''s turf. I can use this chance to investigate the situation of the Imperial Succession. The more information I have, the bigger our chances will be once the Emperor makes his move.''


    ''As for Old Worm, I''ll talk to him. In any case, I''m pretty much at my limit as an Earth High-Level Alchemist. I can''t concoct anything above this level since I''m lacking the necessary cultivation.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Alright. Droman will bring us over in two weeks, so make sure you''re ready.''


    Rean then returned his attention to Droman. The guy was once again looking into the Circuitry Formations'' doc.u.ments. However, this time he began to use a Jade Slip. After all, reading all these papers was too annoying. At the same time, he and Rean discussed several points of the Circuitry Formation.


    On Roan''s side, he went straight to the Alchemist Repository, where Old Worm was once again watching the entrance. As always, Old Worm had several Alchemist books around while he read one without caring for the world.


    Old Worm noticed Roan''s presence, though. Right after, Roan heard a Spiritual Sense Message from him.


    ''It''s been some time since you came to the repository. Is there anything you need from me?''


    Roan nodded and then explained that he would go to the capital with Rean and Droman. After hearing everything, Old Worm closed his book and got up.


    ''I see. That''s quite convenient. Considering your level, I think you should also compete for one of the ten slots of the Alchemist Guild in the capital. After all, you can''t improve anymore with your actual cultivation. At most, you can learn how to concoct a few more different pills.''


    Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    ''The Alchemist Guild Test? Should I really waste time with it?''


    Old Worm nodded.


    ''Their Alchemist Repository is much better than ours. I''m a member of their Guild, so I can guarantee that you won''t regret it.''


    This time, Roan was a little surprised. He didn''t know that at all. Rean told him that joining one of the Guilds in the capital was very hard, even for those with high cultivation. It wasn''t something exclusive for the Formation Master Guild. Sure enough, Old Worm was very good at keeping a low profile.


    ''Can''t you simply bring me inside to check the books available? I would rather not waste my time in a meaningless competition.''


    Well, Roan wasn''t as excited to compete as Rean.


    ''It''s against the rules.''


    Old Worm''s answer was as short as ever.


    Roan pondered a bit and nodded in the end.


    ''Alright. Do I need any special invitation or something like that?''


    Old Worm then left the counter and walked out with Roan.


    ''Usually, you would need some local guild''s letter. Droman is definitely using it to have Rean compete for the slots in the Formations Guild. However, as a member of the Capital''s Guild myself, I can bypass this rule.''


    Roan was satisfied to hear that. At least he wouldn''t need to do anything else. He could use his time on other tasks.


    Old Worm then headed to his hut with Roan.


    ''Let''s revise what you know for the next few days. Then we can leave together with Droman and Rean.''


    Roan didn''t mind and simply followed. And just like that, Rean and Roan spent their next two weeks in the Sect.


    ---


    Note: Leave some power stones for the weekly deal. ;)

 Chapter 373 - Sasamils Capital

    A few days before departing, Droman went to the Formation Guild he was part of to get permission for Rean to participate in the Capital Guild''s competition. Once he came back, he found out that not only would Roan be going, but Elder Fauk would follow them as well.


    "Elder Fauk is coming with us? That''s great! I was afraid that bringing Roan away for the next two months would be a problem for you."


    Old Worm shook his head.


    "I also have my own things to do there."


    Roan then looked at Rean before asking.


    ''Where is the Chicken?''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders after hearing that.


    ''Malaka finally got rid of Mia''s intense training schedule, so she went out on a mission with Calina straight away. What I didn''t expect was that Kentucky would go with them too. Try to feel his presence. Kentucky is still close enough for you to perceive his position.''


    Roan then closed his eyes and focused on his connection with the Minokawa. Sure enough, he could faintly feel the chicken''s presence far away to the northwest.


    ''That''s good. With the dumb bird''s defense, those two shouldn''t be at much risk.''


    ''Well, Elder Reliance wouldn''t let us bring Kentucky to the Capital anyway. Don''t forget that he said that he believes that no more than ten or so cultivators would be able to recognize Kentucky''s Race. However, the Capital would definitely have some of these cultivators. We better not risk it.''


    Rean nodded and then asked something else.


    ''Was it really okay to not tell Calina that we are going to the Empire''s Capital? Her family is still living in the Imperial Palace, no?''


    Roan snorted after hearing that.


    ''So what? Would you go there and tell them that she''s alive? You can''t possibly be that naive. Anyway, nothing good would come out if we told Calina about that. Let her focus on her training and the mission. I also left a menu of exercises that she and Malaka will have to complete before we come back, so they will be very busy themselves.''


    Rean nodded. It seems like it will be only him and Roan this time.


    Droman and Fauk were both at the Soul Transformation Realm, so there wouldn''t be much risk if both of them go out together. That being said, Zuan didn''t leave his seclusion to follow him anymore. Especially after he gave the Imperial Family Version 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 of the Router Formation. With the information now public, he wasn''t that important anymore.


    Droman and Fauk talked for a bit before they took Rean and Roan and left the Sect through the Sect''s Long Distance Teleport Formation. As mentioned before, these teleport formations couldn''t teleport that far and were quite expensive. However, with the Sect''s actual income from the Data Storages'' Copyrights, it wasn''t a burden for them anymore.


    Of course, with those two in the lead, no one noticed their departure. Only Mia and Zuan were informed about the reason for them to go out. They knew it would be a good thing for both of them, so they didn''t try to stop either one.


    Their group went from one teleport formation after the other, passing by two or three countries per day. There were parts of the path where the teleport formations were not available, so they had to fly when it happened.


    Just as Droman mentioned, the travel to the Capital took them half a month to be completed.


    ---


    Unsurprisingly, the Capital of the Sasamil Empire also carried the same name as the Imperial Family, Sasamil City. This was the biggest city in the Empire, with over one hundred million inhabitants. Without a doubt, a gigantic metropolis that expanded for over 1000 kilometers. Still, the entire city was surrounded by an enormous wall.


    The wall wasn''t only responsible for protecting those who approached by land. It had many Formations that worked together to create a gigantic Protection Formation that covered the entire city. It''s said that the costs to keep this formation running every day were higher than a small country would get in a whole week in income. Don''t underestimate this amount. We are talking about a single city here.


    Thanks to that, the city was protected against attacks that could come from both air and earth. It made the protection formation of the Dalamu Sect look like a joke.


    The city was divided into three different sectors:


    First, the Outer City, where most of the populace resided. 90% of the city''s size was the Outer City alone. All the visitors had to first pass through the Outer City''s gates before entering it. Everyone had to pay a fee as well. As one could imagine, the majority of visitors were Cultivator Merchants who came to sell, buy, or exchange their goods in this place.


    Of course, there were many other types: Mercenaries, Vagrant Cultivators, Clans, Side Occupation Guild Members, etc. Last but not least, the city''s own citizens who went out to do their own things.


    The Second Sector was the Inner City. From this point onward, one had to be a cultivator in the Energy Gathering Realm or above to enter. Of course, this only applied to new visitors. There were still things like young children from the cultivators who lived inside, their family members from outside the Capital, ordinary merchants who had an invitation letter, etc. Those ones could bypass this restriction and enter.


    Still, more than 95% of the Inner City people had cultivations above the Energy Gathering Realm. After all, any person who had the conditions to live in this place wouldn''t have issues with cultivation resources. At the very least, their families had enough to bring them up to the Energy Gathering Realm. This number became even more impressive when you remember that the majority still had a Gray Color Aptitude, the worst of all seven colors.


    It was really a stark contrast with the life one had in the Tribes, where most of the residents wouldn''t ever reach the Energy Gathering Realm. In fact, even the Outer City was much better since more than 20% of the people there would at least reach the Energy Gathering Realm in their lives. One must remember that in an entire Tribe, only around 1% would receive cultivation resources. Anyone with Gray Color Aptitude wouldn''t usually receive any cultivation resources whatsoever.


    Many sects liked to conduct their businesses in the Inner City. Even though the Inner Part had only around 7% of the total size of the Sasamil City, it was still a much bigger place than most of the cities outside the Capital. Dalamu Sect also just so happened to have a place of their own. As a Sect with a Saint Realm Cultivator, it would be weird if they didn''t have at least a place to stay here. Nonetheless, compared to the real big sects, clans, etc., their state was somewhat unimpressive.


    Last but not least, there was the Core City. That''s where the ten Noble Clans and the Imperial Palace were located. As mentioned in the past, the Imperial Family had nine subordinate clans under their control. Samikil, Lavil, Taran, Fole, Susume, Dekaslo, Mantil, Porem, and Wavile. This is the place where others could find them.


    The Core Part was only around 3% of the entire city''s size. Still, that meant a length of over 30 kilometers occupied by nothing more than the guilds, clans, and Imperial Family. One could only imagine just how many members they had to fulfill all this extension by themselves. In fact, there wasn''t enough space for everyone. That being said, many Clan and Imperial Family Members needed to be sent to live outside.


    One could also find the Capital''s many Guild Main Branches there. Due to the Capital''s size, all Side Occupations had quite a few branches around the city to attend to customers. However, only the Main Branches had the repositories that Droman and Old Worm wanted to access. Joining one of the branches outside the Core City wasn''t much different than joining a Guild Branch in other cities in the Empire.


    ---


    Although Sasamil City had teleport formations inside the Inner and Core Parts of the city, those were restricted. Anyone who arrived outside had to use the Teleport Formations in the Outer City. All of a sudden, one of the thousands of long Distance Teleport Formations began activated. Just a few seconds later, the formation flashed with a silver light. The silver light only lasted for a second before disappearing as fast as it appeared. However, now one could see four figures standing above the formation. Naturally, those were Rean, Roan, Droman, and Old Worm.


    "Phew... we''re finally here."


    Droman and Old Worm began to walk outside the formation straight away, not giving the twins time to check the things around.


    "Come down. All the formations here are used constantly. If you block it for too long, you will have to pay a fee."


    Rean and Roan nodded and followed them. Sure enough, just a few seconds after they left the formation, it flashed once more, bringing a new group of cultivators with it.


    That wasn''t the only one, though. There were hundreds of formations in that place, all bringing and sending cultivators or wealthy people back and forth.


    "As expected of the Capital. This is only the teleport formation. Only those with enough resources would use something like this. I can only imagine how many people arrive by foot outside the city walls."


    Droman laughed.


    "This is just part of it. Wait until you try to spread your Spiritual Sense in the city."


    Old Worm and Roan didn''t care about any of that and kept walking, forcing Droman and Rean to follow them right after.


    ---


    Note: Alright, bois and garls. Mass Release is delivered as promised. Keep up the good work with Power Stones for the next week too. Let''s see if you can beat the record again. xDFind authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/sasamil''s-capital_51392535356040378 for visiting.

 Chapter 374 - New Finding

    Before leaving the teleportation area, Rean''s group had to pass by a checkpoint.


    "What is this?"


    Droman then explained.


    "Everyone who wants to enter the city has to pay a fee for that. It also depends on the cultivation of each individual. That''s one of the ways they use to keep the protection formation of the city operating all the time."


    "Energy Gathering or below pay 10 Rank One Spirit Stones;


    Foundation Establishment pay 100 Rank One;


    Core Formation goes for 50 Rank Two;


    Core and Soul Fusion is 200 Rank Two;


    Nascent Soul 100 Rank Three;


    And lastly, Soul Transformation pays 300 Rank Three."


    "As for Saint Realm cultivators, they don''t need to pay anything. After all, it would be considered disrespectful to experts at their level."


    Rean nodded.


    "It seems that even here Rank Four Spirit Stones don''t come out that easily."


    Droman agreed with Rean.


    "Exactly. Rank Four Spirit Stones are definitely much easier to find here in the Empire''s Capital. However, they are still considered high-level commodities. Oh, if you have the right connections, you might even get your hands on Rank Five Spirit Stones."


    Rean bitterly Smiled. Even the Router Formation''s Data Storages sales didn''t give him and the sect Rank Four Spirit Stones. How would he get his hands on Rank Five ones? From what he heard, Rank Four Spirit Stones are rarely used in any kind of trade unless the things you want to buy or sell were extremely rare. All the Rank Four Spirit Stones in the Dalamu Sect were mined from the Spirit Stone mines in their territory. Very few came from outside through trades. That also explained why the Dalamu Sect had so few of them.


    However, Rank Three Spirit Stones were still possible to be obtained through the Data Storages'' sales. Dalamu made a few supplying contracts using Zafa Bank as the intermediary. The deals were basically for large amounts of Data Storages for a reduced price. In exchange, the costs would be paid in Rank Three Spirit Stones. At the moment, Dalamu and the twins had no lack of Rank Three stones. Naturally, the fees to enter the city were not an issue.


    At the counter, Old Worm and Droman presented two badges. One was the Guild Droman was registered with. However, Old Worm''s one was from the Capital''s Alchemist Guild. As soon as the attendant saw that, he immediately changed his bearing.


    "Welcome back to the Capital, Senior Alchemist. Members of the Capital''s main Guild Branches are exempt from paying the City Entrance Fee. Their companions are also allowed to pass for free. Please go ahead."


    Rean and Droman looked at Old Worm with surprise. Even Droman didn''t know that the Guilds had this privilege.


    Old Worm and Roan then stepped aside and headed out as if nothing had happened. Rean and Droman could only sigh and follow the two.


    "They could at least tell us beforehand, don''t you think?"


    "Well, Elder Fauk had never been the type to talk much. I guess that''s why he and Roan get so well with each other."


    Rean had to admit that it was true.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/new-finding_51392671972906967 for visiting.


    Anyone with cultivation below the Saint Realm was prohibited from flying inside the city. That being said, Rean''s group had to walk to reach their destination. Of course, with the city being larger than 1000 kilometers, running would take them way too long.


    It was because of that that the city had many small Teleport Formations connecting everywhere. The only thing they didn''t do was to teleport straight inside the Inner and Core Part of the town. Of course, there were exceptions, but even Old Worm couldn''t use them.


    Finally, they took a teleport formation that sent them close to the Inner City entrance. They appeared in front of a bustling street that connected to the gate of the Inner City. Shops, stalls, weapons, talismans, etc. They could see everything being sold on the sides.


    "Oh! That''s a lot of cultivation related items. I might find something good for crafting or to use in formations here."


    Droman nodded.


    "Well, most of the items being sold in the Outer City aren''t very good. Usually, only those without much money would come here to buy something. Of course, the biggest majority aren''t as rich as you, so this place is always full of cultivators. The other three gates connecting to the Inner City have similar environments as well."


    "However, it''s not rare to find a few hidden gems in the middle of trash. Sometimes the owners of those items don''t know the value of what they''re holding."


    Rean and Roan nodded. This type of market could be found even on Earth, let alone in the cultivation world where Spiritual Energy exists.


    Droman and Old Worm didn''t seem to be in a hurry either. They began to browse the various stalls, paying attention to see if there was something they could use for themselves. They knew that the Inner City would be a better place to find high-level items, but those were definitely not put there by mistake. Naturally, their price would be salty.


    Rean and Roan didn''t have much to do, so they walked around as well. Roan went straight to the shops where Skill Books could be found. He was responsible for combat, so he was always open to new ideas. Rean, on the other hand, looked for items that he could use in the Circuitry Formation. To be more specific, Rean was looking for a very unique type of metal. He went from stall to stall, shop by shop, looking at what they had to offer.


    ''Hum? This sand...''


    There was one thing that Rean had had a problem finding, a substitute for silicon from Earth. From what he knew, silicon was present almost everywhere on Earth to the point of being the second most common element after oxygen. As a metallurgist in his previous life, he knew quite a bit of it. Not only because it was used in electronic devices, but that silicon was also used for steel refining, aluminum-casting, etc., which was his area of expertise.


    The problem was that silicon never came in its pure form. Instead, it was mixed with other elements, making it quite difficult to produce. Back on Earth, silica sand was the most common material. However, the process itself to extract the silicon alone was nothing easy to be done here in the Cultivation World.


    The Electrical Formations Articles had a few examples of materials where he could get silicon from. However, it turned out that the articles didn''t select silicon as the best conductor for the Circuitry Formations, only as an alternative. In the Cultivation World, there was a much better material called Zalion.


    The material could do the same thing as silicon but at a much higher speed. The reason for that was none other than Spiritual Energy! Rean still didn''t know what kind of energy Spiritual Energy is. Electricity existed because of electrons. Could Spiritual Energy be something similar? However, this kind of energy could interact with basically everything. Even the photons that light is made of.


    The Articles didn''t explain much about the nature of Spiritual Energy, just that it could improve electrical currents'' speed. Zalion just so happened to be the best type of metal.


    Unfortunately, another problem came out when Rean and Droman were discussing it. Droman had never heard about any metal that had the properties Rean talked about. Rean also tried to find more in the Blacksmith Hall, but even the Blacksmith Hall''s head knew nothing about it.


    At that time, Rean thought that Zalion was probably like silicon. It didn''t exist in its pure form. Naturally, no one knew about it.


    In the end, Rean could only give up and set his mind on the good old silicon. It''s just that the methods to extract it in the cultivation world where technology didn''t exist was quite annoying. Besides, there was the issue of it not being very compatible with Spiritual Energy itself.


    Fortunately, there was one good news. The Articles explained how Rean could identify Zalion Ore on his own. Rean didn''t find any metal in the Dalamu Sect after using the method described by the Electrical Formations'' Repository, though.


    However, it looked like he finally found something in this Outer City Market.


    Spiritual Energy revolved around Rean''s hand as he held a hand full of sand. However, if one looked closely, they would see that a few Electrical Sparks came from it now and then.


    One must not forget that it is possible to use other elements even if one doesn''t have an affinity with them. It''s just that you won''t be able to control it as proficiently as someone who has that kind of affinity. Fortunately, the method described by the Circuitry Formations'' Articles was straightforward and didn''t need much proficiency of the user.


    ''The conductivity is not as good as the Electrical Formations Repository described, but it''s very close.''


    Rean was just about to try once again when all of a sudden, the shop merchant in front of him called his attention.


    "Hey, kid. Do you want some of it? This is just a sample, so you can have it. Let me know if you need more too."


    Rean was taken aback for a second and then smiled.


    "Just one moment. I''m only testing something. I might really buy this ore if it is what I want."


    The merchant narrowed his eyes. Why would Rean need to test anything? Still, Rean ignored it and continued his test.


    ''I see... So that''s what''s happening.''


    ---


    Note: Week Deal is still up. ;)

 Chapter 375 - Plans of Action

    Rean then returned the sand on the mount in front of him and began to ponder.


    ''It''s just like silicon back on Earth. The Zalion Metal is mixed with a few other elements. However, it''s a lot easier to separate Zalion from the other elements than silicon from others. Besides, I still haven''t found anything like silica sand, which is around 77% silicon in its composition. It has to be it.''


    The merchant saw that Rean seemed to have finished whatever he was doing.


    "So, is it what you were looking for?"


    Rean nodded, satisfied.


    "That''s it indeed. Can this senior tell me which kind of sand is it?"


    The merchant didn''t mind before explaining.


    "We call it Marfin Sand. You can find quite a lot of it in our Sect Territory in the County of Gobope. It has a pretty yellow-white color, so people like to often use it as decoration. If you are planning to build something here in Sasamil City, it can be a good addition."


    Rean was delighted to hear that. He came to this merchant because he saw he selling several types of sand. It wasn''t rare to find people like him since even the Cultivation World needs to build residences. The reason this sand caught his attention was that it really resembled silica sand back on Earth. Rean didn''t expect that this wasn''t silica sand, but Zalion instead.


    "That''s great! How much does it cost?"


    The merchant smiled before immediately offering.


    "It costs five Rank Two Spirit Stones for 10 kilograms. Don''t try to bargain with me. This is already a great price since moving it from Gobope all the way here is not cheap. This is also not easy to obtain since we need to separate it from common dirt. If not because the cultivators like the color, which gave us the idea to sell it, we wouldn''t even do it."


    Rean laughed before saying.


    "Good! Give me a minute."


    Rean then left straight away. A few seconds later, he returned in a flash with Droman.


    "Can you tell me what is so urgent?"


    Rean nodded as he pointed at the Zalion sand.


    "That''s the metal I told you about. It has the characteristics that we exactly need!"


    "What?!"


    Droman quickly grabbed some of the sand. Rean had told him what kind of reaction he needed to expect from the sand, so he also tried it himself. Sure enough, he got the same result as Rean.


    "It''s true!"


    Droman''s eyes lit up as he looked at the merchant. The man was obviously puzzled by Rean and Droman. Although Marfin Sand was quite beautiful, there was no need to be this excited, right?


    Droman didn''t care, though.


    "What''s your name, friend? Also, from which power you came?"


    The merchant understood that he probably will get a good deal, so he immediately became even more polite.


    "Ahem... This friend can call me Olibo. I''m a member of the Illusion Mountain Sect from Gobope Country. I see that you are very interested in our Marfin Sand."


    Droman nodded.


    "Yes. Tell me. How much of this sand can you produce? Also, how much do you think is available in your Sect Territory?"


    Olibo was taken aback by that question. Still, he quickly pondered about it and answered.


    "Well... If our sect goes all out, we should be able to produce around a ton per month. As for how much is available in our territory... I''m not sure. But I know that it is only present in our Sect''s Territory since I''ve never seen any other sand seller with an identical type as ours. If you don''t believe me, you can go around and try to find something similar."


    Droman shook his head.


    "I''ll be direct. My Dalamu Sect wants all the Marfin Sand present in your Sect Territory."


    "What?!"


    Olibo almost fell back when he heard that.


    "A-All the Marfin Sand? Th-That would be at least a few hundreds of tons! Are you sure that''s what you want? My friend, our sect might not be a big power, but we won''t accept being fooled either."


    Droman shook his head.


    "I''m not making fun of you or your sect. We really want to make this deal. However, there will be a condition."


    Droman had already learned from Rean. They should hold a monopoly from it as soon as possible. The best way, obviously, would be to involve the Zafa Bank.


    "Condition?"


    Droman nodded.


    "All the Marfin Sand will be sold exclusively to my Dalamu Sect. You won''t be able to sell it to no one else. In exchange, we will buy all the available sand there."


    Droman then looked at Rean before asking through a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Are you sure you want to buy everything? I doubt that this is the only place where you can find this kind of sand.''


    Rean smiled before answering.


    ''I''m sure. The reason is simple too. No one needs to know what we are going to use this sand for. So what if everyone sees us buying it? Who other than ourselves know how to use it? Besides, we are only acquiring one ton per month. It isn''t that hard to hide it for a while. Also, we will need more of it in the future when we reveal the Circuitry Formation.''


    Droman agreed with Rean and continued to negotiate with Olibo.


    "Also, this is a secret trade between your Illusion Mountain and our Dalamu Sect. We will have our own people going to collect the sand at your sect, so there is no need for you all to appear."


    Olibo couldn''t help but think that their Marfin Sand had a much better use than they thought. But then again, they had been selling it for many years already, but no one ever showed so much interest before.


    Droman could tell what Olibo was thinking, so he added.


    "If you want to go around investigate, then so be it. Other than my sect, no one else has a use for this sand anyway. However, you better not mention that my Dalamu Sect wants it. Otherwise, this deal will be called off. Remember, this is a secret negotiation between our two sects."


    Droman then passed the guy a Thoughts Transmission Talisman.


    "Use this talisman to tell me your sect''s decision. In any case, I''m pretty sure you won''t find anything. Well then, we are off."


    Without even waiting for Olibo to answer, Droman turned around and left with Rean.


    ''Is this okay?''


    Droman nodded.


    ''I might not have known something like ''copyright'' before. However, if we are talking about typical negotiations, then I''m pretty good at it. Don''t underestimate the head of the Formation Master Hall.''


    Roan and Old Worm noticed the things that Droman and Rean did. However, none of them seemed to care too much about it, so they didn''t ask anything. Roan bought quite a few low-level skill books that the Dalamu Sect didn''t have during this time. Not that Dalamu couldn''t get them, but that they didn''t have a need for it.


    Old Worm didn''t find anything that interested him, though.


    "Let''s enter the Inner Part. There are a lot more shops there that we can browse. It''s already quite late anyway, so the gate to the Core of the City has probably been shut already."


    Rean became puzzled.


    "They close the gates here? Isn''t this City way too big to do something like that?"


    Droman shook his head.


    "It''s only the Core. The Inner and Outer Gates are open all the time. It''s just that there isn''t much in there other than the guilds, Clans, and the Imperial Palace. So to keep order, they keep it closed for the night."


    After finishing his explanation, their group entered the Inner City and went to the shops in front of the Core Gates. Even if the gate closed, the shops were as lively as ever. Even the night time wasn''t enough to decrease the number of customers.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_17340518006576905/plans-of-action_51392698548017679 for visiting.


    Rean and Roan did find a few things that interested them, so they bought them with their money. In Rean''s case, he and Droman walked around together and found a few parts they could use during their projects. Of course, the Inner City shops turned out to be a lot more expensive than outside.


    Old Worm and Roan didn''t stay together, though. A few hours later, the four of them gathered once more to head to the Dalamu Sect''s Residence in the Inner City.


    As mentioned before, it wasn''t anything impressive. The first floor and second floors were used as a shop where Dalamu conducted their trades. The third was reserved for the Dalamu Sect members who came to the Capital. Usually, it stayed empty, with only the disciples doing some cleaning now and then. Today was a rare occasion where more than one guest would pass the night within.


    Old Worm and Roan went straight to their rooms and locked themselves inside. Rean and Droman, on the other hand, discussed what they would do tomorrow.


    "The test will start in 37 days. We have one month of access to the repository. Let''s make the best of this time to prepare you for the exam. I''ll focus on the formations you aren''t that proficient in. As for the Marfin Sand, we should get an answer from Olibo and their Illusion Mountain Sect tomorrow."


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    "In that case, let''s first seal this deal. It is a lot more important than the access to the repository."


    Droman agreed with Rean. They talked about a few more things before they returned to their rooms as well. However, this was only the start for Rean and Roan. After all, they also had to gather information about the situation in the Imperial Family.


    ---


    Note: Don''t forget to vote for the weekly deal. =)

 Chapter 376 - Finishing the Deal

    Sure enough, while Rean and Droman were practicing Formations in the Dalamu Sect''s Residence, Droman''s Thoughts Transmission Talisman activated. He quickly put it on his forehead before a stream of information flowed into his mind. Soon after, he faintly smiled.


    "Here we are. Olibo has just contacted us and asked to go to their shop back on the Outer City."


    Rean was delighted to hear that.


    "That''s good. Let''s go then."


    The two left Dalamu''s residence and took the nearest Teleport Formation to the Outer City''s gate. Soon, they arrived at the shop where they had discussed things with Olibo before. However, it wasn''t just him there this time. There was also another older man present. Droman looked at him and could tell that the guy was at the Middle Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm.


    The man also looked at Droman and immediately understood that the latter had cultivation much higher than his own. Not only that, but he could see Rean''s Core Formation Realm as well. Due to Rean''s age, the man was really shocked by his talent.


    "Hello, two sirs. I''m called Bareu Fam, the Illusion Mountain Sect Master. I''ve heard from Olibo that you would like to seal a deal with us."


    Droman nodded, getting straight to the point.


    "Olibo should have explained it to you already. We want all the Marfin Sand present in your sect''s territory. This trade also has to be kept a secret. My sect members will pass by the Illusion Mountain every month to fetch the extracted Marfin Sand. Not only are we willing to accept the price you offer, but you also won''t even need to care about the cost of moving the sand out."


    Rean, who was listening, then smiled and asked.


    "Did your investigation return any useful information?"


    Bareu and Olibo scratched the back of their head while feeling a little embarrassed. Sure enough, they had taken some of their Marfin Sand and went around, looking to see if there was anything that they had missed. They went to the Formation, Blacksmith, and Alchemist guilds in the Outer and Inner City. But all they heard was that it had a nice color. Other than that, those experts couldn''t find anything good about it at all.


    "It''s like the two sirs said. No one can tell if this sand has any use. Some even thought we were making fun of them. In the end, what is the thing you need this sand for?"


    Droman shook his head.


    "You will find out in the future as long as you don''t seclude yourself in a cave forever. But until then, this is a secret from our Dalamu Sect. I will repeat one last time. Other than our Dalamu Sect, no one has any use for this sand. If you want to investigate further, be my guest. Just make sure to not mention our name."


    Bareu couldn''t shake off this feeling that he was losing something incredibly significant here. Unfortunately, without knowing what this sand could be used for, he couldn''t get anything from it. However, he knew that Droman was right about one thing, he doesn''t believe that their Sect was really the only place where this kind of sand can be found. It''s just that they were the only ones who bothered to extract it for selling. If he let Droman go and he found another source, they might lose everything in the end.


    In the end, Bareu gritted his teeth and said.


    "One Rank Two Spirit Stone for every kilogram. If you can pay this price, we will keep everything a secret. We will even increase our collection strength to extract more sand per month."


    Droman narrowed his eyes.


    "Three Rank Two Spirit Stones for every 20 kilograms. That''s as far as I can go. It might be something important for us, but I won''t let you rip us off that easily."


    Bareu had asked for double the price to keep everything hidden, but Droman only wanted to pay 50% more to do that. Still, that was a lot more than they had ever expected to get with Marfin Sand.


    "Deal! It has to be a contract with the Zafa Bank as an intermediary."


    Droman immediately nodded.


    "Obviously. We wouldn''t make this deal without them anyway."


    Droman and Bareu then went to the Zafa Bank Branch in the Capital. The process was quite simple. The Zafa Bank would make sure that the deal was carried as stated in the contract. At the same time, they would have 10% of the Illusion Mountain Sect''s profit with the sand selling. Bareu didn''t mind it since it could guarantee the transparency of their agreement. Besides, he was already getting 50% for the sand, so he wasn''t losing anything.


    Later that day, the two parts came out of the Zafa Bank.


    "It''s a pleasure to do business with you. How much of this sand do you have available at the moment?"


    Bareu looked at Olibo, who was usually responsible for this part.


    "We didn''t expect we would need to sell so much so soon. Because of that, we don''t have that much. Putting everything together, we should have around three tons."


    Droman then threw a small bag with 45 Rank Three Spirit Stones.


    "Rank Three Spirit Stones!"


    It was supposed to be 450 Rank Two Spirit Stones. However, Rank Three Spirit Stones were worth 10 times more. That''s why Droman gave them Rank Three instead... Or so it was supposed to be. The higher the rank of the Spirit Stone, the harder it was to get. Although a Rank Three Spirit Stone carried around ten times the amount of Spiritual Energy than a Rank Two, the fact was that it was a lot better. Besides, it was much harder to obtain Rank Three Stones. Rank Three Spirit Stones could be bought in the Capital, but their price was 13 Rank Two Stones instead of 10. Naturally, receiving Rank Three Spirit Stones as payment was a lot better.


    "This should be enough for all three tons of Marfin Sand. I''ll have my people go to your sect in a week to fetch it. After that, they will pay a visit to your sect every month to take the Marfin Sand away. Is that good enough?"


    Olibo and Bareu nodded. They were a very small sect. It can be seen since their strongest member was Bareu himself. With his cultivation, Bareu has his means to get Rank Three Spirit Stones. However, he had to care for the Sect as well. If all the deal was done with Rank Three Spirit Stones, it would be a blessing for his Sect.


    "Don''t worry. As soon as we get back, I''ll have our disciples increase the pace of extraction of Marfin Sand. If Sir Droman can keep paying us this Rank Thre Spirit Stones, I''ll do my best to extract at least three tons per month."


    Droman nodded, satisfied.


    "Perfect. As long as there are three tons per month, I''ll pay for it with Rank Three Spirit Stones."


    Olibo and Bareu were delighted to hear that. The two parties then talked a bit more about other issues before they parted ways.


    On the way back, Droman and Rean discussed the deal.


    "Alright. Since they won''t be going to our sect, it shouldn''t be hard to keep this deal hidden. After we come back to Dalamu, we can begin the process of refining this sand into what we need."


    Droman nodded.


    "Yes. But let''s think about it later when we arrive there. For now, let''s focus on the Formation Master Exam of the Main Branch Guild. The Core City should be open already, so let''s go there."


    "By the way, did you see Elder Fauk and Roan?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Roan doesn''t have access to the Main Branch Alchemist Repository. That being said, there wasn''t much of a reason for him to go there. So I believe he went somewhere else instead. I can only feel his general location at the moment. Well, he can care about himself. As for Old Worm, I have no idea where he went."


    Droman had an idea, though.


    "Well, he is part of the Main Branch Guild. Considering how much Elder Fauk loves alchemy, he probably went there to read the Alchemy Books."


    Rean admitted that Droman was probably right.


    However, Rean was lying about something. He knew where Roan went. Not only that, they had been in contact with each other all this time. The Main Branch Guilds liked to start their exams at the same time. That meant that Roan would need to wait over a month before it commences. Last night, the twins decided that Roan would head out to look for information about the Imperial Family''s situation. This is what Roan was exactly doing at the moment.


    ''Did you find anything?''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''No. But that is to be expected. I don''t know the Capital, so it will take some time to find where the Black Market is located.''


    ''Are you going to buy something?''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/finishing-the-deal_%!d(string=51392721650240063) for visiting.


    ''Are you dumb? The Black Market would definitely have a place where you can buy sensitive information. As long as I find it, it should save me a lot of trouble... or buy even more of them.''


    Rean understood. He would be looking for information about the Imperial Family, after all. It might instead bring him a lot of issues. Still, Roan was confident in his ability to escape or keep his identity hidden if necessary. Besides, the twins had already placed a save point inside the Dalamu Sect Residence, just in case.


    ---


    Note: Vote for the rank and weekly deal. :)

 Chapter 377 - Finding the Black Market

    Roan walked around the Inner City, going from shop to shop. He used Rean''s Light Ability to make his body look older. At the same time, his hair and eyes had also changed color. It''s just that the effect wasn''t as great as it was with Calina. Nonetheless, it was more than enough for Roan''s objective.


    Roan then entered a shop called Myriad Resources. Like many of the available shops in the Inner Sect, you could find a great variety of items on display. Roan walked into the shop until he finally stopped in front of an article on display. It looked like a needle that brimmed with some weird energy. It was also one of the spotlights of the entire shop. It also had an exorbitant price of 500 Rank Three Spirit Stones!


    One must remember that anyone at Roan''s level would usually find it very difficult to bring out such a number.


    A shop attendant noticed Roan''s presence in front of the item and quickly came forward.


    "This customer has good eyes. This item is called Spiritual Piercer. Although it''s an object that you can only use once, it can definitely pierce through any defense. If used correctly, it might even save your life."


    Roan nodded before asking.


    "What''s the level of the attack?"


    The attendant smiled.


    "It is guaranteed to work on anyone at the Middle of the Core Formation Realm and below. However, it can also be a great threat to those at the Late or maybe even Peak Stage, depending on how you use it."


    Roan pondered a bit and shook his head.


    "It''s too weak. I need something stronger. Show me something that can pierce through a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator."


    The attendant was taken aback for a second. Still, he shook his head in the end.


    "If we really had such an item, it wouldn''t be shown in the outside like this."


    Roan smiled after hearing that.


    "It seems like you know something. Can you tell me where I can find items like the one I told you about?"


    The attendant noticed that he slipped his tongue and quickly denied everything.


    "This customer must be joking. The City Guards wouldn''t allow such items to be sold to just anyone. After all, Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators can even create a sect or clan of their own by relying on their power alone. Items capable of breaking through their defenses easily would be strictly regulated in the city."


    Roan then approached the guy and passed him a small bag in a way that only he and the attendant noticed. At the same time, he sent the guy a Spiritual Sense massage.


    ''We are both good citizens, right? We need to keep our eyes open if such an item suddenly appears. Don''t you know a place where anyone might be breaking the laws? I will go there and investigate it myself.''


    The attendant''s Spiritual Sense entered the bag and quickly saw a hundred Rank Three Spirit Stones inside. His eyes opened wide but promptly returned to normal a moment later.


    ''This customer is right. We all need to help keep the city clean.''


    The guy immediately put the bag away before anyone could notice anything different.


    ''If you go to the Alakaste Shopping Street, you will find a place called The Dawn Treasure Store. Some... ''rumors...'' say that if you ask the attendant on the seventh counter for Rank Ten Spirit Stones, they might bring you to a certain special place. There, you can ''investigate'' and see if you can find anything worth ''reporting'' to the city guards.''


    Roan patted the guy''s shoulder, satisfied.


    ''I''ll definitely make my part as the citizen and will investigate the area.''


    Roan then pointed at the Spiritual Piercer.


    "That''s a very good deal. I want this Spiritual Piercer."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/finding-the-black-market_%!d(string=51392765120016978) for visiting.


    The attendant was surprised to hear that. He was delighted to get that many Rank Three Spirit Stones. Now, he will even get a commission for selling the Spiritual Piercer to Roan. Of course, he also understood that Roan did it to not raise any suspicion for both of them.


    The Spiritual Piercer that looked like a need was quickly prepared to Roan, who paid the 500 Spirit Stones without blinking. After that, he turned around and left the shop.


    However, he snorted as soon as he stopped out.


    ''Sure enough, a few bugs got interested.''


    500 Spirit Stones wasn''t a small sum even in the Inner City. Besides, Roan was walking alone. Although fighting in the city was prohibited, no one would say anything if no one saw anything. If it was someone important or a big group, those guys wouldn''t try anything. However, since Roan was by himself and his cultivation was only in the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm, they thought it might be worth a try. That being said, a few eyes aimed at Roan while he walked away.


    Roan continued to walk in the crowded streets for some time. However, it didn''t take long until the movement around him decreased. Still, Roan continued to walk as if nothing happened. Finally, he reached the residential part of the Inner City, where the movement was low. There, he made a few more turns until he ended in the back of an alley without anyone to be seen.


    Seeing that Roan was finally alone, those guys who had been following him in the shadows showed themselves and rushed inside the same alley. Three of them had cultivations at the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. As for the last one, he was at the Middle Stage. Unfortunately...


    "What?!"


    "Where is he?!"


    "He came here, I''m sure!"


    "It must have been one of you idiots who scared the lamb away."


    "Let''s separate. If he''s still around this place, we can get him."


    However, it was at this moment that a voice entered their ears.


    "There is no need to look for me. I''m right here."


    The robbers felt a chill on their backs and immediately turned around while bringing their weapons out. Unfortunately, it was too late.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    *Swish, swish, swish!*


    Three heads then flew in their air, not giving their owner a chance to even scream.


    "Ah!"


    Roan killed three of the robbers in one strike. However, there were four of them. Roan hadn''t killed the Middle Stage guy. The man knew that he had the advantage in cultivation but completely gave up the idea of fighting Roan here. He had seen Roan''s speed and technique. Even if he went all out, he wouldn''t be able to replicate as much as half of the result. It was obvious that Roan was several times stronger than him.


    ''Path of the Lightning!''


    Lightning Element gathered on the man''s legs as he shot out of the alley. As long as he arrived in a crowded area, Roan wouldn''t dare to attack him there. As for seeking revenge against Roan, that idea didn''t even pass through the robber''s mind. Unfortunately for the robber...


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps!''


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Even without Rean''s Enhancement ability, Roan was still more than fast enough to catch up with this guy.


    The man noticed the ray of black light coming from his back and panicked. It was just too fast! He quickly stepped aside, barely missing a fatal strike through his heart. Still, the strike hit the left side of his body.


    "Ahhhh!"


    Unfortunately for him, Dark Element immediately began to eat away his life force, making the injury quickly rot. Nonetheless, the robber gritted his teeth and bore the pain as he began to run once more.


    "Did I say that you can go?"


    Suddenly, Roan emerged from the shadows in from of him as if he was a ghost!


    "What?!"


    The guy tried to change the direction he was trying to flee but soon noticed that his movement was sealed. It was then that he looked down and saw several black vines attached to his legs.


    ''Death Style, First Energy Form, Shadow Bind!''


    Roan''s sword flashed once more, aiming for the guy''s head. In the end, all the robber could do was close his eyes and wait for his death. There was simply no time to dodge or use any action anymore.


    However, he noticed that the sensation of his neck being cut didn''t come as he expected. When he opened his eyes again, he understood why. Roan had stopped his sword just a millimeter away from his neck. He could even feel the Dark Element emanating from Roan''s White Star, which affected his skin too.


    "It''s too early to die. Let''s make a deal here. You tell me what I want to know, and perhaps I''ll be merciful enough to let you go. It will depend on how much your words are worth, though."


    The man didn''t even think before nodding. Hell, he would even tell his d.i.c.k size if Roan wanted it.


    "First, what''s your name?"


    "I''m Dudle Suo."


    Roan nodded.


    "Dudle, swallow this pill."


    The man looked suspiciously at the dark pill in front of him. However, he only had to give a glance at Roan''s dark face for his doubts to disappear.


    "Good! If you continue like that, you might really survive. I just gave you a poison that I created myself. If you don''t take the antidote in the next hour, you are dead. Now, let''s start."


    "You definitely were sent after me by that shop attendant. But let''s forget about him for now. What I want to know is where I can find the black market of Sasamil City."


    In the end, Roan had never trusted the attendant''s words. What he really needed was someone who knew what he was looking for. After showing his wealth, someone would come after him... or so was his plan. Fortunately, it played well. Now he could get the real information from this guy since Roan had his life in his hands.


    ---


    Note: Weekly Deal is ongoing. =)

 Chapter 378 - Sacrifice

    The guy swallowed a bit of his saliva before responding.


    "I only know a little about them. After all, peasants would just die if they get involved with them. Will you really let me live if I tell you?"


    Roan pondered for a bit and said.


    "Let''s do it like this. There must be more than one place like that. Bring me to the most important one that you know. I''ll think about your fate once we arrive there."


    The guy quickly nodded as Roan took his sword away from his throat. The shadow bind also disappeared after that. Of course, the guy was injured, so he couldn''t walk like that. Roan then touched his shoulder, and soon enough, Light Element began to flow into the guy''s body as his hair changed color.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recover!''


    With their Soul Connection having a limit of 3000 kilometers, Rean and Roan had it quite easy when exchanging elements.


    The guy looked with wide eyes as his injuries swiftly closed up. Of course, it would have been even faster if the one doing it was Rean instead. Eventually, his injuries completely disappeared as if there had never been any in the first place.


    "Take it."


    After healing him, Roan then threw a set of clothes to the guy. After all, the clothes the guy was wearing was ragged with quite a lot of blood marks. The guy didn''t even know where Roan took the clothes, but he immediately changed anyway.


    "Your time is ticking, so you better be fast. Of course, if you want to try to escape after we reach a place with a lot of movement, you might as well do it now. I won''t pursue you. I refuse to believe anyone will be able to cure the poison on your body anyway."


    Roan turned around and began to walk out of the alley. He really didn''t even bother putting the guy in his eyes.


    Dudle was conflicted for a moment. He was at the Core Formation Realm, so he did know how to get some Poison Cleansing Pills. However, the problem here is if it would really work or not. If it didn''t, he would basically be buying his own death. Seeing how confident Roan walked away without binding him at all made Dudle even more conflicted.


    In the end, he gritted his teeth and quickly followed Roan. As for trying to attack Roan, he wasn''t idiotic enough to do so after seeing their difference in strength.


    "I''m not sure where the most important black market in the city is. Some rumors say that it''s located right inside the Core Region. Of course, I know a pretty good one right here in the Inner Region. That''s the best I can do for you."


    Roan nodded, not minding too much. Considering the power of Sasamil City cultivators, a simple Core Formation Realm thug wouldn''t have knowledge of everything. Still, that was more than enough for Roan. He could start his investigation from there.


    "Lead the way."


    Dudle then sped up, afraid that he wouldn''t arrive in time and die in the middle of the street.


    Meanwhile, Rean and Droman had just entered the Core City after passing through the gate. Droman had the permission to see the Formations Guild Main Branch Repository, so they didn''t have any problem doing it.


    The Core Region was really different from the Inner or Outer City. There were almost no shops around. It was all made of gigantic residences that were even higher than the Core Region Wall. As he walked, he noticed the names on those residences.


    "Lavil Clan. This is one of the Nine Protector Clans of the Imperial Family, isn''t it?"


    Droman nodded.


    "Yes. This side of the Core City is where the Lavil Clan residences are located. The Core City has a total of nine gates connecting to it. Naturally, each one of them has a clan right beside it. Still, all of them lead to the center, where the Imperial Palace is located."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Then, where are the guilds located?"


    "In the middle of the path. There are a few open areas where you can find their buildings. The gate we used to enter the Core City just so happens to be the closest one to the Formations Master Guild."


    The Core City was only around 30 kilometers in diameter. With Rean and Roan''s cultivation, it didn''t take too long for them to trek half of this distance. After some time, Rean saw an enormous tower in the distance with a giant Spiritual Light description on the top.


    -Formations Master Guild-


    Obviously, that sign was made with the help of Formations. It didn''t matter from which side you looked at it. The words always seemed to be turning in your direction.


    ''That reminds me of Calina''s pendant.''


    The two quickly arrived at the entrance where a few cultivators were guarding. Rean couldn''t help but be a bit surprised, though. Even with his Core Formation Realm cultivation, he couldn''t see these guards'' cultivation at all.


    Droman understood what Rean was thinking and laughed.


    ''Hahaha! Don''t be too surprised. All the guilds here have to show this much power. These guards are all in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm with their leader in the Nascent Soul Realm. It works more like a display of strength.


    The guards at the front noticed Rean and Droman approaching.


    "Halt! State the reason for your visit."


    As Droman mentioned before, not just anyone could enter the Formations Master Guild''s Main Branch. Droman quickly took out the permission and showed it to the guard. After a moment, the guard nodded as his stance changed.


    "Oh! So it''s Senior Droman, the creator of the Communication System. We have been waiting for your arrival. Sorry for the way we treated you. With the annual Guild Test approaching, we are getting even more guests than usual."


    Droman smiled and shook his head.


    "There''s no problem. I''m also here for the same reason anyway. I want my disciple here to take part in the exam, so I''ll use my free month in the repository to teach him as well as I can."


    The guard smiled, not minding it too much. The permission already stated that Droman could bring someone with him. The white-haired boy was obviously the one in the picture.


    "Please go ahead, Senior Droman."


    The guards opened the way as Droman and Rean entered the tower.


    "The Guild seems to be very polite towards you, no?"


    Droman let out a chuckle before sending Rean a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Of course. Did you forget that the Formations Guild tried to give me a free pass to become one of their members after discovering the Communication System? You already know the reason why I refused. However, that doesn''t mean they gave up already. Naturally, they will treat me as well as they can. I wonder what they would think if they found out that you were the one who created it. Hahaha!''


    Rean smiled but shook his head.


    ''Let''s hope they don''t find out. It would be too much of a hassle. If anyone asks, I learned everything about the communication system from you.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/sacrifice_%!d(string=51507890376204949) for visiting.


    Droman agreed with Rean.


    ''That''s good then. Anyway, let''s go to the counter to request an entrance into the repository.''


    They quickly arrived where the guild''s attendants were located. Inside there, they saw many other Formation Masters. Surprisingly, there were many young cultivators there as well, just like Rean.


    ''Are those ones...''


    Droman nodded.


    ''They''re probably the disciples of some of the Guild''s Formations Masters. Can you see the badge on the robes of the old ones? Those are the official member badges. Every year is the same thing. These official members bring their own young ones to try and get one of the new generation slots. As you can imagine, they have a huge advantage over those who can only come during the exam day.''


    Rean didn''t find it strange. If you had the resources, you should use them. Fairness? That has never been a word often used in the cultivation world. Besides, he was exactly doing the same thing. Using Droman as a connection to get a better chance at studying Formations in the Main Branch.


    Just as Droman and Rean were about to reach the counter, one of those Guild Members came forward.


    "Oh! So it''s Formation Master Droman. Welcome, welcome! So, have you thought about our offer? You can join our Main Branch straight away if you want. With the Communication System Formation you came up with, you have more than the necessary qualifications. There is no need for a test."


    The other Formation Masters heard that and immediately looked in Droman and Rean''s direction.


    Droman could only scratch the back of his head with all that attention. He didn''t think he deserved that at all.


    "Ahem... I''m still thinking about it. I was just lucky to think about that new type of Formation. I have taken the Main Branch''s Test in the past but didn''t get even close to passing it."


    Another Formations Master shook his head.


    "That''s not an issue. Your contributions are what really matters here. Many other Formation Masters Joined our Main branch without the test. They were like you, people who made important discoveries. You should really consider our offer. Besides, we got the blueprints of your... errr... version 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 Router Formations. They''re incredibly amazing!"


    Droman still shook his head, though.


    "I''ll think about it. For now, I only want to use the free month the guild gave me to teach my disciple in the repository. His talent is many times higher than mine, so perhaps he can join the guild through the tests."


    The attention of the Formation Masters immediately shifted to Rean after that, which made his mouth twitch.


    ''This old geezer couldn''t hold the pressure and sacrificed me in the end.''


    ---


    Note: Don''t forget to vote for the weekly deal. =)

 Chapter 379 - The Formations Master Guild Welcome

    "Oh! So this is your disciple? Hahaha! Great! Many of us have our own disciples participating this time around. Milo, come here."


    A young man who seemed to be around 16 or 17 came forward. Just like Rean, he was also in the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm.


    "Yes, Master."


    Milo''s master nodded, satisfied.


    "This is a descendant of mine, Milo Sue. He will also participate in the exam a month from now. I''m also bringing him into the Formations Guild Repository to teach him before that."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Shouldn''t the repository be closed to anyone who isn''t a member of the Main Branch Guild?"


    Milo answered that question in the place of his master and ancestor.


    "That''s not exactly the case. Indeed, it''s quite hard to allow other disciples or me to enter the Repository without being members of the Main Brach Guild yet. However, if a member of the Guild pays the price, an exception can be made."


    Milo''s master nodded.


    "Indeed. It was quite expensive to get permission as well. Unlike our friend Droman here, I wasn''t insightful enough to create something like the Communication System. I''m quite envious of you for being able to bring your disciple without paying anything. Hahaha!"


    In the end, it was the same thing for the other young men and women around. Rean pondered as to why Old Worm didn''t do the same thing for Roan, but then he remembered the part of ''having to pay a high price'' to get their disciples inside. Old Worm lived in the Dalamu Sect. Perhaps, he didn''t have the conditions to pay, or perhaps it would be too expensive.


    A few more Formation Masters came and complimented Droman as well. This sight was a little different than Rean expected. He thought that those guys would be a bit more reserved or not fancy the fact that Droman could join their Guild just because of the Communication System. But to his surprise, most of them seemed to welcome Droman and himself. Of course, Droman didn''t really join them so far.


    Although Droman tried to shift everyone''s attention to Rean, the high-level Formation Masters ended focusing on him again. Before Rean could say something, they already dragged Droman away to discuss more of ''his'' Communication System.


    Rean wasn''t left alone, though. Other young participants of the next exam came to greet him as well. However, most of their attitudes shifted 180 degrees in an instant once Droman and their masters were gone.


    "Hehe! Your Master did something impressive in inventing the Communication System. I was even more impressed with his Router Formations. Aren''t you a lucky kid? You got to ride his success just like that."


    "Rean, right? I''ll be direct here. You and the other peasants from outside the capital should just go home. It will save everyone''s time."


    "Hahaha! His master was just lucky. In the end, that old geezer Droman can''t beat any of our masters in a normal Formation Master competition. His Communication System is indeed impressive. But in the end, that''s all he has under his belt."


    Rean was taken aback by this sudden shift. However, although their expressions showed disdain, he could somehow tell that something didn''t seem right about how they were acting. It was as if what they said wasn''t real. Nevertheless, he wouldn''t just take it lying down.


    "Hehe! That''s more like it! A competition where there are only friendly interactions would be too boring. It''s good that you all have such resolve. That will make this exam a lot more interesting."


    The young men and women were surprised to see Rean''s sudden display of confidence. They were expecting that this ''country bumpkin'' would feel cornered in this situation.


    "Oh? You''re better than I thought. My name is Lata Lavil Martolie. I''m also an Earth High-Level Formations Master."


    "That''s a little unexpected. The last girl left the building with her tail under her legs. Call me Fuonte Dekaslo, just like everyone else, I''m an Earth High-Level Formations Master."


    All of a sudden, a female cultivator put a hand on his shoulders.


    "Hmm... quite strong, aren''t you? Very good. Let''s see if you can back your words up a month from now. By the way, I''m Safira Sasamil."


    More of them introduced themselves as well. The change in their behaviors happened too quickly. In the end, it seemed like they were testing Rean''s resolve more than trying to provoke him. Still...


    "So many Clan descendants. There are even members of the Imperial Family here."


    Milo nodded.


    "This is the Core Part of the Capital, after all. A lot of the Formation Masters are naturally part of the Guild. Not just this one, but the main branches of the other side occupation guilds have many protector clans and imperial family members in their ranks as well. Don''t mind them. They did it to me as well when my master first brought me here. It''s kind of a ritual of theirs."


    It was then that another voice appeared from behind.


    "Milo. Don''t spoil everyone''s fun."


    Milo and Rean turned around just to see another female cultivator walking in their direction.


    "Qia, huh? Is it really okay for you to distance yourself from your master? She always complains that you should spend more time studying than talking."


    "Milo''s right. We don''t want to be scolded by Senior Jala later again."


    "Agreed! She''s kinda scary."


    Rean was at a loss for a moment.


    "Err... and this lady is?"


    Milo then introduced the girl.


    "Oh, she is also a descendant of the Imperial Family, Qia Sasamil. Believe it or not, she has quite a high position in the Imperial Family. She is the granddaughter of the Fifth Prince, Salael Sasamil."


    Rean was surprised to hear that. Isn''t that one of the main contestants for the throne? This girl''s position was obviously many times higher than Calina, who was quite far down in the descendants'' tree.


    "Cough, cough... Nice to meet you, princess."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/the-formations-master-guild-welcome_%!d(string=51507947821398258) for visiting.


    Qia nodded, not minding it too much.


    "You can stop it already. Can you see anyone here treating me like I''m a princess or anything?"


    "This..."


    Now that Rean thought about it, even the clans or imperial family descendants didn''t seem to get any preferential treatment in this place.


    "Could it be that the Formations Master Guild Territory is special?"


    Another young Formations Master, who overheard the conversation, nodded. From what Rean heard, he was called Malon Wavile. Wavile was also one of the Nine Protector Clans.


    "That''s correct. Not only the Formations Master Guild, but all the Side Occupation Guilds follow this same rule. Once you are inside their guilds, you are not considered to be anyone important. Only your status as a Formations Master matters in this place. Or do you think the others would treat Qia and us this freely outside? We would have kicked their asses already if that was the case."


    Rean was once again reminded of the power that guilds maintain in the world. They were influential enough to ignore any kind of status while inside their walls.


    Qia then winked at Rean.


    "However, if you don''t address me correctly elsewhere, don''t blame me if I order your head to be cut."


    Rean felt a chill on his back. For some reason, he didn''t think that Qia was joking.


    After the test was over, Lata took the opportunity to ask Rean.


    "By the way, how deep are you involved in the Communication System creation? Did your Master tell you anything at all?"


    Immediately, everyone''s eyes lit up. Even Qia and the clan descendants were no exception. Sure enough, since their Masters were willing to pay so much for them to enter the Repository, they obviously were geniuses who loved Formations as well. The Communication Formation was a massive breakthrough in the Formations Master World, after all.


    Rean felt like laughing when he heard that, though.


    ''How deeply involved am I? I, your grandfather, created that shit! Kneel down and pay your respects to this senior. Hahahaha!''


    Or so Rean wanted to say. Unfortunately, he had to keep it a secret for now.


    [Disgusting!]


    ''Eh? Did I think about it too loud?''


    It was then that Roan''s voice echoed in his Soul.


    ''What do you think, narcissist? I''m impressed how shameless you can be since you didn''t really invent anything. You just copied the ideas you learned back on earth.''


    Rean became a little red, which puzzled the people looking at him.


    ''So what? I''m just following the trending, okay?''


    [Yeah, sure...]


    Eventually, Rean returned his attention to everyone else.


    "Ahem... Master had allowed me to help in his projects a lot, so you could say that I know quite a bit."


    "Oh! For real? Tell us more about it."


    Rean was puzzled by that, though.


    "Eh? Why? The blueprints had already been made public. You should have gotten a copy already, no?"


    Qia immediately shook her head.


    "Having a blueprint and having someone who was there when it was created is completely different! You can contribute many insights that are not present in the latest formations. For example, how about you tell us what it was like creating this communication system at the start?"


    Rean couldn''t help but remember when he first talked to Droman about it.


    "Well, that was a near-death experience..."


    Back then, Droman''s breakthrough almost killed Rean, after all.


    Still, everyone looked puzzled at Rean. What does he mean by a near-death experience? Was the communication system this dangerous? How come it doesn''t look like it in the blueprints?


    "Ahem... It was just a way of expressing my feelings."


    Just like that, Rean began to discuss Formations with everyone around him. Because they were all close in age and at the same Formations Master Level, it was a very entertaining and productive experience.


    ---


    Note: Mass Release Tomorrow. ;)

 Chapter 380 - Task

    Meanwhile, Roan arrived at an inconspicuous building at the borders of the Inner City Wall. It didn''t look all that new, but it was still better than most buildings in the Outer Region. When he and Dudle entered, the shop attendant immediately came forward.


    "So it''s Dudle, huh? Are you here to-"


    However, he also noticed Roan right behind, so he stopped what he was going to say.


    "Hello, young man. Do you need any antiques? They might not be on par with Spiritual Tools, but they are quite pleasing to the eyes. Well, I''m not sure if young people like you would have interest in this kind of shop, though."


    Roan looked at Dudle, waiting for him to do his thing.


    "Ahem... Senior Gval. We need some black rabbits."


    Gval was obviously the name of the attendant. When he heard that, his eyes narrowed.


    "Dudle, did you forget the rules?"


    Dudle became nervous. Usually, there would be a process to accept new members for each black market. After all, it''s not like they could keep it in the open.


    "I know that I''m being too pushy, but I can vouch for this young man. I''m willing to pay the fee later if anything happens."


    Gval looked at Roan and checked his cultivation with his Spiritual Sense. Only then did he notice that the teenager in front of him was already in the Core Formation Realm.


    "Oh! To have such a cultivation at this age is quite good. Where''d you come from, boy?"


    In fact, Roan looked a few years older thanks to Rean''s technique. Otherwise, Gval wouldn''t show just this small reaction.


    Roan shook his head after hearing the question.


    "That''s my business. There are a few things I need that aren''t available just anywhere. That''s why I asked Dudle here for some help."


    Gval didn''t find it that surprising. The majority who came to the black market would often hide their own identities. He was pretty sure that the appearance he was seeing right now wasn''t Roan''s real face either.


    Gval then looked at Dudle, who seemed pretty nervous.


    "Something''s not right. Little boy, did you do something to this idiot here? I find it difficult to believe that Dudle would just bring you here like that, especially since he knows the rules."


    Roan faintly smiled in response.


    "Sure enough, you would notice this much."


    Roan then put a hand on Dudle''s shoulder, which made the guy tremble for a second.


    "His life is basically in my hands. I told him that he had to bring me to a Black Market or he would die. That''s why he came straight here. By the way, he only has around 20 minutes left to live."


    Dudle felt helpless.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/task_%!d(string=51508021389490398) for visiting.


    "Senior Gval, I''m sorry. I was careless, and now I have poison in my body. I''ll do anything. Just let this little demon buy the things he needs, will you?"


    Gval couldn''t help but snort.


    *Swish!*


    Before Dudle could even react, a needle pierced the center of his head as fast as lightning! Not only that, but a similar attack also came in Roan''s direction. However, Roan hadn''t dropped his guard for even a second since he arrived in this place.


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Show Steps!''


    Roan merged with the shadow around, swiftly dodging the attack directed at him. The needle then passed through the walls before disappearing outside. As for Dudle, he simply dropped on the ground, dead. Well, Roan didn''t give a damn anyway.


    "Oh! Young man, you''re quite fast."


    Roan''s faint smile didn''t disappear even for a second.


    "Thanks for the compliment. So, can I have access to the Black Market?"


    Gval, who had just attacked, was taken aback by those words. Soon after, he laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! What a funny boy. Anyone at your age would feel nervous or would have fled straight away. I''ve never thought that you would be showing such confidence."


    It turns out that Gval was at the Initial Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. So it was quite easy for him to get rid of Dudle, especially since the latter was directing his guard at Roan instead.


    "You don''t seem to care about what I did to this idiot here."


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "I already killed a few of his friends who tried to rob me, so why should I care about this final survivor? I only want one thing, access to the Black Markets. If I can''t get it here, I''ll try somewhere else."


    "Oh! The way you put it, it seems like you are pretty confident in your chances of escaping, uh?"


    Roan nodded, not trying to deny it.


    "I''m not only confident. I''m absolutely sure I can do it."


    Gval couldn''t help but feel the urge to try Roan''s abilities after hearing that. However, he gave up in the end. He could tell that Roan wasn''t an average cultivator.


    "There is no need to look for another place. However, you will have to go through the procedures before we allow you to enter the Black Market."


    Roan nodded.


    "I was expecting that much."


    Seeing that Roan didn''t mind, Gval then turned around and headed to the back of the shop. Roan didn''t say anything and followed as well. As for Dudle''s body, Roan was sure that it wouldn''t be there anymore by the time he came out.


    They quickly arrived in a separate room. Inside, Gval accessed a secret compartment where a few black tokens could be found. He took one of them and sent his Spiritual Sense inside. A few moments later, he looked back at Roan.


    "This is the token that grants access to the three Black Markets available in the Inner City. However, I need proof of your intentions. We can''t have just anyone stepping inside, after all."


    Roan pondered a bit before asking.


    "What do you need me to do?"


    Gval nodded, satisfied.


    "Just now, you used a movement ability based on the Dark Element. Obviously, you have some cultivation technique that provides you with Yin Energy. You are an assassin, or at least, you know how to act like one. That being said, your task will be to kill a certain someone. Bring me his head, and you will get access to the market."


    ---


    Note: Sunday again, bois and garls! 15k Power Stones, so extra ten chapters for you all. Eleven if you count the regular one.


    Keeping the tradition, I kept the price of the Mass Release Chapters low, around six coins or so. Enjoy!


    Don''t forget to vote for the next week''s Mass Release as well. ;)

 Chapter 381 - Tissan Sasamil

    Roan narrowed his eyes. It was true that he could use Yin Energy, but not in the order that Gval thought. His Dark Element was his own affinity. He didn''t need his Yin Energy to use it. Of course, all his and Rean''s techniques that used Dark Element automatically had Yin Energy in them. However, what bothered him was not that, but the killing part.


    "Do all your new customers have to kill someone to get access to the Black Market?"


    Gval shook his head as he replied.


    "I have the power to decide what kind of proof I need. Usually, it''s just a huge sum of Spirit Stones, but I''m making an especial exception for you. This way, you''ll be able to enter without having to pay anything."


    Roan shook his head, saying.


    "I don''t mind paying. Just give me the price."


    Gval didn''t seem to care, continuing with his original intention.


    "No can do. I already decided that this is the kind of proof I need from you. Don''t worry. It''s not like I''m trying to make you the enemy of the state. Your target is an old customer who''s refusing to pay a few debts. However, his debts aren''t big enough to be worth calling the Shadow Reapers."


    Roan was losing his patience.


    "Just get straight to the point. Who do you need dead? Depending on the answer, I''ll simply look for another Black Market."


    Gval nodded before passing him a picture.


    "His name is Tissan Sasamil. A descendent of the Imperial Family."


    Roan felt like killing Gval right there and then.


    "Are you f.u.c.k.i.n.g kidding me? You want me to kill a member of the Imperial Family right inside the Capital? Let alone me, even someone with much higher cultivation wouldn''t have this chance. Do you think the Imperial Palace is just like any peasant''s house?"


    Gval laughed after hearing that.


    "Hahaha! Of course not. Don''t worry, Tissan can''t go back to the Imperial Palace anymore. His only choice is to live in the Inner City. Besides, he has almost no protection whatsoever. I might as well tell you this. Even if he dies, the Imperial Family won''t lift a single finger for him. Of course, that''s as long as you don''t do it right in front of everyone. The Imperial Family still has its face to keep."


    Roan finally understood what was happening.


    "Hehe! So it''s just the elimination of trash, huh? Sure enough, the Sasamil Imperial Family has a few connections to the Black Market. No, a few of their members are probably the owners of the Black Market itself. In the Sasamil Imperial Family, talent and intelligence is everything. Since this guy can''t go back, it means that he was deemed trash by the family."


    Gval showed a surprised expression at Roan.


    "You are not as idiotic as I thought you''d seem. However, you better be careful, young man. If what you said here was said outside, you would be in huge trouble. So, will you take the test? I don''t mind if you go somewhere else to try and enter another Black Market. However, the next ones might not be as lenient as me."


    Roan pondered for a bit.


    "Alright. How do I prove his death? It''s not like I can walk around with a head in my bag. Just one Spiritual Sense scan, and I''ll be done for."


    Gval already expected that answer.


    "Of course, I wouldn''t be idiotic enough to ask for such a thing. All the Imperial Family Members have a plate of identification. For the lower members, it is as important as their own lives. You can just bring it to me. Oh, right. If possible, get rid of the body. For a Dark Element User like you, it shouldn''t be too hard to accomplish."


    Roan then got all the information before exiting the room. When he passed by the place where Dudle died, nothing out of the ordinary could be found, let alone a body. It was as if nothing had ever happened there.


    Sometime later, Roan explained what happed to Rean through their Soul Connection.


    ''I see what you want to do. You will lock that Tissan guy up and take the information you need from him, right?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Yes.''


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    ''Since this guy is considered trash in the Imperial Family, he probably doesn''t know much. Otherwise, the family wouldn''t discard him that easily. If I''m not wrong, you will still need that information market from the Black Market.''


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    ''I know. Still, it seems it was only recently that Tissan was thrown out. Perhaps he knows more than we expect.''


    Rean had to admit that Roan had a point.


    ''Okay. I know what you want. I should be able to ask for a break from Elder Droman. Are you going to move tonight?''


    ''Yes. I want to be able to enter the Black Market tomorrow if possible. Every day counts.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Alright. In that case, I have an idea you might like.''


    ''What is it?''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/tissan-sasamil_%!d(string=51508098430453679) for visiting.


    Ran smiled before continuing.


    ''You are planning to interrogate the guy in his residence before getting rid of him, right? However, such an action still has a degree of danger. The best thing is to get him away from there and ask questions later. That being said, let''s send him into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.''


    [Hey, hey, hey! Are you really okay with that?]


    Sister Orb immediately interjected.


    ''Hahaha! Don''t worry, Sister Orb. First of all, you''re stronger than the guy, so you can''t possibly be afraid. Nonetheless, I will prepare something nice for him.''


    Roan understood what Rean wanted to do.


    ''That''s good. That way, he won''t notice that he''s in a separated dimension. Anyway, come out as soon as you can. You can go back and study your formations later.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''By the way, what''s his cultivation?''


    ''Energy Gathering Realm.''


    ''Age?''


    ''21.''


    ''That weak?! With such cultivation, it''s no wonder he''s considered trash by the Imperial Family.''

 Chapter 382 - Really Trash?

    One''s cultivation speed was also related to one''s Aptitude Color. Naturally, any descendant with a Gray or Brown Color Aptitude would be a lot slower than someone like Calina, who had a Blue Color. However, with the Imperial Family''s resources and cultivation techniques, even those with poor aptitude could cultivate relatively well.


    However, Tissan Sasamil didn''t fall under this case. He had a Green Color Aptitude. It wasn''t anything too impressive in the Capital, but definitely above the majority. Still, he was only able to reach the Energy Gathering Realm after more than twenty years. That was definitely a terrible achievement for a member of the Family. It also explained why he wasn''t allowed to live in the Palace anymore.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/really-trash_%!d(string=51508142437098841) for visiting.


    ''Alright. I''ll tell Droman here, and I should be out before night when the Core City Gates close.''


    Roan nodded and returned to the Dalamu Residence first. Not long after, Rean gave Droman some excuse and said that he would be back the next day when the gates open again. Droman knew that Rean and Roan needed each other to cultivate properly, so he didn''t think it was strange.


    Rean first went to a Blacksmith Workshop and rented a room for himself. After confirming with Sister Orb that there weren''t any monitoring formations present, Rean accessed the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and brought a ton of Triliun Ore out.


    He got a large amount of it after the war, so he didn''t mind using it. Triliun Ore was an Earth Peak-Level Material. Usually, Rean wouldn''t be able to forge anything with his cultivation. Fortunately, Rean wasn''t trying to create a spiritual weapon or armor. Instead, he simply shaped the Triliun Ore into a huge cage.


    He then sent it into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, where he built a simple concealing formation. Sister Orb was in control of everything inside, so she could easily prevent Spiritual Energy from reaching inside the cage. That would be the best place to hide the guy until Roan got the information they needed.


    Using Triliun Ore to make a cage for an Energy Gathering Realm cultivator was quite an overpowered method, but Rean wanted to guarantee it. After all, he didn''t know if Tissan had some treasure that could be dangerous for them.


    Nighttime quickly arrived as Rean and Roan headed out to the building that the information pointed out. Tissan had been living there ever since he was sent out of the Core Region.


    The twins then went to a hidden corner where no one could see them. There, Rean activated his skills of concealment. Both Light and Spiritual Sense began to bend around Rean and Roan, making the two disappear into thin air.


    ''Do you need to be this close?''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    ''Just be thankful that you don''t need to piggyback me anymore. Now shut up and use your own Dark Element to blend us with the shadows. It will make things easier on my side.''


    The two then quickly arrived at the entrance. As an Imperial Family member, Tissan still had his own guards. After all, it was part of the face of the Imperial Family. However, his own guards were around the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation Realm. There was only a single Core and Soul Fusion cultivator. They weren''t anything impressive either.


    Rean and Roan passed behind the guards without a sound. Rean could feel some Spiritual Senses, but none of them had the power to break through his skill. Eventually, they entered the building and began to make their way to Tissan.


    ''Where should we go first?''


    ''Let''s go upstairs. It''s already late at night, so he''s probably in his room.''


    The twins quickly passed by the corridors and stairs. There were a few guards inside as well, but they all failed to notice anything out of the ordinary. First of all, they didn''t really think someone would come after Tissan since he was a member of the Imperial Family.


    The only problem was that the twins couldn''t use their Spiritual Sense either. After all, their Core Formation Realm Spiritual Sense would definitely be noticed by the guards. It was a common thing for important people to have Anti-Spiritual Sense formations that blocked everything from outside. The only Spiritual Senses that Rean could feel at the moment were the guards'' senses. If a new one appeared, the guards would immediately understand that someone had entered the building.


    Rean and Roan went through the doors one by one, trying to find where Tissan could be. However, even after looking into all the rooms on the upper floors, they couldn''t see as much as a trace of the guy.


    ''Could it be that he''s outside?''


    Roan snorted.


    ''Well, he is a 21 years old Energy Gathering Realm trash, after all. He might be spending most of his time enjoying his status outside. No world is free of idiots like this.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''In any case, we''re already here. Let''s check the lower floors to make sure we didn''t miss anything. While we were looking into the rooms, we did find one that could probably the one Tissan uses. If we don''t find Tissan, we can wait in that room until later to see if he comes back.''


    Roan agreed with Rean, and they went downstairs once again. Unfortunately, they didn''t find anything until they reached the 1st floor.


    Roan then shook his head before looking upstairs again.


    ''Seems like he is really out at the moment. Let''s go to his room.''


    However, Rean shook his head.


    ''No, something''s not right.''


    Roan looked at Rean, puzzled.


    ''What is it?''


    Rean then explained.


    ''I''ve been thinking about the information we got from Tissan. He is an Imperial Family Member. Even if he only has a Gray Color Aptitude, he shouldn''t have any issues entering Foundation Establishment. The Imperial Family has the resources and techniques to make it happen. Even if you were trash who only thought about playing around, would you give up the increase in lifespan that the Foundation Establishment Realm gives you?''


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    ''That''s true. So, what are you thinking?''

 Chapter 383 - Underground

    Rean then continued.


    ''Did you see the room we checked out before? We did find one that was probably used by this Tissan guy. However, do you think it was the type of room that some young master would use? Other than the clothes that the Imperial Family members usually wear, the rest of the room was quite plain.''


    Roan then said.


    ''Alright. You''re saying that the information about Tissan being at the Energy Gathering realm is a lie, correct? That''s obvious! Why would we believe everything some old geezer from the Black Market said? Still, this is the fastest way of getting what we want. If there really is danger, we can always retreat into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.''


    Rean narrowed his eyes.


    ''That''s not exactly what I meant. However, your point is valid. Anyway, there is one thing I would like to verify.''


    ''What is it?''


    Rean then pointed down.


    ''I want to go to the floors underground. I feel like we will find our target there.''


    This time, Roan became really puzzled.


    ''Why?''


    ''Because that''s the most secluded place in this building. If this Tissan isn''t really trash, he would definitely select a secluded place to cultivate, right? Most of the cultivators always do the same thing. Since this entire building is for him to use, he can select such a thing. Not to mention that it''s easier to set up formations closer to the ground.''


    Roan didn''t mind.


    ''Let''s go check then.''


    Rean and Roan then looked for a passage underground. The Inner City was already quite packed, so any extra space was welcome. That being said, it was pretty common for most buildings to have one or two more floors below the surface.


    Sure enough, they found another passage on the back of the building. Not only that, but it also had guards protecting the entrance. The problem was that it was closed, and it didn''t seem to have any other entrance.


    ''Seems like you might be right. I can''t sense their cultivation since I can''t use my Spiritual Sense. However, I feel like that they''re at least in the Middle or Late Core Formation Realm. Compared to the guards upstairs, these two are definitely much stronger.''


    Rean nodded. His instincts might not be as sharp as Roan, but he wasn''t blind either.


    ''I''m confident that I can approach the door without them noticing. But there is no way I can open it unnoticed. We have two choices. We can wait for someone to open and try to pass by them before the door closes... Or we can wait for this Tissan guy to come out and follow him. Well, that is considering that Tissan is really down there.''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/underground_%!d(string=51508155875644821) for visiting.


    Roan nodded.


    ''In any case, we would need to wait. Can your skill hold until then?''


    ''Don''t worry. Now that I''m in the Core Formation Realm, I have enough Spiritual Energy to hold it for over a few hours if we don''t move.''


    With that, the twins began to wait outside. It wasn''t before three hours and a half later that the door finally opened behind the guards.


    However, the one who came out wasn''t a guard. Instead, it seemed to be a worker of the building. He carried a few cleaning tools as he moved outside. Rean and Roan looked at each other before immediately moving close to the door. Just as it was about to close, Rean used his Spiritual Energy to hold it slightly open. It was just enough to fit him and Roan through.


    "Hum?"


    The worker noticed that he couldn''t close the door for some reason.


    "Did it get stuck?"


    The two guards noticed it and came forward to help. Rean couldn''t help but sweat a bit. After all, the closer he got to the cultivators, the easier it would be for their Spiritual Sense to notice his presence. It was all about the strength of the ''wind.'' It would get stronger the closer you were to the enemy. (Check Chapter 129 to understand the ''wind'' reference)


    Fortunately, neither of the guards were using their Spiritual Sense at that moment. It was the same thing as before. They simply didn''t think anyone would come here to find a problem with the Imperial Family. The few Spiritual Senses that Rean felt so far were basically the guards using it to talk between themselves.


    Rean and Roan Quickly passed through the gap just when the guards reached the door.


    *bang*


    Suddenly, whatever was holding the door in place disappeared. Since the worker was using his strength to try to close the door, it suddenly slammed shut after the counterforce disappeared.


    "Oh! There we go. I''ll call for someone to check it later."


    The guards looked at each other before shrugging their shoulders. After that, they simply went back to their positions as if nothing had happened.


    Rean and Roan immediately noticed that the underground floor was completely lit. Not only that, but there wasn''t a speck of dust anywhere. Without a doubt, the place had been kept clean for quite some time already.


    ''Bingo! Even if Tissan isn''t really using this place, there is definitely something related to him here.''


    Roan nodded as they began to look around. Because the building itself was quite large, the underground was the same. So they had to check area by area. In the end, there was one more floor down that they had to enter. Fortunately, there weren''t any guards present in this place... or so they thought.


    ''Wait!''


    Roan immediately stopped after Rean''s call.


    ''What is it?''


    ''There''s Spiritual Sense. Quite a strong one at that.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    ''For you to only have noticed it now, it means that its owner has just spread it. Did they find us?''


    Rean went silent for a few seconds before answering.


    ''I don''t think so. The owner of this Spiritual Sense is not coming in our direction. Otherwise, his Spiritual Sense would get stronger because of the ''wind'' effect. However, this strength of Spiritual Sense... It''s definitely above the Core Formation Realm. I would say Initial or maybe Middle Core and Soul Fusion Stage. If we move any closer, I won''t be able to guarantee that we can stay hidden.''

 Chapter 384 - Tissans Problem

    Rean and Roan kept still without doing anything. If Rean felt that the Spiritual Sense''s owner was coming, he and Roan would immediately enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Fortunately, the Spiritual Sense receded a few moments later.


    ''Alright, let''s go.''


    Rean could tell where the Spiritual Sense came from, so he and Roan ignored the room where it was located. They headed deeper inside until they stopped in front of a semi-opened room. They could hear some movement inside as well.


    The two looked through the gap and could barely see that the person inside wasn''t looking in their direction. Rean took the chance and used his Spiritual Energy to slowly open the door without making any sound. After some time, the two passed through the gap and were ready to attack.


    However, it was then that they noticed the long hair in their target''s back. Not only that, but the clothes on the person ahead definitely weren''t something a man would wear.


    ''A woman?''


    ''Seems like it.''


    ''Wasn''t Tissan a man?''


    ''That''s what the information said.''


    ''Wait! Something''s not right.''


    Suddenly, they heard a sound from behind the door.


    ''Get away from the door.''


    The two quickly distanced themselves from it and waited. Soon after, an old man entered straight away, not caring about the fact that it was a woman''s room.


    "Young Master, you should really stop using these kinds of clothes."


    Right after, a man''s voice came from the feminine figure ahead.


    "Hahaha! Why should I? Can''t you see how beautiful I am?"


    Only then the person looked in the twins'' direction. He was indeed beautiful, as he mentioned, but he definitely wasn''t a woman at all!


    ''Oh! It''s really a man. Still, I didn''t expect to see this type in the cultivation world.''


    Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Did you see drag queens often?''


    Rean shook his head.


    ''Nope. But it''s not like I had never seen any. I lived in a pretty big city, after all.''


    Without knowing about Rean and Roan''s presence, the newcomers talked with the drag.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/tissan''s-problem_%!d(string=51508170639595137) for visiting.


    "Young Master, you were already expelled from the Imperial Palace. If you continue doing it, you will eventually be sent out of the capital altogether. Why can''t you just focus on cultivation like everyone else? I''m sure they will allow you to come back if you show results."


    Rean and Roan finally noticed that point.


    ''Wait! Expelled? So this drag is Tissan?!''


    ''No wonder the Imperial Family wants to get rid of him so badly. Being a drag in the cultivation world should be quite a blow to the Imperial Family''s face.''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''Being a drag definitely helped. However, even though I can''t use Spiritual Sense at the moment, I can tell that Tissan is pretty weak. The information about him being at the Energy Gathering Realm is probably true. As for the guy who just entered...''


    Rean nodded.


    ''He''s most likely the Core and Soul Realm cultivator that I felt earlier. He might be some kind of personal guard of this guy. Now that I think about it, Calina also had three of these guards. That means this guy is part of the ten subordinate clans of the Imperial Family.''


    Roan agreed with him.


    Tissan, seeing the look on the newcomer''s face, sighed.


    "Uncle Sam, we both know about my problem. It doesn''t matter how much I cultivate. All the Spiritual Energy that I acc.u.mulate will dissipate like smoke. I bought a few items from the black market to try to fix this issue, but they only made me suffer without any result whatsoever."


    "Instead, why shouldn''t I just enjoy what I like? So what if the Imperial Family is disgusted with me? Even before I started to want to wear these clothes, they had already discarded me anyway. I might as well go all out and enjoy the rest of my life to the fullest."


    The so-called Uncle Sam then looked at the corner of the room, where a lot of dust had been piled up behind a dresser. It was obvious that Tissan tried to hide it from him.


    "Sigh... Then, what''s with all the Spirit Stone dust hidden there? Could it be that you like the feeling of Spiritual Energy around?"


    Tissan was taken aback for a second before scratching the back of his head.


    "Cough, cough... That''s just because the black market items asked for a lot of Spiritual Energy."


    Uncle Sam smiled after hearing that.


    "Even if it is, that means that you at least still want to be able to cultivate, isn''t it?"


    Tissan looked away, trying to avoid the old man''s gaze. However, Uncle Sam continued to look straight at him. Finally, Tissan Sasamil gave up and said.


    "Fine! I was trying to cultivate again. Happy? Anyway, why would you care? Did you forget the Imperial Family''s actual state with Fifth and First Brother Princes aiming for the throne? You should have been more worried about what will happen to your Fole Clan than me, right? After all, it still hasn''t chosen a side to stay."


    Uncle Sam bitterly smiled after hearing that.


    "There is little that an old man at the Initial Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm can do. My talent is lacking compared to others, after all. They definitely won''t ask anything from me. In that case, I might as well ignore what''s happening there."


    Tissan noticed that he misspoke. It''s just that every time someone talked about his cultivation, he would feel depressed.


    "Sorry, Uncle Sam. The way your Fole Clan treats you isn''t much better than how the Imperial Family treats me. I guess only you can understand how I feel."


    He was right. Uncle Sam only had a simple Brown Color Aptitude. It was thanks to the resources of a Subordinate Clan that he could reach the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. However, that was after a long period of cultivation. Because of that, no one in the Fole Clan expected much from him. That''s also why he was chosen to protect someone without any prospects like Tissan. Of course, his situation was still better than Tissan, who couldn''t even cultivate to start with.


    Uncle Sam then shook his head.


    "Of course not. There are many others like me. Anyway, why don''t we try one more time? Perhaps it will work now."


    "Sigh... fine."

 Chapter 385 - What Did You Say?!

    Rean couldn''t help but feel somewhat sad for the guy. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/what-did-you-say-!_%!d(string=51508188356335519) for visiting.


    ''Hmm... I somehow don''t feel like kidnapping this guy anymore.''


    As for Roan, well, he was just annoyed that he hadn''t sent Tissan directly into the Dimensional Realm Yet.


    ''Stop the bullshit. Once this Sam guy leaves, let''s immediately take this drag away and get out of this place. Otherwise, I won''t get access to the Black Market. Just be happy that our target is really a weakling and forget the rest. Besides, he does seem like to know something about what''s going on inside the Imperial Family.''


    Rean scratched the back of his head but nodded in the end. He turned his head back and looked at how Uncle Sam helped Tissan in cultivating. It was then that he had an idea.


    ''Let''s move on the back. I want to try something.''


    Roan nodded, not minding it much. The two then moved behind Tissan. There, Rean concentrated and released his Spiritual Sense. However, he didn''t use all of it. Instead, he only spread it enough to touch Tissan''s body. After all, if his Spiritual Sense touched Uncle Sam''s, the old man would notice it straight away. Such risk didn''t exist with Tissan since his cultivation was two entire realms below Rean.


    Roan noticed what Rean was doing and, after pondering a bit, released his Spiritual Sense as well.


    Uncle Sam was helping out in guiding the Spiritual Energy inside Tissan''s body to reach the Dantian easier. Usually, one would be doing it by themselves until they became experienced with it. However, Rean and Roan could see that it was not easy to circulate the Spiritual Energy inside Tissan''s body.


    ''Weird, his meridians don''t seem to be blocked or anything like that.''


    Roan looked at Rean and shook his head.


    ''So that''s what you wanted to see. Couldn''t you have waited until we brought this guy into the Dimensional Realm?''


    Rean smiled but didn''t answer. Instead, he kept looking at how Tissan cultivated. However, he did find a few injuries and sequelae in his body.


    ''Those should be the effects of the Black Market items Tissan talked about. This guy is quite resilient even though he has such a feminine appearance. I can guess how painful it was just by looking at it.''


    Roan shrugged his shoulders and simply let Rean do as he wished. As long as he doesn''t alert the old man, then he didn''t care.


    Finally, Rean reached the Dantian of the guy and could see where the problem was.


    ''He wasn''t lying. Look at that. His Dantian is expelling all the Spiritual Energy that enters it.''


    Roan used his Spiritual Sense and noticed the same thing.


    ''True. But that isn''t all. Look at the connection to the Dantian. They are also damaged.''


    It was then that Rean understood.


    ''Oh! I see. They destroyed his Dantian in the past so that Tissan could build a new one. He had to enter the Energy Gathering Realm twice, and the second time should have been quite a hassle. Unfortunately, it seems like it didn''t work. The new Dantian also had the same problem as the previous one.''


    Rean shook his head. He could fix the damaged connections and the side effects of the medicines Tissan took. However, that Dantian was out of his league. First of all, it was not like Tissan''s Dantian was damaged to start with. It was just different. There was nothing to be healed there.


    However, as Roan looked at that, his eyes narrowed.


    ''Weird...''


    Rean noticed Roan''s expression.


    ''What is it?''


    ''Can''t you see? He is already in the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm.''


    Rean was taken aback for a second. He did notice it at first, but he didn''t mind at that time. Only now did he see the problem here.


    ''That''s right. If all the Spiritual Energy dissipates, then how come he has reached the middle stage?''


    ''That can only mean that his Dantian doesn''t dissipate all the Spiritual Energy, but most of it. It is still taking a very small percentage of it.''


    Roan kept observing the Dantian closely. In the end, he could feel something else from it.


    ''Yin Energy?''


    Rean heard that and looked at the Dantian as well.


    ''Yin Energy? Where? Can you feel any Yin Energy coming from his Dantian?''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''No. No Yin Energy is coming out at all.''


    Rean got puzzled.


    ''Then what?''


    Roan then explained.


    ''That the issue here. Yin Energy is an energy that is present everywhere. It''s just that the Yin Energy in the environment is too weak for cultivators to use it. Usually, they need something like Calina''s Cultivation Technique to make use of it. It would be much better if they had some natural items with a lot of Yin Energy so that they can absorb them directly.''


    ''That being said, even the Spiritual Energy we take when we cultivate has Yin Energy inside it. You can also feel it thanks to our Soul Connection, no? At least, I can feel the presence of Yang Energy because of you.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Of course. But I believe you are much better at feeling Yin Energy than me.''


    Roan didn''t deny that.


    ''That doesn''t matter right now. Pay close attention to the Spiritual Energy in Tissan''s body.''


    Rean narrowed his eyes and further focused on the Spiritual Energy itself. However, he couldn''t see anything wrong with the Spiritual Energy entering Tissan''s body. It had Yin and Yang Energy as always. It was then that an idea popped into Rean''s mind. He quickly focused on the Spiritual Energy that was dissipating from Tissan''s Dantian. Only then did he notice. The dissipated Spiritual Energy had Yang Energy, but the Yin Energy was gone entirely. There wasn''t even an iota present.


    ''This... Is his Dantian absorbing all the Yin Energy and leaving the Yang Energy aside?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''At least, that''s how it feels. I''m a Yin Energy Freak in my own way, so I can tell. His Dantian is using Yin Energy alone to cultivate.''


    [Wait! What did you say?]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback by Sister Orb''s sudden shout.

 Chapter 386 - Capturing Tissan

    Roan then repeated what he said.


    ''His Dantian is using Yin Energy alone to cultivate.''


    [Oh! Now, that''s what I call as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns.]


    Rean and Roan became puzzled.


    ''It seems like you know something.''


    [Yep. In fact, it''s quite simple. It also explains why he has such a feminine appearance even though he''s a guy. This guy has a Pure Yin Body.]


    ''Pure Yin Body?''


    [Yep. Do you remember what the Varen Tribe Leader, Jury, said? He thought that you two had a different constitution because of your Light and Dark Element affinities. Well, he isn''t wrong since your bodies are perfectly compatible with Yin and Yang Energies.]


    She then continued.


    [This guy has a similar thing. His body is almost as perfectly compatible with Yin Energy as you two are with Yin and Yang. Of course, he''s still a little bit lacking since he doesn''t have the support of the Soul Gem System like you two have.]


    ''Oh! So Roan is bound to have a feminine face in the future? That will be really funny. Hahaha!''


    [Hahaha! That would indeed be funny.]


    Roan''s mouth twitched. If not because they were hidden with Rean''s skill, he would have sent this guy flying already.


    [Unfortunately, that won''t happen. You two cultivate by exchanging both Energies, so it balances the Yin Energy inside Roan''s body perfectly as well. Otherwise, while Roan would be looking incredibly feminine, Rean would be like an extreme bodybuilder. You could even join the Village People and sing Macho Man with them. They would welcome you with open arms. Hahaha!]


    Rean felt a chill on the back.


    ''Ahem... It''s a good thing that our cultivation technique needs to keep the balance. Yes, this is perfect indeed.''


    [Anyway. Pure Yin Bodies are super rare. They also usually appear in regions where Yin Energy is more abundant, like the Chrole Empire, where Calina''s mother came from. This guy obviously doesn''t have a bloodline of the Chrole Imperial Family. He''s from Sasamil through and through. Besides, almost 100% of the time, this kind of body only appears on women.]


    [Can you imagine that? I doubt that more than just a few Pure Yin bodies exist on this planet, but it still gave birth to a man with it. It isn''t wrong to say that this guy is a relic. Unfortunately, that''s where his cultivation got stuck. After all, he doesn''t have his own beloved Rean with a Soul Connection as Roan does.]


    A vein popped out on Roan''s head already.


    ''Beloved your ass!''


    Rean sighed after hearing that.


    ''So he''s stuck in his cultivation because of that, right?''


    [Yep. If he was a woman, that would make his talent ridiculous. He wouldn''t lose to any Purple Color Talent at all. But because he''s a man, his talent can only be considered yellow or green at most. It''s just that his gender isn''t compatible with his constitution. Roan is quite fortunate to have the Soul Gem System. Otherwise, he might be suffering just like this Tissan is.]


    It was then that Rean understood.


    ''Oh! Now I understand why our cultivation is so f.u.c.k.i.n.g slow when we are away from each other. We need this annoying balance.''


    [Well, that''s not a wrong way to put it.]


    ''But there is one thing I don''t understand. Why does the Spiritual Energy dissipate? Spiritual Energy should also be needed to cultivate, no?''


    [It''s not entirely dissipating. If you pay close attention, you will be able to feel that both yours and Tissan''s Dantian still keep a tiny amount of it when you are all cultivating alone.]


    ''I see...''


    ''So... What he needs is Yang Energy? If that''s the case, why is Yang Energy inside the Spiritual Energy escaping his Dantian?''


    Roan answered that question.


    ''Tissan''s body is not compatible with Yang Energy. It''s different from me since I, unfortunately, have you.''


    [Roan''s right. If he wants to avoid this problem, he will need a massive amount of Yang Energy to force his way through. That''s why women are so good for Pure Yin Bodies. It is in their nature to not have much Yang Energy to start with. Both their bodies and dantians welcome such changes with open arms.]


    Rean looked at the guy for a moment before an idea popped into his mind.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/capturing-tissan_%!d(string=51508204177254781) for visiting.


    ''A huge amount of Yang Energy, huh?''


    Uncle Sam and Tissan continued to cultivate until finally, all the Spirit Stones he took for this try broke apart.


    "Sigh... Forget it. Uncle Sam, I''m going to sleep now."


    Uncle Sam nodded with a bitter smile.


    "Fine. Make sure you don''t wear these clothes outside, though. Put them back and only then go up. Try to keep this hobby of yours hidden as much as possible. Even I, who has been protecting you for so long, can''t get used to it. Let alone others."


    Uncle Sam then got up and left the room. Behind, Tissan shook those thoughts about cultivation out and began to look in the mirror again. He was indeed a drag, after all. He really loved to wear make-up and put on those clothes.


    However, it was then that he saw a black and white shadow appear in the mirror. Before he could turn around to see what was happening, his head was struck by a sharp pain, which instantly made him lose consciousness.


    Rean and Roan didn''t waste time and sent the guy straight into the Dimensional Realm. Of course, they went inside as well. Rean then put the guy inside the enormous cage and activated that simple Concealment Formation. Thanks to that, Tissan wouldn''t be able to see what was happening outside the cell.


    Sister Orb also made sure that no Spiritual Energy reached inside that area. Well, not that an Energy Gathering Realm cultivator would be able to do much anyway. It was a Triliun Metal Jail, after all.


    Roan also found Tissan''s identification plate, which he could use in the Black Market later.


    Right after, Rean and Roan stepped on the Teleport Formation and used it to teleport directly back to the save point in the Dalamu Residence. It was only a few tens of kilometers away, so it was worth not to risk making their way out.


    "Now then. It''s time to wake up our friend."

 Chapter 387 - Interrogation

    As Rean and Roan began to deal with Tissan, Uncle Sam noticed that Tissan still hadn''t come out of his room. He once again spread his Spiritual Sense. As one could imagine, Tissan was nowhere to be seen.


    "This..."


    Uncle Sam rushed inside Tissan''s room, only to find it completely empty.


    "Did he leave without me noticing?"


    Obviously, Uncle Sam didn''t think it could have been kidnapping or anything like that. After all, who would come down here without anyone noticing? It wasn''t before confirming with the guards outside and checking the entire building that he confirmed. Tissan disappeared!Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/interrogation_%!d(string=51508211441785066) for visiting.


    Immediately, he contacted the Imperial Family and his clan. However, the answer he got left him dumbfounded. Neither side seemed to care about him at all. Both sides said that they were busy and can''t spare the resources to go look for Tissan.


    "Those damned things! So they knew it would happen!"


    Meanwhile, inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Tissan had finally woken up after Rean healed the bump behind his head. They had to put him to sleep first since Tissan could reject the Dimensional Realm''s pulling power if he was awake.


    He looked around and only saw several bars. On the other side of the bars, everything was blurry, making it impossible to tell where he was. Finally, he noticed the twins, who were also inside the same cage as him. Well, Rean and Roan had changed their appearances first, though.


    "Ah! What''s happening? Who are you?"


    Roan shook his head before saying.


    "Who we are is not important. What matters here is what you can tell us or not. I might as well tell you this, your beloved family doesn''t want to have you around anymore."


    Surprisingly, there wasn''t a shocked expression on Tissan''s face after hearing that, just a bitter smile.


    "Sigh... I thought that I would stay out of their view with the Imperial Family''s succession struggle for some time. Seems like they really couldn''t stand my presence anymore. Go ahead, laugh. Yes, I have this weird hobby of cross-dressing. Men''s clothes are just too boring. If I have to die because of this, then so be it. It''s not like I can do anything with my problem anyway."


    Roan couldn''t care less about his clothes, though.


    "If we wanted to kill you, do you think we would spend our time constructing this jail? We have a lot more questions for you."


    Only then did Tissan notice. Indeed. If the issue was only getting rid of him, why go through the problem of locking him first? He''s obviously not inside his residence anymore. Since the enemy had the power to knock him out and bring him away, wouldn''t it be better to kill him and only transport the body?


    "So... If I answer the questions, will you let me live?"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Nope. It only means that you will have a quick death instead of a painful one. As for your cross-dressing issue, I couldn''t give a f.u.c.k about that."


    Rean glanced at Roan for a moment but didn''t say anything. However, he already made his mind that he wouldn''t kill Tissan. At first, he thought that Tissan would be some hedonistic young master who only knew how to use his status to live. After all, being 21 years old and still in the Energy Gathering Realm was simply a great joke with the Imperial Family''s resources. That kind of trash he wouldn''t spend even a glance at. However, Tissan was obviously not that type, just an unlucky fella. Well, they will need to keep him locked in this place for some time, though.


    "What we want to know is very simple. What''s the situation of the Imperial Family at the moment? How far is the Emperor from reaching a decision?"


    Tissan was taken aback for a moment.


    "Could it be that you are from the Chrole Empire?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "I already told you. Who we are is not important. Just answer the question. Or could it be that you intend to hold your loyalty for the Imperial Family even though they cast you away? Well, you can do that as well. However, your life will be quite painful if you choose this path."


    Tissan didn''t seem scared, though.


    "First, I want to know what you did with Uncle Sam."


    Rean assured Tissan.


    "Don''t worry. We didn''t touch a single hair on anyone inside your residence. We only wanted you, no one else. I don''t even know if your Uncle found about your disappearance already or not."


    Tissan sighed in relief.


    "Alright. I''ll tell you what I know. It''s not like what I know will make any difference anyway. However, it has been a few months since I was expelled. Besides, you can already imagine my status inside, so I wasn''t privy to many things."


    "As far as I know, the First and Fifth Princes'' struggle continues. They are still trying to pull the Subordinate Clans to their side. However, it''s not like the other princes and princesses gave up already. Nonetheless, those two are the strongest candidates."


    Roan nodded, satisfied. That perfectly matched the information that they got from Valeu back in the Profound Abyss. It looked like Tissan was willing to cooperate.


    "Good. Now, the part that really matters. How long do you think it will take for the situation to reach a critical point?"


    Tissan shook his head.


    "How would I know? If I were to guess, that would happen once at least half of the Subordinate Clans chose one side. However, I have no idea how long that would take. After all, all those clans have some marriage relations with the Imperial Family. The fruits of those marriages are not exactly on the same side, even within the clans."


    Rean pondered for a bit before asking.


    "I heard that the Emperor is reaching the limit of his lifespan. Is that true?"


    Tissan narrowed his eyes.


    "The Emperor is an existence far above what someone like me can approach. I''ve only seen him when I was a kid during a banquet, and that was from afar. However, there was indeed a rumor in the palace that the Emperor wasn''t well."


    Rean nodded.


    "Have you heard about anything else?"


    Tissan thought for a bit before saying.


    "Well, this was only a rumor as well. But I heard that someone had tried to rebel."

 Chapter 388 - Golden Hands

    The twins were taken aback by that.


    "Who? The First or the Fifth Prince?"


    Tissan shook his head.


    "I have no idea. However, this rumor only lasted for a few days. Besides, there were no waves whatsoever. I find it quite suspicious since such an attempt would definitely catch everyone''s attention."


    Roan pondered for a bit before asking.


    "When did it happen?"


    "It was around two years ago, so everyone pretty much forgot about it already."


    Roan then said.


    "Perhaps, this rebellion was cut by the roots before it could even finish forming. That''s why it ended as fast as it started."


    Rean nodded as he continued.


    "Or maybe the rebels weren''t expecting to be found. They received a surprise attack and were wiped out. Still, such a thing would usually need a prince or a princess, no? Tissan, have you heard about any prince or princess who disappeared recently?"


    Tissan thought about what he knew.


    "Hum... Cultivators have way too big of a lifespan. Because of that, there are many of them. Let alone members of the Sasamil Family that are not connected to the throne and have no succession rights. I''m one of those that can''t take the throne, for example. So it''s hard for me to know all of them. As far as I can remember, there are only three."


    "One was a girl who disappeared over a year ago called Calina Sasamil. I barely knew her. I only know this name because of some weird event that happened in one of the Imperial Family Trial Grounds. It seems like she was killed inside by the Shadow Reapers."


    Rean and Roan obviously knew that it wasn''t the case. Still, it was good to hear that their plan worked that well. Everyone really thought that Calina is dead.


    "The second one was a prince called Suten. However, he was far, far behind in the line of succession. I knew Suten. We had a few interactions in the past as well. He disappeared with his protectors while exploring the Kavan Ruins in the Maril Region. That''s quite a dangerous place, so no one thought it to be weird."


    "The last one was a princess called Malize. However, I don''t know what happened to her. Still, she was quite old already and in a good position to fight for the throne."


    Tissan then added.


    "Of course, these are all the official versions of what happened to the prince and princesses. I haven''t gone to check it myself, nor would I do such a thing. The Sasamil Imperial Family simply doesn''t lack descendants."


    "Also, those are only the ones I know about. There might be more. No, considering how low my own position was, I have no doubt that there are more. It''s just that I haven''t been told about it."


    Rean then looked at Roan.


    ''What you think? Is he telling the truth?''


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    ''I have seen way too many interrogatories that led to death back on the other side. Unless you have received very rigorous training, there are always a few signs that indicate that you are lying or hiding something. As far as I can see, this drag is really telling the truth. Not only that, but he seems to be quite happy to help us to gather information against the Sasamil Imperial Family.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''It''s not like we can''t understand it. Tissan probably doesn''t want to have much to do with the Imperial Family anymore because of how he was treated. But there is one thing I find weird.''


    Rean then looked back at Tissan and asked.


    "I can understand why you don''t want to side with the Imperial Family. But don''t you think that telling us all of that would implicate your parents or siblings?"


    Tissan couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    "Hahahaha! Parents? Siblings? What''s that? You can probably count on your fingers how many really care about blood connections in the Palace. Once the others found that I can''t cultivate, my parents didn''t spare even a single glance at me anymore. I don''t receive as much as one-tenth of my two brothers and one sister''s cultivation resources."


    A cold light flashed inside Tissan''s eyes for a moment.


    "With such parents, why should I care? They might as well go to hell with the others."


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/golden-hands_%!d(string=51508231826110741) for visiting.


    ''This guy really had it hard. From what Calina said, her mother was probably one of those you can count on the fingers.''


    Roan snorted after hearing that.


    ''You''re too delusional. Calina is different from this guy. She has talent! If she was like him and couldn''t cultivate, would her parents really care about her at all? Give up this naive mind of yours, will you?''


    Rean bitterly smiled but refused to comment. He really couldn''t guarantee that it wouldn''t be the same if Calina was in Tissan''s position.


    Roan then ignored Rean before asking Tissan a few more questions. Unfortunately, that seemed to really be the limit of Tissan''s knowledge. Roan wasn''t surprised, though. Tissan wasn''t a direct descendant with rights to the throne. Even if he wasn''t this weird, he wouldn''t know much about anything else.


    "Alright. I''ll keep you here for a few more days to confirm your story. Who knows? If I''m in a good mood, I might just give up taking your life. Of course, that will depend on whether your information was reliable or not."


    Tissan was surprised to hear that. He was ready to die anyway, so he helped as much as possible as a way of revenge against the Imperial Family. Nonetheless, if he could live, that would be even better.


    "I''ll try to bother you two as little as possible. If these two young masters like it, this little Tissan knows quite a few good massages. Satisfaction guaranteed! I''m known as the Golden Hands in the House of Petals."


    Rean and Roan felt a chill on their backs and immediately turned around.


    "There''s no need."

 Chapter 389 - Lovey-Dovey

    After coming out of the cage, Rean and Roan immediately began to discuss what they heard.


    "Calina obviously wasn''t the rebel. That only leaves Suten and Malize. Tissan seems to know Suten, so Malize was probably the one. Of course, that''s not considering the ones that Tissan doesn''t know about.


    Roan shook his head.


    "That doesn''t matter. Our plans don''t rely on a rebellion anyway. I was more afraid that the rebellion might have worked. That would definitely screw up everything."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "That shows why the Emperor hasn''t lost his throne yet. There is no doubt that he went through his own struggles when he ascended to the throne. Even though he might be dying, he isn''t that easy to take down. Besides, his cultivation is still there."


    Roan nodded.


    "True. However, that''s also just a possibility. We don''t know anything about what is happening inside, and Tissan didn''t help much. I wouldn''t be surprised to later discover that the rebellion succeeded and the Emperor isn''t the one calling the shots anymore."


    Rean looked at the cage inside the Concealment Formation.


    "Whatever. I need to go back to Droman before he starts to suspect anything. Are you going to the Black Market?"


    Roan confirmed.


    "That''s the plan. I already got Tissan''s identification plate anyway. If I''m not wrong, the news about Tissan''s disappearance probably reached that old geezer''s ears. I''m going there to take my reward."


    Rean then warned him.


    "I know that I''m probably saying the obvious, but there''s a chance that they will try to get rid of you as well. After all, they think you were the one who killed Tissan. The best way to keep a secret is to be dead, after all."


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Indeed, you only said the obvious. Don''t worry, if they want to get rid of me, they will need to make preparations first. Be it the world of cultivation or not, a few rules never change when preparing a trap for someone. That being said, I will immediately enter the Dimensional Realm if I notice those clues."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders and then left the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. As long as Roan understood, then so be it.


    Roan also took a last peek at the jail in the Dimensional Realm before leaving as well.


    It was already the morning of the next day when the twins emerged from their room. As far as everyone was concerned, the two were just cultivating all night long.


    Rean didn''t take long to arrive back in the Formations Master Guild Main Branch now that he knew the right teleport formations. There, he got to talk with Milo and a few of the other future participants before entering the repository with them.


    Rean wanted to test his skills against them a few times. However, none of them accepted competing with them. First, they didn''t want to show their own cards. Second, they didn''t want to shake their own confidence if they lost. Not to mention that Droman and their masters wouldn''t let them compete against each other either. Rean would only be able to test his skills a month later. Well, at least he could discuss formations with everyone.


    Nonetheless, that didn''t impede Rean to befriend them. Rean wasn''t going to let Roan do everything alone. While the Ice Block would be trying to get information in the Black Market, Rean also set his target inside the Formations Guild.


    Rean and Droman spent another day practicing. Well, it was basically Droman trying to push everything possible into Rean''s head. Droman only gave Rean a break after he said that he needed some time to digest everything. Well, in fact, Rean had chosen a specific time to say that.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/lovey-dovey_%!d(string=51508259206527615) for visiting.


    Droman stayed in the repository, though. While Rean rested, he would use every second to read his own share of material.


    Outside the repository, Rean finally found the person he wanted to talk to.


    "Hey, Qia. Just like Milo said, you like to take a pause around this time to revise everything you have seen so far."


    Qia was drinking some hot tea in a tea shop inside the Guild. The Formations Master Guild was enormous, so they obviously had a good environment for Formation Masters. In fact, all the other Main Side Occupation Guilds had small conveniences like these.


    Qia then looked in Rean''s direction before smiling.


    "If you came here to pry into my techniques for the competition a month from now, I think you will get disappointed."


    Rean laughed, not minding too much.


    "Of course not! However, if you want to give me a few pointers, I more than welcome it. As someone from outside the Capital, I feel like I''m far behind everyone in my Formations'' Techniques except for the Communication System."


    Qia shook her head.


    "Since you got access to the repository, there is no doubt that you will improve a lot until your time allowed inside is over. Of course, you will need to put effort to make this time worthwhile. For example, not spending your time talking with the first lady you see drinking tea but practice more."


    Rean couldn''t help but feel a little embarrassed as he scratched the back of his head. Seeing Rean''s expression, Qia giggled. In fact, she found Rean quite funny due to his full snow-white hair. It wasn''t the same as old people that were more like silver.


    "Anyway, you didn''t come here just because you wanted to have some fun time with me, right?"


    Rean nodded as he showed a somewhat awkward expression.


    "Yes. In fact, I came to talk with you because of something I noticed the first day we met."


    "The first day we met? Did you fall in love with me at first sight?"


    Rean laughed.


    "Would the princess be happy if I admitted that?"


    Qia was taken aback for a moment before laughing.


    "Aren''t you too straightforward?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "This is the only place in the world where I can act this lovey-dovey with a real princess, so why not?"


    Finally, Rean was able to bring out a little redness from Qia''s face.


    "Stop it already, will you?"


    Rean laughed before deciding to use Spiritual Sense messages as he said.


    ''Lady Qia, I can get rid of those scars for you.''

 Chapter 390 - Getting the Token

    Meanwhile, Roan had just arrived at the Black Market once again. After he and Rean finished their interrogation with Tissan, Roan didn''t go straight back to the Black Market. He wanted to make sure that Gval would find the news before he appeared. It was one thing to tell it himself and letting the other side discover it first.


    As soon as he entered the antique shop, he saw Gval come out to receive him just like the last time. It''s just that no one was guiding him now.


    "So you came back. Come with me. Let''s talk at the back."


    Roan nodded and followed Gval to the same room as before. There, the token that Gval had prepared before was already on the table, waiting for them. However, as soon as Roan was about to step inside the room, he stopped.


    Gval noticed that before looking at him.


    "What is it?"


    Roan snorted before saying.


    "How about we move to the third room on the left?"


    For a split second, shock appeared in Gval''s eyes. However, it was too quick for most people to even notice it. Still, Roan wasn''t just anyone.


    "Why would you ask for that? Stop the bullshit and come inside already. I don''t want to waste my time with you for much longer."


    Roan faintly smiled before saying.


    "Sure. As long as the Two Poles Entrapping Formation is turned off, I don''t mind getting inside. If not, then let''s use the third room. I''m just like you. I would rather not waste my time with bullshit."


    Finally, Gval''s expression changed as he gave up hiding.


    "Boy... Aren''t you way too clever for your own good? This is not the only Formation that can trap others inside. The moment you entered my shop, you were already trapped here."


    Roan shrugged his shoulders.


    "I entered the Sasamil idiot''s house, killed him, and left without anyone finding a single clue. Do you think a simple Stone Heart Formation like the one covering the entire shop is enough to stop me? I still have around 33 seconds before the Formation activates completely. You changed it to a slow activation so that your enemies wouldn''t notice it happening."


    Gval''s expression turned dark.


    "Do you think I can''t hold you back long enough to trap you here?"


    Roan nodded as if stating a fact.


    "I''m sure about it. I advise you to accept my offer. You won''t like to hear a rumor that a certain black market representative was responsible for Tissan''s death, after all. I''ll give you 10 seconds to turn everything off. Otherwise, I''m out."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/getting-the-token_%!d(string=51508298398092064) for visiting.


    Roan completely ignored Gval''s threat and started to count down.


    "10..."


    "9..."


    "8..."


    "7..."


    As Roan counted down, a few more shadows appeared around, all of them blocking the escape routes. However, disdain appeared on Roan''s face as he continued.


    "6..."


    "5..."


    A few of them approached Roan and pointed their swords at him, ready to attack at any moment. It didn''t matter how one looked at it. With Roan''s cultivation, it should be impossible for him to escape even if he wasn''t pressed by time. Still, Roan continued to count down as if those enemies were nothing more than air.


    "4..."


    "3..."


    "2..."


    "1..."


    Suddenly, Gval gritted his teeth and stomped his feet on the ground. In an instant, all the formations in the shop turned off, losing any hold they could have on Roan. Gval had been in this business for way too long, so he had developed quite an instinct for it. At the moment, it was telling that Roan would definitely escape even if he used everything against him. Besides, Roan already knew about both formations even before entering his antique shop.


    Nonetheless, he came inside. It only made Gval even more certain that Roan had a contingency plan. Gval believed his instincts and decided to not risk it.


    Roan coldly laughed as he stepped inside the room. Anyone could tell from his expression that he was already expecting this much.


    "You made the right decision. Trust me, you don''t want to make enemies from someone like myself."


    Gval ignored the threat and asked something else.


    "How did you find about the formations? Not only that, you even knew how long it would take for them to activate or their range. This is a secret that only I and the person who made them should know about. And I''m sure that that person didn''t tell it to you."


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he responded.


    "Why should I tell you? This is my little secret."


    [Hmph! You could at least say thank you, no?]


    Sure enough, who else would have checked for Formations other than Sister Orb? She didn''t have enough time to obtain control over it. Still, she was at least able to analyze and predict how long it would take to activate. Sister Orb was there to help, so why wouldn''t Roan use her?


    ''Yea, yea. Thank you.''


    [How come I didn''t feel any sincerity from it?]


    ''Because there wasn''t any.''


    [You...!]


    Roan completely ignored the angry orb and waited for Gval to talk.


    "I''m willing to pay a good price for the method you used to find it."


    Roan shook his head nonetheless.


    "No can do. Even if you give me the entire Black Market, I won''t tell you. So, can I get access to it or not?"


    Gval narrowed his eyes before saying.


    "What guarantees I have that you won''t open your mouth in the future?"


    Roan faintly smiled.


    "That would bring problem for the both of us, don''t you think?"


    Roan then threw a blue plate at Gval. Obviously, that was Tissan''s one.


    "So you were really successful. What did you do to the body?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "You asked me to get rid of it, and so I did. Even if you ask for it now, it doesn''t exist in this world anymore."


    Gval nodded and didn''t insist. That was indeed his own request. Finally, he threw the token at Roan.


    "Use the token in this address. Say that you came from Gval Antique, and they will bring you inside. However, I''m only responsible for one of the entrances. The powers you meet inside have nothing to do with me. If you offend someone, that will be your problem."


    Roan didn''t mind. He took the token and suddenly...


    *vup*


    Disappeared in mid-air!


    "What?!"


    Gval couldn''t believe his own eyes. Roan was definitely right in front of him just a second ago. How come he disappeared just like that? He immediately looked at his subordinates after that. Even though Gval deactivated the formations, he hadn''t dismissed the guys who surrounded Roan. After all, he didn''t know what Roan had hidden under his sleeve.


    "Did any of you see how that happened?"


    Unfortunately, everyone around was as shocked as Gval himself.


    "Sorry, Senior Gval. He was definitely inside our Spiritual Sense just a moment ago. But he simply disappeared without a trace."


    The rest of the cultivators around them nodded. It was the same for them.


    In the end, Gval couldn''t help but feel a little bit of fear.


    ''If he can disappear like that, what can stop him from reappearing with a knife on my neck as well? Fortunately, my instincts were correct.''


    Gval was even in doubt whether Roan''s cultivation was really at the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm or if that was what he wanted to show to others.


    ---


    Note: Another Mass Release Successfully Delivered. Hope you guys liked and vote for next week''s one again. :D

 Chapter 391 - How the Hell?

    Back at the Formations Guild, Qia''s expression completely changed when she heard that.


    ''Boy, we might be inside the Formations Guild Territory, but it doesn''t mean you can just talk about anything. First of all, how did you find that about?''


    Rean then explained.


    ''I believe you probably looked into me already, right? I''m a Light Element user. Light Element just so happens to be very good for these kinds of situations. That time when we did a handshake, I noticed the scar through your life force. Don''t worry, I didn''t use my Spiritual Sense to check your body.''


    Qia''s expression relaxed a bit after hearing that. Indeed, she did look into Rean. In fact, she did not only check on him but everyone who could be a difficult opponent in the next Formations Guild Exam.


    ''Hmph! Of course, you didn''t. Any female cultivator with enough resources would have clothes that can protect against it. That''s why I asked you how you found out.''


    Qia then looked around before she looked back at Rean.


    ''Still, that offer greatly interests me. Can you really do such a thing?''


    Rean nodded before asking.


    ''I can, but it would be better if you can tell me how you got that many scars. There was even some on your... more private parts... Of course, I can fix those too.''


    Qia''s went dark for a second.


    ''Shut up! You didn''t need to mention those. Anyway, it''s not like it''s any secret. Any Sasamil Direct Young Descendant will always participate in a few trials around the Empire. It''s to show to the other countries our presence. At that time, I went to the Demon Poison Hell to take mine.''


    ''Although I had plenty of purifying pills, there were still quite a few poisonous creatures with strength. In one of the battles, my group took way too long to defeat the demon beast. When I finally had time to take the pills, the poison had already made its way deep into my body. I was able to eliminate it later on, but the scars had the biggest concentration of poison in them. In the end, the pills were not enough to eliminate them. Demon beasts couldn''t care less about a woman''s body, so that''s why I also have scars... in those parts...''


    Qia was very self-conscious of her body defects. Because of that, she always wore clothes that covered most of them. Fortunately, not many cared about that since she made that style look good on her. Nevertheless, she had always been worried about what to do when she got to marry someone. Unlike men, women took notice of their appearances very seriously.


    It was then that Qia thought about a possibility.


    ''Wait! Do you need to see my scar to heal them? If that''s the case, forget it!''


    Rean was taken aback for a second but then laughed out loud.


    ''Don''t worry. I just need to touch any part of your body so I can send Light Element directly inside. You will also receive a good amount of Dark Element, which is quite painful. Don''t worry about that, though. I''ll use my Light Element to protect your body. Please give me your hand. Also, be aware that Light Element feels very soothing, so you better control your voice. Don''t say that I didn''t warn you.''


    Qia narrowed her eyes. What did he mean by that? In the end, she thought that Rean said that because it would be painful, not because it was soothing. After some time, she gave her hand to Rean without much hope. She had tried to get rid of those scars before, but none of the methods worked. How could someone from a small country on the corner of the Empire be better at it than the Imperial Alchemists and Water Element cultivators?


    Qia should really have heeded Rean''s warning, though. At the very moment their hands touched, a burst of Light Element rushed into Qia''s body. It quickly spread through all the meridians and connected to every pore of her skin.


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    *M.o.a.n!*


    It was just way too good! She simply couldn''t hold her voice back at all. As soon as she did that, she covered her mouth as her face went completely red. Although there weren''t many people around, there were still quite a few. All of them immediately looked in her direction with shocked faces. Obviously, Qia took her hand back straight away after that.


    Rean also felt helpless. He even went out of his way to warn her, but she didn''t take his words to heart.


    "Y-You! What are you trying to do with this princess?!"


    Rean looked at her with a wronged expression.


    "I told you to control your voice, didn''t I? It was you who didn''t take it seriously, not me. Seriously, why does everyone ignore my warnings? I''m just trying to make things right..."


    In the end, Rean''s Light Element only lasted for two or three seconds before Qia pulled it away. It was far from enough to heal her scars.


    "Were you trying to humiliate this princess?"


    "Like hell would I do something that idiotic."


    Rean then switched back to using Spiritual Sense Messages again as he said.


    ''Take a look at your body. Even though I was only able to work for a moment, it should have already shown some effect. Even your private parts'' scars should have changed a bit.''


    Qia was taken aback and immediately used her Spiritual Energy to check her body. Sure enough, the change was minute, but her scars really did look a little better. It was the first time Qia saw that happening.


    ''This... It actually works!''


    Immediately, an excited expression appeared on Qia''s face. She even felt like crying but held that urge due to the current place they were in.


    ''This is great! I even began to think that I would need to cut all the flesh out to fix them. Hahaha!''


    Rean couldn''t help but think.


    ''Cut the flesh out? Women are terrifying when it comes to their bodies...''


    Qia then looked back at Rean before asking.


    ''How did you do it? None of the Alchemist Pills I took before worked at all.''


    Rean then explained.


    ''The problem was the poison itself. It hasn''t really been eliminated from your body. It fused together with the tissue of the skin, which made it look like it was part of your body. Their damaging effects disappeared, but the side effects remained. That''s why none of the pills worked. After all, they couldn''t find any ''poison'' there.''


    ''I first used my Brother''s Dark Element to destroy the poison while I kept your body safe with my Light Element. You probably noticed that it also hurt quite a bit, right? It''s just that the soothing feeling was a lot stronger.''


    Qia nodded.


    ''Indeed. I felt the pain, but your Light Element was just too good that I completely ignored it.''


    After saying that, Qia narrowed her eyes. She wasn''t an idiot. For Rean to help her with it, there was definitely something he wanted.


    She was right. In fact, even if she hadn''t pulled her hand back, Rean would have stopped using the Life Style Second and Third Form before finishing the service.


    Qia pondered for a bit when she suddenly remembered how Rean was all flirty with her at first.


    ''This boy, could it be?''


    She couldn''t help but feel a little embarrassed once again.


    ''Well, he''s already sixteen while I''m nineteen. It''s not like our ages are that far from each other.''


    One must not forget that Rean and Roan lied about their ages when they joined the Dalamu Sect.


    ''However, that''s not the point here��this healing ability of his... I had heard from the reports that it was very good, even above Water Affinity Cultivators. But I didn''t expect that it would be this overpowered. That''s what really matters!''


    Several ideas began to pop out in Qia''s head in a flash. She wasn''t the only descendant in that kind of situation, after all. There were many other women she knew that would love to have a taste of Rean''s skill. Well, Rean said that he knew the poison in her scars, so she knew it still wasn''t guaranteed that he could heal the others.


    Just as Rean was about to ask what he wanted, the onlookers finally came forward to ask what happened.


    "Ahem... Qia, did he do something to you?"


    Sure enough, Qia''s loud m.o.a.n and her angry expression earlier had caught too much attention. Naturally, the people around would come to see if everything was okay.


    "What do you mean with that question? Do you think princess Qia would do such a thing of her own volition? It was obvious that the boy did something to her."


    The female cultivators obviously tried to defend Qia. She was the princess while Rean was a nobody, after all.


    The male ones only sighed as they looked at Rean.


    "Brother. It''s not good to bully women, you know? Let alone a princess of our Empire. You better give a good explanation."


    Rean scratched the back of his head. It would be useless for him to explain. Still, he wasn''t afraid. After all, if Qia wanted to have her body scars healed, she would need his help. He was sure she would fix this misunderstanding.


    It was then that Qia smiled and hugged Rean''s arm.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/how-the-hell_%!d(string=51579838057735088) for visiting.


    "Oh! Sorry, sorry. I just exaggerated a bit in my reactions. Don''t worry, it was just a couple''s personal joke. In any case, I already warned my boyfriend here to not do that anymore."


    *Boom!*


    Immediately, the surroundings went into an uproar!


    As for Rean...


    ''HOW THE HELL DID I BECOME YOUR BOYFRIEND?!''


    ---


    Note: Weekly Deal is up, don''t forget to vote. ;)

 Chapter 392 - Trapping Herself

    "Boyfriend? This guy?"


    "Princess Qia, is that true?"


    "Isn''t he younger than you? Is that really okay?"


    "How come no one has heard anything about it?"


    Qia showed an embarrassed expression as she replied.


    "He only confessed his love recently. At first, I was in doubt. After all, he''s a little younger than me. Still, I had to admit that he has been putting a lot of effort into it. In the end, he succeeded in moving my heart. So what if he''s three years younger than me? Does love care for such trivial things?"


    Rean almost cried. What confession? How come he wasn''t present when he confessed? As far as Rean could remember, he never sleepwalked recently.


    ''What are you trying to do? Is it really okay for a princess of the Empire to say something like that?''


    Qia smiled as she replied.


    ''Why the pretense? We both know that this is what you wanted. Don''t worry. This healing ability of yours has truly caught this princess'' attention. Congratulations, you have succeeded. I won''t let any other girl claim you from now on.''


    The thing he wanted? He had never intended for that at all. Sure, he did act a little overboard when he talked to her just a moment ago. Still, would a princess as smart as this one really fall in love with him with just that?


    ''What are you talking about? I did indeed want something from you, but that had nothing to do with a romantic relationship.''


    Obviously, Rean was right. Qia wouldn''t deny that she had a good impression of Rean. However, it was definitely worlds apart from reaching the level of love. It''s just that Rean''s healing abilities had way too many uses. If he succeeded in eliminating scars that the other alchemists can''t, that would be a huge thing for Qia.


    ''Too bad, now that I''ve announced it, you can''t escape anymore. You are this princess'' property!''


    Qia hugged Rean''s arm even tighter. The ''oh-so-soft'' feeling that he hadn''t felt ever since he healed Tiria once again appeared once more. That obviously made his mind wander a little.


    ''Nonono, you''re just nineteen. I''m a 45-year-old geezer already.''


    Or so he wanted to say. However, at the moment, he looked like a typical 15 to 16-year-old teenager. Obviously, he couldn''t say something like that. Let alone whether Qia would believe that. If she did, that would expose his identity as a reincarnator.


    ''Princess, do you have a screw loose? Think about the repercussions. First of all, I''m just someone who came from a small corner of the Empire. You are the granddaughter of the fifth prince. We are simply worlds apart.''


    Qia shook her head.


    ''Don''t worry, my grandfather has many descendants. I''m only one more of them. Of course, compared to most direct bloodline descendants, I''m quite high in the chain. Still, I don''t think my father or grandfather would oppose our marriage.''


    Rean couldn''t help but say.


    ''How could that be? Your Sasamil Family is full of political marriages. Would they let you go just like that? Don''t forget how different our backgrounds are.''


    Eventually, Qia narrowed her eyes.


    ''Are you really worried about something like that, or are you thinking that this princess is not good enough for you?''


    Rean felt like crying. However, he couldn''t make her hate him either.


    ''Of course not! Even with the scars, princess Qia is still beautiful! The clothes you are using are obviously helping out in hiding them. However, they accentuate the nice curvatures of your body. Both your straight black hair and eyes are dazzling. Not to mention that the skin that doesn''t have the scars is very smooth, showing how well you treat yourself even in this situation. Last but not least, the softness I feel in my arms is almost making me go crazy! I can guarantee it, you are not only good enough for me. You are way too good!''


    Qia was only teasing Rean with that question. But she didn''t expect that he would say so much. Every word made her feel more and more fl.u.s.tered. But it was when he reached the topic of her b.o.o.b.s that she finally realized how pressed against him she was.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #...-and-me_%!d(string=17340518006576905)/trapping-herself_%!d(string=51579891476391530) for visiting.


    Still, she noticed that Rean was just trying to find a way to escape, so she gritted her teeth and didn''t let go.


    ''Hm-hmph! At least you know how to talk.''


    Qia continued.


    ''Don''t worry, there is no problem with your background. Once I say that you are the direct disciple of the man who invented the communication system, even my grandfather will be delighted to hear about our relationship.''


    Rean still shook his head. ;


    ''That won''t do. It''s too risky. The one who invented that was my master, not me. What if it impacts my Dalamu Sect?''


    Qia smiled playfully after hearing that.


    ''And what if I say that you dumped me after everything we had gone through? Which one do you think would affect your Dalamu Sect the most?''


    Rean was taken aback.


    ''Y-You!''


    Suddenly, Qia became teary-eyed.


    "Rean, even though we had gone so far, I still feel that you are somewhat distant from me. Could it be that you don''t love me anymore? Were you just using me and... my body?"


    The uproar, which was already quite big, became even louder!


    "What?! Did he actually do that?!"


    "Holy crap! Who could have thought that these two have gone this far!"


    "Not only that, but he has the guts to dump her after that too!"


    "The Imperial Family will definitely skin him alive when they find out."


    The female cultivators were even harsher than the men.


    "Vile sc.u.m!"


    "Princess, there is no need to pay attention to this kind of person."


    "Don''t worry, princess. One''s v.i.r.g.i.nity is important, but happiness is far greater. Leave this idiot and tell the Imperial Guards. They will take care of him for you."


    Rean almost vomited blood! ;


    ''Who the hell dumped you? The guy over there, where did you hear the term ''do someone'' to start with?''


    Rean''s plans to help Roan were getting even more out of hand as time passed. Qia totally had him under her palms. At first, there weren''t many people around, but the commotion caught the attention of those passing by. If he didn''t do something soon, he would really be making an enemy of the Imperial Family for sure.


    "Ahem... My... Love... That obviously not the case. It''s just that I was afraid that I couldn''t be at your standard. However, how could I let you suffer like this? Don''t worry, I''ll find a way for us to be together."


    And with that, Rean grabbed Qia''s waist and... kissed her!


    Qia was genuinely taken by surprise this time! She didn''t expect something like that at all! She only wanted to make sure that Rean wouldn''t find a way to escape the situation. After that, they could discuss the things she really wanted for him. That was still her first kiss!


    Rean couldn''t care less, though.


    ''Hmph! Two can play this game, you know? Since you went this far, don''t blame me for going even further.''


    Obviously, that display of affection calmed the enraged crowd. It worked better than Rean expected. However, Qia quickly came back to herself and immediately got away from his embrace.


    "Y-You!"


    Rean playfully smiled as he said.


    "Is there a problem, my love? Why would you suddenly step back like that? We have done so much together, so you definitely wouldn''t mind such a simple kiss, right?"


    Qia was taken aback and immediately noticed everyone''s puzzled expressions.


    "O-Of course not! How could I?"


    Rean did his best to hold his laugher as he continued his play.


    "Oh, I see. It is because I did such a thing in front of everyone that you felt embarrassed, right? Sorry, that was the only way I could think to prove to you that I have never really thought about giving up on you."


    Rean then turned to the spectators before saying.


    "Qia Sasamil is this Rean''s woman! I like the fact that she wouldn''t allow any woman to take me. And in exchange, I won''t let any man take her. That''s correct! What''s the point in hiding it now? The truth is that she might even be pregnant at the moment."


    Qia almost passed out! Pregnant your head!


    ''What are you trying to do? Are you really thinking about going forward with this?''


    Rean snorted in response.


    ''You were the one who started it. You knew that I wanted something from you, so you did all of that so that you would be the one in control. However, two can play this game. You said it yourself, your grandfather, the fifth prince, would be more than happy with our relationship.''


    Qia felt helpless as she mentally cursed herself. She indeed did say that. Still, she didn''t expect it to come back at her in this manner.


    ''Hm-hmph! It''s very easy for me to expose your lie. I''m still a v.i.r.g.i.n, after all.''


    Rean shook his head, though.


    ''You underestimate my healing abilities. It''s a trivial matter for me to recover someone''s h.y.m.e.n. I can only say that we were afraid of being exposed, so I used my Light Element to give your h.y.m.e.n back to you. If they ask me to test it out, I can simply do the same thing with any other woman who has just lost her v.i.r.g.i.nity. Easy peasy.''


    Qia just wanted to kill this guy already. Usually, no one would believe Rean. However, because of what she said about Rean using her body, she ended trapping herself.


    ---


    Note: Weekly Deal is the same as always. Vote for the Rank. :D

 Chapter 393 - Shocked

    Somewhere else in the Inner City, Roan had just arrived at a different building. That was the one indicated by Gval before he left the antique shop through the Dimensional Realm''s Teleportation Formation. Roan didn''t care about others seeing him escaping like that since he was using a different appearance. Naturally, he was also doing the same thing now that he had arrived here.


    The building looked quite ordinary. It wasn''t a shop or anything like that, just a typical house. Of course, Gval said that he was only responsible for one of the entrances, which was this one. He knew that there were several more scattered in the Inner and Outer City.


    As soon as he entered the house, he noticed an old woman sitting at the door. She simply glanced at him before extending her hands.


    "Gval sent me."


    Roan said as he delivered the token Gval passed back then.


    The woman nodded before checking the black token with her Spiritual Sense. Roan didn''t underestimate the woman just because of her appearance. When he used his Spiritual Sense to check her, he couldn''t feel her cultivation at all. Both he and Rean had pretty strong souls for their cultivation level. Because of that, they could at least tell when someone was in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm even without being able to say which stage they were in. However, he got nothing for this woman.


    ''Nascent Soul Realm, at the very least. As expected of the Capital. Even a doorkeeper can have such a level.''


    A moment later, the woman threw the token back at Roan and said.


    "It''s disrespectful to pry into someone''s cultivation without their permission. But since this is your first time, I''ll let it slide. There will be no second time, understood?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes but nodded nonetheless.


    "Good! The fifth door on your left. Put the token on the formation, and it will teleport you to the place you want."


    Roan didn''t say anything and went straight to the room. He already confirmed with Sister Orb that there are formations in place, but none of them were active. After putting the token over the teleport formation, it flashed with silver light. Soon after, Roan disappeared from the house.


    Still, the Teleport Formation wasn''t that impressive. From what Sister Orb said, it could only teleport someone at most 50 kilometers or so away. That being said, the black market was still located inside the Outer City.


    As soon as Roan appeared, he noticed that he was inside some kind of jail. However, it wasn''t closed but opened instead. He didn''t need to know formations to understand that this room where the teleport formation was located was full of it.


    ''Most likely, it was built this way in case someone entered without permission.''


    [Correct. That old woman outside most likely communicated with the guys here to say that your entrance was verified.]


    Roan then left that jail-like teleport room and appeared in front of a hall. There was only one attendant there who was also covering his or her face.


    "Token."


    Roan then passed the token and waited. A few seconds later, the person seemed to do something to his token before giving it back.


    "You can stay inside for at most two hours. After that, you must leave, or it will incur a fee. I believe you know the rules, but I''ll say it anyway.


    No questions about the other part''s identity;


    All payments are made right away;


    Don''t lose your token;


    Any losses caused by yourself have to be paid before you leave this place;


    The Black Market gets 20% commission over everything you sell, whether it is an item or a piece of information.


    That''s basically everything you need to know."


    Roan nodded before asking.


    "Where can I buy information?"


    The attendant then pointed in a particular direction.


    "You can find the Dark Web building in the center of the black market."


    After that, the attendant sat once again and ignored Roan.


    Roan didn''t mind that as he stepped out. It turned out that the black market wasn''t small. However, it made sense that almost no one came to this place. That''s because the market was built underground. He could see the formations above, preventing the ceiling from coming down. Simultaneously, it was perfect since they could simply let go of the formation, and the weight of the earth would get rid of everything in a flash.


    Roan had three goals in his schedule. First and most importantly, it was the information regarding the Sasamil Throne Succession. That was directly connected to his life, after all.


    Another thing was the so-called Yin Energy Skills. He had heard about how cultivators used Yin Energy to manipulate the Dark Element. Gval, for example, didn''t seem surprised to see Roan using it either. All the skills he has used so far were based on his own comprehension and the skill manuals he read in the past. He wanted to see what kind of Dark Element skills the cultivators in the Capital came up with. That being said, the black market was the perfect place for that.


    Last but not least, he wanted to check the Shadow Reapers. He had heard a lot of them but haven''t found anything about these guys. Even the Dalamu Sect only knew how to contact them to acquire their services. If possible, he would like to become one of their members as well. That would make things a lot easier.


    Although the black market was quite spacious, there were very few people there. Also, everyone was hiding their natural appearance like what Roan was doing. Still, there were a few confident cultivators that didn''t bother to do such a thing. Of course, that wasn''t Roan''s problem.


    It wasn''t hard to arrive at the center of the Black Market. Sure enough, he found the building the attendant was talking about a while ago, the Dark Web. There were two guards that looked more like statues in front of the entrance as well. Once again, Roan couldn''t see through their cultivation. Still, he ignored them and passed through the door. The guards didn''t do as much as spare a single glance at him.


    Inside, he saw several booths spread out in a circular room.


    ''Indeed. They wouldn''t work with sensitive information out in the open.''


    Roan saw that three of the ten available ones were occupied. He ignored that and selected one for himself. Inside, there was only a simple table with two opposite chairs. Each chair had one door behind them, the one Roan used to enter, and another used by the Dark Web Organization.


    Roan then closed the door behind him before sitting on his chair. A few moments later, the other door opened, and a cultivator wearing black clothes came out. Just like the attendant, this guy was also hiding his appearance with some kind of Spiritual Energy Skill. The only thing Roan could see was his dark eyes.


    "Token."


    Roan passed it to the guy, who verified it for a moment. He nodded in the end before giving it back.


    "Your information access is Class D. The price of the information will depend on the information itself. What do you want to know?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    "Class D? What category is the Sasamil Throne War information classified at?"


    The guy on the other side went silent for a moment.


    "Class B at the very least. You can''t buy this information."


    "What do I need to do to improve my classification?"


    "Simple. You just need to trade information with us. Depending on the value of what you say, your stand within the Dark Web Organization will rise. Still, don''t look down on the Class D level. You came from a small country, right? I can tell since you didn''t know about this categorization before. The Class D level is more than enough to buy most information related to the Royal Families and Sects of those places. Someone like you shouldn''t pry into the Imperial Family''s business."


    Roan didn''t care, though.


    "What kind of information do you require?"


    The attendant saw that Roan didn''t give up before nodding.


    "Anything sensitive that hasn''t been spread out yet. It would be best if there''s proof of what you were talking about. Of course, we have our own way of verifying it, so it would be in your own interest to not come up with just any bullshit. Trust me, those who tried to do that before didn''t have a good ending."


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    "Supposed that I have something good to say. What guarantee I have that you won''t lie, saying that your organization already knew it before putting the new information for sale?"


    The guy didn''t seem surprised by Roan''s doubt.


    "Our reputation. If we really did such a thing, our Dark Web organization wouldn''t have lasted until today. Of course, if you don''t believe us, you can simply leave straight away. No one will stop you."


    Roan pondered a bit and decided to give it a try.


    "Is there no other way?"


    The man nodded.


    "You can come with someone who has access to this class of information. In that case, we won''t stop you from buying it."


    Roan shook his head. He did have some information about the Sasamil and Chrole Empires. He also had a few guesses due to what the Soul Gem System said. Still, there would be no way to verify his claims. Besides, he would rather not share what he knew.


    However, it was at this moment that the man suddenly looked in a particular direction.


    "Oh! That''s quite shocking! It seems like you aren''t that simple after all. Just now, you received permission to get access to Class A information. I don''t know how you did it, but I won''t pry either. Go ahead, what do you want to know?"


    However, Roan was even more shocked than the man himself. Just how the hell did he get this permission?

 Chapter 394 - Qias Answers

    Back at Rean''s side, the two finally left the crowd behind and found a place to talk privately.


    "Alright. Let''s end this here. If we go out later and simply say that everything was a joke, the others can only trust that."


    Qia looked at Rean as if he looked at an idiot.


    "We could have done that before. However, do you think that''ll work after you kissed me in front of everyone?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "Why are you angry? Wasn''t it you who started all of that?"


    "This..."


    Qia couldn''t think of an excuse.


    "Fine. I just wanted to make sure you wouldn''t leave so easily. This scar healing ability of yours is too useful. Anyway, tell me what you want. What do you want in exchange for healing the scars present on my body?"


    Rean nodded as he smiled.


    "The truth is, our Dalamu Sect already knows about the hidden struggle for the Sasamil Empire''s throne. However, it''s quite a sensitive topic for our elders to bring up with Sasamil. Master asked me to stay out of this issue, but I can''t simply let it go. What I want to know is how the situation is inside. As the Fifth Prince''s granddaughter, one of the main contenders, you definitely know something, right?"


    Qia was taken aback.


    "I didn''t expect that a small sect like Dalamu would know something about that. So far, the Imperial Family and the subordinate clans have been doing a great job in keeping things under wraps."


    Rean snorted after hearing that.


    "Good job? This is directly linked to the Chrole Empire. The First Prince wants to get rid of their bloodline in the Sasamil Empire and attack them. He thinks that Chrole wants to take the Sasamil Empire. Your grandfather didn''t show it in public, but if our deduction is correct, he also wants to deal with Chrole, and so does most of the main contenders to the throne. They are just not as open about it as the First Prince."


    "Chrole, on the other hand, already got wind of the events. They have been sending spies here all the time, trying to pry this information. The good job you talked about is only concerning the far-away countries. For the big and powerful nearby ones, they all understand what is happening already."


    Qia was really shocked to hear Rean saying all of that.


    "And how did you find about all of that? Your Dalamu Sect is part of these small far-away countries, isn''t it? Such information shouldn''t have reached that place yet."


    Rean smiled.


    "Very simple. That''s because your Sasamil Imperial Family intends to use our communication system to help win this war. Did you know my master was almost kidnapped by the Chrole Empire''s experts? Oh, well. I''m not sure if such information was passed to you anyway. However, our Sect informed the Imperial Family about the attack."


    Qia indeed didn''t know about such a thing.


    "Alright, alright. It''s obvious that the attack was the start of your Sect''s suspicion. However, you should listen to your elders and not get involved with it. This situation is much bigger than what you or even I can put our fingers in."


    Rean shook his head.


    "Don''t worry, I don''t intend to act directly. I only want to help my Sect and Master. For that, we need as much information as possible. As long as you tell me what you know, I''ll heal all your scars as payment. I don''t even mind if you capture me after that."


    Qia was in a dilemma. She did want to get rid of her scars, but she didn''t want to yield to Rean either. Besides, it wouldn''t be a good thing to talk about the Imperial Family''s situation to outsiders. Qia continued to ponder as Rean waited for her answer. Eventually, she gritted her teeth before saying.


    "I''ll hear your questions, but if it something too sensitive, I won''t answer. In exchange, you need to heal me. Whether it will be worth it or not is up to you. Even I can''t talk about the family''s secrets."


    Rean nodded, satisfied.


    "Very well. My first question is-"


    "Stop right there! First, you need to heal my scars. What if I answer your questions and you don''t heal me in the end?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, thinking that the statement made sense.


    "Sure, no problem."


    To Qia''s surprise, Rean immediately grabbed her hand. She couldn''t help but fluster a little this time. After all, the kiss scene was still in her mind. Still, before she could say anything, another burst of Light Element entered her body.


    *Moan!*


    Rean was so direct that Qia even forgot this side effect. Well, this time, he did it on purpose, though.


    "You...!"


    "Me? I''m just healing your scars. You knew that it was going to happen. In the end, you moaned because you wanted to."


    Qia''s face became even redder. Fortunately for her, there wasn''t anyone around this time. Her scars on her body, including those on her private parts, began to heal at a fast pace. She also felt pain because of the Dark Element that entered her body to attack the scars'' poison. It''s just that the pleasure from Rean''s Light Element was just that much higher.


    Rean made sure to do a good job. When he finished, Qia''s skin went back to be as smooth as before she got the scars. After finishing up, Rean retreated his hand before saying.


    "My beloved princess, your knight has completed his mission."


    Qia was taken aback for a second.


    "Shut up!"


    She checked her body with her Spiritual Energy and sighed in relief. Rean had really healed everything. Not a single scar remained anymore.


    "You''re quite direct. Were you afraid that I would simply renege on our deal?"


    Rean smiled at her.


    "My love is a princess of the Sasamil Empire. She would never do something that could tarnish the Sasamil Family''s reputation. I trust that the love of my life would never go back on her word."


    Qia''s face burned with every word. Without her noticing, the shadow of the white-haired boy began to enter her heart.


    "H-Hmph! You are lucky that you''re right. This princess would never go back on her word. Go ahead, ask the questions you want to ask."


    Rean nodded.


    "First, I want to know the situation of the Emperor. Is he really close to death, as the rumors say?"


    Qia shook her head.


    "I''m not sure. I also heard about this rumor that the Emperor''s health is not good. Unfortunately, almost no one has access to the Emperor''s chamber. When he comes out to preside over the Empire''s affairs, no one can see anything different either. Thanks to my grandfather, I have been present in some of the Imperial Court gatherings to learn. As far as I could see, he seemed to be completely fine."


    Rean was happy to hear that. Different from everyone he had talked to so far, Qia was the first one who had really seen the Emperor recently, and not only once.


    "Good. It seems like that Yulian Sasamil is fine. Even if he is pretending to be healthy, he is still appearing during the Imperial Court Session, showing that he hasn''t reached a critical point yet."


    Qia couldn''t help but warn Rean.


    "You shouldn''t use the Emperor''s name that lightly. Anyway, what else do you want to know?"


    Rean pondered a bit and continued.


    "Have you heard about a rebellion? I''ve got some rumors about it happening. However, it seems like it was over as fast as it started. It was to the point that there were almost no waves created by it."


    Qia''s expression became dark as she asked.


    "How did you obtain that information?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "I have a decently extensive network. Anyway, it seems like it did happen. Your reaction was more than enough to prove it."


    Qia noticed that she really did that.


    "Oh well, whatever. You were right. It was over even before it started. Even if I tell you about it now, it would be of no use anymore. The two main contenders for the Throne are my Grandfather and First Granduncle. Few between the direct bloodline princes and princesses can put some threat to that. Because of that, one of the less powerful princes tried a desperate move some time ago."


    Rean nodded.


    "Who was it? And why did he try such a thing?"


    "His name was Vagro Sasamil. He received information that his daughter was killed in a trial before. However, it seems like it was a move of the Shadow Reapers. Like many descendants, his daughter also had a half Chrole Imperial Family bloodline. Recently, these descendants have been targeted by the First Prince''s faction, and she was one of them. Vagro became enraged and decided to settle things with his own hands. Anyway, the situation went out of control and ended in a coup. Vagro knew he didn''t have a chance to succeed. But he did that nonetheless."


    Rean''s smile disappeared after hearing that. He obviously knew very well who Qia was talking about. Still, he had to at least confirm.


    "What was his daughter''s name?"


    Qia pondered for a bit.


    "If I''m not wrong, her name was Saline? Valona? What was it... errr... Ah! Calina, that was her name. Vagro and her are quite behind in the direct bloodline, so I don''t know them that well. I only remembered Vagro''s name because of what happened to him."


    Rean felt a headache already. He didn''t expect that Calina''s father would do such a thing.


    "I can already imagine the result, but I will ask it anyway. What happened to Vagro after he failed?"

 Chapter 395 - Not Going Back

    On Roan''s side, he was still perplexed by what he heard. Obviously, he wasn''t the least bit happy. Since he obtained Class A access, that meant that someone was observing him up to now. There was Gval, but he doubted that man would do such a thing. Perhaps even Gval doesn''t even have Class A access.


    "Who gave me this permission?"


    The man shook his head as he said.


    "Rules of the Black Market. No questions about anyone''s identity. You better not ask that question again."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he listened to the statement. There was nothing he could do about it since he knew that it was an actual rule. Well, it''s not like Roan didn''t have an inkling of an idea. Roan then pondered for a bit and decided to go ahead with his questions.


    "I want all the information regarding the throne succession and those involved in it. Things like people with the best chances, decisions that have been made, Chrole''s reaction, etc."


    The man on the other side of the table nodded.


    "That information won''t come cheap. You got the access, that''s true. But you still need to pay for it."


    Roan didn''t mind as he asked.


    "How much?"


    The man then extended all his ten fingers.


    "Ten thousand Rank Three Spirit Stones. We also accept Rank Four ones. If you have them, I can give you a discount and sell you the information for just 800 Rank Four Spirit Stones. Oh, and also, we can''t guarantee that you''ll be satisfied with what we know or not. If you don''t like what you see, you won''t receive your money back."


    Sure enough, Rank Four Spirit Stones were rare even in the Black Market. One Rank Four Spirit Stone had Spiritual Energy equivalent to ten Rank Three stones. That information then should cost one thousand Rank Four stones. However, due to its rarity, even the Dark Web was willing to reduce the price.


    Roan then connected to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and looked at the amount of Spirit Stones available they had. Rean always divided the number of Spirit Stones equally for them to cultivate. However, Roan''s part alone wouldn''t be enough to pay for it. So, without any other choice, he contacted Rean.


    ''Hey, Nightingale, I need 10000 Rank Three Spirit Stones to buy information. I''ll need to take some of yours to buy it.''


    Rean, who had been talking with Qia, was taken aback for a second. Though, it did not take long for him to reply as he said.


    ''10000?! That''s almost everything we have together. Are you sure it''s necessary to spend this much?''


    Roan confirmed.


    ''What''s more important? Spirit Stones? Or our lives?''


    Rean sighed and immediately agreed. Sure enough, Spirit Stones would have no meaning if Calina doesn''t become the Empress.


    ''By the way, I found something that you''ll want to know.''


    Roan stopped Rean in his tracks as he replied.


    ''Leave it for later. I need to finish my part here first.''


    ''Alright.''


    Roan then took a few bags from his waist and threw them at the information merchant. Naturally, the guy was taken aback after seeing that. Roan looked very young, so he didn''t expect him to have this many Spirit Stones.


    "Check it. There should be 10000 Spirit Stones inside these bags."


    After Roan was finished talking, the man came back to himself as his eyes lit up. As the one selling information, he would also get a commission for it.


    "Sure! Give me a second."


    His Spiritual Sense immediately entered the bags. Sure enough, he found 10000 Rank Three Spirit Stones inside them. After that, he tapped on the table. Not long after, the door behind him opened up before another man in black entered the room. They talked about something through their Spiritual Sense for a bit. Following that, the man took the bags with Spirit Stones and retreated.


    "The payment has been received. The information you requested will be delivered soon."


    The man then got up and left through the back door as well. Roan waited in the room for a few moments until, after some time, a compartment opened on the side of the room. There, Roan found three Jade Slips. Without wasting time, Roan took those Jade Slips and put them in his bag before leaving the room.


    After finishing that, Roan gave up going shopping. He wanted to find a few of the Yin Energy Skill Books related to the Dark Element. Unfortunately, he didn''t have the money to buy those things anymore.


    ''Leaving that aside, I need to check this thing about getting Class A identification...''


    Roan pondered for a bit but shook his head in the end. If there was someone following him, he really couldn''t tell. It would be useless to use Rean''s Radar Skill to perceive Spiritual Senses since everyone literally had their Spiritual Senses active.


    ''There''s no way to identify which one of those hundreds or even thousands of Spiritual Senses is the one observing me. Even if there was one, I doubt this person would have continued to do so after revealing his existence in the Dark Web Organization. I might as well go through the third part of the plan.''


    Roan didn''t have to walk for too long. He stopped in front of another building. This time, however, there were no guards in front. The only thing he could see was a worn-out board with a name written in dark letters.


    -Shadow Reapers-


    Roan faintly smiled and made his way inside. Surprisingly, he wasn''t alone there. A few other people were waiting in a queue in front.


    ''I guess it can''t be helped. In this cultivation world, being an assassin should be quite a profitable job.''


    Sure enough, these people on the queue were all waiting to contract the guild to kill someone for them. One didn''t need to think too much to know that not a single person used their actual appearance. There were business assassination, revenge assassination, inheritance assassination, you name it. The Shadow Reapers took them all.


    Of course, it was freaking expensive in exchange, especially in a city like the Sasamil Capital. Otherwise, this queue would definitely be much bigger.


    There was a reason for the Shadow Reapers to charge so much. The lack of personnel! The number of cultivators willing to become assassins was surprisingly very low. The problem was that the Shadow Reapers didn''t just accept anyone. If you wanted to join, you had to be stronger than those at your level. After all, the Shadow Reapers worked based on reputation. Their assassination attempts almost always succeeded.


    Rean and Roan were quite lucky back then since Tiria was there to help them out. It also increased to price to have them killed since a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator protected the twins. In the end, the Umbral Sect wasn''t willing to pay for the increase.


    That being said, the requisites for becoming an assassin of the Shadow Reapers were relatively high. Also, you couldn''t take missions straight away. The Organization would test you beforehand to guarantee that you had both the resolve to kill and the power to overwhelm opponents of the same level.


    The queue moved slowly. After all, you can''t expect an organization like this one to have many ''employees'' working. Every time someone was attended, he would be brought inside where the Shadow Reapers would hear your request, calculate the price, and receive the payment.


    Roan''s turn finally arrived, and he was also brought inside a private room. There was only one old man sitting on the counter with his eyes closed, waiting for the request. The surprising part was that the man didn''t seem to be hiding his appearance.


    The man didn''t give Roan time to think much, though, as he asked.


    "Who''s the target?"


    It was as simple as that.


    Roan then shook his head as he replied.


    "I''m here to join the organization."


    The man behind the counter finally opened his eyes and looked at Roan from top to bottom. He didn''t care about how young Roan seemed, only his cultivation.


    "Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Just barely enough to receive requests. Why do you want to become an assassin?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "That''s my problem. All you need to know is that I will accomplish the objective as long as it isn''t ridiculous. By the way, do I have the right to select the missions I take as I wish?"


    The man behind the counter nodded.


    "Yes. We work based on reputation. If the assassin isn''t even confident in accomplishing the mission, what''s the point? Here, we only receive requests and payments. Then it''s solely up to the assassins to get that mission or not. Even if one of them fails, we will simply repost the assignment until someone succeeds. Of course, if it is found out that the mission is much harder than what we previously thought, the reward is increased, and so is the requisite to take the task. Also, there are pre-determined levels for each mission. If your Assassin Rank is too low, you can''t apply for higher-level missions either."


    Roan nodded, satisfied. That was indeed a good way of keeping the system with a high rate of success.


    "That''s good enough. I wish to take the test right away."


    The man nodded as pointed to a door on the side.


    "Just go through this door. There will be someone there to test you shortly."


    Roan didn''t waste time and headed to the door. However, the old man gave him a final warning.


    "There is no coming back after entering that place. You better be sure you want to do it."


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Is that so?"


    Soon after, he opened the door and passed through. Not going back? He didn''t intend to go back to start with.

 Chapter 396 - I Demand!

    Once again, on Rean''s side, Qia answered his question.


    "Hmm... there was something a bit strange about the event. The fact is that I don''t know what happened to Vagro after that. I didn''t hear about any execution or anything. Grandfather also didn''t make any comments related to it. It was as if the event never happened in the first place."


    Rean didn''t know what to say. The normal thing to do in that situation would be to execute the main perpetrator and their allies. But if that happened, it would have been made public to serve as an example of what would happen to those who tried the same thing.


    "What about his wife?"


    Qia looked at Rean with a puzzled expression as she asked.


    "Why would you want to know about her?"


    "Isn''t that obvious? She is part of the Chrole Imperial Family. If Vagro was killed or not, his wife probably suffered the same fate."


    Qia pondered for a bit before saying.


    "Well, she probably received the same punishment, right? You already know that the interactions between the two empires aren''t going very well. It would be weird if she was left out. In fact, chances are that she might have been the one to instigate Vagro to do such a thing. Who knows?"


    Rean narrowed his eyes after hearing that. Somehow, the story didn''t seem to match. It was just way too quiet.


    "This throne succession seems to be a lot more complicated than I thought."


    It was then that he remembered.


    "Oh, right! You are also a direct descendant of the family, aren''t you? Are you not interested in becoming the next empress?"


    Qia laughed in response to that question.


    "Hahaha! Are you crazy? That would mean going against my Grandfather. Trust me, my Grandfather is anything but merciful. If I really try such a thing, he would immediately use all his powers and connections to fight me, just like what he''s doing against the other candidates. Although the family members without rights to the Throne are several times bigger in number, those who have it are also plenty. Nonetheless, only a handful of them is still fighting for it."


    "My own background is none other than my Grandfather, who is also contending for the throne. Do you think he would support me if I decided to enter the fight?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "There you go. Although I won''t say I don''t have my own contacts, it''s far from enough to enter the fight for the throne. That being said, I might as well stay a safe distance away from it."


    Rean understood.


    "That makes sense."


    Just as Rean was about to ask Qia something else, Droman contacted him through a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Rean, what the hell are you doing? You already had enough time to rest. Come back inside so that we can continue your training.''


    Only then did Rean notice that he and Qia had spent quite some time together.


    "Well, my Master is calling me back. Princess, we will see each other during the next break."


    Qia was taken aback.


    "Wait! We need to talk about what others will think about us. We can''t let it continue like this!"


    Rean didn''t mind, though.


    "Leave them thinking whatever they want. It will serve as an excuse for us to meet each other again."


    Before Qia could even complain, Rean had disappeared already.


    "Idiot! What fucking excuse?! People are thinking that I might be pregnant!"


    Unfortunately for her, Rean was gone already.


    Qia could only grit her teeth and come go back to the repository as well. However, she immediately noticed everyone''s eyes on her... or her belly, to be more specific.


    ''Qia! Come see me right now!''


    Suddenly, a Spiritual Sense Message entered her mind, which made her entire body tremble.


    ''Ma-Master...''


    Since Qia could enter the repository without being a member of the Formations Guild Main Branch, that meant that she was also helped by a member of them. This member just so happened to be her Formations Teacher. Her name was Tulia Sasamil, a member of the Imperial Family, but not a direct descendant. Different from Qia, she had no rights over the Throne.


    Tulia was in a separated chamber in the repository when she suddenly heard what happened in the tea shop. Naturally, she thought it was a joke. After all, she knew her disciple''s mischievousness very well. However, when she heard about the kiss and Rean proclaiming that she might be pregnant, even she couldn''t help but come out.


    The master and disciple duo met each other in a private place.


    "What the hell is that pregnancy story? Is it true? Did you also kiss the guy in front of everyone in the tea shop?"


    Qia felt helpless.


    "Master, it was not my fault. He was the one who grabbed and kissed me."


    Tulia didn''t seem to believe it at all.


    "Then how come I heard that you were the one who said he was your boyfriend first? Not only that, but you even hugged him on your own volition before that kiss happened."


    "That..."


    That was the biggest problem. The fact that the one who started this confusion was Qia and not Rean. It''s just that she didn''t expect Rean to take a step forward and do that soon after. Up to that moment, everything was under her control. At most, it would become a rumor that could be resolved later. Unfortunately...


    "Forget about it. We need to resolve this issue before your Grandfather finds out. Don''t forget that he''s extremely busy with the fight for the throne. If a scandal like this appears right now, it could affect his work in getting the other clans on his side."


    "First, tell me, who was this guy who kissed you? As long as we get rid of him, we can salvage the situation. As for the baby in your belly, I will deal with it later."


    Qia couldn''t help but shout.


    "I''m still a virgin! I have no baby whatsoever!"


    Tulia narrowed her eyes in response.


    "Are you sure?"


    Qia felt like crying already. Can her hymen be faked? No, wait! Rean said that he can! But can he really do it? Nevertheless, Qia nodded. After all, they really never had a sexual relationship. In fact, they have never had any relationship at all.


    "I''m 100% sure. Master can even check my hymen if you want."


    Tulia finally sighed in relief before returning to the main topic.


    "That''s good, then. So, who did it? I''ll have the Imperial Family Guards ready when he steps out of the Formations Guild."


    Qia shook her head.


    "But Master, I still need him."


    "Need him? Wait, are you really in love with him?"


    "I''m not! But his abilities are too important to me."


    "Abilities?"


    Tulia couldn''t see where Qia was going with her explanation.


    "Forget it. Tell me his name. I''ll hear your explanation after confirming his identity."


    Qia nodded.


    "His name is Rean."


    Tulia pondered a bit but really couldn''t remember anyone who had such a name.


    "Is he someone''s disciple?"


    "Yes. Do you remember that guy who invented the Communication System? The old man called Droman from a sect Called Dalamu? He''s that man''s direct disciple. Droman got a free month to visit the guild''s repository with his disciple, so they are here now."


    Tulia was taken aback.


    "Wait! That Droman? His Communication System has been the talk of the Formation Master Guild in the entire Empire! Not only that, but his Router Formations that came one after another right after stirred the Formations Guild even more! The boy you got involved with was his direct disciple? For real?"


    Qia sighed before nodding.


    "Yes. It seems like he was present during the entire process of the development of the Communication System. See, it would be a bad thing to have him captured because of what happened. Especially since it was my fault that things went out of control."


    Immediately, Tulia understood what was happening... or so she thought.


    "I see... You were trying to get the boy for yourself since he was directly connected to Droman and might know more secrets of the Communication System."


    Qia was taken aback for a moment. That was not the reason she glued to Rean at that time.


    ''Oh well, that will do.''


    Qia then looked at her Master.


    "Sorry, Master. I know what I did was not right. Don''t worry, I will fix everything very soon. So just go and tell my Grandfather that this is all just a misunderstanding. Father and Mother will also want to hear it from you as well."


    However, contrary to her expectations, Tulia began to laugh.


    "Hehehe... Hahahaha! Great! You did a good job, Qia!"


    Qia was surprised to hear that. However, a thought suddenly appeared in her mind right after. Following that, Qia felt a chill on her back.


    "Wait, Master couldn-"


    Before Qia had the chance to finish her sentence, Tulia enveloped her with Spiritual Energy and pulled her away. It was so fast that Qia even felt somewhat dizzy. Sure enough, Tulia''s cultivation was several times higher than her own.


    When she finally came back to herself, Tulia stopped right in front of Rean and Droman, who resumed their training. Obviously, the two of them were taken aback by the two girls'' sudden appearance��especially Rean, who had just separated from Qia a few moments ago.


    Droman then saw the badge on Tulia''s clothes and asked. Different from him, she was a real member of the guild.


    "Errr... Is there something we can do for you?"


    Qia finally recovered her bearings just in time to hear her Master''s voice.


    "Your disciple violated my girl. I demand a marriage."


    Rean and Qia almost vomited blood.

 Chapter 397 - The Shadow Reapers Test

    The room Roan entered was almost pitch black. Without any other choice, Roan had to spread his Spiritual Sense. Unfortunately, it didn''t help that much. There seemed to be some kind of formation in place that restricted one''s Spiritual Sense. Roan''s sense could only go around a meter away before being stopped.


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he brought a random sword out. He didn''t want to reveal his identity, so he obviously didn''t use his White Star. As he walked forward, only silence followed his steps.


    ''So there''s no explanation whatsoever. The test starts straight away, just like this.''


    He didn''t find it weird. After all, assassinations were usually made without anyone noticing.


    It was then that Roan noticed a shadow passing by. Also, that was only because the room still had a little bit of light. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to notice.


    ''I see... No wonder the old geezer outside said I could die. The test is basically preventing oneself from being assassinated.''


    Suddenly, Roan moved his sword in a flash.


    *Clang!*


    The sound of two metallic weapons hitting each other came out. Sadly, it didn''t stop there.


    *Clang, clang, clang...*


    Several more sounds appeared as Roan moved his sword everywhere. The sparks generated by the hit faintly illuminated the form of the weapons attacking Roan.


    ''Daggers...''


    Several daggers fell on the ground around Roan''s position. Obviously, they had been thrown at him instead of being used in melee combat. Still, Roan was feeling quite bored. This kind of test could have killed or forced others to dire straights. However, darkness was basically useless against Roan. In fact, thanks to their Soul Connection, it would be pretty much meaningless against Rean as well.


    After a few more of them, the attacks finally stopped. At the same time, a voice came from everywhere in the room.


    "Oh! It seems like we got quite a good new recruit. They told me to decrease my level to that of an Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm cultivator. However, you are taking it so easily that it''s even making me feel sad."


    However, Roan snorted as he looked in a particular direction in the room.


    "Is that so? It could have been hard for some other trash. I can understand why the test can have many testers dead. Unfortunately, you just had to meet me today."


    The guy who had just talked was taken aback. He was sure that he didn''t leak his location, so Roan couldn''t see him. However, it was apparent that Roan was looking directly into his eyes.


    "Good! Usually, I would send you to the next test since we only ask for the new recruits to survive this part. However, it would be a waste to not play with you a little further."


    Once again, the room returned to its silence as the man''s figure disappeared from his position. This time, not only was he moving much faster, but he also increased the level of his power to the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm.


    Nonetheless, Roan didn''t seem surprised.


    "I was looking for new Dark Element Techniques to use with my Yin Energy cultivation. Who could have thought that I would find someone good at it right from the start? I can tell how well you can merge with the darkness around you to hide your presence. It''s also very effective against the Spiritual Senses. Unfortunately, your level is still lacking."


    Suddenly, Roan also disappeared as he merged with the darkness as well.


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps!''


    "What?!"


    Unlike Roan, the enemy didn''t have his Spiritual Sense restricted. Still, Roan had completely disappeared from both his vision and Spiritual Sense. It was then that the guy felt a chill on his back as a sense of foreboding overcame his soul.


    ''Not good!''


    Immediately, the guys tried to change the direction he was moving in. Unfortunately, it was too late.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Suddenly, three dark swords appeared right in front of him. Not only that, but the guy couldn''t tell which one was real or false.


    ''Hmph! Let''s see if I can''t find the real one.''


    As fast as lightning, the man threw three knives at the three swords. It was so fast that even Roan was a little surprised by his move. However...


    *Clang, Clang, Clang!*


    All three knives were sent flying away!


    ''What?! All three are real?!''


    The man was ready to block one real sword, but definitely not three!


    Suddenly, Roan''s voice appeared in his mind.


    ''You can die during this test, right? So I guess no one here will complain if the one to die is you either.''


    During that moment, all three of Roan''s swords aimed for his critical points. His plan was to parry Roan''s ''real sword'' and use the direction from where the attack came to catch Roan. However, because he decided to use the daggers to test Roan''s swords first, he lost time in a critical moment. He couldn''t dodge anymore. Without a doubt, he would die if things continued like that.


    Surprisingly, there was no panic in his eyes, only excitement.


    ''How long has it been since some real assassin material appeared in this branch?''


    At the same time, his power, which was around the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm, soared!


    *Swish, swish, swish!*


    The man didn''t try to defend this time. With that, all three sword attacks hit the position of his heart, neck, and head. However, neither of the attacks could go as far as a single millimeter inside the guy''s body before being stopped by a Spiritual Energy barrier.


    Soon after, a burst of Spiritual Energy came forward, sweeping everything around the man like a giant wave. Roan might have merged with the darkness, but it didn''t change the fact that he was still present in that room. The Spiritual Energy wave then hit his body, almost sending his body flying.


    ''Death Style, First Energy Form, Shadow Bind!''


    However, several dark vines materialized in thin air, attaching themselves to Roan''s body and keeping him steady on the ground.


    "Impressive! Even in this situation, you didn''t allow yourself to show an opening. Truly beyond my wildest expectations."


    Roan sighed and then dispersed his Shadow Bind. However, he didn''t try to attack or move anymore. That''s because he could tell that the man in front of him had a cultivation several times higher than his.


    "It seems I''ve never had a chance of winning this fight."


    In front of absolute power, all tricks were meaningless.


    As soon as Roan said that, the room lit up, showing nothing more than a big arena with two entrances. The one Roan came from and the one the elder in front of him used.


    "Hahaha! Why so sad? You forced this old man to release my own cultivation to avoid being sent to the underworld by your sword. Do you have any idea how many could have done it? Not to mention that I was fighting you while suppressing my cultivation to one stage above yours in the end. You should be proud of yourself."


    The man then carefully sized Roan with his Spiritual Sense before saying.


    "Sure enough, you''re using some Spiritual Energy Skill to hide your real age and appearance. Well, that''s the right thing to do when you join an organization like our Shadow Reapers. How old are you exactly?"


    Roan then sheathed his sword and didn''t answer that question. He had no intention of being friends with anyone in this organization to start with.


    "So, what''s the next test? I have limited time, so let''s move on with it."


    Roan looked at the man, who didn''t seem to be using any kind of disguise whatsoever. The man noticed Roan''s focus on his face and could tell what he was thinking.


    "Don''t worry, I''m not hiding my real face. At my level of cultivation, only those not confident in their own power would do it. Don''t take it the wrong way, okay? For someone at the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm like you, hiding your real identity is the right thing to do. We are in two different leagues."


    "As for the next test, there is none."


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    "Didn''t you say that usually, you would have sent me to the next test after I succeeded in surviving it? How come there''s none now?"


    The man shook his head.


    "There are indeed more tests, but they are meaningless for someone like you. We would first test your attack power to see if you could really fight above your own level. Naturally, there is no need for that anymore after what you just showed me."


    "The second part was to see if you really had the determination to kill without hesitation. Man... even I felt a chill on my back when I saw those three swords of yours. Determination to kill? If there is something you don''t lack, it''s definitely that."


    The man then turned around before gesturing for Roan to follow him.


    "Do you think our tests are too simple? That we should check if you would be loyal to the Shadow Reapers or anything like that?"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Loyalty? Between assassins? What a joke! This is a gathering for the sake of mutual benefits. Loyalty had never been part of an organization like this to start with."


    The man looked at Roan, surprised.


    "Hahahaha! Good! Good! As long as you know that, you won''t die too quickly. Let''s go ahead and finish the procedures then. By the way, you can call me Palbei."

 Chapter 398 - No Child!

    Meanwhile, Droman was trying to wrap his head around the situation in front of him. Well, both Rean and Qia were having the same problem. Just a moment ago, Qia was convincing her Master that she would resolve the misunderstanding about her relation with Rean. How come it turned into a demand for marriage all of a sudden?


    Rean had indeed said all of that. But in the end, he was just trying to get back at Qia for the boyfriend thing. Still, by looking at the surprised expression on Qia''s face, it was evident that she was also oblivious to this situation.


    Droman then tried to calm down before saying.


    "Ahem... Fellow... Errr... How should I call you?"


    "You can call me Tulia."


    Droman nodded.


    "Lady Tulia, can you explain what is happening here?"


    Tulia nodded before talking about everything that happened in the Tea Shop. Droman, of course, was taken aback when he heard that as he looked at Rean.


    "Did you really do it with that girl? Wait, when did you have time for that?"


    It was then that he remembered the night Rean asked to go out.


    "Ah! You told me that you were going back to cultivate with your brother. I found it strange since it wouldn''t be wise to waste the repository''s time with it. Still, you were quite adamant, saying that you didn''t want to slack in any field. So that''s what''s happening. You went out to see this girl! Not only that but you also... also... put your seed in her!"


    Rean almost vomited blood!


    ''Seed? What seed? My seed hasn''t been used yet, okay?! Even in my entire previous life, my seed stayed as unused as it is today!''


    [Hahahaha! Why don''t you just go with the flow? It''s not like having a princess of the Empire as a wife would be a bad thing. If Calina succeeds in conquering Roan, both brothers would be part of the Royal Family! Isn''t that perfect?]


    It was then that Tulia narrowed her eyes.


    "Qia, now that I think about it, you also decided to go back to the Palace earlier than normal. So that was the day when you lost your hymen, huh?"


    Qia wanted to shout.


    ''My hymen is still here! If I could, I would even show it to you all!''


    Of course, she couldn''t do such a thing with so many people watching. Sure enough, Droman and Tulia''s group weren''t the only ones present in the repository. With the next exam so close, it was obviously packed with Formations Masters.


    "Unbelievable... That boy dared to put his hand on a princess of the Empire."


    "Can''t you see? He''s the direct disciple of the guy who invented the Communication Formation. The Imperial Family would love such a marriage."


    "Indeed. Otherwise, do you think Tulia would come here and demand marriage?"


    "I know, right? Considering the Imperial Family''s strictness, she would have cut that boy''s head once he went out. Considering that she is asking for his hand in marriage, it means they have a lot to gain."


    "So, it won''t be long before one more princess is married off. Well, it''s quite a common thing in the Imperial Family, so I can quite understand."


    Rean and Qia felt like they were falling deeper and deeper into the abyss. Even the people around them were already considering them as a married couple.


    "Ahem... Senior Tulia. Qia and I were just joking when we said that in the tea shop. Right, Qia?"


    Qia immediately came back to herself and nodded vigorously.


    "Yes, yes! First of all, we had never met outside before. Sure, I left earlier that day, but I was simply tired."


    The fact was that Qia indeed asked for an early leave from her Master on the same day Rean left to capture Tissan. It''s just that instead of going back to the Palace, she went to one of the tea shops she liked the most in the Core Region.


    Droman was taken aback as he looked at Rean and Qia suspiciously.


    "You two seem quite synced with your words. Rean, can you prove that you were really just cultivating that day? Oh! We can ask your brother!"


    Rean almost fainted. If Roan really heard about what was happening to him, he would DEFINITELY say that he didn''t see Rean at all. Why? Because Rean would have done the same thing to him, obviously. Nothing entertained the twins more than pulling each others'' legs in the worst moments!


    "This... I think my brother is not at home at the moment."


    Droman was more and more sure that Rean had really done it.


    "Since that''s the case, let me confirm it with young lady Qia. After all, Princess Qia is known by everyone. Sure, the palace guards or other people can confirm that she was somewhere else that night, right? Right?!"


    Rean then looked at Qia as if he was pledging to her.


    However, Qia''s face went red before suddenly turning purple.


    "I..."


    Qia was a princess of the Empire. Not only that, but she was also the granddaughter of the fifth prince, so everyone recognized her. Because of that, she often disguised herself when she wanted to leave alone. Almost no one knew about it either, including her Master. Unfortunately, that also killed her alibi. After all, no one would remember to have seen her during that time.


    Tulia only wanted to force this marriage to get a good relationship with the Dalamu Sect, especially Droman. She was sure that the Fifth Prince would love to know that his granddaughter got such a good deal. However, she still believed that Qia hasn''t done anything with Rean... or so she thought. However, after seeing Qia''s face when she was asked that question, she began to think that perhaps Qia and Rean had really gone that far.


    "Ahem... Do you know anyone who can prove that you weren''t with Rean that night?"


    Qia suddenly went silent, much for Rean''s despair!


    Seeing that scene, both Droman and Tulia looked at each other with awkward expressions.


    "It seems like their joke wasn''t really a joke. Do you agree with me?"


    Droman nodded.


    "I do. It''s way too suspicious that the two of them just so happened to disappear at the same time."


    Rean then gritted his teeth and shouted what Qia couldn''t do.


    "There is a way to prove that we didn''t have anything. Just bring two representatives of each side and check her hymen! She should still be a virgin!"


    Qia felt like breaking Rean''s neck for shouting such embarrassing words in front of everyone. It was one thing for her Master to touch that topic since she was a woman, but it looked much worse when Rean did that. However, she had to admit that their only escaping route now was to prove that she was still a virgin.


    Rean told her that he could even restore a woman''s hymen if he wanted to. However, there will be no need for him to use that as a threat anymore since they didn''t want to go ahead with this marriage thing. In the end, they could prove that nothing happened. However...


    *Pah!*


    Droman suddenly slapped the back of Rean''s head.


    "How could you ask such a thing from a princess of the Empire? Are you looking to die? First of all, don''t forget that I know your healing abilities very well. Even a recently torn hymen wouldn''t be anything hard for you to fix."


    Rean was already crying.


    ''Why do you have to open your mouth at this point? Couldn''t you just stay quiet?''


    Those words initiated another uproar, though.


    "What?! He can repair a woman''s hymen?!"


    "Holy shit! Just wait until a few certain people hear that."


    "That boy will make a fortune!"


    Rean wanted nothing more than to break those people''s heads. Who would work as a hymen restorer? He didn''t need that type of money at all! No, first of all, he didn''t even want it in the first place!


    Tulia nodded, satisfied.


    "Rean and Qia seem quite unwilling to go ahead with it. However, they should have thought about it before doing the deed. Now it''s too late. I''ll go ahead and talk with Qia''s parents. Droman, do you have any objections?"


    Droman immediately shook his head. Are you kidding? Even if that was a rumor, that was the Imperial Family they were talking about. Besides, deep inside, he was jumping in happiness. His disciple''s marriage with the Imperial Family would bring a ton of benefits to him and the Dalamu Sect. Why would he do such a thing as refusing that?


    "None. Rean, a man should bear the consequences. Now that you have done it, you have to take it to the end."


    "But we really didn''t do anything!"


    Qia agreed with Rean.


    "Yes! It''s all a misunderstanding!"


    Tulia narrowed her eyes.


    "You still dare to deny? Who the hell would kiss each other in front of everyone, say that one is her boyfriend while the other is his woman, just to go back on their words later? Are you taking Droman and me for fools?"


    Droman nodded.


    "Enough with it already. Lady Tulia, I''ll bother you to prepare the arrangements."


    Tulia smiled.


    "No problem. I hope Sir Droman will also do the same on your side."


    It was then that an idea popped into Rean''s mind.


    "Wait!"


    Tulia and Droman narrowed their eyes as they looked at him.


    "What now?"


    Rean ignored it and then explained.


    "Ahem... The Formation Master Guild exam is just around the corner. Both me and Qia can''t think about marriage at the moment. Let''s at least wait until it is over."


    Qia''s eyes lit up after hearing that.


    "Right, Master! I also want to focus on the exam so that I can get a slot. Rean and I only denied our relationship because we wanted to focus. After the exam is over, we can take our time to talk about it."


    "This..."


    Droman and Tulia had to admit that their words made sense.


    "What do you think, Droman?"


    Droman pondered a bit before nodding.


    "I think it''s a good idea. In any case, those two had finally confirmed that they are in a relationship. I can also understand why they wanted to hide it. After all, I''m pretty confident in Rean''s ability to pass the exam. We should indeed not put more burden on them before the exam is over."


    Tulia sighed but agreed with the idea. After all, she also put a lot of effort into Qia so she could pass the exam.


    "Very well. Then, I''ll see you again after the exam, Sir Droman."


    Droman agreed with Tulia.


    "I''m looking forward to it. Make sure to treat lady Qia well since she might be carrying Rean''s child."


    Qia and Rean almost fainted from those words. When will they understand that there''s no child!!!

 Chapter 399 - Hagen

    The Shadow Reapers'' building in the Black Market wasn''t that big to start with. Roan and Palbei only crossed one corridor, and they were already in the right place. Surprisingly though, there were a few people already there. Obviously, all of them were hiding their own identities. Assassins like Palbei, who didn''t need to be afraid, were just too rare.


    Roan then saw an enormous board with hundreds of notes. Each and every one of them was an assassination mission. They had the full description of the mission and what the assassins should expect.


    "Does this board have the missions for everything in the territory of the Empire?"


    Palbei nodded.


    "Indeed. You can find missions located in the many countries of the Empire here. Of course, our Shadow Reapers Organization also has a few other branches in other countries where you can find more missions. The ones posted here are usually for the Capital and the surrounding countries."


    Roan nodded before asking.


    "Can I know the location of the Shadow Reapers in the other countries as well? I might need to get access to one of them."


    Palbei shook his head.


    "As a new member, you lack the prerequisites to know all of them. But you can opt for a specific region if you''re not from the Capital. We will simply transfer you there."


    Roan was satisfied with that. Even if he selected his own region, it would probably cover many countries at once. It would be too difficult to find him just based on his territory of choice.


    Palbei then arrived at a counter.


    "New recruit. Give the identification badge."


    On the other side, the person nodded before throwing a black plate with a scythe engraved on it to Roan.


    "To get access to orders, you need to show this badge beforehand. If you try to enter the Shadow Reapers'' building without it, you will be killed, no questions asked."


    Roan nodded as he looked at the badge. There, he could see his number and level.


    -12897-


    -Earth High Rank-


    "What''s this about?"


    The guy then explained.


    "Here, you don''t have a name, just a number. That number is your identity. Earth High Rank is your current level according to the combat test you went through. It meant you can accept any mission at the Earth High Rank and below. Check the notes on the board. Each mission''s level requirement is listed on the top."


    Roan then glanced at the board where the other assassins were choosing missions.


    -Earth Peak Rank-


    Target: Loval Trark from Trark Clan.


    Target''s Cultivation: Core and Soul Fusion Middle Stage.


    Location: Waskon City, Xastan Country.


    Reward: 4000 Rank Three Spirit Stones


    -Heaven Initial Rank-


    Target: Sue San from Vindict Sect.


    Target''s Cultivation: Nascent Soul Initial Stage.


    Location: Vindict Sect, Earghit Country.


    Reward: 300 Rank Four Spirit Stones.


    -Earth Middle Rank-


    Target: Galol Samikil.


    Target''s Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Initial Stage.


    Location: One of the Imperial Subordinate Clans, the Samikil Clan.


    Reward: 2000 Rank Three Spirit Stones.


    ''Sure enough. Important targets like the Sasamil Imperial Family and the Protector Clans need a much higher rank even though the target itself is many times weaker. Also, the reward is very enticing since the assassin knew that he would be buying a fight against a behemoth whether he succeeds or not.''


    It was then that Roan found something.


    -Earth High Rank-


    Target: Tissan Sasamil.


    Target''s Cultivation: Energy Gathering Middle Stage.


    Location: Capital, Inner City.


    Reward: 4000 Rank Three Spirit Stones.


    Roan couldn''t help but snort.


    ''The Sasamil Imperial Family itself is a lot more expensive. Even a simple Energy Gathering Realm like that drag already costs 4000 Rank Three Spirit Stones. Then again, that should be because of their higher-leveled protectors like that Core and Soul Fusion Realm old man. Still, judging by the task submission date, no one seems willing to target a Sasamil Family Member.''


    All of a sudden, a man came out of a room with some papers in his hand and looked at the board. Soon after, he used his Spiritual Energy to remove several notes from there. Roan didn''t need to think much to understand that those were the missions that had been concluded or couldn''t be taken anymore for some reason. That wasn''t all, though. The guy also sent a few more notes back on the board after that.


    Between those notes, Roan could tell that the majority were new missions. A few of the old tasks had also been updated and now offer more or lower payments with their requirement levels modified. Roan also noticed that Tissan Sasamil was one of the removed notes. Naturally, it was because he and Rean had taken Tissan away and got his Identification Plate. Everyone was probably thinking that he was dead.


    Last but not least, there were the missions that no one wanted to take until the end, or that the assassins failed many times. Those ones were then removed, and the payment of those who posted it will be given back later.


    "Oh! Someone actually killed a Sasamil Family Member."


    "Indeed. There are a few missions to kill people of the Sasamil Family, but they''re rarely taken."


    "I heard that this Tissan was quite trashy. Perhaps the perpetrator risked taking this mission because of that."


    "Even so, as trashy as that guy might have been, he was still a Sasamil Family member. Few would dare to offend them. He was probably quite desperate for the rewards."


    Roan smiled and then returned his attention to the counter. Palbei, who was still there, then said.


    "Anyway, this is it. I''ll go back since I have more things to do."


    Palbei then disappeared in a flash before Roan could say anything.


    Roan didn''t care, though. He simply returned his attention to the counter before asking.


    "Can I select my region already? I don''t intend to stay in the Capital for too long."


    The guy on the other side nodded and passed a list to Roan. It only showed the regions available, not the location of the Shadow Reapers in those places. Roan quickly scanned it, and sure enough, he found the area where Jialin Country was located.


    After choosing his new region, the attendant took Roan''s badge back. A few moments later, he gave it back to Roan and used a Spiritual Sense message to tell Roan the location where he could find the Shadow Reapers. There was no physical memo, so Roan had to memorize it straight away.


    The attendant then explained a few more rules.


    "You must not use the missions on the wall to warn the targets about the assassination. If it is found that you did that, the organization will use its full power to get rid of you first."


    "If you recognize someone on the board like a family member or even yourself, you can apply for the remotion of the task. However, you will need to prove your claim, which would also hint at your real identity, so be careful if you decide to do so."


    "The organization only accepts the targets'' heads as proof of their death. Any other way of identification is useless. As to how you will carry the head around, that''s not our problem. Everyone has their own methods."


    "Last but not least, each Shadow Reaper must take at least three missions per year. The level of the mission doesn''t matter. If you fail, your membership will be revoked. You can also take a single task only, but it has to be one at your own level, and you must succeed."


    "However, it isn''t forever. As long as you do that for ten years in a row, you will be promoted and then removed from the minimal killing requirement. From there on, you can take any amount of missions as you wish or not take any at all. You will still be considered a member unless you apply to leave the organization."


    Roan then asked.


    "Is there any repercussion if I lose my membership?"


    The attendant on the counter nodded.


    "Yes. You won''t be able to return to the organization anymore. If you try to do so and we find out that you were a previous member, you will also be killed. Trust me when I say that even though we don''t know your identity, we can definitely find out you were part of us in the past. Changing appearances won''t work."


    Roan couldn''t help but say.


    "That''s quite a lax repercussion, no? I thought anyone who failed would be killed as well."


    The attendant shook his head.


    "There is almost no assassin who wishes to be with it forever. This is a way one can use to leave the organization without repercussions. Of course, you better keep your mouth shut about the time you spent in the organization. I don''t need to tell you why right?"


    "Anyway, that''s all you need to know."


    Roan nodded before turning around to go to the board.


    ''Since I need to keep a minimal killing rate, I might as well take a look at what I have available here.''


    In a separated room inside the Shadow Reapers'' Building, Palbei had just closed the door behind him before looking at a particular person drinking tea on the table.


    "You were right. That''s quite a good seed you got there."


    The man''s expression didn''t even change after hearing that. He just gave a simple reply.


    "Obviously."


    Palbei scratched the back of his head as he looked at the emotionless figure in front of him. If Roan was here, he would have immediately identified him. He was none other than Old Worm!


    "Can''t you at least show a smile, Hagen? Oh, right. You are using another name now. Should I call you Fauk instead?"


    Old Worm didn''t even bother answering as he got up and left the room.


    "As always, you are no fun."

 Chapter 400 - Fake

    Rean and Qia finally got some time to think about a solution. From a game of who can control who to a real engagement was quite a massive jump, and they wanted to see if they could jump back.


    Unfortunately, Droman and Tulia didn''t give the new couple any time and pulled them into Formations Training.


    As soon as Tulia left with Qia, Rena looked at Droman with a dark expression.


    "Elder Droman, what the hell are you trying to do? Don''t tell me that you really believe I did her because I know you don''t."


    Droman laughed out loud, not trying to hide his intentions at all.


    "Hahaha! Obviously, I''m thinking about your safety. Even today, the Umbral Sect still wants your head. In fact, the other sects are quite wary of you and Roan. However, if you marry a princess of the Empire, things will completely change. You won''t need to be afraid of them trying such a thing anymore."


    "Also, this is a good thing for both me and the sect. With so many positive points, why should I refuse? Besides, what are you complaining about? That Qia girl is a beauty! What kind of man wouldn''t have any interest in her?"


    "Wait! Do you perhaps like to frolic on the other side?"


    Rean felt like crying.


    "Who the hell frolics on the other side? I''m ten thousand percent certain I''m straight, okay?!"


    Rean then calmed down before continuing.


    "In any case, I have no intention of marrying anyone, especially someone from the Imperial Family. Did you forget that something seems to be an internal conflict in their family? I might as well tell you this. The reason I approached her was that I wanted to investigate this exact issue. It''s just that the plans went a little, very, very little, out of line."


    Droman''s mouth twitched as he said.


    "Kissing the girl in front of everyone is just a little? Like hell it is! Then what? If your plans had gone sour, would you have impregnated her for real?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head. He couldn''t think about an answer to that question.


    Droman then sighed and continued.


    "Anyway, you said that you approached her to find more about this situation. Did you find anything relevant?"


    Rean nodded. Now that he had made this ''contact'' with Qia, he didn''t need to expose Calina''s existence by telling the truth.


    "Yes. It goes like this..."


    Finally, Rean was able to tell everything related to the Sasamil Empire''s fight for the throne. However, after Rean finished recounting the story, Droman''s expression didn''t change at all.


    "Aren''t you twins way too smart? You even found out about that already."


    Rean was taken aback.


    "Wait! Did you know about all of that?"


    Droman nodded.


    "Yes. After that attack over a year ago, Sect Master had made a thorough investigation. She also had a certain contact that could help her understand the Imperial Family''s situation much better. We even found out that the Communication System had accelerated a lot of things on their side."


    Rean''s expression went dark after hearing that.


    "And why didn''t you tell me?"


    Droman didn''t care about what Rean felt as he said.


    "We have been involving you two in these kinds of issues a lot recently. Sect Master didn''t like that, so she asked to keep it on the down-low unless there was really a need to tell you two about it. Don''t forget, you and Roan might be weird, but you are still two low-level disciples. It''s the elders'' problem to deal with the important matters."


    Rean felt depressed. They still treat him as a kid even after all that happened so far.


    "Then, why didn''t you try to stop this marriage bullshit?"


    Droman shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "I told you, didn''t I? This marriage could bring many benefits to you and the sect at the same time. The main one is the fact that with you there, we can investigate even further. We will have an easier time finding when and if the Emperor will really die. We can find out when the new Emperor will take the throne. We can see when and if the war against Chrole will really happen."


    "But above all of that, we can make any of the sects back home think ten times before they decide to do something to you, especially the Umbral Sect. If war really starts after the new Emperor rises to the throne, the Sasamil Empire will not join it straight away. It will start with the border countries and will slowly spread as time goes. Unless you want to go out and participate in the war, staying in the Imperial Family would probably be one of the safest places when it happens."


    "If you are worried about our research on Circuitry Formations, know that it''s the Imperial Family marrying their girl to you, not the opposite. You would bring her back to the sect, where we could still proceed with our research."


    Droman then looked seriously at Rean.


    "Can you give me any reason why you shouldn''t take this marriage deal?"


    Rean nodded as if stating a fact.


    "Yes. I don''t love her."


    Droman''s expression froze at that moment.


    "That''s it?"


    Rean narrowed his eyes.


    "What do you mean with ''that''s it?''? That''s the most important thing!"


    Droman sighed as he shook his head.


    "This is just a political marriage, idiot! There is no need for either you or the girl to consummate the deed. You can simply be married on paper and have your own lives after that. You don''t even need to do Qia at all. In fact, you two can still go ahead and love whoever you want after the marriage contract is made. Even if you ignore each other for the rest of your lives, neither the sect nor the Imperial Family will give a damn!"


    "This... Isn''t this too irresponsible? Would the Imperial Family really not bother if I suddenly found another woman after marrying their princess? I find it really hard to believe."


    Droman nodded.


    "Of course, if you go out there and announce to the world that you are betraying the princess, the Imperial Family would definitely intervene. After all, you would be stepping on their face. But as long as you keep it under wraps, they won''t mind even if they find out."


    Rean began to ponder about it. He and Roan had this ridiculous mission of connecting the two halves of the Universe. Sooner or later, they would have to leave this planet. Well, they had no idea how it would be possible yet. Once they were gone, such a thing as a fake marriage would indeed be of little concern for either Rean or Qia herself.


    The Sasamil Empire was still considered one of the strong powers on the planet they were living on. Being connected to them would also be a good thing.


    "Still... as a man, I don''t mind it too much. However, would it be a good thing for a woman like Qia?"


    Droman couldn''t help but feel a headache coming.


    "Why do you always have to be this naive? You could be a little bit more like your brother at this point. Without a doubt, Roan would take all the possible advantages that he could."


    Rean''s mouth twitched as h said.


    "If there is one thing I''m proud about, it''s how I''m not like that guy."


    Droman really had some difficulty understanding the twins'' relation.


    "Sometimes I wonder why the hell you two are together even though you hate each other this much. I don''t think your cultivation slowing down is the only reason."


    Rean smiled after hearing that. Obviously, it wasn''t the only reason.


    Droman then continued.


    "Whatever. Why don''t you talk with Qia later? You two could reach an agreement that would make both the Imperial Family, Dalamu Sect, and you two happy."


    Rean pondered a bit and nodded. He had to admit that all the advantages of this fake marriage were huge.


    "Alright. I''ll talk to her later."


    At the same time, Tulia and Qia were having a similar conversation.


    "Alright, I can see how determined you are that you really don''t have anything to do with Rean. Besides, as far as I can see, that Rean boy doesn''t really want to have children with you or anything like that either."


    Qia finally let out a sigh of relief. However, her Master didn''t stop there.


    "In that case, you two can simply have a fake marriage. All we need is the contract, nothing else."


    Qia then looked at her Master with her wide eyes.


    "I still need to marry him in the end?! No can do!"


    Tulia then looked at Qia as if she was looking at an idiot.


    "Are you really that dumb? Can''t you really see the great opportunity presented right in front of you?"


    Qia, of course, was taken aback.


    "What is Master talking about?"


    Tulia sighed as the look in her eyes became hazy. Tulia couldn''t help but remember her own past. Still, she quickly recovered and explained.


    "You just found a husband that the Imperial Family definitely won''t complain about. This exact same husband doesn''t want anything with you. As long as you marry him with a fake marriage, you will be free of any possible marriage contracts since you already have a husband."


    Tulia then put her hands on Qia''s shoulders.


    "Qia, this is a freedom pass. You will be able to do whatever you want as long as it doesn''t damage the Imperial Family''s face. Do you think the other princes and princesses have this chance? Why would you let such an opportunity pass up?"


    Qia couldn''t help but rethink about this issue. Perhaps, that was really not a bad thing.


    "I... I need to talk with that boy again to confirm his intentions first."


    Finally, Tulia showed a sincere smile.


    "Sure thing. But for now, it is time to rehearse your Formation Skills."


    Qia also smiled.


    "Yes, Master!"

 Chapter 401 - Now Shut Up!

    Roan looked through the missions on the board to find a good target. After all, he didn''t want to get expelled so that he could keep an eye on the mission board. If someone posted a reward on his or Rean''s head, he would know beforehand. That was the main reason he joined the Shadow Reapers.


    The second reason was that he could find some good practicing targets. Assassinations were different than head-on combats. They were silent and usually required some planning depending on the target. Rean and Roan''s skills were just perfect for both movement in the shadows and hiding from Spiritual Senses.


    As for the person marked to die, Roan wouldn''t just select anyone. All notes had a description of the target. What they did, what they were known for, why a price was put on their head, etc. Roan might not care about anyone, but that doesn''t mean he would go around killing innocent people either. Besides, those types of people usually weren''t good targets when you think about their combat abilities. It was a lot easier to find a better challenge when the other side deserved to die since they knew they would have many enemies.


    Roan could have waited for when he went to the Shadow Reapers of his home region. After all, there would definitely be enough targets there as well. However, he would stay in the Capital for another month at the very least, so he might as well try things out here.


    Finally, Roan found one that caught his attention.


    -Earth High Rank-


    Target: Nulian Sarsol.


    Target''s cultivation: Core Formation Realm Middle or High Stage (Needs to be confirmed.)


    Location: Capital Inner City, the Favri Bank Supervisor.


    Reward: 1500 Rank Three Spirit Stones.


    ''Hum... This guy used his connections to force many small businesses both inside and outside the city to go bankrupt. I don''t know how but it seems like he made a lot of money with that. Quite a few lost their lives as well when they refused to wield after things went wrong. No wonder there''s a reward on his head. Most likely, the spirit stones in this reward were put together by his victims.''


    Roan then took the mission from the board before nodding.


    ''It''s a mission on my own level, so I won''t need to need to care about it until a year has passed at the very least. Alright, this shall be the one.''


    Roan then brought the mission note to the counter, where he got the badge.


    "This one."


    The guy saw that Roan was back already but didn''t care.


    "Very well, badge."


    Roan passed his badge to the guy. A few moments later, he returned the badge to Roan with the mission note as well.


    "You have at most three months to conclude the missions. If you see that the task needs more time, you must come back and report the reason so that we can give the client an upgrade. Once again, we only accept the head of the target. As to how you will carry it around, that''s your problem."


    Roan didn''t mind and took his things back. After that, he turned to the exit before leaving the building.


    ''Now there is only one thing I need to do before taking a look into the information about the Imperial Family.''


    Roan then flashed in the distance before arriving in the place where he entered the black market at first. He then showed the black token he got from Gval to the Teleport Formations guy.


    "Same formation as before. You will be teleported back to the same place. The first teleportation to the Black Market is free. From now on, you will need to provide the Spirit Stones to activate the Teleport Formation."


    Roan didn''t care and quickly entered the room. After placing his token and the Spirit Stones in the formation, it flashed with silver light before Roan disappeared.


    Sure enough, Roan returned to the same house where he found the old woman. She was still sitting on her chair and didn''t even bother to open her eyes to see him out. Roan, too, didn''t waste his time as his body flashed away from the house. To make sure he wasn''t being followed, he entered a hidden corner and stepped inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. His appearance returned to normal before he used the Circuitry Formation to teleport right back to the save point in his room in the Dalamu Sect Residence.


    ''Hmph! Let''s see if you are faster than me.''


    Roan immediately left his room and headed to another one in the Dalamu Sect building. There, he sat down and began to wait patiently. However, he didn''t have to do that for long before the person he wanted to see arrived.


    "Why are you in my room?"


    Roan glanced at the newcomer. Obviously, it was Old Worm.


    "It was you, wasn''t it?"


    Old Worm narrowed his eyes.


    "What are you talking about?"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Don''t take me for a fool. How the hell would I get permission to pry into Class A information in the Dark Web Organization? I don''t know anyone in this city other than you, Droman, and Rean. Droman doesn''t seem the type to have this kind of connection, let alone Rean. It only leaves me with the last possibility, you."


    Old Worm looked at Roan''s eyes. He could see that the boy was absolutely sure of his claim. Finally, Old Worm nodded as if it was nothing.


    "Indeed. It was me. So what?"


    Roan then immediately asked.


    "How did you know that that was me? I completely changed my appearance. Even though others with higher cultivation could tell that it was not my real face or body structure, they shouldn''t be able to tell how I look for real."


    Old Worm then looked at Roan with a faint smile as he pointed at his nose.


    "The medicinal smell on your body. As much as you tried to get rid of it, it would be almost impossible to completely eliminate. In the end, it was way too easy to identify you."


    Roan narrowed his eyes after hearing that.


    "There is one point I don''t understand. Even if you could identify the medicinal smell on my body, you should be at a certain range to find me. How come you were there in the Dark Web Organization?"


    Old Worm shook his head.


    "That was just a coincidence. It wasn''t I who found you there, but you who found me instead. I was already there when you arrived. It''s just that I was in another room."


    Roan nodded. He didn''t really have a reason to doubt that since the time was too perfect to be true.


    "It seems like you are also after more information about what is happening in the Imperial Family then."


    Old Worm didn''t try to deny that.


    "That brat Mia seems quite worried about it. At first, I had no intention of coming here. However, it just so happened that you decided to go to the Capital. I just took the chance to both put you through the alchemy exam and spend some effort getting some information for that girl."


    Only a few people could talk about Mia like that in the Dalamu Sect, but Old Worm was definitely one of them.


    "Since it came to this, what do you intend to do with this information?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "I was doing the same thing as Mia. This thing that happened in the Profound Abyss seemed too suspicious. Since Rean needed to come to use that Formations Repository, I thought I might as well investigate it by myself."


    Obviously, Roan wouldn''t say anything about Calina.


    Old Worm was sure that Roan was hiding something, but he didn''t bother to ask what it was.


    "Very well. Just make sure you don''t dive too deep. There is only so much I can do for you."


    Finally, Roan sighed before heading out of Old Worm''s room, which puzzled Old Worm.


    "Aren''t you going to ask about me or my identity?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "Do you want me to ask about it?"


    Old worm was taken aback for a moment but shook his head.


    "That''s more like it. Come back here later so that I can rehearse the points you should focus on the alchemy exam a month from now."


    Roan nodded before closing the door behind him. As for Old Worm, he just sighed.


    ''What a sharp boy. No, I doubt he''s just a boy to start with...''


    Roan returned to his room and immediately contacted Rean through their Soul Connection.


    ''Are you free right now?''


    Rean replied right after.


    ''Elder Droman is being quite harsh in his teachings. I don''t think I''ll be free until a few hours later. Also, I have something to discuss a few things with my bride before going back, so it might take even longer.''


    Roan thought he had heard it wrong.


    ''Your... bride? Since when did you get a bride?''


    [Oh! Let me explain!]


    However, Rean immediately cut Sister Orb.


    ''Shut up! Can''t you keep your mouth shut for even a moment?!''


    [Nope! After all, I don''t have a mouth.]


    Rean almost fainted. That''s not what he meant at all!


    [Ahem... so, where did I stop? Oh, right! Let''s now talk about how Rean impregnated a princess of the Empire.]


    Even the ice block Roan showed some surprise when he heard that.


    ''Impregnated... a princess?''


    Rean was almost crying already.


    ''You''re doing it on purpose!''


    [Obviously! Now shut up and let me continue.]

 Chapter 402 - Wasnt Part Of The Plan!

    After Sister Orb told the story in the worst way possible, Rean finally got some time to focus on the formations in front of him. In any case, Roan just nodded in the end. After all, he knew Sister Orb''s personality.


    ''Alright, we''ll talk about it later. Make sure to resolve this thing with that Qia girl.''


    Roan said after hearing everything.


    Time passed as Rean and Roan did their own things. At some point, Droman closed one of the books on the table they were using before saying to Rean.


    "Alright. That concludes the parts you should focus on for the next few hours. Let''s take another break. Take this chance and see if you can talk with that girl as well. You said that she usually takes breaks at this time, right?"


    Rean sighed but nodded in the end. He had put this issue at the back of his mind while he was studying with Droman. However, he couldn''t postpone it for too long.


    "Alright, I''m going there now."


    Rean got up and returned to the tea shop from before. However, he was quickly stopped by Milo and the others on the way there.


    "Ah! Rean! Was that true? Did you really impregnate Qia? For real?"


    Rean shook his head vigorously.


    "Of course not! Stop spreading these rumors. There is no such thing as a child! I, your grandfather, am a virgin!"


    They couldn''t help but think.


    ''Is that something you should be this proud about?''


    "Ahem... So there is no child, huh? Does it mean that you are not really getting married? First of all, are you two in a relationship for real?"


    "Idiot, is that even a question? Would you kiss someone in front of everyone else if you were not in a relationship?"


    "This..."


    "Milo''s right. But... Why did you say that Qia might even be pregnant now, then?"


    Rean didn''t know what to say.


    "Cough, cough... Well, that was just a joke both of us were playing. Sure enough, look at all of you. You guys fell for it way too easily."


    The others felt that something wasn''t right with what Rean was telling them. Would someone really try such a joke by using a princess? First of all, would a princess like Qia accept participating in such a prank?


    Everyone looked intently at Rean. If looks could kill, Rean would have been dead many times over already.


    "Suspicious..."


    "Very suspicious..."


    "You are definitely hiding something from us, aren''t you?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head helplessly.


    Sule, another young Formations Master that was going to participate in the exam, asked.


    "Alright. Let''s assume that there is no such thing as a kid then. However, are you two really not a thing? I still feel like there is something between the two of you."


    "This..."


    Rean didn''t know how to answer that either. After all, he hasn''t talked with her yet. In the end, he simply smiled before saying.


    "Well, you will know the answer to that question real soon. It just so happens that I''m going to talk with Qia now. Anyway, see ya!"


    Rean then hastened his steps so that he could arrive at the tea shop faster. Sure enough, he immediately spotted Qia at the same table as before. It was just that she was surrounded by quite a few female cultivators as well. As soon as she saw Rean, she smiled at him.


    "Sorry, girls. I can''t give you an answer now. You will know more about it in the future."


    Qia then quickly grabbed Rean''s hand before pulling him away, leaving everyone behind. Naturally, that only made people more certain about their relation.


    After they got to a private space, Rean asked her what all of that was about.


    "Oh, the girls came to me after hearing that I got engaged. After all, the conversation between our masters was seen by many other Formations Masters in the repository."


    Rean nodded.


    "Well, women love this kind of talk, after all."


    Qia didn''t even try to deny it.


    "Hahaha! That''s true. Those girls looked more like hungry wolves who felt the smell of blood. Not to mention that this is the territory of the Formations Guild, so they didn''t need to be afraid of being disrespectful due to my status as a princess. Well, it''s not like I''m any better."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh a little.


    "No wonder you could do such a thing as suddenly say that I''m your boyfriend. You quite like to act freely, don''t you? Oh! Could it be that you wanted to come to the Formations Guild because you didn''t like all that traditional treatment?"


    Qia was taken aback for a second.


    "Errr... I won''t deny that it was part of the reason. However, I do really love Formations, okay? It''s just that the fact that the side occupations guilds'' territories are like this helped make up my mind in becoming a Formations Master."


    Rean smiled.


    "That''s good, then."


    Seeing that the mood improved a little, Rean finally decided to talk about why he had come.


    "Alright, let''s go back to the main topic, shall we?"


    Qia took a deep breath in response.


    "Yes."


    Rean then started first.


    "You know very well what I want, information so that my sect can be ready in case a war starts or a new emperor goes up to the throne. I know that the main reason for your Imperial Family to like the Communication System so much is how good it would be if a war really starts. If we really marry, I will definitely use this status to pry into the Imperial Family''s information."


    Qia nodded. She already knew it from the very start.


    "I know. I also have a proposal for you. As you know, Imperial Family members have very little freedom when it comes to their personal life. Whether it is men or women, we are all expected to live and die for the empire, including political marriages. Gender has no meaning in our family."


    "I want to confirm something with you. Are you intending to have a family, or do you want to leave me alone if we marry?"


    Rean was happy to see that they were on the same page.


    "I intend to leave you alone. If you are afraid of me forcing my way to impregnate you, then you can rest assured. Just the advantages I get from the marriage itself are more than enough. In exchange, you can have your freedom. I don''t even mind if you fall in love and start living with the man you like while at it either. You can even start a family with him as far as I''m concerned."


    Qia was supposed to be happy to hear that. Rean was indeed giving her total and complete freedom to do whatever she wanted. However, she couldn''t help but feel angry with that total lack of interest in her.


    "Do you need to say it like that? I feel like you would rather die than have a family with me."


    Rean looked at Qia with a puzzled expression as he asked.


    "Woman, wasn''t total freedom what you wanted?"


    Qia nodded.


    "It is, but you could put it in a better way. All those details were unnecessary."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders in response.


    "Well, those words are not far from the truth either. That being said, we might as well ignore each other''s existence when we don''t need to be present together. Of course, your freedom will be limited at the start since I will need your presence when I participate in the Imperial Family''s business."


    Qia gritted her teeth as she looked at Rean. What does he mean by ''it''s not far from the truth?'' He already healed her body completely, so she was back to being a beauty both in and out of clothes. He could at least show a little interest, no? As a princess of the Empire, Qia''s pride couldn''t help but get a little hurt.


    Rean didn''t notice that as he continued to talk, though.


    "But don''t worry. Once the issue with the throne succession and the war is over, there will be no need to stay close to each other anymore. People can keep thinking that we are married as much as they want. Both you and I will simply follow our own paths and do whatever we want after that. I simply won''t care about what you do at all."


    He came from Earth, a modern world where this kind of thing was not a big deal to start with. He simply couldn''t care less about what others might think about him since he and Qia would never really be in a real relationship to start with.


    However, he soon noticed Qia''s dark face as she stared at him.


    "Hum? Is there something you didn''t like? This should be a pretty good deal between the two of us."


    It was at this moment that Rean received a message from Roan.


    ''Are you not finished yet?''


    That sudden question made Rean lose his focus for a moment as he answered Roan.


    ''I''m almost finished. I should go back s-''


    However, that small lack of attention made him fail to notice Qia approaching him.


    *Pah!*


    Suddenly, Qia grabbed both of Rean''s cheeks, much to his confusion. But just as he was about to ask what she wanted, Qia forced a kiss on him, just like what he did to her back in the Tea Shop!


    Rean''s eyes opened wide as the girl didn''t hold back. As far as he could remember, that wasn''t part of the plan.

 Chapter 403 - Information

    Only a few seconds later did Qia release Rean before getting away from him.


    "This..."


    Rean''s mind was still blank. There was no one around, so why would she do that?


    "What''s the meaning of this?"


    Qia, with a face as red as a tomato, noticed that she had gone too far. It''s just that Rean''s attitude had really pissed her off. How could he have absolutely no interest in her even after the kiss in the Tea Shop? She couldn''t accept that. That''s why she forced herself to do that. Of course, she now regretted it very much as she tried to think about an excuse.


    "Th-That means I accepted your deal. Since that''s the case, we will have to do a marriage ceremony. This ki-ki-kiss was just practice when the kissing part arrives. Yes, that''s just it, definitely!"


    Rean finally nodded.


    "Oh! So that''s what it was about..."


    However, Rean''s mouth twitched a second later as he thought.


    ''Like hell it was! Just practice your head! If that''s the case, why are you all red like that? You can''t even look at my face correctly!''


    Roan might have accepted such a lousy excuse due to his denseness, but Rean was different. Still, he didn''t say those words out loud. On the surface, he was really accepting that obviously ridiculous excuse.


    Qia finally turned around and walked away while saying.


    "An-Anyway, that''s it. I''ll have to talk with my parents and my Master after this. They will maintain contact with you and Droman later. Oh, right! Since this is a marriage, you will have to bring your parents for the ceremony too."


    Rean was taken aback. However, he didn''t have time to ask more things because Qia dashed away as soon as she said those words.


    ''This girl... What will I do with her? She didn''t seem to have any interest in me a few moments ago, so why did she do it?''


    Rean pondered a bit before shrugging his shoulders.


    ''Oh well, whatever. I''ll deal with it another time.''


    Rean could only do that since Roan was already waiting for him back in their room in the Dalamu Residence. With the teleport formations in the city, Rean only took a few minutes to arrive there, though.


    "Alright, I''m here now."


    Roan nodded.


    "So, what happened with your talk with Qia?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head before saying.


    "So far, it seems like she accepted the fake marriage deal. The idea is that we will use each other for our own benefit. She will be with me when I come to the Imperial City to check the Imperial Family''s situation. When we aren''t doing it, she is free to go or do whatever she wants. This way, she will be released from the burden of following the Imperial Family''s decisions regarding political marriage and other things. After all, her Master''s idea was to have her marrying into my family, and not the other way around."


    Roan nodded.


    "I don''t know how the hell you turned out like that, but it doesn''t matter. The fact you''ll have access to close information from inside is more than worthy enough. Even you had to have children with her, it would still be worth it."


    Sure enough, Roan only cared about succeeding in putting Calina on the throne. Whether Rean would have a hundred children or not didn''t matter as long as it was beneficial.


    "Like hell, it would. Sigh... whatever, it is useless to tell you such things. Let''s go back to the main topic. I found out who rebelled against the Imperial Family."


    Roan didn''t seem surprised.


    "I found that out as well. Thanks to Old Worm''s Class A identification, the Dark Web Organization released everything they knew so far."


    "Old Worm?"


    Roan nodded, and he began to explain. Obviously, Rean was shocked to hear that Old Worm''s connections went that deep in the Capital.


    "Truly... Just who is Old Worm? Well, Mia and Ancestor Zuan probably know something. We can ask them once we go back."


    Roan shook his head.


    "Leave it. Something tells me that it would be useless to ask them anyway. As long as Old Worm has nothing against us, then so be it."


    Rean thought that Roan would be the one most curious about it.


    "Well... If you say so..."


    Rean then changed the topic.


    "Anyway, you also know that Vagro, Calina''s Father, was the one who rebelled. It also happened right after she received the information that Calina was attacked in the Profound Abyss. What do we say to Calina?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "There''s nothing we should say. Make sure you stay quiet so that Calina''s training won''t be affected."


    Rean nodded, not finding it too surprising. Although he thought that keeping it a secret was not right, they truly needed her to show results before focusing on something else. Calina seemed to love her parents, so chances were that she would rush back to the Capital if she found out the truth.


    "Very well. Nevertheless, Calina will find about it sooner or later. Did the Dark Web Organization know what happened to Vagro and Calina''s mother?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he threw the Jade Slips to Rean for him to check. Rean then spent some time analyzing the information on them.


    "What? How come they disappeared?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "I have no idea. However, the information says that Vagro encountered the Emperor before the event happened. As to what they talked about, no one knew. I believe it has something to do with the fact that Vagro is married to a woman of the Chrole Empire."


    Rean then thought about a possibility.


    "Do you think Calina''s parents were sent to the Chrole Empire?"


    "That''s a possibility. I have my doubts whether there was really a rebellion or not. Maybe it was used as an excuse for something else."


    "Indeed. If you think about it, the Soul Gem System selected Calina instead of the other princes and princesses. Perhaps this situation with her parents was part of the reason the Soul Gem System chose her. Of course, this is just a possibility."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "In any case, I don''t think Calina''s parents are dead. That being said, there is no need to alarm the girl just yet."


    Rean nodded before changing the topic once again.


    "The Jade Slip says that the situation in the Imperial Family isn''t that bad yet. It''s basically just as we thought after analyzing the Soul Gem System''s quest details. However, it seems like we did find something new."


    Rean then looked in a particular direction through the window as he continued.


    "The Prime Minister, Huan Qelol. He''s the one keeping this delicate balance so that an internal war doesn''t start."


    Surprisingly, the Prime Minister of the Empire wasn''t anyone from the Sasamil Family or the Subordinate Clans. Instead, it was a man who came from a middle-class country. From the information available about Huan Qelol, they found out that he controls an immense power inside the court, only losing to the Emperor himself.


    All the princes and princesses did their best to curry up Huan''s favor on their side. However, he was keeping a neutral position so far. His neutral position wasn''t only about who he would support to be the next Emperor or Empress. He also had no opinions about this war against the Chrole Empire.


    None of the princes and princesses wanted to provoke this man. If they did that and he decided to support someone else to the throne, their chances of ascending to the throne would be cut by more than half. At the same time, if they can bring him to their side, their ascending chances would be much higher.


    Still, the thing that all princes and princesses valued the most on him was his relation to the Emperor. As long as Huan chose one side, there would be a good chance that the Emperor would hear his opinion. The Emperor still had the largest influence in the court and in the Empire. His cultivation was also unfathomable. Few believed that force would be enough to take the throne from him. However, Huan''s words could make everything much faster.


    "What do you think? Can we get that guy''s support?"


    Roan snorted.


    "At the moment? Impossible! Calina is far from being a good enough material for an empress. Even if she was, why would he side with her? In fact, I believe he will keep his neutrality until the very end. Or at least, until the Emperor makes his move."


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he looked at Roan.


    "You have said the same thing in the past, but you still haven''t told me what move is that?"


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s because I don''t know what it is. I only have a few guesses. However, I''m even more sure that the Emperor''s move will come with the information about this prime minister."


    Rean understood where Roan was coming from.


    "Are you telling that the Prime Minister is keeping the balance because the Emperor asked him to do so?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Exactly. Of course, this is just a possibility. Still, I''m pretty sure I''m right. In fact, I think all the princes and princesses who are fighting for the throne already noticed that as well. Nonetheless, they haven''t given up yet. They only had to find a way to convince Huan that their side was right."


    Rean narrowed his eyes.


    "Now that I think about it, the Emperor hasn''t selected a Crown Prince or Princess yet, right?"


    Roan confirmed.

 Chapter 404 - Personal Spy

    "Alright. You said that at the moment, it would be impossible to obtain Huan''s support. What do you mean by that? I can''t see a way to get his support in the future."


    Roan shook his head.


    "That''s not what I meant. Huan is just a balance keeper. I might be wrong, but he will only support the one the Emperor says to. The other princes and princesses probably know that as well. The good thing about this information is that we know we have time for sure. Before, we were basing our assumptions on the description of the Soul Gem System quest, after all."


    Rean nodded.


    "Okay, let''s leave Huan aside for now. The information in the Jade Slips mentioned strange movements in the Chrole Empire. That it probably had something to do with the selection of the next Emperor in our own Empire. The Chrole Imperial Family issued an order that all its countries are prohibited from engaging in a war against each other."


    "I know. There is no doubt that they''re saving their forces and resources. As you know, the Chrole Empire already knew about the general circumstances in Sasamil. They are an Empire located in a harsh environment where it snows almost all the time. Naturally, their total combat power is smaller than Sasamil. They can''t allow their forces to keep killing each other before a conclusion happens here."


    Rean and Roan then kept discussing a few more issues and how to proceed. Finally, they settled almost everything except for one thing.


    "Okay. That''s all for now. Let''s focus on the exam a month from now before trying anything else."


    Rean shook his head in response.


    "There is one more thing I would like to try."


    "One more thing? What''s it?"


    Rean then looked in the jail''s direction where Tissan was located. Obviously, Roan noticed that.


    "What do you want to do?"


    Rean then sighed as he scratched the back of his head.


    "We can''t really kill the guy, right? If he was some trash like that Nulian Sarsol that you got as a target, I wouldn''t care less. But he was just suppressed because of his choices and the problem with his Pure Yin Body. We can''t really blame him for holding a grudge against the Sasamil Imperial Family."


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    "Just keep him locked there until the day we go away. He was not a target given by the Shadow Reapers, so no one can complain if he suddenly appears again. Whatever Gval thinks about it would be his problem. I doubt he will have the guts to come after me because I fooled him."


    Rean shook his head.


    "I have a much better use for him. As you know, Qia and I will get this fake marriage, but it will not be as if I can stay in the capital all the time. That being said, it would be good if we could leave behind one more contact to check the situation."


    Roan understood what Rean meant.


    "And how will you do that exactly? Don''t forget that his cultivation issue got him expelled from the Imperial Palace. Also, he''s a drag, which makes the Imperial Family hate him even more."


    Rean nodded.


    "Don''t worry. Although the cross-dressing thing is not seen as a good thing, the main reason Tissan got expelled was still his cultivation defect. As long as he can normally cultivate again, he will be able to go back. We can also talk with him that he can''t show himself like that for the time being."


    Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Can you fix his cultivation defect?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "I have an idea. In any case, I want your opinion. Do you think Tissan would do the dirty work for us if I could fix his cultivation?"


    Roan pondered a bit as he thought about Tissan''s reactions so far. He was pretty sure that the guy hated the Imperial Family, so he most likely wouldn''t mind gathering information for them.


    "There is a good chance that he would. We would need to check his opinion first, though. As for him reporting it back to the Imperial Family about us, I find it unlikely as long as you can really help him."


    Rean''s eyes lit up before nodding.


    "Very well. Let''s go get our personal spy."


    Rean then turned to look in Sister Orb''s direction before asking.


    "Sister Orb, the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm is under your control, right? Do you think you can prevent Yin Energy from entering the jail Space? Also, would you be able to send all the Yang Energy inside instead?"


    [Oh! If it was outside, it would be extremely difficult. However, as long as you are inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, this is easy. However, I will have to open a passage to the outside world so I can replenish the Yang Energy that I''ll send to you to keep the balance in the Realm.]


    Rean didn''t mind.


    "That''s good enough. We have our room outside anyway. Just open a passage there. Also, I will need you to allow Spiritual Energy to circulate inside."


    [Alright.]


    As Rean and Roan entered the concealment formation, Sister Orb opened a small passage to the outside world. Simultaneously, she separated the Yin Energy around the cage and waited for Rean to ask her to start.


    Inside, Tissan had been feeling quite bored. Ever since Rean and Roan left, he had nothing else to do. He tried to cultivate, but it was useless since there was no Spiritual Energy available in the Jail. Not that he thought he would succeed this time anyway.


    The door opened as the twins entered with their appearances modified again. Seeing that, Tissan couldn''t help but feel a little nervous. After all, they might really have decided to simply take his life. There was nothing he could do in that case either, nor there was much he could offer them. Nonetheless, he tried to keep a cheerful expression.


    "Oh! It''s the two Masters. Is there anything I can do for you? Remember, my golden hands are always free for use."


    Rean shook his head as Roan just stayed on the side to hear.


    "Ahem... that''s not why I came here."


    Rean''s expression then turned serious as he asked.


    "Tissan, right? What if I say I have a way to fix your cultivation defect?"


    Tissan''s smile immediately froze as his eyes opened wide. However, he quickly came back to normal.


    "Sigh... There is no need for this Master to play such tricks with me. You probably want something from me, and when you get it, you will fix my cultivation, right? I don''t want to sound rude, but you will need to do much better than that. I have tried almost everything that you two might come up with. Believe me, they don''t work. Not only that, but I got a lot of side effects too."


    Rean shook his head.


    "Whether I''m lying or not, you will know in a second. Take off your shirt."


    Tissan couldn''t help but look weirdly at Rean.


    "Young Master... I might be even more beautiful than a woman, but I''m still a man nonetheless. Don''t be fooled just because women''s clothes look marvelous in this god''s body. Oh~! Being this beautiful is really such a sin!"


    Rean''s mouth twitched. Can this guy be any more narcissistic?


    "Who the hell is interested in your body? I just need to touch the part of your body closest to your dantian, idiot. Shut up and take your shirt off already!"


    "Oh! So that''s what it was. Why didn''t you say that earlier?"


    Tissan then took off his clothes, as Rean mentioned. Usually, Rean would only need to hold someone''s hands, and that would be enough. But this time, he wanted to make sure he had full control of what he was going to try.


    "Sister Orb, send the Yang Energy and release the Spiritual Energy."


    [Alright!]


    As Sister Orb did that, Rean took several Rank Three Spirit Stones and put them around. Soon after, he controlled and used all the Spiritual Energy to gather the Light Element. Light Element had the purest Yang energy, so the more he manipulated, the more Yang Energy he would get.


    Tissan didn''t even try to ask what he was going to do. If they wanted him dead, what would be the point of all this commotion? There was simply no reason for him to resist anything that Rean was doing.


    Rean then looked at Tissan before saying.


    "Don''t try to resist me. Keep your foundation as open as possible."


    Tissan nodded before taking a deep breath.


    Rean then touched the skin close to Tissan''s Dantian before all the Light Element rushed inside like torrents. Immediately, Tissan felt his Dantian inflate like a balloon! He even thought it was going to burst apart. However, such a thing didn''t happen. Still, he didn''t understand what Rean was trying to do.


    It was at this moment that his Spiritual Sense saw something incredible coming out of his Dantian. Strands of energy began to come out of his Dantian. They were frigid to the point where they could freeze water in a second!


    Fortunately, they didn''t spread around his body. Instead, they were immediately absorbed by Rean''s hands. Tissan didn''t know, but those strands were made of pure Yin Energy, highly concentrated, in fact.


    As Rean absorbed that, he nodded.


    "As I thought. It is really possible to use mine and the ice block''s power to force it out."

 Chapter 405 - Surpassing Expectations

    Suddenly, Roan felt some Yin Energy passing through his and Rean''s connection.


    "I see, you are forcefully driving out all the Yin Energy inside his Dantian."


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes. It''s not a permanent fix, but it should be enough for some time. Yin Energy is not something that instantly accumulates. That''s why he was also able to break through into the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm."


    However, Roan found it a little strange.


    "Wasn''t his Dantian using Yin Energy to cultivate? If you drive all of it out, will it not negatively affect him?"


    Sister Orb was the one to answer that question.


    [No. What Tissan has is a Pure Yin Body. His Dantian is still normal.]


    Roan finally understood.


    "I see, so that''s why."


    Rean also explained.


    "Sister Orb is right. However, his cultivation level will definitely drop from the Middle Stage to the very start of the Initial Stage after I''m done. He''s a man. He has to have Yang Energy to keep the balance of his cultivation. Keeping his Middle Stage Energy Gathering Realm would be a terrible idea since it is being sustained by Yin Energy."


    [I wonder just how marvelous it would be if he was a woman. This amount of Yin Energy would be simply too good. Alas...]


    Rean shook his head.


    "Don''t worry, Sister Orb. His Pure Yin Body would not be that bad in the end. Once I fill his Dantian with Yang Energy, the Yin Energy that his body naturally produces will definitely complement it. It won''t be as good as a woman with a Pure Yin Body, but he will definitely be above ordinary people."


    Roan then said.


    "I understand what you are doing. You will seal an enormous amount of Yang Energy in his Dantian so that his own body''s Natural Yin Energy will interact with it. Because he has a Pure Yin Body, it will help a lot to keep the Yang Energy sealed there for his own use. Naturally, his cultivation will start to progress smoothly as long as there is still Yang Energy remaining. I guess only you, who can control Light Element that can''t damage his Datian, can do it."


    "However, what will happen after he uses all the Yang Energy available? It''s not like you can stay by his side forever, right?"


    Rean laughed before answering.


    "Isn''t that perfect? We need a loyal spy. As long as he keeps gathering information for us, I will keep providing him with Light Element Yang Energy so that he can cultivate. Otherwise, he will definitely stagnate again. Or could it be that you feel bad for him to be trapped in this situation?"


    Roan looked at Rean with some surprise in his eyes.


    "I didn''t expect that you could come up with such an idea. However, you know me enough to understand that I would definitely use this kind of option. Obviously, I won''t complain."


    Roan then narrowed his eyes.


    "However, a naive idiot like you wouldn''t do it on purpose, right? Let me guess, it''s just a coincidence that it ended like this. Otherwise, you would probably heal him completely since you feel pity for the drag."


    Rean then looked in the distance as if he hasn''t heard anything.


    "Today is such a nice day, don''t you think?"


    Roan''s mouth twitched. What fucking nice day was he talking about? They were inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. There is no such thing as day or night inside here.


    Of course, all that conversation was made through their soul connection so that Tissan wouldn''t hear.


    Tissan kept paying attention to his cultivation when all of a sudden, he noticed it dropping.


    "Ah! My cultivation!"


    Sure enough, his cultivation dropped from the Middle Stage to the Initial Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm. Not only that, it was quickly regressing even more.


    "Yo-Young Master..."


    Tissan felt like crying. It took him an eternity to achieve that breakthrough, but it was now gone, just like that.


    "Shut up, idiot! Just observe as your grandfather here does his work."


    Tissan was feeling gloomy. He thought that Rean''s method failed, and he was simply finding some excuse. However, if he was already harmless in the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm, let alone now in the Initial Stage. He could only look as those strands of frigid energy kept coming out as his cultivation dropped even more.


    Rean ignored the guy''s tears and concentrated on the job. In the end, Rean spent almost two hours doing that. Finally, Rean noticed that he was almost done.


    "Great! Now, for the last push..."


    Several more Spirit Stones appeared around Rean as he began to frenziedly absorb them. In fact, he was doing that quite poorly, so a lot of the Spiritual Energy was being lost in the process. That''s because Rean didn''t want to slowly use them correctly. He just wanted as much as possible in a single go.


    *Puff, puff, puff, puff, puff...*


    The Spirit Stones then began to turn into dust one after another.


    "This is enough."


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    The Third Form began to clean Tissan''s body of all the poison left behind by the many different pills and medicines he tried in the past. The Second Form recovered the damage left behind by them, as for the First Form...


    "Alright, you better be ready. A show is about to start."


    Sister Orb and Roan looked at Tissan, not understanding what Rean meant by that. Tissan''s body faintly shone with Light Element, which obviously showed that he was under the effect of First Form of the Life Style.


    Tissan also heard Rean''s words and didn''t quite understand what he meant with that either. However, his confusion only lasted for a few moments. Suddenly, Tissan''s body erupted with a ridiculous amount of Spiritual Energy!


    "Argh!"


    Immediately, Tissan felt like his body was about to explode. However, Rean kept his hand on Tissan''s body as he continued to keep the First Form of the Life Style active. Thanks to the Enhancement of his capabilities, Tissan''s body was barely holding itself.


    It was then that all that Spiritual Energy began to rush into his Dantian like a torrential wave. Not only that, but because of his Pure Yin Body, that Spiritual Energy was full of Yin Energy as well.


    Tissan gritted his teeth as he squeezed the words from his mouth.


    "Wh-What is ha-happening?"


    Rean then explained.


    "You have consumed way too many medicines with powerful effects in your life. However, you simply couldn''t absorb it at all because of your cultivation defect. Now that your fault is temporarily fixed, your Dantian is taking it all back. It''s just that your Dantian had been hungry for way too long, so it''s acting just a little bit overboard."


    Just a little bit? Tissan felt like he would die any second now. Of course, with Rean there, it didn''t really happen. There was another point as well. As mentioned before, all the Spiritual Energy was full of Yin Energy as always, thanks to his Pure Yin Body. Usually, it would be useless since the same situation as the past would repeat itself.


    However, Rean already sealed a ridiculously massive amount of Yang Energy inside Tissan''s Dantian. His Pure Yin Body was making sure to not let it escape. The moment that Spiritual Energy full of Yin Energy entered his Dantian, the Yin Energy immediately fused with that Yang Energy available. Yin and Yang complement each other. That being said, Tissan''s cultivation began to swell like a balloon as well!


    First, Tissan went through the entire Energy Gathering Realm Initial Stage!


    *Boom!*


    Without even feeling a bottleneck, he broke through Energy Gathering Realm Middle Stage! But that didn''t stop there. A few minutes later...


    *Boom!*


    Another burst of Spiritual Energy came out of Tissan''s body. Late Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm achieved!


    Even Rean was surprised with the amount of Spiritual Energy present in his body.


    ''Perhaps this is also a side effect of his Pure Yin Body.''


    Rean then asked Tissan.


    "As part of the Imperial Family, you definitely received a good cultivation technique. Do you know the part about the breakthrough to Foundation Establishment?"


    Tissan nodded his head with some difficulty.


    "Good. Keep that in mind since you will probably need it."


    Tissan was delighted to hear that. However, the pain quickly reminded him that it wasn''t over yet.


    Sure enough...


    *Boom!*


    One more wave of Spiritual Energy and Tissan''s cultivation progressed to the Peak Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm. Finally, the thing Rean said happened. Tissan reached the limit of the Energy Gathering Realm. Immediately, Tissan concentrated on his own cultivation technique as he began his breakthrough.


    Rean also took a few Spirit Stones out, afraid that Tissan would run out of Energy during the breakthrough.


    Tissan quickly formed the pillar of his cultivation as the Spiritual Pool in his dantian dried up. One had to take their hats off to the Imperial Family''s techniques. Tissan''s breakthrough went really smoothly. Not only that, but he surpassed Rean''s expectations by creating a total of Seven Foundation Pillars! That''s an impressive number that would rank him between the top of the Imperial Family''s geniuses.


    Finally, the Spiritual Energy in Tissan''s body ran out. But it was still enough to bring Tissan halfway through the Initial Stage of the Foundation Establishment.


    *Thud!*


    Right after, Tissan fell to the ground as he lost his consciousness. Rean didn''t find it strange since his body went through an enormous burden just now.


    "Alright. Let Tissan recover on his own. We can talk to him when he wakes up."

 Chapter 406 - Let Me Hear

    Rean returned to the Formations Guild Repository after that since he had already been out for a few hours. There, he found out that Tulia came to talk with Droman about the marriage. Qia had been faster than Rean and told Tulia that she also accepted that. Of course, on the surface, the two just pretended that this was a marriage full of emotions since others were looking at them.


    After explaining to Rean what happened, Droman changed to Spiritual Sense Messages.


    ''So, she accepted this fake marriage, right?''


    Rean didn''t know if he should say yes or not.


    ''I''m not sure. Droman, what do you think about this?''


    There wasn''t really a reason to hide what happened from Droman, so Rean decided to ask his opinion.


    ''Well... She was obviously angry that you disregarded her this much.''


    ''But I thought that being disregarded was what she exactly wanted. After all, if I don''t care, it means she has her freedom, right?''


    Droman sighed...


    ''You are too inexperienced. The problem was that you said way too much. In the end, Qia didn''t feel like she was getting her freedom because of the agreement. She probably felt like she had her freedom because you didn''t show the least bit of interest in her, especially her body. Rean, you are not your brother, so you can at least understand why right?''


    Rean scratched his head as he nodded.


    ''I understand. I hurt Qia''s pride as a young and beautiful woman. That''s why she did that.''


    Droman nodded.


    ''Correct, but not entirely.''


    ''What you mean?''


    Droman smiled before saying.


    ''Hahaha! Well, that''s quite simple. Even if her pride had been hurt, would a princess really force herself to kiss you just because you didn''t ''see'' her? I''ll be honest, I find it almost impossible. You told me how you played with Luina and Illia to even undress in front of Roan, which made me laugh for almost an entire day. However, why do you think that hilarious and ridiculous plan worked out?''


    Rean was Droman''s direct disciple, so Juvian obviously told him what he saw when the twins left the war zone with the three girls and Kentucky. When Droman asked Rean how he achieved that, Rean laughed out loud and explained. From the very start, Rean and Roan knew that they were being followed, so it was not like what Rean and Malaka did was supposed to be a secret anyway.


    Rean then answered Droman''s question almost immediately.


    ''Because the two girls like Ro-''


    ''...''


    ''Oh...''


    Droman was happy that Rean wasn''t as oblivious to this kind of matter as Roan.


    ''It seems like you understood the reason. I can''t tell if Qia is really in deep love with you or if this is just a start. But one thing is certain, there is definitely some feeling behind her actions. Otherwise, she would definitely not have gone that far only because you hurt her pride. At most, she would have argued or started a fight with you.''


    Rean sighed as he began to ponder.


    ''What do I do now? I really don''t have an interest in starting a relationship. She is a beautiful girl. However...''


    Rean didn''t say that, but he still felt like she was way too young for him. It isn''t easy to wipe out one''s mentality after living 31 years in another world. People saw the huge disparity in ages as a bad thing for couples in Rean''s previous life. Although Rean didn''t care about anything due to his soul problem, it didn''t change the fact that he knew about it.


    Droman didn''t know what Rean was thinking.


    ''Well, it''s still not late. You said that you pretended to accept that ''marriage ceremony training'' excuse, right? Just treat her as if nothing had happened since she was the one who came up with that justification. Make sure to not say things that could hurt her pride again. Perhaps her feelings will die out before it grows into something more serious.''


    Rean couldn''t help but feel grateful to Droman. Even though his two lives together put him above the age of 40, Droman has lived several times more than that amount of time. He was obviously much more experienced than Rean.


    But it was then that Rean thought about something.


    ''By the way, I''ve never heard about you having a wife. Are you single, Elder Droman?''


    Droman was taken aback for a moment before laughing out loud.


    ''Hahaha! Well, at the moment, I really am.''


    Rean looked at him with a slightly puzzled gaze, so Droman explained.


    ''It''s nothing hard to understand. You do know that I''m already close to 500 years old, right? It just so happens that my wife passed away of old age a long time ago. Since then, I didn''t really feel like looking for another partner. My memories of her are still in my head, so I can''t bring myself to do so.''


    Rean didn''t know what to say as he dropped his head a little. He should have thought this much instead of asking.


    ''Sorry, Elder Droman.''


    However...


    *Pah!*


    Droman slapped Rean''s back head.


    "What are you all gloomy about? There had been hardships during our married life. However, my dead wife and I were very happy until the day she died, alright?"


    Droman then returned his attention to the books on the table before saying.


    Rean rubbed the back of his head as he nodded with a smile.


    "Alright!"


    In Roan''s case, he decided to go check the target he should get rid of. The fastest way would be the Dark Web Organization, but that would cost money. Assassins were in this business to make a profit, not lose money. That being said, Roan investigated the guy all by himself. Besides, Rean couldn''t always come out. That being said, Roan wanted to learn more about him first.


    The reason for his mission to be considered a High-Level one wasn''t his own personal power. Instead, it was the protection he put around him. He never walked around without at least a few guards, all of them in the Core Formation Realm, just like him.


    As for his home, it had many formations to warn him about intruders. It was quite a common practice between those with many enemies. Rean''s Light and Spiritual Energy bending skills wouldn''t be enough to escape the formations.


    ''If I want him dead, his house will be a problem. Unlike Tissan, who didn''t expect that anyone would attack him, this guy knows what to expect.''


    ''Sister Orb, can you take control over those formations?''


    [That won''t work. I can only control one formation at a time. If you want me to do something similar, you will need to wait so that I can analyze all of them and gain access. Then I can try to take control of them one by one and turn them off. However, I''m pretty sure he would notice it as soon as possible. Analyzing the formations and knowing to tell what they do is different from controlling them.]


    Roan nodded, not minding too much.


    ''In that case, I''ll need to act outside his house.''


    Roan pondered for a bit.


    [What are you planning to do?]


    ''The streets are out of the question since there are always many Spiritual Senses spread around, and not just the target''s spiritual sense. It will be difficult to avoid people''s attention, especially if their cultivations are high. Nightingale''s skills have a limit to the power of the Spiritual Sense that can be bent. If we attack in broad daylight, there is bound to be a few of these Spiritual Senses that would see us.''


    ''That being said, it has to be a closed space with anti-Spiritual Sense formations, just like Tissan''s building. His house has too many Alarming Formations, which leaves us with other places.''


    [What other places?]


    ''This guy is obviously the type who likes to flaunt his riches. After all, he''s making a fortune by destroying other businesses. I refuse to believe that he only goes to his own house and to the bank. Let''s keep following him from a distance.''


    Even without Rean, Roan didn''t have much difficulty if all he had to do was follow someone from afar. He then spent the next ten days going everywhere Nulian went. Sure enough, Nulian liked to frequent expensive shops and even brothels. Roan just had to find the one with the least amount of security and that Nulian would be sure to visit.


    ''This shall be the one.''


    [A brothel? Why not a shop instead? This place has much more people than those expensive places Nulian liked to visit.]


    Roan snorted but didn''t explain. After that, he turned around and returned to the Dalamu Residence.


    Surprisingly, Rean was also there when he returned.


    "Did Droman finally release you for a while?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Yes, but that''s not all. I came back mainly because Tissan finally woke up. So, wanna go inside to check the guy?"


    Roan checked the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and confirmed that Tissan had indeed woke up. In the end, they had to put Sister Orb to take care of him during all this time.


    "Alright."


    Rean and Roan then entered the concealment formation before getting inside the jail. As soon as they came back, Tissan''s eyes lit up. However, he didn''t move since his body was aching all over.


    "So-Sorry, young masters. I really wanted to thank you properly, but I feel like my body will kill me every time I try to move a muscle."


    Rean shook his head.


    "We don''t care about it. We came to talk about what we want from you."


    Tissan''s expression didn''t even change. He knew his recovery wouldn''t come for free.


    "Let me hear."

 Chapter 407 - Leaving With Tissan

    Rean was quite frank with him as he said.


    "We won''t be able to stay behind forever, so we need someone who can gather information of what is happening in the Imperial Family. Now that I have helped you recover your ability to cultivate, the Imperial Family shouldn''t be able to keep you outside."


    "However, you will also need to stop this cross-dressing habit of yours for the time being. At least, until the next Emperor or Empress appears. You can''t give them other reasons to expel you from the Imperial Palace anymore."


    Tissan couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Hahaha- Ouch!"


    "Even laughing makes my body hurt... Anyway, that''s everything you want? I didn''t think you would ask for something so simple. Of course, that would be simple because I can live in the Imperial Palace once again. However, I told you before, my position in there is quite low, so it''s not like I might find anything crucial anytime soon."


    Rean shook his head.


    "That''s not a problem. What we really want to know is if the situation inside starts to get out of control. At the moment, it doesn''t seem like it will happen, so it''s okay. Of course, if you do find something, you can tell us as well. There might even be a bonus in there for you depending on what you find."


    Tissan nodded.


    "Alright."


    Roan glanced at Tissan.


    "You are accepting it all quite easily, no?"


    Tissan didn''t care, though.


    "So what? It''s not like I care about what will happen to them. The important part is that I can cultivate now. As for the majority, they can go to hell!"


    "Majority? Not everyone?"


    Tissan was taken aback for a moment.


    "Well, it''s not like everyone treated me badly, after all. There are always exceptions to the norm."


    Rean nodded.


    "Okay. As long as you keep updating us about what is happening inside, you will be able to continue to cultivate."


    Tissan looked at Rean with a puzzled expression.


    "Continue? What do you mean? Haven''t you healed my defect?"


    Rean shook his head before he began to explain to Tissan what the cultivation defection he had was. Only then did Tissan finally understood where the root of the problem was located.


    "I see... So I got a constitution that appears mostly on women, and that is what is blocking my own cultivation path."


    Rean confirmed.


    "Exactly. I sealed a huge amount of Yang Energy in your Dantian, which the Yin Energy that you absorb will interact and fuse with to achieve balance. That will allow you to cultivate again. In fact, your talent will even be above what it shows in the color talent test since the Pure Yin Body is still a powerful constitution. Of course, don''t expect yourself to be considered the same as a Purple Color Talent. It''s not that heaven-defying."


    Tissan couldn''t care less about that.


    "Who cares? I would be happy even if I had brown level talent. Well, there is one problem, though. What will happen once you don''t need information from me anymore? Will I get stuck again? After all, you intend to come to see me every now and then to give me more Yang Energy, right?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "How would I know? I thought about this solution on the spot. In fact, I didn''t even know if it would work or not. It''s just that you and I had nothing to lose. Fortunately, it worked. Perhaps after your cultivation gets higher, you can counterattack this side effect of the Pure Yin Body on your own. Anyway, that''s what I can do for you at the moment."


    Tissan thought about the chances and found it hard to believe that Rean was lying. After all, he had never heard about a man with a Pure Yin Body, only women. It would indeed be hard to believe he knew the solution beforehand. In any case, it is not like he had a chance.


    "So... How long will the Yang Energy inside my Dantian last?"


    Rean smiled before touching Tissan again. Right after, he began to send Yang Energy inside once more. After all, Tissan had already used a lot of the previous Yang Energy he left to achieve all those breakthroughs. Tissan could feel his Dantian more or less swollen as well. Finally, Rean finished the process.


    "I''m not entirely sure, but I believe it should last around half a year. You will need to come to me if you want to recharge it again. Well, as a member of the Imperial Family, I don''t think you would have a problem to travel around, right?"


    Tissan nodded.


    "That is simple. But, how do you want me to pass you the information ahead?"


    Rean then threw a bag to Tissan.


    "Inside, you have quite a few thought transmission talismans. Just use them to send out the gist of what is happening there."


    Tissan took a look at the talismans inside and couldn''t help but gasp.


    "This... They are all very expensive talismans. You guys definitely live quite far from the Capital, no? Otherwise, there wouldn''t be a need for such a level of talismans."


    Rean nodded since there would be no point in denying that.


    Tissan then asked something else.


    "Where should I go to have my Dantian recharged with Yang Energy?"


    Rean smiled.


    "Well, it has already reached this point, so I guess there is no point in hiding anymore."


    Rean then canceled his skill, and his appearance went back to normal. Roan did the same as well. Rean had already used his Light Element to heal Tissan, so it wouldn''t be hard for Tissan to find information about him. After all, he should be the only Light Element user around at the moment.


    Of course, the same way some people use Yin Energy to control Dark Element, others would use Yang Energy to control Light. But then again, they are quite rare as well. So far, Rean hasn''t seen a single one.


    Besides...


    "I''m Rean Larks, a disciple of the Dalamu Sect and the direct disciple of Droman. Every time you want to recharge your Yang Energy, come to Jialin Country in disguise. I know about the deal the Imperial Family has with the Zafa Bank to help with fake identities, so just use that. Go to a city called Majorias and then send me a message. I''ll come out to see you."


    Tissan quickly recorded all the information. Rean was his only chance to continue cultivating. It doesn''t matter how difficult it would be. Tissan will definitely make it happen.


    "Very well, as for how to contact you in the Dalamu Sect, I''ll find a way myself."


    Rean couldn''t help but note.


    "You seem quite more relaxed with all the methods than I thought."


    Tissan laughed once again.


    "Once you have the world against you, you will be forced to learn a few tricks to survive. It''s that simple."


    Rean and Roan nodded. Hardships are truly one of the best ways to quickly making someone grow.


    "Now then, let''s talk about your cultivation. I think there is no need for me to tell you this, but I''ll do it anyway. Your breakthroughs happened way too fast, so your foundation is in a deplorable state at the moment. Let alone cultivating, you won''t even be able to control your Spiritual Energy correctly for some time."


    "From now on during the next two months, you will not cultivate at all. Also, you better get a few cultivation stabilizing pills meant for your Elemental Affinity since the energy inside your Dantian is too chaotic. I fed you with our own pills before, but they were neutral ones, so they aren''t as good."


    "Oh, right. Since you have a Pure Yin Body, you most likely have a water affinity, right?"


    Tissan nodded. At least in Elemental Affinity, his affinity with Water was a lot higher than others.


    "I''ll get Water Element Cultivating Stabilizing Pills after this."


    "Good. Two months later, you can restart your cultivation. However, make sure you take it slowly."


    Tissan shook his head, though.


    "That won''t be necessary. Our Imperial Alchemists also have pills that can help with recovering a lousy foundation. I won''t need to wait two months to recover. I should be able to do it in one. I just can''t wait anymore to see everyone''s expressions. Hahaha!"


    Roan agreed with him.


    "That''s good. If you want to get more involved with the Imperial Family, you will need to show that you deserve such treatment. In your case, keeping a low-profile will only drag you down. The Imperial Family only cares about results, after all."


    The three of them discussed a few more points before they finally finished. Although this was a bet, Rean wasn''t very concerned even if Tissan decided to tell the truth to the Imperial Family. After all, he now had a backup plan. He was going to be Qia''s husband and had Droman''s support. That should be enough.


    "Well, time to give you some help with your body."


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    A burst of Light Element entered Tissan''s body, which quickly began to repair the damage. Suddenly...


    *Pah!*


    Roan knocked Tissan''s head, which immediately made him lose his consciousness.


    "Alright, let''s go out."


    The twins then exited the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and went straight to the building where they had first taken Tissan away. Because Tissan wasn''t present anymore, there were very few guards present. After using Rean''s skills, they quickly reached the upper floors and pulled Tissan out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. They made him sleep since he didn''t know he was in a separate space. It was better to keep it like that. With that done, Rean and Roan made their way out without anyone noticing.

 Chapter 408 - Avoiding

    Although there weren''t a lot of guards remaining after what happened to Tissan, it didn''t mean everyone was gone. There were still workers who kept the place clean as common guards that were already there before Tissan moved in. After all, this was still a building destined for Imperial Family Members.


    One of the maids just so happened to come to clean Tissan''s room later that day when all of a sudden, she noticed the guy sleeping on the bed. Sure enough, that was Tissan, who hasn''t awakened yet.


    "Ah!"


    She was scared to death when she saw Tissan since it was believed that he was dead. Immediately she went out and called the others. Sometime later, Uncle Sam, who had been looking for Tissan all this while, appeared there in a flash.


    "Get out of the way!"


    Sam entered the room and saw Tissan lying there. He immediately took the other aside and Tissan''s hand before sending a wave of Spiritual Energy inside. At the same time, his Spiritual Sense entered Tissan''s body to check if there was any serious injury. However...


    "What?! Initial Stage of Foundation Establishment!"


    Everyone was surprised to hear that since they knew Tissan''s cultivation.


    Still, Uncle Sam quickly calmed down as he fed Tissan with a healing pill. The swollen part on Tissan''s back head slowly disappeared. Finally, Tissan''s eyes moved a little until he finally woke up.


    "Ouch, my head!"


    Uncle Sam sighed in relief as he looked at Tissan.


    "Young Master, you''re finally back."


    Tissan then noticed Uncle Sam in front of him. Following that, he could tell that he was back in his room.


    ''Those two guys... I wasn''t going to escape, you know? Couldn''t they have brought me here normally?''


    Of course, Tissan knew that there must have been a trick behind it for them to move his body around without anyone noticing. Obviously, that was something he couldn''t know about. That was basically Tissan''s tantrum due to his pain.


    Uncle Sam then quickly asked.


    "What happened? You suddenly disappeared out of nowhere! Where did you go? Also, how did your cultivation suddenly jump to the Initial Stage of Foundation Establishment?"


    Tissan nodded before changing into a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Uncle Sam, there is no need to worry. I left on my own volition. It''s just that I wasn''t certain if everything would work fine. In any case, everything went well, so I recovered my ability to cultivate.''


    Sam was surprised to hear that.


    ''It''s great news that you recovered your capability to cultivate. However, was there really a need to keep it hidden from me? If you had told me, I would have given my full support.''


    Tissan shook his head.


    ''This decision wasn''t up to me. But because I had nothing else to lose, I went ahead with the arrangement. Sorry, but I can''t tell you about their identities due to the agreement between me and the other part. Nonetheless, you just need to know that they aren''t people from outside the Empire.''


    Uncle Sam narrowed his eyes. After hearing that, the first thought in his head was that one of the princes or princesses had intervened. However, why would they do such a thing for someone like Tissan?


    ''No, that''s not the point here. It couldn''t possibly be something for free. What did they ask you in exchange for fixing your cultivation?''


    Tissan shook his head.


    ''That''s a secret too. Anyway, there is no need to worry.''


    Tissan then got up before looking at Uncle Sam.


    ''Ask someone to go underground and destroy all my female clothes. I will not be using them anymore.''


    Uncle Sam was shocked! He knew that Tissan considered those clothes as important as his life. Still, he had always asked him to get rid of those things, so he wouldn''t complain.


    ''Very well.''


    Uncle Sam quickly passed the orders to his subordinate, who left right after to complete that task. Tissan then went to his wardrobe and took out the Sasamil Imperial Family''s robe before putting it on.


    "Come, Uncle Sam. It''s time for this prodigal son to go back home. Hahaha!"


    Uncle Sam''s eyes immediately lit up! That''s right. With his cultivation capabilities recovered, Tissan had the right to go back to the Imperial Palace again.


    "Yes, Young Master. We shall go back now."


    Back on Rean''s side, he returned to the Formation Repository to continuing his practice with Droman.


    As for Roan, he practiced his alchemy skills now that he had some free time. Old Worm would oversee it now and then. However, Old Worm was nowhere to be seen most of the time. Well, Roan knew that Old Worm wasn''t simple, so he didn''t try to pry into anything. Just like that, a few more days went by in a flash.


    [Shouldn''t you be trying to kill that Nulian guy?]


    Roan shook his head.


    ''It will be safer if I use Nightingale''s help. There are other methods where I could do it on my own, but they wouldn''t be as practical.''


    Rean, who heard that through their soul connection, laughed after that.


    ''Hahaha! It''s useless, Sister Orb. Don''t forget, Roan will always use everything to get the best result possible. That includes using my abilities even if he hates me to the bones.''


    [Well, I guess so.]


    Roan narrowed his eyes when all of a sudden...


    *Puff!*


    The smell of burnt medicine spread in the room he was staying. Sure enough, Rean can make death lose his patience quite easily.


    ''Instead of talking bullshit, shouldn''t you have gotten some free time from Droman already? I''ve been postponing that trash''s death for quite some time while waiting for you.''


    Rean snorted.


    ''Why do you think I wasted my time saying those things? I''m already out, idiot. Droman finally agreed to give me some time to rest. However, Droman and I only have another free week to use the repository before our time is over. That being said, I won''t be coming out after we finish this job.''


    Roan nodded as he cleaned his cauldron. He could use the Soul Gem System''s cauldron. However, he wanted to be able to concoct even without that. Besides, the alchemy guild''s exam definitely wouldn''t let him use his own cauldron either for the sake of fairness.


    ''That''s good, then. I''ll be waiting for you outside.''


    Rean then left the repository and passed through the Guild''s Main Branch Hall. He also made sure that he didn''t meet Qia anywhere. Ever since he talked about the issue with Qia''s feelings with Droman, he had been trying to avoid her as much as possible. That was his way to not feed the girl''s feelings beyond that starting point.


    "Did you hear? It seems like that trash from the Imperial Family came back."


    "Oh! I heard about him. Tissan, right?"


    "I heard as well. The Sasamil Imperial Family has many direct and indirect descendants, so it''s hard to remember everyone. Still, he caught everyone''s attention when he was driven out of the Palace."


    "Exactly. It seems like not only Tissan couldn''t cultivate at all, he also had some kind of weird habit or whatever. Anyway, why would he come back? He''s just asking for a beating by doing so."


    "That''s the weird thing about it. My uncle works as one of the guards in the Imperial Palace. It seems like the trash''s cultivation defect has been fixed. In the few months he was out of the Palace, his cultivation soared. It went from the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm all the way to the Initial Stage of the Foundation Establishment!"


    "Wait! He was expelled from the Imperial Palace around half a year ago. How did he cultivate that fast?"


    "I don''t know, but the Imperial Family couldn''t really keep him out anymore now that he has recovered his cultivation ability."


    "Hmph! So what? It''s just at the Initial Stage of the Foundation Establishment. Tissan is already 24 this year, right? He''s far behind everyone in his age. Even Imperial Family Members at the same age with Gray Color Talent would be at least an entire realm above him just using the Imperial Family''s resources."


    Rean smiled as he heard all of that.


    ''It seems like Tissan is following the plans well. It would be useless if he didn''t show his presence for everyone to see. Hehe... With his Pure Yin Body and the Purest Yang Energy possible provided by me, his cultivation will soar even faster. Not to mention that his own Yin Energy is almost as pure as Roan for the same reason. You are all in for a surprise.''


    Finally, Rean stepped out of the Formations'' Guild. However, just as he was about to accelerate toward the nearest Teleport Formation, a voice called him from the side.


    "Stop right there!"


    A chill ran through Rean''s back before he bitterly smiled. Sure enough, it was Qia, who he had been doing his best to avoid while pretending that it was all coincidence.


    He wanted nothing more than to run straight away. However, it was because he ignored the girl before she took an interest in him. Since she already caught his presence, ignoring her would probably hurt her so-called ''woman''s pride'' again.


    ''Act normal, act normal... Pretend that you are only considering the fake marriage thing.''


    Rean then looked at Qia with a bright smile.


    "Oh! My bride, I haven''t seen you in some time. That''s a great surprise."


    Qia narrowed her eyes as she looked at Rean''s expression. She didn''t feel even a bit of sincerity there.


    "You, come with me."

 Chapter 409 - Mutual Love

    Rean scratched the back of his head as he followed Qia. While they walked, she began to talk through Spiritual Sense Message.


    "What''s wrong with you? I have the feeling that you''ve been avoiding me for some time already."


    Rean immediately denied that notion.


    "Why would I do that? We already confirmed that we would accept this fake marriage thing since it would benefit both of us. If we didn''t find each other in the last few days, that was just a coincidence."


    Obviously, that wasn''t. But Rean wouldn''t say that.


    Qia narrowed her eyes before looking back at him.


    "Was it because of what I did?"


    "What you did?"


    Rean pretended to think about that question.


    "What did you do exactly?"


    "That day before I left, I k-k-kissed you, remember?"


    Rean nodded as if he had been enlightened.


    "Oh! That''s what you are talking about. Don''t worry, I know you did that for the sake of practice. Besides, I also did the same thing to you, so I guess it isn''t a big deal. Don''t worry, I won''t have second thoughts just because of that. I know you have no feelings towards me either. It''s just..."


    "Just what?"


    Rean then scratched the back of his head as he said.


    "Well, you are a beauty yourself, so you made me feel a little flustered there."


    At the same time, Rean was thinking.


    ''It is really hard to keep a balance between showing interest in her as a woman while keeping feelings like love out of the picture.''


    Qia was taken aback by those words. However, Rean did quite well since that was the reaction she was looking for. She then looked away as she proclaimed.


    "O-Of course! I also felt somewhat embarrassed, even though it was just practice. You would need to be a stone to not feel anything..."


    Qia then glanced at Rean at the corner of her eyes.


    "So... How was it exactly? I mean, the feelings..."


    Rean felt like crying. It was so obvious that she wanted something extra other than just what he said. It would be hard to keep a status quo like that.


    "Ahem... That''s quite a difficult topic to comment on, you know?"


    Qia didn''t care.


    "Of course I know! You think it isn''t hard for me? Still, it is for the sake of practice for the marriage ceremony. Since I''m making this much effort, you should do the same. So... how was it? Did you like it?"


    [Hoho~! Now, that''s what I call a trap question. Go ahead, show me what you can do!]


    ''Shut up!''


    Saying he didn''t would once again hurt the girl''s pride. Saying that he liked it would also be bad since it would increase her interest in him. What to do, what to do...


    ''It would be bad if she forced herself over me again if I showed no interest...''


    "Ahem... Of course, I liked it. No man in this empire would not like a beautiful woman''s kiss, right? Especially since it was a princess'' kiss. That''s everyone''s dream. That was a great feeling."


    Rean tried to make it look as if it was a general response. Still, Qia would get the ''liked'' answer that she wanted.


    [Hey, that was too sly!]


    ''Hmph! Don''t compare me with the ice block! I know how to think about others'' feelings, alright?''


    Sure enough, Qia nodded, satisfied.


    "Hahaha! Exactly! It seems like you finally understood the treasure you got in your hands."


    Rean couldn''t help but think that Qia was quite narcissistic. Well, any prince or princess would always think about themselves as someone more important. Still, since she accepted that answer, then that was fine.


    ''Alright, this should keep our status quo while not offending the girl. Rean, you are just way too good! The ice block would never manage to do such a thing.''


    Or so he thought, however...


    "Si-si-since that''s the case... Let''s pra-practice again!"


    "Eh?!"


    Rean almost vomited blood. There went the status quo Rean worked so hard to keep.


    It turned out that the one who liked it the most was Qia herself. In fact, she had been thinking about it ever since they separated that day. Everything up to this point was so that she could do that again. The best thing was that since Rean was already publicly her fiance, there would be nothing wrong with it.


    ''It''s just for practice. Yes, definitely! I absolutely have no other intention other than practicing.''


    Qia kept saying that to herself even though any idiot could tell it was a lie.


    As for Rean...


    [Hahaha! Go, go, go! Show all the passion! Let your bodies talk for you! That''s how a romance story should go on! By the way, when can I see the real thing?]


    ''Can you fucking shut up?!''


    Rean then looked at Qia.


    "Ahem... That''s not a good thing to do, right? Others will think that we''re showing off."


    Rean and Qia were still in front of the Formations Guild Entrance, so others could see the two. In fact, they caught some attention since their engagement news was still fresh. Seeing the new couple, which involved a princess, naturally pulled many eyes towards them.


    Only then did Qia notice that Rean was right. She was so focused on the ''practicing'' part that she forgot the environment.


    "Anyway, I still have many things to do, so we can practice another time, princess."


    Rean immediately took that chance to escape, so he turned around and began to make his way out without even waiting for an answer. However, something told Qia that if she let Rean disappear again, it would be almost impossible to catch him again before the exam starts.


    "Wait!"


    Rean had a bad feeling and was just about to rush out when suddenly, someone appeared right in front of him! Rean was still in the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. So for him to not see the guy to the point of bumping on him, one could already imagine how much faster than Rean he was.


    *Bang!*


    Rean hit the man''s body and bounced back. As for the man, he didn''t even budge. Rean immediately understood that the guy''s cultivation was much higher than his own with just this single contact. Rean then finally got up as he looked at the man in front of him. Not only that, but a woman gracefully walked to the man''s side as she smiled at him.


    Right after, Qia arrived by his side, which made Rean afraid that she would try to kiss him again. However, Qia ignored him. Instead, her eyes were glued at the two figures stopped in front of her.


    "Mom, Dad!"


    Rean was taken aback by those words.


    ''Mom, Dad? Then these two are...''


    Sure enough, they were the Fifth prince''s son and daughter-in-law. Also known as Qia''s parents!


    Rean then quickly bowed as he introduced himself.


    "Ahem... Nice to meet you, Sir Nivol, Lady Ariana. I''m Rean Larks. I wanted to go visit you two to make the engagement official, but the Formations Guild Exam took all my time recently."


    As much as he wanted to leave, he had to keep the pretense that he wanted to marry Qia. Since he was going to marry Qia, Rean did his homework, so he knew who her parents were. That was also for the sake of entering the Imperial Palace in the future together with her.


    Qia''s master arrived right after.


    "Nivol, Ariana, what do you think? He looks like a nice boy, don''t you think?"


    Ariana then got close to Rean as she examined him from top to bottom.


    "Oh... Very good indeed. Definitely no older than sixteen but already in the Core Formation Realm. Not only that, but he''s also a rare element user. I''m puzzled how he could cultivate this fast and keep such a strong foundation since there are no such things as Light Element Cultivation manuals. Still, whatever the reason is, he really did a great job. Besides..."


    Ariana then looked at Qia.


    "Qia, you really choose quite a cute boy. His snow-white hair and eyes are surprisingly beautiful too. I have to admit, you lucked out to find someone like him. However, mommy didn''t know you liked younger boys."


    Qia''s face went red as a tomato.


    "Mom, that''s not why I chose him!"


    Rean was also quite surprised by the compliments.


    "Thank you, Lady Ariana. However, the real lucky one was none other than me. I''ve never thought Qia would accept my feelings."


    Qia couldn''t help but feel a little happy when she heard those words. However, she still thought that Rean was saying that for the sake of appearance.


    Rean then turned in Nivol''s direction. However...


    *Grab!*


    Nivol suddenly held Rean''s shoulder. Following that, he began to squeeze without care. Naturally, Rean immediately felt the pain. Rean then began to sweat as he looked at Nivol, who had quite a dark expression.


    ''Did I do something for him to hate me that much?''


    [Hahaha! Are you that idiotic? Did you forget that the story going around that Qia might be pregnant because of you?]


    ''Ah!''


    Sure enough, that was true.


    "Boy. Let''s leave the fact that you took my daughter''s virginity aside for now. I do feel like cutting you in pieces, but what is done is done, and you accepted the responsibility of marrying her. However, why do I feel like you tried to flee from her just now?"


    Rean''s sweat turned cold.


    ''So you do want to cut me in the end...''


    Ariana nodded as she looked at her daughter.


    "Did something happen, Qia?"


    Qia didn''t dare to lie to them as she explained.


    "I thought we could have a k-k-kiss... But I believe Rean felt somewhat embarrassed to do it in front of everyone. I-I... I was too harsh. I should have thought about the environment. Rean was right to not want to show off in front of others. Sorry, Dad, Mom."


    Rean sighed in relief. At least her parents wouldn''t have the wrong idea.


    Ariana looked at her daughter with surprise, though. She did know her and how prideful she was.


    ''For her to ask this boy such a thing by herself, she must like him quite a lot. Sigh... isn''t my daughter way too lucky? Even though it''s just a political marriage, she still found something that interested her. That''s quite rare.''


    Rean then quickly confirmed.


    "Exactly. I was just thinking about the Imperial Family''s face. After all, I''m just a nobody compared to Qia, who''s a princess."


    Still, Nivol didn''t let it go.


    "And do you think that rejecting my daughter''s request will be good to the Imperial Family''s face? That''s a good opportunity. You got engaged, so no one has any right to say anything about your mutual love. Go ahead and kiss her. Or could it be that you don''t want to?"


    Rean and Qia were taken aback. Neither side thought Nivol would make such a request.

 Chapter 410 - Meeting The Parents

    In the end, Rean understood what Nivol really wanted.


    ''He''s not just doing it for his daughter. He also wants a visual confirmation of our relationship.''


    Surprisingly, Rean was right. Nivol heard that they had kissed in front of others before and that Tulia arranged this marriage with Droman. Nevertheless, Nivol wanted to make sure it really happened and that as many people as possible could see it. For Nivol, the Imperial Family''s interest comes first. The fact that his daughter seemed to have some feelings for Rean was just a bonus.


    However, that was more than enough for Rean. He began to walk in Qia''s direction while sending her a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Your father wants to show others that this engagement is real. It''s not gonna be anything genuine, so let''s get over with it.''


    Sure enough, Rean found an excuse where he could go through this without giving Qia any unnecessary hopes.


    Qia was taken aback when she heard that. However, she didn''t have time to think about it before Rean grabbed her waist once again. And just like before, the same scene where Rean stole a kiss from Qia happened in front of everyone.


    "Wow! Now that''s what I call attitude!"


    "Well, who wouldn''t let the chance to kiss a princess pass when even her parents are consenting? Unless you''re in a relationship already, such a thing would be impossible."


    "Look at Princess Qia, she''s so red! Her normal demeanor completely disappeared in that guy''s arms."


    "I''m so jealous. Why can''t I find a man like that?"


    "Hey, I''m right here for you."


    "Go to hell!"


    Qia didn''t hear anything. On top of that, she didn''t try to shy away from Rean this time. First, she didn''t feel like she wanted to. Second, her father said that he wanted to see it, so she had to follow his wishes... Alright, it was mostly because she was craving for it. Her father''s wishes just so happened to align with her own feelings. Not that she would admit it, of course.


    Rean finally released her while saying with a smile.


    "Sorry for making you do such a thing in this place, princess. But know that whether your father asked for it or not, I''ve also been thinking about it for a long time. Forgive this little one for his wishful needs."


    There was quite an uproar when Rean said those words. Ariana and Nivol also nodded to his words, quite satisfied. That''s what they exactly wanted to confirm. However, Qia felt like a bucket of cold water had suddenly dropped on her head.


    ''That''s not it... There were no feelings behind his actions at all.''


    Qia had talked with Rean in private a few times already. She knew that he wasn''t really the type of person who would like to say those words. Soon after, she remembered Rean''s Spiritual Sense message, telling her that their actions wouldn''t be genuine to start with. Add in the problem that she was also in a dilemma. She simply didn''t want to admit that she had feelings for him.


    As Qia got lost in her thoughts, Nivol came forward and patted Rean on the shoulder.


    "I can see that you know what she wants. Don''t worry. This will also be a good thing for you and your Dalamu Sect."


    Rean smiled back and nodded.


    "This little one knows that. Besides, it was my luck that Princess Qia accepted my feelings. I will definitely not regret it."


    Ariana, on the other hand, noticed that his daughter wasn''t paying attention to anything.


    "Qia, is something wrong?"


    Qia was taken aback for a moment, but she immediately shook her head.


    "Eh? No... There is nothing wrong. I''m happy that we are this close to each other as well. I was afraid that Mom and Dad wouldn''t like him, but it seems like it was an unnecessary thought."


    Ariana narrowed her eyes. She could tell that something wasn''t right about the way her daughter was acting. However, this wasn''t the place to talk about it.


    As for Nivol, he simply turned around before announcing.


    "Everyone, my Sasamil Imperial Family and the Dalamu Sect will be conducting this marriage after the Formations Guild Exam is over. My father, the Fifth Prince, will also be present during that day. He already received the news and wanted to tell everyone that he was delighted that his granddaughter found her own partner. He will be attending the marriage as well. Everyone is invited to the ceremony that will take place in the Imperial Palace."


    As soon as the Fifth Prince was mentioned, everyone went in an uproar. The Fifth Prince had a revered status in the Sasamil Empire, so anything involving him would attract a lot of attention.


    Nivol then continued.


    "We will be announcing the time when we get in contact with little Rean''s parents. I already sent people to go bring them here so that we can discuss their futures. Rean''s master, Droman, who''s also the creator of the Communication System, will attend the marriage. I''m looking forward to everyone''s presence."


    Rean was taken aback by that news. However, he immediately understood that it was an obvious move. The marriage was obviously happening because they thought Droman created the Communication System. And Rean just so happened to be his only direct disciple. However, in the end, Droman wasn''t his parent. Naturally, Tuen and Harmalia had to attend the ceremony as well.


    ''Well, even though the situation made that happen, I''m happy that I''ll be able to see them so soon. Even the Ice Block melts a little when they''re close. I wonder what they''ll think when they find out.''


    ''Fortunately, they know that Roan and I always say that we are two years older than what we really are. It''s not like someone will ask our ages to my parents, but at least they know what they should say. Well, I''m pretty sure that Alanda or Jury will accompany them as tribe representatives, so it will give an extra layer of protection when questions come out.''


    Rean then talked with Nivol and Ariana for some time. All the time, he kept his smile while flattering their daughter, much to Nivol''s satisfaction. Still, Qia couldn''t wrap her head around it. She knew that it was all a ruse. Nonetheless, she couldn''t help but feel sad deep down as Rean kept going on with it. At the same time, she couldn''t complain with Rean either since that''s what they had decided beforehand.


    ''This is my freedom pass, idiot! I should be happy. Happy!''


    Sometime later, Rean finally ended his conversation with Ariana and Nivol.


    "Alright, Senior Nivol and Ariana. My master only gave me so much time to take a break. I have some things to do in the Inner City, so I need to take my leave before he calls me back. Nonetheless, it was an honor to finally meet the two people who created the divine existence that is your daughter."


    Nivol laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! You aren''t wrong. There are no parents in this world who don''t think about their kids as divine gifts. Very well, I''ll let you go now and won''t bother you anymore until the Formations Guild Exam is done."


    Ariana also smiled as she said.


    "It was good to meet you, Rean. But you better remember. It will be your duty to make Qia happy. If you fail, don''t blame this woman for going south if you do."


    Rean nodded, not minding it at all.


    "Don''t worry, such a thing will not happen."


    After that, Rean turned around and finally succeeded in leaving the Formations Guild Hall.


    ''Phew... I''m finally over with all of that.''


    Roan then said through their Soul Connection.


    ''As long as you keep the marriage intact, it will be a good result. By the way, the target already went to the brothel I mentioned to you. Don''t come to the Dalamu Sect''s residence anymore, we can meet near that place. Make sure you change your appearance before coming.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Alright.''


    Back on Qia''s side, her father looked at her before saying.


    "You did well. This marriage will be a great boost for your grandfather in the fight for the throne. Having the direct disciple of Droman is the same as having the man itself."


    Qia nodded.


    "Yes, father."


    Nivol then patted her head.


    "This is how our Imperial Family works. It was the same for your mother and me. If you find any problems, come see me. I need to go back to the palace now."


    Nivol then looked at Ariana.


    "Are you coming as well?"


    Ariana shook her head.


    "No. There is something I want to talk about with Qia. You know, women related stuff. You can go ahead and return first."


    Nivol nodded, not finding it weird at all.


    "Very well. However, it''s already night time, so be careful. You know the actual situation."


    Ariana agreed with him.


    "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing."


    Nivol then kissed his daughter''s forehead before turning around and leaving with his guards.


    Seeing that her father left, Qia asked her mother.


    "Mom, what is it that you want to talk about?"


    Ariana shook her head before grabbing her hand.


    "Not here, let''s find a private place to talk."


    "But we can simply use Spiritual Sense Messages."


    "No can do. I want to use real words."


    Ariana looked at Tulia after that.


    "Tulia, I''ll send her back when I''m over."


    Tulia didn''t mind it.


    "Don''t worry. It''s still breaktime. Just don''t take too long since we have a lot of things to go through. By the way, just use my room. No one will bother you two there."


    Ariana smiled in response as she brought her daughter away.

 Chapter 411 - Where Is Nulian?

    Back at Rean and Roan''s side, Rean finally arrived in the brothel that Roan talked about. Fortunately, he didn''t need to know where it was. All he needed was to follow the connection he had with Roan.


    "I lost quite some time with Qia''s parents, so we better hurry up."


    Roan nodded.


    "It won''t take long. Let''s go."


    [I still don''t understand. There are a lot more people here than in the other places Nulian frequents. Wouldn''t it be a lot harder to avoid everyone''s Spiritual Senses here?]


    Roan shook his head.


    "Just watch."


    Rean quickly activated his Light and Spiritual Sense bending skills while Roan did his job on the shadows. Soon after, they entered the brothel the same way they did back with Tissan.


    This was quite a famous brothel that receives several levels of cultivators on a daily basis. As long as they had the Spirit Stones, it wouldn''t bother who they were. Naturally, there were a few of them with cultivations much higher than Rean or Roan, so they should be able to notice the twins.


    However, as Rean and Roan made their way between the people and dodged those who didn''t see them, no one noticed anything out of place.


    Finally, they looked in the direction of a specific table. There, they found Nulian being entertained by the women of this place. The twins could also see the guards who didn''t leave Nulian''s side, making sure to protect their employer. Every single one of them was at the Initial Stage of Core and Soul Fusion Realm at the very least.


    However, even as Rean and Roan got closer, none of these guys noticed their presence either.


    Sister Orb, obviously, didn''t understand. Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending ability shouldn''t be strong enough to bend these guys'' senses. Considering how close Rean and Roan were to them, they should have found the twins'' presence a long time ago.


    [This... Why''s there is no Spiritual Sense being used here?]


    Rean laughed as he explained.


    ''Hahaha! Obviously! After all, it''s probably an unwritten rule to not use Spiritual Senses in this place. This is a brothel, Sister Orb. There are many people in the rooms having sex at this very moment. Do you think they would want to be spied by other''s Spiritual Sense? What if you end offending some high-level cultivator? That''s why no one uses Spiritual Senses. There is no lack of formations to suppress Spiritual Senses in this place either.''


    [Oh... So that''s why Roan said this was the best place to take this guy down without anyone noticing. They are too afraid of spreading their Spiritual Senses.]


    Roan nodded.


    ''Exactly. Anyway, let''s just wait for now. That idiot will eventually choose one of the women and head to an empty room. That will be our chance.''


    Rean then asked Roan.


    ''What about the woman?''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''None of them have high cultivations. This brothel is very thorough with its treatment. All the women have very weak cultivations or no cultivation at all. That''s for the sake of them not endangering their customers. We can simply knock the girl out when the time comes.''


    Rean nodded, and soon, they began to wait. Time slowly passed as Nulian drank and chatted with the girls at his table. He also had a few other friends who participated in the circle. Rean even narrowed his eyes, thinking that he would have to give up soon if they didn''t act. After all, he had to go back to the repository.


    Eventually, Nulian got up while grabbing the woman he liked the most.


    "Prepare a room for me."


    One of the attendants of the brothel bowed and left straight away. A few moments later, he came back with a key in his hands.


    "Here it is, sir. It''s room number 356. As always, the room has all the perks sir likes."


    Nulian nodded, satisfied. He then carried the girl as his guards all followed him. The twins, obviously, immediately followed.


    ''Have you noticed that these guards seem to be as annoyed as ever?''


    Roan snorted as he replied


    ''Who the hell would be satisfied with such a job? If Nulian didn''t pay them well, they would have left a long time ago. In the end, it all comes to cultivation resources. Some of them might not even agree with Nulian''s ways. Still, their own cultivations and lifespans are more important than their opinions.''


    ''Anyway, you heard the guy��room 356. Let''s go there first and see if it''s open. Otherwise, we will need to squeeze our way in just when Nulian opens it.''


    The twins quickly passed by Nulian and the rest as they rushed upstairs. Sure enough, they found quite a few guards on their way up. One in specific that the twins were sure to have a cultivation above the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Still, even that guy didn''t use his Spiritual Sense.


    After some time, though, they arrived in front of room 356. However, just as they were about to open the room''s door, it opened by itself. From inside, two maids came out while carrying their work stuff.


    "Hurry up, hurry up! The manager said that the client will be here in a minute! If they see that we''re still working in the room, he will definitely have a fit."


    The other maid quickly grabbed her things as she looked around the room one last time. After making sure everything was in place, she quickly followed her co-worker.


    Without the maids noticing anything, the twins used that chance to rush inside of the room. Soon after, they heard the sound of a door being closed before it was locked down.


    [This room has a few hidden formations. It will take me a bit of time to analyze and discover what they are for.]


    Roan nodded.


    "Don''t worry, it should be formations to prevent sounds from going out or Spiritual Senses from prying inside."


    "Alright, let''s just wait here for now. When Nulian closes the door, I will aim for his head while you knock out the maid."


    Rean nodded. However...


    "The two little mouses there, you have quite the guts to enter our Red Light House in such a manner."


    All of a sudden, the ground below Rean and Roan shone as an enormous Spiritual Pressure made the twins kneel on the ground.


    Rean was surprised to see that.


    ''My Radar Skill didn''t detect anyone''s Spiritual Sense at all. It must be some kind of detection formation.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    ''Indeed. Anyway, let''s see who prepared it for us.''


    Roan nodded. Rean then deactivated his Light Bending Skill, which immediately revealed the twins. Sure enough, the door of the room they were in opened again. An old woman entered the room and looked at the corner where the twins were being held down. Right behind her, a few other cultivators followed. Of course, due to the appearance change, they looked older and different.


    "Oh! Two young men decided to pay a visit to my Red Light House. I was expecting some old monster or something like that. But in the end, you only have cultivations at the Core Formation Realm. Weird... How did you pass through all my guards without being noticed with such puny cultivation? Care to tell this sister your secrets?"


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Sure. As long as you tell how you found us."


    Roan didn''t really need to hear the answer, though. Naked eyes couldn''t find them while Spiritual Senses weren''t being used. In the end, only formations could possibly find them. One example would be some kind of weight detecting formation. Rean and Roan might not appear, but they didn''t become weightless because of that.


    What Roan wanted to know was something else.


    "Oh! That''s not too hard. No one can use Spiritual Senses in our brothel. Logically, we had to have some countermeasures against masking abilities. You just fell for one of those."


    Roan nodded.


    "I see... However, you seemed to be pretty sure that we would come. Was it really just a coincidence, or did you get the information beforehand?"


    The woman narrowed her eyes as she looked at Roan.


    "You''re quite smart. Well, there''s no problem in telling you that. You aren''t the first one to try and kill that customer of mine in my Red Light House. It seems like Nulian has obtained quite a few enemies. In fact, the last one almost succeeded, so we increased the measures around that man. You see, he''s quite a good customer, so we can''t let him die here. It would tarnish our Red Light House''s reputation."


    Roan didn''t seem to care.


    "So, you were not targeting the two of us in specific, but anyone who would use your brothel to take Nulian down."


    The old woman laughed before answering.


    "Don''t feel so sad. This Trapping Formation has enough power to even stop a Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator. You see, I put quite some effort into it. At least, you won''t die without knowing why."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Hahaha! Sorry, lady. But I think you are being a bit too overconfident here. You see, you should really have turned off the formations that prevent people from using their Spiritual Senses."


    The woman had a bad feeling as she stalled her finger. Soon after, two people behind her attacked, cutting the twins'' heads... or so they thought they did.


    As soon as the heads flew out, they became specks of Light and Dark Energies before disappearing in thin air.


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    Rean and Roan''s clones had many more uses other than just combat!


    "Not good! Where is Nulian?!"

 Chapter 412 - Qias Change

    Because Spiritual Sense couldn''t be used, she couldn''t tell that they weren''t real. In an instant, the woman and her guards left the room at full speed.


    "Where is Nulian''s Room?"


    "Number 175."


    In a place not far away, Rean looked at a particular direction in the ceiling before commenting through their Soul Connection.


    ''Sure enough, our Mirage assault clones were destroyed.''


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    ''It doesn''t matter. We already got Nulian''s head anyway.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''I knocked out the girl already. Still...''


    Rean then looked at the guy''s head and couldn''t help but say.


    ''I really can''t get used to this system. Having to carry heads... Don''t they have a better way to confirm someone''s death? Of course, Nulian was trash, so I don''t feel any pity for him.''


    Roan didn''t even bother to answer as he entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Rean then did the same and entered the place. Because they had been in the Capital all this time, the save point in their room was always close. Considering the number of spirit stones Rean made at the moment, paying for the teleport wasn''t hard, especially when the distance was this close.


    Of course, Roan spent almost all their stones in the Dark Web Organization. Fortunately, they still had enough for something like this.


    When the Red Light House owner arrived, she saw Nulian''s subordinates guarding the door''s front.


    "Halt! No one can bother the young master."


    Unfortunately for them, the old woman herself was a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. The people behind her were no weaklings either. In a single sweep, they threw all those guys away.


    "Are you trying to kill a customer of your Red Light House?!"


    The woman glared at them for a second before opening the door.


    "Hmph! Come and take a look yourself. Is that the kind of protection you can give to your employer?"


    The guys were taken aback before they quickly arrived at the door. Sure enough, Nulian was as dead as he could be while the woman he brought inside was unconscious. Nulian was a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator. However, his guard was completely down when he entered the room. Besides, he couldn''t use Spiritual Sense either. If Roan couldn''t take the man''s head in such an advantageous situation, then he wouldn''t be Death.


    Nulian''s guards went pale when they saw that. They would have a tough time explaining it to the Favri Bank that Nulian was a part of.


    In the end, just a simple letter remained on the bed. The woman quickly grabbed it and read its contents.


    -What kind of shit service is this? Your employee gave the room key and even said the room''s number in front of others. Only an idiot wouldn''t notice that something was wrong. Good luck next time.-


    The woman was fuming. Someone dying in her Red Light House was definitely going to affect her business. Sadly, there was nothing she could do. She could tell that whoever did it was long gone. If they had the leisure to even write a letter for her, they obviously had their way out planned. Of course, she still issued an order to lock down the Red Light House and did a thorough search, just in case. It''s just that she didn''t find anything in the end.


    Back in the Dalamu Sect Residence, Rean and Roan left their rooms as if nothing had happened at all.


    "Alright, I already lost too much time. Unless it''s really urgent, I probably won''t be able to leave the Formations Guild for the next week."


    Roan nodded, not minding it too much.


    "Very well, I''m going back to deliver the guy''s head so that I can get rid of the killing requirement for the year."


    And just like that, the twins separated and went back to doing their own things.


    Sure enough, the news that Nulian died in the Red Light House spread like wildfire. However, the Shadow Reapers wouldn''t accept just some news. The mission would only be paid if the taker brought the head back. Those were the rules.


    Roan arrived back at the old house and immediately teleported back to the Black Market. Without wasting time, he went straight to the Shadow Reapers building. There was a different entrance for members. Roan then brought his badge out and used it to get access.


    As always, a few members were looking at the board to see if they should take a mission. Roan ignored that and went into a closed room on the back. Inside, one of the Shadow Reaper members looked at Roan before asking.


    "Badge and head."


    Roan brought them out. Roan had used his Yin Energy to freeze Nulian''s head. Otherwise, it would be dripping blood everywhere. The guy then used Roan''s badge to check which mission he had taken. Soon after, he paired the face of the head with the picture they had in the records.


    "Mission concluded. Go to the counter outside and take your payment."


    Roan nodded before he got his badge back and left. As for how he would report it to the employee, that wasn''t his problem.


    As soon as he left the room, he saw the same organization member from back then coming out of another room. He went to the board and then removed Nulian''s assignment from the board and a few others.


    Roan thought if he should take another mission or not. However, he decided to not force things in the Capital. He would just look at the Shadow Reaper''s branch in the same regions as Jialin Country later.


    After giving his badge to the man behind the counter, the latter quickly confirmed the mission''s conclusion. Following that, he passed a bag and Roan''s badge back to him.


    "Mission''s reward given. You can go."


    Roan scanned inside and saw that it didn''t have 1500 Rank Three Spirit Stones. Instead, it had only 1200. Sure enough, the Shadow Reapers Organization didn''t work for free. They obtained 20% of the reward in exchange.


    ''That''s to be expected. An organization this big can''t possibly work without financial backup. There should be no lack of people they need to bribe to keep everything under wraps either.''


    Roan didn''t mind it since Spirit Stones at Rank Three or below weren''t an issue for the twins anymore. Well, these 1200 would come in handy since he used almost all of their stones back in the Dark Web Organization.


    ''Perhaps there''s some Yin Energy Dak Element Skill that I can get for this price. Let''s go take a look.''


    Since Roan was pretty much free, he decided to browse the Black Market to see if something good could be found.


    Back in the Formations Guild Main branch, Rean had just arrived when suddenly, Qia appeared as well.


    "Ah!"


    Rean looked around the crowd and then smiled back to Qia.


    "Princess, did you just come back as well?"


    Qia smiled as she held Rean''s hand.


    "Indeed. I had to go back to the Palace for a moment to resolve a few things."


    Rean somehow felt that the current situation was strange. Qia seemed to be quite in a good mood. In the end, he couldn''t help but ask her through a Spiritual Sense.


    ''You do know that our last kiss was also a play for the others to see, right?''


    Qia looked at Rean as if she didn''t care.


    ''Obviously. Still, it doesn''t change the fact that it was very pleasing. What about you, did you like this princess''s kiss?''


    Rean was taken aback. Was that a trap?


    ''Ahem... That''s not the issue here, right? The important part is that everyone saw it.''


    Qia refused that answer.


    ''For men, it might not be an issue, but it definitely is for women. I just want one answer, yes or no.''


    Rean sighed since there was obviously only one answer. If he said that it wasn''t, it would only hurt Qia''s pride even more. Besides... as much as he was trying to avoid increasing her feelings for him, he would be lying if he said that it wasn''t good. Which single man in the world would find kissing a beauty like Qia unpleasing? Well, Roan and Tissan might...


    ''Ahem... Of course.''


    Qia then showed him a playful smile as she laughed.


    ''Hahaha! Then that''s good.''


    Suddenly, Qia pulled Rean''s hand in her direction before stealing a kiss from him. Because Rean wasn''t expecting it, he had no time to react before her lips were already touching his own.


    Qia then let him go before saying.


    ''Since it was good, there is no problem in continuing with practice. This princess also liked it, so we have nothing to lose since we are just showing our ''love'' a little bit more. You better be prepared. This princess requires many samples to make sure no one will have any doubts about our ''relationship.''


    Qia then let go of Rean''s hand before walking back into the Guild''s Repository. As for Rean, he didn''t know what to say anymore. Just a few hours ago, Qia would never take the initiative to do such a thing in front of everyone else. Even that time when she forced herself over him, she looked like she was going to die out of embarrassment. However, although there was some fluster on her face, she didn''t seem to care about it anymore.


    ''Just what happened in these last few hours that made her change like that?''


    To answer that question, we would need to go back to the moment Qia''s mother brought her to Tulia''s room.

 Chapter 413 - Poor Rean

    Back when Rean left to help Roan with the mission, Qia''s mother had brought her to talk in Tulia''s Room.


    "Qia, let me ask you. Do you really like that boy?"


    Qia''s face went red as she shook her head.


    "N-No, it''s just a political marriage that will benefit both of us. That''s all!"


    Ariana sighed as she looked at Qia''s expression.


    "I''m still your mother, you know? Do you really think you can hide it from me? In fact, I don''t think you''re doing a good job hiding it from anyone at this point. It''s just too obvious."


    "This..."


    Qia didn''t know what to say while Ariana insisted.


    "You know that your father and I had a political marriage. In fact, the majority of the Imperial Family was like that. Still, I think I''m one of the lucky ones since your father treats me very well. I have to admit that I''ve grown fond of him with time. Well, it might also be because of my own family that he is doing it. I would probably never know for sure."


    "You are my youngest child. Your elder sister also had a political marriage, and so did your oldest brother. At the moment, you are the only one left. If this marriage somehow fails, your father will eventually find someone for you. That''s how it works, and you know that. So, if you have some feelings for him, I want you to confirm it right now."


    Sadly, Qia remained silent, giving Ariana no choice but to ask.


    "Qia, you said that this marriage would be beneficial for both of you. What was the deal that you two came up with?"


    Qia looked at her mother before she explained everything.


    "I see... So at first, your Master noticed that Rean probably wouldn''t force you to do anything. Later, he agreed that he would give you complete freedom and never touch you except for moments where you need to play the married couple''s role. Still, those moments would be nothing more than simple kisses and things like that, right?"


    Qia nodded, not trying to hide it.


    "Well, that is quite a good deal. It''s not like the situation about the fight for the throne will be kept hidden from the masses for long. Rean wants to help his Master protect their sect, so it''s fine. It''s not like Rean prying into this information would change anything since even the Chrole Empire is already more or less aware of what''s happening. Anyway, Rean''s intention doesn''t matter at the moment, so let''s go back to the part that I care about."


    "I understand what''s happening here. You have always been very prideful. When Rean said that he would give you complete freedom, you accepted that. But when he continued and said that he had absolutely no interest in doing anything with you, you simply couldn''t take it."


    "There is one thing I don''t understand, though. It''s not like you and Rean know each other that well. How come you became interested in him that easily?"


    Ariana''s words made Qia fall into deep thought. Indeed, how did Rean''s shadow enter her heart so effortlessly? Qia then began to think about the few interactions they had before. Finally, she felt like she found an answer.


    "Maybe... his complete disregard for my status? It''s hard to put it into words. He treats me as if I''m just any ordinary girl. The Formations'' Guild is neutral territory, and everyone addresses me casually here. However, I can still easily tell that they''re measuring their words to not offend me. But Rean... Rean is different. He simply... doesn''t care. I wonder why it attracts me so much..."


    Well, things like kings, princesses, and empires were almost extinct back on Earth. Besides, although far from perfect, the people on Earth still preached equality between all humans. Rean lived double the amount of time on Earth than he lived in the cultivation world, so he still had these thoughts where no one was better than the other. He knew that it was different in the cultivation world, but he didn''t care. That''s why his words and actions looked a lot more genuine than anyone else. For someone like Qia, who had been treated like that ever since she was born, Rean''s presence really gave her a new feeling she never experienced before. In the end, she just desired more of that.


    After hearing Qia''s answer, Ariana couldn''t help but ask.


    "What you want and what you''re doing are two starkly different things, don''t you think? Shouldn''t you be focusing on the part that really matters?"


    Qia nodded with a sad expression.


    "Sorry, Mom. I will stop it and focus on the deal itself. Master already told me that almost no princes or princesses have the same chance as I do. I should focus on keeping my part of the agreement and stop expecting anything from him. The freedom that I will get is what I should pay attention to."


    Ariana looked at Qia as if she was looking at an idiot.


    "Are you that dumb? Didn''t I just say that you should focus on what really matters?"


    Qia was speechless. That''s not the answer she expected from her mother.


    "This... What do you mean?"


    Ariana then looked at Qia''s face with a solemn expression.


    "Hmph! You said it yourself. Almost no princes or princesses get the chance you got. But I''m not talking about this freedom bullshit. What I mean is that none of them have the opportunity of marrying someone they genuinely care about. Here you are, with your emotions almost bursting out of your chest, and you are still pretending that they don''t matter.


    Ariana got angrier as she continued.


    "This is really irritating. Why wasn''t I this lucky in the past? Why wasn''t any of your siblings this lucky? Your father''s a very strict man who practically can''t think about anything other than the Empire. Still, he definitely isn''t so bad compared to others like your grandfather, so I wish he had the same encounter as you in the past."


    Qia was shocked to see her mother acting like that. She quickly dropped her head as she heard all of that.


    "But... but..."


    *Pah!*


    "Ouch!"


    Out of nowhere, Ariana slapped Qia''s back using Spiritual Energy to make sure it would hurt.


    "Idiot! If you truly keep using this bullshit freedom to get away from your happiness, I will never forgive you. So what if he''s three years younger? Who cares about that? If anything, he will be more active in the bed for a long time since he will be younger."


    Qia''s face burned when she heard that last part.


    "Mother!"


    Ariana glared at her in response.


    "Shut up!"


    "Yes..."


    Qia couldn''t go against her mother at all. Not only did she have more authority, but Ariana''s cultivation was much higher as well.


    Ariana then put her hands on Qia''s shoulder as she said.


    "Qia... There is indeed a chance here that you shouldn''t lose. So you must give it your all. Do it for me, your father, and your siblings. Don''t throw away something that we all wanted but couldn''t get. Can you promise me that?"


    Qia couldn''t help but tear up. Eventually, she made her decision as she nodded her head vigorously.


    "Alright! I will definitely play all my cards to not let this chance escape."


    Ariana sighed in relief as she smiled.


    "Mommy is proud of you."


    Suddenly, Ariana''s expression changed as she entered a new topic.


    "Now, there''s another huge problem we need to discuss."


    Seeing Ariana''s demeanor, Qia immediately understood that it must be something serious.


    "Wh-What is it? Did something happen in the fight for the throne?"


    Ariana shook her head.


    "Worse than that."


    Worse? Could it be that the Emperor died?


    "We need to find a way to catch Rean''s heart!"


    Qia almost fell with her face to the ground.


    "That''s all?!"


    Ariana narrowed her eyes.


    "What do you mean that''s all? My daughter''s happiness is on the line. This is a problem even bigger than the Empire going to war. To hell with all that throne fight bullshit!"


    Qia was speechless. Wasn''t the Imperial Family always above everything? How come it became so insignificant all of a sudden? However, Qia immediately understood why her mother thought like that. Her father was the real member of the Imperial Bloodline, not her mother. Ariana came from another family. Not only that, but Ariana didn''t come from any of the subordinate clans either. Instead, she came from a clan of merchants from outside the capital. Naturally, her attachment to the Imperial Family wasn''t as big as her father''s. Or better yet, she simply didn''t care...


    Ariana then looked at Qia.


    "Do you think I didn''t notice? That Rean boy was only pretending everything! The kiss, the flattering words, the entire thing was just a ruse. You love him, but at this moment, it definitely isn''t the same on his side. Time to discuss what you should do to catch his heart as well."


    Qia''s cheeks began to get hot as she heard her mother''s words.


    "Th-Then... What should I do?"


    Ariana began to ponder about the issue.


    "He healed your scars, which turned you back into beauty both in and out of clothes. You are definitely a piece of sexy meat that wolves would love to eat. Still, that boy seems to not mind this... how come..."


    "Mom... aren''t you a little too direct?"


    Ariana ignored Qia as she continued to think.


    "Hum... It seems like we can only use the same plan as Rean did before."


    "Same plan?"


    Qia gave a confused look at her mother.


    Ariana nodded before looking back at Qia.


    "Didn''t he say that he might have impregnated you? Let''s make it real."


    Poor Rean didn''t know what was waiting for him.

 Chapter 414 - Need Money

    "EHHH?! No, that''s out of the question!"


    Ariana sighed as she replied.


    "Is that so? Oh well. I guess I asked too much from the start. In any case, one thing is certain!"


    *Gulp*


    "Wh-What''s that?"


    Ariana then pointed at Qia before saying.


    "You need to attack! Your half-assed attitude is no good! Didn''t you two agree that it was all practice? That''s good enough! From now on, ''practice'' a lot more! Every time a change appears, go get him. If he asks, say that it''s for the sake of practice."


    Ariana was really fired up as she continued.


    "Of course, don''t stop at just that! Make sure to leave some clues behind. Anything is good as long as it makes him think that there''s more to those actions. You inherited both your parents'' blood, so you turned out a beauty, just like your sister. Your older brother is quite handsome in his own right as well. I refuse to believe that Rean''s heart won''t sway if you press forward."


    Qia couldn''t help but ask.


    "Bu-but... Would it really be okay for a princess to act like that?"


    Ariana completely disagreed.


    "Hmph! You''re wrong! You''re a princess of the Sasamil Imperial Family. The third princess might not be a strong contender for the throne, but she''s still trying her best. Do you think she''s keeping her position by acting delicate or defenseless? No one in the Imperial Family thinks like that, so give up those thoughts of yours."


    Qia had to admit that her mother was right. In fact, she was also like that. When there was something she wanted, she had to put her all into it, ignoring everything else. It''s just that this was her first love, so her feminine side was speaking louder than usual.


    "A-Alright! I''ll do it!"


    Ariana nodded, satisfied.


    "Obviously! You''re my daughter, after all."


    And so started Rean''s will test.


    ---


    Of course, neither Rean nor Qia could spend much time with that at the moment. Both of them were aiming to pass the Formations Guild Main Branch test. Qia''s appearance at the guild entrance was purely coincidental since her mother held her back a long time. That''s why she made the first attack there and left right after to continue her studies with her master.


    Rean looked as Qia walked away as if nothing had happened.


    ''Sigh... Whatever. As long as I stand my ground, she will eventually give up. Yes, that''s the best strategy for the moment.''


    Suddenly, Rean heard a Spiritual Sense Message from Droman.


    ''What are you doing standing like a statue in the entrance? Stop wasting time and come inside. I prepared everything for this last stretch before the exams. Don''t forget, I won''t let you go out anymore after we start.''


    Rean immediately put those thoughts behind and nodded.


    ''Yes, Elder Droman.''


    ---


    Back in the Black Market, Roan was perusing the skills list in one of the available shops. As always, the entire Black Market had a few people walking around, and the shops were no different. However, every single item was stolen goods, prohibited for selling, or had some other kind of shady background. The Yin Energy Dark Element skills that Roan was looking for just fell ins the same categories.


    Roan did find a few of these manuals for sale. However, he was blocked by one of the other traits of the Black Market. Everything here was just too damn expensive! He would be able to buy at most one of the skill books available here, and the money he made with the assassination would be gone already.


    ''Hmm... There are almost no examples of Dark Element Skills. I guess controlling Yin Energy to use the Dark Element isn''t easy for others, after all. Besides, the ones I saw had descriptions that seem to be quite behind my own techniques.''


    Roan continued to look into the skill introductions until, finally, something piqued his interest.


    ''Shadow Steps? Did someone create a movement technique like my own? Well, that would make sense since the cultivation world had existed for who knows how many years before I appeared.''


    Roan quickly read through the introduction. However, he narrowed his eyes in the end.


    ''Pretty similar indeed. However, other than merging with the shadows to move around more silently, it can also leave behind an energy reading to confuse the enemy. It can make them think you moved in another direction. I have to admit that this was a clever idea. In head-on combat, making the enemy lose their guard could make a difference.''


    However, Roan wasn''t an idiot. He knew that the description of the skill was definitely modified. It didn''t say anything about the difficulty of using that extra skill, nor the price to make it work.


    ''Besides, even if it works, that doesn''t mean I disappeared. Creating an energy reading that could fool my enemy is easier said than done. For that, I would rather use Mirage Assault. At least the clones would be identical to Nightingale or me.''


    Roan pondered if he should take that skill until he eventually shook his head.


    ''Leave it aside. Just the description alone was enough for me to form the idea in my head. It''ll be better if I create something similar on my own. It shouldn''t be too difficult since the Mirage Assault and the Three Claws of the Dragon already use the same principle.''


    That''s why Roan read so many skill books. More than acquiring new skills, he put more importance on obtaining new ideas. The new abilities would follow right behind.


    Roan continued to browse the list. After some time, he found a skill that he wanted to buy for real.


    -Dark World-


    Uses Yin Energy to control the surrounding Dark Element. The area around the cultivator will then plunge into a world of darkness, affecting the enemy''s vision.


    ''That''s surprising. How did they deal with the huge expenditure of Spiritual Energy necessary for something like this? It probably won''t affect the enemy''s Spiritual Sense that much, but robbing them of their vision is still quite an advantage.''


    Roan had thought about such a use case before. However, controlling all the Dark Element in such a large area was not only difficult, but the expenditure on Spiritual Energy was also ridiculously high. Considering that it didn''t affect the opponent''s Spiritual Sense that much, Roan discarded the idea in the past.


    ''What else does it say...?''


    -The affected area depends on the user''s cultivation and ability to control the Yin Energy to use the Dark Element. One must remember that any area of effect skill has a higher consumption of Spiritual Energy. However, this skill has been created to reduce consumption as much as possible.-


    ''Sure enough, the sellers predicted that the readers would think about this point, so they added this detail.''


    Roan pondered a bit and made up his mind. Even if the skill wasn''t perfect, he at least wanted to understand how they worked with the massive consumption of Spiritual Energy. It might not be worth using Dark World, but that information alone could still be used in other skills later.


    Roan then turned to the guy on the counter before asking.


    "How much for Dark World?"


    The guy behind was taken aback for a moment.


    "Oh... There aren''t many cultivators who use the Dark Element. Even in the Black Market, I''ve only seen three of them so far. Dark Element is quite hard to use, and their skills are quite costly. Are you sure you want to buy it? In the Black Market, there is no such thing as giving the item back. Once you get the book, your Spirit Stones are gone for good."


    Roan nodded.


    "Just tell me the price."


    The guy then shrugged his shoulders as he nonchalantly replied.


    "Alright. It costs 200 Rank Four Spirit Stones."


    Roan narrowed his eyes. He didn''t expect that Dark Element Skills would require Rank Four Spirit Stones. Also, there was another problem. Even if the guy accepted Rank Three Spirit Stones'' equivalent price, he wouldn''t have enough to pay for it.


    ''Should I offer one of my skills in exchange?''


    Obviously, Roan also had his own Dark Element Skills. It''s just that they were made to work better when there was the Light Element as well. Still, they all worked with the Dark Element alone.


    However, Roan shook his head in the end. His skills were created by himself. He had been hiding his identity until now, and only Old Worm would recognize him. But if he gave his skill out, others might use it to track him down. Roan would rather not do such a thing.


    Roan then turned around and left the Skill Shop. The guy at the counter didn''t try to stop him either. He already had to give part of his profit to the Black Market, so he wasn''t willing to lower the price to start with. Since Roan didn''t have the money or didn''t want to pay, he simply let him go.


    However, Roan didn''t really give up the skill.


    ''It seems like I can only use the exam reward to put my hands on that skill.''


    The Alchemist Guild Main Branch Exam! They only accepted 10 or so new members every year. However, thousands participated in the exam every time. Naturally, the guild prepared a fitting reward for those who succeed. Besides becoming a member of the Main Branch, passing the test will allow one to obtain Rank Four Spirit Stones as a prize. Obviously, the higher one''s position was, the more one would get. That was one of the reasons Rean was putting so much effort. After all, he hadn''t found a way to earn Rank Four Spirit Stones on his own yet.

 Chapter 415 - Droman Had To Accept The Invitation

    The last week of availability for Rean and Droman to use the repository passed in a flash. After they came out, the Formations Guild once again extended Droman an invitation to join their ranks. Droman, of course, was just about to refuse when he heard a Spiritual Sense Message from Rean.


    ''You were the one who convinced me to accept this marriage bullshit. Not only that, but Qia seems to have entered some kind of full attack mode. Since you forced me into this, then I will also make you swallow your pride. If you don''t accept their invitation this time, you can forget about developing the circuitry formations with me.''


    Droman was taken aback by Rean''s words.


    ''You do know that it wouldn''t really be considered revenge since joining the Formations Guild Main Branch is the best thing that could happen for me, right?''


    Rean snorted in response.


    ''Do you think I don''t know your pride? You haven''t accepted it at all because of this. So yeah, that would be the best outcome for you. However, as good as it might be, I know how much you would hate the idea of joining them since the creator of the communication system, which is me, is still out.''


    Droman narrowed his eyes. That was the truth. He had never accepted their invitation because his pride didn''t allow him to do so. He reluctantly agreed to join the Formations Guild using the Communication System only if Rean passed the Guild''s Exam.


    ''Isn''t there a better way of me paying for it?''


    Sure enough, he really didn''t want to do it.


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    ''No can do. Either you accept their invite now, or you won''t see a single rune from me.''


    Droman fell into a dilemma. As for the elder who came to invite him, he noticed that Droman had suddenly become silent.


    "Why so much thought? Just take it. I don''t wanna be rude, but even though you created something amazing, your chances of entering the guild through the test is quite low."


    Droman felt like a knife passed through his heart. He knew it was true, but this guy didn''t need to point it out, right?


    On the other hand, Rean looked at him as if he was saying the exact same thing.


    Finally, Droman gritted his teeth and accepted that offer.


    ''Fine! But you better not hide anything regarding the Circuitry Formations later.''


    Rean laughed after hearing that.


    ''Hahaha! It''s hard, isn''t it? That''s what I felt when I decided to accept this marriage. Anyway, don''t worry. We will develop the Circuitry Formations together.''


    Droman''s expression was dark, but he nodded nonetheless. Following that, he turned in that elder''s direction before saying.


    "Sigh... Fine, I accept the Main Branch invitation. What should I do?"


    Immediately, the elder and the other Formation Masters around them got excited.


    "Oh! Finally! I''ve never thought it would be so hard to recruit someone to the Main Branch. Usually, everyone would accept it with open arms. Hahaha!"


    The ender then began to guide Droman somewhere else.


    "Your disciple can come as well. It''s quite a quick process."


    Droman and Rean then followed the guy as the other Formation Masters looked at them with satisfied expressions. They really didn''t want to let Droman roam free like that. What if another empire''s guild recruited him instead? That won''t do!


    Around an hour later, Rean and Droman left the Guild''s Main Branch. This time, however, Droman''s Formations Guild Badge on his robe changed. Obviously, that was the main branch''s badge.


    "Happy now?"


    Rean nodded as he looked at Droman''s grim expression.


    "Absolutely!"


    Droman couldn''t help but sigh.


    "Whatever... Let''s go back to the Dalamu Residence in the Inner City. I could try and use my status as a member of the guild to let you enter the repository for another week. However, the price would be quite hefty. Besides, we have something better to do. I''ll use this last week before the exam to help you revise everything you learned about. Understood?"


    Rean nodded while showing a determined expression.


    "Sure thing. Let''s go."


    Rean and Droman weren''t the only ones practicing, though. Old Worm stopped going out for a week already. Whatever it was that he was doing seemed to have been resolved already. Thanks to that, he and Roan practiced Alchemy quite a lot.


    "This formula turned out a little unstable. You know why, right?"


    Roan nodded.


    "The synchronization of the remaining properties didn''t go as I expected."


    Old Worm confirmed.


    "Exactly. Don''t forget. Even if the recipe is the same, the herbs aren''t. The Finmi Swamp Root from the capital has a higher concentration of Elemental Energy than the ones you can get in the Dalamu Sect. Make sure that you analyze it thoroughly next time you try it."


    Roan then took the medicinal liquid back and continued concocting the pill. Even though it wouldn''t be as good as it was, he wouldn''t simply throw it away. He''s not the type who liked to waste things.


    Old Worm looked at that and nodded, satisfied.


    When Old Worm came out of the Alchemy Room, he noticed Rean and Droman''s arrival. It was then that he saw Droman''s new badge.


    "You accepted their invite?"


    Droman scratched the back of his head helplessly.


    "It''s quite embarrassing since the one who really invented the Communication System was Rean. If not because this guy forced my hand, I definitely wouldn''t have taken the offer."


    Rean didn''t even care as he headed inside. Old Worm, on the other hand, just shook his head as he muttered.


    "Meaningless thoughts. Just accept it since it''s beneficial."


    Old Worm then left the room without waiting for an answer.


    ''Sigh... as always, so little words.''


    And just like that, the last week before both exams passed in a flash. Rean also had some freedom since Qia was entirely concentrated on the exam too.


    Droman and Old Worm would be representing Rean and Roan, so they had to go together. The two sides quickly arrived in the Core City before each one went to their own guilds. It was finally time for the exams to start.

 Chapter 416 - Can He Resist?

    It was the first time that Roan had entered the Alchemist Guild. After all, Old Worm didn''t have that free month to allow Roan to go there. The guild wasn''t any smaller than the Formations'' building. But what really caught people''s attention was the large number of young alchemists that came to participate in the exam.


    There was an enormous crowd outside the guild, waiting for their chance to enter. However, Old Worm was still a member of the Main Branch, so he was at least allowed to pass ahead with Roan. Eventually, they arrived at the counter... well, one of them. For the exam, the Alchemist Guild Main Branch prepared many temporary counters where the candidates could register.


    Of course, there were a few of them reserved primarily for the disciples of the members of the guild. Old Worm obviously brought Roan to one of those.


    "Oh! It''s Fellow Alchemist Fauk. You rarely ever come to pay us a visit."


    Old Worm nodded.


    "I''ve been busy."


    He then pointed at Roan.


    "Register him for the exam."


    The guy nodded and quickly passed a badge to Roan. Many members had brought their own disciples, so the guy didn''t find it strange that Old Worm had one as well.


    "Go to hall number seven, your group will be there. Your table is number 459. It''s against the rules to use your own tools and ingredients. Everything will be provided by the Alchemist Guild."


    Roan nodded as he looked beside him. He saw that everyone was paying several spirit stones before registering.


    "How much?"


    The man shook his head as he replied.


    "Disciples of members have no need to pay."


    Roan nodded and quickly put his badge away, and headed to hall number seven.


    "I can''t be there with you, so I''ll be watching from the sides."


    Old Worm then turned around and left as well. The guy on the counter couldn''t help but feel that interaction was weird.


    ''Is that all you have to say to your disciple? And what about this boy? He should have shown some respect to his Master as well...''


    Still, that wasn''t his problem, so he simply called the next person in the queue.


    Roan didn''t take long to arrive at the hall. He went straight to his table and began to look around. The hall was really enormous, and his number 459 was still considered at the forefront. He was sure that there were at least another 3 or 4 thousand tables behind him. Not to mention that this was only one of the halls. According to Old Worm, the Alchemist Guild opened at least ten halls for the exams every year.


    ''They really make a fortune. The guys outside had to pay 300 Rank Three Spirit Stones for registration. No wonder they only open ten or so slots every year. If they had even more slots, the Alchemist Main Branch wouldn''t even have enough space for everyone to go through the exam.''


    At the front, he also saw a stage that was empty at the moment. Roan then ignored his surroundings as he looked at his equipment on the table. There were only the most simple tools that one would usually give to those who were just starting in the path of alchemy. Roan''s Spiritual Sense quickly spread around, and sure enough, it was the same for everyone else.


    Roan then began to sort out his tools as he waited for the exam to start.


    Back in the Formations Guild, the exam didn''t attract as many people as the Alchemist''s exam. Alchemy was universally known for being a money-making side occupation, so it was normal for them to receive a lot more attention.


    Droman quickly used his privilege to register Rean.


    "Rean boy, it seems your time has arrived. Nervous?"


    The man on the counter was someone Rean saw a few times during his time in the repository.


    "Hmm... I would say excited instead."


    The man laughed as he passed him a badge.


    "Your testing field is number eighteen. I wish you good luck."


    Formations usually occupied areas much bigger than alchemist tables. Naturally, they needed a lot more space to go through the tests. However, there was no way that they would have enough space for everyone to draw formations. There weren''t as many people as the Alchemist Guild, but they could still fit a few thousand in their own turf.


    That''s why the first tests would be elimination trials where there was no need to draw formations at all. Only when the number fell to an acceptable range would the next tests start.


    Rean nodded as he looked at Droman on his side.


    "Well, I''m going there, then."


    Droman shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "We did all we could. Now it''s all up to you."


    Rean smiled as he turned around and left. However, he heard Sister Orb''s voice as he walked to the test field.


    [Hmph! With me here, there''s no way you can lose.]


    ''You shut up. I''m here to compete, not to cheat.''


    [Why would you do that? Roan said that you should always use everything at your disposal, remember?]


    ''That might be the case for him, but not me. Even if I fail this test, I won''t mind.''


    Roan''s voice then appeared in his mind.


    ''No can do. You better pass this test by hook or by crook. Your Circuitry Formations are linked to our Destiny Points. They''re a lot more important than your naivety. Don''t forget what we''re dealing with.''


    Rean''s expression went gloomy as he replied.


    ''Fine! However, Sister Orb can only intervene if I run out of options. Otherwise, I want to try and see how far I can go in the tests alone.''


    Roan didn''t care.


    ''As long as you pass, then so be it.''


    [The Formation Masters in this guild had been preparing the exam for a long time. I used this month in the repository to analyze all the formations being used in the testing fields. Thanks to that, I''m ready to guide you to victory at any time.]


    Rean sighed as he nodded.


    "Found you!"


    All of a sudden, someone held Rean''s arm.


    Rean was taken aback as he looked at the girl by his side.


    "Q-Qia, are you in the eighteenth test field as well?"


    Qia smiled playfully before nodding.


    "Yeap. I asked my Master if she could use her status to at least put me in the same testing group. Since it makes no difference which one we enter, it wasn''t hard for her to do that."


    Rean sighed as he looked at Qia''s bright smile.


    "You do know that we are enemies in this exam, right? I have no intention of holding back just because you are here. Our marriage is something completely different."


    Qia didn''t mind.


    "Obviously! If you really did that, I would kick your ass. I''m also participating, intending to get one of the ten slots. I only came to the same test field so that you could see how good of a deal you got after becoming mine."


    Rean felt a chill on his back.


    "Becoming... yours?"


    Qia narrowed her eyes at him as she replied.


    "What? You will be my husband, so you are obviously mine. Any problem?"


    Rean immediately shook his head after seeing Qia''s dark expression.


    "Ahem... Of course not."


    "That''s good then."


    Rean felt helpless. With her obvious attacks, even he didn''t know how long he would resist.

 Chapter 417 - Hes Good

    Back at the Alchemist Guild Main Branch...


    Most of the tables in Roan''s hall had already been filled. With a few exceptions like himself, most alchemists seemed to be around their late teens. However, Roan could see some who looked to be around his age. As for those who appeared to be older, that''s probably only their appearance.


    Finally, the door of the hall closed, which indicated that the exam wouldn''t accept any more participants. Following that, a Spiritual Sense Message reached everyone present.


    "The Alchemist Exam will now begin. From now on, you are prohibited from leaving your workstations. As mentioned in the rules, no personal tools are accepted. You will have to do with what you have on your table."


    Suddenly, another door opened at the front of the Hall as an old man using the Alchemist Guild Main Branch badge came out. Behind him, several other alchemists using the same badge followed.


    While the old man went up to the stage, the alchemists that came behind spread around the Hall in an orderly manner. One of them stopped just a few tens of meters from Roan. Everyone knew that those guys were there to prevent cheating.


    After that, they all paid attention to the man on the stage. He seemed to be talking with a few of the alchemists there at the moment.


    "It''s Elder Waki Tou!"


    "He''s a Heaven High-Level Alchemist."


    "We''re quite unlucky. His exams are usually the most strict."


    "Hmph! So what? This is just the starting phase."


    "Correct. If you can''t even pass this level, do you think you would have a chance for the ten slots?"


    "If anything, it''s good that the majority will fall here already."


    "Still, you better be ready. Elder Waki doesn''t like to approve many people at once. The ones who pass through his exams are usually a lot fewer than the other supervisors'' tests."


    Eventually, Waki seemed to finish his talk with the other alchemists. He then approached the stage front as he looked at all the young alchemists present.


    "Welcome to the Alchemist Guild Exam. As you know, two exams are going on at the moment. The first one has a lot fewer participants, which is the one targeted at older alchemists. And there is the exam you all are taking now, the new talents exam."


    "The requirements for this exam are simple. Be under the age of 20 and be recognized by the Alchemist Guild as a full-fledged alchemist."


    When Roan reached the Earth Low-Level Alchemist rank, he was registered in the Alchemist Hall of the Dalamu Sect, which was then informed to the Alchemist Guild itself. Rean went through the same process for his Blacksmith and Formation Master side occupations. Even though they weren''t part of the main branches in the capital, they were still recognized by the guilds as true members.


    "You all heard the rules already, so I won''t repeat them anymore. Just remember that anyone who breaks them will be expelled from the guild forever, so be careful."


    "Alright, let''s start with the first part of the exam, the medicinal extraction exam. As you all know, this is one of the very first steps when concocting pills. It''s not just about bringing out the medicinal properties of the materials. You need to be sure that the quality of the medicine will not be lost in the process."


    "There are many ways of doing it. Some like to use boiling methods. Others prefer to use pestle and mortars, a few choose to inject Spiritual Energy inside to force the medicinal liquid out, etc... I will not tell you to use a specific method since everyone has their own preferences. All that matters here is the quality of the medicinal liquid that you get."


    Waki continued.


    "That will be the first part of the exam. At the moment, there are 4981 alchemists in this hall alone. Usually, the guild asks to pass the first 300 into the second phase. However, I don''t see any use in those below the top 100. That being said, only the best 100 medicinal extractions will go to the next phase."


    Everyone couldn''t help but become a bit nervous. Sure enough, Waki made it a lot more difficult for them.


    "Once you finish extracting the medicinal liquids, put them inside the vials on your table. The assistants will come and bring it to the stage where the quality will be tested through a formation."


    [Roan, different from Rean and the Formations Guild, I did not have the chance to analyze the formations of this place. I doubt I will be over in time to help you with that formation he talked about.]


    ''It''s okay.''


    "If you look into the right drawer of your table, you will see that we prepared a few herbs for you there. They are all of the same age and quality. You can select any of them to use in the extraction process. If you want to try several different ones, go ahead and do it. As long as you get a medicinal quality that you deem as best, I don''t care which one you use."


    "Alright, you all have two hours to go through the extraction process. After the two hours are over, no more medicinal liquids will be accepted. The exam starts now!"


    On the sides, there were quite a number of alchemists that came only to watch. Most of them were the masters of these young alchemists. Old Worm, of course, was there as well to watch Roan.


    Beside him, there were a few other alchemists from the Main Branch, just like him. Obviously, they were a lot fewer compared to the alchemists who came from outside. One of them just so happened to be the guy who registered Roan, Selio Mutban.


    "Hey everyone, look who''s back. Fauk finally appeared again."


    Immediately, a few eyes were attracted to Old Worm.


    "Oh! Fauk, you came to watch the exam? You rarely come to pay a visit."


    "That''s true. You are one of our oldest members, but you seldom come out. How come you''re here this time?"


    "Hahaha! You might not believe this, but Fauk seems to have gotten a disciple."


    "What? The Dead Fauk got a disciple? You''re kidding, right?"


    Sure enough, Old Worm''s reputation of having no emotions was not something from Dalamu alone.


    Old Worm massaged his temples as he sighed. That''s why he didn''t like to come. These guys were just too noisy.


    "Tell me, tell me! Who''s his disciple?"


    Selio then pointed in Roan''s direction in the distance.


    "Can you see the black-haired boy there on the twentieth row?"


    Everyone focused their Spiritual Senses and quickly found who Selio was talking about.


    "Oh, he seems to be quite young, no? He''s what? 15, 16?"


    "It doesn''t matter. I''m more curious what kind of boy would catch Dead Fauk''s interest. You''ve never brought a disciple before."


    "Hey, Fauk. Your disciple seems pretty calm. Is he really good?"


    "Well, Dead Fauk took him in, right? He must be quite above average to catch Fauk''s interest."


    Fauk knew that they weren''t really trying to offend him. Deak Fauk had basically become his nickname here, that''s all.


    Old Worm sighed before glancing at everyone.


    "He''s good."


    Well, that was all he said, much to everyone''s disappointment.

 Chapter 418 - Formations Guild First Exam

    Meanwhile, Rean was undergoing a similar situation. The testing field was even larger than the Alchemist Hall, where Roan was having his exam. At the moment, it was already closed, so no more participants can enter. On the other side of the field, Rean found someone he recognized. It was the same elder who invited Droman the first time they arrived in the Formations Guild, Zako Vale.


    "Alright, everyone''s already here. As you know, it would be impossible to test all of you in drawing formations at once. Depending on the techniques employed, a formation might take up a huge space, which would only be for a single participant. In that case, we have to reduce your numbers during the first phase."


    "In this testing field, we have prepared three types of formations. All of them have one thing in common, they will try to hinder your movements. We have one movement restriction type formation, one illusion type, and one barrier type. Your objective is to reach this side of the field where I''m waiting."


    The elder wasn''t that far away, at most 500 meters or so. Still, none of the participants thought that it would be easy to reach his location.


    "The formations aren''t perfect. All of them have a few flaws that can be exploited. That is also a way to test how much you all understand formations. After all, there''s no lack of formations in the outside world. You never know when you will need to crack a formation down. The ability to analyze them quickly and accurately is highly appreciated in the guild. It can even save your life in the future as well."


    "One more thing. You don''t need to be afraid of someone using the same methods as you all. Beneath the three formations, there''s another major formation capable of hiding everyone''s presence while separating them. You can work to your heart''s content without being afraid of giving clues to others."


    Rean and everyone else nodded. That was a straightforward but effective method to test everyone.


    "The clear condition is simple as well. The first 200 to come out to this side will be qualified to enter the next phase. Once the number is achieved, the formations will turn off by themselves, and the rest can leave."


    Sister Orb''s voice then appeared in Rean''s mind.


    [As I said, our time spent in the Formations Guild was enough for me to analyze this exam''s formations. I can tell you in real-time how many people already passed the exam. If I see that the number is getting too close to 200, I''ll let you know where the flows are located.]


    Rean sighed but nodded his head nonetheless.


    ''Alright.''


    On the other side, Zako continued with his speech.


    "Last but not least, the test has a time limit to be completed. If time''s up but the number of those who have come out still hasn''t reached 200, then we will move forward with the ones who concluded the exam. The rest will be disqualified straight away."


    "Alright, that''s all you need to know at the moment. The exam starts now!"


    Qia, who had been holding Rean''s hand all this time, stole another kiss from him before giving him a wink.


    "Then, I''m going ahead. See you on the other side."


    Rean scratched the back of his head as he looked at the other men around him. The air around him was quite ''red'' with killing intent. Obviously, the newcomers who didn''t know anything were quite jealous of his open relationship.


    ''I wonder if I''ll survive in the end.''


    Rean then shook his head and rushed inside the formations as well. Immediately, the world around him warped as the illusion formation began to work on him. What was just an open field a while ago, now became a jail with bars everywhere.


    ''The first one is an illusion formation, huh? Now that I think about it, they didn''t tell us what sequence it would be.''


    Rean then went to the corner of the jail and touched the bars. However, he immediately narrowed his eyes after that.


    ''They didn''t hold back at all. Even though I know that there''s no such thing as a cage in front of me, I can still feel it when I touch the bars.''


    Rean was right. For the spectators, Rean was doing nothing more than holding his hand in the air. Well, that was the same for most of the participants as well. The spectators had to use another monitoring formation to be able to see what the participants were seeing.


    ''To find the flaws of the Illusion Formation, I will need to see the runes first. Obviously, the formation won''t allow me to do that, so I will have to force them to appear.''


    There were different methods to do it. The most common was to use a burst of Spiritual Energy in the illusion itself. The illusion was made through the runes, allowing one to visualize it for a few moments. Of course, the higher the illusion''s level, the harder it would be to make that work. Everyone in this exam was an Earth Middle or High-Level Formations Master, so the formation was obviously made to match these levels... or so the majority thought.


    ''No, they are looking for the best ones, so I wouldn''t be surprised if this is an Earth Peak Level Illusion Formation.''


    Rean was right. It was the same thing for everyone in the other testing fields as well.


    Rean kept walking around the illusion formation for a while before he stopped in the middle. He looked down at the ground that seemed to be the same as everywhere else. Suddenly, a smile appeared on his face as Light Element began to converge around his body. Soon after, he sent all of it into the ground.


    No one understood what Rean was doing. As far as they could see, nothing happened with the illusion at all. Even the runes didn''t appear for even a second, so why did he do that?


    However, Rean suddenly looked at a certain point in the jail. It was the ceiling close to the top right corner.


    ''Found you!''


    Soon after, he used his Spiritual Energy to attack that point of the formation.


    *Crack... Shatter!*


    Immediately, he heard the sound of something breaking apart as the jail around him disappeared into thin air!


    "What?! He destroyed the formation core!"


    "How did he do that?!"


    "He didn''t even try to use the formation''s flaws to turn it off."


    "The formation core should be even harder to find than the flaws in the formation. Could something have been wrong with it?"


    "Are you dumb? Do you think the guild would commit such a mistake with that level of formation?"


    Droman wasn''t the least bit surprised, though. He knew very well why Rean was able to find it so fast.


    "Hahaha! So, how is it? Do you like this old man''s disciple?"


    The others looked at him with mixed emotions.


    "How did he find the Formation Core?"


    Droman smiled in response.


    "That''s a secret. You will need to ask him directly. Whether he wants to answer or not, that''s up to him."

 Chapter 419 - Medicinal Extraction

    Rean didn''t hear anything about the commotion inside. He simply pressed forward while waiting for the next formation to appear.


    Most formations that used cores kept their flow of Spiritual Energy hidden. If they couldn''t do that, the formation would be made in a way where the Spiritual Energy flowed evenly everywhere, preventing one from pinpointing the core''s location. Or maybe the core would be protected by something.


    After all, if the core of a formation that needs it was destroyed, the formation would become useless. It''s common practice to make preparations for it to not happen. Naturally, the Formations Guild wasn''t idiotic enough to leave it exposed. If anything, the Illusion Formation Core was better hidden than normal formations at the same level.


    Still, there was indeed a reason for Rean to find the Formation Core that easily. Spiritual Energy was one of the driving forces of the living world. There was no lack of Life Force present in it. It''s just that the amount was too small for just anyone to notice. Well, anyone but Rean, whose affinity was the Light Element.


    Rean indeed couldn''t tell where the Spiritual Energy was coming, but Life Force was different. The Formation Core obviously had even more Spiritual Energy inside, which made things even easier for Rean. By using his Light Element on the entire jail, Rean was able to feel where the highest concentration of Life Force was located.


    Well, he also felt the presence of the other participants. However, the way Life Force acted inside a living body was different from a Formation Core, so Rean didn''t have issues finding the right source.


    Formations that used cores were usually considered a lot stronger due to the support they give to the runes. But strangely enough, Rean would have a lot more difficulty finding a way out if the Illusion Formation didn''t use it.


    As Rean walked forward, the color of his hair suddenly changed into black and white. Immediately, he understood that Roan started his exam as well.


    Sure enough, Roan began to extract the medicinal liquid present in the herbs. He selected a Tavarian Stalk to do it since he used it a few times before. His hair also changed into a mix of black and white as he worked with the herb on the mortar.


    The alchemists close to Fauk also noticed that, though.


    "What happened with his hair?"


    "What a strange kid."


    "That''s not all. I might be wrong, but I think I felt a bit of the Dark Element present in his concoction."


    "Dark Element? I could swear I felt Light Element."


    "Does it mean he can use both Yin and Yang energies? After all, it''s impossible to use the Dark Element without controlling Yin Energy. The same could be said for the Light Element without Yang Energy."


    "Fauk, is that a side effect of your disciple''s cultivation?"


    Old Worm glanced at the chatterboxes and shook his head.


    "His situation is complicated."


    Everyone looked at Old Worm, waiting for him to continue. Unfortunately, Old Worm didn''t say a single extra worm after that.


    ''Would it kill you to try and be a bit more specific?''


    Roan didn''t know what everyone was discussing. Still, he did get someone else''s attention. Waki Tou, the elder presiding over the exam of hall number seven, was looking directly at him with his Spiritual Sense. In the end, he couldn''t help but shook his head in disappointment.


    ''Light and Dark Elements? Would someone cultivate both Yin and Yang Energy just to control those polar opposite forces? I wonder how he hadn''t gotten a cultivation defect until now.''


    Still, as he looked at Roan''s performance, the expression on his face disappeared.


    ''The medicinal liquid in his mortar seems quite... good? How''s he doing that?''


    There were thousands of alchemists in this exam. The only reason Waki noticed Roan was because he was the only one using different elements. Everyone else was using Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, or some combination of those elements like Wood and Augmented Fire with Wind. There was Lightning Element as well, but this one was rarely used in alchemy.


    The other alchemists beside Old Worm noticed that as well. Some of them even began to pay more attention to Roan than their own disciples.


    Old Worm''s expression didn''t even change, though.


    Roan was doing the same thing as always. He used the Light Element to protect the stalk medicine while the Dark Element destroyed any undesired properties. It was very similar to when Roan needed to eliminate the impurities during concoction. During that time, he would keep using Rean''s Light Element to protect the Medicinal Liquid just like now while the Dark Element destroyed all the impurities.


    In fact, Roan could extract the Medicinal Liquid of the herbs directly inside the cauldron. Quite a few of the participants were doing it as well. However, Medicinal Extraction and Medicinal Purification were two separate processes. What would be checked by the Formations Guild in the first phase was the medicinal liquid quality, not how many impurities it had. That being said, he decided to use the mortar and pestle since he didn''t need to start concocting straight away.


    Roan spent around ten minutes doing that. Finally, he thought it was enough and poured the Medicinal Liquid inside the vial on the table. This vial was specially made, just like the pill bottles. It prevented the medicinal liquid quality from dropping. After that, he took another herb and began to do the same thing.


    ''Although I know the information of these herbs, I have never used most of them. I might as well take this opportunity and try them out.''


    As Roan extracted the medicinal liquid from the next herb, an assistant of the guild came forward to take his medicinal liquid vial. After that, the assistant brought it to the stage as many others did. However, just as the assistant was about to put it down, Waki came forward and grabbed it.


    "You can leave."


    The assistant didn''t dare complain and left straight away to look for more of them.


    Waki then opened the vial for a second before sniffing the contents inside. Soon after, he closed it and put the vial down with the others. Waki had already done it many times with other participants'' vials that caught his attention, so no one found anything strange about it.


    ''Such a strong and pure smell. There aren''t many here who can achieve this level. I wonder how well he will do when we use a formation to analyze them all.''


    Waki then looked at a few more participants. Just like Roan''s, Waki confirmed that their medicinal liquids were quite good as well. Three participants had caught his attention more than the rest, though. One of them was a disciple of an elder of the Alchemist Guild called Cluhe Sol. As mentioned in the past, using two elements was hard, and only a few could do it. Cluhe just so happened to use Water and Earth to create the Wood Element, and Waki could tell that his control was very refined.


    The other one was a young girl from outside the capital called Lita Xue. In her case, she used Water and Fire together, which created a type of blue flame. Her medicinal extraction was also a tad above the rest.


    Obviously, the last one was Roan, who used the Dark and Light Elements.


    ''This year''s exam seems quite interesting.''

 Chapter 420 - Is That Valid?

    Back at the Formations Guild, Rean was finally hindered by the next formation. When Rean touched it, the barrier in front bent outwards. Still, there was a limit as to how far Rean''s hand could go before he couldn''t force it anymore.


    ''This protection formation looks a bit elastic. I was lucky that the last formation used a hidden core approach, so breaking through it was simple. This one, however, has its core located inside the formation itself. They didn''t even try to hide it. After all, it would have no meaning once you pass through it.''


    Nonetheless, Rean''s Light Element was still outstanding when it came to analyzing formations. After all, they''re real paths that the runes can''t hide since they need spiritual Energy. It''s just that Rean would need to break it like everyone else after finding the flaws to exploit.


    ''Sister Orb, how many have reached this second formation already?''


    [Only you so far. I doubt any of the old geezers outside thought that you would find the core of the previous formation that easily. As for your wife, I can tell that she will be out of that illusion formation any time now.]


    Rean nodded as he kept looking at the runes lit up by his Light Element.


    ''Here''s the first flaw. There is a path broken that''s making the Spiritual Energy run around, decreasing the formation''s efficiency.''


    Rean then tried to force his Spiritual Energy there to cause chaos in the flow of the formation. Unfortunately, it was far from enough.


    ''It will take too long if I use this one alone. Let''s look for more.''


    Rean then found a second, a third, a fourth... There were quite a few different flaws. However, this was nothing out of the ordinary. It''s hard to find perfect formations in the world due to how many runes they needed to operate. Of course, for this test alone, there were a few more flaws than usual since they couldn''t let this exam go on forever.


    Outside, everyone was impressed by Rean''s speed in finding those flaws. They could only see his Light Element gathering around him, but it didn''t look like it was doing anything to the runes. One would usually force the runes to appear so they could analyze them, but Rean didn''t do anything like that.


    "Droman, I know that your disciple has an extremely rare Light Element Affinity. Still, how the hell is he using it?"


    "Right! It shouldn''t be this fast at all. Is he not cheating?"


    "I wouldn''t say cheating since it would be suicide to do it in this Guild''s exam. However, it is definitely a method we haven''t seen before."


    Droman laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! I told you before that you will have to ask Rean himself if you want to know the answer. However, you were right about one thing, Light Element is part of the reason. Don''t say it''s cheating. What''s wrong with using one''s own power to open a path for himself? Or could it be that you guys would like to have been born with Light Element Affinity?"


    Immediately, everyone went quiet. They all knew the problem that out of the norm affinities had. Simply put, the lack of cultivation techniques. They would be stuck with pure Spiritual Energy absorption without any proper guide whatsoever. Obviously, they would all be several times slower than anyone else.


    "B-But! If that''s the case, how''s your disciple in the Core Formation Realm already? Wasn''t it supposed to be a burden to not have Cultivation Techniques for oneself?"


    Droman nodded, not denying it at all.


    "Correct. That''s why I said Rean''s talent is several times higher than mine. He and his brother created their own cultivation techniques. That''s the result you are seeing in front of you right now."


    Well, the twins could only give such an excuse since there was no other way to explain how they could cultivate that fast. Others could only believe it, too, since this world should not have Light and Dark cultivation techniques.


    Rean didn''t know what everyone was talking about, nor did he care. He only kept finding the flaws in the formation with the help of his Light Element. Rean continued like that for another twenty or so minutes.


    ''Alright, this should be enough.''


    [Oh! Just so that you know, Qia has broken through the illusion formation. She was the 4th one to do it.]


    Rean smiled and nodded.


    ''She is part of the Sasamil Imperial Family, after all. The education in formations she got is definitely top-notch, probably much better than Droman gave to me.''


    Spiritual Energy then gathered around Rean before he forced it into all the flaws he found at the same time. He moved the Spiritual Energy in a different path through those flaws, which began to cause chaos in the formation itself. After doing that for another five or so minutes, a breach in the formation finally appeared.


    Naturally, Rean entered it in a flash, leaving the formation behind. With the intervention gone, the formation began to go back to its normal flow, and the gap closed just a few seconds later.


    "That kid already passed the protection formation."


    "Not only did Droman create the Communication System, but he also found such a heaven-defying disciple."


    "Don''t be so sure. The next formation is the worst one."


    "You''re right. There is only the movement restriction formation."


    Droman''s expression didn''t even change. With Rean''s method of following Life Force in Spiritual Energy, he would be able to find the flaws sooner or later. However, even he didn''t expect what Rean was going to do.


    Around a hundred or so meters after the last formation, Rean was assaulted by a great wave of pressure coming from above.


    ''The Movement Restriction Formation!''


    With every step forward, the pressure increased.


    ''I will need to analyze it from here... nope! To hell with that.''


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Rean''s body shot forward like a cannonball! However, he didn''t use the Stellar Piercer to attack. Instead, he used it to pierce through the rest of the field! The pressure increased several times in less than a second as his bones cracked because of its power. However, just as Rean was about to reach his limit...


    *Swish!*


    The pressure disappeared! Rean had passed through the last formation by force!


    "Haha! I passed!"


    Immediately, the entire hall of spectators went silent.


    ''Is that valid?''

 Chapter 421 - Sigh Of Disappointment

    Roan was having a good time extracting the herbs'' medicinal liquids to the point that he ignored everything else. That''s to show how high the quality of the materials in the Alchemist Main Branch is.


    ''Old Worm told me that they cultivate most of their herbs here. Seems like they''re very good at it too. It was the first time I used the Galova Leaves, but I still got a superb result on the first try. It was not only my Light and Dark Element, but the herb itself helped in the process.''


    Roan was a rarity between the participants. Most of the participants focused on the herb they were best at. They kept extracting the medicinal liquid of those herbs time and time again, trying to get the best result possible. Still, a few of them were as confident as Roan, so they also took the opportunity to try other herbs afterward. Lita Xue and Cluhe Sol were good examples of it.


    Time passed as more and more vials of medicinal liquids arrived on the stage. All of them were put in a queue so that they could be checked with the formation later. Eventually, the two hours were over.


    "Enough! Any vial of medicinal liquid that appears from now on will not be accepted. Assistants, bring the ones that have been finished already."


    In just a few minutes, a few more of those vials appeared on the stage.


    Roan heard that but decided to ignore it. They would be analyzing the vials, which would take some time. He might as well work on a few more extractions since he didn''t have time to try all the new herbs. Old Worm couldn''t help but show a faint smile as he saw that.


    ''It''s good that you know what''s really important.''


    He left Roan alone and then focused his attention on the stage. Waki also noticed that Roan wasn''t paying attention. After all, Roan was one of the few that caught his attention. Still, he simply ignored that since it would make no difference.


    "Every vial has the participant''s name and number. We have prepared several analyzing formations in partnership with the Formations Guild. To see the results in real-time, just send your Spiritual Sense into the monitoring formations around the room."


    "All of you sent several vials, but only the highest result will be considered. Suppose you perform better with a later Vial. In that case, your previous result will be deleted as the new one will be displayed. Obviously, it will be matched accordingly in the ranks. In case there''s a draw, the results of your second or third best medicinal liquid will be used to determine who is better."


    "Alright, let''s not waste any more time. I want to see who will be in the top 100. Start!"


    The assistants on the stage immediately began to work as they put the vials on the formations one by one. Because there were several rolls of shelves with vials, the first ones to be delivered ended up in the back of the queue. That being said, the last ones to arrive would be the first ones tested.


    Immediately, everyone sent their Spiritual Senses into the monitoring formations mentioned by Waki. Old Worm, of course, did the same thing. Only Roan and a few others who were confident in their results continued to practice as if nothing was happening.


    At first, the positions in the rank shifted nonstop. But after ten minutes, they finally began to stabilize.


    -Cluhe Sol, Vermilion Rak: 82.53%-


    -Salan Vinci, Ramulia Sun Flower: 79, 67%-


    -Roan Larks, Southern Ice Ginseng: 78.96%-


    -Manu Filaken, Wind Leaves: 78.65%-


    -Lita Xue, Tantum Swamp Root: 77.73%-


    -Jonaf Qerliot, Samal Region Uvra Flower...-


    And just like that, the results kept coming. The variations were enormous as well. While the top 100 was all above 70%, the bottom 100 had results below 40%. Obviously, the base had most of the changes.


    Still, none of the elders and spectators paid much attention to it. The best candidates had already finished their best herbs at the start of the competition. The results showing right now were the results they got from other types they weren''t used at. Only by the end would the best products appear.


    Still, the alchemists beside Old Worm were surprised with Roan.


    "Fauk, your kid is doing quite well."


    "Indeed. I never thought that Dark and Light ELement could be used for alchemy."


    "Well, that''s why Dead Fauk decided to take a disciple, no? He liked the kind of rarity his disciple brought to the field."


    "That makes sense. Otherwise, it would be hard to catch Fauk''s attention."


    "By the way, what position you think he can take?"


    Everyone was quite curious about Roan, so they kept bothering Old Worm with questions. Well, Old Worm kept ignoring them as always, much to their helplessness.


    Around thirty minutes later, the average of the top 100 increased once again. Because the herbs provided for extraction were the same, herb names began to repeat as different results were achieved with other alchemists.


    -Cluhe Sol, Ramulia Sun Flower: 84.73%-


    -Lita Xue, Vulcan Lotus Seeds: 82.12%-


    -Ilma Sasamil, Wind Leaves: 82.10%


    -Salan Vinci, Midnight Algae: 81.78%-


    -Roan Larks, Afrilo Cold Mucus: 80.86%-


    -Manu Filaken...


    Eventually, the batch of herbs made in the first 20 minutes of the exam began to be tested. Roan also just so happened to finish the extraction of another plant. Just as he was about to take another one, he received a Spiritual Sense Message from Old Worm.


    ''That''s enough for now. The last results will appear, so you won''t have enough time to finish the next extraction.''


    Old Worm wasn''t warning Roan about the results. With the numbers displayed so far, Roan would definitely be in the top 100. It''s just that Roan would be called with other qualified alchemists to another place, so he would need to stop his extraction midway. Naturally, the herb would be wasted, and Old Worm didn''t like to waste things.


    Roan nodded as he looked at the results so far.


    ''Qalan Herb, huh? As I thought, this Cold Yin Plant was the best one among those I never tried before. It still gave me the 5th position. Still, it is far from the quality I achieved with Tavarian Stalk.''


    It turned out that the only herb Roan had worked with before was the Tavarian Herb. The guild had purposely selected a few rare materials to see how the participants would deal with them. The situation wasn''t much different for the other participants too.


    Finally, the last batch of medicinal liquids was analyzed as the results began to appear one after another. Roan was almost the very first one to deliver his medicinal liquid, so his result would appear at the very end.


    The first one of the favorites immediately caught everyone''s attention as soon it appeared.


    -Cluhe Sol, Midnight Algae: 91.73%-


    "Oh! It''s Elder Sulikan''s disciple. As expected, that''s an excellent result. He should have consolidated his 1st position with it."


    "Indeed. Still, I''m curious about the others."


    "Indeed. The best results always appear at the end."


    Sure enough, someone ended up passing Cluhe.


    -Avram Samikil, Xakron Green Sap: 92.12%-


    "See? Using a herb that you know can make a huge difference."


    "Avram wasn''t even in the top 20 before. Now, he immediately shot up to the first position."


    "We might get a few more surprises."


    -Lita Xue, Ramulia Sun Flower 92.79%-


    "And there we go. It''s the girl from Zafril Country."


    "The top 100 has a lot of the Capital''s powers like the Subordinate Clans, Sasamil Imperial Family, and some other wealth and strong families. Still, there''s a good amount of outsiders too."


    "There is Fauk''s boy as well. He came from outside. He is still in the 7th position even after the best medicinal liquids were processed."


    Sure enough, the results of the only herb Roan had worked before appeared at the very end.


    -Roan Larks, Tavarian Stalk: 94.82%-


    In an instant, the entire room froze, just like what happened to Rean. Immediately, everyone focused their eyes on Roan and Old Worm.


    However, Old Worm and Roan shook their heads in disappointment.


    "Indeed. It''s hard to achieve a good result when you aren''t using your own tools."


    Everyone almost vomited blood! Is that what you call a bad result? What kind of master and disciple is this? Are they trying to humiliate everyone else?

 Chapter 422 - You Did Well

    At the moment, a discussion was going around in the Formations Guild Test Field.


    "Can he pass the test like that? The idea was to crack down the formations, right?"


    "Indeed. I don''t know if Zako would accept that."


    "Perhaps he''ll send Rean back since that''s not how it should be done."


    Droman couldn''t help but sweat a little after hearing those statements. It would be good if Rean was sent back, but he was afraid that he might get disqualified instead.


    Rean then arrived in front of Zako as he sheathed his sword.


    "I just need to wait for the next 299 people, right?"


    Zako''s mouth twitched when he heard that question. First of all, he was still in disbelief that Rean resisted the pressure of the formation. That''s not something an Initial Stage Core Formation Realm should be able to.


    "Do you think I would accept that kind of result?"


    However, Rean gave a puzzled look at Zako as he replied.


    "Why not? The rules said that the first ones to arrive at the other side would be qualified. I''m here now, so I obviously passed."


    "Like hell it was! We wanted you to use the flaws in the formation to pass the exam, not brute force!"


    Rean gave an even more puzzled look as he responded.


    "What are you talking about? The fact that the formation didn''t have the power necessary to hold me down was a very obvious flaw. I used it in my favor to pass through it. How come what I did is not valid?"


    Immediately, everyone around swallowed their words. Indeed, that wasn''t just any flaw. That was a huge flaw! No one could think of a way to refute Rean''s words.


    "This..."


    Rean continued.


    "Don''t be too sad. Even though it was a very ugly fault, I know you can do better next time."


    Zako felt like sending Rean flying with a kick. It wasn''t him who put that formation there. Why was he being comforted because of it? He''s a Heaven Level Formations Master. He doesn''t need it at all!


    Still, he calmed down after a while.


    "Sigh... forget it. I can''t deny that the lack of pressure from the formation was a flaw indeed. Besides, you were ahead of everyone else to start with, so I doubt you wouldn''t be between the first 300 anyway. Just get behind me and wait for the rest."


    Rean smiled as he moved to the area Zako mentioned. There was another monitoring formation there that Rean used to accompany the other participants.


    In the end, it wasn''t before thirty minutes later that the first participant came out of the three formations test. It wasn''t someone Rean knew, but he could tell where he came from due to his clothes. There were a few spectators close to where Rean was waiting, so he went there to ask the others who that guy was.


    "It''s Havek Sasamil."


    "His Master is also someone from the Formations Guild Main Branch, right?"


    "He is. Well, Havek is part of the Sasamil Bloodline, but he isn''t a direct descendant."


    As Havek walked in Zako''s direction, he had a prideful expression on his face.


    "Hahaha! It seems like this young Master was the first to come out. Well, everyone praised my talent for formation, so that is to be expected."


    Turns out that he was quite a narcissist. However, Havek quickly noticed everyone''s weird expressions as they looked at him. Suddenly, he received a Spiritual Sense message from his Master in the crowd.


    ''Shut up, you idiot! Can''t you see the white-haired boy there? Stop humiliating both of us.''


    Havek didn''t pay attention at first because Rean was close to the other spectators. However, he finally noticed that Rean was inside the area where the qualified participants should be waiting.


    "What?!"


    He quickly approached Rean before asking.


    "Hey, when did you come out?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head as he answered.


    "Ahem... It wasn''t too long. Just thirty minutes."


    Havek''s mouth twitched. Is this guy trying to pull his leg?


    "Are you for real?"


    Rean nodded.


    "There is no need for you to mull over it. I was just lucky."


    Havek nodded.


    "Well, it must have been. Wait, I feel like I saw you before somewhere..."


    "Ah! Aren''t you Qia''s hubby?"


    "Hu-Hubby?!"


    Rean didn''t know what to say. Well, it wasn''t completely wrong either.


    "I see, I see... No wonder that prideful girl took an interest in you. I thought it was only because of Droman''s Communication System that she did it, but it seems like you have your own perks as well. Hahaha!"


    "Anyway, I expect a good challenge from you in the next phases."


    Havek then turned around and went to where his Master was waiting. As for Rean, he couldn''t help but think.


    ''He reminds me of Tissan...''


    The next participants then began to come out of the formations test one after the other. The second one was a guy from outside the Capital. His name was Dian Surteri, a Formation Master from Erken Country.


    The third all the way up to the tenth ones were all part of the Capital as well. Qia just so happened to be between them.


    "Oh! I knew that you would pass the test, but I didn''t expect you would come out before me."


    Qia smiled as she got close to him. She quickly held his hand as she looked at Havek.


    "Indeed, Havek is one of the best between us all, so I guess it''s no surprise he appeared before us."


    Rean scratched the back of his head as he explained.


    "Ahem... In fact, I was the first one to come out."


    Qia''s smile disappeared as she looked at Rean with a shocked expression.


    "Are you for serious? How-"


    Just as Qia was about to ask, Havek came running in their direction.


    "Hey, hey, hey! I heard how you passed the last formation. That was crazy! I''ve never thought someone would do something like that. Oh, Qia is here too, it seems."


    Qia''s mouth twitched as she asked.


    "What do you mean by that? Are you disappointed?"


    Havek shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "Not really. You came out when I thought you would, so that''s fine. The only surprise so far was Rean. As for the rest, I don''t have much interest in them."


    Qia shook her head and decided to ignore Havek''s attitude. Everyone between the young Formation Masters knew what type of person he was anyway. Complaining about him would bring her nowhere.


    "So, you said that my future husband here surprised you. How did he do that?"


    Havek immediately nodded with an excited expression.


    "Oh, that''s right!"


    Havek then explained everything. Sure enough, Qia looked at Rean with a weird expression after hearing everything.


    "This... isn''t that cheating?"


    Rean was just about to answer when Havek intervened.


    "Are you an idiot? Oh, right. You aren''t as good as me, so it''s understandable that your head can''t see how impressive it was."


    Qia really felt like cutting that guy''s head now. Nonetheless, Havek ignored her as he continued.


    "He could see that the formation didn''t have enough power to hold him down. Laywomen like you might have thought that it would be against the rules to break through. However, the formation''s weakness to hold him down was a flaw in itself. Can your small mind see it?"


    *Bam*


    "Ouch!"


    Qia couldn''t help but kick that guy''s leg.


    Still, she ignored him soon after and looked at Rean.


    "As expected of the man I love, you did well."


    Rean, who had practically been a spectator between these two, could only accept the compliment in the end.

 Chapter 423 - Using The Worst Results

    Old Worm had long since recognized Roan''s ability to increase the quality of medicinal liquid. For quality alone, Light Element played a larger role than when Roan had to eliminate impurities. When it came to removing impurities, Dark Element took place as the most important one.


    Waki noticed that he lost his attention for a moment.


    "Ahem... Well then. The last ones have been tested already, so the top 100 has been decided. As for the ones who didn''t make it, you can go back home already. That''s all."


    Roan, Cluhe, Lita, Avram, and the rest, who made it into the top 100, followed Waki to the back. As for the rest, they could only watch these people in jealousy. Still, Roan and the others didn''t seem to be happy or anything. In their eyes, it wouldn''t be a problem to pass this first test to start with. It''s just that no one expected Roan to make such a high-quality medicinal liquid, so they couldn''t help but look at him with interest.


    Roan noticed that but didn''t care. He already decided that he would enter the top 10 since he needed those Rank Four Spirit Stones to buy that skill book. Well, he would try it anyway, even if he didn''t know about that book.


    The alchemist exam''s first phase was the same for all the halls. Because of that, all of them finished around the same time. When Roan was brought to the next testing area, there were a lot of participants that had passed the first phase somewhere else. He and the others were then guided to their own tables, where they would take the second test.


    The other examination halls were not as strict as Waki, so there were more qualified alchemists from them. In the end, the second phase area still had around three to four thousand participants. Roan quickly verified his surroundings and the people there. After all of that, he shifted his attention back to his table.


    ''The same equipment as before. It seems like we won''t be using our own tools in this entire exam at all.''


    Roan then began to prepare everything since these tools were not the same ones he used in the previous room. As he did that, more and more participants arrived. Some of them tried to talk with Roan, but he simply ignored them.


    At some point, Old Worm and the other spectators arrived in the room as well. Old Worm was feeling quite annoyed, though. His fellow guild members didn''t stop asking him about Roan at all. Every now and then, he answered with a few words, but none of them seemed satisfied.


    As all of that happened, Waki joined with the other elders from the other halls to talk.


    "How was it in your halls? Was there any problem?"


    The man who was talking was called Mancil Werxa. He was the main figure of the Alchemist Guilds in the entire Empire and the only Heaven Peak-Level Alchemist.


    Everyone then shook their heads after hearing the question.


    "That''s good, then. What about the participants this time? Who are the ones worth taking notice of?"


    This time, the elders finally had something to say.


    "My hall had two participants who seemed capable. One did 90.23% of quality, while the other got 91.90%."


    "Mine was not that well-off. The first place''s medicinal liquid quality only reached 88.03%. It was quite disappointing."


    One by one, they reported their findings. Finally, Waki mentioned his.


    "Seems like I have the highest number of those who can surpass 90%. Four of my participants passed it. The first place even got almost 95%! Or 94.82% to be more specific."


    Everyone looked at Waki, surprised. Even Mancil got a bit curious.


    "Over 94%? That''s quite rare. Which clan did he come from? Or maybe he was from the Sasamil Imperial Family?"


    Waki shook his head in response.


    "No, he came from outside the capital. Do you remember that Dalamu Sect?"


    "Dalamu Sect? The Communication System Formation one?"


    Waki nodded.


    "That one. This boy came from that place as well."


    Mancil pondered for a bit before saying.


    "They are quite lucky with talents. In any case, our Alchemist Guild doesn''t have much to do with Formations, so let''s put it aside. So far, it seems like we have around twenty young alchemists worth keeping an eye on. Of course, while some might be bad at Medicinal Extraction, it doesn''t mean it''s the same with the next steps of concoction. There''s still a chance of a few more talents appearing in the next phase."


    After that, the elders kept talking for a while as they waited for everyone to prepare for the next test. Finally, an assistant of the guild appeared and said.


    "Senior Mancil, all the preparations are done. We can start the second phase at any time."


    Mancil nodded before turning around with the other elders. They all went up to the stage, where everyone immediately noticed their presence. Mancil didn''t take the lead, though. He simply sat at the back and left the talk for the other elders to do. He was here basically to observe, that''s all.


    In the end, an elder called Oligan came forward.


    "Congratulations to everyone who made it into this phase. As most of you could already imagine, the second test will be purifying. We brought several medicinal liquids from the last test. However, giving you your own creations wouldn''t really serve as a test. That being said, we took the worst results that appeared during the last phase. Obviously, their creators already failed and were sent back home."


    "It''s no secret that the higher the quality of the medicinal liquid, the easier it is to purify it. That''s why we''re doing it. We want to see what you''re really capable of. Anyway, you can use any method you feel like to purify the medicinal liquids. The vials with the medicinal liquids will be distributed randomly. Whatever you get will be what you need to work with."


    "There is a total of 3200 alchemists remaining. When this phase is over, only three hundred will go to the next phase, so you better put your all into it."


    "Alright, that''s all. The exam starts now!"

 Chapter 424 - More Rules

    Back in the Formation Master Guild, Rean and the others kept waiting for participants to come out of the formations. As time passed, the frequency got higher. After some time, all of the formations in the testing field turned off together. A girl then looked behind and saw how everyone appeared behind her.


    As mentioned by Zako before, once the number of qualified people passed through the formations, they would turn off altogether. That girl just happened to be the last one.


    At first, everyone inside was surprised by that, but soon, they understood that they had failed. They could only look at the crowd behind Zako with jealousy as they waited there. Rean couldn''t help but sigh. Close to the end, a lot of them were practically together. If the last girl who came out was just a few seconds slower, she would have lost her position to someone else. He could only imagine how those who were so close felt.


    Seeing that it was over, Zako came forward and announced.


    "Everyone who''s still inside the formations has failed. The exit will be opened for you behind. Those who are accompanying you should leave as well. As for the two hundred that passed the exam and their companions, follow me. I''ll guide you to the next part."


    Rean, Havek, Qia, and the other participants followed Zako. Droman and their elders, obviously, followed right behind. The situation here wasn''t much different from what Roan got. Rean''s group could see many other participants who passed through the tests on other test fields.


    "Hey, it''s Milo!"


    Milo heard someone calling his name and immediately turned around.


    "Oh! It''s you two, huh? Seems like we''re together again. You better be careful, though. I have no intention of holding back. Hahaha!"


    Rean and Qia laughed as well as they nodded.


    "Obviously, neither of us would do that."


    "By the way, what about the others?"


    Rean made a few friends during this time in the Formations Guild, so he wanted to know about them.


    Milo shook his head after hearing that question, though.


    "Laio and Beami were in the same group as me, but they failed to come out inside the top 200. I just looked around, but I couldn''t find Huvel and Artin either, so I guess they failed as well."


    Suddenly, a voice came from behind them.


    "Hey, since when did I fail?"


    Rean''s group looked in the direction of the voice and soon found who it was.


    "Oh! I can''t believe Artin passed."


    "What the hell you mean you can''t believe it? I, your grandfather, am a genius, alright?"


    Rean and Milo laughed as they welcomed the guy. Artin was from the Capital and also had a Master who was part of the Formations Guild. However, neither of them were part of the nine subordinate clans or the Sasamil Imperial Family.


    "It seems like my group was the last one to arrive. Is there any other testing field ongoing?"


    Milo shook his head.


    "I already checked the numbers. Yours was seriously the last one. You guys were just that slow."


    "Hmph! I passed the exam a long time ago. It''s just that I had to wait for the 200 to be selected before coming here. Anyway, they should announce the second test anytime now."


    Rean, Milo, and Qia nodded as they went together to the front. A few minutes later, another elder of the Formations Guild called Turin came forward to talk.


    "Well, it seems that you guys have some ability compared to the others who failed. Anyway, congratulations on passing the first exam. I''ll now explain the rules of the second phase, so listen carefully."


    "We will give you the materials you need, so you will have one hour to make a protection formation of your choice. Protection Formations come in various types and elements. There are also protection formations that don''t use any elements. In any case, this is a fair way of testing your skills."


    "After that, we will use a neutral attack formation to strike it as many times as it is necessary until it breaks. The power of the attack will increase every time as well. Your score will be based on how many attacks it can support before breaking down."


    "Although you can make any formation you desire, you are prohibited from using Cores or Spirit Stones. The formation can only rely on Spiritual Energy from the surroundings to power itself."


    "You don''t need to be afraid that others will take away your own formation''s Spiritual Energy since each formation will be tested separately. Alright, I believe I made it very clear. Is there any question?"


    Milo then raised his hand.


    "What if there are two identical scores?"


    Turin nodded.


    "There are three hundred slots open for the next phase. Still, if someone shares the same score in the 300th position, the one who passed the first exam faster will advance."


    Someone else then made another question.


    "Can we use our own materials to create the formation?"


    However, Turin shook his head as he said.


    "No. The guild will provide you with the necessary materials. That''s to prevent others from using their better background resources to gain the advantage."


    Everyone nodded and didn''t ask anything else. Seeing that the participants went silent, Elder Turin finally announced.


    "Alright, Formations take a lot of space, so we will need to use a much bigger field if we want everyone to fit their formations in the same area. There is a Teleport Formation underneath this room, so prepare to be teleported. Your companions will come together, so there''s no need to worry. The guild will also take full responsibility for your safety."


    No one was surprised to hear that. The Formations Guild had conducted countless tests in the past, so such an approach had been used many times already.


    Suddenly, the ground where everyone was standing shone with Spiritual Energy from the Spirit Stones powering the formation. Soon after, a flash of silver light enveloped everyone before they disappeared.


    A moment later, another formation outside the city flashed before the entire group appeared there. Quite a few Formation Masters were waiting for them on the other side. After seeing the participants'' arrival, the guy in charge of the preparations came forward.


    "Turin, everything is ready. The Spiritual Energy distribution in the entire field is identical, so it won''t matter where they build their formations."


    The field was quite impressive. There were several types of environments available for them to use. Forest, River, Desert, Rainy, etc... The Formations Guild made sure that everyone could work on the best formations they knew. This way, no one would be able to complain of unfairness.


    Turin then looked at everyone.


    "Now then, talk to the Formations Guild assistants on your side. They will provide you with all the materials you need to build your formation. However, we won''t offer you any rare material. After all, it would be too expensive since only ten Formations Masters will join the guild. Still, considering that you only have one hour to build your Protection Formation, the materials available should be more than enough. After all, rare materials are usually used in more complex formations that take much longer to be built."


    "Alright. You have thirty minutes to make your requests. I''ll tell you when you can start creating your formations."


    ---


    Note: Remember we are having two chapters/day. Leave a few more power stones if you like it.

 Chapter 425 - Test And Results Of Second Phase

    Returning to the Alchemist Guild, Roan received a vial containing some Vermillion Rak Medicinal Liquid. This was a type of flower generally found in the southeast side of the country. Of course, the guild cultivated their own items here in the Capital.


    ''Hmm... I didn''t try this one in the previous phase. From what I know, this is a type of Fire Elemental Flower that grows in hot climates. The Yang Energy inside is quite abundant as well. However, the guy who made this medicinal liquid did a really shitty job. There are even a few remnants of the flower''s stem inside. Why would you take this exam with such lousy skill?''


    However, Roan wasn''t the only one cursing the quality of his Medicinal Liquid. Everyone else was basically in the same boat. But in the end, they put those thoughts behind as they started their Medicinal Purification.


    Roan sent the medicinal liquid into the cauldron provided by the guild and turned the fire on. The liquid quickly got hot but didn''t boil. Roan controlled the temperature to be like that. After some time, his hair once again changed into a combination of black and white as he sent his Element and Spiritual Sense inside.


    ''That''s quite good. At least I can see those remnants clearly, thanks to the temperature difference between it and the medicinal liquid. Let''s start now.''


    Light Element spread through the entire medicinal liquid as Dark Element followed right behind. As always, Light protected the good properties of the medicinal liquid while the Dark attacked the impurities. Little by little, Roan''s medicinal liquid amount decreased as the impurities disappeared.


    The others weren''t slow either. Cluhe used his Wood Element differently. It connected to his medicinal liquid and dragged the impurities out instead of destroying it like Roan. Lita Xue was similar to Roan, though. It''s just that she used her Blue Flame to achieve the same result. Roan had also noticed her before exactly because she relied on two opposite elements, just like himself.


    Oligan, Waki, Werxa, and the other seniors of the Alchemist Guild all verified those participants closely with their Spiritual Energies. Naturally, they paid special attention to Roan and those who had the highest result in the previous phase.


    "So that''s Waki''s kids, huh? That Dark and Light Elements boy is quite interesting. Did he cultivate two different techniques to control Yin and Yang Energies?"


    "That other girl is also interesting. Kala Fian is her name, and she came from Balo''s group. She can only use a single element, but her proficiency with it is a tad above the others. It''ll be interesting to see what she can do once she manages to control two at the same time."


    "Cluhe is basically the only Wood Element user between the top-ranked ones from the previous phase. Look at Elder Zanti''s expression on the side. You can see how proud he is. Cluhe is indeed doing it very well."


    "Hehehe! As a woman myself, I''m looking forward to the other girls too. That Lita and her Fire and Water fusion is quite surprising. It''s a beautiful blue flame. If you consider that she''s still in the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm, that becomes even more impressive."


    Werxa shook his head, though.


    "There are quite a few good seeds this time. Their results, in the end, is what matters. After all, we don''t have slots for everyone."


    Werxa looked at those boys and girls with a peculiar light in his eyes. It was as if his thoughts were wandering much further than the exam.


    Because everyone only had a single chance, they all worked extremely carefully on their removal of impurities. The elders didn''t give any time limit either since there was only so much they could do with a single vial of medicinal liquid. It wasn''t before an entire hour went by that the first medicinal liquids cleared of impurities began to appear. Roan, just like in the first phase, was one of the firsts to deliver it.


    Once the first ones began to deliver, the rest started to do the same. Another hour quickly went by until the last vial was sent for analysis. However, a few of the alchemists present had disappointed or sad expressions. Obviously, they knew that they wouldn''t have much of a chance. In Roan and the other previous top-ranked ones'' case, they all seemed quite calm.


    Oligan then looked at the assistants, who nodded back at him.


    "Very well. The last vial is here already. Let''s not waste our time here, shall we?"


    Oligan then signaled for the assistants to start. The vials immediately began to enter the formations that checked the percentage of impurities in the medicinal liquids.


    "Everyone, use the monitoring formations close to you to see the results in real-time. Once again, only the first 300 will advance. Good luck to all participants."


    Roan and the other top-ranked participants were among the first contestants to deliver their vials. Because of that, they were once again put at the end of the queue. Well, anyone could tell that the guild arranged it to be that way.


    Thirty minutes went by, and 50% of the vials were tested in the several formations placed on the stage. However, there were a few surprises.


    1st: Qobes Sian, 71.03%


    2nd: Divrad Howega, 70.73%


    3rd: Yulie Sul, 70.12%


    4th: Fanwas...


    "Oh! A few of them still reached 70% purity even though their medicinal liquids were that poor."


    "These ones are definitely guaranteed in the next phase. Let''s see what the top ones from the last phase can do."


    The first one to appear was Avram.


    -Avram Samikil, 69.11%-


    Sure enough, it wasn''t easy to work with poor quality medicinal liquids. Besides, a lot of the top-ranked ones got herbs that they were not familiar with. Only a scant few were lucky enough to get something like that.


    Soon, another one appeared. It was a member of another hall called Ruivo Hanz.


    -Ruivo Hanz, 72.65%-


    And just like that, the results kept coming.

 Chapter 426 - Mommy Orb

    -Imai Taran, 73.52%-


    "As expected."


    "Surprises were bound to appear now that the type of test has changed."


    "Hehe! Let''s check the rest out."


    -Saraif Lavil, 73.26%-


    -Lusen Sasamil, 72.98%-


    A lot of excellent results continued to appear. However, most of them came from the Sasamil Family or the subordinate clans.


    -Bludo Porem, 73.67%-


    "Oh! Someone surpassed Imai."


    "Well, that''s Elder Suan''s grandchild. Elder Suan already retired to focus on his cultivation, but that didn''t mean his descendants stayed still."


    "This year''s batch is really promising."


    Werxa nodded as he looked at everything. However, deep down, he couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''Not enough, not enough at all...''


    Suddenly.


    -Cluhe Sol, 76.71%-


    While all of the elders were delighted to see that result...


    "As expected."


    "Look at Zanti. He''s grinning from ear to ear."


    "Hehe. Don''t forget that it isn''t over yet."


    Werxa''s brows only barely moved, though. He then looked at what kind of medicinal liquid Cluhe worked with. Following that, he used a Spiritual Sense message to question Zantis, who was watching from the sides with the other spectators.


    ''Zantis, I saw that Cluhe refined a vial of Golomeia Dark Vine medicinal liquid. Did Cluhe work with this kind of plant before, or was it his first time?''


    Zanti was taken aback by that message. However, when he saw who asked it, he immediately answered.


    ''This old man''s disciple hasn''t worked with that herb before. I''ve watched his whole training so far, so I''m sure he didn''t. Even if he did touch it without me knowing, it wasn''t more than a few times. He did that on his own, Guild Leader.''


    Werxa narrowed his eyes after hearing that.


    ''Very well. That''s a good seed. Take good care of him.''


    Zanti immediately nodded as he thanked Werxa for the compliment.


    Werxa, on the other hand, couldn''t help but ponder.


    ''He''s barely passable. Still, I need at least three.''


    It was then that someone piqued his interest.


    -Lita Xue, 83.67%-


    Immediately, the room went in an uproar!


    "Oh! That girl smashed Cluhe''s previous number.''


    "Wait! What was the medicinal liquid she used? If she got the one she was good at, then it could be understandable."


    "Let me see... Her best result in the previous exam was using Ramalia Sun Flower. However, she got this result with a Tavarian Stalk medicinal liquid."


    "Impressive. If Lita wasn''t pretending in the first phase, she got this result with a herb she isn''t familiar with. That''s a great achievement."


    Roan looked at that and didn''t find the result strange. No one in the room had a better perception of Yin and Yang energies than him. Of course, his Yang Energy perception was because of his link with Rean. Roan had long noticed that girl and expected her to get this result in the purifying test.


    ''Her Blue Flames are made with Water and Fire. She used the Water Element''s soothing trait to protect the medicinal liquid while destroying the impurities with the Fire Element. It''s basically the same thing I''m doing, but at a lower level. If I''m not wrong, she has an affinity for the Fire Element while using a Yin Element cultivation technique to manipulate the Water Element at a similar level. Quite a clever way of manipulation. It''s especially effective for the purifying stage of the concoction, just like me.''


    If Rean was here, his mouth would surely be agape. That was an incredibly huge compliment when you considered who was saying that.


    Roan wasn''t the only one interested in her, though. Werxa had finally shown an expression of surprise.


    ''Now that''s what I''m talking about! As long as she''s properly taught how to do medicinal extractions, her purifying talent will reach even greater heights. I can use her.''


    The tests continued until finally, the last vials began to be tested, including Roan''s vial. Roan and Old Worm didn''t seem to care too much about it, though. It was as if they already knew what to expect from it.


    -Roan Larks, 90.35%-


    The room that before had gone in an uproar now froze in silence. The only thing that moved was Old Worm''s head as he thought.


    ''Pretty much what I expected. Sure enough, having a natural affinity for the Dark Element instead of using a Yin Energy ability to control it is completely different.''


    Roan acted the same way as Old Worm, not surprised with that result at all. He and Old Worm had concocted together for a very long time, so they knew that it would happen. One must remember that Old Worm commented in the past that he doubted Roan would fail in the Alchemist Exam to start with. These results only confirmed what they already knew.


    However, the others were different. This wasn''t just a fantastic result for a low-quality medicinal liquid. This was already very good, even if Roan had refined with a high-quality liquid.


    "The hell?"


    "How did he do that?"


    "Was that the same herb as the first phase?"


    "No, the herb he used in the first phase was a Tavarian Stalk, the one that Lita got her results just a moment ago."


    "The medicinal liquid he got this time was Vermillion Rak, completely different."


    Werxa was also shocked by the result. He heard the talk by the sides, so he immediately understood that Roan was Old Worm''s disciple.


    ''Fauk, did Roan use to work with that flower before?''


    Old Worm looked at Werxa behind the other elders on stage. Unlike Zanti, Old Worm didn''t seem to care that the Guild Leader of the Alchemist Guild talked to him. Still, he shook his head.


    ''No.''


    Well, he didn''t say much either...


    Werxa''s mouth twitched after seeing Old Worm''s reaction. Because he had to supervise the Alchemist Guilds'' activities in the Sasamil Empire, he had little time to interact with the members of the Main Branch. That being said, he didn''t know Old Worm as well as the other alchemists around him.


    Of course, those alchemists were also making Old Worm run out of patience with the torrent of questions after this last result. If not because he wanted to see Roan''s performance until the end, he would have left just like he did back in the Shadow Reaper Organization.


    Werxa then shook his head and looked at Roan with his eyes twinkling.


    ''That girl Xue was already good, but this guy is just perfect. As long as he performs this well in the rest of the exam, I''ll use him. Anyway, I will need three to start with, so I better bring Lita as well. As for the last one, I still have a few good members to consider from previous examinations.''


    ''Now... it will depend on the other guilds.''


    No one knew what Werxa was thinking, though.


    Last but not least, all the young alchemists'' attention shifted from Lita Xue to Roan. Lita''s results were already incredible, but Roan''s result was just too overwhelming. If not because Roan was participating under all the elders'' eyes, they would even think he cheated.


    Cluhe, who was feeling quite satisfied with his result before, felt like he didn''t even exist now.


    ''Who''s this fella? One Lita was already enough, but now this guy also appeared.''


    Lita, on the other hand, looked intently at Roan. She could tell that Roan was using the same technique as her. However, the level he reached with it was simply nothing she could compare with. Well... many alchemists also used that technique since it wasn''t a secret to start with. It''s just that only Roan caught her attention.


    Obligan noticed that the commotion wouldn''t die anytime soon, so he decided to intervene.


    "Ahem... The rest of the results have been disclosed already. Now, I''m announcing the first 300 that are going to the next phase."


    1st: Roan Larks;


    2nd: Lita Xue;


    3rd: Cluhe Sol;


    4th: Bludo Porem;


    5th: Imai Taran;


    6th...


    It was then that someone noticed something.


    "Hey, can you see that? How long has it been since the first three positions didn''t have a member of the Imperial Family or the Subordinate Clans?"


    "Oh! Now that you''ve said it, it''s quite surprising indeed."


    "It''s not that they did bad. Look at their results. They have all the positions from 4th all the way to 13th. It''s just that there were too many dark horses."


    "Well, one of them is more like a Dark Dragon..."


    Sister Orb had heard those people and couldn''t help but comment.


    [Hahaha! Dark Horse is simply too fitting. You already have the Dark Element. As long as you use a fur coat and neigh a little, it should be perfect!]


    Roan''s mouth twitched.


    ''You''ve been silent for so long. Why must you open your mouth now?''


    [Because I''m bored.]


    ''Go to hell! First of all, aren''t you helping Rean pass his test? What are you doing here? You should know that I probably won''t need you.''


    [Sigh... that son of mine has grown up already. He doesn''t need Mommy Orb to help him anymore.]


    Rean, who was preparing to draw his formation, heard that comment as well.


    ''Who the hell is your son? Don''t start inventing stories just because you didn''t have a chance to help me.''


    ''First of all, why am I treated as your son while the Ice Block over there isn''t?''


    [Because Roan is not cute.]


    Rean cursed out loud.


    ''To hell with that. We are identical except for the color of our hair.''


    Roan snorted in response.


    ''Fortunately, that''s the only place we look the same, little guy.''


    [Roan''s right! How can you compare with his ''I''m a zombie'' attitude? It''s just too sad to look at Roan.]


    Rean finally nodded, satisfied.


    ''Well, that''s true.''


    Roan was the one to curse now.


    ''Who the hell''s a zombie?''


    While everyone was worried about their exams, those three argued in their own world.


    ---


    Note: Another two chapters. Gonna keep like this for a while.

 Chapter 427 - Guilds Competitions

    In the Formations Guild, Turin saw that time was up and announced.


    "Alright. The test starts now. You can use any of the several field environments here to build a formation of your own choice. As mentioned before, you have one hour to finish your formations."


    Rean, Qia, Milo, and the rest of the participants immediately rushed to the fields. Qia went for the region where Earth Element was more concentrated. Not only her, but at least half of the participants did the same thing. Earth was known for its defensive properties, so it was to be expected.


    Milo, on the other hand, entered the Forest part. His formations would make use of the abundant Wood Element in there.


    Havek chose the river for his one. He was especially good with Water Element Formations and was quite confident in his chances.


    To make so many different environments in such a small space, the Formations Guild prepared an even bigger formation underneath the field. It could control the weather on each side without affecting the other. Naturally, they also designed an area where Lightning Element was abundant for the participants.


    However, there were very few Lightning Element Formation Masters. It''s not that others couldn''t use the Lightning Element in their formations, but that Lightning was known for its huge consumption of Spiritual Energy to work. It was powerful as long as it had the Spirit Stones to work with. Unfortunately, such a thing wasn''t allowed here.


    Rean didn''t mind, though. Even when he wasn''t working on the Communication System Formations, he also practiced several other types of standard Lightning Formations. This last month inside the Formations Guild Repository helped him improve even more with that. Of course, he also learned about other types. That''s why he could find the core or flaws of the formations in the previous phase that fast.


    ''Still, there is a huge lack of Spiritual Energy here. It seems like I can only do a double-layered formation.''


    Double-layered formations were basically two formations built to work together. It wasn''t wrong to say that instead of two, that it''s a single formation. Naturally, making the two work like that without disturbing the functionality of the other was several times more complicated.


    However, Rean had an advantage here. The communication system formation, or to be more specific, the Router Formation used this type of system to start with. Rean had done this kind of formation so many times that he even dreamed while doing it. The only difference was that he would change the communication formation into a defensive one.


    ''Hmm...? Defensive?''


    Rean pondered for a bit before his eyes lit up.


    ''Yep, there is no better way to defend other than that.''


    A playful smile appeared on Rean''s lips as he got to work straight away.


    Droman, who was watching Rean through his Spiritual Sense, narrowed his eyes.


    ''What is he doing? It won''t work if he does it like that.''


    Rean had really caught the examination elders'' attention during the last phase, so they also paid attention to him every now and then.


    "That kid is making a double-layered formation, isn''t he?"


    "He is, but it seems like he''s still too inexperienced. Those runs won''t be able to last for long."


    "Hahaha! It''s fine. Considering that he can do a double-layer, he should at least perform well enough to head into the next phase."


    "I''m not too sure about that. Quite a few of our participants can do the same thing. This is, after all, the Formations Guild Main Branch exam."


    Suddenly, someone else''s voice appeared behind those examinators.


    "That''s enough. Pay attention to the other participants as well. Your job is to prevent anyone from cheating on this test. While you are looking elsewhere, someone might get the chance to play some tricks."


    Those elders were taken aback as they looked behind.


    "Guild Head! You came back!"


    Her name was Saya Horzulun. She was a Heaven Peak-Level Formations Master. Just like Werxa, she was responsible for supervising the Formation Master Guilds in the Sasamil Empire.


    "I just arrived from the Headquarters. Anyway, how are things so far? have you found anyone interesting?"


    The elders quickly returned their attention to all the participants as they nodded their heads.


    "Yes. One of them was that boy we just talked about. However, he passed the first phase in quite a peculiar way."


    The one who talked was Zako. He then took the chance to explain to Saya about the first phase in his test field and how Rean worked around it.


    Saya couldn''t help but show some surprise on her face as she looked at Rean in the distance with her Spiritual Sense.


    "No wonder you''re interested in him."


    The other elders nodded and then proceeded to talk about the other participants.


    "There is also Havek Sasamil. Although he was a lot slower than Rean, his time of analysis was excellent."


    "In my group, I had Felo Susume and Lanca Mion. Their times were very close to Havek''s from Zako''s group. Felo is a disciple of one of our members and a subordinate clan descendant, while Lanca came from outside the Capital."


    "There is also Suli and Hersha Deskalo, from the Deskalo Subordinate Clan. They were in different groups but performed quite well. You can look forward to their performance as well."


    The examinators then continued to give their reports from each test field. Saya heard all of that and nodded with a satisfied expression.


    "As always, the main branch attracts the highest talents of the Empire. In any case, I have good news for you all. The Headquarters have already decided on the next guild group competition."


    The elders were taken aback.


    "What?! It''ll happen again?!"


    "Great! It''s quite rare for this to happen."


    Others thought it to be a bit strange, though.


    "Why is it happening now? I doubt they don''t know the situation between Chrole and us at the moment."


    The elders immediately went silent after hearing that. Indeed. There''s a big chance of a conflict breaking out in the next few years. There are only so many Empires in the world. A war between them was very rare due to their own power.


    Saya nodded. As the high echelon of the Formations Guild, they were obviously privy to more information than others.


    "That''s why they want to start it right now. It would be bad to hold such a competition while the war is ongoing. After all, Empire Wars usually take many years to be over."


    The other elders had to admit that it was true. Although their guild wouldn''t be directly affected, it was still a bad thing since many talents would be lost.


    "What will be the rules this time?"


    "Also, when will it take place?"


    Saya then explained.


    "We will use three participants from our side. They will then join the other guilds in a group competition to define the overall position of each Empire."


    The elders were taken aback.


    "Wait! Are we joining hands with other side occupations?"


    Saya nodded.


    "Yes. Talismans, Blacksmith, Alchemy, Formations. Although there are more, those are the four main side occupations in our world. Each Empire will have these four guilds bring their best talents and compete together against the other Empires. Of course, there are regions of the world where there are no Empires. Maril Region is a good example of it. Still, the guilds also invited the main powers in those places to participate if they so wish."


    All the elders were surprised to hear that. It''s not that such a thing didn''t happen before, but it had been hundreds of years since such a joint competition took place.


    "What are the requirements?"


    Saya then pointed at all the young Formation Masters in the field.


    "Under 25 years old. That''s basically it."


    The elders nodded.


    "In that case, Earth High-Level Formation Masters will probably be the limit of the competitors. However, there is no need to select the ones present in this field, right? We have quite a few more experienced members around 21 and 22 years old from examinations in previous years."


    Saya shook her head.


    "The competition will take place 7 years from now."


    "Oh! I thought they would go through it earlier."


    Another elder shook his head in response.


    "That''s to be expected. Although the situation in the two Empires isn''t good, the Sasamil Emperor is still alive. No one expects this war to start for the next decade or so, at the very least. Before that, the new Emperor or Empress will have to ascend to the throne and consolidate their position. It''s not even guaranteed that a war will happen to start with. In any case, 7 years is already quite fast for a competition of this size."


    Saya agreed with him.


    "That''s correct. That will also give us the time to train our choices properly."


    The elder and Saya continued to discuss that news as the second phase happened.


    Rean looked at his project and couldn''t help but nod, satisfied.


    ''That''s perfect. The runes were made in quite a hurry, but it should still be fine. Now then, let''s finish the connections between the two. With a Spirit Energy Gathering Formation and the Lightning one, I should be able to achieve the desired result.''


    Finally, one hour went by. Turin then immediately came forward to announce.


    "Time is over! If you didn''t finish your formation, that''s your bad luck."


    Quite a few Formation Masters had ugly expressions. It was obvious that things didn''t go as expected for them and one hour ended up not being enough. Still, rules were rules.


    Turin ignored that as he looked at the Formation Masters assistants on his side.


    "Bring the Spiritual Blast Formation."

 Chapter 428 - I Like That Boy

    Rean and Roan had no idea as to what the elders were thinking. First of all, it was a wonder whether they would accept to take part in this kind of event or not.


    Continuing on Rean''s side, the Guild''s Formation Masters brought out the Spiritual Blast Formation that Elder Turin asked for. This wasn''t anything hard to make since it simply compressed Spiritual Energy before releasing it. In fact, it was quite lacking when one compared it to other formations that rely on elements.


    However, this was perfect for this situation. The Spiritual Blast Formation didn''t select any element in particular. It only absorbed the Spiritual Energy available and released the attack. The Formations Guild also planned to use Spirit Stones to power it up so that they could do their tests.


    "Alright. First, the fire field."


    Lanca and a few other Formation Masters of the previous exam were there. They quickly left the field so that their Formations could be tested. The assistants then approached the Spiritual Blast Formation to one of the fire-based defensive formations before activating it.


    The Spiritual Blast Formation then absorbed one Rank Three Spirit Stone until it turned to dust before releasing its energy.


    Just as the fire-based defensive formation was about to be hit, Fire Element began to gather around it, creating a magma-like force field. The Spiritual Blast hit it head-on, deforming a bit of the magma field. However, that was about it. The formation held the attack back without much difficulty.


    The formation''s owner, who was watching from outside, nodded in satisfaction.


    "My Magma Force Field Formation is malleable. This is not going to be broken that easily. Hahaha!"


    However, the next Spiritual Blast Attack came right after he finished. This time, the Spiritual Blast Formation used three Rank Three Spirit Stones to charge up.


    *Boom!*


    With three times the power, the Magma Field was left with an enormous hole on its surface. Although it didn''t collapse, it was really close to it. The other participants then looked at the guy who just talked as if he was an idiot.


    "How dumb are you? Even if that was only a Spiritual Blast Formation, it was made by the Formation Master Guild''s elders. Did you think it would be just like any simple one you can build yourself?"


    "Hmph! From the looks of it, you won''t be able to hold even three strikes."


    "He''s not the only one. You all need to be prepared when your time comes."


    During the next Spiritual Blast, five Rank Three Spirit Stones were used to charge the formation.


    *Boom! Shatter!*


    Sure enough, the guy''s defensive formation wasn''t able to hold it back and collapsed almost instantly. Seeing that, he couldn''t help but show an ugly face.


    Well, Turin and the rest couldn''t care less about it.


    "Surinan Fill, two strikes. The Spiritual Blast Formations seem to be working fine. Head to the next one."


    The assistants followed the order and quickly moved the Spiritual Blast Formation to the next one in the queue. Once again, it absorbed a single Rank Three Spirit Stone before attacking the formation. The defense did hold it back, but things were not so good for the second time.


    *Boom! Shatter!*


    This one wasn''t able to even hold two strikes. Surinan then sighed in relief after seeing that. At least, that proved that his Magma Field Formation wasn''t the worst one.


    "Talei Uifron, one strike. Next!"


    The next five defensive formations were only able to hold one or two strikes in the end. Only the 6th one finally crossed that threshold.


    *Boom, Boom, Boom!*


    "He passed three strikes!"


    "Finally, someone with some skills."


    "Hehe! Do you think so? Look at how his formation is holding. It can barely stand."


    "It was still better than the previous ones, though."


    "Wait! Look at the Spiritual Blast Formation!"


    Everyone heard that warning and looked at the formation. All of a sudden, most of their faces turned grim. The first blast used one Rank Three Spirit Stones, the second used three, the third used five... However, the fourth jumped straight to ten Spirit Stones!


    *Boom! Shatter!*


    The formation that withstood three strikes broke as if it was made of glass. Not even a single rune remained after that.


    "Laol Volkiq, three strikes. Next!"


    The confidence in quite a few faces disappeared after seeing that. They thought they would be able to hold four strikes at least, but the power of that Spiritual Blast was far above what they expected. Sure enough, the guild showed no mercy.


    Of course, there were many even better formations present. A girl called Suia Rove finally broke the four strike threshold. The others who failed and those who weren''t confident couldn''t help but look at her, jealous.


    Suia dropped her head in embarrassment with so many eyes on her. Nonetheless, she was very happy with that result, especially because her formation still seemed to be in good shape.


    The next strike used the force of fifteen Rank Three Spirit Stones, but Suia''s formation held the strike once again. Finally, her formation broke down at the sixth Spiritual Blast Strike, which used twenty Spirit Stones.


    Turin then looked at the girl and nodded.


    "Not too bad. Suia Rove, five strikes. Next!"


    Immediately, everyone understood. If they wanted to guarantee their presence between the first three hundred participants, their formations needed to hold at least four strikes. Three might be possible, but they would most likely end in a draw with other participants. Once that happened, the results of their previous exam would be what really counts.


    The tests continued without caring for their feelings, though. Soon, the first one hundred were tested. Between them, there were 18 who were able to hold three strikes, 5 got to four, while only 2 were able to defend against five strikes.


    Suia wasn''t part of those who performed well in the first exam, so she was a surprise to the others. However, the second one was part of the best ranked there. Orval Fole was third place in the 5th Test Field in the First Exam. He was also part of one of the nine subordinate clans.


    Of course, the same way that unknown names appeared, some of the best-ranked ones in the first exam also fell short. Two of the guys in the top 5 in the first exam couldn''t even hold three strikes and were definitely eliminated. No one found it unjust, though. After all, the ability to create a good formation was taken more seriously than analyzing them.


    *Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom...*


    Suddenly, one of the formations was able to hold seven strikes!


    "Oh! It''s Felo Susume. He was the first to come out of the restriction formations in the first exam in my kids'' batch."


    "Another Subordinate Clan, that''s not too surprising."


    "Still, seven strikes is already a good result. Depending on how Felo performs in the next phase, he might get one of the 10 slots."


    With that, Felo immediately went to the top of the list.


    *Boom, Boom, Boom...*


    "Hey, It''s Lanca! He held seven strikes as well!"


    "H''s not from any of the capital''s power."


    "That makes his result even better."


    The Fire Field had a total of 337 participants. In the end, Lanca and Felo were the only ones to defend against seven strikes. They were also one of those who used double-layered formations to achieve their results. Just like before, there was another monitoring formation to show the results.


    -1st: Lanca Mion, seven blasts-


    -2nd: Felo Susume, seven blasts-


    -3rd: Turuna Wavile, six blasts-


    -4th...


    As everyone verified the numbers, Turin continued with the exam.


    "Next, Wind Field!"


    There wasn''t really a sequence to follow since all fields had participants inside. Still, Turin decided to leave Earth for last since it held half of them. As for the rest, he simply chose random ones, so right now was the Wind Field.


    The Wind Field only lost to the Lightning Field in the number of participants, with a total of 276 participants. The Lightning Field had only 91, Rean included.


    The tests in the Wind Field went smoothly. Soon, one more participant that reached seven strikes appeared, Suli Deskalo. Still, Suli was the only one to reach this number in the Wind Field. There were another five who defended six strikes and a lot more below this number.


    "Next, Lightning Field!"


    In the Lightning Field, there were only two participants who held good positions in the previous exam. One of them was called Dinki Sasamil, a member of the Sasamil Imperial Family. The other one, obviously, was Rean himself.


    Dinki was the 34th one to be tested in that field, which only saw a single participant achieving four strikes so far.


    *Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!*


    Finally, on the ninth blast, 80 Rank Three Spirit Stones were used, and Dinki''s Lightning Formation finally collapsed.


    However, Dinki couldn''t care less. That''s because he beat everyone''s record by holding eight strikes!


    "Oh! He did that with a Lightning Type Formation."


    "All types of formations can achieve good results as long as you know how to make them. It''s just that Lightning ones are usually too consuming. Still, Dinki worked around with his own double-layered formation without losing much power. That was very good."


    "Well, that''s the Sasamil Imperial Family for you."


    While everyone talked about Dinkil, the tests finally reached Rean''s Lightning Formation.


    Droman was quite nervous since he saw how Rean constructed his own. It''s just that only Rean knew what it was supposed to do.


    "I hope it will work. Please, hold at least four strikes."


    However, Droman wasn''t very confident about it since Rean''s runes were not very resistant.


    Well, the other elders who observed Rean''s work also thought the same thing.


    "Seems like the black horse might fall here."


    "Well, the way he passed the first phase was quite weird to start with. A few people didn''t like it."


    However, no one noticed the peculiar expression on Saya''s eyes.


    "That boy, could he..."


    The only other people thinking highly of Rean was Havek, which was kind of a surprise for this kind of person, and obviously, Qia, who held Rean''s hand as soon as she returned.


    "Hahaha! Rean, did you prepare another surprise for me?"


    All the participants left the elemental field test areas. Now, they were together while they looked at the test go on. Rean smiled as he looked at the test field.


    "Just look."


    Havek''s eyes shone as he paid close attention to the testing field.


    The Spiritual Blast Formation was then brought beside Rean''s one and charged the first strike with one Rank Three Spirit Stones. Soon after, it released the energy.


    Rean''s double-layered formation activated as it absorbed the Spiritual Energy and Lightning Element like torrents!


    Seeing that, Droman paled.


    "Not good. The runes won''t hold that much Spiritual Energy and Lightning Element. Rean, what have you done?!"


    However, something incredible happened right after. The Lightning Formation released a powerful one time only attack. The Spiritual Gathering Formation in Rean''s Double-Layered Formation absorbed the power of that attack. It then gathered together with the previously already absorbed Spiritual Energy of the environment. Finally, it followed the Spiritual Blast Formation''s attack back to its source!


    *Zap! Boom!*


    Immediately, the Spiritual Blast Formation got blasted away instead! As for Rean''s formation, most of the runes inside broke apart, but the formation itself barely hold itself in place. If it got a single extra attack, it would definitely collapse. Unfortunately for others, no more attacks would come.


    Suddenly, Rean began to laugh out loud.


    "Hahaha! What''s the best way to defend against an attack? That''s to prevent the attack from ever coming again! Sorry, everyone, but I have the best defense ever!"


    All the examinators'' mouths twitched at the same time. However, Rean''s words were not wrong. If your defense formation could prevent any more attacks from coming, then that was definitely a much better formation. In the end, they didn''t know what to do.


    "Is it... valid again?"


    Saya, the guild leader who was watching from behind, couldn''t help but giggle a little.


    "I like that boy."

 Chapter 429 - What The Hell?!

    Oligan finished announcing the results of the second phase as the first 300 were selected.


    "Those who I just mentioned, you can stay where you are. There''s no need to change halls this time. As for the rest, they can head to the sides and watch the exam if they wish to do so. Of course, those who failed can leave as well, but I strongly recommend you watch the rest to broaden your horizons."


    The participants who failed quickly left their tables, leaving a lot of space between those who succeeded. Not long after, the assistants went to each of the remaining participants'' tables and changed the materials and tools on them.


    Roan looked at the new equipment and immediately understood what they would be doing next.


    Oligan saw that the assistants had finished their jobs and began to explain the mechanics of the next phase.


    "The third phase will eliminate two hundred participants, leaving only a hundred behind. Your objective this time is to prepare medicinal pastes. As you know, pastes are not ingested, but rather applied over the body. There are several types of it as well. Paste for body enhancement, appearance change, scar healing, etc. There are pills used for healing, just like how there are pastes for it as well. It''s a different product from pills, but they are also done by us, alchemists."


    Oligan then turned around and ordered the assistants at the back.


    "Bring them forward."


    Many Stage One demon beasts were immediately brought inside the hall, three hundred to be exact. All of them were of the same species and seemed to have around the same age and strength. As soon as they appeared, many of the spectators and alchemists recognized them.


    "Green Spotted Foxes."


    "It''s quite a common demon beast that lives in the northwest of the Empire."


    "They are also easy to tame. Look at how docile they behave."


    "Well, let''s wait and see what they''re here for."


    Oligan waited for the foxes to be brought close to the participants before continuing his explanation.


    "Each one of these Green Spotted Foxes have the same level of strength. I want all of you to create a body enhancing paste and apply it to your foxes. Green Spotted Foxes are known for their neutral characteristics, so it won''t matter which kind of element you use to make the paste."


    "Once everyone is done, we will have these foxes attack a strength measuring dummy. The formation set inside the target can calculate the power of the attack through points. Before we brought these foxes here, we tested every single one of them several times with thousands of others. We can guarantee that these 300 foxes'' strengths are all no higher than 5 points between each other. That''s already considering the environment, the foxes'' body state during the day, and their individual habits."


    "As for their original number of points during the attacking test, all of them marked between 530 and 535 points on average."


    "Considering how common and weak these demon beasts are, even a poorly made medicinal paste would increase their strength by at least a hundred points. Since their difference in power isn''t higher than five, it won''t change the final result much."


    "One more thing. You are prohibited from preparing anything that could damage the foxes'' body and life to increase its strength for a short period. The pastes must be beneficial to the user, never the opposite. It has to be a permanent and good change. Well, I don''t think anyone would be idiotic enough to try it. However, we will keep our Spiritual Senses focused on your work, so you better not play any tricks on us."


    "Alright, those are the rules for this phase. We have prepared the tools and a list with hundreds of common herbs and other materials for you to use. Just ask the assistant on your side, and they will fetch everything for you."


    "Pastes of different elements have different times and ways of being made, so we will give everyone four hours to complete them. That should be more than enough regardless of what kind of paste you intend to prepare."


    "Last but not least, the dummy is right here for the test. You can send your fox to attack it at any time you want. The result will then be put in the monitoring formation for everyone to see."


    "Alright, the test has now begun!"


    All the alchemists immediately focused their attention on the list. However, most of them already had an idea of what they would use in this test. Roan, of course, was no different. Old Worm had given him a lot of attention, so he also taught Roan how to make medicinal pastes. Roan even used some of it for Rean, Malaka, Calina, as well as himself. It''s quite a common thing between cultivators.


    ''As I thought, only the most common pastes can be created with these herbs, mucus, types of blood, etc. But this is good since the others won''t be able to prepare anything too different either.''


    Roan then looked at his assistant.


    "Bring me three Blooming Scarlet Flowers from the Ival region. The older, the better.


    Five stalks of Greenlight Perfore, no more than 5 years old.


    200ml of Stripped Fox Blood.


    320 grams of..."


    The assistant quickly noted all of the ingredients down and left in a hurry. The Alchemist Guild was very thorough with its preparation. In less than five minutes, all the things Roan asked for were already on his table.


    Roan prepared the plate on the table and began to make the mix. The plate looked more like a cutting board, which was commonly used for this kind of job. The cauldron would also be utilized, but not straight away. Everyone else was doing the same thing as they prepared their own pastes.


    Old Worm already knew what Roan was going to do. However, Werxa and the others were confused. That''s because they hadn''t seen such a mix before.


    "What kind of paste is that?"


    "It''s not something I know."


    "Well, he is a Dark and Light Element user, so it''s highly likely that he came up with his own recipe."


    "Oh! That''s right. We don''t have anyone who can use those two elements to start with."


    Time continued to pass. Around two hours later, Roan finally turned his cauldron on. He asked the assistant for a specific type of spiritual redwood that contained the properties he needed for the fire.


    However, it was then that something unimaginable happened.


    Roan pulled the fox that the assistant was holding until now and suddenly... stuffed it inside the cauldron!


    In an instant, everyone had the same reaction.


    "What the hell?!"

 Chapter 430 - Object

    The elders then looked at Saya with surprise in their eyes.


    "Guild Head, this..."


    "Should you be really saying that? If we look through it from the perspective of the others, he only held a single strike. His formation obviously doesn''t have the power to hold any other attack back anymore."


    "I don''t think the others will like this either."


    However, there were a few elders that disagreed with them.


    "The main purpose of this test was to see which one of them had the best defense, so he isn''t wrong."


    "I agree. Since his formation destroyed the source of the attacks, it obviously doesn''t have to defend anymore."


    "In a certain way, you could say that his Defensive Lightning Formation held the attacks forever."


    Saya then intervened in the examinators'' discussion.


    "Can''t you see what he has done? Do you think it''s that easy to destroy the attacking formation? The power necessary, the runes, the position, the resistance, the limit of power that the runes could hold. He calculated all of that almost perfectly. Although his formation runes are barely standing, the fact still stands that the majority didn''t break. That''s some superb control of one''s ability!"


    Saya then pointed at the other formations.


    "Do you really think he wouldn''t be able to hold at least four strikes with his proficiency in Lightning-type Formations? I might as well say that he would do even better than that. Perhaps, nine or even ten strikes would be possible."


    "Nevertheless, he chose the best method to protect his creation. By the end of this test, his formation will be the only one standing in this field. We have never said that the others couldn''t do the same, but he was the only one to think of such an idea. It doesn''t matter what you say. The truth is there for all of you to see."


    The examinators who were against this dropped their heads. They couldn''t come up with a reason to say that Rean failed to defend his position.


    Eventually, Turin looked at everyone and announced.


    "Rean Larks has passed due to his perfect defense, next!"


    Unsurprisingly, a lot of voices were raised in the testing field. However, Rean couldn''t care less. If he had failed, then so be it. He was being true to himself. He didn''t want to make a formation that he knew that would be destroyed. He wanted something that could last. Isn''t that one of the main principles of Formations to start with?


    Qia''s eyes shone as she hugged him tightly, much to Rean''s helplessness. That girl was really taking advantage of the situation. Well, she was just happy that the man she chose was that amazing. Qia was even more confident that her mother was right. She was filled with determination to conquer this guy sooner or later.


    "You are mine and no one else''s!"


    Havek, on the other hand, kept patting Rean''s shoulder while laughing out loud.


    "Hahaha! You really didn''t disappoint me. As expected of the man I took as my rival. To think you would come up with the same strategy as me. Truly fantastic."


    Rean was taken aback as he pushed Qia away, asking.


    "Rival? What rival? Wait, did you say you thought about the same solution?"


    Havek nodded.


    "I understood that conventional meanings would be of no use against you. It was because of that that I lost so terribly in the first phase. However, I changed my mind and decided to put my all on it. I''ll be honest, I''ve never thought about failing this exam to start with. I''m way too good to be kept in a small place like this."


    As always, Havek couldn''t help but inflate his own ego. However, his master, who was watching from the outside, was quite surprised by that.


    ''That idiot has never recognized anyone of the same age before. To think he would think like that about someone. Well, his talents for formations are indeed far above everyone else, so he has the right to be arrogant.''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders after hearing Havek.


    "Oh well... I''ve never had a rival before, so I guess it''s not a bad thing."


    However, Sister Orb''s voice immediately echoed in his mind.


    [What are you talking about? Don''t you have your brother?]


    ''Shut up! That''s just an anomaly I would rather forget!''


    Havek then nodded at Rean as his eyes shone.


    "Great! Since we have recognized each other as rivals, I might also give you a few pieces of advice. First, you should throw this woman away. She isn''t on par with your ability. Forget about love and focus on formations."


    Qia almost vomited blood when she heard that. Isn''t he trying to spoil all of her efforts so far?


    "Do you want to die?!"


    Havek completely ignored her existence, though, as he continued.


    "Second, I could see that some of your runes were quite rudimentary. It''s not a surprise since you came from outside the capital. If you have to leave again after this, be sure to take as much information as possible with you. Just apply for the Jade Slips with the guild after we join it."


    Havek totally talked as if entering the guild was already a given. That, of course, only pulled quite a few grim expressions in his direction. Everyone was putting so much effort into it, and they still don''t have much of a chance. Just who does he think he is?


    "Last but not least, be sure to thank the heavens that I, Havek, am your rival. If you use me as your driving force to improve, you will definitely shine in the future!"


    Rean''s face became weird.


    ''This has already surpassed the realm of narcissism...''


    "Ahem... I will... hold the pieces of advice in mind."


    Havek nodded with a satisfied expression before looking back at Qia.


    "You''re still here?"


    *Kick!*


    *Ouch!*


    "Woman, what do you have to my legs?!"


    "Hmph! First come, first serve! I found Rean before you, so he''s mine, not yours. You better control your mouth in the future."


    Rean scratched the back of his head while thinking.


    ''I feel like I became some kind of object...''

 Chapter 431 - Myriad Elemental Protection Formation

    As mentioned before, the Earth fields were left for last, so the next one was Water. Obviously, that was the field where Havek made his Water Protection Formation. In the end, it was as he mentioned. His Water Formation also destroyed the Spiritual Energy Blast Formation. It''s just that it used corrosion instead of destruction, which used three blasts'' worth of energy.


    Nonetheless, Havek passed as well since he did what Rean did first. Saya felt even more delighted to see these kinds of talents appearing in her guild. Of course, Rean left more of an imprint than the others since he wasn''t part of the Imperial Family, so his resources were lacking compared to them.


    The tests continued after that.


    Milo was able to hold four strikes, which still put him in the top 300. Artin was the next one, and surprisingly, his protection formations defended six strikes, which put him high above others.


    "Hahaha! Milo, you were so full of yourself before because you arrived here first, but look at the results. You couldn''t even perform as well as me."


    Milo''s expression became dark as he replied.


    "Hmph! You know very well that my specialty isn''t defensive formations. Just wait until the next phase. I''ll leave you eating dust."


    Rean and Havek weren''t considered since their tests finished differently. The blasts their formations received had no meaning.


    Eventually, there was Qia''s Defensive Earth Formation.


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom..*


    "Qia Sasamil, eight blasts. Well done. Next!"


    Artin and Milo looked at Qia with their eyes wide open. They didn''t expect she would smash both their results that easily.


    "What are you looking at? This lady can obviously do this much. I''ve been practicing formations for way longer than you two, and Master had always been very strict in her training. It''s only natural that I can do better than you two."


    Havek then got close and looked at her with some interest.


    "Wh-What? Do you still think my result was bad?"


    Havek then shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "It wasn''t as amazing as this god here, but I have to admit you surpassed my expectations a little bit. Perhaps you might have some use for my rival in the future. Well, rejoice. Your status has been upgraded from a burden to a quasi-burden! Believe me. This is an honor coming from me, your ancestor."


    Qia was fuming! The more she heard this guy talking, the more she wanted to kill him. If Havek wasn''t a part of the Sasamil Imperial family, she would definitely get rid of him.


    Rean, on the other hand, began to find this guy''s narcissism quite funny.


    "Don''t let it bother you, Qia. Although this... rival... of mine is like that, it''s not like he''s some demon or anything. Don''t worry, I truly think you did quite well."


    Qia became a little red as she ecstatically asked.


    "Really?"


    Rean nodded in response.


    The tests naturally continued after that. Because the Earth Element was the most used field, it also had the highest number of participants who went to the next phase. Unexpectedly, there was another surprise in the end. A Formation Master named Ginsey Fole, from one of the subordinate clans, had resisted the Spiritual Energy Blast Formation nine times! Ginsey didn''t do well in the first phase, but he showed his true ability in this one.


    That number even caught Havek''s attention.


    "Oh! It''s Ginsey. As I thought, he''s pretty good when it comes to defensive formations."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Do you know him?"


    Havek nodded.


    "His teacher is a Formation Master known for managing the defensive formations of the Fole Clan. He also takes part in the junction managing of the Capital''s protection formation. It''s only normal that his disciple would also have a knack for defensive formations."


    Rean didn''t know the guy, so it was the first time hearing about that.


    It didn''t take long before the tests were over. Obviously, the majority were disappointed with their failure, while the few who had passed focused their attention on the next phase.


    Turin saw that everything was done and immediately stepped forward to do some more talking.


    "Congratulations to the three hundred who have advanced to the next phase. Those who failed can stay behind to watch the rest of the exam. Now, let''s not waste time and go into further detail of your next tasks. Well, most of you have probably noticed it already. We just had a defensive formation test, so now we are going to test your skill in offensive formations."


    Turin then looked at the other Formation Masters before asking.


    "Is the guild''s measurement formation ready?"


    "Yes, Senior Turin. We can start any time you wish."


    Turin nodded, satisfied.


    "Activate!"


    As soon as Turin said that, a massive formation took form in the Earth testing field. Within seconds, a giant dome spanning 10 kilometers in diameter had appeared. That dome had several layers. The spectators could see that the closer the layer was to the center, the more energy it had. It was also possible to see the protection formation using the Earth Element of the field to strengthen itself with one''s Spiritual Sense.


    Of course, that wasn''t all. Four more domes appeared, one inside each of the Elemental Testing Fields. Just like the Earth Element dome, the other domes also used the elements of their own fields to increase the layers'' defensive strength.


    "This is the Guild''s Myriad Elemental Protection Formation. It uses twenty layers of defense to create a powerful barrier. The good thing about this formation is that it can be used with basically any primary element. Your objective is pretty simple. Select any field you like and build an offensive formation to attack them. You will have one hour to do it this time."


    "We have specially designed these ones to be weaker than a real formation. That way, we''ll be able to measure your formations more accurately through the number of layers they can destroy. Each of these protection formations have a total of twenty layers, with the innermost one being the most powerful."


    "That''s all regarding the mechanics. You have another thirty minutes to ask the assistants for the materials you want. After that, the test will start straight away."

 Chapter 432 - Smelling Good

    Meanwhile, in the Alchemist Guild, everyone looked at Roan with their eyes wide open.


    "What the hell is he doing?!"


    "Is he planning to cook the Green-Spotted Fox?"


    "Shouldn''t someone stop him?"


    "But we''re in the middle of the exam. Even if the fox dies, it only means that he''ll fail."


    "He should fail already. Who the hell would throw the fox inside the cauldron?!"


    Both examinators and spectators didn''t know what to do. Even Werxa was at a loss for words since he had never seen someone do what he did.


    "Errr... Guild Leader... Should we stop him?"


    Werxa could not help but sweat a little but shook his head in the end.


    "He did well so far, so I believe... he has a plan... I guess. He should know that if his Green-Spotted Fox dies, he would be disqualified. The same will happen if his fox''s body receives any permanent damage."


    The other elders could only nod and wait to see what would happen in the future.


    Old Worm, on the other hand, seemed pretty calm. Well, Old Worm''s expressions rarely changed, so his guild companions by his side couldn''t tell if he was surprised by that or not.


    "This... Fauk, do you know what your disciple is doing?"


    Old Worm looked at the people by his side and simply nodded.


    "Yes."


    Unfortunately for them, that was all he said.


    Roan could tell that most of the eyes were on him, but he couldn''t care less. At the moment, the cauldron still didn''t heat up. However, the fox felt a sense of danger and tried to escape from there. Unfortunately for it, Roan had closed the cauldron when he threw it inside, so it couldn''t force its way out. Not to mention that it was just a Stage One Demon beast. There was no way it could be stronger than Roan.


    Roan ignored the fox struggling inside the cauldron and threw even more wood at the cauldron''s fire. Eventually, the fox could feel it beginning to burn it alive and started to scream. The others looked at it and felt that it was too cruel, especially the females. Suddenly...


    *Bang!*


    Roan kicked the caldron with the fox inside.


    "Shut up!"


    His aura and Spiritual Energy made the fox fear it more than its own burning body. That wasn''t alchemy anymore, but torture instead. He forced the fox to suffer in silence. However, the quiet fox only added more to the heavy air.


    Time passed and over one hour passed. Because the fox was still a Stage One Demon Beast, it had its own Spiritual Energy. The cauldron''s temperature wasn''t anything heaven-defying either. Thanks to that, the fox resisted as much as it could until now.


    Sometimes, it felt like screaming in pain again, but Roan''s Spiritual Energy immediately attacked it, warning it to be quiet.


    Except for the examinators, who had to keep their eyes on all the alchemists participating in this phase, all the other Spiritual Senses focused on Roan''s cauldron. The cauldron wasn''t any divine treasure, so it wasn''t hard for their Spiritual Senses to penetrate into it.


    "The fox is at its limit."


    "It''s going to die."


    "I know it''s just a demon beast without intelligence, but still..."


    If they could tell that, Roan obviously wasn''t oblivious to the fox. Still, he kept waiting as the paste and the fox boiled together. Only when he saw that the fox was really going to die did he nod his head.


    "That should be enough."


    Roan''s hair changed into a mix of white and black once again as a burst of Light Element entered the cauldron. It immediately enveloped the Green-Spotted Fox, which healed its injuries at hasty speeds.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Roan might not be as good as Rean. Nevertheless, his own Instant Recovery was powerful enough to outstrip the damage caused by the boiling medicinal paste. Soon, its fur that had been burnt began to grow again as the withered skin disappeared while the pain subsided. Other than that, Roan also used his Light and Dark Elements to get rid of the impurities from the boiling paste.


    Everyone was shocked by Roan''s actions once more. They had seen him changing his hair color a few times already and understood that it was related to his Light Element control. However, they didn''t know that the Light Element had such a powerful healing power.


    "Alright, you''re back to full health. Stay there and cook for a while longer. Your smell is starting to get good."


    The rest of the spectators didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. He healed the fox just so that it could cook more. Just how much more do you intend to torture it?


    Werxa, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes as his Spiritual Sense took a close look at the fox''s conditions.


    ''Isn''t this Green-Sppoted Fox a little bigger than before?''


    Of course, the other alchemists participating also noticed Roan''s way of doing things. Still, because they had to prepare their own pastes, they couldn''t spare too much time on it.


    Two hours into the competition, the first alchemist had finished his medicinal paste. He looked around and saw that everyone else was still working or... cooking... and wondered if he was too hasty. Nonetheless, there was no turning back now, so he immediately applied his paste to his own Green-Sppoted Fox. After that, he gave a sleeping pill to the fox. That way, it wouldn''t move too much as his paste was absorbed by the fox''s body.


    Even though he was the first to finish, the next one didn''t take long to appear. As if a chain reaction occurred, many more alchemists began to conclude their own pastes one after the other. Naturally, they did the same thing as the first guy. They applied the paste on their own foxes before giving a sleeping pill to them.


    According to the general time, it would take at least three or four hours for the foxes'' bodies to fully take in most types of medicinal pastes. The rule only said that they had to finish concocting their pastes in four hours. The time the foxes needed to absorb the pastes wasn''t part of this limit.


    It was at this moment that...


    *Bang!*


    The lid on Roan''s cauldron exploded! His fox immediately jumped out while howling in happiness. It was finally free from the torture, so how couldn''t it be delighted?


    *Pah!*


    However, Roan quickly knocked its head, which made the fox feel quite dizzy.


    "Stop wasting time. Attack the dummy there."


    Everyone was taken aback by that. Not only did Roan not apply any medicinal paste, but he also didn''t give his fox time to rest either. But that wasn''t all. Only now that the fox came out did they notice that it had become quite taller than the other green foxes.


    "Wait!"


    Werxa couldn''t help but come out on his own.


    "You made your fox go through quite a harsh treatment. As the stated rules, any permanent damage to it in exchange for strength would result in disqualification."


    Roan nodded, not minding it too much as he responded.


    "I know. The fox is fine. You can check it as much as you want."


    Werxa nodded as he touched the fox''s body and sent his Spiritual Energy inside. However, he really couldn''t find anything wrong with the fox.


    "This... how does it look so... healthy?"


    The other examinators couldn''t help but do the same thing. Sure enough, none of them could find anything wrong with the fox at all. In fact, it looked healthier than ever!


    Roan then looked at Werxa.


    "Are you done? Let''s go ahead with this test."


    Werxa''s mouth twitched after hearing that. Roan didn''t show as much as a single hint of respect to the Guild Leader. This was a kind of treatment that he rarely received from anyone. Still, he was also curious to see just how well Roan''s Green-Spotted Fox would fare in the strength test.


    "Ahem... Are you sure you want to do it already? Your fox just finished being cooke- cough, cough. It just finished absorbing your medicinal paste, right? You could give it some time to rest since all the other foxes would also need time to absorb the other participants'' pastes."


    Roan shook his head in response, saying.


    "It rested a lot in the cauldron, so it can do the test already."


    Rested? You call that rest? Is this guy''s vision of the world that twisted?


    "Errr... Alright then, have his fox attack the dummy."

 Chapter 433 - Spiritual Copper Wire

    Rean pondered for a bit and thought about his circuitry formation. However, this was something that he hadn''t shown to anyone other than Droman. Of course, Roan knew it as well, but he didn''t care about it since it wasn''t his field. However, it was also true that Droman and Rean were planning to show the Circuitry Formation to the Formations Guild instead of the Imperial Family.


    ''Should I take this chance to give them an example?''


    In the end, Rean shook his head.


    ''I still haven''t had time to work with it. With just so much time to build a formation, I''m done for if something goes wrong. Well, they just said that the number of layers destroyed would be our final results. There are no rules stating that the formation had to be standing by the end of the test. Maybe I should make another one-time-use formation to use the full power of the runes.''


    Rean then looked at the dome inside the Lightning Field when all of a sudden, he got an idea. He looked around and saw that the other five Elemental Domes were located very far from other elemental fields. Each one of them was at least 5km away from the borders of the other elemental areas. Besides, the closer one was to the edge, the weaker the field''s elemental support would be.


    ''The distance is quite far, and I would lose too much support from the Lightning Element from the Lightning Field if I build it closer to the other fields. However, attacking a Lightning Type Defensive Formation with an Offensive Lightning Formation is pretty inefficient... No, wait!''


    ''Lightning Formations can use Spiritual Energy to guide Lightning to the place they want. However, the amount of Spiritual Energy I would need to guide it out of the Lightning Field would consume most of the power necessary for the Lightning Strike itself.''


    ''But... what if I don''t need to use Spiritual Energy to guide the Lightning? Lightning released without Spiritual Energy Guidance will simply follow the path with the least resistance. Maybe I can use a wire? However, a wire capable of holding a Lightning Formation Strike''s power would need to be incredibly thick. Besides, how will I make it leave the wire to attack the other protection formations?''


    It was then that Rean remembered an experiment he saw on TV in his previous life. During that test, a thin copper wire was attached to a rocket that was launched in the middle of a storm. The result? They got a lightning strike that came down in a straight line. The trick was that the copper wire was so thin that it got pulverized as the lightning passed by it. Nevertheless, the path of lightning was still created.


    ''That should work. If the copper wire is immediately destroyed while still showing the right path for the lightning strike, then I won''t need to care about removing it from the wire later.''


    Rean then looked at the Lightning Protection Formation inside the Lightning Field and smiled playfully.


    ''Well, no rules say that I can''t do it, right?''


    Rean immediately rushed to the Water Element Field and began to analyze the formation. Havek was there as well, so he was surprised to see Rean.


    "I thought your abilities focused on Lightning Type Formations."


    Rean laughed as he answered.


    "Indeed."


    Havek was taken aback but laughed in the end as well. He could tell that Rean was going to try something crazy again.


    After that, his body burst with Light Element as it entered the Water Protection Formation. The participants couldn''t build their formations yet. However, an analysis was still allowed. In fact, the examinators expected the Formation Masters to do it since analyzation was an essential part of being a Formations Master.


    Rean didn''t have much time to analyze since he had to ask for the necessary materials, so he only looked at it for 15 minutes before asking for the materials. After that, he looked at the assistant and began to make his requests.


    The assistant was taken aback by that sudden list. Most of the items didn''t have anything wrong. But when Rean asked for a thin spiritual copper wire that could go from one field to another, he didn''t know what to say. Still, copper was indeed listed in the available material list. In the end, the assistant could only grit his teeth and flash away to prepare such a weird request.


    Meanwhile, Rean rushed back to the Lightning Field and... jumped over the Lightning Protection Formation! The Lightning Formation was indeed using the Lightning Element to fortify itself. However, it didn''t change the fact that it was solid. So one could really stand above it. Rean looked down and saw the several layers inside it as well.


    "What is he doing?"


    "Is he intending to attack the Lightning Formation from above?"


    "That makes no sense. The Lightning Field Element is evenly distributed. Doing such a thing would be a waste of time."


    Rean quickly finished thinking about it and soon came down.


    Just as the test was a minute away from the start, the assistant came back with the materials Rean asked for. He was forced to teleport to the Blacksmith Guild and pay quite a price for their members to forge such a long and thin spiritual copper wire. Immediately, everyone''s attention was dragged in Rean''s direction. After all, Rean had almost 10km of it in the middle of his material pile. Naturally, Saya, Droman, and the other elders noticed this as well.


    Unfortunately, they didn''t have any time to ask anymore. That''s because the thirty minutes were gone, just like that.


    Turin, who also couldn''t help but look at Rean''s materials, then stepped forward to do some talking.


    "Time is now up. The third phase of the Formations Guild Exam shall now begin. Remember, only one hundred of you will make it to the final stage. Just like before, you have one hour to build your formations. The test starts now!"


    As soon as Turin announced that, all the participants put themselves to work. As for Rean, he grabbed everything and jumped above the Lightning Protection Formation. There... Rean began to build his own formation. Yep, he was making the formation on top of the testing formation.


    "Is... that valid?"

 Chapter 434 - Bulkier

    In the Alchemist Guild, everyone paid attention to the bulkier Green-Spotted Fox from Roan. After all, everyone else''s foxes were still sleeping or haven''t even been applied with medicinal paste yet. Roan was literally starting the strength test hours ahead of the second contender.


    Oligan saw the assistants activating the formations around the dummy, which would test the fox''s attack power. At first, none of them thought that they would need it so soon, so it was deactivated just a moment ago, waiting for when the tests were supposed to really start.


    "Alright. We have trained the foxes to attack the dummy in the same way, all the time. However, there are bound to be small variations between each attack. After all, foxes are also living beings. That being said, we will take the average number of ten assaults."


    One of the spectators couldn''t help but ask.


    "Senior Oligan, what is the average attack power that you expect to see in this test?"


    Oligan looked back at Werxa, who nodded at him. There wasn''t really an issue telling this much.


    "Usually, we would expect an increase of 200 to 250 points on average. Of course, the foxes only benefit from this much from the medicinal paste because they were weak to start with. Otherwise, you wouldn''t see their power increasing by 50% just like that."


    "What about the number necessary to reach the top 100?"


    "That changes from time to time, but I believe that any fox that achieves an average of 850 attack points should be able to put themselves in the top 100. If we''re lucky, we might see a few alchemists getting close to 1000 points or maybe surpass it. Of course, it will be nigh impossible to see such a thing."


    Everyone nodded. That made things a lot clearer for the test they were about to see.


    Oligan then waved at the assistants before saying.


    "You can start."


    One of the trainers then came forward before giving a command to Roan''s Green-Spotted Fox. As soon as it heard the trainer''s voice, its eyes became sharp as it pounced at the dummy.


    *Rawr!*


    The fox accelerated from a previously agreed point and attacked it. It was a simple bite attack like any other canine would do. Still, both the acceleration and the bite would be different now that the medicine had an effect. In less than an instant, a chunk of the dummy disappeared, leaving a big gap behind.


    "What?!"


    Everyone immediately heard the trainer''s surprised voice. However, no one knew if this was a good thing or not. After all, none of the spectators had seen the tests against these dummies before. Only when the points came out did they finally understand the difference.


    -Attack Power: 1434-


    Unsurprisingly, the room went silent. Didn''t Oligan just say that it would be hard to see anyone surpassing 1000 points? That didn''t seem to be the case just now.


    Oligan''s mouth twitched as everyone stared at him.


    ''Why are you looking at me? I also didn''t expect to see this, you know?''


    Of course, on the surface, he didn''t lose his calm.


    "Ahem... Someone go there and verify the measurement formation. There might be something wrong with it."


    The Formation Masters invited by the Alchemist Guild nodded and went forward to check. Even they thought that they might have done something wrong to it.


    Roan, who was observing everything, then said.


    "There''s no problem with the formation. That was the average result that I already expected. This fox was only a Stage One Demon Beast, a pretty weak one at that. That''s why the medicinal paste had such a superb effect."


    Oligan and the others were taken aback by Roan''s words. How could he be sure that it would be this high? Does it really help to cook your fox that much?


    Still, Oligan quickly came back to himself and shook his head in response.


    "Unfortunately, others might think you said that to take advantage of an error in the formation. We still need to verify it."


    Well, even he had his doubts that the formation might really have a problem. After all, it was near a threefold increase in power. That was a huge deal.


    Roan shrugged his shoulders and didn''t say anything else after that. He was just trying to save his time.


    As the Formation Masters checked the measurement formation, a few other alchemists finished preparing their pastes. Lita Xue and Cluhe Sol were two of them. They had been hearing the commotion so far. Unfortunately for them, they couldn''t pay attention to what was happening since they were focused on their medicinal pastes.


    Eventually, they finished applying the paste on their foxes before putting them to sleep as well. Only then did they have the time to ask what was happening.


    "Over 1400? Seriously?"


    Lita Xue narrowed her eyes as she looked at Roan.


    "So he wasn''t really killing his fox."


    Cluhe Sol felt even more indignant.


    "How can his fox be well and kicking? He literally cooked it with the Medicinal Paste."


    After some time, the Formation Masters looked back at Oligan before saying.


    "There are no mistakes. The measurement formation is working perfectly fine."


    Obligan nodded as he looked at the foxes'' trainers.


    "Bring another Green-Spotted Fox here. As long as its power is around 400 and 600, then the formation is really working fine."


    The trainers didn''t waste time and quickly brought not only one but three foxes. Not long after, they had the foxes attack the dummy.


    -Attack Power: 502-


    -Attack Power: 534-


    -Attack Power: 483-


    Oligan and the others finally began to accept that Roan''s fox was really that strong. After all, those new foxes left some marks on the dummy but were not able to bite a chunk of it like Roan''s fox.


    "Continue. Roan''s fox still has nine more attacks to do so that we can get its average attack power."


    The trainer nodded and immediately sent it to attack the dummy.


    *Rawr!*


    -Attack Power: 1613-


    "It... increased again?"


    Roan nodded as he said.


    "The fox wasn''t used to its new power, so it was obvious that it was somewhat clumsy during the first attack."


    Everyone couldn''t help but think.


    ''Then...just how strong can it get?''

 Chapter 435 - Lightning Field First

    The other elders immediately looked at Saya. After all, she was the Guild Leader here.


    "Well... No rules say that you can''t build your formation above the protection formation. However, that''s quite a risky move since it might be affected by the other formations'' attacks when the test starts."


    Rean knew that, but he didn''t care. That''s because the Lightning Field was the field with the least amount of participants, to begin with. The chances of something happening to his formation would be very low. In his eyes, it was worth the risk.


    ''I will need three formations to complement the Lightning Strike Formation. Those would be the Elemental Absorption Formation, the Spiritual Energy Absorption Formation, and the Shooting Formation. Fortunately, they are quite simple compared to the Lighting Strike Formation. Besides...''


    Rean then looked at the Protection Formation right below his feet and smiled.


    Nevertheless, making four formations at once was anything but easy. If not because Rean was extremely confident in his proficiency in Lightning Formations, he would never try such a risky move.


    First, he built the base of all work, the Spiritual Energy Absorption Formation. He worked so fast that it was completed in just three minutes. Soon after, he fused the Lightning Strike and Lightning Absorption Formations together with it. All three formations related to Lightning, so Rean knew every rune and material necessary perfectly.


    "This... Is he building a Triple-Layered Formation?"


    "What are you so impressed about? Look at the top contestants of the last phase. They are all making Triple-layered Formations."


    "Indeed. They''re all aiming for single strike formations."


    "Because they can''t use Spirit Stones, the Spiritual Energy around their formations would be consumed in a flash. There won''t be enough for a second or third strike. In that case, they might as well throw everything against the Protection Formations at once."


    It was true. Havek, Qia, Milo, Artin, basically everyone was making a similar type of formation. The types of attack formations were different from each other. Nonetheless, they all aimed for a single powerful destructive, corrosive, piercing, or whatever strike.


    Havek was in the Water Field. He obtained several types of corrosive materials to make his formation. His formation would try to corrode several layers of the protection formation at once. That was quite a bold move since there wasn''t enough Spiritual Energy. Of course, being the genius he said he was, his face brimmed with confidence.


    Qia made things simple. In fact, she didn''t really have an element she excelled in. In the defensive formation exam, she went to the Earth field because Earth was the best for defense. This time, she went to the Fire field simply because it was perfect for offensive formations. She decided to make a single-point explosion formation for her trial.


    Saya paid special attention to Rean, though. Of course, Droman did the same thing. They were curious to see just what kind of gimmick Rean would pull off this time.


    "Guild Leader, are you planning to take that boy as one of the representatives?"


    Saya nodded.


    "For now, he seems to be a good choice. He''s only sixteen, so his age matches the under 25 requirement from seven years in the future. Still, let''s see how he performs in the test first. After all, he hasn''t measurably passed the previous tests. I can''t tell yet whether he really has some talent or if he''s just crazy."


    All the elders agreed with her. In the first test, he forced his way through the movement restriction formation. In the last one, he destroyed the formation that was supposed to test his defense. It was hard to guess what he was capable of.


    After fifty minutes into the exam, Rean finally finished his triple-layered formation. Anyone who looked at him would be able to see the beads of sweat on his face. Sure enough, as good as he might be with Lightning Formations, making a triple-layered formation in just fifty minutes was still an arduous task.


    Surprisingly, Rean wasn''t done yet.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    Rean then jumped down from the Protection Formation and flashed away. A minute later, he brought a big stone back. The ones who looked at that became puzzled as they thought.


    ''A stone? In a Lightning Formation?''


    ''Wouldn''t its earth property obstruct the Lightning Formation instead?''


    Rean didn''t know what the others were thinking, nor did he care. He quickly jumped above the protection formation and started to build the shooting formation. As mentioned before, such a formation wasn''t anything hard to make. It merely gathered some Spiritual Energy and used the energy to shoot any object put on it.


    Rean then placed that stone above the formation, where it began to float. Following that, he attached the spiritual copper wire to both the stone and the Lightning Strike Formation behind him.


    The shooting formation took longer than the Energy Gathering Formation, though. That''s because Rean didn''t want to use the Spiritual Energy from the surroundings when the test started. So he had that formation gather and hold Spiritual Energy on its own. When the time for his formation came to be tested, it would be fully charged and wouldn''t use the surrounding Spiritual Energy. Thanks to that, the Lightning Strike Formation wouldn''t be affected.


    ''Fortunately, it doesn''t need a lot of spiritual energy, so it will only take a minute or so to absorb the amount necessary.''


    58 minutes. That was the time Rean used to finish all the preparations. By now, most of the Formation Masters in the exam already finished their own formations as well.


    Saya, Droman, and the others could tell what Rean was trying to do... and thought the idea was quite funny. Their only doubt was whether it would work or not.


    Seeing that one hour was up, Turin finally announced the end of the building test.


    "That''s enough! Those who haven''t finished their formations are disqualified. As for those who did, stay beside your formations so that you can activate them. Let''s start the test. First, the-"


    It was then that he received a Spiritual Sense Message from Saya.


    ''Go to the Lightning Field first. I want to see what that Rean boy can do.''

 Chapter 436 - Private Talk

    In the Alchemist Guild, everyone looked at Roan''s Green-Spotted Fox as it destroyed the dummy with every attack.


    -Attack Power: 1653-


    -Attack Power: 1694-


    -Attack Power: 1703-


    -Attack Power: 1712-


    -Attack Power: 1715-


    -Attack Power...


    In the end, Roan''s Fox achieved an average of 1674 points. It would have been even higher if he excluded the first attack it did. However, he didn''t care about that since he was sure that it would be enough to pass this test.


    Old Worm looked at that as well and nodded, satisfied. He had seen Roan use this method before on himself. Unfortunately, his body was well developed, so the change wasn''t that big. In the past, Roan had also forced Rean, Malaka, and Calina inside his cauldron. After that, they all reached a tacit understanding to never talk about that harrowing experience ever again. They knew way too well just how the fox felt to be cooked.


    Werxa''s eyes lit up as he looked at that number.


    ''1674 points! That''s ridiculous! Hahaha! Seven years from now, this boy will shine! I need to talk with his master after the competition is over.''


    Still, he quickly calmed down as he looked at Roan''s cauldron. After that, he replayed the process in his mind.


    ''Unless someone is as proficient in the Light Element as he is, they will never be able to copy his achievement. Even the Water Element''s healing properties wouldn''t be able to keep up with it. Let alone heal the fox''s body this perfectly. Still, he also needs Yin Energy for his Dark Element control, which means he''s practicing both Yin and Yang cultivation techniques. Just how does he not have a cultivation defect? Also, what is his actual elemental affinity when he cultivates? He hasn''t used any other element so far.''


    Werxa''s doubts were the same as most of the alchemists and spectators who knew about the requirement for the Dark and Light Element. However, they couldn''t be blamed for that. After all, where have you ever seen someone being born with an affinity towards those two elements? Well, the Light Affinity was because of Rean, though.


    After the test was over, the dummy began to regenerate itself. That was quite a simple piece made between the formations and blacksmith guilds. It was quite useless for high-level cultivators, but it really showed its advantages in situations like these.


    Roan then looked around and spotted Old Worm in the middle of the crowd. Since the others'' foxes would take several hours to wake up, he might as well leave for the moment. However, just as he was about to go there, he received a Spiritual Sense Message from Werxa.


    ''I need you and your master to come to my office. I already told Fauk to bring you there.''


    Roan then looked at Old Worm, who nodded his head. Roan then changed direction and left through another door. Old Worm had some difficulty leaving the place since his ''friends'' were filling him with wave after wave of questions. Unfortunately for them, he didn''t have the patience to answer and ignored them all.


    A few minutes later, Roan and Old Worm arrived at Werxa''s office and knocked on the door.


    "Enter."


    The two got inside and simply stayed there, staring at Werxa with an annoyed expression. Obviously, it looked like they didn''t want to be here.


    ''What is wrong with these two? I''m still the Alchemist Guild Leader in the Sasamil Empire, you know? Shouldn''t you feel honored that I called you over?''


    Of course, he didn''t say that out loud.


    Well... if it was anyone else, that might have been the case. It''s just that Roan and Old Worm didn''t give a damn to Werxa''s status.


    "Ahem... The reason I called you two here is because I would like to invite Roan to participate in the next guilds'' group competition that will take place seven years from now."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he looked at Old Worm, asking.


    "Is it of any use?"


    "The rewards aren''t bad."


    "Alright."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    Werxa felt like crying.


    ''Is that all? Hey! It''s a competition between all the empires and other regions of the world! Shouldn''t you at least ask about what it is? What to expect? Why I''m selecting you? Things like that! Come on! Can you two act like any other proper human being? Many of the young alchemists outside would probably kill for this opportunity!''


    Doing his best to keep his feelings hidden, Werxa continued.


    "Ahem... The guilds'' group competition this time will be a joint collaboration between the four main side-occupations. It means that the Formations, Blacksmith, Talisman, and Alchemist Guild will work together. Naturally, the other three guilds will send their best competitors as well."


    "The reason I selected you is that you''re still sixteen years old. The competition rules ask for participants under 25 years old. So you''re perfect for the requirement. Of course, this is just an early talk. If you don''t enter the top 10 in the last phase, this conversation will be meaningless. Well, after seeing your abilities, I doubt you''ll fail anyway. That''s why I used this pause in the exam to talk with you two."


    Roan ignored that and asked something else.


    "What are the rewards?"


    Werxa shook his head.


    "It hasn''t been selected yet. However, it is as Fauk mentioned. The rewards are usually excellent. However, there are a few things that are always present. For example, the first three groups always receive 1000 Rank Five Spirit Stones. That much is guaranteed."


    Roan nodded. Rank Four Spirit Stones are already very rare and hard to obtain. Let alone Rank Five. This would be an insane boon to him and Rean.


    "Okay. Is there anything else?"


    Werxa didn''t know whether he should be happy that they accepted it so quickly or sad that they didn''t seem that interested.


    "I would like you to stay in the guild and focus solely on alchemy for the next seven years."


    Roan immediately shook his head.


    "There''s no need. I have way too many things to do during this time. However, you can test my ability again once we get close to the competition. If I''m not on par, just bring someone else."


    Old Worm looked at Roan for a second but didn''t say anything. That was his decision, after all. He was probably called here just because he was Roan''s Master.


    Werxa then tried to insist so that Roan would change his mind. Unfortunately for him, Roan was adamant about his decision. Well, Roan had all the shit about Calina to resolve, so he couldn''t really stay around. Besides, he was the type who preferred real-life experience to improve his techniques and cultivation. If he secluded himself for the next seven years, it would impact his own development.


    Werxa sighed in the end and could only add.


    "In that case, make sure to take all the jade slips with the materials necessary for your self-improvement. Just remember that you can''t spread it around without our consent."


    Roan agreed with him as he said.


    "I was going to do that from the very start."


    Werxa nodded, satisfied.


    "If there is something you need, let me know. Of course, you need to pass the last phase first."


    Roan and Old Worm then turned around, but just as Roan was about to leave, he stopped his steps before looking at Werxa.


    "Do you think you can arrange a private chat with Huan Qelol?"


    Even Old Worm showed a hint of surprise with that question. After all, Huan Qelol was the prime minister in the eye of the storm around the throne succession.

 Chapter 437 - Really

    Once again, in the Formations Guild...


    Turin was taken aback for a moment. Usually, they would leave the best Formation Masters of previous phases for last. Rean got a ''perfect'' score together with Havek, so he would select Fire, Earth, and Wind Fields first. Still, since the Guild Head gave her orders, he could only comply.


    "First, the Lightning Field! We will test the formations closest to the target first."


    As soon as Turin said that, everyone looked at Rean. After all, he made his Formation right on top of it.


    However...


    "Oh! So I''ll be the last person to be tested then?"


    Turin looked at Rean, responding with a question.


    "What do you mean?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Well, my target is the Water formation on the Water field, so I''m the furthest one from my target."


    Only then did he remember that it was true. Everyone could tell that Rean wasn''t aiming for the Lightning Protection Formation but for another one. In the end, no one was further away from their target than him.


    "Errr... Ahem... Even so, you are the closest one to the Lightning Protection Formation, so I will start with yours. Are you fine with that?"


    Rean didn''t seem to care, though.


    "Sure. I thought it might have been wrong to use mine first since that was not my target. I don''t really mind if you want to test it first."


    Turin then looked at Saya, who nodded at him.


    "Alright, you can activate your formation first. By the way, what do you call this formation of yours?"


    Rean pondered for a bit before saying.


    "Well, I didn''t really think of a name, so let''s just use Lightning Shot."


    "That''s... quite straightforward."


    "Yep. Simple is best."


    Rean didn''t waste any more time and immediately placed his hands on the formations. After adjusting the aim of his Shooting Formation, he activated it.


    *Shoo*


    Just like that, the stone was shot in the distance while the thin copper wire followed behind. That was quite unappealing and lackluster, though. Alright, it was utterly and inexplicably boring...


    However, Havek''s eyes shone as he saw the stone flying in the Water Myriad Elemental Protection Formation''s direction. He then looked at Rean on top of the Lightning Myriad Elemental Protection Formation with an idea in his mind.


    ''So that''s what you''re up to!''


    Rean didn''t care. He was more worried whether such a thin copper wire would break on the way there. If it was normal copper, he was sure that the pressure would have been too great. However, this was Spiritual Copper Wire, so it was many times more resistant.


    Fortunately, it reached the target without any problems. However, just as the stone was about to smash against the protection formation''s wall, Rean activated his Lightning Strike Formation.


    "It''s now do or die! Hahaha!"


    The Lightning Strike Formation immediately came back to life. Spiritual Energy in the surroundings disappeared in a flash as everything entered the Formation. Not only that, but the Lightning Element Absorption Formation was also activated, absorbing all the Lightning Element in the surroundings.


    Until there, everything played as the Formation Masters expected. However, what happened next shocked everyone. They thought that Rean selected the top of the Lightning Protection Formation because of its altitude advantage. That way, he could save Spiritual Energy after shooting the Stone with the copper wire.


    Unfortunately for them, they only had time to hear a cracking sound when all of a sudden, the entire first layer of the Lightning Protection Formation shattered. All the Lightning Element contained on it was then absorbed into the Lightning Strike Formation Runes. It wasn''t over, though. The second and third layers also crumbled right after. Before Rean''s attack had even started, he had already destroyed three layers... it''s just that this one wasn''t his target.


    The Lightning Runes finally reached their limits and released the Lightning Strike!


    *Zap!*


    For a second, the world around everyone turned a bright blue thanks to that one Lightning Strike. It was also the first time in their lives that everyone had seen a Lightning Strike follow a straight line. Even Lightning Strikes conducted by Spiritual Energy didn''t move that perfectly.


    Everything took some time to explain, but just like thunder, it all happened in a flash! In the exact moment that the stone smashed and crumbled against the Water Protection Formation, the Lightning Strike arrived, guided by the Spiritual Copper Wire. During its way here, the copper wire was pulverized, just like what Rean saw in his previous life on TV.


    *Kabrum!*


    *Shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter!*


    Water Element was weak against Lightning. That was common knowledge. Naturally, the Myriad Elemental Protection Formation that used the Water Element to strengthen itself suffered from this option. The Spiritual Energy in the surroundings of Rean''s Formation wasn''t of much use. His Formation''s real attack power came from the three layers of the Lightning Myriad Elemental Protection Formation. The Spiritual Energy was only there to make sure the Formation wouldn''t go out of control.


    That''s why Rean became so tired after completing the Triple-Layered Lightning Strike Formation. In normal circumstances, it wouldn''t have been something hard for him to do. However, he had to build the runes in a way where they would break apart after taking in so much Lightning Element at once. It was a must for that Formation to be at least resistant enough for a single strike. Naturally, it was a big challenge even with his greater talent for Lightning Formations.


    From the twenty layers of the Water Myriad Elemental Protection Formation, seventeen of them shattered almost instantly. Only the three innermost layers were able to stand after it ended. Nonetheless, the third outermost one had several cracks on it, showing that it would have collapsed if just a little bit more power was applied.


    "Hahaha! There are no rules stating that I can''t use the Lightning Myriad Elemental Protection Formation''s layers to charge my Lightning Strike Formation. Thank you for the support!"


    The test field went silent once again as the same thoughts appeared in everyone''s minds.


    ''Is that really, reaaaally valid?''

 Chapter 438 - Paying Attention

    Old Worm then sent Roan a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Is it about the war for the throne? You already got the information you needed. In fact, I also got things sorted on my side, so Mia would be prepared. There''s no need for you to involve yourself in this any further.''


    Roan shook his head in response.


    ''I have my reasons for having a talk with him.''


    At first, Rean and Roan thought that getting an audience with Huan would be useless. However, there was also the fact that they didn''t know if they would be able to get something like this. After all, Huan wasn''t someone you could pay a visit to anytime you wanted.


    As for entering his house without anyone perceiving it, that was even more of a dream. As the right hand of the Emperor, there should be no lack of high-level cultivators present. Otherwise, the princes and princesses fighting for the throne would have used other methods already to get in contact with him alone. Let alone that Huan himself was known for having very high cultivation as well.


    However, the Alchemist Guild was considered a neutral power. It would not take part in the Throne Struggle. Perhaps, Huan wouldn''t mind allowing them to see him.


    Of course, there was another reason why Roan made such a request. It was present in the information he got from the Dark Web Organization. It was stated that Huan was also an alchemist and often concocted pills for the Emperor.


    Werxa, as the guild leader, knew very well about the situation in the court as well.


    "What would a kid like you want from him? Let me warn you. I don''t know if you understand what is happening with the court now. Still, our Alchemist Guild doesn''t take part in any countries'' internal struggles. You shouldn''t get yourself involved with Huan or any of those people."


    Roan didn''t care.


    "I do know what is happening with the Imperial Family at the moment. You should know as well that it won''t stay hidden from the masses for long either. Still, don''t worry. I have no intention whatsoever to involve the Alchemist Guild in it. I just need one answer from you. Can you do it or not?"


    Werxa narrowed his eyes as he looked at Roan and Old Worm. In any normal situation, he would have sent them out without even caring about their reasons. However, Roan was vital for their guild at the moment.


    "Let''s see how you fare in the Alchemist Exam first. Depending on your result, I might consider giving you that chance."


    Old Worm sighed before saying.


    "Since you already decided, then I won''t stop you. In that case, you might as well stop holding back and show them the alchemist you really are."


    Roan nodded as he turned around and left the room with Old Worm. However, they didn''t see the shocked expression on Werxa''s face.


    "Holding back?! He was holding back?! Are you fucking serious?!"


    Old Worm wasn''t joking when he said that Roan''s combo of Light and Dark Element was simply way too good for alchemy. Others might not know, but Old Worm had never thought about acquiring a disciple in his life. His guidance at first was basically due to Roan''s incredible memory and focus on the work. Only when he saw what those two Elements could do did he finally change his mind and put his all into teaching Roan.


    The weird thing was that both Old Worm and Roan had never talked about becoming a disciple and the other a master. It was extremely rare for the two to even call each other by names, let alone using honorifics. Their situation was ambiguous, just like that.


    After returning to the Alchemist Test Room, Roan and Old Worm sat in a corner and waited. While they did that, all the other alchemists attended to their own Green-Spotted Foxes. It might be impossible to surpass Roan''s results, but there were still 99 more slots available for the last phase. With Roan''s overwhelming results so far, they were pretty sure he would finish in the top 10. Nevertheless, the guild would also accept 9 more alchemists.


    Well... there are also those stubborn ones like Cluhe, who didn''t want to admit that they would lose to Roan or anyone else.


    The alchemists themselves massaged their foxes while they slept to help their bodies absorb more of the Medicinal Paste''s efficacy. Others used some lotions approved by the guild''s exam, etc. And just like that, three hours passed until finally, the first Green-Spotted Fox woke up.


    Just like Roan''s fox, this fox also seemed a little larger than before. However, it still couldn''t compare to Roan''s fox. After the examinators confirmed that the fox was in a perfect health state, they brought it to be tested against the dummy.


    It used the same attack, but everyone could see that its dash and bite were far behind what Roan''s fox did.


    -Attack Power: 829-


    -Attack Power: 843-


    -Attack Power...


    This one''s average points ended up being far behind Roan''s one. However, he felt excited nevertheless. In the end, he got an average of 856 points��his chances of being in the top 100 were very high now.


    As if a chain reaction happened, one Green-Spotted Fox after the other woke up from their slumbers. They all felt full of energy, ready to take the test, and so they did.


    The majority only showed results around 750 and 800 points. Some got above 900, which obviously made them very happy and prideful. At this point, everyone simply ignored Roan''s results. It was as if he wasn''t even fighting in the same league anymore.


    A guy called Joan was the first one to present a fox that surpassed the 1000 point barrier... after Roan. His average results finished with 1007 points.


    Cluhe came next and amassed 1045 average points. Still, this prideful man didn''t feel the least bit happy. He was worlds apart from Roan in both exams, which deeply bothered him.


    Unfortunately for him, another guy surpassed his result with an average of 1051 points. His name was Kobe Vuis. He was also a disciple of one of the Alchemist Guild members. The number could still be considered in the error margin, but Cluhe felt worse nonetheless.


    Finally, it was Lita Xue''s turn. Roan, who had been keeping his eyes closed all this time, finally opened it as Lita''s fox came forward. Surprisingly, Old Worm also paid attention to her as he commented through Spiritual Sense messages.


    ''Her abilities are quite similar to yours and Rean. The difference is that she can use both elements independently, while you have your connection with Rean to use the Light Element. I''m sure your results would still be above hers even if you didn''t use Light Element, but she''s still a remarkable alchemist.''


    Roan was surprised to see Old Worm talking so much. Still, he could understand. After all, he also commended her abilities in the previous phase.


    ''Just like me, her existence was a pile of coincidences. Born woman, having an affinity towards the Fire Element, cultivating a rare Yin Energy Cultivation Technique to control water. Since she''s already a woman, it made it easier for her to achieve that Yin Energy control. Of course, she has the talent, and I can tell how much effort she put into it.''


    Old Worm agreed with Roan as he lightly nodded.


    Lita''s fox attacked the dummy, and sure enough...


    -Attack Power: 1189-


    Her fox was far above others, only losing to Roan. As her fox continued the barrage of ten attacks, it got used to its new strength as the points increased. In the end, she finished with an average of 1268 points, much to Werxa''s delight.

 Chapter 439 - Confidence!

    The rest of the tests continued in the Alchemist Guild. In the end, no one got close to Roan or Lita''s points. Oligan, seeing that all the foxes had gone through the test, then announced the results.


    "Alright, the top 100 for this exam are decided.


    1st - Roan Larks, 1674 points;


    2nd- Lita Xue, 1268 points;


    3rd- Kobe Vuis, 1051 points;


    4th- Chuhe Sol, 1045 points;


    5th- Joan Porem, 1007 points;


    6th- Farkol..."


    Some were happy, others not that much. But in the end, the top 100 who would participate in the last phase had been decided.


    "The 200 who didn''t make it to the next phase can step aside to wat-"


    *Rawl! Rawl! Rawl!*


    Suddenly, the sound of foxes'' barking came from the side, which made Oligan narrow his eyes. The foxes were being kept in a building close to the alchemy testing hall. Still, the commotion was quite loud for their sounds to reach here.


    "What''s happening?"


    A trainer quickly went there to check. A few minutes later, the barkings were finally over. When he came back, he felt helpless.


    "One of the foxes challenged the alpha after we brought them back."


    Oligan found it strange.


    "Isn''t the alpha already a Stage Two Demon Beast? The foxes we used for the test were only Stage one."


    They had brought the alpha as well so that it could keep the order in the middle of all those Green-Spotted Foxes. One must remember that the guild got thousands of them to test.


    "It is... However, Roan''s fox broke through as soon as it arrived there. It then trashed the previous alpha, taking the position of alpha from it. That''s why it took us this long to calm them down."


    Broke through to Stage Two...


    Everyone looked at Roan again. Not only did he get the first position, but his medicinal paste also allowed the fox to achieve a breakthrough? Is cooking really that effective? Wait, the previous alpha was also a Stage Two demon beast, and it was at that stage for way longer as well. How come it was trashed that easily?


    No, that''s not all. If Roan had waited like Werxa had mentioned before, his fox would have had a breakthrough. In that case, just how high would his points be?


    Still, Roan looked as if he didn''t care even a single bit.


    "Ahem... since they calmed down, then let''s continue. Just in case, bring those foxes away so that they won''t interrupt the exam anymore."


    The trainers nodded and left right after.


    "Now then, the final phase can finally start. Well, there''s no surprise that the last stage is pill concoction. After all, we are alchemists. Put everything you know together and give me your best concoction."


    "Of course, we all know that pills can have several different elements. For example, a Fire Element Energy Gathering Pill is a lot more effective for a Fire Affinity cultivator than another element. Two Energy Gathering Pills might use completely different materials because of that, and the same case applies for other pills."


    "That being said, it''s only natural that some would be more powerful while others wouldn''t be. It would be hard to judge someone because of that."


    "To work around this issue, we decided on five specific pill recipes. Each one of them is focused on one of the five elements. We can''t allow you to use recipes that would obviously have better effects because of their materials and your own affinities."


    After Oligan said that, the assistants gave a jade slip for each of the 100 finalists. It did not take long for the cultivators to understand which pill they would be making.


    "Earth High-Level Cross-Realm Pills?"


    "They really selected something annoying."


    "Well, it is the finals, after all. Using a hard pill like this should be expected."


    Werxa then looked at Roan with a smile.


    ''We only have recipes of the five elements. I can finally see what your real elemental affinity is.''


    Oligan continued.


    "As you know, the Earth High-Level Cross-Realm Pills are used for breakthroughs into the Core Formation Realm. However, the higher one''s cultivation is, the harder it is to achieve a breakthrough. We have gathered several cultivators with different elemental affinities at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. All of them have been in this realm for at least 30 years without being able to breakthrough."


    Suddenly, many old cultivators at the Peak of Foundation Establishment Realm entered the room and positioned themselves on the side. They couldn''t help but feel excited since this was a chance they thought that would never come.


    Seeing that their test subjects arrived, Oligan proceeded with the explanation.


    "Cross-Realm Pills are very expensive due to their materials, not to mention that usually, you would need more than one. Let''s not even talk about materials necessary for Core Formation Realm breakthroughs. Obviously, they didn''t have the Spirit Stones to buy such a thing. However, they are perfect for our test."


    "Your test is simple and hard at the same time. Concoct a pill using the Element you are best at and make one of these sirs enter the Core Formation Realm. Your results will be based on how many Cross-Realm Pills you will need to make one of them succeed. Well, that is considering that you''ll succeed at all."


    "Of course, remember that this is a tough pill to concoct, so you will have an entire day as your time limit. Even if you fail the concoction, you can ask for more materials and try again. After all, failures at this level are common, even for the best alchemists."


    "Alright, that''s all. Any questions?"


    Roan then raised his hand as he said.


    "My Elemental Affinity is Darkness."


    Everyone looked at Roan, thinking they had heard it wrongly.


    "What did you say?"


    "My Elemental Affinity is Darkness."


    They couldn''t be blamed. After all, it was common knowledge that the Dark Element could only be used if you cultivated some Yin Energy ability. No one was supposed to be born with Darkness Elemental Affinity. Naturally, they thought that Roan was one of those who used Yin Energy Abilities. Roan and Old Worm didn''t mention it earlier, either.


    Werxa''s mouth twitched as he looked at Roan. Fortunately, he quickly came back to himself and ordered.


    "Quick! Bring an Elemental Affinity Orb."


    In less than a minute, the orb was already in front of Roan. Sure enough, the orb went completely black after Roan touched it. The small orbs around it that measured his talent with that Element also lit up one after another with black lights.


    "This... There''s actually someone in this world with a Dark Element Affinity?"


    "What should we do? We have absolutely no recipes for Earth High-Level Cross-Realm Pills for the Dark Element. No, I don''t think we have any recipe for this kind of pill to start with. After all, it would only be effective on someone with a Dark Elemental affinity."


    Werxa and the others wanted to talk more about this sudden news. However, they had to deal with the exam first. The examinators then looked at Werxa, waiting for his decision. After all, it wouldn''t be a fair test for Roan.


    It was then that Roan said.


    "Just bring me the materials for a neutral pill. That''s more than enough for me to win this thing."


    Now... that''s what you call confidence!

 Chapter 440 - Original

    Turin had another problem with Rean''s way of doing things. There was still the fact that he didn''t destroy the layers of a single Myriad Elemental Protection Formation, but two. Should they consider both formations'' numbers or only one of them?


    ''There is no need to count both formations. Just use the Water Myriad Elemental Protection Formation''s numbers. After all, he will not fail this test even if we deduct those three extra layers that had been absorbed.''


    Saya said through a Spiritual Sense message to Turin.


    Turin finally sighed in relief after announcing the result.


    "Rean Larks, seventeen layers destroyed."


    Rean smiled as he nodded. After that, he returned to the area outside the elemental fields to observe the rest of the competition. As for the rest of the competitors, they had seen just how powerful that strike was. They all gave up taking first place straight away. As crazy as Rean''s idea might have been, he didn''t break the rules. None of them had the confidence of breaking through seventeen layers, much less more than it.


    A few of them also noticed another point of Rean''s formation. At first, he analyzed the Water Myriad Elemental Protection Formation before the test started. Saya, Havek, the elders, Droman, and a few other spectating Formation Masters could tell that he hit the right spot. It made it even more impressive since his Shooting Formation''s aim was also nearly perfect.


    The tests continued as everyone began to fight for second place and below. Havek was in quite a dilemma. He was happy that his ''rival'' was this strong. However, he was also sad because he knew that his corrosive formations wouldn''t be able to pierce seventeen layers either.


    *Shatter! Shatter! Shatter! Shatter! Shatter! Shatter! Shatter! Shatter!"


    "Ginsey Fole, eight layers. Next!"


    *Shatter! Shatter! Shatter! Shatter! Shatter! Shatter! Shatter! Shatter! Shatter!*


    "Dian Surteri, nine layers. Next!"


    Havek''s turn quickly arrived as well.


    Havek''s formation focused on a single extreme small point of the formation. It then used its power to open just a small hole as it passed through the layers. The level of damage was far from enough to break the layers. However, that tiny hole was all that his Triple-Layered Formation needed to inject the corrosive substance that melted everything around.


    In the end, Havek didn''t shatter any layers, but he created a passage big enough for several people to pass at the same time. That was obviously considered a successful attempt. It also caught some attention since he was the only one who didn''t use brute force. Even Rean had relied on a powerful one-time strike.


    "Havek Sasamil, fourteen layers. Next!"


    Rean looked at the result given to Havek''s Formation and sighed.


    ''Sure enough, this guy is frightening. He did that while using a Water Formation Against another one. If I had struck the Lightning Myriad Elemental Protection Formation instead, I don''t think I would have done Fourteen Layers.''


    Havek then came back with a gloomy expression.


    "And here I thought that a Piercing Corrosive Formation would get me first place. You really opened my eyes today."


    Rean shook his head.


    "We both know that if I had attacked the Lightning Formation, I wouldn''t get a result as good as yours."


    Havek didn''t care.


    "That''s not the point. The fact that you came up with such an idea shows that I''m still lacking. What matters are results! That''s all."


    Rean couldn''t help but get a better impression of this guy. As narcissistic as he might be, he didn''t think he was invincible. He reached that level through sheer effort, not just through talent.


    The tests continued either way.


    "Artin Luvel, seven layers. Next!"


    Artin came back, shaking his head.


    "Sigh... It seems like this is where I stay. I would need at least eight layers to have a chance into the top 100."


    Rean put a hand on his shoulders as he said.


    "Well, between over ten thousand Formation Masters, you reached the top 300. There is no need to feel like that."


    Artin shrugged his shoulders and just accepted his words. After that, he looked at the other tests.


    "Qia Sasamil, eleven layers. Next!"


    Qia came back with a prideful expression. That result wouldn''t only put her in the top 100, but in the top 10 as well. She quickly held Rean''s hand again before saying.


    "See? I can also do it."


    Rean smiled as he nodded.


    "Milo Dian, eight layers. Next!"


    Milo also came back after that.


    "Eight layers, huh? I''m not sure if this is enough for me to pass."


    Artin laughed as he said.


    "Well, you still did more than me, so you have a chance. I don''t even have a chance anymore."


    "So what? Being better than you is a given. Who would feel happy with that?"


    "Are you looking for a fight?"


    "What fight? You lost already, don''t you see? Hahaha!"


    Rean and Qia also laughed, making Artin feel even gloomier.


    In the end, it was as everyone expected. Rean''s result was absolute. In fact, no one reached Havek''s level either. Seeing that all the results were out, Turin ended that exam.


    "1st - Rean Larks, seventeen layers;


    2nd - Havek Sasamil, fourteen layers;


    3rd - Waka Mantil, twelve layers;


    4th - Bia Shian, twelve layers;


    5th - Uriu Taran, eleven layers;


    6th - Qia Sasamil, eleven layers;


    7th...


    93rd - Milo Dian, eight layers..."


    "Hahaha! I did it! I''m in the finals!"


    The results of those with the same number of layers destroyed were decided based on their previous phases. Fortunately for Milo, he had done better than the others, so he passed with eight layers.


    "Congratulations to the top 100. You are now in the final phase. However, before I continue, let''s go back to the Formations Guild. Everyone, step on the Teleport Formation in the center. We will send everyone back."


    Those who passed, who failed, and those who were spectating did as they were told. Soon after, with a flash of silver light, they all disappeared from the testing field.


    "Now that we have only a hundred participants left, we have enough space here in the guild to work with it."


    "Anyway, the next exam is obviously related to formations. We tested your analysis ability, your defensive formations, and your offensive formations as well. As for the last theme... it is originality. Don''t just rely on your senior''s efforts and the formations they created. Show that you can do more than just copying others. You will have one day to make an original formation!"

 Chapter 441 - Practical

    Quite a few participants'' eyes lit up. Original formations. No Formation Master didn''t want to create their own. With so many runes and materials, the possibilities were immeasurable. Of course, just using any combination wouldn''t give you a formation. You need to know what you were doing and what you were trying to achieve.


    "By original, I don''t mean that you need to have a completely new effect that no one has ever seen. The Formations Guild just doesn''t want you to use any of the known methods. Even if your formation has a similar effect to other known ones, it is still valid as long as the rune arrangement and structure is original. Of course, if you can think of something completely new, that will give you a huge advantage."


    Still, someone couldn''t help but ask.


    "But how are you going to judge who is better? After all, there are just way too many different types of formations. There might be similar results, but the way to achieve them can also be countless times different."


    Turin wasn''t surprised by the question.


    "What else could we use to decide who will end in the top 10? Obviously, we will see just how practical it is. It doesn''t matter what type of formation you make. As long as it is helpful to the world, it is valid. For example, many powers like to use protection formations. However, how many people out there really have a use for a protection formation? Think about it."


    "Of course, you can introduce a new type of Protection Formation if you want. It will still be considered an original work if you haven''t copied others'' schematics. Anyway, I think you understand the idea here."


    Rean smiled as he heard that. Qia, who was still holding his hand, noticed that.


    "It seems like you have an idea already."


    Rean nodded.


    "The trick behind it is to be useful. If you look deep into it, it doesn''t need to be anything complicated. I came from a small tribe and a poor family, so I know very well what my people would benefit from. Sure, they have a need for Spirit Stones so that the tribe can train its warriors. But in the end, the majority of the tribe rarely receives Spirit Stones for their own cultivation."


    Well, at least that was the case before Rean introduced the Steelworks. Now, even the less favored families in the Varen Tribe still get a few stones per month. Jury was the type of person who thought of the overall strength, so he wouldn''t leave anyone out.


    However, Rean had another hidden reason to say that out loud to Qia.


    ''Perhaps now that she knows I came from a poor background, she will rethink her stance on me. Maybe she will feel that I''m not worthy of the Imperial Bloodline. Yep, that should work.''


    However, Rean''s plan didn''t work very well. When he looked at her face, all he could see was admiration.


    "You came from such a place, but you still made it here. Indeed, my future husband is an aggregation of talent! Our kids are bound to be amazing!"


    Rean felt like crying but had no tears.


    ''Where is the pride of the Imperial Family? Where did the noble blood''s disdain towards normal people go? Are you really a princess? Look at me with contempt! Think of me as a toad trying to swallow a swan. Think that you need to step on this country bumpkin ant. All that bullshit from novels is welcome now, you know? Come on!''


    [I didn''t know you were such a masochist...]


    Rean''s mouth twitched in response to Sister Orb''s comment.


    ''You are a masochist! Your entire family is masochist!''


    Qia looked at Rean''s expression and couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why do I feel like you want to cry?"


    Rean sighed as he shook his head.


    "It''s... nothing. Let''s focus on the test, shall we?"


    Turin then arranged for the assistants to come forward once again.


    "Alright, that''s all you need to know. As for those who had never thought about creating their own formations, I just have one thing to tell you. Our Formations Guild Main Branch doesn''t need simple copycats. We can find them in any other guild branch of the empire."


    Qia finally let Rean''s hand go before going to talk with the assistant designated to her. With that, he could finally concentrate on his task.


    ''A practical formation. No rules state that it had to be useful for cultivators. That''s probably what Elder Turin meant when he said that. The majority of the people would never reach the Energy Gathering Realm in their lives. That''s going to be the target this time. If they reject my formation because cultivators have no use for it, then I will gladly fail this test.''


    Rean didn''t even need to think much about it. Not long after, he called his assistant and asked for many simple materials that most wouldn''t even use. Still, he knew what he would exactly make. Thanks to the last month that he spent in the Formations Repository, he could bring such an idea to life.


    Before everyone had even finished listing their formations, Rean went to an empty table and began to construct his own.


    Droman was by the side, looking at Rean with his Spiritual Sense.


    ''Hum? What would he do with such simple materials? A lot of water-related materials as well. Still, their quality is really lacking. Couldn''t you have asked for something better?''


    Droman wasn''t the only one thinking about it. Rean''s performance so far had really attracted most of the attention to him, so everyone watching had the same question in their minds, including Saya.


    Havek also knew very well what he was going to do. However, the items he asked for were quite rare ones, so his formation was bound to be quite a sight to behold. However, when he saw Rean and his workstation, as well as the items he used, he felt a chill on his back.


    ''No! That''s not right. He wouldn''t select such common items to make a fool of himself.''


    The materials were simple, but Rean worked with a smile on his face. It wasn''t confidence. It was more like satisfaction and eagerness. It was as if Rean simply didn''t care about the results anymore, only about what his formations could do.


    Havek then looked at the items he asked himself and felt like he had been enlightened.


    ''I see... Practical, isn''t that right? I really didn''t choose the wrong rival.''


    Havek then looked at his assistant and said.


    "Send all these things back."


    "This..."


    The assistant was speechless. He had just started bringing things over, and the rest was still on the way. Why did this guy change his mind all of a sudden?


    "Th-then... what materials should I bring?"


    Unfortunately for the assistant, he had to comply with the orders.


    Havek then sat down on a chair and crossed his arms before closing his eyes.


    "Let me think."


    Havek completely gave up his previous idea. He decided that it wouldn''t work. With the word ''practical'' in his mind, Havek began to create a completely new formation inside his head.

 Chapter 442 - Same Materials

    Even though Roan said that he could make a neutral pill, the guild elders still looked at Werxa, waiting for his decision. In the end, Werxa nodded.


    "Just bring him a neutral pill formula of an equivalent level of materials. It would take way too long to revise the exam just for his Darkness Affinity alone."


    Immediately, one of the guild elders left. A few minutes later, he was already back with a neutral pill formula compatible with Werxa''s requirements. The other elders also tested it and confirmed that at least the materials were at a similar level. Still, because it had no element, they didn''t think it would do as well as the elemental ones.


    Nonetheless, they passed it to Roan to work with.


    With that said, Oligan once more took the front and continued.


    "Now that the problem is dealt with, you can all start the test."


    As weird as the situation might have been, the participants quickly put it behind their heads. Everyone only cared about the pills now. Roan then read the Pill Formula in the jade slip, not finding it surprising.


    ''It''s a pretty standard formula, just like the other elemental pills. The only problem is that it can''t take advantage of the users'' elemental affinity. Well, that won''t be a problem for me.''


    Roan quickly asked for the herbs and prepared his tools. As always, only the ones provided by the guild could be used. Soon after, the assistants came back with the herbs and other materials for the Cross-Realm Pill.


    Following that, Roan turned on his cauldron and filled half of it with spiritual water. Well, it was basically just water imbued with Spiritual Energy, nothing that rare. While it heated up, Roan began to extract the medicinal liquid of the herbs. There were a few materials like the Stage Three Demon beast''s blood, which didn''t need to go through that process.


    The water didn''t boil, though. Roan controlled his fire so that it would be around 80 to 90 degrees. Seeing that it was already at the right temperature, Roan started with the demon beast''s blood. He used his Spiritual Energy to do that while he continued to extract the herbs'' medicinal liquids.


    Because his pill would have no element, Roan didn''t hold back in his medicinal extraction. Every herb''s medicinal liquid was at least at 90% of quality or higher. As one could imagine, that was because of the Light and Dark Elements working together. Too bad that Roan couldn''t use the Soul Gem Realm pestle. Otherwise, it would have been even higher. Well, he couldn''t use the Soul Gem Cauldron Either.


    After some time, Roan began to add the liquids into the cauldron. At the same time, he looked at the formula inside the Jade Slip.


    -The Fallen Snow Medicinal Liquid at three minutes and a half;


    Increase the temperature for 23 minutes by ten degrees;


    Send one-third of the Sulvor Powder right after, mix everything, and reduce the temperature by 15 degrees...-


    ''That won''t work. My Darkness Element can help the Snow Medicinal Liquid achieve the right state faster. It will only take two minutes.''


    ''If I use the Light Element to protect the medicinal properties, I can increase the temperature to near boiling state. Let''s make it 15 minutes or so.''


    ''Because of the previous changes, I will need more Sulvor Powder.''


    Roan looked at his assistant before saying.


    "Bring me more Sulvor Powder, at least three times more."


    The assistant nodded and quickly left. That was how this exam worked. They only gave the formulas to the alchemists. As long as they created that type of pill, they could change its concoction process as much as they wanted. That''s how one will find the best alchemists between the participants.


    Halfway through the process, Roan began to use Rean''s Light Element to protect the medicinal liquid while destroying the impurities with his Dark Element.


    ''That Soul Gem Cauldron is seriously a nice piece of equipment. The difference between that and this one is like heaven and earth. Although I can eliminate the impurities, it won''t be as perfect as it would be with that. After all, I can''t control the temperature precisely enough.''


    Still, Roan didn''t stop. His medicinal liquid revolved in the cauldron while he added some extra ingredients now and then.


    Werxa and quite a few others looked at Roan''s work. They knew what pill formula he was using.


    ''If not because the materials are the same, I would think that he was concocting a completely different pill. Still, can he really win with a neutral pill?''


    Werxa was considering whether he should still take Roan to the competition even years later or not. After all, he would fall behind if the test included a pill of the five primary elements. The Alchemist Headquarters would definitely not change the rules of the competition for Roan alone. At most, they would do what Werxa did, give him a neutral pill recipe for a similar level of materials.


    Around one and a half hours later, Roan finally reached the time for pill formation. His eyes shone as he looked at the medicinal liquid in his cauldron.


    ''Far from perfect, but it should do.''


    Immediately, a burst of Light and Dark Element came out of his body as he used his Spiritual Energy to form the pills. The two elements quickly entered the pills like torrents, making the medicinal liquid transform into a mix of black and white, just like his hair at the moment.


    Werxa was taken aback by that.


    ''What is he doing? The phase where you add an element to the pill has already passed. I can tell that his neutral pill is far above average due to the process so far. Yet, to add an element at this point, and two at that... No! He''s not creating an Elemental Cross-Realm pill. It is still a neutral pill. It''s just that he''s injecting his own elements inside, fusing them with the pill. Weird... is it some kind of pseudo-elemental pill?


    The ones watching reached the same conclusion but couldn''t tell what the effects would be. Still, it wasn''t against the rules since he was making the same pill nonetheless.

 Chapter 443 - Working On Original Formations

    Rean didn''t pay attention to any of that. He simply worked on his formation, thinking how good it would be if it was used in the Varen Tribe. In fact, he could see its use on a much larger scale like the cities. Of course, he had many problems while building it. The biggest one was Spiritual Energy. His plan was to work with the surrounding Spiritual Energy alone without the need for Spirit Stones.


    ''Hmm... it will have a limitation in places with scarce Spiritual Energy. Well, there''s still a way around it. People just need to leave it working during the night, and it should finish its job by the start of the next day. Alright, I can''t take too long thinking about it. Let''s work with this plan in mind. There will be plenty of time to upgrade it when I start using Circuitry Formations.''


    Qia went for a more specific type of formation, something she had been working on her own for a while. As a member of the Imperial Family and someone who visited the court before, she knew just how much information passes inside every day. Because of that, she had been working in a close-range multi teleport formation.


    The idea was to use very small teleport formations linked to each other to pass documents around. It would use very little Spiritual Energy. Depending on the frequency of use, just the surrounding Spiritual Energy would be enough. After all, you were teleporting away nothing more than a few papers. The court already had a similar system, but she wanted to make it more energy-efficient.


    It wasn''t complete yet since she didn''t get to save as much energy as she wanted, but it still worked for the purpose. Besides, it was practical and could be used in many other things as long as the formations were not more than a few hundred meters away from each other.


    Milo was the type who liked big things, so he had been working on his own offensive-type formation.


    Havek stayed still for almost three hours. Finally, he opened his eyes again and immediately ordered the assistant on his side.


    "Bring me the cables used for the communication system. Also..."


    Turin didn''t give them a time limit. After all, formations could be both small and enormous. There were formations there that would need at least three or four days to be completed from what he could see.


    Just like that, time passed in a flash. Rean''s formation wasn''t complicated, but it was something he had never attempted to build before. Because of that, he also took a long time to even come up with the initial base. It wasn''t before the second day that he first tested it.


    ''Hmm... Not going as expected. However, at least I can tell where the problem is. The runes responsible for the Water Element do not receive the Spiritual Energy from the Energy Gathering Formation Runes. Sure enough, even though it is a simple system, making double-layered formations is anything but easy.''


    Turin saw that quite a few formations seemed to have been completed by now. However, the participants working on them didn''t stop as they continued to try and improve them. Turin didn''t mind since there was no time limit. What the guild wanted was to see the best works.


    By the fourth day, the first formations had finally been completed for real. Their Formation Masters couldn''t think of any way to improve them anymore. In the end, there was only a satisfied expression on their faces. Of course, others weren''t that happy. Because of the theme this time, some participants didn''t know what to do. It''s not like everyone had thought about their own original formations before.


    At some point, half of the last 100 participants finally finished their formations. With that, Turin could finally announce.


    "Everyone. Although there is no time limit, we can''t stay here forever. As I can see, your decision-making is becoming slower as time passes. That''s the side effect of having low cultivation and using Spiritual Energy to substitute sleeping. That being said, you will have three more days to finish your works. More than that, and I doubt anything meaningful would come out of your decisions. Be sure to finish everything before that."


    Rean heard Turin''s message and nodded.


    ''That''s more than enough time. Well, they wouldn''t give an impossible time limit anyway.''


    Fortunately, Rean''s cultivation allowed him and the other participants to ignore sleep. Still, he could feel his mind getting tired, just like Turin mentioned. Even his Light Element couldn''t make up for his tired soul.


    Qia finished her formation a day later. Milo did the same thing.


    Rean finished his formation on the sixth day. Finally, Havek finished his one a day after Rean, just within the time limit.


    During this time, Roan contacted him to see how things were going. After all, the last phase of the alchemist test only lasted one day. Roan left him alone after hearing the contents of the last Formation Master Test, though.


    Seeing that time was up, Turin came forward and announced.


    "Enough! If you haven''t finished up till now, then I doubt you will anytime soon. Everyone, stay beside your formation while we go one by one, hearing your ideas. Of course, although it doesn''t need to be perfect, your formation must be working. Otherwise, it won''t even be judged."


    Even though Rean, Qia, Milo, and many others finished their formations earlier than the time limit, they were still tired. They didn''t dare go to sleep and leave their formations alone. As much as the Formations Guild was a safe place, who knows what could happen while they were out cold.


    Havek was even worse since he worked until very close to the end. His hair was disheveled, while his expression didn''t seem as confident as always. It was easy to see that this new formation he thought up on the spot took quite a toll on him.


    Turin then came together with the other examiners beside the first formation. Saya quite liked this part of the test, so she came to watch it as well.


    "Lani Turen, 67th position in the previous phase. Before telling us what it is about, does it work?"


    And just like that, the judging began.

 Chapter 444 - Cross-Realm Pills

    Going back a few days in time, Roan had just finished his first batch of neutral pills. Well, Werxa and the others couldn''t tell whether it could really be considered neutral, though.


    Roan then looked at his pills and narrowed his eyes.


    ''I''ve never made this pill before, so it really became quite a subpar product.''


    Roan then put the pills inside a pill bottle and threw it at the Foundation Establishment cultivators.


    "This is quite a shitty result, so you will need at least three or four. Still, it should be enough for any of you to enter the Core Formation Realm. There are eight pills inside, so just decide which one of you will get it. It doesn''t have any elemental affinity requirement, so anyone can use it. I''m going to make a new batch, which should be much better than this one, so just wait a bit."


    "However, you better remember this. Using too many pills might be detrimental in the long term. Once you break through with these pills, make sure not to use any other similar pills for at least five years. The ones I made are quite potent, after all."


    Werxa and the others were taken aback.


    ''What?! You can guarantee a breakthrough with three or four pills?''


    ''He''s joking, right? We don''t know how many of the alchemists'' pills will even be effective. There are bound to be many of them with pills that will not achieve the breakthrough effect.''


    ''No, we don''t even know how many of the alchemists will succeed in concocting this type of pill to start with. How can he be so sure that they will definitely achieve a breakthrough with those ones?''


    ''Those are supposed to be neutral pills, no? Is it because of what he did in the end?''


    ''No, wait! He just said that this result was not good, so he would make better ones.''


    For a moment, no one believed Roan''s words. However, they soon recalled his performance in the previous three phases where he trashed everyone else. Perhaps, his neutral pills (not that neutral, though) can really do that. If that is really the case, he is guaranteed one of the 10 slots to enter the Guild Main Branch, no doubt.


    Roan ignored everyone else and immediately asked for more concoction materials. He was analyzing his previous concoction while making adjustments to the pill formula. He wasn''t a god, so there were many places where he could have achieved a better result if done differently.


    While Roan analyzed the information, the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators began to struggle between themselves for Roan''s pills.


    "Enough! We will select which one of you will get it later."


    Oligan spread his Spiritual Energy and immediately grabbed the pill bottles that Roan threw at them. At his cultivation level, none of those old men could do anything to stop him. They could only look as the pills flew away with gloomy expressions.


    Obligan then passed the bottle to Werxa, who could finally take a close look into it. He grabbed one of the pills and sent his Spiritual Energy and Sense inside. Sure enough, he was able to see just how clear the pills were.


    ''It''s at least 90% pure. Just how good can Dark and Light Elements be to remove impurities? Even a Heaven Low-Level Alchemist might have problems reaching this degree. It just doesn''t surpass the Earth High-Level threshold because of Roan''s cultivation and the materials used. As for the Light and Dark Elements revolving inside, they are not like normal elemental pills. Although the elements are fused with the pill, they are acting independently. Other Elemental Pills would be whole. Both the Element and the Medicinal Properties would be one and the same.''


    Werxa then looked at Roan and understood why.


    ''This was his way of working around the issue. He could try to use other elements as well. After all, everyone can use other elements that they don''t have an affinity with. However, it will never reach the level of an alchemist who does have the affinity necessary. In the end, he stuck with his two elements and created this thing... or so I think. I wonder how it would work on one of those Foundation Establishment cultivators.''


    Roan wasn''t the only one who finished his first batch. In fact, he wasn''t even the first one. Another two batches were delivered before his own to Oligan to decide what to do. Right after, those alchemists went back to concoct again since they also wanted to make better ones.


    Still, it wasn''t a joke when it was said that making the pills would be very hard. Half a day passed in a flash, but only 46 of the 100 alchemists succeeded in making a batch of Cross-Realm Pills. That showed just how difficult it was. Lita Xue and the other top contestants were the same as Roan. They only delivered a single batch until that point as well.


    The reason was simple. After the alchemists finally succeeded in making their first batch of pills, they spent a lot more time analyzing what they did wrong. Only after making sure that they knew what steps to take did they start to concoct again, Roan included.


    Time continued to pass, and more batches of Earth High-Level Cross-Realm Pills were delivered every now and then. In the end, each participant finished one, two, or at most three bottles of pills. In fact, just three cultivators finished more than two batches. Cluhe, Joan, and Kobe. Lita Xue put her all on the second batch and didn''t make any extra one after that. Roan was the same as Lita, matching only two bottles with eight and nine pills, respectively. The only difference was that Roan didn''t bother to make the third one since he thought the second set of pills was more than enough.


    Finally, the day was over, so Obligan came forward to do the talk once again.


    "Time is up. 71 participants have succeeded in making at least one bottle of Cross-Realm Pills. As for the rest, they are automatically disqualified. This exam has been ongoing for too long already, so let''s start the test straight away."

 Chapter 445 - Rejection

    Oligan then read the information on one of the bottles in his hand before saying.


    "These are Fire Element Cross-Realm Pills. There are a total of five pills inside the bottle. The maker was Travon Porem, from the Porem Subordinate Clan. He got the 37th position during the previous phase."


    After that, he called a random cultivator with Fire Affinity. The guy was excited to be selected and immediately received the bottle. He sat on the stage and began to consume the first pill. As soon as he did that, Spiritual Energy mixed with the properties of the Fire Element rushed into his dantian.


    The guy concentrated on the absorption of the pill''s energy. However, he didn''t get nearly enough to attempt a breakthrough, so he took another one. Only then did he feel that he had enough to give it a try and attempt the breakthrough.


    Unfortunately, his bottleneck was more challenging than most cultivators. The Alchemist Guild had selected people who usually didn''t have a chance to break to the Core Formation Realm anymore. After a few minutes, his breakthrough had failed. However, before his energy dissipated, he took two more pills.


    Once again, energy rushed into his dantian, allowing him to push for another breakthrough attempt. His dantian raged with the energies of the elements and the herbs.


    Travon looked at that and became nervous. After all, he only had a single bottle of pills. He tried to make a second batch, but he ultimately failed.


    The guy trying to make his breakthrough noticed that he wasn''t quite there yet, so he looked at the last pill and gritted his teeth before swallowing it. The energy in his dantian intensified even more as he tried to force his way into the Core Formation Realm.


    Time passed as he attacked the bottleneck with all his strength. Unfortunately, the energy of the pill began to run out. In the end, the energy in his dantian completely disappeared as his cultivation returned to the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. The worst part for that guy was that it would now be even harder for him to have a breakthrough in the future.


    Travon couldn''t help but sigh as well. In the end, just five pills were not enough. Besides, he knew his ones were far from being considered satisfactory ones, so he wasn''t that surprised that the guy failed even after taking all of the pills in the bottle.


    Oligan ignored that and simply announced.


    "Travon''s pills were not able to allow a breakthrough, so he is disqualified."


    "Next, we have a batch of seven Water Element Cross-Realm Pills. The maker was Luiz Tuti, from Lavaz Country. He was in the 52nd position during the previous exam."


    Just like before, Oligan called some random Water Affinity cultivator to try it out. The guy quickly took Luiz''s pills and swallowed two of them straight away. He knew how hard his bottleneck was, so he was sure that one would be far from enough. Luiz didn''t see anything wrong with it since he also didn''t believe a single one was enough.


    Soon enough, the guy consumed five pills from Luiz''s batch without breaking through. On the sixth pill, the situation remained the same, much to Luiz''s disappointment. There was only one pill left for him now. However, a few seconds after the Foundation Establishment cultivator took the seventh pill, a burst of Spiritual Energy came out of his body. His cultivation began to increase at breakneck speeds following that.


    Eventually, it settled down sometime later. Obviously, the cultivator had entered the Core Formation Realm after consuming seven of Luiz''s pills. Luiz was delighted to see that since at least he didn''t fail. The only doubt now was whether there would be ten or more people obtaining better results than him or not.


    "Luiz Tuti, Seven Cross-Realm Pills for a breakthrough."


    Oligan quickly sent that guy out and called the next batch.


    "Sua Samikil from the Samikil subordinate clan. A batch of Wind Element Cross-Realm Pills, totaling six."


    Same process, different results. In the end, the guy who got Sua''s pills failed to break through to the Core Formation Realm.


    The tests continued as batch after batch was tested. So far, the best result was a breakthrough with six pills. It was then that one of the previous top rankers was called.


    "Joan Porem from the Porem subordinate clan. Eight Earth Cross-Realm Pills."


    Joan''s cultivator quickly tried his breakthrough. On the fifth pill, the same burst of Spiritual Energy came out as his cultivation rose. Sure enough, another successful breakthrough. Joan couldn''t help but become ecstatic. With such a result, he had a high chance of finishing in the top 10.


    "Joan Porem, Five Pills for a breakthrough. Not too bad. Let''s continue."


    Just because you did well in the last phase didn''t mean you would be doing good this phase as well.


    Farkol ended the Medicinal Paste test in 6th place. Still, his pill only allowed the cultivator to breakthrough after the 8th one. Although a breakthrough was achieved, the result was pretty subpar. The only good thing for Farkol was that he had made two batches, and that was the worst one.


    "Next, Cluhe Sol."


    Cluhe had made three batches, so this was his first. Just like Farkol, Oligan started with Cluhe''s worst batch. Nevertheless, Cluhe was able to get a breakthrough after the sixth pill, putting him in the top 10 for now. Cluhe didn''t seem to care, though. He knew that his best batch would come only two attempts later.


    "Cluhe Sol, Six Pills."


    Oligan then looked at a bottle in his hand and paused for a second. However, he quickly got ahold of himself before calling out.


    "Roan Larks, a Neutral (Or at least it was...) Cross-Realm Pill bottle. There are a total of eight pills inside. Since there is no affinity whatsoever for the pills, any affinity can be tested. So, who wants to try these ones?"


    Immediately, the Foundation Establishment Cultivators went quiet. Roan did say that three or four should be enough for that batch before. However, after seeing all those Elemental Pills failing, would Roan''s pill really work like that? If even Elemental Pills got poor results, chances were high that Roan''s Neutral Pills would be even worse. The worst thing was that once they fail the breakthrough with his pills, they wouldn''t be able to try again. That would be the end of their breakthrough attempt. No one wanted to waste it with neutral pills.

 Chapter 446 - Behold!

    Once again, in the present time, Turin, Saya, and the other Formation Masters heard Lani Turen''s confirmation.


    "Yes, it does work. It has a long way to go, but it can at least show some of its uses."


    "Very well, tell us what the formation''s purposes are."


    Lani nodded and began his explanation.


    "This is my version of the Spiritual Inversion Formation. As you all know, Spiritual Inversion Formations are capable of changing the flow of Spiritual Energy within a certain area. However, mine doesn''t only do just that. Sometimes when you use this kind of formation, the flow might not be compatible with the original Spiritual Energy Passages. That being said, my formation can also control the amount of Spiritual Energy to a certain degree."


    Lani Turen then activated his formation. Sure enough, it did what he said it could. However...


    "The effects are quite meager."


    "The time to control the flow is out of sync as well. If no one''s controlling it, it will most likely go rampant."


    "It''s energy consumption is quite costly."


    "Not only that, but a Spiritual Inversion Formation isn''t something that has a lot of use."


    Lani couldn''t help but feel dejected at the masters'' judgment.


    "However, you attempted to improve something the few bothered to work on."


    "All formations are important, so you gain some extra credit for the effort."


    "I''m looking forward to what this formation of yours will turn out in the future."


    Lani''s complexion finally improved after hearing that.


    "Thank you, masters."


    Turin''s group then moved onto the next one. There wasn''t a score to speak of, so no one could tell if Lani did well or not. It was all based on the Formation Masters'' judgment in the end.


    "Qruto Harbie, 45th position during the last phase. Let''s get straight to the point. Does it work?"


    Qruto smiled before nodding.


    "Yes."


    "Very well, then. Explain."


    "This is what I like to call the Dual Energy Formation. As you know, we use multiple Energy Gathering Formations for cultivation. However, once we finish using it, we need to wait for the Spiritual Energy to dissipate around on its own. Depending on the place or the situation, such a natural dissipation might have some downsides. My Dual Energy Formation can do both. Once you finish using it, the formation will use a small part of the remaining Spiritual Energy to spread it in the surroundings again. That way, the area will achieve stability faster."


    Qruto quickly turned on the formation after that. Surprisingly, it wasn''t a complicated formation, even though it was double-layered. Still, it worked just as Qruto mentioned.


    Turin couldn''t help but nod as he muttered.


    "That''s quite convenient."


    "Indeed. Suppose you have a medicinal garden close to your Energy Gathering Formation. In that case, it will be good if you can restore the garden''s Spiritual Energy Stability faster."


    "That is only one of its applications. I''m sure there are a few other ways to use it."


    Qruto smiled with a prideful expression as he listened.


    "However, the fact that Spiritual Energy was used beforehand won''t change."


    "Indeed. Even if it can give the rest back to the surroundings, the temporary lack of it will be present nonetheless."


    Sure enough, the elders pointed the flaws it had.


    Nonetheless, Qruto was still happy with the results. He took all the advice to mind before retreating to wait for the results.


    The tests continued one after another. Rean couldn''t help but feel entertained with that sight. There were quite a sizable number of ideas he might have some use for even himself in the future.


    "Qia Sasamil, 6th position in the last exam."


    Qia immediately stepped forward to explain.


    "It works. Of course, I still have a lot to improve on the energy consumption and size, but the general idea is there."


    "Alright, tell us what it can do."


    As mentioned before, Qia was trying to make a new version of the Multi-Teleport Formation. There was already one in the court, but she wanted to optimize it for documents only, reducing the energy consumption. It would also be a lot smaller, allowing it to be built on someone''s desk.


    Qia quickly activated the not yet so small formations and began to use them to teleport a bunch of papers around. She even thought about using specific runes where the user could use their energy to know where the document would go. The range was not that wide, no more than a few hundred meters. Still, for a closed office environment, it would be very convenient.


    "Very good! Although this kind of thing would only be useful for large companies due to the cost of maintenance, it''s still pretty useful."


    "I can see that these formations are quite big, but you already know that. If you can really reduce the size of the formation to fit on a desk, then it would be nice."


    "However, I find it hard to see it working without the use of Spirit Stones. Having to carry many spirit stones to use the formation every time would be quite a hassle."


    As always, they praised the idea and also showed their concerns and complaints. Nonetheless, Qia was very happy with the result. She received way fewer criticisms than she heard from the others. Although she couldn''t be sure, she was very confident in finishing in the top ten.


    Milo, as mentioned before, made a variation of an offensive formation called the Spiritual Earth Swords Formation. Unfortunately, it didn''t work as he intended, showing that he was still far from achieving the results he envisioned. The formation did activate, but it was too chaotic and had problems identifying friends from foes.


    Although the Formation Masters did praise his attempt, they spent most of the time talking about the mistakes he made. He couldn''t be said to be the worst, but he was most likely close to the bottom of the list.


    The tests continued until the masters arrived at Havek.


    "Havek Sasamil, 2nd position in the last exam. So, does it work?"


    Havek laughed out loud as he replied.


    "Hahaha! Who do you think I am? It''s obviously working! Behold, the Light Formation!"

 Chapter 447 - The Effect Of Roans Pills

    Back in the Alchemist Guild...


    All these Foundation Establishment cultivators didn''t see the previous phases, so they didn''t know how good Roan was.


    Werxa narrowed his eyes in the Alchemist Guild when he saw that none of the invited Foundation Establishment cultivators wanted to test the pill. In the end, he had to intervene.


    "Usually, all of you wouldn''t think twice before taking the neutral pill. After all, you have no way to even pay for that. But because you saw the effects of the elemental pills, all of you had become too greedy, wanting to have a batch of Elemental Cross-Realm Pills no matter what."


    Werxa then laughed before saying.


    "With my Alchemist Guild''s network, it wouldn''t take more than a few hours to find a replacement for all of you. That being said, if none of you accept it in the next three seconds, I will send all of you away and find other candidates. Now then. The three seconds starts now."


    "There''s no need."


    Suddenly, an old man who was obviously far above his 100s stepped forward. One must remember that a Foundation Establishment''s lifespan was around 150 years, and this guy was probably close to it already.


    "Oh-ho... I thought I would need to countdown till the very last second. Why the sudden change of attitude?"


    The man then looked at Roan''s unworried expression.


    "I trust my intuition. From the beginning up to now, this young man''s eyes didn''t even flinch. It''s as if it wouldn''t matter who will take his pill. Although it''s hard to believe what he said about three or four pills being enough for any of us, I''ve decided to try it out. There are many more cultivators here than there are batches of Elemental Pills anyway, so my chances of receiving one of the bottles were low, to begin with."


    One of Roan''s eyebrows rose a little in surprise. He didn''t expect the old man to pay attention to him in this situation. Although he was the one who made the pills, everyone else was watching the guild leader instead.


    ''Old geezer, you lucked out.''


    Thought Roan.


    All the other cultivators around the guy sighed in relief. If that guy hadn''t offered to take the Neutral Pill, they would be forced to take it. They all wanted the Elemental Pills for their affinity, after all.


    "Hahaha! Good, we finally have a volunteer. Oligan, have this friend here test Roan''s pills."


    Oligan then brought the man to the stage, where he sat down and took Roan''s first pill. In an instant, a surge of Spiritual Energy and medicinal properties rushed through his meridians into his Dantian. Werxa even put a hand on the man''s shoulder so that he could watch the process closely with his own Spiritual Energy and Sense.


    Werxa quickly noticed how good the pill was. The medicinal properties were very clear, which helped pass through the man''s meridians a lot easier than the other pills. However, at the very moment that the pill had completely dissolved, all the medicinal properties in the man''s meridians seemed to come to life.


    A burst of Light and Dark Elements came out of the pill. The Light Element immediately covered the entire network of meridians inside the old man in the blink of an eye. From outside, the old man''s body looked more like a lantern. Following that, the Dark Elemental power attacked the same meridians the Light Element was covering.


    "Argh!"


    Sure enough, there was a lot of pain. Nevertheless, Werxa''s eyes widely opened as he observed what was happening inside the old man''s body. Roan''s Dark Element was destroying all the damaged paths and impurities present in his meridian pathway.


    As one could imagine, the Light Element began to heal the path, making them look as if they were new! However, Light Element alone wouldn''t be able to do it. It was here that the Cross-Realm Pill''s medicinal properties took place. It was used as materials for the Light Element Healing.


    And just like that, the old man''s damaged meridians or meridians that possessed any bad parts were reformed in a matter of seconds!


    ''This... Is this really a Cross-Realm Pill? How come it''s not being used for breaking through then?''


    Or so he thought... However, when the meridians were finally restored, the remaining medicinal property and Spiritual Energy surged into the old man''s Dantian as well. Finally, the pill began to work as a real Cross-Realm Pill.


    Roan knew very well what was happening, so he said from a distance.


    "Your meridians had sustained too much damage during the years, so it couldn''t receive the medicinal properties correctly. Take two more pills now that the meridians are healed. With the meridians fixed, you should be able to use the energy of the next two Cross-Realm Pills to succeed in your breakthrough."


    Werxa was shocked by what he had heard. So Roan''s pill wasn''t just a Cross-Realm Pill, but a healing type pill as well! Of course, the Alchemist Guild had pills capable of doing such a thing, but they were even more expensive than normal Cross-Realm Pills.


    ''So that''s why his fused Light and Dark Elements were acting independently inside the pill. They were there to do something different to start with!''


    The old man could obviously tell the condition of his body and meridians better than anyone else. Seeing how his old and tattered meridians had gained a new chance at life, his eyes lit up. Following Roan''s orders, he immediately swallowed the two pills without hesitation.


    Once again, the pills burst out with Light and Dark Elements. However, they didn''t have much to do with the meridians anymore, so they quickly disappeared after fixing a few more parts that weren''t previously fixed. After all, the man''s Elemental Affinity wasn''t Dark or Light to start with. He couldn''t use those two elements to help with his breakthrough.


    However, it didn''t matter anymore. Roan''s Cross-Realm Pill was far above ordinary Neutral Pills. It was really close to normal Elemental Pills. With ''new'' meridians for the passage of the medicinal properties and spiritual energy, the old man''s Dantian swallowed it all without any blockages. His Dantian''s Pool overflowed with those energies. The best part was that Roan''s pills had very few impurities compared to the other pills. It allowed the man to control those energies and properties much better for his breakthrough.


    *Boom!*


    Not long after, a burst of Spiritual Energy came out of the old man''s body as his cultivation quickly increased. Not only that, but his appearance seemed somewhat younger as well. He gained another 50 or so years of lifespan with that breakthrough, so it was expected. Well, he still looked pretty old anyway.


    After some time, the old man''s cultivation stabilized at the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm.


    Everyone looked at that, shocked.


    Three pills! That''s all Roan''s pills took to make that man have a breakthrough.


    Oligan was also surprised. After all, he still remembered how Roan said that this batch was the ''bad one.'' His second batch was even better! Still, he quickly got a hold of himself and announced.


    "Roan Larks, Three Cross-Realm Pills for a breakthrough."


    The room went in an uproar. Roan had just trashed the best result of five pills with a neutral batch.


    Roan then looked at the old man''s hand.


    "There are still five pills inside the bottle. You can keep it for yourself."


    The old man was delighted as he laughed.


    "Hahaha! Then this old Biol Guan shall not reject it."


    All the other Foundation Establishment cultivators looked at Biol with their faces red. If they had only trusted Roan''s declaration earlier...


    Too bad there was no medicine for regret in this world. Also... their bad luck was only starting.

 Chapter 448 - Havek And Reans Formations

    Turen and the other elders'' mouths twitched as they listened to Havek''s words.


    "Light Formation? We already have Light Beads, so what''s the use of your own?"


    Havek nodded as he replied.


    "Indeed, we do have Light Beads. However, they are still Spiritual Tools, quite expensive ones at that. After all, not only is there a need for a tiny Energy Gathering Formation inside them, it has to be double-layered with a Light Formation as well. Nowadays, most people would definitely prefer torches instead."


    "However, what we have here is a Light Formation that works with the Communication System''s so-called electricity."


    Havek then pointed at the several cables spread in various directions. At the end of each cable, there was a blue stone that looked like a bead as well.


    "You should be able to tell that those are simple lightning glass beads, right? They are quite simple to make since they only need the sand of areas with big amounts of Lightning Element. They will light up with any amount of electricity poured into them, naturally. Of course, the more you put into them, the brighter it gets up to a certain limit."


    "During the time I was researching the new Communication System''s blueprints, I happened to be using these beads for something else. The Communication System''s electricity is nothing more than small pulses of Lightning."


    "However, it was only today that a thought regarding a very practical method of generating light with almost no consumption of Spiritual Energy had popped up. In fact, it uses just a tenth of the amount of Spiritual Energy to generate the same amount of light as Light Beads. The main difference is this coated wire. It prevents the Lightning Currents from disappearing, so it can be spread over great distances."


    Havek then turned his Light Formation on. The copper cables immediately transferred the electricity to the lightning glass beads, which lit them up straight away. Just as Havek mentioned, they all showed the same brightness as the Light Beads that they knew.


    "I have to thank Senior Droman for this finding. His Communication System''s energy controlling structure is just marvelous. With that, my Light Formation can control each of the electrical cables'' output so that the lightning glass beads won''t burst with too much power."


    Havek continued with his passionate speech.


    "What you are seeing here are more than 50 lightning glass beads being powered by a single Light Formation. This Light Formation is not using even a single spirit stone, only the surrounding Spiritual Energy. If you take 50 Light Beads, it will be impossible to light them together with just this paltry amount of Spiritual Energy."


    "You don''t need to tell me the downside of these formations. It''s a given that it''ll be the cables. Light Beads don''t need any cables at all. There would definitely be places where it would be better to have Light Beads instead of my wired light."


    "Nonetheless, that isn''t the case for the majority. Having some copper cables lying around is a low price to pay for the amount of Spiritual Energy you can save. Not only that, you could literally use this kind of system to light up the entire capital''s houses. For the city as a whole, this formation would be of unprecedented versatility."


    Turin and the others were really impressed with Havek''s invention. It was simple; no one doubted that. However, the uses of such a thing were unlimited. For example, the capital''s Protection Formation used a large amount of Spiritual Energy to run. If all houses that had Light Beads were swapped with the Electrical Light Formation, a lot of this saved Spiritual Energy would be redirected there.


    One might think that the amount saved wasn''t nearly enough to power up the capital''s Protection Formation. However, this was a permanent solution. Just how many spirit stones would be saved in an entire day? In a week? In a month?! In a year?!


    "Marvelous! Simply the most practical formation we have seen so far! It''s simple but effective. Literally everyone, rich or poor, cultivator or ordinary people, can use it."


    Saya also nodded, incredibly satisfied.


    "Havek, right? You are not bad yourself."


    Havek looked at them as if he already expected this kind of reaction.


    "Hahaha! Obviously. This god here is nothing else but amazing."


    Rean looked from afar and couldn''t help but praise Havek as well. Such an invention back on Earth wouldn''t be considered groundbreaking. However, Havek didn''t know of Earth. He had never seen the electrical features there. Nevertheless, he came up with this solution on his own.


    ''He''s the cultivation world''s Thomas Edison. Well, it''s not a light bulb, but it''s similar. I don''t think Edison was that narcissistic either.''


    As always, the examinators pointed out what they thought was wrong with the formation. However, anyone could tell that they still thought that this invention could be used straight away. Also, they had spent more time speaking with Havek than any other cultivator so far.


    Eventually, they finished their talk and went to the next formation. After all, the examination wasn''t over yet. One by one, they kept examining the formations of the participants.


    After some time, they arrived at Rean''s formation. If there was someone they were more interested in than anyone else, that would be Rean. After all, he had gotten to this point using unconventional means. Just what did he create this time?


    "Rean Larks, 1st place in the last phase. So, does it work?"


    Rean smiled as he nodded.


    "It works very well. There is a lot of room for improvement since I came up with this idea on the spot, but it''s definitely a life-changer for ordinary people."


    As he said this, he thought to himself.


    ''Especially since it would work several times better once I make it into a Circuitry Formation.''


    Turin, Saya, and the other elders nodded.


    "Very well. What does it do?"


    "It''s a Water Reclaimer Formation."


    "Reclaimer? What do you mean?"


    Rean nodded as he explained.


    "In short, it can get rid of impurities in the water so that it can be used again. It''s that simple."

 Chapter 449 - One Hour For Results

    Rean then looked by the side as an assistant brought a bucket with him. Inside, there was dirty water from the sewers. Obviously, the formation masters narrowed their eyes since the smell was anything but good.


    "Hahaha! It''s quite filthy, I know. However, this formation can take care of it."


    Rean quickly poured the water into a tank linked to the formation. Little by little, the formation absorbed the Spiritual Energy of the surroundings as it worked. On another side, there was another tank where clean water fell.


    Rean really liked the cultivation world. The runes worked perfectly in this place. As long as the formation was set up correctly, it would give back only pure water, which was nearly an impossible task back on Earth. However, Rean didn''t do that. He at least knew that 100% pure water wasn''t good for one''s health. He also made sure to keep the balance of minerals inside the purified water similar to that of river water.


    On the other side, the impurities from the sewer water were separated. After all, Rean couldn''t make it simply disappear, nor did he want that. That kind of impurity was great for the soil, which could be used for farming. Farming was the foundation of ordinary people''s lives, so it was beneficial for them.


    Turin looked at the process and couldn''t help but ask.


    "This is quite slow, no?"


    Rean nodded.


    "It is. I can tell that you don''t seem to like it very much. However, I didn''t do it for the cultivators. Any cultivator, even those with no Water Element Affinity, can still use the Water Element to create some water. But the truth still stands that the majority of people can''t do that. Only at the Foundation Establishment or above would you have enough control for that. Besides, it''s a very boring and exhausting task if we had to use cultivators to generate water. Otherwise, the cities wouldn''t use rivers, wells, etc. No cultivator wanted to spend their time doing such a thing."


    "This kind of self-working formation would be life-changing for the ordinary people. Besides, the formations themselves are very simple, so it can be made to be moved around."


    Rean looked at the examiners'' expressions and couldn''t help but sigh inwardly.


    "Are you disappointed because only those at the bottom can use it?"


    He already made his mind up that he wouldn''t care if he lost because of such a reason. Nevertheless, it was sad to see these high-level cultivators ignoring the fact that they were ordinary people in the past.


    However, Turin shook his head as he replied.


    "No. It''s just that I can''t understand how you got the water separated from the filth. This set of runes... seem somewhat different."


    Saya agreed with him as she said.


    "It somehow reminds me of the Communication System, but how..."


    "Ah!"


    Only now did Rean notice that they were right. He did use an approach similar to the Electrical Formations. No wonder they couldn''t understand. After all, it probably didn''t exist before, to begin with.


    "The elders are right. It does use a similar structure."


    Saya couldn''t help but ask.


    "But why? Wouldn''t it have been better to focus on water type purification formations instead?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head in response.


    The truth was that he planned to transform it into a Circuitry Formation in the future. In the end, he made it in a way that such an upgrade would be more straightforward. However, it did really look that it had many unnecessary points because of that.


    "Well, it''s as I said. This Water Reclaimer Formation is far from perfect. I intend to use a similar system in it in the future."


    Turin was surprised after hearing that.


    "Can the Lightning-type Communication Formation be used in a Water-type Formation? Would it work?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he responded.


    "How would I know? This is just an idea. However, it does work, as you can see. I''m confident that I will make it more energy-efficient in the future."


    Rean finally sighed in relief, seeing that these elders were just puzzled about his approach and not that they found it useless.


    "Can you see the practical uses of it? It is possible to set up huge water reclaimers in the city. Although more Spiritual Energy would be necessary, it would save a lot of time moving water around. Nonetheless, this formation is focused on those who live outside the cities, like the tribe I came from."


    Saya nodded, quite satisfied.


    "That''s a good formation. We must never forget that ordinary people are the foundation of the world we live in. If their quality of life is improved, so would the strength of the empire. It''s hard to see which one is better, yours or Havek. Havek''s formation is more suited for big cities, while yours is a must-have to those who live in the wilderness like the tribes."


    Havek watched the master talked from a distance and nodded. He could also tell how useful such a formation would be. However, Rean''s formation had an effect that his own didn''t. It was directly linked to people''s lives. People could go without light for the night. After all, the next day would always come. Worst case scenario, they could still use torches. However, clean water wasn''t easy to acquire anywhere, especially in a medieval place like the cultivation world.


    The examiners then began to ask more questions regarding Rean''s Water Reclaimer Formation. They also pointed out what they thought to be wrong and what could be improved. Finally, they complimented his idea before moving onto the next one. They wanted to ask more questions as to how Rean would implement something similar to the Communication System into this kind of formation. However, more people were waiting to have their formations judged, so they had to move on.


    Rean then returned to the area where the other participants stayed with a smile on his face. His opinion of the Formations Guild, especially Saya, had improved after what she said.


    Qia then quickly hugged him, not caring about everyone''s gazes.


    "You did great!"


    Rean laughed in response. He knew that it would be impossible to stop this girl when there were more people around.


    Havek also came forward to talk.


    "As expected. I''m looking forward to what that thing can turn into."


    Rean then looked at Havek as he pondered over something.


    "Havek, I have a proposal for you after this competition is over."


    Havek showed a puzzled expression, but nodded in the end.


    "Fine. This god shall give you some of his precious time to hear what you have to say."


    Qia couldn''t help but ask.


    "What about me? Don''t you have anything to say?"


    Rean felt helpless as he nodded.


    "Of course, my love. Your Multi-teleport Formation System was incredible. I couldn''t be happier to see such a marvelous invention. I''m sure that many companies in the world would be interested in it once you finish improving its size and energy consumption."


    Qia nodded with a smile as she said.


    "But of course. How can I fall behind my husband when it comes to formations? I can already see how many impressive formations we can create."


    The examiners continued on their tests as many good ideas appeared. Of course, there were failures as well. But in the end, the Formations Masters were satisfied.


    "Very well. We will discuss between ourselves to decide who the ten cultivators with the best ideas are. The results will be announced in one hour. Look forward to it."


    ---


    Note: 1 Coin Priv now has 4 chapters inside instead of 2. There are more tiers available too in case anyone is interested.

 Chapter 450 - Not Guaranteed

    After Biol Guan had finished his breakthrough in the Alchemist Guild, he went to the side where the other cultivators who had already taken their pills were waiting. As for the ones who haven''t gotten a pill yet, they grew excited and jealous at the same time. They didn''t expect that a Neutral Pill would be even better than an Elemental Pill.


    "Shit. Why didn''t I take it?"


    "That youngster made two batches, so we still might get to use his second one."


    "The chances are low, but they are there."


    "Perhaps I should ask Biol for three pills as well."


    However, Werxa went in front of those Foundation Establishment cultivators before saying.


    "Alright, then. Since you guys didn''t want to take a pill a while ago, there is no need to give you more batches. You can go home. I already arranged for my guild to bring another group here."


    "What?!"


    All of them were taken aback.


    "Wait, wait a second! You can''t do that!"


    "Right! We were just afraid that the pills wouldn''t work!"


    "It''s not like we refused his pill with bad intentions!"


    However, a powerful Spiritual Pressure assaulted them right after. In an instant, all of them fell to their knees while gasping for air.


    "As I said, leave. Didn''t you hear me? I don''t mind sending your corpses out either."


    Werxa was the Guild Leader, as well as a Heaven Peak-Level alchemist. Obviously, his cultivation had to be on par with it. That meant Werxa was at least in the Saint Realm. All those Foundation Establishment cultivators began to tremble in fear as they immediately rushed out. There was no way they would stick around after such a warning. With Werxa''s status, even if he killed them all, no one would complain later.


    After those guys left, Werxa looked back at the participants of the exam with a smile.


    "There is no need to worry. With the size of the capital and how many people live here, it won''t take more than one or two hours to find replacements. Just wait patiently, and your Cross-Realm Pills will be tested."


    The participants came to understand that Werxa wasn''t the type you could mess in any circumstance.


    Roan, on the other hand, commended Werxa''s actions in his head. Of course, it wasn''t because he was the one who made the Neutral Pills, but because he would have done the same. Perhaps he would have cut a person''s head to make an example.


    Sure enough, the guild brought another batch of Peak Foundation Establishment cultivators quite sometime later. All of them had been in that stage for at least 30 years too.


    Oligan then nodded as he announced.


    "Let''s continue the test."


    "The next batch of pills are Fire Elemental Pills made by Lita Xue. There is a total of seven pills inside, and this is her first batch."


    Roan once again looked at the pills made by the girl with Old Worm.


    ''How many do you think she needs?''


    Old Worm pondered.


    ''I was watching her during the concoction phase. If I''m not wrong, she should be able to pull a breakthrough with four or five pills. Her pills are really decent.''


    Roan nodded as he kept observing. Sometime later, another burst of Spiritual Energy came from the testing cultivator as his cultivation increased at high speeds. Eventually, it stabilized at the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm.


    "Lita Xue, Four Pills to get a breakthrough."


    Old Worm was spot on. Lita Xue''s pills really were that good to only need four of them.


    Cluhe Sol looked at that and once again narrowed his eyes. Nevertheless, he quickly came back to normal. He believed that he could do at least the same with his next two batches.


    Surprisingly, he was only counting Lita Xue this time. As hard as it was for him to accept Roan''s skills, he had to admit that they were in two different leagues. He already dropped any idea he had about getting the first place anymore. He chose a bad time to take the exam.


    There were no other surprises in the end. Although that was only Roan''s first batch, it still consolidated its position in the first place since he was the only one to achieve a breakthrough with three pills. Well, more than half of the 71 first tests ended in failure, to begin with. In the end, only 30 breakthroughs were achieved.


    "No point in talking about positions at this moment, so let''s start the next batch straight away."


    This time, the tests went even quicker. After all, the majority was only able to create a single batch of Cross-Realm Pills. That being said, many of the participants didn''t have a second one to be tested.


    As one could expect, all eyes were on Roan''s Pills. He said that the first batch was not that good, so they wanted to see how good his second batch would be.


    This time, the new Foundation Establishment cultivators didn''t refuse the Neutral Pills. It was not that they believed in Roan, but because they saw his position as the first ranked alchemist in this phase. Since he was in the first position before they arrived, it meant that his neutral pills must be good.


    The lucky one was quickly chosen by Oligan as he took Roan''s pills. The first pill did the same thing as it did with Biol Guan. The Dark Element quickly destroyed all the unsatisfactory parts of the guy''s meridians while the Light Element worked with the pill''s medicinal properties to heal it.


    However, much more Spiritual Energy, Medicinal Properties, and Dark and Light Elements remained this time. The Dark and Light quickly dissipated as the rest went straight to the guy''s Dantian. The guy felt delighted with that sensation and immediately pushed for a breakthrough. Unfortunately, one pill was not enough, so he had to take a second.


    *Boom!*


    Almost as soon as the second pill took effect, a burst of Spiritual Energy came forward. Sure enough, Roan''s next batch was even better, allowing a breakthrough with just two pills.


    Nevertheless, Roan couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''This is my limit without the right elements. The others still have a chance of getting a breakthrough with a single pill since they have the right elemental type pills. In my case, no one has Light or Dark Element Affinity among those Foundation Establishment people, so Neutral is all I can do.  I can''t achieve a single pill breakthrough with my actual level.''


    Roan quickly glanced at Lita Xue. If there was someone who could surpass his achievement, it would be that girl.


    ---


    Note: 1 Coin Priv now has 4 chapters inside instead of 2. There are more tiers available too in case anyone is interested.

 Chapter 451 - Unexpected

    One hour quickly passed in the Formations Guild as Rean talked with everyone else. Eventually, Turin, Saya, Zako, and the other elders came out to give their results.


    "We are pleased to see the many inventions displayed during the last phase. Except for three of them, we had quite some conflicts between who would be the other seven. After all, we only have ten slots available."


    "Anyway, we had a total of 37 elders overseeing the exam this year, so we used a voting system to decide the first ten places. We only did one pass of votes for each position. For example, all elders voted on who should be in the first place. Then, all of us voted again to decide who would be in second place. That''s how we came up with our decisions."


    "If you are not in the top 10, don''t think that your work was not worth it. Except for a few cases, most of the formations shown in the last phase deserve to continue being developed."


    "Very well, let''s start.


    10th: Luan Fole and his Breeze Concealment Formation.


    9th: Giampol Dinsve and his Heat Sinking Formation.


    8th..."


    One by one, Turin announced the positions of the Formation Masters. The ones selected couldn''t help but become ecstatic as the rest looked at them with jealousy and expectation.


    "4th: Qia Sasamil and her Multi-teleport Formation System."


    Qia''s eyes immediately lit up after hearing that.


    "I did it!"


    Rean smiled and nodded while Milo and the others complimented her.


    "3rd: Rean Larks and his Water Reclaiming Formation."


    Rean was surprised to hear that. Of course, he was anything but sad with his result. His objective was to join the Formations Guild so that he could get unlimited access to the repository. He could then get the Jade Slips with the formations he wanted to study and go back to Jialin Country.


    Qia then hugged him once again before saying.


    "3rd place is great! Anyone who makes it into the top ten has absolutely nothing to complain about."


    Rean totally agreed with her.


    "I know. I''m very happy to see my Water Reclaiming Formation doing this well."


    Turin continued his announcement.


    "2nd: Havek Sasamil and his Light Formation."


    "What?!"


    This time, even Rean was taken aback. He was pretty sure that Havek would take first place. The others were even more sure about it. Surprisingly, he didn''t.


    However, Havek didn''t seem to find it hard to believe.


    "Even a super genius like me would find it difficult to take first place with formations I just came up with. Besides..."


    Havek then looked in a certain direction where he spotted a female Formation Master.


    Rean and the others followed Havek''s eyes and soon found the girl.


    "Who is she?"


    "Did anyone pay attention to the examination of her formation?"


    "I didn''t. I was more worried about my own formation."


    "What kind of formation did she create?"


    Rean pondered for a bit. Even he didn''t pay that much attention to her before.


    "If I''m not wrong, her formation was-"


    Before Rean could talk, Turin announced in his place.


    "1st: Balia Loskrey and her Nutrients Absorption Formation!"


    No one had heard that name before. Turin obviously noticed that and began to explain.


    "This is a marvelous formation for farming! Rean''s formation can separate the impurities in the water, which can be used for farming. However, Balia''s formation is different. It slowly absorbs the minerals deep in the ground and brings them up."


    "It can be made into a huge formation capable of covering an entire farm. The good thing is that it can operate on ambient Spiritual Energy alone. All one would need to do was to set it up around a year before starting the planting. The results would be much stronger plants with a lot more nutrients."


    "For those at the Energy Gathering Realm and below, food is of extreme importance. In fact, we had quite a bit of difficulty deciding between her and Rean in this aspect. But ultimately, Sasamil Country is a country where water isn''t hard to be obtained due to the constant tropical rain. So a method to use the nutrients that are usually too deep for the plants to absorb has greater importance."


    Rean nodded. He made the water reclaimer, which could be used in case there was no water. But food was still a lot more important in an empire with Sasamil''s average weather. He didn''t find it the least bit strange that the Formation Masters took her Formation instead.


    Turin then continued.


    "To be honest, the hardest pass was for the position of first place. From the 37 judges, 13 selected Balia, 12 Havek, and 12 Rean. That shows just how good each of their formations was in our eyes. If I could, I would count all three of them as first place of this year''s exam. However, it''s not possible."


    "For second place, Havek Sasamil got 15 of the 37 possible votes. Rean Larks got 9, Qia Sasamil 7, and Waka Mantil 3. The remaining were single votes into different formations."


    "Anyway, you can see how it went."


    Everyone couldn''t help but pay attention to Balia. After all, she was quite the dark horse. In the previous exam, she was only in 79th place.


    Balia, on the other hand, dropped her head in embarrassment. It turns out that the girl herself was quite shy. She always did her best to not catch anyone''s attention, and it did work very well until the very end.


    Rean then shrugged his shoulders before saying.


    "Well, I finally got what I wanted. Now I can finally get the jade slips in the repository and go back to Jialin with Master."


    Qia glanced at him and said.


    "What are you talking about? There is still our marriage remaining, you know?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Of course! How could I forget the future happiest day in my life?"


    Havek completely ignored Rean''s play with Qia and asked something else.


    "So, what did you want to talk about?"


    But before Rean could say anything, Turin called the winners over.


    "Come to the stage. It''s time for your prizes."

 Chapter 452 - End Of Alchemist Exam

    In the Alchemist Guild, Oligan continued with the testing of Cross-Realm pills. Kobe Vuis had two batches of pills. However, the first batch failed to help the Foundation Establishment Cultivator in breaking through. Now his second and best batch was going to be tested.


    Sometime later, the same scene of a burst of Spiritual Energy coming out of the cultivator who tested his pill had appeared.


    "Joan Taran, Five Pills for a breakthrough."


    Joan almost jumped for joy. That result put him in 5th place since the other two with five pill breakthroughs did worse than him in the previous phase. One must remember that the tiebreaker was decided by each person''s position in the other tests so far. There weren''t a lot with second batches either, so he had hope of making it into the top 10.


    "Next, Cluhe Sol."


    Sure enough, Cluhe Sol''s second batch was much better than the first one, so he got a breakthrough with only four pills. His position in the previous phase was worse than Lita''s, so he was now in third place. Still, his best one would come in the last batch. He was one of only three to make three batches of pills until the very end.


    ''Hmph! I might not surpass that Light and Dark freak, but I can definitely fight for the second position.''


    The tests continued, and someone else also got a breakthrough with four pills. To make things worse for Cluhe, it was the same person who did better than him in the fox stage, so he fell to the 4th position straight away.


    "Kobe Vuiz, Four Pills for a breakthrough. Very good. Next!"


    Kobe was delighted to hear that result.


    "Hahaha! I''m definitely guaranteed a slot in the Alchemist Guild Main Branch with that!"


    Surprisingly, he didn''t really care what position he would have in the end. All he cared about was to enter the Alchemist Guild. He didn''t mind whether he would finish in first or tenth. However, Cluhe gritted his teeth once again. He felt his confidence shaking a lot recently.


    "Fuck!"


    Finally, it was Lita Xue''s second pill bottle. Just like Roan, she only made two batches, with the second being her best one.


    Roan didn''t pay attention to her during the concoction process since he was working on his own pills. In the end, he could only ask Old Worm.


    ''Any thoughts?''


    Old Worm nodded.


    ''That girl might give you a surprise this time. However, that is because the cultivator and the pills are of the same element. In a neutral pill competition, she would stand no chance against you.''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''I don''t mind. Use all the advantages in your favor. That''s what I would do if I used one of the five elements.''


    All of a sudden, Roan opened his hand in front of him as Water Element accumulated on it. Soon after, it turned into a small sphere of water that froze not a second later. The ice bead then fell to the ground, where it shattered.


    Old Worm looked at that and nodded.


    ''All cultivators can use all elements. That''s a rule that never changes. With your great control over Yin Energy, it won''t be long before you can control the Water Element at almost the same level. At that time, you will be able to make Water Elemental Pills as well.''


    Roan nodded as he thought about Rean. He wasn''t the only one getting used to another element other than Light and Darkness.


    Suddenly...


    *Boom!*


    A burst of Spiritual Energy came out of the cultivator testing Lita Xue''s pills. In an instant, everyone looked at her with surprise in their eyes. Old Worm and Roan, on the other hand, just nodded.


    ''As expected.''


    "Lita Xue, one pill for a breakthrough."


    *WOW!*


    Nobody expected that someone would surpass Roan''s score. Naturally, that attracted even more attention. However, everyone began to have doubts in their minds as well.


    ''If Roan had one of the five primary elements as his affinity, wouldn''t he be able to do it as well?''


    Lita Xue sighed in relief as she looked at Roan on the other end of the room. To her surprise, Roan gave an approving nod. However, she could tell that Roan wasn''t surprised at all.


    ''Did he expect it?''


    Lita quickly shook her head and placed those thoughts behind. The important thing was that she really achieved a breakthrough with a single pill. Of course, she also thought about the possibility of Roan doing the same thing if he had one of the five primary elements. But there was nothing she could do about that, nor would she hold back just because she knew of it.


    Cluhe Sol felt helpless. He was very confident in his last batch of pills, but he knew he wouldn''t surpass Roan''s two-pill score, let alone Lita''s single pill. He was expecting to beat her with a three-pill breakthrough, but that was now impossible.


    The tests continued. Finally, the test arrived at Cluhe, Kobe, and Joan''s third batches. They were the only ones to make three of them, so this last phase was quite fast.


    Sure enough, Cluhe achieved his objective, and the cultivator who took his pill achieved a breakthrough in three pills. Kobe and Joan''s pills were better than before, but neither got a three-pill breakthrough, so Cluhe still snatched the third position back.


    With that, the test was finally over. Oligan then called the alchemists, who made it to the top ten on the stage and announced their positions.


    "Thank you to everyone who participated in this year''s exam. We now have the ten most qualified alchemists who will join the main branch.


    1st: Lita Xue


    2nd: Roan Larks


    3rd: Cluhe Sol


    4th: Kobe Vuis


    5th: Joan Taran


    6th..."


    Roan then looked at Werxa before sending him a Spiritual Sense message while Oligan made his announcement.


    ''Is this enough to see Huan?''


    Werxa narrowed his eyes as he looked at the boy. In the end, he sighed.


    ''I can''t guarantee anything.''


    Roan nodded, not minding at all.


    Oligan quickly finished saying the names of those who placed in the top ten before announcing.


    "Now, the rewards!"

 Chapter 453 - Welcome

    At the Formation Master Guild, the top ten Formation Masters were rewarded according to their position.


    "1st Place: 500 Rank Four Spirit Stones! Also, unlimited access to the Formation Master Guild repository. Last but not least, 30% discount on any material bought from the Formations Guild Shop for one year up to 1000 Rank Four Spirit Stones in value."


    "2nd Place: 450 Rank Four Spirit Stones. The same unlimited access to the guild''s repository and 30% discount up to 900 Rank Four Spirit Stones in the Guild Shop."


    "3rd Place: 400 Rank Four Spirit Stones..."


    Everyone could see where it would end. One could say that the guilds'' rewards were very generous. Just the Rank Four Spirit Stones alone were already a dream-like prize. Rean, as the third place in this competition, obviously got 400 of them. But what he was really interested in was the discount in the guild''s shop. There were bound to be many materials he needed which he could now buy at a lower price.


    "And with that, this year''s Formation Master Guild Exam is over. For those who were close and are still of age, please come back next year. As for the rest, don''t give up on your path as a Formation Master. There are other ways of joining us. Even if you don''t, this side-occupation is still worth your effort."


    *clap, clap, clap...*


    All the spectators applauded when the reward ceremony was over. After that, they all gathered together to exchange experiences and ideas. Rean, of course, did the same thing. Still, he was surprised that Havek also wanted to participate.


    "Even if others can''t be compared to this master, they might still have some useful ideas. Once I learn more about them, it will be their moment to shine. One could say that giving such meager help to me is the same as their lives'' greatest fortune. Logically, this master doesn''t mind enlightening a few laymen in the ways of formations."


    Everyone around Havek shook their heads. They simply didn''t have the energy to refute this guy anymore. Besides, he was really good when it came to sharing information, so it was worth hearing all the bullshit first. At the same time, Havek sent Rean a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''As soon as this gathering is over, I want to hear your proposal.''


    Rean nodded.


    Qia was also there, and she had a few elders interested in her Multi Teleport Formations System. They were all people with some influence or were related to companies or merchants. Her idea would be of great help to them.


    "Please calm down. My idea is still far from being good enough. Once I resolve the main issues, I will post the blueprints in the Formations Guild Network."


    Rean laughed as he also occupied himself with his talks.


    Later that day, Rean finally got some time to talk with Havek in private. Well, or so he tried. Unfortunately, Qia was glued to him whenever he went. In the end, he simply gave up and allowed her to come together. After all, she would be going back with him after their ''fake'' marriage. It wasn''t like he could hide it from her anyway.


    "So, what was it?"


    Rean nodded before saying.


    "Elder Droman and I began to work on a completely new type of formation. This type of formation will introduce a new system in the world of Formation Masters. I saw how you worked with the Communication System''s features to create that Light Formation. Not to mention that you came up with that idea on the spot. That''s why I''m offering you this. Do you want to participate?"


    Havek and Qia were taken aback. A new system for formations? They were obviously interested in it.


    "What is this formation about?"


    Rean shook his head in response as he said.


    "For now, it is a secret. However, I will tell you that it will create a huge wave in the Formation Masters community. I want you to participate because I truly believe you can bring a lot to this new endeavor."


    Qia immediately lifted her hand.


    "Hi! I''m more than willing to participate!"


    Rean scratched the back of his head as he said.


    "Well, you were going back with me, to begin with, right? So I was going to show you this thing either way."


    Havek closed his eyes as he pondered on this issue.


    "Does it mean I will be under your command?"


    Rean shook his head as he laughed.


    "Hahaha! Would a Formation Master God like you be willing to simply take orders?"


    Havek laughed as well.


    "Hahaha! It''s good that you understand. Very well, what are your conditions?"


    Rean couldn''t help but think how good it was to talk with intelligent people. Havek knew from the very start that things couldn''t possibly be that simple.


    "First of all, I will not be staying in the Imperial Capital. This is a secret project between my master and myself. You must keep it outside other people''s eyes until we finally conclude the basics of this new system. You will also be included in the list of people who developed this in the end, so don''t worry. You will get your credit."


    "Last but not least, this new type of Formation System will be given to the Formations Guild later. That means it won''t be something exclusive for the Sasamil Empire. You and Qia are part of the Sasamil Imperial Family. So before we continue, I need to know if you are willing to leave your Imperial Family out of this."


    Qia didn''t even need to think. Before she faced her feelings, one must remember that her first idea was simply to be free from the Imperial Family''s constraints with that marriage. For that to work, she obviously couldn''t do things that would jeopardize her matrimony. However, Havek was even faster than her in agreeing with it.


    "It''s only that? Who cares about the Imperial Family? As long as it doesn''t go against my beliefs, I don''t mind it at all."


    Qia followed right behind.


    "Of course, you can count on me as well."


    Rean brightly smiled as he looked at the two, saying in response.


    "Well, then. Welcome to the Dalamu Sect''s Formations Hall."

 Chapter 454 - Bring Your Brother

    As Rean talked some more with Havek and Qia, he also spoke with Roan through the Soul Connection.


    ''I just finished here. How about you?''


    Roan nodded as he replied.


    ''The Alchemist Exam finished a few days before yours.''


    Roan''s prize ceremony wasn''t much different from Rean''s. He got 450 Rank Four Spirit Stones since he was in 2nd place. He also received the same unlimited access to the alchemist repository, including taking them with Jade Slips out. Of course, discounts on materials for pills were included as well.


    After that, Roan was called over by Werxa, who confirmed his participation in the competition that would happen seven years later between all empires and other powers.


    ''I see. Have you seen Huan since then?''


    ''No. Werxa said that he was going to try, but it wasn''t guaranteed. Well, chances are that I will be refused since Huan doesn''t have a reason to spend time on some new alchemist at the Earth Level.''


    Rean agreed with Roan on that point. He also can''t use Qia for that since he would be refused even faster. Huan had been neutral so far, so any private conversation with anyone from the Imperial Family was out of the question.


    ''By the way, this is what I got on my side.''


    Rean then explained to Roan about Qia and Havek. With their help, especially Havek, there would be a good chance of making more Destiny Points faster.


    ''As long as you''re sure you can trust them, I don''t mind.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''You don''t need to worry about that. Oh, right! Have you gone to buy that skill you wanted before? Dark World, wasn''t it?''


    ''No. I didn''t know if Werxa would call me or not, so I made sure to be present in the Sect''s residence since then. However, there''s no progress. Of course, I can go there once you come back. If Werxa appears, I can teleport straight back if necessary.''


    Rean didn''t mind since he had a lot to think about after what he had learned during this competition. He had to put all his thoughts in order, so he wouldn''t be going out to start with.


    Somewhere else in the City''s Core Region, a man drank tea while looking at his garden. He looked like a scholar, with clear robes and a few documents in his hand. Just like that, time passed in the garden without anyone bothering him.


    Suddenly, a cold breeze passed by him, which made the man sigh.


    "You disappear for years every time. When you finally come back, you enter other people''s houses as if it was nothing. You know, making sure no one notices that you''re using a clone is kinda hard."


    The man smiled as he sat on another chair before taking a cup of tea for himself.


    "It''s fine. With everything you know about me, I doubt anyone would notice it anyway. And even if they do, so what? It''s not like they could go out and accuse me in the open, right?"


    If Rean and Roan were here, they would be shocked. The ones talking were none other than Old Worm and Huan Qelol. Not only that, but the two seemed to know each other for a long time already.


    "By the way, should I call you Fauk? Or maybe Hagen? Orvil might work as well. You have too many identities that it''s getting more and more confusing."


    Old Worm shook his head.


    "It''s not like you don''t know me."


    Huan sighed in response.


    "Fine... Did the prophecy at least turn out to be true? Before your grandfather passed away, he used all his cultivation to look for a way out for Sasamil. Still, I find it hard to believe in things like that. "


    Old Worm pondered for a bit before saying.


    "Hum... I might have really found the right one. At first, I found it hard to believe grandfather''s words. After all, what would one of them do in a place like that? Nonetheless, it was not like I had much of a choice. I was really shocked when I found out that someone had really come in the end."


    Huan was taken aback by those words.


    "What?! Are you sure?"


    Old Worm nodded.


    "You know very well that none of them can hide from me as long as we''re not too far away from each other."


    Huan calmed down as he nodded.


    "So, are you going to make your move already?"


    Old Worm shook his head.


    "No. It''s too early. Let them struggle for a few more years. Besides, I found two fascinating kids. I never thought our empire could give birth to something like them."


    All of a sudden, a man appeared in the garden. However, neither Huan nor Old Worm seemed to care about it.


    "What is it?"


    The man was Huan''s butler, who had been working with him for hundreds of years, Wuxin Fonlas. He had Huan''s complete trust, so Old Worm knew him too.


    "It''s the Guild Leader again. He asked if you could see that youngster he was interested in."


    Huan narrowed his eyes and was just about to refuse. However, Old Worm gave an order in his place.


    "Tell him that Huan will see that alchemist tomorrow."


    Wuxin was taken aback as he looked at Huan. Well, Huan was also surprised by that.


    "What do you mean?"


    Old Worm faintly smiled as he replied.


    "I told you I found two interesting fellas, didn''t I? Take this chance to get a good look at them. You will probably hear a lot more about them from now on."


    Huan narrowed his eyes before nodding.


    "Very well. Let''s see just what is so good about them. Perhaps, you might take the two under your wings."


    Old Worm shook his head, though.


    "Things are not that simple when it comes to those two."


    Huan''s curiosity increased after hearing that. It was rare to hear Old Worm saying such things about anyone.


    "Wuxin, make sure no one knows about this meeting. We already have enough problems within the Imperial Family. Also, make sure that the two of them come."


    Wuxin quickly nodded as he turned around to prepare everything.


    Later that day, Roan was invited to the Alchemist Guild, where Werxa looked at him with surprise.


    "I don''t know where you got this luck, but Huan accepted to see you. However, he asked for absolute secrecy."


    Roan quickly nodded. It was already good enough that he even got this meeting.


    "Also... for some reason, he wants you to bring your brother as well."

 Chapter 455 - What To Talk About

    Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why does he want to see both of us?"


    Werxa shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "Well, he is the Prime Minister of the Sasamil Empire. I just discovered a day after the end of the Alchemist Exam that your Light Element comes from your brother. Perhaps he found out the same thing and got curious about that. Well, even I am curious, to be honest."


    Roan shook his head as he said.


    "There is nothing to be curious about. We were born like this, that''s all. With your influence, you should have found about it as well, right?"


    Werxa nodded.


    "Obviously. Still, it doesn''t make me less curious at all."


    Werxa continued.


    "Anyway, Huan wants to meet you two tomorrow morning. Just come here to my office, and I will bring you to him."


    Roan agreed with that before he left the Alchemist Guild. As for Werxa, he was left behind, pondering about what this was all about.


    Later that night, Rean returned from the Formations Guild. Of course, he and Qia were not married yet, so he returned alone while Qia was brought back to the Imperial Palace by her Master.


    However, he soon noticed Roan''s dark expression when he entered the Sect''s residence.


    "You know, it''s already cold to be near you. If you don''t improve your expression, the maids will probably freeze to death."


    Roan glanced at Rean, completely ignoring the comment.


    "Huan accepted to see me."


    Rean was surprised to hear that.


    "Really? That''s great, then. Make sure to keep our Soul Connection open so that I can hear the conversation as well."


    "There''s no need. Huan wants to see the both of us."


    "What?!"


    Rean didn''t expect that twist.


    "Why?"


    Roan shook his head as he answered.


    "I''m not sure. There''s a chance that he already knows about our Elemental Exchange, so he''s curious to see it with his own eyes. Or maybe it''s because he is an alchemist as well."


    Rean understood from where Roan was coming.


    "So he wants to see you using Dark and Light Elements while concocting and, at the same time, the effects on both of us that allow such a thing to happen."


    Roan confirmed.


    "Exactly."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, though.


    "But, why did you change your mind all of a sudden? Before, you didn''t want to go see him, right?"


    "Well, it''s not like I didn''t want to see him, but I thought it was impossible at our level."


    "I see. In any case, this is a good thing. I also wanted to talk with Huan."


    Roan narrowed his eyes again.


    "Why?"


    "Isn''t that obvious? It would be a lot better to get his support once we reveal that Calina is alive."


    "For that, you will need to tell him that she is alive."


    Rean didn''t seem that concerned, though.


    "That''s not a problem. Calina wasn''t anyone important in the battle for the throne anyway. Even if he finds out about it, he won''t tell others. That''s because he doesn''t want to take part in the fight for the throne... Or at least, not at the moment. We can use this fake death to our advantage to promote Calina."


    Roan pondered for a bit and had to admit that Rean''s words made sense. As long as Huan wanted to stay away from the fight for the throne, he won''t go around telling other direct descendants'' secrets. Let alone someone who was pretending to be dead since it might be part of Calina''s plan to take the throne as well. Alerting others about her fake death was the same as saying that he wanted to take a side to the throne war.


    "It really might work. However, there''s no guarantee that he won''t open his mouth."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "So what? Are you saying that it''s worth losing such an opportunity? Even if he does, the fact is that everyone doesn''t think that Calina can do anything in this situation. Or better yet, they will all think that Calina faked her death to stay as far as possible from the throne fight. Who cares about a princess with a half-Chrole bloodline who doesn''t want anything to do with their fight?"


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "Very well. Let''s do as you say."


    Still, Roan was quite surprised that Rean thought about all of that alone.


    Rean, on the other hand, had another question.


    "I know what I want to discuss with him, but what about you? You requested this meeting for a reason, right?"


    Roan nodded.


    "I want to know his opinion about the Throne War. We do have many ways to pry into the information of the Imperial Palace. Your marriage with Qia, Tissan''s information sharing, and the Dark Web organization. Besides, Old Worm seems to know even more than we do. Still, knowing what Huan thinks will be much better to get a full picture of the situation. After all, he is in a neutral position, so there will be no bias."


    "But, would he really talk about it with us?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "Just like your plan of talking about Calina, there is no way to guarantee that my ideas will work either. We can only try. As for it turning into a bad situation for us, I doubt that would be the case now that you will be married to Qia, and I''m an Alchemist Guild member. We can simply use the same excuse as always, saying that we want to let our sect prepare for what is coming."


    Rean nodded in response.


    "Indeed. Other small sects might not have worked, but thanks to the Communication System that is under the sect''s name, it would be hard to not believe in our intentions."


    "Exactly."


    Rean and Roan then discussed what they would talk about once they met Huan for the next few hours, trying to come up with anything useful. Only then did the two finish their talk. However, just as Rean was about to leave, he remembered to tell Roan about something else.


    "Oh, right! According to Qia''s Master, Mom and Dad should arrive tomorrow as well."


    Roan nodded.


    "Sure enough, they can make such a long journey several times faster than us. Very well, we will see them tomorrow."

 Chapter 456 - Meeting Huan

    The night quickly passed. The next morning, Rean and Roan went to the Alchemist Guild to see Werxa. It was a good thing that they were seen doing it. Roan was an alchemist and just got 2nd place in the Alchemist Exam. As for Rean, he was his twin brother, after all. Why couldn''t he tag along? That served as the perfect cover so that Werxa could bring them to see Huan.


    "Alright, you two come with me."


    Werxa then guided them through a secret passage in the Alchemist Guild''s building. Once they arrived outside, they already had different appearances.


    Later on, Werxa used some obscure passages that brought the twins to a huge mansion''s backyard. However, that backyard also had a few guards. Nonetheless, the guards looked at Werxa and simply ignored him, letting the group pass as if they were nothing more than air.


    After some time, they entered a garden. That was the same garden Huan had talked with Old Worm just a day prior. As one could imagine, Huan was once again sitting at his table, drinking tea. Court sessions were usually held during the afternoon, so Huan had a lot of time to take with them.


    Werxa then came forward and sat on a chair as well.


    "You know, Huan? It''s kinda hard to talk to you nowadays."


    Huan narrowed his eyes as he looked at Werxa. If it was anyone else, it would have been quite disrespectful to do something like this. However, Werxa represented the Alchemist Guild Headquarters in the Sasamil Empire, so his status surely wasn''t any lower than Huan.


    "You talk as if you don''t know the situation we''re in. Anyway, I didn''t agree to your request so that I could talk to you. Go away already. I want to have a private talk with these twins."


    Werxa shook his head as he replied.


    "I brought them here, so they''re under my protection. What if you decide to do something to them?"


    *Bang!*


    "Do you think I would raise my hands against some kids?!"


    Werxa laughed in response.


    "Come on, come on! It was just a joke. Of course, you wouldn''t do such a thing. Still, why leave me in the dark? I''m also curious to hear why you accepted this meeting."


    Roan then came to Werxa''s side before saying.


    "In fact, I also asked for this opportunity to talk with Huan in private. Guild Leader, go outside. I''ll meet you there once we finish."


    Werxa looked at Roan with some concern. Still, he sighed in the end and warned Huan.


    "I want to send this youngster to the next competition between the other nations of the world, so you better not do anything to him, okay?"


    Roan told Rean about the offer he received, so they knew what Werxa was talking about.


    Huan was losing his patience already.


    "Just get the fuck out, will you?"


    Werxa then got up and walked to the exit. Of course, he didn''t leave the mansion. He only went to a place where Huan wouldn''t complain if he was waiting.


    Huan finally let a sigh of relief as he looked at the twins.


    "So you two are the Dark and Light Element users. I heard in my reports that you two were born with some kind of spiritual link, is that right?"


    It wasn''t any secret that Rean and Roan could exchange their elements, so they simply nodded. Soon after, their hairs changed into a mix of white and dark as they manipulated both elements at the same time.


    "Indeed, we were born this way. As to why it happened, we don''t know. Still, it''s a very convenient thing."


    Huan nodded.


    "I can understand why there are some people interested in you. Thanks to that, you became dual-element users way before entering the Foundation Establishment or Core Formation Realm. Even now, you don''t need to worry about getting used to a second element. It is part of your constitution already. That means you can start getting used to a third element as if it was your second one."


    Huan''s Spiritual Sense entered the twins'' bodies. Still, he couldn''t help but become surprised by what he saw.


    "What a sturdy foundation. Both your bones and organs are above those at your level as well. Really impressive. If I''m not wrong, ordinary Late-Stage Core Formation Realm cultivators shouldn''t be much of an issue to you two, right?"


    Rean and Roan nodded. Well, if they go all out and work together, they could even fight Core and Soul Fusion Realm experts at the initial stage.


    Huan looked at the two for a while longer before finally mentally admitting.


    ''No wonder he took a liking to you two. Could it be that you two are somehow related to that prophecy?''


    Huan quickly came back to himself as he said.


    "Very well, I got what I wanted already. Go ahead, what do you want to talk with me about?"


    Roan was the first one to respond.


    "We know that our Dalamu Sect has become one of the triggers for the war after we developed the Communication System. That being said, I would like to hear your opinion about what will happen in the fight for the throne. At the very least, how long you think it will take for the emperor to make a decision."


    Huan was surprised to hear that. However, he also knew of the communication system and the repercussions it brought up. He just didn''t expect that these two young boys would bring this kind of issue up. After all, a sect would try to keep this kind of situation out of the ears of such young geniuses like them.


    "Why should I tell you about the Imperial Family? This would be seen as an act of betrayal, you know?"


    Rean shook his head in response.


    "There is no need to be afraid. I''m marrying Qia, a direct descendant of the Imperial Bloodline. I''m not considered an outsider anymore. It''s just that getting this kind of information from someone else would be too biased."


    Huan pondered for a bit before laughing.


    "It seems like you came well prepared for this chat, huh? Very well, let me tell you what I think."


    Rean and Roan were taken aback by that. They didn''t really expect Huan to accept that easily. Well, it was still a good thing, so they didn''t complain.

 Chapter 457 - Shock

    Huan could tell what the twins were thinking.


    "Did you think I would refuse to answer until the very end?"


    Rean and Roan nodded straight away, which made Huan laugh.


    "Hehe... Well, I wouldn''t do such a thing in normal circumstances. However, this is anything but normal circumstances, to begin with."


    Huan then looked at the twins before asking.


    "First, tell me what you know so far. I''ll talk about my part after that."


    The twins nodded as they told him what they found out. Of course, they didn''t say how they got all the information.


    "I see... First, it is not wrong to say that the situation won''t reach a breaking point anytime soon. This is just speculation from someone who''s watching from the sidelines. Still, I believe that a successor won''t appear during the next few years. After all, the Emperor isn''t that bad."


    Rean immediately asked.


    "So the emperor is really dying?"


    Huan laughed at those words.


    "Dying? Hahaha! Well, it''s not like you''re totally wrong. That''s all I can say."


    Roan narrowed his eyes. Not totally wrong? What does that mean? He really wanted to know. After that, he asked something else.


    "Who do you think will ascend to the throne in the end?"


    Huan shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "Who knows? The Emperor hasn''t shown any preferences so far. Otherwise, you would have seen a crown prince or princess already."


    Rean didn''t like the answer, though.


    "Come on, Prime Minister Huan. You are the closest person to the Emperor, so you should have an idea at the very least, right?"


    Roan obviously thought the same thing as Rean.


    Huan looked at Rean before smiling.


    "Well, I won''t say that he doesn''t have any idea. Still, even he isn''t sure about it yet."


    "Who is it?"


    Huan shook his head as he said.


    "He didn''t tell me. I''m not lying. I really don''t know who it is. It''s just that he only has an idea in mind."


    Roan nodded as he asked.


    "I understand. So, you''re thinking of the same thing as the Alchemist Guild. The next Emperor or Empress won''t appear anytime soon. Would you give it a decade?"


    Huan nodded.


    "With the way things are going, that would be indeed a good estimate."


    Rean also added.


    "In that case, who are you planning to side with? Is it really true that you will only side with the person the Emperor chooses?"


    Huan pondered for a bit before saying.


    "Not really. The Emperor didn''t make me the Prime Minister so that I could be his puppet. We are friends, but when it comes to the Empire''s future, I have the freedom to do whatever I want. If I see that his choice is poor, I will refute it. You must remember that it isn''t just because the Emperor selected someone that he or she will become the next sovereign. He also needs the approval of the court. At the same time, his selection would need to gain the recognition of the rest of the direct competitors."


    Rean and Roan nodded. With an empire at this size, the Emperor''s decision would indeed weigh a lot. Still, he can''t just ignore everyone else.


    Roan then looked at Rean before he nodded. Rean understood his meaning, so he went ahead with the next part of the plan.


    "What if I say that a new competitor for the throne would appear soon? Would you believe me?"


    Huan''s expression changed for a second before it quickly returned to normal.


    "A new competitor? Who are you talking about?"


    "Calina Sasamil."


    "Calina..."


    Huan thought about that name for a moment before asking.


    "Isn''t that the name of the half-blood direct descendant who died?"


    Rean nodded.


    "The one and the same. Calina hasn''t died, though. She is very well alive and kicking."


    "Oh! Now that I think about it, the place she died was really located in the region of your Jialin Country. So she faked her death, huh?"


    Rean nodded as he said.


    "You don''t seem that surprised."


    Huan laughed in response as he said.


    "Well, she is far from being the first one doing it. This is a war for the throne, after all. Still, it is not a good thing to fool the Imperial Family, you know?"


    Rean smiled, not caring too much.


    "It''s fine. There''s one thing about the information you can get that isn''t wrong. Calina was really targeted because of her half-Chrole bloodline. If we didn''t intervene by coincidence, she would be dead already. It shouldn''t be a surprise for someone of your status that Chrole Bloodline descendants are being targeted, right?"


    Huan didn''t mind confirming it.


    "I see what you mean. That is Calina''s way of keeping herself alive. By the way, was it her who sent the two of you here?"


    Rean nodded, not mind that lie at all. Their plan was to make Calina the next Empress, so they had to make it look like she was planning everything.


    "I see. Well, what makes you think Calina has a chance of taking the throne to begin with? She has no influence whatsoever. Her being considered dead wouldn''t help with that either."


    Roan then looked at Huan before saying.


    "It''s quite simple. Once the Emperor makes his move, one''s influence will matter little."


    Eventually, an expression of shock appeared on Huan''s face as he looked at the twins. However, he quickly noticed a faint smile appearing on the twins'' faces. He, the Prime Minister, had fallen for their trap. His expression quickly returned to normal before saying with a displeased voice.


    "You have quite the guts to play with me like that, you know?"


    Roan always thought that the Emperor would make a move. Rean didn''t have a reason to doubt it either. All the information they had been collecting so far was to guarantee that they would be ready for it. Still, neither of them had any confirmation... until now. Huan''s expression when they mentioned that was all the confirmation they needed. From now on, they could work on this line of thought.

 Chapter 458 - Its Your Job!

    Rean then laughed as he said.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine. No one''s here to eavesdrop anyway, so who cares? If you''re afraid that we will spread this news, rest assured. It won''t happen. Well, it''s not like someone would believe us anyway."


    Huan then mentioned.


    "I could destroy your plans by simply spreading the news that Calina is alive, you know? I have no doubt that the First Prince''s faction would be more than willing to go after her in your Dalamu Sect''s territory."


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    "That would be the same as saying that you want to take one side. After all, they would mean you messed with one of the candidates'' plans for this throne fight."


    Huan shrugged his shoulders in response.


    "I can simply use someone else to spread this news without others knowing that I did it."


    Rean still didn''t seem to care.


    "That would still mean that you want to choose a different side. Others might not know of it, but you do. Are you really going to step over your pride to bring this news out?"


    Huan snorted as he asked.


    "Are you waging a war of words with me, boy?"


    "Hahaha! As long as it works, then why not? This is a secret meeting that no one knows about anyway."


    Huan narrowed his eyes as he looked at the twins once again. Still, he sighed in the end once he thought about Old Worm the previous day. If not for that, he would teach these twins a lesson. He only said that he wouldn''t kill them to Werxa. A small beating wouldn''t be that much to worry about.


    "Whatever. So what if Calina joins the fight later? What does it have to do with me anyway? You said it yourself, right? The princes and princesses'' influences won''t matter in the end."


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s not entirely true. You said it yourself as well. If the Emperor''s decision is not of your liking, you wouldn''t mind refuting it. In that case, even if she is chosen in the end, she will still need your approval."


    Huan narrowed his eyes.


    "So you want my support. Why should I do it? It''s not like she would be better or worse than other candidates. If anything, the others have a lot more experience."


    Rean nodded as he said in response to his words.


    "They do. However, most of them still wish to attack Chrole. However, that would be the most idiotic option out of all of the possible options. Calina, on the other hand, has a half bloodline between Chrole and Sasamil. She is perfect for mediating this conflict once she is chosen by the Emperor. Chrole would have a reason to at least hear what she says, and Sasamil would be hers, to begin with."


    Huan shook his head as he asked.


    "Do you think it would be that simple?"


    Rean smiled once more.


    "According to this answer of yours, it seems like you also don''t wish for this war to happen."


    Huan didn''t mind.


    "Obviously. Still, I do understand the other princes and princesses as well. The Chrole bloodline had spread inside the Imperial Family. Only now, with this huge opposition, it ceased to happen. Them being afraid of Chrole taking over Sasamil isn''t totally unfounded. If Calina, a half-bloodline, really is chosen by the Emperor, everyone would become even more concerned."


    Rean didn''t deny that.


    "That''s true. However, this is an inevitable step whether everyone likes it or not. Without seeing what Calina will do for the Empire first, you can''t expect people to simply accept her out of nowhere. This is an Empire. Changing the opinion of others is not something that can be done in just a few days. It will take years of effort, as everything else does."


    Huan then asked the twins.


    "And what if she really decides to side with them and push the Empire into a fusion with Chrole? Can you guarantee that she won''t change her mind? Don''t try to be naive here. The Imperial Family members themselves wanted her dead. Would she have a reason to wish for their wellbeing?"


    Rean couldn''t answer that. After all, he can''t predict the future. Calina seemed to be deadset on stopping this possible war. However, does it mean that she doesn''t want both empires to be together? Even if she doesn''t for now, what about the future? There is no doubt that she will receive harsh treatment from most Imperial Family Members if she succeeded in taking the throne. Would her heart not waver to the Chrole side at that time?


    Rean then gritted his teeth as he pointed at Huan.


    "That''s where you come in! You, more than anyone else, must support her so that she will never think about such a thing!"


    "What?!"


    Huan was taken aback by that answer.


    "Are you throwing all the weight on my back, just like that?"


    Rean didn''t care as he continued.


    "That''s the only way out if you don''t want her to change her mind in the end. You are the Prime Minister, so act like one. Give your support to the Empress. Or at least, do it as long as the sovereign is doing their best for the Empire. That''s your job!"


    Huan felt a headache coming.


    "Do you even know how complicated such a thing would be? Don''t speak as if all that is needed is to have my support."


    "It''s not only your support. At that point, if the Emperor is still alive, he will be supporting her as well. The Prime Minister and the previous Emperor. Although that is far from being enough, that''s an excellent start. I''ll be honest here. I don''t think the Emperor wishes for a war either."


    Huan was speechless as he thought about the talk with Old Worm.


    ''Is this why you were so interested in them? Fine, I admit. They are interesting... and fucking annoying as well!''


    Huan then massaged his temples as he replied.


    "My support will be given to the one who deserves it. That''s all I can say. If Calina can prove herself, then I might consider the idea. Let''s see what happens when the time comes."


    Rean sighed in relief as he looked at Roan. This was his idea to start with, so Roan decided to stay by the sides and just observe till the very end.

 Chapter 459 - Going Back

    "As long as you keep her in mind, then that''s okay. She has the talent and the resolve to do it."


    Huan shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "That''s what you''re saying, not me. I only believe in what I see, and the First and Fifth Princes are the best ones so far. Even if it turns into a war, in the end, I will still select the one I think that''s best suited for it."


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    "Well, is that all you wanted to ask? I have a court session this afternoon, so I can''t waste too much time here. I''ve seen everything I wanted already, after all."


    Rean then continued.


    "Well, you probably won''t answer it anyway. I want to know what happened to Vagro Sasamil and his wife. They are Calina''s parents, after all. I know that it seems like Vagro tried to start a coup, but this story doesn''t seem right. The only thing I''m certain is that they are alive."


    Huan pondered for a bit before saying.


    "You''re right. I can''t tell you anything about that. Anything else?"


    The twins shook their heads. They really didn''t expect to get an answer to that question anyway. Still, Roan got his confirmation about the time, while Rean got to put Calina into the man''s head. That was basically everything they came here for. Well, they didn''t even think they could have a chance to meet Huan before, so the current situation was already great.


    "Very well. Let me call that annoying guy back."


    A few moments later, Werxa returned to the garden and sighed in relief. The twins seemed to be fine, which was what he cared most about.


    "So, will you still not tell me what that was all about?"


    Huan shook his head.


    "It has nothing to do with you. Anyway, you three can leave already. Remember, this meeting never happened."


    Werxa, Rean, and Roan then went to the exit, soon leaving Huan''s mansion through the same secret passage as before. Huan then stayed there, looking at the cup of tea.


    "How long will you keep looking? Come out already."


    As soon as Huan said that, Old Worm then appeared in the garden like a ghost.


    "So, what do you think?"


    Huan glanced at him before saying.


    "Are they really just 16 years old? It doesn''t seem like that. First of all, how can they cultivate that fast without a Light or Darkness cultivation manual?"


    Old Worm nodded as he said.


    "I know. That''s why they''re interesting. Rean and Roan definitely have some secrets hidden, but I won''t pry into it. Everyone has their own secrets, after all."


    Huan sighed and added.


    "Alright. I have to admit that the Light and Dark Element exchange was intriguing. I just don''t understand why they want to promote Calina to the throne. Was it really her who convinced those two to follow her? It doesn''t matter how I look into it. They don''t seem the type that cares about imperial power."


    Old Worm shook his head as he responded.


    "It''s not like having a member of the Imperial Family owing them is bad either."


    Huan narrowed his eyes before letting out a sigh.


    "Fine. Let''s just see what will happen in the future, then. Perhaps they have some connection to the prophecy. I''m going to the court session."


    Old Worm nodded and immediately left the garden without anyone noticing.


    Back at Rean and Roan''s side, Werxa showered them with questions. Of course, they didn''t say anything related to the conversation, much to Werxa''s displeasure.


    "Fine. Anyway, let''s go back to the guild. You need to come out the same way you entered to not raise suspicion."


    After they came back, Rean and Roan bid their farewells before leaving the Alchemist Guild.


    On the way back, the two talked through their Soul Connection.


    ''What do you think?''


    ''Huan accepted the information way too easily.''


    ''So you also think that way. I thought Huan would laugh it out and not take my claims about Calina to heart.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''I can''t help but feel like he was expecting that.''


    Rean agreed with him.


    ''He said that it wasn''t anything rare for direct descendants to fake their deaths during the fight for the throne. Still, he took it too lightly.''


    ''Do you think he already knew about Calina''s fake death? If so, then he also knows where she is and what she''s doing.''


    Roan shook his head in response.


    ''I don''t know. However, there is one thing bothering me.''


    Rean knew what he wanted to say.


    ''The fact that he agreed to at least consider Calina''s position even though her father tried a coup not long ago, right?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''In normal circumstances, Huan wouldn''t even try to hear you since that coup was a bad stain on Calina''s records. Once she tried to ascend to the throne, others would definitely point it out. That and the fact that she has a half-Chrole bloodline would make most people immediately give up.''


    Rean sighed after hearing that.


    ''It is as we thought. There is a lot more behind this event between Vagro and the Emperor.''


    Roan agreed with him.


    ''In any case, we can just wait for the changes to happen to see how we will deal with it. For now, our main objective here in the capital could be said to have been completed. Let''s just finish the rest of the arrangements from now on.''


    ''Alright. Mom and Dad should arrive anytime soon, so let''s go back.''


    The two then sped up to the teleport formation and went back to the Dalamu Sect''s residence in the Inner City.


    Sure enough, it was like they were informed. Sometime after they arrived, an enormous flying demon beast appeared above the Dalamu Sect''s residence. Normally, such a thing wouldn''t be permitted unless the demon beast was at the 7th stage and accompanied by another Saint Realm cultivator. However, it had the crest of the Sasamil Imperial Family, so it was allowed to ignore those rules.


    On top of the bird, one could see a few people. Rean and Roan only needed a single glance to identify two of them, their parents in this world.

 Chapter 460 - Helping Out

    The flying demon beast quickly landed on the garden of the residence. Turen and Harmalia then came down as they looked around their surroundings with curious eyes. They had never gone further than the closest city of the Varen Tribe, Astreg. But right now, not only did they leave the country in one go, but they were also brought to the Imperial Capital.


    They still hadn''t taken everything in. After all, their knowledge about the Empire was basically nil. That showed just how isolated the Varen Tribe was. Even Jury only knew about their Empire''s name. He had no idea how to get there. Sure enough, Jury also came together as the representative of their Varen Tribe. Alanda then stayed behind to act as the interim head of the tribe.


    The twins then came forward to see them.


    "Mom, dad, you finally arrived."


    Harmalia''s eyes lit up as she spotted her kids.


    "Rean, Roan!"


    They could see her holding their little sister in her arms, who had grown quite a bit in the past year or so. Harmalia then put Rana down and quickly hugged the two.


    "Why do I have to always wait a few years every time to see you two? You should come and visit us more often, not the other way around."


    Rean smiled as he apologized.


    "Sorry, mom. But look, I got to bring you to the capital of the Empire, didn''t I? I even got you a daughter-in-law who''s a princess."


    Roan snorted after hearing that but didn''t comment. He knew better than anyone else how much Rean didn''t want that to happen.


    "What, you have a problem?"


    "Nope. I hope you two will be happy for life and that your mutual love grows even bigger."


    Rean''s mouth twitched, but he didn''t talk back.


    Turen then put his hand on Rean''s shoulders before asking.


    "So, tell me. Is it true that you impregnated a princess?"


    Rean almost vomited blood. He had already forgotten about that rumor after the exam.


    "Ahem... Don''t worry, that''s all just a misunderstanding. Qia is not pregnant at all."


    Harmalia narrowed her eyes as she said.


    "Explain everything. Don''t hide anything from us. What the hell happened?"


    Rean could only repeat the same excuse as always, pretending that they were really in love with each other and all that. Roan enjoyed seeing Rean doing that since he knew that Rean didn''t want to do it.


    "I see. To be honest, your mother still doesn''t know very well what it means to marry a princess of the Empire."


    Turen agreed with her as he added.


    "We only began to get an idea after we entered this city and got to fly on that demon beast. Is the Empire really that powerful? How much stronger is it than Jialin?"


    Rean laughed out loud in response. But just as he was about to answer, a little hand grabbed his and Roan''s clothes. They looked down and saw the little girl looking at them with curious eyes.


    Rean couldn''t help but get down to take Rana in his arms... or so he tried. Unfortunately, Roan was faster.


    "Don''t get close to her. Those who impregnate women before marriage are not good examples."


    Roan then looked at the little girl with a faint smile before saying.


    "Rana, your brother is a playboy. Make sure you never get close to him."


    Rean''s eyes went dark.


    "Are you looking for a fight?"


    Roan snorted as he said.


    "You? Can you even do something to me?"


    "You might be stronger, but my recovery is faster than yours."


    "It will also make you use more energy."


    "It''s enough as long as I give you a good beating."


    "You can try."


    Rean then grabbed Roan''s robe as he shouted.


    "Let me hold her a little!"


    Roan didn''t give up, though.


    "In your dreams!"


    Suddenly...


    *Pah! Pah!*


    Turen slapped the heads of the twins.


    "What kind of example are you showing to her?"


    *giggle*


    It was then that they heard a faint laugh coming from the little girl who watched the twins'' argument. The two then looked at Rana and couldn''t help but smile.


    Harmalia was especially surprised since, as their mother, she knew how difficult it was to make Roan smile. The number of times it happened could probably be counted on two hands.


    "Well, she seems to like you two even though she hasn''t seen you since you left the tribe last time. She is almost two years old, you know?"


    Rean and Roan nodded. Soon after, Rean''s hand lit up as Light Element gathered on his finger. Roan knew what he was going to do, so he did the same thing. However, his finger had the Dark Element.


    They touched the little girl''s head, and soon, she fell asleep. Well, it was better to say that she was knocked out.


    "What did you do?"


    Harmalia became a bit concerned. However, Turen quickly held her back.


    "Don''t worry, they are her brothers."


    Harmalia looked at Turen''s smile and calmed down.


    Roan then fed a pill to Rana before the twins worked together to clean all her meridians. Roan''s Dark Element destroyed any impurity that might be there, while Rean made sure to protect them. If they found any path that didn''t seem good, Roan destroyed it, and Rean healed it right after while making sure to achieve the correct form.


    This was basically the same effect that Roan infused in his pills. However, with Rean and Roan controlling the Light Element and Dark Elements, it worked several times better. The pill''s medicinal liquid was quickly used with the Light Element to achieve the best possible recovery.


    Of course, Rana was still two years old and hadn''t cultivated yet. Because of that, her meridian paths were still closed. Only after she had gone through the Body Transformation would she finally start to open the channels. Nonetheless, with the twins'' help, she would definitely have a much easier time doing so.


    As one could imagine, they made her fall to sleep because the Dark Element stung a lot. They didn''t want Rana to experience that.

 Chapter 461 - It Seems

    A few minutes after they finished their work, Rean used his Light Element to wake the little girl up again. Of course, he also explained what they exactly did to her, much to Turen and Harmalia''s happiness.


    The girl looked around, not knowing what happened at all. The only thing she noticed was that her body was covered in a sticky dark fluid, which was the destroyed impurities that the twins drove out of her body.


    Harmalia smiled before saying.


    "It seems like someone needs a bath."


    Roan nodded as he passed Rana back to her.


    "Rean and I had just developed this method some time ago. Later, we will do the same thing to you two. It won''t be as effective as with Rana due to your age, but it will help."


    Turen and Harmalia nodded in response.


    It was then that someone else asked.


    "Ahem... Since you are already at it, what about doing the same thing for this old man and the others here?"


    Sure enough, Jury also became very interested in that.


    "Hahaha! Sure, leave it to us."


    Other than Harmalia, Turen, and Jury, there were also a few members of the Varen Tribe there. Most of them were Rean and Roan''s classmates from back in the tribe. The Imperial Family''s people asked that Rean should have a bit more company from his home, so he asked them to come as well.


    Roan also nodded. This was quite a simple process, and the pill he used was not a Cross-Realm Pill, to begin with. That was basically a neutral healing pill that he always kept with him if he couldn''t use the Light Element. It was far cheaper than the former.


    The only other person present other than them was the Imperial Family subordinate who controlled the flying demon beast. However, Rean and Roan didn''t tell him what they did, nor did he seem to care. After confirming that everything was okay, he simply left with the demon beast. Rean and his parents would only see Nivol and Ariana the next day, after all.


    The visitors then came to know Droman and Old Worm. After that, they talked about the Alchemist and Formations Guild Main Brach exams. Jury and their parents also talked about how the Varen Tribe was doing. Their tribe''s position in the northeast side corner of Jialin was sturdier than ever.


    Multiple tribes were wishing to join them. However, Jury kept things slow. After the last merge, he was quite busy dealing with everything, so he wouldn''t try to bite more than he could chew.


    The twins also asked about Mivo Yalen, the boy with the Purple Color talent. Jury sighed as he told them that Mivo was supposed to start cultivating after five years of age. He then said that his purple talent was awe-inspiring. The blockage that usually stopped people from cultivating before that age seemed to not exist for him.


    He seemed to have copied his parents when they were using the Body Transformation manual and quickly advanced between stages. Mivo''s parents were both delighted and concerned to see that. After all, a purple talent was just too frightening. Fortunately, the twins and Jury had already decided to take him to the Dalamu Sect once he spent a few years cultivating in the tribe.


    It was then that Jury looked at Rean and Roan. Even with Mivo''s Purple Talent, he wasn''t as good as Rean and Roan.


    ''Oh well, those two are reincarnations, after all. Comparing their minds to a four to five-year-old kid is not fair to start with. Perhaps Mivo would be as good as them if he had the same conditions.''


    Jury then continued to talk about the tribe.


    The two large tribes that also lived in their sector didn''t dare to touch Varen since Rean, Roan, and Malaka were still Dalamu Sect members. Jury, in exchange, also didn''t try to start any grudges with them. Others would use their status as a tribe with a Dalamu Sect member to force others. However, Jury didn''t want that. He always thought about the repercussions in case Rean''s group suddenly disappeared or died.


    Sometime later, Rean and Roan also helped clean the meridians of everyone who came. It wouldn''t make them geniuses or anything like that, but it definitely would help out in the long term.


    However, Roan got his cauldron from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and made medicinal pastes to help his parents. Turen and Harmalia felt like crying due to the pain, but they understood that Roan was doing it for their well-being. As for Rana, he didn''t do such a thing. She was too young and needed to wait for her body to develop more before passing through such a thing.


    Rean spent most of his time playing with Rana and talking with the others.  Roan was there as well, but he was the same as always, not talking that much. Well, that was the Roan that everyone knew, so it felt better that way.


    The day quickly passed, and everyone went to sleep. Even the twins decided to not force themselves to stay awake with Spiritual Energy. It was due time for them to turn off their brains a little. With Droman and Old Worm there, they were pretty much safe anyway.


    Once Rean opened his eyes again, he felt like his body was light to the point of floating. Sure enough, using Spiritual Energy to not sleep might not leave side effects behind. Nevertheless, it can''t make up for the tiredness of the mind.


    He soon came out of his room and went downstairs to meet his parents. Roan was already there eating Harmalia''s deserts. Obviously, calling Rean was the last thing he would do.


    However, Rean quickly noticed that there were some visitors as well.


    "Rean!"


    In the end, Rean didn''t have to go to the Imperial Palace with his parents to see Qia since she came out by herself. Her master was also there.


    Harmalia then looked at Rean with a smile before saying.


    "Rean, you chose a perfect daughter-in-law for your mother."


    Seeing that the play had to continue, he once again stepped forward.


    ''The marriage it is, it seems.''

 Chapter 462 - Hard

    "So, you got to meet my parents before talking to me?"


    Qia didn''t seem to care.


    "Of course! Paying respect to my father and mother-in-law is extremely important. Besides, you will be able to see me anytime you want after we get married. However, that''s not the case for them. I need to make things proper."


    Harmalia couldn''t help but hug Qia, much to the girl''s surprise. Well, what could she expect? Harmalia came from a small tribe at the corner of the Empire. She didn''t even know what it was to be considered a princess of the Empire very well. All that mattered was that Qia liked her son.


    Qia wasn''t used to that kind of thing either. Her guards, which would obviously be with her since she was a princess, also looked at each other without being sure if they should reprimand Harmalia or not. However... she was Qia''s future mother-in-law. It''s just that this kind of display of affection between families was completely out of place in the Imperial Family.


    "Ahem... Mom, she is a princess, you know? It''s quite disrespectful to hug her in front of everyone else."


    It was then that Qia saw a chance to look even better in Rean''s eyes and hugged Hamarlia back.


    "What are you saying? The fact that your mother likes me this much is nothing but an honor. Lady Harmalia, I hope to live to your expectations. I''ll be sure to give you a lot of grandchildren."


    Harmalia''s eyes lit up as she looked at Qia.


    "Good! Good! There is nothing that this old woman would like more than having a house full of grandchildren."


    Rean felt a chill on his back. Lots of grandchildren? Is she crazy? He didn''t want kids at all! First of all, he was from modern Earth, where having kids at such young age was considered a bad thing. He was obviously thinking the same way up to now. From where did she get that idea?


    Roan, who was still eating the desserts, looked at Rean and said.


    "I didn''t expect to become an uncle so soon. Try ''hard,'' beloved brother."


    [Hahaha! Great! Let''s do it like this. I will record the moment of conception. How about that?]


    Roan nodded as he replied.


    ''It''s rare for me to ever agree with Sister Orb, but this seems like a good idea.''


    ''Good idea, your asses! Are you trying to fuck me up? Can you imagine how much a kid would implicate our plans? Fuck you two!''


    Sister Orb laughed even more as Roan faintly smiled while eating his dessert.


    Qia and Harmalia didn''t hear the part where they talked with Sister Orb, but they still heard the ''hard'' part. Both girls understood what Roan meant by that.


    "You brat! How can you say such things in front of women?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders but didn''t comment anything else.


    Qia looked down with an embarrassed face before saying.


    "Be-Being hard is important... to make more kids."


    Rean almost vomited blood! What the hell are you saying, girl? Shouldn''t princesses try to avoid such topics? Are you actually a fake?


    Turen then looked at Rean and saw how his expression darkened. It was then that one possible thought popped into his mind.


    "Rean... Could it be that you have problems getting hard?"


    The room went silent as everyone looked at Rean with weird expressions. As for Rean, he wanted to die already...


    "I''m very healthy, thank you!"


    Turen and Harmalia sighed in relief. That would have been a big blow to them if they found out that Rean couldn''t do such a thing. Otherwise, their grandchildren wouldn''t appear at all!


    Qia''s guards kept pretending to not hear anything when one of them finally stepped out.


    "Ahem... Princess Qia, we have an appointment with your parents. Shouldn''t we depart already?"


    "Oh!"


    Qia then looked at Harmalia and Turen before saying.


    "Let''s go! I''ll bring you to meet my parents as well. I''m sure they will like you two."


    Turen and Harmalia nodded. That''s what they were waiting for anyway. Jury also got up and followed Qia with Rean. The other people who came with them didn''t go, though. After all, they were only guests for the marriage ceremony. As for Roan...


    ''Why are you coming? Aren''t you the type who hates this kind of thing?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''I do hate this kind of thing. However, I do love making your life worse. So how could I let a chance slip?''


    ''Go to hell!''


    [Don''t be sad, Rean. These are going to be good memories when you become old. I''ll make sure to record everything when that time comes.]


    ''Good memories, your ass!''


    Although he complained, neither Roan nor Sister Orb let it go, so they followed as well.


    Turen and Harmalia were already impressed by the size of the Dalamu Sect''s residence. However, when they saw the Core Region of the city, they became even more shocked. Let alone when they saw the Imperial Family at the center of the Core City Region.


    "Re-Rean... Are we going to that place?"


    The Palace was simply gigantic. The guards at the front gate couldn''t even be considered ants compared to the enormous building. Turen and Harmalia were finally starting to understand just what kind of background Qia had.


    Rean nodded as he said.


    "Qia is a princess of the Empire, after all. Logically, she lives in the Imperial Palace."


    Harmalia couldn''t help but ask.


    "Sa-Say, my son. Just how important is an Imperial Princess?"


    Rean pondered for a bit. That was quite a difficult question.


    "Hmm... It depends a lot on the status of the princess or prince. Qia ranks quite high among the descendants of the direct bloodline, so you could say that even Jialin Country''s king wouldn''t dare offend her. Otherwise, he might even lose his head."


    When it came to their own country, Turen and Harmalia had a bit more understanding. The Jialin Royal Family was supreme in the Jialin Country, but even their king was nothing in front of their soon-to-be daughter-in-law.


    Turen quickly put his arm around Rean''s shoulder after hearing that.


    "Just one or two kids is not enough. You better make sure to give your mother and me at least five of them. Don''t worry about that part, okay? Your father has a special medicine that works wonders when it comes to a man''s ferocity."


    Rean''s mouth twitched in response. This guy seemed a lot different from his usual father.

 Chapter 463 - Date Of Marriage

    The group then passed through the palace''s gate. Rean and Roan looked at the guards around and had to admit that the Empire''s strength was truly impressive. The weakest guards at the palace were at the very least at the Nascent Soul Realm. This kind of realm was considered god-like in small countries like Jialin. Nevertheless, they were nothing more than simple guards in the Imperial Family.


    Some of them used different uniforms as the energy emanating from there was much higher. Droman then told the two that they were all at the Soul Forging Realm, just like him and Old Worm. As Rean''s master, Droman obviously followed him for this encounter. Well, it was because of his existence that this marriage was happening to begin with.


    Not too long after, they finally arrived at a hall where a banquet was prepared for them.


    "Please come inside. My parents will be here shortly."


    Harmalia and Turen nodded as they took their seats. Even now, they were having issues calming themselves down. Everything here was just too luxurious��a stark contrast to their life in the Varen Tribe.


    It was then that Rean heard his mother whisper a question.


    "Rean, is it really okay for us to be here? I can''t help but feel like we''re out of place."


    Rean nodded as he replied.


    "I know how you feel since I feel the same. It took quite some time for me to get used to the Imperial Capital. Of course, I have to admit that this hall is quite imposing."


    Suddenly, the door on the other side of the hall opened. From inside, Nivol and Ariana came in. But that wasn''t all. Behind them, two other couples followed. Qia looked at them and smiled.


    "Brother, sister, I see that you brought your partners as well. That''s great!"


    They were Qia''s siblings with their own husbands and wives. Qia told Rean before that they also went through political marriages.


    "So I can finally meet my brother-in-law, huh?"


    Qia''s older brother came forward as he extended his hand. He had heard from his parents about Rean being Droman''s disciple, so he understood what this marriage meant for the Sasamil Imperial Family.


    "I''m Luan Sasamil. Nice to meet you."


    Qia''s sister also did the same thing.


    "And I''m Fumina Sasamil, Qia''s older sister."


    Rean smiled as he reciprocated their gestures.


    "Oh, hi! I''m Rean Larks, Qia''s groom."


    Fumina then looked at Qia by his side and was taken aback for a moment. Soon after, she sent a Spiritual Message to Luan.


    ''Mother told us that Qia got a bonus from this political marriage. Pay attention to Qia''s expression.''


    Luan was surprised by that message, so he quickly looked at Qia. Sure enough, he also noticed. Qia was their sister, after all. They were not that far off in age, with Qia being nothing more than five years younger than Luan, the eldest. Thanks to that, they grew up together. Obviously, they knew their youngest sister very well.


    ''That''s not the usual fake smile.''


    Fumina nodded.


    ''She seems to be really looking forward to it. No wonder mother appeared to be happy when she told me that.''


    Both siblings couldn''t help but sigh. Nevertheless, they were happy for her. At the very least, she found someone she really wanted. It''s not like they hate their partners. Neither side treats and is mistreated. Unfortunately, their relationships were a lot... colder...


    Luan then put his hand on Rean''s shoulders before saying.


    "I''m counting on you."


    Rean didn''t quite understand what he meant by that but nodded nonetheless.


    "Leave it to me."


    While Rean talked with Qia''s siblings, Nivol and Ariana also complimented Rean''s parents.


    "So you are Rean and Roan''s parents, huh? I''m really impressed that you were able to bring out such amazing siblings considering the place you came from. Even as an Imperial Family member, I''m quite jealous of their talents. Especially since they have this special connection regarding elements. Truly impressive."


    Ariana shook her head as she said.


    "That doesn''t matter that much, dear. What matters is that our Qia has finally found the one she loves."


    Harmalia was a little nervous, but she still tried to be as polite as possible. Turen did what he could as well. They could tell that their status was a lot further apart than what they first imagined. Well, they were simply afraid of offending Qia''s parents.


    Qia''s parents didn''t care, though. For them, what mattered was Rean''s status as Droman''s disciple. Well, Ariana still thought that her daughter''s luck was great.


    "Come on, let''s sit and eat. We need to discuss a lot about the upcoming marriage. We would like to make it official as fast as possible."


    Harmalia and Turen nodded. Well, the fact was that they were in constant contact with Jury. After so long and with so many Spirit Stones provided by Rean, they had finally reached the Energy Gathering Realm. Now, they could finally use Spiritual Sense to talk. Well, it''s not like Jury had much experience in this kind of situation anyway, but he did his best to help.


    For Rean and Roan, that was a good thing. So he quickly agreed with the idea.


    "Qia and I would love to marry straight away as well."


    With that, he could go back to Jialin sooner and begin his Circuitry Formation Studies.


    Nivol nodded as he looked at Droman.


    "What does Sir Droman think about the current situation?"


    In the end, Droman''s opinion was the most important in Nivol''s eyes.


    "Hahaha! Can''t you see how much those two want to be together? Why should we prevent that from happening? Just make it so that the ceremony starts as fast as possible. Besides, I have a lot of work to do back in Dalamu because of the Communication System. So the faster, the better."


    Nivol happily smiled as he replied.


    "Great! I thought that it would be the case, so I already began the preparations. The marriage will happen five days from now. Does everyone agree with this time?"


    Rean, his parents, and his master nodded. That would be for the best.

 Chapter 464 - Called Over

    With everything now set in stone, both sides'' parents began to discuss the arrangements. Well, it was more like Nivol and Ariana taking the lead since Harmalia and Turen didn''t know that much about the Imperial Family''s customs. Later that night, the twins went back to the Dalamu Sect''s residence with their parents and Jury. Qia stayed behind with her own family, though.


    Rean then went back to his own room and continued to ponder about his experiences during the last few days in the Formation Master Exam. Droman was there as well, helping him with everything possible.


    As for Roan, he didn''t stay in the house. Instead, he left straight away without saying where he was going. Well, Rean knew where he was going, though.


    Back in the Black Market, a figure suddenly appeared on the teleport formation. He quickly exited the building before heading to one of the shops available there. Naturally, this figure was Roan. He had once again changed his appearance and came back to buy the Dark World skill.


    "Oh! So this customer is back. It''s been a few days since I saw you last time."


    Roan nodded before asking.


    "Do you still have the Dark World skill for sale?"


    The man''s eyes lit up as he responded.


    "But of course! Give me a second."


    The man went inside and quickly came back with the book Roan had seen before.


    "As mentioned before, it costs 200 Rank Four Spirit Stones."


    Roan obtained 450 Rank Four Spirit Stones from obtaining 2nd place in the alchemist exam, so he didn''t have a problem paying for it this time. Of course, it still pained him to see almost half of the Rank Four Spirit Stones he had disappearing that way. It was the first batch of Rank Four Spirit Stones he ever got, after all.


    "Here."


    The man quickly checked the bag and laughed.


    "Hahaha! Very good! Our deal is now completed. By the way, don''t you fancy any of our other products?"


    Roan didn''t care about the vendor and only looked at the manual. After confirming that it was the real deal, he simply turned around and left. He already checked the other shops, and there were a few interesting things among them. However, they were also expensive and not as important as this one.


    Well, on the way out, Roan noticed that he was being followed once again. It was most likely because he paid for the book with Rank Four Spirit Stones while he was only in the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Roan couldn''t tell what those guys'' strengths were, so he didn''t take any risks. After making a curve in a corner, he immediately entered the Soul Gem Realm. Following that, he used a few Rank Three Spirit Stones to teleport back to his room.


    Roan made the right decision. Rank Four Spirit Stones were very important even for Nascent Soul Realm cultivators. There were quite a few Core and Soul Fusion Realm between those who were after him. Obviously, they didn''t know how Roan disappeared out of nowhere. Because of that, they kept looking for him in the area for quite a few hours.


    Back in the Dalamu Residence, Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Is it really that good?''


    Roan glanced at him before nodding.


    ''The guy who created it used an interesting approach. He didn''t create the Dark World skill by simply spreading his Spiritual Energy over a large area. Instead, he used something like a spider web layout. Very thin threads of Spiritual Energy fused with Yin Energy. It saves a lot of Spiritual Energy while the Spiritual and Yin Energies gathered the Dark Element. That''s how his Dark World came to be.''


    Rean then asked something else.


    ''But in that case, this Dark World is very inferior to what you could do by spreading Spiritual Energy all around. Chances are high that you won''t be able to achieve complete darkness.''


    Roan agreed with him.


    ''I know. However, considering the limitation of vision and how much Spiritual Energy it uses, it''s still worth it, especially for someone like us who has much bigger Spiritual Energy Pools.''


    Roan also took the chance to ask something else to Rean.


    ''What about your new element control? Can you use Zuan''s skills already?''


    Rean then opened his hand as Spiritual Energy gathered. Soon after, Fire Element was pulled out, and a fireball appeared on top of it, floating.


    ''Fire is a Yang Element, so it wasn''t too hard to use it to an acceptable degree. Ancestor Zuan''s skills are also superb. Although it''s not as easy as Light or Dark Element, I should be able to use it in combat already. It will become incredibly handy once I can forge equipment with its help.''


    Roan nodded. Rean had acquired that Yang Energy cultivation technique from Zuan after the war. Since then, he had allocated some of his time to practice it. Of course, he didn''t care about the cultivation technique part of the manual since he had a cultivation technique already.  He focused more on the Yang Energy manipulation and the Fire Skills that used it.


    Sometime later, Rean went back to his own room.


    The next day, invitations were sent out of the Imperial Palace everywhere. Obviously, those were the invitations regarding the wedding ceremony between Qia and Rean. Soon enough, the capital turned lively with the news as multiple important figures confirmed their presence.


    However, Rean couldn''t care less about that at the moment. That was because he had received an invitation from the Formations Guild, telling him that the Guild Leader, Saya, wanted to see him. Without much choice, he went there.


    It was then that he found Havek and Balia there as well.


    "Good, you three are here."


    Balia seemed to be out of place, nervous that something was wrong. Havek, on the other hand, seemed to already know what was happening... or so Rean thought. That guy always had a confident expression at all times.


    "What''s going on?"


    Saya smiled before saying.


    "I want the three of you to represent the Sasamil Empire Formation Master Guild in the next world competition."

 Chapter 465 - In The Future

    Rean immediately remembered Roan''s invitation for the same thing.


    "Hahaha! Guild Leader really knows what she''s doing. To invite this god to participate is the same as guaranteeing first place. Very well, let''s see what the other Formation Master Guilds of the world have to offer."


    Sure enough, Havek was filled with confidence, as always.


    Balia, on the other hand, was the polar opposite of that guy.


    "Bu-But... I was just lucky that my invention caught the elders'' eyes. I di-didn''t have a good place in the previous stages of the competition like Havek and Rean. I-I don''t think... I''m suitable for it."


    Havek looked at her before shouting.


    "What the hell are you talking about?!"


    Balia immediately dropped her head in fear. Nevertheless, Havek continued.


    "Even though this god came up with that new formation on the spot, it is true that your formation was better. Otherwise, how could I have lost?"


    Havek then grabbed the girl''s cheeks with one hand and lifted her head.


    "Defeating this deity was the proof that you were holding back during the previous tests. Now you have the chance of participating in the same competition with this god once again. Why would you give up like that? No can do! If you don''t come, how can I regain my pride as the best? Guild Leader, this girl will participate as well. It''s decided."


    Balia didn''t know what to say. Isn''t that way too overbearing? Still, she was just too scared to even complain about it.


    *Pah!*


    All of a sudden, Rean slapped Havek''s head at the back, which made him release his grasp on Balia straight away.


    "Why did you do that?"


    "Do you even need to ask? That''s not how you treat a lady, idiot. As a member of the Imperial Family, you should have at least this bit of common sense."


    Havek looked at his hand before nodding.


    "My rival is right. This god went overboard. When it comes to formations, I''m not very good at holding back my emotions. Alright! Lady Balia, listen carefully since this will be a rare moment that is worth more than all spirit stones in the world, the moment I apologize for my mistake. I''m sorry."


    Balia, Saya, and Rean simply didn''t know what to say anymore. Just how the hell did this guy turn out like that? Well, Rean could at least tell that deep, deep, really deeeeeeeeeeep inside, he wasn''t that bad.


    Saya sighed before she continued.


    "Well then. Balia, Havek has always been like that, so you won''t get anything better. In any case, he was right about one thing. You were obviously holding back during the previous exams, just making sure to be good enough to enter the next phase. Did you really think you could fool the Formations Guild Leader''s eyes?"


    Balia dropped her head again, embarrassed.


    "I''m- I''m sorry."


    Saya nodded, not minding too much.


    "That''s okay. So, what about it? Will you take part in the competition? As a Formation Master, you should strive to become better. Such a stage would definitely push your skills even further."


    Balia pondered a bit when all of a sudden, Rean put his hand on her shoulder.


    "There is nothing to be afraid of. You will be in the hands of the Formations Guild. No one will try anything against you or any of us, so you should seriously accept it. You like formations, right?"


    Balia looked at Rean, then at Saya and Havek. In the end, she slightly nodded her head again.


    "O-Okay..."


    Saya''s expression brightened.


    "Great! However, there is no need to be concerned about it for now. This competition will take place seven years in the future. That also brings me to the next topic. I would like to ask you three to stay here in the Formation Master Guild Main Branch. That would be for the best since you can focus on your development. You will also have the full support of all elders during this time."


    Balia nodded once again. She only liked formations, so such an offer was enticing for her.


    However, Rean and Havek immediately refused the offer.


    "We are going back to the Dalamu Sect. I invited Havek to do work with me there, so we can''t stay here."


    Saya was surprised to hear that before asking.


    "Are you sure? I can guarantee that the resources you will get here are a lot better."


    Havek laughed after hearing that.


    "Hahaha! As a member of the Imperial Family, this god doesn''t have problems with resources. Besides, it doesn''t matter where such a godly existence like me would be staying. I will always improve faster than anyone else."


    Rean wasn''t as bold as Havek, but he agreed with him nonetheless.


    "Me too. I''ll bring the jade slips available for members to study formations there. Besides, my master is also a member of the guild now. He will be able to teach me the things that Formation Masters of my level need guidance for."


    Balia looked at Havek and sighed in relief. She was quite afraid of receiving the same training together with that guy after what he did.


    ''He-he''s too hard to deal with...''


    Saya sighed and then gave the two a warning.


    "Very well. However! I will test your skills once a year. If I see that you are falling behind other competitors of the guild, I''ll swap you straight away for someone better. Understood?"


    Havek shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "As if there would be someone in this world capable of surpassing this god."


    Rean simply nodded, saying.


    "I''m fine with that. I just hope I don''t need to come from Jialin all the way here every time to do this test."


    Saya shook her head as she said.


    "There is one thing I don''t lack, people to do things for me. I''ll have a few high-level Formation Masters that I trust to go to your Jialin Country to test you two out every year."


    Havek and Rean nodded. That would be the best for them.


    "Alright, it''s decided. The rules of the competition aren''t clear yet, so I''ll tell you more about it in the future."

 Chapter 466 - Ive Decided!

    With that decided, Rean was finally free to spend the next few days in the Dalamu Residence. There, the twins accompanied their parents or played with their younger sister. Well, Roan did not do so that much, though. Other than that, they used their free time to practice or revise some things. Qia also came to pay a visit to Rean''s parents several times. As always, Rean was forced to come out.


    Soon, five days went by. The day of marriage finally arrived.


    The Imperial Palace had many guests. However, as one could imagine, most were on the Fifth Princes'' side. Anyone in a neutral position or loyal to other princes and princesses didn''t accept the invitation. Rean didn''t care since he wasn''t going to be on the Fifth Prince''s side anyway.


    As everyone talked and enjoyed the festivities, Rean and Qia were in another corner, talking with each other. Qia received a Spiritual Sense message from her before, so he had to come.


    As he arrived there, he saw Qia''s serious expression... and how beautiful she was with her wedding dress. The fact was that it was supposed to be a surprise. However, before the wedding ceremony started for real, she really had to get something out of her chest first.


    Rean quickly came back to himself after that sight and changed into his fake marriage mode.


    "So, the farce has finally reached this point. There is no coming back now, you know?"


    Qia''s eyes became a little sad. She didn''t like it when Rean used words like farce or fake. After all, she was doing her best to push it into a real relationship. However, she quickly recovered before saying.


    "It''s fine. I have no intention of coming back anyway."


    Rean nodded.


    "By the way, what did you want to talk about?"


    Qia then took a deep breath.


    "It''s about our relationship."


    Rean didn''t seem to mind.


    "Don''t worry, I will carry my part of the deal and not get involved with you as much as possible after we leave the capital."


    Rean, once again, made sure to draw the line between them. However...


    "That''s the problem. I don''t want it to stay like that. Rean, I''ll be very direct. I love you!"


    Rean bitterly smiled, already expecting something like that. However, he quickly got ahold of himself and spoke.


    "Ahem... Then I''ll be very direct as well. I don''t want to have anything to do with you. I noticed how you tried to get my attention and... affection so far. Unfortunately, I can''t accept those feelings of yours."


    Qia insisted.


    "Why? Am I not good enough?"


    Rean shook his head in response as he replied.


    "It has nothing to do with who is good and who is bad. There are way too many things I need to do, things that I can''t really talk about. There will eventually come a time where we will need to go separate ways. When that time comes, do you think I can leave my family behind just like that? If that''s the case, I might as well not have any."


    Qia shook her head as she responded.


    "If that''s the case, then you can simply bring me together. I might be a princess, but I''m not someone attached to the Imperial Bloodline as much as you think. Otherwise, why would I accept this deal where I can get this supposed ''freedom?'' I''m already trying to get away from the Imperial Family''s duties with this wedding, so I might as well follow you till the end."


    Rean scratched the back of his head at this issue. She really didn''t know what kind of problem he and Roan would go through. In her scope of mind, whatever Rean had to do would at most have something to do with this war of the Empire, and that was it.


    "What are you talking about? Can you see what you''re saying? Follow me? Stay with me? Let me tell you, I''m not the type that thinks that a woman has to follow her husband wherever he goes. A wife''s job is to support her husband? Bullshit! Then what about supporting the wife? What if the wife is the one who needs to move to another place? Would the husband just follow you as well? This kind of outdated thought is something I despise."


    "However, you are doing exactly just that. You are simply not thinking about yourself and are just haphazardly agreeing to go through whatever problem I have! That''s wrong! You can''t put me ahead of your own wishes, your own wellbeing, your own future. Marriage is not supposed to be like that. It''s supposed to be something where both sides stand as equals! I''m sorry, but this ''you'' that puts me as first priority is not something I want, nor can I have."


    Qia was taken aback by that. Indeed, even though women''s positions in this world were quite good, many still thought like that. Qia couldn''t help but blame herself. Before she came to know Rean, she was prideful. She would never think about following her future husband at all costs, especially after a political marriage. Love... was a terrifying thing... or so Qia thought.


    *Pah!*


    Qia then slapped her cheeks as her expression changed with resolve.


    "You''re right. This kind of submissive woman was never something I aimed to be. However, I was so focused on obtaining your feelings that I forgot myself. I forgot the type of woman who I had always been. I''m Qia Sasamil, a woman who never relied on others and tried to prove herself with her own effort. That is also the Sasamil Imperial Family''s motto. You must stand by yourself!"


    Rean smiled with a satisfied expression.


    "So you finally noticed the changes I caused to you, huh? In any case, now you know that you can go after the things you want without having me by your side. After the wedding is over and we go back to Dalamu Sect, go out and experience the world on your own. It will be good for you."


    Qia nodded as she replied.


    "Yes. I''ll grab my own future with my hands. Just like I always did."


    Rean nodded.


    "Very good."


    All of a sudden, Qia grabbed Rean''s arm and pressed him against the wall. It was so fast and unexpected that he couldn''t even react in time. Before he could say anything, she once again stole another kiss from him. That was without a doubt the most passionate kiss she ever gave to Rean. That was also the one she liked the most up to now. There was no bias, no excuses, no regrets, only her determination! She was the one in control of her own wishes!


    "I''ve decided! Since I want you, I will simply get you. To hell with the following you wherever you go. I''ll be your wife and the mother of your children, but I''ll also go after my own dreams while you go out there and resolve whatever you have to do. Even if we have to separate in the end, so what? I''ll go do my own things while you''re away. It''s that simple. I''ll make sure you will never regret it."


    Rean was speechless... but a certain someone wasn''t.


    [Wow! She was so cool! I hope I''m like her when I grow up.]


    Rean felt like crying already.


    ''Shut up!''


    Why do things never go as Rean planned?

 Chapter 467 - Far From Over

    Seeing how Rean couldn''t give an answer, Qia smiled as she turned around.


    "Alright. Let''s go back to our places before people notice that the two main characters disappeared."


    Qia then left through the back door without turning back. As for Rean, he could only sigh as he returned to the wedding hall.


    ''Things are a lot more complicated than I thought. Oh, well. Since you don''t want to give up, then I won''t either. Let''s see who can last longer.''


    [Are you really not considering on taking her?]


    ''What do you mean by taking her? You know very well what awaits us in the future. Stop trying to make it more difficult than it already is.''


    [Of course, I know! Still, I can''t help but feel a little sad after she showed that much determination. Are you saying that you really felt nothing after that?]


    ''Hey, I''m not made of wood. Let alone me, any man would have felt their heart race after such an event. But that''s all there is. I have no intention of bringing her into the mess that is the two halves of the Universe.''


    [She did say that you don''t need to bring her with you. Isn''t that fine?]


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    ''I would feel too worried about her and a possible family if I went along with it. I don''t need that burden. Besides, there''s one point that you have to understand, Sister Orb. I don''t love her one bit.''


    [This...]


    [Fine! It would be wrong to do that since one of the sides doesn''t love the other.]


    ''Exactly. Now, let''s focus on the marriage and then head back to Dalamu.''


    Around an hour later, the most important guest had finally appeared. Obviously, it was none other than the Fifth Prince, Salael Sasamil. One of the two main contenders for the throne. Rean and Roan looked at the guy and could easily tell that he wasn''t a weakling. Although he looked to be around his early forties, his actual age was definitely several times higher than that.


    Old Worm was there as well, so he told the two with a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Definitely above the Soul Forging Realm. If I were to guess, he''s around the middle or late stage Saint Realm.''


    The twins nodded. They already expected him to be around that realm.


    Salael then went up to the stage before looking at everyone.


    "Thank you for attending my granddaughter''s wedding. I can''t start to explain how happy I am for her today. When I first heard about her relationship with Rean, I was quite surprised. However, I quickly came to understand. Both of them love formations, so it''s not incredibly surprising that they developed feelings for each other..."


    Salael then continued his speech for a few more minutes. None of the guests found it weird since it was a tradition in the Sasamil Imperial Family. After that, Nivol and Ariana also talked with the guests and gave their own words. Turen and Harmalia were also invited to the stage. However, they quickly refused. This kind of situation was too foreign for the two.


    Last but not least, Droman was invited to talk a bit as well. After all, this marriage was happening because of his connection to Rean. Droman couldn''t shame the Dalamu Sect, so he also had a speech prepared a long time ago.


    Eventually, the wedding ceremony started. The hall door opened as Qia entered the room with her father and mother on each side. Sure enough, there were quite a few differences between this wedding ceremony that Rean saw in the Varen Tribe or back on Earth. And it wasn''t just at the size of it.


    Nonetheless, everything proceeded smoothly. Cultivators didn''t really believe in things like gods, so there was no pledge made to them in this ceremony. For them, being a god meant that you had cultivated enough to reach that point. It was more of a formal thing.


    Of course, one thing didn''t change between all marriages, the ending kiss at the end. Rean had done it many times, so he repeated that once again with Qia. Well, he could tell that Qia was really looking forward to it, though.


    And so, the ceremony was over as the banquet had begun.


    A big table had been separated for the main guests, with the fifth prince at the center. Qia and Rean were on both of his sides, followed by their parents.


    "Rean Larks, you better take care of this granddaughter of mine. She''s very talented, so I don''t want to see her cultivation stagnating now."


    Rean nodded with a smile.


    "Don''t worry, Senior Salael. I''ll be sure to treasure her until the very end. I won''t do such a thing as hindering her path since I also want her to live as long as possible by my side."


    Salael was satisfied with that answer.


    "Qia, you''ve got a good husband. His master''s status as the creator of the Communication System is important to you, your husband, and the Imperial Family in the future too. Make sure you treat them with respect."


    Qia immediately nodded with a serious expression. Anyone could tell that even this prideful girl feared this loft existence that was her grandfather. Well, no one in the wedding hall would dare to offend Salael at this point.


    It was then that the door of the hall opened as another guest entered. As soon as Salael saw him, his expression turned dark.


    It was none other than the first prince, Lamares Sasamil! Of course, he was also known as Salael''s oldest brother.


    "Hahaha! My beloved young brother, please forgive your oldest brother for his late appearance. Still, I wouldn''t do such a thing as not appearing for your granddaughter''s marriage. It''s just that I didn''t get an invitation. Is it okay for me to be here?"


    Rean saw Lamares looking at him with a hint of interest. However, that only made Rean feel quite pressured. Fortunately, it only lasted a second as his attention went back to Salael.


    Salael then took a deep breath before smiling back at Lamares.


    "Hahaha! How could I complain about such a small thing, big brother? I know how busy you are, so I didn''t want to bother you. You''re obviously more than welcome."


    This wedding ceremony... was far from over.

 Chapter 468 - Solid As A Rock

    Salael quickly prepared a chair for Lamares before saying.


    "Come on, brother. Sit, sit! Let''s enjoy this banquet together."


    Lamares laughed as he sat down.


    "You seem pleased with today''s event, no?"


    Salael nodded straight away.


    "It''s truly a happy day. After all, he''s a genius Formation Master who got third place in the last Formations Guild Main Branch Exam. Above all... he''s Droman''s direct disciple."


    Salael made sure to put emphasis on the last sentence.


    However, Lamares didn''t seem surprised.


    "That''s indeed a good thing. I wonder why one of my granddaughters wasn''t this lucky. Fortunately... the Communication System''s blueprints are in the hands of the Imperial Family already."


    Salael understood the hidden meaning behind those words. It was the same thing as saying that having Droman now wouldn''t help him as much as he thought.


    "Hahaha! Indeed, it''s a good thing that everyone can have access to it. But who knows what Formation Master Droman and his disciple could come up with in the future, right? I''m really looking forward to it."


    Lamares laughed, not minding that at all. After that, he looked at Rean.


    "Hey kid, how about this? Even though you''re married to my beloved brother''s granddaughter, I wouldn''t mind taking you in. As the first prince, I''m sure I can give you anything you want."


    Salael let out a light cough as he replied.


    "Big brother, you shouldn''t joke in a moment like this."


    Lamares shook his head as he said.


    "I''m not joking. As your big brother, why wouldn''t I give your grandson-in-law some help? You should be happy that I''m being so magnanimous."


    Lamares continued to look at Rean.


    "How about it? I''m sure you won''t regret accepting this offer. Unlike my brother, I would make sure to show you deep inside the family''s affairs. The fact that you''re related to him doesn''t bother me at all."


    Salael narrowed his eyes as he asked.


    "Big brother, what are you talking about?"


    Lamares laughed before explaining.


    "Come on, little brother. We all know how paranoid you are. Even though Rean is entering your family, you would still keep him privy to most things. I''m different. I always show my allies what they can expect from me. The fact that he''s your grandson-in-law doesn''t bother me at all."


    Lamares then looked at Droman before continuing.


    "Formation Master Droman is also more than welcome. I know that the rules of the Formation Master Guild say to not use the guild''s name in the countries'' affairs. But just so you know, I don''t need it at all. I only need you and your disciple. There''s no need to ask the Formations Guild to do anything."


    Salael''s expression turned dark as he rebutted.


    "You are mistaken, big brother. Since Rean is part of my family, I wouldn''t need to hide many things from him either. However, I do think that you''re way too open. It wouldn''t be a surprise if someone stabs you in the back in the future. Of course, your little brother wishes that such a thing never happens."


    Droman scratched the back of his head before saying.


    "Ahem... This old man is grateful for the First and Fifth Princes'' interest in his meager skills. However, I''m staying on the Formations Guild side for the time being, so I couldn''t get too involved in these affairs anyway, or else the Guild Leader would scold me."


    Neither Lamares nor Salael found that answer surprising. Both of them knew that the path to Droman was through Rean.


    Well, Rean couldn''t help but find this scene funny as he tried to hold his laughter. If either of them knew that he was, in fact, supporting someone else, how would they react? Of course, he couldn''t tell that right now since Calina''s existence was still a secret.


    "I''m grateful for the First Prince''s offer. However, grandfather-in-law already made it clear that he won''t keep me out of the family''s affairs. Well, let''s not forget that I married Qia because I love her and not because of something else, shall we? I wish we could all enjoy this happy day."


    Salael laughed out loud after hearing that.


    "Big Brother, we''ve made a fool of ourselves. That''s true! This is such a joyous event. We shouldn''t be bringing such gloomy words to this hall. What do you think?"


    Lamares sighed with a smile on his face.


    "But of course! Your oldest brother was too harsh. Come on, let''s drink!"


    Salael nodded as they began to drink with each other. If no one knew better, they would think that these two brothers were really on great terms with each other. However, most of the guests couldn''t help but feel pressured at that scene.


    Well, Rean didn''t care at all. As for Roan, he didn''t even waste time hearing the previous conversation. Instead, he had been glued to the dessert table all this while. However, he still narrowed his eyes as he ate them.


    ''Mother''s desserts are better...''


    Jury, Harmalia, and Turen didn''t know what was happening either, so they simply smiled and pretended to agree with everything. All they could tell was that they shouldn''t get involved in whatever was happening with those two.


    The first ones to be served in the banquet were the two princes. After they began to drink, the others were finally able to do the same thing as well. Though, Roan totally ignored that rule in his corner.


    Rean and Qia did the same thing after they saw the princes start to drink. Rean took his cup and downed everything in a single go. As a cultivator, things like alcohol were far from being able to damage one''s body, so his age didn''t matter anymore.


    Qia followed Rean''s example and began to eat and drink together with him. However, the couple failed to notice a slight change in expression in Salael''s face after gulping down their cups'' contents.


    ''That''s the best way to guarantee that this marriage will be as solid as a rock.''


    Soon after, he smiled and continued to drink to entertain his oldest brother as if nothing had happened.

 Chapter 469 - Im Fucked!

    Time passed, and eventually, the first prince left the hall. The festivities of that marriage didn''t last long after that. With that, Qia could be said to be free to go with Rean wherever she wanted. After all, you couldn''t have the married couple separating soon after, right? They still had ''that'' event to go through.


    Salael finally got up from his table and extended his hand to Rean.


    "Take care of her. Also, I want great-grandchildren as soon as possible, understood?"


    At that point, all the parents and grandparents present were of the same mind. Harmalia, Turen, Nivol, Ariana, Salael... By now, they already understood that Rean hadn''t impregnated Qia at all. So, for their own reason, be it making a bigger family or be it for political reasons, they wanted to see that fake news transform into the truth.


    Rean smiled and continued his pretense as he shook hands with Salael.


    "Don''t worry, Senior Salael. I''ll work hard."


    Salael nodded as he responded.


    "I''m sure you will."


    After that, Salael exchanged a few words with the rest of the guests before returning to his residence.


    Nivol then took his daughter''s arm and delivered her to Rean.


    "Sigh... I won''t comment anything on the reasons that made this marriage happen. The only thing I want you to know is that she''s one of my treasures, so you better treat her well."


    Ariana then did the same.


    "My husband''s right. Besides, regardless of gender, it''s quite rare for an Imperial Family member to marry into other families. Usually, others marry into ours. I can''t help but feel a little worried since she will be leaving with you because of that. Still, she does love you, so I guess it''ll be fine."


    Nivol and Ariana''s words made Qia''s eyes turn a little wet.


    "Mom, Dad, I''ll be fine."


    Rean agreed with her.


    "She''s right. In fact, she''ll be happier with me than anyone else."


    Of course, Rean thought about it because he would give her more freedom than any other person would. As for her feelings for him, he would work on it with time.


    Harmalia then put her hands on both Rean and Qia''s shoulders before saying.


    "Alright, it''s the newly married couple''s private time from now on."


    Turen agreed.


    "If we take too long, I wouldn''t be able to hold my grandchildren nine months from now. Let''s head back home."


    Even Rean felt somewhat embarrassed with those words, let alone Qia. However, Qia quickly nodded with him as they bid their farewells. On the way back, Rean received a message from Roan through their Soul Connection.


    ''You know, right?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''I know. I''ll deal with it once we head into our room after.''


    Roan didn''t say anything else after that.


    Rean then looked at Qia, whose face was somewhat red.


    "Are you feeling okay?"


    "Eh?! Uh... I guess."


    He then grabbed Qia by the hand as they made their way back to the Dalamu Sect Residence. According to their plan, they would only stay for two more days before leaving. No one noticed, but there was a very faint, almost imperceptible light coming from Rean''s body. Simultaneously, just a few of his hairs had turned dark, but they were covered by most of the white hair.


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    Finally, Harmalia, Turen, and the rest of the guests who came together left the couple alone and went to another place to chat a bit more. Once the door that led to Rean''s room was closed, Qia became even redder, thinking about everything that might happen right now. However, she also knew that Rean wouldn''t really do anything to her, so she couldn''t understand why she kept thinking about this ''baby-making time.'' Well, who was she trying to fool? She was obviously thinking about sex nonstop.


    Rean, who knew what was happening, smiled as he asked once again.


    "You''re quite red. Are you sure you''re fine?"


    Qia was slightly taken aback. Finally, she noticed that she was feeling quite hot.


    "I... don''t know. I keep having... urges."


    "Oh-ho? What kind of urges? Perhaps I can help you with it."


    Rean approached the girl, which made Qia more flustered as thoughts about sex continued to linger in her mind.


    "You look so red. Perhaps you''re sick. Should I give you a massage?"


    "Eh?! Wo-would you really do that? You keep saying that you don''t want anything to do with me."


    Rean looked at her with a puzzled expression.


    "What are you talking about? I''m just offering a massage. There isn''t really a reason for you to think about other things, right? Wait! What is this little head of yours thinking?"


    Rean then jumped back as he showed a fearful expression.


    "Yo-You! Are you going to steal my virginity against my will?"


    Qia felt like crying. The problem was that her head was indeed full of that kind of thoughts. Her entire body was asking for her love in front of her to do her! To do her right now! To do her as fast as possible! As savage as possible! As passionate as possible! Because of that, she couldn''t think straight at all. Nonetheless, her pride allowed her to hold herself back. The only problem was that the urges were gradually intensifying in power.


    "No! That''s definitely not it!"


    Rean then sighed in relief while mentally laughing out loud.


    "I see. That was just my mistake then. A Princess of the Empire wouldn''t really think about such things. My mistake. How about you let your husband here give you a message so that you can relax. It should help relieve the tension you are feeling right now."


    Rean began to approach her once again. However, it was Qia who stepped back this time.


    "Do-Don''t get any closer!"


    Rean''s expression turned sad as he shook his head.


    "I see. So you don''t really like me that much, after all. Well, I guess that''s for the best for both of us."


    Qia began to despair. That wasn''t it! She wanted him! In fact, her head and body were already in full reproduction mode, just waiting for him!


    "N-No! I love you! I want you! It''s just..."


    Rean smiled playfully as he asked.


    "Eh? Could it be that a princess of the empire is really thinking such indecent thoughts? That''s quite an eye-opener. Tell me, what exactly are you thinking of doing with me right now?"


    Qia was taken aback. What did she want to do with him? Well, at the moment, she had at least ten different ideas or positions of doing sex going through her mind. Each one was more erotic than the other, making her head go crazy at the images coursing in her head.


    "Wh-What''s happening to me?!"


    Rean couldn''t hold himself back anymore and laughed out loud!


    "Hahahaha! Your grandfather was really sneaky. He gave both of us a very strong aphrodisiac. However, I already used my Light Element Skill to clean my body."


    "Ah?! My grandfather wants to consolidate our marriage by making me impregnated right on the first day?!"


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s exactly right! Don''t worry, I will fix you now."


    Qia couldn''t help but ask.


    "Then why did you keep teasing me?"


    Rean laughed as he responded.


    "Because it was funny seeing you doing your best to hold back while your head only thought about eating me alive. Hahaha!"


    Qia couldn''t help but feel furious while still thinking about sex nonetheless.


    "Alright, alright. I won''t tease you anymore. You can hold back for a few seconds, right? I can use my skills to clean the medicine from your body."


    A flash of light passed through Qia''s eyes as she asked.


    "So, all these thoughts about s-s-sex that I''m having right now is because of it, right? It''s not my fault, right?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Exactly."


    Qia sighed in relief before saying.


    "Then, that''s good."


    Just as Rean was about to touch her shoulder...


    *Bang!*


    Qia attacked the location of Rean''s dantian! For a few moments, Rean lost control of his Spiritual Energy, as well as the Light Element. Qia''s cultivation was already much higher than Rean''s, being at the peak of the Core Formation Realm. That being said, Rean had no chance to stop the lioness!


    "Since it''s not my fault, then I don''t need to hold back either."


    Before Rean could even answer, she had already stripped him of his clothes! In Rean''s mind, only one thought could be found, though.


    ''What to do now...?''

 Chapter 470 - Proudly Pointing At The Skies!

    "It''s useless, you know?" asked Rean as he sighed.


    "Is that how you expect me to stop? Not gonna happen."


    Qia also took her clothes off, ready to feast herself on her ''husband.'' However, it was then that a playful smile appeared on Rean''s face. He was absolutely sure that all of that would lead to nothing. Was he naked? Sure... Was Qia naked? Definitely... Was Qia beautiful now that her scars were healed? Of course! She was very sexy. She was probably still not that bad, even with the scars.


    Unfortunately, that didn''t matter. That''s because there was one thing that Rean was sure of that wouldn''t happen. Sure enough, Qia also understood that quite quickly why Rean was so confident. The moment her hand went for his pelvis, ready to guide his white dragon into her nest, she noticed a huge problem. The white dragon was not awake at all!


    "This..."


    Qia was taken aback. How can they have sex if his penis was not showing any reaction? It didn''t matter how much of that aphrodisiac she drank before. It would all be for naught if only her vagina entered an aroused state.


    During that moment of distraction, Rean finally regained control of his Dantian''s Spiritual Energy and Light Element. Usually, the effect of Qia''s attacks would have lasted much longer on anyone else at the same level as Rean. However, one must remember that Rean and Roan had the Universe Essence fused with their Dantians'' Cores in the past. Sister Orb told them that it would make them several times more sturdy, making it harder to be destroyed. Naturally, its sturdiness played a significant role at this moment.


    Before Qia could react, Rean embraced her body. Both of them were naked, her chest pressed against his own. Qia, who was under the effect of the aphrodisiac, felt her body scream in delight. Unfortunately, none of that mattered. Rean only did that to prevent Qia from escaping.


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    Rean''s hair changed into white and dark colors. This time, it was the full transformation that anyone would immediately notice. A burst of Light Element then entered Qia''s body, quickly going through her entire body. Qia''s body, which was already in that state, finally reached a climax with that amount of Light Element.


    *Moan!*


    The combination of effects made that moan turn out several times louder than anyone could expect. Everyone ''knew'' what was supposed to be happening in Rean''s room at the moment, but they were still taken aback by that.


    Turen, who was talking with Jury and the other members of the Varen Tribe, couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    "That''s my boy!"


    *Pah!*


    Harmalia, whose face was red just like the other girls in the room, slapped Turen''s head.


    "Do you wanna die that badly?!"


    Rana also looked in the direction of Rean''s room, not understanding what was happening. Harmalia then pulled her back before saying.


    "Don''t look. It''s has nothing to do with someone as young as you."


    The little girl didn''t understand those words but didn''t say anything else.


    Back inside the room, it wasn''t Rean''s intention to make Qia climax, but there was nothing he could do about that anymore. As always, Rean had to first use his Light Element to protect the target''s body before using the Dark Element. Otherwise, the Dark Element, which would aim at the poison, would also damage everything around.


    Rean could only feel his pelvis become somewhat wet due to Qia''s special place reacting to his Light Element. After some time, even he was having issues to keep his friend down there calm. Trying to ignore that, he immediately sent his Dark Element inside her body, quickly destroying the aphrodisiac that was running through her blood.


    Qia continued to enjoy the pleasure of her first time climaxing. That was a new experience for her, and the aphrodisiac only made it several times more intense. Her mind couldn''t think about anything else anymore as she moved her waist against Rean''s body nonstop. Well, Rean''s little friend was still sleeping, so she could only feel his skin rubbing against her precious little bead down there. Well, even that felt extremely good when the combo of Light Element and aphrodisiac was in place.


    However, that didn''t last for long. The Dark Element finally spread throughout her body and finished the purification. With that, Qia''s mind finally cleared up as she noticed the situation she was in. Well, it was too late already. All the climax had passed, leaving just that satisfying sensation behind.


    "Ah!"


    She quickly drove her Spiritual Energy as she jumped back at top speed. Rean knew that her purification was over, so he didn''t try to hold her back anymore. She quickly covered her chests and genitalia with her hands as she looked at Rean from the other side of the room. Only then did Qia began to think about everything she had done.


    "I... I..."


    Rean just laughed, though.


    "Hahaha! Don''t worry. I told you, didn''t I? It was your grandfather''s fault. In any case, I succeeded in cleaning your body from the aphrodisiac, so you should be fine right now."


    However, Qia was anything but happy.


    "You! It''s all your fault as well!"


    Rean didn''t try to deny it.


    "Sorry. It was only supposed to be a joke. I never expected that you would suddenly attack my dantian, blocking my usage of Spiritual Energy. Let alone stripping my clothes and yours as well. Sure, it was wrong of me to have gone that far. I should have healed you earlier. But you also failed to control your own emotions there, you know? In any case, those urges shouldn''t come back anymore unless you take another dose of aphrodisiac."


    Qia''s eyes became watery when all of a sudden, she noticed another thing. Rean''s penis... had finally shown the reaction that she was expecting a while ago.


    "Rean... your..."


    She pointed at Rean''s pelvis. Only then did Rean notice the hard rod proudly pointing at the skies.


    "Ah!"


    He quickly covered that as well as he turned around.


    "Ahem... That''s just a natural reaction."


    At the same time, he thought.


    ''Fuck! I was so relieved that she regained her control back that I forgot to control my own body in the end.''


    Qia was still somewhat traumatized by this event. However, her womanly side couldn''t help but feel happy to have grabbed her loved one''s attention in the end. That was the greatest proof that Rean at least wanted her body as well.

 Chapter 471 - Bedsheet

    The ''couple'' finally came back to their senses. Not long after, Qia went straight to the bath. After all, she was completely drenched in sweat because of the aphrodisiac''s effect. That could also be said to her ''dragon''s nest,'' which was basically wetter than anything else at the moment.


    On the other hand, Rean wasn''t having it that bad since he cleaned the aphrodisiac in his blood before it could take effect. He simply summoned the water element around him and shaped it into a ball with his Spiritual Energy. After that, he quickly cleaned his body with it before putting on a new set of clothes.


    Qia ended up taking longer than expected. It couldn''t be blamed since she was still flustered by what happened. Qia was a cultivator, so any common aphrodisiac wouldn''t be enough to have such a drastic effect. That being said, Salael Sasamil, her grandfather, made sure that the thing was of top quality. The aphrodisiac he placed would make even a Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator give in to their urges.


    Rean did indeed completely eliminate every last bit from Qia''s body. However, the natural effects of her climax were still there since they were not considered poisonous to start with. She had to use cold water until her special place calmed down. Well... that took even longer since the scenes of what just happened a while ago continued to play in her mind for a while.


    Eventually, she got ahold of her emotions and left the bathroom. The Dalamu Sect Residence''s workers had prepared everything, so she also had a new set of clothes prepared beforehand, which she wore.


    Rean smiled at her, trying to not think too much about the part that didn''t go according to plan.


    "Cough, cough... Now, then. It''s obvious that your grandfather wanted us to have children as soon as possible. Fortunately, my purification skill can eliminate the aphrodisiac''s effects. It''s good as long as everything ends well."


    Qia glared at him but sighed in the end.


    "Fine. Even if we had gone through it till the end, I wouldn''t have minded. That''s how much I''m committed to obtaining your heart anyway. I told you during the wedding, right? I''ll be the mother of your children."


    Rean scratched the back of his head, obviously showing that he had no intention for that to happen. Qia didn''t mind as she continued.


    "However, I also don''t want for us to get tied to each other in such a way. Once the fated time arrives, I want it to be in a way where we both agreed to it willingly. I guess it was for the better that you were able to stop me in the end."


    Rean sighed in relief before saying.


    "That''s good, then. I was afraid that you would plan something similar to that if you failed with the normal approach."


    Qia then smiled back at Rean.


    "Well, it seems like I do have a chance since your body liked what you saw."


    Obviously, she talked about how Rean couldn''t control his little friend in the end and rose like a dragon after what happened between them. Rean showed a rare flustered expression before changing the topic.


    "Ahem... Leaving that aside, I believe there''ll be no need for us to pretend to be doing anything in the room from here on out. So, should we go to sleep? They want to see us together in bed the next day, right?"


    Qia''s face became a little red again and nodded. But it was then that she remembered something.


    "Wait! There''s one thing I don''t understand. I''m sure I hit your dantian and sealed its connection with the meridians. How come you recovered so quickly?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "What are you talking about? Isn''t it obvious that you didn''t hit it properly? After all, I recovered my Spiritual Energy control in just a few seconds."


    "Bullshit! My senses weren''t that hazy, okay?"


    Rean smiled before asking.


    "Oh-ho! So you were still somewhat clear-headed at that moment?"


    Qia noticed that she stepped on her own trap and immediately changed her claims.


    "Ahem... Now that I think about it, I was too focused on trying to get impregnated. Perhaps I didn''t aim too well when I hit the point where your dantian was located."


    Rean obviously agreed with her. How could he say, ''I got some Universe Essence, so my Dantian and Core is much sturdier than anyone else''s''? That wouldn''t happen.


    "Well, with that out of the way, shall we lie on the bed? I''m pretty sure that someone will try to confirm if we slept together for real at some point or not. After all, your grandfather planned this far, so he''s eager to find out the results."


    Qia was flustered at that thought but didn''t deny that fact.


    Just as they got to the bed, Rean grabbed her hand before making a small cut on it. Qia understood what he wanted to do, so she didn''t stop. Some blood then fell on the bed before Rean used his Spiritual Energy to dry it straight away.


    Even though the story said that Rean impregnated Qia, the truly important people involved in this knew that Qia was still a virgin. That blood was just to pretend that they really had done it that night. After all, it was not like someone would ask Qia to open her legs and show that she didn''t have a hymen anymore.


    Rean quickly healed the cut with his Light Element, leaving no trace of an injury behind.


    Qia and Rean might have been somewhat nervous while sleeping together. However, the truth was that both of them didn''t take long to fall asleep after what just happened. That had tired the couple mentally and physically. And just like that, the two slept like rocks.


    Sure enough, a guard came to the Dalamu Sect Residence and called Roan over to pass an urgent message to Rean and Qia. The two quickly got off the bed and went to see what was happening. During that time, one of the workers went to clean their room and stole the bedsheet without anyone noticing. That was then passed to Salael, who confirmed that the blood was indeed Qia''s.


    "Hehe. Good! Now it''s all up to nature."


    As for Rean and Qia, the urgent message turned out to be a ''mistake'' according to the guard in the palace. Rean faintly smiled at that answer and returned to the Dalamu Sect Residence with Qia as if nothing had happened. Sure enough, the bedsheet was gone, and he didn''t even try to ask where it was brought to.

 Chapter 472 - Preparing To Leave

    When the couple arrived at the living room, Turen and Harmalia were there, playing with Rana. It was then that Turen looked at Rean and laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! Rean, you didn''t let your father down."


    Harmalia also looked at Qia with a meaningful smile, much to her confusion.


    "Errr... Mother-in-law, did something happen?"


    Harmalia nodded.


    "Of course! It happened last night, inside your room. Girl... I''ve never heard such an intense moan in my life. It seems like Rean surpassed his father in every way possible."


    Turen almost vomited blood as he replied.


    "What?! How could you say that?!"


    "Me? Who knows?"


    Qia, on the other hand, became as red as a potato! Sure enough, she remembered the exact moment when Rean sent his Light Element into her body, which amplified the aphrodisiac''s effects.


    "Th-that... that wasn''t..."


    "Wasn''t... what?"


    Qia then noticed that she couldn''t say that she and Rean didn''t really have sex. As if she wanted to cry, she could only agree with Harmalia.


    "No-Nothing! I should have... controlled myself."


    Rean looked at that and did his best to hold his laughter. Indeed, he also remembered that moan. Intense was already a very gentle remark when one remembered how she acted last night.


    "Ahem... Perhaps you will get a grandchild earlier than you expect. Anyway, I need to go to the Formations Guild with Qia to sort out a few things."


    At that moment, Roan also came out of his room as he looked at the couple.


    "Did you two need to be that loud last night?"


    Rean''s mouth twitched. He was absolutely sure that Sister Orb told Roan the truth. Qia didn''t know that, so she felt even more flustered about the fact that she couldn''t deny it.


    "That''s not your problem."


    Roan shook his head.


    "It''s not my problem as long as you two aren''t too annoying."


    Without stopping, Roan made his way to the exit.


    "I''m going to the Alchemist Guild to take the jade slips I need. You two should do the same."


    Rean and Qia agreed with him.


    "We were about to go to the Formations Guild for the same reason."


    Qia, Rean, and Roan soon went to the Alchemist and Formations Guilds after that, where they got the jade slips that had the materials they wanted to study while they were out of the capital. Qia and Rean found Havek there as well, doing the same thing as themselves.


    "So, are you coming with us to Dalamu?"


    Havek shook his head.


    "I need a few days to deal with the issues in the Imperial Palace. Many people would complain if their sunlight, me, suddenly went away. Unlike Qia, I don''t have an excuse. Well, it''s not like they can hold me back anyway. Hahaha!"


    Rean and Qia sighed but didn''t try to change this guy. As long as you ignored his narcissism, it wasn''t impossible to talk to him.


    "Alright. See you in Dalamu later."


    "Okay."


    Roan also met with Lita Xue in the Alchemist Guild. Well, it wasn''t a rare occurrence since all of the alchemists who joined the guild spent most of their time there. Nevertheless, this was still the first time he ever talked to her.


    "Your Cross-Realm Pill was superb."


    A very rare compliment came from Roan''s mouth, which surprised the girl.


    "Well... I might have finished in first place, but you did win most of the exams. I don''t feel any pride because of that."


    Roan faintly smiled before nodding.


    "That''s a good train of thought. Anyway, see you some other day."


    Roan then entered another repository, where he would select the things he wanted to bring with him. As for Lita, she didn''t know what to think of the guy.


    Sometime later, Rean returned to the Dalamu Sect Residence with Qia. Roan was already there, waiting in the living room. Jury and everyone were gathered to discuss the same thing.


    "Alright. The marriage is over, so it''s time for us to go back. The Imperial Family was kind enough to provide us with the same service again to safely go back. If anyone has anything to say, you better say it now. Otherwise, we''re leaving. I have many things to deal with in the tribe, after all."


    Jury told them that he was preventing the tribe from growing larger so they could have time to assimilate the new blood. However, it didn''t change the fact that the tribe was growing at unprecedented speeds. He had to keep a close eye on it to make sure everything went as planned.


    Rean couldn''t help but feel a little sad that they were already going to separate again. Of course, he knew that he couldn''t go back that easily either. Roan just closed his eyes, refusing to comment.


    Harmalia then got up and moved in Qia''s direction before hugging her.


    "These two brothers are always fighting, so help me keep an eye on them. As long as you hold your husband back, it should help alleviate the situation between these two idiots."


    Qia gently smiled as she nodded.


    Turen then went to Roan before asking.


    "You brother already got us a great daughter-in-law. Your father is looking forward to when you do the same."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he showed an annoyed expression.


    "I don''t nee-"


    "Don''t worry, father. I''m already working on it," said Rean, interrupting Roan from continuing.


    ''What are you talking about?''


    Rean didn''t care.


    ''Those are my words. If you say that you don''t need one, they will definitely bother you nonstop. That also means that they will bother me to help you find someone. So I might as well say that I''m preparing you for it.''


    Turen and Harmalia looked at Rean with interest.


    "What do you mean?"


    Rean smiled in response as he answered.


    "He already has two admirers, and they''re definitely not shabby. However, because nothing''s confirmed yet, I can''t tell you the specifics."


    Turen looked at Roan with surprise.


    "Is that true?!"


    Roan felt a headache coming, wanting to say that such a thing didn''t exist. However, he couldn''t deny Rean''s logic. Sure enough, he was still completely oblivious to Calina and Luina''s feelings. It wasn''t that easy to melt the ice block.


    "Yes..."


    "Good! Your mother and I are looking forward to it."

 Chapter 473 - It Also Wanted Me

    Jury soon left with Harmalia, Turen, and Rana using the same Demon Beast as before. After a while, Droman stopped by.


    "So they''re gone, huh? Well, we will be leaving soon as well. I''ll just head to the Formations Guild Main Branch since there are a few things I want to take along with me. By the way, did you buy everything you think we''ll be needing?"


    Rean nodded as he replied.


    "I did. From the 400 Rank Four Spirit Stones I had, I only have around a hundred remaining. However, I truly believe it will help a lot during the Circuitry Formation building."


    Droman then looked at Qia before asking another question.


    "You''re sure about involving her and Havek in it as well, right?"


    Qia was taken aback that Droman would bring that question in front of her. However, she could tell why. It was better to know his suspicion from the start to make it harder to try anything idiotic later. Well, she had no intention to go around telling others about the Circuity Formation project, so she didn''t mind. Even if things with Rean really didn''t work out, the ''freedom'' she got was already more than worth it.


    "Yes. I truly believe that Qia and Havek won''t try to steal the project for themselves. Qia''s reason is pretty obvious. As for Havek, well, he is just way too proud to allow himself to do such a thing."


    Qia couldn''t help but laugh before starting to imitate Havek''s voice.


    "He would probably say something like ''Why would this god need to steal someone''s ideas? This god can and will have his own ideas, and they will be better than anyone else.''"


    Rean laughed out loud after hearing that. He could totally see that happening.


    "Alright."


    Rean then looked at Roan before asking.


    "By the way, where''s Old Worm?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he uttered.


    "As if I''d know. That guy is really slippery. Even I take some time to notice that he disappears every now and then. It probably has something to do with the Imperial Family''s situation and the throne war."


    Qia was aware that Rean married her to obtain easier access to information, so there wasn''t a lot of reason to hide their intentions in front of her.


    "I see... Oh well, let''s get ready to depart."


    Meanwhile, in a garden somewhere in the Core Region, Huan had just come back from another court session, drinking his tea to relax. However, he didn''t have time to even sip at it before he narrowed his eyes.


    "Since you''re here, then drink some tea with me, will you?"


    Sure enough, Old Worm had come by once again.


    "I''ll be leaving soon."


    Huan shook his head.


    "You should stay. It''s annoying to take care of your clone alone. You already confirmed the prophecy, didn''t you? You might as well leave it on its own and carve an easier path for it."


    Old Worm didn''t care, though.


    "No. I want to see with my own eyes how they will develop. My disciple is very interesting, his brother even more so. Besides, I need to look at the target of the prophecy and see how it goes."


    Huan shrugged his shoulders in the end.


    "Well, it''s not like I didn''t expect you to say that. However, have you never thought that I could use this chance to turn everything upside down? What if I suddenly decide that it''s better for Chrole to take control?"


    Old Worm then showed a very rare smile as he replied.


    "If that happens, then it will be even more interesting to see how the prophecy will come to fruition."


    Huan felt annoyed at that answer.


    "Tch! I don''t know if it will really work. After all, it could be nothing more than a dying geezer''s prank, as far as I know. Even if a target for it appeared there, it might be nothing more than pure coincidence. Nevertheless, I definitely don''t want to be in the crossfire if it turns out to be real. I''m going to keep your clone there for now."


    Old Worm nodded.


    "Suit yourself. Let''s just trust grandfather''s last words. I''ll prepare the terrain for it."


    Old Worm then gulped the rest of the tea in his cup in one go before departing from the garden like a ghost. Seeing that happen made Huan sigh as he thought.


    ''That old geezer. Is it really that fun to spy on some kids?''


    Huan then shook his head before putting those thoughts at the back of his head.


    On the next day, Old Worm was already back at the Dalamu Residence. Droman also got everything he wanted from the guild and returned as well. With that, they gathered together and made their way to the teleport formations.


    They already knew the way, so it was quite simple to reach the long-distance teleport formations in the outer city. After presenting their identity, they were allowed to use them. Qia then took one last look at the capital behind her. She had gone out before for training and things like that, but it was all temporary. This was the first time she was leaving for real.


    Rean noticed that, so he asked.


    "Are you fine? I don''t mind letting you stay here while I head back. Some might find it strange or complain about it, but it''s not like we can''t work around it."


    Qia''s heart warmed up a bit, seeing how Rean still cared about her.


    "And give some other woman the chance to take you away from me? That won''t happen."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders in response.


    "Even if one does appear, you know our real type of relationship. So I would still go for her."


    Qia already expected that answer, though.


    "That won''t happen. After all, you said that you simply couldn''t have relationships. Whatever you had to do wouldn''t allow you to do so. That being said, I''m delighted to be the only one with a real chance."


    "Chance? Since when?"


    Qia smiled as she looked at a specific part of Rean''s body.


    "Since it decided that it also wanted me."


    Rean was speechless. She was still thinking about that night where he got hard in the very end.


    Roan finally lost his patience and called the couple.


    "Can you stop wasting our fucking time and hop on the teleport formation already?"


    Qia laughed as she grabbed Rean''s hand and stepped on the formation with him.


    A few moments later, the group disappeared with a flash of silver light.

 Chapter 474 - Back In Dalamu Once Again

    After traveling for half a month, the twins'' group finally arrived at the Dalamu Sect. Although things happened far away in the capital, all the information was being sent to Dalamu every day through Mia''s contacts in the capital. Because of that, she knew very well what happened there and who was coming back this time.


    As soon as the twins stepped on the sect''s territory, they received a message that they should go see Mia at the top of the mountain with Qia. After all, she was a princess of the empire. Droman and Old Worm also followed them.


    "Welcome to my Dalamu Sect, Princess Qia."


    Mia didn''t act like the high and mighty Dalamu Sect Master she usually was. She knew that her status was still much lower than the girl in front of her.


    "Sect Master Mia, please just call me Qia from now on. As you know, I was married off, so I''m now part of Rean''s family. Naturally, I''m now a member of your Dalamu Sect as well. Please treat me like everyone else. Otherwise, others will definitely feel wronged by it."


    Mia looked at Qia, who was holding Rean''s hands.


    "Is the princess really sure about that? I can still use my status to make a few exceptions for you. For example, I can get a private house for you two. Or perhaps, I can make it so that you don''t need to perform any missions, take on duties, etc."


    Qia shook her head.


    "That''s not what I want. Such a treatment would instead delay my own progress. Our Imperial Family puts a ton of importance on our own improvement. Those who fall behind will be ignored by others. I grew up in this kind of environment, so I hope it won''t be different."


    Mia nodded and didn''t insist anymore. After that, she talked a bit more with Qia and got a disciple to guide her to her own room.


    Old Worm, Droman, Roan, and Rean stayed behind, though.


    "So... how did it even turn out like that? I received your reports about the events, but I still can''t figure how the hell it has gotten to this point. In the reports, it was mentioned that Rean impregnated Qia, but I can totally tell that she isn''t pregnant at all."


    Droman raised his hand.


    "The one who insisted for Rean to marry her was me, Sect Master."


    Droman then explained all the reasoning he did to Rean in the past.


    "I see... Indeed. If he visits the Imperial Family in the future, his status as Qia''s husband will become an advantage. So, this marriage is just a facade. But would Rean''s status as your disciple be enough for a princess to agree to it?"


    Rean shook his head as he responded.


    "The Communication System isn''t the only reason why she accepted it. We talked things through before the marriage. The main reason for her to accept this marriage was that she would be married off. Usually, others are married to the Imperial Family instead of the opposite. For her, this was a chance of obtaining some freedom."


    Rean then began to discuss everything related to the reasons, what he hoped to achieve with this marriage, etc. Mia then pondered on the situation and nodded her head in the end.


    "Very well. Let''s do what you guys say. In any case, you got to join the Formation and Alchemist Guilds. That was your objective from the start, so that''s great. Qia''s presence will also guarantee a lot more safety for the twins. All in all, it was a good outcome."


    Mia then looked at Old Worm before asking.


    "Did you investigate everything?"


    Old Worm nodded.


    "It goes like this."


    Old Worm then began to tell everything about the fight for the throne. Rean and Roan knew about it already, so they heard it as well.


    "So that''s why that girl called Calina was killed. I didn''t expect that we could be on the verge of a war against Chrole. The only thing holding those two princes back is the emperor''s will, as well as a few more variables."


    "Splendid. I now know what I should expect. That feeling of now knowing what''s happening is the worst thing. The Imperial Family won''t allow us to stop the Communication System anymore, so Droman and Rean should keep an eye on its development. I''ll do whatever I can in the meantime. Fortunately, it seems like we have at least a decade before anything major really happens."


    The group then continued to discuss those problems for some time.


    "Alright. That''s all for now. Rean, Roan. I didn''t want to involve you two in these complicated things anymore, but it seems like you two dived directly into it on your own. Your low cultivation is what bothers me the most. The news about Rean''s marriage to a princess will definitely spread soon. So, for the time being, you two should stay in the sect and focus on cultivating. If you really need to leave, make sure to use the same method as before."


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    "That was our plan, to begin with. It will be better for us to wait for the storm to calm down."


    "Great! You already got your jade slips from those guilds, so study well. You two can leave now��the same for you, Droman. Elder Fauk, please stay behind."


    Rean''s group quickly bowed in response and left the room, leaving only Mia and Old Worm behind. A few moments later, Zuan appeared in the room as well. However, Old Worm didn''t look surprised.


    "Fauk. We''ve been allowing you to do as you wish for quite some time already. Don''t you think it''s already time to tell us more about it? I was quite surprised that you accepted our request to gather information about the Imperial Family. Why was that?"


    Old Worm shook his head.


    "You should worry more about the fight for the throne and forget about me. That was our deal, remember? I got you the information you wanted, so that should be enough. But don''t worry, I have no intention of bringing disaster to the Dalamu Sect."


    Old Worm then turned around and disappeared like a ghost.

 Chapter 475 - Awful To Watch

    Seeing that, Mia narrowed her eyes.


    "Master, is that fine?"


    Zuan shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "You know we can''t touch him. Besides, he has been here for longer than you and hasn''t done anything to us. Since he accepted our request to obtain more information about the Imperial Family''s situation, that was already a great result."


    Mia couldn''t help but comment.


    "I didn''t mind it before since I thought he was simply hiding all these years. But then he began to move a lot more ever since Rean created the Communication System. The event in the Profound Abyss seemed to make him even more active."


    Zuan nodded as he said.


    "We can only keep an eye and see what happens. At the very least, it doesn''t seem like he has any bad intentions against the twins or the sect. Let''s hope it continues out like this."


    Mia couldn''t help but ask.


    "Could it be that he was waiting for the twins?"


    Unsurprisingly, she immediately answered her own question.


    "No, that doesn''t make sense. Elder Fauk has been hiding in our sect for more than 200 years. Even I wasn''t born that time, let alone the twins. How could he have been waiting for them? Ridiculous..."


    Zuan shook his head in response, saying not long after.


    "We can''t be sure. Perhaps he really just wanted to hide, but with the Communication System and the twins'' appearance, he changed his mind. Or perhaps he knew something that would happen in our sect. However, something tells me that the twins aren''t the center of his attention. Of course, he''s very interested in them, but that isn''t everything."


    Zuan then turned around and made his way out as he spoke.


    "Leave it be for the moment. I believe that the day that everything will come to light isn''t too far away."


    After that, Zuan disappeared, leaving only Mia pondering behind.


    ''Fauk, Rean, Roan, Imperial Family, Communication System... Where''s the connection?''


    All of a sudden, someone knocked on the door. Mia''s train of thought was interrupted as she looked at the door.


    "Enter."


    Soon, a girl entered the room.


    "Oh, princess. Is there something you want to ask me?"


    Qia tried to not look at Mia''s face as she said.


    "I know I was the one who said those words before, however... there is one thing I would like from Sect Master."


    Mia smiled as she listened to the princess'' request.


    Back in the Formations Hall, Rean and Droman secluded themselves from others, only leaving an order that Qia could enter if she wanted to.


    "Alright! We can finally start!"


    Droman nodded, excited.


    "Let''s not waste any more time. Oh, by the way, shouldn''t Qia be here as well?"


    Rean nodded.


    "I passed by her on the way down the mountain. She said she forgot to ask the Sect Master something, so she had to go there. She should arrive at any moment now."


    Droman quickly brought out the Circuitry Formation blueprints, and the two began to discuss how they should go around it. They also placed many of the jade slips from the Formations Guild Main Branch on the floor for them to check.


    "Look, this jade slip has a very good rune for resistance."


    "That''s quite a good rune. I also found some things that can be of use for that... errr... Spiritual Processing Unit you came up with. Take a look here."


    Rean looked at the Jade Slip and narrowed his eyes.


    "I can''t understand these runes."


    "Ah! Sorry, sorry. These are Heaven-Level Runes and formations. Sometimes I forget that you''re still an Earth High-Level Formation Master. Let me explain."


    However, it was at this moment that the door to the room opened.


    "Oh, Qia! That was quick. What was it that you forgot?"


    Qia shook her head as she replied.


    "It doesn''t matter now. So, can I join the party?"


    Droman and Rean laughed as they nodded.


    "Come over. I will give you a copy of the general theory for you to study first."


    Qia happily approached and obtained the manual from Rean. After that, Rean and Droman continued with their discussion as Qia read the manual.


    Somewhere else, Roan was standing in front of two girls. On their side, there was a chick-like demon bird with white and black feathers. Obviously, they were Calina, Malaka, and Kentucky. Roan looked at those three with a deadpan expression, waiting for something.


    "So, how was it? Did you obtain what I wanted?"


    Calina then passed four bags to Roan. Looking at the contents of the bags, his expression finally relaxed a bit as he nodded.


    "Not too bad. I was really in need of this bloodthirst worm mucus."


    Roan then looked at the two girls, who seemed to be completely worn out. It was obvious that this bloodthirst worm mucus was anything but easy to get. The only one who seemed to be okay was Kentucky. Well, this bird was a flying shield, so it was hard to get it injured. Nonetheless, Roan could see that some feathers and scales were also missing.


    "So, did you like the mission?"


    Malaka couldn''t help but say.


    "Liked your head! Do you have any idea how hard it was for us to get these things? You sent us directly into their nests! We even found three Stage Four Bloodthirst Worms! If Kentucky wasn''t around, we probably would have died! I won''t even comment about the other items!"


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s good, then. I had no intention of sending you two for a walk in the park."


    Before Roan left the sect with Rean, he couldn''t talk with the two girls since they were on a mission. They even brought Kentucky with them. That being said, he left a letter with Julio, telling him to deliver it to Malaka when she came back.


    In the letter, he specified Calina''s next training steps, as well as a few items he would need. So far, he had only been giving those girls everything. It was finally time for them to pay for everything. This Bloodthirst Worm Mucus was just one of those things he asked them to fetch.


    Calina and Malaka wanted to kick Roan flying, but they knew that they would only suffer if they tried.


    "Alright, for your next items..."


    Calina and Malaka felt a chill on their backs.


    "Wait, what?! There''s more?!"


    Roan nodded.


    "Obviously. What can I do with just this much? I won''t be leaving the sect anytime soon, so I will have you two do the things I need."


    "Can''t you simply post up a mission for the sect''s disciples? You and Rean have more than enough Spirit Stones to pay for it, after all."


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Why would I do that when I can have you two getting them for me for free?"


    Malaka then turned around, ready to leave.


    "Oh! I think I heard Master calling me. It seems to be training time. I''m leaving."


    Calina felt the urge to curse that girl. Calina obviously can''t use the same excuse since her master was Roan at the moment. Unfortunately for Malaka, Roan put a hand on her shoulder, holding her in place with his Spiritual Energy. It didn''t matter how much strength Malaka put. She couldn''t even take a single step ahead.


    "Don''t worry. I already talked with Mia after I came back from the capital. It seems like she already taught you everything you need to know this month. She was quite delighted to see that my requests helped in your training this much as well."


    Malaka also wanted to curse Mia. Why would she not give her training when she was finally willing to take it?


    Roan ignored Malaka''s struggle and began to list the materials.


    "Alright. I need you to get me..."


    That same day, two girls left the sect on the back of a black and white bird. It''s just that their expressions were quite a sight to behold...

 Chapter 476 - Havek Arrived

    On that same day, Qia finally finished reading the new method Rean came up with. In the end, her eyes couldn''t help but light up. She had never thought about such a methodology before. No one did! It was completely different even when compared to any other thing she had seen before, except for some similarities to the Communication System.


    "Just how did you come up with this idea, Elder Droman?"


    Droman looked at Qia with a weird expression before looking at Rean. Rean understood what he meant but didn''t seem to care as he simply nodded.


    "The one who thought about it wasn''t me, but Rean."


    "Ah!"


    Qia looked at Rean, appalled!


    "Did you use the Communication System from Elder Droman to come up with it?"


    "You could say that."


    Qia quickly shook her head after hearing that.


    "Doesn''t matter! Let me join! This Circuitry Formation... If it really works, it will be simply perfect for the multi-teleport formation that I built in the last exam. The issue with the size and power usage would be fixed immediately."


    Droman laughed after hearing that.


    "It''s not that simple. We are still working on the concept, let alone putting it to practice. You will have to make hundreds, or even thousands of changes until you achieve something nearly usable."


    Qia didn''t care about that, as she replied.


    "So be it! Let''s start!"


    Droman and Rean smiled as they explained the parts they were working on. Droman, as the only Heaven-Level Formation Master around, dealt with the higher-level stuff while Rean and Qia focused on the details.


    Elsewhere, Roan was back at Old Worm''s hut, where he revised the things he wanted to work on. Sometime later, Old Worm also stopped by. After taking a look at Roan''s jade slips, he understood what he wanted to work on.


    "Elements?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Neutrality has its limits."


    Old Worm then pondered for a bit before saying.


    "You don''t need to be in a hurry. Wait for the Core and Soul Fusion Realm first."


    Roan shook his head in response.


    "I''ll wait for it, but I don''t want to be green when I get there."


    "I see. That''s good for you. I''ll stay here for a while, so use this time to ask your queries."


    Old Worm knew that Roan''s level at neutral-type pills was more than good enough already. It wouldn''t be wrong to call it the peak of what can be done at the Earth High-Level. In that case, studying at the next level wasn''t a bad idea since Roan intended to start using other elements once he reached the next realm.


    A few days later, Roan went to the Blue Orchid Faction, where he once again revised everyone''s progress so far. Naturally, quite a few of the girls and even Julio went back with their bodies aching. Roan seemed to be full of energy after these months without these training sessions, so he gave them some ''special attention.''


    Another thing that happened during those days was the arrival of Havek. However, unlike Qia, he didn''t try to cover his presence at all. His appearance was as flamboyant as ever, attracting everyone''s attention.


    "Hahaha! Great fortune has befallen on your Dalamu Sect. I, Havek Sasamil, have arrived!"


    However, Rean quickly pulled the guy to the Formations Hall before he disrupted the sect''s business even more.


    When Havek arrived there, he noticed how messy Qia, Rean, Droman''s situation was. Judging by their appearance alone, it was evident that these three haven''t gone to sleep ever since they arrived in the sect. The only moment they stopped working with formations was during the time they cultivated. After all, none of them could get stuck in their realms forever.


    "How can this god work in a place like this? You three, go take a bath! And in Rean and Qia''s case, make sure you get some sleep. I can totally see how exhausted your minds are."


    Rean, Qia, and Droman were taken aback by that. Only then did they look at themselves for the first time in days, noticing how terrible they looked. It was even worse for Qia, who was a woman. She immediately put everything aside as she looked at Rean and Droman.


    "Ahem... I guess we pushed ourselves a bit too much."


    Rean and Droman nodded.


    It was then that Rean said.


    "Ah! Let me pass you the materials you need first."


    However, Droman stopped him.


    "No. I should have noticed how tired you and Qia were from the start. Go take a bath and sleep. Even though you can ignore sleep with Spiritual Energy, your minds are just like Havek mentioned. I can see how tired you two are. As for Havek, leave him to me."


    Droman wasn''t lying there, so Rean and Qia accepted his offer and left. Unlike the two, Droman was already at the Soul Forging Realm. He would probably be able to work for months before exhausting his mind.


    "Havek, I''ll be right back."


    Havek didn''t mind.


    "Sure. Make sure to ask someone to bring this god some tea while at it."


    Droman''s mouth twitched. Since when was he Havek''s subordinate? However, he also understood this guy''s personality, so he simply got one of his subordinates to serve Havek.


    Rean and Qia made their way back to the Inner Sect. Soon, they arrived at the building and followed the corridor. But it was then that Rean noticed a problem.


    "Wait, wait, wait! Why are you still following me? Didn''t you get a room just for yourself?"


    Qia nodded.


    "I did. But I asked the Sect Master if I could stay with you instead. She didn''t seem to mind since we''re married, so she made an exception."


    "What?!"


    Rean felt like crying already. She was really putting a lot of effort into this love thing.


    "Isn''t this against your ''freedom'' wish?"


    Qia smiled as she held Rean''s arm.


    "It''s not against my ''I want you'' wish, so it''s fine."


    In the end, Rean could only sigh and let her do as she pleased.


    ''As long as I ignore it, she will eventually understand. That''s the only thing I can try for now.''


    Well, Rean would need to put a lot of effort into this plan of his.

 Chapter 477 - Formation Maniacs

    Just like what Mia told them, Rean and Roan didn''t go out of the sect. They focused on their cultivation and their side-occupations. When they needed to fight to gain experience, they would challenge those above themselves in the Inner Sect.


    Three months after the twins came back, they finally reached the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm. They had been in the Initial Stage for over a year and a half, so they were close to the peak of the stage, to begin with.


    As one could imagine, Kentucky followed right behind the two since its own cultivation was limited by the twins'' cultivation. He was now a Middle Stage Three Demon beast. To compensate for that limitation, Elder Reliance often gave it some other tasks so it could continue to grow stronger.


    Of course, between their group, Calina was the first one to reach the middle stage. By the time the twins came back from the Capital, she was already in the Middle Stage. That was to be expected since her cultivation was higher than Rean and Roan to start with.


    Another thing that Roan told Calina was for her to be careful about Havek and Qia. After all, they were from the same Imperial Family. Nevertheless, Calina wasn''t worried about that. She said that the Imperial Family had way too many members. She had seen Qia and Havek before, but it was not like they talked or anything like that. Calina was even curious whether Havek and Qia would identify her if she hadn''t changed her appearance. That''s just to show how little interaction she had with them before.


    Of course, Calina still made sure to keep far away from them.


    As for Malaka, she had only recently entered the Core Formation Realm. She was more than a year behind Rean and Roan, let alone Calina. That being said, it would take quite some time for her before she could enter the Middle Stage.


    And just like that, time began to pass even faster as everyone was occupied with their own issues. Rean and Roan began to finally obtain payment for all the financial and technical support they gave to Calina, especially Malaka. Both of them regularly sent the two girls out to gather some materials, do some missions, etc. Each of those requests was usually filled with danger as well.


    At some point, Roan concluded his research on a new Medicinal Paste, much to Rean and the others'' despair. Everyone was forced to take another hellish bath inside Roan''s cauldron. Due to their cultivation and sturdy foundation, the paste didn''t make that much of a difference. Nonetheless, it was already great to have their bodies improving, even if only by a small amount.


    One year later, Rean, Havek, and Qia finished creating the very first prototype of a Circuitry Formation... that broke the moment it was turned on. The first formation they tried to make was a communication circuitry formation. The advantages were obvious, starting by its size that was ridiculously small compared to their best normal ones. Well, Rean knew very well why that happened.


    ''Unlike Earth, there is no such thing as high-precision machines here. I guess it''s a good result that we could even finish a prototype by hand.''


    One must remember that Rean''s Electrical Formation Repository can only simulate the tests. It can''t fabricate the pieces that it showed in its illusions. Whether Rean liked it or not, he would need to create them with Qia and Havek in the outside world.


    Havek narrowed his eyes as he looked at the smoke coming from the Circuitry Formation.


    "The SPU broke down. I told you, the spiritual transistors are too small."


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    "It has to be like this. In fact, the spiritual transistors are ridiculously big already. For it to make the calculations necessary for the Spiritual and Lightning Currents, it would need to be at least this big."


    Droman pondered for a bit before saying.


    "Both of you are right. It''s already too big for what we want to achieve. But at the same time, it''s too small for us to create them manually."


    Qia agreed with Droman.


    "I''m already impressed that it even turned on for a second. I think we should change our focus here."


    Havek and Rean knew what Qia was talking about.


    "It seems like that''s the only way. Unlike normal formations, there is a limit of what a person can do with their own hands in Circuitry Formations."


    Havek nodded.


    "Well, we at least tried it out. Now we can tell what we exactly need when we start this next phase."


    "Very well. It''s time to create the machines that will do the fine-tuned work for us. Obviously, they will also be Circuitry Formation-based machines."


    That was the biggest issue that Rean discussed with everyone so far. The fact that humans were just too imprecise. The spiritual transistors used in the SPUs were just too tiny for them to work with their hands. Let alone the runes necessary for each one of them to work. The only reason they reached this far with handicraft was that Droman was a Heaven Level Formations Master. After tens of thousands of errors, he succeeded in building a few of those necessary pieces. However, they ended up being uneven when put together. This test showed that they needed something that can create both the physical and rune parts of the spiritual transistors identically.


    "But, how will we do this?"


    Rean nodded before saying.


    "I already have a few ideas. However, it will be done in multiple phases."


    "Multiple phases?"


    Rean then explained.


    "I don''t think we can come up with something to create the spiritual transistors of that size straight away. We will need to start with big ones, which are obviously not good enough."


    "However, these first ones will also be able to create the other parts we need for new machines that can create smaller ones. We will need to go smaller bit by bit until we finally build one capable of making a spiritual transistor small enough."


    Droman, Qia, and Havek understood just how hard that would be. However, instead of being dejected, their eyes lit up.


    "Alright! Then let''s make its blueprint straight away."


    In the end, they were all formation maniacs.

 Chapter 478 - Masput Vein

    Country of Qerlen, East of Jialin.


    At the moment, a seventeen-year-old Malaka and a nineteen-year-old Calina were on top of a flying demon beast, making their way to the Falo Valley. The demon beast, obviously, was Kentucky.


    Calina and Malaka had taken a few missions together and others alone. It all depended on what Mia or Roan prepared for the two. However, it wasn''t for naught. The several dangerous encounters they had gone through had honed their skills. Calina was even close to entering the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm after these three years of cultivation.


    Rean and Roan were still below her, though. As always, their larger Spiritual Energy pools were delaying their progress. Well, they were much stronger because of that, so they aren''t complaining.


    Malaka, on the other hand, had just made her breakthrough with Mia''s help around a year ago, so she was still further than any of the three.


    Three years might look a lot. However, their cultivation progress was frightening to most people. Even if they took ten years to break through one stage to another, everyone would still think they were too quick. Let alone three or four as it seemed at the moment.


    "Calina, look! It''s there!"


    Calina paid attention to where Malaka was pointing and nodded.


    "So this is the valley Roan was talking about."


    Calina touched Kentucky''s feathers before indicating that they wanted to go down.


    *Chick!*


    Soon after, Kentucky dived into the valley. Calina and Malaka could see the entire valley from above. Not only that, but it was also possible to see many other cultivators camping at the entrance.


    As for why they were here, we need to go back two weeks in the past. Two weeks ago, Roan had called the two girls so that they would go out and obtain another thing for him.


    "Recently, a Masput Vein has been found in Qerlen Country. Masput is a great alchemic material for Cross-Realm Pills aimed at breaking through to the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. It''s a red liquid that can be found inside a red rock of the same name. The reports say that a cultivator had formed a cave to seclude himself. To his surprise, he ended up finding the Masput Rock. As for why he let the news spread, I don''t know, nor do I care. I want you two to go there and fetch some for me. Make sure you fill at least two medicinal bottles to the brim with it."


    "How do you want us to do it?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Do whatever you want. As long as you bring it back, then anything''s fine."


    And here they were, ready to look for those Masput Rocks.


    "If the map is right, this valley is massive. How does Roan expect us to find it?"


    Calina shrugged her shoulders as she replied.


    "That''s probably another one of his tests. However, it''s a good thing that this vein is located in such a big place. Look around. The fact that the valley entrance has so many cultivators is solid proof that there are still Masput Rocks available. The valley''s size makes it much harder to find, so we can try to get our own."


    "From what I found out, Masput Rocks are only good for those pills Roan mentioned. Because of that, there aren''t many Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators or higher here. The majority are in the same realm as us, trying to get the Masput Liquid to make their own pills for their own breakthroughs."


    "Naturally, Roan is thinking about concocting the same pills for us when the time comes. The only problem is that any new place with Masput Rocks will definitely attract all the surrounding cultivators. No doubt hundreds or even thousands of battles have already happened because of them, so we better be careful."


    Malaka nodded.


    "Well, Roan probably thought of the same thing. That''s why he allowed Kentucky to come with us this time around."


    Malak then hugged Kentucky... or so she tried. The bird was already quite big, so it was hard to do so. At least, it didn''t look that fat anymore.


    "We''re counting on you, Kentucky!"


    *Chick! Chick!*


    Kentucky opened his wings as if he was agreeing with Malaka.


    Calina and Malaka then began to make their way to the valley''s entrance. On the way, they were invited to join a few searching groups. Well, it was expected that people would try to join hands to guarantee their own Masput Rocks would be safe.


    It was then that a group with three female cultivators approached the two girls and Kentucky.


    "Hello. I''m Kuana from the Fractario Sect. The two girls on my side are Laffey and Cassia. Would you like to join us to look for Masput Rocks?"


    Calina and Malaka noticed that the three girls used different clothes or robes.


    "Did you perhaps form this group just recently?"


    Kuana nodded.


    "Yes. We are all from different sects and clans. We are trying to make a group with women only to look for the rocks. Of course, if you think we''re too weak, you can just refuse."


    Calina and Malaka could tell that Kuala was in the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm while Cassia and Laffey were in the Middle Stage, just like them.


    Following that, Calina sent Malaka a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Well, Roan said that we could use any means we wanted to find the Masput Rocks. There''s no doubt that there are many groups inside, so we might as well join one.''


    Malaka couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Wouldn''t that make it harder to fill two medicinal bottles if we have to share with them?''


    Calina smiled before saying.


    ''Don''t worry. Roan also didn''t give us any time limit. After so many hellish tasks given by him and your master, it shouldn''t be bad to do things safely for once.''


    Malaka''s eyes lit up, and she immediately accepted. Indeed. They could take their time to look for these rocks. Wasn''t that just perfect? As for whether they could trust Kuana and the other two girls or not, it didn''t matter. Calina and Malaka were very confident in their own strength, especially with Kentucky around.


    "Miss Kuana, we accept."


    Kuana smiled and was just about to say something when suddenly, they heard a commotion around themselves. However, even if they didn''t hear it, they would have noticed it.


    "Hey, look at the Valley!"


    Calina, Malaka, and Kuana and the other girls also looked in that direction. From the very center of the Valley, a ray of red light shot to the skies! However, that red light began to expand right after. In just a second, it already covered more than half of the Valley.


    "Not good! It''s coming in our direct."


    Unfortunately, reacting at this point was useless. Calina even tried to call Kentucky so that they could fly out of here with Malaka, but she didn''t have time for that either. Just like that, everyone at the entrance of the Valley was taken by it.


    ---


    Note: We are going back to the one chapter/day with mas releases on Sundays. People seemed to not like this system of two chapters without mass releases. Check the rules below.

 Chapter 479 - We Are Moving Out

    However, the Red Light didn''t stop there. It continued to expand, seemingly unstoppable. Not too long after, the closest city was enveloped by the light as it expanded at frightening speeds. Like a raging torrent, it continued to engulf more places. Cities, tribes, lonely cultivators and people, demon beasts, forests, basically everything was engulfed by it.


    At some point, it even broke through the border of Qerlen Country and began to pull the other countries'' cities into it as well. Well, that was to be expected since the valley was close to the borders to start with.


    As the red light expanded, the flow of Spiritual Energy completely changed in the surrounding countries. Anyone at the Soul Transformation Realm or above immediately noticed that shift.


    Back in the Dalamu Sect, Rean, Qia, Havek, and Droman stared intently as a Circuitry Machine worked to create a few pieces of Circuitry Formation Pieces on its own.


    "It seems to be working."


    "Well, this is already the fifth model of our Spiritual Circuitry Building Machine. Since we were able to make the previous four, it''s not surprising that this one worked."


    Droman nodded before saying.


    "The first working model couldn''t make Circuitry Parts as small as I could manually, but it was definitely able to keep the quality consistent."


    Qia looked at that and commented.


    "The best part of the machine would probably be the programming part Rean talked about. I''ve never thought we could use Electrical Pulses to act as orders to dictate how this machine would work. Truly impressive. It''s quite unfortunate that this is just the first one. We will need all the complementary parts if we want to keep reducing the size of the Electrical Components."


    Havek laughed out loud as he said.


    "Hahaha! Don''t worry. With this god''s new talent for programming, we will finish the next complementary parts soon enough. No one can stop me anymore."


    Rean smiled as he looked at Havek. It wasn''t a lie. He brought the concept of programs to everyone, but it was Havek who turned out to be very fitting for this kind of job. He understood how the concept of ones and zeros worked. Sure enough, the Electrical Formation Repository in the Soul Gem Realm fused both the cultivation world''s Formation Runes with the circuits found in computers from Earth.


    Rean was incredibly surprised by what could be considered the processing ability of a Spiritual Processing Unit when it was used. The one they used for the first Spiritual Circuitry Building Machine was enormous and millions of times slower than the current CPUs found on Earth. However, Sister Orb mentioned that their SPU was who knows how many times better than the first CPUs that appeared on Earth. Not to mention that the size Rean thought to be too big was nothing more than ant-like if compared to Earth''s first computers and electrical machines.


    "Indeed. No one here has such keen intuition for programming as Havek."


    Of course, programming was another word that Rean shamelessly stole from Earth. It couldn''t be helped, though. After all, they didn''t really have a word in the cultivation world to describe this kind of job.


    After the first Spiritual Circuitry Building Machina was concluded, they began to use it to make more of the precise machines they needed. Of course, they didn''t copy them. The other machines were responsible for building the other parts necessary. After one year, they finally succeeded in making Circuitry Machines capable of making all the parts they needed to start creating even smaller components for new ones.


    The hardest part in making the Spiritual Circuitry Building Machines was the first iteration. After all, they had to be developed and built by hand. They didn''t even know how many times they tried and failed.


    But now, they''ve reached the fifth model.


    A few minutes passed before the machine finally stopped working. From inside, they pulled out a tiny component. Rean''s group was forced to channel Spiritual Energy to their eyes to see it perfectly.


    "Does the transistor work?"


    Droman went ahead and used his Spiritual Energy to create a tiny electrical pulse in the transistor. At the same time, they verified the even tinier runes on it with their Spiritual Senses. It was then that the runes came to life for a moment before turning off. The process itself didn''t last more than a fraction of a second, but everyone''s eyes lit up in response.


    "Hahaha! It worked!"


    Droman sighed in relief as he looked at the dot on his finger.


    "It isn''t as small as the ones I can create by manipulating Spiritual Energy.  However, the fifth model can make thousands of these without sacrificing quality. That''s just what we need."


    Rean pondered for a bit before suggesting.


    "How about we try and make a new SPU with these parts? We have been using the first model''s size until now, and it can barely work with information. Look at the Spiritual Circuitry Building Machine''s SPU. It''s several meters long! It''s too impractical."


    Havek pondered for a bit before saying.


    "We made the first ones manually with Senior Droman''s skills. However, it worked so well that we forgot about using the transistors made by the machines. We only focused on reducing the size of the components more and more. I think it''s already time for us to try it."


    Qia, Droman, and Rean nodded in response. That would be the First SPU made with the help of the machines. However, just as they were about to start, Droman froze in place as he looked in a particular direction.


    "This..."


    At the same time, Mia, Zuan, and Old Worm looked in the same direction as well. Even Old Worm showed some reaction when he felt that, let alone Mia and the others.


    "How could this be happening?"


    They weren''t the only ones who noticed that change in Spiritual Energy Flow, though.


    [The hell? How can so much Spiritual Energy be moved like this? What is it, a formation?]


    Rean and Roan heard those words in their heads as they felt that change, thanks to Sister Orb. Just like Droman and the others, they also looked in the direction the Red Light was expanding.


    ''Sister Orb, can you tell what''s happening?''


    [No... I''ve never felt something like this before. I can only tell from which direction the Spiritual Energy is being pushed away.]


    Droman didn''t know anything about Rean and Roan''s conversation with Sister Orb. He only paid attention to what was happening in his surroundings.


    Droman and Rean then looked at each other and could tell that they noticed that change. The same thing happened between Roan and Old Worm.


    "Elder Droman, is such a thing possible?"


    Droman was so shocked by what he felt that he ignored the fact that Rean shouldn''t have been able to feel that.


    "I don''t know..."


    Qia and Havek looked at the two, a puzzled expression on their faces.


    "What are you talking about? Hurry up, and let''s start."


    Droman immediately shook his head.


    "It''s not the time for that. Come outside."


    Rean agreed with him.


    "Let''s go."


    Qia and Havek looked at each other and followed. Soon, they noticed a commotion at the Formations Hall entrance.


    As soon as they stepped outside, they understood why. Dalamu Sect was built on one of the highest mountains of Jialin. Naturally, they had a privileged view of their horizons. At the moment, the sky in the direction of Qerlen Country was completely red. Old Worm and Roan noticed the same thing when they came out of the alchemy room.


    Suddenly, Droman and Old Worm received a Spiritual Sense message from Mia. The same happened to all the sect elders at the Nascent Soul Realm.


    ''Come to the mountain peak.''


    Reliance, who happened to be in the sect to deliver another demon beast, also got that message.


    Droman looked at Rean''s group before saying.


    "I need to go see the Sect Master."


    Rean immediately held his robe, though.


    "I''m going as well."


    Droman pondered for a bit and nodded. Unlike the others, Rean first noticed that event through the change in Spiritual Energy, not because of the red sky. Roan didn''t even need to ask as Old Worm immediately pulled him with Spiritual Energy and flew in the mountain peak''s direction.


    Qia and Havek were left behind, not knowing what to do. Well, Havek quickly recovered and turned around.


    "Well, I''m going back to continue."


    "What?! Aren''t you curious about what''s currently happening?"


    Havek shook his head as he responded.


    "As long as this god isn''t disturbed by that, it wouldn''t matter. After all, it isn''t as important as me. Hahaha!"


    Just like that, Havek disappeared inside the Formations Hall. As for Qia, she wasn''t Havek, so she couldn''t let it go. Without asking for permission or anything like that, she immediately rushed to the peak.


    Inside the Sect''s Main Hall...


    "Why are the twins here?" asked Mia with a dark expression.


    Droman then explained.


    "They also felt the problem with the Spiritual Energy."


    "What?!"


    Mia was taken aback. She knew that only those at the Soul Transformation Realm or above should have noticed such a thing.


    The Nascent Soul Realm elders were puzzled by those words, though.


    "What kind of problem?"


    Droman looked at Mia, who sighed before explaining. In the end, she simply ignored the twins, thinking that they would always appear everywhere.


    "You noticed the change coming from Qerlen Country, right? Whatever it was, it pushed all the Spiritual Energy away. You guys can''t feel it because of your cultivations. I really wonder how these two guys did that," she said as she looked deeply at Rean and Roan.


    Rean scratched the back of his head while Roan''s deadpan face didn''t even change.


    "Whatever. It''s not the time to talk about that. Everyone, we''re moving out. Also, call a few of our Core Formation and Core and Soul Fusion Realm elders and disciples. We might need their assistance."

 Chapter 480 - Who Wants To Go First?

    Everyone was taken aback by that order. Nevertheless, they quickly nodded as they could tell that something huge happened.


    Mia then looked at Zuan before asking.


    "What will you do, Master?"


    "I''m going with you guys. I''m pretty sure that all the ancestors of the five sects are already making their way over. Jialin Royal Family''s ancestors should be no different either."


    Old Worm shook his head as he interrupted.


    "Not only them. This thing seems to be ridiculously enormous. Other countries are definitely moving out as well."


    Old Worm was right. At this moment, all the sects, clans, and various organizations were making their way over to Qerlen or to the countries where the red light continued to expand.


    Also, the representatives of the Imperial Family took their Thoughts Transmission Talismans and used it straight away. Whatever was happening there definitely required their intervention as well.


    Back in the Dalamu Sect, Qia suddenly barged into the meeting hall. Everyone then looked at her as they narrowed their eyes. However, everyone knew that Qia was a princess of the Imperial Family, so they didn''t say anything.


    "Princess, we can''t talk right now."


    Qia shook her head.


    "I''m not an idiot. I can tell that something big is happening. As a princess of the Empire, I must have a complete grasp of the situation. I also have a Thoughts Transmission Talisman in case you need to contact the Imperial Family directly. Besides..."


    Qia pointed at Rean and Roan and continued.


    "Since they''re here, why can''t I?"


    Mia didn''t have the patience to deal with Qia at the moment. Well, she wouldn''t anyway since their statuses were completely different from each other. In the end, she simply ordered.


    "Someone bring her with us. Let''s go."


    Old Worm and Droman brought Rean and Roan with them, while Tiria did the same with Qia. Soon, the disciples of the sect saw the elders flying out of the mountain at high speeds.


    At some point, the Dalamu Sect Elders encountered the Jialin Royal Family''s elders. Once again, the one leading them was Kocei. The two groups quickly joined together as they continued on their way.


    "Kocei, do you know what''s happening here?"


    Kocei shook his head as he replied.


    "This time, we really have no idea. If I''m not wrong, it didn''t start in our Jialin Country, to begin with."


    Mia also approached the two.


    "All we can say is the origin of the phenomenon once you consider from which direction the Spiritual Energy Flow was coming."


    "Just what might have started it?"


    It was then that Old Worm and Droman approached them.


    "I have an idea."


    Everyone''s attention was immediately piqued. In the end, it was Roan who talked.


    "Boy, what are you talking about?"


    Droman then quickly explained to Kocei and his subordinates how Rean and Roan could feel the change in the Spiritual Energy Flow.


    "What?! Are you sure?"


    Rean nodded as he responded.


    "It''s probably due to the nature of our elemental affinity. Otherwise, we can''t say why we can feel it."


    Roan shook his head.


    Zuan quickly changed the topic.


    "It doesn''t matter right now. Roan, you said you think you know something. What are you talking about?"


    Roan then began to explain.


    "All we can tell is the origin of where the Spiritual Energy is flowing. That gave us a general direction of where we need to go. I might be wrong, but I think it''s coming from the valley where the Masput Vein was found."


    "Masput Vein?"


    The top experts narrowed their eyes. They didn''t know what he was talking about. That was to be expected since those rocks were only useful for those trying to enter the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. At their Soul Transformation and Saint Realm cultivations, such a thing was useless. The only one that comprehended the news was Mia. After all, the Masput Vein could help the sect''s low-level cultivators who wanted to enter the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. It was her job to be aware of such things as the Sect Leader.


    "The Masput Vein appeared in a valley inside the Qerlen Country recently. Now that Roan said that, we are indeed flying in its direction right now."


    Roan nodded.


    "The thing I find weird is how no one noticed that Masput Vein until now. Sure, the Masput Rocks are mostly found underground. Still, a vein of that size being reported shouldn''t have been hidden for such a long time. At first, I didn''t care too much about it, but it might be related to the situation right now."


    Of course, many others also thought the same thing as Roan. That being said, the Qerlen Country experts went to verify the valley. However, all they found was the Masput Vein and nothing else. In the end, they could only open the valley to other countries since the news had already spread.


    Kocei pondered for a bit about that.


    "Well, we still don''t know if it is really connected to that valley you talked about."


    Zuan nodded.


    "Let''s increase our speeds."


    As everyone flew forward, Mia approached Rean and Roan.


    "Where did you send Malaka this time?"


    Rean sighed as he pointed in the direction of the red sky.


    "We told her to go to Qerlen to fetch some of the Masput Medicinal Liquid for Cross-Realm Pills. From what I know, she brought Kentucky together with that friend of hers."


    That was one more reason why the twins could tell that the Valley was the crux of the issue. One should remember that they also had a small connection with Kentucky. They could tell which direction Kentucky was as long as he wasn''t too far away. They couldn''t feel Kentucky''s presence when they were in the Empire''s capital. However, he was much closer now.


    "Friend of hers? Are you talking about Illia? Well, those two had been close to each other for quite some time."


    Time continued to pass when suddenly, the group was able to see some kind of red barrier in the distance. It was so big that it was possible to see it from incredibly far away. Even at their cultivation level, it still took them several minutes to fly to the frontlines.


    Mia and the others then looked at the sky as the barrier stretched into the clouds. But that wasn''t all. Their Spiritual Senses entered the earth and could tell that it also extended underground, or at least as far as their Spiritual Senses could reach, that was.


    Kocei then looked at one of his subordinates.


    "Lukio, check it."


    Lukio quickly nodded as he approached the red barrier. However, as soon as he touched it, he was repelled back by the barrier''s energy.


    "Are you alright?"


    Lukio nodded as he looked at his hand. He only touched the barrier for a fraction of a second, but he almost lost his hand. It was dripping with blood. It was even possible to see the bones inside, which were all broken.


    Rean noticed that and quickly offered his help.


    By this point, everyone in Jialin Country knew about Rean''s ridiculous healing powers, so Lukio accepted his help. It would also save him a few healing pills.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    Lukio''s bones began to mend back together as the injuries healed at a speed possible to see with the naked eye. Those who saw it happen for the first time were finally able to understand why the other sects put so much attention on the twins.


    However, their attention didn''t linger there for long because they noticed another group approaching from a distance.


    "It''s the Rohe Sect."


    Rago, the Rohe Sect''s Saint Realm expert, was leading the group in their direction.


    "It seems I got here too late."


    Zuan and Kocei shook their heads as they replied.


    "We just arrived as well."


    Zuan and Kocei then told him what they understood about this thing so far.


    "You two, let''s go up."


    Zuan and Rago nodded as they followed Kocei. Soon, they disappeared into the skies. At their cultivation realm, leaving the atmosphere wasn''t anything difficult.


    Sometime later, they came down again.


    "We took a look at it from above. It looks like a giant dome."


    Mia couldn''t help but ask.


    "So we can''t enter?"


    Suddenly, Droman called their attention.


    "Well, let me tell you something before someone makes a mistake. This is definitely not a formation. No, let me rephrase that. This is a formation, but not a manmade one."


    Everyone was taken aback by Droman''s words.


    "Are you saying that this is a natural formation? Aren''t those things supposed to be extremely rare?"


    Droman nodded.


    "They are. Natural Formations only appear once many coincidences happen at once in the same place. However, it is all thanks to Natural Formations that the Formation Master side occupation was born. We basically copied natures'' runes to use in our own works."


    "Anyway, although they''re rare, it''s not like it''s impossible to see them. Even I had the opportunity to see a few of them in my life. However, I''ve never seen something this big before. But at the same time, I can understand why it''s so big. Even the Empire Capital''s Protection Formation looks just like an ant in front of this thing. However, this also makes things easier to deal with."


    Droman then approached the red barrier and began to draw runes midair with his Spiritual Energy. In just a few minutes, hundreds of runes appeared in front of him. Soon after, Droman drove them against the Natural Formation.


    *Bzzzzz!*


    Suddenly, a hole appeared in the barrier. It was large enough for quite a few people to enter.


    "Natural Formations aren''t doing things on purpose, so they won''t really try to block us out of their own will. Naturally, it''s not too hard to work around it."


    Droman looked at everyone before asking.


    "So, who wants to go first?"

 Chapter 481 - Short Circuit

    Rago looked at the hole and then thought about something.


    "Now that I think about it, the people who were first enveloped by this thing weren''t pushed away. They were taken inside."


    Droman nodded as he responded.


    "Exactly. That''s one more reason why I think it''s a natural formation."


    Kocei once again looked at one of his subordinates and ordered.


    "Alright, go inside and check if everything is okay."


    The man quickly acknowledged and moved in the hole''s direction. However, as soon as he tried to pass through it, the formation seemed to gain life as multiple arcs of red lightning spread around the hole. Those arcs then aimed at the guy, quickly obliterating him down.


    The guy simply didn''t have the chance to defend himself as he was sent flying by the attack.


    *Boom!*


    He crashed to the ground at such an extreme amount of force that a crater spanning a few meters appeared around him.


    "What?! Impossible! That shouldn''t have happened!"


    Droman didn''t know what to say. He was sure that the hole was safe to pass, so why did that happen?


    Rean didn''t waste his time and immediately moved in the guy''s direction. The man''s body was completely charred, his breath incredibly faint. They only knew he was alive because they could feel it through their Spiritual Sense. However, he definitely wouldn''t last long like that.


    Although Rean moved quickly, Kocei was even faster. He quickly took a healing pill from his bag and fed the man. Immediately, the pill began to take effect as the healing properties spread around his body.


    Of course, Rean still gave his support when he got close.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    Everyone looked as Kocei''s subordinate healing slowly. This time, even Rean had problems healing the guy. The injuries were too severe, and the difference in their cultivation was too big. It took quite some time before Rean''s Light Energy was able to stabilize the guy''s condition. However, Rean stopped at that point.


    "Alright, that''s enough for now."


    Kocei narrowed his eyes as he asked.


    "Aren''t you going to heal him completely like what you did with his hand before?"


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    "The difference between that hand injury and this one is like heaven and earth. Besides, a lot of Red Lightning Energy is still present in his body. It would take me quite some time to get rid of that. Also... Senior Kocei has noticed it already, right?"


    Kocei looked at the man and sighed. How could he not notice? The man''s dantian was destroyed in the previous attack. His cultivation was continuously dropping as they spoke. Unfortunately, even Rean''s Light Element had no use in that situation. Rean was basically giving Kocei the chance to chose whether it was worth using more pills to heal him or not.


    "Just say whatever you want to finish the job. He''s a loyal subordinate of our Jialin Royal Family. I can''t just pretend that I''m not seeing him."


    Rean smiled before saying.


    "One Hundred Rank Four Spirit Stones."


    Everyone around took a deep breath. Although it wasn''t any heaven-defying price, it was still quite expensive. One should remember that even Nascent Soul Realm cultivators have a lot of difficulties gathering that number.


    "Aren''t you a little too greedy?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he answered the question.


    "You can also use your own pills to heal him. However, I believe the pill you just fed him before isn''t any less expensive than what I just asked you."


    Roan was the one who told Rean about that just a moment ago. That''s why Rean came up with this idea. Roan had nothing against it since they really needed Rank Four Spirit Stones. After all, the Circuitry Teleport Formation inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm used them for teleports over a thousand kilometers.


    "But it was your Master who opened the hole."


    Rean smiled as he said.


    "He never said it was safe. Otherwise, we would have entered it first. You knew very well that there was a risk, but you took it anyway."


    "Fine! Take it."


    Kocei passed 100 Rank Four Spirit Stones, much to Rean''s appreciation.


    "Thank you for the support."


    Rean''s hair changed into black and white as he used Roan''s  Dark Element to get rid of the Red Lightning Energy in the man''s body. At the same time, his Light Element continued to heal him.


    ''It was indeed a frightening attack. If it was Roan or me, it would have been an instant death.''


    Because of the Red Lightning Energy and the difference in cultivation between him and the target, Rean took more than 20 minutes to finish. Eventually, Kocei saw that the guy''s body was fine and used his Spiritual Energy to force him to wake up.


    The guy slowly opened his eyes and looked around, not knowing what had happened. However, he quickly remembered how he was struck down by the Natural Formation. Following that, he noticed how all the Spiritual Energy was escaping his body nonstop. Only then did he see that his Dantian was no longer there.


    "This..."


    He was just about to panic when Kocei slapped his head.


    *Pah!*


    "Focus on rebuilding your Dantian. You didn''t lose your changes from the Body Transformation, so you can create a new dantian straight away. Don''t worry, the Royal Family will give you financial support for your cultivation."


    The man quickly calmed down and focused his attention on entering the Energy Gathering Realm once again. As he did that, Kocei gave another one of his subordinates an order.


    "Bring him back to the Royal Palace and arrange for him to be treated."


    "Yes, Ancestor."


    Finally, Kocei looked at Droman, who was analyzing the Natural Formation, trying to understand what went wrong.


    "Let''s leave this shameless disciple of yours aside. What happened with the formation? It''s obvious that you also didn''t expect that."


    Droman nodded as he said.


    "Indeed. I also can''t understand what''s happening here."


    Droman wasn''t the only one. A few other Formation Masters stepped forward and analyzed the formation with him.


    "Droman isn''t wrong. That thing shouldn''t have happened with a Natural Formation. I saw the runes Droman used, so it should have worked."


    "I agree. However, it''s a fact that the formation retaliated, but for what reason?"


    Rago pondered for a bit before asking.


    "You said that a Natural Formation shouldn''t have done such a thing. Does it mean that it is not natural?"


    Droman and the others were taken aback by that question. However, they quickly reached a conclusion because of that. Droman then looked at the Rohe and Royal Family Formation Masters before asking.


    "Are you guys thinking the same thing as me?"


    "Yes. That''s the only explanation possible."


    "I also think the same thing."


    Everyone looked with puzzled expressions at the three Formation Masters, waiting for them to explain.


    Finally, the Royal Family Formation Master looked at everyone else.


    "If we''re not mistaken, someone''s controlling it. However, this is, without a doubt, a Natural Formation. I would say that someone is at the Natural Core of this formation, controlling it to prevent others from entering."


    Mia couldn''t help but ask.


    "Is it possible to control a Natural Formation?"


    "It is. However, one must spend a very long time analyzing it. After all, Natural Formations are agglomerations of coincidences that turn into Formation Runes. They are completely random. Naturally, it is excruciatingly difficult for us Formation Masters to understand it."


    Everyone could tell where it was going.


    "A very long time. That meant someone knew about this formation''s existence and had been studying it for a very long time. However, we don''t know who or why."


    Zuan then sent a Spiritual Sense Message to Rean, Roan, Old Worm, Droman, and Mia.


    ''Do you guys think it has something to do with the Chrole Empire?''


    Mia shook her head, responding.


    ''I don''t think so. It''s too flashy! Although we''re much closer to the Chrole Empire''s border in the north than the Capital, this is already quite far.''


    Old Worm agreed with Mia.


    ''What''s the point in building this thing in such a remote place? That would give them no advantage at all.''


    Roan nodded as well.


    ''Indeed. We are far from everything that could be considered important to the Empire. There are three more countries to pass by from the Chrole Empire to reach this place. From a strategic point of view, starting something in this place would be useless. At most, it could be used as a distraction for another event, and even so, it would be quite a poor choice of placement.''


    ''Of course, I''m only saying this relying on the information we have at the moment. I can''t guarantee that it''s like this. Who knows, there might be some heaven-defying treasure capable of destroying countries inside this thing or whatever...''


    Zuan narrowed his eyes.


    ''A treasure, huh? Considering how big this thing is, it might really be related to a treasure. After all, there are natural treasures in this world. It''s just that they''re far rarer than Natural Formations.''


    Their Spiritual Sense message only lasted a second or two. Soon after, Droman went back to work with the two other Formation Masters.


    "This is still a Natural Formation. Even if someone is using the core to control this thing, it isn''t easy at all."


    "Correct. We should be able to come up with a way to conceal our presence as we pass through."


    "What about the Red Lightning? Wouldn''t we be easy prey inside this thing?"


    "That''s fine. The Red Lightning Energy is accumulated in the red barrier alone. As long as we don''t get too close to the barrier, it won''t target us."


    Of course, no one knew what to expect inside after passing through that thing.


    Rago then asked something else.


    "Wait, won''t that take forever for you three to do it?"


    Droman and the other two Formation Masters nodded. They would indeed need some time.


    However, it was then that Droman received a Spiritual Sense message from Rean.


    ''Master, just create a short circuit.''

 Chapter 482 - We Are Going Too

    Droman felt like he was struck by lightning. In the past, he wouldn''t even know what a short circuit meant. However, he had heard and experienced it way too many times already.


    ''Would it work here?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''It should work, no? Red Lightning is still electricity. Fortunately, this is a Natural Formation. All that happens is natural, so those who are controlling it won''t be able to deal with this problem. In any case, it''s not like we have a much better idea.''


    Rean already asked Sister Orb about her ability to control it, however...


    [Are you crazy? Do you have any idea just how gigantic this thing is? Worst of all, it doesn''t follow any manmade pattern. I won''t say it''s impossible, but with the Soul Gem System''s actual processing power, I believe it would take over a year to simply finish analyzing it, let alone controlling it.  I don''t think anyone here wants to wait that long.]


    That''s why Rean decided to try a short circuit in the formation instead.


    Droman then looked around with his Spiritual Sense and quickly found a few low-level demon beasts and other animals. He needed to check the Lightning Current first, so those beasts would need to be the sacrifice.


    Droman then left the other Formation Masters behind for a moment. A few minutes later, he brought a lot of those beasts to test.


    "Droman, what are you doing?"


    "I have an idea. Get away from the barrier. I need to test something."


    The other Formation Masters looked at each other and nodded. Not long after, Droman used the same method as before and opened another hole in the Formation.


    "There you go!"


    He then threw the demon beasts through it. Sure enough, the Red Lightning quickly gathered around the hole, striking the demon beasts soon after. Rean and Droman then paid close attention to it. Naturally, the rest of the people were puzzled by Droman''s actions. It was as if he liked to see the demon beasts being killed by that.


    "Alright, this should be enough."


    Droman came down and immediately began to draw a new formation. This one used a few concepts from the Circuitry Formations but wasn''t really considered part of them. The other Formation Masters looked at his Formation and became perplexed. They could tell that Droman was making a Lightning-type Formation. However, they had never seen the one he was making before.


    "Still, it seems to be quite weak. Is he planning to use Lightning against Lightning?"


    "That would be useless. If there''s one thing this barrier is good at, it''s Lightning Type attacks. Besides, if just attacking the barrier was enough, the Saint Realm ancestors would have broken through it a long time ago."


    Of course, Zuan, Kocei, and Rago tried that already when they went up to check how tall the red barrier is. Unfortunately, their strongest attacks couldn''t even scratch the barrier.


    Droman ignored everyone as he worked on the formation. Thankfully, it was quite a simple one. It''s just that others wouldn''t be able to recognize it. That being said, it only took him a few minutes to finish making it.


    Rean and Qia also understood that Formation very well, so they knew it would work just fine. The only doubt was whether Droman could create a short circuit against the Red Lightning.


    "Alright. Let''s try it out!"


    Droman put a few Rank Two Spirit Stones in the formation before activating it. Following that, the Formation generated a specific type of Electrical Current, which was then transformed into Lightning that struck the barrier.


    The barrier immediately noticed the incoming attack as Red Lightning gathered in front of it.


    Judging by the power shown by the two formations, anyone could tell which one would lose. Droman''s Lightning Strike was hundreds, if not thousands of times weaker than the barrier. Neither the Formation Masters nor the other cultivators expected it to work at all. However, it was then that something incredible happened.


    The Red Lightning easily held Droman''s Lightning back. Unfortunately, it began to act strange soon after. Red Lightning then began to accumulate on the position where the attack was made. Seeing that, Droman immediately warned everyone.


    "Get back!"


    There was no need to say that twice. Everyone saw what happened to the last guy who was struck by the Red Lightning, so no one would be idiotic enough to stay close.


    Red Lightning continued to accumulate in that place. The Formation Masters finally understood that the Red Lightning was turning chaotic. A few moments later...


    *Boom!*


    An enormous explosion of Red Lightning Spread throughout the red barrier, followed by an intense red light. Everyone had to close their eyes due to how bright it was. A chain reaction seemed to occur as the entire thing several kilometers around the center point suffered the same fate. The next time they opened their eyes, the area around the initial attack was wiped out. As for the red barrier itself, there was a gigantic gap expanding tens of kilometers. Of course, compared to the red barrier''s size, several tens of kilometers was basically nothing.


    "This..."


    "How did such a weak formation achieve this result?"


    "That explosion was frightening..."


    Droman ignored everyone, though. He quickly grabbed another demon beast and shot it through the gap in the red barrier. This time, however, no Red Lightning came down as the Demon Beast landed far inside.


    "It worked!"


    "Great!"


    "We can finally enter!"


    "Wait, should we really enter?"


    "What, are you going to stay outside? Fine by me. If there''s any treasure in there, it''ll be easier for me to get it."


    "Hmph! We''ll see about that."


    Droman didn''t care about those words.


    "Look at the Barrier. It''s recovering."


    Zuan noticed something else as well.


    "That''s not all. Look at the demon beast you threw inside the barrier."


    Everyone then followed Zuan''s eyes, looking at the demon beast. At the moment, it began to move extremely fast. They all knew that it was nothing more than a Stage One demon beast, so how could it achieve such a speed?


    "Wrong. It''s not that it became faster all of a sudden. Pay attention to its movement. It feels more like I''m seeing an accelerated jade slip recording."


    "This..."


    "It''s true."


    Everyone couldn''t believe what they were seeing. However, one thing was obvious. The time flow inside the barrier was several times faster.


    Droman couldn''t help but comment.


    "Time is the only thing that even Formation Masters can''t deal with."


    The other two agreed with him.


    "I''ve heard about the legends that the ascenders can use it, but I thought it was a joke."


    "You aren''t the only one. I really can''t fathom how it''s happening."


    Everyone looked at that with startled expressions. However, Kocei and the other ancestors quickly recovered.


    "That doesn''t matter right now. What we need to know is whether we should enter or not. From what I can see, that demon beast moves at least 15 times faster than it should. So we should expect a time flow increase of that magnitude."


    Zuan shook his head as he said.


    "This is just the border of the red barrier. There''s a chance that the effects would become even stronger as we go further inside."


    Rago agreed with Zuan.


    "I''m sorry, but I won''t be able to accompany you. I have my Rohe Sect to take care of, after all."


    Kocei and Zuan didn''t find that strange. In fact, neither of the two intended to enter that thing either. The Royal Family had only two Saint Realm cultivators, so losing Kocei would be a massive blow to them. Let alone Zuan and Rago, who were the only Saint Realm cultivators of their sects.


    Suddenly, another group of cultivators began to approach them. Not only one, but two different groups.


    "It''s the Lagan Sect and Laan Sect."


    Laan Sect was the newly created sect after Jialin won the war. Their two Saint Realm cultivators came from Laan City that disappeared in the past. Well, only one of those two came this time, Fuka. As for the Lagan Sect, Burin Falan was their only Saint Realm expert, so he was obviously the one who came.


    "That was quite the explosion. Thanks to that, we finally found you guys," said Fuka from the Laan Sect.


    Zuan shrugged his shoulders, not finding it strange.


    "Well, this is a problem that involves all sects of our countries. In fact, I can already imagine other countries taking action as well since this barrier also invaded their territory. It''s good that you arrived."


    Burin then asked.


    "What about the Imperial Family? Should we warn them?"


    Qia, who had been close to Tiria and Zuan all this time, nodded.


    "Hello, seniors. I''m Qia Sasamil. I already used a Thoughts Transmission Talisman to tell them about what is happening here. However, the capital is that far, so they will take some time to arrive."


    The others then looked at Qia and Rean. Sure enough, they also received the information that Rean married a Sasamil Family Member, and a direct descendant at that. Even the Umbral Sect dropped any ideas of trying something against the twins after that.


    "Oh! Nice to meet you, princess."


    Those ancestors then introduced themselves to her. Of course, due to their difference in cultivation, they didn''t overdo things, nor Qia wished for that. After that, Zuan gave them a quick explanation of what they found so far through a Spiritual Sense Message.


    Droman warned everyone in sequence.


    "The barrier is closing. What are the ancestors'' decisions?"


    Zuan, Kocei, Fuka, Burin, and Rago pondered for a bit before saying.


    "Let''s each send a team to check things. That''s the best we can do."


    Rean and Roan, of course, contacted Zuan with a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''We''re going inside with them.''

 Chapter 483 - Where Are The Twins?

    Zuan shook his head as he replied.


    ''Out of the question. You should understand how important you are to the sect at the moment. I can''t allow anything to happen to you two. Simply put, you two are too weak.''


    Roan didn''t care what he said as he retaliated with his own response.


    ''How many Nascent Soul Experts do you have here, to begin with? We both know that you won''t send all of them. After all, if something happens to them, it would be a great loss for the sect. You and the others will have to gather Core Formation or Core and Soul Fusion Realm experts to make up for the Nascent Souls'' low numbers.''


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    ''Back when we were at the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm, we combined were already able to fight at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm level. Let alone now that we are in the Middle Stage. Don''t worry, we have our own way to escape danger if something happens.''


    Zuan snorted in response as he remained adamant in his decision.


    ''I don''t care. I''m definitely not risking your lives. Do you hear me?''


    Rean and Roan sighed but didn''t say anything else. Of course, they wanted to enter because Malaka and Calina were there. Their lives depended on Calina on top of that. The fact that they were still alive showed that Calina was alive as well. However, they didn''t know for how long that would be the case.


    ''Alright. Sorry for asking, Elder Zuan.''


    Zuan nodded, satisfied. It was already a significant exception to bring them here, to begin with.


    Well, the fact was that Rean and Roan already expected that answer. They only tried it just to be sure. Since it didn''t work, they would need to enter it by themselves. And with that...


    ''Sister Orb, this thing won''t block the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s Circuitry Teleport Formation, right?''


    [Obviously. This thing is not a spatial formation to start with, so why would it be able to block you outside? However, without a save point, it can only teleport you randomly in the direction you want. I can''t guarantee anything else after that.]


    The twins nodded, not minding it too much. Even if they were teleported inside the earth, they can use their own strength and come out slowly. Although Earth Element wasn''t their forte, it isn''t as if they couldn''t use it.


    Rean and Roan then turned around and sat by a corner as they waited. Zuan and the others saw it and nodded. Zuan knew that their sister was in there, but the twins'' lives were a lot more important. Not to mention that unlike other missions, the other powers would notice the twins straight away if they entered. That wouldn''t be good if they were targeted inside.


    Zuan then returned his attention to the selection of the teams. In the end, he and Mia decided to use Tiria and Juvian. Those two were already used to working together, so this Nascent Soul Realm combination could prove to be great in an emergency. After that, he went through the Core and Soul Fusion and Core Formation Realm elders and disciples.


    There were a few familiar figures in this group, like Elder Hulian from the Iron and Blood Faction and Odeni Fuller from the Sect Entrance Exam. Between the Core Formation Realm cultivators, it was possible to recognize a few Inner Sect disciples that they fought against before.


    The other sects quickly finished selecting their own members as well. It was just that by now, the red barrier had already closed. Well, it mattered little since Droman simply created another short circuit. Just like that, another enormous gap was opened once again, however...


    "We better not do this too many times. This is a Natural Formation, so it can adapt. The gap created using my method was only half of the size of the previous one."


    Rean almost laughed out loud when he heard that. Not only him, but Qia was doing her best to do the same. They knew that Droman was lying. All he did was change the current to another type. It was such a subtle detail that no one else noticed. However, the couple definitely did since they knew it very well. Droman was just trying to make his ability more valuable.


    Nonetheless, the gap was already created. The experts could only grit their teeth and enter straight away. Zuan and the others looked as those people passed through the gap and suddenly accelerated. Well, they knew that it was just the time acceleration inside that made it look like it. Eventually, the barrier closed again, and they were not able to see anything else anymore.


    "By the way, how will we know if they decide to leave?"


    Droman appeased that cultivator.


    "Don''t worry. As long as you strike the red barrier, it will retaliate with that Red Lightning. Once I see that happening, I can make the same formation to open a gap once again."


    The other two Formation Masters couldn''t help but ask.


    "By the way, what kind of formation is that? I''ve never seen that arrangement of runes before."


    Droman laughed in response as he said.


    "Right? Unfortunately, it''s a secret, so I can''t tell you."


    Mia ignored that as she looked at the barrier.


    "All we can do now is wait. Fortunately, it shouldn''t take too long to obtain some results."


    Kocei nodded.


    "True. Since the time inside seems to be at least ten times higher, the events in there will happen a lot sooner for us outside."


    Zuan also added his own comments.


    "In any case, we''re just vanguards. When the experts of the Imperial Family or other interested countries arrive, more of them will enter this thing. I just hope they have another way to get inside since Droman can''t use the same formation forever."


    "The Imperial Family probably has its own ways. Even our Formation Masters were confident that they could pass through it, let alone them. I wouldn''t be surprised if the Imperial Family''s Formation Masters have a method as fast as Droman''s to get in there."


    It was at this moment that Zuan noticed a problem.


    "Hmm? Where are the twins?"


    Mia, Droman, Qia, and the others felt a chill on their backs. They quickly looked to the side where they were sitting just a moment ago. However, because they were all concerned with the red barrier striking back at the experts entering it, they forgot the twins for a moment.


    Rean and Roan already expected that it would happen, so they sat in a place where they knew they would be forgotten, even if for just a moment. They sat quite far in the back, far away from the natural formation. Rean then kept his Radar Skill on, waiting for a moment that the experts'' Spiritual Senses relaxed their attention on them. Obviously, they took that chance to enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm without even a single person noticing it.


    "Did they enter through the gap as well?"


    "Impossible! We were all looking directly at it with both of our eyes and Spiritual Senses. Do you think two Core Formation Realm brats could avoid our detection?"


    "But it''s a fact that they disappeared. At the very least, I can''t see them with my Spiritual Sense."


    Of course, this conversation was only happening among the Dalamu Sect''s members. The other sects still haven''t noticed the twins'' disappearance. Well, they weren''t paying attention to the twins to start with.


    Zuan spread his Spiritual Sense everywhere, but even his Saint Realm cultivation couldn''t find them.


    "Those idiots!"


    Even though they didn''t see it, Zuan, Mia, Droman, and Qia were sure that they definitely entered the natural formation. The only question was how...


    ***


    Going one day back in time, when the natural formation first appeared. Or better, ten or so days'' time inside the formation...


    Calina and Malaka were blinded by the red light of the formation, not seeing anything. The same thing happened to Kuana, her friends, and the other cultivators at the valley entrance. However, Calina quickly noticed that bright light disappear as something embraced her together with the other girls.


    Immediately, she heard Malaka''s voice.


    "Don''t worry, it''s Kentucky. He''s covering us with his wings."


    That warning wasn''t for Calina since she also understood that straight away. Malaka was talking to Kuana, Laffey, and Cassia. Because they were too close to each other, Kentucky didn''t try to separate them. There wasn''t enough time, so he took all five inside.


    Kuana''s group quickly calmed down as they waited. It was still possible to see the intense red light coming from the gaps in Kentucky''s wings. Finally, the red light began to disappear around a minute later. Only then did Kentucky open his wings again.


    Malaka and the other girls looked around and saw that all the camps had been swept away. As for the cultivators, they were still alive but had obtained a few injuries. The only ones who seemed to be fine were those who had methods to protect themselves or those who had higher cultivation like the Core and Soul Fusion Realm experts.


    "Kentucky, are you okay?"


    Malaka looked at the demon beast and saw some of his feathers and scales had some smoke coming out of them. Those were the ones that stayed outside.


    *Chick! Chick!*


    Kentucky then flapped his wings to cool them down. From the looks of it, it was nothing more than a hot breeze for the Minokawa.


    Kuana''s group then looked at the bird before looking at Malaka and Calina.


    "Although, it was a coincidence that we were close. I''ll thank you for the help."


    Malaka quickly hugged Kentucky.


    "You did a great job, Kentucky!"


    *Chick!*


    The bird then spread its chest as if it was saying. You can count on me!


    Calina smiled at that before turning her attention to the surroundings.


    "Now then, just what happened here?"

 Chapter 484 - Attack!

    Quite a few cultivators with paper-thin defense were caught off guard with their guards down and received quite serious injuries, mostly burns. Seeing that, Calina and Malaka immediately tried to help a few of them. Although Water Element wasn''t as good as Rean''s Light Element, it was still the most commonly used element for healing. Naturally, Calina knew a few healing abilities. As for Malaka, Mia made sure to carve a few of those skills inside the happy-go-lucky girl''s brain as well.


    Kuana, Cassie, and Laffey couldn''t help but ask.


    "Shouldn''t you two be more worried about yourselves?"


    Calina shrugged her shoulders as she replied.


    "We are. That''s why we are healing them. We might need everyone''s strength depending on what''s happening here."


    Malaka agreed with Calina.


    "Look around you. Does it seem like we''re safe already? Our entire surroundings are covered in this red light. We better have more people to discuss about it."


    Kuana''s group pondered for a bit and decided to help as well. It''s just that none of them was a Water Element Affinity cultivator, so they couldn''t do much.


    Suddenly, someone began to talk in the skies.


    "Oh! There''s a lot of ants here as well. This dammed valley has several entrances, so we have cultivators everywhere because of these useless rocks."


    Everyone looked above and saw a man floating there. However, he looked quite different from a normal person. His body had several red line patterns that didn''t seem to be a tattoo or anything like that. The rest of their skin, however, was very pale, almost like ghosts. That only enhanced the presence of the red lines.


    Since he could fly, it was obvious that he was at least in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. However, the Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators in the groups immediately narrowed their eyes. They couldn''t feel that person''s cultivation at all.


    "At least Nascent Soul Realm," said the guy Calina was healing. He then got up, albeit with some difficulty.


    "I''m fine, thanks. By the way, you can call me Wamo. Well, better than that, you should think about how to escape this place. I don''t think that guy there came with good intentions."


    The girls were soon taken aback by those words.


    Suddenly, they began to hear sounds of explosions coming from slightly afar. From the looks of it, some battle started somewhere else.


    "Oh! They already started. Well, I better finish my job here as well."


    Sure enough, the man in the skies began to gather energy, preparing to attack the cultivators below. However, he narrowed his eyes as he looked at a particular location.


    "Why don''t you introduce yourself?"


    Another man then began to float in the air as he stopped in front of the guy.


    "I''m an elder of the Yulo Sect, Cimo Gnilore. It was my time to watch over the valley so that things wouldn''t go out of control. I can see that you have quite a few friends in the other parts. Who are you guys? How did you create this ridiculously big barrier? What are you planning?"


    Some of the cultivators below rejoiced with Cimo''s appearance.


    "It''s Elder Cimo!"


    "He''s also a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator."


    "We''re saved!"


    The man in the skies ignored the voices below before introducing himself.


    "You can call me Troga. As for who I am, what we want, and how we did it, I can''t tell you."


    It was then that Troga disappeared from his position as he attacked Cimo.


    "Impudent!"


    Cimo also disappeared as he counterattacked.


    *Boom, boom, boom!*


    Immediately, the area around the two Nascent Soul experts transformed into a forbidden zone to the other cultivators.


    Calina and the others looked at that and immediately understood. They had to use this chance to escape. As for the injured people, they couldn''t worry about them right now.


    "Let''s go!"


    Malaka, Kentucky, and a few other cultivators they helped heal immediately turned around and fled into the forest behind. Calina didn''t dare to ask Kentucky to fly since it would only make them a bigger target.


    Well, they weren''t the only ones. Many other cultivators that could still move also began to flee.


    Suddenly, a ray of light crossed the skies as it moved in Cimo and Troga''s battle. Soon after, Troga and the new guy began to fight against Cimo.


    "Shameless!"


    Troga didn''t care.


    "Hahaha! It was your bad luck to be in this place today. No, in fact, you''re quite lucky. After all, we are only Nascent Soul Realm cultivators. Our Soul Forging Realm members are quite busy at the moment."


    Troga''s friend narrowed his eyes after hearing that. Just like Troga, he also had the same red lines on his body and the ghost pale skin, but with different patterns.


    "Troga, don''t speak more than you should."


    "Yeah, yeah, yeah. This guy won''t live for much longer, so who cares? Raro, you''re too serious."


    Cimo wanted to learn more about these people, but he was at a serious disadvantage. In the end, he could only turn around and flee as well. Troga and Raro immediately followed, much to the cultivators'' relief below.


    *Boom!*


    Suddenly, an explosion came from the place where some of the cultivators had come from. It turns out that Troga and Raro were just two of the enemy''s experts. They had much more of them in hiding. Not only that, but they all had those red line patterns on their bodies, whether they were men or women. It''s just that the new ones were not in the Nascent Soul Realm, but in the Core and Soul Fusion and Core Formation Realm.


    Calina''s group was no different as some of those enemies appeared in front of them.


    "Take them down!"


    Wamo then took the front and ordered the people around.


    "Don''t dwell on this. Focus on escaping. If they hold you behind, you will eventually be swallowed by their numbers."


    Calina and Malaka finally noticed Wamo''s cultivation. It turned out that Wamo was in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. However, it puzzled Calina. Those in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm should have been able to resist that Red Light with ease. How did he get injured by that?


    ''Forget it. It''s not the time to consider such things.''


    Wamo brought his sword out and immediately slashed at one of the enemies.


    ''Ray Cut!''


    Fire and Wind Element gathered around Wamo''s Sword as a Fire Blade flew in the enemy''s direction. The guy didn''t even have time to react as he was cleaved in half before burning to a crisp.


    Calina and Malaka couldn''t help but think.


    ''As expected of a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator, he''s a Dual Element user. However, this guy is quite strong for his Middle Stage cultivation.''


    Nonetheless, it was a good thing for Calina''s group.


    Malaka and Calina quickly refocused their attention on their own enemies after that. Fortunately, their enemies were in the same cultivation as the two girls.


    ''Glacial Icicles!''


    ''Flow of the Dragon Staff!''


    Calina''s enemy was taken aback by that attack. The Glacial Icicles were several times faster than he imagined. Malaka''s opponent was even more frightened since Malaka displayed a level of raw strength far above his own with just her staff.


    Calina''s enemy tried to step back to defend against her attack when all of a sudden, he noticed he stepped into a pond of water.


    "Not good!"


    It was too late.


    ''Water Prison!''


    The guy didn''t even have enough time to escape as his body was enclosed by the water prison. Immediately, he began to release his attacks, trying to break through the skill.


    ''Water Blades!''


    Unfortunately, hundreds of Water Blades began to attack him from all sides. He could only defend against a few at the same time while he used his Spiritual Energy Barrier to fend the rest off. However, he wouldn''t last more than a few seconds like that. Immediately, he sent his companion a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Help me!''


    *Boom!*


    However, when he used his Spiritual Sense to look at his companion''s state, the latter''s head was crushed by Malaka''s staff. After so many dangerous life and death situations, Malaka had finally got used to killing. Well, she still hated it, though. But when the time asked for it, she didn''t hesitate anymore.


    The enemy in the water prison resisted for as long as he could. But in the end, he was cut into several parts by Calina''s Water Blades. Once inside the Water Prison, Calina''s attacks were really frightening.


    It took some time to explain, but all of that happened in just a few seconds.


    Wamo looked at that and was also surprised by the two girls'' strengths. However, the one that really caught his attention was someone else.


    *Creee!*


    *Clang, Clang, Clang, Clang...*


    Kentucky moved like a flash of Black and White Light. Black and White Flames burned around his body as his wings hardened like blades. According to Elder Reliance, Minokawa Feathers can be as sharp as swords, and Kentucky showed that right now.


    High speed, sharp blades, and high defense. Kentucky was creating its own slaughtering field. Not only that, but he also knew his own strength very well. Kentucky only targeted those at the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm or below. Only those ones would be able to be finished fast enough.


    "What is this bird?!"


    "Send someone to stop it!"


    "We are losing our advantage in numbers!"


    Finally, two Peak Core Formation Realm cultivators noticed the issue and attacked Kentucky from the sides.


    ''Limitless Blade!''


    ''Fire Dawn!''


    One physical and one elemental attack appeared in Kentucky''s direction. Wamo saw that and tried to stop the two, but he was immediately stopped in his tracks.


    ''Earth Spears!''


    The spears formed extremely fast, almost piercing through him.


    "Your opponent is me!"


    Wamo narrowed his eyes. Obviously, that was another Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator.


    ''Seems like I won''t be able to give support to the bird.''


    However, Kentucky didn''t need his help to start with. He had never gone too far from Malaka and Calina, so the two girls were immediately able to provide support.


    ''Water Dragon Strike!''


    ''Death Water Style, First Form, Flowing Dragon!''

 Chapter 485 - You Are Kidding

    A Water Dragon made of Water Element came striking down against the enemy''s Fire attack. Not only that, but its power was far more frightening thanks to Calina''s Yin Energy Support. The enemy was still at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm while Calina was in the Middle Stage. Nevertheless, he was quite unfortunate that Calina was a Water Element user. It was pure common sense that Fire was weaker against Water, so Calina''s attack broke through the enemy''s attack in a single go.


    "What?!"


    The guy could only jump back to avoid the Water Dragon Strike from Calina.


    Seeing that made Calina smile, though.


    *Creee!*


    Suddenly, a Flash of Black and White Flames appeared right where the guy was going to land. Obviously, it was Kentucky. He had gone out with Malaka and Calina for missions several times during these years, so the Minokawa already knew how to react to the girl''s support.


    In his panic, he could only try to defend as fast as possible.


    ''Fire Tornado!''


    Fire Element gathered around him as it spun at high speeds, forming a fire wall in front of Kentucky. Unfortunately for him, the skill was conjured way too fast, so it didn''t have time to form completely before Kentucky''s blade-like wings cut through his Spiritual Energy defense and his body right after.


    "Im-impossible..."


    The guy saw his other half standing there as his upper one fell to the ground. A few moments later, everything went dark for him.


    On Malaka''s side, she used the same attack she used against Roan back then. It wasn''t that he didn''t see her, but that he refused to believe that a Middle Stage Core Formation Realm would try to block his Limitless Blade.


    Malaka''s staff gathered Water Element on its own as Malaka did the same. A Spiritual Water Dragon formed around Malaka''s staff soon after. The head of the dragon then opened its mouth as it bit the enemy''s blade. The Limitless Blade hit one side of the Flowing Dragon''s head. What the guy didn''t expect was that the Flowing Dragon Skill worked like that. It used the force of his own attack to increase the spinning of the Flowing Dragon Tail. With that, the other side of Malaka''s staff came crashing down on the guy''s head even faster than the Limitless Blade Skill the enemy used.


    *Bang!*


    Unlike the guy who used the Fire Dawn attack, this one was using a melee attack. If even Roan couldn''t completely avoid this surprise attack back in the Blue Orchid Sect, then let alone this guy. Worse than that, Roan head still mitigated more than half of the attack''s power back then. Unfortunately for this guy, his reaction wasn''t even close to Roan''s.


    The staff Rean made for Malaka was obviously an Earth High-Level staff that could gather the Water Element independently. He also used his superior forging method, so it was even better than most Earth Peak-Level weapons. The staff broke through the enemy''s Spiritual Energy Barrier as if it was made of glass, hitting his head.


    *Plash!*


    Just like the previous enemy, this one also lost its head straight away. Blood spread everywhere as the guy''s body fell to the ground.


    Wamo, Kuan''s group, and the other cultivators around them were taken aback by the two girls and the bird''s power. Obviously, they hadn''t shown their real strength when fighting those previous enemies before.


    "Good job!"


    Wano and the others felt reinvigorated as they increased the pressure on the enemies. With the two girls and Kentucky free, they immediately gave support to the others around.


    Wano''s opponent saw that the situation was turning sour, so he immediately attacked Wano with even more strength. However, the moment Wano avoided the enemy''s attack, the guy turned around and aimed one of his skills at Calina, who was the closest to him.


    "Not good!"


    Wano quickly recovered and flashed in the guy''s direction. Unfortunately, he was delayed by the previous feint... or so it seemed.


    ''Those girls and that bird are quite a frightening group.''


    The moment Calina was about to be hit by the enemy''s attack, Malaka, Kentucky, and Calina herself turned around and retaliated together. At this moment, everyone could tell that Calina had positioned herself in that position as bait for the Core and Soul Fusion Realm enemy.


    ''Ice Dragon Strike!''


    ''Flow of the Dragon Staff!''


    *Creee!*


    Malaka and Kentucky were definitely better when it came to speed. So the two arrived in front of Calina in a second. Right above them, Calina''s Ice Dragon Strike, which used a lot of Yin Energy to freeze the Water Dragon Strike, came crashing down together with Kentucky and Malaka''s attack.


    "Impudent! Do you think that your joint attack can make up for the enormous gap in cultivation? Die!"


    Earth and Fire Element gathered around his body as the ground under him turned into a pool of lava. Following that, the lava seemed to gain life as it transformed into a wave that aimed at Calina''s group.


    ''Magma Wave!''


    However, Malaka and Calina''s voice echoed inside the man''s head at that very moment.


    ''Of course, we don''t expect to win. However, holding you down for a second won''t be a problem.''


    The man got a foreboding feeling. One second? That seemed like nothing. However, at his level, one second was basically an eternity. He totally didn''t believe that Calina''s group could really hold his attack for even one second.


    *Boom!*


    Unfortunately for him, he totally underestimated the trio''s combination attack. His Magma Wave wasn''t just blocked. It even showed signs that it wouldn''t breakthrough Calina''s group attack at all. Simply put, the two sides entered a momentaneous equilibrium for a second.


    Unfortunately, one second was more than enough.


    ''King''s Fire Sword!''


    Wano''s speed suddenly increased far beyond what he had shown so far, arriving at the enemy''s back in a split second. His sword burst forth with Fire and Wind Elements, slashing the enemy''s Spiritual Protection in one go.


    "Nooooo!"


    *Swish!*


    One head was then sent flying, but no blood came out. The scourging flames of Wano''s sword cauterized the injury instantly. Sure enough, Calina was right. Wano was much stronger than his cultivation showed. Calina exactly betted on this hidden strength.


    With the only Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator on the enemy''s side dying, the rest of them immediately turned around to flee. Their mission was to hold these people down long enough for more reinforcements to arrive. However, that was not worth trading their lives for.


    Calina and the others didn''t pursue them either. From the very start, their objective was to flee.


    "Let''s go. We don''t have enough time to care about them."


    Everyone turned around and began to flee from the place. However...


    *Thud...*


    At this moment, Calina and Malaka heard the sound of something falling on the ground. When they turned around to look, it turned out to be Wano. It seemed like he had overexerted himself in the previous attack, so he collapsed soon after.


    The other cultivators in their group saw that but immediately ignored it. It was unlucky to have their only Core and Soul Fusion Realm dying here, but they didn''t want to carry him either. In just a second, the cultivators already ran far away, completely ignoring what was happening to Wano. Well, not everyone did that, though.


    "Kentucky!"


    Malaka and Calina called the Minokawa out at that moment.


    Kentucky nodded as he flashed back, pulled Wano with his beak, and threw him on his back. Following that, Kentucky used his Spiritual Energy to hold Wano so that he wouldn''t fall.


    After that, Calina and Malaka continued to run away with Kentucky right behind them. Kuana, Laffey, and Cassia sighed in relief and followed them as well. Before long, everyone was gone from this place. The reinforcements did arrive in the end, but it was already too late.


    The battle continued like that until all the survivors died, with just a few, like Calina''s group managing to escape.


    Around ten days later, deep inside the valley.


    A few cultivators wearing red robes were sitting around what seemed to be a giant core made of some red material. Under their feet, it was also possible to see a very complex formation that seemed to be linked to that same core.


    At some point, a woman dressed in the same red robe entered the place. She looked at the red core floating in the air before turning to one of the cultivators controlling the formation.


    "Vueni, how are things going?"


    The man who had that name turned to look at the woman and said.


    "A few fishes might escape the net, but they will be of little concern in the future, Jana."


    That was obviously the woman''s name. She nodded at that report before asking.


    "What about the seven cities that were caught inside the Protection Formation?"


    "We sent one Nascent Soul Realm to each one of them with a bunch of other warriors. It shouldn''t be long before we wipe them out."


    Jana pondered for a bit before saying.


    "Make sure to keep the Natural Formation working. As long as it stands, we should have enough time to establish ourselves. Those idiots outside will notice that someone is controlling the Natural Formation and will think they can break it. Unfortunately for them, it won''t be that easy."


    Jana then looked at the other cultivators in the room, be it male or female.


    "Everyone. We have been trapped for too long already. It''s time to show the world that they''ve made the wrong choice back then."


    "Yes!"


    *Bzzzz!*


    Suddenly, a weird sound came from the Red Core, which called everyone''s attention. At the same time, Vueni''s complexion turned pale.


    "Impossible!"


    Jana looked at Vueni.


    "What is it?"


    In the end, Vueni could only say with a bitter smile.


    "Someone made a huge hole in our protection formation."


    "You''re kidding, right?"

 Chapter 486 - Change In The Natural Formation

    Jana was taken aback by Vueni''s words.


    "What?! That''s impossible! Even someone in the Transition Realm wouldn''t be able to force their way inside by brute force. Wait, could it be that Yulian Sasamil..."


    Vueni immediately shook her head.


    "It definitely isn''t Yulian. The formation wasn''t broken by brute force. However, I can''t tell what was used to make it happen."


    Jana quickly calmed down after hearing that.


    "That''s right. It can''t be Yulian. First of all, only a single day has passed outside even though ten or so days have passed here. It''s far from enough for the Sasamil experts to arrive in this place. It seems like there was some flaw in the Natural Formation that we didn''t account for."


    Vueni agreed with her.


    "That means that only the cultivators from the surrounding countries could have done it. In that case, it''s still fine. At most, only a few Nascent Soul Realm cultivators should have entered to investigate what''s happening."


    Vueni then looked at the formation under his feet before asking.


    "Should we transform the Natural Protection Formation?"


    Jana pondered for a bit before asking.


    "Wouldn''t it drain the Natural Core energy a lot faster?"


    Vueni nodded.


    "Yes. However, if they can already open a hole this easily, it''ll be useless to keep it as it is. Once I activate the transformation, the formation''s properties will change, not to mention that it would be several times more resistant. We wanted to use it to hold Yulian back if he appeared, but it seems like we need to do it right now."


    Jana then looked in a certain direction on the ground as she pondered about the idea.


    "The ancestor will need a lot of time. Will we be able to give him enough?"


    Vueni shook his head.


    "I don''t know. However, that''s our best bet at the moment. If worse comes to worst, we might need to go all out to defend him for as long as possible. However, the priority right now should prevent any more cultivators from entering this place."


    Vueni and the other experts looked at Jana, waiting for her decision. In the end, Jana gritted her teeth before saying.


    "Very well! Go ahead and change the formation. I''m sure the ancestor knows how tight on time he is, so he should be doing his best at the moment. We can only hope that he''ll make it in time."


    Vueni nodded before looking at all the other experts.


    "Begin!"


    In an instant, several Spirit Stones were brought out and placed in the formation on the ground. Surprisingly, each of the Spirit Stones was Rank Six ones! Just a few hundred of these stones would be enough to make two countries wage war if necessary. However, they were being used here without any care. That showed just how important these people think their plan was.


    This natural formation had been here for a very long time. Its very existence was linked with these people with red line patterns on their bodies. At some point, they found it and made sure to keep the formation core hidden. After that, they spent many years creating the formation under the Red Core so they could control it.


    However, just controlling it wasn''t enough. It had to be able to hold everyone out for their own purposes. Unfortunately, this Red Core was too powerful, a real wonder of mother nature. Because of that, its essence kept escaping to the outside. It was that essence that made so many Masput Rocks appear in the valley.


    At some point, a cultivator entered the valley without them noticing and found some of the Masput Rocks. In the end, he left and spread the information, which brought all those cultivators to look for the Masput Rocks. One must remember that these rocks were extremely important for those under the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. After all, it was one of the main components of the Cross-Realm Pill.


    However, so many cultivators wandering around would eventually find the existence of the Red Core. Naturally, the existence of the Natural Formation would be found out as well. These people''s initial plan was to keep hidden until the time was right. Still, they were forced to activate the formation when they noticed that the cultivators began to get closer to the truth.


    Suddenly, the Red Core began to tremble as some kind of blue energy came from the formation below it. Not too long after, a powerful burst of Spiritual Energy came out of it and shot through the skies. As soon as it reached the ceiling of the Protection Formation, it began to spread outwards.


    Back to the present time, the Sects and Royal Family forces were still waiting. For them, it had just been one hour since their teams entered the formation. As for Zuan and the Dalamu Sect members, it was also one hour since Rean and Roan had disappeared. However, they couldn''t think about it for long because a few powers from Guntao, a nearby country, appeared there.


    One of them seemed to be the leader of this group, so he came out to talk.


    "Kocei, I talked with your brother before coming. I hope you don''t mind the fact that we had to enter Jialin."


    Kocei narrowed his eyes, but shook his head in the end.


    "There is no helping it, Tuise. With this situation, it would be idiotic of us to try to stop you bunch from coming. Besides, I believe that the other countries where this red barrier reached are also receiving quite a few guests."


    Tuise nodded his head, satisfied.


    "So, I heard some nice things before arriving here. It seems like you have a way to open this Natural Formation, right? Would you mind opening it for us as well? Of course, I won''t enter it, just a few of my subordinates."


    Kocei didn''t seem surprised by that. Spies existed everywhere. Considering how many cultivators the Sects and the Jialin Royal Family brought to this place, one or two people with a connection with other countries might have been here as well.


    "Alright. The more people investigating this phenomenon, the better. In any case, the Sasamil Family''s experts are coming as well."


    Kocei then looked at Droman.


    "Would you mind opening it again, Droman?"


    Droman shook his head in response as he said.


    "The number of times I can use it is limited. Unless there''s something in for our Dalamu Sect, why should I do it?"


    Tuise''s expression became dark. He was a Saint Realm expert, so why was a Soul Forging Realm acting that high and mighty in front of him? However, Zuan quickly appeared on Droman''s side as he smiled. For now, he could only put the twins'' issue on the side.


    "Now, now. You can''t blame our Formation Master for it. After all, they need to spend a lot of Spirit Stones in their research. I''m sure a Saint Realm expert like you and me wouldn''t mind paying a few Spirit Stones to get a chance to enter ahead of the others, right? After all, what if there was some treasure to be gained? It''s definitely worth the risk if you consider just the core of this natural formation. Of course, if you can enter on your own, then you don''t need to pay anything."


    Tuise wasn''t the only Saint Realm expert in his group. However, this was still the Jialin Country. Not to mention that Jialin had the advantage on Saint Realm experts at this moment.


    "How much are you talking about?"


    Droman smiled before lifting one finger.


    "It''s very cheap, just one hundred Rank Five Spirit Stones."


    Tuise almost vomited blood. Cheap your ass! Even a Saint Realm would feel the pain of losing such an amount of Spirit Stones. However, he immediately noticed the look of the other Saint Realm experts from the Jialin Country. They were obviously enjoying his plight.


    Tuise turned around to talk with the other two Saint Realm experts of his group. It turns out that they already tried to open a hole, but failed. Their Formation Master believed they can eventually succeed, but that would take a very, very long time. As one could imagine, they didn''t know what to expect inside, so it might really be a race for treasures as far as they knew. Time was something they couldn''t afford at the moment. Eventually, those three joined hands and put together one hundred Rank Five Spirit Stones.


    "Here you go. Now, open it."


    Droman smiled brightly at the sight of the stones before nodding.


    "Right away."


    He quickly made his formation. Sure enough, another explosion happened because of the red lightning before an enormous hole appeared in the formation.


    However, it was at this moment that everyone noticed something strange.


    "Hey, look up there!"


    Droman and everyone else looked as the red barrier seemed to change its color. It was still red, but some kind of faint blue light was now covering it. Simultaneously, the red lightning seemed to disappear as it was replaced by a red and blue fire.


    "This..."


    "The Natural Formation is changing."


    "Just how many Spirit Stones would one need to do something like this?"


    Old Worm looked at the formation change and narrowed his eyes.


    ''I see... To think it''s them...''


    Droman noticed an even bigger issue.


    "Everyone. If there''s anyone else who wishes to enter, go now. My method only works against this specific natural type of lightning formation. Once that transformation finishes, I won''t be able to open it anymore. But you better think twice about it since it also means that you could get trapped in there."


    Immediately, everyone''s eyes changed. The Soul Forging and Saint Realm Experts wouldn''t enter the formation even if they knew Droman could reopen it, let alone now. However, it also made it difficult to gather people willing to enter since they would probably get trapped for real. Not only that, but considering the speed that the formation was repairing itself, they only had a few minutes to decide before the hole closed up completely.


    At that moment, no one noticed... But Old Worm had just disappeared while they talked.

 Chapter 487 - Safe For Now

    Calina''s group encountered a few enemies along their way outside the valley''s inner region. Fortunately, they were strong enough to get rid of the obstacles on their own. Eventually, they found a hidden corner where Calina and Malaka could look at Wano''s condition.


    Calina was better at healing skills, so she took care of Wano. At the same time, Malaka and Kuana''s group looked around to make sure they were alone. Kentucky was quite large, so Calina had him conceal himself instead of walking around.


    All of a sudden, Wano let out a grunt while Calina healed his injuries. It was then that he opened his eyes, allowing him to realize that he hadn''t died yet. After looking at his surroundings, he could tell that they had indeed escaped after that battle.


    "I know I told you before that you should care more about yourselves, but I''m very glad you ignored those words. Thank you for carrying me away."


    Calina shook her head as she replied.


    "Without you there, it would have been too difficult for us to escape from the Core and Soul Fusion Realm guy. Some of us might have even died."


    Wano shook his head as he rebutted.


    "The others might have indeed died. However, you and that friend of yours are different. It''s obvious that your abilities far surpass your cultivation levels. If I''m not wrong, you two and that bird would have escaped regardless of the losses."


    Calina smiled before saying.


    "Look who''s talking. You''re in the Middle Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, right? Even though that was the case, you displayed a level of power far above your cultivation level in that last attack of yours. I just don''t understand how you became injured like this. The initial red light shouldn''t have caused you all this damage."


    Wano bitterly smiled as he said.


    "Usually, that would indeed be the case. However, I wasn''t prepared when I was hit by it."


    "What do you mean?"


    Wano looked away, trying to avoid eye contact as he muttered.


    "Ahem... I was... uh... sleeping..."


    Calina''s mouth twitched in response. They were in the middle of a gathering with several cultivators from everywhere. Who would dare sleep in a place like that? Then again, that also explained how such a dodgeable red light was able to leave such a severe injury behind. When Wano used his last attack, his body failed to resist the backlash, so he collapsed.


    "Weren''t you afraid of someone robbing or even killing you while you were asleep?"


    Wano laughed.


    "I didn''t think anyone would even notice I was sleeping. Hahaha! Just between us, I can sleep while standing with my eyes open."


    Calina didn''t know what to say about this guy.


    "You''re weird."


    Wano laughed once again, not trying to deny that claim. He tried to get up once again, but his body was still aching all over.


    "Stay still. It will take a bit more time before I finish closing your injuries with my healing skill. If you have some healing pills, this would be a good time to take them out."


    Wano shook his head as he said.


    "Believe or not, I''m quite poor."


    "Alright. Just stay still since we will need your strength if we get ambushed again."


    Wano nodded and then closed his eyes. He also used his own Spiritual Energy to help heal himself after that.


    Meanwhile, somewhere close to a city called Arolan, two figures appeared out of nowhere. The moment they appeared, they were several hundreds of meters in the air, so they immediately fell down due to the pull of gravity.


    Naturally, those two were Rean and Roan. After using 1000 Rank Three Spirit Stones, they teleported to the maximum distance possible with the rank of their Spirit Stones. If they wanted to teleport further than 1000 kilometers, they would need to use Rank Four Spirit Stones instead.


    As mentioned before, Sister Orb could only control the direction of the teleport, but not the place. That''s why they appeared far above the ground.


    However, Rean and Roan immediately ignored the altitude as they scanned their surroundings. At the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm, they could totally resist a fall of that level without any issues.


    Fortunately, they didn''t see anyone in their field of view as they landed on the ground.


    "Alright, we''re here. Kentucky is in the southwest direction."


    Roan nodded.


    "He seems to have stopped moving. However, we can tell that he''s still a bit too close to that valley."


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    "Anyway, we chose this direction because it would be close to Arolan City. We better go there to check how things are going before heading in Kentucky''s direction. The city will give us a good idea of how the situation is inside this formation."


    Just as they were about to head out, Sister Orb''s voice echoed in their mind.


    [Hey, you two. Look up.]


    Rean and Roan then looked in the direction Sister Orb pointed out. Sure enough, they also saw how the Natural Formation changed all of a sudden.


    ''Sister Orb, what''s happening?''


    [The guys we thought to be controlling the Natural Formation have just changed it. I can''t tell what they did to it, but I''m sure it''s not the same formation anymore. It can hardly be called a Natural Formation now. It would be better to say that they used the Natural Formation as a model for this new formation. It''s just that the energy core is still the same.]


    Rean understood what Sister Orb meant.


    ''Basically, you''re telling me that the short circuit method wouldn''t work anymore.''


    [Correct. Well, if you two want to leave, it won''t be a problem since that barrier can''t stop the Circuitry Teleport Formation. However, you shouldn''t expect any reinforcements anytime soon other than the ones who entered first.]


    The twins nodded.


    ''That''s fine. We''re basically taking Calina, Malaka, and Kentucky out with us, and that''s enough.''


    Having said that, the two of them immediately headed in Arolan City''s direction. Considering the time acceleration, they knew that at least ten days have gone by in this place already. If there were really enemies, Arolan had probably been taken control of by now. They could use this chance to gather some information.

 Chapter 488 - Last Moment Help

    While that was happening, the first team of Nascent Soul Realm experts moved together with the Royal Family''s experts. At the front was the only Soul Forging Realm cultivator that came with them, Erbec Jialin. All of them were moving in the valley''s direction so that they could check on what was happening.


    However, they had to stop since they also saw the same phenomenon that occurred to the red barrier.


    "What''s happening to the barrier?"


    "No idea. Then again, it doesn''t seem like good news."


    Tiria and Julian looked at each other as they pondered if they should continue moving forward. The other Nascent Soul Realm cultivators from the other sects also did the same thing. It was then that Erbec spoke.


    "I don''t know about you all, but my Jialin group will keep moving forward. If you think you should retreat, by all means, go do it."


    Without even waiting for the others'' responses, Erbec continued moving ahead. Tiria and Julian were the first ones to react to that. They quickly turned to the other members of Dalamu behind them and asked if they wished to continue. In the end, all of them decided to keep at it.


    Lagan, Rohe, and Laan Sect also decided that they might as well continue since they were inside. Of course, Laan Sect''s experts were the ones with the best reason to continue. After all, they had just settled themselves in Jialin, so they needed to show some presence. This event just so happened to give them that opportunity.


    ***


    Rean and Roan were quite far ahead since they used the maximum range of the Circuitry Teleport Formation. Finally, they were now quite close to Aloran City, allowing them to see its walls from a distance.


    However, they didn''t get any closer. That''s because even from far away, they could tell that something was off.


    ''No people are coming out or going in.''


    Rean nodded as he said.


    ''Considering the situation, the city exits are supposed to be crowded to the brim with people. After all, they also needed to investigate. The fact that no one''s there is strange.''


    Roan pondered a bit before saying.


    ''Can your Hidden Radar Skill detect any Spiritual Sense from where we are?''


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    ''No. I''ve kept it running ever since we''ve arrived, but nothing so far.


    Roan nodded.


    ''That might be good or bad for us. Good because there aren''t any Nascent Soul Realm experts with Spiritual Senses big enough to reach this place... And bad because the city might have been finished off already. There might be no one inside anymore.''


    Rean sighed before thinking about what to do next.


    ''Let''s use my skill and try to approach the walls without being detected. If things go south, let''s enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm straight away.''


    Roan agreed with him as the two immediately departed. Rean had been bending only Spiritual Sense so far, but now it also bent light, which immediately concealed the twins from naked eyes.


    Roan also helped out by controlling the shadows as best as he could as well. And just like that, they reached the west wall of Aloran City. At this point, Rean finally began to feel the presence of a few Spiritual Senses. However, none of them had enough power to pass through his Fourth Form.


    The twins didn''t use their own Spiritual Senses, though. After all, not even Rean could prevent others around their cultivation level from feeling it. Nonetheless, they acted quickly as they jumped over the wall. It was then that they saw why no one was outside. That''s because the inhabitants were all dead. There were bodies everywhere as far as they could tell. The only ones walking seemed to be some people with strange red patterns on their bodies.


    ''Who are those people? Are those tattoos?''


    ''I don''t know. However, they don''t seem to be tattoos or anything like that. I might be wrong, but I feel like those lines are part of their body constitution.''


    Roan believed Rean''s judgment in this kind of issue since he was the one to always focus on recovery. Not to mention that Rean had performed Sect Duties in the sect''s Healing Hall several times as well.


    Roan then shook his head and changed the topic.


    ''It seems like the massacre was done just a while ago.''


    Rean sighed as he nodded.


    ''Those guys down there are probably looking for survivors. This city seems quite large, so I wouldn''t be surprised if they found a few more hidden somewhere inside.''


    Rean and Roan then looked at each other and nodded. They didn''t have time for the people in this city, nor could they do anything at their current level. In the end, they could only ignore that fact and return to their initial plan, which was to get information.


    The two looked around, looking for an easy target. Rean left this part to Roan since he was better at judging an enemy''s strength without using Spiritual Sense. Finally, Roan''s eyes lit up as he looked at one of those people.


    ''That one. Let''s go.''


    The twins jumped down from the wall and made their way to the target. With Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense bending skill, no one noticed them passing. Of course, Roan was helping with the shadows.


    The guy they aimed for had a spear in his hand as he walked by the corpses on the ground. Every time he passed by a corpse, he would pierce it with his spear. That was an easy and fast way of confirming if someone was really dead or not. After all, you never knew if someone was using some technique to look like they were dead.


    Sure enough, the method really helped. So far, this guy was able to identify two fake deaths between the thousands of corpses he checked. Let alone the other members who were also doing the same thing.


    Rean and Roan quickly arrived at the street where the guy was doing his job when all of a sudden, Rean felt a very faint amount of life force from a baby on the ground. Not only that, the guy was moving right at it.


    ''You can''t be serious.''


    Roan asked what was happening, so Rean explained through their Soul Connection as he immediately dashed forward.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    Roan couldn''t help but curse inside.


    ''Fuck!''


    Without any other choice, he could only use the same skill as Rean as he followed by his side. He wanted to first wait for an opportunity until a gap in the scanning of the Spiritual Senses appeared before they attacked. However, it was obvious that Rean wouldn''t wait for such a gap.


    Just as the spear was about to pierce the baby, it was hit by something else as it was sent flying.


    "What?!"


    The guy was taken aback, but he immediately understood that someone had attacked him. However, just as he was about to call for help, he felt an intense pain in the back of his head. His vision turned dark right after. Before he could even start to fall on the ground, his body disappeared in midair.


    That wasn''t the only thing to disappear, though. The baby''s ''corpse'' also disappeared at the same time. Sure enough, Rean couldn''t let that happen.


    Roan then looked at Rean before saying.


    ''Someone definitely saw this guy disappearing from their Spiritual Senses. Let''s get out of here.''


    The two immediately left the scene soon after that.

 Chapter 489 - Catch!

    Sure enough, it only took a few seconds for other cultivators to arrive at the place where the last guy disappeared.


    "Where''s Fiok?"


    "I don''t know. He just disappeared out of nowhere."


    "His spear is still here, though."


    "Spread out. Look for any clues."


    Unfortunately for them, Rean and Roan were long gone. They quickly arrived at the walls of the city before jumping down and disappearing in the distance. Once they felt that they had distanced themselves enough, Roan went ahead and complained.


    ''Are you crazy? What if there was some high-leveled Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator or above close by? Your Spiritual Sense and Light bending skill has a limit. If the Spiritual Sense is too strong, the skill won''t be able to bend it completely before touching our bodies.''


    Rean didn''t care as he replied.


    ''So what? Did you want me to just watch as that guy pierced the baby? He aimed straight for the head, for crying out loud! My Light ELement might be good at healing, but I can''t bring people back to life.''


    ''Do you think that baby was the only one? There are definitely other survivors in similar conditions back there. Are you going to save all of them as well? The Life Force in the baby was already weak, to begin with, so he would die soon either way.''


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    ''No, he wouldn''t. The one I believe was his mother dying while holding him. However, the baby has no injuries whatsoever. I don''t know what she did, but the baby''s state is due to some other problem. In fact, you probably know more about this than me. Is there any sort of pill that can make you look like you''re dead?''


    Roan was taken aback for a moment. However, he quickly recovered as he pondered over the question.


    ''There are a couple of pills capable of doing that. Can you confirm that the baby took one of those?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''I can tell that through my Light Element and his Life Force. As long as I use my Purification skill, he will immediately recover. That being said, I couldn''t simply leave him there to die, right? Or are you saying that you would be able to ignore it as if nothing had happened?''


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he answered.


    ''Probably. I always put the end result above all.''


    Rean glanced at him and smiled in the end.


    ''Probably, huh? So be it, then. Well, it was obvious that the baby''s mother used it to make it look like her child was dead, so I''m going to at least keep the kid safe until we''re out.''


    Roan simply stopped caring.


    ''Whatever.''


    The two then moved quite far away from the city. There were two instances where they fell into someone''s Spiritual Sense. However, their Divine Senses were not strong enough to break through Rean''s Spiritual Sense and Light Bending skill. Finally, they got far enough from the city and entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    Sister Orb immediately appeared in front of them.


    [What are you going to do with this baby?]


    Rean smiled before taking the kid.


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification.''


    Rean''s hair changed into black and white as Light Element entered the baby''s body. Soon after, Dark Element followed and began to destroy all the toxins that were keeping the baby in that faux death state. Suddenly...


    *Waaaaa, waaaaa...*


    Sure enough, the baby woke up and immediately began to cry.


    "There you go, little girl. Sure enough, that was a fake death."


    Roan got closer and nodded.


    "Seems like it. I only know two pills that can achieve that effect, and one is made for high-level cultivators. In the end, there was only one option left, the Mortal Death Pill. It''s quite expensive, so his parents must have been quite wealthy."


    Sister Orb couldn''t help but ask.


    [So, what do you want to do with this kid?]


    Rean looked at Sister Orb before saying.


    "Isn''t that obvious? Sister Orb, from now on, you''ll be Mommy Orb. Congratulations!"


    [Congratulations... Your ass! I know nothing about babies, alright?]


    "What are you talking about? Weren''t Roan and I babies in the past as well?"


    [Shameless! Where have you ever seen other babies with old geezers'' souls? This little girl is the real deal! First of all, we don''t have milk in this place to feed her.]


    "Well, you''ll have to make do with the food we have at the moment."


    Roan didn''t seem to have the patience for that, so he turned around and headed towards the cage.


    "You two can keep discussing what to do with the girl. I''m going ahead."


    Rean was taken aback.


    "Hey, wait! I want to listen as well! Sister Orb, catch!"


    Suddenly, Rean threw the baby in Sister Orb''s direction.


    [Ah!]


    Sister Orb immediately used the Spiritual Energy of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to hold the baby before she hit the ground.


    [Are you crazy?! If you''re trying to kill the baby, why did you save her in the first place?]


    Rean smiled as he headed to the cage as well.


    "What are you talking about? The Sister Orb that I know would never let the little girl fall to the ground even if she had to use her orb body to stop it."


    [Fuck you! You can''t do that to me!]


    Too bad that Rean had entered the jail already. Sister Orb then looked at the crying girl, not knowing what to do.


    [Well, it''s only a temporary measure. Now... what should I do with you?]


    Back inside the cage, the man with the strange red patterns on his body was still unconscious. Roan couldn''t help but touch it, just to see if it was really part of his body or if it was put there later on.


    "Hey, those things are real. They''re seriously part of his body. Not only that, but it doesn''t feel like his body had transformed, and then these red lines appeared. It''s more like he had it in the first place."


    Roan nodded.


    "All of these guys had the same red lines on their bodies, both men and women. It''s just that they have different patterns."


    Rean then sent his Spiritual Sense and Light Element inside to examine the man from head to toe.


    "Hmm... I''m not sure if I should call him human. Most parts are similar, but there are a few differences as well."


    Roan thought up of a quicker way to find that out.


    "Forget it. I''ll wake him up, and we can confirm everything from his mouth after that."

 Chapter 490 - Interesting

    Roan immediately summoned a bit of Dark Element and used it on the guy. Sure enough, the pain immediately woke him up. Only a few could really resist the pain of having their life force and organs destroyed from the inside. The good thing was that he had already destroyed the guy''s dantian, so he was as strong as an ordinary person, lacking the offensive to harm the twins.


    "Ahhhh!"


    "Oh! Seems like you''re finally awake. Now then, let''s continue like this for a bit longer so that you understand I won''t accept silence as an answer."


    And that he did. Even Rean was a little puzzled by that since Roan would first ask questions before using more Dark Element to force them to talk.


    ''Hmm? Could it be that you also didn''t like how he almost killed the baby?''


    Roan glanced at Rean but refused to answer. Well, that only made Rean laugh more on the inside.


    It wasn''t until the guy almost passed out that Roan finally stopped his torture.


    "Alright, that should be enough. So, how about you tell me who you guys are and what your objectives are?"


    Unfortunately...


    "Kill me..."


    Roan smiled after hearing the answer. He immediately summoned his Dark Element again and used it against the guy.


    "I''ll continue like this until you decide to talk."


    However, the guy continued to cry without uttering a single word.


    Unfortunately for the man, Roan understood what he was waiting for and murmured on his years.


    "Are you expecting to eventually die with this method? That''s not gonna happen so easily."


    Roan''s hair changed into a mix of black and white before he used Rean''s Instant Recovery skill. In just a few seconds, all the damage caused by his Dark Element was healed.


    "Look how nice it is! I can keep doing this forever without being afraid of you dying. Isn''t that great? Show me that you have a strong will so that I can beat my previous record of longest interrogation."


    Roan then looked at Rean before asking.


    "Oh, right! How long did the longest one last? I don''t remember."


    Rean almost laughed after hearing that. So far, no one lasted more than a few minutes. The record was set by Calina''s protector, the same one who betrayed her in the Profound Abyss.


    "Hum... I believe it was around 20 minutes. However, this guy seems very determined. Who knows, he might last half an hour?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Did you hear that? Come on! Make sure to not open your mouth for at least 20 minutes, okay? Do that for me, and I''ll be very happy."


    The guy began to feel the taste of despair. He could tell how Rean''s Light Element healed all the Dark Element''s damage, just to be destroyed once again in an endless loop. Obviously, the pain he felt was the worst he had ever felt in his life.


    "I''ll talk, I''ll talk!"


    *Bam!*


    Suddenly, Roan sent him flying against the jail''s bars.


    "Fuck you! I told you to resist at least 20 minutes, but you couldn''t last even two. Are you doing that on purpose? Very well, now we''re going to do it until 30 minutes have gone by as punishment."


    Even Rean, who wanted nothing more than to kill that guy, felt some pity for him now. For the next half an hour, all one could hear was the shrill screams of the guy in the jail while he asked to be killed. Well, that only made Sister Orb more annoyed.


    At the moment, she had enveloped the little baby girl with Spiritual Energy and stopped the sounds of torture from reaching her.


    [Can''t you be more discrete? I finally made her stop crying, for fuck''s sake.]


    Rean immediately answered.


    ''Sorry, sorry. Do you need me to come out and help?''


    [Sigh... forget it. I''ll bring her to the bathhouse to clean all of the dirt and blood on her body.]


    ''The bathhouse?! Won''t the Dark Element make her feel a lot of pain?''


    [Idiot! I''m the supreme god of this Dimensional Realm. I can obviously separate the Dark and Light Element from it, creating a gap with just clean water to wash her.]


    ''Oh! In that case, I''m counting on you, Mommy Orb.''


    [Fuck you. I''m ignoring you from now on.]


    Rean laughed again as Roan continued his ''special'' treatment to the guy in the jail. Eventually, the thirty minutes were up.


    "Remember, you better tell what I want. Otherwise, I will have you break the previous record even if we have to stay here for the next entire year."


    "Yes, yes!"


    Roan nodded, satisfied.


    "Well, answer my first two questions. Who are you, and what do you want to do?"


    "I''m Fiok Ulica, member of the Lakure Race."


    "Lakure Race? What''s that?"


    "Lakure Race are the real ancestors of this planet. We were here way before other cultivators arrived."


    Roan nodded.


    "I see. That means you came from some empire or country dominated by your Lakure Race, right? Could it be that you''re trying to get more territory for your race? That doesn''t seem right since it wouldn''t make sense to acquire more territory somewhere your race isn''t present."


    Fiok laughed after hearing that.


    "Empire? Country? Hahaha! How nice would it have been if we had such a thing. No! We were banished and then sealed in the underground world. We lived there for many, many years. Our history is longer than any other country or empire in this world."


    "Banished? Well, that explains why you''re so white. If it was an underground world, then you would''ve never seen the sun at any given time. Of course, such an extraordinary story is quite hard to believe."


    Roan narrowed his eyes when Rean said that.


    That only made Fiok even more afraid.


    "It''s true! It''s really true! If you ask any other member of my race, I guarantee that they will tell the same thing!"


    Rean nodded before asking.


    "Let''s assume it is true. Why did you get banished and then sealed? Wouldn''t it be much easier to simply kill you all?"


    Fiok shook his head as he replied.


    "It wouldn''t. After all, our ancestors were no weaker than the invaders."


    Rean and Roan couldn''t help but feel that the story was getting more interesting by the second.

 Chapter 491 - Many Changes

    Rean then commented.


    "So... You''ve found a way of escaping the seal and are now trying to reconquer the world? That seems pretty unrealistic to me."


    Fiok shook his head as he replied.


    "I''m just a low-level member of the Lakure Race. I''m not sure whether we''re trying to reconquer the world or not. However, we are definitely trying to get back to the surface, that''s for sure."


    Rean nodded as he said.


    "And for that, you massacred an entire city of people who probably didn''t even know you existed. That seems like a great way of letting people know you''ve come back."


    A faint trace of anger appeared on Fiok''s face before he said.


    "That''s just a small punishment for all the thousands of years that we were kept sealed. This was our planet! We didn''t offend anyone before you came out and forced us into that state. How many more of our people do you think died during your conquest?"


    Roan didn''t see anything wrong with that. He had watched many massacres breaking out for much, much less than the reason this guy described.


    "Now, then. Let''s forget the reason why you''re coming out. How about you tell me what is this Lakure Race you''re part of? What is different between you and us humans?"


    Fiok then pointed at the red line patterns on his body.


    "The main difference is these lines. They are also meridians which we can use to control Spiritual Energy. All the Lakure Race members are born with it. Simply put, not only do we have the normal number of meridians, but we also have these extra meridians. This gives us a huge advantage in battle."


    Rean immediately sent his Spiritual Sense into Fiok''s body once again. This time, he focused on the Spiritual Energy instead of the lines themselves.


    "Oh! It''s true. Even though you have no cultivation anymore, I can still tell that Spiritual Energy is circulating inside."


    Rean and Roan then asked a bunch of other questions. Things like their distribution of forces, their headquarters, plans, etc. However, the Lakure Race seemed to be very privy with the information, so Fiok really didn''t know much. He only moved with the hopes of living on the surface that he only heard about.


    "Alright. What about the seal? How did you break out of there?"


    Fiok shook his head as he said.


    "I don''t know the answer to that. However, on the day it broke, the underground world trembled like crazy. The Spiritual Energy inside went into chaos, and it was quite difficult to use it for cultivation. It most likely had something to do with the seal breaking."


    Roan then asked something else.


    "Do you keep any prisoners?"


    Fiok shook his head.


    "Unless it''s someone really important, like someone at the Nascent Soul Realm or above, we don''t. After all, they might have more valuable information. At most, we got some people like the cities'' officers to make some inquiries, but they should be dead already."


    Rean also asked about Calina and Malaka. They could tell where Kentucky was, but it wasn''t guaranteed that the girls would be with him.


    "I don''t know the ones you''re talking about. However, the valley was full of cultivators when we started the plan. Because of that, quite a few had escaped the ambush and are now hidden. I don''t know if your friends were part of them or not, though."


    Rean sighed in relief. If a lot escaped, then Calina and Malaka were most likely between them. Well, that was obvious since the Lakure Race wasn''t keeping prisoners to start with.


    Eventually, Rean and Roan ran out of questions.


    "Very good. Now, you can go on your way."


    Roan didn''t wait for the guy to say anything before cutting his head. Rean didn''t feel the least bit guilty about it since this guy helped with the cities'' massacres. Soon after, they simply threw him outside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and left the place.


    "Let''s follow the direction where Kentucky is. I have a good plan in mind, and this situation is just perfect for it."


    Rean nodded as the two disappeared in the distance.


    Meanwhile, the Royal Family and the sects'' forces were moving in the direction of the valley. However, they soon found that things wouldn''t be that simple. That''s because Erbec Jialin''s Spiritual Sense had sensed something.


    "Everyone, there are a lot of cultivators coming in this direction. Don''t attack without my order since they might be cultivators from Qerlen Country."


    However, they soon noticed the difference in the skins of those cultivators.


    "What are those red lines?"


    "I''ve never seen that before."


    "Are they the ones who activated the natural formation?"


    Erbec narrowed his eyes as he stepped forward to talk.


    "Halt! Who goes there?"


    Unfortunately, his words were completely ignored. A Soul Forging Realm Lakure Race member immediately attacked him without saying a single word. The red meridians in his body seemed to light up as Spiritual Energy gathered like torrents. Following that, Water and Wind Elements followed.


    "Whirl Storm!"


    Erbec wasn''t any slower, though. Everyone knew the risks of entering this place, so they always kept their guards up all throughout the journey. He immediately gathered his own Spiritual Energy as Earth and Water Element came forth.


    "Mud Wall!"


    The attack hit Erbec''s protection head-on. However, Erbec''s Mud Wall that enveloped his body began to crack almost immediately.


    "What?!"


    Erbec could see that he and the guy who attacked were both in the Middle Stage of the Soul Forging Realm. If that were the case, how did his skill break so easily? Without any time to think, he immediately used his movement technique and disappeared from there. Unfortunately, the enemy had no intention of letting him go.


    The other elders of the sects weren''t much better off either, including Tiria and Juvian. Those guys had similar Nascent Soul Realm cultivation themselves. Unfortunately for them, they were just a tad stronger when it came to the amount of Spiritual Energy.


    Obviously, they soon noticed the red meridians on their enemies'' bodies lighting up. Obviously, it had something to do with those things.


    They quickly looked at the lower-level cultivators from Dalamu that came with them and ordered.


    "Work in groups! Don''t let them separate you."


    Juvian and Tiria quickly got closer to each other and began to battle as well. Only then did they put up a fight with their teamwork.

 Chapter 492 - None Other Than Kentucky!

    Of course, a battle with cultivators at that level was totally out of the twins'' range. They knew that the main force would encounter resistance, but they decided to ignore it since there was nothing they could do. That being said, they rushed in Kentucky''s direction.


    "I doubt we''d find anyone who knows more than that guy unless we capture someone with a really high cultivation level. However, that''s just too risky, so let''s ignore the idea for now."


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s fine. Just stay inside my skill range to not get detected."


    Meanwhile, Calina''s group also dealt with their own things.


    Even though Calina''s healing abilities were far from being as strong as Rean''s, several days were enough for her to finish putting Wano back together. Not to mention that Wano himself used his Spiritual Energy to help with his recovery. Once he got back to his top condition, he began to go out to look around.


    Around a day ago, he had left once again and had now just come back.


    Calina, Malaka, and the others immediately asked him.


    "How was it?"


    Wano nodded as he said.


    "The problem is to avoid other''s spiritual senses. However, this region is too big for the enemies to cover everything. Even if we''re spotted, we still have enough time to leave the place before they gather around us. Anyway, we should move out as soon as possible."


    Everyone agreed with Wano as they immediately stepped out of their hideout. Wano had done his best to find the safest route for them to take, so everything went pretty much as he said for the first day or so. After that, they were able to leave what was still considered the valley''s inner region.


    "From this point onwards, there isn''t much security. From what I could see, they aren''t very worried about the cultivators who escaped the valley since they were only at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm at most. They don''t think we can cause an uproar, which is good for us."


    "Have you found out anything else about them?"


    Wano shook his head as he responded.


    "Not really. I didn''t want to raise any alarms around the place we were hiding, so I didn''t try to capture any of them. However, I was able to see a few of them battling the demon beasts in the area. All of them have the same style. The red lines on their bodies fill up with Spiritual Energy when they fight. I''m not sure if they''re really humans or not."


    Suddenly, Wano raised his hand.


    "Wait!"


    Calina''s group immediately stopped as they used their Spiritual Senses to look around.


    "Up ahead. There''s something."


    Wano, Calina, and Malaka then quietly moved while Kentucky waited with the other cultivators on the back. Finally, they arrived at what seemed to be a huge clearing in the middle of the forest. As far as they could see, it was definitely over 25 to 30 kilometers long. However, this wasn''t natural. This place had been transformed into this.


    The three of them saw what seemed to be a large red crystal with a few cultivators guarding it at the very center. That crystal was slightly inclined to the valley''s direction as it shot some kind of red light. It was then that Malaka found something off.


    "Look at the tree and the plants on the ground."


    Wano and Calina''s eyes paid attention to those things, as Malaka suggested. Only then did they notice the peculiarity.


    "There are a lot of other components mixed with the surface of the ground. But they have all turned to dust."


    Malaka nodded.


    "Can you see the base of the red crystal? It looks like some kind of root. I''m pretty sure that the crystal is absorbing the earth''s energy, which killed all the plants, trees, etc."


    Calina couldn''t help but comment.


    "If Rean was here, he could probably identify what''s happening. Look around the crystal. The majority of the cultivators there are guarding it. However, there are a few with different clothes which are forming a circle around the crystal. There''s a high chance that it''s a formation."


    Suddenly, that same red crystal seemed to activate some kind of ability that spread its power through the ground. Before Calina''s group knew it, the plants and trees around them began to decay at fast speeds. The three didn''t waste time and immediately retreated further away.


    In just a few seconds, all the plants and trees in an area spanning several meters decayed all around the crystal area, increasing the size of the clearing.


    "It''s really absorbing the earth''s energy."


    "I wonder what they''re using it for."


    Wano could not help but agree with the two girls.


    "Indeed. However, that isn''t our problem at the moment. Fortunately, there doesn''t seem to be any Nascent Soul Realm cultivator around. Now that we are in a clearing, you can see that there are more of these red rays spreading in the same direction. That being said, there are also more of these crystals that we can''t see from this position. It also means that they don''t have enough high-level cultivators to take care of all of them."


    Wano was right. However, it wasn''t for the reason that he thought it was. The truth was that many of the Nascent Soul Cultivators were sent to intercept the Royal Family and the sects'' forces. Simply put, they were lucky that none of those who remained were close now.


    "In any case, let''s leave this place. That thing is probably important, so it wouldn''t be weird if more people were patrolling the surroundings."


    Calina and Malaka nodded. They could think about it for another time. For now, they had to guarantee their safety.


    However, it was then that Malaka noticed another ray of light passing above their heads. Calina and Wano, obviously, noticed the same thing. It''s just that the ray of light was moving in the red crystal''s direction instead.


    Seeing that, Wano, Calina, and Malaka''s mouth twitched. That light just so happened to have a white and dark light. It was also a more or less spherical and familiar shape. It also looked familiarly fluffy.


    "Ahem... It must be an illusion."


    "Yep. Definitely an illusion."


    "100% sure it''s an illusion."


    However, they soon heard a very familiar sound.


    "Chiiiiiick!*


    Calina''s group almost vomited blood. Trying to deny reality didn''t really work well for them. Of course, that was none other than Kentucky!

 Chapter 493 - Kentuckys Attack

    "What is that dammed bird doing?!"


    Calina''s group was at a loss on what they should do. Should they go help? Would they arrive in time? Oh well... Considering Kentucky''s defense, they most likely would. They just didn''t know if they should go or not.


    The cultivators protecting the crystal immediately noticed Kentucky approaching at full speed. However, the Core and Soul Fusion Realm leader of the group quickly noticed that Kentucky was only a Middle Stage Three Demon Bird, so he let the others deal with it.


    "Another annoying demon beast. Just take care of the bird so that it won''t touch the crystal."


    The Core Formation Realm subordinates immediately nodded and positioned themselves to strike Kentucky down when it got close enough to them.


    At the same time, Kuana and the others arrived where Calina''s group was.


    "Sorry, your bird suddenly began to drool between its beak and shot in this direction. We didn''t even have time to react before it flashed away."


    If there was any doubt that it was Kentucky, all doubts were gone right now. Calina and Malaka looked at how the cultivators were prepared to attack Kentucky and couldn''t wait anymore. Without hesitation, the two charged out, moving in the cultivators'' direction.


    Wano''s mouth twitched. There went their plan of staying hidden until they were in a safe place. He could have ignored Calina''s group and fled the scene, but he had a debt to pay to the girls. In the end, he also charged out.


    Obviously, the Lakure Race members noticed Calina''s group as soon as they stepped into the clearing. Their leader, who was in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, noticed Wano''s cultivation.


    "Enemy attack! Protect the Formation Masters! I will stop the Core and Soul Fusion Realm guy while the others deal with the two girls and the bird!"


    "Yes, Senior Hue."


    Other than the Formation Masters controlling the crystal, there was a total of ten cultivators protecting the crystal. Calina''s group only had four members, including Kentucky, so they weren''t afraid of them. That was also why Hue didn''t call for reinforcements straight away either.


    Back at the trees, Kuana, Laffey, and Cassy didn''t know if they should go with them or not.


    "What should we do, Kuana?"


    "We can still flee while they distract the enemies. First of all, we shouldn''t even have caught their attention."


    "However, it was also because of them that we escaped the valley entrance in the first place."


    Hearing that, Kuana finally gritted her teeth and charged out as well. In the end, they wouldn''t have Wano to scout the way out, so chances were high that they might get caught due to their weaker Spiritual Senses. Of course, that discussion only lasted for a second due to Spiritual Sense.


    Seeing that three more girls came out didn''t faze the Core and Soul Fusion Realm guy. They still had the advantage in numbers, and he was one stage higher than Wano in front of him. Just to make sure, he kept three of the protectors of the crystal to deal with Kentucky.


    Wano was the fastest one by far due to his cultivation, so he immediately pounced at the leader.


    "Take my sword!"


    Fire and Wind Element gathered as Wano''s swords moved in a flash of red fire.


    ''Decapitation in Flames!''


    A horizontal sweep came forward, taking the leader of the group aback. It wasn''t strong enough to prove dangerous to him. However, Wano''s attack immediately covered a wide range. Obviously, he was trying to take the Core Formation Realm cultivators down.


    "Courting death!"


    Lightning Element gathered around the leader as his attack countered Wano.


    ''Lightning Dispersion!''


    He also used a wide-area attack, which clashed against Wano''s one.


    *Boom!*


    Fire and Lightning mixed together in an explosion of Spiritual Energy. Immediately, the Core Formation Realm cultivators were forced back due to the energy. However, they quickly understood that they shouldn''t intervene in those two and focused on Calina and the rest on the back. Calina''s group also understood this and did the same thing, avoiding Wano''s battle.


    Kentucky was the first one to charge out, but Wano was faster than him in the end. Still, he arrived at the Red Crystal just a second later. The three Core Formation Realm cultivators immediately channeled their Spiritual Energy and Elements as they attacked Kentucky.


    ''Wave Slasher!''


    ''World of Sunder!''


    ''Southern River Puncture!''


    Three attacks came straight at Kentucky as he descended from the skies in the Red Crystal''s direction. However, no one knew just how much stronger Kentucky was compared to demon beasts at his level. Those attacks only made Kentucky angry since they were trying to stop him from eating the crystal.


    White and Dark Flames burst out of Kentucky''s body as his descent increased several times in speed. Obviously, he was using the Fried Chicken Cannonball Attack. Well, Rean was the only one who called it that.


    *Creeeeeee!*


    This attack needed time for him to reach a high enough altitude and then drop down. However, once Kentucky reached his full speed and had the two flames covering his body, he was unstoppable. The power of the attack was definitely at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm level.


    The attacks barely passed through Kentucky''s Dual Flames and were completely stopped by the blade-like feathers and scales under them. They weren''t even able to reduce Kentucky''s speed at all.


    "What?!"


    The cultivators panicked and tried to get out of Kentucky''s way. Unfortunately for them, it was already too late.


    *Boom!*


    "Ahhhhhh!"


    All three of them were swept away like ragdolls. The Black and White Flames covered their bodies as they collided several times with the ground before coming to a full stop. It was hard to tell whether they were alive or not.


    The leader, who wasn''t that worried at first, now had his eyes wide open.


    "What the hell is that bird?!"


    Quite a few of the Formation Masters sitting around the Red Crystal were also blasted away. The remaining ones looked at Kentucky with fear. However, Kentucky ignored them and pounced at the Red Crystal.


    "Stop right there, chicken!"


    The leader immediately tried to stop Kentucky. However, Wano''s face showed a smile at that very moment.


    ''At least the bird is good for distraction.''

 Chapter 494 - What Do I Do?

    Wano might have only been a stage below his opponent, but one must remember that he had already defeated someone stronger than him even though he was injured. Sure, he may have received help from Calina, Malaka, and Kentucky at that time, but during his last attack, he far surpassed his opponent''s power.


    That being said, he shouldn''t have been in a stalemate with this enemy. He kept holding his strength back, waiting for an opportunity to release his full potential in one go. That moment didn''t take too long to appear as Kentucky opened a way through the enemies with brute force. The leader couldn''t ignore Kentucky, so he immediately turned around to attack the Minokawa.


    Seeing that, Wano sheathed his sword and assumed a combat stance. If one looked at that, it would seem quite a slow movement. However, in reality, it was extremely fast. Fire and Wind Element gathered around his body in the next moment.


    *Vup!*


    Suddenly, Wano exploded forward with speed even faster than the one he showed back in the valley entrance.


    ''One Sword!''


    The Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator noticed Wano''s attack with his Spiritual Sense. In fact, his Spiritual Sense hadn''t left Wano for even a split second. However, he didn''t expect Wano to be that fast. Not to mention that even though he had Wano in his perception, most of his attention was on Kentucky.


    "Not good!"


    The guy quickly turned around as he lifted his own weapon. He also curved his body to the side from pure instinct. That was all he could do since he didn''t have time to conjure a Spiritual Energy barrier in time.


    *Swish!*


    Wano passed by the enemy leader in a flash. However, he immediately narrowed his eyes. Soon after, an arm was sent flying together with the weapon it was holding.


    "Argh!"


    There was no blood again. Wano''s slash immediately cauterized the wound. Seeing that his attack failed to take the guy''s life in one go, Wano immediately turned around and dashed in his direction. However, the enemy leader knew that he was at a disadvantage, so he fled without hesitation.


    Wano wanted to pursue him, but Calina''s group was having a hard time due to the difference in numbers. The Formation Masters noticed that they would need to fight, so they joined their hands against the girls.


    ''Lucky guy.''


    Wano immediately turned around and charged at the rest of the enemies. That leader would definitely call reinforcements from the nearby red crystals. They couldn''t stay here for long, or they might even encounter a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator.


    With Wano joining the battle, the enemies were killed off quickly. Although two of them managed to escape in the end, this result was quite fortunate and above their expectations.


    Kentucky''s super attack, the distraction of the enemy leader, and Wano''s own power. All of that together brought this quick result.


    Eventually, Calina and Malaka were free and went to where Kentucky was. However, when they looked in the demon bird''s direction, they saw it happily eating the Red Crystal.


    *Crunch, crunch, crunch..."


    Kentucky devoured the whole crystal in big chunks.


    Kuana couldn''t help but ask.


    "What kind of bird is that?"


    Wano shook his head as he said.


    "We can talk about it later. We need to leave right now."


    Malaka nodded and immediately called.


    "Kentucky, we need to leave. Let''s go!"


    However, Kentucky only glanced at Malaka for a moment before he continued to eat the crystal.


    "This fat bird! It can only think about food!"


    Wano narrowed his eyes before he brought his sword out once more and attacked the red crystal. Since the bird wanted to finish that thing, they might as well separate it into several parts and make Kentucky follow the food with them. However...


    *Clang!*


    Wano''s sword hit the Red Crystal, which was immediately bounced back due to its hardness.


    "What?!"


    Except for Malaka and Calina, everyone was taken aback. They know how strong Wano''s attack is. However, all it did was to make a small chip fall down. Even Wano himself was shooked by that. That''s because Kentuck would remove an enormous chunk of the Red Crystal with each bite!


    "Just how powerful is this guy''s beak?"


    *Pah!*


    Suddenly, Calina clenched her fist with Spiritual Energy and hit Kentucky''s head. Naturally, Kentuck felt the pain since he wasn''t hardening his feathers now that the battle was over. Well, Calina also felt pain when she did that but didn''t show it on the surface.


    ''This dammed bird''s skin is too hard!''


    She then ignored the pain as she looked at the wronged expression on Kentucky''s face.


    "Don''t look at me like that. Did you see what you have done?! If everything didn''t go so smoothly, we might have been held down until more enemies appeared. Now, stop wasting time and leave this Red Crystal there. We need to leave."


    Kuana saw that and found it strange.


    "Can it understand what you are saying?"


    Calina shook her head.


    "Not really, but it can at least understand that I''m angry and that we need to leave now."


    Wano nodded.


    "Well, that already shows how intelligent it is. Perhaps it will really come with us and leave the crystal behind."


    Kentucky then looked at the Red Crystal he hadn''t eaten yet. However, he didn''t want to give it up, so...


    *Vup!*


    *Crack!*


    He pierced his beak into the crystal and used his body''s strength to lift it up! Finally, he looked at Calina as if it was saying it was ready to go now. That was quite a hilarious scene. The Red Crystal was at least half the size of Kentucky''s entire body. Nevertheless, it lifted the crystal no problem.


    "Forget it. Let''s go!"


    Wano charged ahead with his Spiritual Sense spread as Calina and the others followed him. Kentucky came right behind, carrying the enormous bitten crystal.


    Somewhere else, Rean and Roan suddenly stopped running and sat on the ground.


    "What is it? Where is all this energy coming from?"


    "Can''t you feel it? It''s coming from Kentucky''s direction."


    "I see... But how is this happening?"


    [Seems like Kentucky found a huge source of Spiritual Energy. However, Kentucky''s stage is limited by your own. Because of that, he can''t advance while you don''t do it yourselves. That being said, the extra energy he can''t take is all being sent to you through your connection with him. Still, just what item could have such concentrated energy?]


    Rean and Roan couldn''t discuss since Spiritual Energy kept pouring into their bodies nonstop. The problem was that the energy wasn''t Heaven and Earth''s energy. It seemed to have an owner or a purpose before, so they could only take a small part of it. All the rest was being discarded.


    Just like that, Rean and Roan spent thirty minutes absorbing the energy. Only then did the energy stop coming.


    "Phew... Just how many days of cultivation did we save just now?"


    "At least two or three. We better check with Kentucky later to see if he can find more of it."


    "Indeed. However, let''s not waste any more time. Let''s go."


    Rean and Roan quickly got up and charged in Kentucky''s direction once more.


    Meanwhile, a man was floating above the valley where the Formation Core was located. However, none of the Lakure Race members could see him, not even Jana. He looked down as his Spiritual Sense spread out.


    Finally, he saw what seemed to be a room locked by several chains with many inscriptions on each one of them. Those chains were at a level that surpassed Heaven-Level equipment. Suddenly...


    *Bang!*


    The door trembled, and the chains tightened. They were pushed to their limits. However, the inscription held the chains together, not allowing the chains to break at all. Finally, the tightness of the chains went back to normal as the door came back to its original position.


    A few minutes later...


    *Bang!*


    Exactly the same thing happened again. As the man observing it from above looked at it, he reached a conclusion.


    ''I see... So you''re trying to escape, huh? If you continue attacking the seal like this, it will take just a few more years until the seal is broken. No wonder you used this natural formation. You needed time so that no one would bother you. Your subordinates did an excellent job.''


    Suddenly, Spiritual Energy began to gather on the man''s hand as he looked down.


    ''Unfortunately for you, you never expected that I would be in this place, right?''


    However, after a few seconds, the energy in the man''s hand disappeared as if it had never been there. Following that, he looked in the distance as he pondered.


    ''Hmm... If I fix the seal, no one will stay here to run this natural formation core anymore. Naturally, the time acceleration effect will disappear the moment the formation collapses as well. It would be nearly impossible to rebuild this time effect with the cultivation of others.''


    He continued to think about it until he finally decided.


    ''Alright, I''ll let your Lakure Race see the light for a bit longer.''


    The man then looked in the direction where Calina''s group was fleeing and narrowed his eyes.


    ''Leaving the Lakure Race aside... I didn''t expect to find one more of them here. Is it a coincidence? Well, whatever. Let''s see what will happen from now on.''


    Obviously, the man was none other than Old Worm! From the beginning to the end, no one noticed his presence at all. Soon after, he turned around and left without leaving a single trace.


    Somewhere else, the group composed of the Royal Family and the sects were having a hard time. Even though they had similar strength, their opponents'' red meridians gave them a huge advantage.


    Tiria then looked at Erbec, who was also in an awful position against the other Soul Forging Realm enemy.


    ''Senior Erbec, we can''t hold on for longer. We might need to flee from here.''


    Erbec knew that. In fact, he was already considering this option since he couldn''t picture himself winning a battle against the other Soul Forging Realm guy. However, he was a member of the Royal Family. He really didn''t want to leave this easily.


    ''What do I do?''

 Chapter 495 - Separation

    "Oh! This place seems to be fun."


    Just as Erbec was about to give orders for them to retreat, a new group of cultivators appeared in the distance. In an instant, the Lakure Race members and the Jialin Country ones looked in their direction. Both sides didn''t know whether they were enemies or not.


    Finally, Erbec recognized the Soul Forging Realm cultivator leading them.


    "Suan Foiu from the Kuman Sect! It''s the Guntao Country!"


    Suan also noticed Erbec and couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Erbec, you seem to be in a tight spot. Do you need help?"


    Erbec gritted his teeth but nodded in the end.


    "Shut up and help us already. This thing also involves your Guntao Country."


    Suan smiled as he and his group stepped forward. Back when the formation was about to close again, Tuise and the two other Saint Realm experts quickly made a group so that they could investigate the inside of the formation. Even though Droman might not be able to open the formation again, it would still be better to have some of their experts inside.


    That being said, Suan was sent in with quite a few Nascent Soul Realm cultivators and below to verify what was happening. They knew that the target was the valley in Qerlen Country as well. That''s why they ended up meeting Erbec''s group here after they had battled for a long time.


    ''Ruin of the Sun!''


    Fire Element and Spiritual Energy gathered around Suan as he joined hands with Erbec to attack the enemy''s Soul Forging Realm cultivator. The same things happened all around, with lower-level cultivators helping the Jialin Country members. In fact, they had no other choice other than to help. After all, Jialin Country''s forces had bigger numbers inside this natural formation. If even they lost, the Guntao Country forces would have a lower chance to achieve anything. They would need to join hands to be able to proceed.


    The situation on the battlefield quickly turned around as the Lakure Race members were gradually being suppressed. However, that didn''t make them give up. Instead, they began to attack with even more fervor.


    "For a place under the sun!"


    "For freedom!"


    "No more of that shitty underground world! Brothers and sisters, kill!"


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!*


    The area soon turned into a forbidden zone as many casualties piled up from both sides. It went totally against what Erbec and the others thought would happen.


    "Fuck! These guys are crazy!"


    "Focus! If they really continue like this, it will be them who''ll lose."


    "Don''t fall for their suicidal attacks! Make sure to preserve your own lives!"


    The battle continued for another hour. Only when less than 20% of the Lakure Race members remained did their Soul Forging Realm leader issue an order.


    "That''s enough! Retreat!"


    Immediately, the enemies turned around and ran back in the direction of the valley. As for Erbec and Suan, they immediately gave up any ideas of pursuing them. They were all tired and lost more than 30% of their own forces in this first clash. The survivors of the enemy side were mostly their elites as well. If they forced the other side, they might pay a very high price to kill them.


    "Who the hell are those guys? They didn''t run away when they were at a disadvantage. Instead, they began to sacrifice themselves to kill us."


    Erbec shook his head as he said.


    "I don''t know. This was the first time I''ve met them. If you guys hadn''t appeared, the ones who would have to retreat would be us instead of them."


    Tiria and Juvian weren''t that well-off either. Tiria had suffered quite a few grievous wounds, while Juvian had even lost an arm in a suicide attack from a Nascent Soul Realm enemy. The two of them quickly sat down and swallowed a few healing pills. The same scene could be seen in all the other powers around them.


    "How are our losses?"


    A slightly well-off subordinate quickly made the count before informing Tiria and Juvian.


    "Three Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators from our sect died. As for the Core Formation Realm cultivators, we lost 27 of them."


    "Three Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators? Were they all disciples, or was there any Inner Sect elder between them?"


    The subordinate immediately answered.


    "Two of them were Initial Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm disciples of the Inner Sect. The remaining one was an elder at the Middle Stage of the same realm, Elder Odeni."


    Juvian and Tiria narrowed their eyes. Core Formation Realm cultivators weren''t that hard to train. However, Core and Soul Fusion Realm ones were quite difficult to nurture. Between the tens of thousands of disciples of the Dalamu Sect, only 45 were at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. That already included Inner Sect elders like Hulian and Zaia. Each loss at that level was a sting to them.


    Tiria then looked at Juvian and his missing arm.


    "Elder Juvian, how are you faring?"


    "I''m fine. I already stopped the bleeding, and I''m closing the injury. However, I won''t be able to recover my arm without paying a very hefty price in the Empire''s capital."


    Tiria nodded.


    "It''s fine. Sect leader will definitely compensate you for that."


    Juvian nodded. From the Nascent Soul Realm onwards, the loss of a limb wasn''t completely impossible to recover. However, that required a very expensive pill that he wouldn''t find anywhere else other than the capital. The type that he couldn''t buy without Rank 4 Spirit Stones, at the very least.


    A few moments later, one of Erbec''s subordinates brought one of the Lakure Race members'' corpses to him. He wasn''t the only one, though. Tiria, Juvian, Galo, and the other sects'' Nascent Soul Realm cultivators took their time to check the enemies'' bodies.


    Sure enough, they quickly noticed that those red lines were not just decoration but part of their bodies to start with.


    "Are these meridians?"


    "Should be. At the very least, it works in a similar fashion."


    "You all saw how these things shone every time they were about to attack, yes?"


    "No wonder they''re so strong. They had extra help absorbing and using Spiritual Energy."


    "Here''s the question. Are they really humans? Has anyone ever seen this kind before?"


    Everyone shook their heads. None of them know anything about these people.


    In the end, Erbec got up again before offering.


    "I think we should go back and talk to our leaders. Just this group alone already gave us so many problems. We don''t know if they have more members or not. However, I doubt those that fled were all of them. We''re at a serious disadvantage here."


    Suan bitterly smiled before saying.


    "You can''t. The formation protecting this place has changed. The guy called Droman tried to use the same method again, but it didn''t work. From the looks of it, the enemies changed the properties of the Natural Formation. Our group got inside just a few moments before the gap had closed."


    The Jialin Country forces were taken aback by that news.


    "What?! Then how are we going to leave this place?"


    Suan shook his head as he responded.


    "We were expecting to find the core of the formation and turn it off. However, this plan seems highly unlikely considering the enemy''s forces."


    Juvian then mentioned.


    "From the looks of it, they can''t tell where we are all the time. Otherwise, they would have arrived way earlier, considering the time and speed difference. That being said, we should leave this location straight away before more reinforcements come."


    Erbec and Suan agreed with Juvian. They all got up, gathered what they could from the corpses, and left the place straight away. Along the way, the leaders of each power in this place discussed the next step.


    "So, what should we do now?"


    "There''s a city that got dragged into this Natural Formation. Should we go there?"


    "That''s a bad idea. I doubt they would leave the cities out of their perceptions. At most, we can only send two or three cultivators to check the situation, but no more than that."


    "From what Droman and the other Formation Masters told us, this Natural Formation uses up a ridiculous amount of energy. As good as its core might be, it will eventually dry up. However, it all depends on how good the core is. It might take a few days, or it might take several years. However, it will definitely run out at some point."


    "There is also the Sasamil Imperial Family. We already told them about it, so they should be sending their experts here. Perhaps their Formation Masters can deactivate the Natural Formation when they arrive."


    "We should also consider a longer stay. After all, we don''t know when the Natural Formation will open again. Perhaps moving like a group is a bad choice as well."


    "What will happen if a huge force appears then? We need numbers to contend against them."


    "No, it''s more of the opposite. Since they can''t tell where we are, staying together will only attract more attention."


    "He''s right. There''s only one good thing about this situation. This Natural Formation is just way too big. You will need several armies if you want to comb through such a huge place. I doubt the enemy has this many members. Separating seems to be the best choice for us. That will force the enemies to separate as well. Even if some of us are found, it will be much easier to escape or maybe even get rid of them."


    "There''s also the option to head to the valley to test things out. Well, that will be up to each power''s own choices."


    In the end, everyone agreed with that decision. And just like that, each power took its own members and left the place in different directions.

 Chapter 496 - Seems Fair

    Time passed as another day in the Natural Formation went by. Eventually, the Lakure Race cultivators who went to intercept Erbec''s group had returned. Seeing the state they were in, Jana couldn''t help but narrow her eyes.


    "What happened, Cosko? Were there a lot of enemies?"


    Cosko was the name of the Soul Forging Realm leader during the attack.


    "At first, we were at a slight disadvantage in numbers compared to them. However, thanks to our race''s special meridians, we took the upper hand after some time. We would most likely win that battle. Unfortunately, a new group of cultivators appeared at the last moment and joined the battle."


    "Our brothers and sisters fought as hard as they possibly could. However, we couldn''t make up for the gap in numbers, so I issued a retreat order when it had reached a critical point."


    Jana couldn''t help but feel a bit of guilt for the lives of the Lakure Race members who had died. They had been living in the sealed underground world for a very long time. Space wasn''t exactly a privilege there. Because of that, they could only make do with what they had. That being said, the Lakure Race was very united.


    "Their deaths won''t be in vain. I promise you that."


    Jana then changed the topic as she said.


    "You said a new group appeared during the battle. Does that mean they still have a way to enter the formation?"


    That was the most important thing to talk about. After all, they changed the formation to prevent just that.


    Cosko pondered for a bit before replying.


    "I don''t think so. However, I also thought about this possibility, so I sent some of our members to check on the Natural Formation barrier for openings. I have their Thoughts Transmission Talismans with me, so it shouldn''t take that long before we receive a report."


    Sure enough, one of the Thoughts Transmission Talismans lit up as if it knew what they were thinking. Cosko quickly put it on his forehead and absorbed the thoughts inside.


    Cosko''s group had gone to intercept the Royal Family and the Sects'' forces at full speed. Because of that, they were much closer to the Natural Formation border than they were to the valley. That being said, it was much faster for the scout group to arrive at the border than Cosko''s group to get back to the valley. From there, they separated and followed the barrier, looking for an opening or anything of the sort.


    "The first group reported that they followed the border of the barrier for an entire day, but no openings were found."


    Sometime later, the second Thoughts Transmission Talisman lit up as well.


    "The second group that checked the barrier in the opposite direction also reported that they couldn''t find any entrance. Of course, we can''t discard the possibility that they used other methods to enter the Natural Formation."


    Jana nodded, letting out a sigh of relief in the process.


    "I doubt someone else could pass through the formation''s barrier that easily. After all, we changed it so that even Yulian would have a hard time breaking it. Most likely, the team that appeared later entered the barrier using the same method as the first one. However, they probably can''t do that anymore now that we''ve changed the layout of the barrier."


    Cosko nodded as he said.


    "My thoughts are the same, Lady Jana. So, what should we do now? Gather our forces and look for those intruders?"


    Jana pondered for a bit but shook her head in the end.


    "No. We can''t discard the possibility that this was all done to redirect our attention away from the valley. Remember, this valley has to be protected at all costs. Besides, we don''t know if any other group had entered the formation before we changed it."


    "If we receive a full-force attack while everyone is out looking for those enemies, there''s nothing we can do against it. Leave them be! We already wiped out the seven cities we''ve enveloped and gathered the resources in the valley. Keep the high-level cultivators here to protect the valley and send the rest to protect the Life Absorbing Crystals. We don''t have enough numbers to go look for them. "


    Cosko nodded before asking.


    "Understood. Talking about numbers, how''s the portal?"


    Jana looked back at the valley before saying.


    "The same as always. We can only bring a few of our members out every day. It will take a very long time until we finish opening the passage. Until then, all we can do is wait. However, as long as the Ancestor breaks out of the seal, we shouldn''t have anything to worry about anymore. For that, make sure that the Life Absorbing Crystals are working properly. Ancestor needs them to break the seal imprisoning him."


    Jana then added.


    "Talking about the Life Absorbing Crystals, one of the crystals was destroyed around a day ago. Send someone to replace that one to not delay the Energy Absorption. Also, make sure the teams are as prepared as possible in case one of the crystals is attacked again."


    Cosko nodded.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll also order several teams to patrol the area beyond the crystals'' positions. Unless we''re talking about Nascent Soul Realm cultivators or higher, they should be able to spot any enemy approaching."


    As Jana and Cosko discussed a few more things, Calina''s group finally left the valley''s territory. They didn''t know if they would be pursued, so they kept moving away. Right behind them, a black and white bird was carrying an enormous red crystal in his beak. Then again, it didn''t matter what Calina and Malaka say. Kentucky simply didn''t let it go.


    ''Perhaps it''s similar to the Heaven-Level metals Rean gave us to feed him.''


    Calina and Malaka were right. Kentucky found the crystal really good both in taste and benefits for its body. The Life Energy it gathered was similar to the Life Energy that Rean could feel with his Light Element. Kentucky was able to use Light Element as well, so it was beneficial to him.


    Wano soon found a good spot for them to hide and gave the order to stop.


    "Let''s rest here for a while."


    Kuana''s group immediately dropped down after hearing that. They had been running for so long that those girls couldn''t hold anymore. Even Spiritual Energy wasn''t enough to keep up the pace anymore. However, Malaka and Calina, who were also in the Core Formation Realm, seemed to be completely fine.


    "Oh! It seems like you received quite a good training. Usually, cultivators only think about their Spiritual Energy and things like that. It''s quite rare to see cultivators with such physical health like you two, especially between women."


    Wano could not help but say. However, the reaction he got from Calina and Malaka was vastly different from what he expected.


    "Hehehe... Good physical health, huh? I don''t even want to remember why..."


    Malaka nodded vigorously.


    "Just don''t talk about it anymore, please. The memories are too painful."


    Wano only became more puzzled, though.


    "This... Did something happen?"


    Calina and Malaka then began to remember all the ''special'' training sessions they had with Rean and Roan. Of course, that could only be considered hell. It wasn''t wrong to say that they almost died in some of them... Frightening. Well, at least it paid off right now. Calina and Malaka were an entire realm or more below Wano, but they could keep up at his pace without a problem. Kuana''s group obviously wasn''t doing as well.


    *Bang!*


    Suddenly, Kentucky dropped the Red Crystal and began to eat it once again.


    *Crunch, crunch, crunch...*


    Every time his beak moved, a big chunk of the crystal came out.


    "I''m sorry but, just what kind of demon beast is that? I tried to cut this crystal with my sword, but it didn''t even break the crystal, much less scratch it."


    Calina and Malaka bitterly smiled. Sure enough, where would you find something like Kentucky? Nowhere is the obvious answer. Calina was told about Kentucky''s race, so she also knew how rare it is.


    "Ahem... This is a special demon bird bred by our Dalamu Sect. They have extremely hard beaks. That''s why it can do such a thing."


    Wano narrowed his eyes as he uttered.


    "If it was just the beak, then I could accept it. However, that attack where it came crashing down from the sky like a meteor was completely different. It definitely reached the power of a Stage Four Demon Beast or a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator. Do you think I''ll believe that it''s just a special breed of a sect from the surrounding countries?"


    Calina scratched the back of her head as she said.


    "Well, that is up to you to believe or not."


    However, Malaka suddenly smiled as she looked at Wano.


    "As I expected. Wano, you''re not from anywhere close to the surrounding countries, right? First of all, your strength far surpasses the Middle Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Also, you can guarantee that none of the surrounding countries can breed a demon beast like Kentucky. Just who are you?"


    Calina was taken aback by Malaka''s words. The way she talked was utterly different from her normal happy-go-lucky behavior. She looked more like... like... Mia or Roan! However, she quickly put those thoughts behind. After all, Malaka''s point was really important, so she focused on Wano first. Besides, she felt like his moves to be somewhat familiar as well.


    Of course, Kuana was close to them, so their interest was immediately piqued as well.


    Wano, on the other hand, sighed as he said.


    "Why do I have such a big mouth? Well, forget it. Let''s do it like this, then. I won''t ask about your demon bird, and you won''t ask me about my identity. How about that?"


    Malaka showed a playful smile before nodding.


    "Seems fair."

 Chapter 497 - Finally Together

    Back on Rean and Roan''s side, they once again felt Spiritual Energy entering their bodies. Without any other choice, they had to stop moving to absorb the energy into their dantians. This time, however, they stayed in that position for much longer. That was because Kentucky didn''t stop eating the red crystal until it was completely gone.


    A few hours later, they finally opened their eyes.


    "It seems like he was finished absorbing whatever he got."


    Rean nodded as he said.


    "Well, it''s not really a bad thing. We''ve obtained enough energy to make up for two or three weeks of cultivation. I''m quite curious as to what he found that has so much energy. The only sad part is that we couldn''t absorb most of it."


    Roan shook his head as he replied.


    "It doesn''t matter. If we really continue like this, our foundations will become unstable due to the speed of cultivation. This speed is more than enough to keep the balance."


    Roan then looked in the direction he could sense Kentucky.


    "Anyway, we are very close to him. If not for this energy we''ve obtained, we would have arrived already."


    Roan was right. After all, the group that attacked the Royal Family and the sects'' forces had already returned to the valley. It would be weird if the twins didn''t move that much as well.


    Rean and Roan didn''t waste time and departed.


    On the side of Calina''s group, Kentucky sat on the ground as he digested the red crystal it ate.


    Calina, Malaka, and Wano just stayed there as well, waiting for Kuana''s group to recover their energy. During this time, Calina and Malaka discussed something else with Wano.


    "Don''t you think we''re being too lucky? We found almost no one on our way here."


    Wano nodded.


    "I thought the same thing as well. I was even ready in case a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator had appeared. Nevertheless, we''ve only come across some Core Formation or even Foundation Establishment cultivators. It''s as if they are busy with something else."


    Malaka pondered for a bit before saying.


    "Well, we have been here for over 12 days. The sects and other powers should have noticed what''s happening in this place. Most likely, the enemies are dealing with them now. They can''t spend much time with low-level cultivators like us."


    "That makes sense. In any case, that''s a good thing for us. Let''s keep moving out of this place."


    The three could not help but unanimously agree with that statement.


    Just as they were about to move, Kentucky''s eyes opened as he looked in a particular direction. Malaka, of course, noticed that straight away.


    "What is it, Kentucky?"


    *Chick!*


    Wano narrowed his eyes and immediately spread his Spiritual Sense. However, he couldn''t see anything in the direction Kentucky looked at.


    ''Could it be a higher-level cultivator? If that''s the case, I won''t be able to feel it with my Spiritual Sense. However, how could a Middle Stage Three Demon Beast feel it?''


    Wano then assumed a combat stance, preparing to run away as soon as possible.


    It was then that a voice entered everyone''s ears.


    "Oh! We finally arrived."


    Kentucky immediately got up and ran in the direction of the voice. Malaka and Calina obviously recognized that voice as well, so they just smiled in relief. After some time, two figures came out of the woods.


    Naturally, they were Rean and Roan, who were already close by to start with.


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky immediately pounced at Rean.


    "Wait, wait, wait!"


    *Bang!*


    Poor Rean was pushed to the ground by Kentucky''s body.


    "Too... Heavy! Get off of me, Kentucky!"


    *Chick?*


    Only then did Kentucky notice that Rean seemed to be suffering and stepped back.


    *Chick!*


    Soon after, he began to rub his head against Rean''s body.


    "Alright, alright. I''m happy to see you too."


    Roan completely ignored that as he looked at Malaka and Calina.


    "It seems like you two are fine."


    Wano and Kuana couldn''t help but ask, though.


    "Who are you?"


    Calina smiled as she stood beside the twins.


    "It''s okay. They''re members of our Dalamu Sect."


    Malaka nodded as she followed where Calina left off.


    "They''re my big brothers. We came from the same tribe."


    Wano narrowed his eyes in response.


    "Are you sure? How did they find this place if that''s the case? It''s obvious that they knew where we were going. As far as I know, they might very well be allied with the ones who attacked the valley."


    Kuana and the other two girls nodded. That was just way too convenient.


    Well, Calina and Malaka knew very well why. They had heard how the twins could feel the Minokawa''s presence as long as it wasn''t too far away. Of course, they couldn''t talk about it.


    Roan then looked at Wano before saying.


    "I don''t care whether you believe us or not."


    After that, he turned around and began to leave.


    "Illia, Malaka, let''s go."


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh.


    "Why do you need to always be like this? They might have helped Illia and Malaka, you know?"


    Malaka nodded.


    "Indeed. Senior Wano was a huge help for us to escape the valley when it was attacked. Kuana, Laffey, and Cassy also helped out a lot. We wouldn''t make it out if it wasn''t for all of them."


    Rean looked at Wano after hearing that and bowed.


    "Thank you for helping my younger sister, Senior Wano."


    Wano scratched the back of his head in response. How come Illia and Malaka didn''t seem to care about their sudden appearance?


    "Let me see if I got it right. You two have a way to track down these two girls, right?"


    Rean smiled as he nodded.


    "I can''t tell you how to be exact. However, we do have a way to track them. That''s why we found our way here after we heard about the event in Qerlen Country."


    Wano nodded.


    "Very well. How about we exchange some information then? I''m sure you want to hear what we know. Obviously, I want to know the situation from those who are outside as well."


    Rean was more than happy to comply. As for Roan, he didn''t say anything as he waited.


    Rean, Wano, Calina, and Malaka then began to discuss what they saw and knew. It wasn''t before half an hour later that they finished discussing everything.


    "So, there''s a natural formation impeding anyone from entering or leaving, huh? However, that Elder Droman found a way to open a gap, and that''s how you came inside with many other cultivators of your sects. However, after the natural formation went through that transformation we saw before, it became impossible to open it again with the same method. The Arolan City you passed by has also been wiped out by these enemies. There''s also the thing about the time inside this place, which is ten times as fast than it is outside or perhaps even faster. Finally, it seems like this is a different race from us humans that had been sealed for quite some time. Did I go through everything?"


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s basically it. As for your case, you were there when the valley was attacked. Also, you got to see those red crystals that Kentucky ate. That makes a few things clearer."


    Roan finally decided to talk after that.


    "From the looks of it, the main forces of the enemies are all gathered around the valley. There must be something there that they''re protecting."


    Wano nodded.


    "That makes sense. Otherwise, we should have been discovered by now. To me, it seems like they''re trying to buy time."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders in response.


    "Well, that''s good for us. I''m a Formation Master, so I know this formation will collapse through lack of energy sooner or later. We won''t be trapped here forever."


    Rean then looked at Wano, Kuana, Cassy, and Laffey.


    "Alright, then. You can head in the direction of the natural formation''s barrier. That should be the safest place to be in for now. The area enveloped by this formation is enormous, so there are quite a few demon beast forests enveloped by the formation as well. You can use it to train while you wait."


    Wano couldn''t help but ask.


    "What about you guys?"


    "We''re going to train as well. We don''t know how long this barrier will keep up, so we want to use the time difference to hastily increase our cultivation."


    Malaka and Calina were taken aback.


    "Are we going to stay nearby? Isn''t that too dangerous? The Lakure Race definitely has cultivators at Nascent Soul and above. What if we were attacke-"


    "Ah! Forget what I said..."


    Calina felt like an idiot.


    ''What am I thinking? Rean can feel any level of Spiritual Sense. There''s no way we can be ambushed by higher-level cultivators without him noticing. Once they appear, Rean and Roan can simply pull Malaka and me directly inside the dimensional realm.''


    Rean looked at Calina and could tell that she understood their advantages. However, Wano found it very intriguing.


    "From her reaction, it seems like you guys have some way of keeping yourselves safe. How about I join you as well? I''ve been traveling to train, after all. Now that you say that, this time acceleration is a huge opportunity for me as well."


    Rean and Roan were just about to refuse when all of a sudden, they received a Spiritual Sense message from Malaka.


    ''There''s something strange about this guy. His strength is far above those at his cultivation level. He''s also extremely young. Perhaps we should keep an eye on him.''


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he looked at the smiling Malaka.


    ''Why do I feel like you are looking more and more like the Sect Leader?''


    Malaka laughed in response.


    ''Master has been teaching me very well... even though I don''t want to learn.''


    Rean sighed and then looked at Roan.


    ''So, what do you think?''

 Chapter 498 - Plans

    Roan pondered over it for a bit and had to admit that the guy seemed somewhat off. That''s not the level you''d expect to find in a place like this. Even Calina and Malaka could only fight two stages above their level because of his training and Calina''s Yin Cultivation Technique. Not to mention that he had let the two cultivate in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm a few times.


    "Alright. However, if we see that we''ve got into a desperate situation, we will abandon you straight away. Also, you can not intervene with our training either. That means you will have to find your own targets and things like that."


    Wano smiled as he said.


    "That''s a matter of course. In fact, I would also flee straight away if a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator suddenly appears. I couldn''t pay attention to you even if I wanted to."


    Roan nodded in response.


    Calina and Malaka then looked at Kuana, Laffey, and Cassy.


    "In your case, I would really leave this place now that it is safer. Try to stay around the barrier border for now as well as the demon beast forests. It''s the same reason as Wano''s. If an enemy that''s too strong appears, we really won''t be able to do much for you."


    Kuana''s group knew that it was true. During the battles they had on their way here, they saw that Kentucky, Calina, Malaka, and Wano were much more powerful than what their cultivation showed. However, the three girls weren''t anything like that.


    "We will leave for the border then. Do you know how long it will take for the Energy Core to run out of it?"


    Rean shook his head as he pondered.


    "I don''t know. However, considering this natural formation''s size, a really powerful energy core is necessary just for it to turn on. That being said, you might have to wait a few years in here. Don''t forget, the time here passes ten times faster or more. That''s why it looks like a lot of time for us."


    Kuana''s group couldn''t help but sigh. That also meant that they wouldn''t be able to get any resources for the time being from their sect. Well, they could go look for resources themselves since there was a lot of area to cover. Demon beast forests usually have a lot of Spiritual Herbs that could be used directly for cultivation.


    "Alright, we understand."


    Rean then sent a Spiritual Sense Message to the girls, telling them the route they took to arrive. It was pretty safe during their journey here, so it should be of some use for Kuana''s group to leave this place. Following that, Kuana, Cassy, and Laffey thanked Malaka and the others for the help and departed.


    After that was done, Wano took the chance to ask.


    "So, what do you want to do for now?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders before saying.


    "We all had quite a few battles on our way to this place, right? I just need to check one thing for now."


    He then put his hands on Calina and Malaka''s shoulders before sending his Spiritual Sense and Light Element into their bodies. Calina and Malaka were already used to it. He did that to heal any hidden injuries in their bodies due to overtraining or battles. At the same time, he could check the state of their foundation. In this part, he was even better than Roan.


    "Alright. All the things you went through made your foundations very sturdy. Roan and I are pretty much in the same state. That being said, we should take our time to sit down and cultivate. There''s no need to look for problems for now."


    Roan nodded.


    "Since you confirmed that their foundation is okay, then let''s find a place to hide and cultivate."


    Wano couldn''t help but ask.


    "Was it me, or did you use the Light Element just now?"


    Rean looked at Wano with a surprised look.


    "Oh! Someone from outside Jialin Country can tell?"


    Wano nodded.


    "Jialin? Are you perhaps famous there?"


    Rean smiled.


    "You could say so. But you still didn''t answer my question."


    Wano didn''t mind.


    "Well, since you can use the Light Element, that means you use a Yang Energy Cultivation Technique. Yang Energy Cultivation Techniques are pretty rare in this place. To be honest, I also use a Yang Energy Cultivation Technique."


    Wano then lifted his hand and summoned Fire Element around it. However, Rean could easily tell that Yang Energy was also present, making it much fiercer while using less Spiritual Energy.


    "No wonder you''re stronger than those around your level."


    Wano nodded.


    "Indeed. Well, you guys can''t say much. Not only do you use a Yang Energy Cultivation Technique, these two girls use a Yin Energy Cultivation Technique as well."


    Rean smiled but didn''t answer. He did have a Yang Energy Cultivation Technique, which he obtained from Zuan. However, he only used it to learn the skills in it. His real cultivation technique was far above that.


    "So we are both Yang Energy users, that''s quite nice. I hope we can learn a few things from each other during our time together."


    "Sure thing."


    Roan then looked at the two.


    "Are the best buddies done chatting? If so, then let''s go."


    Everyone nodded and immediately made their way out of there. They intended to train against the Lakure Race members, but they would first spend their time cultivating since their foundations were already as sturdy as they can be. Roan wasn''t sure about Wano, but that wasn''t his problem. Since the guy didn''t say anything, it probably meant he can also cultivate at the moment.


    Rean took the free time they had while they were moving and asked Malaka about Kentucky.


    "Did Kentucky eat the whole red crystal?"


    Malaka nodded in response.


    "He did. He went to the point of carrying it away with us. For real, this guy gave us a fright when he charged into those Lakure Race cultivators. Fortunately, the enemies underestimated our strength by a lot. Not to mention that the Formation Masters around the crystal were not fighters. Otherwise, we might have really died there."


    Rean nodded as he looked at Kentucky.


    *Chick?*


    "Well, it doesn''t seem like it was a bad thing for him. Roan, can we focus on those Red Crystals after we finish cultivating?"


    Roan nodded.


    "I was already intending to do that. From what they told us, the Lakure Race Members have a ton of these things. That also means we can easily find them with that."


    To make sure that they wouldn''t be found by coincidence, the group moved quite far away from the place they were previously. They all used the Earth Element to move the earth on a small cliff, creating a cave inside. They might not be Earth Element users, but it wasn''t so hard to do something like that as long as they put in the effort. After concealing it with the forest''s vegetation, they entered inside and created a few separated rooms for each of them.


    Rean then used his knowledge to make a few Anti-Spiritual Sense Formations, both inside and outside the cave. Inside because he didn''t want Wano checking on them, and outside was obviously for the enemies. Finally, Wano went to his own cave room and sealed the entrance. As for Rean''s group, they went to another one.


    "So, Malaka, Calina, what can you tell me about Wano?"


    Calina and Malaka shook their heads as they said.


    "We already said what we knew. He''s much stronger than those at his level. He also noticed that Kentucky was anything but simple. However, when Malaka also asked about his strength, we both agreed to not ask too many questions."


    Calina, however, seemed to be pondering about something.


    "Is there something wrong?"


    "Hmm... I don''t know. I just felt a bit of familiarity from his abilities."


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    "Did you see his skills before?"


    Calina shook her head as she answered.


    "Not really. It''s more related to his cultivation instead."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "You mean he''s someone from the Imperial Family?"


    "I can''t be sure. After all, there are way too many techniques in the Imperial Family''s repository. It could very well be that. However, I''ve seen many other powers demonstrating their skills on several other occasions, so it might have been someone else. Or maybe it''s even the subordinate clans since they''re very close to us."


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s already good enough. Before you came to Dalamu, you lived your life in the Capital and only traveled to the surrounding countries there. That means he most likely came from there as well. It''s also obvious that he''s hiding his identity. In any case, let''s keep an eye on him from now on. We might find out something interesting."


    Everyone nodded, agreeing with Roan. In any case, having a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator as strong as Wano around wasn''t such a bad thing. Of course, as long as he didn''t become an enemy.


    "Alright, then. This natural formation turned out to be a blessing for us. We needed time for Calina to train, and now we''ve got it. I hope this natural formation keeps up as long as possible."


    "So we will just ignore this race that''s coming out? Wouldn''t they try to conquer the other countries and things like that?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "And what do you think we can do about it? It''s already obvious that they have at least Soul Forging Realm cultivators on their side. Most likely, even someone at the Saint Realm. We''re powerless against them. That being said, let''s make use of what we can use. As for the rest, this will be an issue for the Sasamil Imperial Family to deal with. Understood?"


    Calina, Malaka, and Rean nodded.


    "Good! Then, let''s start cultivating."

 Chapter 499 - Wear Out

    Time began to pass as everyone cultivated. Every now and then, Rean''s group would practice some combat between themselves just to stretch a little. After all, cultivating full-time was extremely monotonous and dulled one''s senses. Wano also participated in that, and it was clear how much stronger than everyone here he was.


    Nevertheless, he was really surprised by the power of Rean''s group. When Rean and Roan joined hands, they could totally fight around the Core and Soul Fusion Realm''s Initial Stage level. It made his own ability to jump two stages higher to fight look like a joke. Well, he still had a huge advantage since he could display a Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator''s combat power.


    It''s just that both Rean, Roan, and Wano thought that the other part''s power wasn''t all they could do. In Rean and Roan''s case, that was true. After all, they already could push themselves to the Initial Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm when they were in the Core Formation Initial Stage, let alone now that they were in the Middle Stage.


    During this time, Rean revised the Circuitry Formation job on his mind, trying to move a step forward even though he wasn''t directly working with it. Roan did the same thing in his mind with Alchemy.


    Roan also made sure to give Calina and Malaka proper training other than just cultivation. That being said, the two girls had been having quite a harsh time.


    And just like that, six months went by.


    Of course, that was only the case inside the natural formation. Only a little less than eighteen days passed on the outside. It was also at this time that the Sasamil Family''s experts arrived at the natural formation.


    Kocei, obviously, went ahead to receive them.


    "Thanks for coming, my friends. I''m happy you arrived this quickly."


    There was a total of ten experts present in the Sasamil Family''s group. Three of them were at the Saint Realm, with one at the Late Stage of that realm. As for the others, they were all Soul Forging Realm experts. Other than then, another small group of Formation Masters came to check the natural formation as per the Imperial Family''s request.


    "Let''s not waste time with pleasantries. I''m Ernian Sasamil. The other two Saint Realm experts are Oreve Samikil and Oi Taran from the ten clans. I also brought the experts of the Formation Master Guild Main Branch."


    Another man came forward after hearing that.


    "I''m Fobi Versavol, a Heaven High-Level Formations Master. The others are my assistants."


    Kocei nodded and then turned around.


    "The natural formation is right in front of you, as you can see. Please come with me."


    Everyone then went to the barrier to check it.


    Qia was still there, so she immediately came forward to receive the family''s experts too.


    "Long time no see, Senior Ernian."


    Ernian looked at her and nodded.


    "The fifth prince''s granddaughter, right? I heard that you married someone from the Dalamu Sect. Anyway, what are you doing here? You should have been left in the sect instead of risking your life here."


    Qia shook her head as he said.


    "My husband is inside this formation, so I can''t leave without knowing what''s happening."


    "Your husband?"


    Ernian pondered for a bit and finally remembered the boy from the reports he received about Qia''s marriage.


    "Then, I can understand. However, your cultivation is still too low. Stay behind and do what I say."


    "Yes, Senior Ernian."


    Even though he wasn''t a direct descendant, Ernian was one of the family''s elders, so he had a higher position than Qia due to his status and cultivation. She had to follow his orders. Nevertheless, Qia had been thinking about a way to enter this formation all this while. Unfortunately, even Droman couldn''t do anything to it since the properties of the formation changed. Of course, with Rean trapped inside, he also stayed there, refusing to go back to the sect.


    Zuan and everyone else then explained everything they knew about the formation and what had happened so far. After hearing their tales, Ernian gathered all the Saint Realm experts in this group. Following that, he gave the order for them to attack the formation together.


    Kocei and the others had tried it already, and it didn''t work. However, since Ernian had the highest cultivation between them and he had two more Saint Realm experts with him, they decided to follow his orders.


    "Focus on a single point. Attack!"


    Explosions of Spiritual Energy and several other elements soon burst around. The place they focused on turned into a forbidden zone for anyone below the Saint Realm. Unfortunately, even after an entire hour of relentless attacks, the formations didn''t even do as much as tremble.


    "What a sturdy formation. It''s not something that Saint Realm experts can overcome at all."


    Kocei and the others nodded.


    "We tried it in the past as well, but it was useless. We hoped that with more power, something would change, but it seems like it was useless."


    Ernian nodded and then went to see Fobi. The Formation Masters were a few kilometers away, working on analyzing the formation. Droman and the other Formation Masters were also helping them with what they could.


    Fobi noticed Ernian came closer to them, so he could already imagine what happened.


    "It seems like brute force didn''t work, right?"


    Ernian nodded.


    "Indeed. This thing is extremely sturdy. I''m sure that it won''t matter how many Saint Realm experts we have. It won''t fall."


    Fobi agreed with him.


    "I just reached the same conclusion a few minutes ago. The core of this Natural Formation is really powerful. I can''t help but feel pity that it''s being used in this way. If we could acquire it before it ran out of energy, we might have been able to power up the capital''s formation for a hundred or more years."


    "If you find a way to open the formation, we will obviously try to obtain that core. So, how are things going?"


    Fobi shook his head.


    "This is still a natural formation, but it has been modified. Whoever did this put a huge effort to keep everyone outside. I''m sorry, but I don''t see us breaking through it anytime soon. Just the analysis alone will probably take a lot more than just a month."


    Fobi then glanced at the formation before continuing.


    "Of course, this natural formation still has a limit. If someone strong enough comes, he might be able to break through it."


    Ernian narrowed his eyes.


    "Are you talking about an Elemental Transformation Realm expert?"


    All the Saint Realm experts present then looked at Ernian.


    The Elemental Transformation Realm. That was a realm that most of them dreamed of reaching but had no hope of doing so. It was quite common for Saint Realm experts to die at the Initial or, at most, the Middle Stage. People like Ernian, who reached the Late Stage, were incredibly rare between Saint Realm experts, let alone Peak Stage ones.


    As for Elemental Transformation Realm experts, they were the peak existences in the world. A single one at that level could create a country on his own, and no one would stop him. That was precisely what had happened in the past in Jialin. The Purple Colour Talent, Zef Jialin, was one of those Elemental Transformation Realm experts. It''s just that he had already passed away a long time ago. Since then, none of his descendants had reached that realm again.


    However, Fobi shook his head.


    "Elemental Transformation experts are indeed powerful. However, judging by the energy contained in this formation, I think they might not be enough."


    This time, everyone really felt shocked, including Ernian. Elemental Transformation was not enough. Those were not light words for sure. Ernian then took a deep breath as he looked at the natural formation. The moment Fobi spoke those words, his awareness regarding this event increased many folds.


    "Elemental Transformation is not enough, huh... If that''s the case, only a..."


    "Elder Ernian!"


    In an instant, Ernian closed his mouth before saying the words. Naturally, that piqued everyone''s attention��the level above the Elemental Transformation Realm. That was considered taboo in this world. It is said that only those at the Elemental Transformation Realm were allowed to know about it. Of course, a few exceptions existed. Ernian, as an important elder of the Sasamil Imperial Family, knew a little about it as well.


    "It''s okay. I won''t speak any further."


    Ernian then looked at Fobi.


    "In any case, there''s no way we can call for such a monster to come. We will have to do with what we have. First of all, we need to know who''s responsible for it. Do any of the cultivators inside have Thoughts Transmission Talismans?"


    Kocei immediately nodded.


    "Of course. However, this natural formation is completely blocking the passage of information. We can''t get in contact with the people in there."


    Ernian wasn''t surprised by that.


    "Fobi, if we keep attacking it, will the energy be consumed faster?"


    Fobi nodded.


    "It will. However, considering the natural formation''s sheer size, the core sustaining it has a frightening amount of energy. The effects of constant attacks will be quite low. As for attacks coming from those below the Saint Realm, it might not make any difference at all."


    Ernian didn''t mind.


    "It''s fine. The faster we can take it down, the better. You focus on trying to break the formations through your own methods. The other Saint Realm experts will start attacking it in turns."


    Ernian then turned to his Soul Forging Realm subordinates and passed to each of them a token.


    "Go to the surrounding countries affected by this formation and pass my order. Tell them that all the Saint Realm experts must attack the formation. The more we have, the better."


    "Yes, Elder Ernian."


    And with that, the plan to wear out the formation had begun.

 Chapter 500 - Sana

    Meanwhile, Tiria and Juvian led the cultivators of the Dalamu Sect to investigate the valley''s surroundings. Unfortunately, the defense there was really tight. Every time they got close, at least one Soul Forging Realm Lakure Race member would be there waiting for them.


    Tiria and Juvian had to do their best to simply flee from those unfortunate situations. However, they soon noticed one thing. Every time they arrived at a certain distance from the valley, the Lakure Race experts would stop the pursuit and return. From the looks of it, they were a lot more worried about leaving the valley unprotected than killing the cultivators who entered the natural formation.


    Tiria and Juvian couldn''t tell if it was a good thing or not. After all, it all depended on what they were trying to do. They did succeed in capturing some low-level cultivators of the Lakure Race. Unfortunately, none of them knew much about the plans of the higher-ups. The higher-ups, obviously, had cultivations too high for them to succeed in capturing.


    Without any other choice, they could only go back to the formation''s border from where they entered to see if they had some way of communicating with the outside world. Too bad that the barrier was completely sealed. It wasn''t possible to see the other side at all. Sound and Thoughts Transmission Talismans also didn''t work.


    Of course, the Dalamu Sect''s group wasn''t the only one. The other sects and the Royal Family soon understood the same principle. However, that wasn''t too bad since they could use that opportunity to gather with a few of the other groups to discuss. Of course, they didn''t stay together since they couldn''t guarantee that the Lakure Race members won''t come after them.


    The problem was that they were all at a dead end. Attacking the valley was out of the question since their previous attempts to get close to it showed how many more experts the Lakure Race had. They simply lacked the number and the cultivation to do such a thing.


    While they worried about it, Rean''s group had completely given up on even thinking about it. They were too weak to make any difference in this situation, so why should they care? These six months of cultivation made a huge difference for them. The main figure in this meantime ended up being Calina. Her cultivation was ahead of the twins, and she was close to breaking through.


    Deep in her cave room, Calina absorbed the Spirit Stones'' energy without stopping as she attacked the bottleneck. Malaka, Rean, and Roan were also there, waiting to see if she would need any help. Finally, a burst of Spiritual Energy came from her body as her cultivation began to rise. The process ended up being very smooth, so Calina had entered the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm without mishaps.


    "Phew... I''m finally done with it."


    Roan nodded and threw her a bottle with a few pills.


    "Those are the same cultivation stabilizing pills. Swallow one of them every three days for the next month. It should help alleviate the chaotic energy in your foundation faster."


    Calina smiled and immediately put one of them in her mouth. Following that, she concentrated on the pill''s effect as she guided the energy into her dantian. She was already used to Roan''s pills, so she was able to absorb it quickly. Sure enough, Roan''s pill energy quickly mixed with her foundation''s energy, helping in the calming process.


    "Done. However, I would rather try battling to get it under control faster."


    Rean and Roan nodded. They had been cultivating for quite a long time, so it was time to go out and test their improvements.


    "By the way, Rean, Roan. How far are you from the Late Stage?"


    Rean pondered for a bit before saying.


    "At our current speed, we would probably need another half year to nine months. Don''t forget that your cultivation is higher than ours."


    Rean then looked at Malaka.


    "What about you?"


    Malaka had the weakest cultivation between them, which made her sigh.


    "I''m still far from the Middle Stage. You were all in the Middle Stage for quite some time when I made my breakthrough to the Core Formation Realm. I''m pretty sure Rean and Roan will enter the Late Stage before I reach the Middle Stage."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he said.


    "Stop complaining. That''s more than good already."


    Malaka already expected such words from Roan anyway.


    Calina then patted Malaka''s head with a smile.


    "Alright, alright. There is no need to be sad. Don''t forget that many cultivators out there would die of jealousy if they saw how young you are with your Core Formation Realm cultivation. You should be grateful for that."


    Malaka couldn''t help but hug Calina after that.


    "Calina! You should marry me instead! Just forget the ice block. He doesn''t deserve you."


    Calina''s face immediately went red. How the hell did she shift into that topic? However, Roan didn''t seem to have any kind of reaction whatsoever.


    "Are you two done with the play? If yes, then let''s go."


    Roan turned around and left the room. Seeing how clueless the ice block made them feel quite sad for Calina, though. They could only put their hand on her shoulder.


    Rean then glanced at Malaka, who immediately noticed his eyes. Immediately, they reached a taciturn understanding.


    Caline had a tinge of sadness on her face after seeing Roan ignoring Malaka''s words. However, it was at this moment that Rean said.


    "Calina, I have to say that I''m quite disappointed with you."


    "Eh?! What are you talking about?"


    Calina was taken aback by those words.


    Malaka was then one to continue.


    "Isn''t that obvious? It has been around half a year since we entered this place. That means it has been six months since you got to stay together with Roan. However, you haven''t tried anything until now."


    Calina''s face went red again.


    "T-Try something?"


    Rean nodded as he replied.


    "Exactly! Six months without a single attack. Tell me, how do you expect to conquer my brother like that? Are you really going to let this chance slip? As far as we know, this natural formation might stay up for several years. Are you going to keep looking at Roan without doing anything?"


    Calina didn''t know what to say.


    "I..."


    *Pah!*


    *Ouch!*


    Suddenly, Malaka slapped Calina''s butt with quite some strength.


    "Why did you do that?"


    "Why? To wake you up, of course! Every time Roan is clueless about your feelings, I can see how sad you get. However, you''re destined to be like that forever if you keep waiting for him to answer back."


    Rean and Malaka nodded at Calina.


    "You need to attack!"


    Calina felt helpless about that.


    "But..."


    "No ''buts!'' You already went as far as getting naked in front of him, didn''t you? So why would you care about anything else now?"


    Calina''s red face immediately became ten times hotter. However, she quickly noticed something.


    "Wait! You two just want to see me try something crazy again so you can watch, right?"


    Rean and Malaka''s expressions instantly changed into that of dejection.


    "How could you say something like that?"


    "Do you think we would go this far just to have fun?"


    Calina nodded without even thinking.


    "Yes, I do."


    Rean then shrugged his shoulders.


    "Well, you''re right. I wanted to watch the show. I''m really looking forward to what you will try next."


    Malaka agreed with him.


    "Exactly! Last time was so fun with you and Luina jumping in the river naked in front of Roan. I couldn''t stop laughing for a long time."


    "Fuck you! Who the hell will play the idiot role just for you?"


    "Oh, is that so?"


    Rean then got close to her.


    "Let me tell you something very interesting, then."


    Even Malaka didn''t know what Rean wanted to say, so she got close as well.


    "Back in the Capital, just before our mom and dad were about to leave..."


    Rean then told Calina and Malaka about how Roan was put in a tight corner by their parents. Rean then saved him from the two by saying that he already had two girls interested in him. Obviously, Rean was mentioning Luina and Calina herself.


    "He will be forced to bring someone home sooner or later, so shouldn''t you take this opportunity even more seriously now?"


    Calina narrowed her eyes.


    "Is this true? No, you don''t need to answer. There''s someone else who can confirm it for me."


    Calina then looked directly at Rean but not exactly at him.


    "Sister Orb, did that really happen?"


    Suddenly, a voice echoed in the three''s heads.


    [Yep. I was there too, after all. You should really grab this chance, girl.]


    Rean couldn''t help but mentally compliment.


    ''Well done, Sister Orb!''


    Calina couldn''t help but now consider that possibility. If Roan really had to bring someone back to show his parents, she definitely wanted to be the selected one!


    "Then... Then, I will try."


    "Great!"


    "You can count on us!"


    Calina narrowed her eyes after hearing Rean and Malaka''s responses. Something told her that getting their help would only make things worse.


    "Shut up! I don''t want your help. I... I will think about something."


    "Ehhhh? That''s no fun."


    Calina''s mouth twitched.


    "Fuck you! You just want to see me getting embarrassed in front of Roan again."


    Rean and Malaka laughed as they nodded.


    "Alright, alright. We won''t intervene. Happy? Let''s see what you will show us in the future."


    Calina sighed in relief.


    Suddenly, Roan''s voice came from outside.


    "Can you fucking come out already? How long will you make me wait?"


    Rean and Malaka smiled and immediately left the room. Calina followed the two right behind. However, she also remembered something else, so she asked Rean through a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''By the way, how''s Sana?''


    Sana was the baby Rean rescued half a year ago.

 Chapter 501 - Going Out

    Well, they didn''t really know if that was her real name or not. However, mentioning her without even using a name was annoying to them, so they gave her one. After that, Rean simply got the two girls to look after the baby every now and then. Since the cave rooms were protected against Spiritual Senses, Rean wasn''t afraid of Wano seeing Calina or Malaka disappearing in midair.


    With Sister Orb''s help, they became quite attached to the kid. Surprisingly, Rean and Roan didn''t mind it. After all, that meant less work for themselves. Well, Roan rarely ever did anything for the baby to start with.


    ''Sana''s sleeping right now. She was just a newborn baby when I found her, so she still sleeps a lot.''


    Calina nodded. It''s just that she was worried about something else.


    ''What is it?''


    Calina then looked at Rean and couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Things are still fine since she''s only several months old. But what if we end up staying with her for several years? Are you going to keep her inside the Dimensional Realm forever? Isn''t that bad?''


    Rean pondered for a bit and shook his head.


    ''There isn''t much we can do about it. After all, we can''t have her come out in a place like this. I guess she will have to grow up in the Dimensional Realm for now.''


    Calina then added.


    ''That''s not the only problem. She''ll eventually start forming permanent memories. What will you do when you bring her out when she''s old enough? Will you ask her to keep the Dimensional Realm a secret? I don''t think it''s that easy.''


    Rean had to admit that Calina was right.


    ''So, what should we do? Just bring her out when she reaches two years old or more? Well, if we do that, she won''t remember the Dimensional Realm.''


    Calina nodded as she replied.


    ''In fact, I think we should do it right now before she really starts to understand anything at all. Let''s separate for a bit and then come back with her in our hands later. We can simply say we went to the closest city and found her by coincidence.''


    After pondering for a bit, Rean shook his head as he spoke his mind.


    ''No, that won''t do. There are several flaws to this plan. First of all, we are discussing the matter of keeping her out of the Dimensional Realm forever. That means we will need to take care of the girl while we head out for training, just like what we''re doing now.''


    ''Second, I don''t think Wano would believe it that easily. It would be a different story if he wasn''t here, but that''s not the case.''


    ''Third, she would be a big burden when we go into battle. Your idea is to keep her outside so that she won''t remember the Dimensional Realm. But if things go south, we can only do that anyway. That would only make things more annoying.''


    ''In the end, we should just let her grow in the Dimensional Realm for now. She has us and Sister Orb to entertain her. After we leave the natural formation, we can find a place to leave her behind. My Varen Tribe would be a good place.''


    Calina couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Would you just leave her like that after so many years?''


    Rean nodded without even thinking.


    ''I would. Don''t get carried away, Calina. You should know very well what kind of future is ahead of us. We can''t possibly carry a kid around. I saved her, which is already the most of what I can do.''


    Roan then intervened.


    ''Rean''s right.''


    Rean and Calina''s conversation wasn''t exactly private. Because that decision affected everyone, they also allowed Sister Orb, Malaka, and Roan to listen in.


    ''We can''t stay with her forever, nor would I allow it. We will need to leave her somewhere else at some point. It is better for you all to not get attached to her too much. As for her knowledge about the Dimensional Realm, that''s not an issue. We can simply tell her that we had to move out to a new home or whatever. Even if someone asks us, we can simply deny everything. First of all, who would really believe in the existence of the Dimensional Realm? Remember, she''s only staying there temporarily. That''s all.''


    Malaka couldn''t help but feel a bit sad about that.


    ''Ain''t that a bit cruel? We might end up living with her for several years. Then you''re telling me that we will simply leave her somewhere and vanish like that? I don''t like it.''


    Roan''s expression went dark as he said.


    ''You''re not her parents, idiots. I will not hear any other complaints. Once we find a place for her to stay, she will leave. If you want, you can go back there to visit her some other time or whatever. This decision is final.''


    Although Rean thought that Roan''s words were harsher than his, he sided with the ice block this time.


    ''I agree with Roan. It''s not good to have Sana follow us. For her own future, she needs a safe place to stay.''


    Calina and Malaka nodded. As much as they didn''t want it, they eventually thought that it was for the best.


    Roan was already outside, waiting with Wano.


    Unlike Rean''s group, Wano only had himself to take care of his cultivation. Unexpectedly, he didn''t seem to care about that. Every now and then, he would go out and come back with a few injuries. It was obvious that he was carrying a training regimen of his own. There was even a time where he went missing for two days. When he came back, he brought several clothes with him. It turned out that he had gone to the closest city to take a look.


    Thanks to that, Roan understood that the Lakure Race members had retreated after wiping out the people in the cities. It looked like most of their experts were in the valley, protecting it.


    Nevertheless, this is the first time Wano was going out with everyone to train. After all, Rean''s group had been entirely focused on cultivation so far.


    "Oh! Congratulations, Illia. You''re finally in the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm."


    Calina, whose alias was Illia, smiled at Wano.


    "I can feel that your cultivation has improved quite a little as well. It seems like it won''t be long before you reach the Late Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm."


    Wano laughed in response.


    "Hahaha! That''s quite good to hear. Unfortunately, it won''t be that easy. The higher the realm, the longer it takes. Anyway, I''m looking forward to what you can show me today."


    Roan nodded.


    "It''s good that you understand. Indeed. I don''t want you to intervene unless it''s extremely necessary. Of course, you can go out and fight the other Core and Soul Fusion Realm enemies if you want to."


    Wano agreed with Roan as he replied.


    "That won''t be a problem. You''re planning to take one of the Red Crystals for Kentucky, right?"


    Wano then looked at the slumbering bird on the side of the cave.


    Roan didn''t deny that.


    "Our demon beast is quite good, so it''s a good idea to help it improve its strength."


    "Indeed. I''m even more curious about what kind of race it is. Well, then. Shall we depart?"


    Everyone nodded in response. Rean then woke Kentucky up before they departed.

 Chapter 502 - First Attack

    While they made their way to the intended destination, a question popped up in Wano''s mind as he didn''t understand how their group would resolve it.


    "Aren''t you afraid of being caught by an enemy at the Nascent Soul Realm? They do have many of those red crystals, that''s true. However, they seem to be pretty important to the Lakure Race cultivators. It wouldn''t be surprising if they had a few of their high-level cultivators guarding them."


    Roan shook his head as he replied.


    "Don''t worry, we have a way to find out if one of them appears. If that happens, we can retreat straight away."


    "What?!"


    Wano was taken aback.


    "How can you find that out?"


    Roan faintly smiled but didn''t answer. Obviously, it was Rean''s Hidden Radar skill. Contrary to how the cultivation world worked, Rean can feel the other party''s Spiritual Sense. It became more potent the higher their cultivation level was. A Nascent Soul''s Spiritual Sense might be impossible for Wano and others at his level or below to feel. But for Rean, that would shine like a bright sun.


    That''s how they were going to select their targets. A Nascent Soul Realm''s Spiritual Sense could cover several kilometers. That would give them enough time to escape if Rean detected them. Of course, that would only work if the Nascent Soul expert was using his Spiritual Sense. If the enemy suddenly decides to not use it, then even Rean won''t detect it. However, Rean''s group still had the option to escape into the Dimensional Realm if such a thing happens. Well, the chances of that happening were low since using Spiritual Sense was considered common knowledge.


    Because they made their base far away, their group took quite a few hours to arrive. However, the ray of lights in the sky and especially Kentucky''s restlessness proved that they were getting close.


    Roan then looked at Rean.


    "Let''s start."


    Rean nodded as Light Element quickly gathered around him and Roan. Soon after, the light began to bend around them as Rean''s group disappeared in thin air. Rean was the primary user of the skill, but Roan could use Light Element as well. With the two working together, they could cover more than just themselves in that camouflage skill. Of course, Spiritual Sense would also be bent around them now.


    Calina and Malaka were already used to that. However, Wano was really shocked by what he saw. He was the last to be enveloped in the skill, so he saw how everyone simply disappeared in front of him before he was also dragged inside. Only inside Rean''s skill could he see their group''s presence.


    "Impressive! However, what will you do about Spiritual Sense?"


    Rean smiled before saying.


    "Sight is far from being the only thing my skill can conceal. Don''t look down on Light Element users."


    Roan ignored Wano''s surprise.


    "Let''s go."


    Their group quickly moved in the direction of the Red Crystal while Rean made sure to pay attention to the bending of Spiritual Sense. Eventually, they found the first one.


    "There is at least one Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator guarding the crystal. I can feel his Spiritual Sense."


    Roan, Calina, and Malaka nodded as they continued to move forward. Wano became more and more surprised since he couldn''t feel anything at all. Well, that made sense. At Wano''s cultivation level, he should feel other Core and Soul Fusion cultivators'' Spiritual Senses. But because Rean was bending it around them, it wasn''t touching his body. Naturally, he couldn''t feel it.


    After some time, they saw another one of those open fields where the crystal was placed. Sure enough, the Red Crystal continued to absorb the earth''s energy while sending it to the valley. From afar, Rean''s group began to move slower and slower since nothing could aid the camouflage.


    Wano then put those thoughts on the back of his mind as he prepared for the battle. Rean''s group wasn''t the only one who wanted to use the Lakure Race for training, after all.


    "The guy with the red robe should be the Core and Soul Fusion Realm enemy, right?"


    Rean looked at Wano with a surprised expression, asking.


    "You can tell?"


    Wano smiled in response as he replied.


    "It''s just experience. However, you should pay attention to that woman on the left side of their group. I think she''s hiding more under her plain facade."


    Rean narrowed his eyes. At the moment, all he could tell was that the woman was not using Spiritual Sense, so he couldn''t judge her level.


    Roan then looked at the woman before asking Rean.


    "Can you tell their levels?"


    Rean pondered a bit before saying.


    "Not all of them are using Spiritual Sense. But from those who are, I can tell that we have one Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator there at least. It''s the same one Wano mentioned. As for Core Formation cultivators, there are at least nine of them. However, the ones not using Spiritual Sense might be at that level as well. The rest seem to be weaklings at Foundation Establishment or below. Their job is obviously to keep the Red Crystal working, so they shouldn''t be a problem."


    Roan nodded.


    "We have the element of surprise. Here''s the plan..."


    Roan then used his Spiritual Sense and told everyone''s job as they crept closer.


    "This is the limit. We have too many of us inside my Light and Spiritual Bending skill. If we get closer, they might notice. Everyone, get ready."


    Wano immediately assumed an attack stance. Rean, Roan, and Malaka soon did the same thing. As for Calina, she stayed behind them, ready to give support. Of course, Kentucky was ready to take flight. Without any need for words, they attacked!


    Roan''s sword gathered Dark and Light Element as he shot forward.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Rean, on the other hand, tried something new. Light and Fire Element converged around his sword as he followed Roan.


    ''Life Fire, Flame Emperor Slash!''


    He came up with this technique after reading Zuan''s Yang Energy Techniques, which he obtained in the last war. Zuan''s primary affinity was fire, so his cultivation technique skills were really good for it. Once Rean fused it with his Light Element, he created a White Fire much stronger than the combination of Wind and Fire Element. The fire consumed Rean''s Yang Energy and Light Element as it burned stronger than any other Fire Element user at his level.


    ''Flow of the Dragon Staff!''


    ''Glacial Icicles!''


    Calina and Malaka had gone out on missions together for many years now, so they could work better together than they could with Rean and Roan. Malaka ran forward as many icicles shot out like bullets by her sides. However, Malaka didn''t seem to mind. She totally trusted Calina''s ability to support her.


    ''One Sword!''


    Wano was the fastest one, though. With his cultivation, it was simply difficult for anyone in Rean''s group to beat him. However, he did not head for the Core and Soul Fusion guy. Instead, he aimed at the Core Formation Realm enemies. Not only him, but everyone did the same thing.


    Roan''s plan was simple. They knew that they would always be at a disadvantage in terms of numbers, so they used the element of surprise to their advantage to reduce the enemies'' numbers as much as possible.


    After some time, the Core and Soul Fusion Realm enemy finally noticed Rean''s group.


    "Enemy attack!"


    However, it was too late. Rean''s group was way too close to them when they came out of the Light and Spiritual Sense Bending skill.


    *Swish, swish, bang, boom!*


    *Ahhhh!*


    Split and broken corpses flew everywhere as Rean''s group swept through the enemies'' ranks. In a single wave, four Core Formation Realm cultivators died before they could even react.

 Chapter 503 - Incarnation

    "Courting death!"


    The leader of this group immediately shot forward, aiming his attack at the twins.


    ''Splitting Wind!''


    Wind Element and Spiritual Energy gathered in an instant before wind blades were shot out at Rean and Roan. With his cultivation, he could definitely kill the twins with that attack. However, Wano wasn''t any slower.


    ''Myriad Flame Blades!''


    Wano''s sword moved at breakneck speeds, cutting all the wind blades apart. Soon after, he turned in the enemy''s direction. Of course, the leader of the group wasn''t any slower either. While Wano cut his wind blade, he already prepared his next attack. Wind Element flowed around his body, increasing his speed. At the very next moment, he darted in Wano''s direction.


    While Wano fought that guy, Rean and Roan didn''t waste time and attacked the next Core Formation Realm enemy. However, just as they were about to land a killing blow, the woman Wano told them to be aware of appeared in front of them in a flash.


    "Your opponent is me, brats!"


    ''Dancing Lightning!''


    Arcs of lightning came out of the girl''s body, aiming at the twins simultaneously. Sure enough, she was in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm as well.


    The twins understood that they should go all out, so they didn''t hold back.


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    Four clones immediately appeared around them as quickly as the woman attacked. They quickly dodged the attack and circled around her. Of course, she wouldn''t just look at it. If she didn''t stop the two, they would definitely kill more of their Core Formation Realm cultivators.


    "Do you think I will let you do as you please?"


    Lightning Element continued to dance around her as more and more of it spread out, immediately covering several meters around her.


    ''Rampaging Lightning Impact!''


    *Kabrum!*


    Lightning exploded all around her, enveloping the twins and their clones. Without any other choice, Rean and Roan could only retreat. Sure enough, she wouldn''t let them get close to the other Core Formation enemies. However, they faintly smiled as they looked at the sky.


    Suddenly, the girl opened her eyes wide and immediately looked back. Just now, a meteor covered in black and white flames appeared in her Spiritual Sense, dropping from the skies.


    *Creeeeeee!*


    Malaka and Calina were already fighting the Core Formation enemies and were being pushed back by the number difference. That''s why the Core and Soul Fusion Realm woman tried to stop the twins so that the others could get rid of the rest sooner. Once that was done, they could join forces to finish the rest.


    She immediately turned around and prepared to attack Kentucky, trying to disrupt his descent. If it continued like that, he would fall right in the middle of her subordinates. She could tell that the power in that attack wasn''t something a Core Formation Realm cultivator could stop without preparation.


    However, how could the twins let her do that?


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps!''


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    The twins and their clones'' speed increased as they all used Roan''s movement technique. At the same time, they used Stellar Piercer as they shot forward.


    The woman noticed six rays of Dark and Light Element coming at her and was taken aback. The twins'' speed just now went far above what she thought they could achieve in the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm. If she continued her attack against Kentucky, she would be the one to pay the price. Without any choice, she turned around to defend.


    ''Devouring Thunder Wall!''


    Her lightning arcs changed shape before creating a barrier of pure Lightning Element.


    *Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!*


    All six attacks hit it. Because of her quick shift in Spiritual Energy, Rean and Roan could finally tell her cultivation level. She was in the Middle Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Thanks to that, her Devouring Thunder Wall had enough power to stop the twin''s attack long enough for her to use her movement skill.


    ''Divine Lightning Path!''


    Her body flashed away from the position she was in before the Stellar Piercers were able to break through her protection.


    Unfortunately for her, she now had no time to help her subordinates.


    *Boom!*


    *Aaargh!*


    Kentucky''s attack blasted three more Core Formation Realm enemies away. In the end, only five remained. It turned out that a few were also at the Core Formation Realm between those there were not using Spiritual Sense, just like Rean had predicted.


    Malaka and Calina didn''t let the chance slip and immediately counterattacked.


    ''Tidal Staff Wave!''


    ''Hydro Blast!''


    Malaka immediately used one of Mia''s skills as Calina supported her from behind. Kentucky''s attack had forced the survivors to defend against his flames, which gave her the necessary opening for the attack.


    *Bang! Splash!*


    In the next second, two more Core Formation Realm cultivators were sent flying. It was hard to tell whether they survived or not.


    Nevertheless, the rest of them quickly recovered and attacked. Malaka, Calina, and Kentucky focused on the low-level ones first. The remaining ones were all at the Late and Peak Stage of the Core Formation Realm. However, their numbers were around the same.


    The woman fighting Rean and Roan gritted her teeth in anger. Even if their side won, their losses would have been terrible. Not to mention that they hadn''t even taken down a single one from Rean''s group yet. Of course, she couldn''t believe the twin''s strength when they worked together. She was literally one entire realm above them, but they could fight against her on equal terms. That was ridiculous!


    "Now you''ve done it! Zuo, let''s go!"


    Zuo was the name of the guy fighting Wano. He immediately understood what she meant.


    "Alright!"


    Soon after, their red meridians over their bodies began to shine brightly as Spiritual Energy gathered around the two like torrents.


    ''Lightning Incarnation!''


    ''Flame Incarnation!''


    Their power began to increase at an alarming rate, breaking the limits of what they could do before.


    Rean and Roan looked at that and understood that the battle had more or less entered the harder second phase.

 Chapter 504 - Changing Targets

    Wano didn''t seem to mind the change, though. He was using the same strategy as always, pretending to be weaker before landing a finishing blow. The fact that his opponent had suddenly increased his power only meant that he would have to use his full power as well.


    However, it was different for Rean and Roan, who were already using all their power. Wano understood that, so he sent them a Spiritual Sense message as he asked.


    ''Do you need help?''


    Rean and Roan shook their heads as they replied.


    ''No. It would not be considered training if it was easy.''


    The woman''s body crackled with Lightning. Suddenly, she shot forward like an arrow in Rean''s direction!


    ''Lightning Emperor Strike!''


    Rean was taken aback by her speed and immediately tried to defend. However, her attack was faster than his defense, so she hit his body head-on!


    *Kabrum!*


    Rean''s body was sent flying before it turned into specks of Light and Dark Energy. The woman couldn''t help but feel impressed. She could swear that the clone was the real one. She had never left them out of her Spiritual Sense from start to finish and paid attention to the real bodies'' positions. She really couldn''t tell when they had changed place.


    "Doesn''t matter. I just have to get rid of all of you."


    Her body flashed away as she headed in one of the twins'' directions once more.


    ''Lightning Emperor Strike!''


    However, Rean and Roan didn''t panic, nor did they try to flee. Instead, they also shot forward in her direction. Just as they were about to clash, the twins also used their skills.


    Light and Fire Element gathered around Rean and his clone''s swords as they attacked together.


    ''Life Fire, White Stellar Explosion!''


    Roan wasn''t any slower. Threads of Spiritual Energy and Dark Element spread out of his body, covering an area several meters around his body. Soon after, Dark Element expanded from the threads.


    ''Death World!''


    That was a skill he came up with after acquiring the Dark World skill back in the Capital''s black market. He used his own comprehension of the Dark Element to change it into more than just a sight disturbing skill. Anyone inside his Death World would be slowly corroded by the Dark Element and Yin Energy power. Of course, the thing about obstructing one''s sight still worked.


    Naturally, Roan didn''t stop there and used his own offensive skill to help Rean. His clones did the same thing as well.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Sure enough, some of the Lightning Emperor Strike''s power was affected by Death World. Right after that, Rean and Roan''s attacks clashed against the woman.


    *Boom!*


    Her attack had a wide range of effect, so even the several slashes from Roan''s attack were barred by that. Rean''s attacks were done with pure power in mind, so they carried the strongest destructive power between the twins'' offensive.


    Both sides were then blasted back by the shockwave of the clash. Neither of them could stop their bodies for several tens of meters.


    The woman then looked at Rean and Roan with her eyes open wide.


    ''Impossible! I''m as strong as a Late Core and Soul Fusion Realm now. Even if they''re working together, how can they stop my attack?''


    She wasn''t the only one. Wano and Zuo even stopped their combat for a second, thanks to that. Although the Death World obstructed their sight, it wasn''t the same for Spiritual Energy. They could tell what happened during that moment.


    ''Where did these boys come from?''


    ''Hehe. These twins are far more interesting than the demon bird. To think that their combined attack can reach such power. And here I was, thinking that I would need to save their asses.''


    Zuo quickly recovered from his dismay before sending the woman a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Pata, the black and white kids aren''t the only enemies here!''


    Obviously, Pata was the woman''s name. As soon as she heard that, her eyes shone. The twins could protect themselves, but they couldn''t protect the girls on the other side.


    ''Divine Lightning Path!''


    Her body burst with Lightning once again before she used her movement technique. Sure enough, she shot forward in Calina and Malaka''s direction.


    Rean and Roan understood what she was trying to do, so they also went after her. However, they needed to join hands to resist Pata''s strike. When it came to speed alone, they couldn''t surpass her speed.


    Wano''s eyes narrowed as soon as he saw that.


    ''Not good. The twins won''t make it in time.''


    Wano was just about to change target when all of a sudden, he received a Spiritual Sense message from Roan.


    ''No need. I didn''t train the two girls so that they would become cannon fodder.''


    Calina and Malaka''s Spiritual Sense had been spread all along. They knew that they were the weakest members of the group, so they had always been prepared to be targeted. The moment Pata changed direction, the two already reacted accordingly.


    Immediately, the two used their own movement skills to move away from their opponents. The guys attacking then noticed that and tried to pursue them, but Kentucky hardened his feathers and scales before blocking the two. It would only last for a second, but that was enough.


    Pata looked at that and snorted.


    "Trying to run away? Then, don''t blame me for taking the bird down first."


    Kentucky was even stronger than the girls, so it wasn''t a bad trade-off to get rid of it first before the girls.


    Lightning Element came forth as Pata used the moment Kentucky was busy blocking the Core Formation Realm guys to land a decisive blow.


    ''Wrath of the Thunder God!''


    The attack was even stronger than the one she used against the twins. It also used a lot more energy and needed time to charge. However, the distance between her and Kentucky gave her the time necessary to channel that attack.


    "Evil beast, die!"


    However, it was at that moment that Malaka appeared in front of her.


    "What?!"


    She was sure that the two girls had retreated just a second ago. How come one of them appeared in front of her right now?


    The truth was that Malaka and Calina didn''t intend to retreat, to begin with. Since Calina and Malaka were much closer to Kentucky, they obviously came back faster than the enemy. They only moved like that to make Pata lose her focus on them. Sure enough, she focused her full power on Kentucky, which gave the two girls the opening they wanted.


    ''Death Water Style, Second Form, Spinning Dragon Tails!''


    Once again, Malaka used the attack that could use the opponent''s power against them. Nevertheless, that strike wasn''t something that Malaka could possibly revert on her own, nor did she plan to do it.


    ''Glacial Armor!''


    Calina touched Malaka''s back as a powerful wave of cold energy enveloped her body, creating a layer of ice armor around Malaka''s body made of Ice and Yin Energy. The armor wouldn''t last more than a second or two due to its structure and Calina''s cultivation, but that was enough.


    Calina and Malaka used all the Spiritual and Yin Energy possible in that single moment. Malaka and Calina''s sudden appearance disrupted Pata''s attack before it reached full power as well. And with that, the two sides clashed.

 Chapter 505 - Finally Over

    *Bang!*


    The Wrath of the Thunder God hit the Water Dragon Head''s projection on Malaka''s staff, immediately bending it with its power. Without the help of Calina''s Glacial Armor, Malaka''s arm would have been blasted away. Fortunately, the two girls held it by a thread with their full strength.


    *Crack!*


    Immediately, they heard Malaka''s bones cracking together with the Glacial Armor on her arm. Lightning ran through their bodies, which made both Calina and Malaka cough blood straight away. Nonetheless, they gritted their teeth and ignored the pain as Calina did her best to keep the armor whole.


    Eventually, the counterforce made Malaka''s staff spin its Water Dragon Tail''s projection against Pata''s head with every ounce of power from her own strike.


    Pata couldn''t believe that these girls stopped her Wrath of the Thunder God, much less that they would redirect the strength of her attack back at herself. Of course, she still had a higher cultivation level than Malaka and Calina. That gave her enough time to at least react and protect her head with her own arms.


    *Bang! Kabrum! Crack!*


    The sound of bones breaking apart came from Pata''s arms as she was blasted away by Malaka''s Spinning Dragon Tail. However, Pata completely ignored the pain as anger appeared on her face. She was furious that two Core Formation Realm girls from the outside world caused her such damage.


    "I''ll kill you!"


    However...


    "No, you won''t."


    A chill spread throughout Pata''s body as she remembered the two guys behind her. She ignored everything and immediately used her defensive skill before even confirming where the twins were coming from.


    ''Devouring Thunder Wall!''


    Unfortunately, something unbelievable happened. Right below where she landed, a giant sphere of water began to take form. The Thunder Wall was disrupted by the water there, not being able to form in time.


    ''Water Prison!''


    On the other side, Calina''s hand extended in Pata''s direction as she looked at her with a ghastly pale expression. Even after such a huge blow, Calina didn''t stop and prepared the following action.


    Roan couldn''t help but faintly smile at that sight. That was a lesson he carved into those girls'' heads time and time again. Never relax. Always think about what comes next.


    The twins wouldn''t possibly let this opportune chance slip.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    ''Life Fire, Flame Emperor Slash!''


    Pata could only use all her Spiritual Energy to create a barrier around her body before the twins and their clones'' strikes hit her. Unfortunately, that was far from enough.


    *Swish, swish, swish.*


    *Bang! Bang!*


    Attacked from all sides by the twins'' full-strength strikes, not to mention that Rean''s swords were being used, how could a simple Spiritual Energy barrier block it? If she was in the Nascent Soul Realm, maybe it would be possible, but that wasn''t the case.


    Pata''s body was mutilated even before Calina''s Water Prison finished forming.


    However, one must remember that Kentucky couldn''t hold all three High-Level Core Formation Realm enemies for more than a second or so. So, the moment Calina finished her attack, two of the guys already got rid of Kentucky''s disturbance and attacked Calina while she was unprotected.


    ''Thunder God Crash!''


    ''Holy Wind Pierce!''


    However, Calina wasn''t alone.


    ''Death Water Style, First Defensive Form, Reversive Arcs!''


    Roan''s defensive skill then took form through Malaka''s hands. However, it wasn''t the same. She could use both ends of the staff to create the reversive arcs that Rean and Roan could only do with one blade. There was also the fact that Malaka used only Water ELement instead of Light and Dark. It had both its advantages and disadvantages. But at that moment, it was more than enough to protect Calina.


    Malaka''s body was severely injured by the Lightning Element from Pata, not to mention that one of her arms'' bones was broken in several places. That''s why neither of the enemies thought that Malaka would be able to recover and defend Calina. However, they underestimated Malaka''s perseverance.


    "Broken arm? Injured body? This is nothing compared to the ice block''s training!"


    What the hell was she talking about... or so the two guys thought. Unfortunately, there was nothing they could do about it.


    *Bang, bang!*


    Malaka''s body was blasted away together with Calina, who was just behind her. The two girls crashed several times on the ground and could barely stand after that. The guys naturally took that chance to kill them once and for all. Unfortunately, it was already too late.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    Roan aimed his Stellar Piercer at the guys while Rean used the Crescent Moon''s wide range to force them to retreat.


    *Clang, clang!*


    The Lakure Race members could only give up so that they could defend themselves.


    On the other side, Zuo saw how everything turned out and felt grievance at the sight of Pata''s death. Still, he understood that they couldn''t do anything in this situation anymore. Even though those two girls were now out of commission, the twins were much stronger than them. Those Late and Peak Core Formation Realm guys wouldn''t be able to hold them. He wanted to help, but even after using his Fire Incarnation, he didn''t obtain any advantage against Wano.


    Both Fire Incarnation and Lightning Incarnation were skills that increased their power substantially. It looked very much like the Rumbling Core that Rean and Roan saw in the past. Naturally, it consumed a lot of Spiritual Energy as well. If things continued like that, he would also run out of energy. Anyone could imagine what would happen to him after that.


    ''Retreat!''


    Zuo''s Spiritual Sense spread forward and reached all the low-level cultivators and the still battling members. The impressive thing was that none of them seemed to be afraid. Instead, they cursed out loud as they followed Zuo''s command. If Zuo didn''t say anything, they would have fought to the death, but they had to follow orders.


    "Don''t follow them."


    Rean, Kentucky, and Wano nodded. Those were not the only enemies around. They needed to leave straight away before more of them appeared.


    *Chick!*


    *Crack!*


    Kentucky immediately pierced the Red Crystal they left behind with his beak before lifting it with his body. Rean and Roan also put the girls on their backs.


    "Let''s head back."


    Wano then went to the front as the twins and Kentucky followed right behind. Their battle was finally over.

 Chapter 506 - Natural Formation Cores Change

    Along the way, Rean used Instant Recovery to heal Malaka and Calina. Although the two girls suffered a lot, it wasn''t like they would die even without his help. Of course, if they tried to recover independently, it would take more than just a few minutes. Nothing could beat Rean''s Light Element Healing.


    After some time, they arrived back at their hidden cave once again.


    Calina and Malaka then looked at Roan with expectation.


    "What? Do you need something?"


    Malaka immediately asked.


    "How did we do? I still haven''t heard any complaints from you, so it''s making me a bit nervous."


    Calina nodded vigorously. She also wanted to hear his opinion about that. Wano, who was watching on the side, couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    "Hahaha! Of course, you did amazingly. Not only did you block a full-strength attack from a Core and Soul Fusion Realm enemy, but you were also even able to hit her back. There''s no way this brother here would complain about their achievements, right?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes after hearing that as he said.


    "What the hell are you talking about?"


    Rean then put his arm over Roan''s shoulder before he said anything else.


    "Isn''t that obvious? We all know they did well. There''s no problem in praising them a little bit, you know? Illia, Malaka, you two have really surpassed our expectations. That was a great response to the situation."


    Roan''s expression darkened before he took Rean''s arm away.


    "Don''t touch me. It''s disgusting."


    Soon after, he looked at Malaka and Calina. He could obviously tell a few points where they could have done better. However, he also had to admit that they did much better than he expected. He was sure that he taught them enough so that they could at least defend against that last attack. But he didn''t expect that they would also be the key to killing that woman. The truth was that Roan was expecting them to defend the first hit before he and Rean arrived. After that, the twins would join hands to fight her.


    Eventually, he gave up pointing out the issues for now and began to make his way back to his cave room. On the way, he left a few words behind.


    "It wasn''t too bad."


    Calina''s eyes lit up, and she immediately moved in front of him before he could enter his room.


    "Do you mean it? Really, really mean it?"


    Roan''s expression went dark as he asked.


    "Do you think I would say something I don''t mean?"


    Calina completely ignored his cold words and immediately hugged him, much to his surprise.


    "Annoying..."


    Calina laughed at that, though.


    "I don''t care. I''m happy that you finally praised me again."


    Roan was just about to push her aside when suddenly, she gave him a kiss on the cheek before moving away on her own.


    "Thank you."


    Wano looked at all of that and couldn''t help but ask Malaka and Rean through a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Is this what I think it is? Illia seems pretty straightforward.''


    Malaka and Rean nodded.


    ''It''s rather obvious, right? But trust us, the ice block most likely didn''t notice anything.''


    Wano nodded. He could more or less see that happening.


    Calina then turned around and returned to where Malaka was. As for Roan, he simply ignored everything and returned to his room. She was obviously happy.


    Rean and Malaka could understand why she was like that. After all, it was a pretty big deal to hear Roan praising them this much. Well, Malaka didn''t run over to hug Roan, though.


    After that, Rean talked with Sister Orb.


    ''Isn''t Roan being quite nice?''


    [Indeed... Since when did ice blocks have emotion? That really opened my eyes... Oh, right, I don''t have eyes.]


    Sister Orb and Rean didn''t try to conceal their mental conversation at all. Naturally, a vein popped out on Roan''s head because of that.


    ''I see. Since Sister Orb has so much time to waste, that means she has already finished analyzing the natural formation and can control it, right? As for Rean, I guess that means he wants me to devise a better set of exercises for his training.''


    [Cough, cough... Let''s not get ahead of ourselves, okay? I''m just taking a little break, that''s all.]


    Rean agreed with Sister Orb.


    ''Same goes for me. I just came back from an intense battle. Naturally, I need to rest as well. Don''t worry, the training you devised for me is more than good enough already.''


    Roan snorted but didn''t say anything else.


    Everyone went back to their own cave rooms after that. After all, they needed to spend some time thinking about what they did and recover their energy. Later that day, they came out once again to discuss how things went.


    Well, it was more or less Roan telling everyone what they did wrong or not and what they should do to improve their skills. However, Wano also participated and gave quite a few pieces of advice. There were a few things where only someone with much higher cultivation could point out. Surprisingly, even Roan accepted his words and pondered seriously over them.


    Finally, there was Kentucky. The Minokawa drooled over the red crystal. However, Rean and Roan prohibited it from eating the thing. It had way too much energy. They didn''t want Kentucky to force all of it into their bodies again, which might destabilize their foundation. They first had to be ready for it. One must remember that they couldn''t use most of that energy, which was quite a waste.


    Rean then made another formation for him and Roan. This one would be focused on the energy entering their bodies. That would help with the energy they got from the red crystal.


    With that, the two allowed Kentucky to eat the crystal. However, he could only eat a third of it each day. That would help the twins refine the energy before taking more of it.


    And just like that, another week went by. The Lakure Race didn''t take the loss of the red crystal seriously. That was only one of many more they had. A few hours after the twins left the battlefield, another group appeared with another one of those red crystals.


    Meanwhile, back in the valley where the natural formation core was located...


    Jana had been watching over the valley to prevent anyone from getting close when suddenly, she received a Spiritual Message from Vueni. His tone seemed serious, so she immediately returned to the formation''s core.


    "What is it? Did something happen?"


    Vueni nodded as he replied.


    "It seems like the Sasamil Empire has begun to act against us."


    Vueni then looked at the formation''s core. Jana followed his eyes and looked at the core as well. At first, there didn''t seem to be anything strange about the core. However, she soon noticed a few ripples of energy coming from several points of it. They were very small, but she was sure they weren''t there before.


    "What''s happening here?"


    Vueni bitterly smiled before saying.


    "They can''t surpass the formation''s defense, but they can force more energy from it. Simply put, the formation is being attacked from several different points. Although the difference is small, they are indeed forcing us to use more energy."


    Jana narrowed her eyes. They were already fighting for time, and now the remaining time was going down faster because of it.


    "I need to talk with Ancestor."

 Chapter 507 - What Do You Want?

    Deep below the red core, the same sealed chamber received a hit now and then. If one looked above it, one would be able to see a lot of energy coming down before being absorbed by it. If Rean''s group was here, they would know that this was the same energy that was being absorbed and transmitted by the red crystals.


    As for the surroundings, it was a spacious cave with many sealing runes all across its surface. Those runes were also attached to the chains that kept the chamber closed. Every time the chamber''s gate was struck from inside, those chains and inscriptions on the wall would light up, preventing the gate from opening.


    Suddenly, a figure appeared at the entrance of that cave. She gradually made her way, passing over the chains while making sure not to touch them. Naturally, that figure was Jana.


    Eventually, she arrived in front of the sealed chamber as she looked at the gate with a gloomy expression. However, she quickly shook her head and sat down in front of it. Following that, she took what seemed to be a beautifully crafted red dragon pendant around her neck. She then infused her Spiritual Sense and Energy inside, which made the dragon light up.


    The dragon''s head then looked at the door before shooting out a ray of red light. At the same time, its claws pierced into Jana''s flesh. No, to be more specific, they pierced into a few of Jana''s red meridians that ran along the surface of her body. It was as if the little dragon pendant was using Jana''s meridians to do all of that.


    After some time, Jana''s Spiritual Sense seemed to catch someone''s presence. That presence was not from outside but inside the dragon pendant instead. Not long after, a voice echoed into her mind.


    ''Child, what is the problem?''


    Jana then explained.


    ''Ancestor, the Sasamil Empire has begun to act. There are a lot of Saint Realm cultivators attacking the already modified natural formation from every side. They will take a long time to break through the barrier, but they will consume the formation core''s energy much faster.''


    The Ancestor went silent for a moment before asking.


    ''How much time do we still have? Also, I doubt so but, has Yulian appeared?''


    ''At first, we expected to have enough energy to last ten to twelve years. Of course, I''m talking about the accelerated time inside the natural formation. However, our time will be cut by a fifth of that if the forces outside continue their assault nonstop.''


    ''As for Yulian Sasamil, we don''t believe he has appeared yet. It wouldn''t make sense either since there aren''t many who could identify us. We blocked all contact with the outside world, so I doubt anyone has any idea about our existence.''


    The Ancestor nodded before sighing.


    ''It seems like things are never easy for our Lakure Race. Of the ten to twelve years we''ve had before, now we have eight to ten and a half. And that''s considering that there won''t be more experts coming in the future to increase the assault at the natural formation.''


    Jana couldn''t help but say.


    ''Don''t worry, Ancestor. Even if we have to exchange all our Lakure Race members'' lives, we will protect this valley until you break the seal. None of us are afraid to die as long as there is hope of escaping the underground world.''


    The Ancestor didn''t like those words, though.


    ''Don''t be ridiculous! What will happen if all our experts die from defending this place? The ones who stayed behind will have no one to guide them in the off chance we fail. More important than our freedom is to guarantee that our race will still have a chance at escaping in the future. Don''t say things like everyone dying for me anymore.''


    ''But-''


    ''This is an order!''


    Jana bit her lips in indignation but nodded her head in the end.


    ''Sorry, Ancestor. I won''t say something like that again.''


    ''That''s good. Child, I''m nearing the end of my lifespan, so I decided to use this last chance to try getting out. If I''m able to do that, I will have enough power to negotiate for space under the sun for our race. However, I will most likely die before obtaining enough strength to try something like this again.''


    ''I estimated that I would need at least ten years to breakthrough these seals. However, we obviously don''t have that much time anymore. Thank you for telling me the changes to the outside world, child. It will be quite a burden on this old man''s body, but I will increase my pace. Remember, make sure you do everything to stay alive. Our race''s blood is the most important thing.''


    Jana became teary-eyed as she listened, but she held back and nodded.


    ''Yes, Ancestor. We will live.''


    Jana then stood up and deactivated the dragon pendant''s ability. After that, she turned around and left the chamber. However, things didn''t go back to normal after that. Instead, an even stronger red light came out of the gaps of the gate before it spread over the entire cave where the chamber was sealed inside. Following that, the Ancestor''s voice echoed outside.


    "Do you think I didn''t notice your Spiritual Sense hidden in the Lakure Dragon Pendant? Stop hiding and come out!"


    Doing such a thing while sealed consumed a lot of energy. That definitely wasn''t good for the Ancestor of the Lakure Race. Still, he ignored that as his power continued to pour outside.


    Suddenly, a yellow light flashed at the corner of the cave before a man came walking out of that. As one could imagine, that man was none other than Old Worm. Only he would be able to infiltrate right into the enemy''s base without being noticed.


    He then connected his own Spiritual Sense to the red light coming out of the gaps on the chamber''s gate.


    "As expected. You have been sealed for thousands of years and are nearing the end of your lifespan. Even with that, your senses are still as sharp as ever. No, it''s better to say that your senses have become even better than back then. After all, you found me even though you''re still partially sealed."


    The Ancestor was taken aback by those worlds. He could totally recognize that voice.


    "It''s you?! No, that doesn''t make sense! How did you find out my location?! Just how did you get here?!"


    Old Worm sighed in response as he said.


    "You probably won''t believe it at all, but it was all sheer coincidence. The moment that natural formation activated, I just so happened to be nearby. Thanks to the invention of a clever kid, I was even able to enter the natural formation before it was modified into something different."


    Old Worm continued.


    "You know, you were right about one thing. If I wasn''t close by when everything started, I most likely wouldn''t have cared about it even if I received the report. After all, who would be able to identify you guys if not me or the other old geezers?"


    The Ancestor gritted his teeth in anger. However, that anger began to disappear soon after. The Ancestor of the Lakure Race understood that things had now gone south, so he couldn''t lose his calm now.


    "To think that even luck itself abandoned my Lakure Race. Just what were the chances of you being in a remote place like this just when things started?"


    Old Worm nodded.


    "I won''t deny that. Even I didn''t believe it when I noticed who you guys were. Laro, the prince of the Lakure Race who dominated the entire Sukan Planet before we arrived. Tell me, what do you think I should do now?"


    Laro was obviously the name of the Ancestor. He went silent for a moment before saying.


    "I can trade my life as long as you let my Lakure Race children return to the underground world safely. With your power, you shouldn''t have an issue doing so. Am I right, Jakiro?"


    Old Worm couldn''t help but comment.


    "Jakiro... Just how many people still remember that name."


    However, he quickly put that aside. His expression returned to the same cold demeanor he always used in front of everyone.


    "Anyway, why should I do that? When you and your other friends were still alive, we all fought at the same level. In the end, we couldn''t defeat you and had to seal your race so that we could conquer this planet. However, there is only you left. Is there any reason for me to not kill all the Lakure Race experts, getting rid of all future problems?"


    Old Worm then continued.


    "Your race is strong. Those extra meridians running through your skins are really a pain in the ass as well. If I let things be, there might be a day that someone as strong as you will appear. You can imagine just how annoying it would be to deal with a Lakure Race member filled with indignation, seeking revenge for his race."


    "That little girl that was here just a moment ago. Do you think I couldn''t tell just how deep her hatred was? It''s not just her. Everyone who is in this place at the moment is just like her. Did you know? They wiped out seven cities without showing any mercy. It wasn''t just cultivators. The ordinary people, may it be old or new, even newborns, were all killed."


    Laro went silent after hearing that. However, he didn''t think Old Worm was lying. Although he didn''t give such an order, he knew very well how much his race hated to be sealed in the underground world. Simultaneously, the humans walked freely on their ancestral planet under the sun for thousands and thousands of years.


    In the end, Laro could only ask.


    "What do you want?"

 Chapter 508 - Shatter The Orb

    Old Worm nodded, already expecting that question.


    "I won''t be a hypocrite. We took over your planet, so you have as much reason to hate the humans who live on the surface now. If I were in your race''s shoes, I would probably feel the same. That''s one of the reasons why I haven''t wiped out your Lakure Race members yet."


    Of course, the other reason was that he knew Roan''s group was using the time difference in this formation to cultivate. As mentioned before, even he can''t do such a thing as a time-accelerating formation. The Lakure Race definitely couldn''t either. It was all thanks to the natural formation created by the world itself that it even existed here.


    "That being said, I have a proposal for you. However, that will depend on how well you think your control over your race is."


    No one knew that Old Worm and Laro talked with each other, nor did they know that Laro and Jakiro had ever met each other. Later that day, the same strikes began to come from inside the chamber where Laro was sealed. As for Old Worm, he was nowhere to be seen. However, there was something different this time. The inscriptions that kept Laro sealed in that chamber had dimmed quite a lot. It was as if several years had passed in a blink of an eye. Laro''s job had just become several times easier.


    Back where Rean''s group was staying, they had finally finished absorbing all the extra energy provided through Kentucky and the red crystal.


    "Phew... It was much better this time. I believe we saved at least half a month of cultivation during this last week."


    Roan nodded.


    "Indeed. We need to take this chance where we can improve Calina''s strength drastically while improving our own cultivation. Our Spiritual Pools are much bigger than other cultivators, after all. If we cultivate normally, even Malaka would be faster in making breakthroughs than us."


    Rean agreed with him.


    "At least this way, we are on the same terms. Of course, the bigger Spiritual Pool is one of the main reasons we can jump so many stages to fight, so it''s a good thing."


    The two then discussed the topic for a while longer before Rean thought about something else.


    "What about buying a few upgrades in the Soul Gem System?"


    Sister Orb''s interest was immediately piqued.


    [I thought you would never ask again. Your Destiny Points have been accumulating for a long time already, you know?]


    Roan nodded.


    "Obviously. Gathering more Destiny Points is better since we can upgrade more than a single thing at once. That''s why we waited all this time before using it. However, the time flow inside this place is at least ten times faster. That means the events outside are happening very slowly for us. There won''t be much of a difference even if we wait another ten years inside this place."


    [That''s good, then. Come inside.]


    Rean and Roan then disappeared from their own cave rooms and appeared in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. There, they immediately noticed that Sister Orb, Calina, and Malaka were taking care of Sana.


    Malaka noticed that Rean and Roan had arrived there, so she immediately went to greet them.


    "Rean, Roan, did you come to see Sana as well?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes in response.


    "Shouldn''t you two be cultivating and pondering about the things we discussed?"


    Calina sighed after hearing that.


    "We aren''t slacking, okay? We just wanted to see how Sana was doing, that''s all."


    The twins allowed Sister Orb to teleport Calina and Malaka inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm as long as she was sure no one would find out they disappeared. Since Rean had created several anti-Spiritual Sense formations in their cave, that made things very easy for Sister Orb and the two girls. Of course, such a thing was only possible if Rean and Roan were close by, no more than ten or so meters of distance.


    Rean shrugged his shoulders after hearing that.


    "This is just perfect. Just send Malaka and Calina out with Sana while we take care of our things."


    [Alright. Calina, Malaka, I''ll send you three out. Be sure to not let Sana fall after you appear in your room.]


    Calina and Malaka didn''t know what Rean and Roan needed to do, but they didn''t ask either. Soon after, Sister Orb controlled the Dimensional Realm''s power to send them out with the baby.


    [It''s done.]


    Rean and Roan nodded before touching the Soul Gem Orb. After that, they sent their Spiritual Energy and Sense inside as always. Following that, they accessed the reward list.


    [Dragon Bones - 5000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 3 - 10000 Destiny Points] (15%)


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 3 - 8000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Yin Yang Bathhouse - Reward from Destiny Strugglers Title]


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 3 �C 20000 Destiny Points] (10000km) (New)


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop Upgrade Level 3- 3000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository Upgrade Level 3 - 3000 Destiny Points] (New)


    Seeing the rewards available, the twins immediately asked Sister Orb.


    "How many Destiny Points do we have now?"


    [Let me calculate.]


    The Soul Gem Orb shone with Light and Dark Light for a moment before Sister Orb answered.


    [It has been over three years since you last used Destiny Points. The Electrical Communication System is still the thing that gives you the majority of the points you have. However, I can already feel that it''s beginning to stagnate. It seems like the cap of points available for it is getting close.]


    [In any case, you already made another 11781 points since last time. That''s mainly due to the acceleration of the communication system''s expansion, covering many more cities now. This is already considering any new save point you deployed in the meantime.]


    Rean couldn''t help but narrow his eyes. That was a lot less than he had expected. After all, the communication system had a lot more time to expand than before.


    Sister Orb could tell that Rean was thinking, so she reminded him.


    [Don''t forget that you two obtained a pretty good bonus from the war back then. This number doesn''t have anything to do with that, so it is pretty much within expectations. You can''t possibly believe you would get Destiny Points from it forever, right?]


    Rean sighed before nodding.


    "Alright, then."


    Roan looked at the list as he pondered about what to get now.


    "If we get Spiritual Energy Absorption Level 3, most of our points will be gone. However, it will be a permanent upgrade."


    Rean nodded.


    "Indeed. However, we can also take Dragon Bones. It is much cheaper and can also increase our strength by quite a good amount. It''s just that it won''t increase the speed of our cultivation in the end."


    [Both options are good. The difference is that you would get an instant power upgrade or a long-term one. Of course, the long-term one, Spiritual Absorption Upgrade, will help you forever. At some point, it will surpass what you will get from the Dragon Bones. However, this is something that would happen far in the future. However, it''s not like your Dragon Bones will disappear. They will still be part of your body and strength in the future as well.]


    Rean couldn''t help but say.


    "I would select Dragon Bones. It''s not like we won''t get more Destiny Points in the future. Besides, we can use the rest of the points to upgrade something else. Or we can simply keep it for when we complete 10000 again."


    Roan nodded in the end. The Spiritual Energy Absorption would take too long to compensate for what the Dragon Bones could do to them right now. With that decided, the two immediately made their purchases.


    [Dragon Bones - 5000 Destiny Points]


    [Host''s Destiny Points - 11781]


    [Confirm the Purchase?]


    "Yes!"


    As soon as they said that, the twins laid down on the ground to wait for the torture. After all, any body part upgrade would always appear out of nowhere, followed by a huge pain that would last very long. However... nothing happened.


    "Errrr... Did it fail?"


    [No. It just hasn''t started yet.]


    Rean and Roan became puzzled.


    "Why?"


    [Dragon Bones are hard to materialize, so the System is gathering energy for it. Oh, it seems the accumulation of energy has finished.]


    Suddenly, the twins'' bodies began to float out of nowhere, much to their surprise. Soon after, their limbs and legs were stretched to the point that it felt like they were being pulled out by force. Following that, the Soul Gem Orb floated in between the two before it started to release powerful energy into the twins'' bodies.


    *Aaargh!*


    Sister Orb looked at that and couldn''t help but comment.


    [Oh! You two look just like Jesus. Wait!]


    Suddenly, two crowns made out of thorns appeared on the twins'' heads. Well, they weren''t real ones, just projections that Sister Orb created with the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s help.


    [That''s not quite right. You two don''t have long hair. You are also lacking beards.]


    Soon, the projection changed as Rean and Roan suddenly grew beards and long hair. Obviously, the colors were black and white. Of course, none of this was real either.


    [That''s more like it. I''ll record it to show Calina and Malaka later. No, wait! Shit! They don''t know who Jesus is. How boring...]


    [Well, it should still be fun to keep it.]


    The twins'' expressions contorted between anger and pain. It was hard to say which feeling was stronger at the moment. They mentally swore that one day, they would definitely shatter that damned orb.

 Chapter 509 - Doubts

    After a lot of suffering, both physically and mentally, the upgrade in their bones had finally ended. They looked at Sister Orb, wanting nothing more than to beat it up. Unfortunately, the same way their power had increased, so did Sister Orb''s. As one could imagine, they tried it before, but it didn''t end well.


    "Whatever. Just thinking about it makes me feel even worse. Let''s just take a look at what remained."


    Roan nodded before they accessed the Reward System again. Immediately, they noticed that there was no more bone-related upgrade available after the last one.


    "Could it be that we need a higher authority to get a new bone-related upgrade?"


    "Most likely. There was a time where we went without seeing another bone upgrade, so it might be the case."


    [I don''t have access to the lists coming later, so I can''t guarantee it either. In any case, that''s what you have for now. So, will you buy anything else, or will you save the remaining points for Spiritual Energy Absorption Level 3?]


    Roan and Roan pondered as they looked at the Rewards List.


    [Dragon Bones - 5000 Destiny Points] (Bought)


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 3 - 10000 Destiny Points] (15%)


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 3 - 8000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Yin Yang Bathhouse - Reward from Destiny Strugglers Title]


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 3 �C 20000 Destiny Points] (10000km) (New)


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop Upgrade Level 3- 3000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository Upgrade Level 3 - 3000 Destiny Points] (New)


    "We have 6781 Destiny Points still. It wouldn''t be too hard to wait for it to reach 10000."


    Rean nodded and then added.


    "Indeed. However, we also have enough points to increase the Electrical Formations Repository and Alchemist Workshop''s Level by one too. The Electrical Formations specifically might help with extra Destiny Points in the future. Perhaps we should buy those?"


    Rean knew that the next level of the Repository Formations would unlock the manuals necessary for him to make wireless circuitry formations. According to what was written in the actual ones, the Spiritual Signal''s direction could be controlled mid-air through Spiritual Energy. That would be an entirely new type of communication system.


    The Circuitry Formations he was working on with Havek, Droman, and Qia were not considered the same as the communication system that had been built so far. Because of that, the Destiny Points coming from it will be considered a separate issue. Naturally, they would have a different cap of total Destiny Points available to obtain from them. The same thing could be said for the Wireless Circuitry Formations and the Spiritual Energy Signals. They would also be a different type of Circuitry Formation that would give them even more points.


    "There''s also the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade. The first two upgrades were already great. The first one allowed us to bring things and living beings inside other than ourselves. The second level opened the Circuitry Teleport Formation, which has been of paramount importance during several occasions, as you know. The third one might be something even better."


    Roan then looked at Sister Orb and asked.


    "Can''t you really tell us what we will get in the third level of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm upgrade?"


    [I can''t. This time, I can''t even give you any clue like last time. However, you should know that the Soul Gem System doesn''t have bad rewards.]


    Rean and Roan''s mouth twitched in response.


    "Can you be any more shameless? What about the Level 1 Alchemist Workshop and Electrical Formations Repository? They were pretty much useless!"


    [How can you say that? They were the basis for the next levels! They''re super important!]


    "And super useless too."


    [...]


    [Fine... They might not have that much use at Level 1, but they were important.]


    Rean and Roan then ignored Sister Orb''s reasoning and focused back on the task at hand.


    "So, do you want to wait or go for the next upgrades?"


    Roan pondered for a bit before asking Rean.


    "How long until you finish the Circuitry Formations of the second level?"


    Rean pondered for a bit about their progress before saying.


    "I would say we would need at least another year or two to make the first practical versions capable of being shipped out. As for the Spiritual Energy Signal Circuitry Formations, I have no idea how long it would take to create them."


    "What about your Alchemist Repository? Do you think you need the upgrade the way you are at the moment?"


    Roan also pondered over it.


    "I''m already doing as well as I can with what I have. My neutral pills, at least, are of very high quality. The new equipment I might get from the upgrade will most likely improve them, but I doubt it would be something incredible."


    Rean nodded.


    "Then, I guess we have our answer. It will take a few years until the Circuitry Formation I''m working on to go out and make a difference. It would be useless to work on a Wireless Circuitry Formation since we don''t even have a wired practical one ready. The same thing goes for you and your alchemy. In that case, we might as well keep those points for the other upgrades and leave the rest for later."


    Roan agreed with that plan.


    "The only doubt is whether we will take the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade or the Spiritual Energy Absorption one."


    "A possibly good upgrade or a consistent one... The Dimensional Realm Upgrade will come earlier, though."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders in the end.


    "You know the saying, right? No pain, no gain. Let''s just take the Dimensional Realm upgrade. We can always save Destiny Points for the other things later."


    Roan pondered over it for a bit and said.


    "Very well. I''m also curious to see what the Dimensional Realm will give us. Besides, we are only a little over 1200 Destiny Points away."


    [Alright. In that case, you won''t buy any other upgrade anymore. Let me bring Sana back inside.]


    Suddenly, Malaka and Calina appeared in the Dimensional Realm. Malaka was the one holding Sana at the moment.


    Calina and Malaka then looked at Rean and Roan and couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why are you two all sweaty?"


    "You guys stink! Go take a bath!"


    It was then that Rean remembered.


    "Oh! Talking about baths, it''s been a few months since the Yin Yang bathhouse has been accumulating the Yin Yang Energies. We might as well go absorb it before we forget Kentucky inside the Dimensional Realm, and he absorbs all of it instead of us."


    Roan nodded. That thing was supposed to be a reward for them from the Destiny Strugglers Title. However, the bird would jump inside it every now and then, taking all the energy for itself.


    Rean and Roan disappeared in the bathhouse for some time. As always, absorbing the Yin Yang Energy was quite hard. Roan felt like he was being turned into an icicle, while Rean felt like he was being burned alive. Neverthelesstheless, they knew it was a good thing for their bodies. Besides, they really didn''t want Kentucky taking it all away again.


    Sometime later, everyone came out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm except for Sana, who stayed with Sister Orb. They all went back to do their own things like cultivating or practicing whatever they thought was necessary. Just like that, a few more days went by before their group gathered once again.


    Roan, Rean, Malaka, Calina, and Wano were ready to depart once again. Just like before, they would try to take another red crystal and use the Lakure Race members as training targets. Rean was at the front once more while using his Hidden Radar skill.


    A few hours later, they once again arrived in the place where they could see multiple rays of light coming from the ground. Rean kept his skill active all the time. However, he didn''t feel the presence of any Spiritual Sense at the Nascent Soul Level or above.


    Of course, that was a good thing, so they once again found another target before initiating an attack. Things were not so desperate for Calina and Malaka like last time, but there were more opponents this time. That said, even Rean and Roan got injured during their battle... just to heal themselves while at it, making their opponents feel like crying. At this point, even Wano was starting to feel jealous of the twins.


    ''Weren''t rare elements supposed to be very hard to cultivate or something along those lines? How come they''re this heaven-defying?''


    Once again, they took the crystal and left. Two more weeks went by, and Rean''s group returned. Once again, Rean couldn''t feel the presence of any Nascent Soul Realm''s Spiritual Sense. Taking advantage of their luck, they attacked the Lakure Race Members. This time, however, Wano had a very hard time. There was one Core and Soul Fusion Realm hidden in the middle that even he didn''t notice.


    Because of that, he was ambushed and almost lost a leg. Rean and Roan had to divert their attention to help Wano. At the same time, Malaka, Kentucky, and Calina held off the rest in a battle of attrition. In the end, both sides didn''t obtain the results they expected. Rean''s group didn''t kill anyone from the Lakure Race. Calina and Wano were badly injured. As for their enemies, they had to retreat in the end while the Core and Soul Fusion Realm leaders covered the retreat.


    Well, even though neither side could kill anyone from the other group, it didn''t change the fact that this definitely worked as a real Life and Death fight, which was great for training. They even got the red crystal once again since the enemies didn''t bother bringing it back with them.


    Things followed similar patterns during the next five assaults. To be safe, they waited at least a month or two between their attacks. That being said, they had already been in the natural formation for over an entire year.


    However, Rean''s group understood a long time ago that something definitely wasn''t right. The more they attacked, the more they became sure about it.


    Rean''s group was heading back from their last assault when Rean suddenly commented.


    "That''s not right. We already attacked those guys six times in total. There were easier and harder times. However, how come I haven''t felt the presence of a single Nascent Soul Realm enemy so far? Will they really just leave the red crystals unprotected after we''ve robbed six? They should have understood that Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators can at most force us to flee, but that''s all."


    Roan and the others agreed with Rean. If it was them, they would definitely have increased the defense on the red crystals and even put a few Nascent Soul experts patrolling it. How come it''s always more or less the same?

 Chapter 510 - Reasons

    "That''s not the only problem. You should remember that there are a lot more cultivators who''ve entered the natural formation back then. Unless the Lakure Race members killed all of them, we shouldn''t be the only ones present testing their defenses at the moment."


    Roan was right. The sects and the Jialin Royal Family entered the formation before. There were even the Guntao Country''s forces that Rean''s group didn''t know. Could it be that none of them were testing the defenses in the valley or attacking the crystals?


    Groups like Elder Tiria and Juvian''s had come to check the valley defenses before. As mentioned before, they were then forced to flee since the valley''s defenses were too strong. Juvian and Tiria, for example, were the strongest members of Dalamu in this place. Nevertheless, they were only in the Nascent Soul Realm. The valley where the Lakure Race experts were located had no lack of Soul Forging Realm ones. Naturally, they had no chance of achieving anything and even lost a few of their lower-level members while fleeing.


    Now, there were red crystals absorbing the life force of the areas they were placed in. Those crystals were placed further away from the valley. The other group had indeed attacked those Lakure Race members and even obtained the crystal for themselves.


    However, there was a problem with it. Unlike Rean''s group, the others didn''t have a Kentucky, who could eat the crystal and transform it into energy. Simply put, the red crystals turned out to be useless for Tiria, Juvia, Erbec Jialin, and everyone else.


    From the looks of it, only the Lakure Race members, with their special meridians, could absorb the crystal''s energy. Not only that, but you had to be at a very high level of cultivation to be able to convert it. In the end, Kentucky was just an anomaly.


    Well, in the end, there wasn''t much of a point in attacking the groups with the red crystals. Besides, if they really started exterminating all the groups, the Lakure Race experts wouldn''t just dawdle in the valley and would definitely come out to hunt them. They knew that they weren''t at the same level, so they didn''t want to force the other side''s hand. They had to wait for the time the natural barrier opened again so that they could join hands with their forces outside before thinking about attacking the valley.


    Wano then shook his head.


    "The fact is that there''s just too many of these crystals. Perhaps the six we robbed so far to feed the demon bird are simply not worth caring about. In any case, these groups controlling the red crystals usually have a similar level of strength to ours, which is a perfect match for life and death combat. Cultivation wise, this is a good thing for us."


    Rean, Roan, Malaka, and Calina nodded. As weird as it might be, it was a fact that they were benefiting a lot from it, especially Kentucky and the twins. Rean and Roan took ten Rank Four Spirit Stones to test how good it was to cultivate with them. Surprisingly, the red crystals offered similar benefits, saving them a lot of Rank Four Spirit Stones. Well, they only tested those Rank Four Spirit Stones. They wouldn''t use the rest for cultivation since they were worth a lot more in trading.


    However, Malaka also remembered something else.


    "In that case, how about we try to check the valley itself? After all, Illia and I came here for the Masput Rocks of the Masput Vein. Perhaps it will be easier to find it this time?"


    Roan had to admit that Malaka was right.


    "That makes sense."


    Wano thought that it was too dangerous, though.


    "I don''t think we should push our luck. If there are no high-level experts overseeing the red crystals, that probably means they''re protecting the valley instead. Most likely, the valley is a lot more important to them than the red crystals."


    Rean agreed with Wano, but he also added another point.


    "Wano''s right. However, it wouldn''t be much of a problem for me. As long as there''s a high-level cultivator using Spiritual Sense to check the area I''m in, I''ll feel their presence straight away. We just need to get close to the valley to be sure."


    Wano narrowed his eyes. That''s the thing he couldn''t understand. The higher the difference in cultivation, the harder it was to feel the opponent''s Spiritual Sense. At first, he thought that Rean and the others were exaggerating about Rean''s ability. However, after heading out to look for targets for their training, he found out that Rean was always right. That was really a fantastic ability that he would very much want to learn.


    "Rean, are you willing to sell this skill of yours that can feel stronger Spiritual Senses easily? I''m willing to pay with Rank Four Spirit Stones. Also, I''m interested in the ability that can hide one from Spiritual Senses. I have one myself, but yours seem to be even better."


    Rean and the others were taken aback by that. They knew that Wano wasn''t simple, but they didn''t think that he would be so rich to the point of having that rank of Spirit Stones.


    Rean then laughed before saying.


    "Sure. However, it would be a useless skill for you. For it to work, you need an extremely high-level of Light Element control. Trust me, unless you want this skill to be used for simple reference, I''m at least 99% sure you won''t be able to use it. Not just you, but even anyone else for that matter."


    Well, that person wouldn''t just need a high level of Light Element Control. Rean was pretty much sure that only someone with a natural affinity for Light Element like him would be able to pull it off. The reason was simple. The usage of Rean''s Fourth Form, Hidden Radar, was deeply related to one''s ability to feel Life Force. That''s not something you can get by simply using Yang Energy Cultivation Techniques to control Light Element. Even Roan, who shared a connection with Rean and his Light Element, couldn''t reach Rean''s level at all. At must, he could support him.


    Wano was surprised to hear that. He wasn''t concerned about the almost impossible chance of him being able to use the skill. Instead, he was surprised that Rean didn''t seem to care about selling it at all.


    "So, if I pay, will you sell it to me?"


    Rean nodded.


    "If you want to throw your Spirit Stones away, be my guest. Rank Four Spirit Stones are incredibly hard to obtain, so any extra amount is more than welcome. Since you helped Malaka and Illia flee from the valley in the past, I''ll give you a good price. Give me 500 Rank Four Spirit Stones, and the skill is yours."


    Wano''s mouth twitched in response. Even in the black market, skills that needed Light or Dark Element wouldn''t cost that much. Roan''s Dark World, for example, cost only 200.


    "Isn''t that way too much?"


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    "It''s not. I''m not saying it''s cheap. Instead, it''s very expensive. However, I also think this is a nice price, but not for the reason you think. Truth be told, it''s just because I don''t want you to buy it. That''s why I gave you this ''nice'' and ridiculous price."


    Wano became even more puzzled now.


    "Why?"


    Rean laughed in response as he said.


    "Hahaha! I don''t mind selling it, but I really don''t want to give you a skill you definitely can''t use. I''ll feel like I''m robbing you of your Spirit Stones. Anyway, just give up the idea. Trust me, I''m doing it for your own good."


    Wano narrowed his eyes. His cultivation technique also had Yang Element cultivation in it. Naturally, he can use it to control the Light Element. It''s just that he would never reach Rean''s level. Still, how can Rean be so sure that he wouldn''t be able to use it?


    ''Could it be that Rean is provoking me so that I will pay that enormous amount? No... Something tells me that he truly believes I can''t use that skill of his at all.''


    Wano pondered for a while before he shook his head in the end. It was indeed a value way too high for something that he didn''t know if it would even work.


    "Alright, forget it."


    Rean smiled, satisfied. After that, he looked at Roan before saying.


    "Roan, since we''re already here, we might as well pass by the valley. If it''s only the two of us, it should be much easier to see if it''s possible to look for Masput Rocks."


    Roan nodded.


    "That was my intention as well. Wano, Malaka, Illia, you three go back to the cave with Kentucky. Rean and I will go check the valley."


    Calina and Malaka nodded. They knew that Rean and Roan had the Circuitry Teleport Formation and the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Escaping was very easy for them. However, Wano couldn''t help but ask.


    "Are you sure you don''t need help? You should know that I''m strong enough to fight a Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm enemy at my level. If we are talking about running away, I''m pretty confident to flee from someone at the Initial Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm or maybe a weak Middle Stage one."


    Rean smiled but shook his head.


    "Don''t worry. It''s almost impossible for us to be caught. Besides, the moment I feel the presence of a high-level cultivator, we will immediately leave. We''ll be fine."


    Wano sighed but nodded in the end. For some reason, he truly believed that the twins could escape from any situation.

 Chapter 511 - Your Hands

    Rean and Roan then turned around and went back. This time, they used Rean''s skill to hide their presence and passed by the area where the red crystals were being placed. Since no Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator got very close to Rean, none of the Lakure Race members noticed their presence.


    However, there was one thing that Rean noticed on their way to the valley.


    ''Say, don''t you think that there are more Lakure Race members here than there was one year ago?''


    Roan nodded as he replied.


    ''There are. However, we already know that these members found a way to escape the underground world and are being teleported here. It makes sense that their numbers increased with time as more of them escaped from there.''


    Rean agreed with that. Well, there was nothing they could do to change that anyway.


    The two moved quickly, ignoring everything until finally, they arrived in the valley. Rean kept using his Hidden Radar skill, looking for any higher level Spiritual Sense. However, the further they went, the less Rean could feel. In fact, it looked more like the average level of the Lakure Race members they saw in the valley was below what they could find in those protecting the red crystals outside.


    ''What''s happening here?''


    ''No idea. I thought their experts would be all gathered here. But we can''t find them. Could it be that they''re all refraining from using Spiritual Sense? After all, I can''t detect their presence if their Spiritual Sense doesn''t touch my bending skill.''


    ''That seems hard to believe. Unless...''


    It was then that Roan thought about a possibility.


    ''Shit! Let''s get out of here.''


    Rean didn''t know why Roan''s expression instantly changed, but he trusted him when it came to these things. Immediately, he turned around with Roan and began to run to the valley entrance.


    However...


    "Oh! Did the two ants notice it? How amusing... And here I was, thinking that you would go all the way into the valley''s core. Did you know? You just made me lose a bet."


    "Hahaha! I told you, Hevan. For these two little guys to get this far, they must be intelligent."


    "Sigh... I also bet that they would go all the way to the valley''s core."


    Rean and Roan''s expression immediately turned dark. Sure enough, that''s what Roan was afraid of. Rean also understood what the problem was.


    ''They have another way to sense our existence without using Spiritual Sense.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Exactly. It didn''t make sense that no high-level expert was overseeing this place.''


    Rean then looked at the ground as he sighed. Most likely, it was a formation that revealed their presence here. Unfortunately, they couldn''t use Sister Orb to check it since she was busy with the natural formation instead.


    Rean and Roan looked at the experts that appeared in front of them. In total, 27 Lakure Race members were blocking their way out. Just from their aura alone, the twins could tell that all of them were at least at the Nascent Soul Realm. Some even had the same presence that Mia and Droman gave them, possibly being at the Soul Forging Realm.


    Of course, the twins were not really concerned with their safety. They could enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm any time they wanted. However, they wanted to see what these guys wanted to do.


    ''They haven''t attacked us straight away, so it''s quite convenient.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Indeed. Let''s see what they want.''


    One of the Lakure Race experts then came down in front of Rean and Roan. Soon after, Rean''s Spiritual Sense and Camouflage skill disappeared, revealing their appearances. Since they could tell where they exactly were, there was no point in keeping it activated.


    "Oh! I know you. I got a few reports about a group with five cultivators and one demon beast attacking the Life Energy Crystals. This group had two twins inside that had white and black hairs. I guess those guys are you two?"


    Rean smiled in response.


    "Well, you could say so. What is it? I heard how much your Lakure Race hates us humans. Are you here to take revenge for the people we killed and the fact that you were sealed in the underground world?"


    Everyone couldn''t help but laugh after hearing that.


    "Hahaha! Indeed. It wouldn''t be strange if we decided to take your lives right here and then. To be honest, we very much wish to do so straight away. However, we received orders to not kill anyone at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm and below."


    Rean and Roan were instantly taken aback. Why would someone order something like that? Still, that explained why they never saw any Nascent Soul Realm enemy in the areas surrounding the red crystals.


    "Is this some kind of joke? Because I can''t see what''s funny about it. Since when did your Lakure Race become so compassionate?"


    Not long after that, a powerful Spiritual Energy pressure assaulted the twins, making the two kneel down almost instantly.


    "Brat, the rule only said we couldn''t kill you. Nothing''s stopping me from taking a few of your limbs away."


    The man then came walking in the twins'' direction while keeping them locked with his Spiritual Energy. Rean and Roan were pretty sure that this guy wasn''t just at the Soul Forging Realm. Even Droman and Mia''s pressure couldn''t compare to him. They couldn''t confirm with their Spiritual Senses due to the difference in cultivation, but they were pretty sure this guy was in the Saint Realm!


    Of course, Rean and Roan wouldn''t just wait for the guy to cripple them, so they decided to enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. However, just as they were about to do that, the pressure of Spiritual Energy suddenly disappeared!


    The man, who was using it, narrowed his eyes as he looked in a particular direction. Rean and Roan followed his eyes and saw a female cultivator flying in their direction.


    "Jana, why are you stopping me?"


    Rean and Roan didn''t need to be geniuses to understand that it was that woman who stopped the guy in front of them.


    "I should be the one asking, Xila. Why are you assaulting two Core Formation Realm cultivators? Did you forget the ancestor''s new orders?"


    Xila was obviously the guy''s name.


    "Of course not! I wasn''t going to kill them, just going to teach them a small lesson. Is that really a problem?"


    Jana sighed before saying.


    "Xila, you know that I''m not in favor of this either. However, thanks to the ancestor, we were able to live in the underground world up to now. It was also thanks to him that we finally have a chance to leave the underground world. Can''t you trust him once again in his decision? You should know that he would never do anything to harm us."


    Xila finally calmed down after hearing Jana.


    "Fine... It''s just that this black-haired brat irritated me."


    Jana smiled, satisfied.


    "Well, you still can kill the Nascent Soul Realm and higher-level cultivators in case they pass by. It should also be funnier since they would at least be able to present some resistance."


    Jana then looked at all the experts around them before asking.


    "I trust you all have nothing to say either, right?"


    Everyone nodded. In the end, they all trusted their ancestor.


    Rean and Roan looked at each other, not knowing what to say. What is this ancestor thing about? What is this rule? It didn''t seem like they would try to attack them, but they weren''t friends either.


    Jana then looked at the twins with a cold expression.


    "Now then, about the two of you. The ancestor determined that none of the Nascent Soul Realm and above members of our race could attack those at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm and below. However, that doesn''t mean that the Core and Soul Fusion Realm members can''t. If I were you, I would start running already."


    Sure enough, several shadows began to appear in the distance. Their auras were much weaker than the experts in front of them, but there were quite a few.


    However, Rean shook his head as he looked at Jana and Xila.


    "Senior Jana and Xila, right? I don''t understand. On our way here, we saw how the cities were wiped out. I don''t think you would''ve had such an easy time without the help of Nascent Soul Realm cultivators or higher."


    Jana''s expression was still cold as she answered Rean''s question.


    "I have no reason to tell you why that''s the case. However, it won''t make any difference whether you know it or not. Simply put, the ancestor''s orders came a few months after we started our invasion. At that time, we didn''t have to follow any rules. It''s just that simple."


    Roan also took the chance to ask.


    "Are you sure you don''t want to intervene? Your race''s experts are great opponents for us. That''s why we are attacking those who are at our level. However, we won''t show mercy when we fight them."


    Xila snorted when he heard that.


    "We don''t need your mercy. Don''t forget that it goes both ways. You are good training partners for our members as well. I read it in the reports. Your group always attacked even though you were at a disadvantage in terms of numbers and cultivation. If our members die because of that, it''s their fault for being too weak."


    Still, the experts were quite puzzled with Rean and Roan. Those two could definitely see the lower-level members of their race coming over. Nevertheless, they weren''t trying to flee.


    Roan then looked at Rean and asked through their Soul Connection.


    ''Are you sure?''


    Rean nodded.


    ''Yeap. It''s worth a try to see how they will react.''


    Rean then approached Jana and Xila, much to their confusion. They had their guards up. However, with the difference in cultivation, they didn''t bother trying to stop Rean. If he really attacked, then they would have an excuse to kill him.


    "What is it, brat?"


    Rean smiled before extending his hands.


    "Seniors, please give me your hands."

 Chapter 512 - Underground Poison

    Jana and Xila didn''t know what Rean was trying to do. However, they were in front of all the other experts. It would be quite embarrassing to show that they were afraid of Rean.


    "What do you want to do?"


    Rean laughed, not minding their tones as he responded.


    "It''s fine. Senior Jana and Xila couldn''t be thinking that I would kill you or something like that, right? Don''t worry, this is beneficial."


    Roan was also beside Rean as he looked at the low-leveled Lakure Race members coming at them. He was ready to enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm if those guys didn''t stop.


    Jana narrowed her eyes in response. If she didn''t do anything, Rean and Roan would definitely be attacked. However, she felt that something was off about Rean''s attitude. At least, she couldn''t feel any malice behind that action. Eventually, just as the two were about to be attacked, Jana extended her hand.


    "Wait."


    Everyone stopped just a couple dozen of meters away from the twins. Unlike those at the Nascent Soul Realm and above, they didn''t have to show mercy to the twins. They only stopped because Jana said so.


    "Very well, let''s see what you want to do."


    Xila then looked at Jana as she gave her hand to Rean. Just a little bit, and he would see the twins being torn to shreds, so why was she following his words?


    "Are you sure?"


    Jana nodded.


    "I''m curious to see what he''s trying to do to the point that they refused to escape. They''re currently surrounded, and they don''t even have an inkling of a chance to escape. Don''t you think that''s odd?"


    Xila shrugged his shoulders.


    "Well, up to you. I doubt they can run either way. You won''t try to protect them against the lower-level cultivators, right?"


    Jana shook her head.


    "I won''t. For now, let''s see what he can do."


    Rean smiled in gratitude.


    "Thank you for the chance, senior."


    Rean then grabbed Jana''s hands. As for Xila, he didn''t seem willing to do so, but he didn''t leave Jana''s side either.


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    Rean''s body burst out with Light and Dark Elements, quickly entering Jana''s body. As always, the Light Element protected her body while the Dark Element eliminated everything that Rean considered harmful to the body.


    Back when Rean and Roan captured a Lakure Race member, Rean checked his body to see what was different between them and normal humans. It was then that he found out that there was some kind of poison that he had never seen before running through their bodies. It wasn''t enough to kill them, but it was definitely excruciating.


    Rean thought that the guy they caught was just an exception. However, during the attacks on the other Red Crystals, he took the chance to examine the enemies'' bodies once again. In the end, all of them had one thing in common, that same poison. Nevertheless, since they were enemies, Rean didn''t care too much about it. Since that made things worse for the Lakure Race members, then so be it.


    However, what happened here in the valley had changed Rean''s plans. For some reason, that so-called Ancestor didn''t want the high-level Lakure Cultivators to kill the low-level ones. That went against what they had seen in the city before. Why did he give that order? Why didn''t he say that before? What was that Ancestor planning to do? Rean thought that running away wouldn''t give him that answer. Even if they captured the low-level Lakure Race members, those members wouldn''t know anything. That being said, he could only find answers from the top brass like Jana and Xila.


    Jana couldn''t help but feel the comfort from Rean''s Light Element. However, her cultivation was several times higher than Rean''s, so his Light Element had a hard time passing through her body. Nevertheless, it felt quite pleasing, just not enough to bring out a moan like what happened to Tiria and the others.


    The Dark Element quickly followed suit. Obviously, it targeted the poison that ran through Jana''s body. Once again, her cultivation was too high, so the Dark Element also worked very slowly. Of course, that wasn''t all. The poison had been inside her for hundreds of years, so it had basically integrated into her cells. High cultivation and time, these two elements, made Rean''s work really complicated.


    However, Jana immediately noticed what Rean was doing as her eyes widened and her mouth went agape! With her Spiritual Sense, she could tell that the poison that had been running through her body almost her entire life was being eliminated bit by bit. Rean would need at least a few hours at that rate, and she didn''t know if he could take care of all of it. Then again, she couldn''t help but start to feel excited.


    On Rean''s side, he began to feel tired just a few minutes into the purification process. In the end, he needed a lot of Spiritual Energy just to be barely able to run his Light and Dark Element into Jana''s body. However, just as Rean was about to take a few Spirit Stones out, several Rank Four Spirit Stones appeared in Rean''s hands.


    He then looked at Jana, who was still shocked by his ability.


    "Take it! It doesn''t matter how much Spiritual Energy you need. Make sure you see it to the end!"


    Rean laughed before nodding his head.


    "Oh! That''s quite generous. I''ll be using these Spirit Stones, then."


    Rank Four Spirit Stones. Even Roan was surprised that Jana would go as far as using them for this.


    However, all the experts and the waiting low-level Lakure Race cultivators were puzzled. Just what was Rean doing that Jana had decided to even use Rank Four Spirit Stones? Even for them, Rank Four Spirit Stones were quite hard to come by. All they could see was how Rean and Jana shone due to Rean''s Light Element.


    Xila couldn''t hold his curiosity anymore, though.


    "What are you two doing? Why is it taking so long? If you keep me waiting, I''ll give the order to attack these brats."


    Jana''s expression immediately darkened when she heard that statement, responding.


    "I''ll kill you if you do that. I swear to the heavens that I''ll be your eternal enemy for life!"


    Xila and everyone else were taken aback by Jana''s harsh words. However, Xila''s expression darkened in response.


    "You...! I might be one stage below you in cultivation, but do you think I''m afraid of you?"


    Jana snorted as she said.


    "Just shut up and send your Spiritual Energy together with your Spiritual Sense into my body, idiot. I refuse to believe you''ll order to kill this brat after seeing what he''s doing."


    Xila''s dark expression changed into that of surprise. Just what could make Jana so certain about it? He knew that she hated the people from the surface as much as he did. Though, he would obtain his answer soon enough.


    Rean couldn''t help but smile subconsciously. That was the kind of result he was expecting.


    Xila immediately put his hand on Jana''s shoulder and did as she asked. His Spiritual Energy went into her body, making it easier for his Spiritual Sense to pass through. He examined Jana''s body for a few minutes when all of a sudden, Xila''s eyes opened wide!


    "Impossible! Even Ancestor''s power isn''t enough to do that! How can this brat do such a thing?!"


    Jana nodded before asking.


    "Do you still want to kill them?"


    "I..."


    Xila couldn''t answer. The poison had been the Lakure Race''s nightmare for way too long. Although it couldn''t take their lives, it made them quite miserable. He lost count of how many times he dreamed about getting rid of it.


    Jana then looked at the low-level cultivators who were waiting for her order to attack the twins.


    "All of you, go back and do your own things. None of you are allowed to attack these twins unless they attack first or do something that could endanger our plans. Make sure everyone else knows about it as well."


    Rean and Roan couldn''t help but think that things were going better than they thought. Of course, that was a good thing.


    Xila, who seemed to be having an internal conflict, didn''t say anything. He absolutely didn''t want to obtain help from the humans on the surface. However, he definitely wanted to get his poison removed as well.


    Soon after that, Jana and Xila began to receive Spiritual Sense messages from the other experts observing the event. After all, they still didn''t know what was happening there. Naturally, Jana explained to them what Rean was doing for her.


    "What?!"


    "He can heal the underground world poison?"


    "You''re kidding, right?"


    "But I don''t think Senior Jana would joke about such a thing."


    "Hey, they''re humans from the surface. Is it really okay to accept their help?"


    "I also want to kill them all, but the poison..."


    In less than an instant, a conflict arose in everyone''s minds. If it was anything else, they would definitely refuse any help from their most hated foes. But when it came to the underground poison, the answer wasn''t so easy.


    Rean noticed how the experts around them were filled with confused expressions and took the chance to ask.


    "Senior Jana, what is this underground poison? My healing skill can indeed take care of it. However, I have studied multiples types of poison in the past, but none of them looked like this thing. It can''t kill you if you use your Spiritual Energy to keep it at bay. Unfortunately, this is quite a strong poison that can still cause a lot of pain. How come everyone is affected by it?"


    Jana narrowed her eyes as she thought about it. That wasn''t a topic their Lakure Race members liked to talk about.

 Chapter 513 - Truth Or Lies?

    "Just thinking about it already makes me feel like breaking both of your necks. If you haven''t sealed us, how could we be poisoned?"


    Rean was taken aback by the answer as he replied.


    "Really? It''s not like we were alive when you were sealed in this so-called underground world, you know? First of all, what''s the point of being angry at me? We have nothing to do with what happened back then."


    Rean then looked at Roan before saying.


    "However, I allow you to vent your anger on him. Just make sure you don''t kill or cripple this guy."


    Roan''s mouth twitched in response.


    "You were the one who wanted to stay here, so why should I pay for it? Do you want to die?"


    Rean wasn''t the least bit afraid, as he said.


    "Hahaha! I''m the only one who can heal their poison, so I''m totally safe. As for you, it''s not so easy. Don''t worry, you heard me saying that I asked them to not kill or cripple you. It will be just a little... a lot of pain."


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Do you want to see how I can make you feel a lot of pain as well? Let''s see who can protect you."


    Jana and Xila looked at the twins with weird expressions. Aren''t they blood brothers? How come their relationship is this bad?


    "Enough! I won''t hurt neither of you for now."


    Jana then pondered for a bit and began to explain.


    "When your race sealed us in the underground world, they didn''t care about what the place we were being sealed in was. The entire area was full of toxic gas from underground activity. By using our Spiritual Energy, we could keep the effects at bay. However, the poison gas still entered our bodies as time passed. The only good thing was that the Spiritual Energy present down there was plentiful."


    "That helped us to continue living even though food was scarce. Basically, all the food was reserved for the low-level cultivators and the newborns who couldn''t live with Spiritual Energy alone. We also had several teams that protected the young ones as much as they could so that the toxic gases wouldn''t kill them."


    "In any case, as time passed, more and more of those poisonous gases entered our bodies even though we tried to keep them out. Because of that, only the very young are still somewhat clean. Of course, that wouldn''t last for long since they would have to interact with the poison gases sooner or later. That''s the kind of poison you are seeing in our bodies."


    Rean nodded in response.


    "No wonder your hatred only increased as time passed. I''m well-versed in poisons, so even if I haven''t seen this one before, I can tell how tormenting it is. Don''t worry, I''ll drive it all away from your body."


    Xila and Jana narrowed their eyes in response. Jana then asked.


    "I won''t refuse the treatment, but I still want to ask. Why would you help our race? I might as well tell you this, our hatred against the people of the surface won''t disappear just because you healed the poison. Nothing can wipe out the thousands of years we spent down there."


    Rean nodded as he replied.


    "I don''t expect you to forgive us either. However, most of the people who participated in that war for the planet are all dead. Perhaps there are some monsters here and there who are still alive, but how many of them are really here? At the very least, I don''t think we should have one out of two sides dying at any cost."


    Roan didn''t really care about Rean''s ideals. However, Rean''s words made Roan notice one thing that perplexed him.


    "Now that I think about it, something''s off. You guys said that we attacked your planet and took it away from you. However, was it really necessary to start that war? I mean, this is an entire world. Wasn''t there enough space for everyone? Besides, your race has these special meridians over your skins. Wouldn''t it instead increase the world''s power? Why exactly did you go into war instead of talking things out?"


    Rean was surprised by Roan''s words. Indeed, was it really worth going to war?


    "Could it be that this world was so packed with your Lakure Race members that there was just no space anymore?"


    Jana and Xila looked at each other in response. The fact was, they weren''t there when this war happened. Even they, as top experts of their Lakure Race, were only born thousands of years later. After all, both of them were Saint Realm experts. Saint Realm experts can''t live more than 1600 years on average. The war happened multiple lifespans of that length earlier than that.


    "This... I don''t know. Only our Ancestor was alive during that time. However, it doesn''t change the fact that we were sealed down there against our wishes."


    Rean nodded.


    "I understand. That means we don''t know whether both sides have tried to negotiate or if one of them attacked straight away without giving any excuses. Very well, how about we go talk with your Ancestor, then? I''m sure he should have the answer, right?"


    Xila snorted after hearing that.


    "And why should we let a human see our Ancestor? You''re lucky that you aren''t dead yet."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he answered.


    "Because if you don''t do that, you will never get the answer. After all of this, don''t you think that this is a little strange? Could it be that you''re not curious at all?"


    Roan followed up where Rean left off, saying.


    "Let me ask you. What if our side wanted to negotiate with your race, but you ignored everything and attacked us? In that case, we could only defend ourselves. If that''s the case, can you still blame the human race for sealing you down there?"


    *Bang!*


    In an instant, Xila stomped his feet on the ground.


    "This was our world! Whatever the reason might be, you had no right to take it from us!"


    Rean narrowed his eyes, not feeling the least bit afraid of Xila''s anger.


    "Bullshit! This is nothing more than an excuse. I can see through your play. All of you never considered that perhaps it wasn''t our human race''s fault that things turned out this way. No! You probably considered it at some point, but you immediately stopped thinking about it since you were the one living underground."


    Rean then continued.


    "Sure, living there was hard. I can''t even imagine how it was since I''ve never passed through a similar situation. However, have you ever thought about why you were sealed? Why didn''t you get all killed instead? I heard from one of the low-level members of your race that you had the same strength as the ''invaders.'' That you were sealed there because the humans couldn''t defeat you in battle. However, this was what he was just told. Or perhaps that''s what you all wanted to believe."


    "I refuse to believe it was that simple! How could an entire race be sealed without even a single one remaining outside when both sides have similar strengths? It doesn''t make sense at all! As much as your race might have fallen for a trap or whatever, it couldn''t possibly have taken the entire race with it. Stop ignoring the facts and start thinking with your own heads, idiots!"


    The entire place went silent after Rean was finished his passionate speech. Sure enough, Rean was right. It wasn''t as if none of them had ever thought about that before. In fact, most of them had considered those questions at some point. Nevertheless, life in the underground world was just too terrible. Their hatred overshadowed all reason, so they simply decided to ignore it. It went so deep that no one ever tried to bring this kind of topic for discussion. After all, what was there to discuss?


    No, it was worse than that. They were already living a life that some considered worse than death. If they also began to doubt the reason why they were sealed down there, would they truly endure it? In a way, their hatred for the human race on the surface was the propelling force that drove them forward.


    Jana, who was still being healed by Rean, couldn''t help but think about the Ancestor''s last order.


    ''Ancestor Laro said that we shouldn''t attack Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators if we were above that realm. It doesn''t matter how much I look at his decision. It feels like he wants the human cultivators and the Lakure Race cultivators to resolve their issues more fairly. Could it be related to what Rean had just speculated?''


    The more she pondered about it, the more she thought that Rean might be right.


    ''Ancestor Laro said that the reason he wanted to escape was so that he could use his strength to negotiate with the humans. He never said he wanted to kill them all. That''s something we all thought, not him. He was the only survivor of that time as well.''


    Xila, who didn''t know how to answer a moment ago, finally came back to himself. He quickly looked around and saw how the other members of his race also began to waver. Obviously, they also began to consider whether Rean''s words were right or wrong.


    "Are all of you that dumb? Are you going to let a kid play with your mind just like that? Fuck it. So what if I have to live with my poison forever? I will never forgive the human race!"


    Without hesitation, Xila attacked Rean! Spiritual Energy rushed out of his Dantian as he aimed his fist at Rean. With their difference in cultivation, Rean would be blasted into thousands of pieces if it hit him. However...


    *Boom!*


    Jana was even closer to Rean than Xila was. Naturally, she had more than enough time to protect him.


    "Have you gone mad? Have you really decided to ignore the Ancestor''s orders?"

 Chapter 514 - Something Wrong With These Two

    Xila immediately rebuked Jana.


    "I believed he meant that we should not touch those at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm as long as they don''t represent a risk to our race. What this brat is doing is exactly that. He''s casting a shadow over everyone''s minds, which might cause a huge disaster to our race. There''s nothing wrong about killing this human!"


    Jana obviously disagreed as she refuted.


    "Is your will so weak that you think a kid would be enough to change everyone''s minds? The fact that you attacked him just now is undeniable proof that you also considered what he said was true. You''re not helping the race at all by killing him now��you''re just doing the exact opposite. Your actions have just increased everyone''s doubts even further, idiot!"


    Xila was taken aback. He immediately looked around and saw how everyone seemed to be conflicted. Sure enough, Jana was right.


    "Fuck! Since I already did it, it doesn''t matter anymore. Let me kill the kid so he won''t say anything else to anyone."


    Rean and Roan seemed to be ready to flee at any moment as if they could really be killed by the enemy. However, the two of them weren''t really worried about Xila at all. After all, they had the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Instead, Rean was thinking about another thing.


    ''Can''t they stop calling us a bunch of kids? Even though our bodies are much younger than them, we''re still seventeen years old, you know? The people outside even think that we''re nineteen. It kinda irritates me.''


    Roan glared at Rean as he said.


    ''Who the hell cares about how you feel? In fact, let them think that we''re kids. The more they underestimate us, the better.''


    [Does that mean I can call you two kids as well?]


    Rean and Roan immediately shouted inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    ''NO!''


    *Uwaaaa!*


    Because they were too loud, Sana woke up crying straight away.


    [Look what you two have done! Sigh... It''s alright, it''s alright... Mommy Orb is here.]


    Rean and Roan''s mouth twitched in response.


    ''So you really accepted the Mommy Orb thing...''


    No one would believe that the twins were having such a discussion in a moment like this, even if they saw it.


    Xila then looked at everyone before asking.


    "Who here agrees with me? I can''t possibly be the only one who thinks this kid is dangerous."


    Jana narrowed her eyes as she looked around. A moment later, a few of the Lakure Race cultivators came down and joined Xila''s side. Sure enough, it wasn''t that easy to make such hatred disappear after so long. However, there were also those who thought that Jana''s words made more sense, so they joined her side.


    "Xila, are you trying to divide everyone in a moment like this?"


    Xila snorted as he said.


    "That''s my question. Why are you protecting them when it''s obvious as to what you should do? I''m not the one siding with the enemy. You are!"


    "Bullshit! I''m following the ancestor''s orders."


    "That''s what you think. I think you''re definitely going against them."


    Xila and Jana''s emotions began to get more intense, as if they would fight at any moment.


    However, Rean took that change to intervene.


    "Hehehe. So that''s how you''re going to act? Senior Xila, can''t you see that if you really start a battle against your own members, you would instead be falling into our ''trap?'' There would be nothing better for us humans than to have your Lakure Race members killing each other."


    Everyone was taken aback by Rean''s words. Falling into his trap? What the hell was he talking about? If he really wanted them to fight each other, then he should have stayed silent. It doesn''t matter how you see it. Now that he mentioned this ''trap'' of his, both sides would never start a battle. It would have been totally different if one of the Lakure Race members said it.


    Jana couldn''t help but take a deep look at Rean. It was obvious that he said that so that they wouldn''t start a battle here.


    ''Could it be that he''s afraid of getting involved in this fight? That makes sense since a battle at the Saint Level could really kill him even if he isn''t the target. However...''


    The more impressive thing was that he hadn''t stopped healing her poison during this argument, even for a second. If he was just afraid of being involved in the battle, would he really waste his time continuing to heal her poison? Besides... how come neither Rean nor Roan seemed to be worried at all? If anything, they seemed really confident.


    Nevertheless, she quickly put those thoughts behind her mind before she looked back at Xila.


    "You heard him. If we really begin to fight now, that would only benefit the human race. Do you really wish to force your hand? If so, I''ll definitely keep you company."


    Xila narrowed his eyes and was just about to answer when all of a sudden, Roan mentioned something else.


    "Why are you even wasting your time with this discussion? Isn''t it thousands of times better to just ask your ancestor which one of you is right? That would make everything much easier."


    Xila and Jana became puzzled. Sure, that would immediately make everything clear as to who was right in this argument. However, neither Rean nor Roan were supposed to want it. The reason was simple. In the actual situation, Jana''s side would definitely protect them. Not to mention that a battle most likely wouldn''t happen anymore after what Rean said. Simply put, this situation kept them safe.


    However, if they went to their ancestor and found out that he agreed with Xila, they would die straight away. Even Jana wouldn''t be able to protect them. No, Jana would be the first to cut their heads since she also hated humans. She was only protecting them because of the ancestor''s words.


    They were throwing away a close to 100% chance of survival for a 50-50 chance.


    "Are you two idiotic?"


    Roan and Rean shook his head as they responded simultaneously.


    "Nope. We just wish very much to meet this ancestor of yours."


    Jana, Xila, and everyone else was at a loss for words. There must be something wrong with these two.

 Chapter 515 - Maybe Another Time

    However, it felt a bit ridiculous to simply bring two Core Formation Realm cultivators to see the ancestor. Even Jana, who was protecting the two, thought of the same thing.


    "Aren''t you two getting ahead of yourselves? Why should we allow two weaklings like you to waste our ancestor''s time?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "I can heal the poison in everyone''s bodies. Isn''t that a good enough reason to at least be allowed to have a few words with him?"


    Jana laughed in response as she said.


    "Hahaha! I think you have the wrong idea here. Sure, I won''t allow anyone at the Nascent Soul Realm or above to touch you. However, the Core and Soul Fusion cultivators and below are another story. You two are only alive because I told them to not do anything to you. Don''t think that I became your friend or anything like that."


    "That being said, your only chance at staying alive is to keep healing everyone. You two have no other choice."


    Rean and Roan narrowed their eyes in response as they communicated.


    ''What do you think? Is there anything else to be gained here?''


    Roan pondered for a bit before saying.


    ''You already planted the seed of doubt in them. Even if they don''t let us see that so-called ancestor of them, they''ll start considering whether what we said is true or not.''


    Rean nodded as he responded.


    ''That''s already a good outcome. I don''t know if it would be enough to prevent mutual killing between humans and Lakures on a large scale. Still, it''s obvious that they would at least consider the possibility of what I said being true. Maybe there''s something to gain from it in the future.''


    Rean didn''t come up with that to generate discord between the Lakure Race members. He genuinely spent a lot of time thinking about the story told by that guy they interrogated. After talking about it with Roan, then obviously noticed those weird points.


    Jana didn''t know that Rean and Roan were talking, nor did she care. As long as Rean kept healing everyone, that was for the better. As for the thing Rean talked about, she would need to give it further thought in the future. However, it wasn''t time for that right now since they were still in a precarious situation.


    Jana then looked at Xila and said.


    "I guess we''re done here, right? However, let''s leave aside whether what he said is true or not. He can heal the poison of the underground world. You won''t complain about forcing him to heal everyone else, I believe?"


    Xila''s expression was still dark. However, Rean''s words about their race fighting against each other really hit him. That being said, there was no way he or the others on his side would engage in a battle against Jana and the others.


    "Fine! At least, we can make him work to his bones forever. I won''t attack them as long as they don''t open their mouths anymore."


    Jana was relieved that Xila accepted that. Soon after, she looked at Rean.


    "So, how long will it take to remove the poison in my body?"


    Rean pondered for a bit, and out of nowhere, he stopped getting rid of Jana''s poison. Roan already knew that Rean would do that, so he said.


    "Forget it. Since we can''t obtain good treatment, then we''d rather just leave."


    Jana and everyone else were taken aback. What were they talking about? There was no way they can escape from here. Their formation in the valley can show their exact position even without Spiritual Sense.  They would be surrounded way before they could reach the exit.


    Xila then laughed out loud as he said.


    "Ha...hahaha! Do you think you can leave that easily? I did agree that I wouldn''t attack you, but we have more than enough people at the right level that can do so."


    The others also laughed at that. Obviously, they all agreed with Xila on that.


    However, Jana was the only one who kept feeling that something wasn''t right. Even before, when Xila tried to attack the twins, they didn''t seem to be concerned at all. Somehow, she felt like they had some trick up their sleeves. That said, she immediately used Spiritual Energy pressure to lock the two down.


    "I don''t know what you can do, but there''s no way I will let you two leave now that I know you can heal everyone''s poison."


    Rean and Roan''s bodies hit the ground not long after, and they could barely move at all. However, they continued to talk, seemingly unconcerned about it.


    "Well, then. It seems like negotiation is impossible at this point. Senior Jana, once you decide that it is worth giving us a chance, I''ll help you and the others with the poison in your bodies. Until that time arrives, this is farewell for now."


    This time, even Xila and the others noticed that something was off... or the twins were simply hallucinating. However, their expression changed into pure shock in the next second. Right in front of everyone, the twins'' bodies began to turn into specks of Dark and Light Energy before drifting away without any signs.


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    Rean and Roan weren''t idiots. If they simply disappeared in midair, it might lead to the discovery of their Dimensional Realm. That being said, they used Mirage Assault to summon clones to take their places. The clones had always been able to use their skills, albeit with some drawbacks like reduced power or a lack of weapons.


    Rean and Roan, the real ones, used the clones to perfectly match their bodies'' positions before swapping places. That way, the experts outside would think that they had never been actual cultivators to start with. As for their ability to enter the dimensional realm from anywhere, it would continue to be hidden.


    "Impossible! How did they do that?"


    "I don''t know. I couldn''t feel anything strange about their bodies."


    "Pass the order. Have everyone look for the twins in the valley. I refuse to believe they''ve gone too far."


    "But we can''t feel anything from the searching formation."


    "The formation isn''t omnipotent. Just do it."


    Without missing a beat, everyone left to fulfill the order, leaving only Xila and Jana behind.


    "Xila, did you notice anything?"


    Xila shook his head in response.


    "Nothing at all. What about you?"


    "Me neither. It seems like we really can''t underestimate the human race."


    Xila wanted to disagree, but the facts were in front of him.


    "Should we send some people outside the valley to look for them?"


    Jana shook her head in response.


    "That would turn it even worse. Didn''t you see how they escaped from the two of us that easily? What could guarantee that someone else can''t use the same method to reach the ancestor''s chamber?"


    Xila nodded in response. Although they disagreed about whether the twins should be killed or not, the two were still loyal to Ancestor Laro.


    "Very well. However, Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators and below members wouldn''t be of much use anyway. I will spread the range of search outside the valley. Also, you wouldn''t mind if I used a few Nascent Soul members, right? Just this little bit shouldn''t make any changes. I''ll keep my word that they won''t kill the twins and will just capture them."


    Jana pondered for a bit and nodded.


    "Since you gave your word, then I know you''ll keep it. You can send a few Nascent Soul Realm members out. However, they can''t stray too far out from the valley. After all, there are still two Soul Forging Realm human cultivators out there. Of course, you can''t go out either. I want all our top experts to stay in the valley in case anything happens to the Ancestor."


    Xila nodded and immediately departed. Jana then looked at the position Rean and Roan were located a few moments ago and sighed.


    ''The past not being what we thought... What if it was true...?''


    Jana also left soon after.

 Chapter 516 - Cant Dance

    Back in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Rean and Roan looked as everyone left the place. What Xila and Jana didn''t know was that Rean and Roan hadn''t teleported away from that place yet. That being said, they could still hear what they were talking about.


    "So, it was all because of this ancestor of them. No wonder we didn''t find a single Nascent Soul during our attacks on their Red Crystals."


    Roan nodded in response.


    "Indeed. However, you heard them. They''ll be sending a few Nascent Soul Realm cultivators to search the area around the valley from now on, that also includes the Red Crystal areas."


    Rean didn''t mind it too much.


    "It''s fine. From the very start, we were already expecting to find Nascent Soul Realm cultivators or above there. As long as they''re using Spiritual Sense, I can feel them. Besides, I doubt that the region where the Red Crystals are located has this same searching formation. The valley alone is already enormous. It would be a monumental task to expand this kind of formation up to where the Red Crystals were located."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "Indeed. Not to mention that every time the crystals finish absorbing an area''s worth of energy, they''re moved further away to repeat the same process. The formation area would keep increasing, which isn''t good for a formation."


    [Talking about formations, I just need a few more days to finish analyzing the natural formation. However, I don''t think I can take control of it as fast as I analyzed it. Then again, it will still be a good thing since I''ll be able to tell how long the formation''s energy will last.]


    "That''s more than good enough. At least we''ll know when the formation will lose its effect over the time flow. After all, we only stayed here because of the time difference related to the outside."


    Roan then looked at the Circuitry Teleport Formation before saying.


    "Alright, let''s get out of here."


    Rean and Roan stepped on the Circuitry Formation. Soon after, they were teleported back to the closest save point together with the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Following that, they left the Dimensional Realm and went back to the cave where Wano, Malaka, and Calina were waiting.


    "Rean, Roan!"


    Malaka and Calina were happy to see that they were fine. As for Wano, he wasn''t that close to being ''happy'' for them. Then again, it was a good thing, in his opinion.


    "So, how was it? Are there any openings for us to go get the Masput Rocks?"


    Roan shook his head as he replied.


    "They aren''t looking at the place with just their Spiritual Senses. They also have a formation covering the entire valley that can detect anyone''s presence. Even Rean''s skill can''t fool it."


    Wano couldn''t help but ask.


    "How do you know that? Did they discover you two out there?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders in response.


    "Well, they did. Fortunately, we succeeded in escaping."


    Calina and Malaka sighed in response.


    "So we can''t get any more of the Masput Rocks, huh? That''s a shame."


    Rean smiled after hearing that answer.


    "That''s not entirely true."


    In an instant, everyone''s attention was piqued. Even one of Roan''s eyebrows was raised at that point. He didn''t hear anything from Rean about this.


    Wano finally lost his patience and asked.


    "I''m not very interested in the Masput Rocks since I''m already in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. However, I''m quite curious to hear as to how you intend to get the stones."


    Rean laughed before Light Element began to gather around his body. Soon after, several veins began to bulge out of his skin and turn bright red. After a few seconds, Rean''s body was full of what seemed to be the same red meridians of the Lakure Race. Calina, Roan, and Wano were taken aback. Even their Spiritual Senses told them that those were the Lakure Race''s red meridians. They could totally feel the Spiritual Energy running through them.


    "What?!"


    "How did you do that?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes in response.


    "Why didn''t you tell me you could do that?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Because it''s not that easy to get to this point. After all, these veins over my body are not true meridians like the Lakure Race''s. I''m just driving my Spiritual Energy through these veins, which isn''t a simple task. I only achieved it a few weeks ago."


    It was more or less the same process as the body-changing skill that Rean used on Calina back in the profound abyss. That being said, it was only temporary. He would need to use more Light Element every now and then to keep that transformation. The good thing was that Rean''s ability with the skill had improved many times since then. After all, he was only a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator during that time. Now he was almost in the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm. He was pretty sure that even Nascent Soul Realm cultivators'' Spiritual Senses wouldn''t be able to see through it.


    Malaka''s eyes lit up as she asked immediately.


    "Can you use it on me as well? You can, right? Just like what you did back then!"


    Sure enough, she was excited to try entering the valley with a ''disguise.'' She had never tried that before. Well, Roan and Wano were also curious if Rean could do that to others.


    Rean laughed before nodding.


    "I can make you look like me. However, you will need to learn how to drive your Spiritual Energy through these veins on your own. Also, you will need to keep it running all the time if you don''t want the Lakure Race experts to find out."


    Roan understood and asked in response.


    "Simply put, we would need to train with it. Does it give any advantage in power?"


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    "No. It''s purely decoration. If anything, it will make you weaker since you need to pay attention to the Spiritual Energy inside your body while driving some of it through those veins. Also, it doesn''t hurt, but it isn''t that comfortable either."


    Wano couldn''t help but ask.


    "Is there anything you can''t do with Light Element?"


    Rean nodded as he replied.


    "I can''t make the ice block dance."


    Roan''s mouth twitched as he said.


    "Why the hell would you want me to dance?"


    Wano, Malaka, and Calina immediately laughed. Sure enough, that would be a hilarious situation.

 Chapter 517 - Late Stage

    Wano quickly recovered from his laughter and then asked.


    "Well, then. We will need you to use it on us so that we can train. Won''t it get in the way of your own training?"


    Caline and Malaka nodded in response. Only Rean could make that change on their bodies. Besides, it was all fake and would disappear with time if Rean didn''t ''recharge'' the change. However, Rean didn''t mind.


    "It''s fine. It''s quite simple to make it. In fact, it would be better if we start right now. After all, we just came back from one of our attacks, so we need time to rest and ponder over everything."


    Roan and the others nodded. Soon after, Rean did the same thing to Calina, Malaka, Wano, and Roan. Malaka and Calina, as women, felt more uncomfortable, though.


    "These red veins are really ugly."


    Malaka nodded.


    "I truly don''t want the others outside to see us like this."


    Rean shook his head in response.


    "Do you think the women of the Lakure Race are ugly with their red meridians?"


    Malaka and Calina subconsciously nodded, which made Rean laugh.


    "Hahaha! That''s where you''re mistaken. They aren''t ugly at all. Or, to be more specific, they are definitely beautiful... for the Lakure Race''s men. Trust me, the same way you feel uncomfortable with the ''fake red meridians,'' so do the women of the Lakure Race when they see you don''t have them."


    Calina and Malaka nodded before saying.


    "Sorry."


    "It''s fine. Now, then. Try to drive your Spiritual Energy through the veins. You won''t get it at first, but you will understand after a few days."


    Calina and Malaka tried it, and sure enough, it felt incredibly uncomfortable. It was as if they were moving some gel through their veins instead. It was a weird feeling. Wano was no different. He also felt like his veins had some problems when they were fine, in fact.


    Rean looked at their attempts with his Spiritual Sense and could feel that they failed several times to drive the Spiritual Energy through their meridians. It''s just that they had many of them, so it was complicated to run through all of them evenly like a real Lakure Race member.


    However, Roan was different from them. He did fail four times, but with every attempt, he became several times better. On the fifth attempt, he could already use it to an acceptable level.


    "You''re no fun."


    Roan glanced at Rean.


    "What are you talking about?"


    "Nothing, just forget it."


    Well, Roan didn''t care to start with, so he ignored Rean''s comment.


    Around an hour later, Roan finally finished his practice on driving Spiritual Energy through the meridians.


    "Alright, I''m done with it. Let''s go back and cultivate."


    *Chick!*


    The moment Kentucky heard that, its eyes lit up. They had brought their sixth red crystal back, but Rean and Roan prohibited him from eating it while they were out. Even after they came back, they kept talking about other things instead of letting it eat the crystal.


    "Fine, fine! I''ll let you eat it in a second. Let me just fill Wano, Illia, and Malaka with the Light Element again."


    Rean then sent his Light Element into them and reinforced the change on their bodies. With that, it would take at least four to five hours before they came back to normal.


    Rean and Roan then went back to their cave rooms before telling Kentucky that he could eat the red crystal again. As always, Kentucky ate only a third of it, while the twins used Rean''s formation to obtain as much energy from the crystal as possible.


    When the effect on Calina, Malaka, and Wano''s bodies began to disappear, Rean came out once again to help them. They continued that process until the next day when Kentucky was finally allowed to eat the second part of the red crystal.


    Rean could also see that the three were getting used to driving Spiritual Energy through their fake red meridians.


    ''It should take them at most a week to finish understanding how to use it properly.''


    Rean then returned to his cave room and continued to cultivate with Roan.  On the third day, Kentucky ate the last part of the red crystal. However, that was also the moment that the twins had been waiting for.


    All of a sudden, Calina, Malaka, and Wano felt a huge burst of Spiritual Energy coming from their rooms. However, because there was a Spiritual Sense formation in place, they couldn''t see what was happening. Well, they could guess what had happened anyway.


    Around an hour later, the twins came out of the room, allowing Wano, Malaka, and Calina to check their cultivation. Sure enough, Rean and Roan had broken through the bottleneck barring them from the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm. They were now at the same level as Calina. Well, it''s like Sister Orb had always said. If they followed the Soul Gem''s Light and Dark Element cultivation technique, bottlenecks wouldn''t really exist for them. The breakthrough for them went very smoothly.


    Seeing that, Malaka couldn''t help but sigh.


    "And now I''m the only one in the lower range of the Core Formation Realm..."


    She also looked at Kentucky. Since Kentucky''s cultivation was held down by Rean and Roan''s existence, the moment the twins broke through, Kentucky also achieved the Late Stage-Three Demon Beast level. That only made her sigh even more.


    Rean patted her head as he laughed. Even now that they were seventeen, he never lost this habit, nor did Malaka want him to stop anyway.


    "It''s fine. We all know that you''re very close to reaching the middle stage. How much are you lacking? Like another two or three months?"


    Malaka smiled as she nodded.


    "Yep! With the ice block looking over me all this time, I really never had any chance to laz- cough cough, rest. At least, that has been improving my cultivation very quickly."


    Roan''s mouth twitched in response. Any idiot could tell that she was going to say ''laze around.''


    However, he ignored that before he looked at Wano.


    "It seems like Malaka isn''t the only one close to a breakthrough, am I right?"


    Wano was taken aback by Roan''s words. However, he laughed out loud after that.


    "This brother here really has sharp senses. Well, I''ve been in the Middle Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm for way longer than you guys had been in the same stage of Core Formation. To be more specific, it has been almost sixteen years already. I might look young because of my cultivation, but I''m quite old, you know?"


    Rean then patted the man''s shoulders as he said.


    "Then, I shall congratulate you, Brother Wano. By the way, how about you telling us more about yourself after your breakthrough?"


    Wano shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Sure, as long as you tell me more about your demon bird over there."


    Wano then looked at Kentucky, who was sound asleep while it digested the red crystal.


    Rean laughed out loud in response. He knew it wouldn''t work, but it wasn''t a bad thing to give it a try.


    "Well, maybe another day, then."


    Wano didn''t mind.


    "That''s fine. By the way, when do you want to go out and test these fake meridians?"


    Roan pondered for a bit.


    "This breakthrough happened a little faster than I expected, thanks to the red crystals. Because of that, our foundation isn''t 100% stable. Battles would be the best way to get it back on track, especially with the help of my pills. That said, I intend to go out again as soon as you guys finish getting used to the fake skin meridians."


    Wano, Malaka, Calina, and Rean nodded in response. That would be the best choice.

 Chapter 518 - Not Staying Still

    Their group continued to cultivate for a few more days before departing for another assault on one of the red crystals. However, there was a change this time. Roan expressed that they should aim to not kill anyone as much as possible. Naturally, it would make things even harder. However, with their recent breakthroughs, it shouldn''t be impossible. Not to mention that this rule only applied as long as it didn''t mean their own deaths.


    Wano, Malaka, and Calina were obviously puzzled by that change, though.


    "Why are you asking for something like this?"


    Roan then explained without trying to hide anything.


    "We met up with a few experts of the Lakure Race in the valley when we tried to investigate the place. It turned out that their ancestor ordered that their Nascent Soul Realm cultivators and above couldn''t kill those at the Core and Soul Fusion realm and below. From the looks of it, that ancestor is planning something."


    "The good thing is that they didn''t seem to care about the ones we killed so far. In their race, if you die, that''s because you were weaker. Well, most of the cultivation world isn''t much different from that anyway. However, I would like to not give them a reason for their ancestor to change this rule."


    "Don''t forget, this time accelerating natural formation is an excellent opportunity. We should take advantage of it as much as possible. Besides, if we aim to do something even harder, which is not to kill anyone, that will undoubtedly help us much more. After all, I''m sure no one here has any problems with killing anymore, so it''s pointless."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "What do you mean by no one having problems with killing anymore? Sure, we''ll kill when it''s necessary, but don''t put us in your shoes. I still hate the feeling of killing people, okay?"


    Malaka and Calina nodded as they said.


    "The same goes for us."


    Roan narrowed his eyes but didn''t say anything. As long as they didn''t hesitate when necessary, he didn''t care if they didn''t like it. Well, it''s not like Roan liked to kill either. It''s just that he didn''t care whether he did it or not.


    As for Wano, he was much older and had probably gone through much more dangerous situations. There was no need to talk about it with him.


    Wano then asked something else.


    "By the way, we already got used to the fake meridians. Aren''t we going to use it to enter the valley and gather Masput Rocks?"


    Roan shook his head as he said.


    "There is no need for now. Just keep practicing its use for a few more weeks to be sure. Rean and I had just broken through the Late Stage, so we need battles to help stabilize our foundations."


    Wano shrugged his shoulders in response, not minding too much. He didn''t need the Masput Rocks anyway. He was just curious.


    Rean used his camouflage skill together with the Light and Spiritual Sense bending skill as the group moved forward. However, way before they arrived at the red crystals'' location, Rean''s expression changed.


    "Everyone, stop!"


    In an instant, everyone followed Rean''s words.


    "What is it?"


    Rean then looked in a certain direction before saying.


    "There is a Nascent Soul Realm''s Spiritual Sense ahead."


    Wano couldn''t help but ask after hearing that.


    "Shouldn''t we escape, then?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "Don''t worry. We''re at the very border of the enemy''s Spiritual Sense range. It''s too weak to pierce through my Spiritual Sense bending, so the enemy doesn''t know we''re here."


    Wano was surprised to hear that. He couldn''t help but feel even more interested in Rean''s skill.


    Roan, on the other hand, commented.


    "It''s most likely because of our escape last time. You can heal the poison in their bodies, so they just can''t ignore your existence."


    Wano and the others already heard about the poison a long time ago, so they knew why the Lakure Race would want to capture Rean.


    "Most likely, they sent out a few of their Nascent Soul Realm experts to keep an eye out, trying to find us. What should we do?"


    Roan lightly smiled in response, not mind it at all.


    "There is a limit as to how far a Nascent Soul Realm''s Spiritual Sense can cover. Unless they send out all their experts, there should be plenty of places where there are no Nascent Soul Realm enemies overseeing the red crystals'' locations. Let''s go around and look for a few free ones."


    Everyone nodded in agreement. Through Rean''s perception ability, they soon went in a different direction of that Nascent Soul Realm expert. However, they quickly noticed that getting close to the red crystals wasn''t so easy anymore.


    "There are more low-leveled cultivators of the Lakure Race patrolling outside the valley now. What should we do?"


    Wano laughed at that and said.


    "Why would it be a bad thing? At most, we won''t get more of those red crystals. However, these new targets are still perfect for training. They are moving in groups, which is quite a good match for ourselves."


    Roan agreed with Wano.


    "Wano''s right. Let''s change our plans and leave the red crystals aside. If we have the chance to obtain a red crystal, then that''s good. If not, so be it. Our objective is training, not the red crystals."


    Rean smiled before pointing in a certain direction.


    "The last group we passed by had two Core and Soul Fusion Realm Spiritual Senses and around six Core Formation Realm senses. That should be a good challenge for us."


    Roan nodded, satisfied.


    "That shall be the first one, then. Stay vigilant. Of course, remember to try and not kill anyone."


    A few minutes later, another intense battle began in the middle of nowhere. With Rean''s stealth skills, they were able to ambush the group as always, reducing their strength. After that, Rean, Roan, and Wano fought the Core and Soul Fusion Realm enemies while Malaka, Calina, and Kentucky fought the Core Formation ones. The enemies'' advantage in numbers and the fact they should try their best to not kill made the battle even harder. Still, their breakthrough was not for naught.


    In the end, they succeeded in taking their opponents down while a few decided to run away. Of course, Rean''s group paid the price for not killing anyone. Even Kentucky had a deep gash in his wings. Let alone the others, who aren''t even close to having Kentucky''s defense.


    Nonetheless, that helped everyone''s training just as Roan wanted.

 Chapter 519 - Changing Minds

    "What do we do with these guys?"


    The Lakure Race members were in the group. Some were unconscious, while others glared at them with hatred in their eyes. Unfortunately for them, they wouldn''t pose any harm to Rean''s group anymore.


    Rean and Roan then healed themselves and helped do the same thing to Calina, Malaka, and Wano. As for Kentucky, he could more or less heal himself with his own Light Element.


    "Kill us! One day, our race will enact revenge!"


    Well, that''s basically what the Lakure Race members all said. None of them seemed to be afraid of death at all. However, Rean looked at them, slightly puzzled.


    "Kill you? Why? You guys are such nice training partners. I couldn''t bear to do so."


    Rean then arrived by the side of one of those cultivators of the Lakure Race and touched his shoulder.


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    Roan''s group didn''t find anything strange. They knew very well what Rean was doing. He was healing the poison of the underground world from their enemies'' bodies. Of course, he didn''t heal their injuries since they would definitely attack him if he did that.


    "What are you doing?! Are you trying to humiliate me?"


    Rean laughed, not minding that at all.


    "Hahaha! Of course not! You probably can''t feel it now because your injuries are definitely aching in pain. However, you''ll understand once you get them treated later. I told you, didn''t I? We have no intention of killing you at all."


    None of the Lakure Race members cared about that. For them, Rean was being an idiot to not kill them.


    Rean only took a few minutes to completely eliminate the poison from the first guy. Well, they were several realms below Jana, so it was much easier to do that on them. After all, their cultivation didn''t have the strength to inhibit Rean''s elements. Not to mention that they were pretty weak at the moment.


    Sometime later, Rean finished healing all their poisons.


    "Alright, everyone! I finished healing the underground poison of your bodies. Now, let''s-"


    "Oh shit! Seems like we don''t have much time anymore. Anyway, have a good day. There''s no need to thank me either."


    The Lakure Race members were taken aback. Heal their poison? Was that even possible? However, before they could say anything, Rean''s group retreated in a flash.


    A few minutes later, a cultivator came flying in their direction. Sure enough, it was one of the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators of the Lakure Race race. Earlier in the fight, one of the two Core and Soul Fusion Realm guys fled. Rean and Roan couldn''t do much about it since they couldn''t fly yet. However, their Core and Soul Fusion Realm enemy could. When he saw he didn''t have a chance at winning, he immediately left to call reinforcements.


    "What happened here?"


    The Core and Soul Fusion Realm that fought Wano did his best to get up. He even coughed some blood when he did so.


    *Cough, cough...*


    "W-we were ambushed and defeated. We couldn''t capture the white-haired boy as requested. So-sorry, Senior Pulo."


    Pulo, the Nascent Soul Realm, narrowed his eyes.


    "And how are you still alive?"


    The guy shook his head.


    "We don''t know. That white-haired twin began to say that their group had no intention of killing anyone. He even said..."


    Pulo narrowed his eyes.


    "What did he say?"


    The ones who couldn''t escape looked at each other, not sure if what Rean said was true or not.


    "He said that he healed all of our underground poison, so it shouldn''t affect our bodies anymore. However, the pain of the injuries in our bodies are making it hard to determine if what he said was true or not."


    Pulo was taken aback by that. Unlike these guys, Pulo was there when Rean began to heal Jana. That being said, he knew that Rean could really do that. Pulo spread his Spiritual Sense as far as he could, trying to find a trace of Rean''s group. However, Rean was too far and was using his hiding skills. Pulo simply couldn''t feel their presence at all. In the end, he gave up before he looked at the others.


    "Let me help you all."


    Pulo just so happened to be a Water Element cultivator. Naturally, he had a few Water Healing Skills of his own. As he healed the members of that defeated group, those members began to understand that there was no pain anymore.


    Even with the injuries'' pain gone, there was supposed to be the underground poison remaining. The longer you had lived in the sealed underground world, the more your body should have absorbed that. Let alone these members who were at least in the Core Formation Realm, who have lived several decades, if not over a hundred years, there already.


    However, there was nothing else after their injuries were healed by Pulo. Nothing at all!


    "This..."


    "I haven''t felt like this ever since I was a kid."


    "Did he really heal our poison? Isn''t this just some illusory skill?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous. We have a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator between us. Do you think a Core Formation Realm''s illusion would be strong enough to fool him?"


    Pulo couldn''t help but narrow his eyes. In fact, he already checked everyone''s bodies with his Spiritual Sense. As a Nascent Soul Realm Middle Stage cultivator, he has obviously lived for much longer than any of these guys and girls. His understanding of the poison was far above theirs. Because of that, he was certain. The poison in their bodies was completely gone. In fact, he was feeling quite jealous.


    ''Just what are those twins trying to do? Not killing anyone? Healing them soon after? Do they think our race will hate them less just because of that?''


    However, it was at this moment that he remembered what Rean mentioned during their encounter in the valley.


    ''What if the past... is not what we thought it was?''


    However, he quickly shook his head and put those thoughts behind.


    "All of you. I finished healing you already, so go back to your patrol. Try to not get ambushed this time, will you? If anything, try to get one of the Nascent Soul Realm''s help. We are also verifying the valley''s surroundings. As long as you hold them long enough for one of us to arrive, we can capture them as per Senior Xila and Jana''s orders."


    "Yes, Senior Pulo!"


    Later on, the members of their group that managed to flee returned. When they heard that no one died and their companions had their poison removed, they felt like crying. Some even cursed the fact that they were stronger or luckier and managed to escape. If they had been defeated without being able to escape, wouldn''t they be the ones with their poison removed? That''s something that every Lakure Race member dreamed about.


    That same day, Rean''s group had ambushed three more groups. After several difficult battles and multiple injuries, they won in the end. Of course, not everything went according to their plan. There had been times that they were forced to kill to not be killed. Still, compared to before, the death toll was several times smaller.


    Just like Rean had done in the first group, he healed his group with Roan before shifting his attention to the Lakure Race members cursing him on the ground. After healing all their poisons, their group left.


    As for the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators who were moving around, they never arrived in time. It was as if Rean''s group could always tell that they were coming, so Rean''s group was long gone when they appeared.


    This kind of event kept happening once every three or four weeks. The Nascent Soul Realm cultivators couldn''t help but feel annoyed. After all, they never arrived in time. Just how the hell did Rean''s group know that they weren''t close to them?


    In the end, time began to pass as more and more of these events happened. In the blink of an eye, two more years went by. Malaka reached the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm during this time. Wano also broke through the Late Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm.


    Naturally, no more breakthroughs happened after that. After all, the higher one''s cultivation was, the longer it took. Calina, who was the first to have a breakthrough in this natural formation, was the closest one to breakthrough again. Still, her breakthrough happened three years ago. It was far from enough to reach the Peak of the Core Formation Realm. According to her calculations, she would need at least two more years to gather enough energy, taking a total of five.


    Rean and Roan were no different. They had the red crystals and the perks from the Soul Gem System. However, their foundation''s Spiritual Energy Pool had always been much bigger than those at their level. Because of that, they were already happy that they could at least keep the same speed as Calina and the others while they should have been slower instead.


    Of course, it was now more difficult to get the red crystals. After all, there were a lot more cultivators on the way. Well, they weren''t really discouraged because of that.


    However, the actual changes were on the Lakure Race''s side. A certain rumor began to spread between the cultivators at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm and below.


    "Did you hear? If you get defeated by the Fat Bird Group, your underground poison will be removed."


    "But is that true? What if they kill you instead?"


    "I heard that there had been a few deaths. However, the white-haired guy always apologized after that and healed everyone''s poison even if that happened."


    "I heard that as well. I have a friend who was ambushed by them. He told me that one of his group members was killed because the Fat Bird Group had no other choice. Otherwise, one of their members would have died instead."


    "So if we don''t pose any threat to them, no one will be killed, and the underground poison will be healed?"


    "In that case, we might as well not fight at all and simply ask them to heal us?"


    "Are you kidding? They''re humans! So what if they can heal your poison and have no intention of killing us? Can you forgive them for what they have done to our race?"


    "Regarding that, I heard other rumors as well. It''s said that what we think we know about the past might not really be what had happened. That... That it was not entirely the human race''s fault that we got sealed in the end."


    "What?! Bullshit! If you say that again, I''ll break your head!"


    "Calm down, calm down! I''m just saying what I heard, okay? I''m not saying that it''s true or not. What''s the point of releasing your anger at me?"


    "You two can stop it already. I know a lot more about the Fat Bird Group because my group was one of their targets recently."


    "What?! Brother! Did your poison get healed?"


    "No."


    "See? It''s all a lie!"


    The man then shook his head as he replied.


    "It''s not a lie. The reason they didn''t heal us is that... that they knew we were holding back to get defeated faster."


    "What?! Your piece of shit! You lost to them on purpose!"


    "Shut up! I''ve lived for way longer than you with the poison in my body, okay? Anyway, we did lose to them on purpose. However, the Fat Bird Group hated that."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Believe it or not, they said this: We are here to train, and the payment for the training you help us with is the curing of your poison. If you lose on purpose, what kind of training would that be? No one will be healed."


    "After that, they left without healing even one of us."


    "What?! Training? They''re using us for training? How dare they?!"


    "But... The payment for the training is to have your poison removed. I think... I think I would prefer to have it healed."


    These kinds of rumors about Rean''s group refraining from killing, healing the race''s poison, and the humans not being totally at fault kept spreading like wildfire. Slowly but surely, Rean''s group was changing the Lakure Race members'' opinions about the human cultivators from the bottom of the hierarchy.


    However, there were also those who were not happy with that. Xila was obviously one of them.


    "What the hell are you doing?! How long will you take to capture that group?!"


    He could see the changes happening to the Lakure Race in the valley, but there were just way too many of them. Besides, he couldn''t simply start killing anyone who talked about it.


    "Sorry, Senior Xila. However, we simply can''t understand how the twins always know where the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators are located. We tried several things, but they''re always a step ahead."


    Xila''s expression became even darker.


    ''I need to do something about it.''

 Chapter 520 - Perhaps?

    However, Xila was facing a problem. That was the fact that the twins'' group always knew when their experts were getting closer. It''s not like the Lakure Race hadn''t thought about Spiritual Sense. After all, that was always the first thing to find where they should be going.


    The problem was that the area of coverage was way too big! Without using Spiritual Sense, it would be hard to find a specific place in a world where all high-level experts relied on it. That being said, Xila came up with a new idea.


    "Call the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators overseeing the outside. I want them to do something for me."


    His subordinate quickly left after receiving the order. A few hours later, everyone gathered in front of Xila.


    The days passed in a flash as Rean''s group continued their ''attacks'' every few weeks. However, Rean quickly noticed something off.


    "It''s been quite some time since I last felt the presence of a Nascent Soul Realm''s Spiritual Sense. Could it be that they gave up using high-level experts to look for us?"


    Wano shook his head as he said.


    "I don''t think so. However, I don''t think we''re getting lucky either."


    Roan agreed with him.


    "Wano''s right. We have been using the same strategy for a long time, after all. It would be weird if they kept being knocked down by us without doing anything. Well, it''s not like you can''t imagine what they''re trying to do."


    Calina and Malaka laughed in response. Even they could imagine what the next step to try capturing them would be.


    "Without a doubt, their Nascent Soul Realm experts stopped using Spiritual Sense."


    Roan faintly smiled.


    "Indeed. However, they never had more than a few Nascent Soul Realm experts looking for us simultaneously. That being said, they''ve begun to rely on pure luck."


    Wano narrowed his eyes in response.


    "Are you telling me the Nascent Soul Realm experts are hiding inside some of the patrolling groups and are refraining from using their Spiritual Senses?"


    Everyone nodded.


    "That can be the only explanation. In fact, I think it''s way too long for them to try and do that. The cultivators of this world rely on Spiritual Sense way too much."


    Wano couldn''t help but ask.


    "The chances of bumping in a group with one of them is quite small. After all, the area around the valley is just enormous. Unless..."


    Roan glanced at Wano.


    "Seems like you understood it as well. The number of groups patrolling the outside has gotten a lot smaller. However, they''re doing it in a way that would be hard to notice. Little by little, the further away groups would disappear, leaving only the red crystal groups behind like it was at first. There are multiple red crystals, but it would be several times easier to hit the jackpot when we end up with only those targets to deal with. Sooner or later, we would encounter one of those high-level Lakure Race cultivators."


    Rean''s group was right. That''s what Xila had exactly done. Since he can''t go and find the twins, he might as well wait for them to come. He knew that no one in Rean''s group was in the Nascent Soul Realm. That being said, he only needed one of their own to find Rean''s group. At the very least, they should be able to capture someone through that... or at least, that was the idea.


    "What do we do now? It''s good that we didn''t attack a group with one of them. However, even though the chances are small, it''s not like we are going to be this lucky forever, right?"


    Rean and Roan smiled after hearing that.


    "It seems like it''s time to go pay the valley a visit."


    The fact was that the attacks were going so well that Rean''s group put the thought of Masput Rocks on the side. Because of that, they still haven''t tried to use Rean''s transformation skill that made them look like a Lakure Race member.


    However, Rean then looked at Wano, which puzzled him.


    "What? Is there something wrong with my face?"


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    "As I mentioned before, we do have our own ways of escaping in case things go south. That''s why I''m not that concerned about entering the valley to look for the Masput Rocks. However, our methods don''t include you in the mix. If we really are surrounded by the Lakure Race for some reason, we won''t be able to help you escape at all."


    Well, they could obviously bring Wano into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. However, that would be the same as revealing their own secrets. They would obviously avoid such a thing.


    Wano pondered for a bit about the risks of entering the valley. First of all, he didn''t even need Masput Rocks to start with. He just wanted to give it a try and see if Rean''s methods really worked to deceive the Lakure Race members.


    "Hmm... That would be an unnecessary risk. However, I don''t want to lose the show either."


    After a few moments, Wano finally decided.


    "Alright. I''m going with you anyway since I want to check the valley as well. As for whatever would happen after that, you can simply prioritize yourselves. It''s not like I don''t have my own ways of escaping anyway."


    Wano then looked at Kentucky.


    *Chick?*


    "What will you do about the demon bird? I don''t think you can disguise it as a Lakure Race member either."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "I''ll simply leave it back in the cave inside the concealing formations. It should be safe until we come back."


    Wano nodded, not minding it too much. As for Malaka, Calina, and Roan, they knew very well that Kentucky would simply enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and stay there.


    After returning to their cave, they used three more weeks before going out again. Sure enough, Rean''s group arrived outside while Kentucky was nowhere to be seen. In Wano''s mind, he thought Rean locked the bird inside his cave where the concealment formation was located. However, Kentucky was inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Sana was over three years old now. She was a very energetic girl, so Rean left Kentucky to play with her in the meantime.


    "Alright, let''s go."


    Meanwhile, somewhere far away from the valley, the groups that had entered the Natural Formation with Rean''s group were gathered together. That also included the Dalamu Sect.


    "It''s been over three years inside this place already. However, none of the Lakure Race members have come out looking for us. In the end, spreading our forces was quite useless."


    The one talking was Erbec, the Soul Forging Realm cultivator from Jialin Family.


    "Have you guys tried to go out of the formation?"


    Everyone nodded. Sure enough, they tried to find an opening these last three years.


    "Unfortunately, there''s no progress. This formation is tightly sealed, with no way of going out."


    "Same thing here. Be it ground or air, the dome has no flaws whatsoever."


    "My Guntao Country''s forces didn''t find anything either."


    Tiria then added.


    "I did notice something, though."


    Immediately, everyone''s attention focused on her.


    "What is it?"


    Tiria then pointed at the natural formation barrier before saying.


    "Can''t you see it? Think about how much energy there was in the barrier when we first entered it. The barrier now seems to be a little duller than before."


    Immediately, everyone looked in the barrier''s direction. Sure enough, they had to admit that Tiria was right.


    "It can only mean one thing, the Formation Core''s energy is being used up more quickly."


    Juvian, who was beside Tiria, nodded in response.


    "Exactly. Also, I don''t think the people outside would just look and wait for the barrier to run out of energy. When we were checking the barrier for a way out, we noticed that several places were attracting more energy than others. If we''re not mistaken, the experts outside are attacking it without taking a break."


    The Lagan Sect''s leader, Galo, immediately confirmed that.


    "I also noticed the same thing. Since the Dalamu Sect has reached the same conclusion, that''s most likely the case."


    "The time here passes around much faster, up to ten times more or less. We already spent three years and two months since we entered this place. That means almost four months had gone by outside. The Sasamil Empire''s experts should have arrived a long time ago. They should also be the ones who initiated the attacks on the natural formation."


    Suan Foil, the Soul Forging Realm of the Guntao Country Forces, then looked at everyone.


    "So, what do you all plan to do? Are we going to simply wait until they finish breaking the barrier from outside? We haven''t found anything that can be of use ever since we came here. Isn''t that way too humiliating?"


    Tiria didn''t care about Suan''s feelings, though.


    "It doesn''t matter. You know very well the strength of the experts inside the valley. They don''t have just one or two Soul Forging Realm experts. We captured a few of their low-level members to interrogate. I''m pretty sure you did the same thing as well. That being said, you should know that they have multiple Soul Forging Realm ones and even Saint Realm experts. If you want to go there and try something, then you better go by yourself."


    Some of the cultivators around nodded in response. However, there were also those who agreed with Suan.


    Suan then offered.


    "I''m not saying we should try to head there like it''s suicide because of honor. Instead... Can''t we try to negotiate with them?"


    Erbec narrowed his eyes as he said.


    "Negotiate? They attacked us as soon as we meet up. Can a negotiation even take place?"


    Suan shrugged his shoulders as he responded.


    "Perhaps? At the very least, we haven''t tried ever since that battle."


    Everyone pondered over it. If possible, it would be good if they could at least talk about it.

 Chapter 521 - Being Called To Help

    When Rean''s group began to get closer to the valley again, they stopped so Rean could change their appearances. Soon, the fake red meridians appeared on everyone''s bodies. Not long after, they made sure that they ran Spiritual Energy inside them. Of course, as Rean did in the past, he could also change how they looked like. So not only did they have the red meridians, but their faces and builds were very different as well.


    There was only one thing that Rean couldn''t do anything about, the fact that his ability changed the color of everyone''s hair to snow-white. Well, that wasn''t really an issue. They had a lot of material to use on Calina. After all, she always showed black hair to everyone while she was, in fact, blond.


    Roan, of course, took over the tasks and made sure that everyone''s hair looked very different from what the Lakure Race members knew. Still, there was one thing that Wano couldn''t understand.


    ''Just where the hell did they get these things? Did they go to the abandoned cities while I wasn''t looking and took these things? But... How come I didn''t notice them carrying it up to this point?''


    Naturally, these materials were inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    Roan quickly finished dying their hairs and changing their styles. Sure enough, it became as believable as what he did with Calina back then.


    "Well, let''s first try it out."


    Instead of heading straight to the valley, Rean''s group decided to approach one of the outside groups patrolling the region. As one could expect, Rean didn''t use his Spiritual Sense and Light bending skill this time. When the enemy''s Core and Soul Fusion noticed five cultivators in his Spiritual Sense, the entire group became ready to battle.


    However, all he saw was five members of his own race approaching.


    "Hmm? What are you doing here? This region was supposed to be ours to check, you know?"


    Although their appearances were different, their cultivations were still the same. That being said, Wano was seen as the leader of Rean''s group. Well, Wano had never felt like he had a low position to start with.


    "Sorry, sorry. We just came out of the valley for the first time, so we got a little lost. It''s not like other teams didn''t have this problem before."


    The leader on the other side nodded.


    "I see. You guys have just arrived from the teleport formation, right? You''re quite lucky, then. There are way more of our race members down there in the underground world than here on the surface. Because of the seal on the underground world, we can only bring a few of them every day."


    Wano smiled before sighing.


    "I know, right? It was quite hard to wait until my time came. Anyway, we''re heading back to the valley. Sorry for disturbing you."


    The man didn''t suspect Rean''s group identity even for a second. That''s because they had never heard about anyone posing as a Lakure Race member. Obviously, that''s because one shouldn''t be able to fake their special meridians. When he saw that Spiritual Energy was running through the ''meridians'' on Rean''s group, he already determined that they were the real deal.


    Well, he couldn''t be blamed. After all, who can do something like what Rean did to their bodies? It''s not like no one can do that with their bodies. However, what are the chances of finding a group of five, all disguising themselves with fake meridians? That seemed ridiculous.


    Of course, Rean''s group wasn''t overconfident. Roan made sure that they tested it a few more times with other groups. However, none of them seemed to be able to recognize them as fake. Only then did he agree to have all of them entering the valley.


    However, just as they were about to enter the valley, they saw a commotion ahead. Suddenly, there were multiple Lakure Race cultivators running in their direction at full speed.


    ''Shit!''


    Their group turned around to flee straight away. However, Rean and Roan suddenly noticed that something was off.


    ''Wait! There''s no killing intent directed at us.''


    Immediately, they noticed that something wasn''t right and sent Malaka, Calina, and Wano a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Don''t run. Wait and see what''s happening.''


    Malaka and Calina nodded in response. However, Wano couldn''t help but feel a little nervous. After all, he didn''t have the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm like Rean and Roan, nor did he know it existed. He would have to rely on himself to run away. If he really waited, it would make things more difficult for him later. However, the twins had been right all this time, so he decided to give it a shot and didn''t run.


    Sure enough, the Lakure Race members passed by them, running by them as if they didn''t even exist. It looked like that their target was something completely different.


    Rean''s group mentally sighed in relief and waited for everyone to pass while showing a puzzled expression. In any case, they didn''t care about that. They only wanted to enter the valley to look for Masput Rocks.


    However, they were not given a chance to do so. A man suddenly stopped midair as he looked at Rean''s group in the middle of the pack.


    "You five, come with us as well. The humans'' cultivators appeared again. Be ready to fight at any moment."


    The mouths of Rean''s group twitched in response. Of course, they knew very well that the other powers had entered the natural formation. However, they had never met each other all this time. After all, they stayed close to the valley while the others stayed far away from it. However, just when they finally decided to enter the valley, those guys decided to come out as well. What kind of luck was that?


    Unfortunately, they couldn''t refuse the order. After all, it was obvious that the guy in front of them was in the Nascent Soul Realm. Not only that, but quite a few more Lakure Race cultivators passed flying above him while not bothering to hide their cultivation at all. Rean''s group could tell that not only were there Nascent Soul Realm cultivators between them, but there were also Soul Forging Realm cultivators. If there was anything good in this development, it was the fact that no one seemed to find anything different in Rean''s group.


    Still, Wano decided to give it a try.


    "Senior. We just came back from the underground world and finished our patrolling. Do we really need to go as well?"


    However, that only made the man in front of them show a dark expression.


    "Are you telling that you''re afraid of fighting the humans? You? A Lakure Race member? How the hell did you obtain the chance to come out of the underground world?"


    Wano bitterly smiled when he heard that. It seemed like he stepped on a mine.


    However, Rean quickly came to his rescue.


    "That''s definitely not it, senior. It''s just that the poison in our brother''s body began to act recently, so he can''t display his full power. He doesn''t want to drag the rest of the race down because of his poison."


    Finally, the Nascent Soul expert relaxed his expression. The poison acting up was something that every Lakure Race member was used to. Rean found about it while healing the Lakure Race members in the past two years. Unfortunately, it couldn''t be avoided and happened every now and then. During that time, their combat ability would indeed drop a little due to the poison''s pain. Obviously, the man in front of Rean''s group was no exception.


    "I understand. However, we need as many members as possible. Just grit your teeth and follow us. We are planning to wipe them out in a single go now that they finally got close to the valley."


    Without any other choice, Rean''s group nodded and immediately turned around. They could only follow the other members and see what would happen. Of course, Rean''s group also thought that they might find a chance to escape this problem.


    On their way back, Rean took the chance to send a Spiritual Sense message to one of the Lakure people running with them.


    ''Brother, what do you know about this group of humans? We just came out of the underground world, so we''re oblivious to the situation. Are we going into an all-out war against the humans?''


    The guy didn''t find it strange. Every day, a new batch of their race would come out of the teleport formation, after all.


    ''The situation is not like what you probably think. I was here ever since we decided to show our presence. At first, that''s what everyone thought. We even wiped out the cities that were caught in the natural formation. However, there has been a recent rumor that our ancestor is planning to negotiate.''


    Rean''s eyes lit up.


    ''Oh! And why is that?''


    The guy shook his head.


    ''There are a lot of things going on, so I''m not entirely sure. I''ll tell you what I''ve heard. For example, there was an order that Nascent Soul Realm and above warriors of our race can''t attack those at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm and below. The ancestor wanted the things inside here to be fairer to both sides. I don''t know why, though. There is also the Fat Bird Group''s appearance, which is healing everyone''s poisons after beating them up. Last but not least, there''s even a rumor that what we think happened in the past is different from the truth. That humans were not really completely at fault about the sealing.''


    Rean and the guy then conversed through Spiritual Sense for half a minute. After all, Spiritual Sense messages were instantaneous, so it only took this long.


    Still, Rean was surprised to hear about everything that was happening. He didn''t expect that his poison healing plan would work that well either. The question was what they should do with that information.

 Chapter 522 - Negotiations

    Rean then told the rest of his group what he heard. Of course, Roan heard everything first through the twins'' soul connection.


    ''I didn''t expect that my words would spread this much. For this guy to talk about all of that without being afraid of being exposed can only mean that everyone knows about that already.''


    Roan nodded in response.


    ''In any case, that was our objective from the very start. The Lakure Race is still united about protecting themselves. However, their opinions are now diverging from each other. At the very least, there might be a chance of them not going all out, killing everyone they see after the natural formation deactivates.''


    Calina was more worried about the situation at hand, though.


    ''Still, what do we do about the sects and the royal family powers? Are we going to attack them as well to keep our covers?''


    Malaka immediately shook her head in response.


    ''I''m definitely not doing that.''


    Rean agreed with her as he said.


    ''Of course, we won''t do that. However, it feels strange. The sects and the royal family should know the difference in power between them and the Lakure Race. Still, they came to this place.''


    Roan nodded as he added.


    ''Indeed. I don''t think they came to buy a fight with the Lakure Race. Let''s get there first. After that, we can check what is happening and decide what to do after.''


    It didn''t take too long for them to arrive in the place where both sides were gathered. Sure enough, the number of Lakure Race members was much higher than the sects and royal family. However, the secs and royal family didn''t bring any members at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm and below. There was only the Nascent Soul Realm and Soul Forging Realm cultivators. Of course, the number of high-level cultivators of the Lakure Race was definitely superior.


    From the looks of it, a battle hadn''t started yet. Both sides just looked at each other without doing anything.


    Rean couldn''t help but say.


    ''The Lakure Race members have the advantage. However, their numbers wouldn''t be enough to stop the sects and royal family''s powers from escaping. That''s why they''re in this stalemate.''


    Wano agreed with Rean.


    ''That''s correct. However, there are more members of the Lakure Race coming here as well. It''s just that our presence has now become somewhat useless. After all, Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators and below can''t do much in a battle of high-level cultivators.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Indeed. The Lakure Race probably called us over because they thought the sects and royal family''s powers would bring their middle and low-level cultivators as well. However, I''m seeing a few strange faces on their side as well. There are a few people who aren''t from our Jialin Country.''


    Wano recognized them.


    ''I know who they are. I''ve been to their country a few weeks before I came to the valley��those are the members of the Guntao Country.''


    Rean''s group then continued to observe, waiting to see what they would do.


    On the Jialin and Guntao Country''s side, Erbec and Suan came forward after seeing that enough Lakure Race members had gathered. They seemed to have been waiting for that exact moment. Suan then looked at Erbec and allowed him to do the talking.


    "I''m Erbec Jialin, a direct descendant of the Jialin Bloodline of the Jialin Country. This one beside me is an expert of the Guntao Country, a place nearby my Jialin. Is it possible to have some words with the leader of your group?"


    Rean''s group nodded when they heard that. Sure enough, the two countries didn''t come here to fight.


    The Lakure Race Nascent Soul and above realm experts looked at each other. If it was three years ago, they would have started the attack already. Even if they knew Jialin and Guntao could escape, they wouldn''t have cared. However, ever since they got the order given by their ancestor and what they''ve heard from Rean, many doubts have appeared in their minds.


    There was also a good thing for Jialin and Guntao. Jana gave an order that no Saint Realm cultivator of their race should leave their ancestor''s side. That said, Jana, Xila, and the others stayed inside the valley. Only a few of the Soul Forging Realm and a bunch of Nascent Soul Realm cultivators came out.


    "What do we do? Should we attack or talk?"


    "Is there even a need to ask? We should have started to attack already!"


    "Don''t be ridiculous. You should have understood that the ancestor doesn''t wish us to fight, right?"


    "Then, what? Should we forget everything they did to us and pretend to be friends?"


    "Didn''t you hear what the white-haired brat said in the past? Are you really not in doubt whether he was right or wrong?"


    "Indeed. In fact, wouldn''t it be better if we can bring our race out without having to sacrifice anyone?"


    "Bullshit! Do you really believe what that brat said?"


    "So what if it is bullshit? Are you saying that it''s a good thing to have many of our members dying for an act of revenge that might be wrong?"


    The Lakure Race''s high-level experts were quite divided in their opinions. However, they really couldn''t start a battle against the Jialin and Guntao''s forces if only half of them wanted to fight. In the end, both diverging sides agreed to at least hear what the humans had to say even though the fighting group wasn''t too happy with it.


    Three Lakure Race people stepped forward. It was one woman and two men, all in the Soul Forging Realm as well. Two of them were part of the not-fighting group, while the one who would talk was part of the ''kill them all'' group. That''s the agreement that both sides reached to speak with the Jialin and Guntao Country''s forces. The man in the center then looked at Erbec and Suan before he said.


    "I''m Gal Lamik. Speak what you wish to talk about. Many of us want to rip your group to shreds, so be careful about what you say."


    Erbec and Suan sighed in relief. The most stressful moment was whether these guys wished to talk or not. If they attacked straight away, everyone on their side could only turn around and run again.


    "Thank you for listening to us. The fact is, we don''t know much about your group other than what we heard from your low-level members. We did get information that you are from the Lakure Race, a race that walked on this land thousands of years ago before being sealed."


    "However, we have absolutely no idea why that happened. Some of our leaders outside might know something, but even they weren''t alive during that time either. That being said, we wish to know if there''s no way we can reach an agreement. You Lakure Race people obviously have the power to become a huge problem to all the countries around and even the Sasamil Empire. If possible, we would like to avoid it."


    Gal snorted after hearing that.


    "And why should we trust you? Have you forgotten that we''ve already wiped out seven of your cities? Of course, that isn''t even close to what you''ve made us pass through during all these years in the underground world. So don''t expect us to regret what we''ve done."


    Erbec nodded in response. The fact was that only one of the cities was in the Jialin Country''s territory. The rest was in the Qerlen country or the other borders. Guntao was even further away, so they weren''t affected to start with. Suppose he could prevent a war from starting at the Jialin Country''s doorsteps. In that case, his Jialin Family could definitely let it go. After all, a conflict between the Sasamil Empire and these guys was bound to bring their Jialin country down with them. He had to prevent that at any cost.


    "I understand. If we were in your shoes, we would also be enraged after so many years sealed in such a place. That''s why we don''t blame you for what happened, nor do we wish to take revenge for it. The fact that we can at least talk now is proof that we can definitely reach an agreement, don''t you think?"


    Gal narrowed his eyes after hearing that. He expected that they would definitely complain about the cities. From the looks of it, they might really be able to talk. Of course, Gal was part of the ones who wanted to initiate an attack, so he wasn''t happy that they easily ignored his provocation. As long as the other side''s attack went a little overboard, they would have an excuse to kill. Obviously, that didn''t happen.


    In the end, as much as he hated it, he could only ask.


    "What do you propose?"


    Erbec and Suan sighed in relief.


    "We understand that what your group wishes to have the chance to live on the surface again. I won''t be a hypocrite and say that we can give you all the world back. After all, this world is the place we were born on too. The people who participated in the event that sealed your race down there are all dead now."


    "That said, I''m sure we can at least reach an agreement of allocating an area big enough for your race to live on. In fact, it might be even better for both races to simply live together and share the land."


    There was another reason Erbec wished such a thing. As a high-level member of the Jialin Royal Family, he knew a little about the Sasamil Empire and Chrole Empire''s situation. Especially since Mia went out to discuss this problem with them as well. This was really a terrible moment to start a fight against the Lakure Race.

 Chapter 523 - One Condition

    Those who were in doubt whether to fight or not had their doubts intensified. As for the ones who wished to fight, doubt began to sprout in their minds as well.


    Gal then looked at Erbec before asking.


    "And can a simple Soul Forging Realm cultivator of a small country like Jialin really make such promises?"


    Sure enough, that question came out. However, Erbec and Suan were waiting for that already.


    "I can''t. However, I can at least guarantee that we won''t fall into a war against each other right from the get-go. Also, I can pretty much guarantee you one thing. The chances are that the Sasamil Empire will not opt for a war and will suppress any thoughts of revenge because of the cities."


    Gal couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why do I feel like there''s some problem behind all of this? The Sasamil Empire we knew about shouldn''t be this passive."


    Erbec nodded in response.


    "You''re right. The Sasamil Empire wouldn''t take things easily in the past, but it has no other choice but to do so right now. Simply put, you guys chose the best time possible to come out."


    Gal narrowed his eyes after hearing that. Seeing everyone''s expressions, he knew that this place would not become a war place anymore. However, just as he was about to order everyone to go back to the valley, a voice echoed in everyone''s minds.


    "There''s no need for you all to listen to the human''s bullshit! Whatever the reason might be that got us down there, the humans can''t be forgiven! Since they came to our doorsteps, let me send them to the next world!"


    All of a sudden, an enormous Spiritual Pressure came out and assaulted the Jialin and Guntao forces. The Nascent Soul Realm cultivators could barely keep afloat while Erbec and Suan''s expression showed a hint of fear.


    "Saint Realm!"


    Gal looked behind and immediately saw the figure approaching them.


    "Elder Xila!"


    He thought that it was weird. Xila was not supposed to come out of the valley, so why did he come out? However, he was happy about that. If Xila got rid of the humans, they would have the fight that he wanted.


    Erbec and Suan immediately turned around before saying.


    "All of you, run!"


    However, Xila snorted after hearing that.


    "Do you think you can run? Dream on!"


    Xila increased his Spiritual Pressure, making it hard for any of the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators to move. Even Erbec and Suan were having some difficulties.


    Erbec and Suan tried to use their own Spiritual Energy to alleviate the pressure on the others while they retreated. However, the opponent was a Saint Realm expert. There was little they could do about it.


    Xila arrived at their position in a flash. Behind him, the ones who also wished for war followed, ready to help him strike the humans down. Except for Xila, who wasn''t supposed to be here, everyone else wasn''t doing anything wrong. After all, the rules were that the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators and above couldn''t attack Core and Soul Fusion Realm and below. The opponents were all in the Nascent Soul Realm at least, so they could strike without fear.


    Rean''s group looked at that but didn''t move. They were at most in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. There was simply nothing they could do at their current level to help the Jialin and Guntao Country.


    However, just as Xila was about to kill the first person, a shadow came from behind the cultivators of Jialin and Guntao. It rushed forward with tremendous might as it clashed against Xila had-on!


    *Boom!*


    All the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators from both sides were then sent flying by the attack''s shockwave. Xila then looked at the newcomer as his expression turned dark. However, the other side didn''t seem to care about it.


    "Xila, I knew you wouldn''t be able to hold yourself back. Sure enough, you ignored my orders and came out of the valley to attack these guys."


    Xila snorted at those words as he replied.


    "I only follow the ancestor''s orders, not yours. The ancestor had never said that the Saint Realm experts couldn''t come out of the valley. Am I wrong, Jana?"


    Sure enough, it was Jana who just stopped him and the others.


    "You aren''t wrong about that. However, why did you ignore everything they''ve said? You should know very well since you also visited the ancestor in the past. Negotiation is what he exactly wishes, if possible. Us attacking the other side first is basically us showing that we have the power to do so. Now that they came at us asking to have a negotiation, why must you ruin everything?"


    Xila didn''t care as he continued to answer amidst his rage.


    "Hmph! And what can two puny Soul Forging Realm cultivators do about it? Can they really negotiate under the Sasamil Empire''s name? It might as well be nothing more than a trap. That said, let''s just kill them all and wait for the ones who really have some decisive power after the ancestor gets free."


    Jana could see behind Xila''s intentions. It had nothing to do with the prevention of falling for traps. He just wanted to kill the humans until he couldn''t anymore. If they simply negotiated and no battle came out of it, his own hatred wouldn''t be quelled. Well, it''s not like Jana couldn''t understand him. After all, she was also refraining from killing the humans because of the ancestor''s order. That''s all.


    "Enough! Whether they can do it or not, we will know once the ancestor is out. From now on, I''ll be the one negotiating with them. If you have any complaints, go back to the valley and talk to the ancestor. I''m pretty sure he will back up my decision."


    Xila was fuming, but he knew that Jana was right.


    "Are you telling me to simply ignore everything, then?"


    Jana shook her head.


    "I''m telling you to think about the Lakure Race''s survivor. Sure, we are strong! Sure, the ancestor definitely has the power to shake the world on his own. However, we are far, far below the human in numbers. If we really push it, we will be exterminated instead. Is that what you want? Make our race go extinct just so you can have your revenge?"


    Jana then sighed before saying.


    "Xila, we have known each other for so long already. Do you really think I''m happy with this negotiation thing? Do you really think I hate the humans less than you do? I''m only doing it for our race, that''s all. If I can, I''m sure you can as well."


    Xila looked deeply at Jana as the area went silent for a few moments. No one said anything as they waited for Xila''s decision.


    "Fuck! If not for that dammed brat talking too much those years ago, it wouldn''t have turned out like this. Also, I really hate this side of yours."


    Jana smiled, not minding it at all.


    "It''s because I''m a lot more cool-headed than you that I got to attend the ancestor up to this point."


    Xila didn''t try to deny that.


    "True. However, don''t think that I''ve already given up. If I see as much as a small problem with whatever happens in this negotiation, I won''t hold back anymore."


    Jana nodded, satisfied.


    "Very well."


    She then looked at Erbec and Suan''s groups before saying with a cold expression.


    "Now, then. Let''s continue from where we stopped before. I''ll be taking the role of initial negotiator here. Of course, this will have to be backed by your own powers'' leaders like the Sasamil Family''s experts. At that time, our ancestor will be the one to talk as well."


    Erbec and Suan looked at each other and sighed in relief. They had truly avoided a calamity.


    "We have no problem with that, Senior Jana. We are also just acting as initial negotiators. Since we don''t have a way to get out of the natural formation, that''s the most we can do."


    Jana nodded.


    "I''ll tell you what the initial plan of our race was at first. It should go as no surprise to you that the natural formation won''t operate forever. Once it''s gone, we would spread out and attack the surrounding countries to display our power. Only then would the Sasamil Family pay attention to us."


    "Our ancestor is more than strong enough to give a lot of trouble for your Sasamil Empire. Even Yulian, your actual emperor, would have to be respectful in front of him. After showing his presence by conquering all the surrounding countries, the Sasamil Family would have no other choice but to negotiate. At the same time, our Lakure Race members would have the chance to have the revenge they wanted so much."


    "However, you said something that has piqued my interest. What do you mean by us choosing a very good moment to come out? It seems like it will be a lot easier to start a negotiation because of that."


    Erbec and Suan nodded in response. They already agreed to talk about this anyway.


    "Be aware that this is all unofficial. Many of the Sasamil Empire and the Chrole Empire''s countries have no idea about it yet. In any case, it goes like this..."


    They went through everything as thoroughly as possible before using Spiritual Sense messages to explain the situation to the high-level cultivators of the Lakure Race, including Xila.


    Jana was taken aback by what she heard.


    "So the Sasamil Empire already has to be ready for another war, so they can''t use their resources on us."


    Of course, that didn''t mean Jana believed what Erbec and Suan said. It was then that she had an idea.


    "I''m not sure if you are telling the truth, so I have a condition if you want to keep this status quo until this negotiation happens with the others outside."


    Immediately, Xila''s eyebrow raised in response. He understood what Jana wanted.


    Erbec and Suan nodded before asking.


    "What condition?"


    Jana smiled as she said.


    "Give me the white and black-haired twins."

 Chapter 524 - Lets See What You Can Do

    Rean and Roan''s mouths twitched in response. Little did Jana know that they were right in the middle of her own people, looking as she gave that weird condition. However, there was a problem...the sects and the royal family didn''t even know that Rean''s group is there.


    Sure enough, Erbec and the others looked at each other, slightly confused.


    "White and black-haired twins? Was there such a duo in our groups?"


    "No idea. The only ones I know that match this description are the twins from the Dalamu Sect."


    Tiria and Juvian nodded in response. They also thought about Rean and Roan when they heard that request.


    "Indeed. However, you all know that we didn''t bring those two with us. They''re supposed to be outside."


    Erbec and the others nodded once more. Except for the Guntao Country''s forces, they all came inside the barrier together. They also remember very well that the twins didn''t become a part of the exploring groups.


    Suan, of course, was even more puzzled.


    "Who are those twins she''s talking about?"


    Tiria then gave him a short description of the twins according to what everyone already knew through a Spiritual Sense message.


    "What? Light and Dark Element? That''s indeed not something you see every day."


    Jana was listening to the conversation between the experts of Jialin and Guntao before saying.


    "Those are the exact ones. Just bring them out, and we will have a deal."


    Everyone then looked at Tiria and Juvian, prompting Juvian to say.


    "Don''t look at us. We didn''t even know they came inside the Natural Formation. How do you expect us to know where they are? First of all, why should my sect sacrifice its own members for that?"


    Jana narrowed her eyes after hearing that.


    "Is this some kind of joke? Do you think I will believe that none of you know about them?"


    Tiria felt helpless.


    "But we really don''t know where they are. We don''t even know if the people you are talking about are the same as my sect''s. Of course, considering your description of Light and Dark Element, I can conclude that it could only be them. Still, I can''t give you them if I don''t know where they are. Besides, it''s not like I would give them to you anyway. You might not know this, but both those twins are extremely important for our Dalamu Sect."


    Erbec felt even more helpless. He knew that Rean was married to an Imperial Family member. Naturally, he didn''t know if it was a good thing to offer the twins, even if he knew where they were. He also took the opportunity to explain to Suan and his Guntao Country''s forces about that same marriage.


    Sure enough, Suan''s expression turned weird. If it was just anyone, it would be a worthy trade. However, he wouldn''t be idiotic enough to trade a Sasamil Family member to the enemy side.


    Nonetheless, Jana''s expression turned dark after hearing all that. From the looks of it, the twins have some kind of delicate status in the Sasamil Empire. However...


    "I don''t care as to who they are. If you don''t give me an answer right now, I will have to force it out of you."


    Finally, Xila felt satisfied with something Jana said.


    "I can definitely help you out with this."


    Erbec immediately tried to solve the situation.


    "Senior Jana. I can''t say that we would give the twins to you if they were here. However, the fact is that none of us even knew that they had come inside the natural Formation. It will be pointless to attack us since we don''t have the answer you seek."


    Rean''s group, who observed everything from below, discussed the things they were seeing.


    ''Things don''t look well for the Jialin and Guntao Country forces.''


    Roan nodded as he said.


    ''Indeed. We might need to intervene if we want to stop this.''


    Wano looked at the two, slightly perplexed.


    ''And how do you expect to do that? You can''t think of surrendering yourselves just so that you can stop both sides, right?''


    Rean and Roan shrugged their shoulders in response. They weren''t too much worried about escaping. The issue would be Wano alone. After all, they could bring Calina and Malaka into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm before pretending to surrender. However, Wano would need to take care of himself.


    Roan then looked at Wano before asking.


    ''How confident are you from escaping here?''


    Wano let out a bit of cold sweat when he heard that Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Are you kidding? There are two Saint Realm experts here! First of all, I wouldn''t be confident even if they were Soul Forging Realm cultivators.''


    Roan nodded as he said.


    ''The problem is because the others saw you walking with us. If we do surrender, they will pay attention to you and the two girls.''


    Wano couldn''t help but ask.


    ''And why would you surrender? Shouldn''t you put your own lives above everything else?''


    Rean agreed with him.


    ''Of course, we put our lives above everything else. It''s just that we are confident we can escape anytime we want. Unlike you, we really aren''t afraid of being captured by them. Besides, it''s obvious what they want. They need me to continue healing their poisons. In a certain way, that''s what we exactly wanted.''


    Wano felt surprise every time he heard that the twins could leave wherever they wanted. However, he quickly calmed down before saying.


    ''Alright. I do have a way out. But what about Illia and Malaka?''


    ''Don''t worry, they''ll be safe. However, don''t take things the wrong way. We aren''t saying that we''ll just surrender to them. Perhaps, there''s no need for you to use your method. Well, you should gradually get far away from us so that you can have a distance advantage in case things go south.''


    Wano nodded before taking out a blue pendant out of his bag. However, the moment Calina saw that thing, her eyes widened.


    ''Yo-you! You''re a member of the Sasamil Imperial Family!''


    Rean, Roan, and Malaka immediately looked at the pendant on Wano''s hands. Sure enough, it looked pretty much like Calina''s pendant, the same one they had been keeping inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. However, this one wasn''t just made to be a way of identifying someone. Rean could tell through his senses that the pendant had accumulated a lot of power.


    Wano then looked at Illia, surprised.


    ''Oh! It seems like you know this pendant quite well.''


    In an instant, Calina understood why she felt somewhat familiar with Wano''s skills. That''s because they were close to the skills used by the Sasamil Family''s members. It''s just that Wano had modified them quite a lot so that others couldn''t see through it.


    Roan then looked at Wano.


    ''We have seen them in the past, indeed. Can you see this white-haired idiot here? He''s married to a Sasamil Imperial Family member called Qia. She has a pendant with the Sasamil Family''s emblem, just like yours.''


    Wano was finally taken aback by those words.


    ''I see! I''ve been out of the capital for a long time. However, I heard about the marriage between the Fifth Granduncle''s granddaughter and the Communication System creator''s disciple. So Rean was that disciple, huh? Now everything makes sense.''


    Rean nodded as well.


    ''Everything makes sense for us as well. No wonder you can fight two or more stages above your level. With the Sasamil Family''s resources and skills, it goes without saying that you''re above everyone else. No, you''re even better than that. It seems like you''re a genius even between the family members.''


    Malaka then thought about something.


    ''Wait! In that case, your name isn''t Wano, right? I won''t say I know every single Imperial Family member since there''s a lot of them. Still, you called the Fifth Prince as your granduncle. Obviously, you are quite far above the bloodline tree. I doubt I wouldn''t have heard about someone called Wano with such a close connection with the Emperor.''


    Everyone nodded, especially Calina. She was sure that none of the Emperor''s sons and daughters didn''t have a grandchild called Wano.


    Wano smiled as he looked at the situation of the negotiation.


    ''Although we are using Spiritual Sense to talk, the fact is that we don''t have much time to start with. What about we talk more about it once you guys finish dealing with the Lakures and humans?''


    Roan agreed with Wano.


    ''He''s right. Wano, if you need to escape, you can meet up with us again in the cave. As for Malaka and Illia...''


    Roan then looked around. To be safe, their group stayed at the very end of the queue, far behind the action ahead. Because of what was happening with the negotiation, no one was paying attention to them either. That was just perfect for the twins and the girls.


    Wano looked at the girls, thinking about what the twins would do with them when all of a sudden, the girls disappeared right in front of his eyes.


    "Wh-"


    Immediately, he closed his mouth before he shouted. Still, the shook on his face couldn''t be faked. He simply couldn''t understand how the two girls disappeared like that.


    ''What was that? Did you teleport them away? However, there''s no teleport formation anywhere here.''


    Rean nodded, satisfied. Wano was indeed the only one who noticed when Calina and Malaka disappeared. The rest simply couldn''t waste their time looking in their direction due to the things ahead.


    ''You aren''t wrong. We did teleport Illia and Malaka away. However, the way we did it is a bit of a secret.''


    Wano then took a deep breath and calmed down. Now he understood why the twins weren''t afraid of being captured even if they surrendered.


    ''Whatever, we can talk more about it later. Let''s see what you can do.''

 Chapter 525 - Live Together

    Tiria insisted that she really didn''t know where the twins were located. Erbec and Suan also did their best to try to alleviate the situation. However, neither Jana and obviously Xila weren''t having it. Both of them didn''t believe that these humans didn''t know about the twins after three years.


    However, just as Jana and Xila were about to force their hands, a voice came from behind the Lakure Race crowd.


    "Hey, is there really a need for such an uproar? Come on, let''s all be friends!"


    Everyone''s attention was instantly fixated on those Lakure Race members who made their way in the middle of the crowd.


    Xila and Jana, obviously, couldn''t believe that such low-level subordinates like those two would intervene in this discussion.


    "How dare you open your mouth? Even if you''re part of our race, I won''t spare you if you spill another world."


    Sure enough, Xila was the first one to rebuke those two newcomers. He looked at them with his Spiritual Sense and didn''t see anything wrong. However, that only made him angrier since it went against his wishes, especially when Lakure Race members said that.


    However, those two Lakure Race members didn''t seem to care about Xila''s anger at all.


    "Hmph! What are you talking about, old geezer? You were talking about the two of us up to this point, so how come we can''t talk about it?"


    As one could imagine, they were Rean and Roan... with their Lakure Race transformation still activated.


    Jana narrowed her eyes. As far as she could see, those two were perfect members of the Lakure Race, so how were they talking about them? However, it was then that something incredible happened in front of everyone. Rean and Roan''s bodies shone with Light Element. Following that, the ''red meridians'' over their bodies began to disappear. Finally, their appearance went back to normal.


    "What?!"


    Be it the Lakure Race or the humans, all of them were taken aback. If they didn''t see it with their own eyes, they wouldn''t believe what just happened.


    "You!"


    Rean laughed, not minding everyone''s look at all.


    "Sorry, sorry. I guess it was too much of a surprise to you guys."


    Tiria couldn''t help but ask.


    "Rean, Roan, just what the hell are you two doing here? You were supposed to be outside."


    Roan shrugged his shoulders.


    "Does it matter right now? If we didn''t appear, Jana and the old geezer would have attacked you."


    Xila''s expression became darker the more Roan insulted him. However, he quickly calmed down since more important matters were at hand.


    "So you decided to sacrifice yourselves to save this negotiation between the two sides? How honorable..."


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    "Sacrifice? Who said that? We came here with an offer."


    Erbec and Suan looked at each other. However, it was true that they weren''t the ones who handed Rean over, so this situation wasn''t bad for them and their backgrounds. Naturally, the twins were the key to this negotiation.


    "Rean, Roan. In the name of the Jialin Family, I thank you for coming out to help."


    The twins didn''t care too much about the other powers, only Dalamu. Well, it wouldn''t be a bad thing to have the Jialin Royal Family owing them a favor.


    "No problem."


    Jana then calmed down as well.


    "How did you disguise as members of the Lakure Race?"


    Indeed, that was the main question at the moment.


    "Oh, that''s simple. As long as you''re born with an affinity towards the Light Element, you will be able to do this much."


    Born with Light Element affinity? Everyone felt like Rean was crazy. He was basically the only person who was born with Light Element affinity that they know about. Of course, only the Jialin and Guntao Countries thought that way. For the Lakure Race, that was the first time they heard about someone born with Light Element affinity. So far, they always thought that Rean was using Yang Energy to control Light Element instead.


    "Is what he said true?"


    Tiria nodded.


    "Yes. Rean and Roan were born with Light and Dark Element affinities."


    She didn''t want to comply, but now that Rean had already revealed that, it would be useless to deny the truth.


    Jana pondered for a bit before she disappeared. In the very next second, she was already in front of the twins.


    "You heard the condition. If you want this negotiation to proceed, you better follow our orders."


    Roan faintly smiled at those words.


    "That''s fine. However, you better understand one thing. We are not your prisoners or anything like that. We are only doing this so that this situation can be resolved without a war. If we want to leave, we will leave."


    Xila snorted at them.


    "Back then, I didn''t notice you two were just clones. However, don''t think you will be able to escape my senses anymore. From now on, you will work day and night, healing everyone''s poisons."


    Jana agreed with him.


    "Xila''s right. As long as you do that, I will guarantee your elder''s safety."


    All of a sudden, all the high-level experts surrounded the Jialin and Guntao Country''s forces. Xila also used his Spiritual Energy pressure to lock them in place. As long as he didn''t try to kill them, Jana wouldn''t intervene.


    The reason Jana and Xila did that was that they didn''t know how the twins escaped last time. With that said, instead of capturing them, it would be better to catch those who couldn''t run away.


    Still, Rean and Roan didn''t seem to mind.


    "That''s great!"


    Jana and Xila narrowed their eyes. Why would it be great for them? Roan knew what they were thinking, so he explained.


    "Jana, let a few of the elders leave. I want them to go out and bring back everyone at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm and below. Since you can have them, you might as well take everyone."


    "What?!"


    Both sides were taken aback. The twins wanted their entire forces to surrender? But why? Well, that was a good thing for the Lakure Race... or so they thought.


    "What are you planning to do?"


    Rean smiled before asking.


    "Our conditions are very simple. Let the human cultivators live together with the Lakure Race cultivators for the next few years. As long as they stay in the valley, no one can attack them. Do that, and we agree to work on healing everyone''s poisons."


    Immediately, the entire field went silent.

 Chapter 526 - Almost Crying

    It was then that Jana thought about something.


    "Wait! Are you doing this so that the distance between both races becomes smaller?"


    Rean grinned after hearing that.


    "It''s a good thing that you understand! Aren''t you guys looking to negotiate? Obviously, you''ll have to get used to living with them sooner or later. This natural formation here wherein both sides can''t go out just so happens to be an incredibly beneficial opportunity."


    Xila immediately shook his head in response. He obviously didn''t want the two sides to be amicable with each other at all.


    "Totally out of the question. You will heal everyone while we keep your friends over there locked somewhere far away from us."


    Roan glanced at Xila and said.


    "You''re quite annoying, aren''t you? Can''t you just shut your fucking mouth for a bit? It''s not like no one will forget you''re here."


    Xila almost exploded when he heard that.


    "You...! Do you wanna die?!"


    However, the harsh words weren''t over.


    "Roan, don''t say something like that. When you get as old as poor elder Xila, your mind starts to become muddled. It''s not his fault that he keeps acting like a crippled old man. You need to be more respectful in front of the elderly."


    Roan pretended to think about Rean''s words before nodding.


    "Indeed. At the old geezer''s age, it wouldn''t be a good thing to make his mood go all over the place that often. I don''t want to be held responsible if he gets a stroke."


    "Exactly! He probably can''t even get his little friend up anymore, so acting like that is the only thing he can do now. It''s totally understandable. I would also be mad all the time if I couldn''t do that anymore."


    *pffft*


    Several small chuckles came from everywhere. Some felt that it was ridiculous how Rean and Roan dared to say that in front of Elder Xila''s face. However, it was that courage that made things look funny. Even Elder Xila''s own race members, including a few of the high-level cultivators, had to do their best to try and not laugh there.


    Xila, of course, couldn''t take it anymore.


    "Aggghhhhh! I''ll kill you!"


    He charged at the twins at full speed, his killing intent at its peak.


    ''Titan Strike!''


    Seeing that attack coming in her direction made Jana bitterly smile in response. However, she didn''t try to protect the twins as she immediately jumped back. After all, Xila was truly going all out to get rid of the twins. Trying to stop that attack would be dangerous, even for her.


    Naturally, anyone close to them also got as far away from the two as possible. However, Xila was a Saint Realm expert. Those low-level cultivators from the Lakure Race weren''t as fast as Jana.


    *Boom!*


    Everyone close to the strike was sent flying with varying degrees of injuries on their bodies. Nevertheless, they were pretty lucky to survive since Xila had only targeted the twins.


    Jana, obviously, had an ugly expression when she looked at the aftermath.


    "Xila! Is that how an elder of the Lakure Race should act?"


    "Shut up! They deserve it!"


    However, Rean and Roan''s body, which Xila struck, began to turn into specks of White and Dark light. Sure enough, those were just clones they had created. At the same time, the twins'' voice came from another area filled with the Lakure Race members.


    "See? I told you to be more respectable in front of poor Elder Xila. Look at what you''ve done. Even their fellow Lakure Race members got involved in it."


    In an instant, everyone looked in the direction of the voices. Once again, the Lakure Race members walked out of the group as they looked at Xila and Jana. Not long after, their bodies began to transform once again until finally, they returned to their original appearances.


    "How is that even possible?!"


    Xila couldn''t believe it. This time, he made sure to lock his Spiritual Sense on the twins. As far as he could see, they were the real deal. However, it was obvious that what he attacked just now were clones again. The twins'' clones were simply perfect!


    In actuality, that Rean and Roan had never been the real ones to start with. They used Mirage Assault and controlled the clones from inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. With Sister Orb''s help, it wasn''t anything hard to do. Of course, they wouldn''t be able to do things like a battle with their clones alone. That''s because their connection with the clones was very faint. After all, they weren''t in the same dimension. Not to mention that there was a delay in their response when communicating with them from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. If Rean and Roan really tried to fight someone like that, their clones would be wiped out before they even found out they were attacked.


    Jana then arrived beside Xila before saying.


    "They''re purposely provoking you. However, you''re also at fault here since you always refuse everything. I guess even those kids began to become annoyed with your attitude. Look around."


    Xila was taken aback and finally paid attention to the Lakure Race members that he had injured. Of course, that only made him hate the twins even more. However, just as he was about to accuse the twins that he was being forced to do that, Rean and Roan''s voice came from another direction once more. This time, they were with the injured members of the Lakure Race.


    "Sorry, everyone. That was our fault. We didn''t expect that a Saint Realm expert would act like that. Of course, you don''t need to worry. We will heal you up right away."


    Roan snorted in response to Rean''s words.


    "What are you talking about? We didn''t attack at all. If the old geezer can''t endure a few jokes, how is that our fault?"


    Rean and Roan then put their hands on the shoulders of the Lakure Race members.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    "Of course, it''s our fault. We should have counted Elder Xila''s power before saying that. He''s old. We need to be careful."


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    "Hmph! Then they shouldn''t have made him an elder to start with."


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    "Now, now. That''s not something we can decide on. That''s something for the Lakure Race members to discuss."


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    Rean and Roan walked from member to member while talking with each other. However, they weren''t silent at all, so everyone could hear the content. By now, Elder Xila was already on the verge of crying.

 Chapter 527 - Its Fun Time!

    However, Xila didn''t attack this time. Although this duo were the real ones this time, no one knew that. Besides, they were walking in between the injured Lakure people. If Xila attacked them like the last time, wouldn''t they all die?


    Sure enough, Xila reigned over his anger and didn''t do anything. There were two Reans and two Roans on different sides of the field. Which ones were the real deal? He didn''t know. First of all, are any of the four figures even real?


    Jana sighed as her hand touched Xila''s shoulder.


    "Give up, Elder Xila. They totally have you in the palm of their hands. As long as you can''t tell if they are real or not, you can''t do much."


    Jana then looked at the twins before asking.


    "Rean and Roan, right? Do you think our relationship would become better if you keep acting like that?"


    Roan nodded as he answered.


    "That will depend on you guys. If your entire race acts like Xila, then it would be difficult. However, it seems like only a scant few of you are as hardcore as Xila. From what this test has shown, most of your race is at least considering this option."


    Xila and Jana were taken aback before they looked around. Sure enough, the twins'' actions made it very clear whether a negotiation would be possible or not. In the end, it was all a test... a test that used Elder Xila as the trigger.


    Just a few of the Lakure Race members seemed to be angry with what just happened. The rest had conflicted expressions, and some even looked like they were considering the twins'' words to hold some truth in them.


    Jana then looked at Xila''s fists, which were making sounds nonstop. Xila obviously understood that the twins used his anger to test the field. Not only that, but they also achieved the results they desired.


    Eventually, the twins headed in Xila''s direction, completely unafraid of his power. Rean then smiled at Roan before saying.


    "Let me do the talking this time. Your tone is not very good for negotiations."


    Roan simply nodded. He also knew that he wasn''t the easiest person in the world to talk to. Well, he had no intention of changing anyway.


    Rean looked at Elder Xila, who seemed to be holding back as much as possible to not attack the twins straight away.


    "As far as I can see, this type of negotiation should be done with Jana. After all, she is the one directly connected to this ancestor of yours. However, we won''t get anywhere if you keep acting like this. I definitely wouldn''t feel safe to let my sect members live in the valley with you there either."


    Xila narrowed his eyes as he said.


    "What are you trying to tell me?"


    Rean smiled before asking.


    "This negotiation was supposed to be something beneficial for your Lakure Race''s future. There would be no war, or at least not against Sasamil Empire. I can''t say anything about Sasamil and Chrole since we don''t know what will happen in the future. In any case, the Sasamil and Chrole Empires are mainly composed of humans, so it matters little to you."


    "Why are you so adamant about fighting? Is there, really, really no other way to settle the differences between you and us other than killing each other? Let''s completely forget about who was at fault or not when your Lakure Race was sealed down there. After all, even you can''t guarantee that it was definitely the fault of the human race. Everyone alive at that time is already dead, so you can''t take revenge on the real culprits even if you wanted to. Think! I refuse to believe that there is no other way around."


    Xila narrowed his eyes in response. Another way to settle the differences? It''s not that he never thought about it, but that he didn''t care before. All he wanted was to have the humans dead. Xila believed that with his ancestor''s power to hold the fort, he would be able to rampage around as he wished until he was finally satisfied. However, he understood after his ancestor''s orders two years ago that this might not really be the case. Still...


    "Hmph! Do you think it''s that easy to simply forgive and forget? However..."


    It was then that he noticed one thing. There was indeed one thing he hated more at the moment than the human race.


    "I don''t mind giving it a chance as long as I can deal with you two in place of the humans."


    Surprisingly, all the Lakure Race people who also wished to fight like Xila responded in unison.


    "That''s right! Surrender to us, and we can talk."


    "That''s good, right? Two lives in exchange for the rest."


    "Elder Xila, we agree with your decision!"


    Xila was satisfied to hear that at least a few members still agreed with him.


    "So, what do you say? Don''t worry. I won''t be idiotic enough to kill or cripple you two in any way. After all, we truly need you to heal everyone''s underground poison. However... hehe!"


    Tiria, who was just observing the situation, couldn''t help but say.


    "That can''t do! You''ll obviously try to kill them!"


    Erbec and the other experts of the human race also thought the same thing. However, they didn''t say anything.


    Xila then looked at Tiria and snorted.


    "Whether you trust me or not is not my problem. However, you can see everyone who agrees with me. Only these twins are more hateful than anything else. In any case, that''s my condition."


    Jana narrowed her eyes as she looked at Xila.


    "Xila, can it wait until they at least heal everyone?"


    Xila immediately shook his head as he said.


    "No! I will not accept any other moment than now. If you refuse, then I will just keep looking for a way to get rid of you humans. One more thing, I don''t want clones. They have to be the real duo."


    Rean and Roan looked at each other before talking through their soul connection.


    ''What do you think? I totally can''t tell if he just wants an opportunity to kill us or not.''


    Roan nodded before replying.


    ''Don''t worry, he won''t kill us.''


    ''How do you know?''


    ''Because that would incur the wrath of his own race. Look around. The majority are dreaming about having their poisons eliminated. Besides, I''m pretty confident in my experience of reading others. In any case, it''s not like it could be more painful than the Soul Gem System''s upgrades.''


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right.


    ''That''s true. Sister Orb definitely has the ability to make it feel even worse.''


    Naturally, they talked about the times she began to make fun of them while the upgrades in their bodies went through.


    [Hahaha! Come on, it''s not that bad. Besides, it''ll serve as a good memory in the future to tell your grandkids. Isn''t that great?]


    ''Great your head! Like hell would we tell our grandchildren about that!''


    [Oh! Is that so? Don''t worry, then. I''ll make sure to tell them myself.]


    ''Fuck you!''


    Rean then calmed down. It was better to ignore the orb in these moments.


    Eventually, Rean and Roan nodded before they looked at Xila.


    "Oh. Then, we accept! By the way, the two of us in front of you are the real ones."


    *Boom!*


    At the very moment they said those words, Xila attacked the two on the ground. Bones crackled while their organs ruptured as the twins coughed blood.


    "Oh! It seems like it''s true."


    Xila then looked at the other who supported him before saying.


    "Come on, everyone! It''s showtime!"


    This might be the first time in the cultivation world''s history that someone had agreed to get beaten to prevent a war, let alone twins.

 Chapter 528 - The Truth Behind The Invasion

    Well, the twins'' effort paid off in the end. They made Xila hate them more than the human race itself. It was even possible to see his delighted expression as he looked at the two get pummeled around by those on his side.


    "Truly satisfying..."


    Jana shook her head as she sighed.


    ''Why do I feel like everyone has been going as the twins had planned? Oh well, whatever.''


    Deep inside the valley, under the red core of the natural formation, a man laid his back on a wall on the chamber where the Lakure Race ancestor was locked.  Obviously, the man that laid there was none other than Old Worm, who was currently talking with Laro.


    If one looked closely at the inscriptions on the chains that sealed the chamber, they would see that they were all very dim. It turns out that whatever Old Worm did had made Laro''s life incredibly simple. If Laro wanted to, he could break out straight away.


    "What do you think, Laro? Aren''t they good?"


    Laro, who was locked in the chamber, agreed.


    "No wonder you went to the extent of keeping this facade. However, there''s one thing I don''t understand. How can their cloning technique be that good? Even I can''t see the difference at all."


    Old Worm shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Who knows?"


    Laro didn''t believe that Old Worm didn''t know the truth.


    "Whatever. How long are you going to ask me to stay here? I already agreed to your terms, you know?"


    Old Worm nodded as he replied.


    "Just a few more years. My descendants outside are doing quite an excellent job, attacking the natural formation to drain its energy faster. If that wasn''t the case, it would take ten years in this accelerated time flow. However, it seems like the formation will fall in seven to eight years. Three years and two months have passed already, so there are only four more years or so. You have been in this chamber, cooling your head down for a few thousands of years. It won''t be a big issue to wait just a little bit longer."


    Laro narrowed his eyes as he uttered.


    "That''s easy for you to say when it wasn''t you who was locked in this place."


    Laro then paid attention to the place where the twins were being pummeled.


    "Still, I''m surprised how they made that blockhead Xila yield with just this little. Perhaps there''s actually a way to get along together."


    Old Worm snorted.


    "And you''re the one to talk? You were hundreds of times worse than that guy in your time. Our human race didn''t want to seal you guys at all. Once we arrived here, we only wanted to share the planet. Your Lakure Race only occupied a small part of it. Everyone could have lived together without any issues, but you guys had to insist on that meaningless war. Even during the war, we offered a cease-fire to you and your race eleven times!"


    Laro bitterly smiled when he heard that.


    "We Lakures have always been an extremely proud race. This was our planet, so we simply didn''t want to share it. I won''t say that everyone was like that, but at least 95% or more definitely thought like that. However, it doesn''t change the fact that you were the ones who invaded our planet."


    Old Worm sighed as he replied.


    "It''s not like we had that much choice either."


    In the end, Laro couldn''t help but ask.


    "I''ve never cared about it during that time. But as the years passed while I was sealed inside this thing, those thoughts began to sprout in my mind. Jakiro, just what happened that your human race had to come to our planet? Were you attacked and forced out of your own planet since humans are the minority?"


    Jakiro was taken aback by that question before he began to ponder about the past.


    "It''s true that humans are the minority... or at least, we are in this sector. I don''t know much about the outside world, though. In any case, we didn''t come to your planet because we were driven out of our world. No one gave us the order to do that either."


    Laro became puzzled.


    "You just said that you had no other choice. However, it feels like you decided to attack our planet on your own. It doesn''t look like something you don''t have a choice over. No, wait! Could it be..."


    Old Worm showed a painful expression after hearing that. It was apparent that Laro understood what happened.


    "If you''re thinking what I''m thinking, then you''ve got it right. It was a natural calamity that drove us out of our planet. Our sun reached the end of its lifespan and went supernova. Before that happened, we had to escape. We asked the sector lord for help. Fortunately, the human race had a few dealings with him in the past, so he gave us a hand in moving out of our home."


    "However, he didn''t care too much about where he would leave us. He simply looked for any forgotten planet and threw us inside. That was the planet of your Lakure Race. We knew that we were the invaders. That''s the reason why we offered to share the planet. After all, there was no place for us to head back anymore."


    Laro felt helpless.


    "Did you tell the others about this as well?"


    Old Worm nodded as he replied.


    "Obviously! We told the leaders of the Lakure Race of that time. Unfortunately, you were right about one thing. Your Lakure Race is way too proud. Let alone whether your leaders believed it or not, they simply didn''t want us to be here at all. I hope you won''t commit the same mistake."


    Laro nodded.


    "That goes without saying. I''m the only survivor of that time, so I won''t let it happen. That''s why I''ve always set my objective to be purely negotiation. By the way, how many of you are still alive from that time?"


    Old Worm pondered for a bit before saying.


    "I haven''t gone out to see them in a long time. However, I believe there are still four or five of us. Chrole Empire just happens to have one. If my memory serves me right, that would be Palana."

 Chapter 529 - Would You Let Me Leave?

    Laro immediately recalled the figure that went by that name.


    "Oh! That woman''s still alive? Well, she wasn''t that old back then, though."


    Old Worm glanced in the chamber''s direction before warning Laro.


    "If you don''t want to die, you better never call Palana an old woman. You have no idea how frightening she becomes when she gets angry."


    Laro felt a chill on his back before responding.


    "I shall keep that in mind."


    Back on the twins'' side, everyone finally finished venting out their anger by beating them up. Even some of them, who didn''t want to fight, also used that chance, much to the twins'' agony.


    Jana then looked at Xila after that and asked.


    "Are you all done?"


    Xila nodded with a happy expression as he said.


    "Sure, you can go ahead and continue with that negotiation of yours. Well, that''s considering those two can even get up or talk after all of that."


    Jana sighed and went to take a look at the twins.


    "Alright, you two. Xila''s group is done with you."


    As soon as Jana said that, Light Element began to gather around the twins.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    In front of everyone''s eyes, the twins'' injuries began to heal so quickly that they could be seen by the naked eye. Their bones connected back together, the organs repaired themselves, and the bleeding gradually stopped. In just a minute or so, the two were already on their feet once more.


    Rean then looked at Jana and said with a sigh of relief.


    "Phew... That hurt like hell."


    At the same time, he thought in his mind.


    ''Not as much as the meridian and bone upgrades, though.''


    Xila''s mouth couldn''t help but twitch a little.


    ''Isn''t that healing skill way too overpowered? Is that what it means to be born with a Light Element affinity?''


    However, he quickly shook his head and put those thoughts on the back of his mind. Even if they could heal, they couldn''t stop the feeling of pain. For him, that was the most important part.


    While that was happening, Jana saw a few Core and Soul Fusion Realm members of her race bringing another guy forward.


    "What is it?"


    "We found out that this guy was together with the twins when they arrived."


    Jana then looked at the guy, and sure enough, it was Wano.


    Wano saw everything happening at the front, so he was ready to flee at any given moment. However, he saw that the twins somehow succeeded, so he gave up the idea. At most, he would get a beating as well. At that time, he just needed to ask Rean to heal himself.


    "Is he your friend?"


    Rean nodded as he replied.


    "Sort of."


    Wano felt like crying.


    ''We''ve been together for three years already! After all this time, all you think about me is ''sort of''?''


    Jana shifted his focus back to the two before saying.


    "Just keep him as well. So, Rean, Roan, your idea is to have everyone live together until the natural formation runs out of energy, right?"


    The twins nodded.


    "That''s correct. That''s the first step if we don''t want to go on an all-out war against each other. You might as well use us as hostage for when that time comes, you know?"


    Jana then agreed with the plan and let a few of the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators leave to bring the rest back.


    Rean and Roan didn''t do anything else after that. They left it all for the other humans and the Lakures to decide.


    One of the Jialin Royal Family subordinates, Tiria, Galo, and the others left to go after their low-level members hidden somewhere else. Suan and Erbec were not allowed to leave since they were the only Soul Forging Realm cultivators of the human race present.


    In the end, it was decided that the humans would be divided into several groups that would live together with other Lakure Race members. Each side''s strength would be considered to ensure that the Lakure Race would be at the lowest risk possible with the human race experts. For example, Erbec would have to follow Jana, a Saint Realm Expert. It was the same thing for Suan, who would stay with Xila.


    As long as the natural formation didn''t open, the Lakure would have a massive advantage in terms of numbers and power. That was one of the reasons why Jana accepted the idea. Another reason was that Jana heard from her ancestor, Laro, that nothing could stop him from coming out anymore. That obviously made her delighted and relieved.


    Jana then looked at Rean and asked.


    "Can you continue to heal the poison in my body now?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Sure. Just give me an hour. I had to go out and bring my group members as well. We have been training with them, so I don''t want to leave them behind."


    Jana was taken aback. Usually, she would immediately refuse it. However, she was sure that she heard Rean saying the word ''had'' just now.


    "Wait... then this one I''m seeing...?"


    Rean smiled before he and Roan''s bodies began to turn into specks of White and Dark Light once again.


    "Fuck! How in the hell can they do that without anyone noticing?!"


    Jana then looked at the human race experts with a dark face.


    Tiria, however, shrugged her shoulders.


    "Even if you glare at us, nothing will come out of it. These twins had always been hard to control, even for our Dalamu Sect."


    Jana gave them a warning, saying.


    "For your own good, they better be back in one hour."


    Tiria wasn''t concerned. There would be no point in getting a beating to only then decide to flee. It didn''t make any sense. Besides, she at least trusted Rean enough that he would be back.


    Sure enough, around fifty minutes later, Rean and Roan came back. Obviously, Malaka, Calina, and Kentucky were there as well. Surprisingly, they also brought out a little girl that was no more than four years old. Those four were inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, so Rean and Roan had to go to a secluded place to take them out. Wano was also puzzled about the girl, which Rean explained that he hid her in the Anti-Spiritual Sense formation.


    "You wouldn''t like to know we had been taking care of a kid, right? That''s why we didn''t tell you."


    Wano scratched the back of his head. Rean''s Anti-Spiritual Sense formation in the cave was excellent. He couldn''t see anything while inside. He also knew that they had gone to the nearby cities a few times during the past few years, so it wasn''t hard to believe they found this little girl there. It''s just that he didn''t like how Rean portraited him.


    "Hey! Do I look like some kind of monster? If you told me, I wouldn''t mind it as long as she didn''t get in the way of our training. I could even help you if you wanted, you know..."


    Real smiled and nodded. Now, they had an excuse to take Sana out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm permanently, and it was even before she got old enough to care about it.


    When Jana saw that the twins came back, she sighed in relief. As for the kid, she didn''t really care about her.


    "Can you at least warn me when you do that?"


    Rean looked at Jana with a puzzled expression and asked.


    "Would you let me leave if I did?"


    Touche!


    "Ahem... Whatever. Just start healing my poison."


    Rean smiled before nodding.


    "Alright."

 Chapter 530 - The Ninth Prince

    As Rean healed Jana, he also remembered something. With that in mind, he decided to say


    "Oh, right! Although I''ll be spending some time healing you guys, I''m not gonna do it nonstop. I also need to cultivate and train, after all."


    Jana narrowed her eyes as she said.


    "That was not part of the conditions."


    Rean didn''t care as he replied.


    "Was there even a need to put it there? I''m very young and have great cultivation. If I suddenly stop cultivating for several years, it will affect my progress in life. I don''t care whether you like it or not. I will still stop to cultivate and train. That''s something I won''t give up on."


    Jana sighed before nodding her head. Unless she found a way to bind those two, it would be impossible to stop them anyway. However, since she couldn''t tell when they were real or not, that option couldn''t be considered.


    Jana and Xila weren''t the only Saint Realm experts of the Lakure Race. There were 23 of them still in the valley, not to mention those still in the underground world. Because of the difference in cultivation, Rean had a hard time eliminating the poison in their bodies. Ultimately, he spent several hours on each. Because he also had to cultivate and train, he could only heal one of them per day.


    That same day, Rean finished eliminating Jana''s poison and went back to where Roan and the others were staying. Wano was obviously there as well. That being said, they took this chance to talk to him about his identity in the Sasamil Family.


    "Now, then. Let''s hear about this pendant of yours."


    Wano shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Sure, we can also talk about this demon bird of yours."


    Well, they already expected Wano to come up with this question.


    *Chick?*


    "Why are you so interested in Kentucky?"


    Wano smiled as he answered that question with another question.


    "Why are you so interested in me?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Fair enough. It seems like you will refuse to talk unless we talk about Kentucky. Since that''s the case, let''s just drop this issue."


    Calina was taken aback.


    "Eh? Just like that?"


    Obviously, she was the one most interested in Wano''s identity.


    Wano then looked at Calina before asking.


    "Alright, alright. I''ll drop the topic about the demon bird. Instead, this girl and I should have a heart-to-heart talk. What do you think?"


    Calina''s expression immediately changed when she heard Wano say that.


    "What do you mean?"


    Wano touched Calina''s shoulder as he said.


    "It''s pointless to hide it. Do you think I can''t tell that this is one of our Sasamil Family''s cultivation techniques? Unlike me, you didn''t try to change it at all. To be honest, I recognized the Extreme Polar Yin Technique the very moment I saw it. That''s why I decided to stick with your guys. I was curious as to what a member of my family was doing in a place like this. However, I still don''t know who you are."


    Roan then explained on Calina''s behalf.


    "It makes sense that he recognized your technique, Calina. After all, you never thought that a Sasamil Family member would appear by your side during a mission. In Qia''s case, you two rarely see each other, so it''s quite easy to hide it. In a certain way, it''s also my fault for considering that you would probably never see anyone from your family before the time was right."


    Wano heard the name Calina and immediately understood.


    "Oh, so you''re that girl called Calina that ''died?'' Everyone thought you were another victim of the First Prince''s forces. Interesting, interesting."


    Calina looked at Wano before asking.


    "Are you going to report it to the family?"


    Wano shook his head as he replied.


    "Me? I have no interest in the fight for the throne at all. I''ll just watch from the sidelines until the princes resolve their differences. Otherwise, why do you think I would be this far away from the Sasamil Capital?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he asked.


    "Perhaps you''re also afraid of dying and went away, just like her?"


    Wano laughed at those words and replied.


    "Hahaha! Indeed, that would be a good reason... if I had a bit of the Chrole Imperial Family Bloodline in me. Too bad, though. I''m pure-blooded."


    Malaka couldn''t hold her curiosity anymore as she said.


    "Can you just stop all of that? I want to know who you are! It''s not fair that only you know about Calina''s identity."


    "Oh! My bad, my bad. However, I wish to keep the fact that I''m here a secret. In exchange, I won''t say anything about Calina. Is that fine with you all?"


    Roan nodded as he said.


    "That was the plan from the very start."


    Wano smiled before saying.


    "You can call me Wulio Sasamil."


    Immediately, everyone''s eyes widened!


    "The Ninth Prince?!"


    "Son of Yulian Sasamil, the Emperor?"


    "You can''t be serious!"


    However, Roan had another question.


    "How come you''re not interested in the throne?"


    Wulio  looked at Roan and said as if stating a fact.


    "Because it''s annoying! Who the hell wants to spend his life with all those restrictions? To hell with that! I can obtain my precious resources while doing whatever I want, so why should I do anything else? I just want to cultivate and train in peace."


    Rean and Malaka then looked at Calina. Although the conditions forced her to vie for the throne, she was one of those who would be fighting to obtain those burdens.


    Roan asked something else.


    "I understand. However, why would you appear in a place like this? There should better places for your own training, right?"


    Wulio  then explained.


    "You are trying to complicate things way too much. I''m just moving around freely. The fact that I ended up in this place is nothing more than a coincidence. Well, I''m quite happy that I did it. After all, look how much fun we''re having. Hahaha!"


    Ran sighed as he looked at Wulio. At least, it didn''t seem he was lying.


    "Well, that''s a good thing, then. As long as you don''t tell them about Calina''s existence, that will be fine with us."


    Wulio  nodded.


    "Very well."


    Malaka then got closer to Wulio  before asking.


    "Brother Wulio, since you have no interest in the throne, how about helping our Calina take it?"

 Chapter 531 - Marriage

    Wulio''s expression immediately changed as he replied.


    "Are you crazy? First Brother is a lunatic. He would have my head cut off if I decided to join someone with a Chrole Bloodline. No, wait! Isn''t Calina hiding here so she won''t be hunted down? Wasn''t that the reason you faked your death?"


    Calina shook her head as she answered.


    "I''m also a direct descendant, so I have the right to the throne as well. I want to become the empress so I can stop this war between Sasamil and Chrole from happening."


    Hearing that, Wulio  burst out in laugher.


    "Hahahaha! Really? For real? Hahahaha! No way! Hahahaha! That''s too funny! That''s definitely the best joke I''ve heard in a long, long time."


    However, seeing Calina''s dark expression cut off his laughter in an instant.


    "Oh boy... You can''t be serious, right? There''s no way you can make it! Trust me, this action will be nothing more but akin to suicide. It has nothing to do with your rights to fight for the throne or not. None of the princes and princesses fighting for it will allow someone with a Chrole Bloodline to intervene in the dispute."


    Calina then took a deep breath before saying.


    "I know that very well. However, I can''t just give up and let it happen."


    Roan was more interested in another problem, though.


    "You just said it yourself. None of the princes and princesses would allow that. However, what about you? What do you think about Calina joining the fight for the throne? After all, you''re a direct descendant with a pure Sasamil Bloodline."


    Wulio  nodded after hearing that as he responded truthfully.


    "To be honest, I don''t like the idea either. After all, the Sasamil Empire has always been ruled by those with the purest bloodline and best skills. I can''t say I would feel comfortable knowing that someone with a mixed bloodline took the throne."


    Sure enough, it would be a miracle if Wulio  suddenly thought differently from the others.


    He then looked at Calina as he smiled, saying.


    "I have nothing against you as a person, but I don''t think it''s the right thing for you to join the fight. At least, I wouldn''t support you since I can''t guarantee that Chrole won''t use you somehow. That''s how I feel."


    Malaka, Rean, and Roan narrowed their eyes. However, Wulio  understood what they were thinking.


    "Are you afraid that I would go and tell on everyone now that I know that Calina will enter the fight for the throne?"


    Roan nodded in response.


    "Shouldn''t I?"


    Wulio  shrugged his shoulders.


    "You should. However, you don''t need to worry because I won''t."


    Calina immediately asked.


    "Why?"


    "Simple. I''m absolutely sure that you won''t take the throne even if you participate. You have no background, no support, no influence, no achievements, nothing! Besides, you''re extremely young. Since you''re a princess of the Empire, then you should know that Imperial Father won''t last long. Simply put, you don''t have that much time to grow into a person that could threaten First and Fifth Brother."


    For Rean and Roan, that was more than enough. Of course, as long as that was true.


    ''What do you think, Roan? Can we trust him?''


    Roan shook his head as he replied.


    ''It doesn''t matter if we do or not. We can''t do anything to Wulio  to start with.''


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right.


    ''That''s true. Wulio''s very strong and has never dropped his guard in front of us. Even if we use the Lakure Race or the Dalamu Sect, he could simply reveal his identity. Even worse, he could reveal Calina''s identity.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''That would definitely be a bad thing for us. However, I do believe Wulio  is telling the truth. That''s what my countless years of experience tell me.''


    Rean didn''t doubt that. Roan''s judgments were usually right.


    ''Good. Wulio  doesn''t know about our talk with Huan Qelol, so I can understand why he thinks like that. Let''s keep it like this.''


    However, Malaka wasn''t satisfied with Wulio''s answer.


    "Then, what does Calina need to do to gain your support?"


    In the end, she just wanted to help Calina. However, her own power was too limited for that. Wulio  was different. Even if he showed no interest in the throne, he was still one of the Emperor''s sons. Rean and Roan also admitted that Malaka had asked a good question.


    Wulio  was taken aback by that question.


    "What she needs? Hmm... I haven''t considered it. However, I don''t think it''s a good idea to ask me."


    "Why?"


    "Because if she finds out what it needs to gain my support, that means she has a chance of reaching the throne. That''s not something I want to see happening."


    Malaka immediately shook her head as she said.


    "That''s not what I meant at all! Let me rephrase it. What would Calina need to gain your trust and, after that, your support? Calina truly wishes to stop this war. She isn''t going to betray the Empire."


    Calina felt a little emotional seeing Malaka say so much for her sake. However, she quickly recovered and looked at Wulio.


    "I want to know that as well. There must be something I can do to convince you."


    Wulio  shook his head as he replied.


    "Even if there was, it would be useless. After all, I don''t want to take part in the fight. However..."


    Wulio  began to walk around Calina as he looked at her from head to toe.


    "Hmm... Not bad at all. I might consider it an option if you decide to marry me. This way, I can prevent you from betraying the Empire in the future if you become the empress. Besides, you''re quite the stunning beauty at the moment. How about that?"


    One must remember that Calina was already nineteen years old. She was a true beauty as well, no doubt. Of course, that was because she used a Yin Energy Cultivation Technique.


    "I..."


    Sure enough, Calina didn''t know what to say as her face flushed red. That was way too sudden. Sure, that would give her a huge advantage. Unfortunately, the one she liked was Roan. Then again, what was more important? Her feelings or the Empire?


    Wulio  then laughed out loud.


    "There''s no need to make your decision now. We have several years ahead of us inside this natural formation. You can give me an answer later."


    Calina could only nod in the end.

 Chapter 532 - First Day

    After Wulio  left, Rean and Malaka looked straight at Roan, with Rean asking.


    "Don''t you have anything to say?"


    Roan looked at them with a puzzled expression, asking.


    "About what?"


    "About Wulio  asking Calina to marry him to give his support, of course. I''m sure Calina''s very interested in your opinion."


    Sure enough, Calina''s interest was piqued as she looked at Roan. Even Roan could tell that she also wanted to hear what he thought on the matter.


    "Hmm... It all depends on whether he''s true to his words or not. From my perspective, he''s quite the lax type, so he might not take this idea very seriously. However, if you two do marry, Calina would indeed be in a better position to fight for the throne. In conclusion, you should take his offer."


    Calina''s expression immediately became gloomy as Rean and Malaka shook their heads in dismay. This guy really couldn''t understand anything at all!


    "How can you say that?"


    Malaka nodded as she added.


    "You''re just way too dense!"


    Roan began to feel annoyed.


    "The hell are you talking about? You asked for my fucking opinion, and you got it. Is there anything else I should say?"


    Rean and Malaka looked at Calina with apologetic expressions as they apologized.


    "Sorry, Calina. That''s just how this idiot is."


    Calina bitterly smiled before shaking her head.


    "It''s fine. In a certain way, his way of acting is also why I feel like this."


    Roan felt even more annoyed that they were obviously talking about him but were pretending he wasn''t even there.


    "Enough with the bullshit. Since we''ve almost guaranteed that Wulio  won''t do anything, we should focus on training. With the Lakure Race members not being allowed to kill us anymore without a good reason, we should make good use of it. I''ll have all of you challenge other members of their race for sparrings every now and then. Also, I will remake our cultivation time schedule to match the fact that we don''t need to travel to fight anymore."


    Rean then looked at him before asking.


    "What about the Red Crystals? Are we giving up on them from now on?"


    Malaka immediately gave her opinion on that.


    "I don''t really like those crystals. They destroy all the life around them to obtain that energy. Each one can wipe out the vegetation and other lifeforms in a 10km radius at the very least."


    Roan then explained.


    "It doesn''t matter. I already asked what those crystals are. It seems like the Lakure Race spent all those thousands of years making them in the underground world. Although they''ve made a few after so long, they aren''t unlimited and have fixed lifespans after being activated. Well, at least that''s what I heard. Since that''s the case, we should indeed aim to grab as many as possible for Kentucky."


    Obviously, as many as possible for themselves as well.


    Calina then put those thoughts about marriage and her feelings for Roan on the side for now. Following that, she asked.


    "And how do you expect to get them?"


    Rean pondered pver it a bit.


    "How about challenging them with the victor paying back. We do have a few Rank Four Spirit Stones, so we don''t lose out in terms of value. Add on the fact that they are only used for a single purpose, which is for that ancestor of them. Once he finishes, they''ll become quite useless without something like Kentucky to eat them."


    Roan nodded.


    "That''s a way to think about it. How long did you agree to heal their poisons every day?"


    "I agreed with them that I will heal their poisons for half a day each time. This will allow me to balance my training and cultivation with you."


    Although Rean said half a day, one must remember that time passed ten times faster in this place. However, they still received light from the outside. That meant Rean would heal their poisons for five days while cultivating for the next five. That was beneficial since it would give him time to stabilize his cultivation and prevent any hiccups.


    Roan was satisfied with the proposal.


    "That''s more than enough. Now, then. Take this time and go check on how the others from Dalamu are doing. I''ll give you the training schedule tonight."


    Both the Jialin and Guntao forces were separated into several groups around the valley. They were all kept far away from the center, where the formation core and the ancestor was located. As one could imagine, both humans and Lakures were very wary of each other. Jana told them to try and get in between each other, but it wasn''t that easy.


    Somewhere in the valley, Dalamu Sect forces could be found. Well, just a small part of it, which included Tiria. This was the group that Rean, Malaka, and Calina came to take a look at. As for Juvian, he was put in another group somewhere else.


    "Elder Tiria, long time no see."


    Tiria''s expression immediately became dark as she looked at Rean''s group.


    "Long time no see? Are you fucking kidding me? First of all, how the hell are you two here in the natural formation? Did you forget how important you and Roan are for the sect at the moment? We can''t let anything happen to you two!"


    Rean laughed, not minding too much. He then patted Malaka''s head before saying.


    "Well, you couldn''t expect me to leave my little sister alone, right?"


    Tiria looked at Malaka and Calina with a dark expression.


    "One''s already nineteen while the other is eighteen. Not only that, but Illia and Malaka have amazing cultivations for their age. What''s the point of their training if you come and rescue them every single time? Are you looking down on us women that much?"


    Malaka couldn''t help but cry as she lamented.


    "Sob, sob... I told Rean that as well. But he didn''t want to listen to me. He always treated me like a kid, as if he doesn''t think that a woman can do anything alone at all."


    Calina nodded with a sad expression.


    "That''s true. Rean and his brother are truly unbelievable. They simply don''t care about what we think."


    Rean almost vomited blood! Since when did he say that?


    Sure enough, Tiria''s expression became even worse after listening to the two girls.


    "It seems like someone needs to learn a lesson."


    Rean felt like crying.


    "Wait, wait! I never thought like that at all. How come you believe those two and not me?"


    "Didn''t you say you couldn''t leave your little sister? Isn''t that a perfect example of looking down on women?"


    "Like hell it is! What''s wrong with a brother protecting his sister?"


    Tiria then looked at Malaka and Calina.


    "Illia, Malaka, did you need Rean or Roan''s help in the end?"


    The two girls shook their heads in response, with Calina responding.


    "When they found us, we were already out of danger. We escaped calamity with our own strength. It was then that they insisted on staying with us from now on."


    "This..."


    Well, it wasn''t a lie. When the two finally arrived, Calina and Malaka were already out of danger anymore. It was Roan''s hell-like training that put them in danger showing its effects.


    Tiria smiled brightly right after as she touched Rean''s shoulder.


    "Oh, so you two were basically useless while putting yourselves in danger by coming here, right? How amusing!"


    Rean couldn''t help but look at Calina and Malaka as he sent them a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Why are you doing this to me?''


    The first one to answer was Malaka.


    ''Did you forget how you sacrificed me that day when we tricked Calina and Luina to get naked in front of Roan? Since you betrayed me, why shouldn''t I do the same?''


    Calina was the second... for the same reason.


    ''I won''t forget the time you had me strip for Roan since you knew it would be useless. It''s time for revenge.''


    Rean didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. How could they still remember that event from over four years ago? Isn''t that too much of a grudge? Besides, where is Roan that he isn''t receiving the punishment with him?


    Well, Rean''s next hour with Elder Tiria could be said to have been anything but pleasurable. He made sure to remember that, though.


    When Tiria was finally done with him, she finally entered the topic at hand.


    "Now, then. Let''s go back to what matters. Why did you come out?"


    Rean sighed as he explained.


    "There wasn''t much of a reason to not do so. Roan and I were pretty sure we could escape even if things turned south. You should know that already. Our cloning technique is great for these things other than battling."


    Tiria pondered over it for a bit and nodded.


    "I still think you two shouldn''t have come. However, it''s obvious that this place is also helping with your own cultivation. Not to mention Malaka and Illia''s. Since the time here passes much faster, it will help you grow stronger to protect yourselves outside."


    "So, what do you think about the forced living conditions? Do you think both sides can become friendly enough before the natural formation opens? Or better yet, do you think we can even survive until then?"


    Rean confirmed that.


    "At the very least, they won''t do anything to all of you while I''m still healing their poisons. Obviously, there are just way too many Lakures here, so I definitely won''t finish before the formation opens. All I can say is that time will tell. Of course, I hope Elder Tiria and the others will do their best not to anger them. You have quite a few years ahead to achieve some level of trust as well."


    Tiria already knew it. That''s what all this negotiation was about, after all.


    "I''ll try. Now, what about this ancestor of them?"


    Sure enough, that was another topic they couldn''t avoid.

 Chapter 533 - Lets Start!

    Nevertheless, Rean shook his head.


    "I''m not so sure either. I simply can''t understand why this ancestor suddenly changed the rules for his own race. He definitely doesn''t like us. Perhaps he understands that his race wouldn''t be able to gain anything if they decide to take the whole human race as their enemy."


    Tiria nodded in response. She also heard about the change in the rules around a year after the natural formation activated.


    "Considering how they changed their stance of killing everyone to talk, that might really be the case. Nevertheless, we better be careful from now on. I just wish I could speak with him."


    "Roan and I tried to ask for that before, but we were refused at the very instant we brought it up. You can try it as well. Perhaps Jana has changed her mind? Who knows?"


    Tiria pondered over it for a bit and gave up the idea, saying.


    "Better not since it could infuriate them."


    After that, she looked in a particular direction and saw one of her female subordinates taking care of a four-year-old kid.


    "By the way, what''s the story behind that kid? You shoved her to me as soon as you came back to the valley and didn''t tell me anything."


    That was true. Rean would have to spend time healing poison, so he couldn''t take care of the girl.


    "We named her Sana. We found her in one of the cities that were wiped out. Her mother had given her one of those fake death pills, but I noticed she was still alive thanks to my Light Element Affinity. In any case, I couldn''t simply leave her behind, right? Those Lakures were literally killing everyone they saw during that time."


    Tiria sighed but nodded her head in the end.


    "You did the right thing. Don''t worry, now that no one is trying to kill each other, it is better for you to leave Sana with us. Just focus on your training and healing the Lakures from now on."


    Tiria and Rean then discussed a few other things. At some point, Sana noticed Rean in the distance and came running in his direction.


    "Lean, I want see Sista Ob."


    Sure enough, she couldn''t talk very well at the age of four yet.


    "Rean, she had been asking the same thing for quite a while. Who''s Sister Orb?"


    Rean laughed as he came up with an excuse and an idea.


    "That''s something Roan invented for her with his Spiritual Energy. He made a ball of Dark and Light Elements and talks to her as if it had its own life. We didn''t have anything like toys available, so we came up with a few things on our own. It turns out that Roan''s toy was the idea Sana liked the most."


    Tiria was genuinely taken aback by those words.


    "Wait! You must be kidding, right? That Roan? The same one capable of freezing someone''s soul with just his looks?"


    Rean laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! Surprising, right? All of us were surprised as well. Next time you see him, ask Roan to demonstrate."


    Malaka and Calina, who had only been listening so far, looked at each other while trying to hold their laughter. Sure enough, they very much wanted to see Roan doing it.


    "Very well... Now, then. You should go take a look at the other sects and the Royal Family groups. They definitely want to hear about you and the plans as well. Otherwise, they would feel too nervous about doing anything."


    Rean nodded and left soon after. Calina and Malaka stayed behind, though. They would meet up with Rean and Roan later.


    Rean then went to each of the separated groups while being followed by a few Lakure Race members who kept their eyes on him. After talking things through with everyone, he went back to see Roan.


    Finally, everything was back on track, so only time could tell whether everyone could somewhat get along or not.


    Later, Roan gathered everyone and passed them their new training schedule. Things went between cultivation, rest, training, challenging Lakure Race members for sparring, and other miscellaneous things. Roan had even arranged a training schedule for Wulio, who was already used to it. Wulio  noticed that Roan''s management of these things was excellent, so he had asked Roan a long time ago to do it for him as well.


    "Oh! Thanks. Still, what''s this arena thing?"


    Roan smiled before saying.


    "Although it has been agreed upon that both races won''t attack each other, there are still many who aren''t happy with the status quo. That said, we need some place where they can relieve their anger. That''s why I came up with this arena thing and talked with Jana. She recognized that it would be a good thing as long as neither side died or was crippled. I believe this is a great way to let off some steam."


    Wulio  was quite happy to hear that. At least, Rean''s group wouldn''t need to go around challenging everyone. They just needed to do that in the arena. It was a simple idea, but it was very effective due to the actual circumstances.


    Sure enough, Jana used her Spiritual Sense to send everyone a message about the arena later.


    "A few arenas close to where the humans are staying have been opened. You can challenge each other or the other race. Killing and crippling are prohibited. I also made sure to keep someone on the lookout to prevent it from happening. Other than that, you can do whatever you want."


    In an instant, the news became a hot topic. Of course, there were many more Lakure Race members than there were humans. That being said, not all of them would be able to challenge them. In the end, they came up with a queue. As for the humans, they were incredibly delighted. After all, they would have a chance to train themselves while being locked in this valley. They already knew that the Lakure people were powerful because of those red meridians over their skins. They would be the perfect targets while there was no risk of dying.


    Rean, Roan, Malaka, Calina, and Wulio  didn''t let the chance slip either. They immediately went to different ones where they could train their own techniques. Unsurprisingly, many challenged Rean and Roan straight away.


    Obviously, they didn''t let the opportunity pass.


    "I accept your challenge, but it''ll be too boring if that''s all. How about we bet on something?"


    Everyone from both sides looked at them.


    "What kind of bet?"


    "Anything can go as long as it isn''t too exaggerated. Oh, right! This is a good thing for your Lakure Race people. As you know, I will only heal your race''s poison for half a day while I use the other half to cultivate and train. If you beat me in the arena, I will immediately heal your poison even though it''s my free time. How about that?"


    Immediately, the Lakure people''s eyes lit up! Naturally, many of them were very interested in this bet.


    Sure enough, someone jumped on the arena straight away.


    "I accept your bet! What do you want if I lose?"


    Rean smiled before saying.


    "You guys know that I have some interest in those red crystals outside the valley. Give me one of them if you lose."


    "What?! Impossible!"


    "Why?"


    "These things aren''t something we can offer. They''re extremely difficult to make. It took thousands of years to make that the number of crystals we currently have. That''s the only reason we have so much now. However, each one lost is quite a big blow to us even if we have a lot at the moment. Besides, we need them for the ancestor."


    Rean dropped his head in response as he thought up of a solution. The main reason Roan offered to head to this arena was that they could get the crystals. Of course, combat training was another goal as well.


    "What about this? There will be no need to bet. You just need to put one of those red crystals on the line, and I will fight ten of you one after the other. Also, it won''t matter if I lose or win. I will heal the poison of your bodies regardless of the outcome. However, I will get one of the crystals nonetheless."


    Someone couldn''t help but ask.


    "If that''s the case, wouldn''t it be better to not fight and simply ask for the crystal in exchange for your healing?"


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    "No. I''m here to train. One can''t progress in cultivation just by absorbing energy. I''m here to challenge you guys, so let the ten fights be part of the payment for the crystal. Besides, I''m pretty sure that a few of you want to fight me as well, right?"


    The Lakure Race members looked at each other. Some really wanted to accept it. However, that was their ancestor''s life-absorbing crystals. They couldn''t do it without permission.


    It was then that a voice echoed in everyone''s minds.


    "I accept your idea. However, it won''t just be limited to ten people. You will have to heal another thirty if we give you one crystal. However, you don''t need to battle thirty of them, neither ten. Just three is enough. Otherwise, you won''t have the energy to heal everyone afterward. Also, you can''t have more than one life-absorbing crystal per month. They''re too important for us."


    Everyone recognized that voice. It was none other than Jana. No one knew why she accepted using the life-absorbing crystals, but no one complained either. They all wanted to get rid of their poisons.


    Rean pondered for a bit before nodding.


    "Alright. However, it can''t be anyone above the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Otherwise, it''ll take too long to get rid of their poisons."


    Jana smiled as she nodded.


    "We have a deal."


    With that, Rean jumped on the arena as he looked at his opponent.


    "Let''s start!"

 Chapter 534 - Kentuckys Success

    Unfortunately for the twins, Rean was the only one capable of making that deal. Roan tried to use the crystals as part of the bet as well, but he was refused. He could only use the arenas as a method to train his combat skills.


    The arenas all around the valley had instantly become a hotspot. Because there weren''t enough humans to fight, the Lakure ended up challenging each other as well. Of course, the most heated arena was still the one Rean fought in. Everyone wanted to be next in line on getting their poisons removed ahead of time.


    As for the second most famous one, it wasn''t Roan, nor Calina, Malaka, or Wulio''s. The second most famous arena was Kentucky''s!


    *Creee!*


    *Boom!*


    Another explosion of dark and light flames came from the arena as a Lakure Race member was sent flying out of it.


    *Chick!*


    "This fucking bird! Is it really just a Late Stage-Three Demon Bird? It just sent Rubio, a Core and Soul Fusion Realm Initial Stage Lakure flying!"


    "Well, yeah. But it was also pushed to its limit. Look, Rubio left many injuries on the bird''s body."


    "Is that something to brag about? This thing jumped stages and a realm to defeat Rubio."


    While they were talking, Light Element began to gather around Kentucky as his injuries slowly closed one after another. It wasn''t only the Lakure Race members who felt helpless. The humans felt the same thing. Kentucky was almost as overpowered as the twins.


    "Just how much Spiritual Energy does this bird have? It''s already the third battle it won, and it still has enough to heal itself."


    "Hmph! That''s because its opponents are too weak. We shouldn''t underestimate it anymore."


    "Someone has to give it a lesson!"


    However, what really bothered them, or what bothered the males, to be more specific, wasn''t his strength, but something completely different.


    *Chick, chick!*


    "So cute!"


    "Did you see how strong it can be with its plumpy body? I love it!"


    "I want to hug it so much!"


    "Beat them all, fluffy!"


    "I''ll brush, wash, and brush your feathers later, so don''t be afraid of getting dirty."


    As always, Kentucky attracted all the women, may it be humans or Lakures. He was a literal chick magnet. Not to mention that the bird itself loved to be pampered by them. Naturally, Kentucky became the bane of both human and Lakure males.


    "I want to kill this bird so much!"


    "Who the hell thought that it would be a good idea to bring this bird into the arena? Come out, I swear I won''t beat you up... that much!"


    "Gah! I can''t take it anymore! It must be sapped dry of energy already!"


    After saying that, the guy hopped on the arena and challenged Kentucky for a battle. He was right about one thing, though. After three battles, Kentucky had nearly depleted his Spiritual Energy. Because of that...


    *Boom!*


    Kentucky lost his fight as he was sent flying outside the arena, colliding on the ground. With that, all the guys felt like they had been avenged... for a few seconds.


    "Kentucky!"


    All the women ran in his direction and helped him up. They used their own skills to help him heal while petting and cleaning the demon bird.


    *C-Chick...*


    "My poor Kentucky."


    "We''ll help you get better, don''t worry."


    "Come, let''s clean you up. Those bad guys won''t touch you anymore."


    At the same time, many of the women gave a deathly glare at the males who were complaining about him. Their meaning was obvious. If you think of harming our Kentucky again, you die!


    All the males gritted their teeth in anger. It didn''t matter anymore whether they were humans or Lakures. They were all united for one reason. That was to destroy the dammed bird. Well, the truth was that they were just jealous...


    A Lakure Race member then suggested.


    "We need to do something about it, or that thing will take all the women for itself."


    A human from the Lagan Sect on his side immediately nodded as he replied.


    "Brother, it seems like we truly understand each other. How about we find a way to fry the bird?"


    "Oh! I love the idea!"


    "But how will we take the bird away from the women? I feel like I''ll die if I get close to the bird right now."


    "This... We need to put our heads together to think up of a solution."


    Rean was nearby healing someone''s poison when he saw all of it happening. He seriously didn''t know whether to laugh or cry anymore. That''s because he could totally tell the truth. Kentucky wasn''t weak at all! Sure, he had consumed most of his energy, but he could still win that last battle if he put in the effort. However, Kentucky preferred to be pampered by the females instead. When Kentucky was struck by its opponent in the arena, it made sure that it would fall close to the females'' location. It even knew how to make it even more dramatic by kicking on the ground several times and pretending to be very weak after that. It was all on purpose!


    ''How the hell can a demon bird be this perverted? Could it be that all Minokawas are like him?''


    Nevertheless, Rean was quite satisfied with the result.


    ''However, what a weird turn of events. To think that Kentucky would become the first reason females and males of both races would unite together for one cause. This is far from being enough, but that is definitely a good start. I guess there is nothing better than to love or hate the same thing. I''ll make sure he participates more in these challenges. Hahaha!''


    After some time, the Light Element stopped gathering in his surroundings as he looked at the guy in front of him.


    "It''s done. As long as you don''t go back to the underground world, your body should be free of the poison from now on."


    The Lakure Race guy nodded but didn''t say anything before leaving. Sure enough, it wouldn''t be that easy to break the barrier between them. Nonetheless, Rean smiled as he got up and stretched a little.


    "Well, I''m done with the healings for today. Time to go to the arena."


    As soon as he got there, Rean saw that it was already full of Lakures and humans. Of course, Lakures were still the majority by far. Everyone moved aside, paving a way for Rean, waiting to see which arena he would choose so that they could challenge him. Sometimes, Rean healed his opponents'' poison even though there was no bet or life-absorbing crystals on the line. That''s why the arenas he participated in were the most famous ones.


    Going back to the topic of the natural formation. According to the Lakure Formation Masters, the energy of the natural core would last four to five years at most. That''s because of the Saint Realm experts that were attacking the formation from the outside. As time passed, more of them joined in the tandem attacks to help deplete the formation''s energy.


    While that was the case, Jana didn''t seem to be preoccupied anymore. Some time ago, she received a message from her ancestor and came to see him. She found out that he was ''fortunate'' and found a way to break out of his jail faster. Whether the life-absorbing crystals still gave him energy or not wouldn''t change this fact. That was the reason why she accepted Rean''s proposal for the crystals.


    As for the people outside the barrier, they could only wait. The Sasamil Family''s experts had already done what they could. Ernian Sasamil tried to request the help of an Elemental Transformation Realm expert of his family but was refused outright. Unless it was a real emergency, they would not come out. So far, this was something that only affected a few small countries at the borders. It wasn''t worth their attention.


    And just like that, time began to pass in a flash. Before anyone knew it, three more years had passed inside this natural formation. In other words, it has been six years and two months since Rean''s group got there.


    After so long, Rean ended up healing thousands of Lakure Race members. By now, everyone got used to his relaxed manner and even got along with him. The same thing could be said for the other humans and Lakures as well. Little by little, they came to talk with each other more. Surprisingly, there were even a few couples that came out of it. Of course, compared to the total number of Lakures and humans in this place, they were almost negligible. Still, that was more than enough for Rean and Roan.


    The best part was that there wasn''t tension in the air anymore. Both sides got used to seeing the other race, and even the separated groups were dismantled. The only rule was that the humans should not get close to the center of the valley. That was all. Jana made sure that this one rule wouldn''t be broken.


    Of course, there were still a lot of Lakures that didn''t like the humans, especially those who came out of the underground world recently. Unlike the others, they didn''t have time to interact with the humans on the surface.


    There was one reason why their progress had been this fast, though. It could be found in one of the arenas.


    "Kentucky, Kentucky, Kentucky, Kentucky, Kentucky!"


    Thousands of women shouted this name the black and white-feathered demon bird ascended to the arena. If one looked closely, they would see that Kentucky had many female accessories on his body. However, the bird puffed its chest in pride as it showed them. Suddenly, it stretched its wings as it looked at the crowd.


    *Chiiiiiiiiick!*


    "Kyaaaaa! Kentucky! We love you!!!"


    Everyone time Rean saw that scene, his mouth couldn''t help but twitch a little.


    ''This might be the first fan club of the cultivation world...''


    While the female Lakures and humans cheered, the guys gritted their teeth even harder in response. For the Lakure Race''s men, they couldn''t care less about their hatred for humans anymore. Not to mention that the male humans were in the same boat as them since the human females left their side because of the demon bird. They all shared a hatred that surpassed any past event. They even created their own team where race didn''t matter. Its name? The Alliance of Those Who Want To Beat the Shit Out of That Fucking Demon Bird!


    Even Rean''s poison healing fights had been outdone by Kentucky''s battles. Kentucky was by far the most famous character in the Lakure Race at the moment. Some even thought he had surpassed the so-called ancestor.


    Soon enough, the battle started as Kentucky and his opponent fought in the arena.


    However, it was at this moment that the ground began to tremble. At the same time, an enormous burst of Spiritual Energy came from the center of the valley.

 Chapter 535 - The Rule

    "What''s happening?"


    "It''s coming from the center of the valley."


    "Has the natural formation finally run out of energy?"


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he looked up at the sky. Sure, the natural formation seemed to be a lot dimmer now. However, it was not to the point where it would crumble.


    ''Sister Orb, is it breaking?''


    [No. Although I''m far from being able to take control over it, I finished analyzing the formation already. I''m sure that the formation can last at least one more year, probably a few months more.]


    Rean and Roan nodded in response. Since that was the case, then only one option remained.


    ''Seems like that so-called ancestor is finally coming out.''


    Jana, Xila, and the other high-level experts of the Lakure Race looked at the valley''s center, excited. Without hesitation, they all rushed there to see the event.


    Down below the natural formation''s core, one could find the chamber where Laro was locked. However, all the chains and the inscriptions over them began to break one after another.


    *Shatter, shatter, shatter...*


    As they broke apart, the power released by it affected the whole valley and the surrounding regions, making them tremble nonstop. However, Jana and the others didn''t care about it. They already arrived at the chamber''s location and could only pay attention to the sealed door.


    Eventually...


    *Bang!*


    The final chains disintegrated as the chamber''s door was blasted open from inside. Following that, a far stronger burst of Spiritual Energy came from inside as a figure appeared at the door.


    "Sigh... thousands of years seeing nothing more than four corners. Truly annoying."


    Jana, Xila, and all the other experts immediately kneeled down as they said in unison.


    "Congratulations, Ancestor."


    Laro looked at the guys and smiled. He knew who they were, but it was the first time he had ever seen their faces with his own eyes.


    "Thanks. Now, then. You guys can leave me alone for now. I used too much energy to break the seal, so I need to rest."


    "Yes, Ancestor."


    Everyone couldn''t help but feel a little sad that they could talk more with him. However, Ancestor Laro''s recovery was their main priority. Jana immediately ordered many of their Saint Realm experts to guard the surroundings to stop anyone from entering.


    After they left, Laro looked in a particular direction.


    "So, I''m out now."


    Old Worm then appeared out of thin air.


    "I can see that. Just take this last year or so to talk with your people. Remember, your Lakure Race has to give support when the time comes."


    Laro nodded, replying with a snort.


    "Hmph! I will keep my word, don''t worry. However, wouldn''t it be much easier to solve things if you get involved?"


    Old Worm shook his head as he said.


    "I can''t. Since you''re out now, I can tell you this much. There''s a rule between experts at our level. We cannot intervene in secular world affairs. Only those at Elemental Transformation and below are allowed to meddle. After all, you know very well just how much destruction would happen if we decide to fight. Of course, I''m talking about direct fights. We can still rule over our own territory and things like that. The rule is only to not use our power."


    "Same goes for you, Laro. If you decide to directly intervene by attacking someone, everyone else will join hands to get rid of you. If that happens, I doubt your Lakure Race will be spared either."


    Laro understood.


    "That makes sense. I had a few of my members explore the surroundings before the natural formation was activated. After a few thousand years, the planet seems to have recovered from our battle to some extent."


    Old Worm shook his head as he said.


    "Not completely. The amount of Spiritual Energy available in heaven and earth is not even half of what it was before. Because of that, we have very few Elemental Transformation Realm cultivators in the world. As for people at our level, only a single guy has appeared since the end of the war."


    Laro was taken aback, asking.


    "That bad? Thousands of years and only one guy surpassed the Elemental Transformation Realm?"


    Old Worm nodded with the same serious expression as always.


    "Do you think this is a bad result? It was already a miracle that he was capable of doing it. You should remember very well the conditions of the world after the war between us was over. What you see now is already a major step. Perhaps our world can finish recovering in the next ten thousand years. It would be great if that happens."


    Laro sighed before nodding.


    "Talking about the others, they won''t come after me looking for trouble, right?"


    Old Worm shook his head.


    "I already used a special method to contact them. We do have the power to get rid of you, but that would be in exchange for massive destruction once again. Especially taking into consideration the situation where you focus on running away. We have agreed that we won''t do anything to you as long as you don''t do anything stupid. Of course, just like everyone else, you can try to lead your race to conquer territories. It''s just that you can''t participate in the battles."


    Laro didn''t mind it at all.


    "That''s already good enough. However, we don''t have the numbers to wage war against any empire, so we will stay by ourselves and blend in Sasamil for now. After all, that''s the agreement between you and me. However, once the term of our agreement finishes, I''ll take my Lakure Race to find a spot for ourselves. I heard about the Maril Region, where no empires have been established for a very long time. That might be a good place to start."


    Old Worm shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "That''s up to you."


    Laro then used his Spiritual Sense to check the conditions of the outside world and the formation.


    "I didn''t expect the humans and the Lakures to get along that well. After all, it has been only three years since both sides began to live together. Was it also because of those twins?"


    Old Worm nodded with his deadpan face.


    "I''m also quite impressed with them. Rean can use the Light and Dark Element to get rid of your Lakure Race''s poison, so he gathered a lot of support and goodwill. As for Roan, he''s as cold as ever. Of course, the one who really made things turn out like this was that demon bird."


    Laro used his Spiritual Sense and immediately found the bird that Old Worm was talking about.


    "My Spiritual Sense was limited inside the chamber, so I couldn''t see things properly before. Is that bird what I think it is? No, it''s a little different, especially that white and dark feather crown on its head. The real one doesn''t have it. Is it a mutation? Still..."


    Old Worm nodded.


    "So you can recognize it as well?"


    Laro glared at Old Worm with an angry expression.


    "How could I not recognize it? That''s our Lakure Race''s guardian demon beast, Minokawa. Well, I''m the only one who saw it alive and is still here. The other members of my race wouldn''t be able to recognize it at all. Let alone that it has somewhat mutated. However, I thought they had all been killed by you guys back then during the war. There should be more in other planets, but not in this one, so I''m confused."


    Old Worm nodded.


    "I know how you feel. From what I know, the twins found this Minokawa egg when they went out for a sect mission. I confirmed that it was the truth later. In the end, no one knows how this egg appeared there. Perhaps it is a remnant from the old times that we let escape."


    Old Worm continued.


    "In any case, do me a favor. Don''t speak about it with the others. Unless they come out and pay very close attention to this bird, they won''t recognize it at all. Even I had a hard time noticing it, and I have been living in the same sect for many years."


    Laro narrowed his eyes as he offered.


    "I want to raise it for our race."


    Old Worm immediately shook his head as he replied.


    "It has already accepted a master."


    Laro didn''t mind as he continued.


    "I just need to kill him without it noticing. As long as it never finds out, it will be easy to shift its belief, especially since it''s so young."


    However, Old Worm''s expression turned darker than usual.


    "I told you that black-haired boy is my disciple, right? He''s the master. In fact, it has recognized two masters, the other being his brother. Do you think I''ll let you take their lives?"


    Laro was taken aback once more.


    "Just how fucking lucky can you get? That boy is already a heaven-defying genius, his brother not the least bit worse. On top of that, you also got our guardian beast because of them? Fuck you!"


    Old Worm''s expression relaxed after hearing that.


    "It was all thanks to my ancestor who passed away."


    "Thanks to your ancestor? What are you talking about?"


    Old Worm then shook his head before saying.


    "Forget it."


    Laro thought that there was something more to it but didn''t continue to inquire.


    "Whatever. Still..."


    Laro continued to look at Kentucky.


    "How can a Minokawa be hated and loved so much like that?"


    Old Worm faintly smiled as he answered.


    "That''s what I was talking about. In either case, Kentucky was the main reason behind the progress of both races. Well, it definitely doesn''t know it since it only cares about girls. Were the Minokawas that perverted back in your day?"


    Laro''s mouth twitched in response. The more he watched, the more he felt like Kentucky was tarnishing his memory regarding the race''s guardian beast. Kentucky became ''super scared'' with the ground trembling and buried himself in the middle of the female cultivators. All of them were hugging him, saying that he would be fine. As he got that treatment, the men on the other side gritted their teeth in fury... and jealousy.


    "Who the hell trained that bird to be like this?"


    Somewhere outside the natural formation...


    *Achoo!*


    Elder Reliance looked around as he rubbed his nose.


    "Is someone talking about me?"

 Chapter 536 - Talking With Laro

    Old Worm shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Well, at least he''s strong. I''m going out now, so take your sweet time recovering."


    Laro sighed in response and decided to ignore the demon bird. At least its actions had served greatly for their purpose of reconciliation.


    A few days later, Laro finished recovering his energy. It would take a long time for him to truly be at his peak again, but at least he could protect himself if need be. Following that, he used his Spiritual Sense to send a message to everyone in the valley. Both the Lakure and the humans heard it in their minds.


    "Come to the center of the valley."


    Rean''s group, obviously, heard the same thing. Since it was the ancestor''s orders, Jana didn''t try to stop the humans, so it was their first time here. Under them was the natural formation''s core. Of course, Jana wasn''t afraid of anyone playing any tricks since the ancestor was here as well.


    After some time, a man appeared in the sky as he looked at all the Lakures and humans.


    "My name is Laro. I''m the last survivor from the war between humans and Lakures back when we were sealed."


    In an instant, all the Lakure Race members kneeled down as they looked at Laro in delight.


    "Long live the ancestor!"


    "The ancestor is free!"


    "With the ancestor here, we will be free as well!"


    Erbec, Suan, and the other humans also watched the guy. The moment their Spiritual Sense reached his location, they felt frightened. Laro wasn''t trying to hide his cultivation, so even the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators could feel it. Obviously, as someone above the Elemental Transformation Realm, he was terrifying in front of the human''s eyes. None of the cultivators they had seen in the past had even gotten close to that amount of power.


    Laro then looked at the two Soul Forging Realm cultivators of the human race before saying.


    "I''ve heard that you wish to negotiate with us. To be honest, that was my intention as well after thinking things through. Although I''m confident I can survive in this world, that same can''t be said for my Lakure Race members."


    Erbec and Suan sighed in relief. Sure enough, they were right about the negotiation.


    "However, I doubt you can talk on the Sasamil Empire''s behalf, so it''s still early to tell what will happen."


    Erbec immediately answered.


    "As I mentioned in the past, we will do our best to make this negotiation happen. After all, this is an untimely moment for the Sasamil Empire to go into war, so they can only negotiate."


    Laro nodded. Old Worm told him that their meetings and deal were to be kept secret, so he couldn''t bring Old Worm''s name out.


    "I hope that''s the case. I''ve been observing both sides'' interactions until now. Although we have more Lakure Race members here, both have been able to reach some degree of mutual understanding. That''s what I expected."


    After that, he redirected his attention to the Lakure Race only.


    "All of you. I''ll be negotiating with the Sasamil Empire once the natural formation goes down. Meanwhile, you better get ready for anything. The formation will last for another year and a bit, so use this time to train. If everything goes well, we won''t need to fight, but you know what will happen if it doesn''t."


    Everyone immediately nodded.


    "Yes, Ancestor!"


    "Good."


    Laro then looked at Rean in the middle of the crowd. All of a sudden, Spiritual Energy came out of his body and enveloped Rean. Before Rean could do anything, he was brought up high in the skies. Not only him, but Roan, Kentucky, Calina, Malaka, and Wulio were brought up as well.


    "Jana, is this the group you told me about?"


    Jana immediately nodded.


    "Yes, Ancestor."


    Rean and Roan were ready to bring everyone into the Dimensional Realm if Laro decided to act. However, Laro just faintly smiled at them.


    "How amusing, a bunch of brats made this scene down there happen."


    Obviously, he was talking about how Rean''s group came up with the plan to have the humans and Lakures live together in the valley. Jana constantly reported to him the changes that occurred, so he was up to date with everything. Obviously, Kentucky and Rean were the ones who caught most of the attention. Rean''s healing abilities and Kentucky''s fan club helped a lot with the relationship of both races.


    However, Roan and the others also helped with what they could. Roan often held classes to help those at his level with cultivation and fighting. Even the Lakures who didn''t like humans couldn''t help but appear in his lessons. Let alone humans.


    Calina and Malaka were the leaders of Kentucky''s fan club. The two girls succeeded in making the females of both races join it. Well, it was all thanks to Kentucky''s charm as well. Last but not least, and the most unexpected one, was Wulio. He wasn''t exactly part of Rean''s group, but he put in a lot of effort as well. He understood that the men''s hate for Kentucky would be a great way to pull the males together. Sure enough, he succeeded as well. Perhaps that was his way of showing Calina his presence.


    Laro then looked at Rean before asking.


    "We have many, many more Lakure Race members sealed in the underground world. I know you can heal their poisons, but it would take over a hundred years if you go over them one by one."


    Rean bitterly smiled as he said.


    "There is a limit as to what I can do. You can''t ask me to stop cultivating and training just to do that from now on. Otherwise, I would reach the end of my lifespan before I can even finish every single one."


    Laro nodded. He wasn''t an idiot.


    "I know. I just wanted to ask if there''s any way you can heal several of them at once. If the problem is Spiritual Stones, I can arrange it for you as long as they aren''t Rank Four or higher. However, I can give you the remaining Life-Absorbing Crystals. It seems like you and your brother are very interested in it because of this demon bird."


    Rean shook his head in response. First of all, Rank Three and below level Spirit Stones wasn''t something he lacked to start with. The red crystals were indeed a great thing, but it doesn''t change the fact that Rean can''t do any better than that.


    "Unfortunately, I don''t know any way of doing that. In my opinion, the best way to work around it is to have the alchemists'' assistance and see if they can come up with a pill with similar effects. That way, it could be mass-produced. Of course, this is just an idea."


    Laro narrowed his eyes as he asked.


    "Why don''t you just use your Spiritual Energy on several people at once?"


    Rean shook his head as his hair changed into a mix of black and white. Following that, a ball of Dark and White Spiritual Light appeared on his hand as the amount of each light''s color changed constantly.


    "To eliminate their poisons, I need to balance the amount of Light and Dark Element coursing through them. Each person has their own body structure, so it varies from case to case. Suppose I do the same amount for everyone. In that case, chances are that nothing will be achieved other than multiple deaths or excruciating pain."


    "The problem here is that I can''t control my Spiritual Energy and Elements well enough to work on more than two or maybe three people at once. Three people would already be stretching it a lot. You must understand that the poisons have already fused with your own blood. Controlling the Dark Element to target one of the poisoned parts while using the Light Element to protect the body is hundreds of times more difficult than you think."


    Rean wasn''t lying. He also didn''t like to see when the poison flared up around him. Unfortunately, there was only so much he could do alone. It was completely different from just healing one''s injuries with his Life Style''s Instant Recovery. After all, doing that only needed Light Element, and the amount didn''t matter as long as Rean didn''t try to harm someone on purpose. It''s just that it got a few moans from everyone now and then...


    Roan can somewhat use the ''Life Style''s Purification'' skill as well. However, he wasn''t as good as Rean in terms of Light Element Control, so he would only be able to work on a single person. Not to mention that Roan would take much longer to finish each one. That said, he didn''t even try meddling into this issue.


    Laro sighed as he looked in a particular direction. No one could see anything in that place, but he knew Old Worm, or Jakiro, was watching him from there.


    Following that, Laro pondered for a bit before asking.


    "That being said, the higher your cultivation, the higher your control. If you get stronger, you will be able to heal more people at once, right?"


    Rean smiled in response.


    "Indeed. That''s also one of the reasons why I only spend half a day healing them. I can then use the other half to cultivate and increase my cultivation. At some point, I''ll be able to heal more people at once, and faster as well."


    Laro nodded before saying.


    "Very well. I can only wait as it seems. I''ll arrange for the human alchemists to try and figure something out. But until then, I''ll be relying on you."


    Rean didn''t mind.


    Laro also looked at Roan and the others.


    "As for the rest of you, just keep doing whatever you did so far."


    After that, he released Rean''s group and began to speak.


    "Well, then. You all have one more year and a few months in this accelerated time. Be sure to make the most of it. I''ll let everyone know once the time has come."

 Chapter 537 - How To Get Free

    After that, Laro sent Old Worm a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Is this good enough for you?''


    Old Worm nodded with his expressionless face.


    ''Yes.''


    Rean''s group then looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Naturally, everyone else looked at them as well. After all, they were able to catch the ancestor''s attention to a certain extent. Some were even jealous.


    Nevertheless, with that out of the way, Rean''s group had their green card to keep their training as they saw fit. Jana then told everyone to disperse, leaving only Rean''s group behind.


    "Since your cultivation is directly linked to how many Lakures you can heal at once, the ancestor asked me to give you these life-absorbing crystals. In the end, he needed most of them, but the rest can stay with you."


    Rean''s group, especially Kentucky, looked at the Lakure Race members who brought many of those crystals over.


    "This... How many are there?"


    "There are 55 remaining crystals. However, there will be no more after this since it isn''t worth the materials used to make them. Also, now that they aren''t in use anymore, they will gradually lose their power. With that, you better use them in less than a year. Of course, you can bring them to absorb more life again, but that''ll kill everything around them, as you''ve seen before."


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    "It''s fine. As you''ve noticed, we''re giving it to Kentucky. It''s very beneficial for his growth. I''m sure he''ll be able to consume everything in less than a year. As for us, we can''t use its energy for some reason."


    Jana nodded as she replied.


    "Only someone who is at least in the Elemental Transformation Realm can make use of the crystal''s energy. Our ancestor is obviously someone like that. However, I''m quite impressed that your demon bird is capable of such a thing."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said in response.


    "Not really. Most of the crystal''s energy is lost, so it''s far from perfect. Nevertheless, that''s good enough."


    Of course, she knew that. What she didn''t realize was that the twins benefited from it as well. Though, it was mainly because it didn''t seem that the twins'' cultivation was any faster than Malaka, Calina, or the geniuses of the Lakure Race. Little did she know that the twins'' Spiritual Pools were far larger than everyone else. That''s why it seemed like they cultivated at the same speed as others. Otherwise, they might have reached the Core and Soul Fusion Realm by now.


    Jana then turned around and left with her subordinates. From that point onwards, the center of the valley was free to be visited as long as no one got close to the natural formation''s core. After all, who would be idiotic enough to attack someone like Laro? That would be a huge joke.


    Another thing that changed was that Laro allowed the cultivators to head out of the valley and do whatever they wanted. If they didn''t want to come back anymore until the natural formation disappeared, that would be fine as well. No one would be following them.


    However, Erbec and the others knew that their relationship with these Lakure Race members was the key to negotiation. At the same time, it was linked to the rewards they would receive themselves for achieving such a result. There was no way they would go out at this point. The same could be said to the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators present.


    It was then that Roan came to see them.


    "As you can see, the natural formation is quite dim now. We can even see the other side. Why don''t you have someone go to the natural formation''s border and check if the scouts can see the other side? You might not be able to talk or use Spiritual Sense with them. However, you can totally write words on a board and use those to communicate."


    Erbec and the others nodded.


    "We''ve already arranged that. The sects and Royal Family members will each send a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator to check the barrier later today."


    Tiria, who was there as well, nodded.


    "Juvian will be going there on our Dalamu Sect''s behalf while I wait here. If everything goes as planned, we can already start the preliminary negotiation."


    Roan was satisfied with the answer.


    "That''s good, then."


    After talking about a few more things, he soon made his way out.


    Suddenly, a little girl came running in Roan''s direction.


    "Roan!"


    Roan then looked at her.


    "Oh. It''s you, Sana."


    It''s been seven years already, so Sana had grown up quite a lot. Sure enough, she was brought out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm when she was only four years old. That being said, Sana only had a few memories of that place. At some point, she ignored those memories as she spent more time with everyone. Even if she asked about it, they could just say that it was just her dreams or something like that.


    "Where are Rean and the others?"


    "They''re training, as always. I''m going back to do the same as well."


    Sana became disappointed.


    "You guys only know how to train, train, train, cultivate, cultivate, cultivate. You''re too boring!"


    Roan didn''t seem to care as he said.


    "And you should be doing the same. Well, I can see you''ve reached the Organs Change Stage of Body Transformation, so your results aren''t too bad."


    Sana was one of the quasi-inexistent kids in the whole place. There were just a very few exceptions due to different reasons. Naturally, she almost didn''t have anyone who she could play with. That''s why she was more attached to Rean''s group since they took care of her since she was a baby. As for Sister Orb, she had never seen her again. Even she began to think that Sister Orb was nothing more than a dream.


    Well, Sister Orb was pretty gloomy about it. But she knew that her existence couldn''t be disclosed, so she always stayed silent.


    Roan entertained the girl for a few more minutes and finally left. Everyone only had one more year or so in this place. They had to make sure to use the time to the fullest.


    A day later, Juvian and the other experts from the sects and Royal Family arrived at the border of the natural formation. Sure enough, they were right. It was now possible to see the other side. It''s just that their Spiritual Sense and voice couldn''t pass through it.


    It didn''t take too long for them to find a few more cultivators inside the natural formation. As one could imagine, they didn''t bring everyone to the valley three years ago. That would be idiotic in case they were attacked and died. Someone had to stay out to tell others what to expect. However, it was now unnecessary.


    After some time, they also found the area where the Jialin and Guntao Saint Realm forces were attacking the natural formation. Naturally, Ernian Sasamil and his forces were there as well.


    They had been thinking of the worst-case scenario until now. After all, it was now possible to see the other side, but their experts never appeared to see them. Only those low-level ones could be talked to, but even they didn''t know what happened to the high-level ones that went to the valley. Naturally, everyone was taken aback when Juvian and the others appeared.


    Without being able to talk or use Spiritual Sense, they could only use big written words to communicate with one another. Well, that was enough since they had a lot of time. Eventually, Erbec explained the whole situation after a few hours.


    ''I see... Lakure Race, huh? An expert that is probably above the Elemental Transformation Realm as well. However, they don''t want to start a war. The deployed natural formation was so that they had enough time to bring their experts out of the underworld and free that ancestor. That''s too big for me to decide what to do on my own. This time, I''m sure the family will send someone at the Elemental Transformation Realm to preside over this situation. As for our own ancestor... I wonder if he would come out too...''


    Erbec then looked at the experts on the other side before writing in the air with his Spiritual Sense.


    "Very well, I''ll tell the Sasamil Family about it, so you just need to wait a little more. Wait here until they send a higher-ranked representative."


    Juvian and the others nodded in response.


    "Alright."


    With that said, Qia finally had time to ask her own questions. She had stayed here all this time, waiting to receive any news from Rean and the others. It had been almost ten months outside the formation, so she was worried sick.


    Juvian laughed as he then told everyone thing Rean had done for them. Well, he already said the same thing to Erbec anyway.


    "He got to stop the battle by intentionally receiving... a beating?"


    Naturally, her expression was as perplexed as the others when they heard that.


    Juvian took his time to talk with Qia since she was Rean''s ''wife.'' No one bothered with that either.


    Qia was basically the only one on Rean''s Formation Team in this place. Droman was responsible for the entire Communication System, so he had to go back to the sect at some point. Still, he received the information about the situation a few days later. Obviously, Havek Sasamil got it as well.


    "Hahaha! As I told you, my rival wouldn''t die that easily. Just wait until he sees how much the project has advanced in the past nine months."


    Droman nodded as he said.


    "It''s good as long as he''s fine. It''s just that... How will he free himself from there if he has so many Lakures to heal?"


    Sure enough, that was one of the main questions in everyone''s minds.

 Chapter 538 - Quick Action!

    Time passed as everyone used the extra time to cultivate and train. Soon, half of the time the formation could still work passed in a flash. Only six to eight months were available to the formation''s natural core energy, according to Sister orb. Nothing much happened during this time, though. It''s just that Laro didn''t come out to negotiate with the people outside. He wanted to talk after the formation had gone down.


    Rean''s group, of course, improved by leaps and bounds during this time. The same could be said about the others.


    Today, Calina was finally going to make her last breakthrough under the Core Formation Realm. Calina had made her breakthrough to the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm over five years ago, after all. With Rean''s massive amount of Rank Three Spirit Stones from the Communication System, she had no problem with Spiritual Energy. The same could be said for Malaka.


    Suddenly, a burst of Spiritual Energy came out of her dantian and spread outwards. Everyone in a kilometer around her noticed that as they looked in her dwelling''s direction. However, they quickly ignored that and returned to do their own things. There were several breakthroughs happening every day in the valley, so no one found anything strange about it.


    Roan looked at the condition of Calina''s dantian after she finished her breakthrough and nodded.


    "That went better than I thought. I was afraid that you might have cultivated a little too quickly. However, it seems like the Foundation Stabilizing Pills I gave you after your last breakthrough did the job. This time, however, I don''t want you to take the pills. Otherwise, your body will form an immunity against it. Take your time in letting your foundation naturally calm down. Refrain from cultivating for the next two months or so."


    Calina smiled as she nodded. She was now in the Peak of the Core Formation Realm.


    "Thank you, Roan."


    Malaka then hugged Calina.


    "Congratulations."


    Calina couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Thank you as well."


    She then looked outside and focused her sights on the natural formation in the sky. However, it was far dimmer than before to the point that it almost seemed non-existent.


    "Seems like we won''t be able to use this time acceleration formation for much longer."


    Roan nodded.


    "There''s no helping that. The natural formation isn''t something we can intervene with. It was already great that we were here when it happened."


    Calina then thought about how the time for her to go back to the capital was getting closer. Of course, just a little less than a year had passed outside, though. She still had around a decade even after the formation went down. At least, that was Roan''s expectation.


    It was then that someone entered the room as well. Immediately, Calina''s face had a weird expression on it. There was only one person capable of making her feel helpless like that at the moment, which was Wulio.


    "Congratulations on your breakthrough. It seems like it won''t be long before you reach the same realm as me."


    Calina bitterly smiled as she replied.


    "Thank you."


    Wulio nodded before asking.


    "So, the time''s almost up. Have you decided what to do about my proposal?"


    Malaka narrowed her eyes when she heard that.


    "Do you really need to force Calina to marry you to gain your support? First of all, do you even love her?"


    Wulio looked at Malaka with a puzzled expression as he responded.


    "What are you talking about? This is just a political marriage of sorts. I''ll give her my support as one of the Emperor''s sons. In exchange, I''ll be able to keep a close eye on her in case she decides to join the Chrole Empire''s side. If she really is doing it to stop a war from happening between our Empires, then this is her best option."


    Roan then looked at Wulio before asking.


    "And if you find out that she''s really doing it for Sasamil Empire? What will you do from there onwards? What will be your position if she becomes the empress?"


    Wulio laughed as he replied.


    "Hahaha! Well, I''m giving her my support, but I seriously doubt she''ll become the empress. First Brother will do his best to stop it, and so will Fifth Brother. Well, the other direct bloodline princes and princesses won''t stay idle either."


    "However, let''s consider that she somehow succeeds in taking the throne. In that case, I''ll do my job as her husband. When an Emperor ascends to the throne, his wife becomes the empress. The same thing happens the other way around. I''ll become the Emperor. However, the one who really holds power is the one who made his way up there. The other is just a symbolic existence. For me, that''s perfect. I won''t need to take care of anything other than keeping an eye on her. In exchange, I will have unlimited resources and free time. How could I not be happy to be her husband at that time."


    Just as he was finished talking, a voice came from the entrance of the room.


    "I see... That being said, you at least believe that Calina has a very small chance of becoming the empress."


    Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Rean making his way into the room.


    "Congratulations, Calina."


    Calina smiled at Rean as well.


    "Thank you."


    Wulio, on the other hand, was taken aback by Rean''s words. However, he quickly recovered before saying.


    "There''s one thing I came to understand in this cultivation world. The heavens will never close all doors. There''s always a chance. I''m simply taking that chance in my hands in case it appears."


    Roan was more than satisfied with that. At least, Wulio had a reason to help Calina. Well, that was considering that what he was saying was the truth.


    However, Calina then looked at Roan as she asked.


    "Don''t you mind it even a little bit?"


    Roan was puzzled by that question. However, he quickly had an idea.


    "Are you talking about the chances that he might betray you? That''s something I can''t guarantee. At least, I do believe he''s being serious."


    Wulio smiled as he looked at Calina and Roan. He wasn''t a dense person like Roan, so he could totally tell what was happening here. Still, it didn''t seem like he minded that.


    Rean and Malaka felt like crying already. How can he be that oblivious?


    Surprisingly, Calina didn''t seem to be disheartened by Roan''s answer. Instead, it had finally reached a point where she began to get angry. Soon after, she got up and looked at Wulio before saying.


    "I accept your proposal."


    Malaka and Rean were tekan aback by that. Did she finally give up? However...


    *Vup!*


    Calina grabbed Roan''s arm and pulled him over. Roan wasn''t expecting anything like that at all, so before he could even react, Calina stole a kiss from him!

 Chapter 539 - That Hurts

    Rean couldn''t help but feel a sense of deja vu.


    ''I''ve seen this happen before...''


    Roan looked at Calina, who had pressed her lips on his own with wide eyes. Malaka, obviously, found it incredible and couldn''t stop grinning.


    As for Wulio, he simply shrugged his shoulders at the sight. Obviously, he didn''t really love Calina to start with, not to mention that they weren''t married yet. Even though his ''future wife'' was kissing someone else, he simply didn''t care. Besides, he knew very well that Calina liked Roan.


    Eventually, Roan came back to himself and immediately pushed Calina aside.


    "What the hell are you doing?"


    Calina laughed with her face as red as it could possibly be.


    "What else do you think I was doing? I was kissing you!"


    "Why?"


    Calina already threw caution to the wind, so she went straight to the point.


    "Because I love you."


    Roan began to feel a headache coming as he massaged his temples.


    "Love? I couldn''t care less about such a thing. First of all, I don''t believe it exists. It''s all about body attraction and who you feel to be the best candidate for your reproduction. Those feelings act in your brain, making you mistake it for some bullshit name like Love."


    Malaka and Rean didn''t find Roan''s reaction surprising at all. They knew that he never gave any importance to it.


    Of course, Calina already expected that as well. She had been living with Roan for a long time, after all.


    "Oh, is that so? Using your words, I guess I consider you the best partner for children. What about you? Do you have any problem in having me as your children''s mother?"


    Wulio couldn''t help but ask Rean and Malaka through a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Isn''t this getting a little out of hand? They''re talking about children already.''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    ''It should be fine. I doubt Roan would take things further than this. He doesn''t want to stay with anyone, after all.''


    Malaka agreed with him.


    ''Rean''s right. I''m more impressed with the fact that you don''t seem to care much about it.''


    ''Of course. After all, Calina and I would just have a political marriage. Whatever she does before it doesn''t concern me. Then again, I guess a kid would be going too far in this situation.''


    ''Don''t worry, just look at how annoyed Roan looks right now, and you''ll easily understand that this thing has no future. To be honest, we wanted him to answer Calina''s feelings, but it just won''t happen.''


    Roan was indeed very annoyed. However...


    "If I give you the kid you want, will you forget about this? We can have sex right now if you are in the time frame for conception as long as you give up this love idea. By the way, tell me when you had your last period and the time interval between each one. I can calculate the best time for it."


    Everyone almost vomited blood after hearing that. Roan wanted to impregnate the girl and leave her alone! The most impressive thing was that he thought he was doing a favor to Calina.


    Of course, even Calina didn''t expect such a proposal. Unfortunately, she wanted his kid so that they could stay together, not so that he could leave her right after. Without a doubt, that only made Calina furious.


    "Idiot! What''s the point in having your kid if you aren''t going to stay there with me to take care of it?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he asked a question in response.


    "Wasn''t a kid what you wanted?"


    Wulio, Rean, and Malaka couldn''t help but show weird expressions.


    ''Just where the hell is this conversation going?''


    Calina continued as she said.


    "No! I just said that to see if you could stay with me. I understand that you don''t believe in Love. I get it. However, I do believe in it! I truly love you. Why don''t you get it?"


    Roan shook his head as he said.


    "Let''s consider that Love does exist. Aren''t you forgetting something else?"


    Wulio, Malaka, and Rean already knew what Roan was going to say.


    "What is it?"


    Roan then looked deeply at Calina and said in the most serious tone possible.


    "I don''t love you."


    Sure enough, Roan also got straight to the point. It was basically the same situation with Rean and Qia at the moment. Rean didn''t love her, so the two can''t really be together. They were only in that political marriage situation but had never done anything with each other. Well, Qia had tried hundreds of times, but Rean was steady as a rock.


    Calina then dropped her head, dejected. Still adamant, she then asked.


    "Even if you don''t love me, don''t you like me even a little bit?"


    Roan answered straight away.


    "It depends on what kind of ''like'' you''re talking about. I like how much effort you''re putting into becoming an empress. I like how much effort you put into the training I give you. I like how considerate you are when any of us have a problem, and you try to help to the best of your abilities. I like how your friendship with Malaka is important to you to the point where you''d protect her with your life."


    Calina and the others were taken aback as Roan talked. That was a lot of likes... However, he wasn''t finished yet.


    "I like how you look genuinely sad when you can''t perform according to my expectations as if it was the most important thing. I like how you can easily bring your feelings out, only losing to my idiot sister in this regard. I like when we go all out together, and you try to be mindful of everyone''s actions. I like..."


    Roan continued to list all the ''likes'' he could think about. However, that began to make Calina''s face become redder after some time. Of course, he had eventually run out of things to say which he liked about Calina.


    "As you can see, there are many things I like about you. However, this isn''t Love at all."


    Rean and the others'' mouths twitched as they simultaneously thought.


    ''Would you really pay such close attention to someone you don''t love?''


    Malaka then asked Roan with an elated expression.


    "So many likes! Then, what do you like about me?"


    Roan snorted as he responded straightforwardly.


    "I don''t like you."


    Oof... that stings! Poor Malaka almost cried just then.

 Chapter 540 - Didnt Give Up

    Rean patted Malaka''s head as he said.


    "Don''t worry, your brother here still likes you very much. What''s so good about being liked by an ice block?"


    The girl was a grown-up lady already, but she still liked it when Rean treated her that way.


    "Reaaaaan!"


    She immediately hugged her brother as she cried... or pretended to do so...


    However, Calina ignored that comedy show. Her mind was full of Roan''s ''likes'' that continued replaying in her head nonstop.


    ''I didn''t know he had been paying attention to me this much. What do I do? I thought he would give me a straight answer, but then he began to talk like that. Idiot! How can I not love you even more after that! What are you aiming for? Are you playing with my feelings?''


    ''No! Roan would rather lose a limb than waste time playing with someone. That means he really does like all of that in me. Can you really say you don''t love me after all of that? Then again, what if he isn''t lying? What if he simply likes those parts of me but doesn''t really want to have anything to do with me? If it''s Roan, it''s totally possible! Ahhhhh! This is driving me crazy!''


    After destroying Malaka''s hopes for ''likes,'' Roan noticed that Calina had gone silent.


    "What is it? Have you come to terms that it won''t work?"


    Calina finally came back to herself as she looked at Roan and replied with a hint of uncertainty.


    "Err... maybe?"


    Calina wasn''t sure. However, that was good. Not being sure still meant she had a chance.


    "What do you mean by maybe? Even after everything I said, you still hold such hopes?"


    Rean, Malaka, and even Wulio couldn''t help but agree with Calina. That ''maybe'' was a big one right there.


    Roan then looked at Wulio before asking.


    "Shouldn''t you say something? She already agreed with your marriage. Aren''t people used to not wanting their women to like other men and vice versa?"


    Wulio shrugged his shoulders as he responded.


    "Why should I spoil the fun?"


    Malaka and Rean nodded vigorously, with Rean saying soon after.


    "Brother Wulio, you really know your shit!"


    "Hahaha! But of course!"


    Roan finally lost his patience after hearing that.


    "Fuck all of you! I''m out of here."


    However, Rean immediately stopped him.


    "Wait, wait, wait! We still need to discuss this marriage thing about Calina and Wulio."


    He also commented through their Soul Connection.


    ''Besides, it''s also directly linked to whether we die in this mission to make Calina an empress or not.''


    Roan''s steps froze in place as he unwillingly turned his body back.


    "Fine! Let''s put an end to this love talk and just get straight to the point. Calina, you accepted the marriage with him, yes?"


    Calina was taken aback for a moment before nodding her head. She then quickly calmed down as she shifted her focus back on the main issue. Well, all the ''likes'' still lingered in her head, though. It''s just that she did her best to not think about them.


    "Ahem... Correct. I want to stop this war between Sasamil and Chrole. For that, becoming the empress is the best option. If I have Wulio as my husband and states that he wants to support me instead, that would make my position a lot more stable."


    Calina was truly a lot more focused on her wish to stop this conflict. She considered it a lot more important than her own feelings.


    Wulio nodded after hearing that.


    "I still think you have almost no chance, but I''ll give you my support. However, you will need much more than that."


    Roan shook his head as he said.


    "No need. When the time comes, support won''t matter during the decision. Your support will only matter after Calina becomes the empress. Only then will it matter a lot. She will need to consolidate her position."


    Wulio was taken aback, making him ask Roan.


    "One''s support won''t matter on the decision on who''s going to be the Emperor or Empress? How''s that possible?"


    Roan shook his head as he responded vaguely.


    "I''m not sure yet, but that''s what our investigations had turned up. Just make sure you''re there when the time comes."


    Wulio felt that it was ridiculous. The amount of support the candidates took was always linked to their chances of becoming the next sovereign. How could it suddenly change? Also, how come he, the ninth prince, did not know about it?


    "You''re lying!"


    Rean and Roan shrugged their shoulders.


    "Whether we are lying or not will be answered in the future. Of course, there''s one more thing."


    "What is it?"


    Rean then got closer to Wulio as he said with a serious expression.


    "If we are right and support won''t be needed to become the next Emperor and Empress, that means you''ll also obtain the same chance. What will you do when that time comes? Will you offer your help, as you''ve said, or will you fight for the throne as well?"


    "This..."


    Wulio was taken aback. He wasn''t lying. He didn''t want to become the emperor since it would be too much work. He didn''t like it. However, he couldn''t deny that another reason was that he didn''t think he had any chance of winning the throne. Wulio dropped his head as he pondered over such a possibility until he eventually reached a decision.


    "Forget it. I''m just too unfit to become an emperor. Unlike Calina, I don''t like to take anything seriously. The empire would only decline in my hands. Watching over Calina''s actions would be the extent of what I can do."


    Rean and Roan nodded, satisfied.


    It was then that Malaka thought about something.


    "Wait. Calina, could it be that you want your relationship with Wulio to be the same as Rean and Qia?"


    Calina was taken aback, and so were Rean and Wulio. However, Calina''s face suddenly became red in response.


    "I knew it!"


    Wulio couldn''t help but ask.


    "What are you talking about?"


    Rean then looked at Wulio. Since they were more or less allies now, he decided that he might tell this much.


    "The truth behind Qia and my relationship is like this..."


    Wulio listened to Rean''s explanation and finally understood.


    "I see... So you two are free to do whatever you want, even secretly marrying someone else."


    Wulio looked at Calina before saying.


    "That''s fine by me. That only means I will be far freer to do whatever I want. Besides, I''m not exactly the loyal type."


    Calina sighed in relief after hearing that.


    "Thank you, Wulio."


    Malaka and Rean finally understood when they heard that.


    ''No wonder she didn''t give up on Roan...''

 Chapter 541 - Peak Of The Core Formation Realm

    Roan decided to simply ignore that.


    "Forget that. We still have at least half a year''s worth of time to cultivate, so focus on using this time as much as possible. Since you already accepted the political marriage thing, the problem that will come after the selection will be easier to handle."


    Everyone nodded in response. The next ones closest to a breakthrough were Rean and Roan. Of course, they were still a few months away from gathering enough energy, even with the help of the Red Crystals. In fact, Malaka could be said to be catching up to them since their Spiritual Pool increased in size with every breakthrough. The others also increased in size, but not at the same level as them. Then again, that was one of the reasons why they can jump so many levels to fight, so they wouldn''t complain about it.


    As for Wulio, he had just achieved a breakthrough a few years ago into the Late Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Because of that, it would take him much longer to accumulate enough energy for the next one. He was sure that he wouldn''t be ready for the next decade at the very least.


    And just like that, time continued to pass. Soon, the eight months were up. In fact, it had almost been nine months since Calina''s breakthrough. Everyone could tell that the natural formation was practically gone by now. If one looked at the natural formation''s core, they would see that it was littered with cracks. The intense red light it had in the past was almost gone, leaving just a faint red... or more like a black ball with a tinge of red.


    It had lasted this long because the experts outside were aware that there would be a negotiation after the natural formation came down. That being said, they stopped attacking it, which increased the formation''s lifespan near its end.


    However, as everyone had their minds filled with those thoughts, the twins'' minds were elsewhere.


    [Good! This should be enough. As long as you follow the cultivation manual, you should have another easy breakthrough.]


    Sister Orb, as always, observed the condition of their cultivation closely. It took longer than expected since they had a breakthrough too quickly last time. Nevertheless, they were still able to keep a very sturdy foundation, thanks to that. Of course, the life-absorbing crystals that Kentucky was eating helped a lot in that process. Unfortunately, there were only fifty over a year ago. Right now, not even a single one remained.


    "Alright! Let''s do this."


    There wasn''t much of a secret between stages. After all, they were within the same realm. That being said, the twins were very confident in their breakthrough.


    However, Rean wanted to make sure it would work well, so he took out a few of their Rank Four Spiritual Stones. They were rare and hard to replenish, but if they don''t use them even in a moment like this, what''s the meaning of having them?


    Energy rushed into Rean and Roan''s Dantian like a torrential storm due to the stones'' higher quality. Their Spiritual Pool soon overflowed, forcing it to increase in size once more. Obviously, the core inside their Dantians had increased in size and power as it also absorbed the pool''s extra energy.


    After some time, a burst of Spiritual Energy came from the twin''s body, spreading outwards. As always, everyone around them perceived the breakthrough before ignoring it once more. They had seen way too many of these breakthroughs already.


    "Phew... This cultivation technique really makes everything easier."


    [Hmph! We''re talking about a Cultivation Technique made by the Soul Gem System. Of course, it would work perfectly.]


    "Yeah, yeah, yeah. We understand. You don''t need to say it every single time."


    Roan ignored Rean and Sister Orb as he paid attention to the chaotic energy in his Dantian.


    "No Foundation Stabilizing Pills for us. It''ll be better for us if we take our time to calm it down the normal way."


    Rean didn''t mind.


    "It''s fine. We''re only 24 years old (At least our bodies are). Plus, we''re already in the Peak of the Core Formation Realm. There''s no need to hurry. Don''t forget that Core Formation Realm cultivators have 200 years to live."


    Roan nodded and shook his head right after.


    "That''s true, but it''s not that reassuring."


    "Why is that?"


    Sister Orb knew what Roan was talking about, so she answered before he could.


    [Roan''s right. That''s because the higher your cultivation level, the longer you take to cultivate. Don''t be fooled by the lifespan you have at the moment. What you''re doing is basically accumulating lifespan to spend it in the higher realms.]


    Roan agreed with Sister Orb.


    "I asked Old Worm before. A Soul Transformation Realm cultivator has a thousand-year lifespan, while a Saint Realm cultivator only increases that to 1600. Do you see the trend here? The bonus in lifespan doesn''t cover the time necessary to cultivate it. He told me that almost no Saint Realm cultivator could break through to the Elemental Transformation Realm."


    [Exactly. Breaking through to the next realm close to the end of one''s lifespan is a terrible idea. You have to accumulate as much lifespan as possible at the start, using your talents and young bodies to push forward. Ideally, I want you two to reach the Saint Realm before you two reach 500 years old. It would give you 1100 years to cultivate through the Saint Realm. Don''t forget, your foundations require a lot more energy than others.]


    Rean nodded with a serious expression.


    "I see... So this extra strength we get from having a bigger Spiritual Pool can also backfire on us in the end."


    [Correct. Of course, that doesn''t mean you can rush things. If you damage your foundation for a hasty breakthrough, it will lead to worse results. Just as Roan said, let your foundations stabilize naturally this time. Taking too many pills is obviously not a good thing.]


    Roan then took his sword out as he looked in the direction of the arenas.


    "And the best way to naturally let them stabilize is obviously battle. I''m going ahead!"


    Rean laughed in response as he took out his sword as well.


    "Guess I''m going with you. This is also a good chance to test the power of someone at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm before the natural formation collapses."

 Chapter 542 - Formation Down

    However, as soon as the twins left their room, they noticed Kentucky through their connection.


    "Oh, right! With our cultivations increased, Kentucky is now free to advance to Peak Stage Three Demon Beast."


    Roan ignored that, though.


    "I''m heading to the arena anyway. You can go ahead and take a look at that pervert bird."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders in response.


    "Alright, then."


    Rean then went to the pervert bird fan club area, where he saw quite a lot of girls with a concerned expression. Rean could be said to be one of the very few men who could get close to the bird. After all, the rest seemed to hate it.


    "Is everything alright?"


    "Oh! Rean! Come, come! Take a look at Kentucky and check if he''s fine."


    Rean smiled in response before being guided to where Kentucky was. There, he noticed that Kentucky had a painful expression on his face. However, Rean''s mouth twitched at that scene. Many girls were rubbing his feathers, trying to make him feel better.


    ''You dammed perverted bird. You''re even using your breakthrough to call their attention.''


    Of course, Rean couldn''t tell the girls the truth. First, they wouldn''t believe him. Second, they would despise him instead for ''ignoring'' Kentucky''s plight.


    "Ahem... He''s fine. It''s just that he''s breaking through to the Peak Stage Three level. This is just a side effect of becoming stronger. It shouldn''t take long before he feels better."


    All the girls sighed in relief.


    "That''s great!"


    They all celebrated right after that. After all, their idol was getting even stronger. It was then that Rean noticed Calina arriving there. Immediately, he sent her a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''How come they didn''t notice Kentucky was just pretending? It''s so obvious at this point!''


    Calina laughed mentally as she replied.


    ''Hehehe. Don''t underestimate the power of love. Many of the girls have definitely noticed that Kentucky isn''t really feeling bad or anything. Still, they like him the way he is. You must understand that most girls love fluffy things, especially a cute one like Kentucky. They''re more than happy to go along with his act. It''s a win-win situation.''


    Rean shook his head, not even trying to understand those words.


    Calina then smiled at Rean before saying.


    "Anyway, congratulations. Did Roan break through as well?"


    Rean smiled back as he nodded.


    "Yes, Roan did. He should have gone to the arena to try things out now."


    Calina nodded and immediately turned around to head to the arenas. As for Kentucky, the other girls would take care of him.


    Rean then took a last look at the shameless Minokawa before leaving as well. He also wanted to try the arenas.


    Everyone noticed the twins'' breakthrough, so there were many eager to give it a try in the arena against them. Well, all of those who wanted to try fighting them were in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm already. Those at the Core Formation Realm gave up on the idea a long time ago.


    Calina and Malaka, of course, didn''t have a choice. Roan made sure to give them special attention while testing his and the girls'' abilities. As for Rean, it wasn''t that necessary since they could share memories as long as they wished to. That being said, Rean rarely fought against Roan.


    Wulio still gave it a try against Roan and won without much difficulty. After all, he wasn''t an ordinary Late Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator. He could also jump stages to fight those stronger than him. Not to mention that unless the twins fought together, it would be too hard to match a Late Core and Soul Fusion Realm''s power alone.


    Nonetheless, Roan still gave Wulio a run for his money, leaving a few shallow injuries behind with his Death Style. Wulio couldn''t help but feel like a knife was on his throat every time they clashed. One mistake and the advantage he had in cultivation would become meaningless.


    The one closest to a breakthrough now would be Malaka. However, she was several months to a year away from it, so she definitely wouldn''t reach the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm before the natural formation went down.


    Sure enough, the formation came down not too long after. Eleven days after Rean, Roan, and Kentucky had their breakthroughs, the formation finally began to crumble apart.


    Jana was on the side of the natural formation core with the Formation Masters of her Lakure Race. They observed the core crumble together with the formation. By now, there was no red on it anymore. It was just a giant black sphere that would soon turn into dust.


    Out of nowhere, Laro appeared in their room as he looked at the black sphere as well.


    "Ancestor."


    Laro nodded before saying.


    "It''s time. Gather everyone."


    Jana nodded and used her Spiritual Sense to pass the order. Obviously, the twins'' group heard that as well.


    Everyone from the Lakure and human race gathered so Laro could talk to them.


    "As you can see, the formation is coming down. The humans can go ahead and leave the valley if they want to. It''s not like you were locked here anyway. As for the Lakures, stay here for the moment. We have our defenses mounted in the valley, so it''s the best place to stay at the moment if something goes wrong."


    As mentioned before, the Lakures already let the humans roam freely if they wanted to. The ones who stayed here had their own reasons. For example, Erbec and Suan stayed so that they could be considered one of the reasons for the negotiation if it went well.


    Tiria and Juvian pondered for a bit as they looked at the formation. Juvian came back to the valley after he finished reporting the things to Zuan. Well, that was basically because the twins were here as well.


    Sure enough, at least half of the humans took this chance to leave. The other half just stayed because there wasn''t anywhere to go with the natural formation running. Now, they could finally go home.


    And just like that, Laro waited for the Sasamil Empire''s representative to come.

 Chapter 543 - The Way Out

    The Lakure Race members stayed at the entrance of the valley. At the same time, Laro went high up in the air as he looked in the Sasamil Empire Capital''s direction. Erbec, Suan, Tiria, and the others were also there since they decided to stay behind.


    Several hours later, Jana''s group noticed the presence of several high-level cultivators approaching in their direction.


    "Ancestor, they have come."


    Laro nodded, not minding it too much. His Spiritual Sense was much stronger than Jana and the others, so he noticed the other side''s presence a long time ago.


    Eventually, a group of cultivators, both from the Sasamil Imperial Family and the subordinate clans, arrived at their location. Ernian, of course, wasn''t the leader of this group anymore. With the new information obtained, the Sasamil Empire finally sent an Elemental Transformation Realm cultivator to take a look.


    It was an old woman with a proud expression. She used the Sasamil Imperial Family''s clothes, though with a few different adornments to them. Those features showed her position in the family, which was obviously very high given her cultivation.


    However, the moment her Spiritual Sense had touched Laro, her expression instantly changed. The proud look on her face disappeared as she took a deep breath.


    ''So it wasn''t a joke or a lie. There was really someone in that realm in this place. To think that a Lakure Race ancestor has survived to this day... We definitely can''t afford to make an enemy out of him.''


    She then bowed to Laro before saying.


    "My name is Valeria Sasamil, a member of the Imperial Household. May I ask who this senior is?"


    Laro was satisfied with the politeness, so he didn''t make things difficult for her.


    "I''m Laro. I believe you know that my Lakure Race is coming out of the underworld. Even though many of us still hate the human race, I''m not an idiot. A war between you and us would definitely end with our loss. However, I am more than strong enough to turn this world upside down before we lose. That being said, I''ve decided to negotiate with you."


    Valeria immediately nodded as she replied.


    "This junior would also prefer a negotiation, senior."


    As old as she might be, she knew very well just how much younger she was compared to the man in front of her.


    "Good! In that case, I''ll be straightforward. I want my Lakure Race to have the same standing as your human race in this Empire. If they need to enter the capital for whatever reason, they can. If they''re going to reside in whatever country, they can. In exchange, we won''t break the rules of your Empire. However, I better not hear that they''re getting persecuted on purpose."


    Valeria narrowed her eyes in response before saying.


    "Senior, that would be slightly difficult. The special meridians that your race has would definitely attract the attention of some forces. Even if I accept this offer, I can''t guarantee their safety. The best outcome would be if you all stayed in the same place to look after each other."


    Laro snorted as he released the pressure of his Spiritual Energy.


    "Are you telling me that you want to confine us once again in a place where we can''t leave your sights?"


    Valeria let out cold sweat as she did her best to resist that assault. As for the others who came with her, they already fell to the ground, unable to fight against it.


    "Senior, you''ve misinterpreted my words. The Lakure Race members can indeed move around as long as they keep within the Empire''s borders and rules. It''s just that I have no way of guaranteeing their safety. If you think they can take care of themselves, then we can definitely continue this negotiation."


    Laro narrowed his eyes as he retracted the pressure of his Spiritual Energy.


    Just as they were about to continue talking, a voice came from below the two parties.


    "Isn''t the answer simple? If being of a different race is the main problem, just go for a political marriage. Why don''t you have a few important and single Lakure Race members marry some important and single Sasamil Empire Family members? Once a Lakure Race member becomes part of the Imperial Family and vice versa, no one would have the right to complain about it. It won''t completely stop others from hunting the Lakures because of their meridians. Then again, the chances of it happening will be reduced by a lot."


    Everyone was taken aback by that proposal. When they looked down, they saw a white-haired man talking. Naturally, that was none other than Rean.


    Valeria noticed that the one who had talked just now was a Peak Core Formation Realm cultivator.


    "This isn''t something a brat like you should put your nose into."


    However, that wasn''t the real reason why she said that.


    ''Is this boy crazy? The Sasamil Imperial Family is already a mess because of the Chrole Imperial Family bloodline that entered it. The top princes and princesses in the fight for the throne are advocating for the complete extermination of those with Chrole bloodlines within the Sasamil Imperial Family. Does he think they''ll just say yes to another new mix?''


    Laro, on the other hand, couldn''t help but think.


    ''If he wasn''t Jakiro''s protege, I would have kicked him away before he could even start talking. However... I have to admit that his idea isn''t bad. Not bad at all...''


    Soon after, he spread his Spiritual Sense and found the person he wanted.


    Old Worm was watching everything from a hidden corner. Obviously, the only one who found him there was Laro, who sent him a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Is this something you came up with?''


    Old Worm shook his head.


    ''That has nothing to do with me. The twins don''t even know I''m here.''


    Laro nodded in response.


    ''In that case... What do you think about their proposal? Wouldn''t it make things even messier inside your Sasamil Imperial Family?''


    Old Worm pondered for a bit and nodded. The original plan was for him to appear at some point and accept Laro''s terms. In exchange, he would have the Lakure Race''s help if a war really broke out with Chrole. However, Rean''s words turned everything upside down.


    However, it was then that he recalled his grandfather''s prophecy.


    ''Perhaps... that''s the way out...''

 Chapter 544 - You Cant Leave

    In the end, Laro asked Old Worm.


    ''So, should we do it or not? I won''t lie. Considering the current condition of your Sasamil Family, it might bring you more troubles than relief. However, it''ll definitely help my race establish itself in the next few years.''


    Old Worm knew that. That''s why he was thinking about it it.


    ''Fuck it! I''ll accept the twins'' proposal. It''s not like things will change as they are at the moment.''


    Laro nodded, satisfied.


    ''Great! However, will there be any member of your family willing to marry people of my Lakure Race?''


    Old Worm nodded as he said.


    ''Don''t worry. I''ll make sure that there will be some. My family is already used to political marriages, after all. I just need to offer a bit of incentive to those who are only it for the rewards to the point that quite a few of the lower-ranked ones will jump out in a second. Not everyone really cares about love, you know?''


    Laro agreed with Old Worm.


    ''I understand.''


    As always, a conversation through Spiritual Sense was over in just a few seconds. Laro then looked at Valeria Sasamil before saying.


    "I like his idea. Let''s do as he says, and we can consider this negotiation a success."


    Valeria began to feel a headache coming after hearing those words. There was no way that the top princes and princesses would take it that easily. However, just as she was about to refuse the offer, another voice echoed in everyone''s minds.


    "I accept your offer in the name of the Sasamil Family."


    Out of nowhere, Old Worm appeared in midair like a ghost. It''s just that his appearance and aura were vastly different than what the twins knew.


    Of course, although the twins couldn''t recognize the guy''s appearance, Valeria definitely did.


    "An-Ancestor Jakiro! You came out!"


    Old Worm nodded.


    "I felt some fluctuations in the energy coming from this place, so I decided to take a look. Still, I didn''t expect to find you once again, Laro."


    Laro obviously played along with Old Worm''s pretense.


    "Hmph! Did you think you could keep me locked down there forever? Don''t forget that we were both Saint Realm experts with similar talent back then. Still, I thought you would be dead by now."


    Old Worm shook his head as he said in response.


    "I can say the same thing. If you''re alive, then so am I. However, we both know what would happen if you decide to rampage around. That''s why I''m accepting your offer. However, I have a condition of my own as well."


    Laro nodded.


    "Speak."


    "My Sasamil Family might go into a war against the Chrole Empire in the future. If that really happens, I want your Lakure Race to give us support. Since you''re using the Sasamil Family to keep your Lakure Race safe, then I''ll use your Lakure Race to keep my Empire safe as well."


    Laro pondered a bit before saying.


    "I could just ally with the Chrole Empire instead."


    Old Worm snorted in response.


    "If you think you can convince that crazy woman, then go ahead and try it. I highly doubt it''s possible, though."


    Laro narrowed his eyes. Of course, that had already been discussed between Old Worm and Laro previously.


    "Fine! I''ll select a few influential members with a purer Lakure bloodline, so you can obtain a few for your Sasamil Family too."


    Valeria didn''t know what to do.


    ''Ancestor, this is a bad idea. The princes and princesses fighting for the throne won''t accept it.''


    Old Worm shook his head as he replied.


    ''It''s fine. I''ll be using a few lower-ranked members of the family with direct bloodlines. You must understand that we need to avoid fighting against the Lakures at all costs. Besides, I also got their ancestor''s promise that they will help us if the Chrole Empire comes. The benefits surpass the disadvantages. Go back and tell them to prepare a few members for it. If any of those kids complain, you can ask them to come and talk to me. Well, I doubt they''d have the courage to do so anyway.''


    Old Worm then looked back at Laro before saying.


    "Laro, one last thing. Anyone at our level of cultivation is prohibited from intervening directly with the secular world. If war really breaks out, you can''t enter the fight. The same goes for those at the Elemental Transformation Realm."


    Laro nodded, not minding it too much.


    "I already expected that. Don''t worry. As long as you don''t try to use my Lakure Race as cannon fooder, I won''t say anything. After all, it would be a perfect chance for the Lakure Race members who had been locked down there for so long to get some real training."


    After that, Laro, Jakiro, Jana, Valeria, and a few other cultivators from both sides left to go elsewhere. After all, they had a lot more things to talk about. Since there wasn''t going to be a fight anymore, the remaining forces on both sides retreated as well.


    Rean''s group heard the entire conversation and was surprised that their idea was accepted so easily. The fact was that the one who gave the idea was Calina. However, she couldn''t appear in front of them yet. Otherwise, she might have been recognized. That''s why Rean was the one who spoke for her.


    ''It''s over? Just like that?''


    ''Seems like it.''


    ''It went much smoother than I thought it would.''


    ''It''s fine. It''s much better than starting a war against the Lakures here. Jialin is just way too close, so we would definitely be part of those with the worst outcome in this mess.''


    Everyone agreed with those words.


    Rean then stretched his body before saying.


    "Well, that''s over. How about we return to the Dalamu Sect? We''ve been out for quite some time."


    However... a hand appeared on Rean''s shoulder as soon as he said that. When Rean looked at its owner, he bitterly smiled.


    "Ahem... Can I help you with something, Elder Xila?"


    Xila snorted in response.


    "Of course! You can definitely help a lot... by staying here and healing everyone''s poison as always. Don''t think you''ll be able to leave that easily, brat!"

 Chapter 545 - Back To Dalamu

    Rean scratched the back of his head as he looked at Xila and replied.


    "But Elder Xila, I can leave whenever I want, you know? You should have understood that already."


    Xila narrowed his eyes in response. Sure enough, he knew how the twins could simply disappear, leaving only their clones behind.


    "Hmph! Still, part of the negotiation is to have you heal everyone, or did you forget about that?"


    Rean shook his head as he answered.


    "Of course not. However, how can I improve my cultivation by staying here forever? It''s imperative that I should go out and explore the world. I have way too many things to do outside as well. If you really want me to heal everyone in my lifetime, I have to go out. Besides, it''s not like I won''t heal anyone anymore. Just write a list of those who will be healed and have them stay in Majorias City. I can go out every once in a while to heal those ones."


    "Just so you know, after my last breakthrough, I''m finally able to heal four Lakure Race members at once as long as their cultivation isn''t higher than mine."


    Xila had conflicted thoughts after hearing that.


    "And why should I believe that you won''t run away?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "I can''t even if I wanted. My sect is the Dalamu Sect. Also, you said it yourself. Their negotiation probably has me in the mix. I might be able to ignore the Lakures. Though, I can''t ignore the Sasamil Imperial Family''s order, especially since I''m married to one of their princesses."


    Xila sighed and finally let Rean go.


    "Fine! However, you better keep your promise if you don''t want the tension between the two sides to intensify."


    Rean nodded.


    "Don''t worry! I know what I''m doing."


    After that, Rean left with Roan, Malaka, Calina, and Wulio.


    Back at the negotiation site, Laro and Old Worm finished discussing the last details of their alliance.


    "Very well. I will need your Lakure Race to send those who you want to go through this political marriage to the Sasamil Capital. Let me see... Usually, just a single marriage would be enough to show our position. However, your Lakure Race is an ''extreme.'' In that case, I''ll have three willing members of the Sasamil Imperial Family marry three of your race''s members. How does that sound?"


    Laro nodded, satisfied.


    "I know they''ll be some lower-ranked direct bloodline members. However, that''s more than enough for the outside world since what carries weight in this situation is your Sasamil Family''s name. That being said, I''ll send you a few of our Lakure royal blood of the same level."


    Old Worm didn''t mind it, saying.


    "Alright. Now, there''s one thing I need to make clear to you, Laro. I''m only intervening in this situation because you''re at the same cultivation level as me. After we are done, you''ll have to abide by the same rules as others at our level��no more intervention in the secular world. Is that okay?"


    Laro nodded.


    "You told that to me many times. I''m fine with it as long as my Lakure Race isn''t at risk of extinction or something like that."


    Old Worm agreed with him.


    "That goes without saying. I would also move out if I saw that the human race was at risk as well."


    And with that, the two sides had reached a consensus. Well, as mentioned before, that wasn''t something Laro thought about. He had to follow these rules in exchange for Old Worm not killing his race while he was locked. The play they were performing was something they had already talked about a long time ago... except the marriage thing.


    In the place where the natural barrier''s border was located, Qia was still waiting. Unlike Droman, she had never left this place ever since the natural formation closed. At some point, she was able to spot many human cultivators coming from the valley.


    Immediately, she moved there and looked for Rean and Roan. Well, they were not within this batch, so she had to wait for a while longer. Fortunately, she saw the people she wanted to see the most after some time. Of course, she immediately noticed how much taller and older he became. Still, it was way too easy to identify his show-white hair.


    "Rean!"


    Rean also noticed Qia running in his direction and immediately sighed.


    Finally, she jumped at him and hugged Rean. Obviously, she was worried sick. As for Rean...


    "Have you been waiting here all this time? I thought you would have given up by now."


    Qia shook her head.


    "I''ll never give up."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "You should know my position in this relationship of ours. Now that I spent nearly eight years inside the natural formation, I''ve become even more certain of that. I''m telling you, you should really look for someone else."


    Qia was taken aback as she looked at Rean''s helpless face. He really seemed to be annoyed by her love, which obviously impacted her. Slowly, she pulled away from him as she asked.


    "D-Did you find someone else while you were inside the formation?"


    Rean couldn''t understand how she came up with this idea.


    "Of course not! Why should I entangle myself with someone else?"


    Wulio and Malaka glanced at him. Wasn''t Rean the one who kept forcing Calina to Roan? What you''re saying right now is going against what you want for your brother, you know? How can you be this shameless?


    Roan didn''t have patience for that, though.


    "If you''re going to waste my time here, then I''m going ahead."


    Before anyone said anything, he continued on his way out.


    "Wait for us!"


    Rean and the others also sped up to catch with Roan. Qia couldn''t help but sigh as she did the same. She made several moves on Rean while the two were in the sect working on the new Electrical Formations. However, Rean had dodged every single one of them. The more she tried, the more adamant he became. Right now, though, after spending several years inside the natural formation, she felt that he had become even colder towards her.


    She wasn''t wrong. Rean was dead set in making this fake marriage not turn into something tangible. Once again, he was thinking about the day when he would need to depart the planet. As for Roan and Calina, he simply helped Calina because he found it funny to bother death. In the end, he also thought that Roan and Calina''s relationship won''t turn into anything for the same reason.


    Qia then looked at Wulio, who was coming out with Rean''s group.


    "Errrr... And you are?"


    Wulio looked at Qia before smiling. Sure enough, he had also changed his appearance even before coming to Qerlen Country. Naturally, Qia couldn''t recognize him, just like Calina.


    "Oh! You can call me Wano. I became friends with Rean''s group during my time in the natural formation. You can count on me if you need something."


    Qia looked at Rean, to which the latter said.


    "He is indeed a friend of ours. Don''t worry, you can trust him."


    Qia nodded.


    "Nice to meet you, Senior Wano. I''m Qia Sasamil, a princess of the Sasamil Empire."


    "Good for you, I guess."


    Surprisingly for Qia, Wano didn''t seem impressed by her identity at all. He also didn''t act more polite just because of that either. Naturally, she didn''t like that too much. Still, since he was a friend of Rean and Roan, she didn''t mention it.


    With Tiria''s help, Rean''s group was able to make their way back to the Dalamu Sect within two days. Droman, of course, immediately came out to see them. Then...


    *Pah!*


    *Ouch!*


    Rean rubbed the back of his head in pain.


    "Brat! How dare you enter the natural formation without permission? You just wait until Sect Master Mia is back. Don''t think you''ll escape punishment that easily."


    Droman then looked at Roan.


    "As for you, I''ll leave that for Old Worm to deal with."


    Roan couldn''t care less as he shrugged his shoulders.


    Droman then grabbed Rean''s arm and pulled him along.


    "Let''s go back to the Formations Hall. There are a lot of things you need to check. Same goes for you, Qia."


    Qia nodded and immediately followed those two.


    However...


    "Wait, Elder Droman. I need to go to my room first. I''ve been wearing these clothes all this while, after all."


    It was then that Qia noticed that she had the same problem.


    "Ah! Me too! Come on, Rean. Let''s go change."


    Droman narrowed his eyes but nodded in the end.


    "As long as you don''t suddenly decide to do each other and make me wait longer, then that''s fine. I''ll be waiting for you two in the Formations Hall. Come quickly."


    Qia''s face suddenly went red, but Rean just shook his head after hearing that. They had never done it after all.


    "Alright, alright. I''ll stop teasing you two."


    Droman then turned around and left. Rean and Qia did the same thing and headed back to their room, leaving Roan, Calina, Malaka, and Wulio behind.


    Calina and Malaka then looked at Roan, waiting for his words.


    "What? Just do whatever you want. As long as you stick to the training schedule I gave you, there should be no problems."


    Calina and Malaka nodded and immediately left after Roan''s words. Only Roan and Wulio remained after that.


    "What are you planning to do for now?"


    Wulio pondered for a bit before saying.


    "I guess I''ll head back to the Sasamil Capital to check a few things. Your words about one''s support not meaning anything have really caught my attention. I want to see if I can find the reason for that."


    Roan was surprised that Wulio was that straightforward, not trying to hide his intention at all.


    "That''s fine by me. By the way, I intend to keep Calina hidden for a few more years. If everything goes well, she should be able to breakthrough in seven to eight years'' time. That should also coincide with the time that the fight for the throne really escalates."


    Wulio nodded.


    "From what that guy called Erbec said, it seems like many of the small countries are already aware of the difficulties in the Imperial Family."


    Roan agreed with him.


    "The princes and princesses'' moves would catch the countries'' attention sooner or later anyway. Anyway, let them do as they wish. The end result is far from being set in stone."


    Wulio looked at Roan, who seemed to understand everything that was going on.


    "Sigh... Whatever. I''m going out. I''ll check every now and then to see how Calina is doing."


    Wulio then turned around and moved to the Teleport Formation Hall. On the other hand, Roan narrowed his eyes as he headed to Old Worm''s hut once again.


    Suddenly...


    *Pin!*


    [Warning! Soul Gem System''s Existence discovered.]


    [Attack imminent!]


    [Initializing Counter Measure Protocol.]

 Chapter 546 - Take Everyone!

    Rean and Roan immediately stopped what they were doing.


    ''What?!''


    Not long after, Rean and Roan felt some kind of power similar to the one used to move them into the Dimensional Realm. Following that, they looked at the sky and saw giant silver swirls forming.


    ''This... Isn''t it the same energy as the ones used when we move in and out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm?''


    ''That''s not all. This isn''t just something happening in the sky. It''s a phenomenon happening in outer space. However, it''s so big that we can''t see from this point.''


    However, the system ignored their surprise and continued to release information.


    [Warning! The enemy is about to use a super long-distance teleport formation to send an attack at the Soul Gem System''s location. Enemy''s attack is predicted to be in the next 13 seconds.]


    Rean and Roan didn''t know what to say? Enemy? What enemy? And what is this attack the Soul Gem System is talking about?


    ''Sister Orb, what''s happening?''


    However, Sister Orb didn''t answer this time. It was as if she was gone from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    [The Counter Measure Protocol is fully activated. Planet''s location is too dangerous��reallocation of system and hosts necessary. All the actual missions have been canceled. Any penalties and bonuses have been negated. Gathering energy for super long-distance emergency teleport.]


    The twins felt a chill on their backs. Does that mean their mission to make Calina the Empress was gone, just like that? But then again, they wouldn''t be killed if they failed that either, right? However, there was also the reward in Destiny Points that they would get if they succeeded, which was now gone.


    Still, the twins cared little about any of that at the moment. In their minds, there was just one question. Just where is the Soul Gem System sending them to?


    They weren''t the only ones to see the swirl in the sky either. All the cultivators and ordinary people of the world could see the same thing. That''s how big it really was. Following that, the eyes of the silver swirl began to shine with a bright red light.


    Of course, the twins noticed that as well.


    ''Is that thing aiming at us? What will happen to the sect if it lands here?''


    However, the twins were being way too naive as to what was happening outside the planet. Though, the Soul Gem System woke them up to the reality of the situation.


    [Warning! Warning! Total planetary destruction imminent. Now increasing rate of Spiritual Energy absorption to the maximum level!]


    ''Pl-Planet destruction?!''


    Rean fell on his knees when he heard that. Is such a thing really possible? It''s an entire planet that they''re talking about, you know?


    However, Roan was more worried about whether they would escape this crisis or not. As for anything else, he could think about that after they left this place alive.


    All of that happened in just four to five seconds since the Soul Gem System''s first warning.


    All of a sudden, all the Spirit Stones in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm had disappeared. Not only that, be it the treasure of the Dalamu Sect or the cultivator''s own possessions, anything in over a thousand kilometers that had any Spiritual Energy at all was siphoned dry by the Soul Gem System. Of course, none of them had time to worry about that since they could see what was happening in the sky. Only Rean and Roan knew what that thing meant, though.


    However, Rean quickly recovered from his stupor and immediately shouted at the Soul Gem System.


    ''Soul Gem System! Use all the destiny points available and stop the attack!''


    However, the system completely ignored Rean''s words.


    [Super Long-Distance Emergy Teleport, 70% charged. Estimated to be ready in 6 seconds. Attack estimated to arrive in 8 seconds. Initializing circuitry teleport sequence.]


    ''What?! That can''t be!''


    However, Roan immediately shouted back at Rean.


    ''Shut up! Pull whoever''s close to you into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.''


    Roan suddenly flashed away as fast as he could in Calina and Malaka''s direction.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps!''


    His speed exploded in a fraction of a second. Calina and Malaka had just left his side a few minutes ago, so he might be able to get them in time. Immediately, he spread his Spiritual Sense as far as he could, aiming to contact Calina and Malaka earlier and make them run in his direction as well.


    Rean was taken aback by Roan''s words and gritted his teeth. The only person close enough to him at the moment was Qia, who came back to the room to change clothes. Although Rean and Calina didn''t have any ''married couple'' things going on, they still lived in the same place to keep up appearances. It''s just that they slept in different rooms.


    *Bam!*


    Suddenly, Rean barged through Qia Room''s door, catching the sight of the naked girl once again. Because the events were happening outside, Qia hadn''t noticed it yet. Naturally, she was frightened by Rean''s sudden appearance.


    "Ah! What are you doing?!"


    However, Rean didn''t have time to explain.


    He immediately pounced at Qia while using his Enhancement and Roan''s Shadow Steps. In these eight years in the natural formation, Rean had reached the same level of cultivation as Qia. However, he was obviously much stronger and faster than her when exchanging elements with Roan. That being said, Qia couldn''t dodge at all as he grabbed her. She was just about to scream when suddenly, she received Rean''s Spiritual Sense message.


    ''We''re being attacked! Don''t ask anything. You will feel some kind of suction power enveloping your body, don''t try to resist it. All I ask from you is to trust me.''


    Qia''s eyes opened wide as she looked at Rean. It was then that she noticed how desperate he looked. It was obvious that whatever is happening must be hurting him a lot. It wasn''t the expression of someone who was trying to take advantage of her. She immediately calmed down as she felt the suction power that Rean talked about around her body.


    ''I trust you.''


    Rean was taken aback at that moment as he looked at Qia''s smiling face, leaving her entire being for him to take care of. In the next second, Qia''s body disappeared from the surface of the planet.


    [Warning! Five seconds until the planet''s destruction. Circuitry Formation 90% charged. Circuitry Teleport Sequence completed. Read for teleportation once energy is acquired.]


    Rean understood he didn''t have time anymore. Immediately, he spread his Spiritual Sense, trying to catch the presence of anyone around his Qia''s room. Surprisingly, he found someone he couldn''t expect at all. Still, he gritted his teeth as his Black Star appeared in his hand.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Rean then shot through the room''s wall, just in time to see the red light in the skies increasing in brightness. From the looks of it, the attack the Soul Gem System talked about had already been teleported to their solar system and was coming down to their planet. Still, Rean ignored that as he used his full speed to attack the person in front of him with the side of his sword, Black Star.


    The person was too focused on what was happening in the sky that he didn''t notice Rean''s presence at first. By the time he heard the wall breaking down on his side, Rean''s sword was already at the back of his neck. Still, he wasn''t just anyone, so he tried to defend by using his Spiritual Energy to create a Spiritual Energy Barrier on the point of the attack.


    *Bam!*


    However, Rean didn''t hold back at all either, so that person was still heavily knocked down as his vision went blurry. He couldn''t tell right from left since his mind was disorientated from the attack''s impact.


    Rean looked at that and was surprised as well. He didn''t expect that this guy would be able to defend against his attack in such a last-minute fashion. Still, he noticed that the guy had lost his bearings, which was enough for Rean. Immediately, the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s suction power enveloped the guy, quickly pulling him inside as well.


    Rean looked around to see if he could bring anyone else. Unfortunately, there wasn''t time anymore.


    [Circuitry Teleport Charge completed. Initializing Soul Gem System Teleport.]


    Against Rean''s will, he was brought inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. There, he immediately fell on the others'' side. He wasn''t the only one, though. Roan also appeared inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm at the same time. In his arms, one could see Calina and Malaka, who couldn''t understand what was happening at all.


    Last but not least, a confused Kentucky appeared inside of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, much to Rean and Roan''s surprise since they weren''t close to Kentucky to start with.


    The Soul Gem System then activated the teleport sequence. Silver light gathered all around the place before the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm reappeared outside of the planet. Rean and Roan used their authority to make the Dimensional Realm''s barrier look like a clear window that showed the outside world. They had done that in the past to watch the surroundings, so it wasn''t anything new.


    Everyone then saw the planet in front of them. However, what really caught their attention was the ray of red light that was several times the planet''s size making its way there.


    Before they could breathe even once, the red light hit the planet at a frightening speed. Because they were in space, there was no sound whatsoever. However, they saw how the planet in front of them was suddenly decimated in less than a second.


    Malaka, Calina, Qia, and the new guy didn''t really understand what they were seeing. Still, they could connect the dots once they thought about the red light they saw in the sky before appearing in this place. Seeing Roan and Rean''s expressions had also confirmed their fears. However, the system ignored that as it announced.


    [Circuitry Teleport Sequence Stage One completed. Now setting up coordinates. Coordinates confirmed. Activating Teleport Sequence Stage Two.]


    After some time, the destination was selected. In the next moment, everyone disappeared from that solar system.

 Chapter 547 - Lord Eagon

    The Soul Gem System was really quick with its maneuvers. When the system teleported to outer space first, part of the ray of red light had detached from the main attack and aimed at it. The Soul Gem System disappeared just a second before it passed where Rean''s group was, barely missing its target.


    Around a minute later, another spatial phenomenon happened nearby the area where the Soul Gem System was. Suddenly space seemed to be splitting apart, showing a gap in the middle of nothing. Following that, a man walked out of the thing as he looked around.


    "Fuck! He escaped again!"


    Soon after, another anomaly happened close to him, which brought another person to this place.


    "We knew it would be unlikely to destroy it. There''s no helping it since teleporting a living body at such a distance takes much longer than sending a wave of energy."


    The first guy then calmed down as he nodded.


    "Just how did Soul Gem create such a thing? The moment we find its location, it immediately perceives us even before we take action. We tried to attack first this time, but we were still not fast enough. Just how long will it take for us to find it again..."


    The second guy shook his head as he said.


    "Forget that. It''s not like it poses any threat to us now that Soul Gem is gone. Let''s just go b- hum?"


    Just as they were about to head back, the second man noticed something as he looked in the direction of the destroyed planet.


    "Oh! It seems like we have a few survivors."


    In less than an instant, his body blinked away. The first man narrowed his eyes in response and quickly followed.


    In another place in outer space, Old Worm, Laro, and a woman looked at the area where their planet was located just a moment ago. The woman''s name was Palana. She just so happened to be the ancestor of the Chrole Imperial Family, someone who had been alive since the war against the Lakure Race.


    All three of them seemed to have suffered severe injuries. Their clothes were totally ragged as they lost any of the previous demeanor they showed in front of others before.


    Behind them, there were a few people that they barely had any time to save. They were using their own Spiritual Energy to allow those people to stay alive in outer space as well. However, they weren''t any better than Old Worm''s group.


    Surprisingly, one of them was Mia. Old Worm had stayed behind to deal with the things with Laro back in the Lakure Race. As the Sect Master of the Dalamu Sect, Mia was also there, representing Zuan, who had gone back to the Sect. Old Worm had been living in the Dalamu Sect for so long. When he noticed how bad things were, he immediately enveloped Mia and two more members of his Sasamil Family, Ernian and Valeria. Following that, he shot to the skies as fast as he could.


    Laro did the same thing, bringing Jana, Xila, and another elder close to him called Kaman.


    Palana did the same thing, but Old Worm and Laro couldn''t recognize the people she brought together.


    As one could imagine, they had extremely ugly expressions. However, they also didn''t know what to do now.


    "Just why did that happen?"


    Laro, who was gritting his teeth so hard that blood was coming out, shook his head in response.


    "I don''t know. However, it was definitely not something we can do anything about."


    Old Worm, on the other hand, was the only one who didn''t seem so angry. In his mind, he could only think about one thing.


    ''Grandfather sacrifice his life to divine a way out for Sasamil. We knew that Sasamil would go through a great crisis in the future, but we never found out why. After the tension between Sasamil and Clhrole had intensified, I realized that the problem was related to our countries going to war. However, it seems that I was wrong, completely wrong. It wasn''t just Sasamil that would confront a calamity, but the entire planet!''


    Nevertheless, he also had another doubt.


    ''However, grandfather also said that the way out for Sasamil could be found in the northeast side of our Sasamil Empire. What was that about? Was there something in the northeast that could prevent what just happened? What could possibly contend against such power in that place?''


    As Old Worm and the others thought about everything that happened, they didn''t notice the danger approaching them. No, to be more specific, they knew that staying in this place might be extremely dangerous. However, they still can''t do something like controlling space. Naturally, they were isolated in the middle of nowhere. If the enemy who attacked the planet decided to capture them, there would be nowhere for them to run to start with, so they didn''t even try.


    Sure enough, an enormous pressure from Spiritual Energy suddenly assaulted everyone in their group. Even the experts like Old Worm, Palana, and Laro couldn''t do anything against it.


    "What do we have here...."


    The second man from before then appeared in front of Old Worm and everyone else.


    "Oh! No wonder you survived the planet''s explosion. To think that I would find some Transition Realm cultivators in this forgotten corner of the Universe."


    The moment the man said the word ''Transition,'' the world around him seemed to come back to life. Out of nowhere, he began to suffer attacks from all sides. However, the man just snorted at that sight.


    "Hmph!"


    *Bang!*


    In an instant, his body radiated a powerful silver light that negated all the attacks. He looked like a god that no one could touch. Eventually, the attacks ended, not being able to do anything to that man.


    Old Worm and the others looked at that with fear in their eyes. That was the reason no one talked about what came after the Elemental Transformation Realm. That''s because it was considered a taboo of the Universe. Cultivation had always been regarded as fighting the heavens. What happened was just a small demonstration of what it meant.


    Of course, it''s not like the word ''Transition'' was cursed. One could say that word as many times as he or she wanted. What caused the backlash of the Universe was one''s thoughts.


    "This annoying shit. Oh well, whatever. It''s not like I can do anything against it."


    Right after, the first man appeared on his side as well. But that wasn''t all. He also brought seven more cultivators with him.


    Old Worm, Palana, and Laro recognized two of them straight away. They were Transition Realm cultivators from other regions of the planet. Of course, they also participated in the Lakure War in the past. The man then threw those people towards Old Worm''s group.


    "Five of them at once? Now that''s really surprising."


    "I got them from the other side where the planet was located."


    "What should we do with them?"


    The second figure pondered for a bit as he looked at everyone.


    "Well, then. It''ll be quite annoying if the word of what happened here spreads. Even though they don''t have the power to manipulate space, there''s a small chance that someone else will find them by coincidence. Especially after we destroyed a planet. It might have caught someone''s attention."


    The other guy shrugged his shoulders, though.


    "So what? It''s not like it would matter anyway."


    "I know. Still, it''s always better to prevent unnecessary troubles, don''t you think?"


    "That''s true."


    The man then looked at Old Worm''s group.


    "Seems like you guys have run out of luck today. Let me send you guys on your way."


    Old Worm''s group could only watch as the enemy was about to kill them. The power of space gathered on the guy''s hand, which he immediately released on everyone. However...


    *Bang!*


    Out of nowhere, a spatial barrier appeared right in front of Old Worm''s group.


    "Who''s there? Come out now!"


    The two guys then looked in a particular direction and immediately attacked. Well, that was just a test, though.


    *Boom, boom, boom!*


    Unfortunately, their test was also blocked by the same kind of spatial barrier once again.


    "Sigh... Why are the Celestial Sect members always so impatient?"


    Following that voice, another man materialized in front of Old Worm''s group.


    "Hmph! Said the guy spying on us just now. Who wouldn''t get impatient in such a situation?"


    The man smiled in response.


    "Alright, alright. How about we end things here, shall we? You already send an entire planet flying, so why insist on killing these weaklings?"


    "It has nothing to do with you. Still, since you''ve decided to intervene, we might as well get rid of you."


    However, just as one of the enemies was about to attack, the other one stopped him.


    "Forget it. Let''s leave this place."


    Obviously, his friend didn''t like those words.


    "Why?"


    It was then that he began to feel other spatial fluctuations appearing around them.


    "Tch... He brought a few friends with him. Oh well, whatever. Our target has already escaped either way. Let''s go."


    Before reinforcements could even arrive, those two immediately opened a Spatial Gate and left.


    With that over, Old Worm''s group was finally released from the enemy''s Spiritual Pressure. Mia and the others didn''t know who had just saved them. However, Old Worm''s group immediately recognized the figure.


    "Lord Eagon, thank you for this timely help."


    Back then, Old Worm mentioned that the Lord of the Sector had sent their human race to the Lakures'' planet. This person just so happened to be that person.


    Eagon shook his head, not minding it too much.


    "Forget it. Let''s leave this place first."

 Chapter 548 - Its That Simple

    Somewhere else in the cultivator''s half of the Universe, there was a planet covered in white. Its name was Culo. In the places where the ground couldn''t be seen from space, there were multiple clouds where snowstorms raged. This planet was at the very end of what could be said as the orbit suitable for life in this solar system. Because of that, this planet was mostly covered in snow all year round. The only time it showed a few patches of green was during the first month of its twenty-seven-month-long trip. Yes, this planet takes twenty-seven months to complete one turn around its sun.


    Even though the conditions on this planet were harsh, it was far from being lifeless. It had its own cities, countries, and even three Empires. Of course, compared to the Sukan Planet where the twins lived until now, it wasn''t as populated, having less than one-tenth of the number of living beings. It couldn''t be blamed since life was much harder to thrive in this place.


    In the Palif Empire, there was a country called Tasman. It couldn''t be said to be a big or a small country as it sat somewhere halfway from the Empire''s border on the west side to the Empire''s capital in the center. Its influence was also in the middle when compared to others.


    In this same country, in the middle of a mountain range close to Danve City, a fluctuation of space suddenly appeared. However, nothing happened after that, and the place returned to the previous peace soon after. After all, there were no snowstorms at the moment.


    As one could imagine, it was in this place where the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm reappeared. It''s just that the twins and the others were still inside the Dimensional Realm, so no one could see anything.


    Inside the Dimensional Realm, no more than a few seconds had passed since they saw Sukan Planet being blasted away. Everyone could now see the scene around them since Rean and Roan didn''t turn off the view of the outside world.


    "This... What just happened?"


    Immediately, everyone looked at the guy who asked this question. It turns out that the person Rean last saved was Agis Kexidor, the Red Color disciple that joined the sect at the same time as Rean, Roan, and Malaka. Agis would usually stay out of the sect, training with his master. However, on that day, he had just returned to the sect to report one of the missions he had concluded.


    Agis Kexidor was also a member of the inner sect, just like Rean and Roan. Naturally, his room was also located there. Through sheer coincidence, he was passing by Rean''s house when the silver swirl had appeared in outer space before the attack came down. Rean ended up taking him into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm after that.


    All of a sudden, Agis got up and stepped back before bringing his sword out.


    "Rean! It was you who attacked me, right?"


    Rean still had an ugly expression as he nodded.


    "I did. However, I had no other choice. If I didn''t bring you inside straight away, you would have died back there."


    Agis was just about to ask what he meant when out of nowhere, Calina stood up in a flash as well.


    "Ah! That, that! The red light, the big spherical thing, the huge explosion that blasted it away. Was that... Was that... Was that our world?!"


    Malaka, Calina, Qia, and Agis''s complexions immediately paled. Sure enough, one didn''t need to be a genius to reach that conclusion. After all, they saw the red light coming at them before Rean and Roan brought everyone into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    Still, Agis shook his head.


    "Impossible! First of all, how do you know it was our world? Have you ever seen a world from far away before? Can you guarantee that it was really a world?"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other, not finding it strange. The cultivation world was quite medieval. Naturally, people like Malaka and the others didn''t know what a ''planet'' was. For them, the world might as well be completely flat, not round.


    ''Just what the hell was that?''


    Roan shook his head.


    ''How would I know? We need to ask the Soul Gem System.''


    Rean then took a deep breath. He was obviously affected by what had happened since he knew that everyone in Sukan Planet definitely died. Still, he had to think about the actual situation and whether it would happen again or not.


    ''Let''s deal with everyone first.''


    However, just as Rean and Roan were about to talk, another voice came out.


    [That was indeed your world. Unfortunately, it is now gone.]


    "Sister Orb!"


    Calina, Malaka, and the twins immediately recognized the black and white orb floating in their direction.


    Agis and Qia were taken aback, though. They had never seen anything like that. However, Agis gritted his teeth and ignored that fact for the moment.


    "Do you expect me to believe that?"


    Sister Orb looked at him before asking.


    [Rean, Roan, why did you bring this guy together with you? He''s so annoying.]


    Agis''s expression turned darker as he immediately thrust his sword against Sister Orb.


    Seeing that, Rean and Roan shook their heads as they simultaneously thought.


    ''Brother... that''s the wrong move.''


    *Boom! Bang! Pow! Crash!*


    Within a few seconds, a pummeled Agis could be found on the ground of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Agis was definitely talented, having reached the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm at his age. However, he was definitely not a match to any of the twins. On the other hand, the twins were definitely not a match to Sister Orb. Naturally, the end result of his actions was already set in stone.


    [Hmph! Can''t even recognize the difference between Heaven and Earth. You are thousands of years too early if you think you can even fight me.]


    Qia immediately stepped back, afraid that the orb might kill her. However, Rean put his hand on her shoulder.


    "Don''t worry, Sister Orb won''t kill anyone. Just don''t try to fight her. It''s bad for your health."


    Malaka and Calina nodded vigorously. The two girls also knew just how strong Sister Orb could be inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    Roan ignored all of that, though.


    "Sister Orb, what was all of that? How did the planet we came from explode just like that? Was it another Universe Restraint? Also, why didn''t you answer our call back then?"


    Everyone''s interest was immediately piqued, including the unable to move Agis, who was still conscious.


    [First, I couldn''t answer you two because the Soul Gem System took control of everything as it used everything to save you. It couldn''t spare the processing power necessary to let my program work.]


    Other than Rean and Roan, no one else knew what Sister Orb was talking about.


    [Second, that was not a Universe Restraint. It seems like the power related to what happened back then found the Soul Gem System''s location. However, the Soul Gem System can detect danger when it''s approaching. That being said, the enemy couldn''t come after us straight away since it would give us more than enough time to flee.]


    [The enemy then decided to send an attack to try and destroy the system. I must mention that transferring energy through space is several times easier than a living soul. The enemy was basically betting on the fact that the attack would be faster than the Soul Gem System''s reaction.]


    Roan continued to ask.


    "How did the enemy find the system? Also, will it happen again?"


    [It shouldn''t be possible. The Soul Gem System''s concealment abilities are incredibly powerful. Unless the enemy is close to you, there''s no way to detect it. Also, the higher your cultivation, the stronger this ability becomes.]


    Rean then asked.


    "Then, how could th-"


    "Ah!"


    At that moment, Rean thought about a possibility.


    "The Laan City''s Artifact Spirit!"


    [Correct. Back then, you and Roan did get very close to the Artifact Spirit, who sensed the Soul Gem System''s existence. However, since the artifact had no malicious intent, the system didn''t do anything. Unfortunately, it seems like someone had used it to find the Soul Gem System''s location. That''s the only possible explanation.]


    If Old Worm was here now, he would be shaken to the core by this revelation. In the end, Old Worm''s grandfather was right. The way to save the Sasamil Empire from this calamity was really on the northeast side of the Empire. As long as he had stopped the twins from going to Laan City, the Artifact Spirit wouldn''t have left. Naturally, no one would find it, nor would anyone use it to find the Soul Gem System''s location. Unfortunately, Old Worm had no way to predict such a thing.


    Finally, Qia couldn''t hold back anymore.


    "But, but... Was that really our world? I don''t care about all the things you guys were talking about. I just want to know if everyone really died as we''ve seen. That can''t be true, right?"


    "This..."


    Rean didn''t know what to say. In a certain way, it was their fault that Sukan Planet ended like that.


    Roan seemed to not care. However, if one looked closely, they would see him pressing his fingers so hard against the skin of his palm that the nails pierced the skin. He might not show it, but he cared about his parents in that world. Not to mention his little sister, who also died there.


    Sister Orb knew that staying silent wouldn''t help, so...


    [Let''s not pretend that nothing happened. Yes, that world was destroyed. Nothing more, nothing less.]

 Chapter 549 - Not Infallible

    Back where Sunkan Planet exploded, everyone who survived had already left, leaving just an empty space with many debris of the now destroyed world... or so it was supposed to be. However, no one noticed as a small sphere of black and white light took form in the middle of that chaos. That sphere began to accumulate Dark and Light Element until it reached the size of a fist.


    [First point of souls connection acquired.]


    [Initializing merging sequence...]


    The black and white orb suddenly grew a few strands that pierce through the fabric of space. No one knew where these things were connecting to.


    [Completed.]


    [Initializing Dual Souls Attachment.]


    Even more strands came out of the black and white orb. However, this time it didn''t pierce through the fabric of space, but spread all around the place.


    [One owner, two souls.]


    [All connections established.]


    [Using one Soul to secure the other.]


    [Soul Gem Universal Souls Attachment Completed.]


    Right after, everything disappeared without a trace. Not even Rean and Roan knew what happened here.


    Back in the Soul Gem Dimensional, Agis had recovered a bit of energy, just enough to sit down once again. However, he ignored the pain on his body as he looked at the people around him.


    "Hey, talking ball. Care to explain?"


    [Talking... ball?]


    Sister Orb began to emanate a dark and white aura as she looked at Agis. In an instant, Agis felt a chill on his back, forcing him to change his words.


    "Ahem... I mean, beautiful sphere sister."


    [Hmph! That''s more like it.]


    Sister Orb then looked at Rean and Roan before asking.


    [Should I tell them? After all, I believe you''ll talk even if I don''t, right?]


    Rean nodded. He thought that what happened was because of their presence on the Sukan Planet, so they owed the others an explanation at the very least. Malaka and Calina knew about Sister Orb and the Dimensional Realm. Still, they didn''t know much about the situation regarding the twins and the Soul Gem System.


    Qia and the others then calmed down and looked at Sister Orb.


    [Well, then. The story goes like this...]


    Of course, there were a few things Sister Orb had concealed. However, everyone could finally understand what was happening there.


    Qia and Agis, of course, were the most shocked by it all.


    "Rean and Roan were reincarnated? I see... no wonder you were this advanced in cultivation. You always had adult minds from the time you were born. No kid could possibly match an adult''s dedication and comprehension."


    However, Sister Orb didn''t tell that Rean and Roan came from another half of the Universe. That was because other than the three of them, the rest didn''t even know what a universe was.


    Qia then took a deep breath before asking.


    "So, Sister Orb was the one who took your souls the day you died and made you reincarnate in our world or... errr... ''planet''... is it?"


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s... more or less how it is."


    Roan glared at Rean but didn''t say anything. Well, the only one who died was Rean, not Roan. Rean basically dragged death down with him.


    Agis then glared at Rean and Roan.


    "All I learned from the explanation is that you two were the culprit for the destruction of our world."


    [Aren''t you being way too annoying? You better remember that if Rean hadn''t taken you in, you would be dead by now. You wouldn''t even have the chance to complain to start with.]


    Agis wanted to refute her words, but he knew better not to piss off Sister Orb.


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky was the only one who didn''t understand anything. However, he noticed Malaka and Calina''s expressions, so he tried to comfort them.


    "By the way, Roan. Did you bring Kentucky inside as well?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "I was too far away to do such a thing. He appeared in the Dimensional Realm by himself."


    [The Soul Gem System did. Kentucky has a connection with you two, so he was dragged inside by the same power that the system used to bring you two inside. It was pretty much a coincidence.]


    Rean and Roan more or less expected something like that.


    Malaka and Calina petted the Minokawa.


    "Thank you, Kentucky."


    *Chick!*


    "What should we do now? Are we going to be targeted again?"


    [Didn''t you hear what I said a while ago? The Soul Gem System''s concealment abilities are powerful. If not because of the artifact spirit, we wouldn''t have been found. Don''t worry. If the enemy knew where we were, they would have already come after us.]


    Agis finally put the matter behind and decided to ask some other things.


    "Alright. Since that''s the case, I want you to explain to me a few more things."


    Qia, Malaka, and Calina also nodded. They were curious about many points in that conversation. From there onwards, Rean and Sister Orb took turns explaining things like the Universe, planets, solar system, etc... Those were things that they wouldn''t even probably know even on their deathbed.


    As for Roan, he looked at the terrain outside, trying to understand more about the place they were sent to.


    A few hours later, Rean and Sister Orb finished talking with the others. They now had a basic understanding of what they were and where they were situated in this situation.


    "To think that our world was nothing more than a grain of sand in a beach. No, we might not even be considered that much."


    Roan didn''t want to wait for all of that, so he shifted the topic straight to another one. However, he made it so only he, Rean, and Sister Orb could hear what he was saying.


    ''Sister Orb, how''s the system? Is it damaged? Also, what about the missions? Did everything really just get canceled as the system had mentioned?''


    Naturally, Sister Orb also kept it a secret to the others as she replied.


    [The system is fine. However, it won''t be able to process any Destiny Points for some time.]


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''I feel bad for asking this, but this is something we need to know. An entire planet was destroyed because of our presence. Doesn''t that mean that the destiny of billions of people and demon beasts had changed? Shouldn''t it give us a ridiculously massive amount of destiny points?''


    [It can''t. The system had entered counter-measure mode when it felt the incoming danger. At that point, it completely turned off any part of the system that couldn''t help with the escapade. Naturally, any destiny changes were also not recorded by it. You won''t get a single Destiny Point from it. Instead, you won''t get any more points from the Sukan Planet''s changes now that it''s gone.]


    Instead of feeling sad, Rean felt relieved instead. He didn''t want to be rewarded because of the world''s destruction at all. After all, it also included his parents, sister, and friends.


    Surprisingly, Roan also had the same opinion, which was a once-in-a-lifetime event for someone like him.


    [Still, don''t worry. The upgrades you guys bought from the system are still available. It''s not like your bones would suddenly disappear.]


    Rean and Roan nodded in response.


    ''How long till the system starts to count Destiny Points again?''


    [At least three years. The same goes for further upgrades. You won''t be able to buy any new abilities or upgrades until the system comes back online.]


    It was then that Rean thought about something else.


    ''By the way, how many Destiny Points did we have before this event?''


    [That I can check. After you did the last upgrades, you didn''t use the remaining 6781 Destiny Points. Counting the years you spent inside the sect, as well as the few months that passed outside of the natural formation, you accumulated another 5621 points. In short, you have 12402 points at the moment. Well, it''s not like you can use them anyway.]


    Rean nodded. After that, the twins discussed a few more things with Sister Orb through their Soul Connection.


    Agis noticed that Rean, Roan, and Sister Orb went quiet, so he immediately asked.


    "What are you talking about? Don''t think I can''t tell you''re hiding more things from us."


    Roan didn''t try to deny it at all.


    "You''re right. There are a few things we haven''t told you, nor will we ever tell you."


    Agis narrowed his eyes as he responded.


    "Is that so?"


    He then tried to get up but fell on his butt once again. Seeing the injuries left behind by Sister Orb, Rean then got close to him.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    "What are you doing?" said Agis while glaring at Rean.


    "You won''t go anywhere with your body like that. The least I can do is heal your injuries."


    "I don''t need your help."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "Unfortunately, you can''t escape from me either. Anyway, just make sure you don''t piss off Sister Orb anymore."


    Agis didn''t like it but decided to think that he was also injured because of them. That said, it was their duty to help him heal... or at least that''s what he said to himself.


    Sure enough, Rean''s cultivation was higher than Agis''s, so he finished healing the guys in just a few dozens of seconds. Following that, Agis looked at the terrain around them before asking.


    "Where the hell are we?"


    [I don''t know. The system only showed these coordinates during the time of the teleportation. It didn''t have any information about the place itself. As far as I know, the system might have decided on these coordinates at the very last second.]


    "Coordinates? What is that?"


    [Think about it as an address. However, it is used to find your location in the Universe instead of your world. As long as you have it, you can go anywhere you want. Of course, as long as you have the methods to do that in the first place.]


    Agis didn''t want to stay there anymore, so he immediately asked.


    "Let me out. I don''t want to waste time with any of you anymore."


    Sister Orb then looked at Rean and Roan.


    [Is it really fine to let him go? He might bring problems for us later.]


    Roan narrowed his eyes. However, Rean didn''t even think twice.


    "Let him go."


    Rean then looked at Agis before saying.


    "However, Agis, I truly believe you shouldn''t leave our side. That is if you wish to survive."


    "What do you mean?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he responded.


    "Did you forget what kind of power the enemy had? If the system finds that we''re being targeted again, I don''t think you''d want to stay far away. I can''t guarantee that this planet won''t be blasted away either. Sister Orb only said that the system''s concealment ability is powerful, not infallible."


    Agis gritted his teeth in response after hearing that. As much as he wanted to refuse, he had no way to guarantee that Rean''s words were lies.


    "Fuck!"

 Chapter 550 - Is He Really Human?

    Roan kept looking outside.


    "That''s enough for now. Let''s head outside and try to understand where we have been sent to."


    The twins then used the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s power to send everyone out. Obviously, they fell on the snow of the mountain range.


    "So cold..."


    "Use your Spiritual Energy to block the cold. Otherwise, it''ll be hard to keep going."


    Agis couldn''t help but ask.


    "What about that thing called Dimensional Realm? Are we leaving it here?"


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    "Although you can''t see it, it always follows Roan and me. As long as the two of us aren''t way too far from each other, we can enter it at any time."


    "That convenient? Isn''t it the same as having a second chance at life?"


    Rean and Roan nodded. However, they also knew that this situation was only temporary. Obviously, once one reached a certain level of cultivation, one could detect and even attack the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. They could only hope that this world didn''t have anyone who could notice it.


    "Which side should we head towards?"


    "Just a second."


    Rean then closed his eyes as Light Element gathered around him. However, he immediately noticed another problem.


    "This... The concentration of Spiritual Energy in this planet is less than half of our previous world."


    Roan and the others tried to absorb the Spiritual Energy, and soon enough, their expressions turned ugly. Sure enough, this place was much worse for those following the cultivation path.


    "This might not be a bad thing. If this is a place where it''s difficult to cultivate, it also means that there''s a smaller chance of finding anyone capable of detecting the Dimensional Realm."


    Rean knew that Roan was just finding excuses. After all, they had never been found in the Sukan Planet. If not because of that artifact spirit, they would be able to cultivate there for much longer.


    Rean then put those thoughts behind and continued what he was doing. Light Element continued to gather around him until finally, he felt something.


    "How is it?"


    Rean then looked in a particular direction before saying.


    "It''s very faint, but there is more concentration of life force in that direction."


    "Kentucky!"


    *Chick!*


    Rean immediately jumped on Kentucky''s back and took flight.


    "I''ll be back soon. Let me check out what we have there."


    Roan nodded. It was better for Rean to go on first since he could also conceal Kentucky''s existence with his Light and Spiritual Bending ability.


    "Just make sure you stay within the range."


    "Alright."


    In an instant, Kentucky and Rean''s figures disappeared as if there was nothing there. Agis and Qia were taken aback by that since they had never seen Rean using it before. Even their Spiritual Senses couldn''t detect Rean, who was there just a second ago.


    Roan ignored their surprise, though.


    "Let''s not waste time either and move in the direction Rean pointed out. If anything happens, I''ll send you all back into the Dimensional Realm."


    As Roan''s group moved by foot, Rean flew ahead. Sure enough, he moved in Danve City''s direction, the closest city to the mountain range they were sent to. Around two hours later, Rean finally spotted the city.


    The city wasn''t that big. Perhaps two or three times bigger than Astreg City. It was surrounded by what seemed to be a giant ice wall. Above the wall, Rean could tell that there was a formation. However, the formation wasn''t there to protect against attacks. It was way too weak for that to the point that even Rean could destroy it with brute force. Its purpose was to simply prevent the snowstorms from hitting the city.


    Rean also noticed that there were a few figures waiting in front of the city gates. However, compared to the queues Rean saw back in Sukan Planet''s cities, this one wasn''t even worth mentioning. That showed just how less this planet had in terms of population.


    "Kentucky, let''s go down and take a look."


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky immediately descended from the skies and stopped just a few tens of meters above the crowd. So far, Rean couldn''t feel any Spiritual Sense hitting his bending skills. However, Rean had little time to pay attention to that. That''s because the people down there were very different from normal humans. No, there were humans in the crowd as well, but they were definitely the minority.


    Immediately, Rean thought about the Lakure Race, who had humanoid forms but weren''t really humans. These ones, however, didn''t have the special meridians over their skins. Instead, their skin seemed to be covered with several shards of ice crystals. However, his Spiritual Sense immediately detected that those things were not really ice. That''s because the temperature of these people was the same as an average human, including the shards.


    ''A variation of a human? Well, I do remember Jana commenting before that Lakures were also a type of evolution of humans due to the environment or something. She even said that both races could procreate with each other, although with a bit of difficulty. Perhaps these people are the same. At the very least, they would be perfect humans if you took those shards out of their skins. Not to mention that their bodies aren''t completely covered in it, just a few areas.''


    After pondering for a bit, Rean put those thoughts behind.


    ''Well, I guess that''s Darwin for you.''


    Nevertheless, Rean''s eyes narrowed as he looked at the humans. There weren''t many, but most of them were in chains. The ones who were free seemed to be someone''s subordinates. Rean also noticed that each and every single one of them had what appeared to be a black collar. After sweeping his Spiritual Sense over it, he immediately identified the inscriptions.


    ''Hum? Lightning Type Equipment Formation? It seems like that''s what this race uses to keep humans under control. However...''


    As far as Rean could see with his Spiritual Sense, not a single Core Formation Realm figure could be found. The highest cultivation was from the gate guards, which were between the Initial and Late Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm. As for Foundation Establishment and above, Rean couldn''t spot anyone.


    Usually, Rean wouldn''t like to see the humans being treated like that. However, he also remembered what happened to the Lakures. That being said, was the actual situation of the humans really unjust or something they brought upon them by themselves? Besides, it''s not like humans were good or anything. Naturally, Rean refrained from making any moves. He even ignored some of the humans who were being punished for whatever reason.


    ''It''s not time to be harsh. First, I need to gather information.''


    Soon after, Rean gave Kentucky an order.


    "Kentucky, fly down and grab that person over there."


    There was one of the human subordinates who seemed to have separated from the group. However, he wasn''t fleeing. Instead, he went to a pond near the gate that didn''t freeze like everything else for some reason. From its looks, the guy was going there because he was ordered to do something in the pond.


    Kentucky immediately understood the order and dived down. Thanks to Rean''s concealment abilities, no one noticed anything.


    *Vup!*


    Without anyone noticing, Kentucky grabbed the guy as he dived to the ground.


    "Ah!"


    Obviously, the guy was frightened when he suddenly began to shoot up into the skies.


    "I''m sorry! I''m sorry! Whatever I might have done, I won''t do anymore! Please, don''t kill me!"


    Well, anyone would think of something similar in this situation...


    "Hey, hey! It''s fine. I have no intention of killing you."


    Rean then popped his head out the side of Kentucky''s back, which allowed the man to take a look at him from below.


    "This! Are you... a human? No, that can''t be. All humans must use the enforcement collars."


    But it was then that the guy remembered something.


    "No! Please, go back! I will die if you fly further away! Go back! Please!"


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he patted Kentucky''s back. Soon after, Kentucky stopped in mid-air while he held that guy.


    "Send him up, Kentucky."


    *Chick!*


    With a single move, the guy was thrown in the air before Kentucky flew under him.


    "Ahhh!"


    *Thud.*


    Sure enough, he fell right on Kentucky''s back before Kentucky stopped in mid-air once again.


    Only then did he notice that he wasn''t falling, but he was on the back of the demon bird instead.


    "This..."


    The guy then looked at Rean, who definitely looked like a human.


    "Wh-What do-does sir want from me?"


    "First, what''s your name?"


    "Me? I-I''m Guan Lin."


    Rean smiled before touching the guy''s collar.


    "Don''t worry. I have no bad intentions. Let me take a look at it."


    "No! It will immediately kill me if anyone tries to remove it."


    Guan tried to move away, but he noticed that he didn''t have the strength to stop Rean. Just as he thought he would die and closed his eyes, he heard a sound coming from his neck.


    *Clack!*


    Nothing happened after that. When Guan opened his eyes again and looked over, he noticed his collar in Rean''s hands, which was now open.


    "Such a crude Lightning Type Formation Equipment... It''s only dangerous for those without any cultivation at all. Its connection with its core is terrible as well. As long as one goes too far, the collar immediately activates. However, it uses its full power in one go. Chances are that the one using it might even die if he or she had nothing to protect themselves. Of course, once again, it''s only effective on those without any cultivation."


    Guan looked at Rean with his eyes wide open. He couldn''t believe that his collar was removed that easily.


    ''Just... who is this guy? Is he really human?''

 Chapter 551 - Frandin

    Rean looked deeply at the collar before saying.


    "Oh, well. Whatever. Let''s just destroy it."


    However, Guan immediately exclaimed.


    "Don''t! I need it!"


    Rean was taken aback as he looked at Guan.


    "Need it? This thing is keeping you as a prisoner, you know? Why would you need it?"


    Guan was also taken aback by Rean''s words.


    "Why? Do you really not know?"


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    "I just arrived in this city, so I''m unaware of the customs here."


    "What? Did you come from somewhere else? No, that doesn''t matter right now. I need this collar if I want to survive, so give it back and send me down."


    Rean narrowed his eyes before he thought up of a possibility.


    "When you say that you need it to survive, does that mean that any human without this collar will be killed?"


    Guan immediately nodded as he replied.


    "Yes. If a human is seen without a collar, they are to be executed straight away. At the very least, they''ll be banished out in the cold. We humans are weak, so we can''t live on our own outside. It''s too cold for any of us."


    Rean had to admit that it was true. Even now, he was using his Spiritual Sense to block the cold, while Kentucky used his own to block the cold for Guan.


    "Please, send me back before anyone notices. I also have a family, and they will definitely suffer if I don''t appear again. My owner will definitely punish them for my behavior."


    Sure enough, it was a world where slavery was rampant.


    Rean sighed in response and nodded in the end. He quickly put the collar back on Guan''s neck and asked Kentucky to dive down once more. Before Guan could realize it, he was already in front of the pound once again. As for Kentucky and Rean, they disappeared in mid-air. It was as if everything was an illusion.


    Guan then looked around and quickly did what he was supposed to do. As for Rean, he kept observing from far away. Once Guan came back, his owner shouted at him for the delay. Guan was even hit by the guy but didn''t do anything other than apologize. However, he didn''t say anything about Rean. It was not that he wanted to protect him, but because he felt that it would bring him even more problems if he talked about it.


    Rean steeled his heart and didn''t move. Maybe it was because he had been with Roan for so long, but he didn''t act so much on impulse as before. Besides, Guan was far from being the only one being mistreated. There were a lot more humans around who were in the same situation or even worse.


    ''These humans don''t seem to have any courage to do anything. Most likely, this situation has continued for many years already. It won''t do to capture one of them anymore since they will probably act like Guan. That being said, I might as well take one of these other race people. Now that I think about it, I forgot to ask Guan about them...''


    ''Oh well, whatever. They''re all in the Body Transformation and Energy Gathering Realm at most. This will be easy.''


    Rean then looked from above while keeping his concealment skills active. Since there wasn''t anyone even close to his cultivation realm there, Rean decided to take someone who seemed to have higher authority this time.


    Just as he was about to do so, he noticed a flying demon beast coming from another direction. It looked like a blue kite but was big enough to carry someone on its back.


    ''A Stage Two Demon Beast and... an Initial Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator!''


    That was the very first Foundation Establishment cultivator Rean had seen since he arrived in this place.


    "Kentucky, let''s take that guy."


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky immediately dived down.


    The guy then landed in front of the gate as the gate guards came to receive him. Even the leader of those guards bowed to the man, who didn''t seem to care about them at all. However, just as he got down from his demon bird, he suddenly disappeared right in front of everyone.


    Naturally, Kentucky was the one who snatched him. He flew up in the skies once more and moved away. As for what the guards would do after that, Rean didn''t care. He didn''t need to worry about the struggling Foundation Establishment guy that Kentucky was holding either. He was just too weak to do anything.


    Rean thought that everything went as he had predicted. But it was then that all the other members of that race looked in his direction. It wasn''t just the guards, though. Even the common members around them did the same thing. It was as if they could see Rean without any issues.


    Rean, of course, was shocked to see that. His Light and Spiritual Sense bending skills were still active. No one should have noticed his location while it was active. If the Spiritual Sense was too strong, Rean would have detected it even easier. However, there they were, looking in his direction with dark expressions.


    ''No, they aren''t looking at me, to be exact. They''re looking at this guy.''


    Suddenly, Rean heard a bellow from inside the city.


    "Who dares to cause trouble in Danve City?!"


    It was then that a man came flying from inside. His Spiritual Sense immediately passed through Rean''s position, allowing Rean to tell the guy''s cultivation.


    ''Middle Core and Soul Fusion Realm.''


    Well, he definitely was at that realm at the very least. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be able to fly.


    Rean wasn''t the only one shocked, though. The man knew where his race member was located. However, his Spiritual Sense couldn''t detect anything at that point in the air at all. Naturally, his guard went up, afraid that the enemy might be too strong.


    Rean noticed that and understood.


    ''He isn''t acting hastily. He can''t tell who''s there, just that his race member is calling for everyone''s help somehow.''


    Rean then looked at the man Kentucky was holding and noticed a faint blue light coming from his forehead. There, he could see a small diagram taking form.


    ''From the looks of it, his race members can feel his location as long as this thing is active. Does that mean that all of them have it?''


    Rean then looked at the man in front of him. After pondering for a bit, he used his Light Element to change his and Kentucky''s appearance. So far, even the man Kentucky was carrying couldn''t see what was holding him in mid-air, just a pair of feet tightly pressing on his arms.


    Eventually, Rean stopped using Light Element to conceal his image, showing his and Kentucky''s figures in the air. Only then was everyone able to see Rean with their naked eyes.


    "A human?!"


    "Hehe. So it''s just a human."


    "Where''s his collar? Why doesn''t he have one?"


    "Who''s his owner? He must be punished!"


    It was obvious for Rean how much disdain appeared in everyone''s eyes once they saw him. However, the Core and Soul Fusion Realm man in front of them didn''t act harshly at all. That''s because even though Rean released his camouflage skill, his Spiritual Sense bending skill was still activated. Rean looked like an old man with silver-white hair, while Kentucky''s feathers and scales all turned snow-white as well. Not to mention that Kentucky became much slimmer.


    There was one thing one must remember. Suppose a cultivator can''t feel the other cultivator''s level. In that case, that meant that the other side''s cultivation was much higher than his own. Rean was right in front of him, but he couldn''t feel Rean''s cultivation, so he obviously thought about that possibility. Not to mention that Rean was looking at him with a smile as if he couldn''t care less about his Core and Soul Fusion Realm level. Turns out that Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill was also useful in this case.


    Eventually, the man took a deep breath before saying.


    "Release our young master. Do so, and we won''t press charges on your owner."


    Rean''s mouth twitched as he replied.


    "My... owner? I''m sorry to disappoint you, but I''ve never had an owner even once in my life."


    Those words immediately caused an uproar.


    "No owner?"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Humans can''t live in this world without having an owner."


    "Don''t trust him. He obviously has an owner. He''s just being ordered to say so. He definitely has some other Slave Binding Equipment somewhere in his body."


    "That''s true."


    The man in front of Rean and even the guy he had captured also thought the same thing. They didn''t believe even for a second that Rean didn''t have an owner.


    "If you don''t want to reveal who your owner is, that''s fine. However, you must release young master Frandin."


    Rean looked at the guy under Kentucky before asking.


    "Are you Frandin?"


    The man nodded.


    "I am. If your owner wishes for a reward, we can definitely negotiate."


    Rean sighed before saying.


    "Maybe I can do that, but I don''t need a reward. All I want is information."


    "Information?"


    Rean nodded.


    "What is this place? I just arrived here, so I have no idea where I am at the moment. I captured you because you look like someone with the highest rank in the middle of this pack. Naturally, you would have more information than others."


    Frandin was taken aback. Someone who got here by mistake? Still, he took a deep breath before saying.


    "Laime, explain things to him."


    The Core and Soul Fusion Realm man immediately nodded.


    "Yes, young master."

 Chapter 552 - First Questions

    Laime kept his grim expression as he looked at Rean.


    "This is the City of Danve, located in the southeast side of Tasman Country. As for Tasman Country, it''s located on the west side of our Empire, Palif. Our city isn''t that big nor small compared to others, just in the middle. The lord of the city is named Devou Zais, young master Frandin''s father."


    Rean nodded with a satisfied expression.


    "That''s good enough. At least I now know where I am. Do you perhaps know the name of this planet?"


    "Planet? What''s that?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "It''s fine if you don''t know."


    Sure enough, it was hard to find people who knew the concept of planets. Rean then changed his topic.


    "By the way, how did you find me? I''m sure I''ve concealed my presence well enough. Is it because of this mark on Fradin''s forehead?"


    Both Frandin and Laime, as well as the people listening below him, looked at Rean with weird expressions.


    "Do you really not know what it is?"


    Rean narrowed his eyes, obviously annoyed.


    "If I knew, I wouldn''t waste my time asking. Which part of I''m not someone from here don''t you understand?"


    Frandin began to consider whether Rean''s claims of not having an owner were true or not. However, he was still in a precarious situation, so he put those thoughts aside for the moment.


    "It makes no sense hiding it since it''s obvious to anyone who sees it. Besides, you would find out about it as long as you asked anyone with common sense. This is a mark only awakened by those of pure bloodline from our Zasfin Race. It connects us with others of the same bloodline, even those who don''t have this mark. Everyone knows that we can use it to find each other as long as we aren''t too far away."


    Sure enough, it was that mark.


    "Zasfin Race, huh?"


    It was the first time Rean had heard that name. However, just as he was about to ask a few more things, he felt the presence of more Spiritual Senses hitting his Spiritual Sense Bending Skill. Two of them were Core and Soul Fusion Realm level. As for the last one...


    ''Nascent Soul Realm. His powerful Spiritual Sense will be enough to pass through my bending skill if he gets close enough. At that moment, he will notice that I''m just at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm.''


    Rean then smiled at Laime.


    "It seems like we''ve got some company. However, I still have many things to ask, so I''ll take my leave here. Oh, I''ll bring my friend Frandin with me since he seems to be very knowledgeable about this region. See ya."


    At that moment, a voice echoed in everyone''s minds.


    "Hmph! Do you think you can leave this place?"


    Frandin''s eyes immediately lit up.


    "Father!"


    However...


    "Of course! Look!"


    Out of nowhere, Rean hit the back of Frandin''s head, knocking the guy out straight away. Soon after, Rean brought him into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm together with Kentucky. Naturally, all the others could see was how Rean, Kentucky, and Frandin disappeared in mid-air, much to their shock.


    Devou, the City Lord, immediately spread his Spiritual Sense but couldn''t find as much as a single hair of their existence. Not only that, but Frandin''s connection with everyone''s souls was also cut, just like that.


    "Impossible!"


    Devou felt like he had seen a ghost. He knew very well that his race''s bloodline mark connection could reach several tens of kilometers of distance. It might be possible even from a hundred kilometers, depending on the bloodline''s purity. As long as Frandin was inside that range, he would be able to feel it, especially since he had the same mark. However, Frandin''s connection was cut in less than a second. That was the same as saying that Frandin moved all that distance in less than a second.


    "Did they perhaps teleport away?"


    "That must be the case. I refuse to believe someone can move this fast."


    "What do we do now?"


    "What else? Send people out to find him! I want my son back!"


    "Yes, Lord Devou!"


    Devou wasn''t completely wrong when he said that Rean and Frandin had teleported away. However, Rean didn''t need to use a save point this time. First of all, with the system frozen, he wouldn''t be able to use Destiny Points to place a save point anyway.


    However, there was more than one way to teleport to another place with the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s help. Rean and Roan could exit anywhere near their bodies as long as their Soul Connection wasn''t too far from each other. At the moment, their Soul Connection Range was at level three, which gave them a range of 3000 kilometers. That being said, after entering the Dimensional Realm with Frandin, Rean was able to exit it, appearing close to Roan.


    Qia and Agis were obviously shocked by that. How did he come back without them noticing? Malaka noticed their confusion. However, they would figure this out sooner or later now that they know about the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, so she didn''t waste time and explained it. Only then did they understand how useful the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm could really be.


    Roan ignored that as he told everyone.


    "Let''s go inside the Dimensional Realm. Rean got someone who we can use to obtain some information."


    Agis, Qia, and the others nodded. They then felt the same suction power as they let it take them away. In the next moment, they were back in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    There, Sister Orb stayed by Frandin''s side, waiting for him to wake up.


    [Hurry up, Rean. I want to know more about this place.]


    "Alright, alright..."


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    Rean then healed the bruise on the back of Frandin''s head before waking him up. Sure enough, Frandin opened his eyes straight away.


    "This..."


    Obviously, he was surprised to see so many humans at once. Of course, Rean put him inside the same jail as he put others in the past, so Frandin couldn''t see anything outside. There was also no Spiritual Energy inside there since Sister Orb controlled it. Finally, Rean made sure to change everyone''s appearance to be completely different from their real ones.


    "Now, then. Let''s continue our conversation."

 Chapter 553 - What Do You Think?

    Frandin couldn''t help but ask.


    "Who sent you? Where are your owners?"


    Except for Roan, the others became puzzled.


    "Owners? What does he mean by that?"


    Rean then explained.


    "It seems that in this world, all humans are slaves. Every single one of them has owners. Well, I can''t really say if it''s something that happens in the entire world or just limited to this region. However, our friend Frandin here doesn''t seem to believe that we don''t have any owners."


    Rean didn''t conceal his voice, so Frandin was shocked by what he heard. After all, Rean''s group talked as if they never had owners before.


    "What''s happening here? Do you really not have owners? How''s that possible? How did you even survive until now?"


    Agis narrowed his eyes as he said.


    "This guy''s quite dumb. He couldn''t even figure things out after what we said."


    Of course, when Rean mentioned ''this world'' to Frandin, it should have become pretty clear that they weren''t from the same world.


    "What do you mean? Are you saying you aren''t from the same world as me? Do you expect me to believe that? First of all, are there even other worlds?"


    Agis, Qia, Malaka, and Calina could understand Frandin''s doubts. If they hadn''t seen everything with their own eyes, they would find it hard to believe as well.


    Rean didn''t seem to care, though.


    "Whether you believe us or not is not our problem. All you need to do is answer our questions."


    Frandin then took a deep breath before nodding.


    "Alright."


    Safety was Frandin''s first priority, so he didn''t even try to refuse it.


    Roan nodded in satisfaction after that.


    "You are not as dumb as I thought. Alright. First, tell me more about your race. What are you?"


    Frandin didn''t expect that to be the first question.


    "Well, as I mentioned to that old man there before, I''m part of the Zasfin Race. Our race has a strong mental fortitude... or Soul if you know what it is. Those with bloodlines pure enough can even communicate and feel others of the same level as long as they awaken their Soul Marks. We are inherently well suited to learn new techniques and skills. This is all thanks to our supreme bloodline advantage."


    Rean nodded.


    "A race strong at Souls, huh? The Lakures'' strong point was obviously their Spiritual Energy control due to their specialty over skin meridians. Oh, right! What do you think our human race''s strong point is?"


    Frandin looked at Rean with a puzzled expression, responding.


    "The humans'' strong point? Do trash like humans even have a strong point?"


    Everyone''s mouth twitched in response. This guy was obviously around the same age as them, around his twenties. However, his cultivation was far below their own. Just how does he think he''s superior to them?


    Rean could tell what the others were thinking, so he explained.


    "Don''t blame him for his views. We are stronger than him even though we''re around the same age, but he grew up seeing the humans as nothing more than slaves. Obviously, he thinks that humans are just there to serve his Zasfin Race. Don''t forget that we came from a world where humans dominated, but this is no longer the case."


    Frandin looked at them with his eyes open wide! Around twenty? They all looked to be far above their forties or fifties. Is that how humans from their world were supposed to look in their twenties?


    Rean understood what Frandin was thinking, so he simply explained.


    "Oh, don''t misunderstand. This is just my ability to change everyone''s appearance. We should revert to our younger versions in a few hours or so."


    "I see... I heard about techniques that could change one''s body. No wonder, no wonder..."


    However, it was then that he noticed a problem.


    "Wait! If you''re only in your twenties, then what level is your cultivation at the moment?"


    Rean pointed at Malaka and Agis before responding.


    "They are our weakest members, who are at the Middle Stage Core Formation Realm. The rest of us are at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm."


    "Impossible! No one should be able to reach this level at such an earlier age. Unless..."


    "Are you part of the Celestial Lands?"


    Rean and the others looked at each other, puzzled. Soon, Rean asked.


    "Celestial Lands? What''s that?"


    "You don''t know?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders.


    "We came from another world, remember? There, the Spiritual Energy was more than twice as dense as it is in this world. Not to mention that all of us had access to Spirit Stones for cultivation. Anyway, that only means we know nothing about this world of yours. If you don''t believe us, you can use your Spiritual Sense to check. You should have enough Spiritual Energy in your Dantian to do this much. I''ll leave my cultivation open for you to see."


    Sure enough, as long as a higher-level cultivator wished to do so, they could let weaker ones feel their strength. That''s what Rean did as Frandin checked with his Spiritual Sense. Unsurprisingly, Frandin confirmed that Rean wasn''t kidding. He was really in the Peak of the Core Formation Realm. But that wasn''t all. Although Frandin couldn''t see Rean''s actual appearance, his Spiritual Sense allowed him to at least tell Rean''s real age. Now he was absolutely sure that Rean was really in his twenties.


    "How could this be... Did you really come from another world? A world where Spiritual Energy and Spirit Stones are available for use?"


    Rean and the others nodded.


    "That''s what we have been saying from the start. We don''t have owners, nor did we ever have one. First of all, slavery was almost nonexistent back there."


    Well, at least Rean didn''t find much information about slavery in the capital''s records. Nonetheless, there were a few mentions of it in one country or another, but they were very rare in general.


    Finally, Frandin decided to ask.


    "Is there a way to go to your world?"


    In an instant, everyone''s expressions turned ugly.


    "Do you think we would stay in a world with such a poor cultivation environment if we could go back?"


    Frandin had to admit that it was true. Well, as long as what Rean''s group was saying was true as well.


    However, it was at this moment that he had a bad feeling.


    "Wait! Why are you even telling me all of this?"


    Roan coldly smiled after hearing that question.


    "What do you think?"

 Chapter 554 - Decadence Region

    Roan never had the intention of letting the guy go. First of all, it was pretty obvious what he thought about humans.


    "Now, then. Let''s hear a little bit more about the country and the rest. Have you ever gone to other Empires to see if humans are treated the same way there?"


    Frandin couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why should I talk if you don''t intend to leave me alive anyway?"


    Roan then lifted a finger as Dark Element gathered there. He only needed to send a little bit of it into Frandin''s body for the guy to start screaming in pain. With his cultivation mostly sealed, he couldn''t protect his body against it.


    Malaka and Calina were more or less used to Roan''s methods. However, Qia still looked away when she heard the guy begging for mercy. As for Agis, he narrowed his eyes. He wasn''t a soft-hearted person, but even he didn''t know if he could torture someone to that extent.


    "Stop! I''ll tell you, I''ll tell you!"


    Rean smiled and took back his Dark Element.


    "That''s what I want to hear."


    Frandin looked at Roan with fear in his eyes. He never felt such pain before. He was a young master in Danve City. However, his father made sure to give him rigorous training, so he wasn''t a weakling when it came to pain. However, Roan''s methods were definitely beyond his tolerance.


    "I-I don''t know much about the things that happen outside of our Danve City''s territory, so I''ll only be able to give you the basics. That''s because our world is mostly covered in ice all year round, so travel and information sharing are very hard in this environment."


    Roan nodded, not minding it too much.


    "So, as I mentioned before, we are in the Palif Empire. This country is called Tasman, which is located on the west side halfway to the border. The country is managed by the Kurian Family. As you can imagine, they are part of our Zasfin Race with very pure bloodlines. They report directly to the Palif Empire''s Capital."


    "I went to the Country''s Capital once five years ago. It''s located slightly north of the country''s center. You better be careful there since they''re very harsh to humans. Your race''s presence there would be considered the same as tarnishing the Capital''s soil, so any human is rarely allowed inside there unless someone with power does so."


    Rean then asked something else.


    "What''s this situation with humans? For some reason, it seems like your Zasfin Race hates us quite a lot. It''s not just a problem of strength, or so I think."


    Frandin nodded as he let out a bit of cold sweat while Roan kept his eyes on him.


    "This is just something I heard about. I have no way to prove it, though. Anyway, it''s stated that far back in the past, both races lived together. However, the human race betrayed us and tried to take the world for itself, forcing us into slavery. They ambushed our leaders and put us in dire straights."


    "However, they greatly underestimated our Zasfin Race''s Soul connection power. By using our abilities to our favor, we were able to slowly revert the situation until, finally, the human race lost the war. Even though we were at a disadvantage, our bloodline superiority still prevailed. From then on, the Zasfin Race imposed the same rules on the humans who wanted to make us their slaves. Of course, this is just what the legend said. Even my father doesn''t know how many thousands of years in the past it had happened or if it happened at all. All we know is that humans must never be left to run amok ever again."


    Rean and the others fell into silence. Surprisingly, none of them found it difficult to believe that legend. After all, they were all humans, and they knew very well how greedy humans can become. Back in Sunkan Planet, slavery was quite a rare sight. Very few countries in the Sasamil Empire used it. Nevertheless, humans were able to do it with other humans, let alone others.


    Roan then mentioned.


    "Of course, this is only one side of the story. Frandin, as far as I can see, your Zasfin Race doesn''t look very amicable either. I doubt that you would act all compassionate if humans and Zasfins didn''t have this status between them."


    Frandin nodded, not daring to deny Roan''s words.


    "As I said, it was just what the legend said. We simply don''t even waste our time thinking whether it was true or not. Our society is already used to use humans as their workers, pets, dummies, etc. It might make you all angry, but I doubt it will ever change. At the very least, it definitely won''t change any time soon."


    Everyone nodded. Culture couldn''t be changed in a day or two. Rean himself had human history to back his beliefs. Just how long did humans of Earth use slavery on their own people? In a certain way, slavery was only over because Earth''s people marched into the modern era extremely fast. Otherwise, chances were that it would be happening even to this day. Let alone a medieval world like this one where every inch of land was harsh on its people.


    Malaka then asked Frandin.


    "Could it be that all the Zasfin Race think that way? Is there really no safe place for humans to live in this world?"


    Frandin shook his head as he replied.


    "There is one place."


    "What is it?"


    Frandin continued.


    "My father told me once that there''s this one country located at the borders of the Palif, Gorea, and Usuk Empires. It''s also known as the Decadence Region. It''s a very small region, like a single star in the skies at night. However, he told me that this is a country where humans can roam free... errr... No, not exactly free..."


    Rean''s group had puzzled expressions on their face. With that, Rean asked.


    "What do you mean?"


    Frandin narrowed his eyes and continued.


    "It would be more correct to say that they''re prisoners. There are no laws in that place, so humans can show their true horrible selves there. This is a world where the strong rule. However, the humans brought this rule a step further in that place. Anyone there can literally die for the smallest of issues... or so my father said and a few of my clan elders. It''s something about leaving that place intact as an example so that the Zasfin Race will never become so wretched like that."


    Agis pondered for a bit about those words.


    "In other words, the humans in that place can never leave that country. But as long as you''re strong enough, you can live there however you like."


    Frandin nodded.


    "That''s how I heard it was. From the looks of it, humans are sent to that country every time their numbers go down because of the killing. Also, the borders are tightly guarded by all three countries. Once you enter, you can''t leave anymore."


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    "Are you telling us we should spend our lives imprisoned there?"


    Frandin let out cold sweat once more when he heard Roan''s voice.


    "I-It''s just that with your cultivation, I thought you would be one of the rulers there. A-After all, the rest of the world will never allow your presence."


    Everyone fell into deep thought at that moment. Would it be a good thing to go to such a place?

 Chapter 555 - Celestial Lands

    "What about we use Rean''s appearance-changing skill to enter the cities? The rest of us can pretend to be slaves while using fake Binding Collars. From what he told us, a few humans are allowed to move around as long as they have their owners'' permission and keep their Collars, right?"


    Agis immediately shook his head as he replied.


    "You''re forgetting the main issue here, our cultivation. In the Zasfin Race''s eyes, humans shouldn''t even have any cultivation to start with since they''re too weak."


    However, Frandin shook his head.


    "That''s not true. Most humans are very weak in our world. However, a few Owners like to let their humans cultivate so they can be used as free guards. They simply change their collars for more powerful ones to keep these humans in control."


    Qia couldn''t help but ask Rean.


    "Can''t you simply change all our appearances to look like these Zasfin Race people? In that case, we wouldn''t need to pretend to be slaves either."


    Rean immediately shook his head.


    "I can change how our human body looks, but I can''t create the traits of the Zasfin Race. For example, I wouldn''t be able to emulate their bloodline''s Soul Power, nor can I make those shards appear over our skin. Besides, my appearance-changing skill is something that needs a constant influx of Light Element. If some of you separate from me for whatever reason, your appearance will return to normal a few hours later."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "Indeed. It''s too impractical. In fact, both solutions are. The problem is what Agis mentioned, our cultivation. Sure, there are humans who can cultivate if their ''owners'' allow it. However, do you think any of them would be at our level? If anyone at the Core Formation Realm or above checks us, they''ll definitely be shocked and start making inquires. After all, this trash here is supposed to be someone of talent, but he''s just a puny Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator even though he''s around our age."


    [You sure know how to roast this guy...]


    Or so Sister Orb thought.


    Frandin couldn''t help but feel some anger when he heard that. He never thought a day would come where humans called him trash. The worst part was that he couldn''t refute those words. Be it because he was afraid of Roan or because of the gap in cultivation. He could really only be considered trash in front of these people. Little did he know that Rean''s group was a special case. Most people on Sunkan Planet wouldn''t even be at his stage at the same age. Jury and Alanda, from the Varen Tribe, were very good examples of it.


    "Does that mean our only solution is to go to that Decadence Region where humans are discarded?"


    Rean pondered for a bit before shaking his head.


    "Not necessarily."


    Soon after, he looked at Frandin.


    "You said something about the ''Celestial Lands,'' right? It seemed like it wouldn''t have been a surprise if we were at our current level if we lived there. What do you know about this Celestial Land?"


    Frandin''s eyes couldn''t help but twinkle as he thought about that.


    "Celestial Lands are called that way because of the advantageous point where they''re situated. It''s said that the amount of Spiritual Energy in the air around those places is several times higher than anywhere else. Those are places where one can cultivate twice as fast with half the effort. As you can imagine, every single young Zasfin wishes to be part of one of the Celestial Lands."


    Roan then looked at Rean and asked.


    "Why would you want to go there? That place should be even harsher for humans than anywhere else."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "I''m just eliminating all the options. Frandin, are the Celestial Lands the same as the capital? Would it be a bad thing for humans to be there?"


    Frandin pondered for a bit before saying.


    "I''m not too certain about it since it''s too far from my scope. However, I''m pretty certain that humans are still being used there as free labor. After all, only those of the purest bloodline or talent can enter. I don''t think such high and mighty members of our Zasfin Race would ever do their own shores. As I mentioned before, humans are rare but still exist in the capital as well. It''s just that they are all owned by powerful Zasfins who would never put their hands on manual labor. The Celestial Lands ''might'' be under the same case."


    Calina then asked.


    "How do you enter a Celestial Land?"


    "How else? They hold several tests every year. As long as you pass, you can join them. Of course, speaking about it and doing so are two completely different matters. I have tried before, but I wasn''t even in the middle by the end of it. Let alone close to the acceptance mark."


    Malaka still shook her head in the end.


    "That won''t do. Even if we are taken in as laborers, they would still question us about our level. Besides, I don''t think they would let us cultivate as we wish to start with. They might even be afraid that we''re too strong for humans, so they might kill us or throw everyone into the Decadence Region."


    Rean had to admit that she was right. However, it didn''t seem like it was a good idea to go to the Decadence Region. One doesn''t need to be a genius to understand that that place was definitely under constant surveillance. After all, what if a human became strong enough to leave that place and wreak havoc outside?


    Qia added.


    "There''s one thing you''re forgetting about that Decadence Region. The Empires are definitely looking at all the humans there without breaks. There''s bound to be a limit to what cultivation level a human can reach in that place. If it goes above the limit, the Zasfin Race will eliminate that guy without the other humans having to do anything."


    In the end, humans were just prisoners there. There wasn''t much to gain in such a place.


    "This is becoming even more complicated. However, there''s one thing I want to know. Frandin, are you sure that humans are really being treated like that everywhere else? I refuse to believe that you don''t have some rebels or things like that. Perhaps... no, most likely there are even some Zasfins who don''t like how humans are treated."


    Frandin scratched his head as he muttered in response...


    "Well... I heard stories..."

 Chapter 556 - I Have Many Uses For You

    "What kind of stories?"


    Frandin continued.


    "There''s one Empire located on the other side of the world called Tuvaro. What I''m going to say might be true but might not be either. Elder Frun, one of my clan''s elders, told me before about something he heard in his trip to the Capital."


    "He talked about it as if it was a joke. To be honest, I also laughed a lot while listening since I believe it''s just some stupid story or something like that. Anyway, each Empire usually has a few Celestial Lands. Our Palif has three of them, for example. Tuvaro, as another Empire, also has its own Celestial Lands. From what Elder Frun heard, one of these Celestial Lands accepts both humans and Zasfins."


    Rean''s group couldn''t help but feel confused.


    "Accept both of them? Do you mean not as slaves, but as real members?"


    Frandin shook his head as he replied.


    "I don''t know. That''s why I told you it seems like a joke. I doubt such a thing is possible. Then again, I''ve never left our Tasman Country, let alone our Empire. Perhaps things are not just black and white like they are here."


    Malaka then noticed one point.


    "If there are more Empires elsewhere, I guess it''s safe to say that the Decadence Region isn''t the only place where humans are sent to."


    Frandin nodded.


    "Indeed. There are a few other places where humans are sent to. After all, our world is just too big. It would be impractical to move every human to a single location. I only know where the Decadence Region is located, though. I''ve never cared about the other regions. You might find more about it in bigger cities."


    Roan then went back to the main topic.


    "Forget about these human dumpster regions. I want to know more about this Celestial Land you''ve talked about. You should have heard at least its name, right?"


    Frandin nodded.


    "It''s called the Unity Celestial Land."


    "Well, that would be a fitting name if they really allowed both races to be part of it. However, how come the Zasfin Race hasn''t tried to stop them?"


    "As I said, this is just a story Elder Frun heard in the Capital. I can''t even tell you if this place even exists or not. Let alone tell you why it operates like this."


    "That''s true..."


    It was a blind shot, but it didn''t seem like Rean''s group had a better choice to start with. Naturally, they could only bet their coins in this Tuvaro Empire''s Celestial Land even though it is most likely a farce. That being said, Roan moved on to the next question.


    "Which would be the easiest way to reach Tuvaro?"


    Frandin pondered for a bit before saying.


    "The easiest way is to take a flying demon beast there. I''m not sure how far it is, though. Usually, people would go to the Capital when they need to do such long-distance travels."


    Malaka found it strange.


    "Don''t you have Teleport Formations?"


    Rean and Qia immediately laughed.


    "Hahaha! Forget it, Malaka. Even back on our planet, the best Teleport Formations couldn''t send you more than a thousand or so kilometers away. People had to take many teleport formations one after another if they wanted to travel a long distance in a short time. Not to mention that only those capable of paying the necessary Spirit Stones would be able to do so."


    "Rean''s right. Besides, even if their Teleport Formations are at the same level as ours, we would still need to teleport from one city to another. It''s too dangerous to travel like this due to our cultivation."


    Frandin was shocked to hear that.


    "Your teleport formations could go up to a thousand kilometers?!"


    Rean nodded.


    "However, those are very expensive and hard to make."


    Frandin took a deep breath as he said.


    "Even though that''s the case, the best teleport formations we have are in the Capital, but they can only send you a few hundred kilometers away. Not to mention that only the high echelon is allowed to use it. I wish I could go to this world of yours."


    Rean was not surprised by that. He could more or less see the difference in the level of formations between this planet and their old one. Of course, he hadn''t seen the other cities and Empires'' Formations, so the situation might not really be as Frandin had mentioned.


    Roan narrowed his eyes before he asked.


    "Would it be possible to use teleport formations to go to Tuvaro? I mean, are there enough links to make it possible?"


    Frandin pondered for a bit before he shook his head.


    "I don''t think so. As I said, only the best teleport formations can send you up to a few hundred kilometers away. However, Tuvaro is much, much farther away than that. There''s no way that any Empire would make so many of these super expensive formations to link each Empire up. Besides, it would be quite unsafe for many other reasons."


    Roan sighed as he nodded. He already expected that much.


    "Too bad, then."


    Roan''s plan was to keep everyone inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and have one Rean walk outside with Frandin. He could use Frandin and his own Spiritual Sense bending skill to go near and use the teleport formations. Although many risks were involved, they would also avoid other dangers when traveling by foot.


    Rean''s group then asked many more questions about this world to Frandin. Finally, it reached a point where they had nothing else to ask.


    "Well, I guess this is everything."


    Frandin felt a chill on his back as he looked at Roan.


    "What are you going to do?"


    *Pah!*


    Roan slapped the back of Frandin''s head before saying.


    "What, do you think I''m going to kill you? Don''t be ridiculous! You have a pure bloodline. I have many, many uses for you."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, already knowing that it would happen.


    "Roan just wants to be friends with you, Frandin. Don''t mind him too much."


    Roan''s mouth twitched after hearing that.


    "Friends, your ass! Stop your bullshit, and let''s head out."


    Rean laughed before leaving the jail with everyone else.

 Chapter 557 - Romance Bullshit

    Agis then asked outside.


    "What do you want to use Frandin for? Wouldn''t it be easier to simply get rid of him already?"


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    "No. We can use Frandin to enter a few cities if we need Spirit Stones, food, and other things."


    "Wouldn''t he use that chance to tell about us and escape?"


    Roan snorted after hearing that.


    "He can only dream about it. There are many ways to prevent that from happening. The easiest method is to use one of my poison pills to bind him. Unless he wants to die, he will have to come back to us. Anyway, I''m not worried about him saying anything he shouldn''t at all."


    Calina sighed before asking.


    "In that case, how should we proceed?"


    Rean and Roan then looked at everyone.


    "That depends on you guys. Truth be told, you''re in this situation because of us. If you want to go out and move by yourselves, we won''t stop you. However, as I mentioned to Agis, we won''t be able to save you either if you aren''t close to us. Whatever your decision may be, we will respect it."


    Malaka immediately hugged Rean before saying.


    "I''ve known you two longer than anyone else. I''m sure that you would never do such a thing on purpose. Even the ice block isn''t that cold. I''ll stay with you."


    Rean smiled as he patted Malaka''s head. As for Roan, he could not help but think...


    ''Was that a compliment or an insult...?''


    He didn''t know.


    Calina and Qia also decided to stick around. Qia now knew that Calina was part of the Sasamil Imperial Family, so she was a bit more attached to her.


    Agis frowned after hearing that. The problem was that he really didn''t have many choices to start with. Of course, he did blame Rean and Roan for what happened. That didn''t change. However, it was also true that he was supposed to be dead right now if Rean hadn''t brought him along. Between dying with his world and escaping, he would obviously opt for the latter.


    "Fine! I''ll stay around as long as it''s beneficial for me."


    Rean and Roan nodded in response. After that, Roan told them his plan.


    "We could have Rean fly with Kentucky while keeping his Light and Spiritual Sense bending skill active. That way, although we don''t know how long it would take, our travel wouldn''t be too dangerous. However, I don''t think this is the best method. Whatever happens, we will have better chances if we are stronger. That being said, instead of avoiding dangers like this, we should travel by foot."


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    "That way, we could learn more about this world during our travel. What kind of Demon Beasts are there? What''s the environment? How hard is it to cultivate? And so on."


    Everyone nodded after hearing. They didn''t want to be locked inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm forever, either.


    Qia then offered.


    "Let''s form two different groups and travel in two different directions. From what you told me, the soul connection between you two can be kept as far as 3000 kilometers, right? A smaller group will be easier to move and operate. If anything goes wrong, we can have Rean or Roan bring the others into the Dimensional Realm. After that, we just need to use the other twin as an exit location."


    Roan had to admit that this was a good idea.


    "Very well. It will also help in our training if we have a smaller number of people when fighting. Alright, let''s form two groups."


    Malaka immediately raised her hand.


    "I go with Rean!"


    *Pah!*


    Unfortunately, Roan immediately slapped the back of her head when he heard that. Soon after, Roan pushed the happy-go-lucky girl to his side.


    "You want to go with him so that you can slack in your training? Keep dreaming! You will come with me whether you like it or not. We''re now in a completely different environment, so expect your training to be several times harder from now on."


    "Noooo!"


    Rean couldn''t help but put his palms together as he prayed for Malaka''s Soul.


    "May we meet again in the next life."


    "I''m not dead yet!"


    Roan ignored those two and looked at Agis. To be honest, Roan was really impressed with Agis''s development since he hadn''t helped him with his training at all. Sure, Agis was a Red Color talent, but just talent without effort wouldn''t bring him anywhere. His Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm cultivation was definite proof of his hard work. It seemed like the day he was saved by Rean and Roan deeply affected his disposition.


    "Agis, it would be better if you stayed with Rean. I''ll give you a training schedule for you to follow. Also, take it."


    Roan then threw a full copy of the Death Style Manual. Agis narrowed his eyes, though.


    "I already have my Master''s training orders, and he passed me his skills as well."


    Roan nodded.


    "I know. However, this place is completely different from our previous world. There''s a need to review everything. Don''t worry. If you don''t like what I came up with, you can simply ignore it and pretend you didn''t see it at all. Of course, I will use your help to create it since you know yourself better than anyone else. Just make sure you take a look at my Death Style Manual. It should be of great help to you."


    Agis wasn''t really thrilled to receive more help from them. However, he wasn''t an idiot either. As long as it was beneficial, he wouldn''t refuse it. That being said, he simply nodded and began to read the Manual. As for the training schedule, the two of them could discuss it later.


    With that, there was only Calina and Qia remaining. Well, it was very obvious what each of them wanted. Calina definitely preferred to stay with Roan while Qia wanted to be close to Rean, however...


    "We don''t have time to play the romance bullshit. Qia will come with Malaka and me. As for Calina, you will follow Rean."


    Sure enough, Roan was merciless.

 Chapter 558 - This World Isnt Too Bad!

    Of course, their group was being searched by the Zasfins of Danve City, so they didn''t start their journey in this place. Instead, Rean asked Frandin about the Tuvaro Empire''s general direction before going out with Kentucky and taking flight. He used his Light and Spiritual Sense bending skill, making sure to leave this place.


    Sure enough, Rean had done the right thing. Devol had mobilized the entire city''s forces to looked for Rean. At some point, some of their cultivators had passed by where their group was staying before. Unfortunately for them, they were already long gone.


    Rean flew with Kentucky for two days straight while the others stayed in the Dimensional Realm, training. Eventually, Rean and Kentucky came down one again.


    *Chick...*


    Rean smiled as he patted Kentucky.


    "You''ve done a lot. Go back and rest a little."


    Kentucky then disappeared inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Following that, Roan and the others came out. That also included an unconscious Frandin, who didn''t know he was in another dimension, to begin with.


    "This should be more than far enough. From the information we got from Frandin, Lumeria City should be around two thousand kilometers southeast from here, right?"


    Rean nodded.


    "This planet''s condition is great when you want to feel Life Energy. After all, the only places with a lot of life are the cities. I can tell that there''s a bit of life energy coming from that direction, just like I did with Danve City. It might house a city there."


    Roan nodded as he began to slap Frandin''s face.


    "Ah!"


    The guy quickly woke up before noticing where he was.


    "This... Am I free?"


    "Free, your ass! Here, swallow this."


    Frandin looked at Roan''s cold face and didn''t dare to refuse. Anything was better than feeling  Dark Element running through his body again.


    "Wh-What is this?"


    Roan faintly smiled before saying.


    "That''s a poison pill I''ve concocted myself. If you don''t take the antidote in the next 12 hours, you''ll die. Now, then. We are close to Lumeria City. I want you to go with Rean and pretend to be his owner. We don''t have any Spirit Stones and other provisions at the moment, so we need to buy them. You are about to perform your first job as a slave. Congratulations!"


    Frandin didn''t like to hear that. However, he at least understood that he wouldn''t be killed anytime soon as long as he followed the orders. Of course, he also thought about his chances.


    ''Should I try to free myself and get this guy captured? I might be able to use him as a hostage to get the antidote.''


    However, he quickly put those ideas at the back of his mind in less than an instant. First of all, would they succeed in capturing Rean? He was at the peak of the Core Formation Realm. There would be a good chance that he could run away. Not to mention his ability to hide from Spiritual Senses. Even if everything went alright and he got to capture Rean, they were all humans. Would the ''degenerated'' humans care about Rean if he was caught? Chances are that they would leave him behind and flee on their own. If that happened, he would be doomed since there was no guarantee he could find another way to heal his poison.


    ''I must first find a way to heal the poison in my body.''


    Roan looked at Frandin and snorted in his mind. How could he not know what Frandin was thinking? That''s why he was so confident in leaving Rean alone with him. Even if Frandin could really escape while ignoring his poison, there was no way Rean would be in danger with his ability to enter the Dimensional Realm.


    "Alright, you two can go to Lumeria City now. It''s just two thousand or so kilometers away."


    Frandin was taken aback.


    "Two thousand kilometers?! Are we going there by foot?!"


    Rean looked at him, puzzled.


    "Obviously. Why do you ask?"


    It was then that Rean noticed a problem.


    "Oh, right! You''re just an Initial Stage Foundation Establishment Zasfin. This planet''s cold can even pass through one''s Spiritual Energy barrier if it isn''t strong enough. Such a long journey would be quite harsh for you. Sigh... why do you have to be this weak?"


    Frandin''s mouth twitched as he thought.


    ''I''m not weak. You guys are just freaks!''


    Rean then spread his Spiritual Energy and Light Element to cover Frandin.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement.''


    Immediately, Frandin felt his body become much stronger and warmer. Even the outside cold became a joke in front of him now.


    "This..."


    Rean ignored him as he dashed forward.


    "Ah! Wait for me!"


    Frandin quickly followed.


    Agis narrowed his eyes as he saw Rean and Frandin disappearing in the distance.


    "Are we just going to wait here?"


    Roan snorted in response.


    *Roar!*


    "Hehe! Seems like they''ve already noticed our presence."


    Agis, Calina, Qia, and Malaka were taken aback. They could feel the power behind that roar just now. Immediately, they got ready for battle.


    "What is this place?"


    Roan then explained.


    "There''s one more good thing about this planet. Because the environment is so harsh, the demon beasts who can live here are stronger. They overcame the lack of Spiritual Energy with their struggle for survival. You better be ready. I asked Rean to leave us right in the Core of Lumeria City''s Demon Beast Region. It''s going to be fun."


    Agis took a deep breath, but he smiled in the end.


    "That''s a lot more like it."


    He quickly pulled Calina to his side before dashing away. Those two were not part of Roan''s group. Although Rean wasn''t there, they could still fight with only two.


    Roan saw that and didn''t mind. Staying together would make things easier, which wasn''t good if they wanted real battle experience. They simply had to gather at this place later once again. If someone died in this process, then so be it.


    Of course, Rean and Frandin were no exception. Although they were going to the city, they would need to do that while keeping themselves alive on the way. Sure enough, Roan never wasted training opportunities.


    However, Rean quickly found out that Calina and Agis were following him.


    "Hm? Shouldn''t you be going somewhere else to fight the demon beasts?"


    Calina nodded.


    "We will. However, the two of us are still part of your team. We will follow you until we reach the border of the Demon Beast Region before returning."


    Frandin sighed in relief. He also felt the power of that roar earlier and didn''t know if just Rean would be enough to guarantee his life.


    Rean didn''t seem to mind. This might be an excellent opportunity to try their team play.


    Frandin tried to keep his own aura as restrained as possible. However, Rean''s group had other plans. Without hesitation, Agis, Rean, and Calina released their cultivation, letting their own auras spread everywhere.


    "Ah! Why would you do that?!"


    "Why else? To attract a few demon beasts, of course. We need to train. You should take this opportunity to do the same."


    Frandin felt like crying. Can''t they see that his strength was completely different?


    *Roar!*


    Sure enough, Rean''s group looked like a bright light in the middle of the night. It quickly caught the attention of the surrounding demon beasts of this ice world.


    "Here they come!"


    *Boom!*


    Suddenly, the ground below their group caved in as a giant mouth tried to swallow them whole. Frandin''s complexion went pale as soon as he saw that. He simply had no time to dodge anymore.


    *Vup!*


    However, Rean grabbed his shoulders before tossing him out of the Demon Beast''s mouth. He also used the counterforce to get out of the way as well.


    Calina and Agis weren''t any slower either, immediately leaving the range of the attack. Finally, Frandin called out.


    "It''s a Stage Four Trifon Ice Centipede!"


    Rean couldn''t help but find this one similar to Elder Reliance''s demon centipede. Of course, this one was several times smaller due to its cultivation.


    Rean smiled as he spread his Light Element to envelope Calina and Agis.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement.''


    Calina and Agis''s power immediately increased as well, as they attack the centipede from all sides. Agis was already informed of Rean''s ability. Still, he couldn''t help but feel surprised with how much his own power had increased. However, he quickly put those thoughts behind his head and concentrated on fighting.


    ''Life Fire, White Stellar Explosion!''


    White flames came out of Rean''s body and his Black Star Sword.


    ''Extreme Heat Slash!''


    ''Myriad Glacial Blades!''


    Agis and Calina were no slower as they attacked from two other directions as well.


    However, it was still a Stage Four Demon Beast, which was equivalent to a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator. Besides, its carapace''s defense was much higher.


    *Boom, boom, boom!*


    The attacks landed on the centipede, leaving only a few small cuts behind. The only injury the centipede really felt pain from was Rean''s White Fire Explosion.


    *Shhzzzzzzz!*


    Immediately, the centipede''s eyes focused on Rean as it ignored Calina and Agis. It was giving priority to the most dangerous target as expected.


    Rean narrowed his eyes when he saw that.


    ''So it''s true. The demon beasts of this planet were able to grow stronger due to the environment, even though there''s a lack of Spiritual Energy.''


    The White Stellar Explosion should have seriously injured an ordinary Stage Four Demon beast. After all, Rean could fight at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm with his actual cultivation.


    However, Rean smiled after seeing that as he thought.


    ''This world isn''t too bad, after all.''

 Chapter 559 - Can You Be More Shameless?

    Agis was two stages below Calina and Rean in cultivation, so his attacks were the least destructive. Obviously, as someone extremely prideful, that annoyed him very much. However, what bugged him more than anything else was Roan''s Death Style manual.


    ''How can this shit work so well? Even my master''s techniques can''t use the meridian pathways to such high efficiency. Even though I know that the twins are reincarnations, they came from a place where cultivation didn''t exist. Roan said that all of this was due to his own comprehension, but could that be true? Can his understanding make up for hundreds of years spent on the skills taught to me?''


    He couldn''t be blamed for thinking like that. Agis was not told that Roan was Death, someone who had lived for much, much longer than his now ''dead'' Master. Naturally, he found it hard to believe.


    However, it was true that the Death Style worked way too well. Agis couldn''t fight at Calina and Rean''s level. Still, with the Enhancement Skill and Death Style manual, he could definitely unleash power at the peak of the Core Formation Realm.


    On Rean''s side, he refrained from using Dark Element except for his Sword''s. Roan''s training schedule always included self-reliance, so Rean was to follow a training schedule where Roan''s existence couldn''t be put into account. Of course, if things really went south, Rean would use it.


    Last but not least, Calina performed just as always. With her Peak Core Formation Realm cultivation, she could battle at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm like Rean. It''s just that she wasn''t as strong as Rean. Not to mention that she was a weaponless cultivator who only relied on her skills.


    ''This demon beast''s cultivation is only at Initial Stage Four. Nevertheless, it can fight Rean, Agis, and me at the same time. It''s definitely at a disadvantage, but not to the point of despair.''


    Frandin looked at that battle from far away, trying to not arouse the centipede''s attention. Unfortunately, the enormous centipede wasn''t the only demon beast there.


    *Crack...*


    Suddenly, Frandin heard a sound come from behind him. Just as he turned around, he saw a snake demon beast pounce at him.


    "Ah!"


    *Clang!*


    Frandin raised his weapon at the very last moment, just in time to parry the attack. Frandin couldn''t help but feel surprised by that. His reaction was much faster than he expected. Obviously, that was because the Enhancement Skill was still active in his body. However, he soon noticed that he didn''t completely avoid the last attack. On his shoulder, there was a small cut that began to turn purple.


    "Poison!"


    He quickly dashed away, trying to leave the snake''s range. Only when he came out into a brighter spot did he recognize his assailant.


    "Blood Freezing Python!"


    His face turned dark as he understood what this guy''s poison meant.


    ''I need to remove the poison quickly!''


    However, the demon beast didn''t give him a chance. It immediately attacked again, trying to land its fang in a vital spot.


    Of course, Frandin was aware of the demon beast now, so he was able to fight it. However, instead of attacking to kill, he kept thinking about a way to escape. At this moment, he received a Spiritual Sense Message from Rean.


    ''Stop wasting time. You should have the strength to kill that thing. Also, you better do it quickly. More demon beasts are watching nearby. They just haven''t attacked yet because they''re afraid of this Stage Four Centipede. Once they decide to come out, they will definitely aim at our group''s weakest link, which means you.''


    ''Bu-but! I have been poisoned by it. If I move too much, the poison will spread further.''


    Rean didn''t say he could heal him, though.


    ''And the poison will spread even further if you keep waiting as well. Kill it fast to show the other weaker demon beasts that you''re a dangerous target. Otherwise, you''re definitely being buried here.''


    Frandin gritted his teeth and nodded. Immediately, his bloodline awakened as the mark on his forehead appeared once more. Frandin then began to assault the Blood Freezing Python with his spear.


    ''Soul Piercing Trhust!''


    At that moment, Rean, Calina, and Agis saw something weird happened. Frandin''s spear gathered Wind Element and Spiritual Energy as he thrust it forward. It''s just that other than that, Rean''s group could see some kind of formless power around it as well. This power was the first thing to hit the Blood Freezing Python before the spear and Wind Element got there.


    The Python''s movement seemed to become a little slower than usual, which prevented it from moving fast enough to dodge the attack.


    *Swish!*


    Unfortunately, the Python still avoided a deadly injury with just a few of its scales being ripped off.


    *Shhhzzzzz!*


    Rean and the others were very curious about what that power was. They heard from Frandin that the Zasfin Race was focused on the soul, but only now did they understand what that meant.


    ''Was that the Soul Power of their race? I need to test it later.''


    Rean then put his focus back on the centipede, who was already covered in injuries. Its movements began to gradually become slower as greenish-blue blood came out of it.


    The centipede finally understood that it wouldn''t win this battle. With that, it turned around and tried to escape underground once more.


    However, Calina faintly smiled when that happened.


    "I''ve been waiting for this."


    ''Water Prison!''


    She had been accumulating Spiritual Energy and Water Element ever since she noticed that the centipede wouldn''t last much longer. Calina just needed an opportunity to use the Water Prison when it wasn''t paying attention to her anymore. The moment it tried to escape, it put all its attention on what Rean would do to stop it and forgot her and Agis. The result was it falling into Calina''s Water Prison straight away.


    This Water Prison was a lot bigger than normal. That''s why it took this long for Calina to use. After all, this centipede was far larger than a simple human.


    "Now!"


    Rean and Agis then entirely focused on attacking, aiming for the joints of the constrained centipede.


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    Usually, the crescent moon would be used for area attacks. However, the centipede was quite big, so Rean used it to cause as much damage as possible. What he didn''t expect was that Agis would notice his intention and aimed at the same point as him. Agis didn''t use his Fire Element since it would be countered by the Water Prison. Instead, he focused on the Wind Element, which was his second-best one.


    ''Wind Slicer!''


    His sword moved as fast as he could and hit the same point as Rean''s Crescent Moon a fraction of a second later, boosting Rean''s own attack!


    *Swich!*


    With both attacks and Calina''s restraint, the centipede''s body was cut in half through its carapace''s joint.


    ''As expected of a Red Color Talent, I guess?''


    Surprisingly, the centipede didn''t die straight away. It used the attack''s power to get itself out of the Water Prison and tried to escape with the rest of its body. Unfortunately, it didn''t even have half of its strength left in that condition, so Rean, Agis, and Calina were able to keep it around.


    *SSShhhhhzzzzzz!*


    Eventually, Rean landed a killing blow on its head with the Death Style''s Stellar Piercer. It entered through the centipede''s eye and destroyed its brain. Naturally, the demon beast''s body fell on the ground right after.


    "Phew... It seems like we will be in for a lot of fun during our travel to Tuvaro Empire."


    Calina and Agis nodded.


    "That''s what we expected anyway. Roan wouldn''t have dropped us in this place if it wasn''t useful for us."


    Rean then looked at Frandin, who was now trying to survive three demon beasts at the same time. In the end, he failed to give a killing blow to the Python, so weaker demon beasts joined in the attack to try to take him down. The only reason he was still alive was that these demon beasts weren''t exactly friends. They also attacked each other, trying to get rid of the competition.


    By now, Frandin''s body was completely purple and blue. From the looks of it, the poison spread over all his body.


    Seeing that, Rean sighed as he moved forward. As for Calina and Agis, they went to the centipede''s body to take its demon core from its head.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Sure enough, demon beasts that Frandin could stay alive against wouldn''t be a problem for Rean. In a single attack, he took all three of them down. As for the rest that was still watching, they immediately ran away after seeing Rean''s power.


    Frandin then fell to the ground as he bitterly smiled.


    "Hehe... It''s too late now. The poison spread through my entire body and entered the vital organs."


    Rean was surprised to see that. Frandin, this twenty-something-year-old grown man, was crying now that he ''knew'' he would die.


    "It''s all your fault!"


    Rean, on the other hand, couldn''t help but burst out in laugher.


    "Hahaha! Indeed, it was my fault. However, I wasn''t the main culprit. The main culprit was none other than yourself. You''re dying because you''re weak. It''s as simple as that."


    Frandin gritted his teeth but couldn''t come up with an excuse. He quickly wiped his tears and said.


    "Just end it, will you?"


    Rean nodded.


    "Sure."


    Frandin then closed his eyes, waiting to be killed. However...


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    Rean healed the poison in his body in just a minute. It could have been faster, but Rean had to deal with Roan''s poison as well.


    "Look! It''s a miracle! I''ve awakened a super ability capable of healing you in the very last second! Isn''t that great?!"


    Calina''s mouth twitched as she thought.


    ''Can you be more shameless?''

 Chapter 560 - Lumeria City

    Of course, Frandin wasn''t an idiot. He immediately understood that Rean had a way to heal him from the very start. It''s just that he didn''t mention it.


    However, just as Frandin was about to complain, Rean stuffed another pill down to his throat. Frandin couldn''t do anything since the difference in cultivation between him and Rean was just way too high. Soon, the pill melted and was absorbed by his body.


    "Sorry, sorry. To get rid of the Blood Freezing Python, I had to get rid of Roan''s poison as well. Naturally, I had to give you a new one. But look on the bright side, the time it''ll take for the pill to take effect has now reset. Isn''t that great?!"


    Frandin''s mouth twitched as he inwardly shouted.


    ''Great, your ass!''


    Or so he wanted to say, but he didn''t dare to.


    "Alright, let''s get going. These things are far from the only demon beasts we will find since we''re showing our presence on purpose."


    Calina and Agis nodded in response. Rean then used his Enhancement Skill on Frandin, and soon enough, they restarted their run.


    Rean''s group wasn''t the only one battling at the moment. Roan''s group also encountered a few demon beasts on their own. Not only that but there were more demon beasts on their side during the fight. Of course, Roan''s group was the stronger group, so they still managed to take the beasts down despite having received quite a few injuries. In any case, Roan was quite satisfied with the level of demon beasts in this area.


    ''The training will smoothly proceed if it continues like this. Very good.''


    On the way out of the Core of this Demon Beast Region, Rean''s group encountered four more demon beasts at the Stage Four level. In one of the cases, they had to run away since the demon beast was a Late Stage Four beast. If Rean used Roan''s Dark Element at that incident, he might have been able to hold that down. However, defeating it would be way too hard and dangerous, so they fled away.


    Eventually, Rean''s group arrived at the Core Region border, where they eventually separated from each other. Agis and Calina knew their way back anyway, so Rean simply left them behind as he proceeded to Lumeria City with Frandin.


    Fradin, on the other hand, was trembling already. Every single battle seemed to be a life-and-death situation for him. He wanted to escape several times, but doing so would only guarantee his death to either the poison or other demon beasts. One could imagine how relieved he became once he left that area.


    From that point onwards, the cultivation of the demon beasts fell a lot. At Rean''s level, even this Planet''s Stage Three ones weren''t an issue for him anymore. Let alone those below it. Thanks to that, he and Frandin made their way out quite quickly.


    Along the way, Rean and Frandin passed by two other Zasfin groups. However, Rean concealed his cultivation with his Spiritual Sense while he used Frandin to pretend to be his owner. One of the groups thought Frandin was an idiot for bringing ''his'' humans together.


    As for the second one, they noticed that Frandin was a Pure Bloodline Zasfin. Because of that, they decided to attack, hoping that Frandin had something good for them to loot. Unfortunately, they were swiftly dispatched by Rean without mercy.


    After an entire day of travel, Rean and Frandin reached the border of the Demon Beast Region. That was also the place where one could find Lumeria City''s entrance. This was a city famous for being close to the demon beasts. Zasfin cultivators liked to come here for training as well. It''s just that almost no one dared to go to the Core Region. They couldn''t be blamed since Zasfins at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm were much rarer than human ones back in Sunkan Planet.


    Rean quickly hid his cultivation with his Spiritual Sense bending skills. After that, he put one of those collars that were supposed to be used on humans before heading to the gate with Frandin. Of course, he also changed both his and Frandin''s real appearance.


    "One Rank One Demon Core or two Rank One Spirit Stones."


    Frandin nodded as he took Spirit Stones out of his bag. Rean and Roan had already verified it, but there were only Rank One Spirit Stones there. Those rank of Spirit Stones offered almost no help for Rean''s group anymore, so they simply left it with Frandin.


    After paying for it, Rean and Frandin finally entered Lumeria City. Rean took the chance to use a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''So, Frandin. I need Spirit Stones for cultivation. Do you know a good way to earn them?''


    Frandin nodded as he replied.


    ''I do, but they''re only Rank One Spirit Stones. Would that be fine for you?''


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    ''To be worth our time, I need it to be at least Rank Two Spirit Stones.''


    Frandin narrowed his eyes as he pondered. Rank Two Spirit Stones were very hard to obtain. This planet was lacking in Spiritual Energy. Naturally, its Spirit Stone Deposits were of lower quality as well. The Rank Two Spirit Stones of this place were as hard to get as Rank Three ones back in Sunkan.


    ''Hmm... I can think up a few methods. The fastest one would definitely be the Arena. You can bet Spirit Stones and wait for the others to come. If you win, you get everything.''


    Rean shook his head as he could not help but say.


    ''That won''t do. You''re too weak, so we''ll lose everything.''


    Frandin''s mouth twitched in response. He wasn''t weak at all! It''s just that Rean and his group were freaks from another world!


    They walked through the city for a while when suddenly, Rean saw something that interested him.


    ''Right! An auction! Frandin, I want you to put these items in the auction.''


    Rean then passed five Spiritual Weapons. When Frandin used his Spiritual Sense to check them, he was shocked.


    ''Earth Middle Level Spiritual Weapons! Five of them at that! These things are worth a fortune!''


    Rean smiled, already expecting that. Without a doubt, this planet also had issues with Spiritual Materials for forging. One didn''t need to be a genius to know that Spiritual Equipment would be worth a lot more in this place.


    ''A-Are you sure you want to put them to sell? They''re incredibly hard to get. We might also attract some undesired attention.''


    Rean nodded, not minding at all.


    ''Don''t worry, it''s just some low-level equipment. I can forge as many of them as I want. As for undesired attention, I can deal with it on my own.''


    The more Frandin interacted with Rean and Roan, the more he reviewed his concepts about humans. It already became ridiculous just how many things Rean''s group could do. Well, that was only in this Culo Planet.


    Frandin then took a deep breath and nodded. Still, there was one thing he couldn''t understand.


    ''Just where the hell did you bring these weapons from? I haven''t seen you carrying them at all.''


    Rean laughed before saying.


    ''Then... You''re blind!''


    The Auction House operated once per week, and it had been four days since the last time. Usually, an auction house wouldn''t open so often. However, because Lumeria City was a gathering hub of Zasfin Cultivators coming for training, there were always many new things for sale.


    There was a special entrance for customers who wished to sell their things in the auction house. Rean and Frandin quickly entered it and were guided to a private room where an old man was waiting for them.


    "Welcome, sir. If you wish, our members can take care of your human while we negotiate."


    Frandin shook his head.


    "There''s no need."


    Like hell would he ask to bring Rean away.


    "Very well. What does this customer wish to put in the auction?"


    Frandin then took a deep breath, took the five weapons that Rean gave him, and put them on the table. As soon as the old man checked them with his Spiritual Sense, his eyes lit up.


    "Oh! Earth Middle-Level Weapons. Three swords, one spear, and a pair of dual daggers."


    The man couldn''t help but take a deep look at Frandin. As far as he could see, Frandin shouldn''t have such things in his hands. Rean and Frandin could tell what he was thinking, though. That being said, Frandin immediately activated his bloodline power and made his mark appear on his forehead.


    "I see... So this customer is a pure Zasfin bloodline. Now everything makes sense. May I ask where you came from?"


    Frandin shook his head as he asked.


    "Is this a must?"


    The man quickly shook his head, replying.


    "Of course not! I was just curious. Pardon me for being insensitive."


    Still, the man was curious since these weapons were quite a big deal for an Initial Stage Foundation Establishment Realm Zasfin to be carrying around. Nevertheless, that was not his problem.


    "Alright. The swords will have an initial price of 200 Rank Two Spirit Stones each. The spear will be 250. As for the dual daggers, 175. Is that good enough for you?"


    Rean immediately sent Frandin a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''That''s good enough. Also, ask something else for me...''


    Frandin then nodded.


    "That''s more than good enough. Also, am I able to use the weapons'' price to buy something in the auction?"


    The old man confirmed.


    "Absolutely. I''ll give you a token that will allow you to bid for other items up to your weapons price."


    Frandin then took the token and turned around to leave.


    "I''ll be back on auction day."


    The appraiser smiled as he answered.


    "We will be waiting for you. By the way, you can call me Paciu."


    Rean and Frandin nodded and quickly left the room. However, as soon as they did that, the old man called someone in.


    "Find out who they are."


    Without saying anything, the new guy left without a trace.

 Chapter 561 - Bloodline Marks Ranks

    Frandin sighed in relief as he sent a Spiritual Sense Message to Rean.


    ''Everything went quite well.''


    Rean smiled and shook his head.


    ''The items for sale are there now. However, we did catch some attention. It seems like even your pure bloodline isn''t enough to keep prying eyes away.''


    Frandin was taken aback.


    ''What do you mean?''


    Without showing anything on his face, Rean replied.


    ''Someone''s following us. Th guy is quite good, though. His cultivation is low, which makes his Spiritual Sense blend with the other people around us. Also, he only uses it once every few seconds to find our location while following from far away.''


    Unfortunately for the guy, with Roan as a teacher and Rean''s own Spiritual Sense Bending Skill, it would take much more than that to follow Rean without being noticed.


    Rean then entered an alley with Frandin when suddenly, the two of them disappeared from the guy''s Spiritual Sense.


    "What?!"


    The guy quickly ran to the alley just to find that Rean and Frandin had disappeared without a trace.


    "How''s that possible?"


    Somewhere else, a new Rean and Frandin came out and joined the crowd once more. Naturally, Rean changed his and Frandin''s appearance once more before releasing Frandin from his Spiritual Sense Bending.


    ''This skill of yours is just too convenient. How do you do that?''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    ''It isn''t that hard when you''re born with Light Element Affinity.''


    ''What?! You''re joking, right?''


    Rean smiled but didn''t say anything else.


    Seeing that Rean didn''t want to talk about it, Frandin asked something else.


    ''What do you plan to do now?''


    Rean had already achieved his objective to come here. One of them was to get as many Spirit Stones as possible for their group to cultivate.


    ''Where can we find a map? If possible, one of the entire continent.''


    ''The entire continent? That''s gonna be hard. The best thing would be to buy the countries'' maps, which are already expensive. Then we can guide ourselves in the Tuvaro Empire''s direction.''


    Rean shook his head.


    ''That''s the problem. You told us that the Tuvaro Empire was on the other side of the world. However, in which part is it located? We can''t travel without aim.''


    Frandin had to admit that Rean was right. The only thing he knew was that it was on the other side, that''s all. He never cared about where it could be found.


    ''Hum... In that case, we can try the Shaz Treasures Hall. However, anything they sell there is extremely expensive. As for a map of the entire continent, it won''t be any cheaper. Well, your Earth Middle-Level Weapons are definitely worth a fortune too. Still, we don''t have the Spirit Stones from them yet.''


    ''Is this Shaz Treasures Hall some big organization?''


    Frandin nodded.


    ''They are present in quite a few countries. Of course, there are many other Treasure Halls from other organizations. However, in our Tasman Country and the surrounding ones, the Shaz Treasures Hall is the most famous.''


    Rean smiled after hearing that.


    ''In that case, we can use those weapons of mine to trade for the map, correct?''


    ''This... In theory, yes. Weapons of that level would definitely be worth a map of the country at the very least.''


    Rean still had a few of these weapons in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Since he could get a map with one of them, it was perfect. It would be a problem if he needed an Earth High Level one, though. He had many of those materials available, but it would take time to forge them into equipment in this world.


    ''Now that I think about it, I''m already in the Peak of the Core Formation Realm. Considering the Spiritual Pool that Roan and I have, I should be able to push for a breakthrough in my blacksmith skills.''


    The more Rean thought about it, the more he liked the idea. The Black and White Stars that Rean and Roan used were even better than ordinary Earth Peak-Level Weapons. Nevertheless, they were still considered High-Level ones due to their material. Rean couldn''t make a Peak-Level one before simply because he lacked the cultivation for it. As for the material, he got quite a lot of it in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    ''Anyway, let''s go to this Treasure Hall you talked about.''


    It was then that Rean remembered something.


    ''Oh, right! How come people have decided to follow you even after discovering you had a Pure Bloodline with a Bloodline Mark? I thought that Pure Bloodlines were supposed to be something sacred, and few would try to find problems with them.''


    Frandin shook his head as he explained.


    ''They aren''t very common. However, it''s not as if they''re extremely rare either. First of all, our Pure Bloodline Marks have ranks. Mine, for example, is only a Rank Two Bloodline Mark. It''s only rarer than a Rank One. Still, Rank Two ones are considered common between them.''


    Rean nodded as he said.


    ''Because of that, your Bloodline Mark doesn''t cause as much fear as the higher-ranked ones.''


    Frandin didn''t deny that.


    ''Exactly. There are nine Ranks of Bloodline Marks. The lords of small towns at the borders of the countries are eligible for Rank One Marks. My father is the lord of a somewhat bigger city. Because of that, he and his family were able to get Rank Two ones. Of course, they''re far from being as notable as higher ones.''


    ''Who are the ones with the highest bloodline marks?''


    ''Who else would they be? They are the Royal Families and Imperial Families.''


    ''Royal Families can have up to Rank Six Bloodline Marks. The Imperial Family can have up to Rank eight, with the Emperor alone holding a Rank Nine Mark. As you can imagine, the higher your Bloodline Mark Rank, the purer your bloodline. Also, the rank of the mark can draw your bloodline power to a greater extent as well. That''s why one could say that the Imperial Family, who already have the purest bloodline, can be almost unbeatable due to their higher Bloodline Marks as well.''


    Rean was quite impressed with the mark system.


    ''You keep saying that one can be ''eligible'' for these marks. Does that mean you''re not born with them?''


    Frandin nodded as he replied.


    ''We aren''t. You need to earn it in the trials of the Empires. Each Empire has its own mark with its own specific characteristics. As I mentioned before, my father was eligible to try a Rank Two Bloodline Mark trial. Since he succeeded, he and his family were rewarded with Rank Two marks, which is the one I use.''


    ''Who decides who can enter each trial?''


    ''The Imperial Family, of course.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''In that case, where did these trials come from? Was it the Imperial Families of each Empire that created them?''


    ''This... I asked the same thing, but my father didn''t know the answer.''


    Well, Rean already expected that it wouldn''t be that easy. In any case, he wasn''t a Zasfin, so it matters little for himself.


    ''Alright, let''s go to the Shaz Treasures hall.''


    As the most famous one in the country, the Shaz Treasures Hall was one of the biggest buildings in the city. The building had more than ten floors, and each one was very spacious. The higher the floor one reached, the rarer and more expensive the items became. However, each floor seemed to be guarded, so it wasn''t like anyone could go up anytime they wanted.


    ''Can we go up to check the things?''


    Frandin looked at Rean as he scratched the back of his head.


    ''I probably can go to the fourth floor, but...''


    Rean immediately understood. Because he was a human, he wouldn''t be allowed to go past the first floor.


    ''Anyway, let me try.''


    Rean shook his head, though.


    ''There''s no need. Just call some attendant and ask for the map. That''s our main objective in this place anyway. Here, take this sword. It''s also an Earth Middle-Level Equipment.''


    Frandin really couldn''t understand where Rean took that equipment from. He was sure this time that Rean wasn''t holding anything else. But out of nowhere, there it was, another sword.


    ''Is this some kind of ability from the people of his planet?''


    That was the only thing he could think about. Still, he nodded and took the sword from Rean.


    Sure enough, an attendant came to receive them a few moments later. It was a beautiful female Zasfin... or so it looked like. Rean couldn''t be sure since she was from another race. However, he doubted the owner of this Treasures Hall would let ugly attendants take care of the customers.


    Still, Rean noticed some disgust when she looked in his direction, which she quickly hid before looking at Frandin.


    "Hello, young master. What can our Shaz Treasures Hall help you with today?"


    Frandin then put his play to work as he asked with a proud expression.


    "I want a map of the Empire. The more complete, the better."


    "This..."


    The Zasfin lady looked at Frandin, who seemed quite young, before warning him.


    "Sir, we do have such an item. However, it''s bound to be quite expensive. I''m absolutely not saying that this young master can''t pay it. But I should warn you that it won''t be cheap."


    Fradin snorted when he heard that.


    "Here. Is this enough?"


    Frandin then passed Rean''s sword to her.


    "An Earth Middle-Level Sword! And an excellent one at that!"


    Immediately, the attendant''s behavior became even more polite towards Frandin.


    "I can''t conduct such a high-level trade. Can this young master follow me to see the manager of the floor?"


    Frandin nodded. Sure enough, Rean''s weapons were no joke.

 Chapter 562 - It Should Be Possible

    Rean and Frandin were soon brought to a private room where the floor manager could be found. After explaining the situation, the manager quickly came out to receive them.


    "Hello, friend. I heard that you wish to trade this sword for a map of our continent?"


    Frandin nodded as he replied.


    "I''m planning to travel soon, so I need the map. This is an exquisite Earth Middle-Level Sword. I''m highly certain that it should be more than enough to pay for a jade slip with the map inside."


    The manager was all smiles after hearing that the offer was real.


    "But of course! In fact, your sword here is worth more than the map, to be honest. How about this? I can allow you to go check the items on higher levels of our Shaz Treasures Hall and even give you a 10% discount on your first item on top of that."


    Frandin pondered for a bit before summoning his Rank Two Bloodline Mark.


    "I can already go to the fourth floor with this alone. Would it allow me to go any higher?"


    The manager quickly nodded as he answered.


    "Certainly. I''ll give this young master access up to the 6th floor. How about that?"


    Frandin then looked at Rean by his side before asking the manager.


    "This human here is responsible for a few things in my family. That being said, he has some experience in treasures thanks to the display of items there. If you allow me to bring him together, then consider this a deal. Don''t worry. I''ll make sure to take care of him and not let his hands touch anything."


    The manager pondered over it a bit. Sure enough, the higher levels wouldn''t be accessible for humans. However, the sword was truly a good deal for the Treasures Hall. Although he said that the sword cost a little more, the truth was that they could definitely obtain a much higher price. In the end, the manager smiled again before saying.


    "Very well. As long as this young master can guarantee that this human won''t stir up any problems, we can allow you to bring him together. However, I should give you and your family a piece of advice. It isn''t a good thing to let humans be so close to high-level items like him in your family."


    Rean couldn''t help but mentally sigh. Unsurprisingly, the Zasfin Race didn''t have the least bit of intention of letting the human race ever obtain any footing in this world.


    Frandin, of course, immediately accepted the offer.


    ''With that, you can now check if you want anything else from the higher floors.''


    Rean nodded as the two went up. Of course, they already gave the sword to the manager and obtained a jade slip that had a map of the entire Palif Continent. The only problem was that, other than their country, the rest wasn''t very detailed, only showing the main routes and cities. Nevertheless, it was still good enough since it at least told the right path to Tuvaro.


    Rean didn''t really have a reason to go to the floors above. He only wanted to check if he could find something of some use for them. They passed through the second, third, and fourth floors without losing much time. Although there were a few items that Rean didn''t recognize, they weren''t anything special after Frandin asked about them.


    However, Rean finally found something good on the fifth floor.


    ''Hmm? What is this thing?''


    Rean was looking at a blue box that exuded very cold energy. Or, to be more specific, Yin Energy.


    [Oh! Quite a good item! Well, I guess it makes sense to find such a good Yin Energy Material on a planet as cold as this one. Rean, buy it and give me. I can use it in the Soul Gem Realm.]


    ''In the Soul Gem Realm? Would it be of any use for me and the others?''


    [Well, not directly. What it can do is help me regulate the Yin and Yang Energies of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. You guys like to train inside here sometimes, right? It''s quite annoying to keep it balanced since we have more Yin Energy users than Yang.]


    Rean nodded, not minding it too much. The Soul Gem Dimensional Realm was just too important, so it was worth the price.


    ''Frandin, ask how much the item in this box is.''


    Frandin nodded and immediately called an attendant.


    "This customer has good eyes. This is a Soul Crystal Flower Petal. It''s known for having very pure Yin Energy, which can be used together with Yin Energy Cultivation Techniques. Of course, it also has other uses, such as alchemy and crafting. Our Shaz Treasures Hall is asking for 200 Rank Two Spirit Stones for it. Since this young master has a 10% discount token, you can have it for 180."


    Frandin couldn''t help but take a deep breath. The items in this place were really expensive. As for Rean, he couldn''t help but think about all the Spirit Stones that were consumed to go through that teleport. If he still had them, it would be a fortune on this planet.


    ''Well, it was also a very healthy amount on Sunkan Planet as well. It''s just that they were worth a lot more here.''


    Frandin then received another Spiritual Sense Message from Rean before saying.


    "I want this item, but I don''t have the Spirit Stones at the moment. Would the Shaz Treasures Hall be willing to reserve it for me?"


    The attendant immediately nodded, replying.


    "Of course. The token this young master received also allows you to save three items for two weeks. Would you like to keep this one?"


    Frandin nodded as he said.


    "Yes."


    The attendant then called a servant on the floor and had him bring the item away.


    "Remember that if the item isn''t claimed in two weeks, it will be put for sale again. Also, failing to buy the things you reserved will result in your token being canceled. Make sure that you come back to take it so that you can reuse this feature later."


    Frandin didn''t mind it since he would have enough after the auction.


    Rean and Frandin then went to the sixth floor, where Rean found another interesting item. It was a blue robe that had a few inscriptions on it.


    ''Now this is quite surprising. The level of the Formation Master who inscribed this robe was definitely high. It''s the first thing I''ve seen on this planet that''s above what I can make.''


    Rean kept looking at it for a while longer before understanding what it was made for.


    ''What a peculiar arrangement of runes. It can draw the surrounding Yin Energy to oneself. The amount is very small and wouldn''t be of much use in battle. But there''s no doubt it could help with one''s cultivation if they used a Yin Energy Cultivation Technique. With that, I''m pretty sure this robe was made by an Earth Peak-Level Formation Master.''


    Rean was quite interested in the robe since he was already in the Peak of the Core Formation Realm. Just like blacksmithing, his much bigger Spiritual Energy Pool would allow him to step into the Earth Peak-Level Formation Master rank as well. He wanted this robe so that he could study it and replicate it later.


    ''Still, I thought only at the Heaven Level would one be able to use Equipment Formations. However, the runes on this robe seem to be quite sturdy. I don''t believe the inscriptions would break unless the robe gets damaged.''


    Rean pondered for a while longer until he finally understood why an Earth Peak-Level Formation Master succeeded in making it.


    ''I see... It''s the environment. This planet is rich in Yin Energy. The Yin Energy of the surroundings keeps the runes in the robe intact even during movement. Back in Sunkan, Yin and Yang were very balanced, so the robe would lack Yin Energy to keep the runes running. It would only work if you moved to a place with a lot of Yin Energy. However, Sunkan Planet doesn''t have many areas with one energy being dominant. Unless you were planning to live in a place like that, it wouldn''t be a good idea to make a robe like this.''


    Soon, Frandin called an attendant, who told him the price. It turned out that the robe was far more expensive. A total of 3000 Rank Two Spirit Stones were necessary.


    Rean didn''t think it was strange. After all, his Earth Middle-Level Sword would probably be sold for around 400 to 500 Rank 2 Stones. This robe was at the Peak Level, after all.


    ''Seems like I will need to put up one or two High-Level pieces of equipment in the auction. However, I haven''t made more of them except for Roan, Malaka, and my equipment. I will need to find a blacksmith shop to craft them before the auction starts. Well, I still have three days left, so it should be enough. The only problem is to find a place where I can forge them without anyone watching.''


    Rean then told Frandin to reserve the robe before the two of them left the Shaz Treasures Hall. Rean paid attention if they were being followed this time around, but it seemed like the Treasures Hall didn''t try the same thing as the auction house.


    ''Frandin, is there a way to rent a workshop where I can forge a few pieces of equipment? It has to be an empty one where no one can see me doing it.''


    Frandin pondered for a bit before nodding as he replied.


    ''It should be possible.''

 Chapter 563 - Forging

    Frandin only had Rank One Spirit Stones with him. However, Spirit Stones were much rarer on this planet, so it was more than enough for him to rent a place. It''s just that he couldn''t help but feel a bit sad to see his Spirit Stones disappear like that.


    Rean ignored him, though. He verified the workshop before asking Sister Orb.


    ''How is it, Sister Orb? Is anyone able to peer through it?''


    [No, it''s fine. There''s a formation in this room, but it''s related to the workshop itself. There are no formations used for spying in this place. Of course, you should still create a simple concealing one, just in case.]


    Rean nodded as he took the materials for the formation out. Rean made a very basic formation that any Core Formation Realm cultivator''s Spiritual Sense would be able to pass through. However, it wasn''t there to stop others but to serve as a warning.


    After that, Rean finally turned on the forger and began to make more Earth High-Level Equipment. At the moment, that was the best way to make a ton of money quickly.


    While Rean occupied himself in the workshop, Roan and the others continued their training in the Demon Beasts'' Core Region. It was then that Roan received a message from Rean through their Soul Connection.


    ''And that''s about it, so I should stay in Lumeria City for the next few days.''


    ''I see. I know you want to buy that robe with the Yin Energy Inscriptions. However, make sure to forge more weapons, so we have some Spirit Stones for cultivation.''


    Rean nodded as he replied.


    ''I know. However, after this auction is over, we will definitely attract a lot of attention because of the weapons I made. That being said, we better continue our travel once I finish buying everything.''


    Roan didn''t mind.


    ''Very well. Let me know when you''re ready.''


    Roan then looked in front of him before jumping to the side.


    *Bang!*


    Roan was battling a few demon beasts with Qia and Malaka when he received Rean''s message. However, he didn''t stop. It was as if Rean''s words had no effect on his concentration at all.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    *Swish! Swish! Swish!*


    With that attack, the demon beast fell to the ground, dead. However, that was far from over. Their group wasn''t being attacked by a lone strong beast, but by a lot of them.


    ''Myriad Water Frame!''


    Water Element gathered around Malaka before a few copies of herself appeared around. However, hers were different from Rean and Roan''s skill. They were just illusions and had no attack power whatsoever.


    Still, that was more than enough to trick the eyes of the Demon Beasts.


    *Bang! Bang! Bang!*


    Malaka''s Staff moved everywhere, hitting the demon beast''s heads. Each strike put one of them down. Some were lucky and just went unconscious. However, the majority had their heads smashed inwards by Malaka''s Staff.


    ''Sand Storm!''


    Qia, on the other hand, had an Earth Element Affinity. However, she was already able to use two elements at the same time. The second Element she excelled at was Wind. In her eyes, she could have the best defense and speed with those two. Not to mention that a few good combinations came from it.


    The Demon Beasts around her couldn''t help but close their eyes. With that, Calina had the chance to counter-attack.


    ''Earth Spikes!''


    *Puchi! Puchi! Puchi!*


    Many of the demon beasts were immediately killed off guard as the Earth Spikes pierced through their bodies. Qia just so happened to be like Calina, someone who didn''t use weapons.


    Roan looked at that and gave a mental nod.


    ''As expected of the Imperial Family. Although she isn''t at Calina''s level, she did receive very good training. As for Malaka, there are no problems. She''s able to use her master''s skills without issues. The same could be said about the Death Style Skills. All they need is more as their cultivation goes up. After all, our powers change a lot with each breakthrough.''


    Somewhere else, Calina and Agis were also fighting. However, without Rean to give any Light Element Support, their prowess wasn''t as good.


    Still, Calina and Agis''s combat power wasn''t low. They just had to be more cautious with the enemies they chose to fight against. At the moment, they were fighting against an Initial Stage Four Armored Snow Bear. Agis wasn''t as strong as Calina, but he definitely didn''t hold her back. Besides, when it came to raw attack power, Agis was still superior because he used a weapon. With their power combined, they could more or less match that Snow Bear.


    Later that day, in the auction house.


    "What? Did they disappear from your view? Did they notice your presence, or were they being cautious?"


    The man shook his head as he replied.


    "I''m not sure. However, I don''t think that Zasfin was the real person in command. He was probably being used by someone else. After all, an Initial Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator like him wouldn''t possibly escape my eyes."


    Paciu, the appraiser that received Rean and Frandin, narrowed his eyes as he said.


    "Forget it. I was just hoping to find who forged these weapons. If possible, I wanted to make a deal with him or her. Spiritual Weapons are always in high demand, after all. If the other side is skilled enough to escape from your watch, it''s better not to try anything that could irritate them. You can leave now."


    The subordinate nodded and quickly disappeared from the room, leaving Paciu behind.


    ''I should take the chance and ask them about it once again when they appear next time. I can''t let such a good deal slip through my fingers that easily.''


    Paciu then called another employee of the auction before saying.


    "If you see those two again, make sure to call me straight away."


    The employee knew who Paciu was talking about, so he immediately nodded.


    "Yes, Senior Paciu."


    And just like that, three days passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Frandin was forced to help him with the entire forging process. However, Frandin couldn''t help but feel excited. That''s because he was seeing and learning how to forge Spiritual Weapons himself. Since he was a hostage anyway, he might as well use it in his favor.


    The only problem was that Rean never answered his questions. It was obvious that Rean had no intention of teaching him. It was basically a coincidence that Frandin was there to help with the forging process. Eventually, Rean put his tool back into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s workshop.


    "Phew... I forged all of them in a hurry, so they ended up as sub-par products. Nevertheless, they should match this world''s High-Level equipment. Now that I think about it, the auction house got quite a good deal with those five weapons of mine. Those ones can definitely be compared to Peak-Level weapons."


    Frandin was surprised to hear that.


    "Is that true? Is it possible to make Spiritual Weapons stronger than their material''s level?"


    Rean looked at Frandin as he smiled.


    "It is, as long as it''s me who''s making them. Hahaha!"


    Rean then passed the weapons to Frandin before saying.


    "Alright, the auction house should be close to its opening of the week. Let''s head back there and give these weapons to be auctioned as well."


    Frain looked at the 13 pieces of equipment that Rean made in the last three days. Without a doubt, he would make a lot more Rank Two Spirit Stones than he needed to buy that robe.


    "Isn''t it a bit too dangerous to bring this amount out?"


    Rean looked at Frandin with a puzzled expression as he replied.


    "Why would you care? If something goes wrong, there would be a better chance for you to capture me, no?"


    Frandin was taken aback by those worlds.


    "This..."


    Rean laughed as he looked at Frandin''s expression.


    "Hahaha! You saw that I can heal the poison in your body without using the antidote pills Roan gave you. Naturally, you would think that everything will be okay if you somehow banded the Zasfins around to capture me. After that, you just need to force me to heal your poison again. However, you were also afraid that I would escape. If that happened, you would be 100% dead since there would be no antidote for you."


    Frandin dropped his head and didn''t deny those words. In fact, one had to be an idiot to not think at least that much after seeing Rean''s healing powers.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine. I''m not angry or anything. It''s obvious to me and the others how much your Zasfin Race hates humans. However, I would not try anything weird if I were you. Don''t forget, I was able to leave Danve City even though your father came out. If a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator couldn''t stop me, then no one you could possibly get in contact with could. Well, if you aren''t afraid of dying from the poison, be my guest and try it out. I don''t mind leaving you behind and capturing a new Pure Bloodline Zasfin to serve in your place."


    Fradin couldn''t help but let out cold sweat. His instincts told him that Rean wasn''t joking at all. If he wanted to, he would leave, and no one would be able to stop him.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t do such a thing. Also... I do despite the humans of our world. However, I have a slightly different opinion about your group since you aren''t from here to start with. At the very least, you definitely aren''t anything like the other humans around."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, not minding it too much.


    "Well, that''s up to you. Let''s head to the auction house."

 Chapter 564 - Offer

    Rean changed their appearance once again before heading to the Auction House. There, they were immediately guided by the attendant to the room where they met Paciu before. Well, that was quite convenient since Paciu also wanted to see them. Sure enough, Paciu received the message and came out to see them himself.


    "Welcome back, young master. I know you came here for the auction, so I was surprised to see that you wanted to see me before that. So, what would this young master want from our Auction House? Let me warn you. Now that you put those weapons for auction, we can''t take them back anymore. After all, they have already been added to the list of items to be shown on stage."


    Frandin smiled before shaking his head.


    "I have no intention in taking those five weapons back. In fact, I found out that the Spirit Stones I would get from them was far lacking for my needs. Because of that, I brought with me a few more weapons I would like you to put for auction. Is it possible to add them to today''s auction?"


    Paciu couldn''t help but widely grin. That was just the thing he wanted the most.


    "Hahaha! But of course! Our Auction House will never reject a good deal. As long as they''re of the same quality as the previous ones, we would love to fulfill your request."


    Frandin nodded before putting a big sack on the table. In an instant, Paciu understood that there wasn''t just one or two more weapons inside, but a lot of them.


    "I have a total of thirteen weapons at the same level of quality. Feel free to browse them."


    Paciu''s smile froze when he heard that.


    "Th-thirteen?"


    Paciu opened the sack and saw the items inside. There were five swords, three sabers, three spears, an axe, and another pair of dual daggers. After confirming that they were indeed all at the Earth Middle-Level, he took a deep breath.


    Paciu was an appraiser. Naturally, he could tell with a glance that these pieces of equipment had just been crafted. At the very least, they had never been used before. But he was pretty sure in his judgment of newly crafted equipment.


    "Young master... I can tell that these weapons have just been crafted. Obviously, this young master knows someone capable of doing such an amazing job. Not to mention that the materials necessary to make Earth Middle-Level Equipment are anything but easy to find. As far as I can see, the blacksmith this young master is acquainted with has his own supply."


    Paciu then offered.


    "Young master, I would like to offer a deal with this blacksmith under you. Usually, our Auction House would take 30% of the value of the sold items as payment. However, we''re willing to do 20% as long as your blacksmith continues to supply us with his weapons. How about that?"


    Frandin narrowed his eyes as he talked with Rean through Spiritual Sense.


    ''What should I say? You''re that blacksmith, you know?''


    Rean immediately refused the idea as he replied.


    ''Tell him that the blacksmith has no interest in making deals. After all, we''re leaving this city as soon as we finish buying everything we need.''


    Frandin nodded, finding it a pity that Rean refused that deal. It definitely looked very profitable.


    "Sorry, but I can''t talk on the blacksmith''s behalf. However, I doubt he will agree on this deal since he won''t be staying in the city for much longer."


    Paciu sighed after hearing that.


    "I see... Then I should offer you one last thing. Putting all these weapons for auction at once would reduce their value. The best way would be for you to put only three each time. You can definitely make 20 to 30% more profit if you wait for that much."


    Rean didn''t care about that. He simply had way too many Middle-Level materials for forging in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. In fact, he had a lot of High and Peak-Level materials as well. One must remember that Kentucky found two Heaven-Level mineral deposits. Those same deposits had High and Peak-Level ores surrounding them. That being said, those Middle-Level weapons were worth nothing in his eyes.


    Frandin understood the message and immediately replied.


    "There''s no need. We''re in a hurry here, so we would like to have all the weapons sold today."


    Paciu nodded, not minding too much. They would lose a good chunk of Spirit Stones if they sold it like that. However, they would lose much more if Frandin decided to take the weapons back.


    "Very well. However, remember that my offer still stands. If your blacksmith decides that he wants some extra Spirit Stones, we will gladly sell his weapons again at a smaller fee."


    Frandin nodded with a smile.


    "Very well. In that case, I''m heading to the auction now. I''ll leave these weapons with you to take care of it."


    Paciu then offered something else.


    "Oh, since that''s the case, please let me offer you one of our private chambers. We keep everyone''s identities inside those places a secret, so you can bid as much as you want."


    Rean agreed with the idea. Frandin then accepted the offer and an attendant came out to guide them there.


    ''Rean, are you sure you don''t want to accept his offer? It''s very hard to get such a thing in these greedy auction houses.''


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    ''Better not risk sticking around for too long. Besides, the next time I put something for sale, it won''t just be Middle-Level equipment, but High and Peak-Level ones.''


    Frandin didn''t feel too surprised by that. He didn''t know much about forging, but even he could see just how easy it was for Rean to create those weapons. Obviously, Rean''s level was much higher than that. Besides, he very much wanted to see Rean making them.


    ''Alright, forget that for now, and let''s focus on the auction. Perhaps there will be something worth buying here.''

 Chapter 565 - Frigid Clear Vine

    Rean stayed standing in the private room while Frandin sat down on the chair in front of the window. Just as Paciu mentioned, it wasn''t possible to see nor use Spiritual Sense to check the people inside. However, there was also an attendant present, ready to listen to all of Frandin''s orders. That being said, Frandin had to continue to pretend to be the one in command.


    The people kept coming into the auction house in waves. The auction house always released a list of the items that would appear there two days prior, so they all knew what they wanted. Without a doubt, Rean''s weapons were one of the reasons. Still, there were many other interesting things for auction this time. After all, this city was still a gathering point of cultivators who wanted to train in the nearby Demon Beast Region.


    Eventually, all the seats were filled with people. The stage then lit up as the host of the event came forward to introduce himself.


    "Welcome to our auction house. My name is Turi. As always, we are now starting our weekly event. However, I have something to announce before that. It was featured in the auction list that we would have five Middle-Level Weapons available. Fortunately, we received another huge delivery just a few hours ago, so we have more than just that."


    "The person who wishes to sell it seems to be in a hurry for money. Otherwise, we would have put only a few of them for auction every week. Rejoice, everyone. It''ll be hard for you to snag such high-quality weapons for such a low price in the times to come."


    *Woooooo!*


    The audience immediately went into an uproar. Sure enough, many of them came for the Earth Middle-Level Weapons since they were hard to find.


    "Alright. That''s the only change to the auction this time. Let''s not waste any more time. Let''s check the first item, shall we?"


    A female employee then came up to the stage while carrying a pillow with a gem on it.


    "This is a Fiery Magma Gem. As you know, Fire Element Affinity is quite rare, and so are the items that can be used while cultivating those elements. This Fiery Magma Gem has a high concentration of Fire Element and Yang Energy. Anyway, those who have Fire Element Affinity should already know how useful they are. The initial price for this gem is 200 Rank One Spirit Stones. The minimal bid increase is 20 Rank One Spirit Stones."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask Frandin by the side with a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Is it true that Fire Affinity is rare?''


    Frandin nodded.


    ''Yes. I won''t say that you can''t find them, but it''s quite hard for them to be born. As you know, we have the five main elements��Fire, Earth, Water, Wind, and Lightning. Even so, for every one hundred newborns, you would be lucky to find 3 or 4 Fire Element Affinity kids. Was it different in your world?''


    ''Yes. The rate of Elemental Affinity was quite balanced back there. Well, there''s no doubt that the environment of this planet made it turn out like this.''


    Frandin couldn''t help but become curious about Rean''s world once again.


    ''Sister Orb, do you want that gem to balance the Yang Energy?''


    [No need. As I mentioned before, we have more Yin Energy users than Yang Energy ones. That being said, I need extra Yin Energy to balance things out. Besides, that Fiery Magma Gem is several times worse than the petal in the Shaz Treasures Hall. You can see that when you think about their price difference as well.]


    ''Alright, then.''


    The auction continued on the stage as the few Fire Element Affinity cultivators present voiced their bids.


    "300!"


    "320!"


    "360!"


    "400!"


    In the end, the gem was sold for 440 Rank One Spirit Stones.


    "The next item is the horn of a Deep Blue Demon Shark. It was acquired from a Peak Stage Three variant. As you know, it can be used for weapon and armor crafting. There are a few uses for it in alchemy as well. The initial price is 330 Rank One Spirit Stones."


    And just like that, the action continued without any issues. Some of the items had fierce bidding battles over them. Others were so peculiar that they didn''t even have a bidder in the end. Eventually, the objects began to be auctioned for Rank Two Spirit Stones were brought out. Obviously, Rean''s weapons were in that category.


    "Hmm?"


    The next one attracted Rean''s attention.


    "This is a Frigid Clear Vine. As you can see, it is still alive and ready for use. The initial price is 100 Rank Two Spirit Stones. The minimal bidding increase is 20 Spirit Stones."


    Rean immediately asked Frandin.


    ''What is that thing? The host didn''t explain it at all.''


    Frandin looked at Rean for a second before saying.


    ''You really didn''t come from here. Otherwise, you would definitely know what that is.''


    ''Anyway, people use the Frigid Clear Vine to create what we call a Frigid Clear Pill. The Fire Element is uncommon in our world. On the other hand, Water Element Affinity is the opposite. From every 100 newborns, you will most likely have 40 to 50 of them being Water Element Affinity ones. Naturally, Water Element related items are the most used.''


    ''In the Frigid Clear Pill''s case, it is used to increase one''s Affinity Level with the Water Element. It''s quite a good item.''


    Rean was shocked to hear that.


    ''What?! You have pills that can increase one''s Elemental Affinity Level?''


    One must remember that the Affinity Test had many levels. Rean and Roan, obviously, were able to achieve the highest Dark and Light Element levels. At the very least, it was the highest that the test could show. However, others were not the same. They had to train hard to slowly increase it. For example, Calina''s Yin Energy Cultivation Technique would improve one''s affinity to Yin Elements over time, like water. However, a very long time was needed. This was the first time Rean heard about something that could improve it straight away.


    Immediately, Rean sent a message to Roan explaining everything. After all, pills were his department.


    ''This is the first time I''ve heard of such a thing. At the very least, I didn''t see such a thing in the Sunkan Planet. Anyway, buy it for me.''


    Sure enough, Roan was very interested in that thing.

 Chapter 566 - End Of Auction

    As mentioned before, Frandin received a decent number of Rank Two Spirit Stones for him to use in the auction. After all, the auction house was sure that the weapons he brought would go for at least that little. That being said, he immediately began to bid after hearing Rean''s orders.


    "140!"


    "160!"


    "200!"


    "240!"


    In the end, Frandin bought the Frigid Clear Vine for 240 Rank Two Spirit Stones. The vine was then brought to his room, which he put away. Following that, a few more items appeared until finally, Rean''s first sword came out.


    "Some of you were already expecting it to come out. This is one of the Earth Middle-Level Weapons for auction today. It''s made with Katus Ore and is of excellent quality. The initial price is 250 Rank Two Spirit Stones. Each bid has to be at least 30 stones higher."


    Unsurprisingly, the fight for the sword started. However, it didn''t go as far as it could. After all, everyone now knew that there were more of those coming up later. Since Rean didn''t want to sell just a few of them per week, he would have to give up a few Spirit Stones.


    "400 Rank Two Spirit Stones."


    "450!"


    "480!"


    Eventually, the first sword was sold for 480 Rank Two Spirit Stones. Following that, a few more of Rean''s weapons came out, which increased Rean''s own fortune. Well, Rean wasn''t feeling too happy since it couldn''t compare to how much he had in Sunkan Planet.


    The auction proceeded smoothly without any issues. Rean''s weapons didn''t take too long to be sold since they were worth around the same price. In the end, Rean made 7460 Rank Two Spirit Stones with them. It''s just that they would have to take it out after the auction was over. Besides, they might need to buy something else.


    The rarity of the items then began to increase, including their prices. At some point, Rean found a nice piece of Peak-Level material for sale.


    "The next item is ten kilograms of Goulan Ore. This is a Water Element Material mostly used for crafting equipment. The initial price is 500 Rank Two Spirit Stones, and each bid has to go at least 100 Stones higher."


    Rean immediately asked Frandin to bid for the ore. Fortunately, there were almost no blacksmiths in the auction. That being said, the bidding war didn''t go too far before Rean got the Goulan Ore for 1200 Rank Two Spirit Stones.


    ''Nice. I can use it to make a new staff for Malaka after I succeed in forging Earth Peak-Level Equipment. This one seems to be very compatible with the other Peak-Level ores in the Dimensional Realm, so I should be able to make a nice alloy with it.''


    Rean had obtained a lot of Transten Ore back in Sunkan Planet. However, there wasn''t much of a point in keeping so much. That being said, he took half of his amount out and traded it for other Earth Peak-Level ores. His actual ore collection in the Dimensional Realm was quite plentiful.


    The auction had finished around an hour later. In the end, Rean wasn''t interested in the rest of the items being put for sale. Because of the lack of Spiritual Energy on this planet, most of the things that the Zasfins thought to be good weren''t anything that could catch Rean''s attention.


    Back in the private room, Rean and Frandin were received by Paciu once more.


    "The auction was a success this time. However, it is as I mentioned to you before. Because you wanted to sell too many weapons at once, the price you got for them wasn''t as high as it could be."


    Frandin nodded, seeming to not mind it too much.


    "It''s fine. Just give me the Spirit Stones."


    Paciu then knocked on the table before an employee entered the room with a big sack of Rank Two Spirit Stones.


    "Do you need me to send some of my guards to help protect your Spirit Stones?"


    Frandin shook his head.


    "There''s no need."


    Soon after, he passed the bag to Rean.


    "Take care of it. Remember, if you lose it, you will pay with your head."


    Rean pretended to feel some fear as he grabbed the bag.


    "Yes, young master."


    Lastly, Paciu tried one last time to make a deal with Frandin.


    "Please tell the blacksmith of your family that we would love to receive more of his weapons. The offer of a 20% cut will continue to be valid for a long time."


    Frandin nodded as he said.


    "I''ll tell the blacksmith later. Well, then. I''ll take my leave. Let''s go."


    Frandin and Rean left the Auction House after that. However, the big bag on Rean''s hands quickly caught a few of the participants'' eyes. Paciu, of course, expected that already. He then asked one of his subordinates to follow Rean and Frandin and intervene if someone tried to attack them for the Spirit Stones.


    Unfortunately for them, be it Paciu''s subordinates or those who followed them because of the bag, all of them lost Rean and Frandin from their Spiritual Senses a minute later.


    Sure enough, Rean covered both of them with his Light and Spiritual Sense bending technique. No one could see them anymore. Following that, Rean sent the bag of Spirit Stones into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm before reappearing somewhere else with Frandin.


    "Phew... now we have some Spirit Stones for cultivation. Let''s head back to the Shaz Treasures Hall to get our items back."


    Frandin nodded as he looked at Rean. He already lost the feeling of being surprised with the items disappearing around him. He didn''t know how Rean did that, but it was obvious that he had some type of storage equipment that he didn''t know about.


    It didn''t take that long for them to arrive at the Treasures Hall. Naturally, the Soul Crystal Flower Petal and the Yin Robe were reserved for them. Frandin then received 3200 Rank Two Spirit Stones from Rean and paid for them.


    Rean and Frandin then went on to buy a few other things like food and some daily items. Following that, Rean disappeared with Frandin from Lumeria City. Even though quite a few Zasfins looked for them, no one could find a single trace of them in the city anymore.

 Chapter 567 - Unbelievable

    Back in the Demon Beast Region, Rean and Frandin met up with the others again. Malaka, Qia, and Roan seemed to be doing well, while Calina and Agis were quite injured. However, it was easy to understand why. Roan could still heal others much better than Calina could with her Water Element. Naturally, both sides ended up in that condition after being apart for several days.


    Rean quickly took the chance and healed them before explaining everything that happened in the city. He also took the Rank Two Spirit Stones out and shared them with everyone. In exchange, Roan and Calina took out all of the Demon Cores they got and passed them to Rean. He could sell them later in the next city. That way, Rean wouldn''t be the only one having to hold the burden of grabbing cultivation resources for them.


    "Here, you can have 200 of them."


    Frandin looked at the bag in his hand with the Spirit Stones with his eyes wide open. Why would he give Spirit Stones for his enemy?


    "What''s the meaning of this?"


    "Hmm? Isn''t that obvious? It was because you also worked a lot during these past days in the city. Without you, I wouldn''t be able to get these things. Just consider it your payment."


    "That''s not what I mean! Why would you give Spirit Stones to your enemy? You do know how I feel about humans, right? Although your group is different, you''re still humans. I truly believe that you''re ahead of me in cultivation because you lived in a better world, that''s all."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "Of course! However, you will at least have a reason to do well every time we need to enter a city. Isn''t it better to know that you can obtain some advantages by helping us?"


    "Aren''t you afraid of me using it to find a way to escape?"


    "Hahaha! You can go ahead and try. Even if you succeed by some miracle, it''s not like it''ll be an issue for us."


    Frandin narrowed his eyes as he said.


    "How could it not be an issue? I could tell everyone about the fact you came from ano-"


    It was then that Frandin found a problem.


    "This..."


    Roan faintly smiled as he looked at Frandin.


    "It seems like you noticed the problem here. That''s right, who would believe that we came from another world? Chances are that everyone will think you''re an idiot for believing this story. As far as we''ve seen, no one knows that other worlds exist to start with. In fact, can you guarantee that we''re not fooling you? Could we really have come from another planet? Or could it be that we''re from another part of this world instead?"


    Frandin''s expression turned ugly for a moment. Sure enough, if someone came to him telling such a story, he would laugh right in front of the face of that person. Like hell, he would believe that.


    "Sigh... I guess I might as well make good use of these Spirit Stones."


    However, Frandin couldn''t help but feel a little excited. Even when he was Danve City''s Young Master, he rarely ever got any Rank Two Spirit Stones at all. But lo and behold, he got 200 of them in just a few days. For his cultivation, that was a heaven-defying change. If only he wasn''t their hostage...


    Of course, compared to the amount of Spirit Stones the others got, he was quite far behind.


    "Sigh... so little Spirit Stones, and only Rank Two ones at that. It seems like we''re in for a hard time from now on."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Don''t complain. It took me quite some time to get it, you know? However, we should obtain a lot more when we reach Kastran City."


    "Kastan City?"


    Rean and Roan nodded before passing the jade slip with the continent''s map to them.


    "Kastran is the next big city on our way to Tuvaro. We''re planning to stop there to make a few things."


    Fradin bitterly smiled when he heard that. First, they considered those Spirit Stones ''too little,'' which hurt his feelings. Second, it seemed like he would have to keep up his act for them again.


    Malaka couldn''t help but ask.


    "What do we need to do in Kastran?"


    Rean was the first one to answer.


    "In my case, I need to practice to become an Earth Peak-Level Formation Master. That''s why I bought this robe. Also, I need to break through to the Earth Peak-Level Blacksmith rank as well. I have a ton of Peak-Level Materials, but I can''t use them for forging yet due to my level."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "I also want to head to that place''s Alchemist Guild to grab a few recipes. I want to see how this Frigid Clear Pill is made. Perhaps I can make more of these pills for other affinities."


    Qia pondered for a bit and nodded.


    "That''s good. Rean and I are at the same level as Formation Masters, so we could help each other in breaking through."


    Agis narrowed his eyes before saying.


    "In that case, I guess I can try out my Talisman Skills once again."


    Rean, Roan, and Malaka were taken aback.


    "You have a side occupation? You? Are you sure you''re not hallucinating?"


    Agis''s mouth twitched as he asked in response.


    "What the hell do you think I am?"


    "A prideful idiot who wants others to do everything for himself."


    Agis felt like crying after hearing that. However, it was true that before that fated day, he was exactly like that. However, being saved by twins, who had cultivations smaller than his own, was a huge blow to him. That''s why he changed his ways. It''s just that he had always been out of the Dalamu Sect with his Master, so others didn''t know what he was up to. It turned out that Agis had some talent for talismans, so his Master had him practice it during his free time.


    "By the way, what level is your Talisman Drawing at?"


    Agis looked away as he scratched the back of his head.


    "Earth High-Level..."


    This time, Rean, Roan, and Malaka''s faces froze. It was as if they had heard something unbelievable! Naturally, Agis noticed their expressions.


    "Do you really need to be this shocked? Fuck you!"

 Chapter 568 - Death Style Training

    Calina and Qia didn''t understand why those three were that shocked, so they ignored it. Instead, they asked something else.


    "How are you going into the city? Are you going with Rean and Frandin again? Even if you bring Frandin together, would that be enough for you to enter the Alchemist, Formations, and Blacksmith Guilds? Chances are high that they won''t allow humans inside, you know?"


    Rean and Roan had to admit that the two girls were right.


    "Hmm... to get access to those things, we would need a Zasfin who can at least reach the Earth Low-Level of each side occupation."


    Rean and Roan then put one hand on Frandin''s shoulders.


    "We''re counting on you."


    Frandin felt like he had heard wrongly.


    "What?! Me? But I know nothing about any of that."


    Rean laughed, not minding it at all.


    "Hahaha! It''s fine, it''s fine. I''ll teach you the basics of forging, so it will be easy for you to become an Earth Low-Level Blacksmith. I believe Roan and Qia will have no problem teaching you the basics for a Formation Master and an Alchemist as well."


    Agis immediately raised his hands.


    "There''s me as well. I''ll teach Frandin the basics of Talisman Drawing."


    Frandin couldn''t help but sweat a little. It''s very hard for a cultivator to have more than one side occupation. Now, they want him to practice four at once! Even if he succeeded in reaching the Earth Low-Level, he wouldn''t be able to train all of them forever.


    ''Oh, well. They just want me to obtain access to the repositories of the guilds and bring the information from there. Perhaps I can bring one of them inside as if they were my slave again.''


    Frandin decided to accept his fate since he was at least receiving Rank Two Spirit Stones now.


    "Okay, that''s enough for now. We can teach him the basics of each profession on the way. Now, let''s make our way to Kastran."


    "By the way, where is Kastran?"


    Rean then pointed it out in the Jade Slip.


    "It''s in the next country to the west, Lacal. It''s also on our way to Tuvaro, so it''s convenient. Lacal is similar to Lumeria, a gathering hub for cultivators who wish to enter the Lacal Frozen Demon Beast Forest."


    As Malaka looked at the map, she couldn''t help but comment.


    "How come the distances between each city are so big?"


    Roan explained that.


    "That''s because the environment on this planet is incredibly harsh. That being said, the development of life here is several times slower. There are a lot less people here than there were in Sunkan. Not only that, but this planet is also bigger than Sunkan. Naturally, with fewer people and bigger space, the number of cities are lower. At the same time, the distances between each of them are farther."


    Qia and the others nodded since that made sense.


    "Alright, as per our agreement, we will separate into two groups while traveling so that we can optimize our training."


    "Oh! Which group will Frandin be a part of?"


    Frandin still didn''t know anything about the Dimensional Realm, so they couldn''t put him there.


    Frandin couldn''t help but look at Rean. He definitely didn''t want to be on Roan''s group.


    Unfortunately for him, the world wanted him to suffer.


    "It''s relatively easy to teach him alchemy since I have the tools necessary with me. In that case, he will be staying in my group for the time being. Besides, Qia''s at the same level as Rean in Formations. She can also teach him if he''s free."


    Frandin sighed, knowing that there was no escape from this.


    With that, everyone nodded and departed straight away. As mentioned before, Rean and Roan kept a distance of close to 3000 kilometers between them so that their link wouldn''t break. In the end, the planet was a lot more empty than Sunkan. After they left the Demon Beast Region close to Lumeria, they rarely encountered others.


    On the other hand, they did find a few Zasfins. After seeing their group, those Zasfins tried to capture Rean and Roan''s groups. Of course, the ones who received more of this type of problem were Rean''s group. After all, Frandin could pretend to be the owner of Roan''s group. His Rank Two Bloodline Mark still had some authority.


    Well, the groups that tried to capture Rean, Calina, and Agis shouldn''t have done that, though. They showed no mercy with their attacks, so Rean, Calina, and Agis didn''t show any mercy either. When they finally understood just how stronger Rean''s group was, it was too late. Rean and the others made sure that none escaped alive. After all, it was still better to prevent rumors from spreading. Not to mention that Rean, Calina, and Agis didn''t think those guys would be lenient to other humans.


    There was a good thing in receiving those attacks, though. Those who could usually travel between cities had good cultivations. There were even three groups with a few Core Formation Realm cultivators, which turned out to be good challenges for them. Besides, such groups always carried good spoils.


    Rean had spent around 4500 Rank Two Spirit Stones for everything in Lumeria City, leaving his group with more or less 3000 stones in total for cultivation. But on the way to Kastran City, their small fortune had increased to over 5000! And that was already excluding the Rank Two Spirit Stones they used for cultivation.


    Eventually, Rean and the others arrived in Lacal Country a month and three days later. Kastran City was now just a few days away from them. Because their destination was so close, Roan once again met up with Rean''s group.


    "You could take this chance to teach Frandin about forging in the next few days."


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    "I lack the tools for that. I will need to rent another workshop before doing that. I might as well buy everything and put it all in the Dimensional Realm."


    It was then that Rean noticed Frandin''s cultivation.


    "Oh! You broke through to the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Congratulations."


    However, Frandin didn''t seem happy at all. Instead, the guy was so tired that he was on the verge of passing out.


    "Hehe... Thanks..."


    Rean then looked at Malaka and Qia, who didn''t look much better. Immediately, he understood.


    ''That''s the Death Style Training for you...''

 Chapter 569 - Kastran

    Kastran City was slightly larger than Lumeria, so it had more Zasfins and a few higher-level cultivators. Of course, Rean still wasn''t afraid since the chances of meeting someone who can pass through his Spiritual Sense bending skill would be too low. Naturally, if a Nascent Soul Realm Zasfin appeared close enough to him, he would be able to pass through the skill. Rean didn''t think much about it, though.


    This time around, Roan came together with Rean into the city while Frandin pretended to be their owner once more. As for Agis and the rest, they were sent into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm without Frandin being able to see.


    Rean then looked at Frandin and asked.


    "So, have you learned enough to at least pass the Formations Master Guild test?"


    Frandin bitterly smiled as he remembered Qia''s teachings. Rean also helped him a little in the last few days they had been together. Still, he had no confidence whatsoever.


    "I don''t know. I''ve never participated in any of the side occupation tests. I''ve focused completely on cultivation until now."


    Rean laughed as he patted Frandin''s shoulders.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine. I''m not in a hurry since I''ve brought most of the materials I needed for studying from my world. You can take your time to learn a little more in case you fail. I just want you to obtain access to the study materials from this world''s Formation Master Guild to compare with my own information. Of course, I also want to check the methods used to make that Yin Gathering Energy Robe."


    Roan, however, wasn''t in the mood to wait.


    "You better succeed in the Alchemist Test. I want to check the Elemental Affinity Pill formulas of this world as soon as possible. That''s why most of your free time was used in alchemy. If the parameters of this world are the same as mine, you should be able to become an Earth Low-Level Alchemist. That''s all you need to do."


    Roan had specially revised the teaching methods while he helped Frandin. Of course, it was all for his own sake, not Frandin''s.


    Frandin couldn''t help but sweat a little, thinking about how Roan might treat him if he failed.


    "I''ll try my best."


    Sometime later, Rean and Roan used Frandin to rent another workshop. There, Rean set up an Anti-Spiritual Sense formation before leaving Frandin and Roan on their own.


    "Alright. This city has an auction house as well. It''s time for me to make some real money, so you two can leave now."


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    "Are you going to try and break through to the Earth Peak-Level Blacksmith rank?"


    Rean nodded as he replied.


    "Exactly. If I put this level of equipment for auction, it should give us much more Spirit Stones than those Middle-Level ones I made in the past."


    Roan pondered for a bit before saying.


    "It might not be a good idea to bring out such equipment. There''s a good chance that you and Frandin would be forced to explain where you found it."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "I think it''s still worth a try. If things really get complicated, you know we can run away at any time. But if we get paid, we probably won''t need to worry about Spirit Stones for a good while."


    "Fine. However, wait for me to leave the city before you go auction the weapons."


    Rean understood why he asked that. The Soul Gem System was frozen at the moment. Because of that, they can''t leave behind save points. Rean can go into the Dimensional Realm, but he can''t teleport away from the position he entered. That being said, he only had one choice: to leave the Dimensional Realm at the point where Roan was located. That''s why it would be better if Roan wasn''t in the city at that time.


    Frandin found it strange that Rean had to wait for Roan to leave. He thought that Roan was trying to run away from the problems and leave Rean behind to deal with the issues on his own if things go south.


    ''Humans really only know how to think about themselves.''


    He couldn''t be blamed for thinking like that since he didn''t know about the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    Roan then looked at Frandin before asking.


    "Are you sure that no one will try to come into this workshop while Rean is working?"


    Frandin shook his head as he said.


    "There shouldn''t be anyone doing that. However, I can''t guarantee it either. It''s just that the chances are quite low. Why would someone try to find problems with someone else for no reason?"


    Rean nodded as he responded.


    "That''s good enough. Now, you two go away. It''ll take me some time to grasp how to forge Earth Peak-Level Equipment."


    The two nodded and left straight away. As for Rean, he activated the Anti-Spiritual Sense Formation and a small detection formation. If someone entered the workshop, he would feel it straight away. Following that, he brought Calina, Malaka, Qia, and Agis out.


    "Are we in Kastran City now?"


    "Yes. Now, I need your help during the forging process."


    Agis and the others nodded. Rean already talked to them about what he was trying to do. For Calina and Qia, it didn''t matter much since both of them didn''t use weapons. However, it was very important for Malaka and Agis since they would love to obtain a stronger one. Especially Agis, who came to know about the special ability of Rean''s weapons to draw in the power of elements.


    Rean then brought out the tool he got from the Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop and immediately began his work. Peak-Level Materials fell everywhere around the place. The forger was turned on, and the practice started.


    Outside, Roan and Frandin headed straight to the Alchemist Guild. Sure enough, there were almost no humans in the place, only Zasfins. The only humans were the ones doing the chores of the guilds. Following that, Frandin and Roan went to the counter.


    "How can I help you?"


    "I would like to take the alchemist test."

 Chapter 570 - No Talent

    The attendant nodded before giving him a list.


    "These are the items you will need to bring for the test. We do not provide them on our own. However, we do sell them if you don''t know where to buy them. As for the test itself, it will cost 50 Rank One Spirit Stones."


    Frandin couldn''t help but mutter to himself.


    "So expensive..."


    The attendant didn''t find it weird, saying.


    "It''s expensive since it''s a lucrative occupation. Just consider it an investment. Of course, if you fail to become an alchemist, then you will have lost your money for nothing, so think twice before taking the test. We do have part of the first floor of the repository open for those who are just starting. If you aren''t confident, I advise you to go there and study a little first."


    Roan didn''t think 50 Rank One Spirit Stones was expensive at all. However, that was because of his experience in Sunkan Planet. He quickly put those thoughts on the back of his head, though. Following that, he sent Frandin a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''There''s no need for you to study. I already taught you everything you need to know to make very basic Earth Low-Level Pills. Just take the test straight away.''


    Frandin swallowed some saliva before nodding.


    "I''ve already practiced enough. I would like to take the test straight away."


    The attendant didn''t mind it.


    "Very well. You have two options. Wait for the monthly test or pay extra to have an alchemist judge your work. The monthly test will start in thirteen days. As for the paid test, you can take it straight away for 100 Rank One Spirit Stones."


    Frandin glanced at Roan for a second and saw him nodding his head.


    "Alright. Here are 150 Spirit Stones. I''m going to buy the materials for the test here as well."


    "That''s good, then. You can go to the alchemy store on that side. Just ask the guys there for the materials for an alchemist test, and they''ll know what you need. Remember, you can only buy these materials. Any higher-level ones are not available for purchase without being an alchemist."


    Frandin nodded and headed to the store with Roan. He quickly paid another 30 Rank One Spirit Stones and received the herbs that he would use for the test.


    ''Do you think I can really do it? You said the pills I made were of terrible quality.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''It''s fine. Even this kind of pill level doesn''t change the fact that they''re Earth Low-Level Pills. That''s all we need.''


    Frandin took in a deep breath and nodded. He never thought in his life that he would become an alchemist. Truth be told, the time Roan spent teaching him would have been insanely expensive in other situations. And that''s considering that an alchemist even wanted to teach him.


    After returning to the previous attendant, they were sent into a private room where they found the alchemy tools to make pills. A few minutes later, an alchemist came into the room, as well as his assistant.


    "You''re the guy who paid for the test?"


    Frandin nodded as he showed his Rank Two Bloodline Mark.


    "A rank two bloodline mark, huh? Not too bad. However, I won''t give you any leeway just because of that."


    Frandin didn''t mind. He just used his mark to show that he couldn''t be pushed around either.


    "The pill you need to make is an Energy Dispersing Pill. The minimal level is obviously Earth Low-Rank. You can start concocting. I''ll just observe and wait for you to finish."


    The alchemist then looked at Roan in the corner of the room before ignoring him completely. It wasn''t uncommon for Zasfins to bring their humans around.


    Frandin began his concoction while thinking about the last month of training Roan gave him. Step by step, his concoction proceeded without much of an issue. Of course, Roan saw several mistakes here and there, but nothing that would result in failure.


    The weird thing was that the examiner seemed to be quite surprised with Frandin''s method.


    Eventually, Frandin opened the lid of his cauldron and took a pill out.


    "Let me see it."


    The alchemist in the room quickly grabbed the pill as he analyzed it with his Spiritual Sense. In the end, he smiled as he gave it back to Frandin.


    "That''s quite surprising. This is a superb Earth Low-Level Energy Dispersing Pill. It even makes me wonder why you don''t have an Alchemist Badge yet."


    Frandin was taken aback by those words. A superb one? He had made a few pills of this level, but Roan only considered them below-average products.


    ''I see... It''s most likely because the level of categorization of pills in Roan''s world is much higher than ours. Nonetheless, a very good Earth Low-Level one is still a Low-Level one. This should be enough for me to pass the test.''


    Frandin was right. The pill he made just now could be considered average in Sunkan Planet. Roan even regarded it as below-average, but that''s because Roan''s personal standards were even higher.


    The alchemist then patted Frandin''s shoulders before asking.


    "Boy, how old are you?"


    "M-me? I''m 23."


    "Only 23? That''s not bad at all. It won''t be long before you become an Earth Middle-Level Alchemist. I can only imagine how many years you spent studying and practicing before taking the test."


    Frandin''s mouth twitched in response. Spent a lot of years? How come he doesn''t remember it? He started his alchemist training a little over a month ago. Well... a hellish training, that is.


    "By the way, you can call me Safran. How about it, boy? Would you like to be my disciple?"


    Frandin was shocked to receive such an invitation. Could it be that he really had a talent for alchemy? Unfortunately, Roan pulled him back from his delusions.


    ''The alchemy methods of this planet must be really shit. This guy even considers that pill of yours to be something good. If he thinks like that, then I can make even a 5-year-old kid pass this test.''


    Sure enough, Frandin immediately understood that he didn''t have any talent whatsoever... in the most painful way.


    ''You could have at least let me dream a little, you know...''

 Chapter 571 - Perhaps...

    Frandin held his tears as he looked at Safran after receiving the offer.


    "I''m sorry, Senior Safran. I already have a Master, so I can''t be your disciple."


    Frandin wasn''t lying. Roan was, after all, his Master... Even though he wouldn''t be teaching him anything else to him now that he had passed the test.


    Safran nodded, not finding Frandin''s words weird at all.


    "As I thought. There''s no way someone could make such a good pill in their first try without having a Master. I can only think how happy your master is, knowing that he had obtained a talented student like you."


    Frandin smiled bitterly in response. Happy? That''s the last word that came to his mind when he thought about Roan. Frandin even wondered if Roan knew what the word happy means. Still, he quickly put those thoughts behind his head.


    "Thank you for the compliment, Senior Safran. Would I have access to the alchemist repository now?"


    Safran nodded.


    "Of course! Come with me so that we can make your token."


    Frandin and Roan then followed Safran into another room, where Safran passed the results to the employee there. After confirming that Frandin was a bona fide Earth Low-level Rank Alchemist, the guy ordered a token of the Alchemist Guild to be made. Frandin then received his token around an hour later.


    "This is the Alchemist Guild''s token. It can be used basically everywhere to prove your status. It gives you access to the Alchemist Repository and the power to buy Alchemy Items as long as you have the necessary Spirit Stones. Remember to keep this token safe since you will have to do the test again if you lose it."


    The employee then explained several other rules to Frandin before he let him go. Obviously, Roan told him to bring them to the alchemist repository straight away. Unfortunately, the guard in front of the repository stopped the two of them. Soon after, the employee on the counter on the side said.


    "Humans are not permitted inside the repository. There''s the risk that they might destroy the information."


    Neither Frandin nor Roan were surprised by that. Frandin had already told Roan that this kind of issue might come up when the time came. However, Roan also came up with a way to deal with it.


    Frandin then took a bag with a thousand Rank Two Spirit Stones before putting it on the counter.


    "Here you go. If my human really destroys anything, you can use these Spirit Stones to replace whatever it is. However, you don''t need to worry, my human is very well trained. He wouldn''t dare to do anything in my presence. Am I right, rat?"


    Roan bowed to Frandin and replied.


    "Yes, young master. This slave lives for you and only you."


    Frandin nodded, satisfied. It''s just that no one noticed his back drenched cold sweat. He wasn''t doing that on purpose. Roan was the one who told him to say whatever is needed to get him through. Still, he couldn''t help but feel afraid that Roan would get back at him after that."


    "This..."


    The guard then looked at the guild employee on the counter, waiting for his answer. The employee, of course, didn''t know what to say about it. However, rules were rules, so he had to refuse. But just as he was about to say that, a voice came from nearby.


    "Let them through. Since this new member is willing to pay for any losses, we don''t have any issues about it."


    Frandin and Roan looked in the direction of the voice and saw Safran coming their way.


    "Thank you, Senior Safran."


    Safran didn''t mind it. He considered Frandin to be a good talent, so it was better not to lose him just because of something simple. Safran could do it since he was one of the guild''s elders, after all.


    The employee quickly nodded before passing Safran''s token back to him.


    "Since Elder Safran allowed you to bring the human, then we have nothing to say. Just remember to keep the human''s hands far from our books."


    Frandin sighed in relief before nodding.


    "Obviously. He will only enter to attend to my needs. There''s no need for him to touch the books. Let''s go, rat!"


    "Yes, young master."


    Frandin then entered the repository with Roan right behind him.


    Behind, Safran looked at Frandin while thinking.


    ''I wonder who his master is. Although I said he has good talent, I could see that he just started learning Alchemy not long ago. The main point is that I didn''t see him using his Zasfin Soul Power at all. Also, the movements he made while concocting were more than enough proof of that. But lo and behold, he made such a high-quality pill in his first test. If possible, I want to meet him... or her.''


    Safran then shook his head and turned around before leaving.


    ''I''ll have someone follow him later.''


    Frandin and Roan didn''t know what Safran was thinking, and Roan definitely didn''t care. Instead, they walked slowly through the Alchemist Repository as Roan used his Spiritual Sense to read through the titles of the books.


    ''It''s so weird... Their alchemy level is so low, so how come they came up with an Affinity Enhancement Pill formula while we didn''t? Could it be that Sunkan Planet had it, but it was hidden? Or maybe it''s the special conditions of this world that allows one to be made?''


    As Roan pondered, he and Frandin quickly reached the stairs to the second floor. So far, Roan didn''t find any book related to Elemental Affinity Pills. Well, Roan wasn''t surprised since the first floor was mostly filled with Low and Middle-Level Earth Recipes. An Elemental Affinity Pill was bound to be harder than that.


    Sure enough, Roan found what he was looking for on the third floor, where the Earth Peak-Level manuals could be found.


    -Water Element Enhancement Pill-


    -Introduction to Affinity Pills-


    -Water and Ice Improvement Pill-


    -Yin Enhanced Water Element Pill-


    It didn''t take long for Roan to find a problem.


    ''All the books associated with Elemental Affinity Enhancement are for Yin Related Elements. Water, Ice, some variations of Earth, etc...''


    Frandin then began to take down the books that Roan told him to. Following that, he sat on the table as Roan stood by his side. They had to keep up an act, so Roan pretended to be the servant, waiting for Frandin''s orders. Of course, Frandin was basically browsing through the books while the one who was really reading it was Roan.


    Still, Frandin couldn''t help but feel shocked at the speed that Roan asked him to pass through the pages.


    ''Is it possible to read this fast? Or could it be that he''s looking for something specific? Still...''


    Roan didn''t know what Frandin was thinking. However, he was really reading everything in the books. Frandin continued to pass by the pages before changing to the next book. Just like that, Roan had Frandin show him more than several tens of books in a roll. Only by the end of the day did Roan get to a conclusion.


    ''I see... It''s not that there are only Yin Related Elemental Affinity Pills. It''s just that most Zasfin Alchemists had Water Element Affinity. However, the main issue isn''t just that. The problem is that Elemental Affinity Pills use the Soul Power of the Zasfins to be made. Not only that, but most pill formulas use Soul Power as well. That''s not something a human can copy.''


    It was then that a question appeared in Roan''s mind.


    ''First of all, what is Soul Power? I saw Frandin using it during the battles and thought it to be a special trait of his bloodline, so I didn''t care too much.''


    Roan then looked at Frandin before asking.


    ''Tell me, how do you use your Soul Power?''


    Frandin was taken aback for a second. However, he quickly recovered and answered.


    ''Hmm... I don''t think I can explain it to you.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes, which made Frandin feel a cold chill on his back.


    ''Wait, wait! It''s not that I don''t want to, but that it''s impossible for me to tell you to start with.''


    Roan''s expression eased a little.


    ''How come?''


    Frandin sighed in relief before continuing.


    ''As I mentioned before, our Zasfin Race can use our Soul Power. It''s our special trait. However, you must understand that this is the same as breathing for us. The Soul Power is there, so we use it. Asking me how to use Soul Power is the same as me asking you how to breathe. Neither you nor I need an explanation. We can simply do it since we were babies. Even while we sleep, we can still do it. It''s a natural condition.''


    ''Our Zasfin Race''s Soul Power is pretty much the same thing. There isn''t an explanation. Even those without Bloodline Marks can do so, just not to the same extent. Of course, our Bloodline Marks can increase the Soul Power by a lot, so the better the mark, the stronger our Soul Power becomes. Nonetheless, it''s still something that we can''t exactly explain how it works.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes in response. If that was the case, he had reached a dead end. The only way to get Elemental Affinity Pills would be to buy them. After all, Roan wasn''t in the mood to make Frandin become an Earth Peak-Level Alchemist. That would take way too long. However, it was then that he noticed something.


    ''The bloodline marks increases one''s Soul Power. Zasfins are definitely a sub-species of our human race. If that''s the case, doesn''t that mean that humans also have Soul Power? Perhaps it''s just way too weak for them to be able to use. But... If we somehow get one of those marks...''


    And just like that, a crazy thought began to take form in Roan''s head.

 Chapter 572 - Soul Power

    Roan then looked at Frandin before asking.


    ''Is there a way to measure one''s Soul Power?''


    Frandin immediately nodded as he replied.


    ''Of course! Do you remember those Celestial Lands I''ve talked about? One of the entrance tests there is the measurement of Soul Power according to one''s age.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    ''Age? Not cultivation?''


    Frandin nodded.


    ''Exactly. Truth be told, cultivation level has no influence on our Zasfin Race''s Soul Power whatsoever. That''s why one''s talent in Soul Power is based on how strong it is at a certain age.''


    Roan didn''t expect that.


    ''In that case, how do you train your Soul Power? You can''t be telling me that one''s Soul Power is decided by birth with no chance of ever-increasing it, right?''


    Frandin nodded as he answered.


    ''Indeed. It is possible to improve one''s Soul Power. In fact, I did train my soul power several times during our travels, didn''t I?''


    ''You did?''


    Roan pondered for a bit and finally understood.


    ''Oh, I see. You are talking about the times when you used your Soul Power during battle.''


    Frandin confirmed.


    ''Correct. The more you use your Soul Power, the stronger it gets. Of course, it isn''t so simple as basically discharging your Soul Power. You need the right conditions for that. For example, those battles you had me go through, where I almost died several times, were perfect triggers to increase my Soul Power. My Soul Power had never improved so much before.''


    Of course, Frandin would prefer to not have to go through those experiences again. After all, what if he died? His Soul Power would be useless in that case. Still, something told him that Roan won''t let him off the hook any time soon.


    ''I understand. It''s pretty much like cultivation. We use battles to help stabilize the energy in our foundation after a breakthrough and keep the foundation sturdy during cultivation. The harder the conditions during fights, the bigger the extracted potential of each individual. Soul Power is very similar in this aspect.''


    Frandin agreed with Roan.


    ''That''s basically it. That''s why one''s Soul Power is measured by how strong it is at a certain age. It shows how much effort each Zasfin has put into training before trying to join a Celestial Land.''


    Roan then asked something else.


    ''The way you are saying it, it seems like even someone without background and an ordinary bloodline purity can make his or her way through.''


    Frandin nodded once more.


    ''That''s true. However, I won''t lie to you here. The purer your bloodline is, the more potential you can extract from those attempts to increase your Soul Power. In the end, talent is a big deal in our world. That''s why you rarely ever see ordinary Zasfins becoming anything in their lives. That''s because they have to put twice the effort to get half the result. Don''t underestimate the bloodlines'' powers.''


    Roan didn''t mind that.


    ''The world has never been fair, and it wouldn''t start now. First of all, fairness is something that intelligent lifeforms like us invented. Such a word doesn''t exist in nature.''


    Frandin couldn''t agree more with Roan''s words.


    ''Indeed.''


    Roan then asked something else.


    ''Now then. Is it possible to measure Soul Power in this city, or is it only possible in the Celestial Lands?''


    Frandin shook his head.


    ''Don''t worry. It can be measured almost anywhere. Only very small cities might not have a Soul Measurement Crystal. It''s something that you can buy at any Treasures Hall. Perhaps only small settlements like tribes wouldn''t have those for sale. However, it''s probably quite expensive, costing around 100 Rank Two Spirit Stones.''


    Roan''s interest was piqued.


    ''Soul Measurement Crystal? Is it similar to the Cultivation and Elemental Affinity Orbs?''


    Frandin looked back at Roan, puzzled.


    ''Do you call them Orbs? Well, we call them Crystals. Oh, well. It doesn''t matter. The Crystals used to measure ones'' Talent and Elemental Affinity are very similar. It''s just that it will calculate your Soul Power in numbers instead of colors.''


    Roan was quite satisfied by that. He definitely preferred to have some numbers to work with instead of colors.


    ''Are all Zasfins born with the same Soul Power?''


    ''No. This is another point where bloodline purity talks. Someone born within an Imperial Family would have a Soul Power several times stronger than a commoner. The commoner would need to train like there''s no tomorrow just to catch up to the Soul Power of newborn Imperial Babies. It''s not weird to find a fully grown adult Zasfin with a weaker Soul Power than them.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''From what you''re telling me, it seems like other than battling, one''s Soul Power also increases as they age.''


    Frandin confirmed.


    ''Correct. Even if a Zasfin never goes to battle, his or her Soul Power will still increase as time passes. Of course, it will never compare to someone who trained their Soul Power.''


    Roan had to admit that it made sense. Soul Power was the same as normal body growth for the Zasfins. One''s body got stronger as one grows, then so would Soul Power. When a person exercises, they would get a stronger body. The same logic applied for Soul Power.


    ''Alright. In that case, what would be considered the average bloodline power between ordinary Zasfins?''


    Frandin pondered for a bit before answering.


    ''I''m not entirely sure since I''ve never cared about it too much. However, my father once told me that my Soul Power was seven times stronger than an ordinary Zasfin baby when I was born. He told me that my total number was 73, so I guess an ordinary Zasfin''s Soul Power is measured around 10 or so points.''


    ''That''s good enough to work with. Now, you said you have a Rank Two Bloodline Mark, right? How much does it increase your Soul Power?''


    Frandin immediately replied.


    ''It increases my Soul Power by 20%. Don''t look down on this number, though. 20% makes a huge difference the higher your Soul Power becomes.''


    Of course, Roan agreed with Frandin. It was the same as their Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade. It only increases 5% at each level. However, it made a massive difference the longer time passed.


    ''Alright. I already memorized the contents of the alchemy books. Let''s go out and buy a Soul Measurement Crystal.''


    Frandin couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Why do you want it? Could it be you want to know how much I''ve improved since we started to travel?''


    Roan glanced at Frandin and remembered something.


    ''Now that you said that, I''m quite curious. How much Soul Power did you have before Rean captured you?''


    Frandin then showed a prideful expression before saying.


    ''Hehehe! Lo and behold, I had a total of 236 points!''


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    ''Is it a lot?''


    Frandin''s mouth twitched when he heard that question.


    ''Oh, right! You don''t know the standards of Soul Power in our world. I''m only 23 years old and already have 236. That''s a lot for someone of my age. For example, I was in 8th place back in Danve City between those at the age of 23. With my Bloodline Mark, I can even reach 283!''


    Roan nodded, not looking surprised at all.


    ''So be it. Let''s go out and find that Crystal.''


    Frandin couldn''t help but ask.


    ''You still didn''t tell me what you want to do with the Soul Measurement Crystal.''


    ''Isn''t that obvious? I want to measure my own Soul Power.''


    Frandin was taken aback.


    ''Your Soul Power? But humans don''t have Soul Power.''


    Roan glanced at him before asking.


    ''Have you ever seen a human testing their Soul Power?''


    ''This...''


    Frandin had to admit that he had never seen that before.


    ''Even if you have Soul Power, it will be useless if you can''t use it, no?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''I know. However, I do have a theory as to why humans can''t use Soul Power. First, let''s see if humans have any Soul Power whatsoever, then I can continue from there.''


    Roan was obviously very interested in Soul Power. After all, it could literally increase everyone''s combat abilities. He already checked Frandin''s power during their travel. Frandin was in the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. His cultivation technique paled in comparison to Calina, Malaka, Qia, or Agis'' techniques. Last but not least, his own combat ability and techniques are terrible.


    Usually, Frandin definitely shouldn''t be able to fight anyone with higher cultivation. However, with his Soul Power alone, he could fight a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator and at least stay alive against an Initial Stage Three Demon Beast. That''s how much Soul Power had helped him.


    Frandin shrugged his shoulders and thought it to be a meaningless effort. Still, that was not his problem, so he simply followed Roan.


    On their way out, Safran called Frandin, asking if he could meet Frandin''s master. Obviously, Frandin had to refuse the idea, much to Safran''s disappointment. Safran then had someone following Frandin and Roan to see if he could find something. However, if this kind of thing didn''t work with Rean, then let alone Roan. In just a few minutes, Roan and Frandin disappeared without a trace.


    Roan''s Spiritual Energy bending skill might not be as perfect as Rean''s. Still, he can totally make up for it with his own experience.


    Around an hour later, Frandin and Roan returned to the workshop where Rean was working. However, they didn''t enter the forgery. Instead, they took another free room to not bother Rean''s training.


    Frandin then took out the Soul Measurement Crystal that Roan had him buy.


    "Well, then. Tell me how to test my Soul Power."

 Chapter 573 - Bloodline Trial

    Frandin then explained.


    "The most precise tests are the ones where you use your Soul Power on the Crystal. However, you and babies obviously can''t do that, so we have to let the Soul Measurement Crystal''s power enter the body to check it directly. The only problem is that their results might have a 10 to 20% error margin."


    Roan didn''t mind as he said.


    "It''s fine. With an average power of 10 points, a 10 to 20% difference won''t mean much. How do I do that?"


    Fradin nodded before continuing.


    "Just touch your forehead on the Crystal and send in some Spiritual Energy. Usually, it''s the parents that send the Spiritual Energy. Well, you obviously don''t need your parents to use Spiritual Energy for you."


    Roan nodded as he touched the Soul Measurement Crystal with his forehead before sending his Spiritual Energy inside. As soon as he did that, the Crystal seemed to come to life as cool energy came from it and entered his head.


    Roan kept his guard up, just in case something went wrong. However, nothing bad happened in the end. After a few minutes, the cool energy came out of his forehead and entered the Crystal once again.


    "What now?"


    "Just keep providing it with Spiritual Energy. It will calculate the results and show them on the crystal surface in the form of numbers."


    Hearing that, Roan continued to provide the Soul Measurement Crystal with Spiritual Energy until finally, it began to show a number inside.


    -13-


    Frandin was surprised to see that.


    "Oh! So humans really have Soul Power! Well, too bad it''s way too weak to use."


    Roan wasn''t disappointed, though.


    "That''s fine. My only problem was in the case humans had no Soul Power whatsoever. However, it''s now more obvious than ever that Zasfins are a sub-species of humans. They changed in a way where their Soul Power became tangible. I''ve seen a similar thing before. A race evolved in a way where they had higher control over Spiritual Energy."


    Frandin was taken aback. Human sub-species? Obviously, it was hard for a Zasfin like him to accept that they had anything to do with humans.


    "What, don''t you believe me?"


    Frandin scratched the back of his head but didn''t deny that.


    "In that case, let me ask you. Can a human have children with Zasfins?"


    Frandin''s expression immediately froze when he heard that. This was a world where humans are slaves. That said, there was no lack of owners who forced themselves on their slaves. Of course, there were a lot more female humans who got pregnant in that way. However, there was also a small amount of female Zasfins who also got pregnant because of male humans.


    "No, it can''t be. It''s must be a coincidence."


    Roan snorted after seeing Frandin''s expression.


    "Hmph! It seems like you finally understood the issue. That''s right. If both races can procreate, it means they''re compatible with each other. It doesn''t matter how much your head refuses it. Both Humans and Zasfins'' bloodlines accept each other. It''s that simple."


    Roan then ignored that and went back to the main topic.


    "Forget that. From what I''ve seen, it seems like a human is also born with the same average Soul Power, 10. However, their Soul Power doesn''t increase as they get older. I''m already 24, but I''m still around the same number. Tell me one thing. How much Soul Power does an ordinary Zasf in need to manifest it outside their bodies?"


    Frandin then took a deep breath as he put those thoughts behind. It wouldn''t be of any use to think about whether Roan was right or wrong. Following that, he answered Roan''s question.


    "They''re able to do that once their Soul Power reaches 20 points. That usually happens around the age of 5 for those who were born with an ordinary talent. Of course, I told you I was born with 73 points, so I could use Soul Power from the moment I was born. It''s just that I have no memories from my early years."


    Roan was sure that humans were born with the same Soul Power as the ordinary Zasfins. However, he had to confirm that first. That said, he left the room for a moment before coming back with Malaka. Frandin, of course, was shocked to see that.


    ''How did he bring her into the city without my help?''


    Of course, Roan wouldn''t tell him that.


    "Alright, Malaka. Put this Crystal on your forehead and let it analyze your Soul Power."


    "Why would you need that?"


    "Don''t ask and just do it. I''ll let you free after that."


    Malaka nodded and did as Roan asked. Sometime later, her Soul Power showed on the Crystal as well.


    -11-


    Roan nodded, satisfied.


    "As I thought. Humans and ordinary Zasfin aren''t that different. You can go now, Malaka."


    Malaka didn''t understand much of what Roan was doing. Still, she left right after since she was still helping Rean.


    Frandin couldn''t help but ask.


    "Alright. I now understand that humans have some Soul Power. But then what? They can''t improve it past 20 points, so they will never be able to use it. Unless..."


    Roan faintly smiled as he nodded.


    "Exactly. If I get one of these bloodline marks of yours, I can force my Soul Power past 20 points. From that moment onwards, I can use it in my training, so it will naturally improve."


    Frandin thought that Roan was crazy.


    "Impossible! Even if this method can be used, you have a huge issue. You only have 13 points of Soul Power. Only a Bloodline Mark of rank 4 or above will allow you to do that."


    Roan looked at Frandin, puzzled.


    "Rank 4? I thought each rank increased Soul Power by 10%."


    Frandin shook his head as he said.


    "I''ve never said that each rank increased 10%. That''s something you thought yourself."


    Roan was even more satisfied now.


    "That''s good. It means I won''t need a Rank 6 Bloodline Mark to get what I want."


    Frandin''s mouth twitched in response.


    "Are you even listening to yourself? Have you forgotten what I told you before? You need to pass a Bloodline Trial to get the Mark. However, let alone you, not even my father would be able to enter a Rank 4 Bloodline Trial. He doesn''t have the rights to do so, let alone you."


    Roan shook his head.


    "It''s fine. I have a plan. However, there''s one thing I want to know. Are the Zasfins being monitored during the Trials?"


    Frandin shook his head as he replied.


    "My father said that they aren''t. The Bloodline Trial is an individual Trial targeted to the person only. Others don''t have the right to see it, including the Imperial Family. However, my father didn''t tell me what he found inside. It seems like one must keep it a secret. Don''t ask me why."


    Roan nodded as he was even more sure.


    "Also, is there a cultivation realm limit for the trials?"


    Frandin shook his head, responding.


    "My father said that there isn''t. The trial adapts to whoever enters it... or so he told me. After all, you never know what cultivation a Zasfin might have when trying it."


    Roan then connected his soul to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    ''Sister Orb, the Circuitry Teleport Formation is still working, right?''


    [Of course! I told you before, didn''t I? The benefits you got from the Soul Gem System are still active, including the Circuitry Teleport Formation. You just can''t get any upgrades at the moment. Of course, the Save Points of the Circuitry Teleport Formation needs Destiny Points to be put down. Obviously, you can''t do that either.]


    [Wait! Are you planning to teleport straight inside a Bloodline Trial?]


    Roan nodded.


    ''That''s the idea.''


    [No can do. Did you forget how the Circuitry Teleport Formation works when it doesn''t have a save point? It can only control the direction that you''re teleporting to. It''s not possible to control the location. You might as well appear in the middle of the Sky or several kilometers into the Earth.]


    ''I know. However, that''s enough. My idea is to go for trial and error. I''ll first see where a Rank Four Bloodline Trial can be found. Then I will calculate the distance based on the number of Spirit Stones we use to teleport. If I appear in the middle of the Sky on down the Earth, I can simply reenter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and return to Rean''s side somewhere else. After that, I can teleport once more.''


    [What if you''re discovered? Such an important place like a Rank 4 Bloodline Trial is bound to have many formations protecting its surroundings. Besides, even though Frandin said that the candidate can''t be seen, it''s not guaranteed. There might be Formations inside the trial itself that Frandin''s father and the others don''t know about. In either case, you would be discovered almost instantly.]


    Roan agreed with Sister Orb.


    ''I know. However, it wouldn''t be dangerous since I can retreat to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. It is worth a try. If the trial turns out to not have any monitoring, then I can attempt it without issues. If it does have some monitoring of some kind, I can run away.''


    [Sigh... fine. Do as you wish. However, I think you have another problem here.]


    ''What is it?''


    [This trial is aimed at Zasfins, right? Wouldn''t the trial test your Soul Power abilities? If you can''t use Soul Power, how will you pass the trial?]


    Roan smiled before saying.


    ''That''s the point here. If the trial really adapts to each candidate, I want to see what it will do to someone without enough Soul Power control. First of all, we don''t even know if it''s a Soul Power trial or not.''


    Sister Orb had to admit that Roan was right.


    [Well, so be it. Let me know when you want to try it.]

 Chapter 574 - Everyones Weapons

    Frandin, obviously, didn''t know that Roan was talking with Sister Orb, only that he went silent for a moment.


    "In any case, you won''t be able to get close to the trial sites."


    Roan then looked at him before nodding.


    "Alright."


    Roan wasn''t in the mood to discuss with him whether or not he could get there. Since Sister Orb confirmed that it was possible, it was enough for him. As mentioned before, the distance of the teleportation was decided by the rank of the Spirit Stone. Rank Two Spirit Stones can only be used for teleporting up to 300 kilometers. Above that, they would need Rank Three ones. However, 300 kilometers was more than enough, in Roan''s opinion.


    ''Soul Power... Let''s see how good this thing is.''


    Back inside the workshop, Rean continued to practice his blacksmithing. To be more specific, Rean didn''t have an issue in becoming an Earth Peak-Level Blacksmith. After all, his knowledge about forging was definitely leagues apart from any other blacksmith on this planet or in the old Sunkan.


    His only problem was his cultivation. To create Earth Peak-Level Equipment, he needed a lot of Spiritual Energy, and it had to be his own. It is not possible to use other''s Spiritual Energy since you can''t control it. Usually, you would need to be a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator to do that. However, the twins'' Spiritual Energy Pools had always been much bigger. Now that he was in the Peak of the Core Formation Realm, his Spiritual Pool was equivalent to a Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator.


    With that said, Rean only needed experience. Because he had never worked with Earth Peak-Level Materials before, he couldn''t make the weapons straight away. Nonetheless, his problems rapidly disappeared as he got to understand those materials better.


    *Bang, Bang, Bang...*


    Rean hammered the metal as he used both the workshop''s and the Soul Gem Realm''s tools to work. At the same time, he asked Qia to inject her Earth Element on the equipment. He didn''t have Earth Element Affinity, so he was doing the same thing as he did with Roan, using someone''s else element. As long as the Spiritual Energy was his, he could drive the element that Qia infused there.


    ''Hmm... It''s almost there. This armor won''t turn out to be Earth Peak-Level, but it''ll be very close. At least I know where I missed this time. The Duran Ore I mixed with Kalan Power didn''t mix as well as I thought when Earth Element was used. However, I can make up for it next time in the refinement process.''


    Just like that, the days passed, and soon, another week went by. During this time, Roan and Frandin went out again to buy Alchemy Materials. Roan might not be able to make Elemental Affinity Pills without Soul Power, but he can definitely do other types. That being said, he decided that he might as well breakthrough to the Earth Peak-Level Rank as an Alchemist.


    Roan''s issue was basically the same as Rean''s, the lack of Spiritual Energy due to his cultivation. Now that he was at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm, he had finally achieved the last requirement. In his case, Old Worm made sure to force all the knowledge necessary for the breakthrough into his head.


    Just like Rean, one week was all he needed to bring his pills up to the Earth Peak-Level. The only problem was the ability to buy the materials for Earth Peak-Level Pills. After all, Frandin was only at the Earth Low-Level.


    However, Safran thought that Frandin was buying the materials for his '' Master,'' so he allowed it to pass. Well, truth be told, Safran was right. Roan was Frandin''s Master... in a certain way.


    The only problem was that the amount of Earth Peak-Level herbs available in the Alchemist Guild was pitifully low. It''s not that Sunkan Planet had many of them, but this world definitely lacked it a lot more. As always, the problem was in the lack of Spiritual Energy and the cold environment.


    In any case, Roan was successful. Not only that, but Roan had Frandin bring his Earth Peak-Level pills back to the guild to trade for more Earth Peak-Level Materials. That only confirmed Safran''s suspicions that Frandin really had an amazing alchemist master.


    It would be one thing if the herbs were wasted. However, since Frandin did bring the pills back, Safran had no issues trading the completed product for their materials. Of course, the Alchemist Guild made sure that they obtained profit from these transactions.


    ---


    *Shzzzzz*


    Rean had a sword in his hand, which was being immersed in a Spiritual Liquid. That was the special combination that Rean came up with for his refinement process. As for the sword itself, he emanated a searing feeling that felt like it would catch on fire at any point.


    Agis, who was observing by the sidelines, couldn''t help but feel a little excited.


    It turned out that Rean decided that his sword would be the first Earth-Peak Level equipment he would make. So far, Agis had been using an Earth Middle-Level one given to him by his Master. It wasn''t a bad sword. At the very least, it was excellent if you considered other swords at the same level out there.


    However, compared to Rean''s special forging method that allowed one to absorb the surrounding elements with one''s weapon, his old sword was several times worse. Let alone the fact that this sword was at Earth Peak-Level instead of Earth Middle-Level. Rean was pretty sure that this sword would be able to rival a piece of Heaven Low-Level Equipment. It''s just that it couldn''t carry any weapon formation inscriptions due to the material level. Otherwise, he was sure that it would be even stronger.


    "Phew... It''s finally done. Let''s see... What shall be the name..."


    Agis had helped during the forging process with his Fire Element since Rean couldn''t use it. That being said, Rean smiled before passing the sword to him.


    "You go ahead and select a name. You will be the one using it, after all."


    Agis looked at his new sword and could feel just how much better it was than his old one. He wouldn''t care too much about names in the past, but he had to admit that such a masterpiece deserved a name.


    "How about... Flame Thrower?"


    Rean''s mouth twitched a little as he asked.


    "Where did you hear this name?"


    "I just came up with it?"


    Rean narrowed his eyes.


    "You came up with it? Are you sure that a certain orb didn''t give you a few ideas?"


    Agis looked away, pretending that he didn''t hear the last part.


    "Ahem... What''s wrong with Flame Thrower? It matches the sword''s ability perfectly. Once I infuse my Spiritual Energy inside, it gathers Fire Element. My Fire Element Skills combined with my Wind Element manipulation. Both would really be a sea of flames. Flame Thrower seems very cool."


    Rean scratched the back of his head. Sure, Flame Thrower was a cool name. It''s just that it was the name of a completely different weapon. Who would call a Sword a Flame Thrower? It was just too weird.


    Malaka and Calina, on the other hand, nodded at Agis.


    "It is indeed a good name."


    "I agree. I don''t see what Rean has to complain about it."


    Sure enough, none of them knew what a Flame Thrower was. However, Rean didn''t try to explain. Chances are that they will never see a real flamethrower in their lives, so he might as well leave it be.


    "Whatever. As long as you like it, then so be it."


    Rean then took it back from Agis to finish the last parts, like the handler, scabbard, and the engraving of his name. Yes, the engraving of his name was definitely the most important part of it... or so Rean thought.


    "Alright, it''s done."


    Agis didn''t like it very much to see Rean''s name there, but he didn''t complain. That''s because Rean also put the word ''Flame Thrower'' in much bigger letters, much to Agis'' satisfaction.


    Following that, Rean contacted Roan through their Soul Connection.


    ''I can already make Earth Peak-Level Equipment. Come to the workshop so that I can reforge our Swords.''


    Roan refused, though.


    ''I can''t right now. I''m working on a pill at the moment.''


    ''Pill? Which one?''


    ''What else could it be? A Cross-Realm Pill. We got a lot of those Masput Rocks back in the valley. Now that I''m at the Earth Peak-Level, I might as well make a few of them for Malaka, Calina, Qia, and Agis.''


    Only now did Rean remember the Masput Rocks in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Because they were forced to stay in the valley for so long, Rean''s group made sure to gather those rocks. Now they had quite a few of them since the Lakures didn''t seem to care about it.


    ''That''s good, then. In that case, I''ll make your sword first since I only need the Light Element for that.''


    ''Go ahead. I''ll let you know when I finish it here.''


    Rean then began to work on Roan and Malaka''s weapons. Of course, in Malaka''s case, he used the Goulan Ore he got in the auction to make the alloy for Malaka''s Staff.


    Malaka smiled when she noticed that her staff was able to gather even more Water Element than before.


    "I love it! Thank you, Rean!"


    Rean laughed.


    "It''s fine. Now, help me make Roan''s Sword."


    Rean then continued his work to improve everyone''s weapons.

 Chapter 575 - It Cant Be Helped

    A few days later, Roan came by the workshop and got his new White Star from Rean. Rean, of course, destroyed Roan''s previous White Star since it could gather Element on its own. As mentioned before, this was something Rean came up with. The other blacksmiths could copy Rean in this regard. In a planet like Culo, such a weapon would cause too much of a stir.


    After doing that, Rean had Roan help him with his own Black Star Sword. After all, Rean needed Dark Element for that. Just the Dark Element exchange between him and Roan wouldn''t be enough, nor as pure as Roan''s direct exchange.


    "Phew... I finally finished everything. Well, then. It''s time to make a few more Earth Peak-Level Equipment to get some Spirit Stones. These ones are going to be much easier to make, though."


    Agis couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why is that? Aren''t they the same?"


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    "No. They won''t have the Elemental Gathering ability that our weapons do. We might have a few big shots come after us if such a weapon appears in this world. I''d rather be safe than sorry."


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "That''s good. If you consider this world''s level, your Earth Peak-Level weapons will already catch a lot of attention even without the Elemental Gathering ability. Earth Peak-Level pieces of equipment were already rare back in Sunkan Planet, let alone here. Don''t put so many to sell at once. Just three or so will be enough."


    Rean nodded.


    "Alright."


    Roan then changed the topic.


    "I''m planning to go to one of the Rank Four Bloodline Trials of the Zasfin Race."


    Rean and the others were taken aback.


    "What will you do there?"


    Roan then explained his plans and the reason to do so.


    "Soul Power, huh? Now that you''ve said that, I found out that they also use it in their Equipment Formation Inscriptions and Runes."


    Qia knew where Rean was coming from.


    "Are you talking about that weird energy in the runes that we couldn''t identify?"


    Both Qia and Rean already took a good look at the robe that could gather Yin Energy. As mentioned before, the world''s environment made it possible to get Yin Energy from almost everywhere. Such a thing wasn''t possible in Sunkan since there were very few places with as much Yin Energy as this planet. However, that wasn''t the only reason why the runes and inscriptions on the robe could gather Yin Energy. There was some kind of energy different from anything Qia and Rean saw so far as Formation Masters.


    "Exactly. I compared it with Frandin''s Soul Power, so I''m pretty sure that''s the reason why the Robe worked so well. As you know, the level of the Formation Masters on this planet isn''t as good as Sunkan. At the very least, that''s what we could tell after analyzing the formations we saw until now. However, those formations could still make up for the lower quality of runes and less Spiritual Energy with the Soul Power alone."


    Qia agreed with Rean.


    "That''s true. It seems like Soul Power can be used in almost anything."


    Agis pondered for a bit before saying.


    "In that case, it should be possible to use it on my talismans. I haven''t gone out to check this world''s talismans yet. However, from what you''re telling me, chances are that they are also made in the same way."


    Roan was satisfied that everyone thought like that.


    "Good. In that case, we can leave for the nearest Rank Four Bloodline Trial after we finish the things in this city. According to the Jade Slip map that Rean brought before, there should be one three countries away from here. If we focus on traveling without stopping for anything, we should be able to arrive there in two months."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Isn''t it better to simply leave everyone inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and let me fly with Kentucky? These two months could definitely be cut by a lot. We might get there in less than a week if I fly there."


    Agis shook his head.


    "That''s not good. If we do that, we will lose the chance to train in the Demon Beast Regions along the way. The trial place won''t go anywhere, so there shouldn''t be a need for such hurry."


    Malaka playfully grinned at Agis as she commented.


    "You just want to test your Flame Thrower, don''t you?"


    Agis looked away, pretending he didn''t hear anything.


    "Ahem... I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    Malaka and the others laughed after seeing that. Well, except Roan, as always. Still, Roan agreed with Agis.


    "Agis is right. It will be a good experience to keep our two groups moving by foot and battling on the way. Besides, Agis isn''t the only one who needs to get used to his new weapon. Rean, Malaka, and I need the same thing."


    Everyone agreed with the plan and gave up on using Kentucky to fly there with Rean.


    Following that, Roan took out a few pill bottles and passed them to Malaka, Qia, Agis, and Calina.


    "What kind of pills are these?"


    "Earth Peak-Level Cross-Realm Pills. I finally had the chance to make them with the Masput Rocks we got from the Lakures'' valley back then. Use them once you decide to break through to the Core and Soul Fusion Realm."


    Obviously, they were shocked by that.


    "There are so many!"


    Roan nodded.


    "I made ten pills for each of you. Make sure to keep them safe. No, you might as well leave it in the Dimensional Realm for the time being. Those are all the pills I concocted, so you better be grateful. Also, I made them through the same method as the ones during the Alchemist Competition. It should be quite above average. Especially for Malaka and Calina, who have Yin Element Affinity."


    Calina nodded with a happy smile.


    "Of course! I don''t think anyone would not be grateful for that."


    Malaka then asked.


    "However, you said that these are all your pills. What about you and Rean?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "We don''t need it. As long as we follow the Soul Gem System''s Light and Dark Element Cultivation Technique, we will never fail a breakthrough... or so Sister Orb said."


    [Hmph! What do you mean by that? Have you ever failed before? Just follow the steps in the cultivation technique, and everything will be fine.]


    Sure enough, Sister Orb''s voice echoed on their minds.


    "Yes, yes... So be it."


    Roan then turned around and prepared to leave.


    "What will you do now that you finished the pills?"


    Roan stopped for a moment.


    "I''ll go out in the city with Agis to gather more information. You still have to make those weapons for sale, after all. Our cultivation only works if we cultivate together. Otherwise, it''s too slow. That being said, I better use my time on something else."


    Rean nodded, not minding it at all.


    "By the way, I''m planning to make a few armors for us. I still have the lightweight ores available for us."


    "Wouldn''t it hinder our movements? We are a lot more on the speedy side of combat rather than brute strength."


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    "I''m not making amour plates. Instead, I will make very thin chainmail. Qia has Earth Element Affinity, a very high one at that. With her help, I can forge quite a few good pieces to use under our clothes. There will be almost no difference. Besides, you never know when it might save your life."


    Qia was happy to hear that from Rean.


    Roan nodded in the end. As long as it didn''t impact their speed, that would be a good thing.


    Just as Roan was about to leave, Calina asked for his attention.


    "Wait, Roan. Can I go out with you? I already finished my cultivation for the day, so I want to take a look in the city."


    Roan pondered for a bit about his Spiritual Sense bending ability. He wasn''t as good as Rean with it. Still, he was confident that he could keep Spiritual Senses away from his and Calina''s Dantians. Of course, that was as long as the Spiritual Sense user''s cultivation wasn''t too high and they weren''t too close to them.


    "Fine. The more you and everyone know about this world, the better. Take the fake Binding Collars and come with me. Frandin is in the other room, waiting."


    Calina and the others were surprised by that. They didn''t think Roan would accept it. Of course, Calina was delighted that Roan did. Soon after, Roan, Calina, and Frandin left the building.


    Qia couldn''t help but feel a little jealous. She also wanted to go out with Rean.


    "Sigh... a single Frandin isn''t enough at all."


    Agis, who didn''t care about Qia''s feelings for Rean, still agreed with her on that.


    "That''s true. Shouldn''t we capture someone else to pretend to be our owner, just like Frandin?"


    Rean had to admit that they were right.


    "I was thinking about that as well. Our movement is too limited with a single Zasfin. I can cover all of us with my Spiritual Sense bending, so having two Zasfins to walk around with would be good since Roan can do that as well. Alright, perhaps we can kidnap someone else before leaving Kastran City."


    It was then that Rean felt something was off with his words.


    "Err... Do you guys feel like criminals? Or is it only me?"


    Somehow, Agis and Qia felt that too.


    "It can''t be helped... I guess?"

 Chapter 576 - Who Told You Can Touch?

    Roan arrived in the room where Frandin was waiting with Calina. As for Frandin, he couldn''t even bother to ask how their group appeared and disappeared every time.


    "Alright, we''re going to head out and gather some information about the Rank Four Bloodline Trial. You lead the way as before."


    Frandin was taken aback for a moment as he looked at Calina.


    "Are you sure you want to bring her together with us?"


    Roan nodded as he said.


    "Don''t worry, I can deal with this."


    Frandin insisted.


    "But it''s too dangerous."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he repeated himself with a hint of annoyance.


    "I said it''s fine. Stop wasting time, and let''s head out already."


    Roan was confident that he could hide Calina''s cultivation together with his own even though it wouldn''t be as good as Rean. However, Frandin didn''t ask that because of Roan and Calina''s cultivation.


    ''Is he trying to find problems on purpose in the city?''


    However, since Roan and Calina seemed to be pretty confident, Frandin didn''t say anything. Little did Roan know that hiding Calina''s cultivation was the least of his problems.


    Calina and Roan then put on the fake binding collars and went out with Frandin.


    "So, what do you want to do first?"


    Roan pondered for a bit.


    "You said that a Rank Four Bloodline Trial would be enough to bring my Soul Power above 20 points. Since that''s the case, it means each Bloodline Mark Rank increases the Soul Power more than 10% each level, right?"


    Frandin nodded as he explained.


    "Rank One gives a 10% boost, Rank Two gives a 20% boost, Rank Three gives 40%, Rank Four gives 70%..."


    Calina couldn''t help but ask.


    "Isn''t that a little too random?"


    Frandin agreed with her as he said.


    "It is. However, it''s not like I can do anything about it."


    Roan didn''t mind as he said.


    "It''s fine. 70% is more than enough. Now then. You''ve spent most of your time in Danve City before, so I guess you don''t know much about the defenses of the Bloodline Trials, right?"


    Frandin nodded, responding.


    "Exactly."


    Roan continued.


    "In that case, let''s go find a place where we can obtain this information. Do you have any place in mind?"


    "Of course. Bloodline Marks are a vital part of the Zasfin Race. As long as one shows he''s worth it, one will get a chance to participate. That said, most average and or bigger cities have offices that deal with it. You can receive a test there to see if you have what it takes. Of course, those who can pass those tests are extremely rare. For example, in my Danve City, only one person other than my father gained the right to participate in the trial, which was a woman named Sia. Well, she moved away a few years ago, though."


    Roan and Calina nodded in response, with Roan saying.


    "Alright. We can go there to ask more about the place."


    Frandin glanced at Calina for a moment but nodded his head in the end.


    "The office is always located in the city center, so we should be able to find it there."


    Just like that, they made their way to the city center. However, Roan and Calina soon noticed something weird. Every now and then, the Zasfins would look in their direction.


    Seeing that, Calina asked Roan through a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Could it be that they can see my cultivation?''


    Roan immediately shook his head.


    ''If someone with a Spiritual Sense strong enough appeared, I would have felt it with Rean''s skill. All these Zasfin are far from being strong enough to pass through the Spiritual Sense bending, though.''


    Calina found it even weirder after hearing that.


    ''Then, why are they all looking at us?''


    Roan nodded with his eyes. Sure enough, the number of Zasfins looking at them increased the closer they got to the city center. Eventually, Roan raised his hand and stopped Calina and Frandin.


    ''We''re surrounded.''


    Frandin didn''t seem surprised, though.


    ''Obviously.''


    Calina was taken aback as her expression turned dark.


    ''Did you expose our secrets?''


    Frandin wasn''t surprised when they got surrounded by the Zasfins. However, Calina''s words did shake him.


    ''Wait, what?! I didn''t say anything to anyone. What are you talking about?''


    Roan narrowed his eyes.


    ''Then, how come you seemed to be expecting this to happen?''


    Frandin began to break out in cold sweat before asking.


    ''Wait! I thought you said you could deal with it when you brought this girl with you.''


    Immediately, the three of them understood. They had interpreted the same sentence differently. Roan was thinking about their cultivation when he said that. But it was obvious that Frandin thought about something else.


    ''Quick, tell us why we are surrounded. A few of these Zasfin are already coming in our direction.''


    Calina couldn''t help but comment.


    ''Could it be because I''m a female?''


    Frandin nodded before saying.


    ''That''s why I asked if you wanted to bring her with you. The problem isn''t the fact that you''re female. However, it definitely contributed to this situation. The crux of this problem is your hair. Blond-haired humans are incredibly, stupendously rare, let alone one with such a vivid appearance like yours. You are what others consider expensive merchandise. Only those with a lot of power and very high cultivation would have a blond-haired female human as a slave.''


    Roan felt a headache coming his way.


    ''Why didn''t you say that before?''


    ''You were the one who said that you could deal with it.''


    ''I wasn''t talking about her hair.''


    ''But I was!''


    Calina immediately stopped the two.


    ''Enough. So what if they''re coming for us? I''m already using my collar, which should mean that I have an owner, right? Are they going to try to rob me away from you?''


    Roan agreed with her.


    ''Just tell them that Calina is not for sale.''


    Frandin bitterly smiled when he heard that. The guys approaching him obviously had both status and cultivation higher than his own. Would they accept his refusal that easily?


    "Hello there, friend. I''m Falin Umal, a brother of the City Lord. I see that you''ve got quite a nice pet over there."


    Frandin scratched the back of his head before saying.


    "Indeed, she is quite beautiful. That''s why my father gave her to me. I''m happy to hear that you agree with me. Hahaha!"


    Falin nodded with a smile.


    "Your father, huh? Would you mind telling me who he is?"


    Frandin immediately replied.


    "Of course. He''s Devou Zais, Danve City''s City Lord."


    Falin immediately had a puzzled expression on his face. Danve City? What city was that? He had never heard of it. Well, he couldn''t be blamed since Danve was a city from another country to start with.


    "Oh, is that so? Well, that doesn''t matter. Young one, how about you sell your pet to me?"


    Frandin immediately shook his head.


    "No can do. I haven''t nearly used her as much as I wanted yet. Do you think it''s easy to find a blonde like her out there? I believe even your brother might not have one as good as mine."


    Calina couldn''t help but feel disgusted by that conversation. Even though she knew that Frandin was doing that to keep up the ruse, it still infuriated her inside. If not because their cultivation had to be kept a secret, she would have sent their heads flying already.


    "Hahaha! Indeed, you''re right. My brother does have a blonde, but she''s already old and not even close to the quality of yours. However, I don''t think you have too much choice here. Look around. I''m not the only one interested in her. The only reason others didn''t step forward yet is that I happen to be here."


    Falin then put his hand on Frandin''s shoulder.


    "Trust me, you definitely want to sell her to me. Otherwise, it won''t be a problem about whether you wish to sell or not. You won''t even have the chance to obtain payment for her. I''ll be honest, you''re not very smart. This kind of merchandise shouldn''t be shown that easily."


    Frandin snorted in response.


    "So what? Are they going to attack me in the middle of the city? That goes against the City Lord''s rules. Or could it be that I''m wrong?"


    In fact, Frandin didn''t know very much about this country. He''s just risking that he might be right about this rule.


    Hearing those words made Falin''s expression turn dark.


    "Indeed, attacking anyone in the middle of the city is against the rules. However, I''m the city lord''s brother. Do you think I''m afraid of that rule? At most, I''ll be scolded by him. Besides, once he sees what I''ve got, he might even praise me instead as long as I don''t involve the others around."


    Falin then pressed on Frandin''s shoulder with the help of his Spiritual Energy. Falin was in the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm, so he wasn''t someone Frandin could contend against.


    "Last warning, idiot. Will you sell her to me, or do you want me to take her by force? Although I won''t kill you since I''m not sure about your background, I definitely don''t mind giving you a very painful beating."


    Frandin looked at Roan at that moment. However, Roan seemed to be as steady as a rock. It was as if the situation didn''t bother him at all.


    "Wh-What should I do?"


    Roan faintly smiled before saying.


    "Not for sale."


    Frandin let out more sweat as the pain on his shoulder increased. However, Roan had Frandin''s life in his hands because of the poison pill. In the end, Frandin could only grit his teeth and blurt out.


    "Fuck you, old pervert. Who the hell would follow your wishes?"


    *Bang!*


    With that said, Frandin instantly received a punch, which sent him flying while coughing up blood. Sure enough, he had no chance to even defend himself.


    "Hmph! Don''t know what''s good for yourself."


    Falin then moved to take Calina away with him. Calina, obviously, wouldn''t just let him do as he wished that easily. However, just as Falin''s hand was about to touch her, a voice echoed in his ears.


    "Who said you can touch my Calina?"


    *Swish!*


    In the next second, everyone saw an arm flying in the air. At the same time, Roan held a bloodied white sword. In an instant, everyone''s faces froze.

 Chapter 577 - My Calina!

    *Ahhhhh!*


    Falin shrieked in pain as he fell to the ground. Obviously, Roan''s actions shocked everyone present. No one ever thought that a human would attack a Zasfin, especially one with such a high status like Falin.


    Soon after, Falin looked at his fallen arm. Obviously, rage and despair filled his mind. Not long after, he looked at his subordinates by the side and immediately ordered.


    "Kill this little shit! I don''t care anymore! I want all of them dead!"


    Roan snorted and immediately released his Spiritual Sense Bending Skill, showing his and Calina''s cultivation to everyone present.


    "Peak Core Formation Realm!"


    "Both of them!"


    "How can such young humans have this kind of cultivation?!"


    Even Falin''s subordinates, who were just about to act, stopped in their tracks. Their cultivation was smaller than Falin to start with, so they would basically throwing themselves at death''s door if they haphazardly attacked.


    Seeing how no one moved, Roan coldly laughed as he pointed his sword towards Falin''s neck. Falin, of course, didn''t dare to move. He was struck by fear now that he saw how much stronger both of these humans were than him.


    "Now then. What should I do with you? You put me in an incredibly shitty mood, which is not a good thing for you."


    Falin then felt a mix of humiliation and killing intent. However, his fear of dying was still the greatest. At the very least, no one around them was Roan''s match. He would need to wait for reinforcement from the City Lord''s state before anything else.


    "Wa-Wait! You''re not really that guy''s property, right? You''re most likely here on his father''s orders. Let me talk to him. I''m sure we can reach an agreement."


    Roan then looked at Frandin.


    "Young Master, please come here."


    Frandin, who could barely move, gritted his teeth and approached Roan. Seeing that, Roan then said.


    "This piece of shit is right. She and I are your father''s property, not yours. However, we are under your command at the moment, so it''s up to you to decide this guy''s destiny."


    Frandin felt like crying. What property? If anything, I''m your property, okay? Why are you throwing all the blame over me? ... or so Frandin wanted to say.


    In the end, Frandin had to keep up the ruse whether he wanted it or not.


    "How dare you talk to me like that? I''ll tell my father to thoroughly punish you when we''re back. However, leave that aside for now."


    Frandin then looked at Falin, who had the sword near his throat.


    "How do you want to compensate me for this damage? You better have a very good excuse."


    Falin let out cold sweat while looking at Roan. Even the pain of his fallen arm was sent to the back of his mind. At the moment, survival was his first priority.


    "I-I''ll pay for you to let me go. I have a lot of Spirit Stones with me."


    Frandin then asked Roan if that was enough. Roan pondered about it for a bit and confirmed. They wouldn''t be able to stay in this place for long before reinforcements arrived, so it was better to end things quickly.


    "Alright, give me all your Spirit Stones."


    Falin immediately looked at his subordinates, who understood his non-verbal message before passing Frandin the Spirit Stones they were carrying for Falin.


    Frandin couldn''t help but let out a long breath.


    ''Seems like he''s a big shot. There are at least a thousand Rank Two Spirit Stones here.''


    While he verified that, Roan touched his shoulder and used Rean''s Instant Recovery Skill to heal his bones and other internal injuries.


    ''Roan, is that enough?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Yes. Let''s leave this place.''


    Frandin then looked at Falin before snorting.


    "Aren''t you a rich old geezer? Very well. I''ll take your Spirit Stones and arm as an apology for now. However, the next time I see you, you better run far away. Otherwise, even your brother won''t be able to save your life. Scram!"


    Falin immediately got up and ran away with his people. He didn''t even dare look back. Of course, as soon as he got far enough, rage overcame his mind as he ordered his subordinates.


    "Immediately have the City Lord State Guards come out. I want them dead, DEAD! No, kill the two men and leave the blonde to me."


    Immediately, one of the guys rushed ahead to ask for reinforcements. The city center had many guards of the City Lord''s State. However, none of them would be able to do anything to Roan and Calina with their cultivation. They needed to bring out the Core and Soul Fusion Realm experts that stayed close to the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Back on Roan''s side, he immediately ordered with a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Let''s leave this place quickly. None of the guys around will try and block us, but it won''t take long before someone strong enough appears to block our way.''


    Frandin nodded and followed Roan. However, Calina was completely absent-minded at the moment. It was as if she couldn''t hear anything they said, nor did she pay attention to all the negotiation. Well, she couldn''t be blamed for that. After all, her mind had only one scene playing back and forth.


    Who said you could touch my Calina...


    You could touch my Calina...


    Touch my Calina...


    MY CALINA!!!


    Calina''s face was so red that the cold environment made it possible to see some steam coming out.


    Roan then touched her shoulder, which immediately made her come back to herself.


    ''What the hell are you waiting for? Let''s go!''


    Before she could react, Roan grabbed her hand and pulled her away. Obviously, that action made her head spin once again. She had never walked holding hands with Roan before. As for whatever was happening around her, she didn''t have the mind to process it anymore.


    No one tried to block Roan''s group, afraid that they would be cut into pieces by him. Roan then pulled Frandin and Calina into a corner. After that, he activated Rean''s Spiritual Bending Skill and used the Light Element to change their appearances once again. Just like that, Roan''s group disappeared into thin air by the time the City Lord''s state elders arrived.

 Chapter 578 - Falling For The Trap

    It didn''t take long for Roan''s group to return to the Blacksmith Workshop. This time, Calina''s hair was white due to Rean''s appearance-changing skill that used the Light Element. Not only that, her face and body structure were also different. The same could be said for both Roan and Frandin. Thanks to that, they avoided anyone''s attention as they made their way back.


    Roan then looked at Frandin with a dark expression.


    "How should I punish you?"


    Frandin felt like crying already.


    "That was your fault, not mine. I insisted on not bringing her with us, didn''t I?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes after hearing that. Obviously, both of them had interpreted things differently when they talked about Calina coming out with them.


    "Sigh... forget it. Next time, be more clear about these kinds of things. How was I supposed to know that blond hair is rare in this place?"


    Frandin sighed in relief as he nodded.


    "Fine. I thought you knew about that already. After all, you should have noticed that there wasn''t a single blond-haired slave between all the human slaves we saw so far."


    Roan had to admit that Frandin was right. That was a mistake on his part.


    "Anyway, let''s go out once more. We still need to obtain information regarding the Bloodline Trials. This time, it will be only you and me while I keep our appearances changed. Calina, you stay here with Rean and the others. Even though your appearance is different now, someone might stop us since Falin''s group should be looking for a group of three."


    Calina, who was still absent-minded, woke up once again. Obviously, the ''My Calina'' incident was still all over her head.


    "Eh?! Oh! Yeah... Sure."


    However, just as Roan and Frandin were about to leave, Calina came back to herself and immediately stopped them.


    "Wait a second!"


    Roan and Frandin looked back at Calina, puzzlement on their faces.


    "What is it?"


    Seeing Roan''s indifferent expression made Calina wonder whether she heard those words correctly or not.


    "What do you mean by that? Can you repeat what you said when the Falin guy tried to take me as his own?"


    Roan then avoided her eyes as he responded with a question of his own.


    "What are you talking about?"


    Calina was taken aback by that. It was the first time she had ever seen Roan acting like that.


    "I''m obviously talking about the ''who said you could touch my... my... my... touch my...''"


    The more she thought about it, the harder it became for her to repeat Roan''s words.


    Roan then took that change to turn around.


    "Well, it seems like you don''t remember it as well. Frandin, let''s go."


    Frandin didn''t know what to say about that situation.


    ''Are these two idiots?''


    Still, he had to follow Roan''s orders.


    Calina really felt like an idiot.


    ''Why are you hesitating right now? Didn''t you jump naked right in front of him in the past? Get a hold of yourself, Calina!''


    Eventually, she gritted her teeth and grabbed Roan''s arm before he could leave.


    "I''m talking about when you said ''My Calina!''"


    Roan trembled a bit but immediately came back to himself as he responded indifferently.


    "My Calina? What are you talking about? I''ve never said anything like that."


    Hearing that, Calina felt her blood boil in rage.


    "Like hell, you didn''t! Do you think I''m deaf? You said that! You definitely, 100% sure, said that!"


    Roan kept up his farce as he said.


    "You''re imagining things."


    Calina snorted in response as she uttered in response.


    "Oh, is that so? Then, let''s ask our witness."


    Calina then looked at Frandin, who didn''t want to have anything to do with the actual situation, before asking.


    "Back then, Roan said, ''Who said you can touch my Calina?'' didn''t he?"


    Frandin was just about to nod when out of nowhere, he felt a cold aura coming from his side. When Frandin looked over, he could swear that he saw death staring at him. Roan''s Dark Element was faintly coming out of his body, making Frandin feel like he plunged into a frozen lake.


    ''I''ll die if I agree with her.''


    Frandin bitterly smiled as he looked away before speaking.


    "Ahem... I didn''t hear anything."


    Calina almost vomited blood. Even a kid would be able to tell that Frandin was blatantly lying!


    "Fuck you! You''re just afraid of Roan."


    Frandin then looked outside the window.


    "Look, it''s such a nice day outside."


    Calina was fuming as she shouted.


    "Nice day, your head! There''s a fucking snowstorm outside the City''s protection formation! How the hell do you think that''s a nice day?"


    Calina then looked at Roan and said.


    "I did not hear wrongly. You definitely said that."


    Roan, who was satisfied with Frandin''s answer, shrugged his shoulders, responding.


    "I really don''t know what you''re talking about. Anyway, we''re losing time here. Let''s go, Frandin."


    Roan didn''t even give Calina a chance to answer.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement.''


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps.''


    As fast as lightning, Roan grabbed Frandin''s arm and disappeared from the room. Calina was then left there, stomping her feet on the ground in anger.


    "You just wait!"


    Without any other choice, she returned to the forging room where Rean worked on his weapons while Malaka, Qia, and Agis helped. Malaka and Calina had been friends for many years already. With that said, as soon as Calina arrived, Malaka noticed the difference in her behavior.


    "Hey, hey, hey! Calina, what is it? How come you look so angry... no, there''s anger there, but I can feel that you''re also satisfied."


    Rean and the others'' attention were immediately piqued. Calina''s face turned bright red once again after hearing Malaka''s words.


    "Couldn''t you just stay quiet?"


    Rean, of course, wouldn''t let it pass that easily.


    "Oh! It seems like Roan finally made the first move."


    Calina was taken aback by Rean''s words.


    "How did you know?!"


    Rean grinned as the others were taken aback.


    In an instant, she fell for Rean''s trap. Rean didn''t know anything whatsoever. He just threw those words out to see what reaction she would show him. However, Rean didn''t expect it to work so well.


    "Wait! He really made a move?!"


    Qia and Malaka quickly pulled Calina to their side.


    "Speak, speak! What did he do?!"


    Calina didn''t know whether to laugh or cry anymore.

 Chapter 579 - Thats True

    Rean felt he had heard wrongly.


    "Wait! Did he really say... My Calina?"


    Calina slightly nodded in response.


    However, everyone looked at Calina with weird expressions.


    "That couldn''t be true, right?"


    "I can''t see that happening either."


    "Calina, could it be that you were so desperate that you started dreaming while awake?"


    Calina immediately went from a state of embarrassment to extreme infuriation once again.


    "Fuck you! Why would I lie about something like this? I''ve been in this bland situation for over a decade already."


    Qia and Malaka looked at each other before saying.


    "That''s because you''ve gotten no reaction for so long that we thought you heard things wrongly."


    Rean agreed with the girls.


    "Frandin did say he didn''t hear anything, didn''t he?"


    Calina immediately retorted.


    "He said that because Roan threatened him."


    Calina then explained how Roan and Frandin reacted once she asked them directly. Sure enough, none of them could imagine Roan avoiding someone''s eyes. Not to mention that Frandin''s behavior when he refused to admit it was obviously because of coercion.


    "I thought the ice block had no feelings..."


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    "That''s not true. Although he is a frozen ice block, there''s a bit of melting here and there when it comes to our parents or our sister. Well, he wasn''t the type to show that."


    Malaka had to admit that it was true.


    "Hmm... In that case, what should we do now?"


    Qia immediately proclaimed.


    "What else? We should help Calina, of course! From the looks of it, there''s light at the end of the tunnel. Let''s help her pass through it."


    Agis, who had been listening by the sides so far, shook his head as he said.


    "I don''t know Roan as well as you do, but I don''t think that breaking through his barrier will be that easy."


    Rean was surprised to hear those words.


    "That''s unexpected. I didn''t think you would want to help as well."


    Agis was taken aback for a moment before he looked away.


    "I never said I wanted to help... but I am quite curious as to how the ice block will react."


    Well, no one could blame Agis for that. Roan''s ice-cold face was something that everyone was used to already. Everyone was interested in seeing it change, even if just a little.


    However, there was one person that didn''t like the course of this conversation. Obviously, it was Calina.


    "Wh-what are you planning to do? No, forget it. Don''t do anything, please!"


    She already fell for Rean and Malaka''s schemes before, so she didn''t want that to happen again.


    "What are you talking about? We''re obviously putting all our effort into it!"


    Calina still insisted.


    "All you wanted to do was to play with me."


    Malaka and Rean nodded.


    "That''s true."


    Calina almost exploded from rage in response. They didn''t even bother denying her words.


    Rean then smiled before continuing.


    "However, now it''s different. Back then, we were sure that the ice block wouldn''t show any reactions. When you jumped naked in front of Roan in the river together with Luina, you should have seen that his dragon down there had no responses."


    Qia and Agis were shocked to hear that, especially Qia. One must remember that both Calina and Qia were members of the Sasamil Imperial Family. She didn''t expect Calina would go as far as getting naked in front of Roan just like that.


    "Calina, did you really do that?"


    Calina''s face changed between red and purple with anger and embarrassment as she shouted in rage.


    "Rean and Malaka tricked me!"


    Agis then asked.


    "Is the Luina you''re talking about the Lagan Sect Master''s daughter?"


    Rean and Malaka nodded, with Rean saying.


    "The one and the same."


    Qia didn''t care too much about the Lagan Sect since she was part of the Imperial Family. However, for the people in Dalamu Sect like Agis, the Lagan Sect was very important. After all, they were one of the top five sects at that time.


    "I can''t believe it."


    "Believe what? Do you think we''re lying about Luina''s presence?"


    Agis shook his head.


    "No, that''s not it. I''ve seen Luina once when I went with my Master to visit the Lagan Sect. My Master was friends with one of their Core Elders."


    Agis then continued.


    "Luina was definitely a beauty. Calina, without a doubt, also has a sexy body. However, how could Roan have no reaction whatsoever when seeing both girls naked? Calina, are you sure you looked at his penis correctly?"


    Calina felt like dying already. Even Qia felt somewhat embarrassed by that question. As for Malaka, she had seen Rean and Roan naked way too many times, and the same went vice versa. For her, it didn''t matter anymore since they consider themselves like siblings.


    "Is that the kind of question that you ask a princess?"


    Rean and Agis looked at each other before shrugging their shoulders.


    "So you didn''t look at it?"


    "This..."


    Calina went silent for a moment before slightly nodding her head.


    "I... did. There! Happy now? His... you know what didn''t get up at all. It was as if Luina and I weren''t there to start with."


    Rean and Malaka then laughed out loud, which reminded Calina of one thing.


    "Fuck you! You were there as well, so you obviously know. Why must you force me to say such things?"


    Malaka then hugged Calina.


    "Sorry, sorry. Rean and I just can''t help but tease you a little. The only moment you don''t act like a super-smart girl is when we''re talking about Roan, after all."


    Calina then dropped her head helplessly.


    Qia then shrugged her shoulders before patting Calina''s head.


    "Just ignore those two. The fact that I will definitely help you with it still stands. Don''t worry, I''m not doing it for fun like those two. I legitimately want to help you."


    Rean and Malaka nodded.


    "Of course, we also want to help you. It''s just that we will have fun during it."


    "You two can go to hell! Your wish to tease me is definitely much more important than your wish to help."


    Rean and Malaka nodded once more.


    "Exactly."


    Agis and Qia couldn''t help but feel some pity for Calina. Was that how they treated her all this time?


    While that was happening, Roan and Frandin had finally arrived at the Bloodline Trials Office in the city center.

 Chapter 580 - Lets Leave

    Inside the office, Frandin went to the counter where he could ask for information. However, this time, he acted very politely, not bringing out his prideful self into the open at all. The Bloodline Trials were the backbone of each Empire, so no one dared to cause problems when it came to it.


    On the counter, the female Zasfin looked at Frandin without even looking at Roan.


    "How can I help you?"


    Frandin then bowed.


    "Hi. I would like to know the procedures to go through a Bloodline Trial. To be more specific, what kind of security measures I should pay attention to when trying it out."


    The attendant nodded in response before explaining.


    "To gain the right to participate, you first need to go through our test. There isn''t much of a point in telling you about the security procedures before you can even pass that."


    Frandin nodded before he took a deep breath and activated his own Bloodline Mark.


    "Hmm? You have a Rank Two Bloodline Mark already? Could it be that you intend to apply for a promotion?"


    Frandin nodded as he replied.


    "Yes. I would like to try out a Rank Four Bloodline Trial."


    The attendant was taken aback.


    "Rank Four? Not Rank Three? You do know that the requirements to even gain the rights to try it out are very harsh, right?"


    "Yes. I''m aware of that. However, before getting the test, I want to know what I should pay attention to so that I can prepare myself for the previous test. I know I first need to pass the office''s test before going through the trial, after all."


    The attendant nodded as she explained.


    "That''s correct. You''ll need to reach a certain amount of Soul Power before you can even go there. Very well. There''s no problem in telling you since you already have a Rank Two Mark."


    The attendant found it weird that they would ask for security procedures. That wasn''t normal. She also noticed that Roan... didn''t seem as submissive as a human would usually react. He looked straight at her as if he was on equal standing. That bothered her a little, but she thought it to be underneath her status to bother with a human. In the end, she simply continued to give Frandin the information.


    "As the bloodline trials'' ranks increase, so does the security and rareness of the trials grounds. After all, no Empire wants to give the chances for their enemies to destroy it. If you pass the Soul Power test, we will then do a full background check on you. You''ll also need the support of at least one person with the Bloodline Mark Rank you want to try the trial for.  You said you wanted to try a Rank Four Bloodline Trial, so your supporter has to have a Rank Four Bloodline Mark."


    "The 100 kilometers around the Bloodline Trials are fully guarded. Because of that, you need to make sure to never leave your supporter''s side. He will accompany you during the entire process, only leaving your side when you enter the trial itself. If anything wrong happens during your test, your supporter will be held responsible."


    "Don''t try anything funny around there, or you might get killed without being given a chance to explain."


    "Of course, if you have a high enough nobility rank, you can jump all these steps and try the bloodline trial straight away. However, I doubt someone like that would come here to ask for information."


    Frandin took a deep breath after hearing all of that. She wasn''t even talking about the prerequisites to take the test, just the procedures. Still, they were already that harsh.


    ''Well, I don''t have the necessary Soul Power to try a Rank Four Bloodline Trial anyway.''


    Roan, who had just been listening by the sides, was satisfied with the explanation, though.


    ''That''s enough. Tell her that you aren''t ready yet, and let''s head back.''


    Frandin nodded.


    "Thank you for the information, miss. I think I know how to go around now. I''ll be back once I''m ready for it. By the way, how much Soul Power do I need to take the Rank Four Bloodline Trial?"


    The attendant nodded before asking.


    "As you know, that depends on your age. How old are you?"


    "I''m 23."


    "Very well, you will need 310 Soul Power Strength without your Bloodline Mark''s help to take this trial."


    Frandin bitterly smiled after hearing that.


    ''Holy shit! 310! I''m not even close to that even when I activate my Bloodline Mark, let alone without it. I don''t want to even imagine how much I would need to try a higher rank.''


    After that, Roan and Frandin left the Bloodline Office.


    "Was that enough?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Yes. Let''s go back to the workshop."


    While Roan and Frandin were in the Bloodline Trials Office, a storm was brewing in the city. The information about Roan and Calina''s cultivation quickly spread. Not to mention that Roan had cut Falin''s arm. The City Lord was enraged by that and sent all his subordinates out to look for Roan''s group.


    There were even pictures of how Roan, Frandin, and Calina looked. Of course, cutting Falin''s arm caught a lot of attention. However, what the others were really interested in were Calina and her blond hair. Some of the powers within the city also dispatched their subordinates in the hopes of finding her. Not only was Calina blond, but she was also young and had high cultivation. She was the perfect female human slave that everyone desired. It wasn''t only men, though. Even the powerful Zasfin women in the city wanted her on their side as a way of showing their status.


    However, everyone knew Roan and Calina''s cultivation now. That being said, only those at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm would have some hope of capturing them. Still, the lower level Zasfin also had a reason to look for them.


    On their way back, Roan and Frandin saw the posters with their faces being put everywhere. Sure enough, there was a reward for the information. The City Lord and the influential cultivators in the city were all offering their own bounties for anyone who had any information on them. That being said, it was still worth it for the weaker ones to go out and see if they were lucky.


    Of course, Roan and Frandin had a completely different appearance at the moment.


    Roan narrowed his eyes after seeing that, though.


    ''Let''s leave the city.''

 Chapter 581 - Found Out

    Frandin was taken aback by Roan''s words.


    "Uh? Leave the city? Are you not going back to talk with Rean and the others?"


    Roan shook his head as he hastily said.


    "There''s no need. Let''s go!"


    Frandin didn''t understand but nodded nonetheless.


    At the same time, Roan sent Rean a message through their Soul Connection, explaining the situation.


    ''I see... In that case, there''s a good chance that our rented workshop will be checked as well.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Yes. It seems like this City Lord is going all out to find where we are. If I''m not wrong, the city gates are probably closed already. However, this size of the wall is quite easy to pass over.''


    Rean agreed with Roan.


    ''Do you need me to leave as well?''


    ''No. You can stay there and keep working. Just make sure to keep your Spiritual Sense bending skill active. If someone with a strong enough Spiritual Sense passes through the workshop''s anti-Spiritual Sense Formation, you can just bring everyone into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. After that, just teleport to my location. I already got the information I wanted anyway. As for the equipment you were planning to sell in this city''s auction house, just do that in the next one.''


    Rean didn''t mind.


    ''It''s fine. We still have a few Rank Two Spirit Stones. Even if we run out of them, it''s not like we can''t cultivate with the normal Spiritual Energy.''


    With that said, Roan moved to the city gate with Frandin. However, Frandin quickly noticed that it had been closed.


    "It seems like we really pissed off that City Lord, huh?"


    Roan nodded.


    "It''s fine. Let''s not get close there. Even though our appearances have changed and we''re only a pair, I can''t guarantee that we won''t be questioned. Come with me. We''re going to jump the city''s wall."


    Frandin nodded. Usually, doing such a thing would have you spotted straight away by the guards on the walls. However, Frandin already knew about Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense bending skills. That being said, they would be able to do that without alerting anyone. However, he noticed a problem.


    "Wait. What about the Protection Formation of the City? Although it''s only good enough to fend off the weather outside, we would still be found if we break through it, no?"


    Roan faintly smiled.


    "So what if they noticed that we broke through the Protection Formation? By the time someone strong enough to stop me appears there, we would have been long gone."


    "If you say..."


    Roan and Frandin then moved to an area where there wasn''t much movement on the walls. Without anyone looking, Roan used Rean''s camouflage skill, which made the two of them disappear from normal sight. The two of them quickly jumped on the wall after that, however...


    ''Shit!''


    *Bang!*


    Out of nowhere, Roan sent Frandin flying with a kick, using its counterforce to leave his position as well.


    *Boom!*


    In the very next second, an explosion of Spiritual Energy came from there as the elements rampaged.


    Roan then landed a few meters away, unscathed. However, his expression didn''t show any signs of happiness as the camouflage skill disappeared.


    "Oh! He dodged!"


    Suddenly, three Zasfin cultivators appeared on both sides at the top of the wall. On the right, a Late Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator was holding a spear. There were two more cultivators on the left, one with a sword and another without any weapon, both at the Initial Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm.


    "Truly impressive. It''s the first time in my life seeing such a strong human, let alone one that looks so young. It makes me feel quite jealous to see such a thing while I''m already this old. I wonder how much effort his owner put into bringing him to this level. Don''t you think, Luvia?"


    The guy then looked at the woman by his side.


    "That''s true. Why would someone waste so many resources on this inferior race? Anyway, Ermio, don''t kill him. We still need to find the blonde girl."


    The right guy then smiled at Roan.


    "Human, I''m Roce Troshi. Tell me. Where''s your owner? Don''t tell me that weakling down there is him because we''re not idiots. Anyone able to train their human to your level can''t be so weak. The City Lord is fuming, wishing to kill the one who cut his brother''s arm. However, depending on who your owner is, you might still leave this place alive."


    Roan then took a deep breath before faintly smiling.


    "It has been a long time since I had some fun against something else other than demon beasts."


    Right after, a sword as white as snow appeared on Roan''s hands. Naturally, it was Roan''s new White Star that Rean made for him. He then pointed it at Roce, who was the Late Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator.


    "I hope you can entertain me more than those two pieces of trash on the other side."


    Roce, Ermio, and Luvia were taken aback by Roan''s words. That was also the first time they heard a human talking like that with them. Of course, Luvia and Ermio were even more angered than Roce since they were called trash.


    "I don''t care who your owner is! Any human who defies the Zasfin Race deserves death!"


    "Let me see how you deal with this! There''s no escape for you anymore!"


    In an instant, Ermio flashed forward with his sword as Wind Element gathered around him. At the same time, Water and Lightning Element gathered in Luvia''s hand. As for Roce, he thought that there was no need to intervene now that those two acted. After all, Roan''s cultivation was still in the Core Formation Realm. He just focused on Roan to make sure he wouldn''t run away.


    ''Extreme Wing Flash!''


    ''Lightning Water Blades!''


    Ermio''s speed had dramatically increased as the Wind Element carried his sword towards Roan''s neck. Luvia''s Lightning Water Blades were even faster thanks to the Lightning Element imbued in them. Her blades appeared by Ermio''s side, trying to close any escape route for Roan.


    However, Roan snorted when he saw those attacks.


    "Escape? Oh, right! There''s an escape route... right in front of me!"

 Chapter 582 - Fun Time Is Over

    Roan''s hair changed into a mix of black and white before he attacked. Escape? Such word didn''t pass through his mind even for a second. At least, not against an opponent of this level.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps!''


    In a blink of an eye, Roan disappeared from his position. Even Roce had some difficulty following Roan''s trace.


    Not good!


    "Ermio, dodge!"


    Unfortunately, that was too late.


    ''Death World!''


    In an instant, Ermio''s vision went black, leaving him only his Spiritual Sense to rely on. However, the chance was too abrupt for him to react in time.


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    Ermio was frightened as he saw Roan''s sword coming at him at breakneck speeds. It was simply much faster than his own attack. That being said, Ermio immediately gave up his attack and raised his blade, trying to block that flash of black and white light.


    Usually, Roan would be able to avoid Ermio''s blade due to his higher speed. However, Roan didn''t wish to do so. He wanted to test Rean''s new sword, and the best way was to clash it against another weapon.


    *Swish!*


    Ermio''s face went pale as he saw his Earth High-Level Sword cut in half.


    ''What kind of weapon is that?!''


    Unfortunately for Ermio, that was his last thought before being cleaved in half together with his sword. However, the Crescent Moon was an area attack, so it didn''t stop there as the flash of black and white light went straight for Luvia on the back.


    ''Impossible!''


    Luvia had more time to react, though. She immediately gathered her Lightning Element and used her movement skill to dodge... or so she tried.


    ''Death Style, First Energy Form, Shadow Bind!''


    Immediately, several shadow vines came out of her own shadow, locking her body in place.


    "What?!"


    Shadow Bind wouldn''t be enough to hold a cultivator of Luvia''s level down. She only had to use her Spiritual Energy and blast the vines away. That''s how weak they were. However, she needed time to do that. That was exactly the amount of time Roan''s attack took to reach her body.


    Luvia saw how Roan''s attack cleaved through both sword and Ermio''s body. There was no way she would be able to defend against that. All she could do was gather as much Spiritual Energy as possible to create a Spiritual Energy barrier, trying to block Roan''s attack. Of course, that would be far from enough.


    However, just as the Crescent Moon was about to cleave Luvia in half...


    *Kabrum!*


    A spear came down from the skies, cleaving through the Black and White Energy and ultimately stopping Roan''s White Star in its tracks. Light and Dark Element clashed with each other before an explosion of Spiritual and Elemental Energy come from the point of contact, forcing Roan to jump back.


    A man then fell in front of the Lightning Spear and took it from the ground before looking at Roan. In an instant, Roan noticed the Bloodline Mark on his head, which seemed different from Frandin''s mark.


    "Human, you dare ignore my presence."


    It turned out that it was Roce who had appeared. Roan then narrowed his eyes as he looked at his trembling hands.


    ''This guy also infuses his attacks with Soul Power. Back in Sunkan, that level of Elemental Power wouldn''t have held Rean''s sword back, especially since I''m using both his and my elements together. It''s impressive that although the Zasfins are weaker when it comes to Spiritual Energy and techniques alone, their Soul Power more than makes up for this gap.''


    Luvia sighed in relief before looking at Ermio''s bisected corpse on the ground. However, this time, fear ran through her body. If not for Roce, she would have died together with him.


    Roan then looked at Roce and was just about to talk when all of a sudden, his attention was occupied by something else.


    "Hehe. It seems like the fun times are over."


    With Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill, Roan felt a Spiritual Sense far above Roce''s. Without a doubt, it was a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. Roan didn''t find it strange since a smaller city like Danve also had one. Let alone one as big as Kastran.


    Roan then jumped down from the wall, completely ignoring Roce.


    Of course, Roce wouldn''t just let Roan go that easily.


    "Did I say you could leave?"


    Roce then grabbed his spear and charged in Roan''s direction. Lightning and Wind Element gathered around his body together with his Soul Power. With that, he wasn''t any bit slower than Roan himself.


    ''Sky Fall Spear!''


    The same attack came in Roan''s direction, but far stronger as Roce was holding his spear this time.


    *Boom!*


    The spear went straight through Roan''s body, not giving him a chance to dodge. However, Roce immediately noticed that the feeling of piercing one''s body wasn''t right.


    Sure enough, Roan''s body began to turn into specks of white and black light.


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    Once again, Roan used his Mirage Assalt to trick his opponent, using the clone to block Roce''s sight while he escaped.


    *Thud!*


    Roan then landed on the ground on the other side of the wall, right beside Frandin, who was shocked by the battle he just saw. Before he could say anything, Roan grabbed his arm with one hand. As for the other, it was holding his White Star.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    *Bang! Shatter!*


    Roan''s speed increased even more with the Stellar Piercer, creating a hole through the protection formation of the city. Roce immediately came down and was just about to follow Roce. However, he received a Spiritual Sense message at that moment.


    ''Leave him. We don''t know if he''s trying to drag us away from the city. We already lost one Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator. I don''t want to lose one more.''


    Roce felt a chill on his back when he heard that. He quickly calmed down after that. A few seconds later, a man landed by his side.


    "City Lord."


    That was obviously Falin''s brother, Kastran City''s City Lord, Jaliu Umal.

 Chapter 583 - Aftermath

    Roan noticed how the Spiritual Sense of the City Lord disappeared after he ran for a few kilometers.


    ''Could it be that he was afraid of coming out? Well, seeing a human with cultivation like mine probably fired a few alarms in his head. Well, whatever... That''s good for me.''


    Roan then ran for a bit longer, changing his direction here and there every once in a while. Eventually, he stopped in the middle of a snowfield. The visibility was very poor due to the snowstorm happening at the moment. As mentioned before, the cold of this planet could ignore Spiritual Energy Barriers. However, Roan was a master of Yin Energy, so it didn''t bother him.


    However, the same couldn''t be said for Frandin. Obviously, he was having difficulty driving the cold out of his body, especially since he didn''t have Water Element affinity as many Zasfins do.


    Roan used his Spiritual Sense to find a direction and soon found a small cliff, not more than a few meters high. However, it was enough for him to work. He quickly dug a small cave before entering it with Frandin. Following that, he closed it with a boulder, keeping the storm outside. At his level of cultivation, making something like this was pretty much effortless.


    "Drive the cold out of your body with your Spiritual Energy. We''ll be waiting here for the time being until things calm down outside."


    Frandin, who was trembling, quickly nodded and focused on the task. At the same time, Roan used his Soul Connection with Rean to tell him about what happened.


    ''They found you? How? Unless someone with a strong enough Spiritual Sense was close to you, they shouldn''t have noticed your presence. Not to mention you were using my Light bending skill as well. Wait a second! Did you perhaps spread your own Spiritual Sense? Those guys might have noticed your presence because of that.''


    Roan shook his head as he replied.


    ''Do you take me for an idiot? Obviously, I didn''t use Spiritual Sense.''


    Rean thought about a possibility.


    ''I guess it might have been some kind of monitoring formation that doesn''t rely on Spiritual Sense or sight. Although you aren''t as good as me at the Spiritual Sense and Light bending skills, you should be good enough for a place like this city.''


    Roan immediately denied that idea as he answered.


    ''No, that''s unlikely. They knew where I would exactly appear. If it was just a monitoring formation, they would have to first react and come after me. But they attacked the moment I reached the top of the wall. That was a premeditated attack. They knew where I was and mounted that trap for me. It''s just that they completely underestimated my strength. Otherwise, things might have been more serious.''


    Rean pondered over the matter a bit before saying.


    ''There''s a problem. If that was really the case, why didn''t the Nascent Soul Realm guy appear there first? If it was him, you would have been forced to run into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm straight away.''


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    ''Correct. That means that they did see me going up the wall, but they only found out when I was close by. That being said, they only noticed my presence when I got close.''


    Rean understood what Roan meant.


    ''I see. That means the enemy expected that you would try to run away from the city, so they set up their forces around the points they thought you would try to escape from. Once you got close, those guys attempted to take you down but didn''t have the time to wait for others to come.''


    Roan was satisfied that Rean could guess that much.


    ''Exactly. Still, the main problem remains. How did they find out that I was there?''


    Rean insisted, though.


    ''I still think it might have been a monitoring formation. After all, they set up their forces where they thought you would appear.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes after hearing that. Somehow, he didn''t think that to be the case.


    He then looked at Frandin, who seemed to have recovered a bit.


    "Frandin, do you know why they found our presence there? Could it be that it is possible to scan an area with Soul Power, just like you can do with Spiritual Sense?"


    Frandin then opened his eyes after hearing that and thought over the question for a moment.


    "Hmm... It should be possible depending on your Soul Power. In my case, for example, I can spread my Soul Power up to more or less ten meters. It doesn''t act like Spiritual Sense, though. It''s just that the distance can''t be compared. My Spiritual Sense goes much, much further away, so I never use Soul Power for such things. In fact, almost no Zasfin uses Soul Power for scanning since Spiritual Sense is much better. Not to mention that Soul Power uses a lot more energy."


    Finally, Roan understood how he was found out. However, he couldn''t blame Frandin for not telling him that. The reason Soul Power was used to look for him was none other than his fault. Roan then contacted Rean back and explained the situation. Naturally, Rean understood it as well.


    ''Indeed, that was your fault, then. You were able to hide Calina and your cultivations while you were right in front of Falin. Not to mention that a lot of Zasfins stopped around to watch the show. Until the moment you released my Spiritual Sense bending skill and cut Falin''s arm, no one could tell what your cultivations were.''


    Rean then continued.


    ''Naturally, they understood that you had some method of hiding your presence against Spiritual Senses. Especially after you disappeared from everyone''s Spiritual Sense with Calina and Fandin on your side. Because of that, they knew that Spiritual Sense was useless, so those Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators went to the points on the wall they thought you would try to use.''


    ''Because the scanning range of Soul Power is several times smaller than Spiritual Sense, they only noticed your presence once you got close. My Spiritual Sense bending skill works with just Spiritual Sense. I have no idea how to bend Soul Power. First of all, we can''t even feel Soul Power unless the Zasfins show its tangible form in front of us. That''s why they could tell where you were while you had no idea you were being observed.''


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    ''Correct. That being said, your Anti-Spiritual Sense formation won''t be of much use if someone checks the workshop with Soul Power instead. Normally no one would use Soul Power, just like I said. However, the times are different now.''


    Rean pondered for a bit after hearing that.


    ''Very well. I already made a few pieces of equipment. Let''s move out and sell them in the next city. They only saw you and Frandin leaving the city, so they probably think Calina''s still here. If they find my workshop, they won''t alert me and call their City Lord or any other Nascent Soul Realm cultivator they might have here first. It''s too dangerous if I suffer an attack from such a high-level enemy since I might not be able to react fast enough.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Correct. I already opened some distance from the city, so just teleport to where I am.''


    Following that, Rean told Agis, Qia, and Malaka about the situation. Following that, Rean sent everyone into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm before entering it himself. Naturally, Rean used the location of Roan''s body to come out, easily exiting the city.


    In the end, Rean was right. Someone had really noticed his and Calina''s presence in the workshop. Around a minute later, the workshop was invaded by another Nascent Soul Realm Zasfin from one of the city''s powers. They had acted extremely fast, trying to not give Rean the time to react. Unfortunately for them, Rean and everyone else was gone already. Little did Rean''s group know that they escaped in the nick of time.


    "They''re gone. However, they were here just a moment ago. Spread our forces and check the surroundings. Remember, Spiritual Sense is useless against them. Make sure to use your Soul Power."


    "Yes!"


    The City Lord received the information about the workshop and came to take a look at it. After that, he ran an investigation in the entire city, trying to find any clue about Roan''s group. It was then that he discovered something interesting. He discovered that Frandin and Roan might have appeared in the Bloodline Trial Office. Naturally, he checked what they wanted there.


    "Bloodline Trial? Could it really have been them? But... why?"

 Chapter 584 - He Couldnt Answer

    It was the attendant of the Bloodline Trial Office who warned about Roan and Frandin. When the two of them went there, they didn''t ask to obtain the bloodline trial but about the security measures to go there. Not to mention that Frandin didn''t try to take the Soul Power test either. It was quite unusual for someone to ask about these things without even being sure if they had the necessary Soul Power. Of course, Roan and Frandin''s appearances were different at that time, so the attendant in the Bloodline Trial Office wasn''t sure if it was them or not. Still, that was the best clue they found since Rean''s group had disappeared from the city as well.


    The City Lord pondered over this issue. At the very least, the cultivation of the Zasfin matched Frandin''s. Another point was that the attendant didn''t feel like Roan cared about his or even his owner''s presence. He kept a stern expression and looked directly at her without averting his eyes during the entire time. For a world where humans were slaves, that was not a behavior a human should show, especially in the Bloodline Trial Office.


    "The Rank Four Bloodline Trial. Could it be that the real owner of those humans wants to take the Rank Four test? But that doesn''t make sense. Those humans had very high cultivation, far surpassing any Zasfin at their age. An owner who could breed humans of that level should have a very high status. There was no need for them to ask for this kind of information regarding the Bloodline Trials since they should know about it already. In fact, someone like that should have a Rank Four or higher ranked Bloodline Mark already."


    The more he thought about it, the weirder it felt.


    Out of nowhere, the door of his room opened as Falin entered it. He immediately noticed Falin''s arm... or what remained of it wrapped in some bandages. Falin had a terrible expression on his face.


    "Big brother! I heard you stopped others from pursuing that human outside the barrier. How could you let them go after what they did to me? You need to avenge my grievances! Send everyone who can cope with the storm outside and find them!"


    Jamil narrowed his eyes in response. Right after, his Nascent Soul Realm aura spread forward.


    "Since when do I receive orders from you?"


    Falin felt a chill on his back and immediately calmed down. His brother was one of the strongest experts in Kastran City. He wasn''t someone Falin could treat as he pleased. After all, even his status in the city and the resources for his cultivation were because of his brother.


    "So-Sorry, big brother. I misspoke."


    Jamil''s aura disappeared as he nodded.


    "That''s more like it. First of all, it was your own fault that you lost your arm. A blond female human appeared right in the middle of the city with its owner. Without a strong background, who would be idiotic enough to do such a thing? Not only that, you just so happened to be close by at that time. How could you not see all the alarming clues right in front of your face?"


    Of course, Falin thought about that possibility. However, he simply assumed that he would be fine as long as he had the city lord''s backing. It had been like that ever since Jamil became the city lord, so he got used to it. Well... Roan''s group appeared close to Falin by coincidence, though...


    "But... are we going to let them leave just like that?"


    Jamil sighed before shaking his head.


    "I have a clue about where they''re going. It seemed like these guys who cut off your arm went to the Bloodline Trial Office to ask about the Rank Four Bloodline Trial."


    Falin was taken aback by that.


    "You mean the Gorea Country''s Bloodline Trial? That''s the closest Rank Four Bloodline Trial, isn''t it? However, why would they go there?"


    Jamil shook his head.


    "I don''t know. To be honest, I''m not even sure if it''s actually them or not. I just think there''s a good chance of that being the case."


    Falin nodded.


    "I understand. However, what can we do in that place? It is a Bloodline Trial, so only the imperial forces are allowed there. We won''t be able to enter without a motive."


    Jamil faintly smiled before saying.


    "I was already planning to go and try the Rank Four Bloodline Trial to start with. That being said, I can bring you and a few others with me."


    Falin was surprised to hear that.


    "Big brother, does that mean your Soul Power..."


    Jamil nodded.


    "Yes. My bloodline purity and nobility rank only allow me to take a Rank Three Bloodline Trial. However, you know I wasn''t satisfied with that, so I trained day and night nonstop. Eventually, my Soul Power Points reached the threshold necessary to gain access to the Rank Four Bloodline Trial without needing to care about any of that."


    Falin was happy to hear that. After all, he was part of Jamil''s family. That meant he would also be able to get a Rank Four Bloodline Mark as long as his brother passes the Trial. Of course, he didn''t forget about Roan, Calina, and Frandin.


    "I will go with you! Also, I guess we can get the Bloodline Trial''s guards to help us. After all, humans are not allowed to come near the trial grounds. That will give us a good excuse to find them."


    Jamil shook his head.


    "It won''t be easy since they have some ability that can hide from Spiritual Sense. Only Soul Power Scanning can perceive them. That being said, we have to do it differently. Don''t worry, I have a better idea."


    Somewhere far away from Kastran City, Rean and the others just used Roan''s position to come out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. They then took the boulder of the cave entrance out and entered it. Frandin, once again, didn''t even know how Rean''s group found them.


    ''They must have some kind of communication treasure to be able to find each other this easily.''


    Rean ignored Frandin as he looked at Roan.


    "You started quite a big commotion back in the city, no?"


    Roan didn''t seem to care, saying.


    "It served as a good opportunity to test your White Star."


    Rean''s eyes lit up when he heard that.


    "How was it?"


    Roan nodded, satisfied.


    "Better than I expected. I cut through an Earth Middle-Level Sword like it was made of butter, cutting the guy in half right after. I would have killed two in a single strike if that Late Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm guy didn''t intervene. I had to leave after that because a Nascent Soul Realm guy was coming in my direction, though."


    Rean laughed out loud in response.


    "Hahaha! That''s great! My Elemental Gathering and Refinement methods are really far above anyone else. From what you''re telling me, I believe you can cut through an Earth High-Level Sword as long as its owner is at your level. Even an Earth Peak-Level Sword would have a hard time battling against my White Star."


    Roan agreed with Rean. It''s just that he wasn''t as hyped as him.


    "I did clash once against a spear that I believe was an Earth High-Level Spiritual Weapon. Its owner filled it with a lot of Spiritual Energy and Element, not to mention Soul Power. Still, your White Star was able to leave a dent on its shaft in that single strike."


    "That was the Late Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm guy, right?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Yes."


    Rean expected as much.


    "With his cultivation being so much higher than yours, it was to be expected that he could protect his weapon. Well, you used the Crescent Moon on the previous guy, so it had lost some of its power after you got rid of the first enemy. Otherwise, that spear would have suffered a lot more from your strike."


    Roan didn''t doubt that.


    "In any case, I guess I can at least compliment you about this sword. It''s very good."


    Everyone knew how hard it was to be praised by Roan.


    "Oh! That''s rare. Well, I accept your full submission to my blacksmith skills."


    "Submission your ass!"


    Rean didn''t mind Roan''s words at all.


    However, Agis, Qia, and Malaka were more interested in something completely different.


    "Forget about the sword. Roan, we want to hear more about the ''My Calina'' situation."


    Calina didn''t say anything, but she was expecting that as well.


    Roan narrowed his eyes as if he had heard something foreign.


    "What are you talking about?"


    Roan''s face was as cold as ever. It was as if he had heard such a thing for the first time in his life.


    Agis couldn''t help but exclaim.


    "Shameless! Are you still denying it? Calina told us everything, so spit it out!"


    Malaka then pulled Calina to her side.


    "Right! Look how red she is. Calina can''t even talk right now. It''s obvious that she wasn''t lying."


    After that, Rean appeared in front of Frandin, who was trying to stay as hidden as possible. He truly didn''t want anything to do with it. Simply put, Roan was too scary...


    "Frandin, you did hear that as well, right?"


    Frandin looked away before repeating Roan''s words.


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    Qia then kicked his butt.


    "Don''t know your ass! You aren''t convincing at all!"


    Roan began to lose his patience, though.


    "Enough! Stop wasting time with this bullshit."


    After hearing that, Calina''s eyes were filled to the brim with tears as she looked at Roan, asking.


    "Were my feelings for you... bullshit?"


    Roan''s words got stuck in his throat. For the first time, he couldn''t answer.

 Chapter 585 - Poor Sister Orb

    However, Roan quickly recovered.


    "I won''t even waste time answering this question. In any case, let''s talk about what really matters. We need to go to Fhanzen City in Gorea Country. That''s where the Rank Four Bloodline Trial is located."


    Of course, the others didn''t like his sudden change of topic.


    "Hey, hey, hey! You can''t simply leave Calina without an answer like that!"


    "Rean''s right! Look at her. She''s almost crying already!"


    "That''s not a good thing, Roan."


    Roan didn''t care, though.


    "Say whatever you want. I don''t want to get involved in your antics."


    Calina then quickly rubbed her eyes before getting up. The surprising thing was that she didn''t seem to be sad anymore.


    "Alright, let''s discuss our program to go to Fhanzen City. Should we separate into two teams as we''ve planned before?"


    Rean and the others were taken aback. She should have been the one most interested in not changing the topic, no? How come she followed Roan''s wishes and gave up?


    "Ahem... Calina, aren''t you interested in knowing what Roan feels about you?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he replied.


    "Can you stop with it already?"


    Calina agreed with Roan, saying.


    "Exactly. Let''s forget it for now."


    Malaka, Rean, Agis, and Qia looked at each other, not understanding Calina''s sudden change. However, since the person mainly involved didn''t want to talk anymore, they couldn''t force the issue either.


    "Err... I guess we can continue with the two team thing once again?"


    As unwilling as Rean and the others were, they moved into the travel topic as well.


    Roan mentally sighed in relief while he kept his stern expression.


    "That would be the plan. Fortunately, this planet''s cities are very far from each other. So it is unlikely that we will find anyone capable of causing us problems along the way. We can fight against the demon beasts in the demon beast regions while we make our way there."


    While Roan discussed the next steps with Rean and the others, Malaka still couldn''t hold her curiosity. With that in mind, she decided to send Calina a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Why did you let him escape like that? Just a little more, and I believe we could force him to wield.''


    Calina glanced at Malaka before answering.


    ''Because there''s no need anymore. As far as I can see, the answer is already obvious.''


    ''How come?''


    Calina faintly smiled before asking.


    ''You and Rean had been together with Roan for so long, so you should know why.''


    Malaka was taken aback for a moment and then pondered about the issue. Sure enough, she quickly understood what Calina was talking about and smiled as well.


    ''Hahaha! That''s true. The answer was right in front of me. It''s just that I was so focused on making Roan talk that I missed it.''


    Malaka wasn''t the only one who noticed it. Rean was also puzzled by that outcome, so although he was talking about the travel plans, he also thought about what just happened.


    ''I see... To think that Calina would notice it before Malaka or me.''


    Qia then asked him through a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''What are you talking about?''


    Rean explained right after.


    ''It''s simple. When Calina asked Roan if he considered her feelings bullshit, he avoided the question. Not only that, but he went silent for a moment before giving an excuse.''


    Qia narrowed her eyes.


    ''So...?''


    Rean continued.


    ''It''s simple. You don''t know Roan as much as Malaka and I do. Simply put, Roan would NEVER avoid a question. If he truly thought that Calina''s feelings for him were bullshit, he would have answered straight away while keeping an ice-cold expression. However, he didn''t. I wonder if that ice block that''s far denser than a rock even noticed this problem. In the end, he gave Calina the answer she wanted. He simply didn''t know it. At the very least, he liked her enough to not deny that.''


    Qia was taken aback. However, she quickly pondered about the time she spent with Roan recently. Sure enough, Roan never meddled with words. He was always straightforward with his answer and didn''t give a damn whether it could offend you or not. Even Rean and Malaka were no exception.


    Well... Rean definitely was the one Roan would absolutely not care about feelings...


    ''I see... So without knowing, he already admitted that he considered her important.''


    Rean nodded.


    ''That''s why Calina suddenly became happy. She deserves the title of the one who loves the ice block for being able to notice it before anyone else. The only question is how long will it take for Roan to notice it himself.''


    Qia nodded. Qia noticed that Agis was still more or less puzzled, so she also sent him a Spiritual Sense message explaining everything. All that conversation through Spiritual Sense occurred in just a few seconds, but the mood of the cave quickly shifted.


    Soon, Roan noticed Rean, Malaka, Qia, and Agis grinning at him, which he found creepy.


    "What the hell are you smiling about?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "Nothing much, We''re just thinking that this Soul Power plan might be very good for us, so we''re happy. Am I right, everyone?"


    The others immediately nodded, with the others responding along the lines of...


    "Yes. We''re also thinking about the Soul Power."


    Roan''s mouth twitched in response. There was no way in hell that he believed what they said. However, he didn''t care, so he let it go.


    "Whatever. These are the two routes we will take to go to Gorea Country. Fortunately, Gorea Country is also on the road to Tuvaro Empire, so we won''t deviate from our main target."


    Rean nodded as he kept his bright smile.


    "Good. From what I can see, Fhanzen City is massive. It''s even bigger than Kastran City, so they should have auction houses and other businesses. That should be a good place to sell my equipment."


    Malaka then asked.


    "Is the Bloodline Trial located inside the city?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "No. It''s outside the city. However, the city is used as the entrance to the trial grounds. From what I found out, you can''t enter it from any other place. Well, we still have the Circuitry Teleport Formation, so it matters little whatever kind of protection they put in place. Still, I would prefer to go to Fhanzen City first so I can gather some extra information. We can use the Circuitry Teleport Formation after that."


    Calina nodded.


    "Alright, then. When are we departing?"


    Roan looked at Calina, who seemed to have completely given up on the love matter. He was somewhat puzzled why that was the case, but he was satisfied that she did.


    "There''s a snowstorm outside at the moment, so let''s wait for it to subside before we leave."


    "Aren''t we too close to Kastran? I think we should separate after we open some distance from it."


    Roan didn''t mind.


    "That''s fine. After the snowstorm stops, let''s move as a group for the next thousand kilometers or so. We can go through the two routes I pointed out from there."


    With that said, everyone went to their own corners and sat down to cultivate. At the same time, back in Kastran City, Jamil prepared everything for his departure. In the end, he didn''t even wait for the snowstorm to finish before leaving with Falin and a few of his subordinates. Not a single one in his group was below the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. They immediately took flight in the middle of the storm and went in the direction of Gorea Country.


    The cold energy of the snowstorm would be a problem in normal circumstances. However, Jamil was using his own Spiritual Energy to help others keep it in control. From the looks of it, he was quite in a hurry to leave in such conditions.


    One day and a half later, the snowstorm was finally gone, which allow Rean''s group to start their travel to the Gorea Country as well. As they discussed before, they went as a single group for the first thousand kilometers before separating. However, this time, Frandin went with Rean, Agis, and Calina''s group, leaving Roan with Qia and Malaka.


    Roan had planned the route to avoid the cities along the way while keeping his and Rean''s connection inside the 3000-kilometer range. Because they were already used to this kind of travel, everything went smoother than before. They passed through a few Demon Beast Regions, where they got quite a few fierce battles. There were even times that they had to flee due to the demon beasts'' numbers or strength. Nonetheless, that was the reason for their on-foot travel.


    And just like that, another month and a half passed in a flash. Finally, Rean and Roan agreed to meet once again since they were getting close to Fhanzen City.


    "Rean!"


    Qia was happy to see Rean again after over a month, so she quickly ran in his direction, much to his helplessness.


    "Don''t you ever give up?"


    Qia shook her head.


    "Never!"


    Malaka, on the other hand, went straight to the demon bird.


    "Kentucky!"


    *Chick!*


    The girl and bird hugged each other as if they had been separated during their entire lives.


    The reason for so much emotion was that Roan prohibited them from using the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to meet each other. His reasoning was that they would get too comfortable, so that would be bad for their training. Of course, there was an orb which was sad from that as well.


    [I couldn''t see any of them even once. Don''t you feel guilty leaving your Sister Orb alone for so long?]


    Roan shook his head.


    ''Nope.''


    Poor Sister Orb wanted to cry... too bad she couldn''t shed tears.

 Chapter 586 - Breakthrough

    Now that they''ve regrouped, Calina decided to tell Rean and Roan about something.


    "I think I''ve already reached the highest level I could in the Core Formation Realm. Do you think I should try a breakthrough?"


    Rean and the others were surprised by that. After all, the amount of Spiritual Energy in this world was lacking compared to Sunkan Planet. But then again, Calina had been sharing that robe that helped accumulate Yin Energy from the environment with Malaka. It definitely played a role in her final stretch in the Core Formation Realm.


    Roan then put his hand on her shoulder before sending his Spiritual Energy and Sense inside her body. He verified her meridians, dantian, foundation stability, everything. Calina could use her Spiritual Energy to block Roan''s view if she wanted to, but she trusted him.


    After a few seconds, Rean did the same thing. In Rean''s case, it was even easier to check it due to his Light Element Affinity. After he finished, Roan asked him.


    "I think she could breakthrough. What do you think?"


    Rean agreed with Roan with a smile.


    "Yes. Calina''s foundation is as sturdy as it could be. In the end, there''s an advantage to the lack of Spiritual Energy of this planet. We need to spend a lot more time accumulating the necessary energy, which prevents damage to our foundations. She can go ahead with her breakthrough without a problem."


    Calina was happy to hear that. She was pretty sure she was fine, but it was always good to hear a second opinion.


    It was then that Malaka intervened.


    "In fact, I''m also ready to try to enter the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm."


    Rean and Roan weren''t surprised by that. Malaka had the lowest cultivation between their group, so it was common sense that she was the fastest one. Agis had already broken through to the Late Stage, after all. Well, that is if you ignore Frandin''s existence.


    Rean and Roan checked her condition as well and confirmed that Malaka was right. Although she could accumulate a bit more energy, it wouldn''t make a difference in this place.


    "Core and Soul Fusion Realm, huh? Alright, let Calina try it first."


    Qia then looked at Rean before asking.


    "Now that I think about it, you passed me in cultivation after you spent those ten years with the Lakures, no?"


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    "Not really. When I entered that natural formation, you were already at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm. By the time Roan and I left that place, we had just barely broken through into the same realm as you. That being said, you''re definitely ahead of us at the moment. As for Calina, she had always been in front of us, so it''s normal that she got to the threshold first."


    Rean then asked something else.


    "By the way, how far do you think you are from the Core and Soul Fusion Realm? Your cultivation technique isn''t any worse than Calina, after all. You both got it from the Imperial Repository."


    Qia pondered for a bit before saying.


    "I probably need another year of cultivation at the very least. However, Calina and Malaka''s cultivation will advance a little faster than mine. After all, this world is perfect for Yin-related techniques and elemental affinity. Those two have Water Element Affinity, while my affinity is Earth Element. Well, because I''m a woman, I got an Earth Element cultivation technique that also includes Yin Energy. That being said, it isn''t as if I don''t get any advantage for being in this world. But it''s still not to Calina and Malaka''s level."


    Rean nodded, already expecting this much.


    "Well, you''re still well off. Don''t forget that Agis has Fire Element Affinity. He''s the one suffering the most among us."


    Agis shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "It''s fine. At least now I have more time to get used to my own skills. Besides, the Yin and cold energy of this planet aren''t totally bad. It helps me become more proficient in using my Fire Element Affinity. You say that I''m fine-tuning my own power. Of course, I would rather be back in Sunkan Planet."


    Rean and Qia laughed in response.


    "Us as well."


    Still, they felt a little gloomy soon after since Sunkan was no more.


    Frandin heard all of that and didn''t know what to say. He did hear that their world was destroyed. That''s something he simply couldn''t imagine to be possible. However, it didn''t seem like they were lying.


    Roan glanced at them before snorting.


    "Hmph! There''s no point in thinking about the past. Just focus on what you can do in the future. Besides, it''s not like everyone is gone forever."


    In an instant, everyone''s attention was caught by Roan''s words.


    "Wait! What do you mean by that?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "If you survive until then, you''ll understand."


    Rean understood what Roan was talking about, though. So far, they didn''t tell that Roan was a Death Spirit back in the other half of the Universe. Obviously, he knew that everyone''s souls were sent for reincarnation. Besides, they had heard from the others that reincarnation existed. That it wasn''t just the two of them.


    ''Perhaps Roan knows how to control the souls in the path of reincarnation. He was the one who dealt with that in the past, after all.''


    The others insisted that Roan explained his meaning. Still, Roan refused to talk about it. In Roan''s eyes, there was no point talking about it since they wouldn''t understand. In the end, Qia and the others had to give up.


    "Alright, let''s leave it aside. Here, take this pill bottle."


    Calina grabbed the pills and immediately recognized them.


    "Oh, right! The Cross-Realm Pills. Thank you, Roan."


    Roan nodded, not minding it too much. He had made those pills for them to start with. If they didn''t use it, there would be no point in making them.


    Frandin, on the other hand, looked at those pills as if they were treasures.


    "Are you talking about the pills that can help in breakthroughs?"


    Roan nodded as he said.


    "I''m an alchemist, remember? If you work well, perhaps I''ll give you a bottle with a few of them in the future. In this world with such a shitty concentration of Spiritual Energy, these pills will be even more sought after."


    Frandin nodded, excited. As hard as Roan''s training was, Frandin had to admit that he had never cultivated so fast before. He already reached a point whether he didn''t know if it was a bad or a good thing to be working for these humans.


    "Alright, enough with wasting time. Calina, you know the steps for your breakthrough already, right?"


    Calina nodded.


    "The Sasamil Imperial Family only uses complete cultivation techniques. There are quite a few partially complete ones in our repositories, but they can only be used for research. Naturally, my own cultivation technique has all the steps for the next cultivation realms up to the Saint Realm."


    Qia agreed with Calina, saying.


    "She isn''t lying. My own cultivation technique is the same."


    Roan and the others nodded.


    "Alright, Rean, Qia, go ahead."


    Rean and Qia smiled in response and immediately began to build a simple Energy Gathering Formation that used Spirit Stones. Even though they only had Rank Two Stones, it should be enough if the formation was in place.


    Following that, Roan filled the gaps in the formation with the Spirit Stones before giving Calina some space.


    "Well, I''m going ahead."


    Calina then took a deep breath before activating the formation. In an instant, the area around her became rich with Spiritual Energy. Calina began to absorb it all as fast as she could while she pushed for the breakthrough.


    Once she thought she was ready, she popped Roan''s pill into her mouth, which immediately boosted her cultivation. With that, she attacked the bottleneck.


    Time passed as Rean and Qia took care to replace the Spirit Stones in the formation as they turned into dust. Unlike Rean and Roan, the others were not certain to succeed in their breakthroughs, so they had to be careful.


    Calina then swallowed another Cross-Realm Pill, using its boost to keep attacking the bottleneck. Just like that, time passed.


    Five minutes...


    Ten minutes...


    Fifteen minutes...


    Twenty minutes...


    Everyone had their eyes glued on Calina while using their Spiritual Sense to check every change in her body. After all, they would also pass through the same process later.


    Calina then swallowed one more pill by the 35-minute mark. Suddenly, an enormous burst of Spiritual Energy came out of her body, spreading everywhere around the group, even almost destroying the Energy Gathering Formation.


    Following that, Roan threw another pill bottle to Calina.


    "Well done. Take one Cultivation Stabilizing Pill for the next three months, one per week. Since you didn''t use the Cultivation Stabilizing Pills after entering the Peak of the Core Formation Realm, your body shouldn''t reject it now."


    Sure enough, Calina was successful. In an instant, she showed a bright smile as she swallowed the first Cultivation Stabilizing Pill. Only after a few minutes did she get up once more.


    Malaka and Qia quickly gave the girl a hug while congratulating her. Calina, obviously, was more than happy to let them do so.


    "Thank you, everyone."


    Rean then glanced at Roan.


    "Aren''t you going to give her a hug as well?"


    Roan snorted in response as he replied.


    "Waste of time."


    Well, everyone expected such an answer to start with, so they laughed at that.


    "Alright. Fix the formation for Malaka. I want to finish these things before we arrive at Fhanzen."

 Chapter 587 - Fourth Form

    Malaka had no problems entering the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Breaking through a stage was definitely much easier than a realm, after all. Not to mention that Malaka used the same cultivation technique as Calina, which had been further revised by Roan. The only things spent during that breakthrough were the Rank Two Spirit Stones.


    Roan then nodded after that, satisfied.


    "That''s about it. Qia said that she would need around another year to breakthrough into the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Rean and I will need two years to do that, at the very least. Agis had just recently entered the Late Stage as well, so he will take much longer to reach the Peak of the Core Formation Realm. Chances are that Malaka will get there first due to her Elemental Affinity and this world''s environment."


    Everyone nodded after hearing that. That more or less wrapped everything they needed to know. From now on, they needed more Spirit Stones.


    "Alright, let''s go to Fhanzen."


    Once again, Frandin was ignored. Well, he was used to that already.


    Their group had gathered because they were close to Fhanzen City in Gorea Country. Without wasting time, they went to the city. Of course, Agis, Malaka, and Calina were sent into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Rean and Roan stayed out, though. After all, they had to follow Frandin.


    At some point, Rean''s group noticed a few Zasfin cultivators here and there, which showed that they were getting close to the city. The further they went, the greater the movement. Finally, they were able to see the city walls in the distance, especially the thin layer of the Protection Formation. Like most cities in this world, the city used the formation to protect against the weather instead of attacks.


    By the time they got to the gate, there was already a giant queue of Zasfins and their humans waiting to pay the fee to enter. As always, Rean could see humans being mistreated by everyone, but he knew he couldn''t do anything about it.


    Roan, on the other hand, was more interested in the city itself.


    ''As expected of a City bordering a Bloodline Trial. It''s at least ten times bigger than Kastran City.''


    Frandin agreed with Roan.


    ''I believe Fhazen has at least two to three million Zasfin and humans living inside. This is considered a very big city in our world.''


    Rean then put the thoughts about the humans behind before adding his piece.


    ''That''s a good thing. I will have no problem selling the Earth High-Level weapons I made in the auction. The only doubt is if they will try to do something to us because Frandin is this weak.''


    One must remember that the previous auction house tried to tail Rean and Frandin after they left.


    Roan shook his head, though.


    ''It shouldn''t be a problem. Because of its proximity to the Bloodline Trials, the rules in the city are probably very strict. This is directly connected to the Imperial Household''s face. At the very least, they won''t try anything against us while inside the city.''


    Rean and Frandin nodded.


    ''That''s good, then.''


    Eventually, Rean''s group arrived at the gate, where Frandin had to pay Spirit Stones for him and the twins to enter. Since they were already there, Rean took the chance to have Frandin ask.


    "Sorry, sir. Would you mind telling me where I can find an auction house?"


    The guard nodded and explained where it was located. Or better yet, where ''they'' were located. Because of the city''s size, there was more than a single auction house there.


    Rean''s group then continued on their way to the city center.


    However, they failed to notice that someone''s Soul Power had been covering the entrance of Fhanzen City all the time. As mentioned before, Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense bending skills didn''t work on Soul Power. Also, because the one using it couldn''t be seen, it couldn''t be blamed that they didn''t notice anything.


    "They''re here!"


    Immediately, the guy got up and ordered the subordinate on his side.


    "Go tell Senior Jamil that the prey has appeared."


    The subordinate quickly left. Following that, the man began to follow Rean and Roan from afar. He heard from Jamil that Spiritual Sense was useless against the twins, so he kept using his Soul Power. Fortunately for him, he was at the Peak Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Not only that, but he had a high Soul Power and a Rank Two Bloodline Mark. That allowed his Soul Power to spread for over 100 meters. With that, he followed Rean''s group without ever seeing them with his eyes directly.


    However, after walking a few kilometers, Roan narrowed his eyes.


    ''Something''s off.''


    Rean immediately looked at him and asked.


    ''What do you mean? Are we being watched?''


    Roan nodded.


    ''How?''


    ''I don''t know. I have no proof other than my instincts. However, I''m sure that we''re being watched.''


    Rean didn''t doubt it. Roan had seen way too many events like these when he was a Death Spirit. Roan''s instincts were far from something Rean could match.


    ''Hmm... I don''t feel anything within my Radar Skill. There are many Spiritual Senses around us, but none of them seem to be repetitive, nor is any of them following us.''


    Rean was a lot better with that skill of his, but even he couldn''t feel anything. However, Rean and Roan immediately understood why that was.


    ''Soul Power!''


    Still, why do they know that one must use Soul Power if they wanted to follow Rean and Roan?


    ''Could it be because of what happened in Kastran City?''


    ''That''s hard to say. Perhaps, using Soul Power to watch over those who enter the city is the norm.''


    ''I find it hard to believe, though.''


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    ''I think the same. Let''s go to that alley.''


    Rean''s group then entered an area with less movement before they grabbed Frandin''s arm and burst forward.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    In a flash, the two disappeared ahead. To make sure they wouldn''t catch anyone''s attention, Rean also used his camouflage skill. That being said, no one could see their group''s movement unless they were using Soul Power as well.


    Sure enough, the man following the two immediately reacted.


    "Fuck! How did they find me?"


    Nevertheless, he was a Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm Zasfin Cultivator. Although Rean and Roan were fast, he wasn''t the least bit slower. Nonetheless, that was more than enough for the twins to find out who was following them.


    ''Peak Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Someone with cultivation like that is bound to be known in this city.''


    ''Correct. That means...''


    Roan couldn''t even finish his sentence when the twins'' vision suddenly turned red.


    ''Killing intent!''


    Right in front of them, another Zasfin cultivator had appeared. Just like the one following them, this one was also using Soul Power to see where Rean and Roan were located.


    "Where do you think you''re going?!"


    The guy immediately pounced in the twins'' direction as he brandished the halberd in his hands. Earth and Water Element gathered around his body. After that, he unleashed his skill together with his Soul Power.


    ''Mountain Strike!''


    Frandin''s face went pale in response. If that strike connected, he would be instantly pulverized. The guy in front of him wasn''t hiding his Late Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivation. That wasn''t something Frandin''s body could ever fight against.


    However, Rean and Roan coldly smiled when they saw that. Immediately, they brought out their White and Black Stars before they struck right back at their opponent.


    Their hairs changed color as Light and Dark Element gathered around the two. Not only that, but the White and Black Swords increased the amount of Elemental Energy even more. Right after, they assumed a jumping stance.


    The Zasfin in front of them was flying in their direction with his attack. Little did he know that he had just put himself in the worst position possible.


    Eventually, Light Element burst out of the twins'' legs as they soared against their enemy. For the first time in years, the Fourth Form of the Death Style had appeared once again.


    ''Death Style, Fourth Form, Soaring Dragon!''


    Rean''s camouflage skill disappeared as the twins became two black and white dragons ascending to the skies! The man was taken aback but didn''t panic. In his eyes, there was no way two Core Formation Realm could fight his Mountain Strike head-on. Let alone that they were humans. Most of Zasfin looked down on humans, and he wasn''t an exception.


    "Die!"


    However, what happened next made his face far paler than Frandin''s. His Soul Power, together with his Earth and Water Element, was pierced through like a hot knife on butter. His own halberd didn''t fare any better. It was only a piece of Earth High-Level Equipment. If it was only Roan or Rean, it could resist the strike.


    However, the twins attacked together while exchanging elements. They were finally fighting together after a very long time. Last but not least, there were also Rean''s newest Earth Peak-Level Swords, the Black and White Stars. From the moment he decided to fight the twins alone, his fate was decided.


    *Swish, swish, swish!*


    Spiritual Energy, Soul Power, Elements, the halberd, and finally, the man''s own body was bisected, not giving him the chance to defend himself at all!


    ''Impossible!''


    That was the last thought he had before dropping dead on the ground.


    Rean and Roan then landed on the roof of a building before looking around. This time, all the Zasfins saw what happened.


    "We need to leave."

 Chapter 588 - Banyou

    The other guy, who was following Rean and Roan, immediately stopped in his tracks. He was one cultivation stage higher than the guy that just died. However, he was absolutely sure he wouldn''t be able to kill that guy as quickly as the twins did. In fact, he might have died as well if he was the one who tried to attack the twins.


    Without wasting any time, he immediately jumped and flew away. At the very least, the twins were not in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. They wouldn''t be able to follow him if he was flying.


    ''Like hell would I keep close to those demons.''


    Rean and Roan didn''t try to stop the guy. Instead, they focused on Frandin and immediately jumped down from the roof. Soon after, they grabbed Frandin''s arm and flashed away. Rean also activated his Spiritual Sense and Light Bending skill, which made them disappear from everyone''s eyes.


    Only their pursuers knew that they needed to use Soul Power to track the twins. The rest obviously didn''t know how they did that.


    Rean and Roan had really acted quickly. That''s because it only took a minute for a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator to arrive at the area. He wasn''t the only one, though. Jamil also landed by his side as he narrowed his eyes. He could see the guy that was killed on the ground, his body bisected clean.


    Together with them was the guy who had just escaped flying. He met up with those two on the way here and explained what had happened.


    The other Nascent Soul Zasfin then looked at Jamil before saying.


    "Jamil, you didn''t tell me the enemy was this strong. You should know very well just how difficult it is to find Core and Soul Fusion Realm subordinates. You told me that a Late-Stage one should be enough to hold them down if they had appeared."


    As mentioned before, this world was severely lacking in Spiritual Energy, so it made sense that he was furious.


    Jamil, undoubtedly, was as annoyed as the man by his side.


    "Sorry, Lucas. I wasn''t lying when I told you Roce fought one of those guys for a short moment. At that time, he really did stop the black-haired one. However, I didn''t know that there was more than one. As far as I know, there was supposed to be one man and one woman. This new human wasn''t part of the reports at all. Also, I didn''t know that they were much stronger than their actual cultivation."


    Indeed, Lucas had to admit that no one could have foreseen that. They heard from the guy who escaped how Rean and Roan, with nothing more than a Peak Core Formation Realm cultivation, killed their target in one blow. The even harder part to believe was the fact that they were humans. Such a thing completely overturned their knowledge about humans.


    "They must be part of a Celestial Land. I can''t think about any other place that can raise such monsters."


    Jamil didn''t want to believe it, though.


    "Celestial Lands? I find it hard to believe that Celestial Lands would spend so much on humans. People at that level would be the cream of the crop there. It makes no sense."


    Lucas shook his head as he questioned Jamil.


    "Then, where do you think they came from? Can you imagine any other place where humans could reach that level at such young age?"


    Sure enough, Jamil had no answer to that question. The only thing that made sense was the Celestial Lands.


    "Are you talking about those rumors about the Unity Celestial Land in the Tuvaro Empire?"


    If even Frandin knew about those stories, it was obvious that Jamil and Lucas would know as well.


    "Yes. Of course, I can''t guarantee that. Also, I can''t imagine why the Unity Celestial Land would send such high-level humans to this place. We''re way too far away from them. Well, that is in case they really trained humans to start with. After all, those are nothing more than rumors."


    Jamil pondered silently for a bit before shaking his head, saying.


    "Thinking about it won''t bring us anywhere. However, I''m starting to doubt whether those humans have owners."


    "Humans without owners? Is there such a thing in this world?"


    Jamil shrugged his shoulders as he responded.


    "That''s the only thing I can think of. If they really had owners, their owners would have a strong background. That being said, what''s the point in having humans entering the city? He or she could have taken them back and investigate whatever they wanted through other means. I can''t understand what an owner of such high-level humans, including a blonde female, would want by leaving them alone."


    Lucas understood what Jamil was trying to say.


    "So you think they''re fugitives��humans who escaped their owners and banded together."


    Jamil nodded, saying.


    "Exactly. Of course, this is just pure speculation. In any case, I will need your help with the search, Lucas. You''re one of the captains of the city guards. Only with your influence do we have the chance to find them again."


    Lucas agreed with Jamil. Before, Lucas didn''t care too much about this event. He only moved out because he owed Jamil a favor. But now, even Lucas was curious about what these humans wanted. Above all else, he was really interested in capturing them and turning them into his own slaves.


    "I can help you. My battalion has 15 Core and Soul Fusion Realm Zasfins that can help out with the search. However, I want those humans for myself."


    Jamil looked at him after hearing that.


    "You can''t do that with me. I''m on this to get some benefits as well. How about this? You will get one of the two humans while I get the other."


    Lucas pondered for a bit before asking.


    "What about the blonde female human?"


    Jamil shrugged his shoulders as he answered.


    "According to Falin and the others who saw then back in my Katran City, she was also at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm. Not only that, but she was as young as the two male humans. Do you really think you would be able to hold onto such high-level merchandise like that? Let alone me and you, none of the experts in this city would be able to keep her for themselves. As soon as Guardian Banyou finds out about it, he will demand to have her for himself."


    Lucas couldn''t help but sigh after hearing that. He knew that Jamil was telling the truth.


    Banyou Palif was a member of the Imperial Family who was sent to guard the Rank Four Bloodline Trial Grounds. He wasn''t anything impressive, just at the Initial Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm. That''s because he was already over 400 years old and still hadn''t broken through into the Middle Stage. With no more than 100 years left to live, he had no hopes of reaching the Soul Transformation Realm anymore. Because of that, he was sent to guard this place, which could be said to be more or less a cage for him to spend the rest of his life.


    Nevertheless, he was a member of the Imperial Bloodline with a Rank 7 Bloodline Mark. As mentioned before, as long as someone in your family had a bloodline mark, your descendants could have it as well. No one in the Palif Imperial Family had bloodline marks below Rank 7. In fact, that was the low-level mark in the family. The more important members like the elders would all have Rank 8 ones. That showed how out of grace Banyou had fallen. Of course, the Emperor was entitled to have a Rank 9 Bloodline Mark, but only him.


    The problem was that with Banyou being part of the Imperial Family, he could demand whatever he wanted in a remote place like this. One must remember that blonde humans were extremely rare merchandise. Naturally, Banyou would force anyone who obtained Calina to give her to him.


    Lucas then put these thoughts behind before nodding.


    "Alright, we''ll share them. Guardian Banyou probably won''t bother too much about the human males as long as he has the blonde female."


    Jamil agreed with Lucas.


    "Yes. However, we still have a problem. We found these two human males and the Zasfin that''s helping them. The problem is that we have no idea whether the blonde female human is located at the moment. Also, what if they try to escape the city?"


    Lucas immediately shook his head as he eased Jamil''s worries.


    "Don''t worry, I''ve already passed the order to block all entrances. As a captain, I have at least this much authority. The problem will be how to find them. Unlike Spiritual Sense, Soul Power can only scan so far. Besides, this city has plenty of human slaves. Don''t forget that I won''t be able to keep the gates closed for too long."


    Jamil nodded as he moved in the direction of the guy who died.


    "Don''t worry. This guy''s death might have been a blow to your battalion. However, it was not in vain. I can use the lingering energy of the attack in his body to track them down."


    Lucas knew what Jamil wanted to do.


    "Well, I wouldn''t let you mess with my subordinate''s body in normal circumstances. However, I guess we have no other choice due to the current situation."


    Rean and Roan could hide their cultivation and change their appearances, after all. With so many humans in this city, Lucas didn''t have much choice.


    As Jamil brought the dead guy''s body somewhere, Rean, Roan, and Frandin had reemerged somewhere else in the city.


    "First, let''s find a place to stay."

 Chapter 589 - Changing Plans

    Rean then looked at Roan before asking.


    "Are you sure? I think we should leave and look for another Rank Four Bloodline Trial Ground. There''s no point in risking being found out once again. If my speculations are correct, those guys knew about us because you visited the Bloodline Trials Office in Kastran City. Once we leave and head somewhere else, no one will have any idea on who we are."


    Roan agreed with Rean as he said.


    "I know. Just on the jade slip map of the Palif Continent, we can find seven Rank Four Bloodline Trial Grounds, including this one. However, they head in another direction that deviates from the Tuvaro Empire. We would need several months to arrive at those."


    Frandin then mentioned something else as he asked.


    "What about the next Empire''s Trial Grounds? It should be that hard to buy another map when we get there, right? After that, we can use their Trial Grounds without having to deviate from our destination."


    Rean and Roan looked at Frandin with a weird expression in response, causing Frandin to ask.


    "Wh-What? Did I say something wrong?"


    Rean shook his head as he responded.


    "No. It''s just that I didn''t think you would try to help us. Shouldn''t you be hoping that we get captured so that you can heal the poison in your body?"


    Frandin was taken aback by that question.


    "Well... Something tells me that you wouldn''t really be captured even if they tried their hardest."


    Roan shook his head as he said.


    "It still doesn''t answer Rean''s question. Even if you think that way, you should at least hope that we won''t be able to escape. Helping us like that still makes no sense for a Zasfin like you. Especially one with a bloodline mark, who are obviously prideful. Not to mention the fact that you despise the existence of humans."


    Frandin scratched the back of his head as he eventually said.


    "Just pretend I didn''t say anything."


    Rean laughed, though.


    "Hahaha! Well, let''s leave him alone. Roan, Frandin''s right about his idea. We could simply find other Rank Four Bloodline Trial Grounds in the next Empire. There''s no doubt that we are being looked for. Besides, the cautious you would definitely have accepted this idea when we''re at such a disadvantage."


    Roan narrowed his eyes in response. He really didn''t want to wait until the next trial. However, Rean and Frandin were right that moving to the next Empire would be safer.


    "Very well. I doubt the safety measures of each Bloodline Trial are that different from each other anyway. How are we faring with Spirit Stones?"


    Rean shook his head with a light sigh as he replied.


    "We don''t have much left. But there''s no need to worry. We don''t know where the next Empire''s Rank Four Bloodline Trial Grounds is, but we know where the next city is located. At least, the next big one."


    Roan and Frandin knew which city Rean was talking about. It was also the closest city to a Rank Five Bloodline Trial, the only one on this side of the Palif Empire. It was marked very brightly on the jade slip. It was much bigger than the city they were in at the moment, so selling Rean''s weapons there wouldn''t be an issue.


    "Venasi City, huh? That one might be a little risky since there are more experts there. We might bump into someone with cultivation high enough to see through your Spiritual Sense Bending Skill."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "You know very well that just having a strong Spiritual Sense isn''t enough. The person will also need to be a certain distance away from me. Don''t forget, Spiritual Sense is like the wind of a fan. The closer you are to the fan, the stronger it is. I think our chances are pretty good. Or better yet, we shouldn''t be unlucky to that extent."


    Roan nodded after listening. As for Frandin, that was the first time he heard how Rean''s Anti-Spiritual Sense skill worked.


    ''What a strange concept. However, Rean''s skill indeed works. I better remember that.''


    With that decided, Rean''s group decided to leave the city at once and head straight to Venasi. However, Rean and Roan passed by the Alchemist Guild and had Frandin sell all the Demon Cores they''ve gotten so far. They wouldn''t fetch as many Spirit Stones as Rean''s weapons, but they were worth quite a decent amount.


    The attendants of the Alchemist Guild were frightened by the sheer amount of Demon Cores and quickly arranged for their supervisor to negotiate it with Frandin.


    "Are you sure you want to sell all of it? There''s even a few Stage Four Demon Cores present here."


    Frandin nodded as he answered.


    "Yes. I need Spirit Stones as soon as possible, so just quote me a price."


    The supervisor took a deep breath and then offered the same price as the market. He didn''t dare to scam Frandin because he couldn''t risk losing those Stage Four Demon Cores. Although they couldn''t be considered any heaven-defying alchemy material, they definitely had many uses and were always in demand.


    Of course, just as Rean and Roan thought, that supervisor arranged someone to follow them. However, since he didn''t know about Rean''s skills, it was quite easy to make them lose sight of them.


    Rean was quite satisfied with the amount of Spirit Stones they had received. That guy paid 1120 Rank Two Spirit Stones for everything, which was a good value for this world. That was definitely enough to last until Venasi City, at least.


    ''Everyone''s efforts during our training paid off. At least no one can be considered a burden as long as we keep gathering more of these Cores.''


    Following that, Rean''s group went to one of the city''s exits. Obviously, they soon found out that the gates had been closed, which didn''t surprise them. The same thing happened in Kastran City, after all. Not to mention that they really made a show just a while ago.


    "There are probably a few guys using Soul Power to look for us around the gates. We can''t use them."


    Their group then went somewhere else where no one was looking. Of course, Roan didn''t try to jump over the walls this time since he didn''t want to be ambushed twice.


    *Ouch!*


    Suddenly, Frandin felt a sharp pain on the back of his neck before his vision went dark. Following that, Rean and Roan put him into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm before entering it themselves.


    "Oh! You two are already back."


    Obviously, Malaka and the others noticed when the two of them had appeared.


    [I saw everything outside. The Circuitry Teleport Formation is ready for use.]


    Rean smiled in response.


    "Thank you, Sister Orb."


    Rean also took the chance to explain the change in plans to everyone and pass them their share of Spirit Stones.


    Rank Two Spirit Stones could only carry them up to 300 kilometers in any direction. However, they didn''t need that much. Just enough to appear a few kilometers away from the city.


    The Circuitry Teleport Formation then activated, making the twins disappear from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. The next time they looked outside, they were once again falling from the skies. Rean then brought Kentucky out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm for them to fly away.


    *Chick? Chick! Chick! Chick!*


    Kentucky then looked at them with an angry expression. Obviously, he didn''t like to be summoned in such a manner.


    *Pah!*


    Roan then slapped the back of his head.


    "Stop complaining. You just sleep, eat, and sleep again. Shut up and do some work."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh as Kentucky begrudgingly opened his wings and began to fly in the distance.


    "Alright. Do you want to go to Venasi City by foot again, or should I just head straight there with Kentucky?"


    Roan shook his head as he said.


    "Just fly with Kentucky. Everyone trained a lot on our way to Fhanzen, so they just need time to cultivate now. Not to mention that Calina and Malaka had just made a breakthrough. They need a few days to get used to their new level of combat prowess."


    "Also, even if you are keeping the camouflage skills up while flying with Kentucky, make sure to cultivate as well. We don''t need to make our foundation any sturdier for the moment."


    Rean didn''t mind before Roan sat by his side and began to cultivate as well. As everyone knew, they needed each other''s elements to cultivate, so Roan couldn''t simply return to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    That being said, Kentucky made its way to Vanesi City high in the skies while Rean kept him camouflaged with his skill.


    In Fhanzen City, Jamil had just finished setting up his Soul Power skill to find Rean and Roan''s location through the energy left behind in their attacks. Back in Kastran City, he was afraid that Roan was trying to lure him and his subordinates out of the city, so he didn''t do it. However, he did have Lucas'' forces and his own this time.


    Suddenly, some kind of black and white energy began to leave the body of the man Rean and Roan had killed. It hovered in the air for a few seconds before Jamil''s Soul Power fused with them. Following that, the energy was compressed into a tiny point and entered his forehead.


    Unfortunately for him, the moment the energy made contact with his soul, Jamil felt like he was being eaten alive.


    *Arrrrghh!*


    Immediately, he used his Spiritual Energy to block the energy''s effects as his forehead let out cold sweat.


    ''Just what is this energy? It almost eroded my soul. If I delayed a second longer, it definitely would have caused damage.''


    Obviously, that was Roan''s Dark Element.


    Still, Jamil didn''t give up and slowly felt the energy. Although the process was a lot slower, he at least succeeded in using his technique.


    "So far!"


    Jamil then looked at Lucas before saying.


    "They escaped the city and are moving away. Quick, before they leave the range of my tracking skill."


    Lucas was surprised to hear that his target had escaped after everything had been locked down. However, he put those thoughts behind and took flight. They didn''t have time to gather their subordinates since they left them guarding the city walls. Without any other choice, Jamil and Lucas had to burst forward on their own.

 Chapter 590 - Pierce Thorugh

    Rean and Roan were cultivating on top of Kentucky while the others stayed inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. In their eyes, they had already left the danger zone, so they weren''t paying much attention. Especially since Rean''s camouflage skill was active while they flew.


    However, little did they know that danger was approaching them at high speeds. Kentucky was quick at flying, definitely faster than cultivators at his level. He was a demon bird, after all. However, that was far from enough to outrun Nascent Soul Realm cultivators.


    Jamil and Lucas also refrained from using Spiritual Sense and kept on using their Soul Power instead.


    Sometime later, Jamil looked at Lucas before saying.


    "They''re pretty close, just two kilometers ahead. From what I can feel, they''re flying at the moment."


    Lucas looked in the distance. The weather was quite clean at the moment, but he couldn''t see anything in the skies. It was completely empty.


    "Are you sure? I can''t see anything."


    Jamil nodded in response.


    "Believe me, they''re there. Focus your Soul Power with mine so that you will know where to strike."


    Lucas nodded, and soon, the two combined their Soul Powers.


    "Now!"


    Not long after, they shot forward as fast as they could.


    On Rean and Roan''s side, they were focused on cultivating, not seeing the enemies approaching. Usually, they would feel the killing intent when it was directed at the two. However, Lucas and Jamil had no intention of killing, just capturing them.


    *Creeeee!*


    Suddenly, Kentucky''s cry reverberated in the twins'' ears, which immediately woke them up from their trance. Rean and Roan might not have been paying attention until now, but Kentucky very much was. Seeing the enemy flying in his direction faster than himself, Kentucky didn''t waste time as he called the twins. The good thing was that Kentucky knew how to control it with his Spiritual Sense, so only Rean and Roan heard it.


    "What is it, Kentucky?"


    Rean and Roan then followed Kentucky''s eyes, and sure enough, they saw the two rays of light coming at them.


    "They can see us!"


    "Yes. Also, judging by their speed, they''re definitely Nascent Soul Realm cultivators."


    Rean and Roan immediately got up and brandished their swords.


    "Should we go into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he replied.


    "The problem is that we''re together. Once we enter it, we can only leave in the same place. If they don''t go anywhere, we''ll be sitting ducks."


    Rean shook his head, trying to convince Roan.


    "But they don''t know that. We can simply wait for them to go away."


    "That''s not a good idea. Can''t you see? They already found where we are and are heading straight for us. They obviously have some way of tracking us down. Entering the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm right now is way too risky."


    "Then, what do we do? Get killed by them?"


    "No. Look around. Can you see killing intent? They''re not coming to kill us but to capture us instead. We can use that to our advantage."


    Rean understood where Roan was coming from and asked what was on his mind.


    "You want to take them by surprise and launch an attack?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Correct. I''m already sick of running into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. I didn''t even want to come out of Fhanzen City to start with. This time, I will leave the Dimensional Realm as my last choice."


    Rean sighed before nodding after that. He had to admit that always counting on the Dimensional Realm wouldn''t be good for their progress. Rean then pondered for a bit, and soon, a playful smile appeared on his face.


    "I have an idea."


    All their conversation went through their Soul Connection, so it only took a few seconds for them to finish it.


    Jamil and Lucas quickly approached when suddenly, they noticed the light around them changing. Following that, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky''s figures appeared in their eyes. However, Kentucky was calmly flying forward as the twins sat on the Minokawa''s back. The twins seemed to be concentrated in cultivation and didn''t notice their presence from what they could see.


    Immediately, Jamil and Lucas understood. Their camouflage skills only worked after a certain distance. If you were too close, you would be able to see them.


    ''A good chance!''


    Without slowing even for a fraction of a second, Lucas and Jamil attacked, aiming to knock out the twins.


    ''Pay attention. They have some kind of cloning technique as well. If you feel that you didn''t hit a real body, immediately retreat.''


    Lucas nodded as both of them released their attack. It wasn''t any kind of skill, just a hit with Spiritual Energy infused in it. However, Rean and Roan seemed to have noticed something and quickly looked at their backs.


    "Too late, brats!"


    *Bang, bang!*


    Immediately, Rean and Roan tried to defend. However, they were hit by that formidable difference in cultivation, which made them and Kentucky plummet from the skies like a rocket. Blood splurted out their mouths as a few bones were broken straight away. Even Kentucky, with his high defense, felt the impact and lost the ability to fly.


    As for Lucas and Jamil, their eyes lit up.


    ''They''re the real ones!''


    As fast as the twins fell from the sky, so were Lucas and Jamil in following them. Before they could even hit the ground, the twins were already captured by the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators.


    "Hahaha! I want to see how you will escape now."


    Following that, Lucas and Jamil used their Spiritual Energy to seal the twins'' cultivation.


    Roan then glared at them before asking.


    "How... did you find us?"


    Jamil snorted as he replied haughtily.


    "Hmph! Puny humans who don''t have Soul Power would never understand."


    However, Roan didn''t need an answer. That''s because the twins quickly felt the presence of their own Dark and Light Elements inside Jamil''s head. It was extremely faint, but it was there.


    "I see... you Zasfin Race can use some technique that can use our lingering power to track us. Clever."


    Jamil and Lucas were surprised that the twins could tell that.


    "So you can feel it. Well, it''s still too late for you now anyway. From now on, you are our slaves."


    Rean and Roan looked at those two with anger in their eyes, which delighted Lucas and Jamil. As for Kentucky, they didn''t think that demon bird would be able to do much anyway.


    "Now, then. If you know what''s good for you, tell us where the rest of your group is."


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    "The victor is the king, after all. They''re right behind you."


    Suddenly, Lucas and Jamil''s blood froze, and two swords came out of literally nowhere. They were only able to feel it because they kept their Soul Power spread all the time. Still, they couldn''t tell where they came from.


    Unfortunately, it was already too late. Even if Lucas and Jamil were an entire cultivation realm above them, such a point-blank attack was impossible to dodge. All they could do was use the entirety of their power to create a Spiritual Energy barrier behind their backs.


    Unfortunately for them, those swords were none other than Rean''s swords. Two pieces of equipment that had the power to even contend against a piece of Heaven Low-Level Equipment. A Spiritual Energy Barrier was far from enough to stop them.


    *Swish, swish!*


    Immediately, those two swords pierced through Jamil and Lucas'' bodies.

 Chapter 591 - Forget About Killing

    "Ahhhh!"


    Lucas and Jamil quickly threw the twins away as they used all their power to minimize the damage. In the end, they were Nascent Soul Realm cultivators. Calina and Agis had succeeded in severely injuring them, but they were still able to twist their bodies enough to avoid instant death. Of course, their situation wasn''t anything good.


    The sword Calina was holding was Roan''s one. He passed it to her since she wouldn''t be able to use a skill fast enough after being brought out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Even though she didn''t have much ability with swords, she had still entered the Core and Soul Fusion Realm recently. Her cultivation could make up for her lack of skill at that moment to thrust. As for Agis, he already had a sword at the same level as Rean and Roan''s, so he didn''t need one.


    Calina and Agis were then forced back by the explosion of Spiritual Energy from Jamil and Lucas'' bodies. However, they were already satisfied with the outcome. Soon after, Calina quickly flew to Roan''s side, giving his Black Star back.


    That wasn''t all, though. At the very moment Calina returned the sword back to Roan, the twins had already used Rean''s Instant Recovery to heal all their injuries. After all, Lucas and Jamil weren''t holding them back anymore. Naturally, they couldn''t seal the twins'' cultivation either.


    Following that, Malaka, Qia, and Kentucky, who recovered by himself, joined the battlefield.


    "Attack!"


    Jamil and Lucas were enraged. This time, they gave up the idea to capture, with only death being the outcome for the two in their minds. However, Calina and Agis''s attacks left horrible gaps in their bodies. They simply couldn''t bring forward their Nascent Soul Realm power like they usually could.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, First Movement Form, Shadow Steps!''


    ''Death World!''


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    ''Life Fire, Flame Emperor Slash!''


    ''Water Dragon Strike!''


    ''Death Water Style, First Form, Flowing Dragon!''


    ''Chase of the Fire King Sword!''


    ''Sand Storm!''


    *Creeeeeeeeeeeee!*


    Rean''s group attacked from all sides, with all their best skills, not giving the two Nascent Soul Realm cultivators any chance to escape. To make sure they wouldn''t try to fly away, Calina and Kentucky were given the role of the sky. All they needed to do was to prevent those two from leaving.


    "Courting death!"


    Of course, Lucas and Jamil wouldn''t just stand there to be killed.


    Lightning and Wind Element gathered around Jamil. At the same time, Ice and Water Element were used by Lucas. Not only that, but Soul Power became tangible due to its concentration as well.


    Jamil then brought out his saber and counter-attacked the twins. In his eyes, those two were the most dangerous ones. Even Calina, with her Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivation, didn''t give him the same sense of danger.


    As for Lucas, he surprisingly used a staff, just like Malaka. While Jamil decided to hold the twins, he went for the rest.


    ''Infinity Lightning Strike!''


    With the twins and their clones coming at him from all sides, Jamil could only use a wide-area attack to fend all of them off. Using his saber as the center point, lightning strikes began to rain down all around him. Any of those lightning bolts were enough to badly injure an Initial Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator. In fact, it would have been much stronger than that if not for his injuries.


    Rean and Roan didn''t stop, though.


    The Three Claws of the Dragon came from all six of them, four clones and two real bodies, 24 sword strikes in total.


    "Come! Let''s see if you can survive this!"


    *Bang, bang, bang, bang!*


    The twins completely ignored Jamil''s words as they entered the area covered by the lightning strikes. Immediately, their clones and even the twins themselves were caught in that chaotic field of Lightning and Wind Element.


    Jamil couldn''t help but feel like the twins were crazy.


    ''Hmph! If you want to die, then I won''t stop you.''


    Without any regard for his injuries, Jamil increased the power of his attack even more. With that, his lightning bolts now had the power to strike down even Late and Peak Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators.


    However, it was then that he noticed something off. Rean and Roan''s clones were indeed struck down before they couldn finish the Three Claws of the Dragon. However, their main bodies seemed to have a huge resistance against his Lightning Element.


    "What?!"


    Without any other choice, Jamil could only jump away, trying to avoid the twins'' strikes.


    Unfortunately for him, Calina and Kentucky weren''t playing around in the sky.


    ''Glacial Icicles!''


    *Creeeeee!*


    The moment Jamil jumped, Kentucky and Calina shifted their attention from Lucas, aiming their attacks on Jamil.


    "Fuck!"


    Jamil was immediately forced back to the ground, where the twins'' Three Claws of the Dragon were waiting for him.


    "Don''t think I can''t do anything against you!"


    Blood splurted out of Jamil''s injury even faster as the output of Spiritual Energy, Soul Power, and Elements increased once more. At the very last moment, he moved his saber as fast as lightning with the help of his Wind Element, counter-attacking all six hits from the twins'' swords.


    *Clan, clang, clang, clang, clang, clang!*


    Lightning, Light, and Dark Elements interlaced in a big explosion of Spiritual Energy as the weapons collided against each other.


    Even in that extremely disadvantaged situation, Jamil was still able to cause the same amount of damage to the twins as they did to himself. However, he was confident that he could hold for much longer with his advantage in cultivation. However, it was then that he saw the same thing playing in front of his eyes again. Light Element burst out the twins'' bodies as the injuries on their bodies all healed in just a few moments. It was so fast that Jamil could see them close up with his naked eye.


    ''What kind of ability is that?!''


    Not only that, Rean''s Light Element didn''t stop on his body. It suddenly spread around the battlefield, affecting all his companions.


    ''Life Style, Fifth Form, Light Aura Burst!''


    Immediately, everyone besides Rean, Roan, and Kentucky felt their combat power increasing by leaps and bounds. Light Aura Burst was the same as the Enhancement skill. It''s just that it affected the area around Rean. In exchange, its duration was not great, nor was the increase of combat power. Nonetheless, that was enough to completely turn the tables.


    At that moment, Lucas and Jamil had reached the same conclusion. Forget about killing these humans. They needed to flee!

 Chapter 592 - Outcome

    Normally, Lucas and Jamil would have tried to flee the very moment they got that injury. The cultivation difference didn''t matter since they had to treat their injuries as fast as possible before it could affect their cultivation. However, their pride as Zasfins simply didn''t allow them to turn their back to those humans. Humans had always been slaves. How could they swallow such humiliation? That''s why they insisted on staying so that they could finish these humans first, even if it cost them their cultivation.


    Unfortunately for them, these humans were way stronger than that. Not only that, they even had more of them than the initial three they thought about. Now things were really going south for them.


    ''Lucas, help me break through their defense line!''


    ''Alright.''


    Jamil and Lucas quickly got together before turning in a specific direction.  They couldn''t see anything because of Roan''s Death World, but their Soul Power and Spiritual Sense still worked just fine. After that, they charged forward with a momentum that even another Nascent Soul Realm cultivator would be forced to get out of the way.


    However, it was at this moment that Rean playfully smiled. He already expected that they would try to flee after the last clash. Light Element gathered in his hand as he compressed it as much as possible. Soon after, he appeared in front of the trajectory of Lucas and Jamil''s charge.


    Jamil and Lucas, obviously, didn''t stop just because he appeared there.


    "Die!"


    They aimed their attacks in Rean''s direction while they kept moving forward. They wanted to blast Rean away without stopping at all.


    Unfortunately for them...


    ''Life Style, Flash!''


    Out of nowhere, an explosion of extremely bright light swept through Roan''s Death World, making everything shine several times more than looking directly at the sun. Lucas and Jamil''s eyes had adapted to the total darkness around them. That being said, Rean''s Flash immediately causes their eyes to go blind! Intense pain overcame Lucas and Jamil as they closed their eyes and instinctively covered them with their hands.


    For a moment, they had lost their bearings over what was happening.


    Roan and everyone else, of course, knew what Rean was going to do. Roan even released his Death World Field at the same time Rean used his Flash skill, making it easier to work.


    As one could imagine, Roan, Qia, Agis, Malaka, and Kentucky acted at the same time as Rean''s skill came forward.


    *Creeee!*


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    ''Death Water Style, First Form, Flowing Dragon!''


    ''Water Dragon Strike!''


    ''Living Earth!''


    ''Phoenix Severing!''


    Jamil and Lucas understood that they fell for a trap. Unfortunately, there was no stopping the attacks of Rean''s group anymore.


    *Boom, boom, swish, bang!*


    Several attacks rained down from everywhere, blasting the two Nascent Soul Zasfins away like ragdolls.


    *Arrrrrgh!*


    The two crashed against the ground, making two small craters and suffering injuries several times worse than the first sword slashes from Calina and Agis. It was a wonder whether they were still alive or not.


    Rean then sighed in relief as he looked where the enemies fell.


    "It''s finally over."


    However...


    *Boom!*


    Without any hint whatsoever, an energy storm came from inside the craters, blasting all the snow from the surroundings away. At the same time, the two Zasfins began to float even though their bodies were in no condition to move anymore.


    "Impossible!"


    Everyone was taken aback, even Roan. He knew very well just how much damage they inflicted on these guys, especially since his Dark Element was rampaging inside their bodies.


    It was then that they noticed something strange. Right in the middle of the Zasfins'' foreheads, the Bloodline Marks began to separate themselves from their bodies. As it happened, their Soul Power had become so strong that even Roan''s group could now feel it.


    It was then that the twins received a message from Sister Orb. No, to be more specific, it was Frandin''s voice, which Sister Orb was transmitting to them.


    [Don''t get close. These guys are sacrificing their Soul Power and Bloodline Marks to get this power. It will not last more than a minute. However, during this state, they''re definitely much stronger than when they were at their peak.]


    Sister Orb was transmitting the images of the battle inside the jail where Frandin was being kept. The moment Lucas and Jamil released that power, he immediately shouted, trying to communicate with the twins. Sister Orb heard his words and then connected him directly.


    Jamil and Lucas then looked at Roan''s group. It was obvious how much rage they had in their eyes.


    Frandin then hastily explained after getting their attention. That skill where they sacrificed their Soul Power and Bloodline Marks had no comeback, so it could only be used once. After it was done, their Soul would not be able to generate Soul Power anymore in their lives. It was a one-time lifesaver with a huge price to be paid.


    Rean and the others then assumed a defensive stance. As mentioned before, Roan didn''t want to run to the Dimensional Realm every single time. That would definitely be his very last choice. The others could understand how he felt, so they gritted their teeth and waited for the incoming battle.


    However...


    *Vup!*


    Jamil and Lucas didn''t attack them. Instead, they darted away as fast as they could. Yes, they decided to use that last silver lining to flee rather than attacking. This time, Rean''s group couldn''t do anything about it. Truth be told, if not because of Jamil and Lucas'' pride, it would be almost impossible to hold them back even if they were severely injured. Now that they were releasing a power beyond their peak condition, that was even more of a dream.


    Sister Orb saw the speed they were flying away at and couldn''t help but comment.


    [They could probably put up a fight against a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator with a level of power like that. However, they would die if they didn''t finish us off in that minute available for them. You can''t blame them for choosing to flee since their surviving chances were higher that way.]


    Lucas and Jamil disappeared in the distance in less than ten seconds, moving in two different directions. It was too late for them to catch the two.

 Chapter 593 - Soul Eater

    Roan then sheathed his Black Star and shook his head soon after as he said.


    "Leave them. They''re way too fast. We won''t be able to catch them, nor do we know if they have reinforcements coming in our direction."


    The others nodded in response before entering the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.  Rean, of course, stayed out and resumed his flight together with Roan and Kentucky. Their main worry at the moment was to get away from this place as fast as possible.


    *Creeee!*


    Kentucky then flapped his wings and began to fly away once again. This time, Rean had him follow a slightly different direction than they were heading a moment ago. At the same time, Roan connected his mind to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    ''Frandin, can all Zasfins use that kind of skill?''


    Frandin shook his head as he answered.


    [No. From what I know, you must reach a certain level of Soul Power. Otherwise, you can''t activate it. From what I know, you use your entire Soul Power to activate the Bloodline Mark. The Bloodline Mark will then consume it completely, not leaving anything behind. In exchange, it will give you that power. But as I mentioned before, once the energy is spent, you will forever lose your Soul Power, while the Bloodline Mark will disappear.]


    ''How much Soul Power do you need? Also, does it depend on your age like the trial requirements?''


    [It has nothing to do with age. As long as you reach the right amount of Soul Power, you can use it. However, the higher the rank of your Bloodline Mark, the higher your Soul Power must be. For example, those two had Rank Three Bloodline Marks on their foreheads, so they needed 300 points of Soul Power. Of course, they probably had much more than that. It''s just that 300 points is the bare minimum for one to use it.]


    Roan nodded. That put some light into the situation.


    ''Now, then. Why didn''t you tell us about that?''


    [Who the hell would be crazy enough to challenge Nascent Soul Realm Zasfins with Core Formation Realm cultivation? I''ve never thought you would even see such a thing in your life, so it obviously didn''t even pass through my mind.]


    Roan narrowed his eyes after hearing that but decided to leave it be. The fact that Frandin still contacted them in time at least helped his words. After all, he could have just stayed quiet, but he still warned them in the end before they tried to attack Jamil and Lucas.


    [By the way, where the hell am I? Do you really need to imprison me like this? Also, how exactly can I see your fight even though I''m not by your side?]


    Rean sighed in response before he used his control over the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to summon Frandin out of jail. Naturally, he appeared right above Kentucky as well.


    "Ah!"


    He immediately got down and held Kentucky''s feather. This sudden action was too unexpected.


    "Ho-how did you do that?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Are you an idiot? This is a special technique that only the humans of our world can use. You should have deduced this much at least."


    Well, that was obviously a lie. However, Frandin was forced to believe since he had never seen anything like this before. If it wasn''t a skill from their world, then what would it be?


    "This..."


    Eventually, Frandin calmed down and slowly sat on Kentucky''s back.


    "No wonder your friends appeared and disappeared everywhere. You can carry everyone together with you without anyone noticing. Your world''s techniques are really a sight to behold."


    Roan ignored his compliment before asking.


    "That guy used his Soul Power to track us down. Can he do that again? I could feel my energy inside his body, just a tiny bit. I can tell that he used it to find our location."


    Frandin pondered for a bit before saying.


    "In theory, as long as it''s a Soul Power skill, he should be able to. However, those two lost all their Soul Power after they activated the Soul Eater skill. That being said, they will need to ask someone else to drag the energy of your attacks from their bodies to track you down."


    Frandin then continued.


    "However, I find it hard to believe they will let anyone do that."


    "Why?"


    "Because they just lost their Soul Power. The last thing they want in this world is that others know that they can''t use Soul Power anymore. The moment they reveal everything, they will lose all their positions. Besides, letting others know that they ended up like that because of humans would definitely consolidate this. If they know what''s good for them, they will keep a low profile from now on, never to let anyone know what happened. At the very least, I would do so."


    Rean''s group had seen just how much the Zasfins disdained the humans, so they could imagine that happening. With a planet lacking Spiritual Energy like this one, Nascent Soul Realm cultivators probably had a much higher position than the Nascent Soul ones from their world, after all.


    Frandin hit the bullseye when he said that. After Lucas and Jamil''s Soul Power ran out, their Bloodline Marks disappeared together with the rest of their Soul Power Source. Without any other choice, they had to stop somewhere to recover from their injuries a little.


    After that, the two returned to Fhanzen City and met up with each other again. Obviously, only the two of them were present. Lucas then looked at Jamil, trying to control his temper.


    "Jamil, this is all your fault!"


    Jamil wasn''t feeling any better either.


    "Shut up! Do you think I know what could happen? Don''t forget that I also lost my Soul Power forever! I had just reached the necessary Soul Power Points to take the Rank Four Bloodline Trial! But look at me now..."


    Lucas was a little surprised to hear that. Still, he quickly recovered since it didn''t matter anymore.


    "I''ll warn you. You better not let anyone know what happened."


    Jamil nodded as he said.


    "Obviously! Do you think I want to lose my position as the Kastran City''s City Lord? Make sure you also keep your mouth shut."


    Lucas nodded after that. However, just as he was about to ask what they would do, someone had entered the room.


    "Big brother! How was it? Did you capture that human?"


    It was none other than Falin, Jamil''s younger brother. He had an excited expression on his face after hearing that his big brother was back. He had been waiting for too long to take revenge on Roan and Calina, so he couldn''t wait to put his hand on them.


    However, the moment he asked that question, a light flashed on Jamil''s hand before it pierced through Falin''s heart.


    "Bi-Big brother..."


    Falin''s eyes widened as he looked at Jamil''s weapon on his chest. He couldn''t believe Jamil did such a thing.


    "All of it just happened because of your actions. Because of you, I can never go up in the ranks again. Just die already, you useless piece of trash!"


    Falin wanted to ask why Jamil did that. Unfortunately, his vision began to turn dark before he fell to the ground. He would never know the answer to his doubts.


    Jamil then looked in the direction where he and Lucas battled the humans.


    "I won''t let it end like this."

 Chapter 594 - Arrival In Vanesi

    As Roan had mentioned, their group had traveled on foot for quite some time, which allowed them to battle a lot against demon beasts. The last battle against two Nascent Soul Realm cultivators, though, put them even more on edge. A single mistake, and any of them might have been killed by a single strike of their enemies.


    In exchange, these situations were the type that helped one''s foundation out the most. Even Calina''s recent breakthrough benefited a lot from that last battle. That being said, they didn''t need to go out there to battle more demon beasts or other Zasfin groups anytime soon. All they needed was to consolidate what they learned and cultivate calmly.


    With that said, Rean and Roan stayed on top of Kentucky''s body with Frandin while the others were in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. All of them were cultivating.


    From what Frandin told them, the tracking ability used on them also had a maximum range. Once surpassed, it wouldn''t work anymore. Besides, it was only temporary. Sooner than later, the energy used to track them down would dissipate. By now, Frandin was pretty sure that they wouldn''t be able to be tracked anymore.


    Just like that, another three weeks and a half passed in a more or less relaxed fashion. Every now and then, Rean would come down to let Kentucky rest while Roan would send Frandin out to fight. From their entire group, only Frandin didn''t participate in that battle. Well, that was simply Roan''s way of getting back at Frandin for warning them about the Soul Eater skill in the last second.


    There was a good thing, though. Roan wasn''t giving him unreasonable tasks. His cultivation, especially with the Spirit Stones he obtained, was still going up faster than ever. One of the reasons was that Roan wanted to test how his training would fare for someone who used Soul Power. Roan made it very clear for Frandin as well.


    ''Simply put, I''m being treated as a guinea pig in case Roan really manages to awaken Soul Power.''


    Frandin sighed in response, but there was nothing he could do. In any case, this was turning out very well for him. By now, he was pretty sure that he would be considered the top 1 genius in Danve City.


    One good point in traveling with Kentucky was that it was simply several times faster. Their next stop was Vanesi City, located close to the border of the Palif and Oclon Empires. It should have taken them at least three months to arrive there on foot. But even though they weren''t flying at top speed with the Minokawa, they still made it there in less than a month.


    "Wow! That''s quite a big city. Even from this distance, I can still see it."


    Frandin had never been there, but he could tell why that is.


    "That''s to be expected. Fhanzen has a Rank Four Bloodline Trial and is already that big. It is only normal that a city with a Rank Five Bloodline Trial, the only one on the west side of the Empire, to be even bigger."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "Now that you say that, the higher the rank of the bloodline trial, the lesser their numbers, right? In that case, how many Rank Six Bloodline Trials and above are in Palif Empire?"


    Frandin nodded as he said.


    "Indeed. As far as I know, Palif has two Rank Six Bloodline Trial Grounds, one in the north and another in the south. As for Rank Seven and above, you can only find them close to the Palif Empire''s Capital. After all, those are the Bloodline Marks used by the Imperial Family and a scant few who can achieve the necessary Soul Power Points to try it."


    Roan then added.


    "I guess we can consider the situation to be similar in the other Empires. After all, their Bloodline Trial Grounds are part of their Empire''s might against others. They can''t afford to have their High-Level Trial Grounds destroyed."


    Rean then thought about something else as he asked.


    "Wouldn''t it be easier to make more of those Trial Grounds, then? Even if one gets destroyed, they would have others to use."


    Frandin shook his head as he replied.


    "I agree with you, but I don''t know how it works. No one knows how you can set a Trial Ground, even the most basic Rank One Bloodline Trials. It''s a secret sealed by the powers of each Empire and the Celestial Lands."


    Roan agreed with Frandin as he speculated.


    "Most likely, there''s some kind of mutual agreement between each of these powers regarding the Trial Grounds. In any case, that matters little for us at the moment. If we have the chance, we can check in the future, but let''s leave it aside for now."


    Frandin and Rean nodded before Rean patted Kentucky on his back. The Minokawa then dived down and landed in a remote area where no one could see it.


    "Great job, Kentucky. Here, this is your prize."


    Rean then took out a huge chunk of Transten Ore, the Heaven High-Level one. Even though they didn''t have that much remaining to feed the Minokawa, Rean thought that Kentucky deserved this much. Kentucky''s eyes immediately lit up before he took it from Rean and swallowed it whole. Right after, it sat down and closed its eyes to sleep while digesting the delicacy.


    Rean smiled as he patted Kentucky''s feathers for a moment. Following that, he used his control over the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to send Kentucky inside.


    "Isn''t it too much to use two weeks'' worth of Transten Ore in a single go?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "Don''t be so strict. Kentucky did bring us all the way here, only stopping to rest. You must understand when to criticize and when to reward. In any case, we don''t have many Heaven Level ores remaining anymore. That said, it won''t make a big difference if we run out of them a few weeks earlier."


    Frandin felt like someone had smashed his head with a hammer as he thought.


    ''They are feeding the demon beast with HEAVEN LEVEL materials!''


    That was quite hard for him to process. Well, that was the normal reaction, right?

 Chapter 595 - Imperial Auction House

    Ignoring Frandin''s surprise, Roan then asked something else.


    "Wouldn''t it be better to keep some of the Heaven Level Materials for use?"


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    "We are already out of Luminun Ore, which is only a Heaven Middle-Level Material. Think about it. A normal blacksmith would need to be in the Nascent Soul Realm to forge Heaven Low-Level Equipment. In my case, because our Spiritual Energy Pool is much bigger than those at our level, I think I can do that once I reach the Peak Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. How long do you think that will take?"


    Roan understood where Rean was coming from.


    "I see. We only have Heaven High-Level Materials. For that level of equipment, you would need to reach the Peak of the Soul Transformation Realm at the very least. Otherwise, you won''t be able to do anything with it."


    Rean nodded as he responded.


    "Exactly. Just how long do you think it will take for us to reach the Soul Transformation Realm in this world? It''s way too out of my league at the moment. That being said, we might as well let Kentucky enjoy these ores. At the very least, it directly increases his power. Also, I don''t think we would be able to find more of this level of material once we get to that cultivation realm."


    Roan agreed with Rean and decided to not intervene in how he fed Kentucky anymore.


    Kentucky had left them behind a hill, so Rean and Roan quickly climbed it before looking in the distance. Even though they were not as high as when they were flying with Kentucky, they could still see just how big Vanesi City was.


    Frandin was also on their side, looking at the city. He might be the young master of Danve City. But in a place like this, he might as well be considered a country bumpkin. At the very least, his status wouldn''t be as high as in small cities.


    "Alright, let''s go. Frandin, we''re doing the same act again."


    Rean then activated his Spiritual Sense Bending Skill, covering only his and Roan''s Dantians. Others had to at least feel their presence with their Spiritual Senses. Otherwise, Rean and Roan would be like ghosts in the middle of the city. Those using Spiritual Sense couldn''t feel their presence, but they were still right in front of them. That would obviously catch a lot of attention. That''s why only their Dantians were covered, to only hide their cultivation.


    The city was still several kilometers away, so the crowd began to increase as they got close. Every now and then, they would see Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators flying above their heads.


    "Still, compared to cities of the same size back in our Sunkan Planet, this city is severely lacking in Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators and above."


    "That''s the lack of Spiritual Energy for you."


    Eventually, they arrived at the city gate before entering the queue. It took them more than one hour to arrive at the guarding post, where Frandin had to pay 10 Rank Two Spirit Stones for himself and five for each human he brought along. Poor Frandin couldn''t help but feel a bit of pain in his heart with that price.


    ''So expensive!''


    Rean and Roan didn''t seem to care, though. They only paid attention to their surroundings, ready to jump into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm if necessary. They didn''t know whether Jamil and Lucas had really not told anyone about them or not. Who knows? Perhaps the surrounding countries were warned about their presence and were waiting for them to fall into the trap.


    Fortunately, that didn''t seem to be the case. Rean and Roan couldn''t feel anyone following them after they passed by the city gates. Even Roan''s instincts didn''t stir at all.


    "Sigh... that''s good enough. Frandin, ask around where the City''s Auction House is. I need to sell the weapons I made back in Kastran City. It''s about time to cash in some Spirit Stones."


    Frandin nodded and began to inquire about the auction house in the stalls around. Following that, they went to the City Center as expected. They moved slowly with the crowd to not catch anyone''s attention, so they took quite some time to arrive.


    After some time, they got to their destination.


    -Imperial Auction House-


    This was the biggest one Frandin had heard about. There were a few others, but this one would get the biggest crowds and the highest prices. It was obviously operated by the Imperial Family. Or, to be more precise, the Imperial Guardians who protected the Rank Five Bloodline Trial Grounds.


    Of course, not everyone could come and sell their items here. There was a minimal level for anything that was auctioned. However, Rean wasn''t the least bit worried about that. He was sure that Earth High-Level Weapons would definitely be accepted.


    Frandin then entered the Auction House with Rean and Roan before they went to a private room. There, an appraiser received them, asking.


    "Hello, little friend. Is there anything I can help you with today?"


    Frandin nodded before placing a big leather bag on the table.


    "I need some Spirit Stones quickly, so I want to auction these weapons during the next auction three days from now."


    The man nodded and brought the weapons out. Surprisingly though, he didn''t seem to be that surprised by them.


    "Oh! You have a few good pieces here. All of them are at the Earth High-Level, and their quality is definitely above average. This should go well with the other opening items for this month''s opening."


    Rean was quite surprised by the elder''s indifference. He thought that this level of equipment would make him a lot more excited.


    ''Well, that plays well for me too. If they don''t think much of my weapons, that means they won''t try anything on Frandin either.''


    The appraiser then took out a token and marked a few things on it before passing the token to Frandin.


    "This is your proof of identity. Once the auction is over, you can bring this token here and receive the payment. Remember, the auction house charges 30% over all the items sold. You can also use this token to participate during the next auction. It''s just that you will only be able to stay in the lower seats together with the crowd."


    Frandin didn''t mind that and took his token. After that, he turned around and left the auction house with the twins.

 Chapter 596 - Frandins Improvement

    Frandin and the twins then went to the Bloodline Trials Office in the city. As always, the place had almost no one present. After all, achieving the necessary Soul Power to try a Rank Five one was way too difficult. Unless, of course, you have the right nobility status.


    Not long after, they heard the conditions for the Rank Five Bloodline Trials together with the security procedures if Frandin wanted to try it out. Frandin couldn''t help but comment through a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''For someone at my age, a Soul Power of 420 points is necessary. Also, that''s not considering the boost given by the Bloodline Marks, but your raw power alone. That''s just way too hard!''


    Roan narrowed his eyes before asking.


    ''You said you had 263 points of Soul Power when I asked you last time, right?''


    Frandin nodded.


    ''I did. However, that was when my Rank Two Bloodline Mark is active. Without it, it''s a lot lower. To be more specific, without my Bloodline Mark, it''s 20% lower. Why do you ask?''


    Roan continued with his train of thought as he asked.


    ''Have you tested your Soul Power after that? Even after I bought the Soul Measurement Crystal, you didn''t try to check your Soul Power even once. However, I have put you through training that far surpasses the quality of the regime you had before. I even tailored it around your Soul Power practice to test how things would be for me if I get the Bloodline Mark. Surely it must have increased, no?''


    ''This...''


    Frandin had to admit that it was true. However, every time he went through Roan''s schedule, he would be a half step away from death, so he didn''t pay attention to how much it increased. He only knew that it did grow, that''s all.


    Rean became curious as well, so he took the chance that they were already in the Bloodline Trial Office and told Frandin.


    ''Ask the attendant if they can test your Soul Power right now. Let''s how much you improved in these several months of Death Style Soul Power training.''


    Frandin then looked at his hand as he gathered some of his Soul Power there.


    ''It definitely feels a lot stronger... But, I don''t think it''s anything worth praising. If I were to guess, I think I got another 40 to 50 points of raw Soul Power. Of course, I''m not looking down on these 40 to 50 points. If it was the time I was in Danve City, I definitely wouldn''t have increased my Soul Power so much like that. At most, I would have improved 10 to 20 points in the same period.''


    Roan already began to lose his patience as he said.


    ''Stop coming up with excuses and check it already. I don''t care about how much you think you improved. I want raw numbers! Precise measure! Just ask the attendant for the Soul Measurement Crystal already.''


    Frandin nodded after that. Without his Bloodline Mark, he had around 210 points of Soul Power when he first met Rean and Roan. It was now time to see how good it became.


    "Sorry, sir. Would you mind testing my Soul Power? I want to see how much I''ve improved until now."


    The attendant nodded, not caring too much. His job was to find Zasfins capable of taking the Rank Five test even if they were extremely rare. As much as he thought it would be impossible for Frandin, he had to follow the rules.


    Frandin was then brought to a private room with Rean and Roan to test his power. There were also two members of the Bloodline Trial Office there to check the results to make sure no one would cheat the test.


    Rean and Roan kept their play of submissive humans as they headed to a corner to wait for Frandin. Of course, their Spiritual Senses were on the Soul Measurement Crystal and Frandin himself.


    Frandin then touched the Soul Measurement Crystal and summoned his Soul Power. Unlike Roan, he could manifest it in the outside world, so it gave a much more precise result.


    Soon, the Crystal lit up as it absorbed Frandin''s power.


    The two members of the Bloodline Office weren''t expecting much. However, the moment the Crystal lit up, their eyes shone as they looked at Frandin. At the very least, the Crystal was glowing a lot more than their expectations.


    It only took a minute before the Crystal finished its job and let Frandin go. Everyone then looked at the surface, waiting for the numbers to appear.


    3...


    4...


    2...


    342!


    "What?!"


    Frandin felt like he was struck by lightning!


    "342! How''s that possible?!"


    Frandin was obviously shocked. That''s because his Soul Power almost doubled in half a year he spent with Rean''s group. Before, he thought he would have enough power to be the best genius in Danve City. However, with such a number, he was definitely the greatest genius in the several cities around Danve together!


    However, the attendants were a little disappointed.


    "Sigh... 342. You are still 78 points away from reaching the necessary mark to enter the Rank Five Bloodline Trial. Sorry, little friend. But you will have to try harder."


    The other attendant nodded in response. However, he was curious about something.


    "He''s right. Still, there is one thing I don''t understand. You definitely have the necessary Soul Power to try a Rank Four Bloodline Trial, let alone a Rank Three. Why are you still using a Rank Two Bloodline Mark?"


    "This..."


    Frandin scratched the back of his head before saying.


    "I didn''t know my Soul Power was this big before..."


    The attendants felt they had heard wrongly. There was almost no Zasfin that didn''t test their own Soul Power regularly. How come this guy hasn''t done that?


    "Ahem... Well, you do have the talent for that. You should really think about trying a Rank Four Bloodline Trial. It will also increase your status in our Empire."


    Frandin nodded absent-mindedly. His head was totally on the number that he had just seen. After some time, Frandin bid farewell to those attendants before leaving the office with Rean and Roan.

 Chapter 597 - Found It!

    After that, Frandin left the Bloodline Trials Office with Rean and Roan.


    ''As I thought, strict training and near-death experiences are also deeply linked to how much you can improve in a period of time.''


    Rean agreed with him as he said.


    ''It seems like the potential of Frandin''s Soul Power was being wasted so far. No, to be more specific, most Zasfins are wasting their potential. After all, we rarely see Zasfins outside, battling demon beasts. Even when we do, they are usually attacking lower-level beasts.''


    Roan nodded before looking at Frandin and asking.


    ''Correct. Frandin, before I put you into your new training schedule, how often did you go through battles that could really kill you?''


    Frandin couldn''t help but feel a chill on his back when he thought about that. He already lost his count on how many times he was just a hair''s breadth away from dying since he had joined Rean''s group.


    ''Errr... My father did send me out to fight the demon beasts nearby Danve City. That day when Rean capture me, I had just come back from one of those training sessions. However...''


    Frandin then felt a little embarrassed, not wishing to talk about it. Rean and Roan didn''t wait for him either. His expression had already answered their question. Sure enough, Frandin probably didn''t fight truly dangerous beasts and didn''t go through any life and death experiences. Even if he did, it was only once or twice.


    ''That''s good for us. As long as the Bloodline Mark allows us to use Soul Power, we will be able to increase our power much faster than others. Of course, there are definitely Zasfins out there who know about it and are going through similarly dangerous training like ours. For example, those so-called geniuses that can join the Celestial Lands probably grew up through this method.''


    Roan nodded once again.


    "That''s what I think as well. Simply put, Frandin''s dream of joining a Celestial Land was a joke since he never tried to put in the necessary effort to raise his Soul Power. I can''t even imagine how much stronger his Soul Power would be if he wasn''t such a chicken before meeting us.''


    Frandin felt even more embarrassed. Rean and Roan''s words were harsh, but they were the absolute truth. Before being captured, his training schedules could be called anything but hard.


    Roan then continued.


    ''Leaving his chicken thoughts aside, his Soul Power is increasing way faster than I predicted.''


    Rean knew where Roan was coming from.


    ''You have the same idea as me, it seems. Most likely, Frandin''s power is increasing this quickly because there was a lot of space for growth to start with. Once he uses up all the space available, the improvement in his Soul Power will slow down by a lot even if he keeps up the same training routine.''


    Frandin was taken aback by that as he asked.


    ''Is that true? How come I don''t know that?''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    ''That''s because you don''t know anyone who has trained seriously. Your father, who is already in the Nascent Soul Realm, couldn''t get anything better than a  Rank Two Bloodline Mark. That shows that your chicken blood runs in the family. If I''m not wrong, your father is already very old, with no chances of breaking through into the Soul Transformation Realm anymore, right?''


    Frandin didn''t like how Rean put his words. Then again, he never acted any better when dealing with human slaves. In the end, he just sighed and nodded.


    ''Ever since father entered the Nascent Soul Realm, he has been in the initial stage. He is already 359 years old and has been in the initial stage for 168 years.''


    One must remember that a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator''s lifespan was nothing more than 500 years.


    Rean and Roan were not surprised by that. It seemed like Frandin''s father would at most reach the Middle Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm in his life.


    ''I''m quite impressed that he got to the Nascent Soul Realm at all, especially considering the lack of Spiritual Energy in this world.''


    Frandin scratched the back of his head before saying.


    ''That''s because he used the Rank Two Bloodline Trial to give the last push for his breakthrough. If not for that, he probably wouldn''t have succeeded. The Bloodline Mark Trial allowed my father to jump from the Late Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm straight to the Initial Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm.''


    Rean and Roan immediately stopped at that moment.


    ''Wait, what? You can use the trials to push for a breakthrough?''


    Frandin then remembered that he had never commented about that.


    ''You can, but I don''t know the specifics. As I mentioned before, the trial chances according to those taking the trials. I really don''t know how it would be if you or I tried it. Of course, it probably isn''t too much different, but I can''t guarantee that either.''


    Rean and Roan were still shocked by that. A trial alone allowed a Zasfin to jump two stages and one realm. How ridiculous was that?


    ''I''m even more interested in these trials now.''


    Rean then pondered for a bit before only asking Roan.


    ''The Rank Five Bloodline Trial Grounds'' security is even more strict than the Rank Four. However, it still follows the same rules as all others. The protection exists only in its surroundings. Once inside, you''re alone. We are already intending to enter a Bloodline Trial anyway. That said, why don''t we try this Rank Five one?''


    Roan had to admit that he had been thinking about it ever since they exited the Bloodline Trial Office.


    ''However, we don''t know the exact location of the Trial Grounds. Without that, we can''t teleport there.''


    Rean shook his head as he said.


    ''That''s the point. We don''t really need to get too close, right? The trial grounds seem to be quite a big place. What about we use my Spiritual Sense and Light Bending Skill to enter the security range and see where it''s located? We don''t need to get too close, just enough to see where we should teleport to.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Seems like that''s a good idea. Let''s find a place to stay and then leave Frandin there. After that, we can try to enter into their defenses without being discovered.''


    As always, Rean asked Frandin to find some Blacksmith Workshop to rent. They ended up paying for one far from the city center. However, Rean didn''t mind that since the place mattered little for him. After drawing a simple Anti-Spiritual Sense Formation, Rean entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to see the others.


    This time, however, Calina had black hair. Sure enough, she used the products to change her hair color once again. Roan had many materials for it from the time Calina was hidden in the Dalamu Sect. She didn''t know when she would be going outside, but she wanted to be ready for that.


    "What do you guys want to do now?"


    Rean then explained their plans to everyone.


    "I see... That seems risky but could also bring huge rewards."


    Roan then mentioned.


    "If things get risky, we will teleport away again. Last time, we only had to care about two Nascent Soul Realm cultivators. This time, the Trial Grounds are filled with Core and Soul Fusion Realm and above cultivators. I wouldn''t be surprised if a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator was also present, guarding it. That said, we won''t fight and will immediately flee if we''re found."


    That was to be expected. One thing was fighting against powerful enemies, while the other was simply suicide. Without a doubt, trying to battle in this place could only be suicidal.


    "Don''t forget, once we get there, I''ll bring you guys out as well. This Bloodline Mark might be a very good thing for all of us."


    Malaka and the others immediately nodded and began to prepare. Meanwhile, Rean and Roan exited the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Frandin didn''t even bother to think how they were doing that anymore after seeing it so many times. Following that, they sent him into the Dimensional Realm before leaving.


    The quality of Formations in this world was definitely beneath the Formations in Sunkan Planet. However, the Zasfins could make up for it with the Soul Power Runes added to them. One of these Formations with Soul Power just so happened to be the protection formation around the Trial Grounds. That being said, there was only one entrance to the area.


    Of course, Rean and Roan completely ignored that. Instead, they went to another side of the protection formation without anyone looking. From there, they entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and used a very short teleport to appear on the other side. Besides, the entrance would have Nascent Soul Realm Spiritual Senses watching over. At Rean''s cultivation level, he wouldn''t be able to fend off those Spiritual Senses at such a close distance. Using the entrance was out of the question from the very start.


    Rean and Roan also refrained from using Kentucky or Calina. Little by little, they made their way through the region, trying to find their way to the Trial Grounds. Tens of kilometers later...


    ''Roan, I can feel several Spiritual Senses already. Core and Soul Fusion Realm ones are the majority. Still, there are already two at the Nascent Soul Realm level.''


    Roan wasn''t surprised by that.


    ''This is good. That shows that we are moving in the right direction. Make sure not to let us get too close.''


    Rean nodded as they kept moving forward. Using Rean''s Light Bending Skill, they also couldn''t be seen by the naked eye. In the end, the twins had to do several turns and retreat many times. Finding a breach where a Nascent Soul Realm''s Spiritual Sense wouldn''t be too close proved a lot harder than expected. However, those who put in the effort would eventually be rewarded.


    ''Found it!''

 Chapter 598 - Earned Ones

    It turned out that the Trial Grounds were inside a mountain. Rean and Roan were on top of a hill many kilometers away, at the very limit of what Rean''s Spiritual Sense Bending could hide them. In a certain way, it was a risky move since they could be found at any second due to their proximity. Still, this was the only breach they had found so far, so they decided to risk it.


    Fortunately, it had paid off. Right now, they could at least see the outline of what would be considered the trial grounds. They could see many Imperial Guards around the entrance, but none of them got close to it. Finally, after making sure to mark down where it was, the two of them retreated into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    "Alright, we found the entrance. Sister Orb, we''re going to try teleport in that direction now."


    [No problem. The Circuitry Teleport Formation is ready anyway. I also saw where the Trial Grounds entrance is located, so I will adjust the direction of the teleport from here.]


    This time, only Rean stepped on the teleport formation. That''s because he was the best one at keeping himself hidden with his skills. One must remember that the teleport only controlled the general direction, not the exact point. For that, they would need the save point, which couldn''t be used at the moment. That being said, Rean could very well teleport underground and have to make his way up, or even teleport in mid-air. There definitely wouldn''t be a lack of Spiritual Senses watching his arriving location in the latter case. Last but not least, the exact distance couldn''t be set either. They had to measure it with the amount of Spirit Stones used.


    [Are you ready?]


    Rean nodded as he activated his Spiritual Sense and Light Bending skill once again. Soon, he disappeared from everyone''s sight. Sister Orb then activated the Circuitry Teleport Formation right after. Eventually, with a flash of silver light, Rean was teleported away.


    In the next second, a flash of silver light appeared elsewhere before there was nothing there anymore. Naturally, Rean was there with his skill activated. However, everything was dark around him.


    Following that, Rean fell on the ground, which was a few meters under the place he teleported. During that time, he also spread his Spiritual Sense, trying to make out the location in his head.


    ''Nothing?''


    Rean then got up after landing as he paid attention to his Spiritual Sense Bending skill.


    ''There isn''t a single Spiritual Sense in this place. Roan was planning to go through the Trial while keeping my Spiritual Sense bending skill active. But from the looks of it, Spiritual Sense can''t be used to watch the insides of the Trial Grounds. It''s still too early to be certain, but I guess Frandin was right about no one being allowed to watch the Trials.''


    Rean then carefully spread his Divine Sense little by little. The last thing he needed was to alert everyone with his own Spiritual Sense. He could bend others'' Spiritual Senses with his Light Element. Obviously, he could bend his own as well. However, it only worked up to a few meters away from him. Besides, if he bent his own Spiritual Sense around someone, that meant he won''t be able to see them as well, so it wasn''t that useful.


    However, Rean quickly found out that all the walls around him acted against Spiritual Sense. Not only that, but it seemed like the entire Bloodline Trial Ground had something blocking Spiritual Sense. He couldn''t spread it more than five or so meters, and that was already his limit.


    ''Sure enough, Soul Power is the rule in the Trial Grounds. I believe Soul Power would be able to see much further away than Spiritual Sense... if I had any.''


    Rean started to walk right after.


    ''Now, then. Just where the hell am I on the Trial Grounds? If the entire mountain is the trial grounds, then I should be close to the entrance. After all, we calculated the amount of Spirit Stones to teleport more or less one to three kilometers into the Trial Grounds. The mountain is tens of kilometers long, so I shouldn''t be too far into it. Of course, that''s considering that the Trial Ground does use the entire mountain.''


    Rean didn''t run, nor did he jog. He was slowly making his way around, trying to make out his position. After some time, he could finally tell that there was no one around.


    Following that, Roan and Frandin were brought out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    "This... I can''t see anything. Where are we?"


    Rean and Roan didn''t tell Frandin of the plan until now, so it was understandable that he was lost.


    "We''re inside the Rank Five Bloodline Trial Grounds."


    "What?!"


    Frandin''s blood almost froze at that moment. This was the type of place he thought he would never put his feet on in his life.


    "You must be kidding!"


    *Pah!*


    Roan then slapped the back of Frandin''s head.


    "Stop wasting our time. If we say we''re here, then we''re here. We brought you out as well because we have no Soul Power whatsoever. We will probably need you to pass this thing."


    Frandin rubbed the back of his head and nodded. Still, he couldn''t help but feel somewhat excited.


    ''Rank Five Bloodline Trial! If I pass it...''


    Rean then asked Frandin.


    "Try to use your Soul Power. My Spiritual Sense doesn''t go further than five meters in this place. It obviously has some formation or power blocking it."


    Frandin took a deep breath and nodded before spreading his Soul Power. Sure enough, it could go much further than Spiritual Sense.


    "I can see up to 15 meters. Nothing is blocking it. Unfortunately, my cultivation is just too low, so I can''t see further than this by default."


    Rean shook his head.


    "Don''t worry. It''s already much better than mine or Roan''s. Let''s go. The only exit of this room is on the left side. Let us know if you see anything."


    Frandin nodded while Rean and Roan took the lead. They finally exited the place where Rean first appeared. Still, everything was dark as always.


    "Could it be that because we entered this trial without permission, it''s not activated?"


    Roan and Frandin nodded in response.


    "We don''t know how things work inside this place, so there''s that possibility."


    However, that situation didn''t last long. Suddenly, all the walls around them lit up with a yellow light, illuminating the entire thing. Only then did they notice that they entered a big underground hall. Rean had both his Light and Spiritual Sense Bending skills active. Still, they didn''t drop their guard as they looked at their surroundings.


    ''Did they find us out?''


    They stayed stationary, not moving a muscle for a few moments. Suddenly, the door to the hall opened. From outside came a man who looked to be in his thirties. Frandin immediately recognized his clothes, so he warned Rean and Roan.


    ''Can you see his attire? This guy is definitely part of a very influential clan.''


    Rean and Roan understood.


    ''He just so happened to be here for the trial, just like us.''


    They could confirm it because the guy didn''t seem to be looking in their direction at all. Besides, he was alone. As mentioned before, one could only enter the Trial Grounds alone, which was exactly the case for him. Rean and Roan didn''t think that the Zasfins would send just a single person to capture them if they knew they were here.


    Rean''s group looked at the guy made his way forward. Now that everything was lit up, they could see an altar at the other end of the underground hall. Right behind it, there were a few other doors that they didn''t know anything about.


    Sure enough, the guy didn''t know that Rean''s group was there. In a certain way, Rean''s group was really lucky.


    They didn''t know it, but they were right. The fact was that you really needed to activate the trial ground. Otherwise, keeping it working would constantly spend Spirit Stones, which wasn''t that abundant on this planet to start with.


    ''Forget it. Just pay attention to what he''s doing.''


    Frandin and Rean nodded as they refrained from moving.


    Finally, the man put his hands on the altar as he murmured.


    "This time, I will definitely succeed. Bloodline Marks received because of your family aren''t as good as one earned by yourself. I''m not that kind of trash. I was so close last time. Once I get a real one, my position in the clan will definitely skyrocket!"


    Rean and Roan subconsciously looked at Frandin. He was a Zasfin Trash who didn''t mind getting his Bloodline Mark because of his family instead of a Bloodline Trial.


    Frandin wanted to cry already.


    ''Can you stop looking at me like that? You''re making me want to kill myself already.''


    Rean then asked something else.


    ''How come you didn''t tell us Received Bloodline Marks are worse than Earned Bloodline Marks?''


    Frandin suddenly dropped his head even more as he responded.


    ''I... didn''t know that.''


    Rean and Roan then shook their heads after that. The disappointment on their faces was so obvious that it hurt already. It was as if they had lost any hope in him already.


    Poor Frandin''s pride was nowhere to be seen anymore. All he wanted was a hole to throw himself into. He was probably the first Zasfin to feel so embarrassed in front of humans in a very, very long time.

 Chapter 599 - Chick!

    The guy didn''t know that Roan''s group was there, so he continued with his own test. He gathered his own Soul Power and sent it into the altar. Following that, the altar lit up with a faint blue light, connecting with the guy''s Soul Power Source.


    After some time, one of the seven doors at the back began to open as it glowed with the same blue light. However, Rean and Roan immediately noticed that the guy didn''t seem to be that pleased with the door given to him. Unfortunately, they couldn''t hear what the guy was saying as he entered that door.


    Once the shadows had engulfed the guy''s silhouette, the door behind him began to close, making it seem like nothing had happened. Rean and Roan didn''t try to follow the guy since they didn''t know what the doors there meant.


    ''Frandin, do you know what those doors are about?''


    Frandin shook his head as he said.


    ''Father didn''t talk to me about it. First of all, I can''t guarantee that the Rank Two Bloodline Trials had them or not.''


    Roan had to admit that Frandin was right.


    Rean then shook his head and put those questions at the back of his head.


    ''Forget about it. From the looks of it, this Bloodline Trial will keep working as long as that guy is attempting it. However, we don''t know how long he''ll take there, so let''s hurry up.''


    Frandin and Roan nodded in response as they quickly approached the altar. Sure enough, Rean and Roan connected to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and allowed everyone else to come out. The good thing was that there wasn''t a need to explain anything to anyone. Sister Orb made sure to tell them what was happening in the outside world during that time.


    Frandin, already used to the scene, also ignored everyone before asking Rean and Roan.


    "Should I touch the altar first?"


    That was the problem. Even if a door opened for Frandin, would it open for the rest of them? Can they even enter the same way? They only had one way to find that out.


    "Go ahead. We''ll try to follow you into the door that opens after that."


    "Well, that''s considering Frandin has enough Soul Power to be accepted by it. We still don''t know if the Soul Power that the Bloodline Trials Office asks for is necessary here."


    Frandin then took a deep breath before touching the altar. Just like the last Zasfin, he sent his Soul Power inside before the altar connected to his Soul Power Source. The same faint blue light came out of the Altar a few moments later as another door began to open behind it. This time, it was a different one.


    "Seems like it''s open. Let''s try to enter it."


    Frandin then moved together with Rean''s group. Just to be sure, he went ahead since he was the one who opened it. He passed through the door without any issues. However, just as Rean and Roan were about to go through, some kind of invisible barrier materialized in front of them.


    *Thud! Thud!*


    Rean and Roan bounced back together with the others. Sure enough, only those who opened the doors could pass through them.


    "Sigh... Well, it''s not like we didn''t think about this possibility."


    "Does it mean that only Frandin will be able to try the test?"


    "I don''t know. We decided to follow Frandin since he was the only one who could manifest Soul Power. We do have Soul Power, but our points of Soul Power are below 20. Without it being at 20 points or higher, we can''t manifest it."


    "We can only hope that the altar will activate even without manifesting Soul Power."


    Frandin then looked at Rean and Roan before asking.


    "What should I do then? Should I go forward?"


    Rean and Roan pondered if they should let him go or not. But then again, Frandin was behind the barrier, so they couldn''t capture him either way. On the other hand, Roan was the only one who knew how to make the antidote for Frandin''s poison, so they can demand him to come back.


    Suddenly, the door began to close again. If they wanted Frandin to come out, it had to be soon.


    As Roan pondered about it a little more, Rean lightly smiled before grabbing a pill bottle that contained a different pill from the ones Frandin had been using so far. Not long after that, he threw it at Frandin.


    Roan glanced at him for a moment but didn''t say anything. He more or less expected Rean to do that.


    Frandin, of course, was taken aback by that.


    "Go ahead and see what you can do. Whether you use this chance to escape, attempt to capture us by telling the others, or whatever other idea you have in mind, it''s up to you. By the way, this is the final antidote. Once you take it, the poison in your body will be completely healed."


    Frandin stopped breathing for a second when he heard that before quickly grabbing the bottle. Was that the truth? Or was it a lie? He didn''t know. However, he was certain that only a single pill wouldn''t be enough to keep his poison at bay for long. Unfortunately, he didn''t have time to ask because the door closed in front of him. From now on, he was on his own.


    Back at Rean''s group, Qia looked at Rean and asked.


    "Are you sure about that?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "Even if I wasn''t, it''s not like we could use him for much longer. There is a limit as to what a Rank Two Bloodline Mark owner can do for us. We might as well capture someone with a lot more authority next time."


    Malaka found it strange as she asked in response.


    "What if he decides to spread word of us?"


    Agis was the one who answered that question.


    "It doesn''t matter. The way humans have been treated so far will guarantee that no one will care too much about it. It''s just a few humans. Why should they care? If anything, Frandin might be ostracized since he helped us up to this moment. In the end, it''s just as Rean mentioned, we don''t have much use for him the way he is at the moment anymore."


    Roan nodded as he agreed with Agis. That was the reason Roan didn''t say anything. The risks were very low. In a certain way, allowing Frandin to try a Rank Five Bloodline Trial seemed to be payment for all the help he had provided so far.


    "Forget about it. Let''s go to the altar and see what happens. If it doesn''t open a door for us, then we might as well leave this place. Or perhaps we can also wait here until Frandin comes out to see how he fared."


    They could use the Soul Gem Circuitry Teleport Formation to leave, so leaving unscathed wasn''t much of a concern to them.


    "If it doesn''t work, we can also try and use the Circuitry Teleport Formation to see if we can teleport directly inside of one of those paths."


    Everyone nodded after hearing that.


    However, as they discussed these topics, no one noticed a certain black and white bird moving around on its own.


    *Chick.*


    It was then that Kentucky paid attention to the altar. Slowly but surely, the Minokawa made its way there before looking at the altar from up close.


    At that moment, Rean''s group noticed Kentucky''s behavior from the other side.


    "What''s he doing?"


    "Who cares? Let''s try and use the altar."


    However, just as they began to make their way over, Kentucky''s eyes lit up before his head moved in a flash!


    *Vup,vup, vup!*


    *Peck, peck, peck!*


    *Crunch, crunch, crunch...*


    Kentucky was now eating the altar right in front of everyone. Not only that, but he destroyed one-third of the altar on the first try.


    "Ahh! Stop that chicken!"


    "No!"


    "Stop, Kentucky!"


    However, before they could get close to Kentucky, he swallowed the altar and attacked once more.


    *Vup,vup, vup, vup, vup, vup!*


    *Peck, peck, peck, peck, peck, peck!*


    *Crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch!*


    This time, he noticed that Rean''s group wanted to stop him, so he almost ate the entire altar the second time he pecked at it.


    *Chick! Chick!*


    Kentucky then swallowed the rest of it with a satisfied expression. Well, he was the only one who looked happy at the moment. Rean and the others had a dark expression, especially Roan.


    "Perhaps... we could have fried chicken for dinner today."


    Kentucky felt a chill on his back before he flashed away and hid behind a boulder. He was obviously afraid of Roan''s killing intent. It wasn''t a fake one, but the real deal.


    *Ch-c-c-c-hick...*


    Rean sighed in the end.


    "Whatever. If Kentucky ate the altar, it means at least some of it was made of Heaven-Level materials. Now that it''s gone, we can''t do anything about it. We can try another Bloodline Trial some other time."


    Roan''s expression was still dark, but he could only nod in the end. Unfortunately, fried chickens couldn''t fly, so it would be quite a loss if he cooked Kentucky today.


    Rean''s group then looked at where the altar was located and could see some kind of energy escaping from it. Well, since they''ve been with Frandin for quite some time, they knew what it was.


    "There''s a bit of Soul Power coming out of it."


    "There''s still the base of the altar left. Perhaps it can still recognize us."


    Rean nodded and decided to touch it. However, even before he moved his hands, he heard a sound coming from behind the altar.


    *Rumble...*


    When they all looked over, they noticed that one of the doors into the trials began to open. Soon after, a second one opened as well. Then, a third, a fourth, fifth...


    By the end, almost all doors had opened. Only two were closed, the doors used by Frandin and the other guy.


    "Uh... Kentucky did a good job... I guess?"


    *Chick!*

 Chapter 600 - Roan Doesnt Care

    Roan didn''t seem to be that happy, though.


    "What if we''re found? The altar is gone. Surely it should have set some alarms, no?"


    Everyone then looked at the place where the first guys appeared, waiting to see if there was any movement. However, even as time passed, not a single soul seemed to be coming inside.


    "I wonder, is there no one coming because they don''t know what happened to the altar or because of the rule of only one Zasfin entering each time?"


    Agis shook his head before looking at the passages.


    "Forget it! Let''s go before those doors decide to close on us."


    Rean agreed with him, saying.


    "Since no one''s coming, we can only do that. But... which door should we choose?"


    Roan pondered for a bit before saying.


    "That guy who came in first probably had a higher level of Soul Power even though he was older. Frandin said that he was definitely a member of some big clan due to his clothes. That being said, we can conclude that the door that opened to him was relative to his own talent."


    Qia pondered over Roan''s words for a bit before saying.


    "That might be the case. Or it might not be. They''re all the same, after all."


    Malaka didn''t care, though.


    "Let''s just enter already. If Roan''s right, then the more leftward the door is, then one''s talent is considered higher. In that case, let''s take the easiest one on the right side. It''s that simple."


    Malaka''s words had some logic in them, even though she was just bored with all the waiting.


    However, Calina shook her head right after, saying.


    "No. If Roan''s right and the left doors are harder, then we should take those."


    "Why?"


    Calina then pointed at the door where the first guy entered.


    "Do you remember that he was quite displeased with his door? That might be because he wanted those on the leftmost portions to open. I might be wrong, but there might be small differences between Rank Five Bloodline Marks. The harder the test you pass through, the better the mark... or so I think."


    Rean understood where Calina was coming from.


    "I see... We did comment in the past how weird the division of boost between Bloodline Marks was. Rank 1 being 10%, Rank 2 being 20%, and Rank 3 being 40%. And then, it suddenly jumps to 70% instead of 80%. Frandin didn''t know why that was the case either. Perhaps the higher-ranked Bloodline Marks have differences between them."


    Agis quite liked the idea.


    "Let''s take the leftmost one then. Besides, we weren''t planning to enter a Rank Five Bloodline Trial to start with. If we fail, we can use the Circuitry Teleport Formation to try some other Bloodline Trial later."


    Eventually, everyone agreed with the idea, and they proceeded with the leftmost door. The only doubt was whether it would try to block their passage or not. However, nothing happened in the end. Everyone passed through the door without any issue, including Kentucky.


    Soon, the door behind them closed, starting their own Trial.


    Rean''s group then continued for a few hundreds of meters while they seemed to be heading further down into the earth. After some time, they arrived in a chamber that glowed with the same faint blue light as the altar. Roan took the lead and opened the chamber to see what was inside. However, what they found inside left them shocked!


    "This..."


    "How could this be...?"


    "Aren''t they..."


    Right in front of them, there were humans, lots of them! However, their situation was quite peculiar. They were all affixed to the wall. The weirdest part was that they weren''t locked by chains or anything like that. Instead, it wouldn''t be wrong to say that their limbs had fused with the walls themselves, leaving only the rest of their bodies outside.


    They were all nude as well, both men and women. In front of each one of them was some kind of diagram on the ground. Not only that, but you could also see it on their foreheads. Last but not least, all of them seemed to be in a deep sleep at the moment.


    Rean approached a woman by his side before sending his Light Element and Spiritual Sense inside her body.


    "They... are fine. There are no injuries whatsoever. However, the seal on her forehead is preventing this girl from waking up. The others should be in a similar condition as well."


    The girls couldn''t help but feel disgusted by that.


    "Just how could they do this to them? This is sick!"


    Roan, on the other hand, only cared about the reason for this existence.


    "Weird... What could humans possibly have to do with the Zasfins'' Bloodline Marks."


    His Spiritual Sense couldn''t go very far, so he had to pass by each of these people to check their condition.


    "It seems like their cultivations are all in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm at the moment."


    Gradually, an idea began to form in Roan''s mind. However, Rean was even faster than him.


    "I might be wrong, but I believe their soul is what''s used in the creation of the Bloodline Marks."


    "What?!"


    Calina and the others were taken aback.


    Roan agreed with him.


    "It seems like you had the same idea as me, huh?"


    Rean nodded.


    "That''s the only option possible."


    Qia immediately asked right after.


    "But, how come they all have Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivations? Aren''t humans supposed to be weak in this world?"


    Rean already had an idea in mind. The reason for that was because each of these humans seemed to have bodies used to combat. They all had their own shares of life and death experiences in their lives. Without a doubt, they cultivated till their bones broke off up to this level.


    "I think I know what''s happening. However, it will be faster to understand if we wake one of them up and ask directly."


    Roan agreed with Rean on that.


    Rean then placed his hand on the woman''s forehead and channeled Light Element inside. Following that, he also sent Roan''s Dark Element.


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    Rean''s purification ability wasn''t only good against poisons. That''s because it used Roan''s Dark Element to destroy all the harmful things to the body. That being said, nothing was stopping him from destroying those diagrams on their foreheads, even if they were fused with their bodies.


    Rean carefully drove the two elements to the woman''s head, making sure to protect her brain, eyes, etc., with his Light Element. After some time, he arrived at the core of the diagram. As far as Rean could see, it worked like some kind of seal. The problem was that it also utilized Soul Power, so he didn''t know that much about it.


    First, he enveloped the seal with his Light Element until no gaps were left behind. Only then did Roan''s Dark Element make its way inside. However, as soon as he started that, the woman began to contort like a worm. It was obvious that she was suffering terrible pain even in her sleeping state.


    "Rean, are you sure about what you''re doing?"


    Rean narrowed his eyes before saying.


    "I''m protecting her brain, so it shouldn''t be causing any damage to it at the moment. The only thing I can say is that this seal is also fused with her Soul. Unfortunately, that''s not something I can protect. First of all, the Soul is too much of an abstract subject. It''s not something I can feel with my Spiritual Sense or touch with my Light Element."


    Rean then took his hand back once he retracted the Elements. The woman finally stopped struggling before returning to her deep sleep state.


    "Is there nothing we can do for them?"


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    "If it was only the seal, I could work on it. However, it uses Soul Power. Without Soul Power of my own, there''s nothing I can do. Even if I did have Soul Power, I''m still unsure if there''s something I could do about it either."


    Calina and the others couldn''t help but feel some pity for these people.


    "Can we at least bring them with us? I don''t want to leave them here."


    Roan immediately shook his head as he answered.


    "Out of the question. Can''t you see? The whole issue of the Bloodline Trials hovers around these humans. It would be one thing if one disappeared, but it would be another if all of them were removed."


    Rean nodded.


    "Roan''s right. Qia, get close to the wall and send your Spiritual Sense through it. You won''t be able to reach more than a meter inside, but that will be enough for you to see a certain thing."


    Qia was taken aback for a moment but nodded. Soon after, she did as Rean mentioned. Sure enough, she found what Rean was talking about.


    "Sigh... Removing these people from here will be impossible. There is a linking formation behind each one of them. I''m not entirely sure how it works since there are Soul Runes as well. However, I''m sure that they are linked to the diagrams on their foreheads. It''s also this formation that provides them with the supplements that their bodies need. In any case, if we remove them from here, I''m sure the diagram will kill them straight away."


    Rean nodded.


    "Seems like you''ve reached the same conclusion as me. These people are fated to stay in this place."


    Roan, as always, didn''t seem to care about such sentiments.


    "Well, I might as well see how I could make a Bloodline Mark for myself, then."


    Sure enough, everyone else was taken aback.

 Chapter 601 - Kentucks Soul Power

    "Wait a second! Are you going to use these people''s souls for such a thing?"


    Roan snorted after hearing that question.


    "Obviously. Can''t you see? They''re as good as dead. Their souls are locked by the diagram, leaving them all in this vegetative state. I don''t know about you, but these people are as good as dead in front of me."


    "This..."


    Rean sighed after hearing that but had to agree with Roan.


    "He isn''t wrong. If you want, you can check it yourselves. These people will never wake up again. The diagram and their souls might as well be considered the same thing. They were modified to become Bloodline Marks, so their bodies are nothing more than vessels used to hold the soul until a proper user appears. I''m pretty sure that even if I remove the diagram somehow, they won''t wake up. Even if they do, their soul will probably be so damaged that they''d turn into vegetables."


    Calina still shook her head as she said.


    "But this is wrong! These are human souls!"


    Roan found Calina''s way of thinking funny, saying.


    "Ha! What a joke. Tell me, then. How many people have you killed until now? They all have souls, and they disappeared because of you. Worst of all, unlike these people here, those you killed didn''t help you with anything whatsoever. Well, perhaps they helped you with your training, but that''s about it."


    Calina was taken aback.


    "I..."


    Roan then continued.


    "What? Do you think the situation''s different because these people aren''t your enemies?"


    Calina subconsciously nodded.


    "Naive! Sure, they aren''t your enemies, but they aren''t your friends either. I will tell you the two things that will happen here."


    "Number one, we use them to make our Bloodline Marks if possible."


    "Number two, we leave them here, and they will become some Zasfin''s Bloodline Mark in the future."


    "Alright, then. Choose."


    Roan was as harsh as ever.


    Rean, on the other hand, took a milder approach, as he explained.


    "What the ice block means is that if it was possible to save them, we would try it already. However, there''s already no hope for them anymore. In a certain way, their sacrifices will at least help other humans, us."


    Agis took a deep breath as he looked at all these sacrifices. Eventually, he nodded as well.


    "I''ll be honest. If I was in their condition, knowing that I will never awaken anymore, I would definitely prefer to become another human''s Bloodline Mark. At the very least, I wouldn''t become part of the Zasfin Race''s strength."


    It was then that Malaka thought about something else.


    "Wait. We all know that reincarnation is possible, right? However, if we use these people''s souls to make the marks, will they have that chance? At least the ones we killed so far had that chance."


    Hearing that, Roan narrowed his eyes in response. Even he didn''t know as much.


    "I have no idea."


    In the end, it was all an ethical dilemma.


    The room went silent for a moment when suddenly, Rean moved to one of the humans on the walls.


    "What are you going to do?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders before he said.


    "Well, there''s a point you guys failed to consider. If we want to survive in this world, we need power. At the moment, what we need is Soul Power. It''s simple as that. I feel sorry for these people. Also, you all know that if it was possible, I would help them. However, it''s not. That being said, I will not let this chance slip. I''d rather obtain a better chance of keeping our group safe than dying later on because we lacked the power to protect ourselves."


    Rean then smiled at Qia and the others.


    "In the end, your lives are more important to me than these people."


    Those last worlds struck Qia''s group like lightning. That was all they needed to hear. You fight for those who you can protect. If you can''t, then nothing will matter in the end.


    Roan, of course, didn''t think much about Rean''s words. Whether his group would use these humans to make a Bloodline Mark or not didn''t matter to him. He would make his Bloodline Mark even if they refused it. That being said, he was the second one to step right on the diagram in front of one of those sleeping people.


    As for the rest, Qia was the first to come forward, albeit with a gloomy expression.


    It was then that Rean let out a little chuckle.


    "Hey, there''s no need to feel this sad. Do you know why we can''t save them? That''s because these diagrams are made with Soul Power. Who knows? Perhaps there''s a way around it once we can use Soul Power as well. Think about it like this. These people''s sacrifices might save many of them in the future. Hahaha!"


    Rean wasn''t lying. In the end, their understanding of Soul Power was just too shallow. There were many manuals describing Soul Power Techniques and other things. However, Rean''s group simply couldn''t understand anything like that. Without Soul Power, those books might as well be considered paperweight.


    However, once they acquired Soul Power, there might really be a way out for the people used as sacrifices.


    Malaka, Agis, and Calina also selected some of the people and stepped right on the diagrams on the ground in front of them.


    Rean shrugged his shoulders after seeing that scene.


    "Hey, don''t feel so sad. First of all, we don''t even know if we can use these people or not. If we can''t, then all of the things we''ve discussed will have been useless."


    Rean was right. Nevertheless, they waited to see who would make the first move. Well, it went without saying that Roan was the first one. He was the only one that didn''t feel the least bit of pity for them. In his eyes, they can only blame themselves for being too weak and falling into this place. That was a rule that Roan applied to everyone, including himself.


    Still, Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    "By the way, how do we activate this thing?"


    There were a few symbols on the walls, showing that one must touch their foreheads with the humans on the wall. They tried to do as the images shown, but nothing happened in the end.


    Everyone became silent at that moment. It was not like they received any explanation before coming here.


    Roan pondered for a bit before looking at Kentucky.


    "Hey, chicken. Come here."


    *Chick?*


    "Use some of the altar''s Soul Power on my body."


    Rean and the others were taken aback.


    "Kentucky can use Soul Power?"


    Not long after though, Rean immediately understood what was happening, explaining to the others.


    "No, he can''t. However, he still hasn''t finished digesting the altar''s material. That said, there''s still some Soul Power present in it. It''s a good idea to use Kentucky to redirect that Soul Power out of his body. It might work."


    Kentucky didn''t understand very well what Roan wanted, though. Kentucky was definitely a lot more intelligent than other Demon Beasts at his level. However, his intelligence wasn''t at the level of a human yet.


    However, it wasn''t a problem. As Kentucky''s masters, the twins could use their Spiritual Sense to convene their meaning to Kentucky. It wasn''t perfect, but it should suffice for Kentucky to understand what they wanted. They did that many times in the past, so it wasn''t anything difficult.


    *Chick!*


    Sure enough, Kentucky received Rean''s Spiritual Sense and nodded in response. Soon after, Kentucky concentrated on that strange power coming out of the food in his belly. That power passed through his meridians until it finally manifested on his wings. Before Kentucky touched the diagrams, Roan touched his forehead with the man in front of him. After that, Kentucky channeled that bit of Soul Power into Roan, who also used his Spiritual Sense to guide it into the diagram on the ground and the diagram on the man''s forehead.


    As soon as that happened, the two diagrams activated, shining brightly.


    Rean and the others'' eyes lit up.


    "It worked! Shall we wait and see what will happen with Roan?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "We already wasted a lot more time than we should have. We don''t know when Frandin and the other guy will finish their own trial, so we should hurry. Don''t worry, I told Sister Orb to throw us all inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm if someone appears. Of course, if you''re afraid, I won''t force any of you. We don''t know what might happen, after all. It''s up to you if you wish to go ahead with it or not."


    Everyone nodded. Rean''s group still didn''t know how long they would be safe in this place or not. In the end, they all decided to try it out.


    Rean then convened his intentions to Kentucky through the Spiritual Sense. Following that, Kentucky channeled that little Soul Power he had into everyone''s body. Sure enough, the diagrams lit up for everyone as well.


    Following that, the room became silent. Neither one of their group moved anymore. It was as if they had fallen into the same sleeping state as the people locked on the walls.


    *Chick?*


    Seeing how everyone suddenly stopped moving puzzled Kentucky. However, he quickly ignored that as he looked at a woman on the walls. As mentioned before, all these humans were naked, so Kentucky could see everything. His eyes lit up as he looked at the woman''s big breasts as he happily made his way to her.


    Sure enough, the bird was as perverted as ever. He quickly began to rub against the girl without paying attention to the Soul Power still emanating out of his body. Such happiness could be seen on his face. However, his forehead touched the woman''s forehead at some point. Both diagrams activated before Kentucky also fell into the same sleeping state as everyone else.

 Chapter 602 - A Dream?

    *Drip...*


    *Drip...*


    *Drip...*


    Rean''s eyes began to move as the sound of dripping water echoed in his ears. He was having a very nice nap without any intention of waking up. However, the sound of dripping water slowly took him away from his dream world. Eventually, he slowly opened his eyes as his conscience took over his body. He then looked in the direction of the restroom and noticed the faucet making an annoying sound through the door.


    "Who left the tap open?"


    But it was at this moment that he remembered that he lived alone. It was obvious that he was the one who did that. Or perhaps, the faucet was leaking due to overuse. In any case, he might need to call someone to fix it.


    However, Rean''s expression changed in the next second.


    "My.. house?!"


    Rean got up as fast as he could. Although that was what he tried to do, he felt that his body was several times slower than it should be. After cultivating to the Core Formation Realm and undergoing various body upgrades, his body would be as light as a feather. But now, it was just too slow and sluggish. Besides, his own point of view seemed to be a little lower than what he was used to while standing.


    In the end, Rean stopped in front of a mirror, just to see his old self once again!


    "This..."


    Rean then felt a cold air blow on his back before taking a look at what it was. Sure enough, the aircon was on, making sure the room stayed cool. There was also the TV, his smartphone on the table, etc...


    "I''m actually back on Earth?!"


    "Wait! That doesn''t make sense! I was hit by truck-kun, so my body was definitely mangled to bits. How come my body is fine?"


    That wasn''t all. Rean knew very well how his emotions played back on Earth. Because of the Soul Gem System, he was akin to a walking doll. He shouldn''t feel surprise, shock, or anything of the sort. However, he truly can feel his emotions playing as normal as when he was in the Cultivation World.


    As Rean tried to wrap his head around what was happening, his smartphone began to vibrate on the table. Because Rean didn''t care about anything, his smartphone was one of the most basic and cheapest ones out there. Its only use was to read emails if need be or for a sporadic call here and there. Other than that, it wouldn''t be wrong to call it a paperweight.


    Rean then took the phone and looked at the identity of who was calling.


    -Work-


    Without any other choice, he took a deep breath and answered the phone.


    "Hello?"


    "Oh! You finally picked up. Rean, are you okay?"


    Rean immediately recognized that voice. It was one of the Metal Engineers that worked in the same company as him. It was not like they were close or anything like that. Rean was basically no one''s friend before his death. That being said, he felt that it was weird that his coworker would call him with such concern in his voice.


    "I''m... fine. Why do you ask?"


    The guy on the other side sighed before answering Rean''s question with another.


    "What do you mean with ''why do you ask?'' You''re late as hell for work. You''ve been working here for many years. This is literally the first time you got late for work. Naturally, the others thought you suffered some accident or something like that."


    Rean could understand that logic. The man was correct. Rean was just moving his body as society dictated back then. With that said, he followed a strict routine even though he didn''t think too much about it. Society said that becoming late to work was bad, so he had never done that ever since he got his job after graduating. If it did happen, he called in advance and gave a proper reason. For example, if he got sick. But even those occasions only happened three times in his previous life. The fact that he missed work after so many years of diligence worried his coworkers even though they didn''t have much of a relationship.


    "Oh, sorry. I''m incredibly sick at the moment. I was barely able to move last night, so I failed to call the company about it. I don''t think I can go to work today."


    Rean then heard his coworker talking on the other side.


    "Hey, Luize. Rean said that he''s sick. It seems he''s feeling pretty bad."


    A woman then took over the phone before answering the man''s words. Luize was Rean''s sector supervisor. She was also his boss back then.


    "So that''s why. Very well, Rean. Take as long as you need to recover. There''s no need for you to give me your medical proof later either."


    The coworkers behind the phone immediately complained when they heard that.


    "Hey, hey, hey, Luize! Isn''t that too unfair?"


    Luize snorted straight away.


    "Once you become a diligent worker like Rean, who''s worthy of ones'' trust, you can come to me and say that again. Rean had almost never missed work in the past ten years, but how about you guys? If you want to be treated like Rean, then shut up and go back to work."


    Luize then passed the phone back to Rean''s coworker, with the latter saying.


    "Man... I wish I had such treatment. Well, I would probably pretend to be sick anyway, so I guess I better not have it. Anyway, see you when you get better."


    Rean nodded, replying.


    "Alright, sorry for the trouble."


    Rean then turned off his phone. There was a good thing about Rean''s problem with his soul back then, the fact that he would always follow all rules perfectly. It didn''t mean that he was an outstanding worker or something like that. If anything, he was pretty average. However, he always completed his tasks and never lacked time when the company needed him. It turned out that ten plus years of good work brought something good to him, after all.


    "Sigh... such nostalgic voices. However..."


    Rean looked at his hands and his surroundings. The more he looked at it, the more real it seemed. After some time, he decided to sit on his bed and try to check his cultivation.


    "As I thought, I have no cultivation whatsoever. First of all, I can''t feel the presence of Spiritual Energy either. Roan... I guess his name is simply Death in this world... Anyway, he did tell me that our half of the Universe doesn''t have Spiritual Energy. Naturally, there is no way that I have Spiritual Energy now."


    Rean began to doubt himself.


    "Was everything I passed until now a dream? Or is this the effect of the Bloodline Trial? The trial is about the soul, so I guess it wouldn''t be weird for my soul to be trapped in this world. Even though I say that, everything is still too real."


    Rean then got up and changed his clothes before opening the door to his house. Outside, the sun shone brightly, and the people around moved as if nothing was happening. Rean passed by the convenience store where he usually bought food and was complimented by the same workers as before. Well, they found it quite weird since Rean saluted back, which never happened.


    Rean continued to walk as he looked at everything, looking for some clue that this was all a dream.


    "Just what could the Bloodline Trial be about? First of all, did that even happen? I looked into today''s date, and this is just one day after my accident. Assuming that I survived and everything is a dream, there''s no way my body would be this fine. But then again, what if the accident itself was a dream as well? Wait, can a dream last for decades?"


    He could still remember all the years he spent in the cultivation world. If that was a dream, then it was an incredibly long one, that''s for sure.


    It was then that Rean had an idea.


    "Wait! If this is all a dream made out of my memories in the Bloodline Trial, then it shouldn''t be able to generate places I have never been before."


    Rean quickly ran back to his home and took his car before driving away. He had a single destination, heading out of his city. Obviously, he had never cared about traveling or things like that in the past. Unless he was brought along with his family or had to travel for work, he would definitely be in his city. All he needed to do was to go to one of the nearby cities he had never stepped before.


    However, just as he was passing by one of the roads, he remembered something.


    "My parents'' house... is close to this place."


    Rean felt a little conflicted before finally gritting his teeth and entering the next exit.


    He only had to drive another twenty minutes before he stopped in front of a common house that could be seen almost anywhere. Nevertheless, he recognized this one with a single glance. He quickly parked his car and came out before touching the doorbell.


    "Just one second."


    Rean immediately recognized the voice coming from behind the door. That was none other than his mother, that''s for sure. Immediately, he began to feel a bit off. How should he act in front of his mother? He didn''t know. The previous him never cared about his parents'' existence, nor his siblings. In fact, he didn''t even care about his own existence to start with.


    The old woman then opened the door before showing a surprised expression as she said.


    "That''s rare. Unless we go out to visit you, we never had the chance to see your face. Weird... did something happen? You look somewhat... different."


    Sure enough, a mother was a mother. She caught something unusual in Rean''s behavior the moment her eyes saw him.


    "Mom..."


    Out of nowhere, Rean heard a voice echoing on his mind. No, it would be better to call it a cry, a little girl''s cry.


    *sniff, sniff...*

 Chapter 603 - Death Spirit

    Somewhere in the middle of a gloomy world, an incessant number of large queues could be seen moving towards a ridiculously large building in the distance. The construct was so enormous that it wasn''t possible to see where it started or ended on both sides.


    Inside that building, there was a nigh-infinite amount of counters, one for each one of the queues outside. As for the ones operating it, they were Spirits. Not only them, but the ones in the queue were also Spirits. Or, to be more specific, Death Spirits.


    On the top of the building, several words written in an unknown language could be seen. It didn''t matter from where you looked. You could definitely see them. However, for those Death Spirits, reading those letters was simple.


    The Universal Transition Organization!


    This was the organization that Death was part of before meeting Rean. Death, or Roan, was just one of the countless Death Spirits that guided the souls of the dead to the Path of Reincarnation.


    In the middle of these Death Spirits, there was a particular one that seemed to be restless. However, the other Death Spirits around him seemed to ignore it since it wasn''t their problem.


    "Next!"


    The Death Spirit on the counter called the Death Spirit at the front before passing him some kind of small crystal. That Death Spirit absorbed the crystal and immediately disappeared right after.


    "Next!"


    Another Death Spirit did the same thing and also disappeared.


    This situation continued for quite some time until the restless Death Spirit arrived at the counter as well.


    "Hmm? What''s wrong with you? Your Spirit seems to be in chaos, Tera."


    If Rean was here, he would definitely be able to recognize this Death Spirit. Although the shapes were different, that cold behavior was simply too easy to identify. This was Rean''s Death, Roan.


    "Sigh... Haru, let me ask you something. How long has it been since you saw me last time?"


    Tera. That was the name Death went by in the Universal Transition Organization. Roan had never told anyone about it since he didn''t feel like it to start with. Even when his ''parents'' gave him his name in the cultivation world, he thought nothing of it. At that time, why should a noble Death Spirit like him retort some humans'' decision? In the end, Roan simply didn''t care.


    "Uh... What the hell are you talking about? Didn''t you come here to take your next job just 55 years ago? How come you''ve forgotten already?"


    Tera, or Roan, couldn''t help but agree with him.


    "Indeed, it has been just 55 years... the decades I spent in the other half feels like it has never existed. This also just so happened to be the time I was about to finish my last jobs on Planet VWT19832. Considering that I''m here now, that means I sent all the souls there to the Reincarnation Path without issues, right?"


    Haru found Tera''s behavior strange.


    "Errr... let me check... Yes, you already all sent the Souls into the Reincarnation Path as required. Tera, are you fine?  It has been more than 15000 years since you took your last time off. Considering your ranking and the time you spent working, it wouldn''t be a problem to give you a break for a few centuries."


    Haru''s words made Tera feel even worse, though. Tera, or Roan, had already checked his job list. There, he had all the souls he had to send into the Path of Reincarnation. Tera recognized all of them without any issues. They were, without a doubt, the souls he sent into the Path of Reincarnation.


    However, there was one missing. Rean''s name! It wasn''t there anymore. It was as if Rean''s name had never been there to start with. Not only that, the time simply didn''t match. He spent over two decades in the cultivation world. Also, he didn''t even know how long he stayed in the Reincarnation Path, which definitely added to the time number. However, what he was seeing at the moment was that almost no time had passed at all. No more than a few Earth hours had gone by since he went to Earth... or so it seemed.


    ''Just what is happening here?''


    When Roan woke up, he was already in the middle of the queue, waiting for his time to take the next list of souls. Everything was the same, the Death Spirits around him, the organization in the distance, the Death Spirit behind the counter he always used...


    ''I''m sure I started the Rank Five Bloodline Trial and used Kentucky''s Soul Power to go through it. However, I appeared here soon after. Not only that, but I even remember sending the rest of the souls on Planet VWT19832 list into the Reincarnation Path, which shouldn''t have happened. After all, I was sent into the Reincarnation Path before I ended the rest of the list.''


    Roan continued to ponder.


    ''Is this part of the Bloodline Trial? However, everything is way too real. The organization, the Death Spirits, everything... Am I really in the middle of the trial, or has everything I''ve experienced so far in the cultivation world a lie?''


    Haru noticed that Tera went silent, so he called his attention once again.


    "Hey, Tera. It seems like you have too much in your head at the moment. You always refuse when I tell you to take your break. This time, I''ll have to force you to take it."


    Roan was taken aback and was just about to refuse when a light shined in front of him out of nowhere. It quickly enveloped Roan''s Death Spirit before he disappeared from the organization.


    When Roan reappeared again, he was somewhere completely different. The gloomy world had completely disappeared. Instead, a lush world of green could be seen now. Everything looked perfect. The sky, the Earth, the view... It was as if this was a paradise.


    Roan also saw many, many Death Spirits running around, doing their own things.


    "Fuck you, Haru! I hate this place!"


    Most of the Death Spirits liked to be here. It helped them clear their minds, making them ready for the next thousands of years of work. However, there were some exceptions to this rule, and Roan was one of them. He had never been the type to relax and enjoy to start with, so this calm life made him feel as bored as ever. That''s why Roan rarely took breaks because he didn''t want to be sent to these ''paradises'' at all. If anything, Roan felt even more annoyed every time he appeared here.


    "Sigh... whatever. I should spend my time thinking about a solution. It''s not like I can''t leave anyway. It''s just that I never have a place in mind I want to go to either."


    Roan then began to move around as he pondered about his issue.


    ''If this is related to the Bloodline Trial, there must be something it wants me to do. This world must be something made through my memories. However, since I never paid attention to the paradises, this place was created based on what I think it is. That meant that coming to this place might be part of the issue. But why? Why would I be sent here out of nowhere?''


    Suddenly, Roan heard a voice from behind him.


    "Tera! Is that really you?"


    Roan quickly looked around and saw another Death Spirit there.


    "Instructor Kafan..."


    When Roan was ''born,'' Kafan was the first Death Spirit he had ever seen. He was also the one who trained him as a Death Spirit before he began to work alone. Of course, Kafan didn''t train Roan alone. Roan was just one of the many Death Spirits that Kafan was in charge of back in his training days.


    "It''s really you! Hahaha! Long time no see, huh? But... I thought you didn''t like paradises."


    Roan sighed before nodding.


    "I don''t. Haru... errr... Haru is the Death Spirit I usually talk to when I take jobs. Anyway, he misunderstood my condition and thought I needed a break. Before I could say anything, he sent me here."


    Kafan couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    "Hahaha! I can see why you seem so annoyed now. Nevertheless, I''m happy to see you if anything. After all, you''re my best pupil even to this day."


    Roan faintly smiled as he nodded. Roan wasn''t much different back when he worked as a Death Spirit. He had very few friends, if you could even call them friends at all. Maybe calling them acquaintances would be a better way of putting it. Still, if there was someone he was somewhat close with, it would be Instructor Kafan, who taught him everything. After all, it wasn''t like Death Spirits knew what they exactly had to do when they were born.


    "Fake or not, it isn''t too bad to see you again, instructor."


    Roan respected Kafan since he always put everything into his works. He was known for his excellence in teaching, and Roan gained a lot from him. It''s just that Roan wasn''t very fond of Kafan''s bright personality.


    "Instructor, who is this Death Spirit?"


    Roan then noticed many Death Spirits behind Kafan. They were all newborn ones, definitely not over a hundred years old.


    "Oh, this is Tera... Errr... You won''t find his registration through this name. Look for a Death Spirit Q2MK09257LB later when you go back. For now, you just need to know that he is a Rank 9 Death Spirit."


    *WOW!*


    All the new Death Spirits felt amazed by those worlds. Roan wasn''t lying back then when he said that his position in the organization was quite high. A Rank 9 Death Spirit was definitely an incredible achievement.


    Roan was somewhat happy to see Kafan even though he didn''t like his personality that much. He decided that he might as well talk to him a little before going back to his plans.


    However, just as he was about to say something, he heard a crying voice.


    *Sniff, Sniff...*

 Chapter 604 - Liza

    Rean and Roan were not the only ones, though. Calina, Qia, Agis, and even Kentucky were also undergoing similar experiences. Calina was seeing her parents on Sunkan Planet. Qia was working in the Formation Masters Guild. As for Agis, he was back at his clan, where he had received the acceptance of the clan head. Even though he was this young, he had already surpassed their clan head. Last but not least, Kentucky was having... a very steamy dream...


    Back at Rean''s side, the moment he heard that cry, everything around him started to change. It seemed like an illusion that began to distort.


    "Wait! Mom, I haven''t said anything yet!"


    Rean stretched his hands, trying to grab his previous world''s mother, but it simply passed through her. Without him noticing, tears flowed out of his eyes.


    Unfortunately, the illusion distorted even more until it was simply impossible to see make out anything. Following that, the world changed into a giant space of white as far as Rean''s eyes could see.


    In the end, Rean could only sigh. Sure enough, nothing was real.


    *Sniff, sniff...*


    Suddenly, he heard the same crying sound once again as he looked behind himself. A little crying was sitting on the floor with hands wrapped around her knees and head between her legs, crying from time to time. Rean couldn''t recognize her, though. At the very least, he was sure that this girl was not the same person he initiated his Bloodline Trial with.


    Rean looked around, making sure that this wasn''t a trap or anything like that. However, he couldn''t feel any malice. Eventually, he took a deep breath and approached the girl.


    "Hey, who are you?"


    The little girl raised her head, looking at Rean with sorrow.


    "I''m sorry... I didn''t want to do it. I really didn''t."


    Rean had a puzzled expression on his face before realizing what the little girl was talking about.


    "Are you talking about the illusion just now?"


    The little girl nodded.


    "I''m sorry..."


    Rean sighed once again as he sat by the girl''s side. Following that, he patted her head.


    "Why are you apologizing? If anything, I should be thanking you instead."


    The girl looked back at Rean.


    "Thank me? Why?"


    Rean laughed as he continued.


    "Isn''t that obvious? I thought I would never be able to see my mother again. You should know why right?"


    The little girl nodded as she replied.


    "I didn''t know what a Universe, planets, and all of that was. However, I found it out from your memories. You came from another half of this Universe. You can''t go back anymore... No, even if you can, too much time has passed already. Your mother has most likely passed away already."


    Saying those words made the girl cry even more, though.


    Rean didn''t mind, though.


    "It''s fine. I always thought that I didn''t have many feelings for my parents in my past life because of the problem in my soul. However, only today did I find out that it wasn''t completely true. The moment I saw her, I felt like a hole in my heart had been finally filled up. Well, I wish I had the chance to talk with her a little more than that, though. Hahaha!"


    The girl dropped her head again.


    "I''m sorry..."


    Rean shook his head in response.


    "It''s fine. Something tells me you didn''t do that on purpose."


    Eventually, Rean decided to enter the main topic at hand.


    "Tell me, who are you? Where am I at the moment? Am I still in the Rank Five Bloodline Trial, or is this another place altogether?"


    The girl nodded before explaining.


    "You are still in the Rank Five Bloodline Trial. However, there is no need for you to go through any test. I''ll give you the Bloodline Mark. It should be more than enough for you to be able to manifest your Soul Power. Sorry for putting you through this. Just pretend I didn''t exist."


    The little girl then raised her hand as a faint blue light began to gather around it. However...


    *Pah!*


    Rean suddenly grabbed the girl''s hand, immediately stopping the process.


    "Alright, you can stop that."


    The little girl looked at Rean with surprise in her eyes.


    "But... You came here for the Rank Five Bloodline Mark."


    Rean snorted, though.


    "Hmph! So what if I don''t get a Bloodline Mark? I''ll find another way later. However, I won''t be able to forgive myself if I simply let you stay in this place. You were planning to send me back and continue here, right? Like hell would I accept something like that!"


    The little girl was taken aback.


    "But, weren''t you already going to sacrifice the person in front of you for the Bloodline Mark?"


    Rean didn''t deny that at all.


    "Yes. However, that was because I couldn''t save that person anymore. If my theory is right, the soul had already fused with the diagrams, making it impossible for him to come back. He wouldn''t be able to even think anymore. It''s not wrong to say that he was more like an empty sac than a person."


    Rean then looked at the girl with an angry expression.


    "However! You are obviously different! You can think, you can feel, you can say sorry, you can even realize my desire and give me the Bloodline Mark. You''re not just an empty vessel. You''re a very cute and gentle little girl. If I go out, then you shall come with me. Otherwise, I''m not leaving!"


    Rean said those words with a serious tone. He didn''t know what was happening, but he was sure that this girl had no malicious intentions.


    The girl''s eyes teared up even more before she threw herself into his embrace and wailed even louder.


    Rean sighed, seeing that.


    ''Just what is happening here? What have the Zasfins made this girl pass through?''


    However, he quickly shook his head and put those thoughts behind. Following that, he began to laugh once again.


    "Hahaha! Alright, alright! Look at you. You''re already quite big, so you shouldn''t cry that much. By the way, I''m Rean Larks. What''s your name?"


    The girl softly nodded as she replied.


    "I''m... Liza."


    Rean nodded with a satisfied expression.


    "What a beautiful name. Alright, Liza. Can you explain what''s happening here? How come you have the power to give me a Bloodline Mark?"


    Liza dropped her head once again before answering.


    "That''s because I''m the core of the Soul Formation that provides everyone their Bloodline Marks."


    Rean was taken aback.


    "Wait! The Core of a Soul Formation? No, that''s not right. I''m a Light Element user born with Light Element affinity. Even in this illusionary world, I can at least tell that you''re definitely a human."


    The girl nodded.


    "I''m a human. Only humans can control the Bloodline Soul Formations. My body and soul are sealed in the core of the formation to be used as the core."


    Rean began to become more confused. Wasn''t Soul Power the Zasfin Race''s trait? Why would humans be used as the core of a Soul Formation? As far as he knew, humans were supposed to have very weak Soul Powers.


    "Do you know why only humans can do it?"


    Liza shook her head.


    "That''s what the big Zasfin Uncles told me. They didn''t tell me why even after asking."


    Rean nodded, not trying to force the issue.


    "Then, can you tell me what those humans are? They were all locked on the walls of the Bloodline Trial."


    Liza then explained.


    "They are the sacrifices. Their souls will be compressed and transformed into a Bloodline Soul Mark once a compatible host is found."


    It was then that a hint of cold light passed through Rean''s eyes.


    "It''s you who compresses their souls and transforms them into Soul Marks, right?"


    The girl felt the change in Rean''s emotions and felt a bit of fear.


    "I... I''m sorry... I didn''t want to do it."


    Rean noticed that he let his emotions surface for a moment and felt like beating himself up. He wasn''t angry at Liza, not at all. He only felt like destroying whoever made Liza pass through this. After all, they forced her to kill who knows how many humans up to this point. His anger had nothing to do with her.


    "Hahaha! Why do you look so scared? Do you think I''m angry with you?"


    Liza nodded her head, to which Rean hastily replied.


    "Bullshit! Your big brother here would never feel angry at you. At least, not because of something like this. I''m angry at the Zasfins that put you there, not you."


    "Big brother?"


    Rean patted her head again before asking.


    "What? Are you disappointed? If you don''t want to, I don''t mind taking it back."


    Liza immediately shook her head. She didn''t hate it at all.


    "I like it!"


    Rean smiled in response.


    "Good! Now then, Liza. Tell me where the formation is. I''m going there to take you out."


    Rean knew that doing that wouldn''t solve the problem. Even if he succeeded, she would simply be swapped by someone else. Still, he couldn''t simply leave her there.


    However, Liza shook her head. Following that, she showed a smile before faint blue light began to gather around her hands again.


    "It''s fine, big brother. You shouldn''t come. It''s too dangerous. Besides, I don''t want to leave my sisters behind."


    Rean was taken aback and immediately grabbed her hand again.


    "Stop right there! Who the hell would accept this kind of conclusion? I told you I''m not leaving you behind! Also, there''s no need for any freaking Bloodline Soul Mark. I don''t want you to kill any more humans for the sake of others. Don''t worry, I''ll find a way!"


    Liza then hugged Rean once again. However, the faint blue light only intensified.


    "Our time is up, Big Brother. Also, I''m not there with you. I''m somewhere else, really far away. Don''t worry, I... I''m already used to it."


    Rean almost exploded in rage. Used to it? With that trembling body and with tears in her eyes? There''s no way in hell would he believe that!

 Chapter 605 - With Roan

    Rean didn''t have time to complain, though. Before he could say anything else, his consciousness was pulled out of the white world, being sent back to his body. Following that, the diagram on the man''s forehead lit up before condensing a Rank Five Bloodline Mark, shooting into Rean''s forehead before he could do anything.


    Rean had finally gotten a Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark.


    However, his expression was anything but good. He gritted his teeth as he tightened his fists to the point blood came out.


    *Chick!*


    Just as he was about to punch something, Rean heard Kentucky''s voice as he looked behind him. Rean wasn''t the only one with a Rank Five Bloodline Mark on his forehead. Kentucky also had one.


    Kentucky quickly rubbed his head against Rean, seeing that he finally woke up.


    It turned out that Kentucky was the very first one to wake up with a Bloodline Mark while everyone was still trapped.


    "Kentucky?"


    After some time, Rean remembered what Liza said. She wasn''t in this place at the moment, so he wouldn''t be able to save her even if he wanted to.


    Rean then connected to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and showed all his memories to Sister Orb.


    [Sniff, sniff... How could they do something like that to her?]


    ''Sister Orb, can you analyze the Soul Formation in this place and pinpoint her location?''


    [Sorry... Soul Formations are different from what we have in the database.]


    Rean found it somewhat strange. The Soul Gem System could analyze the normal formations independently of level. It''s just that the higher the complexity, the longer it took. Given time, Sister Orb would even be able to take control over the natural formations of the Lakures. In a certain way, it showed that the Soul Gem System had the ability to work with any formation that it was given to. However, how come it couldn''t do anything to this type of formation?


    It was then that an idea popped into Rean''s mind.


    ''Wait! Sister Orb, could it be that during the time Soul Gem was still alive, Soul Power wasn''t something that was used yet?''


    Sister Orb was taken aback by Rean''s words. However...


    [I can''t tell you that...]


    Rean didn''t mind, though. That was more than enough of a confirmation.


    ''I see... That''s what I thought. Then again, I would need to know just how long it has been since Soul Gem had made the Soul Gem System. At least at this moment, I''m inclined to believe that several tens of thousands of years had passed.''


    Rean then decided to wait for Roan to wake up before discussing these things with him. Following that, he looked at Kentucky before asking.


    "By the way, I didn''t expect that Demon Beasts could get Bloodline Marks as well. How did you do that?"


    *Chick! Chick! Chick!*


    Kentucky quickly ran to the big-breasted woman before rubbing his head against her.


    *Chick! Chick!*


    Rean scratched the back of his head as he sighed. He already understood how things played out. Back inside that Illusion World, Liza told him that she couldn''t leave her sisters behind. She didn''t say siblings, but sisters.


    ''In the end, Kentucky has always been loved by women as much as he loved them as well. If Liza''s sisters were similar to Liza herself, then it was easy to imagine love at first sight when she saw Kentucky.''


    That was true. Kentucky had always been great with women, let alone one that looked as young as Liza. He probably played with the girl in his dream until she was satisfied. In the end, she gave Kentucky the mark as a way of saying thanks.


    Rean then patted Kentucky''s head as he said.


    "Thank you for giving one of them some happiness in this situation."


    *Chick!*


    Kentucky couldn''t understand what he was saying very well, but he knew that Rean seemed pleased with him. Naturally, it made Kentucky happy too.


    Rean then looked at Roan as he waited for him to wake up. However, it was then that an idea popped into his mind again.


    On Roan''s side, he was indeed inside the same type of illusion world as Rean and the others. Once he heard that crying sound, Kafan and all the Death Spirits around him began to disappear. In the end, he was sent into the same white world as Rean. It''s just that the girl in front of him wasn''t Liza, but someone of similar age.


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he looked at her, asking.


    "Who are you?"


    The girl trembled a bit and quickly ran away. However, there wasn''t anywhere for her to hide to start with. Everything was just an enormous patch of flat white land.


    Roan sighed, seeing that he scared the girl.


    "Alright, stop running already. I won''t do anything to you."


    Well, his cold expression didn''t help much.


    The girl finally stopped before looking at him once again. Nevertheless, she was still trembling.


    Just as Roan was about to ask her something, another voice echoed in his mind.


    ''Errr, errr, testing, testing! Reality to Ice Cube in the illusion, do you copy? If the sac of frigid emotionless water can hear me, please answer. Over!''


    Roan''s mouth twitched for a moment as he replied to Rean''s Soul Connection message.


    "Go to hell! Can''t you take things seriously?"


    "Ah!"


    The girl in front of Roan was frightened by Roan''s outburst and immediately began to run again. Naturally, Roan felt even worse with that. If he could just kick Rean right about now...


    Roan then began to run after the girl while using the Soul Connection to talk to Rean.


    ''Forget it! I tried to contact you through our Soul Connection many times, but I didn''t get an answer. How come we can do it now?''


    Rean laughed before answering.


    ''It''s probably because I''m already out of the illusion that we all entered, so I can connect with your sleeping body.''


    Rean then ended his jokes and used their Soul Connection to transfer all his memories of what happened with Liza to Roan.


    ''I see...''


    Roan didn''t waste time and did the same thing, showing what he was seeing in his illusion world.


    ''So that''s one of Liza''s sisters. Alright, you can''t let this chance slip. You must obtain as much information from her as possible. From the looks of it, our time in the illusion world is limited.''


    Roan pondered for a bit and nodded, responding.


    ''Very well.''

 Chapter 606 - No Idea

    Roan would be their only chance since Rean couldn''t communicate with Qia, Calina, or Agis. Understanding that, Roan increased his pace, trying to catch the little girl. Unfortunately, the girl seemed to have complete control of this place, so she could keep up the same speed as him.


    Roan began to lose his patience, though.


    "If you don''t stop right now, I swear you''ll regret it when I get you!"


    Rean felt like crying...


    ''Is that how you try to ease things up?''


    ''Shut up! Time is limited, and she isn''t stopping. Do you have a better idea?''


    ''What about being more gentle?''


    ''Me? Gentle? Do you think that''s possible?''


    Rean sighed.


    ''Right... forget I said anything.''


    Roan pondered for a bit before saying to the girl in the distance.


    "I know your sister, Liza."


    Hearing that, the girl in the distance stopped.


    "Yo-You know Liza?"


    Roan sighed in relief and continued.


    "You finally stopped. Listen, I wasn''t angry at you when I first screamed. It was my idiot brother who talked a lot of shit that made me angry. It had nothing to do with you... Well, I did get angry when you didn''t stop, though."


    Roan didn''t stop, saying.


    "Anyway, the one who met your sister was my brother. He''s in the same Bloodline Trial as I am now."


    Roan then gave a quick explanation about what Rean talked about with Liza.


    "Th-Then... how does she look like?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes and answered with another question.


    "It depends. Do you girls change your appearance when you enter this white world? After all, she might have looked different when she talked with my brother."


    The girl quickly shook her head.


    "Liza wouldn''t do that!"


    Roan nodded and then used Rean''s memories to describe Liza''s features.


    "It-It really is Liza. Your brother really talked to her! But how...? No one should be able to talk to you while you''re here."


    Roan used that chance to get on the girl''s side. She was ready to flee at any moment, though. However, Roan didn''t do anything. He simply sat down by her side before pointing down.


    "Sit. Let''s talk. I''m not the type of person who has a lot of patience. However, I''ll try to not make things difficult. Besides, I should be the first human you''ve ever seen in this place, right? Are you sure you want to let this opportunity go?"


    The girl seemed to be convinced and immediately sat down as well.


    "Yo-You... Who are you?"


    Roan shook his head.


    "I told you. I''m not someone with patience. My brother tried to get more information about you and your sisters from Liza. However, their time ran out, and he was forced out of this place. What I want from you is information. Otherwise, there''s no way we can save you."


    The girl was taken aback.


    "Save... us? That''s impossible. The Zasfin uncles are very strong."


    Roan snorted.


    "Who cares about their strength? Don''t you think it''s weird? We''re humans, but we''re in the Rank Five Bloodline Trials."


    The girl was too young, so she took some time to understand what Roan meant.


    "What I mean is, all the Bloodline Trials are protected by very strong Zasfins, but we still entered it without any of them seeing. That means we can also get to where you are at the moment. All we need to know is your location. Liza told my brother that you''re not in the Bloodline Trial Grounds that we are at the moment. Is that true?"


    The girl nodded.


    "It is... I can feel that we are very far away."


    "Can you tell where you are at the moment?"


    The girl shook her head.


    "As far as we can remember, we had always been locked down inside the formations."


    Roan nodded, not feeling surprised by that. The Bloodline Trials were way too important for each Empire. Naturally, it would have very high security, including not telling the girls where they are.


    "It''s fine. You said that you can feel that we''re very far away from each other. Can you point the general direction? Oh, right. Since you can control this place, let me use Spiritual Sense as well."


    The girl nodded, and Roan began to feel Spiritual Energy once again. Following that, he used his Spiritual Sense to show the girl the place they were in. To be more specific, Roan showed his memory of the outside world.


    The girl was dragged inside that memory and felt like she was really standing on the outside with Roan. She didn''t know such a thing was possible.


    "Pay attention. Which direction?"


    The girl came back to herself and immediately pointed out.


    Following that, Roan and the girl went back to the white world.


    However, Roan narrowed his eyes once again. That''s because she pointed in a direction completely different from what he thought. Roan assumed that they would be located inside the Palif Empire''s Capital or at least close to it. However, the direction was completely different.


    However, Rean, who was watching everything through Roan, immediately mentioned.


    ''I''m looking into the Jade Slip Map here. The direction she pointed was straight north. It might be a coincidence, but she was pointing perfectly in that direction.''


    Roan nodded.


    ''Is there anything inside the Jade Slip Map north from here?''


    Rean shook his head.


    ''Not really. There are a few cities, demon beast regions, and things like that. However, there isn''t anything that would catch our attention.''


    Rean and Roan had puzzled expressions after that as they thought about it.


    ''Could it be that they''re not in Palif?''


    ''It could be. We know way too little about these Bloodline Trials.''


    Rean then thought about something else and told Roan to ask.


    "Tell me, is the Palif Empire the only place where this happens?"


    However, the girl answered with another question.


    "Where is the Palif Empire?"


    Rean and Roan became more sure that perhaps, all Bloodline Trials in the world were controlled from the same place.


    ''There might be some other power above the Celestial Lands that rule this world.''

 Chapter 607 - Habit

    Of course, that was nothing more than speculation. As far as the twins knew, perhaps she was never told about the Empire before and was indeed somewhere north from this place but still inside Palif. That thought was nothing more than an option between many.


    "Okay. If it''s possible, we will try to help you. By the way, Liza was very young, just like you. Would you be able to call one of your older sisters?"


    If they could talk with someone older, the conversation would progress much faster, after all.


    The girl shook her head.


    "We don''t have any older sister. We are all of similar age to each other."


    Rean and Roan found it strange.


    "That doesn''t make sense. These Bloodline Trials have been going for so long already. How come there are only young girls like you?"


    The girl''s face turned gloomy all of a sudden. In the twins'' eyes, they already had an idea of what was happening.


    "I see... So you can only perform these trials while you''re young. After a certain age, your sisters are brought away, right?"


    The girl nodded.


    "Yes..."


    After some time, she looked at Roan before pledging.


    "Big brother! Can you help my other sisters who disappeared as well? I''ll do anything you want! I can give you the Bloodline Mark right now."


    Roan sighed before saying.


    "Do you know that doing that will have another human killed?"


    The girl dropped her head straight away as she replied.


    "I do... but I don''t know them. I... I... I consider my sisters'' lives more important than them!"


    Surprisingly, Roan showed a rare smile as he said.


    "It''s good that you know your priorities."


    Roan wasn''t any philanthropist. He would do what he could to help those around him. As for others? He didn''t have time to care about them. He wouldn''t say a naive thing like ''all lives are important.'' In his eyes, that''s bullshit. Just how many demon beasts have they killed until now? Would one say that their lives were not important, then? Ha! What a joke! The fact that the girl prioritized the ones she liked was definitely the right decision as far as Roan was concerned.


    Besides, they already knew that there was no helping to those people in the chamber. At the very least, not until they understood Soul Power more. Without a Bloodline Mark, they would never be able to understand either.


    The girl''s eyes glistened a little when she heard that.


    "Aren''t you angry that I''m taking others'' lives?"


    Roan snorted.


    "If you don''t do what they say, you will be the one to be punished or maybe even killed, no? What a joke! First, you must survive. If in the future you become able to save the other sacrifices, then that''s good. However, if you don''t survive now, even thinking about that will be impossible. Besides, if you refuse to do that, they will replace you with someone who will not. You are doing nothing wrong, that''s for sure."


    Tears began to flow out of the girl''s eyes before she hugged Roan. Sure, she had been using those sacrifices'' souls to create the Bloodline Marks. However, she was still a little girl. There was no way in hell that she liked to do such a thing.


    "He-Hey! Get out! It''s annoying!"


    Sure enough, Roan wasn''t used to these dramatic scenes. He was just saying what he believed, that''s all.


    *Pah*


    *Ouch!*


    Roan slightly knocked the girl''s head, who finally let him go.


    Rean, who was seeing everything, couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Don''t you have a heart at all?''


    ''Shut up! You know we don''t have time for this bullshit!''


    Roan then looked at the girl before saying.


    "You can cry as much as you want after. For now, I need more information."


    Roan continued.


    "There''s one thing I find strange. You do know that there are nine ranks of Bloodline Trials, right? Are you not present inside either of them?"


    The girl shook her head while she rubbed the part where Roan knocked her.


    "There''s a Bloodline Trial where we are located... but it''s a Rank Ten one."


    Roan''s interest was piqued at that moment.


    "So there is a rank higher..."


    That pretty much confirmed Rean''s theory that a power bigger than the Celestial Lands and the Empires existed on this planet.


    "By the way, you always say sisters. However, is there really no man doing the same thing as you?"


    The girl pondered for a bit before saying.


    "It''s not that there isn''t any boy, but they are really, really rare. We have a lot of sisters here, but almost no boys."


    "Why?"


    The girl continued.


    "I''m not sure, but I heard the Zasfin uncles and aunties commenting before that it had something to do with purity of our soul. Sorry, big brother. I don''t understand very well what it means."


    Roan, on the other hand, had an idea. He also understood why only young humans could be used. However, he didn''t comment on that and decided to ask something else.


    Unfortunately, he didn''t have the chance. Suddenly, the world around them began to change, just like what happened to Rean.


    "Shit. Is our time up?"


    The girl nodded with a sad expression.


    "It is... big brother, I''ll give you the Bloodline Mark now."


    Roan was not Rean, so he didn''t say something useless as you don''t need to do it or anything like that. He needed the Bloodline Mark, simple as that.


    "Very well. However, I can''t promise you anything. First of all, I would only give it a try as payment for the Bloodline Mark. After all, I don''t know you to the point where I would care much. Well, I guess it''s still better than nothing."


    The girl smiled as faint blue light gathered around her and intensified. This was her world, so she could feel everything, including Roan''s emotions.


    "Big brother likes to put up a strong front, but you''re very gentle, aren''t you?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes as everything began to change. However, just before disappearing, he asked one last question.


    "What''s your name?"


    The girl was taken aback for a second and replied softly.


    "My name... is Luna."

 Chapter 608 - Soul Purity

    That was the last word Luna said before Roan''s consciousness returned to his body. Following that, the same scene played again. The diagram on the person''s forehead lit up before condensing a Rank Five Bloodline Mark, heading towards Roan''s forehead before he could do anything.


    When he opened his eyes again, Roan saw Rean and Kentucky there.


    Rean then laughed right after.


    "My cute brother likes to put up a strong front, but he''s very gentle!"


    *Bang!*


    Rean was laughing so much that he didn''t see the moment when Roan kicked out. His body smashed against the wall where there wasn''t anyone before sliding down.


    "Fuck you! Do you know how bad it would have been if I didn''t have Light Element Affinity?"


    Roan snorted.


    "You asked for it, so stop complaining."


    Rean sighed and decided to let it go. Just Roan''s reaction was more than good enough as payment.


    Rean''s expression then changed as he looked at the wall. No, to be more specific, he looked in the direction Luna pointed to.


    "I can''t let it go."


    Roan snorted in response.


    "Naive! Then how about all the human slaves we''ve seen until now? Are you also going to save them all?"


    Rean gritted his teeth. He knew Roan was right, but...


    Roan then closed his eyes and added.


    "First, we need information."


    Rean was taken aback as he looked at Roan. It was as if he had heard something wrong.


    "Where''s my brother? What did you do to him?"


    A vein popped out on Roan''s head as he asked.


    "Seems like one kick wasn''t enough, huh?"


    "Cough, cough... Force of habit. Force of habit."


    Roan made a few things clear, though.


    "We don''t have the power to save anyone at the moment. Whatever the place they''re in, it''s definitely protected like a fortress. Even using the Circuitry Teleport Formation won''t be enough."


    Rean understood what Roan meant.


    "I know. Unlike the Bloodline Trial Grounds, I doubt that location has no one overseeing it. First of all, I would put so many detection formations and similar things there that we would be found the moment we put even one foot there."


    Roan nodded as he said.


    "Exactly. Simply put, we don''t even have a smidgen of a chance of saving them. If we want to do something, we need strength for that. I''ll be honest. Chances are that the girls we talked to today will have long been replaced by many others��the reason''s simple. We need strength before doing anything else. Say, how many years, decades, or maybe even centuries do you think it will take us before we have a chance to do anything?"


    Rean dropped his head in response. No wonder Roan said that he most likely wouldn''t be able to do anything to Luna. It had nothing to do with wanting and not wanting to do something. Simply put, they were way too weak at the moment.


    "But... we can''t wait this long. How about this? We can use the Circuitry Teleport Formation to keep teleporting from one position to another, eventually reaching the girls'' place. We just need enough Spirit Stones for it."


    Roan shook his head as he made Rean realize what he was saying.


    "Every time we use the Circuitry Teleport Formation, it will teleport us outside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Even if we stay outside for less than a second, we will still be found by whatever detection methods they have there other than Spiritual Sense. They might think that they were imagining things if it happens only once. However, it''ll be totally different if we keep doing it without stopping while looking for the girls'' location."


    "In the end, they''ll understand that we are after the girls and will mount a defense and trap us. Because of the difference in cultivation, we might and will probably get killed before we enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm after appearing there. I told you, without strength, we stand almost no chance if we attack or try to enter without being noticed."


    Rean obviously didn''t like that. But then again, this situation was similar to the human slaves so far. Rean had to ignore a lot of mistreatment so that their cover wouldn''t be blown. The difference was that those humans probably wouldn''t get killed, nor did they have to kill someone else.


    "It''s so annoying..."


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "That''s how things are. I did what you wanted and got the information necessary to at least start looking for them. However, we will not try attacking nor try teleporting inside. That would be just tantamount to suicide."


    Rean nodded when suddenly, he noticed something. Roan mentioned before that they needed to find more information after he came out of his illusion. Why would they need that if they were many years away from being able to try anything? It was then that he noticed...


    "Stealth infiltration is out of the question. Unless these Zasfins are idiots, there''s no way we can get past all the defensive measures that will be put in that place. Attacking is even more out of the question. We aren''t talking about Nascent Soul Realm enemies, but Soul Transformation and most likely Saint Realm Zasfins. Who knows? There might even be some Elemental Transformation Realm Zasfins guarding it."


    Roan agreed with him.


    "Exactly. None of these methods are feasible."


    Roan then continued.


    "That''s why we will be invited inside."


    Soul Purity! Those were the words that would most likely bring them in. Rean and Roan didn''t need to attack nor stealthily infiltrate the place. They can have the Zasfins themselves do the job for them. All they needed was to be noticed.


    Rean immediately contacted the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    ''Sister Orb, you mentioned before that our souls are perfect thanks to the Soul Gem System, right?''


    [I thought you''d never ask. Yes, your souls will be untaintable as long as the Soul Gem System exists. If Soul Purity is really what those Zasfins need, then there''s no better material in this world other than you two.]

 Chapter 609 - Unveil

    Sometime later, Qia, Calina, Malaka, and Agis also woke up. Just like Rean and Roan, they met other girls after going through their own illusions. None of them failed in getting a Bloodline Soul Mark either. Nevertheless, the girls were obviously upset with what they found out.


    "We need to save them!"


    Rean nodded as he replied.


    "We know. However, there are many problems."


    He then explained everything he and Roan had discussed so far. Although the plan seemed somewhat reckless, that was their only choice. At the very least, they could help once they got inside by coming out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, though.


    "Still, there are a lot of questions. First of all, why have none of us failed in getting a Bloodline Soul Mark?"


    Calina immediately raised her hand as she replied.


    "I asked Juliana about it before our time in the illusion world was up. By the way, that was the name of the girl I met there. Well, in fact, I asked about what I should do to not fail it. Juliana then said that I didn''t need to worry about it because she would make sure that the Bloodline Mark was compatible. I asked her why, and she said that the reason was that my trial was completely different from what it should have been for the Zasfins."


    Rean and the others had puzzled expressions on their faces as one of them asked.


    "Different? What do you mean?"


    Calina continued.


    "Juliana told me that once a Zasfin starts his or her trial, they don''t fall into illusions of their own. Instead, the illusion created is something to do with the sacrifice they chose. They would go through the illusion world of that human and try to convince them to accept becoming their Bloodline Marks. As for Juliana, she was a medium that used her own soul to keep the connection between the Zasfin and the sacrifice''s soul. In our case, because we are also humans, such a medium wasn''t necessary. Instead of showing an illusion based on the target''s memories, it showed an illusion based on our own. We didn''t have to convince anyone to start with."


    Rean immediately understood.


    "That''s probably the reason behind the girls being constantly swapped. Being the medium between both sides also means seeing everything that happens between both Zasfins and the human sacrifices. There''s no way their soul will keep their ''purity'' for much longer like that. It''s even worse because of how Zasfins think about humans. What kind of forceful methods had they seen in their lives?"


    Roan agreed with Rean.


    "That''s not all. Being a medium between two different souls. That alone is definitely not an easy feat. If I''m not wrong, it places a huge burden on their souls to maintain that connection. We know that there''s a time limit for the illusions, which should be because the girls can''t hold it for long until reaching their limits. Chances are that the Zasfins'' tests last even less due to the different types of souls."


    Qia couldn''t help but ask.


    "Wait? Isn''t it bad, then? It means that the guy who entered before us should have already finished a long time ago."


    Agis shook his head, though.


    "Don''t worry, that''s not a problem."


    "Why?"


    Agis then pointed at all the humans on the walls.


    "Even if he failed once, he can simply go to the next human and try again. As long as his Soul Power doesn''t run out, he can keep trying it one after another. In fact, we could do the same thing if we had failed. Of course, it didn''t happen because we are also humans."


    Malaka didn''t look happy after hearing that.


    "Do you think... that the failed trials will get the human they chose killed?"


    Roan immediately nodded as he answered.


    "Most likely."


    "How do you know?"


    Roan snorted and did the same thing as Agis, pointing at all the human sacrifices around.


    "If not, why the hell do you think they have so many sacrifices? We all know that someone rarely enters the trial, so there was definitely no need for so many souls. The reason we can see so many in this chamber alone is proof that the Zasfins who come will fail and waste the sacrifices many times."


    Everyone went silent. Rean''s group knew that Roan''s words were most likely true.


    Rean then changed the topic since it would be useless to keep thinking about it.


    "By the way, we do know that the girls there and maybe a few boys are selected based on their soul purity. That''s most likely because the purer it is, the clearer the connection between the Zasfin and the human sacrifice will be. However, how exactly are the human sacrifices are selected? Look at all their cultivations. They are all in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Wasn''t it supposed to be almost impossible for humans to reach this level in the Zasfin world?"


    It was then that Agis'' expression changed as an idea popped into his head.


    "I think we just escaped a calamity here."


    Rean and Roan nodded, with Roan saying.


    "It seems like you noticed that as well."


    Obviously, it only made the rest puzzled until Agis began to explain.


    "We were going to Unity Celestial Land because of the rumors of it accepting humans, right? It''s a Celestial Land! Why would they take humans? Simple, because they needed high-level sacrifices. Not only that, but it''s probably the place where they find the kids with high Soul Purity."


    Rean also added.


    "That''s not all. The Unity Celestial Land is simply the only entity that Frandin knew about. Do you really think that''s the only one? There must be many others out there. It''s just that letting other Zasfins know that there were many cultivating humans around isn''t good, so the information is kept away from the masses."


    Calina also thought about something else after hearing that.


    "Wait, these places like the Unity Celestial Land are for the high-level sacrifices. The lower the rank of the Bloodline Trial, the more there are in the Empire. That being said, they also need lower-level humans. The Celestial Lands wouldn''t waste their time with it. That means..."


    Roan nodded.


    "For lower-level humans, you have the Decadence Region where humans are thrown inside to fend for themselves. Of course, we already know that many more of these regions also exist around the world. The thing about ''showing the humans'' ugly side to the world'' is just bullshit. Those are the places where the lower-ranked Bloodline Trial sacrifices are chosen from."

 Chapter 610 - Leaving The Chamber

    Roan continued.


    "Of course, we''re just making speculations here. We might be wrong about many things. For example, perhaps the regions like the Decadence Region are really aimed to do what they say. Maybe no humans are taken from there. The Unity Celestial Land might really be inviting humans without thinking about using them for the Bloodline Trials. Simply put, we don''t know if it''s the truth yet."


    Qia agreed with him.


    "That''s true. Nevertheless, I wonder how the souls are selected. You do remember that we had several doors to choose from before, right? We selected our door, thinking that it would be the highest level one. If we''re right, what about the humans in the other paths?"


    Calina pondered over the question for a bit before saying.


    "I think I know what it is."


    Everyone immediately looked at Calina before she continued.


    "In total, there were seven doors, right? It just so happens that there are seven different aptitude colors. I might be wrong, but the doors are probably separated by aptitudes."


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he voiced his opinions.


    "Wait, that would be quite ridiculous. If we are in the best door, all the people on these walls have Purple-Color Aptitude. It doesn''t matter how I look at it. Such a thing such be impossible. There are way too many of them."


    Roan pondered over it for a bit when an idea appeared in his mind.


    "Calina isn''t totally wrong. All these people are definitely separated by their Aptitude Colors. However, we aren''t talking about their Spiritual Energy Cultivation Aptitude, but their Soul Aptitude. Most likely, it isn''t as hard to find high-level Soul Aptitudes as it is for cultivation. No, to be more precise, it should be easier for higher-level Soul Aptitudes to appear on this planet."


    Everyone looked at Roan, with one of them asking.


    "Why do you say that?"


    Roan then explained.


    "Did you forget? We''re certain that the Zasfins are an evolution that separated themselves from humans at some point. Rean had already confirmed it with his Light Element."


    Rean confirmed.


    "Yes. It''s very easy to identify this fact with my Light Element when I ran it through the Zasfins'' bodies. It was the same thing for the Lakures, who evolved to use Spiritual Energy more efficiently. They are, after all, humans as well. Besides, we did see hybrids of humans and Zasfins before. If the races weren''t related, no procreation should be possible."


    Roan nodded as he continued.


    "That said, this planet has favorable conditions to those who use Soul Power. Perhaps the planet''s lack of Spiritual Energy is what forced them to evolve their Soul Powers. Naturally, it also affected the Soul of humans even though they didn''t become Zasfins."


    Roan continued.


    "That said, the Zasfins came up with their own Soul Aptitude test for the humans. The better the aptitude of the Soul, the better the Bloodline Marks that would be condensed. The Zasfins use it to determine which chamber the humans should be placed into."


    Malaka couldn''t help but ask.


    "Still, isn''t it way too overpowered to have this many Purple Soul Aptitudes?"


    However, Rean understood what Roan meant.


    "That''s not the issue, Agis. They separated the Soul Aptitudes into colors. However, we don''t know how high the human''s aptitude has to be for it to be considered purple. Most likely, it isn''t as strict as it is for us to find Purple Color Cultivation Aptitudes. That''s why you can see this many here."


    Roan nodded.


    "Exactly. Of course, this is another speculation. We might be somewhat wrong about it. However, I do believe we are very close to it. Maybe they don''t use colors but numbers or whatever. Also, we just presumed that the chamber we chose was the highest-quality one. Maybe we''re wrong, and the opposite side door was the real deal. Well, considering the door Frandin opened, it most likely means we are right that this chamber is the best one."


    Qia couldn''t help but say.


    "The more I think about all of this, the more disgusted I feel. Still, I don''t understand. Why would they use humans for the trials? If Soul Aptitudes are what matters for Bloodline Marks, wouldn''t it be better to use other Zasfins?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he responded.


    "Most likely, the issue relies on Soul Power. The Zasfins'' Soul Power Points are already above 20 when they''re born. I believe both the trial taker and the sacrifice''s Soul Powers would conflict. Otherwise, I don''t doubt that Zasfins would be used instead. Not to mention that Zasfins would definitely prefer to sacrifice humans than their own race."


    Everyone had to admit that Rean was right on that point.


    Roan then looked at the exit before saying.


    "Alright, that''s all for now. We shouldn''t waste more time in this place. Don''t forget that we destroyed the altar, so we don''t know how long it will take for the Zasfins outside to notice something off. Perhaps they''ve already noticed but can''t come inside because of the guy who is in the middle of his test."


    Calina looked at all the people locked on the walls.


    "We really must leave them all here, right?"


    Roan nodded.


    "Unless you want to kill them straight away, you will have to leave them. There''s nothing we can do about it. Also, what would we do with this many people when we already have so many problems just by ourselves?"


    Calina nodded and didn''t say anything else. Following that, they looked at the other side of the room. As mentioned before, the door they used to enter this chamber was locked, so they couldn''t go back. They could only use the exit ahead and see where it would take them.


    Of course, Rean and Roan could simply use the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s Circuitry Teleport Formation to leave straight away. Still, they wanted to see if there wasn''t anything else for them further away. Besides, Frandin was still in this place, so they might be able to meet him at some point.


    To make things easier to deal with, the twins sent Qia, Calina, Agis, Malaka, and Kentucky back to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. At the same time, Rean made the ''walls'' of the Soul Gem Dimensional ''transparent'' so that they could see what was happening outside.


    "Let''s go."


    The two brothers quickly made their way out, where they saw the yellow-lit tunnel continuing forward. As one could imagine, the chamber''s door behind them closed right after, too, not allowing them to go back. At some point, they noticed that they started to go up again. As always, Rean kept his Spiritual Sense and Light Bending Skills active to keep them hidden.


    Eventually, they arrived at what seemed to be another hall with one more altar in the front. It''s just that instead of seven doors behind it, there was only one.


    "This is most likely the exit."


    Rean nodded.


    "Most likely. After all, we already got the Bloodline Marks. Although we haven''t tried to use it yet."


    Roan then pointed at the altar.


    "That''s not a problem. If this is the exit, then we just need to use Soul Power on that altar. It will open to the door for us regardless of how much Soul Power we use on it... or so I think."


    The twins then looked around and noticed that there were six paths other than the one they came from. Without a doubt, those were the paths connected to the other trials, including Frandin''s and that Zasfin they don''t know about.


    "I wonder if Frandin has completed his trial already."


    Roan immediately shook his head.


    "No. Look at the dust on the ground. All the footsteps here are quite old. No one has passed by this place for a week or two at the very least."


    Rean nodded. If Roan was saying so, then it should be true.


    "Should we wait or see what is behind the altar''s door?"


    Roan pondered for a bit before saying.


    "Let''s wait. We''ve already accomplished our objective anyway. Besides, we can use that other guy to see what''s behind the altar''s door if he appears first. Who knows, it might be connected to a place full of Zasfins, waiting to see his result. It would be a terrible idea to be spotted by them."


    Rean agreed with Roan, and the two began to wait close to their own path.


    According to Sister Orb, they spent just an hour to an hour and a half inside their illusions. That showed that the time inside the illusion was much longer than the outside world. Nevertheless, they didn''t know how long Frandin and the other guy would take since they would probably fail many times.


    However, something surprising happened a few moments later. Suddenly, Rean and Roan heard someone whispering from another passage on the other side.


    ''Rean, Roan, are you there?''


    The twins were taken aback by that. The voice was none other than Frandin''s!


    ''What?!''


    Immediately, they ran to the passage where Frandin should be coming from and finally noticed Frandin there, hidden behind a large rock of the tunnel. Of course, Rean kept his camouflage skills activated.


    ''Frandin, it really is you!''


    Frandin sighed in relief when he saw the two of them.


    ''I''m glad I wasn''t wrong.''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''How did you finish your test so quickly? We thought you would fail many times before coming out.''


    Frandin was also puzzled.


    ''That goes for you two as well. How come you two appeared here? I thought you were blocked back then.''


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    ''We were lucky to find another way. Anyway, before you talk about your test, how did you know we were there?''


    Frandin nodded.


    ''I didn''t. I simply sent the same whisper to all passages except the one used by that guy before. To my surprise, you were really inside one of them.''


    The twins nodded in response. That was a smart way of confirming it.


    ''Alright, tell us about your trial. Did you pass?''

 Chapter 611 - Not As Expected

    Frandin narrowed his eyes.


    ''I did. By the way, if you''re here, that means you know what the Bloodline Marks truly are, right?''


    Rean and Roan nodded, with Rean saying.


    ''We do. Those are human sacrifices. The Bloodline Marks are made by condensing their Souls.''


    Frandin nodded.


    ''Exactly. Just so you know, I had no idea that it was the case before. As I mentioned, my father went through the Rank Two Bloodline Trial, not me. He simply used his own Bloodline Mark to create his family''s marks. It was the first time I saw what a Bloodline Trial was.''


    Rean didn''t mind as he said soon after.


    ''If you''re worried that we will complain that you used the sacrifices, you don''t need to worry. We know very well that those humans don''t have any other choice anymore. You don''t know formations as well as I do. In any case, I can guarantee you that trying to save them would just get them killed straight away because of the trials'' formations. The way they are at the moment, it''s not wrong to say that they''re already dead.''


    Frandin sighed in relief after hearing that.


    ''From the looks of it, you also got your Bloodline Marks.''


    Rean and Roan nodded.


    ''We did. But we want to hear about your test instead.''


    Frandin then continued.


    ''When I stepped on the diagram on the ground and touched the sacrifice''s forehead, my consciousness was pulled into some kind of illusion world. Later I understood that this illusion world was made based on the memories of that human.''


    ''Inside there, the human still had some of its consciousness remaining, and I believe the others have it as well. However, it seems like the last remains of sentience only appear when the trial starts.''


    Rean wasn''t surprised by that. He already expected that much after he analyzed the seal on the humans back then. Besides, Luna told Roan that the Zasfin would need to convince their sacrifices to accept to be their Soul Marks. To convince them, they would need to be conscious. As for what kind of approach they used, that was their problem.


    ''Let me guess, that human obviously hated your presence there in his illusion world. After all, it was you, Zasfins, who put them there to start with. We also know that this is why the Bloodline Trials can fail since your sacrifices simply hate you guys. Besides, the higher the rank of the Bloodline Trial, the stronger the sacrifice''s Soul will be, making it even harder.''


    Frandin nodded. He also understood that when his trial started.


    ''Exactly. As you mentioned, that guy went all out against me in his illusion world. I was lost at what to do as well. After all, I didn''t know what I was supposed to accomplish there. Just how was I supposed to get the Bloodline Mark with this method? No one explained it to me.''


    Frandin continued.


    ''However, there was one point in the trials. I could use Soul Force to resist and even counterattack that human in his illusion world.''


    Rean and Roan were not surprised by that. One must remember that each trial rank had a minimal amount of Soul Power required to be taken. Naturally, Soul Power must be used somewhere, and now they know that it was used inside those illusion worlds.


    ''It seems like you had a very hard time resisting that human''s attack.''


    Frandin nodded.


    ''It can''t be helped. Do you remember the Soul Power requirement? My own Soul Power was smaller than the necessary amount. Also, I couldn''t use my actual Bloodline Mark when inside the Illusion World, only my raw power. That''s why they measure your raw power alone in the Bloodline Trial Offices, I guess.''


    That was the part that puzzled Rean and Roan. In theory, Frandin should have failed and then tried again until his Soul Power ran out.


    ''However, your bloodline trial finished almost at the same time as ours. Obviously, you succeeded on the first try. How did you do that?''


    Frandin scratched the back of his head.


    ''I believe it was because of you two...''


    That only puzzled the twins even more.


    ''Us? But we didn''t do anything.''


    Frandin then explained.


    ''You do know that humans hate us because of how we treat them, right? During my time inside the illusion world, it wasn''t just the human memories that could be seen. I don''t know how, but there was some kind of connection between my Soul and his own. Because of that, he could also see my own. However, it wasn''t at the same level as his. He could only see my most recent memories for some reason.''


    ''As we battled, we shared our experiences until he suddenly called for a time out. The memories he saw were the ones where we traveled together, and I helped you. From that point onward, that battle turned into a weird conversation. I explained to him that I wasn''t doing it on purpose. That I was being forced because of the poison that Roan fed me. Well, he knew that as well since he saw the moments that I took the poison and the partial antidotes to keep it at bay.''


    Roan couldn''t help but ask.


    ''If he knew that, then there shouldn''t be a reason for him to stop the battle, much less trust you. What''s happening here?''


    Frandin nodded as he answered.


    ''Beats me. He already knew, but I still told him that I finally got the complete antidote, so I didn''t have anything to do with you anymore. There was no reason for him to look so calm. However, that was the moment everything changed. He simply decided that he would allow me to use his Soul to become my Bloodline Mark. From the looks of it, he already knew that he would disappear the moment the trial failed as well.''


    Rean and Roan nodded. They already hypothesized that outcome back in the last chamber that each failed trial would wipe out the Soul of the human selected for it. From what Frandin said, it seemed like it was the truth. That made sense since the Zasfins wouldn''t allow the humans to keep part of their own memories either.


    ''Still, why did he suddenly decide to give you his Soul? Becoming a Bloodline Mark was also considered death for him. Why would he choose to die while helping you? I could understand if you used your Soul Power to torture his Soul in the Illusion World. That''s how the other Zasfins have been doing it for sure. But it wasn''t the same in your case, right?''


    Frandin lightly laughed in self-deprecation.


    ''Hehe... Even if I wanted to, my Soul Power was too weak to do such a thing. You must remember that I''m participating in this trial with a lot less than the necessary amount needed.''


    Frandin continued.


    ''The illusion world began to disappear right after. At the last moment, I asked him why he would do that. He simply said that it was still better to give me the Soul Mark than dying since I at least helped the humans, even if it was against my will.''


    Rean and Roan thought it to be quite weird. If it were them, they most likely wouldn''t have done that either way. Why would that guy decide to do it? It wasn''t like Frandin had become their friend or anything.


    ''Well, I guess it all depends on the person. If that was his choice, then we are not the ones to judge it.''


    Roan agreed with Rean on that.


    However, Frandin mentally sighed right after. Everything he had said so far was the truth. However, there was one thing he didn''t tell the twins. At those last moments, the guy added one last piece to his motives.


    ''Hahaha! You helped them against your will. That much is obvious... but just halfway through the journey. I can feel it through our momentaneous connection. You have improved so much that you almost can''t believe it. Besides, you might deny it, but deep down, your life had never been so exciting. You just can''t help but think about what else could happen. Compared to the dull life you had back then, this one is much, much better. Well, whether you will accept this or not, that''s up to you. I''ll give you a little help, so bring my Bloodline Mark with you.''


    Not long after that, Frandin''s consciousness came back to his body. Following that, the same sacrifice happened. The guy''s Soul left his body and was condensed into a Bloodline Mark that entered Frandin''s forehead. As for the previous Bloodline Mark, it was wiped away by the stronger one. Not to mention that Frandin''s previous mark wasn''t an original one but a subproduct of his father''s mark.


    Frandin didn''t know what to think after that. Exciting life? He had almost died many times during Roan''s Death Style training. Not to mention that he had made quite a few enemies since he joined the twins. Did he really like it? At the very least, the human used as sacrifice believed so. But what about him?


    The answer appeared as soon as he found Rean and Roan again. That''s because the chamber''s door he used to enter the trial was closed. Even if he wanted to, he couldn''t go back to where the twins'' group stayed. However, he couldn''t help but feel relieved that he was able to see them again. Wasn''t that proof enough that he wanted to continue this adventure?


    Rean then looked at Frandin before saying.


    ''Well, that''s good for you. Anyway, your poison is already healed, so we will let you go after leaving this place. Since we brought you inside, we might as well see you out. After that, you''re on your own.''


    Roan nodded. That was the plan from the start.


    Frandin was taken aback. Things didn''t go as he expected at all.

 Chapter 612 - How Did It Happen?

    Frandin couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Isn''t that a bad move? It was difficult for others to trust me before. But now that I''ve obtained a Rank Five Bloodline Mark, it should be possible to convince my race that you are a threat. Just the fact that you can appear here without them knowing is more than enough for them to consider it a huge problem.''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    ''Hahaha! I still doubt very much that they will believe such a thing. Even if they do, so what? Zasfins had never thought much about us humans, so they won''t put as much importance on it as you''re saying, especially because of our cultivation. After all, we''re just a small group. Anyway, it wouldn''t be a good thing for you either. The best option for you is to keep mum and go back to your city. With a Rank Five Bloodline Mark, you should have a very good life from now on. Because of that, I also doubt that you will say that you got this because you were helped by humans.''


    That was also why Roan didn''t care much. After passing all the cities and investigating the Zasfin Race, he had concluded that the Zasfins would never consider them a problem. At the very least, not until they find out about the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and their Circuitry Teleport Formation. Of course, to find out about it, they would need to enter it. Naturally, that won''t happen.


    However, Frandin insisted.


    ''Still, isn''t it better to prevent it?''


    Roan looked at Frandin with cold eyes.


    ''I was letting you leave as payment for all the help so far and because there''s little risk to us anyway. However, are you perhaps asking us to kill you, then? If that''s the case, I don''t mind it at all.''


    Frandin immediately felt a chill.


    ''Of course not!''


    Suddenly, Rean stepped back a little as he looked at Frandin with disgust on his face.


    ''Could it be... that you''re actually a masochist?''


    Roan''s eyes widened after hearing that and immediately jumped back as well. Sure enough, it looked like that, right?


    Frandin felt like crying!


    ''Who the hell''s a masochist? You''re masochists! Your entire families are masochists!''


    Rean and Roan looked at each other before looking back at him.


    ''Then stop beating around the bush. Just tell us what the hell you want, for fuck''s sake.''


    Frandin madly scratched the back of his head as he replied.


    ''Aghhhh! Fine! I don''t want to leave yet, alright?! My cultivation and Soul Power have been improving more than ever during this journey. Why would I leave such great conditions? Just let me stay around. I won''t bother you much.''


    Rean and Roan then took a few steps further back from Frandin after that.


    ''So you really are a masochist! Sorry, bro. But we don''t dabble in that area.''


    If Rean and Roan weren''t so much stronger than him, Frandin would have definitely given them a beating.


    ''Fuck you! I''m not a masochist! Sure, Roan''s training schedule is hellish, but I''m doing it for my cultivation! Who the hell likes pain? Stop coming up with these weird ideas! It''s all for my own benefit! You keep me around, and I''ll keep playing the owner role every time we need to enter a city. Isn''t that good enough? Why are you making it look like I''m weird?''


    Rean sighed in relief.


    ''Oh... So that''s what you meant. Bro, you gave me a fright just now.''


    Frandin''s mouth twitched in response.


    ''It was you who got the wrong idea! First of all, how the hell did you instantly assume that I''m a masochist?! What''s wrong with your head?!''


    Rean laughed, pretending that he didn''t care at all.


    ''Hahaha! It''s fine, it''s fine. Let''s just say that you didn''t hear anything, and I didn''t say anything. How about that?''


    Now that they found out Frandin wasn''t a masochist, Roan then entered the main topic.


    ''Whatever. Since Frandin wants to stay, that will save us some trouble. Rank Five Bloodline Marks have pretty big standards in the Zasfin world, which will help a lot. Besides, capturing someone with a similar rank would be annoying. Such Zasfins would most likely have too much pride to accept being controlled by us.''


    It was then that Frandin understood a point.


    ''Wait! You were already intending to swap me for someone else, weren''t you?!''


    Roan snorted, not hiding his intentions at all.


    ''Isn''t that obvious? Do you really think I believed you would succeed in the Rank Five Bloodline Trials? Wake up, idiot! Anyone would definitely bet that you would fail.''


    Rean immediately nodded. No one thought that Frandin could succeed at all in his Rank Five Bloodline Trial. If not because of the abnormal conditions of his test, such a thing shouldn''t have happened.


    Frandin''s pride couldn''t help but get another hit. Well... it didn''t hurt that much this time since his pride had been getting beaten up ever since he joined their group. As much as he hated it, he already got used to being looked down upon by now. Besides... he was indeed much weaker than them even though he was of similar age.


    ''Whatever... I will just ignore these comments from now on.''


    Roan then threw him another poison pill.


    ''Since that''s your choice, take the pill again. As much as you might be telling the truth, I can''t afford to be wrong in the end. Of course, this is up to you. If you don''t want to take the poison pill, we will simply let you go when we''re out.''


    Roan then continued.


    ''Also, I will warn you. Things will only get harder and more dangerous from here and out. You simply have no idea how idiotic it will be if you really decide to come along. Chances are that you WILL die at some point. Last but not least, this pill is even more potent than the other pill I''ve been giving you so far. I have no choice since your cultivation is increasing. Trust me when I say that if you fail to take the antidote, you will experience an ending worse than any death you could ever hope for.''


    That was the truth. Let alone trying to do something for the girls and boys of the Bloodline Trials. Their own future was bound to be as crazy as one could possibly imagine. After all, they were the Soul Gem System''s Owners.


    Frandin couldn''t help but show a hint of fear as he looked at the pill in his hand. It''s Roan that we''re talking about here. Frandin was absolutely sure that Roan didn''t exaggerate in his descriptions at all. However, determination filled his mind a second later. If that''s the price for a chance to become much stronger, he might as well embrace it all.


    *Gulp!*


    In a single go, the pill went down his throat. In the end, he was still a Zasfin, so he couldn''t blame Roan for being careful. Besides, he would definitely have done something similar in Roan''s shoes. Their own group''s safety was still their top priority after all.


    However, just as the pill reached his stomach, a burst of Light and Dark Element came out of it. Together with a huge amount of Spiritual Energy, those two elements began to run through all his meridians. Like what happened during the alchemist exam, the Light Element protected the meridians while the Dark Element destroyed all impurities. Thanks to the medicinal properties of the pill and those two elements, such a thing was possible.


    Frandin was shocked by that effect. However, he didn''t have time to ponder about it as the energy of the pill ran through his body. He immediately sat down and used his own Spiritual Energy and even Soul Power to help the pill work.


    Rean, on the other hand, smiled in Roan''s direction as he said.


    ''Big brother likes to put up a strong front, but you''re very gentle, aren''t you?''


    *Bang!*


    *Clang!*


    Roan immediately kicked Rean once again. However, Rean was ready for that this time and blocked Roan''s attack.


    ''Hahaha! Why so mad? I''m just telling the truth here.''


    Roan then brought out his White Star, which gave Rean a slight chill.


    ''Alright, alright! I''ll stop. Man, you really can''t take a joke.''


    Roan snorted.


    ''Hmph! That''s because you talk too much bullshit.''


    Frandin didn''t even see what was happening since his entire focus was on the pill''s effect. The purification of his meridians was not the only thing it helped him with. As one could remember, that was Roan''s Cross-Realm Pill. Naturally, its effects weren''t just that.


    Frandin felt his bottleneck becoming weaker as time passed. The medicinal properties kept rushing into his dantian, making it even clearer. Frandin, of course, didn''t let such a good chance pass up. He immediately took out his Spirit Stones and aimed for the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    *Boom!*


    Sure enough, a burst of Spiritual Energy came out of his body sometime later. With that, the Spirit Stones dried out as Frandin''s cultivation increased at a fast pace. It only stopped after it stabilized in the Late Stage.


    *Phew...*


    Frandin exhaled some air together with Spiritual Energy. Finally, he opened his eyes again, thinking about thanking Roan for this. However...


    *Clang, clang, clang!*


    *Crash!*


    *Boom, boom, boom!*


    For some reason, Rean and Roan were in a life-and-death battle against each other. Well, because there wasn''t much space to maneuver, Roan clearly had the advantage. Rean was obviously suffering quite a bit there.


    ''Just... how did they end like that?''

 Chapter 613 - Way Out

    *Bang!*


    Eventually, Rean couldn''t hold back anymore and was embedded into the wall.


    "Cough, cough... Do you really need to go this far?"


    Roan snorted as he replied.


    "When it''s you, there is no such thing as too far."


    Frandin couldn''t help but sweat a little as he kept whispering.


    ''You two, you''re making too much noise! What if we''re found out?''


    Roan didn''t seem to care, though.


    "Fuck that! That guy will probably take forever until he finishes his trial anyway. Unlike you, the humans there will undoubtedly hate him. There''s more than enough time to give this guy a beating."


    Rean then got up once again as his Light Element hastily healed his injuries.


    "Hmph! It''s not like I didn''t hit you a few times either. Just you wait, Roan. There will come a day that I''ll be the winner."


    Roan snorted in response, saying.


    "I''ll be waiting, then."


    One must remember that the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm was showing the things happening outside as well.


    [Those two idiots never learn.]


    Malaka laughed, not minding it at all.


    "What are you talking about? If it wasn''t like this, then something would definitely be wrong."


    Calina then looked at Malaka before asking.


    "How long had they been like this?"


    Malaka shrugged her shoulders as she responded.


    "We''re at the same age. Still, as far as my memories go back, they have always been at each other''s throats. Now that we know that they''re reincarnations, it most likely has something to do with what happened before that."


    Qia and Agis nodded after that. Only that would make some sense.


    "Such is fate. They were born as each other''s brothers even though they hate one another. It''s quite funny in a certain way."


    Calina couldn''t help but comment.


    "Who knows? Perhaps that''s how they show each other their love."


    "Love your ass!"


    Rean and Roan, as owners of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, obviously heard that comment. Naturally, they replied straight away.


    Malaka and the others laughed at that. Nevertheless, they somewhat agreed with Calina''s final words. Roan was definitely cold to the point of giving others a slight chill. Still, he definitely had his gentle side... although it was rarely seen.


    Frandin, who was still outside, scratched the back of his head.


    "Ahem... By the way, what did you give me? That was definitely not poison."


    Rean patted Frandin''s shoulder as if nothing had happened so far.


    "Oh, don''t worry. That was just a test the ice block gave you. Roan wanted to see if you were staying true to your words or not. You obviously passed that, so your reward was the breakthrough and the cleansing of the meridians."


    Rean then looked at Roan before asking.


    "Oh, right! You might as well give him the Cauldron Medicinal Paste Bath later."


    Everyone''s eyes inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm lit up. The Medicinal Paste Bath was definitely good for the body. However, they could totally tell that Rean wasn''t being kind at all. He just wanted Frandin to suffer as they all did before.


    Well, there was an exception, though.


    "Medicinal Paste Bath? What is that?"


    Sure enough, Agis wasn''t there when Roan prepared the hell bath for them.


    Calina and Qia patted his shoulder as they brightly smiled at him.


    "It''s great! It''s called Body Enhancement Paste. However, Roan uses a special method."


    Qia nodded.


    "My body became much stronger after that. After that session, I can even fight ordinary cultivators two stages higher than my realm. Before, I could do only a single stage. You''ll love it!"


    However, Agis noticed Kentucky running towards a corner and rolling himself in a ball. Not to mention the fact that the ball of feathers was trembling in fear. From the looks of it, the word ''Medicinal Paste Bath'' scared the hell out of it.


    ''This bird has the highest defense between all of us, but even it is trembling in fear...''


    Agis then looked at the two smiling women with a not very willing expression.


    "Ahem... I''m- I''m fine. There is no need to worry about me."


    However, Roan seemed to agree with the idea outside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    "That''s true. We should take this chance now that we''re close to the city to buy the necessary materials. I''ll put you and Agis into it since the stronger you are, the safer we''ll be."


    Agis felt like crying. He knew that Roan definitely heard his refusal, but he was completely ignored.


    Frandin, on the other hand, didn''t see the scenes inside the Soul Gem Realm, so he became quite excited with Rean''s description.


    "It''s that good? Great! I''ll help with anything I can!"


    Rean''s smile grew even wider after hearing that.


    "Hahaha! That''s what I like to hear. A man should never run away from hardships, even if it''s something straight from hell like this one."


    Frandin got puzzled.


    "Hardships? Isn''t it supposed to be a good thing?"


    Rean patted his shoulder even more as he replied.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine! It''s definitely a good thing... after you''re done with it. Don''t worry, don''t worry at all! Hahaha!"


    Roan ignored the happy faces of Rean, Calina, and Qia before sitting behind a boulder. They wanted to see what was behind the next altar. If it was just an exit, they would leave this place through the Circuitry Teleport Formation. If there was something else to this trial, they would enter it to check. However, they wanted to leave it for the guy who was still in the middle of the test to do it. After all, there was a chance that there might be Zasfins on the other side if it was an exit.


    Time passed, and the hours went by in a flash. During this time, the twins and Frandin just cultivated while keeping their auras and Spiritual Energy in check. Eventually, they began to hear someone''s voice coming from one of the passages. They immediately stopped cultivating and focused on hiding with Rean''s skills.


    At first, it was hard to make out what the guy was saying since he was too far away. However, the closer he got, the easier it became.


    "Those... trash... they..."


    It didn''t take long for them to understand what he was saying. Basically, he was cursing without end.


    "Why are those trash making it so difficult? I''m a Zasfin, your Master! You should just accept becoming my Bloodline Soul Mark! Again! 27 pieces of trash died because they didn''t want to become my Bloodline Soul Mark! Why can''t they understand that it''s their honor to become our Soul Marks?!"


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he heard that. Regardless if a Bloodline Trial worked or not, the sacrifice would die. From what they were hearing, this guy tried it twenty-seven times and failed all of them.


    One must remember that just lying won''t work. The humans can also see the other side''s recent memories up to a few years in the past. Naturally, you can''t hide your behavior up to that point. That''s why most Zasfins can only try to force the humans to submit to them. There was no helping it since only humans with strong wills would have strong souls.


    The Zasfins tried to use humans who were completely submissive to them to make the Bloodline Soul Marks. However, it turned out that their Souls became too weak. It was the will to fight that increased their qualities. Otherwise, a submissive human system would have been set long ago. That''s also why places like the Decadence Region existed. They were the perfect breeding grounds for strong human souls.


    Rean began to take out his Black Star, thinking about cutting that guy''s head here and now. However, Roan held his arm before shaking his head.


    ''Leave it. He isn''t the first and definitely won''t be the last. No one should know that we''re here.''


    Rean sighed but nodded in the end.


    The guy then arrived at the next altar. However, he had a dejected expression, typical of those who failed their bloodline tests. Finally, he touched it and sent his Soul Power inside.


    *Creek!*


    The giant door behind the altar began to open straight away as Rean''s group watched it from another path far away back. Sure enough, Rean''s group was right. That was just the exit. Not only that, but they really did see other Zasfins already waiting for the guy outside. They kept quiet as they listened to the conversation on the other side.


    "Maluco, why did you do that?"


    Obviously, that was the name of the guy who activated the altar.


    "Do... what?"


    Maluco was puzzled. What were they talking about?


    "You dare take us for fools? I''m asking you why you destroyed the Bloodline Altar at the entrance. Do you have any idea how hard it is to make them? Just because you''re part of the Jure Clan, that doesn''t give you the right to destroy the Imperial Family''s Property!"


    "What?! Destroy the Bloodline Altar? I didn''t even do such a thing."


    However, the elders on the other side seemed pretty convinced that Maluco was the culprit. After all, the Bloodline Trial Grounds was protected by a tremendous force. Only a single Zasfin could enter it at each time. They only found out about the destruction of the altar because of how it was connected to the Bloodline Trial''s Formation.


    "Hmph! Have you finished your trial?"


    Maluco nodded as he replied.


    "Ye-Yes... I failed it."


    "Then, let''s enter and check it by ourselves. Let''s see if you really didn''t do anything."


    Maluco felt helpless. He really didn''t do anything at all!


    Rean, on the other hand, was quite satisfied with that.


    ''That should serve as punishment for him. Let''s leave.''


    Since that was only the exit, the twins'' group had no intention of using it. They entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm after sending Frandin inside before using the Soul Gem Circuitry Teleport Formation to get away from there.

 Chapter 614 - Does That Mean...

    Leaving the Bloodline Trial Grounds was many times easier than entering it. With Rank Two Spirit Stones, the twins could use the Circuitry Teleport Formation to teleport to a max range of 300km. Beyond that, they would need Rank Three Stones, but that wasn''t necessary. The twins then selected a direction that would be somewhat close to Venasi City to make their other arrangements.


    This time, Rean had reappeared far high in the skies. But that wasn''t an issue since he simply summoned Kentucky and flew down with him while using his Light Bending Skill.


    After that, Frandin and Roan reappeared outside before they made their way to Venasi once again. They quickly passed by the city''s gate and went back to the workshop they had rented previously.


    Rean then looked at them before saying.


    "Alright, I''ll spend my next few days forging Earth Peak-Level Equipment. I want to bring it to the auction house for sale. After that, we should have enough Spirit Stones to keep traveling without much worry of running out."


    Calina couldn''t help but ask.


    "Wouldn''t it be too risky to use such high-level equipment in this place? You crafted Earth High-Level ones before exactly because of that."


    Rean nodded as he replied.


    "That was the plan. However, did you see how the appraiser of the Imperial Auction House looked at my weapons? In the end, they could only be considered opening items. It seems like it won''t be a huge problem to bring Earth Peak-Level weapons."


    Rean then looked at Frandin before continuing.


    "Besides, we do have a Zasfin owner with a Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark. If problems arise, Frandin just has to bring out his Bloodline Mark, and the others should know how to restrain themselves."


    Frandin shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Already expecting to use me this soon, huh?"


    Roan snorted as he replied.


    "If not for that, what use would there be for you?"


    "Sigh... fine. By the way, have you tried using your Soul Powers yet? With a Rank Five Bloodline Mark, the amplification of your Soul Power should be enough for you to manifest it."


    Qia nodded first.


    "I did, but I can''t seem to bring it out. You said that it was like breathing for Zasfins, but I can''t even detect its presence at all."


    Roan and the others agreed with Qia''s words. They also tried to use it a few times, but they couldn''t even activate their Rank Five Bloodline Marks. Well, there was one exception, though.


    *Chick!*


    Although very faint, Kentucky''s Rank Five Bloodline mark shone on his forehead as Soul Power manifested around his body. It was a far cry from what Frandin could do, but he could still do it.


    Frandin then pondered over the sight for a bit before saying.


    "Oh! I think I know why."


    He then put his hand on Roan''s shoulder as he said.


    "I will send my own Soul Power into your body and let it run through. Pay attention to the feeling of what Soul Power is. I believe you guys can''t activate it because your conscience still doesn''t know what it is even though you know it exists. Kentucky ate the altar, which had Soul Power inside. That''s why his brain already understands what Soul Power is and has the knowledge that he has it."


    Roan nodded. Frandin''s theory made a lot of sense.


    "Alright, go ahead."


    Frandin couldn''t help but ask, though.


    "Aren''t you afraid that I might mess something up in your body?"


    Roan looked at Frandin with a serious expression as he responded.


    "Don''t doubt people you use, don''t use people you doubt."


    Everyone was taken aback by those words. It was quite a mismatch for someone with Roan''s personality. Nevertheless, Frandin quickly recovered and nodded. Soon after, he summoned his Soul Power and let it run inside Roan''s body. Sure enough, he didn''t have any intentions of messing anything up.


    Roan then focused on that power, trying to find something similar to it inside himself. At first, he couldn''t notice anything. But as he became more and more used to it, a weird sensation began to arise from his forehead.


    Suddenly, the Rank Five Bloodline Mark activated, albeit faintly. Following that, Roan''s 13 points of Soul Power were amplified more than 100%! Well, that was expected since this was a Rank Five Bloodline SOul Mark. Thanks to that, Roan''s Soul Power Points increased to 32 while the mark was active.


    The moment it happened, Roan''s eyes lit up. He could finally feel that hint of Soul Power inside his mind.


    "Alright, you can stop now."


    Frandin nodded and took his hand away.


    Following that, Roan''s body began to manifest a very faint Soul Power, just like Kentucky''s one. The difference was that Kentucky wasn''t very smart to control it well. In Roan''s case, he quickly understood the principle of using Soul Power and condensed all of it in his hand.


    "I see... Frandin was right. It''s just that I didn''t really ''know'' what Soul Power was. Now I understand how to activate the Soul Mark and manifest it. Frandin, go ahead and do the same thing with the others."


    Frandin nodded and began to send his Soul Power into everyone''s body. Rean was the first one after Roan. For Rean, it was even easier to understand and manifest it since he was a Light Element user. Soul Power only existed because there was a Soul, and a Soul existed because there''s a Life Force. Since Life Force was involved, Light Element was the best affinity for feeling it.


    "Oh! Such a weird power. Hey, let me try the Soul Measurement Crystal."


    Rean quickly put his hand on the Crystal and sent his Soul Power inside. Not long after, his Soul Power number was displayed on the surface.


    -38-


    Frandin was quite surprised by that.


    "38? That means you had at least 16 or more before."


    Rean nodded.


    "Indeed. That''s most likely because I have Light Element Affinity. I can feel the presence of Life Force inside Soul Power now that I understand what it is. I can even feel my Soul Power increasing in power very slightly as we speak. If I continued like this, I believe I would have manifested Soul Power at some point in my life on my own."


    That was quite a surprising thing. Still, since they all got Bloodline Soul Marks now, it didn''t matter as much as it would in the future. Besides, it was not guaranteed either since Rean didn''t know ''what'' Soul Power was. Perhaps he would reach the threshold to manifest Soul Power but would never know that he could use it.


    After that, Frandin used his Soul Power on everyone else. The others obviously took longer than Rean and Roan since they didn''t have anything to do with the Light Element. Nonetheless, they eventually grasped the principles and were able to manifest their Soul Powers as well.


    Malaka and Calina had 28 points, Agis 27, and Qia 26. Of course, that was only achievable after the Bloodline Soul Mark appeared. Without that, they couldn''t manifest Soul Power.


    Roan then took this opportunity and took out everyone''s training routines.


    "Alright. I''ll call you one by one and revise your training schedule to include Soul Power. At first, it''s just a test. After I get to know it better, I will update it once again."


    Each person had their own traits, so Roan had created a routine specifically for each one of them. Rean was the first one. Still, he also thought about his own way of using it. Roan was responsible for battle training, but he decided to practice it while he was forging. Simply put, he chose to incorporate Soul Power in it as well.


    The others were thinking about the same thing. Agis wanted to try to use it in his talismans. Just like Rean, Qia intended to use it to understand the Soul Runes in the formations. Well, Calina and Malaka had never tried any side occupation before, so they could only follow the routine given by Roan.


    "Keep it active all the time. Use it in everyday tasks. If possible, sleep with it as well."


    Frandin couldn''t help but warn them.


    "If you do that, you will run out of Soul Power all the time."


    Roan shrugged his shoulders.


    "So what? Out Soul Power is so ridiculously low that it will make almost no difference in battles. Since we aren''t battling anyway, we might as well use it in other things."


    Calina then remembered something else.


    "Oh, right. When''s the auction happening? Do you have enough time to forge the equipment, Rean?"


    Rean shook his head.


    "Nope. We only had three days before the next auction, not to mention that we spent at least a day with the Rank Five Bloodline Trial thing. The auction should be happening two days from now. However, it doesn''t mean that I can''t participate in the next one."


    Rean then brought several materials out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm before saying.


    "However, I do have enough time to make at least one weapon if I hurry up. That''s because I won''t use my Element Gathering Technique on them, so it''s easier to work with. Even though I don''t think bringing out an Earth Peak-Level Equipment will be bad, I might as well test it first, just to be sure."


    Roan agreed with that thought.


    "That''s good, then. Now, let''s talk about the next issue."


    Everyone knew what Roan wanted.


    "Just one Frandin isn''t enough. We need at least another two Zasfins to be able to move into the cities in different groups without catching attention."


    Frandin was taken aback.


    "Does that mean..."


    Roan coldly smiled.


    "It''s kidnapping time."

 Chapter 615 - Do You Really Think So?

    Frandin''s mouth twitched in response. He would never forget that this was how he got involved in all of this.


    "Ahem... Can''t we use a more... gentle method?"


    Everyone looked at Frandin, puzzled.


    "Would there be a Zasfin willing to come along with a bunch of humans like you? First of all, you still hate normal humans, right? You''re just tagging along because we aren''t from this place, to begin with. We aren''t the same as the slaves around you, or so you think."


    Frandin didn''t deny that. He had no pity or interest in any of the slave humans of the world. Save them? Help them? Unless it was necessary, he had no intention or wish of doing so. To be more specific, Frandin simply didn''t care about them at all since they couldn''t provide him anything to start with. In this regard, he was quite similar to Roan.


    In Roan''s eyes, it''s not just the fact that they were slaves. He could also tell that the humans had no intention of fighting against this fate. Since even the human slaves didn''t want to do anything, why should he or anyone else help them? Roan had no intention of helping someone who had already given up to start with.


    "Well, that''s true. I consider you guys differently because you definitely don''t think of yourselves as slaves, let alone act like them. I really don''t give a damn about the rest. However, we''re talking about capturing a Zasfin here, right? They definitely don''t think about themselves as slaves either. Are you perhaps trying to get someone with a high bloodline rank? If that''s the case, they''ll most likely be even more prideful than I was. I came from a remote place, but this city is different. Chances are that they would rather die than accept your orders."


    Agis couldn''t help but ask.


    "Could it be that you have an idea? We definitely need more than just you, especially if we decide to head in different directions later."


    Everyone looked at Frandin to see what he had to say.


    Frandin then nodded as he scratched the back of his head.


    "As you mentioned, Zasfins think nothing of humans. That much should be pretty clear for you all. However, it doesn''t mean that all of them are like that. I''m sure that if you put some effort into information gathering, you will find a few who don''t like the slave thing. Even back in Danve City, a few Zasfin families had human slaves but didn''t treat them badly or anything. In my opinion, this is the kind of Zasfin you should focus on."


    Roan found a problem with that.


    "However, such Zasfins would be at the bottom of the food chain, no? Would they have any ranking whatsoever?"


    Frandin nodded.


    "That''s why I said you would need to put some effort into information gathering. If you just want something like the families I told you about, just walk to the city''s poorer areas. You''ll eventually find a few Zasfins with their humans who don''t treat them as slaves in some corners. You might even find a few humans without any slave collars walking with their ''owners.'' However, if you want someone with a high Bloodline Rank and talent, you will need to investigate properly. After all, these Zasfins don''t want to lose their power because they don''t treat humans badly. That being said, they definitely keep it hidden on the surface."


    Roan knew how to gather information. Just like in Sunkan Planet, this planet also had organizations that liked to sell information.


    "We should be able to buy this information with enough Spirit Stones, right?"


    Frandin nodded.


    "I saw a branch of the Dark Web Organization in the city center before when we went to the auction house. If there''s a place you can get this information, it''s there."


    Rean and Roan were taken aback.


    ''Dark Web Organization? Wait, could it be the same Dark Web Organization from our previous world?''


    ''I don''t know, but the names are definitely the same. First of all, we''ve never learned much about the Dark Web Organization back then, so we don''t know how far their power stretches.''


    ''Could they be an interplanetary organization? Is that possible?''


    Roan pondered for a bit before saying.


    ''This is, after all, the cultivation universe. There are forces capable of smashing an entire planet in a single attack. It wouldn''t be too surprising if interplanetary organizations existed, right?''


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right.


    As for the others, they didn''t hear what Rean and Roan talked about since they used their Soul Connection for that.


    Roan then looked at Frandin before saying.


    "Alright, Rean will stay here since he needs to forge the equipment for the auction. Frandin, you will come out with me for us to buy information."


    Frandin shook his head, though.


    "That wouldn''t be a good idea."


    "Why not?"


    Frandin continued.


    "Cough, cough... I saw how many Rank Two Spirit Stones you still have in that Dimensional Realm. Well... Let me say that it''s far from enough to buy information on high-rank Zasfins, especially the ones who are hiding their good treatment to humans."


    Roan then focused on the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Sure enough, they only had a little bit over one hundred Rank Two Spirit Stones remaining.


    "Sigh... Seems like we spent quite a lot on our way here."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Well, we didn''t have the chance to sell things back in Fhanzen City before we had to run away. Naturally, we only had the Demon Cores'' Spirit Stones for the travel. This planet lacks a lot of Natural Spiritual Energy in the air, so our expenditure is even higher. Wait until the next auction before you go out to buy information. After that, we should have quite a decent amount."


    Roan and the others nodded after that.


    Calina, Malaka, and Qia then looked at Roan before asking.


    "In that case, can we go out with Frandin?"


    The men in the group were puzzled, with one of them asking.


    "Why?"


    "Ahem... we need some... women stuff. We don''t have many Spirit Stones, but that''s far more than enough for the items we need. Besides, we didn''t have the chance to walk around on our own lately."


    Calina also mentioned.


    "Of course, as you can see, I have my hair dyed, so no one will be able to tell that I''m blond. Besides, with Frandin''s Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark, I don''t think anyone will try to find problems with him either."


    Frandin couldn''t help but sweat a little.


    "Buy women stuff... B-But... You are humans, which means..."


    Malaka and Qia put their hands on his shoulders.


    "Obviously, it means we will select the things, but you will buy them for us. Thank you in advance."


    Roan, on the other hand, simply nodded.


    "Alright. I noticed that the pads you use for your periods are running out, so that makes sense."


    Sure enough, Roan could talk about it without even flinching. Well, it''s just that he didn''t care about these things about men and women to start with.


    The girls couldn''t help but feel a little embarrassed when Roan talked so openly about it. It seemed like even in the Imperial Family, these issues weren''t broadly spoken about.


    Roan noticed their reactions but ignored them completely before continuing.


    "In that case, I''m going out with you as well. If something goes wrong, I''ll send everyone into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Besides, it would be a good chance to buy more of those makeup things. I need to change your appearances every now and then so that you don''t need to rely on Rean''s skill that works only temporarily."


    Roan was still a very good stylist. Not to mention he had gotten better at it as he kept working on Calina from time to time back in the Dalamu Sect.


    "Is anyone else coming?"


    Agis immediately looked in Rean''s direction.


    "Ahem... I... will help Rean with his forging. You can go ahead."


    Frandin felt like crying. Unlike Agis, he couldn''t refuse this since he was the only Zasfin available. Nevertheless, this was a world of warriors and cultivators. Unsurprisingly, there were shops for women Zasfins. After all, alchemy also existed in this world. Nevertheless, that wasn''t a place where you would see male Zasfins at all. Well, at least not the straight ones.


    "Can-Can''t we wait until we find the next Zasfin? It would be better if you have a female Zasfin playing the owner role."


    *Pah!*


    Qia, Calina, and Malaka slapped the back of his head.


    "Stop wasting time. Do you think women can ignore their needs as easily as men? The three of us have been holding ourselves for months already."


    Surprisingly, the three girls were a lot more pushy than normal. Usually, it would be Roan who did that.


    Roan, obviously, agreed with it.


    "If we can use this free time to get over these problems, we might as well do it. Let''s go."


    Rean then used his Light Element to change their appearances since he was better with it. One must remember that his body appearance changing skill lasted quite a few hours before needing more Light Element, after all. Roan then spread the Spiritual Sense bending skill, covering Malaka, Qia, and Calina''s Dantians. After that, the three girls left with Frandin and Roan, leaving Rean and Agis behind with Kentucky.


    Agis then looked at Rean before asking.


    "Is it really okay?"


    Rean playfully smiled when he heard that.


    "Do you really think so?"


    Agis couldn''t help but sweat a little for Frandin.

 Chapter 616 - You! You!

    No one paid too much attention to Roan''s group as they walked along the various streets. After all, there was no lack of Zasfins being followed by their humans there. Well, that was until they arrived at the shopping district. The reason behind that was because Frandin just so happened to enter one of those shops made for female Zasfins.


    The female attendant was taken aback when she saw Frandin enter with his humans. However, a customer was still a customer, after all. She quickly put on a smile on her face before asking.


    "Hello, sir. Can I help you with something?"


    Frandin nodded in response even though he felt uncomfortable. However, before he could even say anything, Calina, Qia, and Malaka immediately separated from him to look at the products. The attendant was taken aback after seeing that and couldn''t help but ask.


    "Sir, could you please control your humans? We can''t have them causing problems here."


    Frandin let out a bit of cold sweat as he tried to calm his senses down. Soon, he replied.


    "Ahem... Don''t worry, I''m here to buy things for them. If they break anything, I''ll pay for it."


    Let alone the attendant, the other female Zasfins in the shop immediately looked at him.


    "Is he one of those men who like to do that with his slaves?"


    "Probably."


    "That''s really disgusting."


    "I''ll go talk with the manager. She won''t let something like that slip under her fingertips."


    Frandin couldn''t help but feel helpless. It wasn''t like he wanted this to happen, no? However, because Rean had changed their appearance and Roan put on makeup on them, no one would find them again once they left with their things. After all, these characters would cease to exist in a few hours. That being said, it wouldn''t be a problem even if they caused a little trouble. These girls haven''t done anything like that for a long time, so they simply ignored the words of the female Zasfins since they already expected to hear those.


    Roan, on the other hand, just closed his eyes as he waited. Without a doubt, he was the one who cared the least about everyone involved. Embarrassment? That word didn''t exist in his dictionary.


    Sure enough, a female Zasfin quickly came out of a room before heading in Frandin''s direction, making the latter sigh. She was obviously going to tell him to do something about it.


    However, it was then that Frandin''s forehead shone with a Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark, immediately catching everyone''s attention. A Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark! Those with that kind of Mark had very high status, and few would try to mess with them.


    Seeing this, the female Zasfin manager bitterly smiled and threw away any thoughts of reprimand or stopping Frandin anymore. She didn''t know what background Frandin had, but it definitely wasn''t simple by the looks of it.


    The same went for the other female attendants and customers throughout the shop. They all closed their mouths, and quite a few of them left the shop straight away. Those who commented about Frandin''s tastes even felt a hint of fear that they might have provoked someone they shouldn''t.


    The manager then calmed down before saying.


    "It-It''s an honor to have someone of your status in our establishment, sir. How may I call you?"


    Frandin''s Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark then disappeared as he scratched the back of his head before responding.


    "It''s fine. I''m just here to buy what the girls there want. I won''t make things difficult for any of you. If possible, just have the attendants help my female humans."


    The manager nodded after that and immediately looked at the attendants, who then went to help the girl''s group.


    "Qia, Malaka, look! Aren''t these clothes beautiful?"


    Zasfins might have a few different traits on their bodies, but they still had the same body structure as humans, both in size and weight. Naturally, female Zasfins would like good clothes and things like that.


    The girls stormed around the shop while they attracted the attention of the Zasfins passing outside. After all, it wasn''t every day one saw humans acting that way freely. Eventually, someone with a high enough status appeared in the shop.


    "Manager, what''s happening here? Why are these humans allowed to do what they want? I have been buying clothes here for a long time, and I don''t want to see them being dirtied like that."


    The manager''s eyes lit up when he saw who it was. Her name was Valia Portin, a member of the Portin Clan hailing from their Vanesi City. The Portin Clan had seven Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark owners, so they had a very high status. Besides, Valia was a frequent customer of her shop. Of course, the manager also didn''t want to find trouble with Frandin, so she explained everything through a Spiritual Sense Message.


    "Hmph!"


    Valia understood the situation and immediately headed to where Frandin was.


    "Hey, you."


    Out of nowhere, a Rank Five Bloodline Mark shone on her forehead as well. Obviously, she was bringing out her status so that Frandin would understand that his Mark meant nothing to her.


    "How could you let filthy humans run amok like that? Immediately call them back and leave this shop."


    Roan, who had his eyes closed until now, finally opened it as he looked at the girl. Valia had quite decent cultivation, being at the same level as Frandin. Of course, Frandin wasn''t supposed to be at the same level as her if it wasn''t because of their group.


    Frandin, on the other hand, became a little nervous. Unlike what others thought, he didn''t really have any background to speak of. Valia, on the other hand, definitely had one.


    However, just as he was about to discuss with Roan on what to do, Roan snorted as he said.


    "Who are you to talk with our young master like that? Get the fuck out of here, bitch."


    Everyone''s expressions froze at that moment, especially Frandin''s. He immediately looked at Roan with a helpless expression.


    ''Brother, why must you be like that?''


    Valia, of course, was shocked by what she heard. No human had ever talked like that. In fact, rarely any human even directed their words at her unless she demanded it.


    "You! You...!"


    Valia immediately looked at Frandin and demanded.


    "Kill this human straight away! Otherwise, don''t blame me for making a move. We''re both Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark owners, so don''t expect me to step back!"


    At this point, Frandin wanted to shed tears... but couldn''t.

 Chapter 617 - It Doesnt Matter What You Wear

    Calina, Malaka, and Qia were also there, watching the scene unfold. However, they soon stopped paying attention and continued their shopping. They knew Roan well enough to tell that he had some card under his sleeve. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have stepped forward like that.


    Frandin bitterly smiled after hearing that and was just about to apologize when Roan pointed at Valia''s forehead and snorted, saying.


    "How dare you, a nobody who received her Bloodline Soul Mark from her family, try to compare with our young master''s earned Bloodline Soul Mark? Those who have received their Mark from their families have no right to stand on the same ground as those who passed the trial by themselves."


    In an instant, Frandin and everyone''s eyes widened. Not long after, they paid attention to Frandin''s Mark and then Valia''s Mark. Sure enough, there was a slight difference there. The difference was so minute that no one had noticed it until now. However, everyone was looking directly at it now.


    Valia''s expression froze at that moment. She also hadn''t paid attention to Frandin''s Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark. However, she could now see that Roan was right. Frandin''s Bloodline Soul Mark was truly an earned one, not given to him by his elders.


    "This... How''s this possible?!"


    Roan then glanced at Frandin, his meaning obvious. Frandin then gritted his teeth and continued their play.


    "Hmph! You had to wait for my human to point it out. Truly, your Portin Clan must be full of idiots for having someone like you. Do you know the difference between you and me? Do you have any idea about what will happen if I report you? You should know very well how the hierarchy of Bloodline Soul Marks works. Give me a good enough reason to not bring this issue to your elders."


    Valia''s complexion paled as she took several steps back. Well, in reality, Frandin was talking bullshit! He didn''t know anything about the hierarchy of High-Level Bloodline Marks. Until yesterday, he thought that family-received and trial-earned Bloodline Soul Marks had the same level of importance. Simply put, he just said these words out of the blue, hoping that he was right about it. To his surprise, it worked several times better than he thought.


    "I-I..."


    The manager of the shop felt even worse. Valia might still use her clan to minimize things out for her and just receive a bit of punishment. However, the manager didn''t have such an option. If Frandin decided to make things difficult for her, her shop and even the owner might get into deep trouble.


    That''s because everyone could see just how young Frandin was. For someone at his age to pass through the Rank Five Bloodline Trial on his own could only mean that he had a terrifying background. Perhaps... he was even related to the Imperial Family!


    Frandin mentally sighed in relief as he looked at Roan before sending him a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''How did you know?''


    Roan, without any emotions on his face, answered right after.


    ''Know what? I just tried it out. Now, look at that. It worked. Hehe.''


    Frandin almost vomited blood after hearing that.


    ''You almost bought a fight against a clan with Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark Owners on a hunch?''


    Roan nodded as he replied.


    ''We understood that Bloodline Marks had hierarchies. However, we didn''t know just how far it went between earned marks and given marks. It was a good chance to test it out. If it went wrong, we could simply leave through the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.''


    Just as they were about to continue talking, Calina came running to Roan before asking.


    "Look, Roan. Do you like this piece?"


    Roan massaged his forehead as he heard this question. Obviously, he couldn''t care less about what Calina wore.


    "If you like it, just take it. Just make sure it wouldn''t hamper you when battling."


    Calina felt a bit disappointed that Roan showed no reaction. Qia and Malaka said that it really matched her, especially if her blond hair wasn''t hidden.


    Suddenly, Malaka appeared behind Roan and spoke while mimicking his voice.


    "What I mean is that it doesn''t matter what you wear. You''re always beautiful, my Calina."


    A vein popped out of Roan''s head as he gave Malaka a death glare. Unfortunately for her, the girl retreated as fast as she came, quickly heading back to the shelves.


    Calina, on the other hand, almost exploded in embarrassment.


    However, Frandin''s mouth also twitched at this moment.


    ''Could it be that you guys forgot what''s currently going on? Can''t you see that we''re still in a precarious situation? I wonder if you even know what it means to be nervous...''


    Nevertheless, he quickly recovered and then spoke to Valia.


    "Ahem... As you can see, my humans are having a little bit of fun. However, our problem hasn''t been solved yet. I think it''s as obvious as the light of day, but I do like my humans. I''ve trained them for a long time after all. Still, you asked me to kill one of them. I wonder if a public punishment would be enough to quell the anger of my humans. Roan, girls, what do you think?"


    Valia took even more steps back after that. Not only would she be punished, but it would be a public one and because of a few humans. She definitely couldn''t accept that.


    "You''re going too far!"


    Frandin snorted.


    "How come? It''s one life for one punishment. Isn''t that good enough?"


    Roan simply nodded as the girls complimented Frandin''s decision.


    "As expected of the young master, you''re the best!"


    Soon after, the three girls hugged him.


    Frandin was already despairing inside. The problem wasn''t that the girls hugged him, but that CALINA hugged him. He could totally feel the killing intent coming from Roan''s eyes in his direction.


    Just as it was about to reach a climax, a voice came from the shop''s entrance.


    "That won''t be necessary, my friend. I shall take responsibility for my daughter''s mistake."


    Valia''s eyes lit up as she looked at who arrived. She couldn''t be happier.


    "Father!"


    However, Valia''s father looked anything but happy.


    "Shut up! Immediately apologize to him."


    Roan''s group looked in the voice''s direction and noticed a middle-aged man entering. However, what really caught their attention was the Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark on his forehead. Just like Frandin''s, his Mark was also an earned Bloodline Soul Mark.

 Chapter 618 - Marau Portin

    Valia felt wronged. Then again, she knew that the situation wasn''t good, so she bowed to Frandin.


    "Sorry for my previous outburst. I shouldn''t have intervened in your free time."


    Valia''s father also added.


    "She''s too young and failed to understand her insignificance. Young man, I hope you can let things go."


    Roan glanced at Frandin and slightly nodded after listening to the man''s words.


    Frandin then laughed out loud before saying.


    "Hahaha! Don''t worry, senior. I was just joking earlier. Sure, I do like my humans a little more than the majority. However, I definitely wouldn''t punish one of our Zasfin Race members just because of humans, especially one as beautiful as your daughter. I just wanted to see her scared face. After all, I''m not here to make enemies out of anyone."


    Frandin then extended his hand.


    "By the way, you can call me Gian Torio."


    Well, Frandin just came up with the name on the spot. Others didn''t know of Roan even if he used his real name. However, there might be someone who will search for ''Frandin'' from Danve City, so it was better not to risk it.


    Valia''s father smiled in response and accepted Frandin''s handshake.


    "That''s for the best. You can call me Marau Portin. I''m one of the Portin Clan''s elders in our Vanesi City."


    Frandin nodded while he sighed in relief in his mind.


    ''It seems we can end things here.''


    Frandin then took his hand back before saying.


    "Well then, Senior Marau. I hope this is everything. Have a good day."


    Frandin then looked at Roan and the others before saying.


    "Well, how about you show me what you chose to buy, huh?"


    "Yes, young master."


    Roan nodded and closed his eyes once more, waiting for the girls to finish shopping. He didn''t have an interest in those things.


    Calina, Malaka, and Qia then returned to their shopping.


    However, Marau didn''t leave and extended an invitation to Frandin.


    "Young man, how about you come and pay a visit to our clan''s residence? I would like to use this opportunity to get to know you a bit more. I''ll make sure to make Valia serve you as a way of apologizing for the trouble she has given to you."


    Frandin was taken aback for a second but decided to refuse. However, Roan immediately stopped him.


    ''Accept it. We need information about the girls of the Bloodline Trial, so this is a good opportunity since his clan seems to have a strong influence.''


    Frandin couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Isn''t this a bit too risky? He''s very close to us, so his Spiritual Sense might pierce through your Spiritual Sense bending. If that happens, he will immediately see your cultivations.''


    Roan shook his head as he responded.


    ''Don''t worry. Even if there are Zasfins with high cultivations there, they won''t pay attention to us. All their Spiritual Sense will be focused on you alone. If they find out, it wouldn''t be a problem either. Because of your Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark, they will first ask you about it before trying anything.''


    Frandin nodded as he remembered just how much authority he commanded now that he got his Rank Bloodline Soul Mark.


    "So, Miss Valia will serve me during this time? Alright, then. How could I let the opportunity of receiving such nice treatment from a beautiful girl as her pass up?"


    Valia was taken aback. Surprisingly, there was a slight tinge of red on her face when she heard that. After what happened, the last thing she thought was that Frandin would talk like that about her.


    Marau was very satisfied with Frandin''s answer. Whatever background Frandin had, it wouldn''t matter much. What mattered was that he had unlimited potential. Of course, his clan was well within the same scope as Frandin since they had seven Rank Five Earned Bloodline Soul Marks. That being said, neither side was taking advantage of the other.


    "That''s good. You can come anytime you want. It won''t be hard to find our residence either. By the way, take this."


    Marau then passed a token to Frandin.


    "Just show it at the entrance gate, and the guards will immediately let you through. Also, you can use this token in most places in our Vanesi City just in case you encounter any problems. It should make things much easier."


    Frandin nodded and placed the token away after that. Though, the expression he showed while receiving it was as if the token didn''t mean much. Well, that was only the surface, of course. The real Frandin was thrilled inside to receive such an item.


    ''Holy shit! Earned Bloodline Marks are just too frightening!''


    Marau then bid his farewell and left with Valia.


    On their way back, Valia couldn''t help but ask her father.


    "Dad, is it really okay to treat him that well? He has an Earned Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark. However, we also have seven members like that. Why were you so polite?"


    Marau snorted when he heard that question. It was obvious that Valia didn''t consider the bigger picture.


    "Hmph! That''s why I told you to cultivate and focus on your Soul Power training. Sure, we do have seven members, including me, who earned their bloodline marks. However, look at how old we are at the moment. He isn''t even a fifth of the age I was when I got my Mark. Even great grandfather was already above sixty when he got his. Do you have any idea just how much potential that young man has?"


    Marau then looked intently at Valia and continued.


    "When he comes to the clan, make sure to treat him like a king. So what if he likes to play with his humans? In the end, they''re just that, humans! However, you are different. You should take this opportunity to try to rope him in. I don''t care about his background, only about his future. For someone like that, a Rank Six or even a Rank Seven Bloodline Soul Mark is well within possibility. The best thing is if you can take him for yourself."


    Valia was taken aback. Her father was planning to hook her up with that guy already!

 Chapter 619 - Lack Of Common Sense

    Obviously, Valia didn''t like the idea at all.


    "I don''t want that!"


    However, Marau warned her.


    "Are you sure about that? The news about this young man will soon spread like wildfire. All your rivals will pounce on him like hungry wolves tomorrow. Are you really okay with that, knowing that one of those girls might come back in the future with a Rank Six or even a Rank Seven Bloodline Soul Mark? Remember, even if you were gifted a Rank Six Bloodline Mark, your status would still be higher than anyone with an earned Rank Five Mark."


    Marau then added.


    "If you don''t take this chance, the other girls in the clan and from the other families in the city will. Especially a certain someone named Xiria Asume."


    As soon as Valia heard that name, her face warped. Xiria was someone she simply didn''t see eye to eye with and always competed against each other. This situation started far in the past when the two fought in a tournament and ended up in a draw. Since then, the two have always tried to surpass the other in any way possible.


    "Fine... I''ll try it out. But I can''t guarantee it''ll work. As father saw a while ago, our start was as terrible as it could be."


    Marau nodded as he said.


    "It''s fine. I also think the chances are low. In fact, they aren''t low only for you, but for everyone else. Someone like that is bound to marry someone at the same level of importance. However, there''s nothing wrong in trying."


    Valia agreed with Marau and then asked something else.


    "By the way, father. Have you ever heard anything about a Torio clan or any organization related to it?"


    Marau narrowed his eyes as he pondered about this issue.


    "To be honest, I''ve never heard of them. Besides, Gian didn''t say that he was part of a clan named Torio or any organization. He simply said that his name was that. As a city with a Rank Five Bloodline Trial Ground, we have quite a few connections within the Empire. Nevertheless, I can''t figure out anything through Gian''s name."


    He then continued.


    "That being said, I can only think about two possibilities. First, Gian is using a fake name. However, I find this option unlikely. I used my Spiritual Sense before and couldn''t find anyone in the surroundings that seemed to be protecting him. Even if he had changed his name, he was bound to have someone watching him. After all, which clan, organization, sect, etc., would let such a talent roam outside on his own? Of course, that might be because the one protecting him has a level of cultivation much higher than mine. Though, I don''t think that would be the case."


    "As for the second option, I guess you know the answer already."


    Valia felt a chill on her back when she thought about it.


    "He... came from one of the Celestial Lands."


    Marau nodded as he replied.


    "Exactly. That''s the most likely answer to Gian''s identity. As you know, the Celestial Land Disciples are usually somewhat eccentric, acting as they like. Don''t you think that his taste for playing with humans fits that criteria?"


    Valia nodded vigorously.


    "Yes. No normal Zasfin would treat their humans that way. Only those crazy guys from the Celestial Lands would do things that make no sense."


    Marau smiled after hearing that.


    "However, that''s even better. Celestial Lands have their own Bloodline Soul Trials separated from the Empires. That''s why I''ve never learned about Gian. Otherwise, I should have heard something once he got his Mark at that age."


    Valia couldn''t help but grow a little excited. Celestial Lands stood on the same degree of importance as the Imperial Family. Gian was most likely one of their members and a very talented one at that. If she could really take him, she wouldn''t even care if she had to play friends with all the humans in the world.


    "Father, I''ll do my best."


    Marau nodded, satisfied.


    "Good! Who knows? Perhaps this bad start will play to your advantage in the future."


    And just like that, the two flew away.


    Back in the shop, Frandin was clueless about all of that. Celestial Lands? That was only but a dream to him.


    After what happened, no one tried to bother Frandin and his humans anymore. Calina, Malaka, and Qia took that chance to go all out and make up for the long time they had isolated themselves outside. While the three girls made their choices, Roan opened his eyes and looked at a shelf. After that, he looked at the girls and noticed that they wouldn''t be over with it anytime soon.


    That being said, he moved to the shelf and began to take a few boxes from there after reading the descriptions.


    Frandin became curious and went to take a look as well. What could Roan possibly have interest in a female''s shop?


    Just as he arrived at his side, Roan shouted at the girls.


    "Hey, are these the pads you need for your periods? They have several types here, so I don''t know which ones you like most."


    All the girls in the shop had gone stiff after hearing that, including Calina''s group.


    Seeing how neither of the three answered his question, he took it as a confirmation.


    "Young Master, it seems like the type doesn''t matter. Buy these ones."


    Roan then stuffed all the boxes he grabbed in Frandin''s hands without a care for the world.


    At this point, Frandin wanted to cry. Now everyone was looking at him once again. It was as if he did this kind of shopping all the time.


    Calina, Malaka, and Qia quickly recovered and immediately ran over.


    "Wait, wait, wait! What the hell are you doing? Of course, they''re different."


    As unwilling to answer as they could be, the girls couldn''t simply let Roan choose whatever.


    Roan narrowed his eyes, saying.


    "Why didn''t you answer, then? You''re wasting even more of my time."


    Everyone felt helpless. Roan''s lack of common sense in these situations made it difficult for both Frandin and the girls.

 Chapter 620 - As Far As Possible

    Calina and Malaka quickly took the boxes away from Frandin and... gave him the right ones.


    "Young... Master, buy these ones instead."


    Frandin almost vomited blood after that. Well, they did say they would select what they needed and have him buy it, didn''t they? However, wasn''t it quite meaningless now that all of that happened?


    "Ahem... alright."


    Frandin then went to the counter and brought a few Spirit Stones out. Of course, those items were only at the Rank One Spirit Stone value. In fact, using Spirit Stones to pay for them was already extremely expensive. Then again, this was a luxurious shop for female Zasfins, after all.


    The girl on the other side of the counter did her best to conceal her thoughts of awkwardness, but it was really hard to do so. Frandin, obviously, noticed that as well. However, he pretended he didn''t see anything.


    ''It''s fine. These are necessary. If the girls had no need for this, that would mean that they have reproductive issues, which would be quite a blow for women. Yes, let''s think of it that way. I''m helping out in protecting their reproductive organs, that''s all. Besides, they''re humans. I don''t need to focus too much on it.''


    Frandin then put on a bright smile once again as he paid for the products. Well, that only made the Zasfin girls in the shop think about him as a bigger pervert than before.


    Sometime later, Calina, Malaka, and Qia finished grabbing the things they wanted to buy. Since Roan was looking, they didn''t take anything that could hinder their moves during fights either. Of course, they gave everything to Frandin, who once again paid for all of that.


    Following that, they went to other shops to buy a few more things, like the make-up products Roan used to further change their appearance after Rean''s skill. Surprisingly, Roan was very picky about it, asking the female attendant several questions on each product he chose.


    Eventually, they ended their shopping and left. As one could imagine, a few Zasfins started to follow them around from the shadows. As Marau mentioned, Frandin''s age and talent caught the attention of several aristocrats in the city.


    However, just as their own representatives came out to introduce themselves, Frandin''s group suddenly disappeared. Even the people following them couldn''t understand what just happened. One second earlier, they were well within everyone''s Spiritual Senses. In the very next moment, they simply vanished without a trace.


    Sure enough, many experts began to comb the region, trying to find out where they went. Unfortunately, everything was for naught as no clue came out.


    "As expected of a Celestial Land member."


    "Indeed. Our cultivations are all one or two realms above Gian, but he still left us in the dust."


    "Still, where would have he gone?"


    "No, wait! Gian and Marau did talk about paying a visit to the Portin Clan''s estate."


    "Yes, I heard that as well from the girl in the shop."


    "Let''s go!"


    They were right. Frandin''s group really did go to the Portin Clan to pay a visit. They didn''t go back to the workshop where Rean was working since someone might have found them. That was also a test to see if the Zasfins had some other way of tracking them down.


    Fortunately, it seemed like that wasn''t the case. Roan''s group arrived at the Portin Clan without being bothered by anyone. However, just as they were about to talk with the guards at the clan estate''s entrance, a girl appeared in front of them.


    She had the same cultivation as Valia and was about the same age. Together with her, there was a middle-aged man who looked at Frandin with a smile.


    "Hello, friend. May I know if you''re called Gian Torio?"


    Frandin narrowed his eyes before asking.


    "It seems like quite a few Zasfins know about me already. However, I was pretty sure I escaped all those annoying shadows back in the city center. How did you find out that I was here?"


    The girl beside Frandin laughed as she showed a beautiful smile.


    "Don''t worry, Gian. We didn''t follow you. We just used our heads a little more than the others. We knew from the start that you accepted Marau''s invitation, so we just came to this place ahead of time. It shouldn''t take long for the others to understand this and come to the Portin Clan''s estate as well."


    Roan mentally nodded after listening to her explanation. These two were a lot better than the others. They predicted that his group would eventually escape everyone''s sight, so they came here instead, where they would have to appear sooner or later.


    ''Well, perhaps they had some subordinates following us back then as well.''


    Roan then used Spiritual Sense to tell Frandin how to act in this situation.


    "I see. You seemed very confident that those guys would lose our tracks. Well, then. How can I help you? I came here to pay a visit to the Portin Clan, so I don''t have much time."


    The girl then bowed to Frandin before saying.


    "My name is Xiria Asume, and this is my uncle, Baran Asume. We came here in the hopes of inviting you to pay a visit to our clan''s estate as well. We will make sure to treat you even better than the Portin Clan."


    As soon as Xiria said that, an angry voice came from the Portin Clan''s entrance.


    "Xiria, you really are shameless. You even came to our doorsteps to take our guests away. Is that how your Asume Clan acts?"


    Sure enough, the one who came out was Valia. She also felt a serious threat when she saw Xiria.


    ''Father was right. She intends to hook up with him first. It was a good thing I kept one eye at the entrance.''


    Xiria smiled at Valia, not minding her words at all.


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about. This is the street, a public place. Whether I invite someone to pay a visit or not has nothing to do with you."


    Valia snorted as she said.


    "Ha! Only an idiot would believe such words."


    As the two girls argued, Malaka couldn''t help but ask Frandin.


    ''Which one of the two will you select?''


    Frandin felt a chill on his back. Choose? He wanted to be as far away as possible from all of this.

 Chapter 621 - Surprise

    Well, if it was any other time like a dream, Frandin would''ve loved to have such high-level girls showing interest in him. However, his situation at the moment was anything but good for that. The last thing he needed in this world at the moment was a relationship.


    "Ahem... I guess it''s enough already, you two. As I said, I''m going to pay a visit to the Portin Clan. However, I don''t mind paying a visit to the Asuma clan after this either. I''m looking for some information after all. Anyway, Lady Xiria, I''ll be going there when I finish my business here."


    Xiria smiled, not minding it at all.


    "Then, we will be waiting for you, Gian."


    She winked at him before turning around to leave.


    Valia felt like tearing the girl apart. Unfortunately, she couldn''t do that with her uncle around. Besides, it wasn''t like their clans were enemies with each other. It''s just that the two girls were on bad terms. Nevertheless, Valia quickly calmed down before looking at Frandin and apologizing.


    "Sorry for this shameful display, Gian. Also, I''m sorry for how I treated you back in the shop. I should have noticed that you had an original Rank Five Bloodline Mark."


    Frandin pretended to not care.


    "Don''t worry about it. So, Lady Valia, should we enter?"


    Valia smiled as she nodded. Soon, Frandin entered the Portin Clan estate, followed by Roan and the girls. The guards looked at that and found it weird. After all, no humans should be permitted to enter through the front gate. Nevertheless, Valia showed them a token from her father, which kept their mouths shut.


    The estate was very luxurious and wide. Many human slaves could be seen almost everywhere, working on their own tasks. In a certain way, their life didn''t seem too bad. Because of the clan''s face, they had to wear good clothes and seemed to be healthy. Of course, the slave collars on their necks proved that they didn''t receive anything for it.


    ''Well, I guess they''re still better off than most slaves.''


    Thought Calina...


    Valia then began to introduce the estate for Frandin and didn''t say anything else about the humans with him anymore. Every now and then, they would be greeted by the other girls of the clan, who seemed to have quite a lot of interest in Frandin. Of course, Frandin understood why and pretended that he liked it.


    Eventually, they arrived in a big hall, where a few elders were discussing something.


    "Sorry to interrupt you, elders. This is the friend I talked about, Gian Torio."


    The oldest man in the pack looked at Frandin and couldn''t help but ask.


    "I heard that you''ve already earned your Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark. Say, how old are you?"


    Gian laughed before answering.


    "I was just lucky. I''m 24 years old."


    Frandin joined Roan''s group over half a year ago, so he already had his birthday. Well, the years on Frandin''s planet were completely different from Rean''s group. They were much longer, so it would put him at around 30 years old back in Sunkan. Then again, that was still very young in the elders'' eyes.


    Following that, Frandin released his Bloodline Soul Mark, which allowed the elders in the room to confirm that he really earned his Mark.


    "Such a promising youth. Gian, let me be honest with you. You''re a member of the Celestial Lands, aren''t you?"


    "This..."


    Frandin was taken aback by that question. However, it did make sense that these Zasfins thought about that. After all, there should be no records about his Rank Five Trial in the Empire''s Trial Grounds. Since that''s the case, it could only mean he used the Celestial Lands Trial Grounds, which were separated.


    Roan then sent Frandin a Spiritual Sense message before Frandin answered the elder''s question.


    "I''m sorry, senior. But this isn''t something I''m allowed to talk about."


    Neither of the old men and women in the room seemed to care about his answer. In a certain way, Frandin''s words had already confirmed their suspicion.


    "Hahaha! That''s fine, that''s fine."


    The man then looked at Valia and said.


    "Valia, make sure to treat him well. You are to attend to all his needs, absolutely all of them. Am I clear?"


    Valia slightly blushed in response but nodded in the end.


    The man talking was none other than the oldest Rank Five Bloodline Mark Owner of the Portin Clan, Ancestor Ye Portin. His status was even above the clan head. In the Portin Clan, his words were law. Well, he would usually be cultivating, but he came out to see this Gian that the clan head talked about. Sure enough, he was quite satisfied after analyzing Frandin''s cultivation and seeing his Bloodline Mark.


    Frandin couldn''t help but let out a bit of cold sweat. He really didn''t want Valia to attend to all his ''needs.'' Well, Frandin was still a man, so he also thought that it was a bit of a waste that he couldn''t take advantage of such a thing.


    Ye then took the chance to change the topic.


    "I heard that you accepted our invitation because you wanted information. Go ahead, ask away. As long as it isn''t improper, we will make sure to answer them."


    Roan and the girls had already discussed with Frandin how he should approach the question regarding the Bloodline Trial''s kids, so he knew how to ask.


    "I''m out of my home as a test, and I have to arrive in a certain place within a few years at most, or I''ll fail. However, my elders didn''t give me any information."


    Ye nodded after hearing that. They also gave many tests to their youngsters, so he didn''t think that it was strange.


    Frandin then continued.


    "I don''t know the name of the place, just that it''s the heart of the Trial Grounds. It''s also supposed to be the only place with a Rank 10 Bloodline Trial. That''s the place I''m looking for."


    The moment that these words came out of his mouth, all the elders present showed an expression of shock.


    "Rank 10 Bloodline Trial?! Is there such a thing in this world?!"

 Chapter 622 - Secret

    Frandin was surprised that neither of them seemed to have heard of it before.


    After some time, the elders couldn''t help but ask.


    "Little friend, are you sure your elders said it?"


    "I didn''t know about it at all."


    "It seems unbelievable."


    "A rank even higher than the Emperor''s Bloodline Soul Mark."


    However, the ancestor of the Portin Clan, Ye Portin, had a dark expression on his face as he heard all of that.


    "Enough!"


    The other elders immediately shut up, waiting for him to continue.


    "Gian, this isn''t something you should talk about in the open like that."


    Everyone was taken aback once more. From the looks of it, Ye Portin seemed to know something about the Rank Ten Bloodline Marks.


    "All of you, what was said today can''t leave this room. It includes you, Valia."


    Valia noticed the seriousness of the situation and immediately nodded in response.


    "Yes, ancestor."


    Ye nodded before explaining.


    "I can''t say anything else. Just know that if you start talking about it, I won''t be surprised if your body appears on a river the very next day. Well, you''ll be fortunate if your body can even be found. Worst case, the entire clan will be destroyed. This is a taboo topic that few dare to touch."


    However, the fact that Gian(Frandin) knew about that made the elders and the ancestor of the Portin Clan even more convinced that he was from one of the Celestial Lands. Ye then got up and called Frandin over.


    "Come with me. I''ll tell you what I know. However, I don''t know much to start with, so you better not get your hopes up. Valia, take care of his humans in the meantime."


    Frandin glanced at Roan and the girls for a moment before they nodded at him. As long as he could obtain information, that was for the best.


    Frandin then left with Ye Portin while Valia was given the responsibility of taking care of Roan''s group. Of course, as soon as they left the elder''s room, her expression changed, totally showing how disgusted she was to have to deal with them. Since when did she ever have to care about humans? Let alone the ones that made her pass through such humiliation.


    "Count yourselves lucky for having such a master. If it was any other situation, I would have cut all of you to pieces."


    However, she soon noticed that neither Roan nor the girls seemed to be paying attention to her. It was as if she was nothing but air. Instead, the girls were talking about the clothes they bought a while earlier while Roan just listened. Well, he was ignoring that, to be honest.


    "Humans, you dare ignore me?"


    Hearing that, Calina looked in Valia''s direction before asking.


    "That''s weird. I didn''t know you cared about humans paying attention to you. Don''t you hate us?"


    Valia was taken aback after hearing Calina''s question. That''s right, she shouldn''t care about them at all.


    "That''s not it, Calina. She grew up being the center of attention. Even if we''re humans, she won''t be able to accept it if we don''t put her on a pedestal."


    "Qia''s right. Oh! I have an idea. Let''s praise her looks. She should feel happy like that. Besides, she''s trying to catch young master''s attention, so it should give her some confidence, right?"


    "That''s a great idea!"


    "Miss Valia, you''re beautiful!"


    "Such nice clothes, even better than the ones we bought in that shop."


    "I love your smooth skin. What did you do to become like this?"


    Even Roan couldn''t help but show a faint smile. It would have been okay if they had just praised her. However, they didn''t hide their previous words either, let alone the fact that their expressions didn''t look like they meant it at all. Obviously, they were doing it to make the girl even more upset.


    Suddenly, Roan saw the red color of killing intent spread around him and the girls.


    "You bunch of trash. How dare you treat me, a noble Zasfin, like that? You''re courting death."


    However, none of them seemed the least bit concerned. They knew that it was all bark but no bite. As much as Valia wanted to kill them all right now, she couldn''t do so because of Frandin.


    Eventually, Roan opened his mouth as he said.


    "That''s enough. We''re here for the young master, so stop causing trouble."


    Calina and the others looked at Roan with a smile.


    ''Wasn''t it you who offended her first?''


    Well, they still followed his orders and kept silent.


    Valia was still fuming, though. However, she really couldn''t do anything against them at the moment. It''s not that she had no way of doing it, but because she couldn''t afford to offend Frandin again.


    ''Hmph! You just wait! If I succeed in conquering him, the first thing I''ll do is get rid of you four.''


    Valia didn''t say those words out loud, though.


    "Forget it. Come with me. I''ll leave you in the human''s lodge for the time being."


    Roan and the girls followed Valia after that.


    Somewhere else, in a private room, Frandin and Ye Portin began talking about the Rank Ten Bloodline Trial Grounds.


    "Senior Ye, do you know where that place is located?"


    Ye shook his head.


    "No. I dare say that only the Imperial Family or the biggest organizations like the Celestial Lands know about it."


    Frandin found it strange as he asked.


    "Then, how did you hear about it?"


    Ye waved his hands as he replied.


    "That''s because there is a need for some of us to know about its existence. After all, that place also needs new blood joining every now and then. The ancestors of the big clans in our city also know about it. Of course, we never discuss it out in the open. That is the rule. For all effects, Rank Nine Bloodline Soul Marks is the limit."


    Frandin understood what he meant.


    "I see... The requirements to join that place should be sky-high. Still, there''s a small chance that someone good enough would be born even in a city like this one. That''s why some of you need to know of its existence."


    Ye smiled after hearing that.


    "It''s good to talk with intelligent people. Anyway, go ahead. What else do you want to ask?"

 Chapter 623 - Soul Rulers

    Frandin didn''t waste time and asked straight away.


    "You don''t know where they''re located. However, you do have a way to contact them if someone good enough to join their ranks appears, right? Once that happens, they will most likely send a representative to test the guy or girl out."


    Ye didn''t deny that, answering.


    "That''s correct. However, it''s not like we can call them over anytime we wanted to. They made it very clear that if we bothered them just because we thought our clan members were good enough, there would be consequences."


    Frandin narrowed his eyes as he continued with his queries.


    "In that case, there must be a threshold in place. Just how good is good enough?"


    Ye smiled before continuing.


    "It depends on one''s cultivation and Soul Power. Your soul power talent might be amazing for your age, but your cultivation is just above average. That wouldn''t be enough to call their attention. 24 years old with a Late Foundation Establishment cultivation is just not enough. If you were already in the Core Formation Realm, then the story would be different."


    Frandin was taken aback. Being at the Core Formation Realm at the age of 24 would be way too heaven-defying. Probably powers like the Imperial Family and Celestial Lands would be able to bring someone up to that point.


    ''Well... that''s if you don''t consider the twins'' group. No, they don''t count since they cultivated in another world before this. Then again, Calina is already at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, and I heard from Rean that she''s only 25 while he, Roan, and Malaka are 24. Qia is the youngest girl there at 21 years of age. But even then, she''s already at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm.''


    One must remember that Qia was older than the twins. But after the nine years and something inside the Natural Formation, they surpassed her in age. She had better resources than Calina back in the Sasamil Family, so it was normal for her cultivation to be higher as well. Calina just caught up because of the hellish training that Roan gave her. At the moment, Qia and Calina were more or less at the same level once one considered that Qia was 4 years younger.


    ''As for Agis, he''s just two years younger than Qia. But he''s also at the Late Core Formation Realm, just like Malaka.''


    In fact, Malaka was far behind Agis when they joined the Dalamu Sect. Then again, she spent several years together with Rean and Roan, so she caught up to him in the Natural Formation. Her age surpassed his for the same reason, though. That showed just how talented Agis was with his Red Color Aptitude. Even without the Natural Formation, he was able to keep up with his cultivation.


    Frandin noticed that his mind strayed from the current topic, so he quickly shook his head and put these thoughts behind. It was then that he remembered one thing.


    ''Right! Rean''s group only knows about those girls controlling the Trial Grounds because they''re humans. For Zasfins, they will never meet humans like Liza and Luna in the illusion trial. Naturally, no Zasfin knows about their existence other than the organization controlling it. Even I thought that my Trial only had something to do with the guy I chose back then, not noticing anyone else''s presence at all.''


    ''From what the twins told me, that organization needs humans with high Soul Purity for that to work. They need it so much that only kids are used since those are the moments the souls are in their purest form...''


    Frandin then smiled as he had an idea.


    ''Even though they were using kids, I refuse to believe that kids with high enough Soul Purity can be found easily. That means...''


    Frandin looked at Ye before asking.


    "Senior Ye, could it be that this organization also entrusted the big shots of this city with an extra task?"


    Ye Portin''s eyes widened when he heard that. However, he quickly recovered.


    "I won''t say they didn''t, but I won''t comment anything about that. Unless... you already know what it is."


    Frandin nodded.


    "I also can''t comment about how I found about this, but I do believe that you should have been tasked with testing humans'' Soul Purity, especially children. You should even have some kind of equipment that can test it out."


    Ye Portin nodded with a serious expression.


    "It seems like your elders also told you this information. Since that''s the case, there''s no need to hide something you already know about. Indeed, we have been tasked to test humans'' souls of five to ten-year-old humans. They''re giving huge rewards to those who can find one."


    Frandin nodded after hearing that. It was as he expected. However, he also found a problem.


    "I''ve passed by many cities before arriving here. Also, I''ve been to many more before that as well. Although many shops sold human slaves, it was not like there were huge farms for them. You said that there were huge rewards in case you found a kid with enough Soul Purity, and I believe the other leaders of the other big cities are also aware of this."


    Ye Portin nodded, already knowing where Frandin was coming from. Nevertheless, he waited for Frandin(Gian) to conclude his words.


    "The rewards are huge, but there are no human farms. From the looks of it, Soul Purity has nothing to do with quantity. Even if you build many human farms, making them reproduce as much as possible, it won''t increase the number of kids with high Soul Purity. No, it''s more correct to say that this method has already been tested in the past but has failed miserably. Otherwise, that organization wouldn''t have a need to ask for you guys to look for those children."


    Ye nodded as he replied.


    "I''ve never seen anyone trying to build farms to increase their chances of getting a kid with high Soul Purity. That''s because those people warned us that doing so was useless. They didn''t explain why, though. However, I''m sure many have tried it before, just to fail, as you have mentioned. Nowadays, it doesn''t even happen anymore, as far as I know."


    Frandin then commented.


    "Now I''m even more sure about it. These kids with high Soul Purity... they are who knows how many times harder to find than it is to discover talented Zasfins to join their ranks."


    Ye agreed with Frandin.


    "Exactly... or so I believe. I''ve heard about a few Zasfins who joined them through my connections. However, I''ve never heard about any of my peers finding a human that matched the conditions. The other lords know about it as well."


    Frandin smiled as he asked.


    "In that case, do you mind if I borrow your Soul Purity Test equipment?"


    Ye narrowed his eyes, slightly suspicious.


    "Why would you need it? We already tested all the children in this city and the surrounding smaller ones. Not to mention that we repeat the test without anyone knowing every year. I can guarantee that you won''t find a single one in this place."


    Frandin shrugged his shoulders as he responded.


    "Don''t worry, I have my own reasons for this."


    Roan, Calina, Malaka, and Qia never passed by Ye Portin''s mind. After all, they weren''t kids anymore. That being said, he was puzzled as to what Frandin(Gian) wanted to do with his Soul Purity Testing Equipment. Unless...


    "I can''t lend it to you since there''s no way to replace it. However, I don''t mind testing the humans you want with it. If you really know a human who does have enough Soul Purity, you can bring him or her to me. There''s no need to worry. I won''t try to rob you of your achievements. I''m not seeking a death wish."


    That was to be expected since Ye Portin was already 100% sure that Frandin(Gian) came from the Celestial Lands. Even if he was tens of times more daring, he wouldn''t try anything against him. However, as the one who owned Soul Purity Testing Equipment, there might be something in it for him as well.


    Frandin pondered for a bit before nodding.


    "Very well, I''ll think about it. Besides, it''s not like I have someone that can fill the criteria anyway. I just have a hunch. As long as it leads me to the place where this organization is located, that will be enough for me to pass my test."


    Ye Portin was more than happy to hear that. Not to mention that he still hoped that Valia or any of the other girls in his clan would catch this young man''s attention.


    "That''s for the best."


    Ye Portin was an old fox, so he didn''t waste that chance.


    "By the way, what do you think of our Valia? I''ve heard you two had quite a heated argument a while ago."


    Frandin felt a chill on his back when he heard that question.


    "Ahem... Don''t worry, I don''t hold any grudges against her. I''m aware that I have peculiar tastes because of how I treat my humans."


    Ye shook his head with a smile.


    "You know very well that I wasn''t talking about your humans. I''m talking about you and her at the moment."


    Frandin was forced to keep his play.


    "Hahaha! She is beautiful, of course. Her fiery temperament is quite a sight."


    Ye Portin nodded, satisfied.


    "Good. As I mentioned before, Valia will take care of all your needs. And I mean all of them... if you know what I mean. By the way, I can guarantee she''s still a virgin."


    Frandin almost vomited blood at that moment. Isn''t that guy being way too direct?


    "Ahem... Well, we''ll see how things play out in the future. Anyway, I''ll take my leave now."


    Ye gave Frandin a knowing nod, not trying to stop him.


    However, Frandin asked one last thing before leaving the room.


    "By the way, what''s the name of that organization?"


    Ye then turned serious as he uttered two words.


    "Soul Rulers."

 Chapter 624 - Decisions

    Frandin felt like it was quite a fitting name for such an organization. It was obvious that they had very high control over the Soul Power used around the world. For some reason, they also controlled all the trials... or so one would think.


    Frandin then met Valia when he came out, who guided him to where Roan''s group was staying.


    "Gian, did you find what you wanted while talking with our ancestor?"


    Frandin glanced at her while keeping his proud expression. Nevertheless, the words ''I can guarantee she''s still a virgin'' kept playing in his mind. As bad as she might have treated him in the shop back then, it didn''t change the fact that Valia was beautiful in the eyes of male Zasfins.


    However, Frandin quickly put those thoughts behind before nodding.


    "I did. It seems like I''ll be seeing your ancestor again sometime later, so I hope your clan won''t mind my presence here."


    Valia shook her head as she smiled.


    "How could we? After what I did to you back then, this is the least we can do."


    Frandin then looked at her before laughing.


    "However, your opinion about my humans hasn''t changed even a bit, am I right?"


    Valia was taken aback.


    "This..."


    Frandin continued.


    "It''s fine. That''s how the majority of Zasfins treat humans anyway. Besides, if my humans really cause big trouble, I definitely wouldn''t defend them unless they weren''t at fault. What you did was along the lines of what I expected."


    Valia couldn''t help but sigh. It seemed like the plan of conquering Gian wouldn''t work very well. So far, she was the only one allowed to try, so no other girl from the clan came out. After becoming silent for a bit, she had an idea before asking.


    "By the way, Gian. Are you staying here tonight?"


    Frandin didn''t know what to say. He had to talk with Roan and the girls first to see what they would say.


    "Perhaps, let me think about a few things first."


    Valia nodded and then whispered in his ears right after.


    ''If it isn''t a problem for you, I don''t mind paying my debt in other ways.''


    Frandin''s heart thumped when he heard that as he looked at Valia, whose face was now bright red. In the end, as much as she knew what she had to do, she had never done it before. Obviously, it made her very embarrassed even though she was the one who gave the idea.


    "Ahem... We''ll see..."


    After some time, they arrived at the back of the Portin Clan''s residence. It was quite an inconspicuous place when one thought about how magnificent the main estate was. There were several old houses where one could see many humans with their slave collars attached.


    The moment Valia appeared, all of them immediately bowed and didn''t make a single sound. From the looks of it, it was obvious how nervous they looked. After all, someone with Valia''s status would never step in this place. Only the Zasfin employees responsible for taking care of them would come here, and even that was quite rare.


    Well, their conditions weren''t bad at all. Other than the fact that they were slaves, they were being more or less well treated. They had good warm clothes. None seemed to be suffering from hunger, disease, or anything like that either.


    Frandin knew why, though. These humans would work on the main estate every day, so they had to look well not to be an eyesore for the masters or the visits. It was an issue of face, that''s all.


    Sure enough, Valia seemed somewhat annoyed to come here, but she hid it as well as she could. After all, she was the one who left Roan''s group here.


    They soon entered a house at the center, where the ''human chief'' of the Portin Clan''s slaves resided. He was also a butler in the main estate who helped with the management. It could be said that his status was the highest it could be, not that it meant anything for the Zasfins.


    The guy quickly came forward and bowed after seeing Valia.


    "Lady Valia, welcome."


    Valia nodded as she asked.


    "Where are they?"


    "They are inside."


    The butler then guided Valia and Frandin to where Roan''s group was waiting. Arriving there, Frandin saw Roan lying against the wall on a corner with his eyes closed. As for the girls, they were playing with a few human kids. The girls seemed to be having quite some fun.


    "Ahem... everyone, line up. Lady Valia has come to see you all."


    Roan opened his eyes as Frandin nodded in his direction.


    Calina, Malaka, and Qia also came forward while holding a kid in their arms. They were too cute, so the girls couldn''t let them go. Valia narrowed her eyes since it looked like Roan''s group didn''t care much about her. Nonetheless, she kept her calm.


    "Gian, here they are. Come with me so that I can show you your room. As you can see, your humans are being well treated here. If you want, you can leave them in this place until you decide to leave."


    Frandin shook his head as he said.


    "No, they will come with me to my room. Let''s go."


    "Yes, young master!"


    Valia couldn''t help but sigh after hearing that. If the humans stayed with Gian in his room, how could she take advantage of him? Then again, she had to comply with his wishes.


    The girls then put the kids back on the ground before petting their heads. The kids obviously liked them as well, so they didn''t want to separate. However, the butler immediately called their attention, which made them give up straight away.


    As Valia guided them, Frandin talked about what he and Ye Portin discussed.


    ''I see... So they don''t know where it''s located. However, they should be able to call them forth if you find a human with high enough Soul Purity.''


    Frandin nodded, saying.


    ''Exactly. You will need to think about how you want to approach this. That Sister Orb of yours said that you and Rean have the purest soul possible, so you can definitely use this method.''


    Valia and the others soon arrived in front of a room. It was quite a luxurious one, obviously prepared for important guests. Before she left, she whispered in Frandin''s ears once again.


    ''Don''t forget, I''m always available.''


    Frandin let out cold sweat but nodded nonetheless. After that, Valia stepped out of the room as she mentioned that she would come by later.


    As she did that, Roan asked Sister Orb to look into the room to see if there was any harmful formation laid down.


    [There are a few formations, but they''re just formations related to the entire state, not only this room. I can''t exactly tell what they do without analyzing them first, but it isn''t hard to guess. They''re protection and anti-Spiritual Sense Formations. In fact, I think one of them is a formation that blocks Soul Power Scanning as well. Unfortunately, they have Soul Runes, so I can''t help much with it.]


    Roan nodded, not minding it too much.


    ''Can you see any monitoring formation?''


    [Unless I''m wrong about the Soul Runes in this room''s formation, then no.]


    Roan nodded. He was still using Rean''s Light Bending Skill, so he could tell that no one was using Spiritual Sense to check them. Of course, he didn''t drop his guard. After all, there was a chance of these Zasfins checking on what they were doing with a simple Soul Power Scan. Frandin had the highest Soul Power in their group, but it was nothing compared to their elders'' power. It wouldn''t be a surprise if he couldn''t feel their presence.


    To make things safe, they decided to not send or bring anyone out of the Dimensional Realm. They would only talk through Spiritual Sense as well.


    Qia then took the chance to talk first.


    ''Roan, are you and Rean planning to use that testing equipment to catch the Soul Rulers'' attention?''


    Roan nodded together with Rean. They already knew that Rean had a connection with Roan and that he could hear everything Roan did as long as Roan allowed it. The opposite was also possible. Rean also used it to tell Agis, who was in the workshop with him, about what was happening.


    ''It seems like one of the possible options.''


    ''In fact, the original plan was to have them inviting us inside, right?''


    Calina then thought about something else.


    ''However, you shouldn''t come together. Instead, it would be much better if only one of you was caught while the rest of us stays inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.''


    Roan agreed with Calina. Having both of them being captured wouldn''t be a good idea. If things turned bad and they put one of them to sleep or something like that, the other could drag the other into the Dimensional Realm. As long as there was no resistance, it would work.


    Qia was still worried, though.


    ''I also want to save those kids. But wouldn''t it be too risky?''


    Malaka shrugged her shoulders as she replied.


    ''We don''t have much of a choice since we don''t know where it''s located. Besides, we already discussed that the number of experts there will be too big. Trying to infiltrate it as we did with the Rank Five Bloodline Trial would probably be akin to suicide. Unless, of course, we suddenly increase our cultivations to the Saint Realm and above.''


    Everyone immediately shook their heads. Such a thing was obviously impossible in the long term.


    Rean then mentioned.


    ''We can use this method. However, we should first try out other options. Don''t you have an invitation from the Asume Clan? You might as well go there and see what they have to say.''


    Everyone agreed with that and decided to go pay the Asume Clan a visit the next day.

 Chapter 625 - Might Really Work

    ''There''s also that other topic. We need to wait for the auction so Rean can convert his weapons into Spirit Stones. Don''t forget that we were supposed to look for those Zasfin nobles that aren''t as terrible as that Valia to humans. After all, we need one of them.''


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    ''If things come to this, we can try to kidnap one as we did with Frandin. This next Zasfin would just be a backup for when Frandin isn''t available. We can leave the more serious parts to be under Frandin''s control while we use the other weakling for common things.''


    Frandin couldn''t help but comment.


    ''Why do I feel like I''m an object?''


    Malaka put a hand on his shoulder as she said.


    ''Don''t worry, you''re a useful object.''


    Frandin''s mouth twitched in response, feeling like kicking Malaka away. Sadly, he was too weak compared to her.


    Roan ignored those two and continued.


    ''In any case, we won''t come here to ask for Ye Portin''s device anytime soon. We need time to get used to our own Soul Power, get Spirit Stones, train the side occupations, and so on.''


    Qia totally agreed with Roan''s words.


    ''I still need Frandin to go to the Formations Guild to take the test. After all, we need access to the records there as Roan did with him in the Alchemist Guild.''


    Rean pondered for a bit before saying.


    ''We can''t wait for too long either, though. Not if we intend to save the girls who helped us in the trial. We don''t know when they might be swapped and what happens to those who are.''


    Calina agreed with Rean as she said.


    ''At this very moment, one of them might be getting swapped by someone else. However, we can''t barge in without being prepared.''


    Roan glanced at Calina with a puzzled expression.


    ''We? It''s fine that you know about the plan. However, I have no intention of using any of you except for Rean.''


    Calina and the others were taken aback.


    ''Why?''


    Rean agreed with Roan, though.


    ''Roan''s right. Simply put, what good would it be if you come out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm? First of all, chances are that only Roan or I will be outside during the plan''s duration. The other one will stay all the time in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm as well. With our cultivation, do you think there''s any point in allowing you guys to come out?''


    Calina, Qia, Malaka, and Agis immediately shut up. As for Frandin, he wasn''t expecting to help with it to start with. If these humans at the Core Formation Realm and above can''t do anything, then let alone him and his Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation. His part was to help to find information that could bring the twins'' group there, that''s all.


    Roan noticed the girls'' expressions before saying.


    ''If you don''t like it, we can also leave you behind. After we find a Zasfin to play the role of owner, you can simply go to a more remote place and wait there.''


    Rean shook his head as he said in response.


    ''How will they hide their cultivation, then? Only you and I can use the Spiritual Sense Bending skill since it needs Light Element. Wherever they go, they won''t be able to hide it from others. It''s because we''re here that they can''t be felt.''


    Roan had to admit that Rean was right.


    However, Agis pondered for a bit before asking.


    ''As you know, my cultivation technique allows me to gather Yang Energy. Like Yin Energy allows you to control some Dark Element, Yang Energy will let me handle a limited amount of Light Element. Is it possible for me to learn how to use Light Element to bend Spiritual Sense?''


    Rean pondered a bit over that question. His skill was anything but easy to use. Besides, he incorporated a little of his knowledge from his previous life to understand it. For example, the cultivators of this half of the Universe didn''t know that Light was made of photons. That''s why he never saw anyone using Light Element to bend Light. As for Spiritual Sense, it was used through one''s soul, which had Life Force. Roan could feel that Life Force to a smaller extent because of the connection with Rean, but Frandin was different.


    ''Hmm... I would need to explain to you many things. Things that you never thought about before in your life. Not only you but no one in this entire world or our previous one either. Besides, even if you can manipulate some Yang Energy thanks to your cultivation technique, it pales to the amount Roan or I can manipulate. Naturally, the amount of Light Element you can pull towards you is limited. Last but not least, you never thought about using Light Element before. Your focus is Fire and Wind.''


    However, Rean felt like he was struck by lightning as an idea popped into his mind while saying that.


    ''Right! That''s right! How come I''ve never thought about that before? Rean, you''re an idiot, idiot!''


    Everyone became puzzled when they heard that.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    Rean couldn''t help but feel extremely excited.


    ''So far, I only used the Element Gathering Smithing Methods for our weapons and armors. However, it doesn''t necessarily have to be related to battling. I could, for example, create a collar that will gather Light Element when Spiritual Energy is poured inside. All our weapons already do that, after all.''


    Roan understood what Rean wanted to say.


    ''Still, will Agis be able to control that?''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    ''Most of his Yang Energy would be used to gather Light Element, so it would be impossible. The fact that he can use his Yang Energy in his Fire Techniques is because he doesn''t need it to gather Fire Element in the first place. He can do the same thing with Wind Element, but obviously not to the same extent as Fire Element.''


    ''However, Light and Dark Elements are considered a separation of the main Five Elements. Without Yang or Yin Energy, it''s not possible to control those two. Unless, of course, you''re born with their affinities, as did Roan and I. You all know that, right?''


    Everyone nodded and waited for Rean to continue.


    ''That''s where the main issue exists. Usually, Agis would use his Yang Energy to increase the power of his Fire Element. However, if he wants to manipulate the Light Element, he will first need to use Yang Energy to gather it. It''s not something that comes at him automatically like Fire and Wind Element. Because of that, he will be too busy controlling his Yang Energy to keep gathering Light Element, not to mention that it would be very limited. He wouldn''t be able to spare time to control it... Well, at least not to the level necessary to use my skills.''


    ''However, if he doesn''t need to care about gathering the Light Element, he can use all the Yang Energy to control the Light Element instead. That''s where Elemental Gathering Equipment comes in. Do you have any ideas how many roads have just opened for my blacksmith skills? Although it wouldn''t be at the same level as Roan or me, others can still use them to a certain extent. That means Malaka, Calina, Agis, Qia, and even Frandin could use Spiritual and Light Bending skills. Even Roan''s Dark Element Skills aren''t out of the question.''


    Everyone was shocked by Rean''s idea. However, once they thought about it, they had to admit he was right. The problem was the gathering of Elements. If Rean could cut that part out, only the manipulation remained.


    Nevertheless, Frandin lifted his hand.


    ''Errr... You have been talking about Yin and Yang Energy nonstop. However, what''s that?''


    Only then did they remember that cultivation techniques that allowed one to control Yin and Yang Energy were very rare treasures. In their case, Calina and Malaka got it because of their connection to the Sasamil Imperial Family. Naturally, they had access to it.


    As for Agis, his Master was still a Nascent Soul Realm Fire Element user who paid a fortune for his cultivation technique. He then passed it down to Agis because of his Red Color aptitude and his effort into training.


    However, Frandin came from a very small city. Not to mention that in this world, there was a lack of Spiritual Energy. That made the techniques that could control those energies far rarer. Someone who came from such a small city couldn''t possibly have access to something like that.


    Malaka couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Errrr... would he be able to use Agis''s cultivation technique? After all, Frandin''s Lightning Element Affinity is Yang Type.''


    Agis immediately shook his head as he replied.


    ''Impossible. This Yang Energy Technique of mine needs very high Fire Element Affinity. Without it, I wouldn''t be surprised if he got a cultivation backlash instead. No, he will most likely suffer from it, no doubt.''


    Rean agreed with Agis.


    ''The Fire Element and Yang Energy Technique I got from Ancestor Zuan is just as oppressive. He definitely needs a Yang Energy Technique made for Lightning Affinity users. Besides, he''s a Zasfin, while our techniques were made for humans. Giving him any of our methods will just be a perfect recipe for disaster.''


    Frandin bitterly smiled after hearing that. It seems like that was out of the question for him.


    ''Well, don''t mind me. I can think about something else la-''


    It was then that he thought up of a possibility.


    ''What if... I use my ''status'' as a Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark Owner to request it from one of these clans?''


    Everyone looked at Frandin in surprise.


    ''That... might really work...''

 Chapter 626 - As You Wish!

    The day quickly passed. During the night, Valia came to see Frandin. However, because Roan and the girls were still there, she couldn''t bring herself to do anything extra. The following day, Frandin bid his farewells to the Portin Clan members and left with Roan''s group.


    However, there were quite a few people who seemed to be waiting for him outside. After all, it didn''t take long for the others to realize that Frandin would come here sooner or later. It''s just that Xiria and her uncle had noticed it faster.


    Everyone flocked around him, asking to have some time to talk. They all wanted to know more about this ''Celestial Land member.'' Roan and the girls ended up being pushed aside due to this.


    Fortunately, there was a group from the Asume Clan in the area.


    "Young Friend Gian, we came to bring you to the Asume Clan as we''ve discussed previously."


    Everyone was taken aback while Frandin sighed in relief. Of course, he kept his aloof expression as he agreed.


    "Good! Bring me there. I have some things to talk about with the Asume Clan as well."


    The rest of the people around couldn''t help but feel curious. What is it that he needed to talk with Asume? Could it be that the same thing happened with the Portin Clan? In that case, could they also be included if it was a good thing?


    However, Frandin quickly left with Roan and the girls, ignoring the incessant pleading of the Zasfins to talk with him. It was way too much attention to his taste.


    In the Portin Clan, Xiria was already waiting at the front gate together with a few more girls of the clan. Alongside them, there were also a few female human assistants that accompanied those female Zasfins. They all bowed to Frandin, showing their respect.


    "Welcome, Gian."


    Frandin''s group felt like they were exaggerating a little but decided to not comment on it. Frandin was then the first one to talk.


    "Well, then. I came because of your invitation. What is it that you wanted from me?"


    Xiria smiled before she looked at her own female human assistant.


    "Lilia, give him the item."


    "Yes, Lady Xiria."


    She then passed it to Frandin before Xiria asked.


    "Can you please check if you can recognize this item?"


    Frandin and the others had puzzled expressions on their faces.


    Frandin then opened the bag and saw a translucent crystal inside. As soon as Frandin saw that, he gasped in shock. That''s because he could feel the rich Soul Energy Power inside. However, this was the first time he ever saw something like this. Obviously, he couldn''t recognize the item.


    Frandin was just about to tell Xiria that he had no idea when suddenly, he received a Spiritual Sense Message from Roan.


    ''This is a test. The Asume Clan wants to see if you really are who they think you are. Do you remember? The Portin Clan thinks that you came from the Celestial Lands and are pretty sure about it. However, this Asume Clan is being more cautious. If I''m not wrong, they expect you to know what it is.''


    Frandin felt a chill on his back. However, he already got used to this kind of situation, so it didn''t appear on his face. After some time, he looked at Xiria with a serious expression and used a Spiritual Sense message to talk to her.


    ''I didn''t think I would see something like this in this city. Even with my status, I was only able to get three of them during my life. Tell me, where did you find it?''


    That was a huge lie. However, Frandin spoke in a tone that made it hard to believe he was doing that.


    Xiria narrowed her eyes for a moment but quickly smiled once again.


    ''We just found it. It''s exactly because of your status that we decided to ask you about it. Can you tell me this item''s name and use?''


    Frandin nodded, seeming to not care too much.


    ''I don''t know what you call it here, but we call them Soul Stones back in my home. They can help a lot in strengthening your Soul Power as long as you know how to use them. Let me warn you, though. If you try to absorb it directly, you''re in for quite some trouble.''


    Frandin said all of that without care... or so it seemed on the surface. Deep inside, he was using Roan, the girls, Rean, Agis, and even Sister Orb to help him guess what it was about. In the end, the one who gave him an answer was Sister Orb. Just a moment ago, Sister Orb''s voice echoed in his mind thanks to the fact that Roan was close to him.


    [I have an idea. I''ve been watching you using your Soul Power so far, so there''s no mistake. After Rean and Roan gained the Soul Mark and manifested their Soul Energy, I could finally use my connection to them to analyze it. Thanks to that, I can now sense Soul Power as well. This Stone is very similar to a Spirit Stone, just that it has Soul Power instead. Rean and Roan could definitely benefit from its use.]


    Sister Orb warned Frandin, though.


    [However, there''s a huge issue with this Stone. The Soul Power inside is too chaotic. I don''t know how the Soul Power of Zasfins works. Still, I''m pretty sure that if a Zasfin tries to absorb this, they''ll suffer quite a terrible backlash. Malaka, Qia, Calina, and Agis would be no exception. Rean and Roan might be able to do it because they have the Soul Gem System''s Support, but it would still be a gamble. I need more time to analyze Soul Power before I can use something like this Stone.]


    It was thanks to that Spiritual Sense Message that Frandin was able to say something.


    Xiria''s eyes brightened when Frandin said that. She wasn''t surprised that Frandin could tell that this was a Soul Stone. After all, any Zasfin would understand that it had some relations to Soul Power. They would all feel compelled to absorb its power. If Frandin had said just it, she would definitely doubt he had any background whatsoever.


    However, when he said that one needed a correct method to use this Stone, especially that it would cause great damage if used carelessly, she confirmed that he was the real deal. The name of the Stone itself didn''t matter since it would be normal for it to have different names in different places. The world was big, after all.


    Frandin was right. It was quite a rarity for this Soul Stone to appear in a place like this. Xiria heard from her father that even the Imperial Family would rarely ever get ahold of one. Only their top geniuses would ever have the chance of using it. If not for a stroke of luck from their ancestor, their clan would have never put their hands on it or maybe even heard of this thing.


    It was also because one of their clan members tried to use it that they knew about the backlash. It was a very well-known story that the Asume Clan''s genius, Byalan Asume, damaged his Soul Power. No one knew how it happened, though. It''s just that the genius went from a prominent position in the clan and the city all the way to the bottom feeders.


    Of course, Frandin''s group didn''t know such a thing had happened in the past.


    Frandin then concluded his words with his voice this time.


    "However, don''t ask me how these Stones came to be. I have no idea, nor did I ever ask. The elders back home seemed pretty serious about not disclosing much information about it."


    Xiria was more than satisfied with that. To be more specific, she was a lot more interested in the method of usage that Frandin commented. For obvious reasons, they couldn''t disclose that they had it here in the Asume Clan. However, if Frandin was someone from the Celestial Lands, he shouldn''t low himself to the point where he wanted to rob them of the Stone. As for the other clans, that was more uncertain.


    Xiria nodded as she made a decision.


    "Please, young master Gian, come inside. We would like to hear more about it if you don''t mind."


    Frandin nodded and headed inside with Xiria as the guide. Just like the last time in the Portin Clan, Xiria brought Frandin to meet their elders. She also used a Spiritual Sense message to tell them that he passed the test.


    The elders'' eyes brightened when they heard about it and immediately greeted Frandin back.


    "Welcome, young friend. You helped us a lot by telling us what that Stone was about��just one thing. I hope you will keep this information a secret from the other clans and organizations around."


    Frandin laughed in response.


    "Hahaha! Don''t worry, I have no interest in your city''s power struggle. I''m not staying for long anyway, so I don''t care about what will happen in the future. At the very least, I can guarantee that I won''t get involved in your disputes. Nonetheless, I have to congratulate you all. Even I was a little tempted by that item. Well, I don''t need to fight for it, though. If I really need it, I have my ways to get another one."


    The elders and the clan head sighed in relief after that. Finally, the clan head looked at Xiria before saying.


    "Well then, little friend. Stay with us for a day so that we can entertain you. If you need anything, let us know."


    Frandin nodded with a smile before Xiria brought him away. Just as they were about to leave the hall, Xiria''s father sent her a Spiritual Sense message.


    ''Find out how to use the Stone. It will be for the clan and your own future.''


    Xiria didn''t need that message. She was already determined to find out how to use it.


    Xiria then guided Frandin''s group to a guest room together with her female human slaves. However, Frandin and the others didn''t expect what would happen.


    As soon as Xiria closed the door, she and the human girls all took their clothes off! They presented themselves clean in front of Frandin and the others. Frandin might have kept up his play so far, but even he couldn''t help but gasp at that scene.


    However, before he could even ask, Xiria grabbed both of his hands and put one of them on her breasts and the other on her ''special place.''


    "Young Master Gian, you can use the other girls and me as you wish, so please tell us how to use the Stone."


    She then went closer to his ears before whispering.


    "By the way, we''re all virgins."


    Frandin almost passed out there and then.

 Chapter 627 - Really Convenient

    Calina, Malaka, and Qia looked at the current situation with bright red faces. Those girls did that without even thinking about their presence. Everyone in Frandin''s group was at a loss of words... with only one exception. Well, Roan really couldn''t care less about it as long as they concluded their objective.  As far as he was concerned, Frandin can totally ravage those girls as much as he wished. He would simply ignore that and focus on something else.


    Well, that was how he thought... for a second. Out of nowhere, a few more nude girls appeared behind Malaka, Qia, and... especially Calina.


    "What are you waiting for? Join us as well."


    The three girls felt like crying.


    "Wait! What are you talking about?"


    The human girls then laughed and spoke as if stating a fact.


    "There''s no need for you to pretend. It''s obvious that Young Master Gian treats you so well because you take care of his needs every night. Come on, help us show how to please him with your experience."


    Frandin wanted to cry already. Just now, he felt death energy coming in his direction. Obviously, that was Roan''s cold eyes telling him to do something about it. Who dared to touch his Calina? If he didn''t find a way to stop it soon enough, Roan would cut everyone''s head.


    ''Bro! Why are you looking at me like it''s my fault? I have nothing to do with it, I swear!''


    Frandin quickly calmed down and pulled his hands back from Xiria''s body. Well, the ''oh so soft'' or the ''oh so wet'' sensations covering his hands wouldn''t disappear anytime soon. Nevertheless, he had to hold himself back. Why must the world reward and punish him at the same time? Such a cruel fate!


    "Ahem... please, everyone. Put your clothes back on."


    Xiria was taken aback, and so were the human girls around her. Could it be that he didn''t think they were good enough? Well, someone from a Celestial Land shouldn''t have issues in acquiring beauties to sleep with, that''s for sure. Nevertheless, Xiria was pretty confident in her looks, so she felt somewhat displeased by his refusal.


    "Young Master, why wouldn''t you accept this Xiria?"


    Frandin let out a hint of cold sweat as he tried to ease his friend down there.


    ''Not accept you? Are you fucking kidding me?! I wouldn''t be able to take a girl like you even in my dreams! Why didn''t something like this happen back in Danve City? Oh well. Back then, this kind of noble girl would never offer her body to me, though. By the way, why are there so many human girls here? Do you think I''m one of those Zasfins who likes to sleep with their slave girls? I''m a Zasfin who loves female Zasfins, alright?! I have no interest in human girls!''


    Of course, he didn''t say those words aloud and kept them deep in his mind alone... together with the sensations in his hands that he wouldn''t throw away even if someone killed him.


    Frandin then got down and pulled Xiria''s clothes up, covering her sensual body again... much to his disappointment. Oh, if only the situation was different...


    He quickly recovered, though.


    "How could I have no interest in such a beautiful Zasfin like yourself? However, you have committed a mistake here. I have never touched my human slaves. I only like to have them by my side as entertainment. Believe it or not, I''m not the type of Zasfin who likes to discharge their urges on them."


    Malaka quickly nodded.


    "Yes. So please, put your clothes back. Young Master has never touched us before. Besides, Calina and I are still virgins too!"


    Calina''s mouth twitched in response. Was there a need to bring out this information? Well, she was proud of the fact that she kept her body for Roan, though. Not that she would say it out loud.


    However, the one most affected by Malaka''s words was Qia.


    ''Hey, hey, hey! I''m still a virgin as well! Why are you excluding me from this?''


    It was then that the scenes that happened back in the Sasamil Capital played in her head. As her loud and clear moans of pleasure while she was alone with Rean, who would believe that she was still a virgin? Besides, she lived a long time with Rean in the Dalamu Sect after that. To make sure other girls wouldn''t try anything with him, Qia never attempted to clear up the misunderstanding that the two of them really didn''t have sex.


    Xiria was even more surprised when Malaka confirmed it. Everyone thought that Frandin (Gian) liked the human girls as a few Zasfins did. It also went both ways since she also heard of a few females who had a bit of interest in male humans and did it with them. It''s just that it was a far rarer occurrence.


    The girls around Xiria looked at her and couldn''t help but ask.


    "Lady Xiria, what should we do?"


    Xiria''s face suddenly went bright red now that she noticed she had misunderstood Frandin''s taste. In the end, the pervert here wasn''t Frandin but herself.


    "What else? Quickly, put your clothes back on!"


    All the human girls sighed in relief. Sure, they were playing the sex act. However, Xiria wasn''t lying. They were all virgins. Obviously, they wouldn''t do such a thing if it wasn''t an order from their masters.


    However, she now had a problem. Not only did she not satisfy Frandin, she even offended him by saying he liked to have sex with female humans.


    "Young Master Gian, I''m... I''m sorry. I misunderstood you. Please, I''ll do anything for you to forgive me."


    Frandin wasn''t paying attention to her, though. He was looking at Roan as if he was asking for his confirmation.


    ''Bro, this is okay, right? Please don''t start a killing spree here. Your Calina is still pretty much intact, not to mention that they wouldn''t be able to force her since she''s a Core and Soul Fusion Realm expert.''


    Roan then snorted in response but closed his eyes right after. Only then did Frandin sigh in relief. He averted a big crisis just now.


    "Ahem... Lady Xiria, I''m not angry or anything. I''ve long since understood that other Zasfins would think that about me. However, who am I? I''m Gian Torio! Why should I care about what others think about me? I owe no explanation to anyone, so I never tried to clear things up either. Simply put, I don''t care. Hahaha!"


    Frandin then recovered his aloof instance and held Xiria''s chin. He at least had to keep his airs for others to not doubt him.


    "Of course, it goes without saying that you''re really beautiful with and without clothes. I''ve been mesmerized."


    Xiria, who thought she had everything in control before, almost exploded with embarrassment. Just what was that just now? Her heart raced to the point where she even had problems breathing. She then came back to herself and quickly stepped back.


    "S-Stop playing with me. I know I was in the wrong at first, so don''t do that, okay? But... Thank you for not taking this shameful action of mine to heart, Young Master Gian."


    Deep inside Frandin''s mind, only one word surfaced.


    ''Cute!''


    On the outside, he just nodded and laughed.


    "Hahaha! I''m joking, I''m joking."


    The other human girls then got close to Xiria.


    "Young lady, what do we do now?"


    Xiria shook her head after that, trying to put the last scene on the back of her head before she patted some of the girls'' heads.


    "Sorry, girls. I know it was an unpleasant request, but our clan really needed it. I''ll make it up for you and your families later even though nothing happened."


    The girls shook their heads as one of them replied.


    "Lady Xiria, there''s no need. We were more than happy to help."


    Xiria smiled and then sent the girls away after saying a few soothing words. However, when she looked at Frandin''s group once more, she noticed the shocked expressions on their faces.


    "Wh-What? Is something wrong?"


    Even Roan seemed somewhat surprised. As mentioned in the past, it was useless to pretend in front of Roan. If one was lying, he would be able to tell. That''s an ability he obtained after his countless years working as a Death Spirit. How many lies that ended someone''s life has he seen? Even he couldn''t remember.


    Because of that, he could totally tell that Xiria wasn''t pretending. She truly and sincerely apologized to the human girls just now. It was all legit!


    Frandin couldn''t help but ask in the end.


    "I didn''t know Lady Xiria took a bit of liking for the humans as well?"


    Only then did Xiria remember about this issue. That''s right. On the surface, she pretended to treat humans like all other high-class Zasfins of the city. But in reality, her clan treated the humans quite well. It''s just that because of her failed plan, she forgot to maintain her facade regarding humans as before.


    "This..."


    However, after looking at Roan and the girls and then thinking about what just happened, she sighed before saying.


    "Well... who am I trying to fool here? That''s right, you can laugh as much as you want. My clan doesn''t like to treat humans as slaves, okay? Not only humans, but we also treat our tamed demon beasts very well. Simply put, we''re a clan that likes other living beings. The other powers know this as well. But since we don''t stir any trouble, they don''t care either."


    Frandin''s group shook their heads. Isn''t this the exact type of clan or organization they had been looking for? Who could have guessed that they would bump into them before even going out to buy the information from the Dark Web?


    Frandin then smiled before saying.


    "Perhaps, this is fate."


    Malaka, Qia, and Calina nodded in response. This was really convenient.

 Chapter 628 - Did You Really Care?

    Xiria was puzzled by Frandin''s words, prompting her to ask.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Frandin shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "Oh, it''s nothing. I just meant that we''re quite similar. I do like my humans as well. Then again, I guess you''ve noticed that by now."


    Xiria nodded as she said.


    "I see..."


    She then changed the topic as she asked.


    "By the way, Young Master Gian. I wasn''t lying before.  We''ll do anything in our power if we can get our hands on the method to use the Soul Stone."


    Frandin bitterly smiled in response. Method? What method? He was truly lying about that part. He had no method whatsoever at hand. Well, there probably existed multiple methods out there, but neither of them had any idea on how to do it. The only ones who might be able to use it were Rean and Roan, but Sister Orb made it clear that it would be risky.


    "Ahem... I think you''re getting the wrong idea here. Sure, there''s a method to use these stones, but the ones who know about it are my elders, not me. I only obtained the part regarding the absorption of the Soul Power. I asked them about it in the past, but those old geezers are pretty tight-lipped. Even if you beg, there''s nothing I can do. In fact, I thought you guys would know something since you brought one out yourselves."


    Xiria was taken aback for a moment. Didn''t that mean she almost lost her virginity for nothing? Of course, she also considered that Frandin might be lying. It''s just that it didn''t look like he was lying that he didn''t know the method.


    "With that, you indeed bet your body on a lost cause. You should be grateful that I''m a magnanimous Zasfin. Hahaha!"


    Xiria''s expression went bright red after hearing that. Some anger could also be seen on her face. Then again, he could have put it in a better way, right? She then spread her Soul Power to check Malaka and Calina. She wanted to make sure that those two were also virgins, just like Frandin had mentioned. Obviously, she just checked if their hymens were intact. Sure enough, he was correct. Those two were also virgins.


    "Sigh... I feel like an idiot."


    Frandin shook his head as he replied.


    "It''s fine. The fact still stands that nothing happened. Besides, I had the chance to see your figure, so I''m quite happy already."


    Roan and the others knew that Frandin was acting. His real personality was a lot more restrained and composed. However, Xiria didn''t know that, so she felt a bit more furious as he kept mentioning the last event.


    "C-Can you stop saying that? I''m already dying of embarrassment as it is. Anyway, I''m leaving."


    Roan then glanced at Frandin, who understood his meaning. Not long after, Frandin called Xiria''s attention before she left.


    "Oh, by the way. There''s something I would like to discuss with you or someone else in the clan with the same mind."


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Frandin then pointed at Roan and the girls.


    "I want to make an offer to someone who treats humans like you do. Gender doesn''t matter, but the Zasfin has to be ready to leave this city."


    Xiria was taken aback once again, becoming silent after that.


    "This..."


    To be honest, her clan had no lack of Zasfins who thought the same way she did. Even the clan head was no exception. She realized that what Gian(Frandin) wanted was someone with a Rank Five Bloodline Mark. Whether it was an earned one or passed down by their elders didn''t matter. In that case, she was also a possibility. However...


    "What do you mean by leaving the city?"


    Frandin then continued.


    "I meant what I said. It has something to do with a very, very long journey. I told you, didn''t I? I''m on a test given by my elders. Whoever I chose, he or she will have to come with me. Of course, I won''t force anyone, so make sure that whoever you sent out is willing to move out."


    "Also, let me be sincere here. It WILL be dangerous. However, with great risk comes great rewards, especially on the cultivation of Spiritual Energy and the Soul Power side. It''s a give-and-take situation."


    Xiria pondered over his statement for a bit before nodding.


    "I need to talk with my father and the elders. However, we do have a lot of people, so someone would most likely try it. I''ll make sure they understand that it will be very dangerous as well."


    Frandin was satisfied with that answer.


    "Very well. In exchange for this chance, I want to ask something from your clan as well."


    Xiria nodded as she responded.


    "As long as it isn''t too overboard, we can see what we can do for you."


    Frandin smiled with a satisfied expression as he said.


    "That shouldn''t be much of an issue. I have a Lightning Element Affinity, so I''m after a Lightning Element Cultivation Technique that allows gathering of Yang Energy. I''m trying to get as many of these as I can to work on a cultivation technique for myself."


    The first part was true, while the second was just him blabbering away. After all, Frandin had no idea how to create a cultivation technique, let alone one with Yang Energy in the mix. Still, the second part was the part that made it look like Frandin''s request wasn''t a big deal with his status as a ''Celestial Land Member.''


    Xiria narrowed her eyes as she pondered over it. Frandin made it look easy, but it was anything but that. If it was a Yin Energy technique, she might be able to do so, but Yang Energy cultivation techniques were rare in this world. As mentioned before, this was a world where everything was covered in ice almost all year long. The living beings adapted to that mostly have Yin-related affinities and elements.


    "That... would be complicated. I''ll need to talk with the others first."


    Frandin wasn''t in a hurry, so he just nodded in response. With that out of the way, he then entered the last topic.


    "I still have one more thing to ask. I heard from the Portin Clan ancestor that they have a way to call the Soul Rulers out if they find a compatible human. Does your ancestor have something similar to that?"


    Xiria was instantly confused. Soul Rulers? Compatible humans? What the hell was he talking about?


    Frandin smiled in response, understanding that she was kept in the dark just like the other members of the Portin Clan.


    "Don''t worry, just tell someone else to pass this message to your ancestor. That''s all."


    This was a decision made in conjunction with Roan''s group. If they could choose which clan to use for that, this Asume Clan was obviously a better choice.


    Xiria nodded as she left the room with a pensive expression. She decided that she might as well ask what Frandin was talking about.


    Frandin''s group was then left alone in the room. Sister Orb already checked the room as well, and it was similar to what they got in the Portin Clan. Nevertheless, they only kept using Spiritual Sense messages just like before.


    At the moment Xiria left, Calina couldn''t hold back anymore.


    ''What were they thinking? They wanted Frandin to have sex with everyone?


    Roan snorted as he replied.


    ''What do you think? Sex has always been a very strong driving force in the universe. Not only here, but in the other half as well. As far as I can see, it''s a very effective strategy. I''ve seen it work way too many times. Besides, what''s the problem? It''s just some useless exchange of fluids with a very high reward if it works. If it doesn''t, will you really lose anything?''


    Qia immediately exclaimed.


    ''Of course, you will! She was giving away her virginity!''


    Malaka and Calina nodded vigorously in response to Qia''s words. For women, that was a very serious topic. Men also understood that point. Unfortunately, Roan had never cared about it before.


    ''Her virginity? What''s the use of that? If you''re afraid of losing this useless thing to someone you don''t want, just get some hard rod and stick it inside. Done! You''ll never have to care about it again. The only reason I have in mind for keeping it is in case you can exchange it like what Xiria was intending to do. As a bargaining chip, then I can agree it has some use.''


    The girls, especially Calina, felt helpless.


    However, Frandin saw a chance to finally get back at Roan.


    ''Hey, Roan. That doesn''t make sense. If you really thought of it like that, why did you feel like killing everyone when they told Calina to join in on the sex party? When Xiria and the other human girls took off their clothes, you completely ignored all of that, not minding that at all. I don''t believe you don''t care that ''your'' Calina would lose her virginity with just anyone.''


    Qia and Malaka couldn''t help but show a bright smile in response. As for Calina, she was the one to go bright red this time. Then again... she was happy... really, really happy since she didn''t notice it before.


    ''Well done, Frandin!'' thought the three girls in unison.


    As for Roan, Dark Element began to radiate out of his body as he looked at Frandin like he was a dead man.


    ''Did you say something?''


    Frandin looked away as if he didn''t notice, though.


    ''The weather''s quite nice outside if I do say so myself. Beautiful, right?''


    Their room was located inside the Asume Clan estate. There were no windows, so it was obviously impossible to see the weather.


    Calina then held Roan''s hand while he was paying attention to Frandin.


    ''Did you really care?''


    Roan''s killing intent instantly dissipated like smoke when that happened. He quickly changed the topic as if he didn''t hear anything as well.


    ''Indeed, the weather''s very nice.''


    It was a shame that Rean wasn''t here. He definitely would have loved it. Of course, Sister Orb made sure to report everything to him, knowing his personality.

 Chapter 629 - Soul Stones Creation Method

    There are no windows, so how can you see the fucking weather...or so Calina wanted to say... But that more or less answered her question already, so she was still happy. She couldn''t help but agree with Roan as she said with a bright smile.


    "Indeed. If I remember correctly, it''s already spring, no?"


    Excluding Roan, who didn''t get the remark, everyone understood what Calina meant by that.


    Frandin then changed the topic to talk about what was happening here. Of course, he returned to using Spiritual Sense.


    ''Anyway, what do you think about Xiria?''


    Roan mentally sighed in relief as he immediately answered.


    ''Her performance wasn''t a lie. She really cared about those girls who came in with her. I can definitely tell you that much.''


    Qia also didn''t mind the topic change. It was not good to force things, especially when it came to a ''rock'' like Roan.


    ''The question is whether everyone in that clan thinks like that or not. However, I don''t believe Xiria would grow up to be like that in a place where everyone thought differently. You can see that through Valia and the other Zasfins.''


    Malaka agreed with Qia as she responded.


    ''Exactly. However, it seems like these Soul Stones are really, really important for the Zasfins. Well, at least for the high-level ones who know of its existence.''


    Rean was more interested in another thing. Sure enough, he joined in on the conversation when it entered the serious topics through Sister Orb and Roan.


    ''That''s not what I care about at the moment. Instead, I want to know how Soul Stones came to be. Unlike Spirit Stones, Soul Stones don''t have a constant supply of Spiritual Energy that allows them to appear over many years of exposure. Soul Power only exists because of the soul, but would someone pour Soul Power into stones for tens, if not hundreds of years, just to create a single stone?''


    Rean then asked Frandin.


    ''Frandin, how long can you keep releasing your Soul Power at maximum power?''


    Frandin pondered for a bit and soon manifested his Soul Power around his body. He didn''t care about controlling it, releasing as much Soul Power as he could. Around two minutes later, he stopped as his head spun in dizziness. Surprisingly, he was still conscious and lucid enough to answer Rean.


    ''That''s about it. Two minutes. Back then, I couldn''t keep it even for 30 seconds, so I''ve improved a lot.''


    Rean nodded as he said.


    ''As I thought. It seems like such a method of creating Soul Stones is simply not worth it. Many Zasfins with very high Soul Power would be necessary. I don''t know how many stones they would be able to nurture, but it wouldn''t be many, let alone using Zasfins like Frandin.''


    Agis had a puzzled expression on his face as he asked.


    ''But Soul Stones do exist, right? Since it exists, it means it''s worth making them. Although only the high echelon knows of their existence.''


    Sister Orb then added her piece, saying.


    [They definitely have a way to use it. To be honest, as long as I finish analyzing the Soul Power, I might use the system to formulate a method. How long have these Zasfins and their Soul Power existed? They definitely thought up of a way to use it already.]


    Rean agreed with Sister Orb.


    ''Yes, and that''s what makes it even weirder. Since they have a way to use it, then they have a way to create them in bulk at less time.''


    It was after this statement that Qia''s eyes widened! As a Formation Master who also began to comprehend Soul Runes, she knew where Rean was coming from.


    ''No, no, no! That can''t be! They can''t do that! They can''t be that crazy, right!''


    Other than Qia, Roan was the only other person to understand Rean''s train of thought.


    ''I see... There''s no proof, but I agree that it is possible.''


    At that point, Calina, Malaka, and Agis had lost their patience, prompting one of them to ask.


    ''Can you tell us already what you three are talking about? You''re putting us in suspense!''


    Qia didn''t even dare say it, but Roan didn''t care about such things, indifferently saying.


    ''Humans with pure souls are used to control the Bloodline Trial Formations. Once they can''t do that anymore, they are swapped, and the kids there never know what happened to them. If Rean''s theory is right, their Souls are used to create these Soul Stones once they''re out. In fact, that would explain why the Soul Power inside the Soul Stone was as chaotic as Sister Orb mentioned.''


    Roan then continued.


    ''Without Soul Purity, creating these stones would probably be extremely hard. Also, it has to be human souls since they''re a lot weaker than Zasfin souls. Only at such a level of weakness would allow the Soul Power in these stones to be used. Simply put, it''s an easier type of Soul Energy to absorb.''


    Even Frandin was taken aback by that. It felt far crueler than what happened to the human sacrifices in the Bloodline Trial Grounds. Then again, Frandin already said that he didn''t care about other humans because of their predispositions as slaves. That being said, if even he was affected by that information, let alone Calina and the others.


    ''Th-Then... That Soul Power in the Soul Stone was...''


    Rean nodded as he sighed, saying.


    ''Yes, there''s a possibility that one of those kids'' souls was used to make it. They have the necessary purity to make the energy easy to be converted into your own. Without impurities, there aren''t backlashes. The chaotic part was probably because of the time they spent sacrificing the humans in the Bloodline Trial Grounds. Would you be able to keep your sanity if you kept doing it for years before being swapped?''


    Roan nodded as he continued.


    ''Not to mention that the method of transforming someone into a Soul Stone is anything but pleasant. Only weak and very pure human souls should have the necessary qualifications to become that.''


    Calina, Malaka, and Qia gritted their teeth in rage. However, Rean laughed soon after to soothe the mood as he hastily interrupted their trains of thought.


    ''Hey, hey, hey! You''re getting angry for no reason.''


    The girls were taken aback.


    ''What?! How can you say that?!''


    Rean then explained the obvious.


    ''Did you forget? This is just a theory of mine. Chances are high that I''m wrong. After all, I''m just considering the worst-case scenario here. We know way too little about Soul Power, let alone Soul Stones. Who said I was absolutely right?''


    That was true. Everything was nothing more than Rean''s speculations. Besides, they couldn''t confirm it even if they wanted to.


    ---


    Author''s note: I released a new project called The Ascension Age, check it out if you like this type of work.

 Chapter 630 - Was It That Obvious?!

    They could think about the topic another time. For now, it was better for them to focus on the task in front of them.


    ''We can verify this theory once we find the place they''re being contained in. For now, let''s wait and see who the Asume Clan will send out.''


    Agis then asked something else.


    ''How about control? Can you trust the person they select? Sure, I know that they don''t hate humans. However, that doesn''t mean that they would want to betray the Zasfin Race. You better remember that our path is at odds with their race as well.''


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    ''What else can we do? I''ll just have whoever they send eat one of my poison pills. If they don''t want to die, they''ll have to keep quiet.''


    Frandin narrowed his eyes as he said in response.


    ''But if their pride is big enough, they might ignore the fact that they can die and reveal everything regardless.''


    Rean didn''t seem to care, saying.


    ''It''s fine. After all, we''re humans. Zasfins will never put too much attention on us, especially on our cultivation. After all, humans at the Core Formation and Core and Soul Fusion Realms can easily be found in the Decadence Region and similar places. Chances are high that they will think we found a way to escape from there. That''s all.''


    ''Also, we don''t need to talk about our plan either. Don''t forget that we have a place in the Dimensional Realm to keep the person they chose.''


    Frandin sighed as he remembered the jail he was kept in when he was first captured. That thing didn''t allow one to see outside, so he didn''t even know he was in a separate dimension to start with. Besides, Sister Orb could control the dimension, not allowing any Spiritual Energy to enter that place. Escaping was simply not an option.


    ''Since you have all of that covered, I won''t say anything else.''


    Somewhere else in the Asume Clan, there was a woman cultivating in a private chamber. Ripples of Soul Power and Spiritual Energy escaped her body even though she absorbed even more from the Spirit Stones around her. If the twins could see her, they would be able to tell that she was definitely in the Soul Transformation Realm.


    Just as that woman was deeply engrossed in her cultivation, someone knocked on the door.


    "Enter."


    The door opened as another girl entered the room together with a man. They were Xiria and her father, who came to talk about Frandin''s request.


    "Ancestor Sumeri, sorry for bothering you during your cultivation."


    Sumeri shook her head, not minding it too much.


    "It''s fine. I was about to finish it in a few days anyway. Anyway, what is it? Did something happen?"


    Xiria''s father then looked at Xiria and nodded, letting Xiria talk.


    "Ancestor, it''s like this..."


    Xiria then explained what Frandin(Gian) wanted and his offer to the clan. At first, Sumeri wasn''t too concerned. She was even willing to agree since having one of their members following a Celestial Land Disciple might bring them great benefits, especially someone as talented as Frandin(Gian). She was even more satisfied since he identified the Soul Stone and even used it in the past. Unfortunately, he didn''t have the method to use it himself.


    However, when she heard the request regarding the Soul Rulers and their Soul Purity search, she narrowed her eyes. Obviously, she was also tasked to look for humans who were within the threshold.


    "Are you sure that he asked that?"


    Xiria nodded as she answered.


    "Yes. Gian said that all I needed to do was to pass this message to you."


    Sumeri pondered over it for a bit before saying.


    "Alright. Tell Gian that we do have a method to call the Soul Rulers as long as he has a compatible human. In fact, this is the same method everyone else uses in the city."


    Xiria and her father couldn''t help but ask what these Soul Rulers were. Sumeri pondered for a bit and decided to tell them what she knew. Of course, she also warned them not to spread this information. Naturally, those two were shocked that such an organization existed.


    Sumeri ignored their surprise, though.


    "Also, tell him that we want to take part in it. Such a human would give great benefits to our clan. If he isn''t against that, I''ll be more than happy to comply."


    Xiria was taken aback by that.


    "Ancestor, you''re speaking as if you don''t mind sacrificing one of our servants for that."


    Sumeri sighed in response when she heard that.


    "It looks terrible, doesn''t it? However, you shouldn''t underestimate the Soul Rulers. If they find out that we tried to hide a human with the right properties, our clan would be as good as gone. That''s not something we can risk even though we like them. Remember, the clan is still the higher priority. Besides, this single human sacrifice would help many others that we would be able to take under our wings. Since that''s the case, I might as well get as many benefits from it as possible."


    Xiria and her father nodded even though their expressions didn''t seem that happy. As much as they treated the humans well, they couldn''t risk the clan''s existence because of that.


    "I understand. I shall inform Gian about it."


    Xiria''s father, Laun Asume, then asked something else.


    "Ancestor, is it fine to trust him that easily?"


    Sumeri shrugged her shoulders as she replied.


    "Anyone who knows of such information is definitely a bigshot. As you mentioned, I''m pretty sure Gian is part of one of the Celestial Lands. Considering how well he treats his humans, I wouldn''t be surprised if he came from the Unity Celestial Land."


    Xiria and Laun nodded after hearing that. They also knew the rumors about Unity Celestial Land, the one that accepted humans. That would make a lot of sense considering Frandin''s way of treating humans.


    Sumeri then smiled at Xiria as she said.


    "You''re quite lucky, Xiria. You almost lost your virginity for nothing."


    Xiria felt embarrassed, so did her father. He also accepted that request from the clan head, after all. Sumeri didn''t blame them, though. Getting the method to use the Soul Stone would definitely have been worth it.


    Xiria then quickly changed the topic.


    "B-By the way, who should we select to follow him? He did ask for someone willing to follow him, after all."


    Sumeri looked at Xiria with a puzzled expression as she asked in response.


    "Why are you asking that when it''s obvious that you want to be the one to follow him?"


    Xiria''s face went even redder as she asked in a stammering manner.


    ''W-was it that obvious?!''


    ---


    Author''s note: I released a new project called The Ascension Age, check it out if you like this type of work.

 Chapter 631 - The Final Decision

    Laun looked at Xiria with surprise as he instantly rejected the idea.


    "What?! No can do! You might not have the necessary talent like Dilan or Tuc, but you''re my only daughter. Besides, even though you''re just a little worse off than those ones, you''re still a very talented member of our clan. There''s no way that your mother or I would let that happen! Who knows what that guy will try to do to you? Forget it!"


    It turns out that Laun had always been a very protective father. If the Soul Stone wasn''t extremely important to the clan and Frandin wasn''t a Celestial Land Disciple, he would never allow Xiria to try that. Well... that was regarding his daughter. As for his two sons, he was very strict with the two of them. Dilan just so happened to be Xiria''s older brother.


    However, Xiria quickly explained.


    "Father, he had me right on his palm and could do anything he wanted. For the sake of knowing how to use the Soul Stone, I wouldn''t have resisted at all. Also, he understood that we wouldn''t do anything to him even if he didn''t know the method. However, he still didn''t touch me and stopped everyone from continuing. You have to give him this much credit at least."


    Laun''s dark expression didn''t disappear as he said.


    "Still..."


    However, Sumeri intervened right after.


    "What I want to know is whether you think you can trust him or not. Xiria, from what you''ve seen so far, what can you say about him?"


    Xiria pondered over the question a bit and then explained.


    "He always acts high and aloof. However, I haven''t heard about him doing anything bad in the city. The only thing I can tell is that he got into an argument against Valia from the Portin Clan."


    "An argument? Why? Didn''t he go to the Portin Clan earlier?"


    Laun then explained what they found, which left Sumeri quite surprised.


    "I see... he got into an argument for the sake of his humans. That''s really unexpected. We don''t bring our humans into Zasfin establishments to avoid these kinds of problems, but he didn''t care about that. He totally defended his own. Why do I feel like he treats his humans even better than us?"


    Xiria and Laun couldn''t answer that, deciding to ask.


    "What does Ancestor mean by that?"


    Sumeri shook her head as she replied.


    "Oh, nothing. It''s just that these humans accompanying him seem more important to him than what we initially thought. Of course, that''s a good thing. At least, our beliefs match each other. I''m especially satisfied that he did say it would be very dangerous to whoever wants to follow him. On top of that, he also gave us the option to refuse if we wanted to."


    Laun snorted as he said.


    "Ha! That''s just because he can recruit anyone in the other clans even if we don''t choose anyone."


    Sure enough, he still didn''t like the idea.


    However, Xiria shook her head as she refuted her father''s words.


    "That''s not it. What Gian wants is someone who won''t mistreat his humans. How many clans do you know that have Zasfins like us?"


    "This..."


    He could definitely find some poor families who treated their human slaves well. They were rare, but considering the size of the city, they existed. However, finding a clan with as much authority as theirs with the same thoughts was another story. He wouldn''t be surprised if they were the only big power in the city that didn''t think about humans as nothing but slaves.


    Sumeri smiled at Xiria before commenting.


    "You seem to trust him quite a lot. Why is that? Could it be that you really took a liking for the man? Don''t forget, he''s from the Celestial Lands, so you probably wouldn''t even have a chance since he has so many better options."


    Xiria immediately shook her head. What was it? Love at first sight? Those things only happened in books.


    "That''s not it!"


    Laun was even more displeased now, saying.


    "That''s right! Anyway, you can''t go with him."


    Sumeri shrugged her shoulders as she changed the topic.


    "Well, if you say so. Then, who would you send in Xiria''s stead? Even though it''s dangerous, it''s also an enormous opportunity. If it allows the selected clan member to join a Celestial Land, that would be even better."


    Xiria immediately raised her hand as she said.


    "Ancestor''s right. I want to go myself!"


    Laun was taken aback as he instantly shouted.


    "What?! Didn''t you hear what I said?!"


    Xiria didn''t seem to care, though.


    "You said it yourself, father. I''m not at the level of Zasfins like Tuc and my older brother. If we put other clans in the mix, I can only be considered good at best, but far from the top. I don''t want to let this chance slip from my fingertips! He''s someone who passed the Rank Five Bloodline Trial on his own. As long as I survive, I can definitely benefit from accompanying him. Even if you refuse, I won''t let it go. My only doubt was whether ancestor would accept it or not."


    Laun immediately looked at Sumeri and said.


    "Ancestor, you said it yourself. It is indeed a great opportunity. In that case, isn''t it better to have one of our top geniuses go? He did say that gender doesn''t matter, right? Then, my son, Dilan, would definitely accept it."


    Xiria was enraged as she couldn''t help but say.


    "Father, you''re too shameless. You just said that my talent was too high to be wasted, but now you''re offering Big Brother Dilan? You''re contradicting yourself!"


    Laun threw caution to the wind.


    "So what? I don''t want to give my daughter to the wolves. If I have to be shameless, I will do so with open arms."


    Sumeri massaged her forehead. She couldn''t say she understood Laun since she had never married. She became the ancestor of the Asume Clan due to her putting all of her time into Soul and Spiritual Energy cultivation. That being said, she didn''t have a son or a daughter to lose like him.


    "Alright, that''s enough, you two. There''s an easy way to resolve this."


    Luan and Xiria looked at Sumeri, waiting for her idea.


    "Have Gian Torio decide. Give him a list of members from our clan who would want to go and have him meet them. Whoever he chooses to take in the end shall be the clan''s choice. Understood?"


    Laun and Xiria nodded, agreeing with the idea. It''s just as Sumeri mentioned. The final decision would still be Gian''s. From the looks of it, he didn''t care who it was as long as he or she had the Bloodline Soul Mark.


    ---


    Author''s note: I released a new project called The Ascension Age, check it out if you like this type of work.

 Chapter 632 - Selection

    Xiria headed back to Frandin''s room and took a deep breath. After some time, she knocked on Frandin''s door.


    "Come in."


    She quickly went inside and saw Frandin sitting in a corner, cultivating. Not only him, but it seemed like his humans were also doing the same, which surprised Xiria. Of course, she still couldn''t feel their cultivation due to Roan''s Spiritual Sense bending skill.


    "Do you also allow your humans to cultivate?"


    Frandin smiled at her as he replied with a question.


    "Is that a problem? Could it be that you guys like your humans but are afraid of them revolting?"


    Xiria immediately shook her head as she responded.


    "Of course not. I refuse to believe that you didn''t notice that quite a few of our humans are in the Body Transformation Stage. Some have even reached the Energy Gathering Realm. However, I didn''t expect that you''d allow your humans to do it. Though, why can''t I feel their cultivation?"


    Usually, one wouldn''t feel someone else''s cultivation for two reasons. First, they didn''t have any cultivation. Second, their cultivation was much higher. Of course, it was also possible to open your cultivation for viewing, but people normally didn''t do that.


    The problem was that they were cultivating, but she couldn''t feel anything from them. Just like Frandin, she was in the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm, so she could feel his cultivation. She definitely didn''t believe Roan''s group had higher cultivation than her.


    Frandin then explained to her.


    "You won''t be able to feel it. No one will. All I can tell you is that this is a secret technique my elders passed onto me. However, you can guess why I''m doing this, right?"


    Xiria was taken aback for a moment and immediately began to ponder over the issue. Sure enough, it only took a second for her to understand.


    "I see... If the humans with cultivation walk out in the open, they will attract a lot of attention. Although there are a few who allow their humans to cultivate, they aren''t many. The best option is to hide it. It will prevent a lot of problems that way."


    Frandin nodded, satisfied with her answer.


    "It''s good that you know. Anyway, how did it go?"


    Frandin didn''t tell what cultivation Roan''s group was at, nor did Xiria ask. For her, the fact that Frandin had such a high-level cultivation concealing technique was another positive point. It made it more obvious that he was truly from a Celestial Land. Frandin wasn''t about to try to fix that notion either.


    "Oh, that''s right. I talked with our ancestor, and she said that as long as you include the clan in this deal, she will comply with it."


    "She? Your ancestor is a woman?"


    Xiria nodded as she smiled in response. Although it wasn''t anything rare to see high-level female cultivators, they usually didn''t like the title of ''Ancestor.'' After all, everyone always thought of them as someone very old, and women definitely didn''t like to hear that.


    "She is. Anyway, she said she has access to the Soul Purity Test for humans you want."


    Frandin laughed as he asked her.


    "Hahaha! It seems like she told you a little bit about the Soul Rulers, huh?"


    Xiria nodded, responding.


    "She did. I didn''t think that such a thing existed. However, we shouldn''t talk about it, right?"


    Frandin agreed with her.


    "Indeed. Anyway, as long as she accepts it, then so be it. What about my partner?"


    Xiria then explained.


    "Everything is fine. She agreed to gather the people who wish to go with you. I''ll come by later to bring you the list."


    Frandin was even more satisfied now.


    "Great. Let me know when you''re ready."


    Later that day, Frandin was brought to another place in the clan. There, he found many Zasfins who had varying cultivation levels and ages. Sure enough, those were the ones who decided to take the risk to go out with him. Laun, Xiria, and the elders also made sure that these ones were also of the same opinion about humans. After all, it was not because the clan liked humans that everyone had the same ideology. That being said, quite a few, who were influenced by the outside, didn''t like humans either. Of course, those ones were definitely not present at the moment.


    All of them had their cultivations wide open. That meant that even if some of them had cultivations higher than Frandin, he would be able to tell what level it is. Frandin then used his Spiritual Sense to tell Roan''s group about their cultivation.


    Xiria then took the chance and brought everyone forward to introduce themselves.


    "Hi! I''m Vitan Asume, A Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator."


    "I''m Ophel Asume, 32 years old. I''m in the Initial Stage."


    "As for me..."


    There was a total of twenty-one Zasfins present. Quite a few of them were accompanied by their own human servants. Just as Xiria had commented, these humans all had their own cultivation, mostly in the Body Transformation or Energy Gathering Realm. For Roan''s group, that was a good sign.


    Since Qia was there with them, she was also able to analyze their Slave Collars. All humans she saw in the state so far were using them, including these ones. However, she could tell that they were all fake ones that posed no threat whatsoever. It was all just a pretense for other visitors. After all, the clan also received many Zasfins for several reasons: business, agreements, discussions, etc. They still had to keep up their appearances.


    With that, all of them presented themselves.


    "I see, so it''s these twenty-one people."


    Xiria shook her head as she corrected him.


    "It''s twenty-two."


    She then bowed and once again introduced herself.


    "I''m Xiria Asume, Late Stage Foundation Establishment Zasfin, 27 years old."


    Frandin''s group was surprised to see that. When they asked for a Zasfin to follow them, they were expecting someone with less importance. After all, he didn''t say what they would be going through after this.


    "Oh! So you''re also a candidate, huh? However, that won''t give you any type of advantage in this selection. Are you okay with that?"


    Xiria nodded as it improved the moods of the others. They thought that because Xiria was there, their chances were low, but it seemed like they were wrong.

 Chapter 633 - What Did He Mean By That?

    "Selection?"


    Frandin nodded as he replied.


    "But of course. After all, I have to be fair to everyone, right?"


    Fair? That''s not exactly a common word in this world.


    Frandin then looked at everyone with his prideful expression and began to explain.


    "As I mentioned to Xiria before, this task you''re going to embark on is anything but easy. There will be dangers, A LOT of them. Truth be told, I would be surprised if you didn''t survive for more than a few months."


    Someone couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why is that?"


    Frandin snorted before taking out several pieces of paper. On it, one could see nothing more, nothing less than his own training schedule, which Roan wrote with his help. As everyone read through it, their blood went cold. Wasn''t that practically suicide?


    "Afraid? Unwilling? Unbelievable? Know that I''ve always been following this type of training. Do you think I have some great Soul Power Talent or amazing Cultivation Aptitude and Elemental Affinity?"


    Frandin then pointed to a guy on his side, asking him.


    "You, what''s your Cultivation Aptitude? Also, how much was your Soul Power when you were born? I''m sure your parents told you that before. A clan of this size would definitely record that."


    The guy was taken aback. His name was Maiozen Asume, one of the candidates trying to join Frandin.


    "Y-Yes. I have a Blue Color Cultivation Aptitude. Also, I was born with 92 Soul Power Points."


    Frandin nodded and pointed at the next one.


    "I have a Green Color Cultivation Aptitude and was born with 87 Soul Power Points."


    Frandin kept asking everyone there the same question. Xiria obviously had to answer that as well.


    "I have a Blue Color Cultivation Aptitude, and I was born with a relatively high Soul Power Point of 102."


    Frandin then laughed out as he said.


    "So, it turns out that the majority of you have better Cultivation Aptitude and Soul Power Talent than me. I have a Yellow Aptitude Color and was born with 73 Points of Soul Power."


    As soon as Frandin said that, everyone''s eyes in the room widened. Let alone being considered a genius, Frandin was at most an above-average Zasfin. However, how come he had such high cultivation and Soul Power Points?


    "Surprised? Thinking that I''m lying? Definitely not. I only have one thing you all don''t have, the will to stake everything into cultivation. By following this kind of training, I have higher cultivation than any of you had or will have at my age."


    After that, Frandin''s Bloodline Soul Mark, the real earned one, shone on his forehead.


    "I was also able to improve my Soul Power enough to pass the Rank Five Bloodline Trial. In the end, it only means that you''re all a bunch of scaredy cats. There no such thing as a genius when it comes to my talent. But all of you are not my match."


    *Bang!*


    Frandin then hit the table with his palm, right where the paper with his training schedule was located.


    "Do you want to follow me? Do you want to get a chance to get stronger? That''s fine since I need help. However, you better be prepared. This is the kind of life that awaits you ahead. Hell-like training with a high chance of death at each corner. If you persist, I wouldn''t be surprised even if you surpass me. If you don''t... Hehe! I don''t think the demon beasts out there will refuse a free meal."


    The candidates were not the only ones to see that. The clan head, Xiria''s father, and a few elders were also present. Surprisingly, even they considered Gian''s (Frandin''s) training schedule terrifying! Little did they know that Frandin wasn''t the only one. In fact, his training schedule was still quite lenient. Compared to what Roan prepared for the girls, Rean, Agis, and Frandin had it easy. Of course, that was because Roan was adapting the schedule on how to train with Soul Power. Soon enough, Frandin''s routine wouldn''t be any easier than theirs now that he got Soul Power.


    Frandin saw the fear in everyone''s eyes, including Xiria. That made him feel very satisfied while he thought.


    ''Yes! Now you know how much I suffered! Hahaha! I will finally have someone to share my pain with! Today is such a great day!''


    Nevertheless, the thing that impressed them more than anything else was that Gian(Frandin) was simply not anyone special. Except for a few, the majority had both cultivation aptitude and soul power talents that were higher than his. Of course, because of that, they thought that Gian might be lying.


    Roan noticed what these candidates were thinking, so he sent Frandin a Spiritual Sense Message.


    Following that, Frandin took out an Aptitude Measurement Orb and put his hand on it. Sure enough, the yellow color, in the end, proved that he wasn''t joking. He really wasn''t anything special.


    "Now, then. To those who are afraid of dying, step back. I have no intention of helping scaredy cats."


    Everyone''s expressions changed nonstop. As expected, one Zasfin after another began to retreat. From the twenty-two Zasfins that were there at first, only five of them remained. The rest simply didn''t think they could survive such a crazy style of life.


    Laun''s face went dark when he saw that, though. That''s because, between the five that remained, his daughter was also there. However, he couldn''t push her back now in front of Gian. The fact that Gian wasn''t as talented as they thought only gave them more confidence that he was anything but simple. Perhaps only someone as crazy as him could be accepted in a Celestial Land, so it made a lot more sense.


    "Oh! So we still have five of you here, huh? That was five more than I expected. Hahaha! Great! Let me praise you for your determination."


    Those who were old already gave up, leaving only the young ones. The oldest in that group of five was only 31. Because of that, all of them were in the same Realm as Frandin, with Xiria and a guy called Kiu being the only ones in the same stage.


    Frandin then took out his spear and pointed at the candidates.


    "Come, let me test your abilities. You can attack me at the same time."


    In that instant, everyone''s expressions in the room changed. Wasn''t Frandin being way too overbearing? Can he really fight all those five on his own? After all, two of them were also at the same cultivation stage as himself. As for the others, they were at least in the Foundation Establishment Realm as well.


    Frandin had extreme confidence on his face, though. However, little did they know he was talking with Roan.


    ''That was your idea! You must help me read their movement, okay?! Otherwise, I''ll definitely be beaten like a dead dog. There''s no way I can fight so many of them at the same time!''


    Roan mentally snorted in response. Just who do you think has been training him until now?


    ''My help? Hehe! Fine. Not that it will be necessary, though.''


    Frandin was taken aback by Roan''s remark. What did he mean by that?


    ---


    Author''s note: I released a new project called The Ascension Age, check it out if you like this type of work.

 Chapter 634 - One Less!

    Xiria and the others looked at each other and nodded after that. Since Gian said that himself, they had no need to refuse. Of course, they still thought he was overestimating himself. Nonetheless, this was a good opportunity to test out Gian''s abilities.


    Xiria was the first one to act, bringing out what looked like a pair of claws. It turns out that Xiria was adept at using katars, quite a rare piece of equipment when one thought about it.


    Water Element and Soul Power gathered around her body as she moved out.


    ''Rain Pierce!''


    Her hands moved at high speeds. Her katars were covered by both powers, which instantly made them more dangerous than ever before. She was able to use her Water Element to make her string of attacks precise and ruthless. At this moment, she felt like a raging river.


    She wasn''t the only one, of course. The others also took out their own weapons, surrounding Frandin and brandishing their own moves.


    ''Sky Pummeling!''


    ''Thousand Slashes!''


    ''Unlimited Barrage!''


    ''Rage of the Salamander!''


    Frandin looked at all of that without even flinching. Well, the truth was that he was letting out a ton of cold sweat under his clothes. It''s just that no one noticed that. He kept waiting for Roan''s orders, but Roan didn''t say anything even at the last moment.


    However, it was then that he noticed something strange.


    His body seemed to automatically move as he shot forward against a guy named Jomawe. Lightning Element and Soul Power ran through his body, increasing his speed even further. He was the guy who used the Thousand Slashes attack. At that moment, everyone''s eyes widened. Frandin''s body contorted into unbelievable angles as he dodged all the attacks from all sides. Not only that, but Thousand Slashes was an attack that covered a huge area in front of the user. Even with that, Frandin seemed to find a space between each slash, appearing right in front of Jomawe.


    Of course, there was a limit as to what Frandin could do in that situation, so a few attacks did hit him. However, he used his Soul Power and Spiritual Energy to create a barrier to barely avoid any serious damage. At most, just a few simple cuts on his skin were left behind. Still, that was a better result compared to most people.


    Jomawe was terrified to see Frandin pass through his barrage. If Frandin counter-attacked and overwhelmed him with his skills, that would be okay. But he didn''t expect Frandin to truly find a gap in his assault. Because of the delay in his own attacks, the gap Frandin seized left a huge hole in Jomawe''s defense. There was no way he could dodge Frandin''s spear now.


    ''I''m dead!''


    However, Frandin''s spear suddenly changed at the last moment, swapping sides between the spearhead and its back.


    *Bang!*


    Jomawe was then sent flying back like a cannonball!


    *Crash!*


    Following that, he hit the wall and lost consciousness.


    Everyone was shocked by that scene. The fight had just started, but Frandin had already dispatched one of his enemies away. It was a 5v1, but he had shown an overwhelming advantage.


    However, no one was as frightened by what just happened as Frandin himself. He couldn''t believe what he had just done. When the attacks came from all sides, it was like they moved in slow motion for him. He could clearly see and think about the next action. Because no one here had cultivation higher than his, that helped even more.


    ''This... It was so easy...''


    Roan snorted as he said.


    ''Hmph! Who the hell trained you up to now? After more than half a year under my teaching and training schedule, this result is more than expected. Compared to what I made you do in the demon beast regions, this is nothing.''


    He then continued.


    ''Besides, these guys are obviously not that great to start with. You don''t really think that the Asume Clan sent their best geniuses here, do you? They are above-average members at most. As if you would need my help for this ridiculous challenge. Now, pay attention since the battle hasn''t finished yet.''


    That conversation was done through Spiritual Sense, so it only lasted a fraction of a second.


    Frandin''s eyes lit up as his confidence suddenly increased several folds. Right behind him, Xiria and the others attacked, trying to catch him under the delay of his own assault. However, Frandin''s Soul Power soon manifested in an even greater amount. Roan noticed that Frandin''s Lightning Element flowed through his body thanks to that. The Soul Power seemed to create paths that didn''t exist for the manipulation of Lightning Element.


    In the next second, Frandin''s body turned halfway around as his head dropped back. With that, he avoided the first two attacks. Following that, he jumped back while brandishing his spear in a full arc, deflecting the remaining two. Just like before, the dodge wasn''t perfect. The defense didn''t completely avoid the last two attacks either. Nevertheless, Frandin avoided any serious damage, if you could call that damage at all.


    That only left everyone even more speechless. After all, just what kind of body movement was that? It had nothing to do with his Rank Five Original Bloodline Soul Mark. That was basically his own overwhelming control over both Spiritual Energy, Lightning Element, and Soul Power. That wasn''t something a Foundation Establishment cultivator should be able to do.


    Frandin felt like he was in a different world. Here, he was unstoppable.


    The moment he landed on the ground again, his muscles tensed up before he shot in the direction of another candidate. Frandin''s plan was obvious. First, he would take care of the three that had cultivations lower than his. He would leave Xiria and Qarviu Asume, who were at the same stage, for last.


    ''Snake Lightning Spear!''


    It was too fast! Frandin''s Lightning Element already gave him an advantage in speed, but he himself had a reaction speed far above the others.


    Pioran Asume was his next target. She was frightened. Noticing Frandin coming in her direction, she immediately used an area attack. Earth Element and Spiritual Energy burst out of her body as Soul Power helped increase the damage. The ground around her trembled before hundreds of earth spikes came from all sides. It was a completely indiscriminate attack, which forced her allies back as well.


    "One less!"


    Or so Frandin thought...


    ---


    Author''s note: I released a new project called The Ascension Age, check it out if you like this type of work.

 Chapter 635 - So Be It!

    Frandin laughed as he forcefully broke through the spikes. This time, he simply used his advantage in cultivation to overcome Pioran''s defense.


    Pioran saw how Frandin broke through her defense and closed her eyes, certain that she was done for. However, at the very last moment, another stream of attacks came from Frandin''s side.


    ''Limitless Slash Storm!''


    Another Zasfin appeared from Pioran''s side, breaking through the defense of her Earth Spikes with brute force. Frandin was taken aback before he was forced to change the direction of his attack to defend himself.


    *Clang, clang, clang...*


    The Snake Lightning Spear and the Limitless Slash Storm attack exchanged several blows, forcing both sides back. Frandin then controlled his body, landing just a few meters away. He received quite a bit of damage from this assault. Unlike before, it was a one-on-one exchange, though the surprise attack was truly effective. He really didn''t expect someone would appear there at that moment.


    "Hahaha! Xiria, that was very good. It seems like you knew already."


    Xiria, who ended up in a condition several times worse than Frandin, smiled with a pale expression. In the end, Frandin showed a far higher control of his strength than her. The only reason she didn''t lose straight away in that exchange was that her ambush had truly worked.


    "Yes, I understood that you wouldn''t back down even in front of that barrage. If I wanted a chance at beating you, I had to take the risk. Well, the end result is still obvious if you look at me."


    Her clothes were ragged as blood flowed from several parts of her body. Of course, Frandin controlled his strength so that no fatal injury was left behind. This wasn''t a battle to the death, after all.


    Pioran then looked at Xiria and immediately thanked her.


    "Don''t worry. Pay attention, everyone. Gian''s coming!"


    Sure enough, Frandin''s battle spirit rose once more as he attacked one again. He couldn''t remember a situation where he felt so good during a battle before.


    ''It''s so fun!''


    Roan looked at his face and snorted after that. How could he not tell what Frandin was feeling? Malaka, Qia, and Calina were no different. After all, they had been with Roan for way longer. They could totally understand Frandin''s feelings at that moment.


    The battle continued for some time. It turned out that Xiria took control of everyone''s actions and used it to hold Frandin down. Unfortunately, the difference in experience and strength was just too high. Frandin didn''t fall for any other trick after that either since his Spiritual Sense focused on Xiria and the others 100% of the time. That made him spend a lot of his energy, but that wasn''t a problem since he had the advantage.


    Pioran was still the first one to come down. Following that, Liuome came next. That only left a guy called Qarviu and Xiria herself. They were the ones at the same realm and stage as Frandin.


    Unfortunately for them, even if the others had lower strength, their support was critical. With only the two of them remaining, they were no match for Frandin anymore. Not to mention that Xiria had suffered quite a lot when she first saved Pioran, so she was already feeling the effects of blood loss.


    *Bang!*


    Because of that, she was the next one to be sent flying away.


    ''Sky Fall!''


    The last one was Qarviu, who tried to fight with all his might even though he knew he would lose. Sure enough, Frandin avoided his Sky Fall by a ridiculous margin before striking the back of his head with his spear shaft. Lightning Element raged forth, which immediately caused Qarviu to fall unconscious.


    *Thud.*


    Qarviu''s body fell on the ground like a doll, not moving at all.


    As for Frandin, he landed right beside him. Of course, this fight took quite a toll on him. He was just as pale as Xiria was since he also had several injuries everywhere. Nevertheless, he had a satisfied expression on his face.


    "That was a great battle. After I defeated Jomawe, your team had changed completely, and it became a lot harder to take you all out."


    Frandin then looked at Xiria, who was still unconscious. Following that, he looked at Laun.


    "It was her who took command of everyone with Spiritual Sense Messages, right?"


    Laun nodded before the elders around him nodded as well. His heart pained, seeing the state that his daughter was in. However, he knew that she wasn''t at any risk of dying or being crippled. She just passed out of exhaustion and because of blood loss. Obviously, Frandin had absolutely no intention of killing her or any of the others.


    Of course, he still had a dark expression on his face as he looked at Frandin. His daughter would take several weeks to recover from this fight, and many scars would be left behind.


    "Couldn''t you have held back a little bit?"


    Frandin shook his head as he replied.


    "She forced me close to my limit. Besides, you should know very well that fighting to kill is a completely different scenario than fighting to knock down someone. The latter is several times more energy-consuming and difficult. You should be happy. Her commanding ability forced me to take them seriously. How many Zasfins do you think can push me to that extent? She has a good head on her shoulders. I can guarantee that."


    Frandin then looked at Roan, who nodded. Following that, he looked back at Laun and said.


    "They have all passed out, so bring them to a private room. I''ll use a secret technique from my hometown to heal their injuries. Don''t worry. There won''t be a single scar left behind."


    Laun and the elders were taken aback after that. Still, to leave his daughter alone with Gian...


    "That won''t be necessary."


    Frandin(Gian) understood Laun''s concern as he said.


    "You gave me your daughter on a silver plate, but I didn''t eat her. Do you think I''d have the gall to touch her? Stop having the wrong ideas, old man. Or could it be that you really wish for her scars to remain for the rest of her life?"


    Laun instantly felt like a spear went through his heart. If not because of the Soul Stone, he would never allow that. Nonetheless, he had to admit Frandin was right.


    "Fine, but she better come back to me without any changes."


    Frandin waved his hands, not minding Laun''s threat at all.


    "Yeah, yeah... So be it."


    ---


    Author''s note: I released a new project called The Ascension Age, check it out if you like this type of work.

 Chapter 636 - Stepping On Feelings

    They were then brought into a room with Roan and the girls. Before Laun left, Frandin looked back at him and gave a warning.


    "Alright, you guys better stop watching me with Spiritual Sense or Soul Power. By the way, there''s a little bird using its Spiritual Sense five hundred and seven meters in that direction. Can you take care of it for me?"


    Laun was taken aback after hearing that. That direction was the Ancestor''s chamber. Sure enough, as soon as Frandin said those words, Sumeri felt a chill on her back.


    "What?! How did he know?"


    In less than an instant, she retracted her Spiritual Sense without thinking twice. It was obvious that her cultivation was far from enough to not be detected by Frandin. Soul Power was even more out of the question. That''s because, unlike her Spiritual Sense, Soul Power could be felt by anyone who can also use Soul Power. Cultivation difference didn''t matter in this case. Naturally, Frandin would feel it the moment someone tried to use it in the room as well.


    "Oh! Whoever was looking at us just retracted their Spiritual Sense. Well, that''s to be expected."


    Obviously, it was Roan, who was using Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill, that noticed Sumeri''s Spiritual Sense. Once again, the stronger the Spiritual Sense, the easier it was for Rean''s skill to detect it. He then informed Frandin through a Spiritual Sense message, who then told Laun.


    Naturally, Laun said that he would check what it was. He already knew that it was Sumeri, so he wouldn''t really go there. There''s no doubt that Sumeri heard Gian''s (Frandin) words with her Spiritual Sense as well. That''s why she retracted it. Well, he wouldn''t dare complain to their Ancestor in the first place.


    Sumeri then sighed back in her chamber.


    ''As expected of a Celestial Land Member. Even though I''m four realms above him, he could tell straight away where I was and that I was watching him. I wonder what kind of equipment or skill they used to achieve that result.''


    Sumeri then shook her head and gave up on watching them. The important thing was that he would heal them all, which was always good.


    With that resolved, Frandin sent Laun and the other elders out.


    "You can wait outside. It will only take a few minutes at most. Once it''s done, I''ll call you back inside."


    Laun''s group was obviously surprised to hear that. Frandin didn''t do any lethal damage to Xiria and the others, but he did injure them pretty badly. To heal them all in just a few minutes, was that even possible? In Laun''s eyes, they would need at least a few weeks to fully recover.


    Well, Frandin just smiled in response to their non-verbal questions and closed the door to the room.


    Sister Orb then verified any formation that they should be aware of before Roan began to heal everyone.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Light Element burst out of Roan''s body as his hair changed into a mix of black and white. He also used his new White Star to help gather more Light Element. As always, he took longer to heal everyone than Rean would have, but he still finished the job on those five around fifteen minutes later. He wasn''t afraid that some of them were pretending to be unconscious either. Death was more than experienced enough to see through such a trick.


    Eventually, the process was over, and Roan''s hair went back to normal. He nodded at Frandin right after.


    Outside, Laun saw the door of the room open and immediately stormed inside. As one could expect, Xiria and the other four were completely healed up. Other than their ragged clothes and bloodstains, their bodies had no damage whatsoever. He and the other elders could tell that much through their Spiritual Senses.


    "Such a powerful healing ability..."


    Frandin snorted, keeping his young master play up.


    "Powerful? That''s because you''ve never seen my grandfather. Otherwise, you would be laughing at my face. Hahaha!"


    Laun and the others didn''t doubt that. If he could already do such a thing at the Foundation Establishment Realm, let alone when he was at a higher level.


    Suddenly, Xiria''s eyes tightened before they opened. Laun was happy to see that, of course. He immediately hugged her, showing his worries.


    "Xiria, how are you doing? Is anything wrong with your body?"


    *Pah!*


    Out of nowhere, a woman slapped Laun''s backhead as she said.


    "Stop making a fool of yourself, idiot. She''s my daughter, so she''s obviously fine."


    Xiria looked at the current situation and couldn''t help but feel embarrassed. That woman''s name was Latia, her mother. Her mother and her father''s antics always caused her trouble. Well, they liked each other, so it was fine... somehow.


    It was then that she noticed that all her injuries were gone, without any trace left behind. Obviously, she was shocked by that sight. She knew very well how badly injured she was.


    The others were also being attended by their relatives and the elders. Their condition was the same as Xiria, with no injures whatsoever. Well, Xiria hadn''t completely recovered, though. She was still very pale. That being said, Frandin got close before adding.


    "By the way, I healed all your injuries, but I can''t replenish the blood you lost during the battle. Make sure to eat a lot to recover it."


    Obviously, Xiria understood that it was Frandin who healed her and everyone else.


    Laun sighed and then bowed to Frandin(Gian).


    "Thank you, you really kept your word."


    Latia also did the same thing.


    Frandin didn''t mind it too much, or so it looked on the surface.


    "Hahaha! It''s fine, it''s fine! I''m the one looking for a new subordinate, after all."


    Frandin then looked at Xiria with a smug smile as he said.


    "By the way, are you sure you don''t want to change your clothes? I can see your nipples through some of the gaps my attacks left behind."


    Xiria''s expression immediately turned bright red as she stormed outside of the room.


    As for Laun, his expression turned dark as he looked at Frandin (Gian) and asked.


    "You...! You dare say such a thing to my daughter?"


    Frandin shrugged his shoulders as he responded.


    "I was being gentle, you know? If it was really shredded, I could have kept quiet and took my time to admire the beautiful work you and your wife created. But alas, I''m not the type who indulges in these kinds of things. In the end, my training takes precedence above everything else."


    Frandin then looked at Latia before saying.


    "Still, there''s no wonder Xiria is that beautiful. Her mother was definitely the reason behind it. I''m happy she didn''t inherit this grumpy guy''s features."


    At first, Latia was also angry with Frandin''s words. However, that praise immediately improved her mood.


    "Oh, aren''t you quite smooth with your words? I don''t hate it, though. I agree with you as well. It was her blessing to not inherit anything from this old man''s genes."


    Laun felt like crying already. Why was everyone against him? Even his wife and daughter were no exception.


    ''Hmph! So what? He won''t stay for long anyway.''


    Well, at least on that point, Laun was right. Roan''s group didn''t want to stay for long to start with.


    Frandin took the opportunity to leave the room with Roan and the girls, going back to his own room. With that, he was finally able to drop his pretense as excitement overflowed on his face.


    "That was great! I''ve never felt like that before! Their attacks were so easy to track. My control was also much higher than I could have expected. I thought it would be impossible for me to beat all of them at once, but I did it! I did it! Hahahaha!"


    *Pah!*


    Sure enough, Roan slapped the back of Frandin''s head, snapping him back to reality.


    "What the hell are you happy about? Only that Xiria had some talent between those five, and it wasn''t anything that great to start with. The others were very average. They didn''t send a single real genius of their clan for this task since they wouldn''t allow the loss of such materials."


    Roan''s expression became dark after that.


    "But even though that was the case, look at you. Just how many hits did you receive during that battle against those pieces of trash? Sure enough, that easy training routine I gave you is way too simple. You embarrassed me with that fucking awful display."


    Frandin''s excitement immediately died once he heard that. Of course, he knew very well the difference between him and the rest. Malaka, Qia, Agis, Calina, all of them would have done much better than him. Still...


    "Aren''t you a little too demanding? They had been with you for a long, long time. Besides, I had truly accepted your ways only recently. Obviously, I can make up for the gap quickly. Shouldn''t I receive a little bit of praise for that?"


    Roan was just about to complain even more when, all of a sudden, the girls nodded together.


    "Roan, Frandin''s right. He did improve a lot."


    "Yea! You''re always such an annoying guy."


    "Can''t you at least admit that he performed well enough? You always do that, even with us!"


    Roan''s mouth twitched as he said.


    "Since when did you all take his side? No, forget it. It''s like I care."


    Frandin felt emotional. He didn''t expect the girls to defend him... or not.


    "Of course, he''s still terrible, but if you say it in front of his face, he will take even longer to improve."


    "Exactly. You must learn how to give some encouraging words, even if they''re lies."


    "Don''t worry, Frandin. As shitty as you might be, we know how you feel."


    Frandin''s emotions disappeared as fast as they came.


    ''Hey, wait a minute! Aren''t you guys also stepping on my feelings?''


    Frandin shook his head and decided to ignore them. He would be happier if he pretended to not hear anything for a while.

 Chapter 637 - Lets Talk

    After that, Malaka then asked Frandin with a slightly furious expression.


    "Then again, why did you have to say that you could see Xiria''s nipples? That was way too mean, especially since she isn''t a bad Zasfin."


    Qia and Calina nodded in response. As much as he was keeping up that play, that was a little too much, in their opinion. At the very least, he could have used a Spiritual Sense message to warn her instead of saying that out loud.


    As soon as Frandin heard those words, his face began to profusely sweat as it went as red as Xiria''s face from before.


    "Pl-Please, don''t remember that. Just thinking about all of this makes me feel like crying. Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep up that pretense in front of so many experts? My head was barely working at all, thinking that they might find out that I''m actually a nobody."


    Frandin then curled around his legs on the ground, doing his best to forget everything related to that. In the end, that was simply not his character.


    The girls couldn''t help but laugh when they looked at Frandin. This guy seemed a lot more naive than they thought. Well, back in Danve City, Frandin was a lot more daring than he was at the moment with Roan''s group. It''s just that he had never gone that overboard. Poor Frandin felt like throwing his head in a hole due to the awkwardness.


    Suddenly, someone knocked on the door of Frandin''s room a few hours later. Fortunately, those hours were enough for him to recover. By now, he had also changed clothes, and Roan finished healing his body as well.


    "Sorry, Young Master Gian. The candidates are back in the hall, waiting for you."


    Frandin glanced at Roan and the girls before he nodded at the human servant.


    "Very well, I''ll be right there."


    Frandin, Roan, and the girls then followed the guy to the hall. There, they found Xiria, Pioran, Qarviu, and the other two. Of course, the elders were there as well to see what Gian(Frandin) had to say.


    Frandin looked at the five of them and could see that some seemed to fear him now. Frandin couldn''t help but mentally feel pleased with himself.


    ''To think there would come a day that several Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark owners would fear me. Even if their Marks were given marks, that''s still several times better than what I was in Danve City.''


    Nevertheless, he quickly recovered and restarted his aloof play.


    "Ahem... Well, then. I think you''ve had a small taste of what will be your daily life once you come with me. Once again, I will ask. Are you sure you want to follow me? Also, there''s one more thing I need to clear up here."


    Frandin then took a black pill from his pocket and held it in front of those five.


    "This is a poison pill. It''s quite a potent one that I got before leaving for this journey. The only one who knows how to make its antidote is me, no one else. With that, let me say that I''m also an alchemist."


    Frandin then continued.


    "Anyway, if you decide to come with me, you will have to swallow it. Although you could already probably understand, I''ll still tell you why. It''s impossible to keep my own training schedule without exposing a few of my own secrets. These secrets are directly linked to my own origins, which must be kept hidden. Not to mention things like my cultivation technique, resources, contacts with my elders, etc."


    "I can''t run the risk of my new subordinate escaping and then telling everyone about it. That being said, once you swallow this pill, I''ll prepare an antidote that can keep the poison at bay. If you stop taking it, you will die!"


    The expressions of the elders and the last five candidates changed. It was obvious that Gian didn''t trust them at all. However, would they have done something else if they were in Gian''s shoes? The answer was, no, they wouldn''t. This was the cultivation world. Trust is a rare commodity, and everyone knew that.


    Nonetheless, such an action would put their own lives in Gian''s hands. They would need to follow his orders whether they liked it or not.


    "Don''t tell me that I''m being unreasonable. I''m already telling all of you beforehand that this is how I work. My humans here are also under the same effect. I don''t treat them badly, but I can''t allow them to spread my secrets, either. If any of you, or even all of you, want to give up this chance, I don''t care. I''ll simply find someone else in another clan. Simple as that. There''s no lack of people with a given Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark that would be willing to do that."


    With that, everyone''s expression had become more solemn. Gian(Frandin) was right. The simple act of warning them already told them a lot about his character. Well, he might just be putting up a display, and that he was, in fact, a wicked guy. Unfortunately, there was no way of checking that. Their decisions simply didn''t matter to him due to his many available options.


    Qarviu and Pioran then stepped back. For these two, those were way too many conditions. Constant danger while Gian would have their lives at his palm. They decided that it wasn''t worth it.


    After some time, there were only three remaining Zasfins, including Xiria. As one couldn''t expect, Laun immediately sent her a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Step back. You don''t need to stoop that low. So what if you are losing out on a great opportunity? That might as well be an opportunity to die instead. You really don''t know what this guy will force you to do once you take that pill.''


    Similar Spiritual Sense conversations were going on with the other two Zasfins and their relatives. Frandin looked at them and could see the conflict in their faces.


    ''Hmph! At least you have a choice. Back when I was taken away, that was my only option other than dying.''


    Of course, Frandin was here of his own volition now. The twins'' group already made it clear that he was welcome to do so if he wanted to leave.


    Seeing that no one had stepped forward, Frandin sighed as he decided to put the pill away. However, just as he dropped his hand, determination appeared on Xiria''s face as she stepped forward and grabbed the pill from his hand.


    *Gulp*


    "Is that all? Hmph! You will need more than that to make me give up!"


    Laun and Latia were taken aback. That didn''t go as they planned at all. Xiria''s position in the clan wasn''t high, but she wasn''t at the bottom either. They still could provide her with enough resources for decent cultivation. Why would she choose to become someone''s slave?


    "No can do! Xiria, spit out that pill right now! I won''t let you do it!"


    Laun quickly stepped forward and demanded.


    "That''s right, Xiria. Mother doesn''t want you to run such a risk with no guarantees."


    Said Latia after Laun was finished speaking.


    Xiria then looked at them, but her resolve could already be seen.


    Nonetheless, Frandin gave her one last chance.


    "Hahaha! Now, then. Your parents really love you very much. Very well, I''ll give you one last chance in case this was a hurried decision."


    Frandin then threw another pill bottle to Xiria, this time containing a pill with black and white colors.


    "This is the full antidote. Unlike the one I''ll be giving you in the journey, this one can completely heal the poison of that pill. I''ll be staying in this city for a few more days, so you can take your time to think. If you want to give up, just take this pill, and you will be cured. Listen to your parents and make sure you three get everything dealt with. Once again, it won''t matter if you decide to give up or not. I can simply find someone else. But for now, you will be my first choice since you were the first one to step forward."


    Frandin also took another pill bottle. This time, however, these pills were used to keep the poison at bay, not healing it.


    "Use these pills if you ever start feeling pain. These pills won''t heal you but will keep the poison at bay. It will give you more time to think before I come back. Don''t worry, I''ll pass by before we need to leave. Besides, I''ll need your ancestor''s help for that in the first place."


    Xiria, Laun, and Latia were surprised by Frandin''s words. He left a way out for Xiria from the very start. That made it even harder to believe that he was a wicked Zasfin with that.


    "Thank you."


    Frandin waved his hands, pretending to not care too much about it.


    "Alright, then. Roan, Calina, Qia, Malaka, we''re leaving. We have many other things to prepare."


    "Yes, young master."


    They replied in unison as they followed right behind Frandin''s imposing figure.


    As one could imagine, Frandin left the Asume Clan after saying that. The other two Zasfins that remained alongside Xiria ended up giving up as well. They couldn''t make their heads about having to live with poison in their bodies. Frandin''s words implicated that he would eventually let them go, but when would that be? No one knew. Nor did they know if it was the truth.


    After Frandin disappeared in the distance, Laun and Latia changed their focus to Xiria. Xiria did the same, but her expression was still as determined as ever.


    "Mom, Dad. Let''s talk."

 Chapter 638 - Imperial Guardian

    As expected, there were quite a few onlookers when Frandin came out. After all, he did say that he would stay in the Asume Clan for a day, just like the Portin Clan. Frandin quickly received several invites once he got out. Of course, there was no way Frandin could possibly go to each of these clans, organizations, and sects.


    He simply laughed it out and said that he might pay a visit to some of them in the future if he got more time. Not too long after, Frandin disappeared with Roan and the girls. The people following him simply couldn''t understand how they were able to do that.


    Back in the workshop where Rean was working, Roan came out of the Dimensional Realm together with the others. All he needed was to enter the Dimensional Realm, then he could use Rean''s position to come out of it other than the position he was previously in.


    "Oh, you''re back."


    Rean looked at them before continuing to work on his weapon. By now, it was basically ready, missing just a few small details. The auction was also scheduled to happen later that day, but Rean wasn''t concerned about the time.


    "Frandin, get ready to leave again. As soon as I finish this weapon, we''re going to the auction house to deliver it. I''ll change your appearance to what we used when we went to the auction for the first time."


    Frandin nodded as he replied.


    "Sure."


    Following that, he looked at Roan and asked.


    "Though, is it fine to leave the real antidote of the pill with them, Roan? Couldn''t she use that chance to analyze the pill and make a copy? That way, she could keep it hidden and pretend that she''s under control."


    Roan snorted when he heard that, replying.


    "Hmph! If they find someone with the ability to copy my pill, then I''m more than willing to see that happening. It used both Dark and Light Elements to a level where Yang and Yin Energy manipulation alone is far from enough. They would really need Zasfins with natural affinity regarding these elements."


    Frandin instantly understood where Roan was getting his confidence. He had never seen anyone using Dark or Light Element before, let alone someone born with one of their affinities.


    "That''s good, then."


    Rean then smiled as he looked at Roan.


    "By the way, I heard from a little bird that a certain someone didn''t want Calina to lose her virginity to someone else."


    Calina''s face went bright red once more, but it didn''t seem like she hated it. In Roan''s case, his mouth twitched a bit as cold energy spread from his body.


    "Are you going to start with this bullshit again?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "Huh? What are you talking about? I''ve never mentioned any names. Why do you look so pissed all of a sudden?"


    Rean looked at him, pretending to be puzzled by Roan''s behavior.


    Of course, any idiot would be able to tell that he was definitely talking about Roan.


    "Hmph!"


    Roan then left the room, not looking at anyone. Soon after, Malaka and Qia grabbed Calina by the hand and pulled her to another room. From the looks of it, they wanted to try the new things they had bought.


    Agis looked at that and couldn''t help but ask Rean.


    "Is it really okay to be considering such things in our situation? We might die at any moment if we make a wrong step, you know?"


    Rean sighed as he replied.


    "It''s exactly because of it that they should enjoy. If we could die at any moment, isn''t it better to have no regrets?"


    Rean then let out a chuckle as he continued.


    "Besides, considering everyone''s training routine that Roan worked out, we barely have any free time at all when we''re out. Let them enjoy their time. Why do you think Roan isn''t saying anything? He understands the most out of all of us when it comes to training and battle. That being said, he knows very well how important it is to have a proper rest, both in body and mind."


    Frandin and Agis then looked at each other and nodded in the end.


    "You didn''t stop working ever since you''ve arrived in this city, though. Are you fine?"


    Rean looked at Agis, slightly puzzled.


    "What are you talking about? Am I not relaxing right now?"


    "Crafting weapons?"


    Rean instantly understood where Agis was coming from, so he replied.


    "I was a metallurgist back in my previous life. Errr... Metallurgist is basically a term used for those who work with metals at an advanced level. Anyway, working with it is my own way of relaxing."


    Agis and Frandin nodded after hearing that. Since that was the case, they had no intention to stop it.


    Back in the Portin Clan, Valia was talking with Marau.


    "Father, Gian already left the Asume Clan. He also stayed there for just a day."


    Marau nodded, saying.


    "Very well."


    Seeing that her father didn''t care too much, she couldn''t help but ask.


    "Is it really okay to relax like that? What if Gian decided to band up with them instead? That Xiria would definitely try to hook up with him if the chance is given."


    Marau sighed as he looked at Valia, responding.


    "Don''t worry, it won''t matter which side he chooses since he won''t be free for long."


    Valia was taken aback as she asked.


    "What do you mean?"


    Suddenly, someone knocked on Marau''s office door.


    "Enter."


    Valia was shocked to see the one who came inside.


    "This..."


    She quickly bowed to show her respect right after.


    "Paying respects to Imperial Guardian Firmel."


    If Rean and Roan were here, they would definitely recognize this man. He was also the one they saw after the Bloodline Trial was over. At that time, he thought that Maluco was responsible for the destruction of the altar at the entrance of the Bloodline Trial. Maluco was even severely punished due to this issue.


    However, they soon found out that Maluco wasn''t lying. That''s because after they went to check the sacrifice chambers, they noticed that the number of sacrifices didn''t match. There were two more chambers that had lost sacrifices and their souls.


    One must remember that the trial only allowed one to enter a single path after the entrance. Once one passed through it, the path would close behind you. That being said, it was impossible for two more chambers to lose sacrifices since they weren''t used.


    One of the chambers had seven sacrifices dead, while another had just one. That''s not counting the chamber used by Maluco. Sure enough, more people must have been inside the other chambers for that to happen.


    As soon as that happened, the Imperial Guardians of the Bloodline Trial Grounds launched a full investigation. They were guarding both the entrance and exit, but they didn''t see anyone whatsoever. It was a huge security breach, one that they didn''t even know how it had even happened. How did the intruders get inside? How did they get out? They couldn''t tell at all!


    In the end, the initial investigation found nothing other than the traces of the Bloodline Trials being used. Without any other choice, they could only expend their search to the city, trying to find any clues. It was then that they heard about a new guy who just appeared in the city. He also happened to have an Earned Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark.


    They heard the rumors that the new guy was probably someone from the Celestial Lands, but there was no proof. He also refused to tell anyone about his origins. Firmel wasn''t going to buy a fight against a Celestial Land Disciple, but he didn''t think Frandin was truly one of them. Simply put, his appearance and the Bloodline Trial Ground breach were too coincidental.


    He then found out that Frandin stayed in the Portin Clan for a day, so he decided to pay a visit. That was also the reason why Marau thought that Frandin wouldn''t be roaming around for long. After all, it wasn''t a good thing to mess with the Imperial Guardians.


    "Portin Clan. Clan head, right?"


    Marau nodded as he replied.


    "Yes. If needed, we can call our ancestor as well, Sir Firmel."


    Firmel shook his head as he responded.


    "That''s not necessary. I just want you to tell me everything about this Gian Torio. The more, the better."


    Valia was shocked to hear that. From the looks of it, getting involved with Gian(Frandin) wouldn''t be a good idea at all.


    ''Fortunately, he already left. Perhaps we can get the Asume Clan involved in this.''


    Marau Portin then began to explain everything that happened, including the questions asked by Gian.


    Obviously, that made Firmel''s eyes narrow in response. After all, he wasn''t sure either if Gian was part of a Celestial Land or not. However, the fact that he knew about the Soul Rulers beforehand showed that he wasn''t simple. Nonetheless, he couldn''t let it go either. If things got worse, he could use his connection with the Imperial Family to explain everything to Gian''s Celestial Land... if he was part of one, that is.


    "The Asume Clan is the next one up, huh? Do you think he''ll come back here to do the Soul Purity Check of a human?"


    Marau shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "Perhaps. The thing is that the city''s big powers also have the same way of contacting the Soul Rulers, including the Asume Clan he visited. He might decide to use their methods instead of ours."


    Obviously, Marau threw the bomb towards the Asume Clan. Other than Xiria and Valia, it wasn''t as if their clans had anything against each other. However, he would definitely prioritize his own.


    Firmel nodded and left right after. He already had a plan in mind.

 Chapter 639 - Imperial Bloodline Drop

    Frandin''s group knew nothing regarding Firmel and the talk in the Portin Clan. Instead, they used their time to do their own things. Frandin and Agis helped Rean finish forging his weapons while the girls continued in their room. Roan seemed to be testing his Soul Mark, though.


    A few hours later, Rean completed his first Earth Peak Level weapon for sale. As mentioned before, it didn''t have the ability to draw Elements, but it was definitely better than common ones. With that said, he could finally go to the auction before it began.


    He then contacted Roan through their Soul Connection, telling him that they would be leaving. Agis also asked to go out with Rean and Frandin since he didn''t get the chance to go out yet. Roan didn''t seem to mind, nor did he want to follow them. Rean could simply send his memories of the items that appeared in the auction and then tell Roan while it happened. If there was something he needed, Rean could bid it for him.


    The girls didn''t even consider going out either. The three of them were in their own world, playing with the things they got from the shops. And so, only Rean, Frandin, and Agis went to the auction. Of course, Rean made sure to change their appearances to what they used in the auction house, which was different from the appearance Frandin used when he visited the clans. To make sure, Roan also used his incredible make-up skills at the level of a Hollywood crew to make them look exactly as they were before they left.


    As their appearance was different and their group consisted of only three males, no one found them suspicious at all. Once they arrived in the Imperial Auction House, they went straight to the appraiser, where Frandin passed him Rean''s Earth Peak Level weapon.


    This time, the appraiser was quite surprised.


    "Oh! This one isn''t too bad. Its quality is also above average by quite a lot. Are you sure you want to sell such a good weapon?"


    Frandin nodded with a smile, saying.


    "Just like before, I''m in dire need of money. I believe the Imperial Auction House is the best place to sell my equipment instead of selling it to the treasure houses. Could it be that I''m wrong?"


    The appraiser laughed before saying.


    "Hahaha! Indeed, considering the higher quality of your weapons, they''re a good fit for our Imperial House. Especially this Earth Peak-Level equipment. There will definitely be a few Nascent Soul Cultivators very interested in it."


    The appraiser was quite satisfied with the last item, so he also gave Frandin''s group an extra service.


    "Now, then. I''ll transfer you to one of the private chambers where you can make your bids. The auction is going to start an hour from now, so you can head there already if you want to. Also, I doubt you''ll make less than fifty thousand Rank Two Spirit Stones this time around, so you''re free to use this amount in the auction. Of course, that is already considering our 30% cut."


    Rean then sent a Spiritual Message to Frandin, who quickly asked a question.


    "What about the Earth Peak-Level weapon? Is it also worth Rank Two Spirit Stones?"


    The appraiser shook his head as he replied.


    "Of course not. This is a very high-quality item, so it won''t sell for less than Rank Three Spirit Stones. I estimate that the initial bidding will be around 1000 Rank Three Spirit Stones, but it should sell for much more than that."


    Frandin smiled and nodded soon after. With that, they went to the chamber, where they waited for the auction to start. Little by little, the auction house was filled with customers. As one could expect, most of them were sent to the benches below. Only the influential ones and those who had very good items in the auction were rewarded with private chambers like Rean''s group.


    Eventually, the lights were turned off, leaving only the stage illuminated. The host then went up and started the event.


    "Welcome, everyone. Our once-a-month Imperial Auction is about to start. This time, we have quite a few good items that most of you will be delighted to bid for. Anyway, I know you''re all excited to see the treasures, so let''s start!"


    A female Zasfin then went up to the stage with a pillow. On top of it, there was a pendant that glistened a beautiful blue. It was quite an exquisite pendant that immediately caught the female customers'' attention.


    "The first item is an Earth High-Level defensive treasure. It''s called Blue Sea. It''s capable of creating a barrier of Water Element that reduces around 10 to 20% of the damage received. It operates through Spiritual Energy and Soul Power in unison. Of course, if your opponent''s cultivation is higher than yours, the effects will be reduced. Though, the opposite is also valid against weaker enemies. It''s a very good item in case you''re ambushed by many enemies with lower cultivation, which is pretty common when they know they aren''t a match for you alone."


    "The initial price is 2000 Rank Two Spirit Stones. Any bidding shall be at least 200 stones above the previous price."


    In an instant, several female voices were raised in the auction house. Although it was truly a good item for battles, the ladies were a lot more interested in its appearance.


    "2200!"


    "2600!"


    "3000!"


    "3500!"


    "4000!"


    It wasn''t before the price reached 5500 Rank Two Spirit Stones that the bidding war was finally over.


    Rean looked at the pendant and could tell that it had a formation with Soul Runes inside.


    ''Sure enough, Soul Power allows one to use Weapon Arrays in pieces of equipment that aren''t at the Heaven Level yet. I have to learn how to use Soul Runes as soon as possible.''


    Rean then looked at Frandin before saying.


    "After the auction is over, we''ll go to the Formation Master Guild. Qia and I already taught you enough for you to pass an Earth Low-Level Test. Once you finish that, make sure to take as much study material as possible, especially the ones related to Soul Runes."


    Frandin nodded, not minding it too much. He was already requested for that before, so he was basically waiting for it to happen.


    Surprisingly, one of Rean''s weapons was already the second item to be auctioned.


    "We have here an Earth High-Level saber. This is just one of several of this type in this auction. For those without a good weapon, you''ve lucked out to have appeared on today''s event."


    The host then continued.


    "We already had our appraiser analyze this saber, and he said that it was of a much higher level than common weapons at the same level. It can almost compete against an Earth Peak-Level weapon on its own, even without a Weapon Array. If you bring it to the Formation Master Guild and have it inscribed, it definitely will reach the level of an Earth Peak Level weapon."


    This time, it was the male Zasfins that were excited by that. Well, there were a few females that used sabers, so they were ready to give it a try.


    "The initial price is 2300 Rank Two Spirit Stones. Each bidding must be of at least 200 Stones or more."


    "3000!"


    "3400!


    "4000!"


    "4200!"


    "4400!"


    "4800!"


    Rean was very satisfied with that outcome. This weapon alone was already worth much more than he expected. In the end, the saber was sold for 5950 Rank Two Spirit Stones, much to Rean, Frandin, and Agis''s delight.


    The auction continued as more of Rean''s Earth High-Level equipment came out. Of course, Rean''s group was also captivated by a few items available in the auction house.


    "The next item is a drop from the Imperial Bloodline."


    *WOW!*


    Immediately, the auction house went into an uproar.


    However, Agis and Rean were puzzled.


    "Is there any use for that?"


    Frandin, who looked as excited as all the other Zasfins, immediately nodded as he replied.


    "Of course! Did you forget that the thicker the Zasfin Bloodline, the easier it is to use and train Soul Power? Sometimes the Imperial House elders gather some of their bloodlines when they need money. Obviously, Zasfins can use it to strengthen their own bloodline. You must understand that bloodline is an extremely important issue for us Zasfins. Unfortunately, it''s just a drop, though."


    Rean and Agis nodded in response after listening to his explanation. It had no use for them, but it might be of good use to Frandin.


    "By the way, is a single drop worth it?"


    Frandin nodded as he said.


    "It''s sad that it''s just a drop. However, the lower the purity of your bloodline, the higher the drop''s effect. That''s why most of the Zasfins in the auction house are excited. After all, not everyone is part of a clan with Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark owners. Most of them don''t have the talent enough to be accepted into a higher trial."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "It''s not that they don''t have talent, but that they aren''t willing to risk it out. Don''t forget how much your Soul Power increased even though you came from a low-nobility rank."


    Frandin nodded, responding.


    "Of course I know that. Still, my progress would have been even faster if I had that drop before."


    Rean and Agis laughed in response as it was obvious that Frandin wanted to get permission to bid for that drop.


    "Fine, fine! Considering that this item came in the first part of the auction, it should be a drop of a low member from the Imperial Family, probably those with earned Rank Seven Marks. You can bid for it."


    Frandin became excited as he said soon after.


    "Thanks!"


    On the stage, the host finished talking about the items before finally announcing the starting price.


    "The initial value is 3400 Rank Two Spirit Stones. Each bid can''t be less than 500 Stones. That''s all."


    Sure enough, the bidding war started right after.

 Chapter 640 - Magma Flower

    Frandin immediately pressed a small formation in front of him, indicating that he wanted to bid. Because the chambers were private, this thing was made to keep their identities hidden.


    "4000!"


    Frandin already jumped to that value, knowing that it would become higher soon. Sure enough, the other people who were interested also jumped right in.


    "4500!"


    "5500!"


    "7000!"


    "8500!"


    "10000!"


    Rean narrowed his eyes after seeing this. In just a few seconds, the bidding war had already jumped to over 10000 Rank Two Spirit Stones. That was already the price of two of the Earth High-Level weapons he put for auction. Not to mention that it didn''t seem to be slowing down.


    "11000!"


    "12000!"


    "13500!"


    "14000!"


    Frandin looked at the formation in front of him, but he was hesitating to press it. He understood that it was getting way too expensive.


    "Sigh... forget it. It''s not worth this much Spirit Stones."


    However, as soon as he said that, Rean pressed the formation for him.


    "20000!"


    Frandin and Agis were taken aback. They didn''t expect Rean to do such a thing.


    "Hahaha! If I told you to bid, then bid. So what if we use part of the Spirit Stones we got? I can get more Spirit Stones, so don''t worry. Besides, this is still not even half of what we can make today."


    Frandin couldn''t help but feel a little emotional.


    "Thanks..."


    The moment the 20000 Spirit Stone bid came out, the auction house went silent. It was obvious that whoever was inside that chamber wanted to have this Imperial Blood. However, not everyone was afraid.


    "21000!"


    Frandin immediately replied, though.


    "22000!"


    "23000!"


    "24000!"


    Inside another private chamber, a man narrowed his eyes as he looked in the direction of Rean''s group. Well, he could only see the room.


    "Who''s the guy that''s residing there?"


    The subordinate on his side shook his head, replying.


    "I don''t know. Should I investigate?"


    "No. Our main objective isn''t the Imperial Blood, so let''s focus."


    Suddenly, a young man beside him said.


    "Father, you need to get that drop for me. It isn''t much, but we don''t know when another one will appear for sale."


    The old man narrowed his eyes as he soon ordered.


    "Offer 30000. If the guy there bids anything higher, then give up. We need money for that item."


    His son''s eyes lit up as he immediately put up the bid. He doubted Frandin''s group would go that far. After all, the drop of Imperial Blood definitely wasn''t worth that much.


    "30000!"


    *wow!*


    Immediately, everyone looked at the bid panel. This turned out to be a lot more exciting than they thought.


    However, they had underestimated Rean''s group. Sure, the drop of Imperial Bloodline wasn''t worth that much... for Zasfins of this city''s level. Frandin came from a very low nobility rank. For him, that drop was worth every single stone since it would largely boost his Soul Power cultivation speed. He guessed that his Soul Cultivation speed would go up by at least 10% after he finished absorbing it. That was really impressive.


    Once again, the lower one''s bloodline level was, the higher the effect of the blood.


    "31000!"


    The young man in the other chamber immediately raged. Following that, his voice stormed into the auction house.


    "Who the hell are you? Are you doing it on purpose? I don''t know why you''re doing it, but you better retract your offer."


    Frandin was taken aback, but he immediately replied right after.


    "Who am I doesn''t matter. Also, I don''t even know who you are, so why would I target you? If I''m bidding for this drop of Imperial Blood, that''s because I need it. Now shut up and place your bid. If you don''t, then stay quiet and don''t bother everyone else."


    "You!"


    "Silence!"


    All of a sudden, the host shouted in the direction of the young man''s room.


    "Everyone has the right to bid for whatever they want. If you continue to cause problems, I''ll send you out of the auction. Don''t forget, this is the Imperial Auction House."


    The young man''s father narrowed his eyes as he looked at him, ordering the young man.


    "Maluco, sit down."


    Maluco gritted his teeth but followed his father''s orders. It turns out that this was the same guy who was accused of destroying the altar in that Bloodline Trial. Of course, it was found later that he had nothing to do with it. Though, because of the punishment, he was injured quite badly. This drop of Imperial Blood would be perfect since it would help him recover from his injuries, especially the damage in his Soul Power.


    On the stage, the host continued the auction.


    "31000 Rank Two Spirit Stones! Does anyone have a higher bid?"


    The auction house was silent. Sure enough, no one thought of the drop as much as that, especially since it came from a low-level member of the Imperial Family.


    "Sold to the guests in private chamber 304. Now, for our next item..."


    Frandin couldn''t help but feel excited. He completely ignored the auction as he waited for the Imperial Blood to be delivered. A few minutes later, a female Zasfin came into the chamber.


    "Here is your drop of Imperial Bloodline, little friend. As mentioned before, it will be discounted from the total amount of Spirit Stones you earn in this auction."


    Frandin nodded as he responded.


    "Very well. You can leave now."


    The female Zasfin nodded before retreating.


    "Alright, I know you''re excited. Though, remember that this is not the right time to absorb it."


    Rean then took the bottle and sent it into the Dimensional Realm.


    "Sigh... fine. I''ll wait."


    Soon, all of Rean''s weapons were sold out, none of them going for less than 5000 Rank Two Spirit Stones. Then again, that made Rean very aware of the difference between this and his previous world. If his weapons were sold there, those weapons of his would go for many more and higher-rank Spirit Stones. That just showed how much more difficult it is for Spirit Stones to appear on this planet.


    Nonetheless, all of Rean''s weapons gave him a profit of over 70000 Rank Two Spirit Stones, even when factoring in that 30% of the auction house. Taking out the 31000 from the Imperial Bloodline drop, Rean still had more than 39000 Spirit Stones, which would last them for a few months.


    After that, the auction entered the next phase as the host announced.


    "From now on, only Rank Three Spirit Stones are acceptable unless you exchange in the end. If you wish to use your Rank Two Spirit Stones, be aware that the exchange rate is 6 to 1."


    Everyone knew that a Rank Three Spirit Stone had the equivalent energy of three Rank Two Stones. However, no one would make such a trade since it was much easier to absorb a Rank Three Spirit Stone''s Spiritual Energy than using three Rank Two Stones. It was much better for cultivation. That being said, the exchange rate was always higher than the total amount, usually being 4 to 1. One must remember that this was a different planet, so the exchange rates are also different from before. Nonetheless, it was very hard for some to trade for that amount. Only at 6 to 1 would the Auction House be guaranteed to receive their Rank Three Spirit Stones.


    Of course, they were basically ripping them off anyway. But no one complained since they were an official institution of the Imperial Family.


    Rean pondered about his total amount of Rank Two Spirit Stones remaining before saying.


    "Without considering my Earth Peak-Level Weapon, we have equivalent to 6600 Rank Three Spirit Stones."


    Agis shrugged his shoulders as he said.


    "It''s not like we really need to buy anything. However, you might consider exchanging the Rank Two Spirit Stones anyway. After all, Rank Three Stones are much better for cultivation."


    Rean and Frandin nodded in response to Agis''s words. Of course, Rean wouldn''t make the exchange here in the Imperial Auction House. After all, even though it would still be expensive, he could at least get it with a 5 to 1 rate outside.


    On the stage, the auction continued as a few more items continued to go out. Sure enough, the numbers dropped a lot since the rank of the Spirit Stones had increased.


    "Our next item is a Magma Flower. For those who don''t know, this item is used for energy cultivation pills. The initial bidding price is 400 Rank Three Spirit Stones."


    Roan, who was also watching the auction through his connection with Rean, immediately said.


    "Try to get this Magma Flower. I can make a few good cultivation pills for us with it."


    Rean nodded in response. For a planet with little Spiritual Energy like this one, any advantage helped out.


    Rean nodded and asked Frandin to make the biddings. He would lose Spirit Stones for the flower, but it would help their cultivation a lot more than the Spirit Stones themselves. Even if they had to use the 6 to 1 exchange of the auction house, it was worth it. Of course, Rean''s weapon was still there, so it wouldn''t be necessary since he believed it would be worth more.


    "450!"


    "500!"


    "550!"


    "650!"


    In the end, Frandin acquired the flower for 700 Rank Three Spirit Stones, which was delivered to his group''s room a few minutes later.


    The items continued to come out until finally, Rean''s weapon entered the stage.


    "Our next item is an Earth Peak-Level sword. Be aware that it was made by the same blacksmith as the weapons of the first phase of the auction. That being said, it doesn''t have any inscription on it. Nonetheless, it does have the same quality, which means it''s far better than common Earth Peak-Level weapons. In a certain way, this sword is free for you to inscribe any weapon array you want, a true masterpiece!"


    "The initial price is 3000 Rank Three Spirit Stones!"


    Rean''s group was surprised. They knew it would be worth a lot more than his Earth High-Level weapons, but not by that much. And that was only the base value.

 Chapter 641 - It Looks Fishy

    Of course, they wouldn''t bid for their own weapon, so they only watched the bid go up.


    "3200!"


    "3500!"


    "3900!"


    "4000!"


    In the end, Rean''s only Earth Peak-Level weapon for auction went for 6300 Rank Three Spirit Stones. If they exchanged these Rank Three Spirit Stones for Rank Two ones, Rean could definitely make at least five times the price of an Earth High-Level weapon.


    "Great!"


    With that, Rean concluded his work to get everyone their Spirit Stones. Before, they were using the Spirit Stones that everyone got by selling the Demon Cores, which was almost gone by now. After this, they would not need to worry about Spirit Stones for a few months before needing to get more Spirit Stones again.


    A few more items appeared after that until finally, the last one entered the stage.


    "Thank you, everyone, for accompanying us so far. Now, we''ll bring the last item of the day. Most of you know our tradition. However, for those who have never heard about it, let me explain. The last item is something always donated by the Imperial Family. Many countries pay their taxes in several ways, and the Imperial Family ends up gathering way too many interesting things. That being said, auctioning them in the Imperial Auction Houses is one way of passing them forward."


    The host then looked by his side before saying.


    "Show the next item!"


    Rean''s group did not check the auction''s catalog since they mainly wanted the Spirit Stones from the weapons. That being said, they didn''t know what it was. However, they could feel the tension in the air as many eyes looked at the stage. It was obvious that most of the participants had been waiting for this moment.


    The same female Zasfin once again went up to the stage while carrying a small treasure box. On Maluco''s private chamber, he saw his father''s eyes lit up in the stage''s direction.


    After that, the host took the book from the girl before opening it and bringing out a bracelet. Rean''s group couldn''t understand why people were so excited by that. However...


    [Oh! Now would you look at that!]


    Sister Orb''s voice echoed in all their minds.


    "Sister Orb, do you know what that bracelet is?"


    Sister Orb responded with certainty.


    [Yes. Though, the guy should explain it to you soon.]


    Sure enough, the host looked at everyone with a smile before saying.


    "You''re very, insanely lucky. The Imperial Family gave us one Spatial Bracelet to auction today. For those who don''t know, this thing has a Spatial Space of three square meters inside it. It doesn''t matter how much it weighs. As long as it is within the size of the Spatial Space, you can store it there. However, the weight of the bracelet itself won''t change."


    The host then continued.


    "Many of you always move with big backpacks or with your trusted subordinates when you need to carry your items. However, with this thing, those problems would be a thing of the past. Besides, there''s no place more secure than keeping your treasures beside you during all times. The only limitation is that it can''t hold living beings. Other than that, you''re free to put whatever you want in there."


    "Usually, such a thing would only appear in the hands of High-Level Imperial Family Members. However, this bracelet was a failed product. The space inside is unstable, so it had to be shrunk to the size I mentioned a moment ago."


    "That''s why it''s available for selling. Unfortunately, the damage was so great that it''s not even worth recycling it for its material anymore. At the same time, none of the people who would usually be able to afford it wanted this thing. You should feel privileged. It''s said that no more than ten pieces of Spatial Equipment exist in the entire Empire. As much as it is a terrible failure, it''s still useful for Zasfins at your level."


    Rean''s group was taken aback.


    ''Isn''t that the same as the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm?''


    [They are indeed similar. However, that bracelet is of very, very poor quality. As the host mentioned, I can tell that the runes used to make it suffered severe damage during the forging process. Well, I''m not surprised since Spatial Equipment aren''t things that shouldn''t be crafted in this world to start with.]


    [It is weird. The guy said that no more than a ten exists in the Empire. That makes no sense since only someone who surpassed the Elemental Transformation Realm should be able to barely make this thing. You know how much this planet is lacking in energy, so I didn''t think there was anyone who reached that level here... or so I thought.]


    Surpassing the Elemental Transformation Realm... That was indeed an immense achievement. Back in Sasamil Empire, they only knew of one person who reached that level, Yulian Sasamil. He was also known as the Sasamil Family''s Ancestor.


    ''It seems like we need to reconsider the level of this planet.''


    Sister Orb agreed.


    [Yes. Of course, it might be that they found another way of crafting it after the Soul Gem System went to the other half of the Universe. Well, we''ll eventually find the answer to it.]


    Agis added.


    ''Then again, it''s far from matching something like the Dimensional Realm Rean and Roan have. Not only is it gigantic, but it can also hold living beings and circulate Spiritual Energy.''


    [But of course! Don''t underestimate the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Anyway, the impressive thing here is to even see a piece of Spatial Equipment in this place. You should be careful in the future since someone who can craft that bracelet might be able to feel the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s presence. Well, he or she wouldn''t be able to do anything to it anyway.]


    Rean nodded with a serious expression. That was the first time they heard Sister Orb mention the risk of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm being found. Of course, that is if one didn''t consider the attack that forced them out of Sunkan Planet. That enemy obviously knew where it was and tried to destroy it.


    Rean then understood why everyone was so excited by that bracelet. The Imperial Family might look down on it, but it is definitely a top piece of equipment in this city. The big powers who came to participate in this auction would be going all out for it.


    Seeing the expression on everyone''s face, the host felt immense satisfaction as he announced the start of the bidding war.


    "Now, then. The initial price is 1000 Rank Four Spirit Stones. Each increase must be of at least 100 Stones."


    Everyone''s expression froze at that moment. Rank Four Spirit Stones! Sure enough, that was a very, very rare thing in this place. Rean and Agis weren''t surprised by that since it was hard for even themselves to get it back in their old world, let alone here.


    However, that was to be expected. After all, the Imperial Family wouldn''t need to sell this for anything of lower quality. Unlike people here, they definitely didn''t lack Rank Three Spirit Stones, which were consumed like hotcakes over there. Only Rank Four and above would make any change for them.


    Rean then got up from his seat before saying.


    "Well, then. Shall we go back? That bracelet might look interesting and all, but you know that it has no use for me."


    Agis and Frandin bitterly smiled in response. It didn''t have much use for Rean or Roan, but they could definitely do with one of them. After all, the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm was the twins'' property, not theirs. They couldn''t access it anytime they want and had to always ask for it.


    Nonetheless, they quickly shook their heads and followed Rean to the door. There was no point in staying since they definitely couldn''t afford that bracelet to start with. However, as soon as they stepped out of the room, a few Auction House employees came and appeared in their way.


    Frandin narrowed his eyes as he asked.


    "Is there a problem?"


    The guy who seemed to be the leader of that group then bowed to Frandin before saying.


    "We are deeply sorry, esteemed customers. However, according to the auction house''s rules, the private chamber members must not leave before the auction is over."


    Frandin''s group found it weird. They had no intention of buying anything else, and there was only one item remaining. Why would they need to be kept behind? However, Rean quickly sent Frandin a Spiritual Sense message, telling him how to proceed. Frandin then smiled as if he didn''t mind.


    "Very well. In that case, please bring me my payment so that I can count my profit this time around. You should have no problem with that, right?"


    The employee was taken aback for a moment before he closed his eyes. A few seconds later, he opened it again and smiled.


    "There''s no problem at all. I already contacted the administration, telling them to bring the payment for your items here."


    Frandin nodded, satisfied.


    "Hahaha! Great! In that case, let''s go back and watch the last bidding war. I guess the big powers of this city are getting very excited over it."


    Frandin then entered the room with Rean and Agis, closing its door right after.


    Sure enough, it was, as Frandin said. The city powers were having quite a big fight for the bracelet. They even stopped bidding and began to argue with each other.


    This time, however, the host didn''t stop them. He knew who the Zasfin people arguing were, and this anger between their parties would probably shoot up the bracelet''s price even further. Not that Frandin''s group cared much about it, though.


    "It looks fishy..."

 Chapter 642 - Held Down

    Agis didn''t seem to mind as he said.


    "It''s fine. We can simply use the Dimensional Realm to leave this place, can''t we? As long as we have this card, nothing can hold us back."


    Rean shook his head, replying.


    "I''m not worried about that, but the fact that we might not be able to sell more things here. Maybe they won''t even give us the Spirit Stones from my weapons."


    Frandin couldn''t help but ask.


    "Of course, they might be telling the truth about the rule of not leaving till the very end. After all, we never really checked the auction''s practices. I''m sure you''ve noticed that not even a single Zasfin has left the auction house so far, nor did those human slaves."


    Agis and Rean nodded.


    "Well, that''s true. It might be just because they want to watch till the end too. Anyway, let''s wait and see. They should send us the Spirit Stones any moment now."


    Sure enough, they were right. They heard knocks coming from their door a minute later before the Zasfin guy from before entered.


    "Thank you for waiting, esteemed customers. Please, check the Spirit Stones."


    Frandin nodded and quickly sent his Spiritual Sense inside the bag of Spirit Stones. After making sure that the amount was correct, he smiled at the auction employee with a satisfied expression.


    "Very good. You already discounted your part and the price of the items I bought. The numbers are correct."


    The Zasfin guy nodded, replying.


    "Very well. The auction should be over soon when the fight for the last item is done. With that, I shall take my leave."


    The employee left right after without causing any problems. Seeing that, Rean couldn''t help but say.


    "Well, perhaps I was only imagining things."


    Frandin and Agis agreed with him.


    The arguments between the city''s powers for the Spatial Bracelet got even more heated as the auction continued. Seeing that they weren''t getting anywhere, two of the powers decided to ally up, putting their Rank Four Spirit Stones together. Once they acquired the Bracelet, they could reach an agreement between themselves.


    In the end, the Spatial Bracelet was sold for 6500 Rank Four Spirit Stones, which was a ridiculously high price. Unlike the exchange rate between Rank Two and Three Stones, the rate between Rank Three and Four Stones was much higher. First of all, almost no one would ever exchange their Rank Four Spirit Stones to start with. Obviously, Rank Four Spirit Stones were even more important here than they were back in Sunkan Planet.


    "Congratulations to the Lamal and Asume Clans for your victory. The Bracelet will be handed to the two of you in a moment."


    The host then looked in everyone''s direction before saying.


    "Thank you, everyone, for coming to today''s auction. With this last item, the auction is now over. You may now leave as you see fit."


    Rean''s group sighed in relief and immediately packed their things. Following that, they stepped out of their room and made their way out through a hidden passage. After all, the chambers were supposed to keep everyone''s identity hidden as long as they didn''t want to show themselves to others.


    However, as soon as they reached the exit, a strong Spiritual Energy Pressure came from above, pressing them against the ground. Naturally, that took Rean''s group by surprise. Rean''s group then did their best to look above, just to see a man floating there with a dark expression.


    "So, it seems these are the odd ones this time around?"


    He came down from the skies and stopped right in front of Rean''s group. Rean could have used his connection with the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to leave straight away. However, it didn''t seem like that guy planned to attack. That being said, he decided to wait and said the same thing to Frandin and Agis. He wanted to know why this guy came for them.


    Frandin then did his best to talk.


    "What is.. ha... penning?"


    The man got close to him as he looked at Frandin with his Soul Power.


    "As I thought, a Rank Five Bloodline Mark. The first time you came to this auction house, you showed a Rank Two Bloodline Mark. How come you''ve got a Rank Five Bloodline Mark now? Unless you went through a trial, there''s no way such a thing is possible. You''re the one who invaded our Trial Grounds and destroyed the Soul Altar, right?"


    Rean''s group was taken aback. Indeed. The first time they came to the auction house, Frandin had a Rank Two Bloodline Soul Mark. However, they didn''t show his bloodline mark once they arrived in the auction house this time. How did they know it changed?


    "I see... it''s not like you knew it was me, but that my presence was odd. I''m not someone from here, but I still brought out so many high-quality pieces of equipment. This is the Imperial Auction House, and the Bloodline Trials are guarded by the Imperial Guards. It isn''t strange that you got ahold of information of me."


    The man was surprised to hear that. Indeed, that was how they found Frandin and his humans.


    "Smart. However, that won''t help you. Tell me, who are you? Also, how the hell did you pass through our defenses and formations to enter the Bloodline Trial? Not only did you enter and did the Trial, but you also left without anyone noticing."


    Frandin smirked in response, saying.


    "How about you answer my question first? Who are you? I don''t talk with just anyone."


    *bang!*


    The man kicked Frandin, slamming him against the wall.


    "You better be careful about how you talk, idiot. Even if you came from a Celestial Land, it wouldn''t help you. Well, it''s not like it''s a problem to tell you my name. You can call me Firmel, the leader of the Imperial Guardians in this Bloodline Trial Ground. Also, a descendant of the Imperial Household."


    Rean found something was off from the very start.


    ''Imperial Household? That makes no sense. Aren''t the Imperial Family Descendants Rank Seven Bloodline Mark owners at the very least? How come he''s only a Rank Five Bloodline Mark owner?''


    However, Rean decided to ignore that for now. Instead, he paid attention to Firmel''s cultivation, as well as another thing.


    Soul Transformation Realm. Rean was absolutely sure that this was the Imperial Guardian''s level. It definitely wasn''t something they could deal with. However, he didn''t need to. He only wanted to understand how they were discovered, and he got the answer to that.

 Chapter 643 - Problems

    ''Then again, this truly shows how bad this planet is for cultivation. Someone directly connected to the Imperial Family is only at the Soul Transformation Realm, and he''s the leader of the Imperial Guardians in such an important city on top of that. Back in Sunkan, we even had Saint Realm cultivators in Jialin Country, which was a very unimportant and far away nation.''


    Rean quickly put those thoughts behind as he focused on the issue in front. He pondered if he should use the Dimensional Realm to leave or not.


    Frandin then looked at the elder as blood came out of his mouth. Then again, the elder wasn''t going to let it go.


    "It seems like you don''t want to talk. How about I kill these humans of yours? You seem to like them quite a lot, right?"


    The elder then sent his Spiritual Sense to Rean and Agis to see if they had anything hidden in their bodies. After all, he still didn''t know how Frandin entered the Bloodline Trial Grounds. He checked Frandin''s body one more time. Though, he couldn''t find anything that pointed to the reason. It was just to make sure that he didn''t miss anything. However...


    "What?! Late and Peak Core Formation Realm?!"


    Sure enough, a Spiritual Sense as strong as a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator was too strong for Rean to bend at such distance. The only reason the guy didn''t notice it before was that his Spiritual Sense wasn''t focusing on them. Now that he did, Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill was far from enough to keep it away from his dantian.


    "How''s that possible? You''re definitely younger than this Zasfin. No, you''re younger than anyone I''ve ever seen at your level! Wait, could it be that the rumors were true..."


    As soon as Rean heard that message, an idea popped into his mind. He then showed a helpless expression as he looked at Frandin.


    "Gian (Frandin), there''s no need to pretend anymore. He already figured it out."


    Firmel was taken aback by Rean''s words but narrowed right after.


    "I did, huh? Why don''t you tell me what I figured out?"


    Rean, who had already sent Frandin and Agis a Spiritual Sense message, smirked.


    "Are you pretending to be dumb? You should know very well what I''m talking about. Oh, well. I guess you''re still being cautious, so I''ll tell you anyway."


    With a bit of difficulty, Rean and Agis moved their hands to their slave collars, removing them. That only made Firmel even more certain that his conjectures were correct. These humans had never been slaves to start with.


    Agis then smiled as he said.


    "That''s right, we came from the Unity Celestial Land. Well, not that you don''t know that already."


    Soon after, Soul Power manifested as their Soul Marks appeared on their heads. Humans with Soul Marks!


    "This..."


    He could tell that they weren''t fake. Those Bloodline Soul Marks were genuinely earned! There was only one place known for accepting humans to cultivate, the Unity Celestial Land. But because they were too far away and there was little information, a few believed it to be just rumors, nothing else. Firmel also believed that... until a moment ago.


    Of course, there were also those areas like the Decadence Region. However, those zones were sealed, not allowing humans to escape. Besides, Rean and Agis''s cultivation was just too ridiculously high for their age. That''s not something humans, who had no access to resources in the Decadence Region, could achieve. Only a Celestial Land can make up such a genius into reality.


    Rean then looked at Firmel with annoyance as he said.


    "How long are you going to keep us locked down? Just release us already. I don''t mind answering a few of your questions."


    As much as Firmel didn''t want to, he knew there was truly one way for humans to get a Soul Mark, and that would be the so-called Unity Celestial Land. Of course, he wasn''t about to let them leave just because of that. After all, he said that being part of a Celestial Land wouldn''t help them, let alone one as far away as Unity Celestial Land.


    "Hmph! You three will come with me. If you try to run, know very well that I definitely won''t hold back."


    The Spiritual Energy Pressure that assaulted Frandin, Rean, and Agis immediately disappeared after that.


    "Phew... the difference in cultivation is really annoying."


    Firmel ignored that and enveloped the three with his Spiritual Energy. Soon after, he took flight and went back to the Bloodline Trial Grounds.


    On the way, Agis and Frandin couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Rean, what do you want to do with this? isn''t it too risky?''


    However, the one to answer wasn''t Rean, but Roan through Sister Orb''s help.


    ''The clans in this city only know so much about the Soul Rulers. Rean thought this was a good opportunity to ask someone directly connected to the Imperial Family about this. If the leaders of the various powers of this city know about it, the Imperial Guardians are bound to know more, especially this leader among them.''


    Rean nodded as he continued.


    ''That''s why I didn''t send us all into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. I just want to have a chance to find something else. Besides, we have one more problem.''


    Frandin immediately understood what the problem was.


    ''Now that they know about us, they probably connected the dots about the Portin and Asume Clans as well. Naturally, going there and asking them to take their Soul Purity Devices out won''t work anymore. Simply put, we can''t use them to call the Soul Rulers.''


    That was the problem they were facing. If Rean''s group wanted to do something similar once again, they would need to move to another big city like this one. As mentioned before, there were only four Rank Five Bloodline Trials in the Empire, so the next one was really far away. Their best bet would be to go to the next Empire instead. However, that would take a long time. That being said, Rean wanted to find a way out by talking with Firmel and the Imperial Guardians.

 Chapter 644 - A Vacancy

    They were soon brought back to the Trial Grounds, where Firmel showed them the destroyed altar.


    "What do you plan to do about it? Do you have any idea how expensive it is?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head as he replied.


    "Nothing much can be done. I''ll need to ask my elders to forge a new one, that''s all. However... that''ll take a very long time."


    Firmel narrowed his eyes as he looked at Rean and Agis.


    "Is that so? Why don''t you get in contact with him now? Surely you have a way, right?"


    Rean and Agis looked at each other and then back at Firmel. It was obvious that Firmel wanted to confirm their identities.


    "Well, if you insist."


    The two of them touched their forehead before their Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark appeared. Not long after, a voice echoed into their minds and Firmel as well. Of course, that was none other than Roan, using Sister Orb to do that.


    "What is it? Didn''t I tell you to not contact me before completing your test?"


    Firmel was taken aback. He could totally tell that the voice was coming from someone else, not from Rean, Agis, or Frandin. However, his subordinates had the place in full lockdown, so he was sure no one was nearby. It should have been almost impossible to contact anyone in this place because of the formations.


    That, in exchange, made Rean''s ''identity'' more believable. Firmel wanted to confirm with the Unity Celestial Land directly. Unfortunately, they were way too far away. Not to mention that even the Imperial Family itself barely had any contact with them, let alone Firmel himself.


    "Sorry, master. We ran across some... problems. We got caught by an Imperial Guardian of the Palif Empire."


    "Palif Empire? How did you get caught by such a puny Empire''s Guardian? Are you fucking kidding me?"


    Firmel''s mouth twitched in response. Puny Empire? Sure, they weren''t the biggest out there, but they weren''t that small either.


    "Sir, you better control your mouth. Whether you''re someone from a Celestial Land or not, that doesn''t matter. The fact still stands that they broke into one of our Bloodline Trial Grounds and broke the Trial Altar. You should know very well who the ones controlling the Trial Grounds of the world are."


    It was both a warning and a test. If the voice couldn''t even tell who he was talking about, then the identity of Rean''s group would obviously be fake.


    The voice went silent for a moment before answering.


    "Hmph! Do you think that just because the Soul Rulers control the trials, we''re submissive to them? However, we don''t want problems with them either. Tell me, what kind of materials were used in your altar? I''ll send you a new one. It''s just some Heaven Level parts, nothing worth worrying about."


    Firmel''s mouth twitched once more. Who would say ''just some Heaven Level parts?'' Sure enough, Celestial Lands were filthy rich. However...


    "Hmph! Do you think that''s all? They barged into our Trial Grounds without anyone noticing. If you don''t tell me how they did that, don''t blame me for forcing it out of their mouths."


    Firmel would definitely try to take as many advantages out of it as possible. After all, it was not every day he had the chance to talk with a Celestial Land elder. However...


    Dark Energy suddenly began to appear everywhere in the surroundings. When Firmel touched it, he felt like his life was being drained away. Of course, with his level, he could block that power. That wasn''t the problem, though. The problem was that the elder talking with him was doing that all the way back in Unity Celestial Land! Just how ridiculous was that? Once again, he was absolutely sure that it wasn''t Rean''s group who was doing it since his Spiritual Sense and Soul Power had been on them all the time.


    Nonetheless, Firmel tried to keep his calm as he asked.


    "Are you trying to scare me?"


    Roan smirked, though.


    "Scare you? That''s true. Why should I get angry at an ant? Forget it."


    The Dark Energy suddenly disappeared as fast as it came, much to Firmel''s relief. After that, Roan began to talk about something else.


    "Foran, show him how you got there. No one other than you can do it anyway."


    Foran was the name that Roan came up for Rean on the spot. It was just to make it look more real.


    "But master!"


    "Shut up! You were the one to get involved in this bullshit. First of all, why the hell did you enter their Bloodline Trial? You already have your own Bloodline Soul Mark."


    Agis was the one to answer that.


    "Master, we found a good servant during our journey. However, he wasn''t that useful with his Rank Two Bloodline Mark. We had to improve it. Master, you know that it''s hard for us humans to find a foothold outside. This was supposed to make our test easier to complete."


    Roan seemed to not care either.


    "You shut up as well. I should fail you two straight away for all the problems you''re giving me."


    Rean and Agis''s expression suddenly changed into one of fear. They immediately kneeled down as they pleaded.


    "Please, don''t! We''ll be more careful! Please don''t fail us!"


    Firmel was taken aback by that. Just what kind of test was that? What could make these two humans, who weren''t scared about his higher cultivation, feel so afraid in that test?


    Frandin, on the other hand, seemed to be at a loss. Well, that was supposed to be like this since he had just been ''added'' to the group later.


    "Then don''t waste my time anymore."


    Roan then focused on Firmel again before asking.


    "Tell me. What else do you want? It couldn''t possibly be just the altar and the method to enter this trial of yours."


    Firmel took a deep breath as he nodded. Sure enough, he still planned to get more things.


    "I want... I want you to allow my son to enter your Celestial Land!"


    This time, even Roan was taken aback. That definitely wasn''t something they were expecting. Nevertheless, Firmel had finally brought out his real intentions from the very start. Well, at the very least, Firmel seemed to believe them now.

 Chapter 645 - Give Me The Pill

    No, to be more exact, it could be said that this was his plan ever since he found about the invasion. He simply couldn''t believe anyone else could have entered their Bloodline Trial unnoticed. As for the Soul Rulers, they were the ones who controlled the Bloodline Trials. There was simply no need for them to enter the trial without anyone noticing. They could totally come and enter straight away, and no one would say anything.


    Roan went silent for a moment before saying.


    "Do you know what you''re asking? First of all, how do you expect to bring your son to the Unity Celestial Land? I believe you know very well just how far it is. If not for the test these two idiots are through, they wouldn''t have appeared where you are."


    Firmel then pointed at Rean and Agis before replying.


    "Simple, let them go with your disciples. Sooner or later, they''ll have to go back to you. When that happens, you can let him join your Celestial Land."


    Agis, who was listening, couldn''t help but ask.


    "And you... would believe us, just like that? What if we kill your son to get rid of the dead weight? I doubt he''s strong enough to fight any of us. Even Gian behind me is just a temporary helper."


    Firmel didn''t like the feeling of talking with humans at the same level, but he had to ignore it for now.


    "I already investigated your visit to the Asume Clan. It seems like you''re looking for one more helper, isn''t it? He has to have at least a Rank Five Bloodline Mark, which is obviously not a problem for my son. Would that make any difference if you chose someone from there or here?"


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he said in response.


    "But you should also know that the helper from Asume Clan will have to swallow a poison pill to make sure he or she will be loyal. Are you telling me you don''t mind knowing that humans have control over your son''s life?"


    That was the key here. The Asume Clan didn''t know that the real leaders of their group were humans. Besides, the Asume Clan was a clan that doesn''t hate humans. However, what about this Imperial Guardian? Or better yet, what about his son? He was also a descendant of the Palif Empire''s Family. Would he accept such a thing?


    However, Firmel''s answer surprised everyone.


    "He won''t mind, nor will I."


    Roan immediately understood something.


    "I see... There seems to be a reason behind your actions than just letting your son join our Celestial Land."


    Firmel nodded. However, before he could explain, a young man entered their room.


    "Father, let this son explain the rest."


    Sure enough, it was Firmel''s son. He had been listening to their conversation from the very start. He was truly shocked when Roan''s voice appeared in the room even though he wasn''t present. After everything he heard, even he believed Rean''s group to be from the Unity Celestial Land. It was the only possible explanation for it.


    Firmel nodded at him before introducing him to Rean and the others.


    "This is my son, Clad Palif."


    Clad then looked at Rean and Agis as his expression changed.


    "So you really are 100% humans. To think the rumors were real. However, your talent far surpasses mine."


    He could see that with his Spiritual Sense and Soul Power.


    "I would lie if I said it didn''t bother me seeing humans performing better than myself. However, I don''t have time to worry about the relationship between humans and Zasfins anymore."


    "As you know, I''m a Palif Imperial Family Descendant, but from a quite far away branch together with my father. That''s why we don''t even have a Rank Seven Bloodline Mark like the Imperial Family members in the capital. However, there''s a problem with that. Our branch of the family shouldn''t have existed. Even if you look into all the other cities of the Empire, you won''t find any other descendant with Rank Five Bloodline Marks like us."


    Rean finally obtained the answer to one of his doubts. The doubt that Imperial Family Descendants only had Rank Five Marks. Of course, he didn''t stop Clad from speaking.


    "Well, there was an outside affair a few hundred years ago between the Emperor and a commoner during one of his visits to this country. That''s why we exist right now. The problem is that it had always been kept a secret. So far, that''s not exactly a problem."


    Rean and Roan already got a picture of what was happening, with Roan saying.


    "Alright, I get the full picture. Simply put, your side of the family is getting bigger, and hiding your existence that came out of an affair is getting harder. That''s the same as saying that the Emperor spread his superior Bloodline with a nobody. Naturally, the other members of the family don''t like you, especially the Empress. The reason you want to join a Celestial Land is all because you need a background. If you become one of our members, the Empress'' side will have to think twice before making a move on you. Boring!"


    Clad and Firmel bitterly smiled in response. They didn''t doubt that this kind of problem is boring for Rean and Agis''s Master. Still, that''s a chance they couldn''t let go, even if it meant becoming a servant of the humans for a period of time. Their family branch was still more important than their pride. Besides, if it really worked and he joined the Celestial Land, Clad''s future would be several times better.


    "Sir, I haven''t asked your name yet."


    Roan snorted before replying.


    "You can call me Elder Haval. If you want to check my identity, go ahead and send someone to the Unity Celestial Land. You can use this token to prove you know me."


    Suddenly, a token appeared in front of Clad, which made his heart skip a beat. His father had already verified Rean, Agis, and Frandin. He was certain that they weren''t wearing any Spatial Equipment. However, such a thing still happened. How ridiculous was it?


    Roan also saw right through Clad''s question, which made Clad feel a little embarrassed. Clad and Firmel looked at each other as they used Spiritual Sense to talk. A few seconds later, Clad spoke.


    "There''s no need for that, Sir Haval. This is more than enough."


    Roan then said.


    "Vey well. You two, you wanted an extra assistant, right? Use this guy. I''m leaving now. However, if you fall into the same situation again, you will fail your test. Be happy that I didn''t fail your group straight away."


    Right after, the dark power that materialized Roan''s voice in the room disappeared. From the start to the end, neither Firmel nor Clad could tell just how he was doing it.


    "Errr... So I guess I''ll be in your care from now on?"


    Rean and Agis could see that Clad looked anything but happy to say those words. Sure enough, it still pained his pride that he would have to follow their orders.


    "If you don''t want, we won''t force you. Gian Torio here was given a chance to leave, but he decided to stay. You can give up if you want."


    Clad took a deep breath as his father touched his shoulders before saying.


    "There''s no need. Give me the pill."

 Chapter 646 - How Should He Deal With That?

    Later that day, Rean and Agis put their collars back and left with Frandin. Surprisingly, Firmel didn''t insist on the issue of entering the Rank Five Bloodline Trial. After all, since their Master could make an item appear without the help of Spatial Equipment, he could probably do the same thing with his disciples. After all, the room where they had their private conversation was supposed to be fully sealed. However, it still proved useless against Haval(Roan).


    Firmel didn''t ask about the plans of Rean''s group either. All he knew was that it was directly related to the Soul Rulers. A Celestial Land with connections with that power wasn''t anything unusual. It only added more to Firmel''s conviction. It was then agreed that Rean''s group will come by to take Clad later. They did the same thing as Xiria, leaving the healing pill behind in case Clad gave up in the next few days.


    On their way back to the city, Rean and Roan connected with the rest of the group to talk about it.


    ''As you can see, Firmel''s objective was to have his son join the Unity Celestial Land from the very start. The good thing is that his son is even better than Xiria. He''s older than her, but he''s already in the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Besides, his son does have an Earned Rank Five Bloodline Soul Mark.''


    Agis nodded as he said.


    ''He also took Roan''s poison pill. Say, Roan. What are the chances of them having a way to heal the poison in his body?''


    Roan pondered for a bit before saying.


    ''It shouldn''t be possible without someone with Dark Element Affinity. However, Firmel''s family definitely has much more resources than the Asume Clan. Even if they''re in a feud with the Empress'' side, they''re still direct descendants. Well, secret direct descendants.''


    That was the issue. Roan was pretty sure that the Asume Clan wouldn''t have a way to clean his poison from Xiria''s body. But the Imperial Clan was different. Roan didn''t think he was an omnipotent god or anything.


    ''Aren''t they afraid we would escape after we left Firmel''s estate?''


    ''It doesn''t matter. Firmel''s side branch is with its back against the wall. He can''t risk making an enemy out of us since he thinks we''re from the Unity Celestial Land. He can only trust that we''ll keep our word and bring his son together.''


    ''The problem is that we''re not part of any Celestial Land whatsoever. What will happen once Clad realizes it?''


    Calina then suggested.


    ''What about having Roan plan his training routine and make him understand that his best option is to follow us regardless. I mean... it worked out for Frandin.''


    Qia shook her head as she replied.


    ''The issue here is his family''s problem. Even if our training methods can make him stronger faster, he wouldn''t have the background to keep his branch safe. A Zasfin as proud as him probably wouldn''t accept to have been deceived by us. Even if it meant his death, he would try to leave our side to warn his father that the plan failed.''


    Roan agreed with Qia.


    ''Exactly.''


    Frandin found this conversation a little weird, though. With that, he commented.


    ''Errr... Why are we even talking about it? So what if he finds out that it was all a farce? We can simply leave him behind once we get what we need. We have no need to keep our word or anything like that, right? If you feel bad about this, you can simply tell him the truth and make him decide whether to keep following us or not. If he refuses, give him the healing pill and let him go back on his own.''


    Everyone was surprised by Frandin''s words. Indeed, why were they putting so much thought into it? Isn''t Clad a Zasfin that obviously didn''t like humans? Why should they care?


    ''Frandin''s correct. Leave this topic aside. We''ll simply use him until we''re safe. After that, we''ll leave it up to him.''


    Everyone agreed as they nodded. Considering how Zasfins treated humans in this world, they could already be regarded as saints by simply letting him leave later on. After all, the struggle among the Imperial Family members wasn''t their problem.


    With that said, Rean''s group went back to the workshop. After they arrived there, Rean went straight to the workshop.


    "What will you do now?"


    Rean gave a playful smile at them before saying.


    "With Firmel on ''our side,'' we basically have a free pass to sell my weapons and armors in the auction house. Shouldn''t I take this chance to increase our reserves of Spirit Stones?"


    "Oh! That''s true. We''ll help."


    Rean nodded as he said.


    "Great. I intend to make different elemental weapons, so I''ll need your Elemental Affinities. Of course, they won''t be the Elemental Energy Gathering type. I will also work on my new project of Light Element Equipment to see if Agis can use my Spiritual and Light Bending skills. Frandin has no need for it since he doesn''t need to hide his cultivation. As for the girls, you''re all Yin Energy cultivators, so it''s impossible to do that."


    They didn''t mind and immediately stepped forward to follow Rean''s command. However, Rean noticed that there was someone missing. Well, Roan wasn''t there since he was working on his Soul Power, trying to come up with a new training routine. Rean was thinking about someone else.


    "By the way, where''s Calina?"


    Qia and Malaka smiled at each other before saying.


    "Why do you think we bought so many things? We wanted to make her as cute and beautiful as possible. She should be testing the effects of the transformation right now."


    Rean, Agis, and Frandin couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Hahaha! I don''t think it''ll work on Roan."


    Qia and Malaka nodded.


    "We know. Then again, it''s better than not trying anything, right?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied.


    "Well, I guess that''s true."


    Qia then got close to him before hugging him from behind, much to his surprise as she whispered in his ears.


    "By the way, what about me? Aren''t you willing to give me a chance?"


    The others didn''t find it strange. After all, only Roan knew that Rean''s marriage was a farce back then. However, it was quite rare to see those two that close. Not that they found it weird, though. After all, the Sasamil Family disappeared because of the Soul Gem System. It was hard for Qia to overcome this fact even if they tried to act the same way as before.


    "Ahem... Roan and I are still the reaso-"


    Qia then closed Rean''s lips with her finger.


    "Your fault? We both know that isn''t true. You would never let that happen if you had the power to stop it. Sure, I''m still sad about everything that happened, but I''m not an idiot. I only needed time to recover from it. That''s why I haven''t tried anything else since then. However, seeing Calina going all out with her emotions, I feel like I''m losing to her. That deeply bothers me. With that said, I''m restarting my plan of becoming your wife for real."


    Rean scratched the back of his head. How should he deal with that now?

 Chapter 647 - Im Not Roan

    "Ahem... How can you be so... direct?"


    Qia smiled as she said.


    "Calina''s just doing the same thing."


    Agis and Frandin couldn''t help but say.


    "Hey, the two lovebirds over there. Can we start working already? I know you''re married, but you don''t need to throw it in our singles'' faces."


    Malaka laughed after hearing that.


    "Hahaha! It''s fine. Having some warm air around isn''t that much of a bad thing."


    Agis glanced at her before asking.


    "You say that, but how about you? Aren''t you single, just like us? Doesn''t it bother you even a bit?"


    Malaka shrugged her shoulders as she said.


    "Well, I would need to find someone who would love how I am."


    Frandin, Qia, Rean, and Agis shook their heads immediately.


    "Forget it. A single''s life isn''t bad either."


    Malaka''s mouth twitched as she responded.


    "You didn''t need to be that sincere, you know?"


    They all laughed, which just made Malaka even more helpless.


    "Hm-Hmph! You''ll see! There''s bound to be someone out there just like me."


    "That would be terrifying, but we''ll see."


    Rean then looked at Qia before saying.


    "Still, are you sure you can simply ignore what happened in Sunkan Planet? I mean, I''m not sure if I would."


    Qia shook her head as she replied.


    "I''m not going to ignore that. Instead, I''ll train hard to get my revenge against whoever did that. For them to not consider an entire planet''s worth of lives, they''re definitely the worst type you could ever hope to find. Still, you''ll help me, right?"


    Rean looked at her and then at Malaka and Agis, who nodded at him soon after.


    "Sigh... fine. I''ll also do my best to find just who did that. It''ll definitely take a long time, but we''ll get there, eventually... if we don''t die on the way, that is."


    Qia and the others nodded, except for Frandin, who didn''t have much to do with their planet''s situation. Well, he didn''t mind helping, though.


    Rean then looked at Qia with a smile again.


    "Now, then. I''m not Roan, you know?"


    That comment puzzled Qia.


    "What do you mean?"


    Rean then grabbed her waist and pulled the girl close before kissing her in front of everyone. They had kissed many times before to keep up the appearances. However, it was the first time Rean kissed her solely because he wanted to.


    Well, Malaka, Agis, and Frandin didn''t find it strange since they were married. They simply thought that Rean and Qia didn''t have these moments before because of what happened in Sunkan. Little did they know that today was completely different. Rean was truly doing it out of his own volition, which made her heart melt.


    Rean then approached her ear and whispered as well.


    "You brought it to yourself, mother of my children."


    Qia''s expression went bright red as Rean let her go.


    "Alright, everyone. The couple''s show is over. Let''s start working on the weapons for sale in the auction next month."


    Agis, Frandin, and Malaka nodded as they simultaneously answered.


    "Alright!"


    As for Qia, she didn''t hear anything as the previous scene played in her mind. Sure enough, Rean wasn''t Roan. Since she knew the truth and didn''t blame him, Rean had no reason to hold himself back anymore.


    ''Just what did I get myself into?''


    Suddenly, the door of their room opened as Calina came inside. She looked amazing after Malaka and Qia worked on her with their new clothes and make-up. However, it looked like she didn''t even notice them since her own expression was as bright red as Qia''s. Also, she seemed somewhat disheveled and... limp?


    Malaka, obviously, immediately came forward to ask.


    "Hey, hey, hey. Why are you ignoring me and just passing by? Is that how friends treat each other?"


    "Eh?"


    Calina was taken aback for a moment, and only then did she notice that everyone was there already.


    "Oh! You''re back already. Well, then. Don''t mind me. See you later."


    Before anyone could say anything, Calina rushed into her room, leaving everyone eating her dust.


    "Suspicious..."


    Rean was the one that found it the weirdest.


    "That doesn''t make sense. Roan would never care about how beautiful Calina looks since he doesn''t care about such things. Though, how come it seems like something really happened between them?"


    Qia, Malaka, and Agis nodded in response. They knew Roan enough to tell that Rean was right.


    "It was probably something Calina did to herself. If I''m not wrong, Roan didn''t notice anything amiss."


    "Well, that''s true. It must be her own thoughts."


    "Wait! Aren''t you at least curious? Who knows. Roan might have really done something to her."


    It was then that everyone laughed out loud.


    "Hahaha! There''s no way that would happen."


    Out of nowhere, the door of the room opened again, and Roan came inside as well. Sure enough, he had the same ice-cold face as always. Seeing that was enough for everyone to understand that Calina was definitely overthinking something again. As for how she looked, maybe she tripped somewhere?


    Rean then took the chance to ask something else.


    "Hey, Roan. Did you figure out how our new routines will work? We might head out of the city for a few days to visit the nearby Demon Beast territory to try it out."


    Everyone''s eyes lit up after hearing that. After all, they all wanted to test their Soul Powers already.


    However... Roan passed by them and walked into another room. From start to finish, it was as if he couldn''t even see them.


    "..."


    "Just what was that about?"


    "Could it be that... Roan really took action?"


    "That can''t be, right?"


    Malaka and Qia looked at each other and nodded.


    "This requires scrutinous investigation."


    Rean didn''t even have the chance to say anything before Qia and Malaka rushed into Calina''s room, closing the door behind. In the end, only the three men... and a snoring bird were left in the workshop.


    "Should we go ask Roan as well?"


    They narrowed their eyes after that question.


    "Do you think Roan would say something?"


    Indeed. It was easier to die being hit by a meteor than make Roan open his mouth at the moment.


    However, Rean''s eyes suddenly lit up as he said.


    "No, I think it''s worth a shot. Let''s go!"


    Although they didn''t know what was going on in Rean''s head, Agis and Frandin nodded as the three entered Roan''s room, leaving only Kentucky there sleeping.

 Chapter 648 - Give Up This Idea

    Rean quickly entered Roan''s room just to see him eating something on the table. Agis and Frandin appeared right behind Rean soon after and didn''t find anything strange with that. Then again, Roan would usually at least glance at them when they arrived, but this time, he didn''t do even that.


    Agis and Frandin stood by the corner while Rean sat across the table with him.


    "Hey, Roan."


    With that, Roan looked at Rean and asked.


    "What?"


    In response, Rean looked at him with a shocked expression and said.


    "What do you mean by what? I can''t believe you assaulted Calina. Man, you''ve been hiding your true feelings real well until now. I definitely didn''t know how much you''ve been holding yourself back, but man. That was definitely an eye-opener right there."


    Agis and Frandin were taken aback by Rean''s words. Assaulted Calina? How come they didn''t hear about it? However, they immediately understood what Rean was trying to do. He didn''t know what happened, so he went straight with the best option available, pretending that Calina told him about it. If he was wrong, Roan would just brush him off. But what if he was right?


    Surprisingly, Roan''s expression instantly turned into dismay as he shouted in response.


    "She told you?!"


    With those words, Rean''s shock had turned into reality. Frandin and Agis were no different. Roan was a master at seeing through lies. He would never mess up at all. However, he totally fell for Rean''s bullshit right now. That only showed that something really happened between the two of them!


    "What?! I was just joking. Wait a minute...if you said that...co-could it be that you actually had sex with her?!"


    Roan''s expression instantly went dark. Sure enough, he realized that he had slipped up.


    "Fuck off! I don''t want to talk about it!"


    *Bang!*


    Rean then slammed the table as he demanded to know the truth.


    "Like hell will I let this chance slip. Quick, tell me what happened? If you don''t, then I''ll just ask Qia later. You should know very well that Calina won''t be able to hide anything from her and Malaka."


    Dark Element began to spread around Roan soon after, showing that he was getting really pissed off by Rean''s insistence. However, Rean''s Light Element had also spread out, completely countering Roan''s Dark Element.


    "Hmph! Do you think I''m afraid of you? I might not be your match in a one-on-one fight, but you definitely don''t to attract the Zasfins'' attention outside the workshop, now do you?"


    Agis couldn''t help but say something before it escalated.


    "Hey, Roan. Is there any point in hiding it anymore? Come on, we''re not blind. As much as you adamantly refuse the fact, it''s obvious to everyone that you really like the girl."


    Frandin also added.


    "I haven''t known you for as long as everyone else. But I do know that you''ve always made the most logical decisions. You''re someone that definitely doesn''t like to waste time. However, you''re acting the exact opposite of that at the moment. As far as I know, you''re a lot more direct with everything you do. I don''t see that right now."


    Roan was taken aback by Frandin''s words. Following that, his Dark Element receded as he muttered.


    "Sigh...you''re right. To think that someone like Frandin would tell me that."


    Frandin''s mouth twitched in response. What did he mean by ''someone like him?'' At least he wasn''t as clueless about his own feelings, unlike Roan.


    Suddenly, Sister Orb''s voice echoed in the room as she said.


    [Well, you deciding to talk is definitely a good decision. Otherwise, I would do it myself. Hahaha! Oh my god! That was hot!]


    After hearing that, the curiosity of Rean and the others immediately shot through the roof!


    As for Roan, he really wished he had the strength to shatter the Orb at the moment.


    Going back in time, Calina had put on her new clothes and prepared herself with Malaka and Qia''s help. Following that, she went to see Roan so that she could ask his own opinion about that. She wasn''t expecting anything at all. After all, who didn''t know Roan''s personality? He never showed any interest in someone''s appearance before, and it probably would be the same even now. Nonetheless, it was still worth a try. At most, she would get no response, keeping up the status quo.


    "Hey, Roan. You there?"


    Roan''s voice quickly came from inside as he replied.


    "Enter."


    Calina then entered his room as Qia and Malaka silently cheered her from behind before she closed the door. Of course, Malaka and Qia weren''t expecting any progress either.


    Inside the room, Roan was sitting above a Spiritual Energy Gathering Formation that Rean had prepared beforehand.


    "What is it?"


    Calina then made a pose and asked him with a smile.


    "Look! What do you think of my attire?"


    Roan pondered for a bit before nodding.


    "Seems fitting. You followed my instructions and bought something that allows you to move easily in case you need to fight. It''s always good to be ready for anything."


    Calina felt like crying after hearing that. That wasn''t what she wanted to hear at all!


    "What I''m asking is if you find my current appearance cute or beautiful. Do these clothes and makeup look nice on me? Would you like to see more?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he asked.


    "Is there any strategic use for that?"


    It was then that he realized.


    "Now that I think about it, I''ve seen many women using their bodies to get what they wanted."


    Obviously, there was no lack of deaths whose cause in his past life was where beautiful women were using their looks to reach their objective. Be it accidental or not, he had seen them all.


    "I see...that''s what you were planning. I''m not good at judging looks, though. However, I wouldn''t use the sensual approach on this planet since it would be too dangerous due to your status as a human and a blond-haired woman."


    Calina was speechless. Roan thought that she wanted to deceive other men instead of trying to look cute for HIM! With that, she lost her patience and said.


    "Yeah! That''s right! I want to use my body to get the things I want. Who knows, my blond hair might be more useful than you''d think. Anyway, I just came here to report that. Once Frandin''s back, I''m going out with him and try my looks on a few weaker Zasfins. Who cares if they vent their urges on me? As long as I obtain what I want, then that''s fine. After all, our bodies are nothing more than a pile of meat, right? As long as I''m careful, I''ll be alright."


    Calina then turned around to leave the room. Of course, she only said that out of anger. There''s no way she would do that...it''s just that Roan didn''t know at the time.


    Hearing that, Roan suddenly felt a huge unwillingness. What she said was more or less the same as his words. There was no difference whatsoever. However, how come his entire being was screaming to stop her? In his mind, he had to stop it no matter what. He couldn''t let it happen. Surprisingly, before he could even finish processing those thoughts...his body moved by itself.


    *Grab*


    Roan immediately pulled her arm, bringing her back to him. Nevertheless, Calina was already tired of the same half-assed action. She had seen Roan act like he cared back then but then say that she was imagining things a few times previously. She was sure that he would do the same thing again.


    "What? Do you want som-"


    However, before she could finish her words, Roan pressed her against the wall behind her and kissed the girl. Calina''s eyes then widened in disbelief, not that she disliked it, though.

 Chapter 649 - Dont Poke The Sleeping Dragon

    Roan then looked at Calina''s face as he solemnly said.


    "I won''t let that happen."


    Calina, whose heart was almost bursting out of her chest, then asked while Roan still held her in his arms.


    "Why? Isn''t what I said in line with how you think about things? What kind of thing is virginity if you can use it to complete your objective? Those are your words, not mine."


    Roan narrowed his eyes in response. He couldn''t refute it since that was indeed what he said. Eventually, he let Calina go before sitting back down on the Energy Gathering Formation. Nevertheless, it was obvious that he had a lot going on in his mind right now. One couldn''t blame him, though. This kind of situation was a first for Roan.


    "You''re right. What am I saying here? I have no right to stop you."


    Calina was taken aback when all of a sudden, she burst out in laugher.


    "Hahaha! That''s the first time I''ve seen you look so... human."


    She then ignored the embarrassment she was feeling before deciding to sit on Roan''s lap, laying her back against his chest. This time, however, Roan didn''t have the same annoying expression as always.


    "Say, do you want me to do what I said or not? That''s all I want to know. Forget about logic. Forget about your usual self. I just want a very simple answer."


    Roan shook his head, succinctly replying.


    "No."


    Calina smiled, satisfied.


    "Good boy. Now, the last question."


    Roan couldn''t happen but ask.


    "Didn''t you just say that this was all you wanted to know?"


    Calina playfully smiled in response, replying.


    "I lied. It''s impressive that you didn''t notice it straight away."


    Calina then turned her head to the right as she gazed at Roan''s face through the corner of her eyes.


    "Do you like me?"


    Roan was taken aback by the question. However, there was a good thing about being him. His last action made it very obvious in his mind how he felt regarding this girl. Since it was obvious, he wouldn''t beat around the bush anymore and just say things straight.


    "Yes."


    Calina''s face turned as red as a tomato before looking away.


    "I see..."


    To hear that come from Roan himself, how happy could she be right now? Then again, Calina knew her limits, quickly getting up before saying.


    "That''s good, then! I''m heading back to my room to change my clothes. As cute as they might be, they were made with female Zasfins in mind. The proportions are bothering me a bit."


    Of course, that was just an excuse to escape since she couldn''t look at Roan''s face anymore. She still needed some time to calm down. Unfortunately...


    ''Death Style, First Energy Form, Shadow Bind!''


    Dark vines soon wrapped around Calina''s waist before pulling her back. Of course, with Roan''s control over his Dark Element, she didn''t feel any pain or anything like that. She once again fell into his embrace as he looked at her with a serious expression.


    "Do you think I could let you go after all of this? Hmph! Naive!"


    Calina was taken aback. She wanted to say something, but Roan''s lips on top of hers made that impossible. One must remember that this was a scene from a few hours ago, and Calina only came out of Roan''s room once Rean''s group had returned from the auction house. While that was happening, the auction was just about to start selling their items.


    Roan then used the Soul Gem Dimension Realm to remove her clothes in a flash of silver light, much to her surprise. He never cared about the clothes anyway. He only cared about the girl. Calina''s naked body appeared in front of him once again. The first time he had seen it in its entirety was during the river event, but that was over ten years ago. At that time, Calina was young to the point her chests had barely developed. But now, they were in full bloom.


    A myriad of emotions currently filled the couple. Calina was afraid, happy, embarrassed; every emotion was passing through her mind at this instant. Nevertheless, she lost to his assault almost instantly. Any thoughts of fleeing disappeared from her mind not long after. First of all, the beast she had awoken wouldn''t let her go even if she wanted to.


    Then again, Calina was the one at fault here. One must remember to never poke a sleeping dragon. Roan felt like something had been unchained inside his body as his actions turned even more passionate as time passed.


    Sister Orb, who was watching everything unfold in silence, decided to give the new couple a helping hand.


    [Don''t say your Sister Orb isn''t looking after you.]


    A special invisible barrier then appeared around them, blocking any sound from getting out.


    Well, Roan couldn''t care less about the sounds anymore. His clothes also disappeared not long after Calina''s. This time, Calina saw a different reaction from the one back in the river. Roan''s dragon was as awake as it could be, craving for the warmth of her den. She felt afraid for a moment before feeling happy once more. After multiple failures, she had finally made this ice block interested in her body.


    "Come. I''ve been waiting for you."


    With those words, Roan''s last ounce of sanity had instantly disappeared as the beast in his body took full control as his mighty dragon entered her cavern. Blood flowed as the two had finally become one. There was pain, though there was also happiness. Calina knew that she would one day lose her virginity, and the man on top of her right now was exactly the person she hoped for to take it away.


    What happened after that was just natural. Man and woman connected as one in ecstasy and delight as moans and pants filled with pleasure filled the room. Of course, Calina''s moans only existed inside their space since Sister Orb stopped it from going out.


    And just like that, the two let go of all their worries and made sure to let the moment consume them entirely. Calina''s pain gradually disappeared, quickly being replaced by immense pleasure. Roan''s feelings were also overflowing like never before.


    It wasn''t before a few hours that the two had eventually collapsed in exhaustion. Roan was at the Peak of the Core Formation Realm. Fortunately, Calina was in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. That being said, one could already guess just how aggressive he was to make both of them tired to that extent. Just how many times did they climax? Calina had already lost count by the end.


    Surprisingly, just as they finished, Rean sent Roan a message through their Soul Connection. Well, one could already guess what it was. Rean was basically asking Roan if he should buy the Magma Flower or not. Roan, trying to hide his exhaustion, answered straight away with a yes, responding that he could use it for his pills.


    In the end, Calina lied with her chest lying again Roan''s as she muttered.


    "Perhaps we went a bit too far."


    Roan then took a deep breath, feeling just as confused as Calina as he said.


    "Just what happened to me? This is not how I usually act at all."


    Calina laughed a little before saying.


    "And you''re the one to ask. You were the one who pulled me back when I tried to leave, you know?"


    Roan looked away in response, pretending he didn''t hear anything.


    Calina then tried to get up, but she had no strength whatsoever. She could use Spiritual Energy to help her with it, but she didn''t want to rouse her cultivation at this moment. Roan then patted her head before saying.


    "Rean and the others won''t be back anytime soon. Just rest for now. After all, this was all my fault, so I won''t complain."


    Calina giggled as she said.


    "This is the second time in my life that you patted my head. Do you still remember the first time?"


    Roan nodded, replying.


    "It was during the war back in Jialin Country. I can still vividly recall it."


    Calina smiled, satisfied. After that, they didn''t say anything else and just enjoyed each other''s touch for the time being.


    As everyone knew, Rean''s group auctioned all of Rean''s weapons later on. After that, they were captured by Firmel and brought back to his state. At that time, Roan played the elder role to fool Firmel and Clad, his son.


    Little did Rean and the others know that while Roan was acting, he was lying down with Calina, both naked. Fortunately, because he didn''t need to move and had Sister Orb''s help, everything played out without anyone noticing what was happening. Well, Sister Orb did, but she kept quiet.


    Eventually, everyone came back to the workshop Frandin rented. And now, Rean''s group was hearing the whole story from Sister Orb while Roan sat in front of them.


    [Too bad I didn''t have popcorn at the moment. Oh, well. I wouldn''t be able to eat it anyway. Nevertheless, your sister here is very impressed. She''s proud to have raised such a strong man that can satisfy a woman to that extent. Good job, Roan!]


    Roan''s mouth twitched in response as he asked.


    "Do you need to go into such fine details?"


    [But of course! Back then, when Rean and Qia had their honeymoon, didn''t I also tell you everything? It''s just fair that I tell him as well.]


    Rean nodded with a bright smile.


    "Exactly! Good job, Sister Orb!"


    Agis then looked at Roan as if he was seeing a ghost, saying.


    "Man...I even wondered if you had some problem down there. I mean, Calina''s a beautiful woman. I''m surprised you were able to hold yourself back for this long. She definitely woke up the dragon after that. I''m incredibly hard just from hearing the full story."


    Rean and Frandin nodded vigorously as they simultaneously replied.


    "We know, right?"


    Roan had to hold himself to not cut these guy''s heads.


    "Hard your ass! Is that how you talk about someone else''s woman?"


    Rean laughed out loud as he asked.


    "Hahaha! So, you now admit that she''s ''YOUR'' woman, huh? Dad is proud of you, son."


    Roan finally lost his patience.


    "Enough! I don''t want to talk about it anymore."


    Agis and Frandin also smiled after that. It was just way too rare to see Roan like this. Who knows when it would happen again.


    However, it was then that Sister Orb asked.


    [By the way, you let your stuff inside her so many times during that. What if she gets pregnant?]


    In less than an instant, Roan''s expression froze. Indeed, that was possible, right?


    ---


    Author''s note: I released a new project called The Ascension Age, check it out if you like this type of work.

 Chapter 650 - Questions

    Going back a few minutes in the past before Sister Orb told Rean''s group about what happened between Roan and Calina. In the girls'' room, Malaka and Qia wanted to ask Calina regarding the details of what happened. However, Calina insisted that she had to take a bath first. Of course, Malaka and Qia insisted.


    "What?! Why are you leaving us in suspense? Can''t it wait?"


    Calina immediately shouted with a hurried expression.


    "IT CAN''T!"


    She couldn''t be blamed, though. After all, she had been lying down beside Roan until a few minutes ago. Now that she was standing up, a certain white substance began to ooze out of her special place...a lot of it at that. It was just like Roan to be like that. He was...very thorough with his actions.


    Without any other choice, they had to wait for Calina to finish taking her bath before finally asking what happened.


    And with that, they heard everything. Malaka and Calina''s expressions were as red as Calina''s. They obviously noticed how long Calina spent her time there in the room with Roan. However, it was Roan they were talking about, right? All they thought was that Calina kept trying to get Roan''s attention all this time and would ultimately fail. They couldn''t believe it when they heard that Calina and Roan ended up having sex, which lasted for several hours. No wonder Calina looked so haggard when she came out. And...well...they could imagine why she couldn''t wait to take a bath.


    "Woooooaaaaahhhh!"


    Malaka couldn''t hide her excitement.


    "You really did it! You cracked the nut! Holy shit! Does that mean I''m the only virgin in our group now?"


    Calina dropped her head in embarrassment while Qia''s mouth twitched in response. Qia was still a virgin but couldn''t bring that up. How annoying was that?


    "What are you saying? This is an important moment for us women, okay? Don''t talk as if you should go out and have sex with the first man you see."


    Malaka nodded as she replied.


    "Of course! I might be like this, but I also think of it as something important. Anyway, why are we talking about me? We all know very well that I don''t have any pretenders. Well, you know...no one would want to have a relationship with me to start with."


    Calina and Qia nodded vigorously as they simultaneously replied.


    "That''s true."


    Malaka couldn''t help but think not long after their response.


    ''Hey, shouldn''t you comfort me instead?''


    Though, she quickly put those thoughts behind and turned to Calina as she asked.


    "Then again, Calina, tell us more about the sensation. I want to know. Qia always refuses to tell me how it went with Rean. You''re my best friend. You won''t keep me in the dark, right?"


    "This..."


    How could Qia talk about something that didn''t happen? That''s why she always refused. Calina then thought how Malaka always told her everything, so she felt conflicted about sharing her experience in the open like that. Though, in the end, she lost to Malaka''s insistence and told the two girls everything in detail. Of course, there were parts where only when they passed through the same experience would they understand.


    By the time Calina had finished recalling the scenes, both Malaka and Qia were looking down at the floor as steam came out of their hot heads. Calina then looked at Qia with a puzzled and still red expression, asking.


    "I can understand why Malaka''s like that, but why are you acting like that? It''s not like you don''t know how it goes since you have a lot more experience with that, right?"


    Malaka immediately raised her head and looked at Qia. As for Qia, she looked away, trying to avoid the two girl''s gazes. Little by little, Malaka and Calina''s pressure increased. Something was definitely fishy, especially since Qia always refused to comment about it. Eventually, Qia couldn''t hold back anymore and yielded to the pressure.


    "Alright! Alright! We haven''t done it, okay?! We had never had sex before, not even once! It was all a farce, A FARCE!"


    Calina and Malaka were taken aback, with one of them asking in response.


    "And you kept pretending that it happened until now?"


    Qia nodded, ashamed.


    "I didn''t want to risk losing Rean to someone else, okay? So, I never tried to clear things up. As long as the others thought we had a real relationship, no other girls would have funny ideas towards my Rean. That was all."


    Qia then proceeded to explain why she and Rean married. It was a way of joining both sides through political relations between the Sasamil Imperial Family and the Dalamu Sect. Ever since then, Qia had tried to get Rean for herself in the truest meaning of words. Unfortunately, due to the twins'' past, Rean had always refrained from touching her. Only after the Sunkan Planet exploded did she understand why Rean didn''t want a relationship.


    "I see...so that''s why."


    Malaka and Calina couldn''t help but feel a little sad for Qia. After all, she had been trying for so long. Up to now, Rean hadn''t yielded to her actions. However, it was then that Malaka remembered something.


    "Wait, just a few moments ago, Rean grabbed you and gave you a kiss. If there''s no need to pretend anymore, why did he do that?"


    Qia then got embarrassed as well as she replied.


    "The fact is that it took me this long to overcome my sorrow from what happened in Sunkan Planet and my family. Rean noticed that as well, so he had never tried to force anything. Today, after seeing Calina going all out for her love, I noticed how idiotic I was acting. First of all, Rean and Roan were related to what happened, but they definitely didn''t do it on purpose. That being said, I decided to attack once again."


    Qia then remembered that scene while she continued to talk.


    "However, it is as you said, Malaka. We already know everything, so if we insisted on it, it''s because we accepted the future consequences. It was not like Rean didn''t like me, but that he wasn''t sure if I hated him for what happened instead. A few moments ago, when he kissed me, it was because I took the first step and told him that I still wanted him. And so...he let go of his worries and accepted me as well. Well, we were already married, so the fake relationship just simply turned into reality. It''s just that we haven''t had the...you know."


    Malaka obviously understood what she meant.


    "So...Calina was the first one to lose her virginity, huh?"


    Calina didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. This wasn''t a title she felt happy to hold.


    "Just don''t talk about it anymore, okay?"


    Malaka nodded before looking at Qia, asking.


    "But...you do want to do it with Rean, right?"


    Qia was speechless with Malaka''s straightforwardness. This girl really didn''t hold back with her words.


    Suddenly...


    *Bang!*


    The door of the room was opened with a kick, which immediately caught the girl''s attention. Rean then strode inside with a dark expression, prompting one of them to ask.


    "Wh-What''s happening? Enemy attack?"


    The girls quickly got up, ready to battle if necessary. However, Rean ignored Malaka and Calina before grabbing hold of Qia''s hand as he said.


    "Come! It''s now time!"


    Qia''s expression was that of confusion as she asked.


    "Time? Time for what?"


    Rean then looked at her with an angry expression as he replied.


    "Do you think I can accept an ice block like Roan losing his virginity while the nice guy, me, is still craving his wife''s body? I can''t accept that! Let''s go! It''s baby-making time!"


    All the girls'' expressions went bright red once again. However, before Qia could say anything, Rean activated his Enhancement Skill before disappearing from the room. At the same time, Sister Orb''s voice echoed in everyone''s head.


    [Oh, it seems like I need to prop up another soundproof barrier. Oh, well. So be it.]


    Rean slammed the door of another room shut, making sure that no one could pass through it.


    Calina and Malaka then quickly came out of their room and looked at the door Rean and Qia went through.


    "Is...is she going to be okay?"


    Malaka shrugged her shoulders as she replied.


    "Well, she accepted him, didn''t she? He also has no reason to pretend that he couldn''t see her emotions. That being said...let the married couple do married couple things...I guess?"


    Calina nodded but still felt hot after everything that had happened. Following that, Roan and the others came out of the room as they also looked at the room where Rean and Qia entered.


    "Are they doing what I think they''re doing?"


    Roan, who never cared about things like that before, nodded as he replied.


    "Are you dumb? If not that, then what?"


    Roan then looked at Calina with his ice-cold expression. Sure enough, it wasn''t like he would suddenly transform just because of what happened.


    Calina, of course, knew what was hidden behind that poker face, so she didn''t mind. She then smiled before asking.


    "What is it? Missing me already?"


    Roan got closer to Calina when suddenly, he crouched down in front of her and looked at her belly.


    "Wh-What is it? Is something wrong?"


    Roan''s dark expression intensified as he looked at her.


    "When was your last period?"


    Calina almost vomited blood after hearing that. Is that something one should ask in front of everyone? Well, it''s Roan we''re talking about, after all.


    "Th... That was around 13 days... ago?"


    Roan nodded and asked another question.


    "How many days does your period take?"


    Calina felt like crying already. Was there a reason to talk about that? The point was that Calina knew little about fertile days and things like that. After all, the last planet and this one were still far from a planet like Earth. Talking about such issues was a very rare thing and kind of a taboo between men and women. Last but not least, Calina was separated from her mother very early due to the Profound Abyss event. Simply put, she had no idea as to what her fertile days would be. Roan, on the other hand, obviously knew very well.


    "D-Do I need to answer that?"


    Roan nodded with a serious expression, prompting Calina to shyly reply.


    "Around 28 to 29 days..."


    Roan narrowed his eyes even further. Calina couldn''t hold her curiosity anymore and asked Roan.


    "Why are you asking that? Is that a bad thing?"


    Roan then got up and began to explain.


    "For female humans with period cycles of 28 days or so, their most fertile time would be 12 and 14 days before the next one. That being said, you''re right in the middle of it."


    Calina was taken aback.


    "Do-Does that mean I''m pregnant now?"


    Roan shook his head as he replied.


    "Of course, that doesn''t mean that you''ll definitely get pregnant. Also, those days aren''t iron rules since a woman can get pregnant outside of it. Nevertheless, as far as chances go, we really selected the worst day possible to have sexual intercourse."


    Calina and everyone else were shocked. They didn''t know about this specific information. Roan didn''t stop, though.


    "Sigh...the worst part is that I didn''t hold back at all, ejaculating my sperm inside your womb so many times that I lost count."


    Calina almost died of embarrassment after that. It''s really impressive how Roan doesn''t care talking about such topics in front of everyone else. He didn''t even blink!


    ---


    Author''s note: I released a new project called The Ascension Age, check it out if you like this type of work.

 Chapter 651 - Shameless King

    Roan then showed her a solemn expression before saying.


    "I''ll be direct. This is not the right time to have children, and that time won''t come anytime soon. That being said, I will now send my Dark Element inside to stop the process."


    Calina was taken aback as she took a few steps back, asking.


    "Are you telling me that you will kill our child?"


    Frandin, Agis, and Malaka looked at Roan after that, thinking of the same thing. Was he really that cold?


    Roan shook his head as he replied.


    "Don''t worry. At the moment, you haven''t been fertilized yet."


    Naturally, that puzzled everyone.


    "But, didn''t you just say-"


    Roan cut Calina in the middle of her question as he explained.


    "What I said was that this is your most fertile period, not that you would get pregnant straight away. You guys don''t know it because you have never lived in modern society. Anyway, that doesn''t matter at the moment. What you need to know is that your ''egg'' has to meet my sperm first, and then it has to break the barrier of the egg for it to get fertilized. This process takes around 24 hours. Before that happens, there''s no such thing as a child."


    Roan then continued.


    "What I''m going to do is simply kill my sperm, not a kid since a kid doesn''t really exist at the moment. Not to mention that even if I don''t do it, there''s a good chance that it wouldn''t work anyway since it''s all based on probability."


    Calina sighed in relief as she soon asked.


    "So you''re preventing it from happening and not really killing a new life, right?"


    Roan nodded as he responded.


    "If you don''t believe me, you can ask Rean about it. He also lived in modern society before, so he knows it as well as I do."


    Calina nodded, allowing Roan to do what he wanted. After all, she wasn''t an idiot. It was obviously a terrible moment to start a family. Roan then touched Calina''s belly as his hair changed into a mix of white and black. After all, he had to use Rean''s Light Element to protect Calina''s organs. He wasn''t as good as Rean with it, but he could slowly work in this process.


    However, it was then that he received a Soul Message from Rean.


    ''Hey! I didn''t bother you when you were having fun a few hours ago. Can you not interrupt me?''


    Roan''s mouth twitched as he hastily replied.


    ''Why would I care about you having sex? If I''m using your Light Element, that''s because I need it, idiot! Just focus on your girl there and leave me alone. I''ll stop it once I''m done on my side.''


    ''Fine! But next time, warn me beforehand.''


    Roan''s Spiritual Sense soon entered Calina''s body and focused on his own sperm in her womb. Soon after, he covered her organs in Light Element before using his Dark element to attack the sperm. Sure enough, the process was slow but precise. He completely killed every single sperm inside, making sure to check the entire extent of both paths.


    As he did that, Frandin, Agis, Malaka, and Calina took the chance to ask more about his words from before.


    "Can you tell us more about it? We didn''t even know that women had eggs. How come no one on this side of the Universe saw these eggs you talked about?"


    Roan didn''t mind as he answered.


    "Obviously. A woman''s egg measures around 100 micrometers. And that''s considering that a woman''s egg, or ovum in simpler terms, is one of the largest cells in the body."


    "Mi-Micrometer? How big is a micrometer?"


    Roan looked at them and sighed after that.


    He then drew on the ground a small line that measured just one centimeter. He also used his Spiritual Energy to mark equal ten sections of that same centimeter. After that, he gave a quick explanation.


    "Can you see those ten sections?"


    Everyone nodded as they waited for Roan to continue.


    "The total length of these ten sections is one centimeter. If it''s just one of these sections, that''s called a millimeter. It''s small, right? Well, an ovum is just one-tenth of that size. That''s a woman''s egg. It''s truly big when you compare it to normal cells like red blood cells."


    After that, Calina and the other began to ask even more questions, which Roan explained little by little as he kept manipulating the elements inside Calina''s womb. They came to understand what cells were and that it was far from being the smallest things that existed. As one could imagine, they had a very hard time believing Roan''s words.


    Roan wasn''t surprised since very few races on the other side of the Universe even knew about it. Nevertheless, Roan believed that there would definitely be races in this side of the Universe that knew about it as well. It''s just that they had been inside ''medieval'' planets until now.


    "Atoms...to think that everything in the Universe was made of these things, even ourselves."


    Eventually, Roan finished his work before getting up again as he said.


    "Alright, you can ask Rean more about it later. For now, take your time and process this information. After all, I don''t expect you to understand the scale of how things work straight away. Humans back on Rean''s planet, on the other side, would only learn about it gradually in the passage of academic years. Just understand that I''m not lying. This really is how things work. Well, not that it would make too much of a difference to you at the moment."


    Calina then looked at her belly with a sad expression as she muttered.


    "Even though I know we didn''t reach the point of creating a new life, it still feels wrong."


    Roan didn''t refute that as he responded.


    "That''s up to how you see the world. At the moment, I only see it as the correct action due to our current situation."


    Malaka smiled before asking.


    "So you''re saying that if we were in a safe position, you wouldn''t intervene, huh?"


    Calina and the others immediately looked at Roan. Indeed, his words really implicated that he, in fact, wanted a child as well.


    Roan narrowed his eyes in response as he asked.


    "It seems like you''re all quite free at the moment, huh?"


    *Vup!*


    Sure enough, everyone dispersed like the wind when they heard Roan''s words.


    Roan snorted after that before returning to the Spiritual Energy Gathering Formation room to work on his Soul Mark.


    Rean, not wanting to lose to Roan, spent quite a few hours mingling with Qia. He kept using his Light Element to remove his exhaustion. That being said, he really didn''t hold back at all, much to Qia''s mix of despair and happiness. When they finally came out, Qia was even worse off than Calina was.


    Of course, he understood the same principle as Roan, so he also made sure that Qia wouldn''t get pregnant either.


    As Qia stayed back and rest, the two other girls went inside the room to talk with her.


    In Rean''s case, he had his Light Element, so he went back to work straight away. In the end, he only stopped because Qia couldn''t hold for much longer...and because his Light Element couldn''t really replenish his ''ammunition.'' Even though he had the Light Element, it could never fix that problem of eventually becoming dry...


    Frandin and Agis then came to the workshop to help him out. Of course, they looked at him as if they were expecting something.


    "What?"


    Agis put his arm around Rean''s shoulder before asking.


    "Hey, Roan told us everything. Isn''t it about time for you to share your experiences as well? That''s what brothers should do."


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he looked at Agis as he asked.


    "Since when did we become brothers? As far as I remember, we had quite the feud against each other before coming to this planet."


    Agis laughed, not minding at all.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine! That''s all water under the bridge. What matters is the future! So, are you going to open your mouth and talk?"


    Frandin couldn''t help but follow Agis'' example as he continued.


    "Exactly, brother! We Zasfins are related to humans, so I''m also very curious to hear what went different during your fun time. You can''t possibly leave your brothers in the dark, right?"


    Rean''s mouth twitched in response. Frandin never acted that close before either.


    "Aren''t you two being way too shameless?"


    Agis shrugged his shoulders as he looked up. There wasn''t anything there, but he spoke anyway.


    "Hey, Sister Orb. You definitely saw everything, right? Don''t you agree that our brother here should be more open about what happened?"


    Sure enough, Sister Orb''s voice echoed in Frandin, Agis, and Rean''s minds not long after that.


    [Hahaha! How come you''ve become so likable all of a sudden, Agis? Well, that doesn''t matter. I''m also in favor of sharing experiences. Don''t worry. If Rean doesn''t do that, I will. I''ll make it even better by directly sharing the images I recorded into your minds.]


    Rean felt like crying but had no tears.


    "How can you record someone''s private moment like that?!"


    Sister Orb wasn''t tricked by Rean''s ''rightness,'' though.


    [Oh...are you telling me that you aren''t interested in seeing how Roan acted? After all, how can you compare your performance with his?]


    Rean''s heart skipped a bit after hearing that as his expression instantly changed.


    "Ahem...sharing one''s experience is good for improving everyone''s actions. Of course, as a person who came from a modern world, I know that very well. How could I not share my knowledge with my beloved brothers?"


    Agis and Frandin instantly became speechless as they simultaneously thought.


    ''Aren''t we supposed to be the shameless ones here? Sorry, brother, but you definitely take the cake for being the shameless king.''


    ---


    Author''s note: I released a new project called The Ascension Age, check it out if you like this type of work.

 Chapter 652 - Lets Go There

    If one didn''t consider the three idiots, everything proceeded smoothly from that point onwards. Rean began to use the Earth Peak Level materials he still had in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to make even more weapons. Weapons were quickly sold, so he prioritized them.


    Of course, other than that, Rean also finished crafting his first Light Element Gathering Equipment a week later. As mentioned in the past, he wanted Agis to try and use it with his own Light and Spiritual Sense Bending Skill.


    "Alright, Agis. I made a bracelet that can use the Light Element as long as you infuse Spiritual Energy inside. It can''t compare to the amount that Roan and I can gather, but it should be enough for a test."


    Agis nodded and then asked Rean.


    "So, how does your Spiritual Sense and Light Bending Skill work?"


    Rean smiled brightly after hearing that question as he placed a hand on Agis''s shoulder. For some reason, Agis felt a chill on his back.


    "It''s great that you asked. Come with me, it''s time for you to start your studies. Without the knowledge of what Light really is, it''ll be impossible for you to manipulate it."


    Rean then looked at Frandin as well, saying.


    "You will come along as well. After all, you have Lightning Element Affinity, which is also a Yang Energy type. Once you obtain a Lightning cultivation technique that allows you to use Yang Energy, you''ll be able to do it as well."


    Frandin bitterly smiled in response before following Rean together with Agis. For the next few days, Rean had to consistently carve in their heads what energy really was, the fact that Light was also a source of energy, and that it was made of photons. Of course, that was just the beginning. He also had to provide his own concept that Spiritual Sense had Life Force. Inanimate objects couldn''t use Spiritual Sense, which was the trick for the Spiritual Sense Bending part.


    Qia, who had used the Electrical Formations with Rean for a long time, joined his class out of her own volition. Then again, that was the first time that Rean went through the finer details. He especially taught her how Electricity worked and how he applied its uses with Spiritual Energy. Qia couldn''t help but feel a headache when she began studying what atoms, and especially what electrons were.


    Of course, it wasn''t as if Rean was a scientist who knew everything. His knowledge was due to the Electrical Formations Repository in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Everything was explained there perfectly. Nevertheless, Rean could understand that easily because of his origin. For Qia, Frandin, and Agis... they probably wished to have a few life and death battles instead.


    As for Malaka and Calina, they kept themselves as far as possible from Rean. Otherwise, they would be dragged into all of that��especially Malaka, who hated studying since the three were in the Varen Tribe.


    Fortunately, Rean didn''t need to teach Agis the entire academic curriculum, only the parts that mattered about his Light and Spiritual Sense Bending.


    Eventually, after another week and a half, Rean considered that Agis had obtained a basic grasp of what he needed.


    "Alright, this should be enough. Put on your bracelet and try to bend Light first. Use your Spiritual Energy to charge the bracelet and your Yang Energy to control it. Light is made up of photons. Although you can''t really ''see'' what a photon looks like, it''s definitely there. It''s because of it that your eyes even work. Light Element can obviously be used to control them."


    Agis nodded before taking in a deep breath. Soon after, he poured his Spiritual Energy into Rean''s bracelet, which immediately began to gather the Light Element from the surroundings. Following that, Agis activated his Fire Cultivation Technique and used the Yang Energy it proportioned to control the Light Element instead.


    Rean looked at that and nodded, satisfied. At the very least, Agis understood how to use the Light Element with his Yang Energy. He truly lived up to his Red Color Aptitude.


    Suddenly, Agis''s body began to turn blurry, as if it was a mirage. However, a few seconds later, it went back to normal as Agis gasped for air.


    "Holy shit! This thing is incredibly difficult."


    Rean laughed out loud, already expecting this much.


    "Hahaha! Of course, it''s hard. However, I''m impressed that you were able to partially control it during your first time. There''s no doubt you wasted more than 90% of the Light Element gathered by your bracelet, but that''s something you will need to train alone."


    Rean then noticed Agis'' thoughtful expression and asked.


    "It seems like you finally believe the things I taught you, huh?"


    Agis was taken aback before scratching his head in embarrassment. Sure enough, even though Rean tried to explain it in much detail as possible, his words were too hard to believe for someone from the cultivation world. Only after Agis controlled the Light Element, just like how Rean told him to, did he finally understand that everything was real.


    "Sorry...it was just too...how do I put it...mystical. But now, I understand it."


    Rean didn''t mind it.


    "Anyway, since you''re already at it, you might as well try the Spiritual Sense Bending Technique. Remember, Spiritual Sense can only be used by living beings. That being said, they all have life force. Without Life Force, there''s no Spiritual Sense."


    "Think about Spiritual Sense as wind, and the person using it as the source of that wind. Your job is to create a smooth barrier that will deflect the Spiritual Sense to the sides without perturbing it. As I mentioned, the closer you are to that source, the stronger their wind. Naturally, it becomes harder to bend Spiritual Sense. In contrast, you will feel the opposite effect from when someone with higher cultivation scans you. Instead of not noticing it because your cultivation is a lot lower, his Spiritual Sense will instead shine like the sun for you. Of course, that also means that he can break through your Spiritual Sense Bending Barrier easier."


    Agis nodded before beginning to try it out. This time, however, Agis failed many, many times. There was no helping it. After all, Spiritual Sense was completely different from simple Light.


    Rean wasn''t in a hurry, though. Agis already knew everything he should to improve. Rean then left Agis alone before returning to the workshop. After all, he wanted to finish forging at least seven or eight weapons by the time the next monthly auction started.


    Agis took a total of two weeks to barely succeed in his first Spiritual Sense bending. Of course, his own mastery of the skill was at a very low level that even Frandin''s Spiritual Sense, which was quite weak due to his cultivation, could pierce through his barrier. Nevertheless, with that one success, Agis finally grasped the principle behind it.


    Rean was happy and curious at the same time. Agis had a very high talent and could comprehend things very quickly. If he already took this long to achieve the most basic level, he wondered how long someone else would take.


    ''Well, Frandin''s far from being as talented as Agis, so I''ll get an idea once he finds a Yang Energy cultivation technique.''


    Suddenly, Roan entered Rean''s workshop and looked at the people helping him make the weapons. Calina and the others obviously looked at him as one of them asked.


    "What is it?"


    Roan then pointed at Calina first before saying.


    "Come, we have work to do."


    Calina''s expression went bright red as her imagination went on overdrive. However...


    "After I''m done with you, send me Qia. Malaka''s the next one. After her, it will be Agis and Frandin last."


    Rean laughed as he understood what Roan was talking about.


    "So you finally finished comprehending Soul Power, huh? Well, a certain someone definitely had the wrong idea just now."


    Calina looked angrily at Rean as she replied.


    "Shut up! You don''t know what I thought at all."


    Everyone smirked as they looked straight at Calina. Only an idiot...or Roan, wouldn''t understand what passed through her head.


    "Stop wasting my time and come. I need to revise your own Soul Power to finish your training schedule."


    Calina didn''t need to hear that twice before she stormed away. Indeed, she couldn''t hold the pressure.


    Around thirty minutes later, Calina came back and told Qia to go see Roan. Just like that, the guys went to see Roan one after another, leaving only Rean without that.


    Obviously, that puzzled Qia and the others. Eventually, one of them asked him.


    "Rean, aren''t you going to work on your new training schedule?"


    Rean shook his head as he replied.


    "There''s no need. Roan and I can share our memories and feelings as long as we allow them to pass through our Soul Connection. I simply handed him everything I understood about my own Soul Power, and he already passed to me back how I should work on it. Didn''t you notice yet? The way I''m applying the elements into the weapons I''m crafting with my Soul Power has already changed a little."


    Qia nodded as she said.


    "Oh! That''s why I felt like the flow of Soul Power around your hands seemed somewhat different. I see. By the way, is it possible to use Soul Power on the weapons as well?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he responded.


    "Probably. After all, we saw that altar in the Rank Five Bloodline Trial Grounds. However, I''m still far away from being able to do it. Instead, I''m just using my Soul Power to have an easier time controlling the Elements. It helps a lot with forging and everything else."


    Frandin, who wasn''t in the room, came back sometime later.


    "Rean, Roan. Isn''t it time to go back to the Asume Clan?"


    The two looked at him and had to admit that he was right.


    "That''s true. Let''s go there."


    ---


    Author''s note: I released a new project called The Ascension Age, check it out if you like this type of work.

 Chapter 653 - He Truly Does

    No one knew what happened to Frandin''s group after the Imperial Guardians got involved. For the Portin Clan, they thought that Fandin and the others were probably captured even though they didn''t know why. The Asume Clan was also informed by the Imperial Guardians that they would be looking into Frandin''s case.


    However, the fact was that no one knew for sure if there really was a problem with Frandin''s group or not. The fact that they got no other news from them was also a reason for them to not hastily jump to conclusions.


    At the Asume Clan, Xiria''s parents heard about that and insisted that she should take the healing pill. After all, it was too strange for the Imperial Guardians to get involved. They thought that she was being fooled. Well, in a certain way, they weren''t wrong. Nevertheless, Xiria insisted that until they obtained concrete information from the Imperial Guardians, stating that Frandin was not who he said, she would not take it. She convinced them by simply saying that she can wait until the pill that kept the poison at bay was gone. If Frandin was not back by then, she could simply take the healing pill.


    In the end, Xiria was just way too unwilling to give up that chance. She was obviously worried that everything might have all been a fraud. However, the power that Frandin displayed, even though his talent was worse than his five opponents, was the real deal. No one, Ancestor Sumeri included, could deny that. Well, Xiria''s patience paid off in the end...


    In the meeting hall, Laun talked with a few elders of the Asume Clan when out of nowhere, a subordinate came in a rush as he shouted.


    "Clan Head, It''s Gian Torio! He came back!"


    "What?!"


    Everyone looked at the guy in dismay. Wasn''t Gian Torio being investigated by the Imperial Guardians? How come he''s here right now? What happened?


    Laun was obviously the one with the worst expression. After all, he hoped that Gian(Frandin) wouldn''t come back so that his daughter would be set free.


    "Let''s go and see him. I want to know exactly what he''s up to. If he doesn''t explain himself regarding the incident involving the Imperial Guardians, then he can dream about bringing my daughter away."


    The subordinate let out a bit of sweat before continuing.


    "That''s not all. Gian Torio and his humans are also being accompanied by an Imperial Guardian. Not only that, but the Imperial Guardian seems to be very respectful to Gian."


    Those words fell like a lightning bolt in Laun''s head. Didn''t that mean that the Imperial Guardians had already confirmed his identity? They didn''t know if Gian was really part of a Celestial Land or not. However, the fact the Imperial Guardians were acting like that very much confirmed that Gian had a very high status.


    Laun, Xiria, and a few other elders soon arrived at the hall and saw Frandin walking over. On his side, one could really see an Imperial Guardian. To be more specific, that was none other than Clad Palif, Firmel''s son.


    Roan knew that after the incident at the auction house, the Portin and Asume Clan would be suspicious of them. That being said, he needed to reassure them of their ''identities.'' That''s why they went to see Firmel first and asked for an Imperial Guardian to follow them. Clad was also part of the Imperial Guardian of the Trial Grounds, so he immediately volunteered himself.


    Frandin saw Laun on the other side and laughed out loud as he said.


    "Oh, long time no see, senior. I hope I didn''t make you wait too long. As you can see, we had to go through a few procedures with the Imperial Guardians of the Trial Grounds."


    Clad then came forward as he looked at Laun and the others with a serious expression, saying.


    "I''m just here to confirm that we finished our investigation about young master Gian. Due to the difficulties of the situation, we can''t reveal more than that. However, there''s no need for your clan or the Portin Clan to worry about it. I just hope you will treat young master Gian with respect."


    Laun bitterly smiled as he nodded, replying.


    "Of-Of course...we treated Gian very well during his stay here, and we don''t intend to do any different now."


    Clad nodded before looking back at Gian as he said.


    "Young Master Gian, I have concluded my part here. I''m going to inform the Portin Clan as well so that no misunderstandings remain. For some reason, those idiots thought that you were doing something wrong."


    Frandin laughed as if he didn''t care about it, saying.


    "Hahaha! That''s fine, that''s fine. If I were in their shoes, I would be a little suspicious as well. That''s what a clan should do if they want to exist for a long time. Well, Clad, thank you for your help. Give my regards to Imperial Guardian Firmel. His hospitality was very welcome during this time."


    Clad smiled and nodded, replying.


    "I''m sure father will be glad to hear it."


    Clad then turned around and left the building. He was already informed by Rean about the ''test'' they were going through and that they would be using it to catch the Soul Rulers'' attention.


    Frandin then looked at Laun and was just about to talk when out of nowhere, someone else arrived in the hall.


    "Young Master Gian, it''s good to see you again."


    Obviously, that was none other than Xiria. She had arrived some time ago, but she didn''t come out before her father had finished talking with the Imperial Guardian. Naturally, she was relieved to see that there were no issues with Gian''s group. Otherwise, the Imperial Guardians definitely wouldn''t be that polite to them.


    Laun narrowed his eyes but didn''t say anything. In the end, he had no cards to use and stop Gian from coming here anymore.


    Xiria''s mother arrived right after. After all, she wanted to see what her daughter would choose. She and Laun tried to convince her many times to give up the idea. But in the end, she was an adult already. If she was determined to leave, they really couldn''t stop her.


    Frandin didn''t seem to care about the extra Zasfins in the hall before asking, "Now then, I only came back to keep my part of the deal."


    He then looked at Xiria with a solemn expression and continued, "I told you before, and I will repeat it once more. This journey will be dangerous. Chances are that you might die during training or during missions. Believe me, my elders are anything but easygoing when it comes to our development. Even I lost count of how many times I was almost sent to the next world. The pill I gave you isn''t fake. As long as you take it, the poison, your body will be fully healed, and our deal will be over here. There''s no need to worry about me holding a grudge or anything either."


    Frandin put a lot of weight in his words, making sure that the message went through. Xiria''s parents and the others already knew about it, but they couldn''t help but feel impressed with Gian''s lifestyle. Perhaps, only someone who lived on the edge day by day could reach a level like his. His talent was inferior, but he was stronger than their top geniuses.


    Xiria then looked at her parents, who obviously seemed unwilling to let her take such a risk. However, everything that was supposed to be talked about had already been talked about. She then took a deep breath and passed Gian a bottle with a pill.


    "Did you know my father tried to replicate this pill? That way, even if I gave this back to you, I could keep another one if I decided to leave on my own someday."


    Laun was taken aback by his daughter''s words. Why would she say that?


    Roan couldn''t help but mentally smirk. Copy his antidote pill? Sure, you just need to find someone with both Light and Dark Elemental Affinity. Good luck finding one.


    Frandin, on the other hand, just laughed as he said.


    "Hahaha! Obvious! Who else wouldn''t try to examine my pill? However, I had never been afraid of someone copying it. His only chance was to talk with the alchemist who created it and ask him to do that. Otherwise, it would be near impossible to copy. You simply have no idea how peculiar this pill is."


    Laun sighed after hearing that. Of course, he knew that. The clan''s alchemists looked into the pill day and night. But in the end, they all gave up. They simply couldn''t understand the principle behind the pill. The worst part was that they couldn''t afford to break it for analysis. After all, if Gian didn''t come back, that would be Xiria''s only salvation. Well...even if they did, it wouldn''t lead them anywhere.


    Xiria smiled after hearing that. Somehow, she already expected that Gian wouldn''t care about it. Nevertheless, if she was really embarking on this journey, she had to be straightforward with him and his group.


    "I accept. I''ve also already prepared everything I needed, so we can leave at any time."


    Frandin nodded with satisfaction. However, he also noticed something off.


    "How come I can''t see you carrying any luggage?"


    Xiria giggled a little before she lifted her sleeve so that only Frandin would be able to see. In an instant, Frandin was taken aback. Xiria was using none other than the Spatial Bracelet that was acquired during the last auction! He did remember that the bracelet was won by the Lamal and Asume Clan. However, the two clans had to first reach a compromise to see who would have the bracelet in the end. After that, Laun would have to convince the others to let Xiria have it. One could just imagine how many hurdles Laun had to pass through to give it to her.


    "Your father really loves you."


    Xiria nodded as she replied.


    "He truly does."

 Chapter 654 - Does He Look Excited?

    Laun sighed after that and didn''t say anything else. It was obvious that his daughter was dead set on accompanying him in this journey. Besides, he had to admit that the Imperial Guardian''s presence a moment ago eased his worries a little. At the very least, it didn''t seem like Gian was a fraud.


    Frandin then passed another pill bottle to Xiria with many pills that kept the poison at bay. There was enough for months in a row that Roan prepared with his free time.


    Following that, Frandin changed the topic as he asked.


    "By the way, Senior Laun. Did you find any Yang Energy Lightning Cultivation Technique?"


    At this point, Laun already didn''t care that much as he nodded while replying.


    "Yes, but we only we able to procure a single one."


    Laun then threw a jade slip to Frandin, who just smiled and put that away.


    "Thank you."


    He was obviously very curious about the technique, but he had to keep up his play. Besides, he would need Rean and Roan''s help to revise it with him.


    "Alright. We''ll be back in a few days. We still have a few things to deal with in the city before calling the Soul Rulers over. We''ll let you know when the time comes."


    Xiria nodded before accompanying him to the exit. Following that, Rean and Roan put everyone into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm before leaving the city. The auction would start soon, but they had enough time to try out their Soul Power. Rean also finished the weapons that he would sell there, so he decided to go with them.


    Using Kentucky as a means of transportation and Rean to conceal him, they arrived at the nearest demon beast region a few hours later. Of course, they didn''t stay at the border since only low-level Zasfins would pick fights there. Instead, they went straight to the Inner Region. Only there would they find Stage Three and Four Demon Beasts to train their Soul Power against.


    Kentucky then landed on the snow in the middle of a forest before Rean came down. Following that, Roan and everyone else exited the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    "Alright. You all know what to do. Soul Power is basically like controlling the elements with Spiritual Energy. In fact, it makes controlling the elements easier. Not to mention that it increases its power. There will be no groups this time. Each one of you will move in a specific direction and spend the next three days fighting every demon beast you find."


    Everyone understood why Roan was doing that. If they moved together, Calina, Agis, and everyone else would always have their minds set on the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. That would only hinder their progress and make them more prone to carelessness. This wasn''t the first time Roan did that. Even when they separated into two different groups to travel, he also ordered everyone to split several times on the way.


    The only exception in this was Frandin. After all, he was still in the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. This Inner Region would be way too hard for him, even with his quick improvement. That being said, he was the only one allowed to follow someone, and this someone was always Roan. Then again, that didn''t make things easier for him. It''s Roan we''re talking about, after all. Frandin knew very well that unless an impossible-to-defeat enemy appeared in front of him, Roan would absolutely not intervene.


    "We will meet at this point three days later. If you die, that''s because you''re just weak. However, let me give all of you a warning. We''re quite close to Venasi City, so there''s a possibility that you will bump into other Zasfins. After all, there are quite a decent amount of Core Formation and Core and Soul Fusion Realm Zasfins there. I have no doubt that a few of them will come here to train. If you do find one of them, try to stay away. We don''t need more problems than we already have."


    Everyone nodded, already expecting that.


    After that, Rean added.


    "Follow the usage of Soul Power that I mentioned in the routines Roan made for you all. Even if you''re not battling, keep the Soul Power running at all times. As you know, I used my Light Element to analyze Soul Power. From its looks, Soul Power also uses special paths, just like meridians, to manifest itself outside. The more you use it, the bigger and smoother these paths become. When you combine it with dangerous situations, your improvement will be far greater."


    Roan agreed with Rean as he listened. Now that he could use Soul Power, Rean knew how to apply Light Element to it. After all, Soul Power was the same as Spiritual Sense. Both of them only exist because there was life force. Dead things couldn''t use it at all. It''s just that Rean couldn''t figure out how they were related since he didn''t have it before.


    With Rean and Roan working together, they had already reached a level of comprehension about Soul Power that surpassed most Zasfins. Well, they also had Sister Orb, who was also able to analyze it as well. With the Soul Gem System''s support, they had an easier path.


    "With that, I will announce your target. Malaka and Calina currently have 28 Soul PowerPoints. Agis has 26 while Qia has 27."


    Roan then coldly smiled and continued.


    "For your own good, I hope your Soul Power surpasses 40 points three days from now. Otherwise...hehe!"


    Everyone felt a shiver on their backs, including Calina. She couldn''t help but show puppy eyes before asking.


    "Would you really punish your love?"


    That only made Roan snort as he responded.


    "Oh! That''s right. Since you like me so much, that means you want to live up to my expectations. Very well. I hope your Soul Power goes over 45 during these next three days. Otherwise, your punishment will be twice as painful."


    Sure enough, the love play backfired completely as Calina instantly took back her words.


    "Wait, wait, wait! Sorry, I won''t do that anymore. Let me have the same target as everyone, please!"


    Roan glared at her before saying.


    "Then, you better start running already."


    Calina didn''t even hesitate as she took flight and disappeared in the distance. As the only Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator in their group, she was the only one who could fly. Of course, that didn''t count Kentucky, who was a bird.


    "Hmph! If you think you can pull my leg because of my relationship with her, you better think twice. Since I''m willing to do that with Calina, trust me when I say I can do worse for all of you."


    Agis and Qia immediately departed in different directions soon after. That guy was just too crazy when it came to training. If he said he could make it worse, then he definitely could.


    Rean scratched the back of his head as he saw everyone flashing away, asking.


    "Is that really okay? Even though it''s only a bit more than 10 points, that''s still a 50% increase. I think three days is way too little. If it was Frandin, then it might be possible since he already has 343 points even without his Bloodline Mark."


    Frandin, who was still there, didn''t say anything.


    Roan didn''t seem to care as he replied.


    "It''s fine. In fact, I think the amount I asked for was too little. That''s because they''ve just started on this path. Think of them as drivers. Which one you think would show bigger improvements? A new driver who just touched a car for the first time or an experienced driver who already knows most things?"


    Rean''s eyes lit up as he said soon after.


    "I see...doesn''t that mean Frandin''s improvement at the moment will be slower than us?"


    Roan then glanced at Frandin, who was trying to stay as inconspicuous as possible. He would have to follow Roan, so he did his best not to get on the demon''s bad side.


    "Hmph! That metaphor only works at the start. As long as they keep overcoming difficulties, their Soul Power will still increase at a steady pace. That being said, Frandin can definitely improve just as fast. After all, I''ll make sure his battles will be very... difficult."


    Rean couldn''t help but place a hand on Frandin''s shoulder as he said with immense sadness.


    "It was a pleasure to have met you, brother."


    Frandin was crying already. Frandin wanted to say that he wasn''t dead yet, but he felt that he might be the next time everyone gathered here again.


    Roan then ignored the shivering Zasfin as he looked at Rean and asked.


    "By the way, I don''t need to give you a target, right?"


    Rean nodded as he responded.


    "You and I can directly use my Light Element to help improve our Soul Power. Well, it''s not like you don''t know how much we''ve improved this month in the city. Let alone now that we''re heading out for battle."


    Frandin was taken aback as he asked.


    "How come you didn''t tell anyone about that?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, answering Frandin''s question.


    "I didn''t want to discourage everyone else. However, don''t misunderstand it. We can use my Light Element to train our Soul Power, but it''s still a far cry compared to how much it can improve in real dangerous situations. Even after a whole month of constantly using it, Roan and I could only increase our Soul Power by 22 points."


    Frandin almost vomited blood! 22 points without having to battle at all! Back when Frandin was alone, an entire month of soul cultivation would be considered very good if he could increase it by 4 or 5 points, let alone 22! Only after suffering under the demon''s hand(Roan) did his Soul Power cultivation speed explode. Since that''s the case, just how much can these twins improve now that they were going to battle as well? After all, Roan was strict with everyone and twice as strict with himself. Rean, obviously, didn''t want to lose to that guy, so he acted just as crazy.


    "Are you two really humans?"


    Rean laughed in response, saying.


    "Perhaps not?"


    Roan ignored that and began to walk away.


    "That''s enough. Frandin, let''s go."


    Frandin looked at Roan''s back and couldn''t help but ask Rean through a Spiritual Sense Message.


    ''Does he look a bit excited to you?''


    Rean slightly nodded as he headed in another direction while responding.


    ''He does, right? I guess he''s slightly happy...so you better be careful. I mean... really, really careful!''


    Frandin gulped a bit of his saliva before unwillingly following Roan in the distance.

 Chapter 655 - Trying Out The New Technique

    After they headed deeper into the forest, Roan took out the jade slip with Frandin''s Yang Energy Lightning Cultivation Technique to look into it. At the same time, he connected with Rean through their soul connection so that he could see it as well. After all, Rean was better at Yang Energy.


    By using their techniques'' knowledge from the previous world, the two modified the technique, adding a few small tweaks to it. They also asked Frandin''s opinion over a few parts since he was the one who would use it.


    Eventually, Roan passed it back to him as he said, "Try to use the technique now. Don''t waste much time, though. You''ll have to slowly cultivate it to get a better grasp on how to use Yang Energy. Nevertheless, that speed should be enough for you to apply in the next battles."


    Frandin nodded as he responded, "Alright."


    He sat down on the ground and began to replay his own cultivation technique in his head. At the same time, he looked at the new one, trying to see which parts he could keep and which parts he should change. The process was slow, taking Frandin almost two hours to finally start on his first attempt.


    Immediately, Frandin noticed the difference between the two as he said with surprise, "Impressive! The technique I was using up to now really can''t compare at all."


    Lightning Element gathered around Frandin''s body much faster than before. On top of that, he wasn''t using Yang Energy yet. Rean and Roan weren''t surprised, though. Frandin came from a somewhat small city and power, so it was obvious that he didn''t have such high-level techniques there.


    Frandin didn''t lose his concentration as he said that, though. After all, what he was looking for was Yang Energy as the result of the new technique. Of course, that was the hard part, so it took him a few more hours to finally grasp a sliver of it. Frandin controlled that small bit of Yang Energy and used it with his Lightning Element and Soul Power. Sure enough, the power didn''t increase that much, but it was as expected since he only accumulated a small bit of it. Calina and the others, for example, accumulated Yin and Yang energy inside their bodies for use at a later time. Frandin didn''t have a chance to do that.


    Seeing that Frandin succeeded, Roan added, "This planet is quite bad for Yang Energy users. It''s fully covered in snow most of the year, after all. However, there are places with rich Yang Energy, like volcanoes, for example. If you get the chance, you should try and cultivate near one. Until then, take your time to slowly draw Yang Energy from the surroundings."


    Frandin nodded as he replied, "I understand what to do. I will have to use my Yang Energy, even if I only have a bit of it. That isn''t totally bad since it''ll give me time to slowly get used to it."


    Roan then turned around and began to walk away. Frandin quickly followed after seeing that. It had already been half a day, but Frandin didn''t have the chance to fight a single demon beast. It was obvious that Roan was using Rean''s concealing skills to keep him safe during that time.


    Still, he thought, ''With this pause, I can already imagine how crazy the rest of the training days are going to be.''


    Sure enough, As soon as Roan encountered their first Stage Four Demon Beast, he launched himself at it while giving Frandin orders.


    ''Those three demon beasts following this guy are yours.''


    Frandin bitterly smiled as he looked at the companions of the Stage Four Demon beast. One of them was at the Initial Stage Three level, while the other two were in Peak Stage Two.


    Fradin couldn''t back down anymore, though. Roan was obviously fighting the strongest demon beast, which was already equivalent to a Middle Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator, alone! He wasn''t using Rean''s Light Element to help himself at all. Frandin had no excuses to back down against much weaker ones. Then again, they were still very strong for a Late Stage Foundation Establishment Zasfin like him.


    ''Let''s try the first skill in that technique.''


    Lightning Element accumulated around Frandin''s spear together with his Soul Power acting as a guide. However, Frandin was also driving his own Yang Energy inside the spear, making it stronger.


    Following that, he shot forward!


    ''Raging Bolt!''


    With great speeds, he appeared right in front of the Stage Three Demon Beast, forcing it to stop its harassment against Roan. It was still a Stage Three Demon Beast, though. In other words, it had the same strength as an Early Stage Core Formation Realm cultivator.


    *Boom!*


    Both Frandin and the demon beast retreated due to the shockwave of their clash. Frandin''s hand went numb as he thought, ''Such hard skin...''


    Nonetheless, his attack was not in vain. It also attracted the attention of the Stage Two demon beasts, which was part of the plan. The three, sensing that Frandin was also dangerous, immediately pounced at him simultaneously. The only problem was that Frandin was at a disadvantage against those demon beasts from the very start.


    Frandin gritted his teeth as he thought optimistically, ''I''m sure he chose these demon beasts on purpose!''


    It turns out that they were battling a demon beast called a Mountain Crumbling Bull, a strong Earth Affinity demon beast. For Frandin, who used the Lightning Element, they couldn''t be worse opponents. His attack barely left any damage on the Stage Three Bull, while his Lightning Element had little to no effect against it. Last but not least, he was behind in cultivation.


    Frandin was right. Roan was in a crazed fight against the Stage Four leader of this small group. However, he also paid attention to Frandin as he thought to himself, ''Hmm...it seems like he''s still holding back. Perhaps I chose something too weak for him to battle against.''


    If Frandin heard that, he would cry. He was already suffering as it was, and Roan still thought that he had things easy. Then again, Roan had his reasons to think like that. Frandin might not be able to cause much damage to the demon beasts, but he wasn''t getting hurt either. Frandin had really come a long way to be able to keep up with fighting three enemies at once while his cultivation was lower than theirs.


    And just like that, the battle continued on this side with no time limit whatsoever. Then again...it was just the beginning.

 Chapter 656 - Reunion

    Three days later, back in the same place, Rean and Roan could see the ghastly faces of the rest of the group. The worst off among them was surprisingly Malaka, who made them wonder how she made it back here. She had a big hole on the side of her chest that had barely avoided a vital point. Nevertheless, it was still quite nasty.


    Fortunately, Rean had forged a chain mail to use under their clothes, which Malaka also had. Qia provided a lot of Earth Element as Rean crafted the equipment. With that, as long as Spiritual Energy was sent inside, Earth Element would gather in the equipment, increasing their defense a lot. If not for that, Malaka might have died for real.


    Rean quickly gathered Light Element as Qia and Calina helped Malaka up. They weren''t that much better off than Malaka but could still be of some help. Following that, he activated his Instant Recovery skill to heal her. Of course, he was going to heal everyone else after that.


    Roan looked at all of them and nodded while talking, "It seems like all of you really took this separated training seriously. I can see that all of you had quite a few unlucky moments, but that''s good. Now, take out the Demon Cores. I want to see just how many and what level of demon beasts all of you have killed this time around."


    Sure enough, each one of them threw bags of Demon Cores on the ground. Roan examined those cores and could see that each one of them had defeated at least four or five demon beasts above their cultivation levels. That was not too bad, in his opinion. After all, the amount of Spiritual Energy to finish such Demon Beasts should have been very high. That meant that they all had to recover after that, which also took time.


    "Very good. I''ll have Frandin head to the Alchemist Guild later to sell them. The Spirit Stones acquired from it are yours to use."


    However, Agis immediately shook his head as he said, "No, my part can stay with the main pile as always. Rean already made this amazing sword for me, and you created this nigh suicidal but definitely impressive training routine. I followed all the steps and improved more than ever, even with this planet''s lack of Spiritual Energy."


    Roan didn''t mind and simply nodded as he said, "Up to you, then." Following that, he looked at the rest and asked, "How about everyone else?"


    Qia and the others also agreed with Agis''s words. As crazy as it was, it didn''t change the fact that they reached this level because of Rean and Roan. Besides, it made them feel bad to rely on Rean and Roan all the time. At the very least, that would provide them with their own Spirit Stones without using Rean''s all the time.


    Roan then took out his Demon Cores as he placed all of them inside a single bag before looking at Frandin, saying, "You heard, right?"


    However, there was no response. One must not forget that Frandin... followed Roan. When Roan and the others looked at him, it looked more like his spirit had already left his body. It was to the point that Malaka felt happy that she was at the state of near death.


    ''Just how terrifying was it to follow Roan this time around?''


    Frandin was lucky that Roan could use the Light Element like Rean. That being said, he healed Frandin''s injuries when they reached an unbearable point. Though that wouldn''t stop Roan''s training. Frandin wasn''t even given time to recover his Spiritual Energy and Soul Power. After the first battle against the demon bulls, Frandin had been battling at 50% or less of his energy reserves. Roan simply never let him completely rest up.


    Frandin couldn''t help but remember Roan''s words.


    "What will happen to you if you''re pursued by someone much stronger and have no time to recover? Would you just give up your life like that?" said Roan back as he snorted. "I''m doing it for you to understand that you wouldn''t always be able to battle at your peak condition. Besides, forcing yourself in this situation will definitely bring even more of your latent potential out."


    That''s why although Malaka seemed to be the worst one out of them at the moment, Frandin had been in her state or worse at least three times. He thanked the heavens that he had also asked Rean for chain mail.


    Roan narrowed his eyes, seeing that Frandin didn''t answer.


    *Pah!*


    *Ouch!*


    Roan immediately slapped Frandin''s backhead, which brought the guy back to reality.


    "Ah! Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts," said something that sounded like Frandin''s voice from that spiritless body. "The demon cores, right? I''ll sell them once we''re back since I''ll also have to go to the Formations Guild." After hearing that, Rean and the others couldn''t help but feel some pity for him.


    Roan then sent the Demon Cores into the Dimensional Realm before continuing, "Alright, time to test everyone''s Soul Power Points."


    As Roan said that, the Soul Measurement Crystal appeared in the middle of the snowfield while saying, "I hope all of you followed the training schedule to the boot. If you did so, all of you should have surpassed the 40 points I required."


    Frandin and everyone else couldn''t help but swallow a bit of saliva after hearing that. As much as they followed Roan''s training schedule (Mostly because they were afraid Roan would find out if they didn''t), they weren''t sure if they reached it. Sure, each one of them passed through a few dangerous situations, especially Malaka. But after looking at that zombie who was once called Frandin, they wondered if it was enough.


    As soon as Rean finished healing Malaka''s injuries, Roan called her first. "First, Malaka. Your Soul Power Measurement before was 28 points. In other words, you must have attained at least 12 points during these last three days."


    Malaka nervously nodded as her trembling hand touched the crystal. She truly didn''t want to think what Roan would do if she failed. Malaka''s Soul Mark lit up before she sent her Soul Power into the crystal. A few minutes later, her result appeared at the top as two numbers far greater than what Malaka expected had appeared.


    -Soul Power, 59-


    Malaka felt like she had seen a ghost as she muttered in disbelief.


    "That much?"


    Sure enough, Roan was right. The improvement of a new driver during a specific time would be much greater than an experienced one. Malaka''s Soul Power was a testament to this fact.

 Chapter 657 - What The Hell?!

    Roan nodded, quite satisfied as he said, "That''s what I expected. The initial burst of improvement in Soul Power was within my expectations. Of course, the fact that you really put in the effort was also a reason for that. Not too bad."


    Malaka couldn''t help but feel happy. After all, she jumped over 30 points! As always, Roan''s compliments were extremely hard to come by. If he gave out compliments, then it was because she really did well.


    Roan then looked at the next one and called out, "Next! Calina."


    Calina immediately came forward after Rean also helped her recuperate and put her hand on the crystal, quickly sending her Soul Power inside. She didn''t surpass 30 but got quite close to it, going from 28 to...


    -Soul Power, 56-


    "That''s also good improvement." Roan nodded once again before turning towards Agis and saying, "Next!"


    Agis followed the same process as his result was soon obtained.


    -Soul Power, 53-


    Then, Qia...


    -Soul Power, 54-


    Frandin, who had recovered a bit, also measured his Soul Power.


    -Soul Power, 363-


    Frandin ended up being the one who improved the least even though he suffered the most, getting an extra 21 points. Nevertheless, it was still a ridiculous improvement for just three days of training, especially considering his talent. Of course, it was, as Roan mentioned. Frandin was an ''experienced driver'' already.


    Roan didn''t have anything to complain about in the end as he said, "Very well, all of you pass. It''s good to see that all of you are putting effort into it. There''s also the point where all of you came back even though severely injured. At least all of you understand that you can''t rely on the Dimensional Realm all the time."


    However, Malaka couldn''t help but ask, "How about you and Rean? Aren''t you two going to test your Soul Power?"


    "No." Roan shook his head in response as he replied, "There''s no need for that."


    Unfortunately, the others couldn''t accept it.


    "That''s not fair!"


    "What if you didn''t reach your own target?"


    "Are you trying to avoid the punishment you created for yourself?"


    Rean bitterly smiled after hearing that, already knowing why Roan didn''t want to show it to others. Roan was already being considerate so that they wouldn''t feel disheartened when they saw how much they had improved. After all, both Rean and Roan could use the Light Element. As mentioned before, it had a direct effect on Soul Power Training.


    Nevertheless, everyone insisted.


    "I''m not leaving before you show it."


    "What are you afraid of? Could it be that we''re much better than you two?"


    "Roan, your wife here also wants her answer."


    Frandin was the only one who didn''t say anything. After all, he already had an idea of what would happen.


    And so, everyone kept bothering Roan nonstop to the point he finally lost his patience as he shouted, "Shut up! Here. Look at this shit if you''re so interested in that."


    Roan''s Soul Mark appeared soon after as he sent his Soul Power into the Soul Measurement Crystal.


    -Soul Power, 92-


    In an instant, everyone froze in their spot. Isn''t that way too much of an improvement?


    Frandin sighed before saying, "As I thought. These twins are just too overpowered."


    Malaka couldn''t help but shout in disbelief, "How''s that possible?! You weren''t so far ahead of us before! Could it be that you went through even crazier training?"


    Qia, Agis, and Calina nodded after hearing that. If it was Roan, it was possible.


    Rean then scratched the back of his head before gathering Light Element on his hand, catching everyone''s attention as he explained, "It''s my Light Element. Souls exist because there''s Life Force. My Light Element has a direct effect on it."


    Rean then moved in the crystal''s direction while he continued to talk, "Of course, both me and Roan went all out in this training session as well. The reason we look fine is that we can use Light Element to a level that far surpasses anyone, especially me."


    The Soul Measurement Crystal then calculated Rean''s Soul Power, and sure enough, his result was out soon after.


    -Soul Power, 109-


    Malaka couldn''t help but complain.


    "That''s so unfair!"


    Calina and the others nodded vigorously. They also wanted the Light ELement now.


    Thinking about that, Frandin decided to ask, "Rean, can I use the Light Element of my bracelet to do the same thing?"


    Rean shook his head soon after as he replied, "It''s not the same thing. How can I say it? Your Soul is not compatible with Light Element. Roan and I are different. We have that connection that you know of. Also, we have Sister Orb''s support to obtain the best results possible out of it."


    Sister Orb''s voice echoed right after as she said, [It''s good that you understand how amazing I am. Indeed, after I finished analyzing how Soul Power worked, I modified their Cultivation Technique to include it in the mix. However, I can''t do that for the rest of you.]


    Sister Orb wasn''t their system, after all.


    As Rean and Roan discussed with the others, no one noticed a black and white bird looking at the Soul Measurement Crystal. Naturally, that was Kentucky.


    *Chick?*


    Kentucky saw how everyone put their hands on the crystal and used their Soul Power. This time around, Kentucky followed Rean. However, Rean simply gave him an order to go out and fight demon beasts without going too far away from himself. Every now and then, Rean would hear the sound of battle, but he never approached since Kentucky needed to know how to rely on himself alone.


    All Rean could tell was that Kentucky was using his own Light Element to heal himself many times. Nevertheless, Kentucky seemed pretty satisfied when he came back to Rean every now and then. From how he looked, he enjoyed the Demon Cores he obtained very much, which also helped him recover the Spiritual Energy he used to do battle. In a certain way, Kentucky might have gone out and battled more than anyone else. Well...he just wanted to eat Demon Cores, though...


    Kentucky repeated the same action as everyone else, putting his wing over the crystal before his Soul Mark appeared on his head. After some time, the Soul Power entered the crystal even though Kentucky couldn''t understand very well why everyone else was doing it.


    Malaka noticed Kentucky''s actions and couldn''t help but call the others'' attention.


    "Hey, we forgot Kentucky."


    Roan and the others looked at the Soul Measurement Crystal for a moment, curious to see if he had improved as well. Then...


    -Soul Power, 183-


    Everyone''s expressions froze, including Roan.


    "What the hell?!"


    *Chick?*

 Chapter 658 - Results

    Kentucky might not understand what had happened, but he knew that he had impressed everyone. He puffed his chest and looked at everyone with pride in his eyes.


    ''That''s how it''s done, bitches!'' He would probably say something like that if he could speak...maybe not.


    Rean couldn''t help but comment, "As expected of a Minokawa... I guess?"


    That statement puzzled Frandin as he asked, "What''s a Minokawa?"


    Rean shook his head in response, not giving any extra explanation. Malaka and Calina did the same, knowing that it was better if others didn''t know. All Frandin could tell was that it was definitely some rare type of demon bird.


    "Still, isn''t that way too overpowered?" asked Agis as he looked at the triple-digit number.


    Rean pondered for a bit before saying, "He did eat that altar made for Soul Power users. On top of that, he''s a type of bird that eats high-level metal. This is probably related to that. Perhaps...we could have him eat more altars?"


    Roan shook his head as he replied, "That''s if you want to have the entirety of the Soul Rulers on our tracks. Let''s not do that."


    Everyone else agreed with Roan. Following that, Roan sent everyone into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, including himself, leaving only Rean and Frandin outside. The three days of training were now over. They had to go back since Rean had to put his weapons up for sale. Rean quickly jumped on Kentucky''s back with Frandin, and soon, the three took flight straight away.


    Once they got close to the city, Kentucky came down as Rean sent him into the Dimensional Realm as well. Frandin pretended to be the owner once again as the two headed into the city, much to Firmel''s relief. Firmel had kept an eye on Rean''s group for quite some time, knowing even where their workshop was located. However, they suddenly disappeared without a trace. He even thought that they might have been fooled, but now he could finally relax.


    Once Rean arrived at the workshop, he let the others out before asking, "By the way, did you guys find any Zasfins during your time in the Inner Region?"


    Agis immediately raised his hand as he said, "I did, but I left straight away to not get their attention. Since I was far away as well, I doubt they noticed I was a human since they didn''t pursue me."


    "I met a group as well," said Calina as she raised her hand. "I even got into a fight with them. I was batting a Stage Four Demon Beast when this group suddenly appeared close to me. One of them also happened to be in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. When the guy saw that I was a human, he immediately began to order me around, telling me to leave and give the demon beast to them."


    Calina couldn''t help but get angry as she continued, "That idiot went straight for the demon beast, thinking that I wouldn''t touch him. How could I do that? When he tried to take my prey, I attacked him as well. With that, it became a three-sided fight: the demon beast, me, and that guy''s group."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he asked, "And what happened?"


    Calina smiled in response, asking, "Worried?"


    Surprisingly, Roan nodded without hesitation. "Yes."


    Sure enough, once Roan admitted he liked her, everything became easy for him. He didn''t show the least bit of embarrassment when he answered. Roan simply said whatever he thought. She asked Roan if he was worried that she got in that battle, and Roan was, so he said yes. Simple as that.


    In the end, the only one that felt embarrassed was Calina as she thought, ''This is so unfair. How can he act as if he didn''t say anything embarrassing at all?''


    Well, that''s because Roan truly thought he didn''t.


    Calina then saw everyone smirking in her direction, obviously pointing out that she lost to Roan''s denseness. "Ahem...thanks, but I was fine...kind of. The demon beast had me as its primary target, and the others focused on me as well. Nevertheless, it turned out to be a good experience even though I was left with many injuries. Fortunately, my Water Element Affinity is still good for healing. It''s not as great as Rean''s Light Element skill, but it still let me recover after some time."


    Roan nodded after hearing that. That was also part of training from the very start since he did warn everyone that they might come across other Zasfins during that time.


    "Anyone else?"


    The last one was Rean himself.


    "Well, it wasn''t me, but Kentucky instead."


    *Chick?*


    Kentucky, hearing his name, immediately looked in Rean''s direction with a puzzled expression. Rean just smiled as he continued, "There was one time he went out to hunt demon beasts for their demon cores. Sometime later that day, he returned to my side with quite a few of his feathers and scales damaged. It was obvious that they were done by weapons instead of demon beasts'' claws and teeth."


    "Did you find the Zasfins who attacked Kentucky?"


    Rean shook his head, replying, "No. Most likely, they had a very bad time by underestimating Kentucky."


    "How do you know?"


    Rean then patted Kentucky''s chest as he smiled. "That''s because I could tell that this guy ate quite a few dantians. Dantians aren''t much different than demon cores, so they''re definitely a good source of energy for Kentucky."


    Everyone was taken aback. That''s right, how could they have forgotten? This wasn''t the first time Kentucky ate dantians of enemies. It''s just that it had been a long time since he did that. However, Dantians were not as good as demon cores, so Kentucky wouldn''t aim for them unless the other side attacked him first.


    Malaka then laughed as she patted Kentucky as well, much to the pervert bird''s delight. "Hahaha! Well done, Kentucky! They definitely attacked you for your demon core, so they have no right to complain that you took their dantians instead."


    *Chick! Chick!*


    Kentucky was obviously happy that he was being praised.


    Frandin then thought about something else and couldn''t help but ask, "In the end, just how strong is Kentucky?"


    Rean pondered for a bit.


    "I believe...he''s more or less at the level of Roan and me when we exchange elements for fighting. After all, he does have both Light and Dark Element Affinities, as well as his own race''s bloodline."


    Frandin was really surprised to hear that. That meant that Kentucky could definitely fight an average Middle or even Late Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm Zasfin. He better not get on the bad side of the bird. He wasn''t in Stage Four yet. However, he was a bird, so he didn''t need that level to fly, which was a great advantage against enemies with a higher cultivation level. That only made Frandin even more curious at what kind of race a Minokawa was.


    "Alright, Frandin. Take the demon cores and go sell them for Spirit Stones in the Alchemist Guild. I believe the Stage Four ones should be worth quite a few Rank Two Spirit Stones. The high-level Stage Four ones might even go for Rank Three."


    Frandin nodded as he prepared to leave. This time, Rean and Qia decided to follow him as well. After all, they agreed that Frandin would take the Formations Guild test to get access to their study materials.


    And just like that, Frandin, Qia, and Rean left the workshop while the rest stayed behind.

 Chapter 659 - Walton June

    The Formations Guild could also be found at the city''s center, like most large organizations. Using a different appearance given by Rean and Roan, Frandin entered it and headed to the counter. Rean and Qia were also following him, pretending to be his slaves.


    The worker at the guild then looked at Fandin before asking, "Hello, what can I help you with?"


    Frandin then pointed at the test rules on the wall and asked, "I came here to take the test. How much is it?"


    "It''s 100 Rank One Spirit Stones. After that, you will have to take a knowledge test. As long as you get 50% or more of the questions correct, you can advance to the second test. There, you''ll have to analyze a few random formations selected by the guild and tell their effects without activating them. Last but not least, you will be asked to draw a formation of your own. Of course, you would also need to provide your own materials depending on the type of formation you want to use."


    Frandin quite liked it since it was more or less what Rean and Qia told him. Rean and Qia needed the study materials for formations of the Earth Peak-Level. The materials for beginner Formation Masters were always available to the public, and Frandin had gotten it a long time ago. Besides, Rean and Qia knew a lot already, having to just do a few revisions on the actual material since the planet''s formations were of lower quality. Their main interest was simply the fact that they used Soul Runes, something they had never looked into before.


    Frandin then headed to another room where he could see a few other contestants waiting. From its looks, the guild received quite a few candidates every day, so there were daily tests. Some of them also had their own human servants, so no one cared much about Fandin and his own.


    Their group waited there for another hour or so before the guild sent someone to give the test.


    "Alright, all of you. You can call me Hudin in case you haven''t seen me before. I will preside over today''s test. Come with me. The knowledge test is already prepared. As for those with their humans, please leave them here. They can watch the test from afar. That is to prevent any cheating and make sure that the ones who have the knowledge are yourselves."


    Frandin, Qia, and Rean nodded at each other before Frandin headed to the test. Once inside the room, everyone was given the test, containing over three hundred questions. Nevertheless, Rean and Qia weren''t worried. They made sure to carve all the points of low-level formations into Frandin''s head during the past few months. If it was just an Earth Low-level Formation Master test, then they were certain Frandin would have no problems.


    The Zasfins had three hours to answer the questions. Whether they finished all of them or not didn''t matter. As long as they got at least 50% correct, they could head to the next test. Frandin was a little nervous at first but gradually became more relaxed as time passed. It was not like he knew all the answers, but he could definitely identify far more than just 50%.


    Frandin reduced his pace close to the end of his questions to not obtain any unnecessary attention, finishing it just a few minutes before the three hours were over. Hudin''s assistants then collected the sheets before he said, "Good. My assistants will take some time to finish checking your answers, so let''s start the second test while we''re at it. Come with me."


    Everyone followed Hudin to a much larger room. There, they could see one large formation projecting several images on the air through the manipulation of Spiritual Energy.


    Hudin then looked at everyone with a nonchalant expression as he explained, "As you all know, the second test is to analyze the formations displayed here. The formations that appear are random, so even I can''t tell which ones will be selected. Each formation on display will be there for five minutes. After that, it will automatically change to a new one." He then pointed at the sheets of paper on a few tables prepared for the participants as he continued, "Just mark your answers there, and that will be enough."


    Everyone acted as if it was a normal thing. From its looks, quite a few of the participants had tried it in the past but failed. Obviously, it didn''t matter much if you failed as long as you pay the fee to try again. For Rean''s group, that was a good thing. Well, from what Rean and Qia saw so far, they didn''t think Frandin would have any issues with it. As people from a planet with more developed formations, this test was more or less a joke. Frandin definitely benefitted from this fact when they were teaching him.


    Hudin then checked the display formation one last time before giving the order, "Alright, this test will take two hours. You may start."


    As soon as he said that, the first formation was displayed in the air. Some instantly showed dark expressions, while others seemed to ponder over something. There were also a small few who identified the formation straight away. Frandin, as one could imagine, was one of them as he marked the answer, ''Mist Concealing Formation, Earth Low-Level type, self-sustainable but it could be strengthened if Spirit Stone is added. Can be broken through...''


    Five minutes passed before the next formation appeared. And just like that, one formation after another was displayed as everyone answered the questions. Frandin was feeling no tension anymore. Sure enough, the level that Rean and Qia put him in was far above what the test required.


    Eventually, then the last formation disappeared from the air as Hudin nodded. "Alright, this test is over. Give the answer sheets to the assistants on your side." Hudin then looked at the other Zasfins coming back with some papers as he said, "It seems like your knowledge test results are ready. Whether you did well in this test or not won''t matter if you didn''t get at least 50% correct during the previous test. Alright, I''ll start from top to bottom��first place with 93% of their answers correct, Walton June."


    Walton June...was the name Frandin used with his new appearance.

 Chapter 660 - It Went Easier Than We Thought

    Everyone looked at Frandin with shock in their eyes. That was an insanely high number since the guild never held back with the difficulty of the knowledge test. After all, why would the guild allow someone to pass with just a 50%+ result? That''s the answer. It was hard!


    Well, there was also the fact that Frandin was also taken aback by that result. During the knowledge test, he knew around 80% of the answers. As for the rest, well...he guessed. He took those questions and used the things he knew to compare before writing them down. Even he didn''t expect that it would go so well.


    Hudin nodded at Frandin with satisfaction as he said, "Good to see that you didn''t slack off in the theoretical area." Following that, he continued announcing the results.


    Madlam Lacal, 81%...


    Suom Batevo, 75%...


    Qimi Parana, 72%...


    Eventually, he read the last name before looking at the rest of the Zasfins as he said, "The names I didn''t call out has failed to achieve at least 50% of the questions right. You can leave."


    Three-fourth of the Zasfins left right after, thinking about coming back another day. As for the rest, they were still nervous since they knew that the second test''s results would follow.


    "With that, the second test," said Hudin as he looked at the results. There were only 24 formations displayed during those two hours, one every five minutes. Naturally, it was a lot easier and faster to check the answers.


    "Oh, Walton, you really know your things." Hudin smiled.


    Walton June, 17 formations perfectly identified...


    Suom Batevo, 15 formations perfectly identified...


    Tossil Warnd, 14...


    Frandin had gotten even more attention now. He was truly doing much better than anyone else. Well, Frandin was using a different name. On top of that, he would disappear once he got the study materials for Rean and Qia. That being said, it didn''t matter much if the Zasfins paid so much attention to him in the end.


    Hudin was indeed impressed with Frandin (or Walton in this case), but it wasn''t as if he would make a big deal out of it. After all, someone like him appeared once in a while. Nevertheless, he liked to see these new formation geniuses.


    In the end, one also needed to correctly answer at least half of the formations displayed in the second test, which sent more than half of the remaining participants home. Following that, they were all brought somewhere else.


    Hudin then looked at the 9 candidates that remained before saying, "Alright, your job is very simple. Draw three Earth Low-level Formations of any kind. As long as they''re functional, you will be admitted into the guild." He then pointed at a counter by the side of the entrance as he continued, "If you don''t have the materials for the formation, you can buy them there. Of course, you will need to pay for it."


    Hudin looked at the time before announcing, "You have three hours to finish the formations. You may now start."


    Frandin didn''t need extra materials since Rean and Qia prepared everything for him. He quickly headed to an empty space in the field and began to work on it. To make sure things would go well, Frandin decided to draw three very simple formations. Energy Gathering, Energy Flow, and Little Rain Cloud Formations.


    Hudin noticed what Frandin(Walton) was doing and couldn''t help but sigh. He felt like Frandin could do much better than that but was afraid to fail the test. Then again, that wasn''t his problem, so he didn''t intervene. However, he quickly noticed something different in Frandin''s formations. ''Hmm? Those runes...this is the first time I''ve seen such an arrangement. There are a few runes I don''t know about either.''


    Well, that was to be expected since Rean and Qia taught him the Sunkan Planet''s formations.


    Frandin didn''t need the entire three hours to finish them, though. By the time one hour was up, he had already completed all three formations. Well, that didn''t impress anyone due to the level of Frandin''s formations. The only one who showed interest was Hudin himself, who noticed that Frandin''s formations used a completely different school of thought. Let alone the unknown runes.


    Well, Hudin quickly recovered and didn''t say anything. After all, he had to pay attention to everyone else''s formations as well. He would take his time to analyze it more profoundly once everyone finished their jobs.


    Time passed in a flash, and soon, the three hours were up. All nine candidates finished their formations, but only a few seemed confident that all three would work. Hudin didn''t care about any of them, though. Now that he confirmed that there was no cheating during the process, he could move to Frandin''s formation and check if it worked.


    "This is quite a different arrangement of runes," said Hudin as he paid close attention to Frandin''s formations. Soon, he asked, "There are even a few runes I''ve never seen before. Do they really work?"


    Frandin laughed in response as he answered, "But of course! They are very simple formations, after all. Senior Hudin can go ahead and test them yourself. I''m only interested in getting access to the Formations Repository."


    Hudin nodded with a satisfied expression and immediately activated the first one, Energy Gathering Formation. Sure enough, with Sunkan Planet''s more developed formations, Frandin''s Energy Gathering Formation showed a much higher level of efficiency than common Energy Gathering Formations.


    "This..." Hudin was truly impressed. Only now that the formation was working could he see why Frandin used that arrangement and especially how the runes he didn''t know about worked. "Where did you learn about these runes?"


    Frandin shook his head as he replied, "I can''t answer that without my master''s consent. I''m sorry."


    Hudin wasn''t surprised by that. He was already 100% sure that Frandin had to have some incredible master. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be able to bring out such a high level of proficiency. "I see..." Nevertheless, he was somewhat disappointed. However, he quickly recovered before saying, "Let your master know that our Formation Master Guild wishes to know him. I''m sure we have many things to discuss."


    Frandin nodded with a smile, saying, "Sure."


    Hudin then moved to the other two formations. Unsurprisingly, they showed the same level of improvement as the Energy Gathering Formation. Following that, he announced, "Walton June, you''ve passed the test."


    Rean and Qia nodded from a distance as they simultaneously thought, ''That went easier than we thought.''

 Chapter 661 - Offer

    Hudin then continued the test for the other remaining candidates. However, that mattered little for Frandin since he already got what he needed. Besides, he wasn''t exactly a fan of formations. Once he got the study materials regarding Soul Runes for Rean and Qia, he wouldn''t pursue this side occupation.


    Frandin''s badge was given to him sometime later, which he immediately used to enter the Formations Guild Repository. There, he obtained a copy of all the things Rean and Qia requested before leaving right after. However, just as he was about to leave the guild with Rean and Qia, he was stopped by Hudin.


    "Oh, there you are!" said Hudin as he rushed to catch up to Frandin''s group. "Walton, about your master...pass a message to them for me. A few other elders checked your formations just now. Its arrangement, especially the runes that we have never seen before, are really impressive."


    He then took a deep breath before continuing, "Tell him that the Formations Guild is willing to pay a heavy price for the knowledge of those runes. Be it Spirit Stones or other things, we can negotiate."


    Frandin then glanced at Rean and Qia for a moment. It was not his decision but theirs.


    Rean then sent him a Spiritual Sense message, saying, ''Ask him if Rank Four Spirit Stones are involved.''


    In the end, Rean wanted to obtain Rank Four Spirit Stones again. He only had a few back in Sunkan Planet and thought it would be even harder to get it here. But if this guild was willing to part with some... he wouldn''t mind giving them a few manuals with formations from Sunkan.


    ''Alright.'' Frandin agreed and looked at Hudin as he replied, "Hmm...it''s not really out of the question. However, my master has no need for scraps. If you want to buy some of his knowledge, it''ll cost you quite a bit. If you don''t offer at least Rank Four Spirt Stones, I doubt he would even bat an eye at whatever you may offer."


    Hudin couldn''t help but feel a bit of tension after hearing that. "Give me a second. I need to talk about this with the Guild Leader."


    Rank Four Spirit Stones were no joke, even for a guild like them. However, the formations Frandin showed were probably worth just as much and would help the guild recover this investment sooner or later.


    It didn''t take long before Hudin came back with an old man and a few guild elders. "This is the Guild Leader of this branch, Kacin Tui."


    "I''ll get straight to the point," said Kacin with a serious expression. "We''re willing to part with Rank Four Spirit Stones, but that''ll depend on what your master can show us. That being said, we want to meet him."


    Frandin shook his head as he replied, "That wouldn''t happen. At most, I can give you the schematics and study materials. However, my master definitely wouldn''t come all the way here just for that."


    Kacin was taken aback, asking, "You have everything with you?"


    "I do." Frandin then took out his bag, which had a few books inside. Well, it was Rean who put them inside by using the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. "You can check for yourselves and decide whether it''s worth Rank Four Spirit Stones or not."


    Kacin narrowed his eyes as he took the books. At the same time, a few elders sent him Spiritual Sense messages.


    ''Isn''t that a bit too convenient? Maybe he doesn''t have a master and found an inheritance.''


    ''Indeed. If that''s the case, we can just force Walton to give the rest of the material.''


    ''What if he really does have a master, and we''re poking a hornet''s nest? I don''t think buying a fight with someone with such knowledge would be wise.''


    ''Even if he does have a powerful master, would the guild bother about it? Don''t forget that the guild spans through the entire continent. His master would be the one who needs to think twice before acting against us.''


    Kacin pondered for a bit, and in the end, shook his head. ''No, we won''t force anything. It''s not that I''m afraid of what his master could do if he has one. I''m afraid that we might not get anything else after this if we do that. They are valuable, but I''m more fearful of losing the chance of obtaining more knowledge than Spirit Stones,'' said Kacin while thinking about the long run. His instincts also told him that if Walton wanted to leave, they probably wouldn''t be able to do anything about it.


    "Very well, Walton. Let me take a look at everything here first."


    Frandin shrugged his shoulders with a smile, seemingly not afraid of being robbed at all.


    Kacin then passed a few books to the other elders, and they began to discuss them. The appraisal of the books took over two hours and many Spiritual Sense messages. In the end, they all reached the same conclusion. These books were the real deal but only depicted the low-level formations.


    After that, Kacin looked at Walton(Frandin) before asking, "Don''t you have anything more elaborated?"


    Frandin shook his head in response as he said, "How could I? I have just achieved the Earth Low-Level Rank as a Formation Master. Why would my master give me materials of anything above this level? It''s up to you if what I have is worth anything in your eyes or not."


    Kacin had to admit it made sense. He then discussed a price with the other elders before coming up with a number and asking, "These books are indeed useful as study materials. However, the level of formations here is just too low. That said, we can''t pay you more than 500 Rank Four Spirit Stones."


    Frandin smiled as he waited for Rean and Qia''s answer. The two had been listening to everything until now, after all.


    ''Accept it.'' Rean and Qia answered straight away.


    Frandin then laughed as he nodded, saying, "That''s fine. I also believe that such a price is well within these books'' value."


    With that, Frandin''s group left the Formations Guild with 500 Rank Four Spirit Stones. Naturally, the guild tried to tail Frandin''s group to find out more about him, but that turned out useless. Unfortunately for them, their group disappeared like smoke.

 Chapter 662 - Separation

    Back in the workshop, Rean and Qia were brightly smiling. "Great! We can leave these Spirit Stones for when someone needs to make an important breakthrough. Rank Three ones would work as well, but it''s always better to be safe than sorry."


    Naturally, Rean wouldn''t use it for normal cultivation. It would be too much of a waste, especially since they weren''t at the level where they could absorb everything.


    Roan then came out when they arrived and asked, "Did you sell the Demon Cores as well?"


    Frandin nodded, responding, "Yes, we passed by the alchemist guild before returning here. The stones are inside the Dimensional Realm."


    Roan nodded before spreading his Spiritual Sense to call everyone over. "Gather up. Rean and I will be leaving your sides soon, so you will all need to rely on yourselves for a while."


    Those words immediately took everyone aback. Roan hadn''t commented about anything like that before, nor did Rean. However, judging by Rean''s expression, it seemed that he also knew about it.


    Calina was the first one to voice up as she asked, "What are you talking about? Why would we need to separate?"


    "What else could it be? If we want to be taken by the Soul Rulers to their base, Rean and I will have to surrender ourselves. We can''t bring you together," said Roan as if he was stating a fact.


    Qia didn''t like that, though. She had just gotten together with Rean as well. Not to mention that she wanted to help rescue Liza and the others just like the others "No can do. Just put us inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, and let''s head there together."


    Rean was the one to shake his head this time, saying, "That''s the point. There''s nothing you guys can do to help there. In fact, even I and Roan don''t think we can do much in that place other than using the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to bring others inside. That being said, you might as well use this time to train."


    "Exactly." Roan nodded. "Besides, I understood after our last training session when we separated. You can all live by yourselves, so it''s time for everyone to head out of the nest. At first, I was concerned that the same enemy would appear again, destroying this planet as a result as well. However, a long time has passed, and nothing happened. Obviously, no one knows we came here. That also means we don''t need to stay together anymore."


    Rean also added, "Besides, we already got ahold of two other Zasfins to move together with all of you, Xiria and Clad. Last but not least, you can use my Light Element equipment to use my skill. Well, at least Agis can.


    Agis, Malaka, and Frandin narrowed their eyes after hearing that. As for Calina and Qia, those two were extremely unwilling to part now that they had finally obtained the twins'' hearts. "We don''t want it. We didn''t spend enough time together yet."


    Agis also had another reason to not get separated so soon, saying, "What about the Spiritual and Light Element Bending skill? At the moment, other than you two, only I can use it, and only to a very low level. I might be able to enter a city after I practice some more, but Calina and the others can''t."


    "That''s why you have more Zasfins now. They will be the ones doing the city chores for you," replied Rean. Before anyone could complain about it, Rean continued, "Besides, you''re all committing a grave mistake here."


    "Mistake?" The others couldn''t help but feel confused.


    Rean then gloomily smiled in response as he said, "If I wasn''t here with you, what would you do about this planet''s situation? It''s just by coincidence that I have the Light and Spiritual Sense bending abilities. However, anyone else wouldn''t have this privilege."


    He then sighed, continuing, "Can''t you see the problem here? All of you have become too dependent on our Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and my skills. That''s no good."


    Everyone was shocked to hear that. Sure enough, they had to admit that Rean and Roan were right. Even when they were separated to battle alone, it would just be for a few days at most. Besides, they knew that Rean would be there to heal any injuries they had as long as they returned. That kind of mentality was no good for cultivators.


    Roan was on the same page as Rean, saying, "That''s correct. We''re leaving so that you''ll go back to when you didn''t have to rely on our powers. I already spent a very long time devising your training routines, so you can definitely use them for the realms above without any issues. You already noticed its effect on Soul Power as well."


    "But..." Calina dropped her head. As correct as Roan might be, she still didn''t want to let him go. After all, she worked very hard to get the ice block''s heart. However, she soon showed an expression of determination before looking back at Roan.


    "Alright. However, once we meet again, I want a child!" said Calina, not leaving any room for discussion.


    Roan narrowed his eyes for a moment. However, he decided to agree with her in the end, saying, "As long as you survive until then, I will fulfill your wish."


    Qia immediately grabbed Rean''s arm after hearing that, soon saying, "I want one too!"


    Agis, Malaka, and Frandin wondered if they should just leave the room already. That scene was too bright to watch.


    Rean noticed their faces and could help but laugh as he said, "Hahaha! Alright, that''s enough. You''re making them jealous."


    "Who''s jealous?!" Obviously, those three denied Rean''s words straight away.


    Rean shrugged his shoulders before changing the topic. "In that case, we also need a safe place for our family, right?"


    Even Roan was taken aback by those words. Safe place? Was there such a thing for humans in this world?


    Rean quickly explained what he wanted to say. "What do you expect? We''re also going out to rescue Liza''s group, aren''t we? That being said, we''ll need to find a place where they can live. That just so happens to be perfect for anyone''s family."


    Hearing that, Agis said, "But I doubt there is any place in this world that safe."


    Rean didn''t deny that, responding, "I know." He then smiled right after as he said, "That''s why we need to create it! We need to find a way to create a safe haven for humans on this planet. Only then will it be possible to go forward."


    Let alone Roan, everyone else found that idea ridiculous. Unless they reached an extremely high level that would force those Zasfins back, such a thing wouldn''t happen that easily.


    Nonetheless, Rean continued, "What, afraid? Are you already giving up ever reaching the level of a top expert? I''m sorry, but I haven''t."


    Roan sighed at Rean''s idiotic idea. That was just giving them even more problems. However, when he thought about really having a child...he didn''t like the idea of having to live hidden with them. "Fine, I''ll follow this ridiculous idea of yours. However, for us to have any chance whatsoever, the Nascent Soul Realm is the bare minimum to start. Do all of you think you can reach that level?"


    Agis couldn''t help but snort as he responded, "Hmph! If even Zasfins on a planet with a lack of Spiritual Energy could, then I can obviously do so as well. I''m a cultivator with a Red Color Aptitude. It''s a given that I''ll reach the Nascent Soul Realm eventually."


    Malaka, Calina, and Qia also agreed with that. After coming so far, they knew that Roan''s methods worked...even though they were almost suicidal.


    Roan then looked at everyone before saying, "I will make lighter training routines for all of you since neither Rean nor I will be close to you anymore. It''ll be useless if you can''t recover from your injuries." After saying that, he began to take some paper from the Dimensional Realm to write the routines down.


    That was quite a surprise coming from Roan. Yet, Calina immediately put her hand over his as she shook her head, saying, "There''s no need for it. I want to keep the same routine. I will master it, and I will definitely not die. After all, I know you definitely won''t make yours easier," said Calina with a smile.


    Agis then put one hand on Malaka''s shoulder before laughing as he said, "Hahaha! It comes without saying that the same thing goes for us."


    Malaka''s expression immediately changed as she complained, "Eh? Me too? But I want the easier one!"


    Roan snorted as he responded, "I think I''ll just double yours instead."


    "Ahem...that won''t be necessary. This one is just perfect," answered Malaka in a hurry, her face as pale as a ghost.


    Naturally, everyone laughed at that. However, there was someone who didn''t seem very happy about it, Frandin.


    "You guys are aiming too high for me. Nascent Soul? I''ve never thought of being able to reach that level. Even my father constantly pointed out that he was extremely lucky to achieve that when he was very close to dying."


    Rean shook his head in response as he eased Frandin''s worries, saying, "It''s fine, it''s fine. As long as you don''t slack off, Roan''s methods will bring you there. Simply put, try not to act like Malaka."


    Malaka''s mouth twitched as she said, "You''re too despicable! Just you wait! I''ll be the first one to reach Nascent Soul!"


    Everyone looked at Malaka as if they were looking at an idiot. Not a single soul in that room believed those words. Obviously, that made the happy-go-lucky girl even more furious. "Hmph! I''ll show you in the future!"

 Chapter 663 - Last Preparations

    Calina couldn''t help but ask after that. "By the way, when did you two decide on that? After all, we all thought that we would keep traveling together."


    Rean soon answered Calina''s question, saying, "About some time ago. However, we wanted to make sure that everything was prepared for you guys and us. For example, the equipment auction, getting more Zasfins to pretend to be our owners, and things like that."


    "I see..." Calina and the others understood that it wasn''t a sudden decision.


    Rean then laughed in response as he continued, "It''s fine, it''s fine. Since we''re separating now, that means we at least believe you all have the ability to survive on your own even without the support of my skills. Of course, we aren''t idiots. Both Roan and I know that there''s a good chance that someone might die. Maybe all of us will. In any case, this decision would be for the best for all of us."


    "Rean''s right." Roan agreed with Rean''s words before changing the topic. "Anyway, you all know what will happen, so get ready. The two of us have decided to use the Asume Clan to call out the Soul Rulers after the auction is over."


    Malaka then looked at a certain snoring bird on the corner of the room before asking, "What about Kentucky? Are you bringing him with you two?"


    Rean pondered a little before looking at Roan, soon responding, "To be honest, we''re not that sure. Kentucky is connected to us, so it would be possible to use him to find us in the future. On top of that, we could do the same thing vice versa. However, knowing where we are goes against the idea of everyone separating."


    Agis was a lot more straightforward with his words, "What are you talking about? This bird must definitely go with you."


    "Why?" Naturally, that was everyone''s doubt.


    Agis then shrugged his shoulders before pointing at Kentucky, asking everyone else, "Do the rest of you think that you can afford this guy''s appetite?"


    *Tch...*


    Everyone heard Rean click his tongue the moment Agis made that question.


    At that moment, Malaka, Calina, Qia, and Frandin felt a chill on their backs. Rean''s true objective was as clear as day. All of them simultaneously thought, ''He totally planned to leave Kentucky behind so that he didn''t need to feed him either!''


    Following that, they shook their heads vigorously. Kentucky was almost a black hole that ate nonstop. There was no way they''d be able to sustain him. Besides, Rean and Roan were the only ones with a Dimensional Realm to hide him if necessary. They would go bankrupt very soon if he stayed with them.


    "Sigh...fine!" said Rean eventually with a grim expression. "We''ll bring him with us. Why can''t you at least share a bit of the fat bird''s burden?"


    Agis and company immediately looked away, pretending they didn''t hear anything. As for Roan, well...providing resources had always been Rean''s job, so he didn''t care about what choice was made.


    The auction would happen the next day, so instead of training or doing anything like that, everyone spent the day having fun. Well, Roan was basically dragged along against his will, though. Eventually, the auction day arrived, with Rean and Roan using Clad and Firmel''s help to put all his Earth Peak-Level Equipments for sale.


    Naturally, that immediately caused an uproar. Well, it wasn''t because it was rare to see them, but because there were never so many available at once. Usually, a weapon at that level would only appear every three or four auctions, and they were always bought by Nascent Soul Realm cultivators. However, there were eight of them, so even the Core and Soul Fusion Realm participants had some hope of acquiring one of them.


    Of course, due to the high number of weapons, their price was also less than Rean''s first Earth Peak-Level Sword. The one that sold for the highest price was a Water Element Spear, which went for 5200 Rank Three Spirit Stones. In the end, Rean still made a little over 32000 Rank Three Spirit Stones.


    Clad couldn''t help but feel impressed by that. If there was even a little doubt before, it completely disappeared after today. He wasn''t a blacksmith, but he wasn''t an idiot either. It was easy to see that the weapons Rean put for auction were brand new ones, forged not too long ago. Unless there was some master blacksmith around helping him, it meant that his group made it by themselves. With that, he thought to himself, ''Their group is definitely part of the Unity Celestial Land. At the very least, he''s part of a Celestial Land, even if it isn''t Unity.''


    Following that, Rean''s group headed back to the workshop. There, Rean took 20000 of the 32000 he obtained from the auction and distributed them to everyone. This would ensure that they would be fine for quite a while.


    "Alright, I''m going to take my Imperial Bloodline Drop now," said Frandin as he took out the vial with the blood.


    Roan also took that opportunity to bring out the Magma Flower from the Dimensional Realm, saying, "In that case, I''m going to concoct the Spiritual Rage Pills. My Soul Power is only barely able to make it, but it''ll still out help a lot."


    Roan found this recipe when Frandin took the Alchemist Exam and brought him into the repository. The Spiritual Rage Pill was quite an overbearing cultivation assistance pill. Unless one was in the Core Formation Realm at the very least, chances were high that their Dantian would explode. Even at the right level, one had to be sure to be prepared for the great influx of Spiritual Energy. The problem was that one''s Spiritual Energy would go chaotic, just like when they finished a breakthrough.


    On the other hand, this pill could cut at least two entire months of cultivation for a Peak Core Formation Realm cultivator, or even more if used by someone at a lower cultivation level. Roan was only disappointed that there weren''t more Magma Flowers. This kind of herb could only be found in a place with a high concentration of Fire Element and Yang Energy, so it was very rare on a planet dominated by snow. Nevertheless, anyone could take it as long as the affinity was neutral, even Yin Element and Energy users. That also explained its very high value.


    Frandin was the first one to finish his part, absorbing the Imperial Bloodline Drop completely. Because it was a drop of a low-level member, it wasn''t that hard to do so.


    "How much did your Soul Power increase after that?" asked Rean, curious.


    However, Frandin shook his head, replying, "It doesn''t increase my Soul Power directly. What it does is improve my talent for it. I should be able to increase my Soul Power even faster from now on."


    A few hours later, Roan finished concocting the Spiritual Rage Pills. It was an incredibly difficult pill to make, with high chances of it failing. However, Roan still had the help of his Soul Gem Cauldron, which could control temperature perfectly. Not to mention that he had the pestle as well. Although it didn''t have a mortar from the Soul Gem System, it also had its share of Roan''s success.


    Roan then took a few bottles of the pills and began to pass them to everyone, saying, "Each bottle has three pills. Fortunately, many seeds were present in the Magma Flowers, so I concocted a few good batches. Always remember to make sure that you don''t need to use your Spiritual Energy for the next three days after taking the pill. Otherwise, you wouldn''t be able to control the chaotic power inside."


    Everyone took the bottles as their eyes glistened. Cutting several months'' worth of cultivation was obviously very attractive to anyone. If Roan put the pills up for auction, they would definitely go for tremendously high prices, especially because it was neutral.


    Calina then put the bottle away and looked at Roan, asking, "Do you want to hear our plans for when you leave?"


    "No." Roan shook his head as he replied, "From now on, you''ll only rely on yourselves, so I won''t comment on what you guys decide to do."


    Calina and the others nodded after that, not finding it surprising.


    "What now?"


    Roan then looked in the direction of the Asume Clan Estate before saying, "We basically only have to use the thing that can test our Soul Purity in the Asume Clan, and they''ll call the Soul Rulers over. However, I want you all to be long gone before that happens. That being said, let''s head to the Asume Clan and take Xiria first. You guys will all leave the city after that with Frandin. As long as you have Agis, Frandin, and Xiria, obtaining things from other cities should be easy."


    Qia was puzzled after hearing that, asking, "What about Clad? Weren''t we supposed to use him too?"


    Rean nodded as he answered Qia''s question, "Yes. However, he will come with Roan and me. After all, it''s a lot easier for you guys to use Xiria than Clad. With the Dimensional Realm, we can deal with anything if things get complicated."


    Roan also took the opportunity to give Frandin a pill, telling him, "This is the full antidote for Xiria''s poison." Following that, he took out several bottles before continuing, "And these ones are used to keep her poison at bay. There are enough pills here to keep the girl under control for at least two years. After that, you can decide whether it''s worth letting her keep following you all or let her leave."


    Frandin nodded with a serious expression in response, putting the pill bottles away. With that said, the twins sent everyone into the Dimensional Realm, leaving only Calina and Frandin out. Obviously, they headed straight to the Asume Clan soon after. Once they grabbed Xiria, it would be time for them to journey out by themselves and leave the twins behind.

 Chapter 664 - Fend For Themselves

    By the time they had arrived at the Asume Clan, Rean, Roan, and Frandin were received by Xiria and her parents, who were already waiting for them. Not long after, one of them asked, "Is it about time?"


    Frandin nodded, responding, "Yes, we will be leaving shortly after."


    Xiria took a deep breath before bowing back to her parents once more, saying, "Dad, Mom, I''ll be heading out."


    "Sigh...seems like that''s the only choice we have," said Xiria''s parents with a gloomy expression.


    However, Laun, Xiria''s father, was puzzled about something else, asking, "What about the thing with the Soul Rulers? Are you not trying it anymore?"


    "I am. That''s why I''m going to see your ancestor now," Frandin soon answered. "She''s probably waiting for me already, no?"


    Laun narrowed his eyes but didn''t deny that. The ancestor of the Asume Clan had always been watching them every time Frandin''s group came to visit with her Spiritual Sense.


    "In that case, follow me."


    Sometime later, they arrived at Sumeri''s room, where she was indeed waiting for them. She then smiled before asking, "Are you finally going to tell me where those high Soul Purity humans you mentioned are?"


    Frandin laughed as he nodded, pointing at the twins as he replied, "Of course. Rean, Roan, come forward."


    "Yes, young master."


    Rean and Roan then stopped in front of Sumeri.


    "This..." The sight greatly puzzled her, prompting her to ask, "They''re far from being children, don''t you think?"


    Well, whatever she was thinking, Frandin still shook his head, saying, "No. All your rule says is that your need to find humans with a high enough Soul Purity. There wasn''t anything saying that they had to be children. It''s just that it was a lot more likely to find children with the right characteristics than adults."


    Sumeri was taken aback by that. However, Sumeri had to admit that Gian (Frandin) was right. She never heard anything about only children being accepted.


    "Well, that''s true." She then brought out some kind of deep blue oval gem before showing it to the twins, telling them, "Touch the gem, and it will automatically check your Soul Purity. If it''s high enough, it should shine a faint blue. If not, then nothing will happen."


    Rean and Roan touched it straight away. Even if Frandin hadn''t left with the others yet, it would take some time before anyone from the Soul Rulers arrives. That should be more than enough time for Frandin''s group to leave the city. Especially since Rean and Roan intend to teleport them away with the Soul Gem Circuitry Teleport Formation. That way, no one would be able to follow them.


    *Bzzzz*


    After some time, the gem turned alive as the mentioned faint blue light appeared. Sure enough, Sister Orb was right. No one on this planet would have a higher Soul Purity than the twins. Even kids were no exception. Not only that, but the faint light continued to intensify several times to the point it was even hard to look at. Without a doubt, Rean and Roan''s souls were as pure as they could ever be.


    "Impressive!" Sumeri looked at the outcome with her mouth agape. "To think that adults could really reach such a level of Soul Purity. I guess I couldn''t expect less from a member of a Celestial Land." Naturally, she also considered that to be another perk of a Celestial Land member.


    Frandin laughed out loud, not trying to undo the mistake as he asked, "As long as they have the traits, then that''s fine by me. By the way, when will you call the Soul Rulers?"


    Sumeri shrugged her shoulders in response, saying, "There''s no need. The moment the gem was activated, the Soul Rulers had already gotten the message. To be honest, this is the only way to ever call them over for someone like me."


    Frandin nodded in satisfaction, saying, "That''s more than enough."


    His expression then turned solemn as he looked at Rean and Roan, telling them, "You two, you already know what to do. Don''t resist and simply let them take you away. I have my own ways of following you later. As long as I arrive at their headquarters, we will have concluded the elders'' test."


    Rean and Roan immediately bowed to Frandin once again, unanimously saying, "You can count on us, young master."


    Frandin then smiled back at Sumeri and mentioned, "Clad should arrive anytime soon. He will follow my two subordinates here when the Soul Rulers arrive. Remember, these twins are part of your family. You found them by coincidence once they were brought from outside for whatever reason you want to think."


    Sumeri agreed with Frandin as she replied, "I know how to proceed. However, are you really okay with that? If I say that and you don''t appear, all the benefits will be given to my clan instead."


    "Hahaha!" Frandin laughed out loud once again, saying in response, "Do you really think I lack benefits? Don''t worry, just consider it as payment for following our plan. You should have no concerns if we do it like that, right?"


    Sumeri''s eyes immediately lit up, responding, "Now we''re talking the same language. Very well. I shall not inquire anything and just follow the plan. However, I won''t give you anything either if you regret it later."


    "Fine by me."


    After a while, someone knocked on Sumeri''s door before a subordinate of the clan came inside and asked, "Ancestor, there''s an Imperial Guardian outside that says he was told to come here. Should we let him enter?"


    Sumeri immediately nodded, responding, "Yes, we were waiting for him already."


    Not long after, Clad appeared in the room with his father, Firmel. They soon noticed that Frandin and the twins were already there.


    "Are the arrangements done?" Firmel asked straight away. Sure enough, he was already told how the twins'' group would proceed.


    "Yes." Frandin nodded in response, implicating that Sumeri didn''t know that the real masters were, in fact, Rean and Roan.


    Firmel understood that as he put a hand on Clad''s shoulder, telling him, "Alright, Clad, we''re counting on you. We can still hold back for a few more years, but the faster you get done with it, the better."


    "Yes, father. I will definitely succeed," Clad immediately answered and bowed to his father. They knew very well how important the outcome of this matter would be for them.


    Sumeri didn''t know what they were talking about, nor did she intend to ask. The Imperial Guardians were also above her position, so she decided that it wasn''t worth intervening in whatever was happening there.


    Frandin then approached Clad, telling him, "Once you feel a power pulling your body away, don''t resist it."


    Clad took a deep breath and nodded. Soon after, Rean used the Dimensional Realm and sent Clad inside. Immediately, he appeared inside the jail that Frandin was locked up in the past. The same kail that didn''t allow him to see what was outside of it. Nevertheless, he didn''t panic. Rean and Roan had explained already that they had their own secrets, so they couldn''t let him move around freely in there.


    Firmel knew what was going to happen. Nevertheless, he couldn''t help but feel impressed as he thought, ''I guessed that it was the case before, but seeing it with my own eyes is another matter. No wonder they could disappear like smoke every single time. With such high-level Spatial Equipment, anyone would be able to move around undetected.''


    Sumeri, obviously, was left astonished since she didn''t know about that before, thinking to herself, ''Truly, you can''t look down on the Celestial Lands.''


    Of course, Xiria and Laun were also left speechless by that scene. Xiria had a Spatial Bracelet, but she was well aware that she definitely couldn''t send anyone alive inside. ''Too different! Our standings are just too different!''


    Frandin noticed Xiria''s expression before coming closer to her, asking, "You''re the next one. Ready?"


    Xiria nodded as a determined look appeared on her face. "Yes!"


    Sure enough, that pulling power was felt once again, and Xiria disappeared from the room as well. Laun, not having anything else to do about it anymore, left straight away to tell Xiria''s mother about it.


    Firmel understood that the Soul Rulers would be coming at some point, so he decided to leave to not arouse any suspicions. "I hope you elder keeps his words," said Firmel as he soon turned around and left.


    Sumeri thought that Firmel was talking to Frandin, but Rean and Roan knew that they were the real targets. Well, not that they cared about it anyway.


    Last but not least, there was the teleportation issue.


    "Senior Sumeri, I''ll take my leave with Xiria now. Farewell," said Frandin as he touched Rean''s shoulder. Soon after, he and Rean disappeared from the room as well.


    This sight puzzled Sumeri, though. With that, she asked, "Weren''t the ones supposed to be staying here, you and your brother?"


    Roan nodded as he responded, "It is. Rean should be back anytime soon after young master finishes discussing a few issues with him."


    Sumeri understood what that meant. Simply put, Gian Torio could send anyone back into her private room anytime he wanted. Clearly, that made her slightly fearful. ''If they can already do that, I wonder how many times more resourceful the Soul Rulers are.''


    Little did she know that even the Soul Rulers couldn''t do such a thing about it. Rean would only appear there again because Roan was there as well.


    In the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Rean could see that both Xiria and Clad had been put inside the same jail. It couldn''t be helped since he didn''t want them to see the Dimensional Realm. Soon after, he stepped on the Circuitry Teleport Formation before activating it with Rank Three Spirit Stones, instantly teleporting 1000 kilometers away.


    Rean appeared quite close to the ground this time, so he didn''t need Kentucky to help slow his descent. He then willed them to leave the Dimensional Realm. Soon, Frandin''s group came out with Xiria, leaving only the snoring demon bird and Clad in the Dimensional Realm.


    Qia then immediately hugged him before giving him a kiss, saying, "We will meet again."


    "We definitely will."


    After that, Rean disappeared once again, leaving Frandin and the others to fend for themselves from now on.

 Chapter 665 - I Can Hear You!

    Xiria, obviously, was confused over what just happened. She saw Rean appear for a moment, bid farewell, and leave. She knew that Rean had to come back to where Roan was since she was in Sumeri''s room during that time.


    Even though that was the case, she still could not help but think, ''Still, why does it feel like something is different?'' After all, Rean and Qia seemed to be ready to stay apart for a very long time.


    Another thing was that this was the first time she saw Agis. Frandin''s appearance had also changed once he came out of the Dimensional Realm. Well, the part where Frandin was using a different appearance didn''t surprise Xiria. The same could be said for Calina, Qia, and Malaka. After all, Gian told everyone that he couldn''t talk about his identity from the very start. Using another face made total sense in that context.


    "Gian, you actually had one more human in your group," said Xiria as she looked at Agis.


    Frandin nodded, replying, "Yes. He was the last member of my group. Well, you''ll see him a lot from now on, so there''s no point in keeping him hidden." Following that, Frandin changed the topic as he said, "By the way, you don''t need to call me Gian anymore. You already have taken the poison, so I can trust you with my real name at the very least. You can call me Frandin from now on."


    Xiria nodded, still feeling a bit lost over everything that was happening. However, the next thing that happened truly surprised her.


    *Clack, clack, clack...*


    One by one, Agis and the others removed their slave collars.


    "Sigh...these fake collars are seriously annoying. It feels like someone is grasping my neck all the time," Malaka complained.


    Calina and Qia agreed with her as one of them responded, "Indeed. Well, make sure to keep them since we might need to enter a city again."


    Agis then came forward and asked everyone, "Shall we go, then? The next city on the map should be Havares. However, I would rather avoid that one and head to the one after that. We need to make sure that we''re as far as possible from Vanesi before the Soul Rulers arrive. After all, we don''t have Rean and Roan''s Dimensional Realm."


    Frandin agreed with Agis, saying, "That''s true. On the other hand, we have a lot of Spirit Stones now. We can totally avoid all cities in this country and head straight to the next."


    Eventually, Xiria couldn''t hold her curiosity anymore, asking, "Ahem...what''s happening here? Why do I feel like the way your humans are treating you is different now, Gia- I mean, Frandin? Also, what about those fake collars? Could it be that you trust them that much that they don''t need it?" In fact, she quite admired it since it proved that Frandin truly liked humans, just like her clan.


    Frandin couldn''t help but laugh out loud as he replied, "Hahaha! My humans? They had never been my humans to start with. They''re just my companions. By the way, it seems like you haven''t checked their cultivations with your Spiritual Sense yet. Why don''t you give it a try?"


    Xiria was taken aback for a moment before she spread her Spiritual Sense. At the very next moment, she looked like she had seen a ghost.


    "Co-Core Formation and Co-Core and Soul Fusion!"


    Calina and the others didn''t try to hide their cultivation, so even Xiria could see it with her Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation. As expected, she was shocked by that sight, prompting her to ask, "Wh-What''s happening here?"


    Frandin then put a hand on her shoulder, saying, "Hahaha! Don''t worry, you will get used to it."


    Following that, he explained, "Do you remember when I said that this journey would be very dangerous? This is one of the reasons. There are other problems as well. Then again, you''ll come to understand it as time passes."


    Xiria couldn''t help but ask, "Are you...really a member of the Celestial Lands?" Sure enough, that question appeared, and it surprisingly did not take long to arise.


    However, Frandin just shrugged his shoulders while replying, "Have I ever told you that I was part of a Celestial Land?"


    Sure enough, Frandin was right. Indeed, he had never said he was part of a Celestial Land to the members of the Asume Clan, not even once. The only ones who got that excuse were the Imperial Guards, or to be more specific, Firmel and Clad.


    Immediately, Xiria felt like her clan had been fooled, asking, "What do you intend to do with me?"


    "Nothing," said everyone as they answered Xiria''s question in unison.


    Naturally, that made Xiria confused again. What did they mean by nothing?


    Frandin then took a bottle with a pill, the same one Xiria had a few days ago, before giving it to Xiria as he said, "Here you go. This bottle has a pill that can completely cure your poison. Well, you probably know that already."


    Following that, he pointed in a certain direction as he continued, "If you follow that path, you will eventually arrive back in the city. After that, you can simply head back to your normal life."


    Frandin then moved to everyone else''s side and continued, "However! There is one thing I didn''t lie to you about. You can definitely become much stronger, far surpassing any of the geniuses of your clan. As long as you follow us and not die, I can guarantee you that much. Remember, great dangers are always followed by great rewards."


    None of Frandin''s group did anything. Xiria seemed like a nice Zasfin, so they had no intention of making things difficult for her now that they already got what they wanted. If she wanted to give up, she had the freedom to do that.


    Xiria narrowed her eyes as she pondered over it. The fact that the humans in front of her were that strong and young was proof enough that Frandin was telling the truth. Not to mention that Frandin himself was already very strong for someone at his level.


    Eventually, Xiria remembered why she decided to leave and gritted her teeth, throwing the healing pill back to Frandin again as she said, "Fine! I already expected that things were not totally as I thought they would be. The fact that Calina and the others were much stronger than you or me was truly shocking. Nevertheless, I have an objective to fulfill. If following humans around is what it takes, then I accept."


    She then turned around and began to move away from Venasi City, saying, "Let''s go. The further away from the city we are, the better. Didn''t you say that before? Then, let''s pick up the pace."


    "Such determination..." Frandin and the others were surprised by that. They truly thought she would turn back as soon as she found out the truth.


    It was then that Malaka had an idea as she asked the others, "Do you really think she''s determined?" Everyone looked at her, waiting to see what this girl was planning to do. Soon after, Malaka ran ahead and called Xiria''s attention, giving her a piece of paper. "Xiria, here''s your training routine. It had been prepared for Frandin, with just a few modifications based on your Elemental Affinity."


    Immediately, everyone understood. Roan had revised Frandin''s routine after they got Soul Power. Now it was even more terrifying than when Frandin showed it when they visited the Asume Clan for the first time.


    Seeing that, Frandin sighed as he took the bottle with the healing pill out and murmured, "Well, it was good while it lasted. I better give her the pill already before she forgets it and runs away."


    Calina, Qia, and Agis nodded in agreement to Frandin''s words.


    Soon after, they saw Xiria''s expression turn ghastly pale. The more she read the things on that paper Malaka passed to her, the worse it became. She then looked at Frandin and the others while her whole body trembled. That routine couldn''t be possible! However, she only saw Frandin and the other holding other pieces of paper, describing their own routines as well.


    "Don''t worry. We all know how you feel."


    Xiria gulped a bit of saliva as she slowly looked by her side. There, Malaka was also holding another training routine made especially for her. Sure enough, it was as terrifying as everyone else''s...


    "I...I...I''m fi-fine...I can...do this..." Xiria then sent the training task into her Spatial Bracelet as she said, trying to muster up her courage.


    *wow!*


    Sure enough, her words surprised everyone.


    "Now that''s what you call courage!"


    "Well, it''s not like it''s any easier for us."


    "Yes, but she had never gone through Roan''s craziness before."


    "Indeed. I totally expected Xiria to put her tail between her legs and run away."


    "Perhaps she has a stronger will than we thought."


    "I think she''s just pretending."


    "She might be. If you see Xiria run away a few days from now, we will have our answer."


    "I bet 100 Spirit Stones that she''ll run away!"


    "I bet 200!"


    "I bet 300!"


    "Hey, hey hey! If everyone bets she''ll run, what''s the point?"


    Xiria''s mouth twitched as she could not help but say, "Do you need to say all of that out loud?! I can hear you, you know?!"


    Everyone laughed as Malaka and Calina grabbed her arms. "Welcome aboard."


    And just like that, they began to make their way through the cold lands. No one other than themselves knew where they''d be going or how long it would take until they met the twins again.

 Chapter 666 - Leaving

    Back in the Asume Clan, Rean once again appeared on Roan''s side. After all, they could use each other''s location to come out of the Dimensional Realm as long as they were within 3000km away from one another. Of course, once they do that, they can''t return to the place they were before unless they left a save point, which cost Spirit Stones depending on the distance.


    Sumeri, seeing that the two were there, asked a few of her subordinates to take care of them for a while. She didn''t know how long the Soul Rulers would take to arrive since it was the first time she found humans with the necessary Soul Purity.


    The initial plan wasn''t for Rean and Roan to appear together, only one of them. However, they decided that they might as well appear together. Because they had Light and Dark Element affinities and were twins, they could use it as an excuse for their high Soul Purity.


    Time soon passed, with nothing happening on the first day. But on the second, a few people in the city noticed a shadow appearing in the sky. Slowly, it got bigger and bigger until finally, the shadow attracted everyone''s attention. It then broke through the anti-weather formation and stopped right above the Asume Clan''s estate.


    It was some kind of enormous airship. The ship alone was bigger than the Asume Clan Estate itself. Rean and Roan looked at it and couldn''t help but feel amazed. This was the first time they had seen any flying vehicle on both planets. Let alone one as ridiculously big as this one.


    "Man, these Soul Rulers are incredibly wealthy," said Rean as he looked up.


    "That much is obvious. Still, isn''t this too much of a big entrance? Their presence was supposed to be kind of a secret, no?" Roan also could not help but comment.


    Well, the powers in the city could simply come up with any excuse for the populace later, and they would have no choice but to accept.


    Suddenly, a few Zasfins appeared on the deck of the airship before jumping down. Sumeri was already outside, waiting for the Soul Rulers. Rean and Roan, obviously, were by her side, pretending to be respectful.


    "Welcome to my Asume Clan, friends." Sumeri then bowed to them, trying to act as politely as possible.


    There were two men and one woman in this small group. They didn''t seem very interested in Sumeri. Instead, they looked around, trying to find any human children. However, they couldn''t find any, so they finally asked, "Where are the humans with high Soul Purity?"


    Sumeri nodded as she pointed to Rean and Roan on her side, replying, "Here they are. These friends can go ahead and check their Soul Purity."


    "What?!" In an instant, the aloof expression on the Soul Rulers'' faces disappeared as it was replaced by shock. "Impossible! Do you know what it means to fool our organization?"


    Sumeri felt a chill on her back but quickly recovered. She then smiled as she took out the deep blue oval gem and passed it to Rean and Roan, telling the two, "Go ahead, touch it."


    Rean and Roan, who also pretended to be scared of the Soul Ruler''s previous outburst, quickly nodded and touched the gem. Sure enough, it shone brightly with a faint blue color.


    "I can''t believe it..." the woman was the first one to talk.


    "Indeed. Adult humans with high Soul Purity. It''s the first time I''ve seen one, let alone two," one of the men followed.


    The second man was even more impressed, saying, "That''s not all. Look at how bright the Purity Gem is shining. Have you ever seen any human kid with this level of Soul Purity?"


    The woman then took a deep breath and smiled as she landed on the ground, saying, "Sumeri Asume, am I right? I''m Gila Joskri. Excellent job in finding these humans. Tell me, where did they come from?"


    Sumeri then glanced at Rean and Roan for a moment before explaining, "My clan doesn''t treat humans as badly as others, so we give shelter to them every now and then. These two seemed to hear the rumors about us and asked us to let them stay. Surprisingly, we were doing the human kids'' Soul Purity Check that we do every year. We then asked them to help us and had them bring the gem to the human quarters. However, when one of the twins touched it, the gem immediately activated. Because they were twins, I had the other one try it as well, and sure enough, the same thing happened."


    "I see...so you don''t know where they came from," said one of the men as he approached the twins. "By the way, you can call me Ren Zolfin." He then smiled at Sumeri, showing his satisfaction.


    The last guy didn''t seem to care about the reasons, saying in a rush, "Does it matter how they found these humans? The fact is that they have the Soul Purity we need. Whatever they might be, it''s not of big concern. Once the Soul Rulers are involved, no one else can do anything about it." It was obvious that he wanted to leave as soon as possible.


    The woman then sighed after hearing that, responding, "You aren''t wrong, Vio, but we need to understand how these twins came to be. Perhaps we can create a method to give birth to more of them in the future." Soon after, she turned her attention back to Sumeri, asking, "Do you have any idea why they have this level of Soul Purity?"


    Sumeri pretended to ponder a bit before mentioning something, "I do have an idea..." She turned to the twins after that and gave them an order. "Show these friends your Elemental Affinity."


    Sure enough, Rean and Roan immediately gathered Light and Dark Element around them, which surprised the three Soul Rulers.


    "Light and Dark!"


    "To think they would be born with a rare Elemental Affinity."


    "I have never seen or heard anyone with this kind of Elemental Affinity before."


    Gila took a deep breath after her second shock, saying, "That makes things difficult. There''s no way we can replicate their situation in the real world since it''s extremely rare for anyone to be born outside of the five main elements. Nevertheless, we did get humans with some other Elemental Affinity in the past. However, none of them had advantages in Soul Purity, nor did they keep their Soul Purity until adulthood."


    Vio and Ren nodded as one of them continued, "Which means...it might have something to do with the fact that they''re twins with uncommon Elemental Affinities. Simply put, there is no way we can replicate such a thing. Of course, we''ll need to do a few tests, but I find it very difficult to replicate their case."


    Sumeri didn''t know what they were talking about. However, she didn''t dare to ask either. Rean and Roan, however, knew very well what it was all about. Of course, they also kept quiet and didn''t intervene, pretending to be good human slaves.


    Gila noticed that they began to talk too much, so she changed the topic. "Oh well, we can check it out later. For now, let''s head back to the headquarters with these twins." Soon after, she looked at Sumeri, saying, "You did a very good job in finding these ones. Not only are there two of them, but they''re a true rarity! Your rewards will surely be plenty. Becoming the sole ruler of this city wouldn''t be hard after that."


    Sumeri quickly bowed with an excited expression, responding, "Thank you very much! I wish these friends a safe journey back."


    Gila nodded as she enveloped the twins with her Spiritual Energy. Soon after, she and the other two guys flew back to their airship. In the end, those guys simply didn''t care where the twins came from or if they had any background. They considered themselves the sole ruling power of the Zasfin World, so they didn''t even bother thinking if it could be some trap or anything like that. Even if it was, their organization would simply trample over whoever was trying to find problems with them.


    On the ground, close to the Asume Clan, Firmel looked as the Soul Rulers brought the twins away. Deep down, he couldn''t help but wish as he thought, ''If we get really lucky, perhaps my son can even join the Soul Rulers, which will be even better than any Celestial Land.''


    In other parts of the city, the other clans looked at that with jealousy. Their leaders knew who those Zasfins were. Naturally, they understood that the Asume Clan was lucky enough to find human kids with a high level of Soul Purity. Well, the one that regretted it the most was definitely the Portin Clan. After all, they had the chance to be the ones calling the Soul Ruler. However, they gave up on Frandin as soon as the Imperial Guardians appeared, unlike the Asume Clan.


    Ye Portin, who observed all of that, couldn''t help but sigh as he thought, ''At least we aren''t enemies with the Asume Clan. I better make sure that my clan members don''t find a problem with them from now on.''


    Other clans also had the same idea, afraid that offending the Asume Clan would also offend the Soul Rulers. And just like that, within just a few minutes, the Asume Clan became an untouchable power in Vanesi City.


    Following that, the airship of the Soul Ruler took flight once more, leaving the city''s formation as it soon disappeared in the distance.

 Chapter 667 - Engine

    Inside the airship, Gila went ahead and examined the twins from top to bottom. Sure enough, with her cultivation being several times higher than the twins, it didn''t take long for her to notice Rean and Roan''s cultivation.


    "Peak Core Formation Realm? Well, that''s quite surprising..."


    Hearing that, Vio was slightly surprised as he decided to also check their cultivation. "Oh! You''re right. They really are at the Peak Core Formation Realm."


    Ren Zolfin, who was with them, couldn''t help but comment, "This kind of high-level cultivation and young age. Celestial Land?"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other, then back at those Zasfins as one of them responded, "The Decadence Region."


    Gila nodded in response to their words. "So that''s why, huh? Well, it makes sense. If you lived there since young and fought your way through, I can more or less accept this level of cultivation and age. However, I''m surprised that you got to escape from there."


    As for Vio, he couldn''t care less. "There''s no point asking. Whether or not they came from the Decadence Region matters little. The good thing is that their Soul Purity hasn''t disappeared while their cultivation is at a high level. If it continues like that, they''ll be worth hundreds of human kids as time passes. After all, their lifespan increases with their cultivation."


    "That''s true." Gila and Ren nodded in agreement.


    Gila then stopped paying attention to the twins and simply said, "You can move around as much as you want. Just don''t try to leave the airship. Remember that all of us are keeping an eye on you two, so there''s no chance for you to escape."


    After saying those words, Gila left the room, followed by Vio and Ren. Well, that obviously left Rean and Roan slightly confused. Rean soon said to Roan through their connection, ''It seems like they don''t think we can cause any problems even with our cultivation.''


    Roan agreed with Rean, replying, ''Indeed. That''s a good thing for us, though. Have you noticed? They aren''t treating us like most of the Zasfins do. Well, it''s not that they''re treating us well, but it''s just that they simply don''t seem to care.''


    ''Now that you say that...'' Rean pondered a bit over their current situation as he spoke his thoughts, ''Other than their interest in our Soul Purity, not even our high cultivation was enough to catch their attention. I thought they would treat us more like some extremely rare treasure that must be kept under surveillance at all times. But that doesn''t seem the case.''


    ''Exactly,'' Roan said as he continued, ''That being said, I believe humans at our cultivation level might not be as rare as we''ve thought so far.''


    Rean knew where Roan was coming from. ''It seems like we have the same thoughts. These Celestial Lands are always revered by allowing Zasfins to cultivate much faster than anywhere else other than in the Imperial Families'' dwellings. I always thought it was strange since it doesn''t change the fact that this planet severely lacks Spiritual Energy.''


    Roan nodded, saying, ''Indeed. Think of the Asume Clan Ancestor, who was only at the Soul Forging Realm. Vanesi City is one of the important cities of the entire Palif Empire due to the Rank Five Bloodline Trial. Let alone Soul Forging, there are supposed to be several Saint Realm Zasfins there. Even an Elemental Transformation Realm Zasfin wouldn''t be impossible to see there. But even after saying all of that, none of those exist there because of the planet''s Spiritual Energy condition.''


    Rean and Roan arrived at the same conclusion after that. ''That means there''s something special in those Celestial Lands, Imperial Families'' Dwellings, and especially in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters.''


    It was then that Sister Orb''s voice echoed in their minds, suggesting to them, [Isn''t this guy Clad a member of the Imperial Bloodline? You might as well ask him.]


    Rean and Roan had to agree that Sister Orb was right. Following that, the two of them connected their minds to the Dimensional Realm and sent their voice into the jail, asking, ''Clad, we have a question for you.''


    Clad, who was feeling quite bored, immediately agreed as he replied, ''Sure! What is it?''


    ''Can you tell us if the Imperial Family''s estate has some kind of high concentration of Spiritual Energy? We mean, some kind of formation or things like that?''


    Clad was taken aback for a moment and then began to ponder about it. ''Hmm...as you know, our branch of the Palif Imperial Family was cast away, so I''m not sure about those things since it happened before I was born. However, I did hear my father commenting about something like that before. He said even Rank Four Spirit Stones couldn''t compare to having access to the area where the main family members cultivated. Well, I can''t guarantee that, though.'' While replying to their question, he could not help but think the two should have already known something about that.


    Rean and Roan nodded in response to Clad''s words before they disconnected from the Dimensional Realm. Not long after, Rean said to Roan, ''It seems there really is something going on in the main powers of this planet.''


    Roan then got up as he said, "Forget it. Since we''re heading straight to the Soul Rulers'' headquarters, we''ll eventually find it out. Let''s head outside and explore the ship."


    Rean''s eyes lit up as he said in response, "Then I''m going to the engine room...well, not that I think I''ll find an engine, though. Without a doubt, this ship''s ''engine'' is powered by formations. I want to see how they''re made."


    Roan couldn''t care less as to what Rean did. After all, he was not well-versed in formations. "I''ll check the forces around, just in case."


    And with that, the twins left the room they were staying in. Of course, they also kept the Spiritual Sense Bending Skill active. That being said, they could see several Spiritual Senses locked on them. If they really tried to escape, there would be no lack of Zasfins coming out to stop them.


    ''Well, we can simply enter the Dimensional Realm and flee, though,'' Rean thought, not minding the vigilance at all.


    The ship was enormous. Nevertheless, it wasn''t hard for Rean to find the ''engine'' room. Surprisingly, the Zasfins in there seemed to ignore Rean completely, only warning him to not touch the formations. The usual disdainful looks that most Zasfins cast at humans was nowhere to be seen on their faces.


    Unsurprisingly, Rean ignored that as his attention was completely focused on the formations of the airship. ''Impressive! To think they could use formation in such a manner. I can see many areas that could be improved a lot with my knowledge of formations from Sunkan Planet. Not to mention the Circuitry Formations from the Soul Gem System. Then again, by using Soul Runes to regulate the flow of Spiritual Energy, they were able to make it fly. Soul Runes are really interesting.''


    Rean was so focused on those formations that he began to draw them on the floor. Of course, he wasn''t using any formation materials, just scribbling them. At the same time, he was fixing the parts that were obviously flawed or had worse efficiency than the runes from Sunkan Planet or the Circuitry Formations.


    Some Zasfins saw that and snorted, thinking that Rean was just getting ahead of himself. How could humans truly understand the complexity of their airship formations? However, there was one Zasfin who narrowed his eyes as that Zasfin thought to itself, ''What kind of runes are those? Those are only a few scratches on the ground. However, they don''t seem to have been created without reason.''


    This Zasfin was none other than the Formation Master responsible for the formations in the airship. He was also a Heaven Middle-Level Formation Master of the Formations Guild.


    Eventually, he approached Rean while paying attention to the modifications he made to those formations. Of course, Rean wasn''t a Heaven-Level Formation Master, so he was only tinkering with the formations he could deal with. The Heaven-Level parts he didn''t even touch.


    Out of nowhere, that Zasfin put a hand on Rean''s shoulder, which instantly brought him back to reality.


    "Ah!" Rean almost jumped when that happened. He was truly focused on the formations of the airship.


    The Zasfin then looked at Rean with a serious expression, asking, "Where did you learn about formations?"


    Rean noticed that he had gone a little too far, so he tried to come up with an excuse. "Errr...I have the study materials from the Formations Guild from Vanesi City. I was only trying to apply them to these formations. Sorry for making a mess on the ground. I''ll clean it up right away."


    Rean was just about to use his Spiritual Energy to wipe out the drawing when suddenly, that Zasfin stopped him. "There''s no need." He then pulled Rean back before continuing, "I''m very interested in those runes of yours. Does that mean you got them from Vanesi City? Show me those study materials you talked about."


    Rean bitterly smiled as he answered, "I don''t have them anymore since I already committed everything to mind. However, a few of the runes I used are not present anyway. They''re just a few things I came up with."


    "Are you saying you created those different runes and thought of the formation arrangement by yourself?" The Zasfin talking to Rean found it really hard to believe. Well, Rean didn''t really make a formation, just some random scribbles here and there, so those runes might have no use whatsoever.


    Rean scratched the back of his head before continuing, "They''re just a few theories. I don''t even know which kind of materials I would need to bring my ideas into reality. Hahaha! In the end, I''m just someone who dabbles with formations from time to time. There''s no need for senior to pay attention to me."


    He then added, "By the way, I''m Rean. I was brought aboard since it seems that I have a very high Soul Purity...although I don''t know what that means."


    Immediately, the guy''s expression changed to that of shock. "High Soul Purity?!"


    Sure enough, he didn''t expect to hear such a thing from an adult human.

 Chapter 668 - Luck Or Not

    Rean looked at the old Zasfin before asking, "Is there a problem with me having high Soul Purity?"


    The man quickly recovered before sighing as he replied, "Forget it. Would you like to talk more about those runes you came up with?"


    Rean pondered for a bit and thought that this could be a good opportunity. There was nothing wrong with obtaining some more support, especially from a Zasfin. Besides, he was still puzzled as to why these Zasfins didn''t seem to care too much about the humans around them. There were even a few humans in this formation room that kept the airship afloat. It''s just that none of them seem to be involved with the formations, but instead were there only to help with a few more menial tasks.


    "Well...is it really okay for senior to listen to the theories of a human? I thought all Zasfins would never care about even getting involved with us," Rean asked with a hint of confusion on his face.


    The old Zasfin was taken aback for a moment before remembering that Rean was right. It wouldn''t be easy to see a Zasfin willing to listen to a human on this planet. However, things were a little different in the Soul Rulers'' territory. Humans were still considered slaves there, but because of how human kids with high Soul Purity were used, the Zasfins tried to not put too much burden on them. That''s because doing so would accelerate the speed at which those kids'' Soul Purity would deteriorate. Of course, deep down, they still looked down on all humans.


    "Sigh...it''s fine," Palaris replied as he introduced himself. "By the way, you can call me Palaris. Don''t worry. I just want to hear more regarding these rune theories of yours. Whether you''re a human or not won''t matter as long as your words make sense." He was only interested in the formations, after all. However, he also had an idea in mind depending on what Rean had to add.


    Rean faintly smiled in response, knowing that he had the old man take his bait. Following that, he began to ''more or less'' explain ''his'' concepts of runes. Of course, those runes were basically the ones used in Sunkan Planet. It''s just that Rean wouldn''t mention that. "Alright, let me start with the Three Phases Spiritual Regulation Rune. If what I''m thinking works out, we can control the..."


    And just like that, Rean began to explain the runes he drew on the ground. He told the concepts and what he would need to make them work out...if they worked. Of course, he didn''t give a perfect explanation. Rean had left several flaws on purpose regarding what he used. That''s because it would be way too suspicious if his runes that he ''just theorized'' worked perfectly from the very start.


    Even with that, Palaris became more and more shocked as he listened to Rean''s ideas. Even though he could also find a few problems there, he could tell that they were still feasible once he took some time to work on them. '' A Formation Master genius! Who could have thought that a human would show such proficiency.''


    However, that thought also pained him since Rean had high Soul Purity. After all, he knew what he would be used for once they arrived at the Soul Rulers'' headquarters. With that, he asked, "Rean, right? Tell me, where did you learn about formations? Even if you came up with these theories, you had to first learn the basics from someone. I doubt there were many Zasfins out there willing to spend their time teaching a human."


    "Senior''s right." Rean already expected that question, responding, "I lived outside the city with my brother during most of my lifetime. Our father...well, not really our father since he was a Zasfin. Anyway, he was the one who taught me about formations. Unfortunately..." Rean then showed a sad expression as if remembering a painful memory.


    At the same time, Roan''s voice echoed in Rean''s mind, telling him, ''What kind of shitty excuse is that? Can you be any worse at creating stories? Not even a kid would believ-''


    *Sniff, sniff...*


    "I see, I see! Don''t worry, young man. I''m sure your father is very happy with what you''ve accomplished so far," Palaris said as tears fell down from his eyes, trying to console Rean.


    Roan, who was somewhere else in the airship, twitched his mouth as he could not help but say, ''What are you? A fucking baby?! First of all, should this idiot even feel sad because of a human? What the hell is happening here?''


    Rean laughed mentally, though. ''Hahaha! Isn''t that obvious? My acting skills are just that good!''


    ''Good, your ass!'' Roan immediately replied. ''This guy must be mentally ill. That''s the only way you could convince someone with that story of yours.''


    Rean couldn''t care less, though. ''So what? It worked, didn''t it? That''s enough for now.''


    Roan sighed but didn''t say anything else. Since it worked, then that was good. Perhaps Rean could get some crucial information from the old Zasfin.


    "Hey, Elder Palaris is crying again."


    "What? How many times has it been this week already?"


    "Someone, go call his granddaughter."


    Sure enough, the other Zasfins quickly noticed the changes in Palaris. From the looks of it, this guy was quite the crybaby even before Rean appeared.


    ''Is it really fine to have someone like him taking care of the formations keeping this airship afloat?'' Rean could not help but think. ''Oh well, that plays well for me.''


    Rena then put a hand on the man''s should before saying, "Ahem...Elder Palaris, you don''t need to worry. Our father died a long time ago, so my brother and I have already gotten over it."


    Palaris nodded, but his tears continued to flow. "Alright, alright. I understand. That''s the way of life, I know." He then patted Rean''s head as if he was a kid. Well, considering their age difference, Rean might as well be considered a baby.


    Sometime later, a female Zasfin entered the room and quickly made her way to Palaris, telling him, "Grandfather, how many times did I tell you to not get too involved with others? Look at you! Is that how an Elemental Transformation Realm Zasfin should act?"


    Rean''s heart froze for a moment after hearing that. Elemental Transformation Realm! The Formation Master taking care of this ship is that strong?!


    ''This guy is a monster!'' Rean thought as he felt a chill on his back. The man in front of him could wipe him out with a finger, and he wouldn''t even have the time to think about entering the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    Eventually, the girl was able to calm down Palaris, much to Rean''s relief. However, she quickly looked in his direction with a dark expression and asked him, "Was it you who made him cry this time?"


    Rean was taken aback for a moment but nodded in the end, responding, "Well...you could say so. I was just talking about my deceased father when he suddenly started to cry. I didn''t expect that to happen, though."


    Palaris then patted the girl''s head as he shook his head, saying with still teary eyes, "It''s fine, Ophele. I''m just not very good at controlling my emotions." Palaris then came forward and looked at the runes on the ground, soon muttering, "Sigh...such a waste. So many good ideas, but he won''t have the time to work on them."


    Rean narrowed his eyes for a moment but came back to himself right after. "It''s fine. I know my status as a human slave. It''s good to hear that someone else other than my father has recognized my abilities in the end, especially someone like you, senior." Rean then began to wipe out the scribbles on the ground...or so he tried.


    However, Palaris held him back before he could do so. "Leave them be. I want to think a little more about your theories."


    Naturally, that caught Ophele''s attention. She was Palaris''s granddaughter, so she was also well-versed in formations. "What theories, grandfather? Eh?! What kind of runes are those? I''ve never seen them before."


    Palaris finally laughed after hearing that. "Hahaha! Right? These are a few theories this human came up with. He and his brother were raised by a Zasfin Formation Master outside the cities, so he knows a lot about them. These runes were his doing."


    "But..." Ophele couldn''t help but ask, "What do they even mean? Do they have any use whatsoever?" From the looks of it, neither she nor any of the other Zasfins gave a damn to Rean''s story. She only wanted to hear about those runes. Sure enough, she was like the others. Ophele didn''t care about who or from where Rean came because she was part of the Soul Rulers. Whatever he might be, it wasn''t a problem for them.


    Palaris nodded as he looked at Rean before asking, "Would you mind explaining everything once more?"


    Rean nodded, noticing that only Palaris seemed to give some importance to him. Though, he could not help but think as he explained once more, ''Well, he might just be pretending to care, though.''


    Roan, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes. He and Rean were sharing their vision of what was happening in their surroundings through their Soul Connection. That being said, Roan also saw the scene where Palaris wept. ''Unless he''s one of the best actors of all time, that definitely wasn''t faked. However, it seems like Palaris is an exception as the others around him don''t seem to care. Is he really mentally ill? But then again, Elemental Transformation Realm. That''s not just any cultivation realm.''


    Roan then shook his head. Luck or not, everything worked out for the twins.

 Chapter 669 - Rean Was Right

    By the time Rean had finished explaining ''his'' theories again, everyone had dropped their disdain for Rean''s abilities. Although some could also tell that portions of those runes would need to be revised, his theories seemed feasible. Not only that, but they could truly increase the efficiency of their airship if they really worked.


    Suddenly, one of the subordinates of the airship looked at Palaris and asking, "Elder Palaris, we can''t let such an opportunity like this pass up. I don''t know how he has such a high Soul Purity even though he''s an adult. However, his talent in formations is definitely worth a lot more than his capability of controlling the trials."


    Even Ophele, who was angry at Rean because he made her grandfather cry again, had to admit that his formation talent was terrifying. Well, little did they know that Rean was just showing them what he learned somewhere else.


    Nevertheless, Rean took that opportunity to ask, "Controlling the Bloodline Trials? What do you mean?"


    Palaris narrowed his eyes as he fell into deep thought. ''Perhaps I should make a request to the high elders? However, they''ll definitely want to check why he and his brother have high Soul Purity at their age. If he was just another normal kid...''


    Palaris then shook his head as he said, "Forget it. We can''t get involved in this problem. Don''t forget, I''m only someone responsible for an airship''s formation."


    Rean didn''t care about it, though. Their meeting was nothing but a coincidence to start with. However...


    "Grandfather, that won''t do. I''ll ask mother to make an exception." As soon as Ophele said those words, everyone''s expression changed.


    Naturally, that caught Rean''s attention. ''Her mother? Could it be that she''s some sort of bigshot?''


    ''Probably,'' Roan replied through their Soul Connection. ''Seems like this mistake of yours will be of some use now. If we can stay in two different places inside their headquarters, it will help us understand everything much better.''


    Rean slightly nodded, responding, ''Alright, I''ll try to make things work on my side. Though, are you okay being the only one sent to the Bloodline Trial formations?'' Rean was still somewhat concerned about what would happen there.


    ''It''s fine. They won''t suddenly attack me or kill me. Besides, we have the idiot orb to pull us out if the situation turns awry.''


    The idiot orb immediately complained in response, asking, [Who the hell is the idiot orb?]


    Rean faintly smiled as he looked at Palaris and Ophele discussing.


    "Grandfather. You know that the head favors her a lot. Besides, we have two twins with the same ability. She should be able to convince the head to leave this one for us at the very least." Ophele was truly interested in Rean''s skill in formations.


    The other Zasfins around them also agreed with her, saying that they also wanted to learn more about Rean''s theories. If they did well, the position of their group inside the Soul Rulers would increase a lot.


    Eventually, Palaris nodded as he looked at Ophele, saying, "Alright, then. However, she definitely won''t listen to this old man''s words, so it has to be you. Are you fine with that?"


    Ophele immediately nodded with confidence as she said, "Yes! Leave mother to me."


    Rean then pretended to be confused at the situation as he asked, "Ahem...can someone explain what''s going on? What do you mean by controlling the bloodline trials? Is there any danger when you do that?"


    Palaris pondered for a bit before deciding that it wouldn''t make much of a difference even if Rean knew about it. Not long after, he explained, "The others outside don''t know about it, but the Bloodline Trials of the world are controlled by us, the Soul Rulers. However, the core of the formations that operate the Bloodline Trials are humans with very high Soul Purity. That being said, once you''re sent inside, you will have to work on it until the day your Soul loses its purity."


    Rean nodded after hearing that. He had to take this chance to know as much as possible, so he continued to ask, "You said that I would do it until my Soul Purity disappears. Well, to be more specific, I''ll have to work until it reaches the level of common humans, right? Isn''t that fine, then? I can come back once I''m done with this job."


    Everyone else''s expression changed after hearing that. "There''s no coming back. Once you can''t do your job anymore, you are done for."


    Rean pretended to be taken aback as he replied, "Co-Could it be that they will kill me? Why? I can still work like a normal human after that!" Of course, Rean had theorized back then that the human kids that finished their tasks at the Bloodline Trials were used for something else after that, the Soul Stones. Of course, he wouldn''t say it aloud.


    "You will die, however...not in the way you think."


    "Grandfather!" Suddenly, Ophele stopped her grandfather''s words, saying, "You can''t talk about that."


    Palaris was taken aback for a moment and nodded, apologizing, "Oh, sorry, sorry. You''re right."


    Rean took that moment to ask Roan, ''Should I push forward?''


    Roan knew what he was talking about and pondered for a second before giving the green light, saying, ''Go for it. From what I can see from the other Zasfins'' expressions, this is not a big secret between them. Ophele only stopped Palaris because she thought it would affect you. They want your expertise as a Formation Master, after all. So, they can''t allow you to hate them too much. This is the perfect moment to bring that topic out.''


    Rean nodded and took a deep breath before asking, "It seems like that once I''m done with my task at the Bloodline Trials, I won''t just simply die, huh?"


    Ophele shook her head, responding, "You better not know about it. You won''t like it."


    Rean snorted in response as he asked, "Are you talking about the Soul Stones?"


    Immediately, everyone''s expression in the room changed as one of them asked, "How do you know about that?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders before continuing, "That''s because I have seen one of them before. I''m not an idiot, you know. Soul Power is different from Spiritual Energy. It only exists because souls exist...or so my deceased master mentioned. That being said, I always wondered how that thing was created. Once you refused to talk about what happens to the human kids after they finish their tasks at the Bloodline Trials, it wasn''t hard to guess the rest."


    Sure enough, it seemed like Rean was right.

 Chapter 670 - Sister Orbs Help

    Palaris couldn''t help but lament, "Sigh... yes, that''s exactly it. So, what will you do with this information?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "Does it look like I can do anything about it? I''m just a human, so I''ll just follow the flow and see what happens."


    Palaris and the others were slightly surprised by Rean''s words. Then again, he was right. As a human, there was nothing he could do. In fact, even if he was a Zasfin, unless he had a high position in the organization, he would still be powerless to do anything.


    Ophele then shook her head before continuing, "It doesn''t matter if he knows or not. It''s not like he can spread this information outside anyway. Even if he did, who would believe a human? Last but not least, only the higher-ups know how to use those humans to create Soul Stones. In the end, it''s a piece of useless knowledge for him." Ophele was quite full of herself when she mentioned that.


    Surprisingly, Rean simply agreed with her, saying, "Miss is right."


    Palaris then looked at Ophele before asking, "I''m counting on you to convince your mother, alright?" He still wanted to find out what more Rean could do with formations. Of course, the same went for Ophele.


    Roan, who had been listening to everything so far, had a dark expression on his face as he said, ''So, the Soul Stones are really made out of human souls.''


    ''Yes. It seems like we won''t be able to do much about this issue. At most, we will only be able to save those who are there now. Then again, these Zasfins will eventually find more human kids to continue the process.'' Although Rean wasn''t showing it on the surface, he felt incredibly indignant.


    Roan pondered for a bit before thinking about something else, saying not long after, ''At least, we should be able to prevent this process from happening for a long time.''


    ''Could it be...getting rid of the formation that controls the Bloodline Trials?'' Sure enough, Rean understood what Roan meant. ''Now that I think about it, a formation capable of doing such a thing should be enormous and extremely complex.''


    Rean continued to analyze the possibilities. ''But then again, there''s also the method of transforming human souls into Soul Stones. Suppose the formation used to control the Bloodline Trials is destroyed and can''t be restored for a few years. In that case, the Zasfin will not waste time making the kids wait. I''m certain that they will transform them into Soul Stones straight away.''


    Roan then asked something else, ''Do you think they also use formations to transform their soul?''


    Rean pondered for a bit and nodded, replying, ''Most likely. However, I doubt it''s as complex as the formation controlling the planet''s Bloodline Trials. Even if we manage to destroy them, the Zasfins should take some time to fix up those formations. In my opinion, as a Formation Master, I believe that the Zasfins'' main issue with Soul Stones is to find humans with high Soul Purity.''


    Roan shook his head in the end, saying, ''That means we can''t do anything in that regard. In that case, we might as well not destroy the formation controlling the Bloodline Trials. At the very least, it will prevent those kids from being used for Soul Stones straight away.''


    In the end, there''s just so much they can do with their power. They could bring the kids they found into the dimensional realm, but they would have to leave straight away. Other than that, their actions were limited. That was the difference brought by their cultivation level.


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he soon muttered, ''It seems we can only rely on her...''


    [Hey, are you really THAT unwilling to have your beloved Sister Orb''s help?]


    Roan''s mouth twitched as he replied, ''Beloved your ass!''


    [I don''t have an ass. Haha!]


    Rean let out a quick chuckle before heading back to the main topic. ''Anyway. How would Sister Orb help with something like that? Such a formation is definitely at a very high level. Just how long would it take before she could take control over it?''


    As mentioned in the past, Sister Orb''s power at controlling formations depended on the formation''s level and the Soul Gem System''s processing power. Rean and Roan still didn''t have any direct method to increase the processing power of the system, though they did have a passive method to increase it. That method was based on their current cultivation level.


    [Hmm...indeed. Such formations would be ridiculously hard to crack. Nonetheless, they wouldn''t be as terrifying as the natural formation that controlled time back in Sunkan Planet. Don''t forget that I finished analyzing Soul Power, so I don''t have problems analyzing Soul Runes anymore.] Sister Orb seemed somewhat very confident.


    Roan ignored her smugness, though. ''Alright, then. In that case, we might as well stay there for some time. Besides, if our guess is correct, that area should be heaven for cultivators.''


    Rean nodded and asked something else, ''But what will we do if we find out that one of the kids is about to be taken away?''


    ''Ignore them!'' Roan didn''t even need to think before answering. ''Are you really willing to sacrifice the big picture just to save a few? In the end, that will simply increase the number of sacrifices.''


    He then continued, ''If we suddenly appear, and the kids that don''t have the requirements to control the Bloodline Trials anymore began to disappear, what do you think the Zasfins would have in their minds?''


    Rean couldn''t help but show a dark expression after hearing that. However, he understood that Roan was right. They could secretly use the Soul Gem System to bring the kids inside. But their disappearance would raise many suspicions around them. After all, it would start happening right after they were brought in. The Zasfins would need to be idiots to not connect the dots.


    However, it was then that Rean had an idea. ''Oh, right! In that case, let''s not touch the Bloodline Trial Control Formation. Instead, Sister Orb, use your time to analyze the Soul Stone Formation. Make sure it won''t work.''


    Sister Orb didn''t mind, however...


    [I can try to do that, but I will at least need to be somewhat close to it. Also, you still don''t know whether they really use a formation to create Soul Stones or not. If that''s not the case...] Sister Orb stopped talking after that.


    Rean sighed, knowing that Sister Orb had a point. Soon, he replied, ''Well, I''ll see what I can do.''

 Chapter 671 - Two Paths

    ''If there''s a formation responsible for creating the Soul Stones, it''ll be up to you to get close to it, Rean. These guys seem to want to bring you into their group because of your expertise in formations. Perhaps you can use it to get you there as well.'' Roan could only make do with that for the moment. ''As for me, I''ll be sent to where the kids are...or so I think. That being said, we will operate in two different fronts.''


    Rean agreed with Roan, saying, ''I understand.''


    Rean then looked at Palaris and Ophele, who seemed to be discussing his current situation before asking, "Do you think I will also become another Soul Stone?"


    "I''ll try to prevent it. However, don''t misunderstand. I''m not doing it because I feel bad for you or anything. You are, after all, just a human. The only thing that interests me is your knowledge in formations," Ophele replied, not showing a hint of respect for Rean. "Of course, you would first be sent to control the Bloodline Trials, so it wouldn''t happen anytime soon to start with."


    Well, it wasn''t as if Rean wanted it anyway. "Fine by me. As long as I can survive, I don''t care how it happens."


    Palaris decided to change the topic after that. "Alright, that''s enough. Rean, you''ll have to earn the right for Ophele to go seek the help of her mother. That being said, let''s go back to the formation runes you were talking about. Show the two of us that it wasn''t a mistake going this far."


    Rean faintly smiled before returning to his scribbles on the ground, returning to explaining his theories. As for Roan, he didn''t find anything else of interest in the rest of the Airship, so he sat in a corner at some point and just cultivated.


    The same way it took one day for the Soul Rulers to arrive in Vanesi, it also took another day for them to return. What surprised Rean was the speed at which the airship moved. He flew with Ancestor Zuan, who was a Saint Realm expert back in Sunkan Planet. However, Zuan simply couldn''t compare to this airship''s speed. They were in completely different leagues. That only piqued Rean''s curiosity even more towards the formations of the airship, making sure to record everything about it with Sister Orb''s help.


    Eventually, they arrived back at the Soul Rulers'' headquarters. It turns out that their headquarters was located at the extreme north of the planet, directly above the pole. If it was already cold everywhere before coming, then how cold would it be here.


    Roan even went out to check the temperature and was surprised to see that the cold energy was able to pierce through his Spiritual Energy barrier as if it didn''t even exist. He had to constantly use his Spiritual Energy to keep sending it out of his body. If it was anyone else at their level, escaping this place might really have been an impossible mission. After all, they would freeze to death since there would be no shelter for them to recover from the cold energy.


    However, the headquarters had the same system as the cities they visited before, a giant protection formation covering everything. It kept both the strong weather and cold energy outside. Not only that, but Rean and Sister Orb could tell that it wasn''t just good at protecting against those things. It was definitely very strong against preemptive attacks and...preventing others from leaving.


    [Do you want me to try to take control over it?] Sister Orb asked as she looked at it.


    Rean shook his head, replying, ''No, just focus on the Soul Stone Formation or the Bloodline Trial Control Formation.'' Rean thought that he had no need to allocate the Soul Gem System''s processing power on something that could be overcome by their Circuitry Teleport Formation.


    The airship quickly descended to the ground as the twins were gathered on the deck. There, Gila, Ren, and Vio took the two and brought them inside the giant building in front. As the twins had expected, the area was simply too big, with security almost seen everywhere. There were cultivators flying in the skies, patrols in almost every corner, not to mention the hundreds of Spiritual Senses slamming against the Spiritual Sense Bending Skill.


    However, what truly shocked the twins was the concentration of Spiritual Energy in the air.


    ''Terrifying! Spiritual Energy here is so condensed that I can even see it,'' Roan said as he moved his hand on the air. Where his hand passed, a faint wave of brilliant power spread forward due to his actions.


    Rean, of course, was just as impressed. ''Are Spirit Stones even necessary in a place like this? If I draw an Energy Gathering Formation, I can probably cultivate faster than when I use Rank Four Spirit Stones. No, maybe even Rank Five Stones can''t hold a candle to this thing.''


    Sure enough, Rean and Roan reached the same conclusion in the end. ''We were right. There''s something very strange about the lack of Spiritual Energy on the entire planet. Perhaps...the world''s main powers have found a way to take most of the planet''s energy for their own use, leaving less than half of the natural amount outside.''


    Along the way, Palaris and Ophele followed the twins. Before arriving at the headquarters, it seemed like Ophele had used a Thoughts Transmission Talisman to contact her mother ahead of time. She was expecting to meet her halfway to where the Bloodline Trial Control Formations were.


    "Ophele." Sure enough, a woman appeared on their way there, stopping Gila, Ren, and Vio in their tracks. She then looked at the white-haired boy before asking, "Is this the human you talked about?"


    Ophele quickly came forward and nodded, replying, "Yes, mother. Grandfather and I have already verified his talents. They''re the real deal. We truly wish to keep him instead of using him as a simple core of a Bloodline Trial Control Formation. It''ll be even more of a waste if he''s turned into a Soul Stone."


    Gila couldn''t help but intervene as she said, "Lady Sevinia, these twins are a special case. We can''t let you take any of them like that."


    Sevinia was obviously the name of Ophele''s mother. Nevertheless, she just smiled at Gila before taking a token out. As soon as Gila, Vio, and Ren saw that, they immediately went quiet.


    "I already talked with the Head and got his permission to take this human here. As for the other one, you can do whatever you want with him." Sevinia then grabbed Rean''s arm and pulled him aside, leaving the path open for Gila and the others to continue.


    Gila, Ren, and Vio looked at each other and just nodded as one of them responded, "Since the Head has already agreed, we will leave him in your care, Lady Sevinia."


    The Head''s token was almost absolute inside the Soul Rulers. It could only be refused in case some of the ancestors came out to do it. However, that almost never happened.


    "Great! Have a good day." Ophele, Palaris, and Rean then headed in a different direction with Sevinia as Roan proceeded forward with the others.

 Chapter 672 - Meeting

    Roan was not brought to where the kids with high Soul Purity were located. But instead, he was delivered to some kind of research room. There, one could find a few of the elders from Soul Rulers already waiting. As soon as they saw Roan, their eyes lit up.


    "Is this the human you talked about?" one of the elders asked, who seemed to be the leader of the group.


    Gila immediately nodded while maintaining a respectful expression as she replied. "Yes, Elder Puan." Following that, Gila passed the same deep blue oval gem for Roan to hold. Sure enough, it lit up with bright blue light.


    *Wow!*


    All the elders were surprised to see that. After all, it was the first adult human with high Soul Purity they had ever seen.


    "Impressive. Would we be able to replicate it?"


    "I don''t know. But there''s a chance, right?"


    "He also has quite good cultivation for his age. It might be related."


    The elders discussed some things while Roan simply stood there with an indifferent expression.


    Eventually, Puan raised his hand to stop the others from talking. "Alright, Gila. Start talking about everything you know about this human. The more, the better," Elder Puan said as he used his Spiritual Sense to inspect Roan.


    Gila nodded and began to go over the information she had. He was a twin, and his brother had the same trait. Other than that, both brothers had a never seen before Light and Dark Element Affinity. She then talked about the information given to her by the Asume Clan, which concluded her report.


    "I understand." Puan nodded as he narrowed his eyes, asking, "However, where''s his twin? You couldn''t have left him behind, right?"


    Gila shook her head, replying, "Of course not. He came with this human as well. However, Sevinia got the Organization Head''s permission to take one of the twins for herself. From the looks of it, the other twin has some incredible talent at formations, and she wants to use them."


    "You''re kidding, right?" Puan found that hard to believe. After all, they were talking about adult humans with high Soul Purity. "How could the head accept that?! These twins might be the breakthrough we''ve needed for the Bloodline Trials. Isn''t he being too biased towards Sevinia?" Puan was fuming in anger as he thought about it.


    However, he quickly calmed down as he remembered something Gila mentioned, "Wait, both twins have different Elemental Affinities?"


    "Yes," Gila confirmed straight away. "This one has Dark Element Affinity, while his brother has Light Elemental Affinity." She could see that Puan also understood the problem with the twins.


    One of the elders sighed as he shook his head, muttering, "Light and Dark...twins...Elder Puan, the chances that their High Soul Purity is linked to these two factors is..."


    Puan raised his hand again, stopping that elder from talking as he responded, "I know. If their Soul Purity is related to this, there''s no way we can possibly replicate it."


    Zasfins would also have offsprings that would be born with some weird elemental affinity, not just humans. Of course, they were just as rare. Nevertheless, they never cared that much about them. All they knew was that such an offspring would not be able to pass on their Elemental Affinity. They forced humans with these rare Elemental Affinities to procreate as many times as possible, using many different methods. But in the end, these Elemental Affinities didn''t carry over to their offsprings either. Be it back in Sunkan Planet or in this planet filled with Zasfins, the fact still stands that none of them could control the Elemental Affinity one was born with.


    "However, let''s do a few other tests. We need to check if there is anything else different with his Soul." Puan was unwilling to give up so soon. "Also, try to convince that idiot that we need both twins." Although Puan said that, he was pretty sure that Rean was a lost cause already.


    Roan was listening to everything since they didn''t care about hiding it with Spiritual Sense messages. However, he didn''t seem to care either as he said, ''Sister Orb, I''m counting on you.''


    [It''s so rare to hear that from you. Well, Sister Orb here is happy. Don''t worry, I''ll make sure they won''t find anything different within your Soul at all.]


    Roan mentally nodded and let the elders there do whatever they wanted.


    Back at Rean''s side, he was brought into another building where the concentration of Spiritual Energy was even more terrifying. ''Such extravagance. There''s no way they can make the concentration of Spiritual Energy be this high with Rank Four or Five Spirit Stones alone. They must have a way to control the planet''s natural spiritual energy.''


    Sevinia didn''t know what Rean was thinking, nor did she care. She simply looked at her daughter before asking, "Are you absolutely sure that he has the abilities? This is nothing but a human. I find it hard to believe that he''s such a genius." Sevinia couldn''t help but think about her compromises to get the Organization Head to accept her request. If Rean turned out to be useless, she would definitely fall from favor.


    "Don''t worry, Senior." Surprisingly, Rean was the one to answer her question. He needed to obtain enough trust to get close to the Soul Stone Formation...if there was really one anyway. That being said, he had to take the initiative. "I definitely don''t want to die. Also, I consider this as a great opportunity for a puny human like me. I''ll do my best to not let the Zasfins down."


    Ophele and Palaris were satisfied to hear that. If he suddenly decided to not help anymore, it would make things complicated. They might be able to use torture and other methods to force him to speak. However, it would obviously be much better if he worked out of his own volition.


    Ophele then assured her mother. "That''s right, mom. We already check his aptitude with formations. I believe it will greatly help with the Bloodline Trial Control Formations in the future. As a human, this is the greatest honor he could ever have."


    Palaris also nodded, saying, "I''ll be sure to show results. Just what he showed so far is enough to convince anyone who might come complaining."


    Sevinia faintly smiled as she nodded, responding, "Very well, I''m counting on you two. Make sure this human doesn''t go to waste."

 Chapter 673 - He Will Have To Pay For It

    On Roan''s side, the elders seemed to have multiple formations that tapped into one''s soul. Not only that, but Roan could also see quite a few humans locked inside formations, although he didn''t know what they were being used for. Some seemed to be under extreme pain, while others were simply sleeping inside the formations. There were also those that were awake and did not feel anything wrong going on. Unsurprisingly, there were some formations active around those cases as well!


    Puan then brought Roan to another formation that shone with blue light. There, he was locked down before the elders took several positions around him inside the formation. "Activate the formation. Remember to focus on the compatibility of the Soul Power with our current design for the Bloodline Trial Control Formations."


    Soon after, the blue light of the formation seemed to form a blue stream that entered Roan''s head. Not long after, Roan''s expression changed as he was feeling extreme pain...or so the elders thought.


    [Good, good! As always, you''re really good at pretending when it comes to situations like this,] Sister Orb said as she made sure the blue light didn''t affect Roan''s soul at all.


    ''Shut up. Can''t you see I''m concentrating here?'' Roan, of course, wasn''t the least bit happy with Sister Orb''s compliment.


    Sister Orb then had an idea, suggesting, [Fine. Then, what if I let you taste just a bit of the formation''s power, huh? Perhaps you''ll learn how to be more respectful in front of your Sister Orb.]


    Roan mentally snorted in response as he said, ''Hmph! As the System AI, your mission is to protect us. You definitely wouldn''t do anything that could harm me.''


    [Tch...you''re no fun.] Obviously, Sister Orb''s plan failed.


    A few hours later, the light in the formation disappeared as Roan fell to the ground as he gasped for air. From the ''looks'' of it, the experience was very taxing on him, while the elders were forced to stop, afraid that they might kill him.


    Seeing that, Puan had a dark expression. "Nothing! There''s absolutely nothing different in his soul other than its high purity." Naturally, he didn''t like that since it pointed out that Roan''s high Soul Purity was really due to his Elemental Affinity or the fact that he was twins with Rean. Perhaps, even both at the same time. "No, it''s too early to give up. Once he recovers, let''s try to cut a piece of his soul for analysis."


    The elders were taken aback after hearing that. Soon, one of them asked, "But Elder Puan, that might affect his Soul Purity forever. Wouldn''t it be a waste if he can really keep his Soul Purity for life?"


    Puan didn''t seem to care as he replied, "So what? We might always be in need of human kids with high Soul Purity. However, it''s not like we will be affected that much since this human would be able to control just a single formation at a time. If we can find a way to replicate his Soul Purity or extend the kids'' time of use, it''ll be totally worth it!"


    The elders looked at each other and nodded in the end. Sure enough, a single Roan wouldn''t make that much difference since he was just one person.


    Roan, who pretended to be in bad shape, took the chance to ask Sister Orb, ''Cut a piece of the soul...Sister Orb, is that possible?''


    [Of course! However, I''m impressed that they can do it at their level. Those Soul Runes in the formations are a lot more useful than I thought in the past.] Sister Orb replied as if it wasn''t a big deal.


    ''I see. If they do that, will that affect me in any way?'' Obviously. That was the next question.


    [No. After all, they won''t be able to do so. Your souls are protected by the Soul Gem System. There''s no way any of these formations can cut a piece of them.] Sister Orb seemed very confident in her statement.


    Nevertheless, there was a problem. ''I understand. I have to think about what to do when they find out they can''t do it.''


    Rean, who was listening to everything through their Soul Connection, had an idea as he suggested, ''That''s quite simple, no? Just pretend to be near death when they try to do it. With that, they''ll understand that not only does their method not work, but they will also obtain the fact that you might die in the process if they try again. Injure yourself a bit. It''s not like you''ve ever had a problem with pain before. Once they''re finished, use my Instant Recovery to heal yourself.''


    Roan pondered a bit over the idea and nodded in the end. Rean was right. Pain was far from being something that bothered Roan.


    Sure enough, Elder Puan tried to cut a piece of Roan''s soul once he recovered. However, Roan once again kept up a facade, pretending to be almost dying. He also used his Spiritual Energy and Dark Element to self-injury himself as the process continued. Once it looked like he was almost dead, Elder Puan was forced to stop as Roan was covered in a pool of his own blood on the ground.


    "Fuck! What''s happening here?! Not only did I not get even close to pulling out his soul, he''s practically dead now! Did someone notice anything different?" Puan asked, fuming in anger.


    However, all the other elders looked at each other before shaking their heads. Puan was the one controlling the formation to cut a piece of Roan''s soul, and even he didn''t find a problem. That being said, how could they have noticed anything? That was ridiculous.


    Puan then looked at Roan before giving the order, "Fix him. I want him back here as soon as possible. I won''t give up with just one or two tries." Soon after, he turned around and left the room. A few subordinates then came forward and helped Roan up before bringing him away.


    [It seems like the plan is working. The fact that Roan can''t feel pain is really helpful.]


    Roan''s mouth twitched after hearing that. ''Couldn''t feel pain, your ass! I''m good at resisting it, but I can definitely feel it, idiot!''


    Rean laughed before adding, ''Well, try your best since that guy is in it to give you quite some pain.''


    ''Hmph! There will come a time where he will have to pay for it.''

 Chapter 674 - Letting Clad Out

    While Roan was having ''fun'' with Puan and the other elders, Rean spent his days going over his theories for new Runes. As mentioned before, he didn''t make them as perfect as he did back in Sunkan. Instead, he left multiple flaws, which would be expected of ''new'' runes.


    Nevertheless, Palaris was truly impressed. "This... Three Into One Current Rune that you came up with is just too useful. It can make up for three paths of Spiritual Energy at once, saving a lot of space and making it a lot more efficient."


    Ophele, who was also there, couldn''t help but show a dark expression as she thought to herself, ''How can a human be this good? It already far surpasses my level. He''s definitely an Earth Peak-Level Formation Master.''


    There was one thing that made her feel better, though. ''Well, at least it''s very obvious how much he lacks in Soul Runes. If he was better than me on them, I should just kill myself.''


    Rean, oblivious to Ophele''s thoughts, laughed after hearing Palaris''s words, saying, "Hahaha! That was the idea! However..."


    He then narrowed his eyes as he continued, "It''s obviously flawed. In the end, my theories are just that, theories. Look." He then pointed at the runes, adding, "The Rune is leaking Spiritual Energy. Perhaps the material I came up with isn''t strong enough, or the construction of the Rune isn''t perfect yet. In any case, it can''t be used as it is."


    Palaris didn''t seem to mind, saying in response, "Don''t worry. The initial prototype has been made, so we can improve it as time passes. Now, let''s work on the Bridge Connection Runes..."


    Time passed in a leisurely manner until eventually, Rean received a message from Rean. ''Those idiots finally gave up trying to figure out how to make more High Purity Souls. It seems like they''re sending me to the Bloodline Trial Control Formations.''


    Rean was taken aback, responding with a hint of optimism, ''Really?! Great! Try to see if you can find Liza and Luna.''


    ''I know that, idiot. But in any case, I wouldn''t be able to take them out right now. We can only hope that there will be enough time for Sister Orb to analyze the Bloodline Trial Control Formations.'' Roan replied with an annoyed tone. ''By the way, have you found the Soul Stone Formation already? Does it even exist? If you haven''t, I''ll have Sister Orb start working on the Bloodline Trial Control Formations first until you discover something.''


    Rean nodded in response, saying, ''Alright, let Sister Orb do your thing for now. I haven''t found the Soul Stone Formation yet. Well, I do have a plan, though. Once I get some results, I''ll let you and Sister Orb hear it.''


    He then changed the topic, telling them, ''By the way, I found a way to let Clad come out without anyone noticing anything different.''


    Clad, of course, was Firmel''s son. Rean and Roan had brought him along, and he had been inside the jail inside the Dimensional Realm for quite a few days already.


    ''What''s your plan?'' Roan asked.


    ''There seems to be a new batch of Zasfin workers every week. I''m planning to deliver Clad inside one of them as if he was one of those Zasfins. That way, he can go around and investigate the place. At the same time, we won''t need to keep him inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.''


    Roan pondered over the idea a bit and found a problem. ''But what if he tells on us? After all, he''ll understand where we are and might think it''s worth talking about what he knows in exchange for rewards. The poison I had him swallow might not be enough to stop his greed.''


    Rean shook his head as he replied, ''Don''t worry. I already talked to him and explained the situation. He''s a Zasfin under the control of humans. Do you think he''ll let others know about such a shameful thing? Chances are that he will be punished or most likely killed because of that. Besides, I let him experiment with the Spiritual Energy in the air by guiding some into the Dimensional Realm. If he isn''t an idiot, he should know that his cultivation will progress many times faster as long as he''s here and keeps his mouth shut.''


    Roan nodded, not trying to interfere anymore. ''Alright, then. But if something goes wrong, it''s your responsibility to clean it up.''


    ''It won''t go wrong unless Clad wants to give his side of the Imperial Family even more problems to deal with,'' Rean said with a smile.


    Rean had been listening to the Zasfins around him and also asked a few questions of his own. Because of his position as Sevinia''s protegee, the other Zasfins didn''t treat him badly. Well, it was not like they respected him either. Only those who had been helping Palaris, like Ophele, recognized him a little because of his talent in formations.


    Nevertheless, that was enough for Rean to obtain some information about it. Another good thing was that Rean received a token that allowed him to walk around in the place. In fact, it wasn''t too uncommon to see human slaves doing chores here and there. Then again, he was one of those that had more liberty. That''s how he found about the excavation.


    Of course, one thing still puzzled Rean, and Roan also noticed that problem. ''How come they''re using Zasfins for the excavation instead of humans?''


    Rean nodded, responding, ''I was also curious about it. If I''m not wrong, that''s because humans don''t have cultivations. I guess the place that needs to be opened needs a lot of Spiritual Energy if they want it.''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders after that, saying, ''Well, Clad will find that out for us.''


    Following that, Rean finished another day of formation research with Palaris and his team before he was allowed to move once again. Using that chance, Rean went to the port where the airships arrived and left. Of course, he knew that Spiritual Senses were locked on him all the time, and their owners would immediately stop him if he tried to escape.


    Rean didn''t mind, though. He just had to be a few decameters away from that ship and use his Spiritual Sense to find a blind spot among the new Zasfin workers. Then, once they came out of the ship, Rean would use the crowd to hide Clad''s appearance in between.


    ''There they come.''

 Chapter 675 - Arrival

    Rean then connected to the Dimensional Realm and warned Clad, ''I''m going to bring you out in the middle of the crowd of workers.''


    Clad nodded, though he couldn''t help but ask, ''Why would you want to mess with the Soul Rulers? You do know that even your Celestial Land can''t contend against them, right?''


    Rean laughed in response, saying, ''Hahaha! Tell that to my elders, not me. I''m fine with anything my master wants to do. If not for him, I would just be another human slave, after all. In any case, it''s not like you will leave without any benefits. Just the time you will spend here is enough for your cultivation to skyrocket. That''s why the workers are swapped here every year or so.''


    Indeed, that was the main reason why Clad didn''t complain too much. He already knew what kind of environment the place had. Even if he had to do some heavy work, just the Spiritual Energy alone was more than worth it. Rank Four Spirit Stones were hard to get, even for someone like him. But now, he would have the opportunity to cultivate in a place that had Spiritual Energy equivalent to Rank Five or higher! How could he let this chance pass up? First of all, he was on this journey with the twins as a gamble for his Imperial Family Branch. That being said, he might as well go all out.


    Using his Light Element and Spiritual Sense Bending Skills, Rean soon brought Clad out of the Dimensional Realm in the middle of the crowd of Zasfins. All of them had at least Core Formation Realm cultivation, so it wasn''t hard to blend Clad among them.


    The Soul Rulers were keeping an eye on Rean, but he seemed to only want to look at the movement. As long as he didn''t try anything to escape, they wouldn''t capture him either. Little did they know that their focus on Rean only made his job easier.


    Rean then used his Spiritual Sense to talk with him, telling him, ''Clad, just follow them and do your job. I already gave you enough antidotes for you to keep the poison at bay for at least half a year. Don''t let this chance pass up and use every second you have to cultivate when you''re not working.''


    Rean also asked something else, adding, ''One more thing. Try to find out what this excavation is for. I really want to know why they aren''t using humans to do it.''


    Clad nodded as he followed the Zasfins, replying, ''No problem. As for my escape, I just need to inject Spiritual Energy into this collar you gave me, right?''


    ''Yes,'' Rean replied. He had made a collar for Clad that had the same effect as Agis''s one. Once Spiritual Energy was sent inside, Light Element would gather around him. Rean was the only one other than Roan who could feel Light Element due to his affinity. That being said, it was more than enough for him to find Clad''s location as long as he wasn''t too far away. ''From what I know, the Zasfins participating in the excavation will come up for rest every week of continuous work. Just use the collar, and I''ll be able to tell where you are. We can talk through Spiritual Sense when that happens. The day the Zasfins get swapped, I''ll stop by to bring you out of that batch and put you in the next one in a different place.''


    Clad had his doubts and fear about these crazy plans. However, he still decided to roll with it. ''Alright. Roan gave me the training schedule as well, so I''ll make sure to make good use of it.'' This was another part of the deal Rean offered. With Roan''s routine, Clad was bound to cultivate both Spiritual Energy and Soul Power much faster. Of course, there were no demon beasts'' regions for them to go out and battle. On the other hand, the amount of Spiritual Energy alone more than made up for it.


    Clad then disappeared in one of the excavation entrances and left the range of Rean''s Spiritual Sense. He would only know more about him once he surfaced in the next few days.


    Rean then contacted Roan, telling him, ''Although I planned for everything, they might find out that Clad wasn''t part of the group that came along. I heard the Zasfins say that they just grabbed anyone and that it didn''t matter. However, be ready to run if you feel anything strange.''


    Roan agreed with him, saying, ''Obviously.''


    Following that, Rean went to walk around again as if he didn''t have any exact destination in mind. Eventually, he felt tired and returned to Sevinia''s estate.


    Back at Roan''s side, he was sent into some kind of bath rich in Spiritual Energy. A few other humans washed him from top to bottom, making him as clean as possible. It seemed like the place where the Bloodline Trial Control Formations required it. Well, it was not like he cared about it anyway.


    Once that was finished, Roan received a thin robe before he was enveloped by Spiritual Energy and pulled through the air by an elder of the Soul Rulers. Their methods were so thorough that they didn''t allow him to even walk there. That''s how clean the place was.


    Roan noticed he was brought into a ridiculously enormous building at the very center of the Soul Rulers'' headquarters. At first, he didn''t notice that since it didn''t appear so much. But now that he was inside, he understood just how big it was. That''s because most of the building was underground! ''Those excavations should be part of the reason why this building is like this. Then again, this Spiritual Energy concentration...''


    The Spiritual Energy concentration outside was also impressive. However, the one here was simply on another level. ''Rank Six... maybe Rank Seven even?'' Roan thought to himself for a moment.


    The Zasfin flying with him then arrived at a giant closed gate. There, Roan could see around ten or so kids that used the same clothes as him, waiting in front of it. ''Seems like I''m finally here.''


    Another Zasfin then approached the one who brought Roan and asked, "Is this the famous adult human with high Soul Purity?"


    "Yes. Elder Puan already did all the tests necessary, so he can be sent inside already," answered the Zasfin responsible for Roan.


    The guy nodded in response, saying, "Very well, he was the last one anyway." Soon after, he turned around and gave the order, "Open the gates!"


    Several inscriptions lit up on the gate as it began to slowly move. Obviously, it was protected by many formations. All the kids looked at it, not knowing what was behind. As for Roan, he looked at it as if nothing was happening.


    Eventually, Roan was able to see the world behind it. The underground facility extended as far as he could see to the front. Everything shone with a faint blue light, just like the gem used for the Soul Purity Test. Once the gate opened completely, Roan noticed that the facility was like a huge straight tunnel. On the ground, he could see the formations responsible for that blue light. It didn''t take long for him to notice that at the very center of every formation, there was a human kid.


    In that tunnel, the formations were separated by what seemed to be age. On his right side, there were smaller formations with very young kids, no more than five or six years old. As he continued to look leftward, their age increased to what seemed to be ten to twelve-year-old kids. The size of the formations increased as well. That being said, there was a smaller amount of older kids than there were young ones.


    As Roan passed through the door, he noticed another group of Zasfins bringing eight young humans with them. The Zasfin responsible for Roan''s group then looked at the other Zasfins in front before asking, "Is this the batch of Soul Stones this time?"


    The guy in front nodded, saying, "Yes. Their Soul has already reached the limit of what they can operate. We can only use them for Soul Stones now."


    Roan narrowed his eyes for a moment but let it go. However, Rean, who was watching everything through his Soul Connection, had a dark expression. ''Indeed. There''s no coming back for humans with high Soul Purity. Once they''re finished with the Bloodline Trials, only the option of becoming a Soul Stone is left.''


    One of the young humans couldn''t help but tug on the Zasfin''s clothes as he asked, "Uncle Iago, what do you mean by becoming Soul Stones?"


    The Zasfin, by the name of Iago, crouched down in response and patted the kid''s head with a smile as he replied, "Hahaha! That means you''ll be able to help us even more than now. This is a great honor that only the best kids of the Soul Paradise can have."


    *Wow!*


    All the kids immediately became excited as the Zasfins responsible for them laughed. However, Roan could tell that those smiles from the Zasfins were as fake as they could be. ''It seems like, to maintain the kids'' Soul Purity for as long as possible, the Zasfins have to treat them well. It''s obvious that they don''t like doing it at all. Too bad these kids can''t see the difference.''


    Roan then warned Rean, ''You better not try anything stupid. Not only would you not be able to save these ones, but you''ll also be putting the rest in danger.''


    Rean then took a deep breath as he watched the kids being brought away through Roan''s eyes, saying, ''I know. Don''t worry.''

 Chapter 676 - Its Time!

    Roan was brought ahead and passed through many of those formations. Without a doubt, Roan was the oldest human there since he was the first adult human with high Soul Purity. That being said, he was brought to the very end of the tunnel, where one could see several free formations on the left side.


    After some time, he looked at the Zasfin by his side before asking, "So, what do I do here? Spare me the pleasant bullshit, alright? Just be straight."


    The Zasfin, who had been keeping the same fake smile as the others, suddenly changed his expression as he replied, "Hmph! At least you aren''t an idiot. As a human, you probably heard about the Bloodline Trials before. We use humans with high Soul Purity to control the trials. You don''t need to do anything. We will simply use your Soul as a way to connect the participant and the sacrifice. Now, get inside."


    Roan snorted but went inside anyway. Soon after, some kind of ethereal power enveloped his body, locking it in place. The blue light in the formation then formed a stream that entered his forehead, connecting him to the formation below.


    [Oh...so that''s how it works. Hey, Rean. Can you see it?]


    Rean nodded somewhere else, responding, ''Yes. I guess I kind of know now what the excavations those Zasfins are working on are for.''


    Roan wasn''t an idiot. Even though he didn''t know much about formations, he could guess what was happening through Rean and Sister Orb''s conversation. ''Simply put, the tunnels those Zasfins are excavating are what connects the Soul Rulers'' headquarters to the Bloodline Trials around the world. Am I correct?''


    [Exactly! No wonder they needed high-level Zasfins to do the job. After all, excavating tunnels deep enough to not be affected by what happens above all the way to the empires would take too long for humans to do. Only cultivators with high amounts of Spiritual Energy could make this project feasible.] Sister Orb then added, [I''ll start working on the main formation that''s controlling all of this. But I won''t stop its process unless you tell me to do so.]


    Rean was satisfied with that. After all, breaking the formation would only leave the Zasfins with no choice but to use the human kids to create Soul Stones. ''Good. I''ll do my best here on my side.''


    Roan then took that opportunity to talk about something else. ''We will spend a long time here, so let''s use this opportunity to cultivate. I want to reach the Core and Soul Fusion Realm before we leave.''


    Rean didn''t mind, saying, ''Sounds good to me. I think I can use an excuse to see the Soul Stone Formation after I obtain enough trust from Palaris and the others.''


    Rean and Roan discussed a little more before they went back to focus on their own things. Seven days later, Rean went out to talk with Clad after feeling the Light Energy coming from his collar. Sure enough, Clad confirmed to Rean that the excavation was extremely long. He couldn''t even guess how many thousands of kilometers the tunnels extended.w


    ''The tunnels are all filled with a weird blue light that looks very much like the gem used to test Soul Purity. There are a lot of them with several divisions on the way. The only reason my group reached the excavation site faster was that there were a ton of teleport formations to jump all the way to the end. Even so, just the process of teleporting back and forth takes at least a day.''


    Clad continued, ''However, those teleport formations have no need for Spirit Stones. Just the concentration of Spiritual Energy in the air far surpasses what is needed to teleport. I have to admit, I''ve been doing the excavation, but I don''t feel the slightest bit of regret. The Spiritual Energy is just too dense that I can cultivate even if I sleep. I progressed more in cultivation this past week than I did in the past month. This is crazy!''


    Rean wasn''t surprised by that. He and Roan were having it even better since their dwelling places were considered important locations. They saved at least a month and a half in their past week of cultivation. ''I know. Anyway, that confirms my suspicions. Have you noticed anything different?''


    Clad nodded with excitement as he replied, ''Yes. Once we go down, there are many paths to choose, as I''ve mentioned earlier. However, there''s one special path that''s being guarded by many Zasfins with very high cultivations. I might be wrong. However, I think that no one there is below the Saint Realm level.''


    Rean was surprised to hear that, prompting him to ask, ''Why?''


    ''I think the source of all this Spiritual Energy that fills the tunnels is in that direction. That''s because the Spiritual Energy is the thickest when we pass by there,'' Clad responded with a serious expression. He couldn''t help but imagine what was capable of generating so much Spiritual Energy.


    Roan, who had been listening to everything, was very interested in whatever it was. ''Ask him the exact direction of that entrance. Perhaps we can try our luck with the Circuitry Teleport Formation to teleport right inside and take a look once we''ve finished everything here.''


    Rean nodded and asked Clad that same question. Clad shooked his head in response, though. ''I don''t know the exact direction. That''s because we''re heading down by using another teleport formation here on the surface. I don''t know in which direction it''s teleporting us to.''


    Rean nodded in response before saying, ''It''s fine. If you find anything else, let me know.'' They would spend a very long time here, so Rean wasn''t in a hurry. However, it was at that moment that Rean noticed an opportunity. ''Wait! Roan, we already know that these tunnels go all the way to the various empires to connect to the Bloodline Trials, right?''


    Roan faintly smiled when he heard those words. ''I see...that''s definitely a pretty good idea.''


    Clad was confused, unlike those two. So, to clear up his confusion, he asked, ''What are you talking about?''


    ''Simple.'' Rean almost laughed out loud as he replied. However, he had to restrain himself to not attract too much attention as he explained the things to Clad. ''It means we don''t need to stay here to make use of the Spiritual Energy. All we need to know is where these tunnels are connected to. After that, we can sneak down and access the tunnels without anyone noticing. We can cultivate very quickly, go out to train, and then go down once again to cultivate. We just need to keep up this loop, and our cultivations will soar! Not to mention that we will be a lot safer than we are here.''


    Clad''s eyes widened from the idea. Though, he was quite pessimistic of its success as he said, ''Bu-But...those tunnels are heavily guarded. We see patrols coming and going all the time, and they don''t use the teleport formations. They literally fly through it. What if they find us? Wouldn''t that be dangerous?'' Clad thought that since Rean and Roan could use that incredible Spatial Equipment (Well, it was the Soul Gem System Dimensional Realm, though), the Soul Rulers definitely had something similar or better. That being said, they definitely had a way to find them if they were found.


    Rean and Roan nodded in response to Clad''s woes as Rean said, ''Don''t worry, we have our own tricks. In any case, this is a plan for the future, not now. We will spend a long time until we conclude our master''s mission first.''


    Clad then took a deep breath and nodded before saying, ''Alright. I need to go back now since they keep a close eye on all of us. I can already see a few Zasfins looking carefully at everyone here on the surface.'' After that, Clad moved away, leaving the range of Rean''s Spiritual Sense.


    ''Okay. My next step is to find the Soul Stone Formations...if they really exist,'' Rean thought as he headed back to Sevinia''s estate.


    The days passed by in a flash as Rean kept working with Palaris and Ophele''s team, building their trust in him. Roan also got used to controlling his formation and had helped many Zasfins go through their trials. To not raise suspicion, Roan even helped a few of them pass the test with Sister Orb''s help. After all, if all the Zasfins that took the trial he was controlling failed, he would probably be discarded way earlier.


    Soon, over a year had gone by. Roan had seen many kids being brought away as well as many others taking their places. Nevertheless, he was patient. Once the right time came, they would take everyone out. Today, however, Roan had another thing to do with Rean. ''Alright, this definitely was a lot faster than we expected. It''s time to enter the Core and Soul Fusion Realm.''


    Rean agreed with Roan. He, too, was at the peak of the Core Formation Realm. ''Indeed. However, won''t the Zasfins on your side stop you from doing that?''


    Roan shook his head, saying, ''They won''t even see it. Next time they pay attention to my cultivation, I''ll be in the next realm already.''


    Suddenly, Roan''s hair turned black and white as both Light and Dark Elements gathered around him.


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    Sure enough, Roan used the same trick just like in the past and entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm straight away. Only his clone was left behind after that. ''I''ll make my breakthrough here in the Dimensional Realm. No one will notice anything.''


    Rean nodded in satisfaction. ''Cool. I don''t need to do it since no one will try to stop me. Instead, Palaris is looking forward to me making a breakthrough so that I can help more with the formations. Anyway, we can start straight away.''


    [Very well, you two. Access your cultivation manuals and follow my lead.]

 Chapter 677 - Ukay!

    The process of breaking through the Core and Soul Fusion Realm was already on the name itself. One had to fuse one''s Soul and Core inside one''s dantian together. Of course, it wasn''t the entire Soul, but just a small piece of it.


    [Simply put, you guys will be cutting off a small part of your Soul and feeding it to the Core. Now that you two are at the peak of the Core Formation Realm, the Core has reached the necessary requirements to hold and nurture that piece of Soul.] Sister Orb said as Rean and Roan began their breakthrough.


    Rean and Roan understood why as one of them replied, ''The Soul being nurtured will then grow all the way to the peak of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Once we reach that level, it will give birth to a Nascent Soul. Is that correct?''


    [Exactly! It''s a very simple process...well, at least for you two, it is. It''s not as easy for the others since they don''t have the Soul Gem System''s Cultivation Manual and support. How about you thank your Sister Orb for these blessings?]


    ''Alright, Roan. Do you have enough Spiritual Energy?'' Rean soon asked, completely ignoring Sister Orb.


    ''I do. Let''s start.'' Roan nodded in response as he replied.


    [Hmph! You''re lucky your Sister Orb has a big heart, so I''ll let this one pass.] Obviously, Sister Orb was angry at them for ignoring her.


    Of course, they weren''t the only ones going through the process. At the very moment Rean and Roan started their breakthroughs, a certain snoring demon bird woke up at the corner of the Dimensional Realm.


    *Creeee!*


    Obviously, that bird was none other than Kentucky. The limit of his cultivation was always based on the twins'' cultivation level. Thanks to that, his breakthrough started at the same time as the twins did. Kentucky immediately opened his wings as he cried out loud. Surprisingly, compared to Rean and Roan, Kentucky began to absorb the Spiritual Energy in the surroundings in massive waves.


    [I guess that''s why he''s a legendary demon beast.]


    Rean and Roan also heard that and nodded. However, they didn''t pay attention to Kentucky for long as they continued to absorb Spiritual Energy for themselves. ''According to the Soul Gem System''s Cultivation Technique, we need to redirect the internal energy of our Core to our Soul in our heads.''


    After recalling that step, the two did just that. As always, the cultivation manual explained everything perfectly. All the meridians, the ratio of energy, what to expect, everything was there. Their Core began to released a milky-white and pitch-black energy that found its way into their own Soul.


    ''Sister Orb, if I remember correctly, the formation used by those Zasfins weren''t able to cut a part of Roan''s Soul. Can we not do that as well?'' Rean asked in the middle of the breakthrough process.


    [Don''t worry. It was the System that prevented Roan''s Soul from being damaged. Now that you''re in the middle of your breakthroughs, not only won''t it stop you, but it''ll even give support.] Sister Orb answered straight away.


    Sure enough, as soon as Rean and Roan''s Core Energy touched their Souls, it began to absorb them. This process only lasted a second, and the pain they expected was nowhere to be found. Once the energies took what they wanted, they immediately headed directly back to the Dantians. From there, the absorbed piece of Soul was taken into the Core.


    *Bzzzzz!*


    As soon as that happened, the Core began to swell, increasing to at least three times their previous sizes. Not only that, but Rean and Roan''s Spiritual Energy Pool had also grown in size proportional to the Core''s new size.


    [Great! Now everything will happen naturally. Just keep absorbing Spiritual Energy.] Sister Orb was very satisfied with the result.


    *Creeeeeeeee!!!*


    Rean and Roan''s cultivation wasn''t the only one to start increasing. Kentucky''s breakthrough happened at the same as theirs, with his cultivation rising as even more Spiritual Energy flowed into his body. Following that, his body followed suit, growing ever larger. Kentucky was now transforming into a Stage Four Demon Beast!


    Outside Rean''s room, the people using their Spiritual Senses to check on him noticed what was happening and reported to Palaris.


    "What? Breakthrough? Why didn''t he tell me? I could have helped him! What if he doesn''t know how to do it correctly? Doesn''t he know how important his formation skills are to us?" Palaris said as he rushed back to Sevinia''s estate.


    However, just as Palaris was about to enter Rean''s room, a burst of Spiritual Energy emanated from it.


    "This..." Palaris was left at a loss for words. He hasn''t entered the room yet, but his Spiritual Sense could already tell that Rean had officially entered the Core and Soul Fusion Realm! "So fast!"


    Ophele, who also received the information and came to check, was just as shocked. "Is he that good?" Naturally, she didn''t like the feeling, seeing someone at her own age surpass her cultivation level. On top of that, the one that surpassed her was a human. Well, she was part of the Soul Rulers, after all.


    Back in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Roan had finished his breakthrough together with Rean. ''Sure enough, the boost in Soul Power was only at the start. Now it has reached the same speed as our Spiritual Energy cultivation. Zasfins are better at Soul Power, while Lakures excel in Spiritual Energy. I guess I can consider humans to be balanced in that regard,'' he thought as he checked his body.


    Sister Orb warned Roan not long after that, saying, [Alright, Roan. You should head back outside before your clone disappears due to the lack of Spiritual Energy.]


    Roan nodded and immediately disappeared from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Not long after, in one of the Bloodline Trial Control Formations, Roan''s clone disappeared, with Roan''s real body taking its place. As for the clone, it crumbled inside the Dimensional Realm right after. From start to finish, no one noticed anything strange happening to Roan. ''It''ll probably take some time before those idiots notice my increase in cultivation.''


    Inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, a giant Kentucky flapped his wings. Even though his size increased over two times with this breakthrough, his body looked a lot more slender now. There were basically no chubby parts anymore. *Chick!* Kentucky wanted nothing more than to go out and fly for a while to adjust to his new breakthrough.


    Rean noticed that and couldn''t help but sigh. He connected to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm before saying with a slightly sad expression, ''Sorry, Kentucky. We''re in a tight situation at the moment, so we can''t let you out. There''s even a small possibility that someone might identify you now. Just stay in there for a bit longer.''


    *Chick...* ''Al-alri-ti...''


    ''What?!'' Rean''s eyes widened when he heard that. Just now, he felt Kentucky''s Spiritual Sense connecting to him through the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, giving him an answer.


    He wasn''t the only one. Since the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm was used for that, Roan also heard Kentucky talking. With that, he asked, ''Hey, fat bird. Can you convene thoughts through Spiritual Sense now?''


    *Chick! Chick!* Kentucky flapped his wings in anger as he replied, ''I-I''m nut... fot!''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, ''What''s happening here? Aren''t Demon Beasts only able to gain sapience at Stage Five? Kentucky has just entered Stage Four, you know!''


    [Well, he''s a Minokawa, after all. Legendary Demon Beasts like him are in a completely different league compared to normal ones. Besides, we can''t discard the possibility that it was the Soul Gem System''s fault.] Sister Orb responded to Rean''s query, not thinking it was any big deal.


    Rean laughed out loud in response as he soon said, ''Hahaha! Kentucky, it''s great to be able to talk to you now.''


    Though not long after, Rean thought about something else. ''Oh, right! What''s the level of a Demon Beast''s intelligence that has gained sapience for the first time?''


    [Well, normal demon beasts would have the intelligence of six to seven-year-old kids. To be more exact, it would be at the level of a newborn baby. However, this is only the case for demon beasts who lived in the wild without the influence of other intelligent beings,] Sister Orb explained.


    Rean understood what Sister Orb meant by that. ''I see...simply put, Kentucky''s six to seven-year-old level intelligence is because he lived most of his life with intelligent beings around him. Because of that, his intelligence culminated in all that he had memorized during this time after the breakthrough. Otherwise, he would be more like a newborn baby, having to take his time to learn language from the very start.''


    *Chick?* Kentucky heard all of that but couldn''t understand very well due to the complexity of their words. ''I dunt inderstend...''


    Roan shook his head as he said, ''His vocabulary needs a lot of work. In any case, we finally have a job for our lazy Sister Orb.''


    [Who''s lazy?! Who do you think is working on analyzing all the Bloodline Trial Control Formations, huh?] Obviously, Sister Orb didn''t take those words lightly


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said in response, ''Sister Orb. Even though you''re doing that, you can still talk with Kentucky and us normally. Since it''s only teaching proper vocabulary, it shouldn''t intervene in your analyzing abilities.''


    [And why should I waste my time doing that?] Sister Orb soon rebuked.


    Rean smiled right after as he replied, ''Of course! That''s because Sister Orb is the best teacher in existence! Our Sister Orb is the mighty Soul Gem System''s AI, so how could such a simple thing bother her? There''s simply no one better in the Universe for this task.''


    [...]


    [Ahem...well, when you put it like that, I guess it can''t be helped.] Sure enough, Sister Orb''s tolerance on compliments was still weak


    ''Great!'' Rean nodded with satisfaction as he said, ''We''re counting on you, Sister Orb!'' He then turned his attention to the Minokawa before saying to Kentucky, ''Kentucky, be a good bird and learn everything, okay?''


    *Chick!* ''U-ukay!''

 Chapter 678 - Teasing

    Not long after that, Palaris and Ophele finally decided to enter Rean''s room. They didn''t do so until now because they were afraid of disturbing him since that might cause a backlash while he was still in the process of calming his foundation down.


    Seeing that Rean looked fine, Palaris sighed in relief as he said, "Sigh...boy, you really succeeded."


    Though, his expression turned dark right after as he continued, "What the hell were you thinking? There are no such things as Light or Dark Element cultivation manuals. This breakthrough you did was definitely high-risk. What if you failed and destroyed your cultivation?"


    Rean looked back at Palaris with confusion as he responded, "Why would that be a problem? I''m just a human. Even if something happens to me, none of the Zasfins would care that much."


    Ophele snorted as she said in response, "Hmph! Usually, that would be the case. However, your talent and ideas when it comes to formations are just way too important for us. We can''t have you losing your cultivation and be unable to work on formations anymore, let alone dying."


    She then continued, not caring about Rean himself, "If that really happens, then we''ll send you straight to your brother. Understood?"


    Surprisingly, Rean kneeled down in front of Ophele before saying, "Yes, your majesty! This humble human understands how worried you are about this subject. Unfortunately, our standings are just too far apart. For your own good, this human can''t accept your love."


    Palaris and the people watching Rean through Spiritual Sense could not help but open their eyes widely! Love? What love? Could it be that something happened to these two while they weren''t looking?


    Hearing that, Ophele''s face changed between various shades of dark and red, not knowing whether to feel furious or embarrassed.


    *Bang!*


    She immediately kicked Rean away soon after, stopping the act. "Fuck you! Who the hell would love a human? Say that one more time and see if I don''t cut your head myself! Who the hell would fall in love with a slave? Hmph!" Ophele immediately turned around and left after that.


    Rean, on the other hand, was laughing out loud inside. ''Hahaha! So funny. As expected, she''s all bark but no bite.'' Rean then used his Light Element to heal the injury in his chest internally before getting up.


    Palaris, on the other hand, sighed as he told him, "Rean, you better not joke like that anymore. My granddaughter is pretty much the spitting image of my daughter-in-law. She gets angry very fast and wouldn''t hold back when punishing others." Palaris felt that he had to warn Rean. Sure enough, everyone understood that Rean was just messing with Ophele a moment ago.


    Rean nodded as he laughed, saying, "Hahaha! It''s fine, it''s fine. I''m just a human, so she won''t be angry for long. She''ll just think that I''m not worth her anger and go back to normal."


    "This..." Palaris had to admit that Rean was right. "Well, try to hold back a little since it''ll be bad if she suddenly decides to kill you." After that, Palaris changed the topic as he said, "In any case, she''s right. You can''t risk things like that. Your talent in formations is just too important to us. That''s why you''re treated this well even though you''re a human. You must understand that Sevinia had to pay a high price to have you on our side."


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "Alright, I''ll try to not tease her too much. By the way, there''s no need for Senior Palaris to feel afraid of my breakthroughs. I wouldn''t try to do it if I wasn''t sure that I could succeed.  Even without a cultivation manual for Light Element Affinity, I''m still quite good at cultivating without it."


    Even though Rean assured his worries, Palaris felt that it was still dangerous. However, he didn''t say anything since Rean wouldn''t make another breakthrough anytime soon. After all, he was just in the Initial Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. He still had three stages to go through before trying to enter the Nascent Soul Realm. "Very well. Now then, come with me. Since you''re in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm now, I want you to look into Earth Peak-Level Formation Runes. Your foundation is definitely chaotic because of your breakthrough, so it''s better if you don''t cultivate for a while."


    Roan, who was listening to everything, agreed with Palaris, saying, ''That guy''s right. Let''s refrain from cultivating for the next three to four weeks. Instead, practice your Soul Cultivation during this time. Our Souls have become stronger with this last breakthrough, so it should reflect in our Soul Power cultivation.''


    Rean agreed with Roan, responding, ''Alright. I''m also going to try these next few weeks if I can have Palaris show me the Soul Stone Formations.''


    Roan and Rean then focused on their own things from that point onwards as Sister Orb taught Kentucky better vocabulary. As Rean mentioned, he came up with an excuse to ask about the Soul Stone Formation two weeks later. "Elder Palaris, would it be possible for me to see how Soul Stones are made? I believe they''re also formations, just like the Bloodline Trial Control Formations, right?"


    Palaris''s group became puzzled as one of them asked, "Why would you ask to see that?"


    Rean answered right after, "I want to use it as a base for the Soul Runes. If I''m not wrong, it transforms human souls into Soul Stones. There''s definitely some conversion being made there. I want to use the idea behind those formations to make a Spiritual and Soul Convergence Rune."


    Palaris shook his head as he responded, "It''ll most likely be useless. Without Soul Power, you can''t create Soul Runes, so there''s no point in showing you that."


    Ophele, who was there as well, nodded as she continued where Palaris left off, "Grandfather''s right. Don''t waste your time on meaningless things. After all, your time is also our time."


    Rean looked at them with confusion as he said in response, "What are you talking about? I can also use Soul Power, you know?" Soon after that, Rean''s Soul Power manifested around his body, albeit slightly weaker. Nevertheless, it was definitely Soul Power.


    "Impossible!" Everyone screamed at the same time. "Humans should not be able to use Soul Power!"


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he asked, "Why?"


    "Because you aren''t a Zasfi-" It was then that an idea surfaced on Palaris''s mind. "Wait, could it be...Still..."


    This time, even Rean was surprised. He had already thought of an excuse to show his Soul Power. Nevertheless, it seemed like Palaris already had an idea himself, so he waited to see what Palaris wanted to say.


    Palaris wasn''t the only one. Ophele also had the same idea as him as the two approached Rean and looked deeply at him. "He looks slightly different than the human slaves we have, no?"


    Rean could not help but let out a bit of cold sweat from that, thinking to himself, ''Could it be that they found out I''m not from this world?''


    Ophele and Palaris then brought a few more humans to stand on Rean''s side. Sure enough, although they were very similar, Rean did have a few traits that the other humans here didn''t. It couldn''t be helped. After all, Rean was born on another planet. In fact, it was quite a surprise that humans of this planet only looked a little bit different. Nevertheless, the difference between him and them was there. It''s just that none of the Zasfins or the humans cared to pay attention before.


    "Ahem...is anything wrong?" Rean asked that as he prepared to enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Roan also did the same as he looked at the current situation through their connection.


    Suddenly, Palaris nodded as he asked, "Rean, you...you said that the Zasfin who raised you wasn''t really your father, right? Tell me, do you have any memories of your parents back then?"


    "This..." Rean was taken aback. However, he quickly understood what was happening and gave up escaping to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. "I don''t remember. Why?" Rean quickly changed his plans as he asked that.


    Ophele then explained, "It isn''t anything out of the ordinary. Sometimes, there are a few disgusting Zasfins that feel attracted to their human slaves. It happens more times to the male Zasfins than the female ones, of course. In any case, it happens on both sides."


    Rean mentally smiled as he kept an expression of shock, asking them, "Are you saying that I might be half-Zasfin and half-human?"


    Palaris confirmed with a nod. "Exactly. Only that would explain why you can use Soul Power."


    Palaris''s words also helped Roan understand another point. ''Judging from their surprise, it seems like there are really no humans on this planet that can use Soul Power. I can''t tell if it''s because the humans had been slaves for too long or if it''s a special trait of this world''s humans to not be able to use Soul Power.''


    Rean agreed, responding, ''Indeed. Well, that''s mostly because the Zasfins don''t let humans obtain high-level soul marks. Anyways, let''s leave it aside for now.''


    Rean then scratched the back of his head as he responded, "I really have no idea. I just know that at some point in our life, my brother and I could use it." Of course, that was a lie, but Rean wouldn''t tell the truth either.


    Palaris pondered over the situation for a bit as he muttered, "I know about the hybrids between humans and Zasfins. The majority is killed before being born with their mothers or right after they come out if the mother is a Zasfin. Nevertheless, there are exceptions. It''s just that those who manifest Soul Power are extremely rare, even between those hybrids."


    Ophele shrugged her shoulders as she said, "So what? Look at the strength of his Soul Power. It''s ridiculous! Well, I guess it''s still good since he can help with the Soul runes. As for the fact that he can use Soul Runes, let''s keep that between us. It would be annoying if that geezer Puan demands to take Rean back."


    Rean''s expression became as bright as the sun as he smiled at Ophele, saying, "Thank you, Miss Ophele. I knew you couldn''t bear to part with me!"


    Ophele almost vomited blood after hearing that! "Who the hell cares about you?!"


    Rean already understood that Ophele was just too easy to be teased. With that in mind, he had an idea on how he could make use of this flaw in the future.


    ''Don''t blame me since it''s not like you think that well about humans either,'' Rean thought with a playful smile.

 Chapter 679 - More Complicated Situation

    Author''s note: There was a mistake in the sequence of the chapters. I jumped one chapter without noticing. Go back to the chapter before this one and read it. Clean your app''s cash in the settings if you can''t see it. The name of the previous chapter must be "Teasing."


    ---


    Rean then changed the topic, saying, "Anyway, this should be enough for me to take a look at the Soul Stone Formations, right? I really want to see how it works. Besides, it''s not like I can flee and tell this secret outside." Rean then smiled at Ophele, who felt the urge to blow his head as he continued, "Or could it be that a Soul Ruler like Miss Ophele is afraid that a human like me would be able to escape from your grasp?"


    Ophele wasn''t an idiot. She knew that Rean was doing that to provoke her and get what he wanted. Nevertheless, she couldn''t help but follow his wishes. After all, the other way around would be akin to her proving that the Soul Rulers would really allow Rean to escape if he wanted to. "Hmph! As if such a thing could ever happen. There are so many eyes on you that you can''t even breathe without us knowing."


    Ophele turned around and made her way to the exit as she responded, "Come, I''ll take you to check it out."


    Palaris, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes as he warned him, "Rean, are you sure you want to see the formations that transform human souls into Soul Stones?" He was afraid that Rean might give up helping him with formations after seeing that.


    Rean laughed in response as he replied, "Senior Palaris, you''re thinking too deeply into it. Does it look like I can worry about others? What''s preventing me from becoming a Soul Stone is my talent in formations. That''s why I want to check it. As for the other humans, there''s nothing I can do for them. Simple as that."


    "Hmph! It''s good that you understand that," Ophele said as she also heard Rean''s words.


    As Rean followed Ophele, he also communicated with Sister Orb, telling her, ''Sister Orb, make sure to not forget where the formation''s located since I probably won''t be able to stay there for long.'' Rean didn''t want Sister Orb to lose track of it after coming back.


    [Don''t worry. As long as I know the exact location and we''re in the same area, I can do the analysis. I only need one chance to check it out. After that, you don''t need to stay in the area anymore. Of course, try to stay there for a while longer so the Zasfins won''t suspect you. It would be weird if you just glance at the formation and leave straight away,] Sister Orb warned Rean.


    Rean nodded after hearing that. "Very well."


    Rean''s group then passed by a few different buildings and finally reached the same one Roan was brought into. However, instead of going to the tunnel where Roan was located, they took a different tunnel. Eventually, they arrived at a big hall where Rean could see many formations set up. Each of them was linked to each other, forming a web of connections.


    "This is the formation...or formations. To create the Soul Stones, you need several types of Soul Formations working in unison," Ophele explained as she pointed at them.


    At the same time, a guard came out to Ophele and Palaris and asked, "Is this another human that''s ready for extraction?" Naturally, he had never seen a human come into this place if not for creating Soul Stones, so he thought Rean was just another one of them.


    Palaris shook his head as he responded, "No, he''s here to attend us. Don''t worry, we already obtained permission to be here. If there are any issues, you can report to Sevinia''s estate."


    The guard found it strange that someone would come here just to look at the formation, though he didn''t intervene. Since they had permission, it was not in his place to say anything. "Then, have a good stay. Please be aware that the formations are delicate, so be careful."


    Ophele and Palaris nodded in response as they began to walk with Rean between the formations. After that, Palaris started to use Spiritual Sense to talk with Rean about the Soul Runes of each formation. ''This Soul Rune here is a Splitting Soul Energy Rune. It''s present in most of the formations that make up the whole system. The material we use to...''


    For the next few hours, Ophele and Palaris explained everything, hoping that Rean would come up with new ideas for the formation research they were doing.


    However, while Rean was going through the various formations, the hall''s doors opened once again. A group of Zasfins soon came inside with a small group of five humans no older than 10 or 11 years old. That guard from before already understood why they were there and came forward to receive them.


    "A new batch?"


    "Yes. Their Souls have become too chaotic to operate the Bloodline Trial Control Formations. We can only use them for Soul Stones now."


    The kids, who seemed to be impressed with the place, didn''t understand what was going to happen. With that, one of them asked, "Uncles, is this where we will be sent to Soul Paradise?"


    The Zasfin leading that group laughed as he patted the kid''s head, saying, "Hahaha! But of course. Once you enter the formation, you will be transported to where all the other kids before you went. You worked very hard so far, so it''s only proper that you get the honor to be with them."


    "Great!" The kids all became excited.


    However, Rean''s expression turned as cold as ice after that. If his hair was completely black, one wouldn''t be able to tell him apart from Roan at all. ''Sister Orb, is there a way to stop them?''


    [No. I''ve just started to analyze the formations making up the system. It''ll take a lot of time before I can do anything about it.] She then warned him, saying, [Rean, don''t do anything stupid. If you use the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to suddenly transport those kids away, all the Zasfins here will know about your abilities. You''ll be basically sacrificing everyone else to save these five.]


    Rean clenched his fists but nodded in the end. ''I know... don''t worry.''


    The kids were soon sent inside the center of the plethora of formations as Rean, Palaris, and Ophele watched. At this moment, Ophele looked at Rean''s expression and could see that he didn''t look as playful as before. ''Hmph! You better look at the process very well. That''s how you''ll turn out if you disappoint us.''


    Rean glanced at Ophele for a moment, his expression changing into a bright smile as he replied, ''Sure enough, Miss Ophele is the one who cares about me the most.''


    A vein popped out of Ophele''s head as she did her best to not beat Rean to a pulp. She was clearly provoking him, but how come she was always the one fuming while he was smiling? ''Let''s see how long you can keep your smug smile. Hmph!''


    The formations soon activated, and the kids at the center, who looked excited a moment ago, suddenly fell to the ground. Not long after, the same faint blue light came out of the formations and entered their heads. However, unlike the Bloodline Trial Control Formations, Rean could see that something was coming out of the kids'' heads through the stream of blue light.


    Those streams of blue light then passed through the various formations in the area before gathering at the front. There, several Spirit Stones began to melt. Rean could tell that each of those Spirit Stones was at least a Rank Six one.


    The melted material then began to mix with the Spirit Stones, fusing together. Rean looked at that as the process took over an hour to complete. Eventually, three clear stones finished forming in the air before the formations came to an abrupt halt.


    The clear stones then began to fall until the Zasfin, who was controlling the formation, used his Spiritual Energy to catch them. He looked at the stones with his Spiritual Sense and Soul Power for a quick moment before putting them away. "Sigh...it''s really hard to obtain high-level Soul Stones. These humans were quite useless to the very end. Anyways, someone clear the trash left behind."


    The Zasfin that had patted the kids'' head before the formation activated came forward after hearing that and lifted the kids'' corpses into the air. Following that, he used his Spiritual Energy to burn them down. With his cultivation, it wasn''t anything hard to burn those kids'' corpses to the point that even ashes weren''t left behind. "For fuck''s sake. I hate pretending to be nice in front of these humans."


    A friend on his side shrugged his shoulders as he consoled, "Well, at the very least, you can vent your anger by wiping them out. Don''t tell me that you don''t feel satisfied burning them down."


    "Hahaha!" The guy nodded with a light chuckle. "That''s true. It''s definitely satisfying." He then turned around and made his way out of the room while saying, "Let''s go. We might get a few more today."


    He and the Zasfins who brought the kids before left the room, leaving only the Zasfins responsible for taking care of the formation behind. Of course, Rean, Ophele, and Palaris were also there.


    Rean then made sure to burn the guys'' face in his head as he thought to himself, trying his best to control his emotions, ''There will come a day when you''ll pay for that.''


    Palaris then looked at him and sighed before using Spiritual Sense to tell him, ''That''s why I didn''t want you to come here. Although I''m not in favor of it, that''s how things work in the Soul Rulers'' territory. However, believe it or not, it''s a lot better now than before.''


    Rean took a deep breath before asking, ''Better? How can it be better than anything else?''


    Such words were hard to believe after what Rean saw. However, he would find out that things were a lot more complicated than that.

 Chapter 680 - How Long

    Ophele wasn''t interested in that, though. ''Who cares? They''re just a few humans. Stop wasting time and let''s continue revising the runes here.''


    [This woman isn''t the least bit better than the Zasfins from before. Rean, you really need to get rid of her if you get the chance.] Sister Orb said. She was furious after seeing how things worked, let alone after hearing Ophele''s words. However...


    ''No, this is just a pretense. Am I right, Roan?'' Rean asked.


    Roan agreed with Rean as he observed everything through their Soul Connection, responding, ''Yes. This Ophele or whatever is just pretending to not care. However, she can''t conceal it from me. She''s also trying to hold her emotions while she watched the process.''


    Sister Orb was truly surprised to hear that. [You''re kidding!]


    Rean agreed to Roan''s words, continuing where he left off, ''I also found it weird. Why would she go as far as to use her mother to let me stay out of the Bloodline Trial Control Formations? It didn''t look like a good idea, even if you consider my knowledge in formations. After all, most of the Zasfins with very pure Bloodlines like her are too prideful to accept a human''s help. However, she''s doing exactly that with the formations, and so is Palaris.''


    [Are you telling me that this annoying girl doesn''t hate humans?] Sister Orb found that hard to believe.


    ''I don''t know,'' Rean replied as he shook his head. ''What I can only tell is that she''s at least many times better than the guys from before.''


    As Ophele explained more of the runes to Rean, Palaris took the chance to tell him more about the Soul Stone Formation. Of course, he left Ophele out of the conversation through Spiritual Sense this time.


    ''The process of extracting one''s Soul and transforming it into Soul Stones is terrible. Can you imagine the excruciating pain it would give you if you were awake? However, most Zasfins couldn''t care less if the human kids were suffering or not. Because of that, the kids transformed into Soul Stones would be having the worst moment of their lives until the very end of the process.''


    He then continued, ''However, not all Zasfins found pleasure in watching it. After a lot of work, we modified this formation so that their Souls would fall into a state of deep sleep before the process started.''


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he said, ''I can''t believe Zasfins would accept changing the Soul Stone Formation just so the kids would suffer less.'' Indeed, it didn''t make much sense, considering how important the formation was.


    Palaris agreed with Rean, replying, ''You''re right. They didn''t. Only after we proved that a calm soul would have a higher chance of becoming a higher quality Soul Stone did the higher-ups allow us to change the formation. Otherwise, you would have seen an even worse scene.'' After that, he let out a sigh, thinking about the past.


    Rean was taken aback after he noticed something was off with Palaris''s words. ''Us? Does that mean Senior Palaris helped with the modification?''


    Palaris smiled as he replied, ''I did. To be more specific, it was our Hafel Clan who did the modification. Did you notice that quite a few of the Zasfins in the area don''t like us?''


    Rean nodded in response. He did notice such a thing before. It was as if the Soul Rulers weren''t that unified, and he always wondered why. ''Just because your clan didn''t let the kids... suffer? It seems like a small reason for others not to like you.''


    Palaris shrugged his shoulders as he said, ''Well, there are a few more things that became the reason for this treatment. For example, the fact that the actual Organization Head is part of our faction as well.''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, ''Could it be that Senior Palaris would prefer to save humans instead?'' Rean found that hard to believe. However, Palaris had always been quite a weird guy who could even cry because of something he said. He was a human, so that was weird, to say the least. Other than the Asume Clan, he hadn''t seen a single Zasfin group that cared about humans so far. It was hard to believe that such a group would exist within the Soul Rulers'' Organization.


    Palaris shook his head in response, saying, ''Save? Hahaha! That''s not possible. At most, we can give them some help while we''re here. The world revolves around human slaves, you know? There''s no way to save them, so we don''t try anything overboard.'' Palaris then looked at Ophele before saying, ''Just don''t hate my granddaughter. Although she has a terrible mouth, she''s one of those who does her best to help the humans in the organization. It''s just that she doesn''t have any power, so no one cares about what she does.''


    Palaris''s words only confirmed what Rean and Roan already knew. Ophele was only pretending to not care. ''I guess Senior Palaris''s presence in the Airship and you taking me under your Hafel Clan''s wing wasn''t just a coincidence, huh?''


    Palaris bitterly smiled as he nodded, responding, ''Yes...however, our power is limited. Although the Organization Head is a member of our faction, he can''t act as he wishes. The Soul Rulers is just too big. Besides, most Zasfins still consider humans as nothing more than slaves. That''s why taking you in was our limit. We couldn''t save your brother.''


    Rean almost laughed out loud after hearing that. Save Roan? If they only knew that there was no need for such a worry. ''It''s fine, Senior Palaris. As I said, I''m already doing my best to be worthy of your faction''s help. My brother and I already understood the risks of this situation, so neither of us blame you for that. If anything, I''m happy to know that there''s also a group in the Soul Rulers who like humans. It shows that our father wasn''t the only Zasfin to think like that. Isn''t that already a good thing?''


    Palaris was satisfied that Rean thought like that, saying in response, ''That''s good, then. Perhaps we can still save your brother. It takes a long time for a Soul to become unfit to control the Bloodline Trial, usually around three to five years in general. Who knows, if your accomplishments become big enough in the future, we might convince the other Zasfins to at least let your brother out for your sake. As long as it''s for the organization''s sake, the other factions won''t stop it.''


    ''I''ll do my best,'' Rean responded with a smile. Of course, he wasn''t worried about it at all.


    Well, there was one thing he was worried about, but it had nothing to do with the actual situation. Rean then talked with Roan and Sister Orb once again through their Soul Connection. ''Sister Orb, isn''t it risky for Roan to stay in that Bloodline Trial Control Formation? It seems like it can affect the human soul, after all.''


    Roan had already made that question, though. Nevertheless, he ignored it and let Sister Orb answer. [Don''t worry. Your souls are protected by the System. The formation won''t cause anything to Roan.]


    ''Oh, is that so? That''s good, then.'' With that said, Rean put his attention back to the Soul Stone Formation, trying to forget what happened to the kids.


    Eventually, they finished their observation and decided to head back to Sevinia''s estate. On the way back, Palaris decided to ask Rean about what he saw. ''So, have you figured anything out of the Soul Stone Formations?''


    Rean nodded, responding, ''I have a few ideas here, especially regarding the Mediator Soul Rune. I think I can implement it in the Three Ways One Path Rune I showed you before.''


    Palaris and Ophele were satisfied to hear that. It showed that their trip there wasn''t for nothing.


    At the same time, Rean asked Sister Orb in the Dimensional Realm. ''How was it, Sister Orb? Have you locked down the location of those formations?''


    [But of course!] Sister Orb said with confidence, feeling quite good about herself. [I was truly impressed with the array of formations that make up the whole thing. However, individually, they aren''t that complicated. It will take some time to analyze their full purposes, but I have an idea in mind. To be honest, it''ll be a lot easier to take control over the Soul Stone Formation System than it will be for the Bloodline Trial Control Formations.]


    Rean mentally nodded, not finding it hard to believe. ''That''s to be expected. After all, the Bloodline Trial Control Formations encompass the whole planet most likely. The Soul Stone Formation might be incredible, but it isn''t as big.'' Rean''s expression then turned serious as he told her, ''Sister Orb, revert the Soul Gem System''s full processing power to analyze those formations. I want to stop them from being able to create Soul Stones before anything else.''


    Roan, who was listening to everything, narrowed his eyes as he rebutted, ''Out of the question!'' He obviously hated the idea. ''If you do that, they will connect what happened to the Soul Stone Formations to your appearance there. Don''t forget, if you''re too rushed, not only will you not save anyone, you''ll condemn a lot of the kids instead.''


    Rean sighed but could only agree with Roan. With that, he instead asked, ''Alright. I was being too hasty. Instead, Sister Orb, how long will it take before you take control over both the Bloodline Trial Control and Soul Stone Formations?''


    Sure enough, that was the question that mattered most to Rean and Roan.

 Chapter 681 - Time

    Roan also warned Rean, saying, ''It doesn''t seem like Palaris was lying. However, remember to stay vigilant. You never know what could happen.''


    Rean nodded as he made his way back to Sevinia''s estate, responding, ''Don''t worry. From the very start, we weren''t counting on them to help us anyway. Even if they think well about humans or not, that doesn''t change the fact that they wouldn''t go against the Zasfin Race''s culture.''


    Roan inwardly nodded as he said in response, ''Exactly. Anyways, Sister Orb will take a long time before she can obtain control over the formations, so let''s focus on our cultivation from now on.''


    Rean and Roan then left everything for Sister Orb to take care of before starting their routine once again.


    And just like that, an entire two years went by in a flash. During these two years, quite a lot has happened. One of them was about Clad, who would be in the excavation sites. Every time the group of Zasfins there were going to be swapped, Rean would use the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to make him disappear. Because there were various groups excavating in different directions, it wasn''t hard for Rean to put Clad inside a tunnel different from the previous one.


    Thanks to that, Clad was able to break through to the Middle Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm from the Initial Stage of the Core Formation Realm. At first, Clad was afraid of what might happen to him in this place. However, after two years of having his appearance changed by Roan and no one noticing him being swapped, Clad calmed down. Instead, he was excited at just how fast his cultivation rose. Roan''s routine had really worked wonders for him.


    On Rean''s side, he helped improve the state of the Soul Rulers. Of course, they didn''t let him touch the Bloodline Trial Control and Soul Stone Formations. At most, he was allowed to see them. Any modification would go through the Soul Rulers themselves. However, they did become interested in the new runes that Sevinia''s estate came up with, thanks to Rean''s help. That being said, Rean''s position there had become quite peculiar thanks to it. He was a human but an important asset at the same time.


    Rean didn''t care about what others thought. As long as they didn''t botter his cultivation, he wouldn''t pay attention to it. Rean also asked Roan if he wanted to leave the Bloodline Trial Control Formations. After all, he gathered enough merits that this little request would possibly go through. However, Roan declined the offer.


    Roan did not just cultivate during the time he was there. He also made sure to pay attention to all the things happening in the corridor filled with Bloodline Trial Control Formations. Using Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill, Roan had been looking for a gap in the place''s surveillance. After all, he planned to bring all the kids out at once.


    As mentioned before, the human kids didn''t stay in the formations all the time. After all, they didn''t have cultivation, so they needed to eat and sleep. Every now and then, they would come out to be treated and have their Soul Purity checked. It was during one of these moments that Roan met Liza and Luna face to face.


    He then used his Spiritual Sense to talk with the two girls, which frightened the duo. They couldn''t believe that Rean and Roan were really there. Of course, Liza only knew Rean, not Roan. However, because Liza had seen Rean''s memories before, she knew who Roan was.


    Both Liza and Luna began to cry as they made their way to him. However, before they could take more than a few steps, Roan hastily stopped them. After all, Liza and Luna weren''t supposed to know him. After explaining to the two that it would be a risk to get closer to each other, the two girls nodded and held themselves back.


    Roan also used that chance to tell them that he would bring everyone out with him when the preparations were ready. The problem was the treatment the Zasfins gave to the kids. Liza and Luna were just two of the very few kids that understood that this place wasn''t the paradise the other kids believed it to be. The majority truly thought they are doing a good thing since the Zasfins always treated them well. That being said, Roan couldn''t go around telling the rest that he would bring them away since most of them would denounce his plans.


    One of Roan''s objectives was to think of a way to deal with it. Then again, he already had a plan, so he was only waiting for Sister Orb to finish analyzing the formations.


    Another point that piqued Rean and Roan''s interest in this place was the extra tunnel Clad mentioned to always be guarded by many high-level Zasfins. According to Clad, he was allowed to enter it once with a group of other Zasfins to work inside.


    There, he noticed something that looked like a giant tree made of white light. Clad was truly shocked when he saw that since it existed underground. From what Clad mentioned, the tree was several kilometers high and long. He was sure that the huge amount of Spiritual Energy all came from that tree. One could imagine how enormous the cave it was located in was. In fact, Clad''s job was to help expand that same cave so that the tree could grow even bigger.


    Naturally, it didn''t take long for Rean and Roan to understand that the tree was responsible for the lack of Spiritual Energy on the planet. As for how many of those trees existed around the world, they had no clue. It would depend on how many empires, celestial lands, and other equivalent powers existed around the world. Nevertheless, the tree owned by the Soul Rulers was bound to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, out of all of them.


    The only doubt now was whether there was anything they could do with it. They would only find that answer once they teleported inside to check. Fortunately, after coming in and out of the tunnels so many times, Clad was able to pinpoint the exact location of the tunnel that led to the tree. After that, they only needed to use the Soul Gem Teleport Circuitry and keep teleporting in the right direction until they hit the mark. It was basically the same plan they used back to enter that Rank Five Bloodline Trial.


    Of course, their discoveries didn''t stop there. After two mundane years, Rean had finally heard of the Rank Ten Bloodline Trial!

 Chapter 682 - Plans And Cultivation

    Roan''s interest was immediately piqued to know of that. ''Rank Ten Bloodline Trial? Such a thing really exists?'' He soon asked through their Soul Connection.


    ''Yes,'' Rean nodded as he responded. ''However, this Bloodline Trial is only active when a new head is about to be selected. From what Palaris told me, that''s the reason the Soul Rulers are the main force controlling the Bloodline Trials around the world.''


    He then continued, ''Every time a new head is selected, the previous head will become one of the Soul Rulers'' Ancestors and retire from the position. That means the Soul Rulers definitely have a few hidden old monsters with Rank Ten Bloodline Soul Marks. Obviously, none of the other forces outside dare to cause trouble for them.''


    Roan nodded, saying in response, ''That makes a lot of sense. They have that weird tree that can gather this ridiculous amount of Spiritual Energy for themselves. Their own members probably have no lack of Rank Nine Bloodline Marks, which only emperors and the like are allowed to have outside this place. On top of that, they also have old monsters with Rank Ten Marks. Whoever comes to bother them will only meet their maker.''


    Rean sighed before saying, ''It seems like we finally know who owns those Spiritual Senses.''


    Ever since Rean and Roan had arrived in the Soul Rulers'' territory, Rean''s Spiritual Sense Bending Skill picked up a powerful Spiritual Sense that far surpassed any other sense watching them in the area. Every now and then, that Spiritual Sense would disappear and be swapped by another one of equivalent power, though having a different owner. ''Obviously, those Spiritual Senses are these Ancestors who take turns to watch over their territory.''


    Roan agreed with Rean, saying, ''Yes. However, there''s a gap between those senses.''


    He then pondered on his experience over these two years as he continued, ''Every time a new Ancestor takes place to watch the Soul Rulers'' territory, the other disappears way earlier. It does make sense, though. After all, it isn''t as if anyone would notice the exact moment one of them leaves, and the other comes in.''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, responding, ''I noticed that as well. There was even a time where we didn''t even feel their Spiritual Sense for an entire day. In the end, they''ve been in power for so long that they became lax. They simply don''t believe anyone would be able to notice these gaps and use it against them.''


    ''However...'' Roan warned. ''There are moments when they swap very quickly. That being said, it will be up to our luck when we decide to make use of it. If we try something the moment one disappears just to be caught by the next one, we''ll be forced to improvise.''


    Rean sighed before changing the topic, asking Sister Orb, ''By the way, how much longer will it take, Sister Orb?''


    [I already took control over the Soul Stone Formation System. However, I can''t modify it to your liking. The only thing I can do is mess things up.] Sister Orb replied. As she mentioned in the past, she could only analyze and control formations but not build them. She''s like a car driver who could use a car but had no idea how it was made.


    Rean was more than satisfied with that, saying, ''That''s good enough for me. If I could, I would ask you to do it straight away. Every time I think how many kids have been transformed into Soul Stones while I''ve been here makes me feel like storming out to kill all those scum.''


    Rean quickly calmed down before continuing, ''Don''t worry, I didn''t have much time to look into the Soul Stone Formation, but I made sure to pay attention to the details that mattered to me. You just need to mess the runes I''ll tell you about, and the whole thing will blow apart.''


    Rean then showed an evil smile as he said with a malevolent chuckle, ''Anyone close to it at that time better be at the Saint Realm or else. Otherwise, they''ll blow to pieces with the formation. Hahaha!''


    [Well, the Zasfins in there definitely wouldn''t expect something like this to happen. You might even get some of the Saint Realm ones if you catch them off guard. After all, the amount of Spiritual Energy used to operate that thing is simply ridiculously high.] Sister Orb wasn''t any happier with what was happening in that place either.


    ''What about the Bloodline Trial Control Formations?'' Rean asked soon after with a hint of optimism.


    Sister Orb couldn''t help but take on a gloomy tone as she answered, [Those formations aren''t so simple. They aren''t at the level of a Natural Formation that can control time, but they''re really intricate. I believe I''ll need at least another half year to finish obtaining control over the overall system.] She was already using the whole Soul Gem System''s processing power on it, but it was still far from enough.


    *Chick! Chick, Chick!* Out of nowhere, Kentucky''s Spiritual Sense message came out and asked, ''Rean, Roan, can I help when the time comes?''


    Sister Orb had been helping Kentucky perfect his vocabulary during these two years. By now, Kentucky could pretty much use Spiritual Sense messages like any experienced Rank Five Demon Beast. It''s just that he was still acting like a kid, though...one could only imagine how bored Kentucky felt while still confined in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Besides, he saw how many girls were being sent to become Soul Stones, which truly angered the perverted bird.


    Rean smiled before saying, ''Of course, you can help! As a Demon Bird, and a Divine one at that, you''re definitely much faster than Roan or me when it comes to flying. It will be up to your speed to get the kids into the Dimensional Realm as fast as possible.''


    *Chick!* ''Leave it to me! I''ll fly faster than any Stage Four Demon Beast!'' Kentucky responded as he used his wing to pat his chest.


    On the other hand, Roan was thinking about something else, muttering, ''Half a year...it might be enough.''


    Rean understood what he was talking about. ''Indeed. The Spiritual Energy here is dense as hell. Not to mention that we can leave our mirages outside to fool the Zasfins while Sister Orb keeps watch. Thanks to that, we have time to fight against each other or Kentucky in the Dimensional Realm to get used to our cultivation. If things continue like this, we should be able to enter the Nascent Soul Realm any time soon.''


    Indeed, the Nascent Soul Realm! At the moment, Rean and Roan had already achieved the Peak of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm thanks to the environment. That''s just how dense the Spiritual Energy concentration in this place was.

 Chapter 683 - Nascent Souls

    As Sister Orb mentioned, it would take six more months for her to finish taking control over the Bloodline Trial Control Formations. However, that wasn''t all. Three years! Once those six months had passed, the three years the Soul Gem System took to recover would finally be up. With that, Rean and Roan would finally be able to buy upgrades, use savepoints, increase their authority level, and so on.


    During this time, Roan had reviewed the tunnel where all the kids were located countless times, making sure he knew exactly how to go around it.


    On Rean''s side, he kept working with Palaris, Ophele, and the other members of their clan. Of course, by now, the speed at which he came up with new ideas decreased. After all, Rean didn''t want to teach them too much since his knowledge might be used for the same thing again. Nevertheless, everyone was more than happy with the progress they made so far.


    Thanks to that, the Hafel Clan''s status had been increased since the discoveries were shared between all the powers inside the Soul Rulers. That just showed how helpful Rean''s new rune ideas were. Sevinia was especially happy to see the ugly faces of those who doubted her actions to take Rean in instead of sending him to the Bloodline Trial Control Formations.


    "Hahaha! Very good, very good! Rean, you''ve been of huge help during the last few years. You''re a human, so I can''t do much for you. However, I can still help your brother get out of that place now. Your achievements are enough to warrant it at the very least," Sevinia said at some point, feeling very satisfied.


    However, Rean once again refused the offer, responding, "There''s no need. My brother and I aren''t exactly on good terms, so we better stay away from each other. I also don''t want to be responsible for whatever he might do while he''s free."


    Sevinia and the others found it strange that Rean would treat his brother like that. However, the idea was to please Rean, so none of them said anything about it.


    As time continued to pass, Ophele came to accept that Rean was simply much better than her. Not only her, but he was also much better than most of the geniuses she knew inside the Soul Rulers'' territory. She saw how his cultivation skyrocketed with the help of the Spiritual Energy present in this place.


    However, at some point, she didn''t feel bad about it anymore. That''s because she enjoyed the moments she, Rean, Palaris, and other formation masters of the clan worked on Rean''s ideas. Without her noticing, respect began to fill her mind.


    Another day of working on formations came, with Ophele looking as Rean created the runes of the formation. Somehow, that scene greatly comforted her as Rean talked nonstop about the runes with her and the others around.


    "Hey, Ophele. Are you still with us?" Out of nowhere, Rean said this when she noticed Ophele absent-mindedly looking at him nonstop. Palaris and the others also looked at her and had to admit that she was quite silent today.


    Only then did Ophele notice how she had been staring at Rean as her face suddenly flushed red. "Hmph! I''m just thinking about the uses of the runes, so I spaced out a little bit. There''s no need for you to worry." However, she was feeling restless inside as she thought to herself, ''What the hell am I doing?''


    Rean shrugged his shoulder with a smile, saying, "Oh, I see...are you sure it isn''t because my charm is so strong that you couldn''t take your eyes away from me anymore? Don''t worry, I love you too."


    "Who the hell loves you?!" Ophele immediately denied it, which made everyone else burst into laugher. By now, Palaris''s group had already become used to seeing Rean tease Ophele, to which she always fell for.


    Noticing how she was caught in Rean''s trap again, she turned around and went to another formation to work on that on her own. It''s just that she couldn''t help but place a hand on her chest, noticing that her heart was beating much faster than usual. This wasn''t anything new. Recently, Rean had made her feel like that nonstop. ''He must have done something to me. I''m sure about it!''


    Unfortunately for Ophele, Rean had already noticed her feelings, and so did the others. However, he absolutely had no intention whatsoever of answering it. He only kept teasing her so others wouldn''t suspect anything if he suddenly stopped. After all, Rean had Qia, and he intended to stay with her. ''I wonder how Qia and the others are doing right now.''


    As Rean thought about that, he sent his mind into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, looking at a white gem glistening with a faint white light. That wasn''t the only one, though. There were a total of four gems like that, which were linked to the Light Element Equipment Rean made for Agis and the others. It''s just that Agis'' group didn''t know of it. Rean made those items so that they would link with each of their own life forces. If any of them died, their equipment would break apart, and so would the gem he placed in the Dimensional Realm. As long as the gems were intact, it meant that Qia and the others were at least alive. Of course, Roan knew about that, so he would take a look every now and then as well.


    The days continued to pass in that fashion when suddenly, the twins felt like a ''click'' resound inside their Dantians. It was during nighttime when the others were resting. Usually, that was the time the twins would be cultivating.


    Following that, something resembling the cry of a baby came out of their Soul Core. That was the Core that had taken away a small part of their Soul when they reached the Core and Soul Fusion Realm.


    [Finally! Your Nascent Souls are ready to be born!] Sister Orb said with surprise as she felt that change.

 Chapter 684 - Clads Decision

    Rean and Roan couldn''t help but feel like their bodies were off. It was as if a second copy of them appeared out of nowhere. However, it wasn''t a clone or anything, just the Nascent Soul. It was part of them, and not at the same time.


    ''Sister Orb, does that mean we''re ready to breakthrough?'' Rean asked as he examined the Soul Core inside his Dantian. He felt like he could make his Nascent Soul break out of its shell anytime he wanted.


    Sister Orb confirmed, responding, [Yes. However, I would rather wait than doing it now.]


    Roan agreed with her words, saying, ''Sister Orb''s right. This isn''t the right time to make our breakthrough. If everyone sees that I''ve achieved the Nascent Soul Realm, the Zasfins guarding this place will become restless. After all, my cultivation is improving too quickly.''


    Rean understood where Roan was coming from, asking in response, ''You want to wait until Sister Orb finishes taking control over the Bloodline Trial Control Formations, right?''


    [Exactly. You two can have your breakthroughs at the same time and then come out of the Dimensional Realm to take the kids. While you do that, I''ll mess with the Bloodline Trial Control Formations and make everything blow apart as you planned with the Soul Stone Formations, Rean. The system for that is just way too complex. It''ll take many years before they can create a new one.]


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, ''What about the Hafel Clan? Once we disappear, it''ll become obvious that we were the ones responsible for it. Wouldn''t they be punished, maybe even get wiped out because of us?'' The Hafel Clan tried to help the humans, so Rean didn''t feel like it was right to condemn them.


    Roan snorted as he couldn''t care less. ''Hmph! So what? They tried to relieve the humans suffering here, but they never tried to save anyone. That''s just hypocrisy. Besides, their faction won''t just stand by and simply let themselves be destroyed. After all, they are well-versed in the formations of the Soul Rulers. They''ll need their help to rebuild everything. That being said, they won''t be wiped out as you think.''


    Roan then warned Rean, ''Remember, we''re already swamped as we are. We can''t take care of everything in this world.''


    Rean sighed but nodded in the end. ''I was being too naive, sorry. Let''s follow the plan.''


    He then asked something else, ''Sister Orb, how long until you finish taking control over all the formations?''


    Sister Orb checked the current progress before answering, [One month at most. Perhaps I''ll be ready in three weeks.]


    ''Understood.'' Rean already knew what to do. ''In that case, I''ll take Clad back into the Dimensional Realm once I see him again. His group should surface in the next few days as always.''


    Roan and Sister Orb agreed with him. After all, they still needed a Zasfin to play the owner role.


    *Chick!* ''Rean, Roan, when you breakthrough, I''ll do the same and reach Stage Five. We have to help Liza, Luna, and the others!'' Kentucky seemed quite excited to finally be outside the Dimensional Realm.


    Rean smiled in response, saying, ''Obviously.''


    Rean''s group then discussed their next steps for a while. Eventually, they finished what they had to say and returned to their own things. Obviously, neither Rean nor Roan tried to break through after that.


    A few days later, Rean left to do his walk around the territory he was allowed to do as he always did. That had already become a routine of him, so the Zasfins of Sevinia''s estate and the others outside didn''t care that much anymore. Not to mention that he had become an important human, so no one would touch him unless they had a valid reason to do so.


    As Rean passed by the airship dock, he saw a group of Zasfins coming back from the excavations. That was obviously a Zasfin Group that was about to be swapped by another one. In the middle of the group, Rean found Clad, who once again had a different appearance thanks to Roan''s skills. ''Clad, I''m bringing you away now.''


    Clad was taken aback since it was quite earlier than usual. However, his expression didn''t show anything as he continued to talk with the Zasfins around him. It was as if he hadn''t even heard anything from Rean. He had become used to do it. Of course, he still answered Rean''s Spiritual Sense Message while at it, asking with a hint of confusion, ''Already? Is something wrong?''


    ''We''re about to make our move, so I won''t be able to take you back anymore after today. There won''t be more excavations going on for a long time after that.'' Without revealing what they would do, Rean explained the consequences.


    Clad couldn''t help but become a little worried. After all, they were still in the Soul Rulers'' territory. Clad then took a deep breath before telling Rean something else, ''Rean, the Zasfin responsible for my group noticed that my cultivation was growing incredibly fast while I was here. He offered me to join the Soul Rulers because of that.''


    Rean was surprised to hear that. After all, the Soul Rulers were very strict with their recruitment. Not to mention that he had never heard of any of the excavators being taken in. Once they worked for some time, they would be sent back to wherever they came from, and a new group would take their place.


    ''Hmm...do you want to stay?'' Rean asked that question seriously. ''To be honest, I don''t know how the situation will develop after we''re done with our part. By now, you should have noticed that our objective here isn''t simple and definitely not something the Soul Rulers will like.''


    After saying that, Rean warned Clad, ''There''s a huge chance you might be caught once they investigate things thoroughly.''


    Clad was taken aback as he noticed Rean''s way of speaking was slightly different. Soon, he asked, ''Wait. Why does it feel like you would let me escape? I still have your poison in my body.'' Sure enough, that was what he thought of first before anything else.


    Rean mentally laughed before saying, ''Don''t worry. We can find a replacement for you. So far, you''ve helped us a lot by gathering information, so I don''t mind paying you with your freedom. In any case, we''d already be gone before you could denounce us. Well...I wouldn''t tell the Zasfins about us since they''ll definitely blame you as well for what will happen. Chances are you would be killed right after because of their anger. Hahaha!''


    Rean was right. Clad understood that fooling the Soul Rulers would end up in harsh punishment. That being said, he didn''t intend to talk about it to start with, even if he obtained his freedom and joined the Soul Rulers. ''That''s not funny, alright?''


    Clad then took a deep breath before saying, ''I didn''t expect that you and your brother would let me go. Also, I understand the risks of staying behind even if I don''t know what you two want to do. However, being part of the Soul Rulers is exactly what my Imperial Family Branch needs to escape doom, so I want to take the risk.''


    One must remember that Clad only joined in this journey to save his family. That was his main objective above anything else.


    Rean didn''t mind, saying, ''I''ll have the full antidote of your poison delivered once our plan starts. Thanks for your help so far.''


    Rean then kept walking around as if he hadn''t talked with anyone whatsoever.


    He quickly went back to his room and was just about to work on a few formation runes when out of nowhere, a robotic voice he and Roan haven''t heard in a very long time echoed in their minds.


    *Pin!*


    [System Recovery Complete.]


    [Soul Gem System Restarting...]


    [12%...]


    [32%...]


    [59%...]


    [83%...]


    [100%]


    [Assessing Situation...]


    [New Mission Available: Soul Gem System Processing Power Upgrade.]

 Chapter 685 - We Can Start

    The twins were taken aback by that. Soon, one of them decided to ask, "Sister Orb, what''s happening?"


    However, Sister orb didn''t answer them this time. Without any other choice, Rean and Roan could only wait and see what the Soul Gem System would come up with.


    [The system needs an energy source to operate as it has been reaching its limit. For the system to improve, a new energy source is required. This mission has no failure penalties, but the system highly recommends the hosts to complete it.]


    ''No failure penalties? That''s new...'' Rean and Roan thought at the same time as they listened. After that, they allowed the system''s robotic voice to continue.


    [So far, the system has used the environment''s Spiritual Energy to sustain itself. However, a new source of energy has been detected, capable of increasing the system''s capability. The hosts'' help is required to obtain the new source.]


    [Destiny Points Reward: 30000]


    [Title Reward: Grade 2 Efficiency]


    [Authority Level Reward: 13]


    [Mission Time: Unlimited]


    "30000 Destiny Points!" Rean exclaimed in surprise. "That''s even higher than the amount we would have got if we had completed the Sasamil Empire Mission."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he muttered with a hint of suspicion, "With this amount of Destiny Energy, Authority, and even a Title as a reward, the changes it would bring to this world are huge."


    Rean understood what Roan meant, responding, "Indeed. If Calina had become the Empress, it would have changed the destiny of Sasamil and the other Empires around it. Even then, it only gave 20000 Destiny Points as a reward. However, this new energy source gives 30000, and Destiny Points are only given if Destiny is changed for others."


    "Exactly. In any case, this is a good thing for us. The system came back on before we started our plan or tried to make the breakthrough." Roan then connected to the Soul Gem System before calling out to Sister Orb, asking, "Sister Orb, are you awake already?"


    [I am...sigh...when the system restarted, I restarted with it. To be honest, it''s a really weird feeling,] Sister Orb said as she continued, [Anyway, let''s leave that aside for now. Rean, Roan, we need to obtain that new energy source at all costs. This would improve my ability to take over formations by multiple times.]


    Rean nodded before asking, "Let me guess. The energy source is that weird white tree Clad mentioned before, right?" Rean could only think of that thing since the Soul Gem System didn''t mention where the source was.


    [I believe so. However, the system only felt this new energy source. It doesn''t know what it looks like, only the fact that it''s nearby. Of course, we might be wrong, and the Soul Rulers have some other treasure hidden somewhere.] Sister Orb warned them, afraid that trying to take that tree would change nothing.


    Roan shook his head, saying, "The Soul Gem System can even gather energy for an extreme long-distance teleport capable of bringing us to this planet. I refuse to believe that any simple treasure can make the system crave for it. Only that tree, which we believe to be responsible for the planet''s lack of Spiritual Energy, could possibly achieve the system''s standards."


    Rean agreed with Roan, continuing where Roan left off, "I feel the same way. Of course, we might be wrong, but the chances are very low."


    He then continued, pointing out a huge issue, "However, how exactly does the system intend to take it? From Clad''s report, the tree is gigantic, much bigger than the space we have in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm."


    Sure enough, there was no way they could bring that into the Dimensional Realm.


    *Chick! Chick!* Kentucky, who was also listening to the conversation, intervened as he replied, ''I think I know, Rean!''


    "You know?" Obviously, Rean, Roan, and Sister Orb were surprised by it.


    *Chick!* Kentucky nodded before explaining with Spiritual Sense, ''That tree you mentioned...that isn''t any ordinary tree, but a Demon Tree! It has a demon core, which is what the system probably wants.''


    "Demon Tree?" The twins knew that Demon Plants existed, but they were quite rare to the point that the twins haven''t found a single one so far. "To think that the tree was one of those...no, it actually makes sense. It''s a Demon Tree that''s sucking the planet''s Spiritual Energy nonstop."


    [Everything makes sense now. Most likely, this demon tree has some agreement with the Soul Rulers to provide them with tons of Spiritual Energy.] Sister Orb muttered after pondering a bit. [It''s easy for Demon Plants to spread, and their own offsprings are linked to themselves. Normally, the powers around them would try to get rid of these kinds of Demon Plants.]


    Roan understood where Sister Orb was coming from. "I see...simply put, the empires, celestial lands, and other powers under the Soul Rulers'' command should have those offsprings. That''s why they also have huge amounts of Spiritual Energy on their own bases."


    Rean nodded, saying, "That''s also why no one tries to go against the Soul Rulers. After all, not only do they have Rank Ten Bloodline Marks here, but they can also use the main Demon Tree to stop its offsprings from helping the other powers anytime they want. Everything is connected."


    *Chick!* ''No wonder the new mission you got gives so many rewards. The system is now back online, so it''ll consider the destiny you''re changing once again. Taking that Demon Tree''s Core is the same as killing it, which would kill all of its offsprings. There''s no doubt it''s a world-changing event.''


    Rean was more than happy with that, though. "This is perfect! If we stop this demon tree, it also means the Spiritual Energy will come back to the world. It doesn''t matter where we go after this. The Spiritual Energy in the environment wouldn''t be that bad anymore."


    Roan, Sister Orb, and Kentucky agreed with the statement. If upgrading the system''s processing power was a good reward already, let alone the fact that they would obtain this extra perk.


    "Very well. We just need Sister Orb to finish taking control over the Bloodline Trial Formations."


    [There''s no need to wait. Now that the system has awakened, it helped a little bit with my job. Well, I was very close to finishing it anyway. So...we can start at any time.]

 Chapter 686 - So Sharp

    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky were very satisfied to hear that. "Great! First, let''s undergo our breakthrough. After that, we''ll use the Spiritual Sense Bending Technique to wait for a gap to appear in the Spiritual Sense of those old monsters. Usually, it happens every three months, with the next one probably coming in two weeks."


    [That''s fine by me. Once Rean is free, head inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to make your breakthroughs.] Sister Orb said, ready to absorb the outside world''s energy to help them.


    Rean nodded and continued his work with Palaris and Ophele''s group for the day. However, everyone noticed that Rean seemed to be quite absent-minded during the next few days, not participating as much as usual. It couldn''t be helped since he, Roan, and Kentucky kept rehearsing their own steps time and time again. Palaris asked if everything was okay. Rean obviously nodded, saying that he was pondering over a few new ideas in his mind.


    Though, Ophele found it strange. After all, he would use every possible chance to tease her nonstop. She always felt angry about it. However, it made her feel like something was missing now that he stopped it all of a sudden.


    The days passed in a flash, with Rean eventually coming back to normal. It''s just that he didn''t bother Ophele anymore. Eventually, there was only a single day left before the two weeks mentioned before were up. This day, Rean finished his work with Palaris''s group once again and headed back to his room. Just like Roan did the last time, he would use the Mirage Assault skill to leave a clone of himself outside while he and Roan broke through in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    However, just as he was about to do that, someone knocked on his door. Rean spread his Spiritual Sense and soon saw that it was Ophele. "Hmm? This is the first time I''ve seen her come here after my breakthrough two years ago." The weird thing was that Ophele wouldn''t waste her time knocking on the door but would barge in straight away. That was her personality. Nevertheless, Rean got up and told Roan, Sister Orb, and Kentucky what was happening. In the end, they could only wait for Rean to see what Ophele wanted.


    He quickly got up and to see what she wanted, asking her, "Oh! It''s my beloved Ophele! Could it be that you missed your lover and couldn''t bear to stay away from me today?"


    Ophele''s mouth twitched after hearing that. In just one instant, Rean seemed to have returned to his usual self that kept teasing her. "Hmph! As if I would have any feelings for a human." Sure enough, she rebuked him straight away.


    "Oh? Is that so? Then, how can I help you this time?" Rean asked with a bright smile, not minding her words a second ago.


    However, Ophele definitely minded it as she thought, ''Idiot! Why did you even come here? He''s the same perverted human as always. This was a mistake! He''s totally fine! No, wait! It''s not like I care. Yes! I''m only here because I was afraid that his behavior would affect our work with the formations, that''s all. Yes! Definitely!''


    Seeing Ophele''s expression changing between bright and dark many times made Rean almost laugh. However, he held himself back since he had to send her away. "Well, since it seems like you have something on your mind. With that, I''m going to close the door. See you tomorrow, Ophele."


    It was then that Rean remembered something, asking, "Oh, right! Miss Ophele, can I ask you a favor?"


    Ophele was taken aback since it was the first time Rean asked her anything. Usually, he would head straight to Palaris. Somehow, it made her feel happy, prompting her to respond, "You''re lucky. I''m in a good mood today. Tell me, what do you need help with? As long as it doesn''t go overboard, I''ll see what I can do."


    Rean smiled before passing her a bottle with a pill, asking her, "Can you deliver this pill to a Zasfin named Clad in the excavation teams? He had given it to me after I helped him with a formation for his use. However, I really didn''t do much since it was a very simple modification. He insisted that I should take it, but I didn''t feel well about doing it. After all, I''m a human, and it''s my job to help the Zasfins. I''m already getting way too much from all of you."


    Ophele took the pill, which was a mix of black and white hues. She didn''t remember to have seen a pill like that before, soon asking her, "What is it for?"


    "It''s just a cultivation boost pill, nothing impressive. Though, I really have no need for it in this place," Rean said before asking, "Can you promise me you will deliver it to him?"


    Ophele nodded straight away. It was a very simple task, so she didn''t have much of a reason to refuse. "Since it''s just that, I''ll help you."


    Rean nodded, thanking her, "Thank you, Miss Ophele." He then turned back while letting out a small sigh. Ophele noticed that, feeling that something wasn''t right. Just as Rean was about to close the door, she put her foot ahead, preventing it from closing.


    Rean looked back with confusion as he asked, "Errr...is there something else?"


    Ophele narrowed her eyes as she looked deeply at him. Eventually, she took a deep breath and asked, "What''s happening? Why do I feel like you''re going to disappear?"


    Rean couldn''t help but be taken aback. However, he quickly recovered before laughing out loud, saying, "Hahaha! Disappear? Me? We''re in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters. Unless you guys want me to disappear, how could I do that on my own?"


    Ophele agreed with Rean on that. She truly couldn''t see how Rean would be able to leave on his own. Still... "No! There''s definitely something wrong!" Her instincts were screaming that something was definitely not right. She felt that if she let Rean close the door now, it would be the last time they''d see each other. "Could it be...that someone in the organization is threatening you?"


    Rean was speechless. Since when was this female Zasfin that sharp? It wasn''t wrong that someone was threatening him. Or, to be more specific, the entire organization would be a threat to him once the plan went into motion.

 Chapter 687 - Thanks To Your Sister Orb

    Nevertheless, Rean smiled back before asking, "And why would you care?" That was the best way to send Ophele away in Rean''s mind.


    Sure enough, Ophele was taken aback by that question. Why should she care? However, she immediately came up with a reason, saying, "Hmph! Isn''t that obvious? Your life is too important for our Hafel Clan and the rest of the other forces in the faction. It would be terrible if you were suddenly attacked or even killed."


    Rean then began to walk around Ophele with a mysterious smile. "Hmm~..."


    As he did that, he looked at Ophele from head to toe as he questioned with a knowing grin, "Are you sure it''s just because you''re concerned with your clan''s position? Isn''t there something else more...personal?"


    Ophele felt shivers in her spine when Rean did that. "Wh-What are you talking about? There''s obviously nothing else!"


    Rean laughed in response before saying, "Alright, alright! I''ll stop it here. Now, go ahead and leave me alone. I want to cultivate." Rean patted her shoulder, trying to reassure her. "There''s no one threatening me, don''t worry. Now, you better go back, or I''ll truly start to think that you want to have my children."


    Ophele''s expression went bright red as she stormed out of the room while saying, "Who the hell wants to have your children?" Well, it wasn''t very convincing, though.


    Rean just faintly smiled and spoke before she disappeared in a corner, "Until we meet again."


    Ophele''s steps froze for a moment. Didn''t those words mean that he would leave? But then again, she didn''t have the courage to go back to his room anymore. ''He''s definitely trying to tease me again. Yes, that must be it.'' She then continued to run away even faster now.


    Rean closed the door behind him and sighed after that. As mentioned before, he already noticed her feelings. Well, it was very obvious, even for Palaris. But since he was a human, Palaris didn''t worry that something would happen. As for Rean, he had Qia, so he had absolutely no intention of betraying her. ''I hope you can find someone better than me,'' Rean thought before putting those thoughts behind.


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault.''


    Sure enough, Rean created a clone of Spiritual Energy and swapped himself with it before entering the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm as he said with a chuckle, "Hey everyone, did you miss me?"


    Roan completely ignored his words before saying, "Alright. Since you''re here, we can start. Sister Orb, let us begin."


    [Roger that! Access your cultivation techniques and follow my lead.] Sister Orb then began to absorb the Spiritual Energy from the outside world, using Rean and Roan''s last positions as the entrance point.


    The two first waited for the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to fill with energy before sending it into their Dantians. From there, it went straight to their Soul Cores.


    [Your Nascent Souls are a little different from normal ones. It''s a little similar to the Foundation Establishment Realm, where we use the opposite element to balance your affinities. The difference is that you won''t create a full Light or a full dark Nascent Soul. Instead, it will carry a 50-50 ratio of both.]


    She then continued, [Make sure to balance your elements and exchange them. Feed the Spiritual Energy and the two elements to your Soul Cores at the same time. The Nascent Soul inside will absorb them on its own. As you know, the Light and Dark Cultivation Techniques are perfect, so you have no risk of failing as long as you have enough Spiritual Energy for it. There''s no need to worry, especially in a place like the Soul Rulers'' headquarters.]


    As Sister Orb mentioned, their Soul Cores absorbed both elements and the Spiritual Energy without any issues. Sometime later, they once again heard that baby''s cry coming from the cores. Little by little, it began to get louder and louder. Of course, only Rean and Roan could hear that...and Sister Orb.


    [Now, would you look at that...I was expecting Roan''s Nascent Soul to be dead silent until the very end. To think that it has more emotions than Roan himself. Isn''t that great?] Sister Orb said in the middle of their breakthrough process, trying to hold her laughter.


    Roan''s mouth twitched as he said, "For fuck''s sake, can you just shut up for once?"


    Even Rean found it hard to keep his concentration. Nevertheless, he didn''t hold his laughter. "Come on. Your Soul Core was made with a part of your own Soul. That means you aren''t emotionless as we thought. Hahaha!"


    If it wasn''t because Roan was busy controlling his Spiritual Energy and absorption of Elements, he would definitely send Rean flying with a kick by now.


    *Creeeeee!* ''Oh yeah, baby! Stage Five, make sure to treat papa well!'' Kentucky, on the other hand, was enjoying his breakthrough a lot. The remaining Spiritual Energy flowed into his Demon Core nonstop as he muttered, ''At least you two didn''t hold me back for too long.''


    Does this idiot bird even know how fast they progressed? We went from the Initial Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm to the Nascent Soul Realm in just two years, hey!


    [Well, it''s Kentucky we''re talking about. He is a Minokawa, so you really held him back with this limitation.] Sister Orb said as she sighed...or so she would if she could breathe.


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    After some time, Rean and Roan heard cracking sounds coming from their Soul Cores. By now, the white and black cores were full of Spiritual Energy and Elements, just waiting for the right moment to burst apart.


    *Boom!*


    Sure enough, the Nascent Souls inside their Soul Cores destroyed its shell, sending broken pieces everywhere inside their Dantian. However, those broken pieces soon transformed into Spiritual Energy that was absorbed by Rean and Roan''s Spiritual Energy Pull that enveloped the Soul Core before. It''s just that there was now a Nascent Soul floating around it.


    The twins immediately felt their connection with it, placing the Nascent Soul under their command. In a certain way, it wasn''t wrong that it was another part of themselves. While all that happened, their Spiritual Energy Pools began to increase in size as their cultivation followed suit.


    [Congratulations, you are now Nascent Soul Realm cultivators, thanks to your Sister Orb.]

 Chapter 688 - Now!

    On Kentucky''s side, his size had increased once again. By now, he was several times bigger than Rean and Roan. His blade-like feathers became sharper as the scales covering them became tougher. The crown of black and white feathers on Kentucky''s head had also increased in size, now much easier to see. But above all, the Spiritual Energy and Elemental Pressure he gave off far surpassed his previous self.


    "Who''s the best? I''m the best! Hahaha!" Kentucky said out loud for the first time. As mentioned before, a Demon Beast gained the capability to think and use Spiritual Sense messages at Stage Five. At Stage Six, they were finally able to talk with words. On the other hand, Kentucky seemed to be always one realm ahead with his abilities, so he could talk at Stage Five!


    "Kentucky, make sure to not talk in front of others from now on. It would be too weird if people found out that Stage Five Demon Beasts could talk, alright?" Rean warned, afraid that others might identify Kentucky.


    Kentucky quickly nodded, responding, "Alright~! But now that I''m at Stage Five, I''m finally able to use Spiritual Sense without anyone finding it strange that I can do it." Obviously, he didn''t want to be completely silent.


    Rean nodded with a smile, saying, "That''s good enough."


    [Alright, how are your Soul Powers at the moment?] Sister Orb asked, waiting to see if it improved with their breakthroughs.


    Rean took the Soul Measurement Crystal and put his hand on it before channeling his own Soul Power inside. Not too long after, the result appeared on the top of the crystal.


    -Soul Power, 271-


    Rean was quite satisfied with that. "Just two years of training, and I''ve improved by 102 points. Guess I''ve improved quite well."


    Roan was the next one to check his Soul Power Points.


    -Soul Power, 263-


    "As expected, our Soul Powers follow a similar rate of improvement. It''s just that you''re the one with a Light Element Affinity, so you''re ahead of me by a small margin." Roan seemed quite used to that already. He noticed that Rean''s higher aptitude for Soul Power also pulled him together. Of course, he also cultivated his Soul Power diligently not to drag behind.


    Kentucky then puffed his chest as he stepped forward, saying, "Hmph! Behold, the power of this god!" His wings, which were much bigger than the crystal, rested on it as the Minokawa channeled his own Soul Power inside.


    -Soul Power, 319-


    "Hahaha!" Kentucky laughed out loud. "See, see?! I''m the best demon bird ever!" Kentucky''s Light and Dark Element then revolved around him as the Soul Power increased their flow and power. During these last two years, Kentucky had also become used to using his Soul Power.


    Roan evilly smiled before asking, "Is that so? Then how about you and I have a little fall out here? I promise I won''t hold back before this demon bird god."


    Kentucky felt a chill on his spine as he took several steps back, saying, "Ahem...this demon bird god is just a puny little one, nothing worth mentioning. There''s no need for you to waste your time with me." As strong as Kentucky might have gotten, he was still no match for Roan. He and Roan had battled many times in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, but he couldn''t win against him even once. He had just made a breakthrough, but he doesn''t even believe that he would be able to win.


    "Hmph! Then stop with your blabbering." Roan then looked at Rean, saying, "We''re ready. Liza and Luna already know what will happen as well. Use your Spiritual Sense Bending Skill and check the outside."


    Rean nodded and used his control over the Dimensional Realm to open a very tiny opening between it and the outside world. He did the same thing back in the Dalamu Sect when he and Roan were looking for Malaka. Rean filled that small entrance between the two with his skill, trying to feel the presence of the old monsters'' Spiritual Sense.


    "Yes, here it is. Now we need to wait until their Spiritual Sense disappears. As soon as that happens, we need to go out and start taking all kids inside," Rean said with a serious expression.


    Roan nodded as he turned back to Kentucky, reminding him, "Remember, the tunnel where all the Bloodline Trial Control Formations spans 43 kilometers long. I''m located at the very end of it, so that''s where you''ll appear. As soon as we step outside, you must fly as fast as possible in the direction of the entrance. No one here is faster than you even though we can all fly."


    Rean also added, "During that time, Roan and I will focus solely on pulling all the kids inside the Dimensional Realm. The kids don''t have any cultivation whatsoever, so they wouldn''t be able to resist the pull. Nevertheless, there are a lot of them, so we can''t waste time looking ahead."


    Kentucky nodded, saying, "I know. The gap between the old monsters'' Spiritual Senses are all based on luck. It might be replaced by someone else straight away or take a long time. Of course, I won''t risk it and will try to reach the end as fast as possible."


    [That''s not all. There are many Zasfins guarding this place inside. Roan already found that even Saint Realm Zasfins are present. Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense bending Skills will still be active, keeping you out of sight. However, the moment the kids began to disappear in front of their eyes, they will definitely use Spiritual Sense and Soul Power to try and see what''s happening. Once that happens, there is next to no chance of you still being able to keep yourself hidden. Speed is paramount.] Sister Orb reminded, also ready to help the twins pull the kids inside.


    Everyone got ready as their Spiritual Energy Reserves reached their peak. Rean and Roan were already on Kentucky''s back while the Minokawa kept his wings open, ready to flap with all his might.


    After some time, Rean''s eyes glistened as he shouted.


    "Now!"

 Chapter 689 - Its Fireworks Time!

    The moment those words came out, Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense Bending Skills enveloped him, Roan, and Kentucky. Following that, the three of them reappeared close to the formation where Roan''s clone was located. Naturally, Roan left it there. It''s just that he stopped giving it energy, so it would disappear soon. Nevertheless, that was more than enough.


    Kentucky''s wings, which were already opened, suddenly flapped at a ridiculously high speed. It was so strong that an enormous gale was left behind as his body shot forward. If Roan hadn''t taken the kids around them into the Dimensional Realm as soon as they appeared there, Kentucky''s action would have sent them flying.


    *vup, vup, vup, vup...*


    In less than a second, around ten kids appeared in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. They didn''t even have the time to notice what happened as Rean''s group flew in the direction of the entrance.


    *Boom!*


    One more second had passed, and a sonic boom reverberated behind Kentucky''s wings. Kentucky had already surpassed the speed of sound! That didn''t matter, though. After all, Kentucky was traveling faster than sound, so those in front didn''t know what was happening while the others behind became disorientated by the explosion of sound itself. A sonic boom was extremely loud, making all the low-level Zasfins behind them deaf as blood came out of their ears.


    Rean and Roan were focused on their own jobs, but they still had to admit as they simultaneously thought, ''We really can''t beat Kentucky when it comes to flying speed.''


    Of course, the high-level Zasfins in the place noticed the disappearance of the human kids as the sound reached their ears. Nevertheless, their Spiritual Sense couldn''t see anything...though with one exception. The Saint Realm Guards! Only their Spiritual Sense had enough power to pierce through Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill.


    "What?!"


    "What is that?"


    "Enemy attack? It can''t be!"


    One after another watched with their Spiritual Senses as Kentucky passed by them in a flash. Fortunately, everything played as their group imagined. The Soul Rulers hadn''t been challenged for way too long. That being said, even the Saint Realm experts were confused when they saw that, not believing that someone would really be trying something against them. That delay in their reaction was more than enough for Kentucky to disappear in the distance.


    Of course, a few seconds later, they finally understood that it wasn''t a joke! "Enemy attack, enemy attack! Call the ancestors! Someone''s stealing all the human kids!"


    "That doesn''t make sense! Why aren''t the Ancestors here yet? They should have already noticed what''s happening here with their Spiritual Senses!"


    "How would I know? Stop wasting time and contact them directly!"


    "Everyone else, let''s go after them!"


    In this short timeframe, Kentucky had already covered more than half of the distance. Nevertheless, he didn''t slow down even one bit. His eyes were sharp as he looked at all the kids he passed by, disappearing one after another. Most of them were little girls, with very few exceptions for boys. Naturally, that made Kentucky''s resolve even stronger. After all, the perverted bird loved women.


    Everything was going according to the plan when out of nowhere, Rean felt a new Spiritual Sense slamming against his Spiritual Sense Bending Technique. "Shit!"


    Naturally, the swap between Spiritual Senses of the ancestors happened faster than they hoped for, so their actions were immediately seen.


    "Who dares to cause trouble in the Soul Rulers'' territory?!" a voice said as loud as thunder, making the underground tunnel tremble with its power.


    "We have company."


    Spiritual Energy filled the entire tunnel, suppressing Kentucky, Rean, and Roan almost immediately.


    *Argh!*


    *Boom!*


    Kentucky immediately fell to the ground like a meteor together with the twins. There were still another 5 or so kilometers left until they reached the entrance. Unfortunately, the twins couldn''t reach the kids there since it was too far from them.


    Roan didn''t waste time panicking, shouting, ''Sister Orb!''


    [You got it!] Sister Orb immediately connected to all the Bloodline Trial Control Formations and the Soul Stone Formation. As soon as she did that, she messed up with the runes Rean indicated, creating a chain reaction that made the Spiritual Energy in the formations go haywire.


    All the formations began to gather the Spiritual Energy around them, charging the remaining runes nonstop. Soon, they began to explode one after another.


    "What?!" The ancestor on watch this time had his eyes widened. He was already making his way to where Rean''s group was while keeping up his Spiritual Energy Pressure. However, when he saw that, he had to immediately change his plans. Rean''s group didn''t matter anymore, only the formations. After all, the number of materials necessary to rebuild them would be astronomical.


    In an instant, his Spiritual Sense spread back to the other ancestors'' dwellings, calling them for backup as he said, "Come out, now! The entire place is a mess!"


    Rean felt several other Spiritual Senses at the same level as the guy who stopped them. However, the Spiritual Energy Pressure disappeared at the same time. Sure enough, no one could care about Rean, Roan, and Kentucky at the moment. Well, that was only in the ancestors'' case. As for the Saint Realm and below experts in the tunnel, they were still after their group.


    "Kentucky, go!"


    *Creeee!* ''On it!''


    Kentucky''s wings, now free from being held, flapped once again, shooting his body through the air once more. Rean and Roan also held onto his back as they once again started to send the kids into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    "Wait right there!" Unfortunately, the Saint Realm experts who were left behind quickly caught up to them. After all, they stopped for a few seconds whether they wanted or not to due to the ancestor of the Soul Rulers.


    Rean immediately stopped using his Spiritual and Light Bending skills as he stood up on Kentucky''s back, saying, "Kentucky, keep going. Roan and I will hold them back while Sister Orb grabs everyone."


    *Creeee!* ''Alright! Hold tight!'' Now that Rean wasn''t concealing them anymore, Kentucky''s body began to burn with white and black flames. His speed, which was already frightening, increased even more. However, those flames caused no damage to Rean and Roan since they also had Light and Dark Elements affinities.


    The Saint Realm experts behind were taken aback by Kentucky''s speed. They could totally tell that Kentucky was still in the Initial Stage Five Level. However, the speed he displayed was definitely equivalent to Stage Six Demon Beasts...very fast ones at that!


    "Hmph! Do you think that''s enough?!" Of course, the guys pursuing them were Saint Realm experts, so they were still faster.


    Rean and Roan smiled in response, ignoring the guy''s words as Light and Dark Elements gathered around their swords. Those elements, which usually were kept in harmony by the twins, suddenly lost it. Chaos was thrown into the mix as the energy in the area had intensified by several times.


    ''Death Style, Sixth Form, Destroyer!''


    An attack that the twins haven''t used in a very long time. It needed time to gather energy, which usually wasn''t possible during the heat of the battle. However, with Kentucky''s speed and the initial advantage, they had all the time necessary.


    They didn''t aim at the Saint Realm experts approaching from behind, though. Instead, they aimed it at the ceiling of the cave and released the attack!


    Destroyer was a skill Roan created to deal with Demon Beasts who had very strong defenses. Now that the twins were in the Nascent Soul Realm, one could already imagine just how much stronger they were. Not only that, neither Rean nor Roan held back with their attack. Because of that, their White and Dark Star Swords could not hold the power of the chaos of Light and Dark, Yin and Yang.


    *Boom!*


    An enormous explosion of white and dark colors spread out, leaving a shockwave that increased Kentucky''s speed even more. As for the Saint Realm Zasfins behind, they were forced back by it. Not to mention that the tunnel immediately crumbled in front of them, so they couldn''t go forward.


    "Fuck!"


    Without any other choice, they could only start to excavate their way forward.


    As for Rean''s group...


    *Crack, crack, crack... shatter!*


    Rean looked with a hint of sadness at how his White and Dark Stars broke apart. In the end, it was already time for him to work on Heaven-level Equipment. Using Earth Peak-level Equipment on destructive energy like what Destroyer manifested was too much for them to handle. A cultivator with a piece of equipment below their cultivation level would usually try to protect it with their Spiritual Energy and Elements. However, Rean and Roan couldn''t do that, afraid that there wouldn''t be enough power to block those Saint Realm experts.


    ''Sigh... whatever. I can finally start working on Heaven-level Equipment after we''re done with this,'' Rean thought as he put those thoughts behind.


    Although Sister Orb began the sequence to make those formations explode, she obviously started with the formations that Rean and Roan left behind. That gave them enough time to reach the entrance of the tunnel where most of the Zasfins were keeping guard. There were five Saint Realm and even one Elemental Transformation Realm Zasfin there, waiting for them.


    In the end, they saw that the twins could only escape through this passage, so they didn''t try to stop them on the way but mounted their ambush here.


    "Some puny humans and a chicken dared to cause trouble here. Kneel down and accept your death!" the Elemental Transformation Realm Zasfin said as he pressured Rean and Roan with his Spiritual Energy.


    However, Rean and Roan just laughed at that sight. They got close enough to the last kid on the line, who disappeared right after before shouting, "Hahaha! Until we meet again, idiots!"


    Soon after that, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky disappeared as well, leaving the Zasfins at a loss for words with that scene. Unfortunately for them, that was only the start of their problem. Now that Rean and Roan were gone, Sister Orb didn''t hold back as she said.


    [It''s fireworks time!]

 Chapter 690 - It Goes Like This

    The ancestors were enraged to see that. They tried to control the flow of Spiritual Energy, preventing it from entering the formations so they wouldn''t explode. Unfortunately for them, Rean had already accounted for this possibility. Before the plan even began, Rean had already asked Sister Orb to charge the Bloodline Trial Formations with as much energy as possible.


    *Boom! Boom! Boom...*


    All the remaining Bloodline Trial Control and Soul Stone Formations exploded at once. There was so much energy released that anyone nearby below the Saint Realm was wiped out almost instantly. Saint Realm Zasfins didn''t die straight away, but they definitely had a very bad time.


    Of course, Elemental Transformation Realm Zasfins would have been able to resist it. However, this kind of level usually wouldn''t be guarding anything but cultivating somewhere else. The only one at that moment was the guy who blocked the path of Rean''s group. He, of course, was able to defend himself against it.


    Just as Sister Orb mentioned, the entire Soul Rulers'' territory seemed to be filled with fireworks. The ground caved in as explosions of colored energy filled the skies. The members of the organization that didn''t know what was happening were left in a panic. The ground quaked as multiple buildings collapsed. The area had truly become a hell on ice.


    Rean and Roan observed all of that through the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Roan also saw the moment where that Zasfin called Puan, who pissed him off, getting blasted to bits. ''Hmph! I told you there would be a time I''d get payback.''


    That guy was the leading researcher of the organization, so he was very close to many unstable Bloodline Trial Control Formations and the likes.


    Rean also looked at that and sighed. Once the Zasfins there calmed down, it wouldn''t take long before they linked everything that happened to them. That meant the Hafel Clan and the others in their faction would have a bad time. ''Oh well, with their own power, I doubt the Zasfins would try to wipe them out since they''re very strong themselves. If they really go into a fallout, the Soul Rulers will most likely not be able to control the planet anymore due to the number of deaths.''


    [Ahem... leaving that aside, would you mind taking a look behind you?] Sister Orb asked.


    The twins turned around just to see what Sister Orb wanted. Their Soul Gem Dimensional Realm...was quite crowded now. Kids between five to twelve years old in general could be seen everywhere. They all looked at Rean and Roan, not understanding what was happening.


    Of course, many of them were crying. Others were afraid of the enormous demon bird, Kentucky, and so on.


    *Chick...* "Hey, kids. I''m a good birdie. I''m just...big."


    Well, there were two exceptions. Liza and Luna, who knew what was going on, came out of the crowd.


    "Rean, Roan! You really did it!" The two were smiling happily. They were only a few out of many kids who really understood their situation since the majority were being fooled by the Zasfins.


    Rean then patted their heads with a smile, responding, "Hehe! Of course, we did it." Nevertheless, Rean felt a little overwhelmed. He had prepared a lot of food for the moment these kids came inside. Nevertheless, he didn''t expect it to be that many.


    "3589. That''s how many kids were being used inside the Bloodline Trial Control Formations," Roan said, knowing what Rean was thinking. "But we''re fine. Sister Orb can infuse Spiritual Energy into their bodies, reducing the amount of food they need to consume by a lot. We should have enough for two or three months."


    Roan then turned around and looked at the Circuitry Teleport Formation. Like the buildings and other important places of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, it was protected by a thin Spiritual Energy barrier. That way, the kids couldn''t get close to them. "Our work isn''t done yet."


    Rean sighed before telling Liza and Luna, "We need to do a few more things before we can take care of you. Try to gather the older kids and explain the whole situation to them, okay?"


    The two girls nodded as they simultaneously said, "Alright. Be careful~!"


    Rean and Roan quickly entered the Circuitry Formation before telling Sister Orb, "Alright, the exact distance from here to that tunnel with the giant tree is 267.3 kilometers in a straight line. Sister Orb, prepare to send us over in that direction."


    [Alright. But remember, considering that the place is underground, chances are that you''ll fail to teleport inside there. You''ll need to keep trying,] Sister Orb warned.


    "It''s fine." Rean smiled as he said, "With how much Spiritual Energy this place has, we don''t even need to use our Spirit Stones."


    [Good. Then, I''ll start.]


    Soon after, the Teleport Circuitry Formation activated before the twins disappeared with a flash of silver light.


    *Vup!*


    Sure enough, they missed the first one. Rean and Roan appeared in mid-air on the outside. This time, however, they didn''t fall straight away. The two of them were in the Nascent Soul Realm, so flying wasn''t an issue to them anymore. "Again!"


    They returned to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and stepped on the Circuitry Teleport Formation. After calculating their position, they ordered another teleport before disappearing one more time.


    *Vup!*


    Another teleport, another error.


    "Again!"


    *Vup!*


    "Again!"


    *Vup!*


    "Again..."


    Seventeen teleports later...


    *Vup!*


    Rean and Roan appeared outside of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and were assaulted by a bright white light. They quickly looked at the source of that and saw the majestic tree that Clad mentioned before. "Here we are!"


    Rean then concentrated on his Spiritual Sense Bending Skill before saying. "Good! After what happened at the Soul Rulers'' headquarters, most of the experts left to give support. There are only a few guards here at the Saint Realm and below at the moment. As long as we don''t get too close, they won''t be able to pierce through my Spiritual Sense Bending Skill."


    These last two years weren''t spent by Roan and Rean only on cultivation and battle training. Rean learned how to add Soul Power to his skills, making them even more efficient. Normally, the Soul Forging Realm would be his limit. But with the Soul Power''s help, he could even bend Saint Realm Spiritual Senses. Of course, the distance limitation still existed. If he got too close to a Saint Realm expert, their Spiritual Sense would still be too strong for him to bend.


    Roan found it weird, though. ''Even if the headquarters was in chaos, they shouldn''t leave something as important as this demon tree so unprotected.''


    Roan then looked at the big tree as he spread his Spiritual Sense in its direction. He could tell the distance of the others'' Spiritual Senses, so as long as he didn''t touch the others with his, they wouldn''t feel it. However, as soon as his Spiritual Sense touched the giant tree, a voice reverberated in the entire tunnel and said, "How many times do I have to tell everyone to not use Spiritual Sense on me?!"


    The tree trembled as the ground quaked. Immediately, Rean and Roan understood why there wasn''t much protection here. That''s because there was no need. This Demon Tree was just ridiculously powerful. Not even that guy at the Elemental Tranofmration Realm they found in the tunnel could compare. "It''s above the Elemental Transformation Realm!"


    Sure enough, Rean and Roan didn''t know that the next cultivation level was called Transition Realm. However, they weren''t wrong. That giant tree was indeed in the Transition Realm. Well, to be more specific, it was a Stage Nine Demon Tree, which was the equivalent of that realm. Not only that, but it was at the very peak of that stage!


    The guards panicked as they immediately kneeled down, saying in unison, "We are sorry, senior Heavenly Tree! It was most likely a mistake. Please forgive us!"


    Rean and Roan saw similar voices coming from everywhere. Those guards didn''t even contemplate that someone might have barged into this place. Instead, they only focused on calming the so-called Heavenly Tree down.


    Suddenly, several white vines shot out of the tree, heading towards Rean and Roan''s location. "Shit!"


    Too fast! Before they knew it, those vines were already in front of their eyes.


    *Vup!*


    However, the vines passed by their location and hit nothing more than air. Several more vines shot out, covering the entire place where the twins were standing a split-second ago. In the end, the Heavenly Tree didn''t find anything. "Hmm...? Could it be that I was mistaken? I could swear I sensed something with my Spiritual Sense for a moment."


    Spiritual Sense! That was the reason Rean and Roan were able to react fast enough. Before the vines shot out, the tree''s Spiritual Sense slammed against their Spiritual Sense Bending Skill. Naturally, it shone like a sun in front of that. Rean''s skill simply couldn''t bend it at all! That being said, the twins didn''t waste time and immediately jumped into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. But even so, they were almost caught. That''s just how fast the tree reacted once it felt their presence.


    "Terrifying!" Rean said as his body was drenched with cold sweat.


    Roan nodded, although he was a lot calmer than Rean. "That''s not something we can even dream of touching."


    However, Sister Orb suddenly had an idea. [I think I know what to do to complete the System''s mission.]


    "What?!" Rean, Roan, and even Kentucky were taken aback. They needed that thing''s Core. Let alone take its Core, they weren''t even confident that they can touch it without dying.


    [Ahem... It has something to do with the information available in the Soul Gem System. It goes like this...]

 Chapter 691 - I Am Not Worthy

    Sister Orb then explained, [First, you''ll need to increase the size of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. That means expending 8000 Destiny Points for it.]


    "Are you telling us that the perk that comes with the next Dimensional Realm upgrade is an increase in size?" Rean asked with a hint of confusion. After all, Sister Orb never told them what the Dimensional Realm upgrades would give them unless it was some kind of reward.


    However, Roan shook his head, saying, "That''s not a perk. The Dimensional Realm would increase in size regardless if it gains some new ability or not. In fact, the Dimensional Realm had increased in size during the last two times we upgraded it."


    Sister Orb confirmed Roan''s words, saying in response, [Correct. I still can''t tell you what its new ability will be. However, an increase in size always happens regardless, so it''s not a secret to start with.]


    "Alright, then. What will we use the bigger Dimensional Realm for?" Kentucky asked since he was also listening.


    It was then that Sister Orb looked at him. She didn''t have eyes, though. Nevertheless, Kentucky was sure she was doing exactly that. Kentucky then began to look around his body before asking, "Uh...is there something wrong with my feathers?"


    Sister Orb giggled before continuing, [Nope. I''m looking at what you are, not at what you have. It turns out that I know what race that tree is from.] Sister Orb then asked quite an unexpected question at Kentucky. [Say...have you decided where you''d make your nest already?]


    Kentucky felt a chill on his back after hearing that.


    Outside underground, the demon tree kept his Spiritual Sense spread, trying to find where those two guys it saw before went. ''That''s not possible. I''m absolutely sure I saw them, and they only had cultivations at the Nascent Soul realm. How could they escape my senses?''


    Suddenly, a voice echoed in the demon tree''s mind through a Spiritual Sense Message, saying, ''Hello there, sir. Would you mind giving us a little of your time?''


    "Who''s there?!" The demon tree immediately shot its vines in the direction that the Spiritual Sense came from. However, it once again passed through empty air, hitting nothing. "Where are you? Show yourself!"


    Obviously, Rean and Roan once again opened a very small hole connecting the outside world with the Dimensional Realm. He also used his Light Bending Skill to conceal it from the eyes of any of the guards there at the moment. Because of the Heavenly Tree''s rage, the Zasfins had been flying all around, trying to find the ones who had used Spiritual Sense on it before.


    Unfortunately, the demon tree went on a rage once again, causing quite a few of those Zasfins to be thrown away by its Spiritual Energy burst. Nevertheless, when its vines hit the point the twins were using to communicate with it, they had already closed it. Right after that, they opened another one just a few meters away from the original point.


    ''Sir, we mean no harm. We''re here to simply make you an offer. If you don''t want it, we will leave straight away,'' Rean said as he kept his skills active.


    Once again, the demon tree attacked the point where the Spiritual Sense was coming, but it turned out to be useless. Whoever was there, it simply couldn''t hit it at all. It even tried to use a few of its skills, but nothing seemed to work. In the end, the demon tree couldn''t detect the presence of the Dimensional Realm. Eventually, the tree gave up before answering back with a Spiritual Sense, ''Hmph! What kind of deal could I possibly have with a coward that doesn''t even dare to appear before me?''


    Rean laughed in response, not minding the tree''s harsh words at all. ''You will have to forgive me in that regard, senior. I''m just a puny Nascent Soul Realm cultivator at the initial stage. If I come out, you''ll just wipe me out in an instant. I''m just too weak.''


    ''Is that so? Then, why should I even listen to you?''  The Demon Tree didn''t relent at all. ''Just go away. This Heavenly Tree already has everything it wishes. There''s nothing else you can possibly offer me that I can''t get myself.'' It rarely ever heard the other Transition Realm Zasfins of the Soul Rulers, so why should it lower itself in front of an ant?


    Of course, Rean didn''t give up just because of that. In fact, he seemed very confident. ''Senior, don''t put the cart before the horses. I''m pretty sure that you don''t really have everything you wish.''


    ''Hoh...?'' With that, the Demon Tree''s curiosity was piqued quite a little bit. ''In that case, why don''t you tell me, then? What is it that I don''t have, but you can offer me?''


    Rean then laughed out loud, saying, ''Come on, senior. We both know that you''re a World Swallowing Cedar.''


    The Demon Tree''s demeanor instantly changed. No one knew just what kind of Demon Tree it was, even the Soul Rulers that it had an agreement with. ''Who are you?''


    Rean shook his head, responding with a smug tone, ''Who I am is not important. The important part is that you know very well what you would love to have above you but can''t get your branches to hold. I...can give you that.''


    Nevertheless, that was enough for the World Swallowing Cedar''s core to tremble. ''You can''t be serious! There''s no way you can get me that. They are dead! All dead! The last one seen on this planet was tens of thousands of years ago! Although I won''t say they''ve gone extinct, I can at least guarantee that they don''t exist on this planet anymore.'' Even though the tree spoke like that, it couldn''t help but feel excited. Just...just what if he was telling the truth?


    Rean smiled at that answer. Even though he seemed confident, he had absolutely no guarantee that Sister Orb''s plan would work. After all, that included bringing the World Swallowing Cedar into their own Dimensional Realm! Just how ridiculously dangerous would that be? Who could ensure their safety?


    Nevertheless, Rean continued the negotiation. ''Senior, you know very well from where my Spiritual Sense is coming from, right? I''ll allow your Spiritual Sense to pass through the hole connecting to the place I am at the moment. I''m sure you''ve tried that already. It''s just that here in this, I''m the absolute god. I was preventing your Spiritual Sense from coming inside.''


    Before the tree could answer, it felt whatever was barring its Spiritual Sense to disappear. There truly was a very tiny hole. Not even the smallest of its vines would be able to pass through. Nevertheless, it was possible for the tree''s overwhelming Spiritual Sense to pass. It''s just that once inside the Dimensional Realm, it could only travel until the points Rean and Roan wanted it to. No more, no less.


    Suddenly, the Demon Tree shone more brightly than ever, making even the Zasfins around the tree cover their eyes. The World Swallowing Cedar''s Core was reverberating with chaotic energy due to its emotions. Right in front of it, the World Swallowing Cedar saw a Minokawa. A real, very real, living Minokawa! It was very weak, only at Stage Five, but the World Swallowing Cedar was absolutely sure that it was the real deal.


    ''How can that be? There''s no way that a Minowaka egg could have survived until now.'' It was then that the Demon Tree understood. ''You... You! You''re not from this planet, right?'' Sure enough, that was the only possible explanation in the World Swallowing Cedar''s mind. There''s no way to keep an unhatched egg alive for this long. That being said, the Minokawa in front of it couldn''t possibly have been born in the same world as it. Let alone after it turned into an ice world with such a harsh environment.


    ''Hey, big tree. Have you seen any other Minokawas like me before?'' Kentucky asked, curious about his own race. He had heard it from Rean and Roan, who heard it from Reliance. Nonetheless, those were all legends.


    However, the World Swallowing Cedar ignored Kentucky''s words as it noticed something different. ''This Minokawa...it''s not a pure one, is it?''


    Rean nodded. ''Correct. It has gone through a mutation. However, it doesn''t mean it''s a mixed breed. Instead, it evolved from its original form. This Minokawa is even stronger than a normal one. If you really know about Minokawas, I''m sure you''ll be able to tell this much.''


    The tree agreed with Rean''s words. ''Indeed. It is definitely stronger. It can use Soul Power as well, which the others that I know couldn''t. It''s a one in a million specimen.'' Eventually, the World Swallowing Cedar calmed down before changing its tone. His excitement also died as he thought about something. ''You wanted to offer me something. Are you telling me this Minokawa would select me for its nest?''


    Somehow, Kentucky also felt like this World Swallowing Cedar was simply perfect. It was as if they were connected somehow. This also explained why Kentucky knew even without seeing it before that this tree was a Demon Tree. After all, he only had Clad''s words. It was because it could feel its presence. ''You made it look like selecting you wouldn''t be a good choice.''


    The Demon Tree was taken aback for a moment before agreeing with Kentucky, responding, ''That''s because I''m not. Little guy, go away. There are many World Swallowing Cedars out there in this Universe worth of your power. I...am not worthy.''

 Chapter 692 - Celis

    Those words left the group speechless. Since when did this World Swallowing Cedar become so soft? It''s a Stage Nine World Swallowing Cedar! Of course, they didn''t know the name of the realm, but they know it was that strong. Even so, that World Swallowing Cedar said it wasn''t worthy of a Minokawa. In that case, just how strong and bigger can a World Swallowing Cedar become?


    Nevertheless, Kentucky couldn''t help but have a better impression of the guy. After all, he was prioritizing himself over his own wishes. ''Say...why would you pass over this chance? Is it just because you think you''re weak compared to other World Swallowing Cedars?''


    The Cedar nodded, saying, ''Exactly. You seem very young, and the fact you''re alone with these humans proves that you haven''t seen another Minokawa or World Swallowing Cedar before. A true World Swallowing Cedar could grow all the way out of the atmosphere. But look at me. I''m no more than a sapling compared to them, even after living for so long. I don''t have much chance of getting stronger. You, on the other hand, have the entire world ahead of you.''


    Sister Orb intervened at that point, saying, [You can''t get stronger because you don''t have a Divine Demon Beast living with you. If Kentucky here decides to make you his nest, your synergy will definitely help both sides. Naturally, you''ll be able to surpass this bottleneck you''ve encountered so far.]


    It turns out that the World Swallowing Cedar has been at the peak of Stage Nine for a very, very long time. Surprisingly, Sister Orb was right. He was stuck on a bottleneck. Nevertheless, the World Swallowing Cedar said, ''It''s true that I would have a chance if a Minokawa or another Divine Demon Beast uses me as a nest. However, it isn''t that high. If I fail, it''ll be very hard for this Minokawa to be accepted by another World Swallowing Cedar in the future due to the soul agreement between us.''


    Soul Partner. That''s Sister Orb''s trump card to get this World Swallowing Cedar. If Kentucky and the Cedar make this agreement, they''ll be connected for life. Building a nest on it will allow their energy to match each other. The World Swallowing Cedar would then provide the Minokawa with the world''s Spiritual Energy. At the same time, the Minokawa would provide the Cedar a chance for evolution. Rean and Roan only found that out a few minutes ago when Sister Orb explained it to them.


    ''Alright, I''ve decided. I want you to be my nest.'' Kentucky said as he widely opened his wings. ''I don''t know why, but I can tell that you aren''t faking your emotions. Perhaps this is a bloodline memory between us Minokawas and the World Swallowing Cedars. In any case, you''re truly thinking about my well-being first. That being said, why would I want any other? You''re perfect.''


    The World Swallowing Cedar was taken aback but immediately refused after that. ''I''m happy that you think this way, but I can''t do that. Minokawas are so rare already. How can I ruin the future of one with your level of talent? Besides, there''s one more reason I can''t accept your offer. I''m locked down here. There''s no way I can leave.''


    ''Locked?'' Rean''s group got could not help but become confused after hearing that. ''We thought you were here because of some agreement with the Soul Rulers.''


    The World Swallowing Cedar didn''t deny, replying, ''It''s not wrong to say that I have an agreement with them. Simply put, I will prevent most of the world''s Spiritual Energy from going outside the places where I and my seeds are located. At the same time, I won''t dry up this planet completely. In exchange, they won''t destroy me. After all, I''m a Stage Nine Demon Tree. There''s no lack of formations around me that prevents my body from escaping.''


    Rean''s group understood, with Rean soon saying, ''So, you''re basically a prisoner here.''


    The World Swallowing Cedar confirmed Rean''s words. ''Yes. However, this was a choice I made by myself. The Zasfins could have destroyed me a long time ago, way before I became a Stage Five Demon Tree. Thanks to this agreement, I have evolved to become a Stage Nine Demon Tree. There''s no one preventing me from using the Spiritual Energy of the planet either. Chances are that I would die way before I reached this level, so it''s not like I''ve gotten a bad deal.''


    Rean then smiled before saying, ''What if I say we can take you out? Would you be willing to form a Soul Agreement with Kentucky?''


    ''Take me out? Hahaha!'' The World Swallowing Cedar couldn''t help but laugh at that. ''With your strength? What a joke! I''m already being polite enough because you let me see a Minokawa. Stop dreaming and take this Minokawa away before the Soul Rulers find out about you. The further you go, the better. If possible, leave this planet as well.''


    Kentucky shook his head, saying in response, ''It''s fine, it''s fine. We can definitely bring you out. It will all depend on whether you want that or not. As long as you agree with it, we can bring you out. If you''re doubting our intentions, then how about we do a Soul Agreement first?''


    The World Swallowing Cedar was quite surprised by their confidence. Otherwise, why would the Minokawa offer to become his Soul Partner first? ''Can you really do that?''


    Rean nodded, saying, ''As long as you accept it, I guarantee you that we can.''


    ''I''m warning you, Minokawa. You will have a much better chance of getting stronger if you go out and find another World Swallowing Cedar,'' the Cedar said, still with some misgivings about it.


    Kentucky opened his wings again and used one to pat his chest as he responded, ''That''s my decision, and my decision is for you to be my Soul Partner. No more complaints.'' Kentucky was as confident as the twins that he wouldn''t be held back at all. After all, he knew about everything regarding the Soul Gem System and is connected to it to some extent.


    The World Swallowing Cedar went completely silent. For several minutes, not a single word came out of its Spiritual Sense. However, Rean''s group didn''t say anything, waiting for it to make its decision. According to Sister Orb, once Kentucky and the Cedar completed their Soul Agreement, the Cedar wouldn''t be able to harm Kentucky, and the same went the other way around. Naturally, the Cedar wouldn''t be able to do anything to the twins either since it''s the same as harming Kentucky, who was connected to the twins.


    Only 16 minutes later did they get an answer for the World Swallowing Cedar. ''Sigh...I truly want to refuse, but I can''t help but wish to go further into my path. I''m probably damaging your future prospects, so you better be prepared.''


    Kentucky laughed out loud in response, saying, ''Hahaha! I, the great Minokawa, will never be held back.''


    As soon as Kentucky finalized his words, something weird happened. Some kind of light came out of his forehead, traveling through the hole Rean and Roan kept open to the outside world. At the same time, a similar light also came out of the World Swallowing Cedar''s Demon Core. Rean''s group watched that as the two lights passed by each other. In the end, the World Swallowing Cedar''s light entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and Kentucky''s forehead. The same thing happened with Kentucky''s light and the Cedar''s Demon Core.


    ''This...'' That was truly unexpected. There was no ritual or anything like that. The moment the two sides decided to live together, the conditions were fulfilled. ''Is it that easy?''


    The Cedar laughed in response, saying, ''Easy? No, nothing like that. For our Soul Agreement to work, we must be sincere to each other. If there''s as much as a single evil thought in this deal, our souls would never connect to each other.'' The Cedar seemed quite happy as it said those words.


    [He''s right.] Sister Orb cleared up their doubts. [Only if they were truly thinking about each other would this happen.] Sister Orb then looked at Rean and Roan. [Well then, their part is concluded. It is up to you two now.]


    ''Wait! What is this?'' Suddenly, the World Swallowing Cedar called their attention as he felt something different. He wasn''t the only one. Rean, Roan, and Sister Orb also felt the same thing. It''s just that they already felt something like that before.


    ''Well, well, well. I thought something like this might have happened, but I wasn''t entirely sure about it,'' Rean said with a smile.


    Roan nodded as he explained. ''Our Souls are also connected to Kentucky. Now that the Cedar and Kentucky are connected, we can now feel its presence as well.''


    The World Swallowing Cedar was taken aback after hearing that. ''You were connected to the Minokawa?! How''s that possible?! This kind of connection is just way too rare in the cultivation world. Besides, I''ve never heard such a thing was possible with humans.''


    Rean shook his head, saying in response, ''We can explain that later. In any case, this is a good thing since it also helped Kentucky.''


    Sister Orb agreed with Rean, responding, [Exactly. World Swallowing Cedar, we will follow with our plan to take you out of here. Do you have anything you want to do in this place before we start?]


    The World Swallowing Cedar calmed down after hearing that. ''No, I don''t. By the way, it''s too annoying to keep hearing World Swallowing Cedar every time. I also have a name, so just call me Celis.''

 Chapter 693 - The Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade

    Following that, the hole connecting both the Dimensional Realm and the outside world disappeared. After that, Rean and Roan went to Sister Orb and touched her to access the Soul Gem Reward System after more than three years.


    [Dragon Bones - 5000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 3 - 10000 Destiny Points] ( It will go to 15% when they buy it, they have 10% at Level 2)


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 3 - 8000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Yin Yang Bathhouse - Reward from Destiny Strugglers Title]


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 4 �C 20000 Destiny Points] (10000km) (New)


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop - 1000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop Upgrade Level 3- 3000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository Upgrade Level 3 - 3000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Total Destiny Points: 12402]


    Sure enough, the number of Destiny Points they had didn''t change at all after the Soul Gem System went into hibernation. "Alright, that''s more than enough to buy the next Soul Gem Realm Upgrade." With that said, they both selected the option.


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 3 - 8000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Confirm Selection?]


    "Yes," Rean and Roan answered at the same time.


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade starting...]


    As soon as that happened, a huge amount of Spiritual Sense began to be absorbed from the outside. It was so fast that even the Zasfins noticed the difference in the amount outside.


    "What''s happening?"


    "Something''s taking all the Spiritual Energy."


    "Can you see anything?"


    Seeing that, Celis intervened, responding, "It''s me, idiots." He knew that it must be something going on with Rean''s group that was causing that phenomenon. In fact, he was also shocked by the amount of Spiritual Energy being absorbed from his dwelling place. To counter it, Celis absorbed even more Spiritual Energy from the world through its roots and the help of its seeds.


    Inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Sister Orb was feeling quite pleased. [Sure enough, Celis is a World Swallowing Cedar. I was afraid that we would need a very long time to get enough Spiritual Energy, even with the amount present here at the moment. However, Celis is bringing even more of it to us.]


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky didn''t pay too much attention to Sister Orb. That''s because they were seeing the changes happening to the Dimensional Realm firsthand. Not only them, but even the kids had shining eyes from the event.


    The first change was the ground, which was nothing but a black and flat extension without any color. From the very center of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, the earth began to appear as it spread outwards. At the same time that happened, the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm then expanded in all directions.


    All elements gathered, giving life to that bleak place. Grass grew from the ground beneath Rean and the kids. Clouds appeared as the roof of the Dimensional Realm turned sky blue. Even more impressive was something that looked like a sun taking form above it. Nonetheless, it didn''t look like that the sun was really there, which gave a weird feeling.


    Sister Orb then explained to them, saying, [That''s not a fake sun, but a real one. It''s just that it isn''t here but somewhere else. The Soul Gem System is using its spatial laws to bring the sunlight from the nearest sun outside. If we move to another planet in the future, the same thing will happen again with the nearest sun there. Of course, we must be in the same solar system for that to be possible. If we''re too far away, the system wouldn''t be able to do so.]


    Finally, Rean understood what that meant. "Wait! The system is creating an atmosphere, just like real planets!"


    Sister Orb laughed in response, saying, [Hahaha! Exactly! That''s the new ability of the Soul Gem System''s third upgrade, Life Sustainability! From now on, the Soul Gem System will also be able to generate its own Spiritual Energy, just like any other planet.]


    Rean''s group was quite surprised by that. Such an ability was quite excellent to have. Of course, Sister Orb immediately explained the shortcomings of the Dimensional Realm''s new form, [However, you better not think you can use the Spiritual Energy of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm instead of the outside world''s energy. It''s still way too small. Even the lack of Spiritual Energy in other places of this planet is several times higher than what the system will generate. You still need the outside''s Spiritual Energy.]


    Rean wasn''t disappointed by that, saying, "That''s not a problem. We can simply do the same thing as we always did, absorb the outside world''s Spiritual Energy to feed the Dimensional Realm."


    Roan agreed with Rean, responding soon after, "He''s right. I personally am very interested in this new ability since I can now plant my own herb garden. For an alchemist like me, this is a very good outcome. Also, in case we ever end up in a place with no Spiritual Energy whatsoever, we''ll be able to use the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm as a last resort."


    *Creeee!* "Rean, Roan, look! There''s so much space in here I can even fly now!" Sure enough, the Minokawa still had a child-like mind. Not only that, Rean and Roan soon noticed that Kentucky had quite a few kids on his back...all women.


    "Alright, just make sure to not drop them," Rean said with a smile. He wasn''t afraid of the kids falling from up there since Kentucky was holding everyone with his Spiritual Energy. From the looks of it, Kentucky was already obtaining the kids'' trust.


    The process continued for quite some time. Trees grew in the distance, a river appeared out of there, being filled up by the water element in there. The Soul Gem Dimensional Realm was truly becoming a small paradise. Eventually, it finished its expansion, expanding to a radius of 20 kilometers. The crowded place with kids now had more than enough space for everyone.


    Outside in the underground where Celis stayed, several Zasfins appeared in front of it. Celis didn''t treat them the same way as the guards around, though. "Well, well, well. Neither of you have paid me a visit in a very long time. What do you want now?"


    An old man, who seemed to be the leader of the ground, stepped forward and said, "Celis, we received a report about what was happening with the Spiritual Energy here. Not only that, but it just so happened at the moment the entire headquarters blew into the skies." The old man''s face became darker as he continued to ask, "Do you have something to do with it?"


    Out of nowhere, Celis began to laugh out loud, not hiding his feelings at all. "Your headquarters blew up? Hahaha! Now, that''s a piece of good news. Now I know why the consumption of Spiritual Energy suddenly disappeared from there. I must say, whoever did this, they have my thanks. I''ve waited a very long time to see you bunch suffer, even if just a little."


    Ceilis continued, "However, I have nothing to do with it. Or could it be that the mighty Ancestor Fikin believes that I could escape all the formations set in place to hold me down? Also, that I did that and then came back here just to be questioned by you guys."


    Fikin was obviously the name of the old man in front of Celis. Although their sizes were worlds apart, the Spiritual Energy Pressure that Fikin and Celis exuded was definitely at the same level. "Do you want me to put you under the Mara Fire again?"


    Celis''s demeanor immediately changed when he heard that, saying, "Tch...forget it. You''re no fun. First of all, as long you bunch are around, is there any meaning in blowing up the headquarters? In the end, you can build everything again in a hundred years or so. For us, such a time is nothing." Celis obviously seemed to fear the so-called Mara Fire.


    Fikin narrowed his eyes. Celis was right. Even if the headquarters lost all its formations, they could rebuild it as long as they were here. No one would try to take their power since no one was as strong as them. "You still haven''t answered what you used all the extra Spiritual Energy for." Fikin pointed out. After all, it was too much of a coincidence.


    Celis didn''t seem to care, though. "It''s quite simple. With all the headquarters'' formations gone, all the Spiritual Energy they used stopped here. It''s not that I gathered it, but that I had nowhere to redirect it. You are a formation master yourself, and you can''t even figure out this much?"


    Fikin felt that something was fishy. Nevertheless, he already verified all the formations around Celis. He was sure that none of them got affected by whatever happened in the headquarters. Besides, he couldn''t see the kids that were captured anywhere with his Spiritual Sense. As far as he knew, Celis didn''t have any way to hide such a thing from him. Otherwise, Celis would have done so a long time ago when the defenses weren''t as strong as now.


    Fikin then waved his hand, signaling for the other ancestors to leave. Right after, he turned around before saying, "You better be telling the truth, or you will regret it."


    Celis snorted in response as he replied, "Hmph! You need me, so how bad can you be? Shoo, shoo! I don''t wanna see your face anymore."


    Fikin didn''t say anything and disappeared right after.

 Chapter 694 - Its Gone

    As soon as that conversation ended, Rean''s Spiritual Sense reached Celis once again, saying, "Those guys are quite terrifying."


    "Obviously. They''re all on the same level as me. For someone like you and your Nascent Soul Realm cultivation, they might as well be considered gods," Celis said, feeling quite satisfied. "By the way, it was you who blew up their headquarters, right?"


    Rean nodded, responding, "Yep. It was very hard, you know?"


    Celis didn''t doubt that. "I can imagine. In any case, very good job. It was really satisfying." After saying that, Celis changed the topic. "Well, how was it? You really caused a scene a moment ago with all that absorbed Spiritual Energy. Did you get what you wanted?"


    "Yes," Rean answered. "Senior Celis, my brother and I will move your body into a Dimensional Realm. You will feel some kind of pulling power enveloping your body. Don''t fight it since that''s what will set you free from this place."


    "Very well, go ahead." Celis couldn''t care less about how Rean would do that. Even if he wanted to cut his roots and branches out, he wouldn''t complain. He''s a Demon Tree at the Stage Nine level. He could recover those parts later as long as he has enough energy.


    "Good! For that, we''ll have to come outside and focus on your body. Can you protect us while we do that?" Rean asked.


    As soon as he said that, many white vines began to congregate around Celis''s trunk, leaving just a gap between them and the trunk itself. No one from outside would be able to reach Rean and Roan as long as the vines were there. "Just come inside this place I made. You''ll be able to touch my trunk, and no one will stop you. Even if those Ancestors of the Soul Rulers come back, they would need some time to be able to break my defenses."


    Rean and Roan then looked at Kentucky, who nodded at them, saying, "Don''t worry. I can tell Celis is not planning anything against you."


    With that said, Rean and Roan immediately went out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. They appeared with Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense Bending Skills active and moved inside the free space made by Celis. There, they touched his trunk and tried to feel his body through Rean''s Light Force perception.


    "You truly are big," Rean said as his own Life Force traveled through Celis''s body. "I''m already several kilometers away, but I''m nowhere near to reaching the end of your body."


    Roan nodded in agreement. He wasn''t as good with Life Force as Rean was, so he was having an even harder time.


    Celis understood their issue and immediately said, "Oh! So that''s the problem? Just one sec." As soon as he finished saying those words, he used his own Spiritual Energy to sever all his roots that were being used to reach the other powers of the world. Just like that, his roots that have been there for so many years were gone.


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "Is that really okay? Those roots are also part of your body, no?" Naturally, he was concerned that Celis might die because of that.


    "Hahaha!" However, Celis laughed in response. "You''re mistaking me for a demon beast. That''s not good. Don''t forget, I''m a Demon Tree. As long as the roots haven''t been completely destroyed, I can grow them again with enough Spiritual Energy. This is a small price to pay if it means I can leave this shitty place."


    Rean smiled and then focused on Celis''s body once again. This time, it was much easier for him and Roan to reach the end of Celis''s body. "Senior Celis, we''re going to pull you away now."


    *Tremble...*


    The earth quaked as the Spiritual Energy of the surroundings went into chaos. The Zasfins guarding the place were taken aback and immediately looked at the World Swallowing Cedar. It was obvious that whatever was happening was connected to it.


    The leader there immediately turned to one of his subordinates before saying, "Quick, call the Ancestors back. Something''s definitely not right."


    However, before the guy could even take out the Thoughts Transmission Talisman, something unbelievable happened right in front of everyone. The World Swallowing Cedar...disappeared!


    "What?!"


    "Impossible!"


    "Am I dreaming?"


    No one could believe what they saw. As for Rean and Roan, they entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm as soon as they sent Celis in.


    Rean and Roan teleported Celis to an enormous patch of green that didn''t have anything.


    *Bang!*


    The moment the Cedar fell on the ground, the entire Dimensional Realm trembled as well. As for the kids, their eyes widened when that enormous tree appeared in front of them.


    *Wow!*


    "It''s so big!"


    "What is that?"


    "I remember seeing it before. It''s called a tree."


    "So, this is a tree?"


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky then stopped in front of Celis. Rean then smiled before saying, "Senior Celis, moving you in was really hard. Hahaha!"


    Celis was as shocked as the kids in the distance, asking, "What is this place? Did you teleport me to another planet?"


    Roan shook his head, responding, "No. This is just a Dimensional Realm no more than 20 kilometers in radius. Nevertheless, it should be more than enough to sustain you."


    Celis was even more shocked to hear. "A Dimensional Realm...I''ve never seen one before. I only heard about spatial items, but none should be this heaven-defying."


    Kentucky then flew up and landed on Celis''s top, saying, "Hahaha! Don''t worry, Celis. I''ll explain everything later." However, Kentucky couldn''t help but ask something else, "By the way, why is your cultivation falling?"


    Celis was taken aback and immediately checked his Demon Core. Sure enough, he noticed his cultivation going down really fast. "What?!"


    Not long after, a black and white orb floated in front of Celis and said, [Ahem...you said you didn''t mind the price to pay to leave that cave, right? Well...it just so happened that we needed your energy. I''m sorry, but I''m going to take some of it.] As expected, the World Swallowing Tree''s Demon Core was what the system needed.

 Chapter 695 - There We Go

    Celis felt like crying. Unfortunately, he didn''t have eyes to shed tears. "The hell? Stop right now!" Vines shot out of Celis''s body and attacked the Soul Gem Orb. Celis wasn''t holding back at all. However, just as they were about to reach Sister Orb, they froze in place.


    [That won''t do, my friend. In this Dimensional Realm, I''m god. Don''t worry. You and Kentucky have selected each other, so I won''t kill you or anything, nor will I stop your cultivation. It''s just that you''ll have to cultivate again for a while.] Sister Orb said with a smug tone.


    Kentucky, Rean, and Roan couldn''t help but ask, "Sister Orb, is it really fine to take his cultivation away? You see...he''s really strong, and that would help us a lot in the future." Sure enough, someone at the Transition Realm would be a powerful asset, and Celis was at the very peak of it.


    [No can do. It''s not me who''s taking Celis''s cultivation away, but the Soul Gem System itself. Before it''s done with the extraction, nothing will stop it. Even you two won''t be able to stop it.] Sister Orb sighed. [Well, this was an option mission, so...]


    They understood what Sister Orb meant. If they simply ignored it, Celis wouldn''t lose its cultivation. Well, Celis would be locked in the underground forever as well.


    Celis tried his best to resist, but his cultivation was taken away faster and faster. In the end, he understood that there was nothing he could do other than to watch it disappear. "Thousands of years of effort, gone just like that...why did I accept becoming the Zasfins'' prisoner in the end?"


    Kentucky patted the trunk of Celis as he tried to comfort him, saying, "Hey, it''s fine. We can cultivate again. Besides, you became a prisoner because they didn''t give you any other choice either. If you didn''t, they would destroy you, afraid that you would destroy their planet instead. However, as long as you''re here, that danger won''t come again."


    Celis was still dejected, though. Nevertheless, the process didn''t stop.


    Stage Nine, Eight, Seven...


    As Celis''s cultivation was taken away by the system, he gradually got smaller as well. Branches withered as roots retracted. The big old barks also fell down one after another, hitting the ground with loud thuds due to their weight. Eventually, Celis''s cultivation stopped at the same level as Kentucky, Initial Stage Five. That wasn''t a coincidence, though. Due to the link between the twins and Kentucky, the World Swallowing Cedar also had its cultivation limited to the twins'' progression. Or, to be more specific, it got limited by Kentucky, who was limited by the twins.


    *Pin!*


    [Congratulations, Hosts. The mission Soul Gem System Processing Power Upgrade has been completed successfully.]


    [Mission Rewards:]


    [Soul Gem System Processing Power Improved by 2.16 times.]


    [Destiny Points: 30000.]


    [New Title Acquired: Grade 2 Efficiency]


    [Authority Level Increase: 13.]


    *Wow!*


    Rean couldn''t help but become excited, shouting, "So many Destiny Points!"


    However, just as Rean was about to ask more about that, Celis''s body began to transform. "The hell? What now?!" Naturally, Celis felt even more helpless. Wasn''t his torture already over?


    *Crack crack crack...*


    Many cracks began to appear on Celis''s trunk. Not only that, but Celis also saw how his Demon Core was cracking at the same time. "So I''m going to die, huh? Sure enough, it was too good to be true." Surprisingly, Celis didn''t seem angry anymore, just sad.


    [Dying? What are you talking about? There''s no way you would die, idiot.] Sister Orb rebuked.


    Naturally, everyone was puzzled by that, especially Celis. "What do you mean? My core is cracking. It''ll break apart at any moment."


    [That''s not it. It''s just that your body and core were too old. Not to mention that they were supposed to be used at Stage Nine. If we leave it like this, there will be side effects. That being said, the Soul Gem System left some of your own power by the side to work on a rejuvenation,] Sister Orb said all of that while the transformation continued.


    However, it seemed that only Celis understood what she really meant. "I see...that''s what this system you talked about wanted, the world essence that I accumulated after all this time."


    Out of nowhere, a shattering sound came from Celis''s body, and all the remaining old parts broke away. As if it was a bird coming out of its shell, a much younger and smaller World Swallowing Tree appeared. The same happened to Celis''s core, which was much smaller but was brimming with life force.


    Even Roan was shocked by that. "Does that mean the Soul Gem System has the power to make one young again?" Sure enough, that''s what everyone thought.


    Sadly, that wasn''t the case. [Of course not. Hahaha!] Sister Orb replied as she laughed. [This only happened because the system used the world essence that Celis accumulated for a very long time. Also, it only worked because Celis is a Demon Plant. You must understand that plants are completely different lifeforms than demon beasts or humans. You can forget about using the same thing. As for Celis, he had returned to his prime. However, he paid a high price for that, his cultivation.]


    Sure enough, it was too good to be true.


    "Hahaha!" However, Celis laughed out loud. "Who cares if I lost my cultivation in exchange? Look at me! I''m young again! Not only that, I have all my experience of breakthroughs, so it''ll be very easy to do it again as long as I have enough energy." Celis seemed very happy now that he looked at the new him.


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "Well, all''s well that ends well."


    It was then that Rean saw Kentucky flying up and down as he carried many of Celis''s old branches, leaves, and barks up. "What you doin'', Kentucky?"


    "Can''t you see the big opportunity? Celis''s old parts are very high level. They will make the perfect nest! Not to mention they''re obviously very compatible with Celis himself. How can I let such an opportunity pass up?" Kentucky said as he worked on grabbing the parts as fast as possible.


    It was quite weird, though. Kentucky never cared about something as a nest before. But now, it seemed like he was working on a life-changing task.


    Celis was obviously even more satisfied as he said, "Great! Let me help you." Several of his vines shot out as he helped Kentucky with the project. After that, the two then entered their own world, not paying attention to anything happening around them.


    Roan shrugged his shoulder as he turned around. "Leave them be. That has nothing to do with us." Following that, he glanced at Sister Orb and said, "By the way, we''ve reached Authority Level 30 and got a new title. It''s time to see what we got from them."


    Sister Orb agreed, saying, [Indeed. You have a lot more privileges now, so you can ask more questions. However, the system hasn''t finished all its tasks yet...]


    *Pin!*


    [System Upgrade Finished. Entering Second Phase.]


    The Soul Gem System''s robotic voice soon echoed in Rean and Roan''s minds once again.


    Sister Orb sighed as she muttered, [I knew it. There we go.]

 Chapter 696 - More Questions

    Rean and Roan were taken aback by that, with Rean asking, "What?! Is there something else?"


    [Just sit and watch. Your easy lives will become quite complicated from now on. Hahaha!] Sister Orb said as she laughed.


    A few seconds later, the Dimensional Realm seemed to tremble once again. The spatial borders seemed to grow stronger, making the twins'' ability to see the outside world disappear. Following that, Rean and Roan felt their control over the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm weaken.


    "This..." Naturally, they couldn''t understand why that was happening.


    Nevertheless, those questions didn''t last long. That''s because the system soon started to talk in its robotic voice once again.


    [Phase Two Initialized.]


    [Hosts have obtained the initial boost in power provided by the Soul Gem System. However, Hosts must rely more on themselves. That being said, Hosts'' control over the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm has now been downgraded due to their higher level and experience.]


    Roan narrowed his eyes, already guessing what that meant. Fortunately, the Soul Gem System continued to explain.


    [From now on, hosts are denied access to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm if danger is present. It will be up to the Soul Gem System to decide if the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm is available for use or not.]


    [Warning: Hosts must be aware that even if they are at risk of imminent death, they will not be given access to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.]


    [Second Warning: It won''t be possible to bring anything out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm if hosts are in danger. Hosts must be careful to and keep the things they consider important outside.]


    [Third Warning: Soul Gem Dimensional Realm won''t allow any sentient living beings not connected to the hosts in a month''s time. They will all be expelled after the time is up.]


    [New feature added: Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Entry Pass. This feature allows hosts to mark a specific living being not connected to them to enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Each pass costs 10000 Destiny Points.]


    With that, the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm finished its explanation.


    Rean and Kentucky, of course, were shocked after hearing all of that. After all, they did really count on the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm up to this point. "Is that really fine?! What if we get in a really shitty situation?"


    Sister Orb laughed in response, saying, [Hahaha! Didn''t you hear? Even if you are in an imminent death situation, you won''t be allowed to enter it.]


    "But..." Rean was just about to continue when suddenly, Roan cut him off.


    "Enough! What is there to complain about? If you haven''t noticed yet, it just means we''re now playing on an even field as other cultivators. In fact, we still have the advantage of using the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm on different occasions." Roan didn''t seem disappointed. Instead, he looked very satisfied. "I hated this idea of always being able to escape. But in the end, even I''ve gotten used to it. Now, our real training can finally start."


    Kentucky then landed on Roan''s side, saying, "As expected of death, no fear of dying at all."


    "Hmph!" Roan ignored Kentucky''s remark and looked back at Sister Orb, asking, "By the way, what about the other abilities? I want to know what the new title gives us."


    [Oh, right! There was that as well.] Sister Orb then began to explain. [You got the Grade 2 Efficiency Title. Look over there.] Sister Orb used Spiritual Energy to point in a specific direction. There, Rean and Roan saw that a new formation had appeared. Or, to be more precise, a Circuitry Formation, a very big one at that. [That''s the World Essence Gathering Formation.]


    "World Essence Formation? Does it have anything to do with the World Essence Celis talked about before?" Rean asked, puzzled.


    Roan had another question as well, asking, "What is the difference between the Universe Essence we got that time and the World Essence?"


    [You are both correct. World Essence is similar to the Universe Essence you got before. Of course, the latter is a lot more efficient. Also, it''s the same one that Celis had gathered after a long time.] Sister Orb continued, [The World Essence that this formation is gathering is coming from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm itself. After all, it''s not wrong to say that the Dimensional Realm is a tiny planet itself. Naturally, it also generates World Essence.]


    Celis, who had been listening to everything until now, then explained, "In my case, I used World Essence to increase my own cultivation. How can I say it...? It''s much better than Spiritual Energy." Kentucky already gave him a quick explanation of the twins'' situation and what the system was about through Spiritual Sense messages. That''s why he could already give his opinion in that conversation.


    Celis couldn''t help but feel somewhat sad as he said, "Sadly, the system took everything from me. I intended to use that to break through into the next level. As long as a chance of escaping the Soul Rulers came, I would try it straight away. Unfortunately, I have nothing anymore."


    "World Essence...something better than Spiritual Energy..." Rean couldn''t help but have many ideas now that he heard of it.


    [That is only one of its uses. You can figure out what else you might use this thing for in the future,] Sister Orb said, excited.


    Roan narrowed his eyes, asking another question, "Would it be a bad thing to take the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s World Essence away?"


    [No. Unlike what Celis was doing to the planet, the World Essence Circuitry Formation only gathers small bits of it that escape involuntarily. It doesn''t touch the main source itself. Besides, it''s many times more efficient than Celis was.]


    Celis couldn''t help but defend himself, responding, "It''s not like I had much choice, okay? If a moment came that I could use to escape, I would need everything I could use. Naturally, I had little time to think about the world."


    Roan thought that to be the case, soon saying, "Alright. Then, let''s move to the authority level. It''s time to ask more questions to the Soul Gem System."

 Chapter 697 - The Breaking Point

    The twins touched the Soul Gem Orb and went to the authority level options. It was there that they could acquire most of the information and ask questions. However, as soon as they selected that option in the system, they noticed another option on it that didn''t exist before.


    -The Unification Plan-


    "Wait, isn''t that the plan the Artifact Spirit talked about in the past before the underground palace disappeared?" Rean asked in surprise.


    Roan nodded, responding, "The one and the same. Let''s take a look."


    The two didn''t waste time and immediately selected that option. However, as soon as Rean and Roan did that, their vision went dark as they collapsed on the ground.


    "Wake up!"


    Not long after, the twins felt like someone was calling them.


    "Wake up! Come on, wake up!"


    However, it didn''t matter what they did. Rean and Roan simply couldn''t open their eyes. It was then that they noticed something off as they communicated through their Soul Connection. ''Hey, why do I feel like you are in the same body as me?''


    Roan agreed with Rean, replying, ''It''s not just a feeling. I think we are in the same body.''


    Just as they were about to continue that conversation, they heard a lazy voice coming from their body. "Oh, come on! Can''t you see it''s too early? Let me sleep some more."


    Eventually, light entered their eyes as they noticed themselves lying down on a bed. Whatever the body they were in was doing, it wasn''t something they could control. ''We''re in the same body, but we aren''t the ones controlling it,'' Roan said after seeing that.


    Rean, of course, noticed that as well. ''We selected the option ''Unification Plan,'' so this should be some kind of memory or recording. We''re just spectators.''


    *Bang!*


    Soon after, a woman kicked the door of the room open. "Sleep your head! How can someone with your cultivation even sleep anymore? If you don''t get up right now, let''s see how I''ll kick your ass until you do!"


    With that, the man got up, albeit unwilling. "Sigh...have you never slept before in your life? Can''t you see how good it feels to simply let go of your worries and let your mind slip away?" The man which Rean and Roan were watching stretched as he looked at the woman in front of him.


    "Hmph!" The woman snorted in response. "The last time I slept was when I was still a mortal. Now I have all the time of the Universe to do everything I want, so why would I throw it away with something as useless as sleeping?"


    "All-time in the Universe, huh?" Those words somehow made the man''s expression slightly change as he murmured, ''If only it was true...''


    "Did you say something?"


    "Nope. So, what did you come here for?" the man asked right after.


    The woman''s mouth twitched after hearing that question, responding, "Are you trying to buy a fight with me? You''re the top researcher of the Unification Plan, for fuck''s sake. Everyone''s waiting for you in the lab, so move your ass already, Gem."


    Rean and Roan confirmed their suspicions as soon as they heard that name. ''Sure enough, we''re watching Soul Gem''s past.''


    Gem scratched the back of his head as he walked out of the room. "Fine, fine...I''m heading to the lab. Come on, Fila, we can''t let everyone waiting."


    "Shameless!" Fila retorted as she followed Gem.


    Along the way, many other researchers paid their respects to Gem as he simply waved his hand, not caring about that too much. From the looks of it, the only one who dared to treat Gem so harshly was Fila. Everyone else seemed to be even afraid of saying anything.


    Eventually, the two of them stepped on a teleport formation and disappeared with a flash of silver light. The next time they saw something, they were already in a completely different place. It was outer space, as thousands of cultivators from different races could be seen moving everywhere.


    Gem then looked in a certain direction, just to see an enormous sphere of White and Dark Light. From Rean and Roan''s perspective, that sphere was who knows how many times bigger than any sun they knew about. That was especially the case for Roan, who had much higher knowledge of the Universe in the other half of the Universe than Rean.


    ''Just what is that thing?'' Rean couldn''t help but ask.


    ''I don''t know, but I can guarantee that this Unification Plan has something to do with it,'' Roan answered straight away.


    That wasn''t all. The most impressive thing was that even though the sphere was enormous, the formations around it were even more frightening. It was as if the formations were holding the sphere down, not allowing it to move.


    Quite sometime later, a few other researchers approached Gem and Fila. "Gem, all the preparations are almost done. Can you go ahead and check everything?"


    Gem nodded, saying, "Alright, let''s head to the control orb."


    Gem then made his way to the center of a group of formations in the distance. Due to his cultivation, controlling space wasn''t anything difficult, so what seemed thousands of kilometers became nothing more than a single step to him. Obviously, all the other researchers around him were able to do the same.


    However, what surprised Rean and Roan at this moment was the so-called orb that Gem mentioned. It was none other than the Soul Gem Orb that they knew so well!


    ''So this is where Soul Gem created the Soul Gem System, huh?'' Roan said through the twins'' Soul Connection.


    ''It seems like it. However, I still don''t know what this Unification Plan is about.'' Rean was also curious about everything that was happening.


    Gem approached the orb and touched it. At that moment, all the formations around the sphere of White and Dark Light shone as streams of Spiritual Energy flowed into it. Following that, the sphere also sent its power back to the formations. It was truly an incredible view.


    A few seconds later, Gem took his hands off the orb, announcing, "Seems like everything is fine. We can start the first phase. Initiate the Breaking Point."

 Chapter 698 - Release Your Energy

    Rean and Roan couldn''t help but link this current phase to the Severing Day that they heard in the past. Back when they were talking with the Artifact Spirit, he said that the Vuvre Organization that Soul Gem was part of had experienced a calamity. Something went horribly wrong with their plans.


    Fila, who was by Gem''s side, couldn''t help but ask, "Gem, is it really okay to start now? We should wait and obtain more results from the Extinction Sphere."


    Gem smiled as he patted Fila''s head, responding with a light yet bitter smile, "Unfortunately, I don''t think we have enough time. If the Extinction Sphere expands any further, no formation will be able to hold it down anymore. If that happens, our Universe and all the lives in here are doomed."


    "Says the guy who didn''t want to wake up a while ago," Fila retorted. Of course, she was only playing around. The tests she mentioned would take many years, not only a few extra hours like Gem''s sleep would.


    As everyone got ready to begin the first phase of the plan, Gem called forth the main members who would work with him on this phase. "Let''s go through the procedure one last time. First, we need to use the power of all cultivators, demon beasts, and demon plants here to fill the formations with as much energy as possible."


    "Second, we will use the Severing Formations Array to cut the Extinction Sphere in half, separating its yin and yang properties. As you already know, the chaos created by that yin and yang fusion fuels the sphere. In exchange, it grows even stronger and more destructive. If we don''t stop it, it will just get bigger and bigger. Not to mention that its expansion speed would increase exponentially."


    "In theory, once Yin and Yang are separated inside it, the chaotic energy inside it should stop growing. Most likely, it''ll dissipate due to the lack of one another. Of course, we also have a contingency plan in case that doesn''t work. The outer time formations will be activated soon after, freezing the time around the Extinction Sphere. It''ll need a ridiculous amount of energy to keep working, but that''s our only choice if we want to survive."


    "Now for Unification Plan Phase 2. Because of the strength of the Extinction Sphere, the severing of its power will also cause great damage to our Universe. That being said, we must heal it straight away. And that''s where the Control Orb will take place. It has been collecting the Extinction Sphere''s Yin and Yang for a very long time. On top of that, instead of making it turn chaotic, the orb has harmonized the Yin and Yang inside."


    "If everything goes according to the plan, the Control Orb should be enough to at least prevent the Universe''s collapse. After that, it''ll start healing itself little by little. At least, that''s what the tests we ran before showed."


    Gem''s expression turned solemn as he asked one last time, "Are there any questions? If you have any doubts, ask now."


    The entire place was silent after that. After all, Gem had gone through this kind of discussion with everyone countless times. Nevertheless, everyone paid attention as if it was their first time hearing it.


    Eventually, Gem smiled at everyone before waving his hands. "Good! Everyone, head to your positions. We''ll start soon."


    After everyone left, Fila looked at Gem and asked, "Do you think they''ll come?" Her expression was dark, as if she was waiting for something.


    Gem shook his head in response, saying, "I don''t know. I have put all the security measures in place, so it should give us some time if they appear. However, they aren''t any weaker than us, so we don''t know what they''re capable of."


    Fila nodded and then moved away as she spoke, "Then, let''s make it work on the first try."


    Soul Gem smiled in response before returning his attention to the Control Orb in front of him.


    While he prepared for the plan to start, the twins were having a discussion through their Soul Connection. ''So, this is the cause of Severing Day, the Extinction Sphere. Roan, have you ever seen something like that before?''


    ''No,'' Roan answered straight away. ''Let alone seeing it, I''ve never even heard about it. I had quite a high position inside the organization back on the other half of the Universe. However, I still know nothing about it.''


    Rean nodded, responding, ''I understand. Now then. What about the power they''re afraid of?''


    Roan pondered over it for a bit before saying, ''Most likely, it has something to do with the guys who found our location and destroyed Sunkan Planet. As to what they are and why they want to stop the Vuvre Organization, that I don''t know.''


    Surprisingly, Rean had an idea in his mind as he said, ''From the looks of it, this Extinction Sphere isn''t something that anyone can create. That being said, it could only be a natural occurrence. Perhaps the Vuvre Organization''s enemy thinks that they should stop the natural cycle...or something like that.''


    Roan didn''t agree or deny the notion. ''You might be right. However, we must not forget that we still don''t know who''s right or who''s wrong here. Perhaps this so-called enemy is doing the right thing by trying to stop Soul Gem''s group. We need more information.''


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right. ''Alright, let''s keep observing.''


    A few hours later, Fila came back to Soul Gem''s side, telling him, "Gem, everyone is in position and is ready to follow your commands. We can start anytime."


    Gem nodded as his body turned tense. In the end, there were no guarantees about what they were trying to do. Even though that was the case, Gem steeled his resolve as he thought to himself, ''It is still better than waiting for our extinction.''


    Eventually, Gem put his hands on the Control Orb as his Spiritual Sense spread to connect with everyone participating in the plan. As soon as he did that, all the formations began to shine once more. "We''re now starting the first phase. Release your energy into the formations!"

 Chapter 699 - Assault

    All the experts around the Extinction Sphere began to pour their Spiritual Energy into the formations all around them. The slightly weaker ones, on the other hand, poured their energy into the protection formations. Everyone was tense, afraid that the plan might fail.


    However, Soul Gem made sure to keep his calm as he controlled the formations to separate the energies in the Extinction Sphere. In the beginning, the process was very slow. However, as he gradually got more and more used to it, the speed at which the Yin-Yang Chaotic Energy became separated from each other increased.


    "Good, good!" Gem, Fila, and everyone else couldn''t help but get a bit excited as they noticed the Extinction Sphere was starting to lose its power. It wasn''t anything significant yet. However, as long as they kept at it, they would eventually succeed.


    Unfortunately, not everything was that easy.


    *Vup, vup, vup, vup, vup, vup, vup...*


    Out of nowhere, tens, hundreds, thousands, perhaps even more Spatial Gates began to appear one after another. From inside, countless spaceships appeared without stop. Following them were cultivators from all races as well.


    Gem narrowed his eyes as he watched that, saying with a hint of anger, "So they came after all."


    From afar, Soul Gem saw an old woman approaching the protection formations with a dark expression. Once there, she used her Spiritual Sense to talk with Soul Gem, saying to him, "Gem, that''s the end. You can''t stop the natural order of things. This Universe has been in existence for way too long. It''s only normal that its destruction day has arrived. If you truly wish to survive, just leave it be."


    Soul Gem snorted in response as he replied, "Hmph! I wish to survive, and I wish for all other races to survive as well, Tuana. How about those who can''t leave? Are they simply doomed? Fuck that! I won''t allow that to happen! Not on my watch!"


    Tuana was obviously the old woman''s name. Following that, she waved her hand and had her forces spread all around the Extinction Sphere, just outside the protection formations. "If you weren''t doing anything, your forces would be able to contend against mine. However, most of your experts are focused on the Severing Formations Array. Do you think you can stop me?"


    Everyone got nervous when they heard that. After all, it was true that the main experts couldn''t stop their job at the moment. They were necessary for the plan to work.


    However, Soul Gem simply smiled in response, saying as if he was taunting her, "Is that so? Then, why don''t you try it out? Let''s see if you can break through the protection formation I personally created."


    Tuana narrowed her eyes for a moment before quickly recovering, muttering in a cold tone, "As you wish."


    Following that, she raised her hand and gave the order, "All forces, attack! We don''t need to win. As long as we destroy the Severing Formations Array, it''ll be impossible for them to rebuild it in time. The Extinction Sphere would become way too big to be contained anymore."


    *WOAHHHH!!!*


    All the forces on Tuana''s side immediately took action, charging at the protection formation between them and the Severing Formations Array.


    Soul Gem wasn''t any slow either, commanding, "All the forces stationed at the Protection Formations, pour your energy inside them. The rest shall keep channeling their energy into the Severing Formations Array as planned."


    Gem''s experts were taken aback. They thought that Gem would pause the plan and focus on the defense. It would cost them a lot to restart the array later, but at least they could protect it. They didn''t expect Soul Gem to order them to keep running the plan.


    Seeing the conflicted expression on everyone''s faces, Soul Gem just smiled and said, "Trust me. I know what I''m doing."


    In the end, everyone gritted their teeth and followed Gem''s orders.


    Tuana saw that as well. Nevertheless, she didn''t stop her attack. However, just as the first wave of assault arrived at the protection formation...they stopped.


    "What?!"


    "Impossible!"


    "How can that be?"


    Immediately, all the attackers'' expressions changed. They were at the peak cultivation realm of the Universe. As good as that protection formation could be, they shouldn''t have been able to stop their attacks. Especially considering that the ones channeling them weren''t even the top experts of Soul Gem''s group.


    It was then that they noticed something off. It wasn''t because their attacks had been stopped. They had simply slowed down! However, the rate at which they were slowed down was so ridiculous that it looked more like they had completely halted. Not only that, but the further they moved, the slower they got.


    "A time formation? Even so, how can it stop so many of my experts?" Tuana was truly shocked at that sight.


    "Hahaha!" Soul Gem only laughed as he saw that. "You aren''t wrong, Tuana. This is a Time Formation. However, it''s not just that. It''s also a Space-Time Formation. Not only are those attacks slowed down, but the distance they have to cross to reach the protection formations are not that close either. The distance you see between you and I can''t even be considered a millionth of what it really is."


    Tuana didn''t give up on her offense, though. "Space-Time, huh? So what? We''re all versed in Space Laws as well. I just have to mess with it, and this effect will be gone."


    As soon as she said that, Tuana and all the experts on her side used their own space laws to affect the formations'' space control. However, they soon found out that it didn''t work.


    "How...?"


    Soul Gem continued to smile as he controlled the Severing Formations Array. "Quite simple. Those Space-Time formations are being fuelled by none other than the Extinction Sphere. If you want to break it, you better generate a force even bigger than that. Hahaha!"


    The nervousness among Soul Gem''s forces suddenly began to subside. The crisis had been averted, just like that. They weren''t free yet, but they at least had the necessary time to focus on their work.


    Tuana''s experts continued to attack nonstop, though. After all, it was better than doing nothing. And just like that, many hours passed as the Extinction Sphere began to reduce in size.


    Nevertheless, Soul Gem felt that something wasn''t right. He had his Spiritual Sense focused on Tuana all the time, but she didn''t look like someone who was losing in this battle at all. ''I''m missing something...''


    Out of nowhere, the Extinction Sphere began to tremble as it became even more unstable. Soul Gem wasn''t surprised by that since it was already in his calculations that it would happen. After all, they were essentially destroying a giant ball of energy. Nevertheless, this was one of the most critical moments of the plan as the control of the Severing Formations Array would be much harder from now on.


    "Hehe! Soul Gem, I have to admit that you''ve far exceeded my expectations. To think that you would create a barrier this sturdy, keeping all my forces out. I truly didn''t want to reveal this, but it seems like I have no other choice," Tuana said with a smile.


    Tuana then raised her hand, which made Soul Gem focus all his senses on her. Whatever she was planning to do, he was ready to counterattack with his full strength. However...


    *Swish!*


    All of a sudden, a sword pierced through his heart as an immense power caused havoc in his body. Before he could do anything, that energy had left a big hole in his body. Soul Gem was shocked. Not because Tuana truly had a plan, but because of who attacked him.


    "Fila..."

 Chapter 700 - Stop Him!

    Fila and Gem had known each other for many, many years. Research leaders of the Vuvre Organization? No, Soul Gem wasn''t anything like that back when they met each other. Fila and Gem met way, way back, back when Soul Gem was still a Nascent Soul expert. That being said, it was impossible that Fila had been put as a spy to watch Soul Gem from the very start.


    Then again, he truly couldn''t understand why she had attacked him at this crucial moment. Haven''t they always been friends? They had gone through many things together. Simply put, Soul Gem trusted Fila more than anyone else in the Universe, or so he did until this moment.


    In the end, Soul Gem ignored the confusion in his mind as he used his Spiritual Sense to ask while coughing up blood, "Why? Just why you, of all people? I don''t understand..."


    However, it was then that he noticed. Fila''s eyes were blank, as if her soul wasn''t even there anymore. However, although they were blank, Soul Gem could see the tears flowing out of her eyes. At that instant, rage filled his mind as he understood what had happened. "I see...that time in the Golden Realm while we were fighting Tuana''s Wafrol Forces."


    The Vuvre and Wafrol Organizations had been at war against each other for even longer than Soul Gem was alive. Both sides knew that one day, the Universe would meet its end. Soul Gem and Fila entered the Vuvre Organization much later.


    One of these battles happened in a place called the Golden Realm. Due to certain circumstances, a powerful natural treasure gave birth to that realm, and both forces were battling for it. At that time, Soul Gem and Fila were at the forefront, trying to contend against the Wafrol Forces. Although he wasn''t the head yet, Soul Gem had already occupied a very high position in the Vuvre Organization.


    Unfortunately, they were at a disadvantage due to the reaction speed after the realm was discovered. The Wafrol Forces arrived much earlier, putting the still small Vuvre forces on their backfoot. It was at that time when that happened. The Wafrol Forces launched a surprise attack, catching the Vuvre Organization unaware, preventing them from reacting.


    The battle quickly escalated as the Vuvre Forces were killed one after another. Eventually, Fila, who was commanding one of the groups, was taken down by the enemy. At that time, Soul Gem thought she had died. Even so, he gritted his teeth and controlled his fury. He kept managing all the forces until finally, their own reinforcements arrived. And just like that, three days of battle kept going, with the Vuvre Forces losing time and time again.


    The situation was quickly controlled, forcing the Wafrol Organization to retreat. Of course, it was still considered a big victory for the Wafrol Forces even though they didn''t wipe out the Vuvre Forces completely.


    Soul Gem didn''t care about any of that, though. As soon as the situation stabilized, he took a group and went to the battlefield where Fila was last seen. It was then that he found her. It turned out that Fila had used some kind of secret technique that hid her in a subspace hard to detect. Nevertheless, she was unconscious and would take over a year of healing and resources to simply wake up again.


    Even so, Soul Gem was surprised that it worked. Even if that subspace was hard to find, considering how deep into the enemy''s line her group was, they should have eventually noticed it. However, he decided to attribute it to luck. Perhaps the Wafrol Forces were so focused on wiping the entire Vuvre Forces out that they missed this point.


    After many years, Fila had recovered completely. Also, since she went back to act as she always did, Soul Gem didn''t think anything was wrong with her. Besides, he had checked her soul for any damage but couldn''t find anything.


    Back to the present, Soul Gem finally understood that things weren''t so simple as it is now. "Tuana, you''ve really done it this time."


    *Boom!*


    Spiritual Energy burst out of Soul Gem''s dantian, blasting Fila away from him. Even though his injury was extremely severe, he was still a peak expert of that Universe. He wouldn''t go down that easily. Soon after, a few of the experts around Soul Gem captured and sealed Fila''s cultivation.


    Nevertheless, the damage was already done. The Space-Time Formation was destroyed during that minute gap when Soul Gem lost control over it.


    "Hahaha!" It was then that Tuana''s cackle echoed in Soul Gem''s mind. "You''re correct. It was back in the Golden Realm that I took her. I have to say, for someone with your intelligence, I''m impressed that you never noticed anything. Perhaps that''s just how important you consider her to be that you didn''t even think of this possibility."


    Tuana continued, "We had the absolute advantage in the Golden Realm event, so how come your forces were still able to hold for three entire days? Don''t you think it was weird?" Tuana couldn''t help but recount those events. "The truth is, making this girl my slave would have been impossible in any other circumstance. However, I simply had to tell her that if she didn''t accept it, I would wipe out your forces, including you. She knew that I could do that, so she accepted my offer. In exchange for becoming my slave, I would let you survive that calamity."


    "Did you know?" Tuana asked. "She had always hoped that you would notice the problem. That you would stop her before she could do anything. Unfortunately, you never doubted anything. Soul Gem, this is what happens when you go against the rules of the Universe. Its extinction has already started. That''s the natural order of things. Now, give up and accept your fate."


    Soul Gem grieved as he looked at Fila, muttering, "I see... so that''s why..."


    He looked around and saw that his companions couldn''t hold back anymore. The experts on his side had also used a lot of their energy in the Severing Formations Array, so they were at a disadvantage against the Wafrol experts as well.


    Soul Gem bitterly smiled at the sight, letting out a sigh as he said, "It seems like this is my only choice."


    Soon after, Soul Gem''s dantian radiated a white and dark light as he embraced the Control Orb.


    At that moment, Tuana had a bad feeling, prompting her to shout, "Stop him!"

 Chapter 701 - Transformation

    After that, Rean and Roan''s vision went dark once again. When they finally returned to themselves, they were lying on the ground near the Soul Gem Orb. Kentucky, Celis, Liza, Luna, and quite a few of the kids were looking at them. None of them seemed worried, though. That''s because Sister Orb explained to them that they were fine.


    [Oh! It seems like you''re back. That''s great. So, how was it? Did it clear up some of your questions?] Sister Orb asked, who seemed excited.


    Kentucky sighed in relief after seeing that they were awake. "I have to say, although I wasn''t worried about you, I was still worried about the time."


    "Time?" Rean and Roan were slightly surprised to hear that.


    "That''s correct." Celis agreed with Kentucky, saying, "You two have been in a sleeping state for four weeks straight. We only have two more days before one month mark where the kids will be thrown out will come."


    "What?!" Rean and Roan were taken aback to hear that. That''s next to no time at all!


    Kentucky then said, "Alright. As long as you are back, that''s enough for us. Besides, it might not be too bad since it confirmed that the Soul Rulers can''t find the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s location even after all this time stationed in their territory." Kentucky seemed very pleased with that already.


    Celis then asked Rean and Roan, "So, what did you see?"


    The twins looked at each other before saying, "Sorry, but we can only discuss it with Kentucky at the moment. I hope you don''t mind." Rean tried to be polite as he said that. As much as Celis was connected to Kentucky and themselves, they had just met each other."


    Celis didn''t seem to be too surprised to hear that, responding, "That''s fine. I''ll leave you guys alone for now." With that said, Celis moved his roots, bringing his enormous body away as if it wasn''t anything difficult.


    After that, Kentucky looked at them and asked the same question, "So, have you gotten more answers?"


    Rean nodded, saying, "Yes. A lot of things were revealed this time."


    Kentucky, who also knew about everything, couldn''t help but ask them to tell him. The twins then used Spiritual Sense messages to show Kentucky what happened in the past between Soul Gem and his organization. Only then did he get a general picture. "To think such a thing happened. Too bad that the recordings stopped right at the moment he embraced the Soul Gem Orb. I wanted to see what happened after that."


    Roan nodded, saying, "Indeed. Nevertheless, it isn''t hard to guess that whatever had happened separated the Universe into two right after. As for whether the Soul Gem Orb is Soul Gem himself or not, we can''t be sure about that."


    Rean also added, "We now know that the ones who attacked us were probably the Wafrol Forces'' members. I can''t imagine why anyone else would want to destroy the Soul Gem System."


    [That''s not entirely correct,] Sister Orb responded. [You have to understand that a lot of time has passed already. There''s a very good chance that the Wafrol Forces doesn''t even exist anymore. Perhaps the ones who attacked you had other agendas when they tried to destroy us. Of course, the Wafrol Forces are still the main suspects.]


    "That makes sense." Roan agreed with Sister Orb. "Now then, let''s check the system again and see if there''s anything else we have access to."


    The twins then sent their Spiritual Sense and Energy into the Soul Gem Orb and accessed the authority options. Unfortunately, the only thing available was the same Unification Plan option. Not only that, but it had a large line over it as if it had been crossed out. Even after trying to select it, nothing happened.


    Surprisingly, it didn''t stop there. Back then, Rean and Roan could ask questions to the Soul Gem System, and it would at least tell if they had the authority level to get an answer or not. However, the Soul Gem System didn''t react at all even after they made several inquiries. It was as if it couldn''t even hear their voices.


    "Could it be another side effect of the system upgrade?" Rean asked after pondering about how everything had become harder now.


    [Unfortunately, I can''t tell you anything about it. It''s the System''s will, and I can only follow its commands.] Sister Orb was also of little help.


    In the end, Roan shook his head. "Whatever. In the end, we''ve gotten a lot more answers from that vision than we expected." After that, he changed the topic. "Now then..." Roan looked at all the kids running everywhere and said, "What will we do with this bunch?"


    Celis, who had left so that Kentucky, Rean, Roan, and Sister Orb could talk, came back at this moment. "If it''s just food, I can provide some of my sap. For kids like them who have no cultivation whatsoever, half a drop is more than enough for them to not feel hunger for an entire day."


    Kentucky confirmed that it was true. "As a World Swallowing Cedar, Celis absorbs all the nutrients you can possibly imagine. His sap is that good. Also, considering his size, this much sap could be regarded as a single drop in the bucket even after taking all the 3589 kids into consideration."


    "That''s good," Rean said as he sighed in relief. Food would be quite a problem even though they prepared it beforehand. "However, we still need to find a place for them to stay within these next two days. Otherwise, the System will immediately throw them all out."


    Roan then moved to the Circuitry Teleport Formation before saying, "First, we need to leave this place. Don''t forget that our exit is still inside the Soul Rulers'' territory. Not to mention that if we''re at risk, we won''t be able to enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm anymore."


    "That''s right." Rean also headed above the teleport formation. "Sister Orb, do we still have enough Spiritual Energy outside to not need Spirit Stones?"


    [Yes. Celis spent a really long time in this place, so it became a natural gathering of Spiritual Energy. Although the level of Spiritual Energy outside can''t be compared to Rank Seven or Eight Spirit Stones anymore, it is still in the realms of a Rank Five or so.] Sister Orb continued, [Of course, this level will quickly decrease since it''s still too high. I would say that the average concentration of Spiritual Energy here in the future will be between the Rank Three and Four Spirit Stone level.]


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, saying, "That''s not our problem. They used Celis for too long already. It''s already time for them to cultivate slowly like everyone else. Just use the outside Spiritual Energy and fill up the Circuitry Teleport Formation."


    [Alright. Rank Five Spirit Stones are able to charge the Circuitry Teleport Formation up to 21000 kilometers. If you want to teleport further than that, Rank Six Spirit Stones will be necessary,] Sister Orb explained as Spiritual Energy was siphoned from the outside world into the formation.


    Rean and Roan didn''t mind that much. After all, the Circuitry Teleport Formation had a limit of 3000 kilometers anyway. Not to mention that Rank Six Spirit Stones were way too unrealistic for the twins at the moment.


    Eventually, the teleport formation finished charging up as the twins disappeared with a flash of silver light. Rean and Roan didn''t even wait for their vision to clear up as they entered the Dimensional Realm again. Sure enough, the Spiritual Energy concentration outside decreased a lot after this first teleport, being equivalent to Rank Three Spirit Stones now. Nevertheless, that was enough for the Circuitry Teleport Formation to send them another 1000 kilometers further.


    Rean and Roan didn''t want to risk it, though. After all, the Soul Rulers'' Ancestors were all above the Elemental Transformation Realm. Who knows what kind of detection ability they had? Perhaps just a few thousand kilometers was far from enough to escape from them.


    From this point onward, they couldn''t use the outside energy anymore since it wasn''t strong enough. With that, they used the Rank Three Spirit Stones that Rean had gained during the auction house back in Vanesi City. There were more than ten thousand of them, so Rean didn''t care. As always, 1000 kilometers was the limit for Rank Three Spirit Stones, costing exactly 1000 of those stones to teleport.


    Nevertheless, Roan told Rean to not mind it and keep using it to teleport another 10000 kilometers away. Roan was a lot more interested in guaranteeing their safety than saving Spirit Stones. After all, he preferred life and death situations to train. However, fighting the Soul Rulers wouldn''t be a life and death situation at all, but just pure suicide.


    14000 kilometers away from the Soul Rulers'' territory, Rean and Roan finally decided to stay out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. For the first time, they allowed their eyes to adapt to the outside world to at least see where they were. However, they were shocked by the view in front of them.


    "This..."


    The ice world...was no more. As far as their eyes could see, there was a patch of green. There were almost no trees, but it was still a stark contrast to the ice world they had always known.


    Roan immediately noticed another point, saying, "That''s not all. Try to feel the Spiritual Energy in the area."


    Rean nodded and absorbed some of it. Sure enough, Rean noticed it straight away. "Higher than Rank One but below Rank Two. The concentration is somewhere between. Incredible."


    Little did they know that what they were seeing wasn''t the only place like this. The entire world...had transformed.

 Chapter 702 - Koran Forest

    Rean and Roan then brought Kentucky out. After that, Rean enveloped them all with his Light and Spiritual Sense bending skill before they took off. After that, they kept flying for an entire day. Of course, Kentucky knew about the urgency of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm situation, so he flew to the limit of his speed and energy conservation.


    Kentucky was now a Stage Five Demon Beast, a flying one at that. Thanks to that, his flying speed was unmatched on this planet between cultivators and demon beasts of the same level. Although he only had a single day to fly, that was enough for him to cover another 8000 kilometers on his own.


    Along the way, Rean and Roan looked at the scenery. They even passed by some of the isolated cities, which was a normal thing on this ice planet. However, it was all the same everywhere. Life was blooming as the ice melted. It was not like all the ice was gone, but they knew that it would eventually happen. The only exceptions were high altitude places and obviously areas close to the planet''s poles.


    That being said, it didn''t take long for the twins to connect to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and ask Celis directly, "Celis, does it have anything to do with your disappearance?"


    Celis confirmed. "Isn''t that obvious?" Celis felt like it was an idiotic question. "I and my saplings around the world were absorbing and concentrating all the Spiritual Energy into specific places. Naturally, that affected the environment, making the planet cooler little by little. Considering that I have been alive for millenniums, it eventually turned into that ice world you saw when you first arrived here."


    Celis continued, "That was the way the Soul Rulers used to take control over the world. Without Spiritual Energy outside for other forces to develop, how could anyone contend against them? That would be just suicidal." Celis also looked at all the green grass outside as he sighed, saying, "Now that the flow of Spiritual Energy was restored, it''s only natural that the planet has recovered its warmth. All the seeds that have been frozen for so long now have a chance to spurt again. That''s why there are almost no trees, but a lot of grass everywhere. As time passes, new forests will appear as the planet recovers its splendor. Of course, that''ll take many years."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "Still, isn''t this concentration of Spiritual Energy a bit too dense? Even if it doesn''t reach the level of Rank Two Spirit Stones, it''s still higher than Rank One Stones." Rean was comparing the energy density with that from Sunkan Planet. "Back on our planet, the Spiritual Energy in the environment definitely didn''t reach the level of Rank One Spirit Stones."


    Celis pondered for a bit before saying, "Hmm...I''m not seeing anything different, though. The Spiritual Energy outside is at its previous level before I started to take it away."


    He then continued, "There are only two options here. One, our planet always had more Spiritual Energy than your own. Or two, your planet also had someone limiting the amount of Spiritual Energy in the world, just like what I did."


    Rean and Roan had been to the Sasamil Imperial Palace, where the concentration of Spiritual Energy was indeed much higher than other places. Nevertheless, it was not even one-tenth of what the Soul Rulers had. "It''s probably the first option, then."


    "By the way," Celis remembered to ask something else. "Where are you headed at the moment? Do you have an idea of where to settle down?"


    Rean nodded, saying with a smile, "During the time I worked with their Formation Masters, I took the opportunity to study the geography of this planet. I also took several jade slips with maps of many different regions."


    "Because of their confidence that I wouldn''t be able to ever escape, they didn''t care when I asked for it. I wonder if they would do the same thing now. Hahaha!"


    Kentucky then looked at Rean and said, "Still, you haven''t told us where we are going."


    Rean calmed down and then explained, "Roan and I thought a lot about this subject. At first, we were planning to go to some area more isolated where we could bring the kids out. However, we believe that the Soul Rulers will come up with the same idea."


    Roan agreed with Rean, continuing where he left off, "He''s right. That being said, we aren''t going to one of those places. Instead, we''re going to stay in a more open place. It''s just that this area is still rarely visited by other Zasfins."


    Celis and Kentucky were still confused when out of nowhere, Kentucky got an idea. "Oh! I see...we are entering a Demon Beasts'' territory, am I right?"


    "Smart!" Rean couldn''t help but smile in response. "That''s indeed correct. We would get one or another Zasfin passing by every now and then to train. However, the numbers wouldn''t be high. Although we have over 3000 kids, we''re still confident that we''re able to hide them."


    Celis was still puzzled, though. "What about the demon beasts themselves? A demon beast region is anything but safe for kids without any cultivation." Sure enough, that was the main issue.


    "That''s not a problem. We''re going to a Demon Beast Forest called Koran. It is located in the Tribes'' Zone, where no Empire has taken place. From what I found out, the Tribes'' Zone has so many tribes that none of them have the power to take control over the others and start their own dynasties," Rean replied.


    He then continued, "The strongest powers there are the so-called Consummated Tribes, which number in the hundreds. If any of these Consummated Tribes starts becoming too strong, all the others around it will join forces and attack it." He shrugged his shoulders as he added, "In the end, none of them dares to become too big, afraid of being destroyed by the others."


    Rean then smiled, saying, "The most impressive thing about that place is that many of the surrounding empires tried to take over the area in the past. However, once an enemy from the outside appears, all the tribes, big and small, join forces and counterattack. Those events happened quite a few times in the past several millenniums, which forced the Empires to give up. In the end, the Empire suffered way too many losses and only made the Tribes even more enraged. The tribes there were simply not willing to submit at all, regardless of how strong the Empires'' experts were."


    Kentucky''s eyes shone as he could not help but say, "They look so cool!"


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh out loud, responding, "Hahaha! That''s because you''re only seeing it from the outside. Believe me, you wouldn''t want to live with them at all. It was the Tribes'' mercilessness that drove away all enemies. There, the strong reign supreme while the weak turn into slaves. Killing, r*pe, robbery, you name it. It happens there."


    Kentucky''s opinion of the Tribes'' Zone immediately plummeted, muttering, "Suddenly, they''re not so cool anymore."


    Rean agreed with him. "Well, that''s true. Fortunately, the Demon Beasts'' regions in that place aren''t dominated by the tribes. After all, the demon beasts themselves are just as strong. Except for some Demon Beasts'' tides against the cultivator tribes, or tribes banding together to subjugate demon beasts in certain places where they become too problematic, they mostly stay away from each other. As I said, the Zasfins only enter the Demon Beasts'' territories alone or in small groups to train themselves. It''s basically what Roan and I did back on Sunkan Planet at some point."


    Rean then went back to Celis''s question, responding, "Anyway, all you need to know is that the Demon Beasts'' region is the perfect choice for us. That''s because the Koran Forest''s main rulers are also Stage Five Demon Beasts, just like Kentucky. As you know, Stage Five is equivalent to Nascent Soul Realm cultivators, like Roan and I. Last but not least, we also have you, Celis. With the four of us, it''ll be easy to take control of a part of the core region of the Koran Forest."


    Kentucky understood, saying, "I see...you''re intending to use me as the leader of this group and pretend to be my subordinates, right?"


    Roan nodded, explaining, "That''s correct. The other Demon Beast Rulers there are already at Stage Five, so they also have intelligence. To prevent them from creating a problem, they must think that you''re controlling us. Of course, as demon beasts, they will definitely challenge us for the territory we take, but we aren''t afraid of anyone at our own level."


    Kentucky''s eyes shone as he said, "Does that mean I can order Roan around?!"


    Roan snorted in response, saying, "As long as you bear the consequences when the demon beasts aren''t looking, sure..."


    Kentucky immediately dropped the idea. "Ahem...I''m just joking."


    Celis felt something was off, though. "Why does it feel like you wouldn''t use me unless you guys have no other choice?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders in response, saying, "Isn''t that obvious? First, you''re very easily recognizable. There should be no other tree in the Koren Forest that is even half of your size. What if the Soul Rulers spread information, looking for you? Second, we don''t know if there''s anything in your body that the Soul Rulers can use to track you down. The Soul Gem Dimensional Realm can definitely block any signal from escaping or entering it. But it can''t do the same if you''re outside."


    Celis immediately answered back, "I understand the first option. However, there''s no need to be afraid of the second option. I can guarantee you that they can''t find my location through any means you might imagine. Don''t forget, I''ve lived for way too long already and had the highest cultivation on this planet. There''s no way they could put a tracker on me without knowing. Besides, they wouldn''t dare try it since they knew I would rampage. Hahaha!"


    Roan didn''t believe it 100%, but that was good news nevertheless. "Alright, then. I''ll think about it.

 Chapter 703 - Around The World

    To be more precise, Rean and Roan wished to have traveled for much longer. There were other Demon Beasts'' regions that could be used and were situated further away. Unfortunately, there wasn''t much choice since their time was running out.


    "Oh, I can see it. If the jade slip map isn''t wrong, what lies ahead is the Koran Forest," Rean said as he looked at the jade slip with his Spiritual Sense. "Kentucky, let''s head straight to the core region. There''s no need to stop at the borders."


    "Gotcha!" Kentucky quickly acknowledged the orders and pressed forward. Because he was close now, he didn''t care about his reserves of Spiritual Energy and increased the speed. Besides, with Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense Bending Skills, no one would notice them passing by anyway.


    Just like everywhere, the once frozen forest now had its ice gradually melting. Green could be seen everywhere as the demon beasts left their hideouts more often. Before, they would only leave it to look for food or other important tasks. But now, due to the heat, they could simply stay outside, basking in the sun.


    As Rean''s group made their way to the Core Region, the world was in chaos. Rean and Roan had always used different appearances ever since they entered the Soul Rulers'' territory. After all, they had the makeup necessary for Roan to work with and Rean''s Light Transformation Skill. That being said, the Soul Rulers could only post the appearances they showed while they were there.


    The Soul Rulers also passed by the Asume Clan, but as one could imagine, the Asume Clan didn''t know anything about them either. Until now, they thought Frandin was the real leader of the group, after all. Besides, they simply said that they were given those high Soul Purity Humans and that they could use it to call the Soul Rulers.


    The worst part was that none of Rean''s group had ever appeared in front of them with their real faces either. All the pictures spread in all Empires were completely different from what Rean''s group truly looked like. In the end, all of Roan''s carefulness paid off.


    However, finding the twins was the least of the Soul Rulers'' issues at the moment. All of the World Swallowing Cedar''s saplings spread around the world had withered down after Celis''s disappearance. With that, all the spots of high Spiritual Energy concentration had disappeared along with them. That being said, the normal flow of Spiritual Energy was restored for the entire world.


    With the Spiritual Energy free for everyone to use, Rank One Spirit Stones had now become useless. That was a big problem since it was used as currency before. Then again, one could now get more Spiritual Energy from the space around them than the stones themselves.


    At the moment, the Soul Rulers had the situation controlled. However, the fact still stands that the world''s main powers now lost their main advantage, which was their better cultivation environment. None of the Emperors, Sect Leaders, Celestial Land Heads, or the Soul Rulers themselves believed that this control would last for long. Eventually, other organizations would take root, utilizing the better Spiritual Energy flow available.


    The only question was how long it would take until the controlling powers couldn''t hold the reins anymore. Without a doubt, many dynasty-level changes were about to occur in the world. Well, that made sense. After all, the Soul Gem System gave Rean and Roan 30000 Destiny Points as a reward. Not to mention the title and the 13 levels of increased authority. If the changes weren''t at least this big, the reward wouldn''t have made sense.


    At the moment, the Soul Rulers put a bounty on all of Rean''s group members. Kentucky, Rean, and Roan had the second-highest bounties. The total offered for any of them was one hundred thousand Rank Five Spirit Stones. Countries would go to war for way less than that. One must remember that until a month ago, the world lacked Spiritual Energy almost everywhere. Spirit Stones were still too important.


    Nevertheless, for the Soul Rulers, that was a small price to get the World Swallowing Cedar back. That being said, any information that could lead to the World Swallowing Cedar had a reward of 300 thousand Rank Six Spirit Stones! Some even thought that to be a joke. There was no way someone would pay that amount. Little did they know that the Soul Rulers were willing to pay even more if they could really find Celis.


    Back at the Soul Rulers'' territory, the Soul Rulers'' leader, the elders, and the Ancestors were in the middle of a meeting. Rows upon rows of chairs were placed all around a gigantic hall, each of them occupied. There were a few seats placed higher than the rest at the back near the center, with the highest being occupied by none other than Fikin, the Peak Transition Realm ancestor of the Soul Rulers. He could also be said to be the strongest man on the entire planet now that Celis fell from the peak of the Stage Nine level.


    "Have none of you found anything yet!?!" Fikin bellowed with a dark expression. It had almost been a month since the event. But even up to now, they couldn''t find as much as a single clue. Even Frandin''s group had completely disappeared. Well, Rean''s group stayed in the Soul Rulers'' territory for over two years, so it made sense that Frandin''s group had disappeared.


    "Ancestor. We have all of our forces spread everywhere looking for them. However, they really evaporated into thin air. Even the World Swallowing Cedar had simply blinked out of existence. We swept everything around our territory up to 5000 kilometers as soon as Celis was gone. Even so, we couldn''t find anything," one of the elders said, being responsible for the search.


    "It''s true, Ancestor Fikin." Another elder intervened, saying, "We were considering the idea that perhaps a high-level Spatial Equipment was used, not a teleport as we initially assumed. If it was a teleport, we would have gotten some readings or felt the changes with our Spiritual Sense, after all."


    Fikin narrowed his eyes, saying, "Such Spatial Equipment isn''t something that can be made on our planet. Are you telling me that we got visitors?" From the looks of the situation, it wasn''t the first time the Soul Rulers received someone from outside.


    "We can''t be sure since we didn''t get any communication. However, if we did, it makes sense that no one contacted us since they wanted to steal our World Swallowing Cedar. The main problem is..." The elder stopped there, not daring to continue.


    However, Fikin didn''t care and said it himself, "The main problem is that anyone with such high-level Spatial Equipment isn''t someone we can deal with." Sure enough, those words affected everyone in the hall. "However, I still think this to be a low possibility. If someone so strong came to us, why would they destroy our headquarters and steal the World Swallowing Cedar? They could have come straight at us and simply take Celis away. There would be nothing we can do if it was really someone like that."


    With that, the expression on the other elders'' faces relaxed. Indeed, Fikin''s words made a lot of sense.


    "Does that mean someone has found a high-level Spatial Equipment and used it to rob us? If so, then it might as well be considered a big opportunity," the Soul Rulers'' head, who was close to Fikin, commented.


    Fikin pondered over it for a bit before saying, "Continue the search. They also took all the High Soul Purity kids away. If they want to take care of them, they''ll need to release those children somewhere. Focus your search on the hidden areas of our planet and make sure to check every corner."


    One of the elders couldn''t help but say, "But Ancestor Fikin, to check all of them would take a very long time."


    "So what?" Fikin said in response. "Do you prefer to stay here doing nothing?"


    "No, ancestor." The elder immediately dropped his head. "I''ll arrange for the search."


    "Good. Make sure that once you finish searching an area, it doesn''t stay unattended if our targets decide to appear after we leave," Fikin warned


    Not too surprisingly, it was as Rean and Roan imagined. The Soul Rulers considered the remote places the best ones to hide the kids. That being said, avoiding those areas was the right decision, which gave Rean and Roan more time to think about what to do with so many kids.


    Odbruva Empire, Erstral Country''s Capital...


    Two Zasfins made their way in the streets as their slaves followed them from behind. So far, there wasn''t anything strange with this sight as many other Zasfins were also accompanied by their slaves. However, if Rean and Roan were here, they would definitely identify this group. Obviously, they were Frandin and the others.


    Like everyone else, they also were taken aback by the sudden change in Spiritual Energy in the environment. At some point, the Erstral Royal Family came out to make an announcement, saying that this was a temporary phenomenon and that people shouldn''t get ahead of themselves.


    However, at the same time, Frandin''s group saw all the bounties being put up for Rean, Roan, Kentucky, and Celis. Naturally, they could guess that both were connected.


    "To think they went as far as having the entire Soul Rulers after them..."


    "Well, it''s not like we don''t know what those three are capable of."


    "Hahaha! We can''t lose to them, right?"


    "True! We need to put more effort into our training."


    "Alright, everyone. It seems we''ll need to push forward our plans to enter the Valaria Swamp."


    The news about the twins didn''t scare Frandin''s group. Instead, it only put more oil into the fire.

 Chapter 704 - Try Not To Annoy Him

    Back at Koran Forest, Rean''s group had finally reached the inner core region where only Demon Beasts at Stage Three and above lived. Their first task was to find a good enough place where they could let the kids live. That being said, Kentucky flew through the region, looking for the best place.


    "Hey, look over there!" Rean said as he pointed in a certain direction. Roan and Kentucky immediately turned their heads just to see a valley entrance. Following that, the three looked at each other and nodded.


    Kentucky quickly changed direction and flew in the valley''s direction. Once they passed between the mountains, Rean deactivated his Light and Spiritual Sense bending ability, revealing their group''s presence.


    "Is it really okay to appear this early?" Rean asked as he looked at Roan.


    "Yes." Roan nodded in response. "We already know that the territories of the Inner Region definitely have their bosses. This valley, on top of that, seems the perfect place for one of them to live in. Since we need to fight for the territory, we might as well arrive with a bang."


    The demon beasts in the valley noticed the newcomers, noticing that their level was definitely above their own, especially Kentucky. Kentucky''s Stage Five aura was in full display, making most of them run away.


    *Tremble!*


    Though, not long after, the ground began to shake as a Spiritual Sense passed through Rean''s group location and said, ''Who gave you permission to enter this valley?!''


    Sure enough, Roan was right. The local Demon Beast boss really lived there. As expected, he was in the Stage Five level. That''s why Rean''s group could understand his Spiritual Sense Message. One must remember that a demon beast could only talk with words at Stage Six, so this one could only use its Spiritual Sense.


    Rean and Roan looked at Kentucky as they nodded. Soon after, they jumped down and let Kentucky land a few hundred meters ahead. It just so happened that Kentucky stopped in front of a big cave by the side of one of the mountains that made up the valley.


    After that, Kentucky opened his wings before answering the Spiritual Sense with his own, responding in an imposing manner, ''I''m here to take over this valley and the surrounding territory. From today onwards, this is my home. Do you have a problem?''


    *Moooooooo!* ''To think that a puny Initial Stage Five Demon beast would dare challenge me for my valley. You sure have the guts, chicken!''


    *Tremble, tremble, tremble...*


    The sound of heavy steps came from the cave as they made the ground quake. From the looks of it, the demon beast inside there was quite big. Eventually, a shadow appeared at the entrance, revealing the body of the creature.


    ''It''s a Blue-Scaled Mountain Bull,'' Kentucky thought for a moment.


    However, before Kentucky could say anything, the creature pounced forward, trying to collide against Kentucky''s body. The Demon Bull was quite confident since it had a cultivation level of Late Stage Five. Its high defense and strength were definitely above most demon beasts at the same level, let alone one two stages below.


    Surprisingly, Kentucky just snorted and said, ''Hmph! You want to compare defense against me?!'' Naturally, in a contest of resistance, Kentucky was very confident. His feathers turned sharp like blades as the scales under them hardened within an instant. Light and dark flames burst out of his body, increasing his power even more. Kentucky''s open wings then flapped right after, creating a huge gust of wind that sent everything behind him flying as he shot forward. Kentucky planned to take the Demon Bull head-on!


    ''Courting death!'' The bull, of course, wouldn''t go back on a contest of strength. The bull''s horns then filled with Earth Element, hardening even more. At the same time, it seemed like the water in the air condensed, forming some kind of mist around him. Obviously, that was a Water element ability.


    ''As expected, most demon beasts and Zasfins really have a Water element affinity or use the Water element as their second choice after their cultivation becomes high enough to control two elements,'' Rean and Roan thought as they looked at the bull''s attack.


    Of course, Kentucky didn''t hold back either. His body turned into a meteor of light and dark Flames that expanded even more as the distance between him and the enemy decreased. ''Hmph! Who the hell would court that guy? You must be crazy!''


    Roan''s mouth twitched for a moment, but he didn''t say anything as he thought, ''I should really fry that chicken.''


    And so, the two sides reached each other.


    *Boom!*


    *Moooooooo!*


    In the next second, all Rean, Roan, and the other demon beasts in the area could see was a Blue-Scaled Mountain Bull flying back like a comet. Light and dark flames also spread around his body, covering it completely.


    *Bang!*


    *Crumble!*


    The bull then hit the side of the mountain, making multiple boulders lose their support and fall over him. Of course, due to the Demon Bull''s size, those boulders didn''t do much damage. At least not as much as what Kentucky did.


    Kentucky then glided down in front of the Mountain Bull with a look of disdain on his face, saying through a Spiritual Sense message, ''Hmph! There isn''t a single Demon Beast at Stage Five who can beat me in a contest of defense and power. You should have left when I told you to do so.''


    The crumbled boulders then began to move aside as the Blue-Scaled Mountain Bull slowly got up. Nevertheless, he didn''t seem scared, just angry. ''I''ve lived in this valley for over three hundred years! I don''t mind losing in a territorial fight to another demon beast. After all, those are the rules. However, I absolutely won''t give my valley to someone''s pet.''


    Kentucky narrowed his eyes, responding with a question, ''Someone''s pet? What are you talking about?''


    The Demon Bull snorted as he replied, ''Do you think my Spiritual Sense can''t see it? Those two humans back there came with you, and they have Nascent Soul Realm cultivations. Not to mention that they were riding you. Don''t you feel ashamed as a demon beast?'' For a wild Demon Beast like this bull, the concept of serving someone was disgusting. He simply couldn''t accept he lost to a demon beast with owners.


    However, Kentucky laughed out loud before turned his head back. ''Hey, the two idiots over there. Come here right now!''


    Rean and Roan knew that the time to start the play arrived. The two then quickly came to Kentucky''s side when out of nowhere.


    *Bang, Bang!*


    Kentucky stepped on their heads, forcing the two to kiss the ground. Following that, Kentucky asked, ''Tell this idiot here. Who '' your owner?''


    Rean and Roan felt like beating the chicken to death at this instant. However, to keep the secret, they had to bear with it. "Master Kentucky is our owner. We serve him. Please, Master, don''t kill us!"


    ''Hahaha! Well said!'' Soon after, Kentucky kicked them away as if they were trash before looking at the Mountain Bull''s dumbfounded expression. ''Who the hell said that only their side can become masters? Their garbage lives are in my hands. As long as I wish it, they die instantly.''


    The Mountain Bull looked at Rean and Roan and could tell with his Spiritual Sense that Kentucky''s actions broke quite a few bones of the two. Kentucky didn''t inflict any fatal damage, but the way he treated them was definitely brutal. ''Then...why did you let them ride on your back?''


    ''Because they''re too slow, idiot! Do you think a Nascent Soul Realm human could ever fly faster than a Demon Bird at the same level? Ha! What a joke!'' Kentucky truly deserved an oscar...if he wasn''t enjoying that situation, of course. Just when would he be able to kick Roan without receiving retaliation again? As for Rean, Kentucky felt a little bad for him, but he had to treat both equally. Nevertheless, Kentucky thought it was really worth it. That was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get back at Roan, even if just a little.


    Kentucky then looked at Rean and Roan with disdain before continuing, ''If not because their cultivation is still of some use for me, they would be dead already. Well, at the very least, they can be used as low-level guards.''


    The Demon Bull sighed as he looked at Kentucky with a new light. ''Brother, I have to say, I''m proud of being defeated by you.'' Sure enough, the bull had to respect Kentucky for his feats. ''I will leave this valley for you, but...''


    ''But?'' Kentucky''s expression didn''t look good when he saw that the Bull wasn''t leaving straight away.


    Knowing that he wasn''t a match for Kentucky, the Demon Bull swallowed some saliva before continuing, ''It''s just that all the territories around have been taken already. Would you mind letting me live on the other side of this territory? There''s another Spiritual Vein there with almost the same quality as the one inside this cave. It would help me a lot if I could still use it.'' The Demon Bull then sent Kentucky a Spiritual Sense message, showing the location of the other Spiritual Vein.


    Rean''s group felt their hearts tremble for a brief moment. ''Spiritual Vein!''


    Fortunately, Kentucky quickly recovered as he waited for Rean and Roan to tell their decision. Of course, he was discussing with the twins to get to a unanimous decision. Eventually, Kentucky looked at the Demon Bull before saying, ''Alright, but you have to stay away from my valley.''


    The Demon Bull sighed in relief as he nodded, responding, ''That''s not a problem.''


    After that, he warned Kentucky about something else. ''Oh, right! The other Stage Five Demon Beasts will soon find out about your arrival. That being said, I''m sure some will come to pay you a visit or challenge you. Just be careful with the Blue Luan. He''s the only Stage Six Demon Beast and the leader of our Koran Forest. Try not to annoy him.''

 Chapter 705 - Outside

    Blue Luan! Rean and Roan were left at a loss for words after hearing that name. They soon simultaneously thought, ''Isn''t that the name of another divine beast?!''


    Kentucky nodded in response to the Demon Bull, saying, ''I understand. I''ll be waiting for them.''


    With that said, the demon bull left, heading to the other side of the territory. Even though it was in the same one, the other Spiritual Vein was very far away, so both sides would surely only enter their respective territories by mistake. Besides, it was good to have it owe Kentucky a favor.


    Once the Demon Bull left, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky began to discuss with Celis and Sister Orb in the Dimensional Realm.


    Celis was the first one to talk, asking, "Could it be that it''s an actual Blue Luan? I haven''t heard of any other Divine Demon Beast on our planet."


    For Celis, it didn''t necessarily need to have Kentucky as the one building a nest on it. Though with that being said, Celis had always been interested in any type of Divine Demon Bird, and the Blue Luan was just one of them. Of course, now that he already had a Minokawa as a Soul Partner, he didn''t care too much about the Blue Luan.


    Rean shook his head, saying, "To be honest, I don''t think that to be the case. Perhaps that''s just what it calls itself. After all, isn''t it too much of a coincidence for a Divine Demon Beast to exist on this planet with the Soul Rulers not knowing about it? Just like they did with Celis, I don''t think they would give up the chance of capturing and raising a Divine Demon Beast."


    Roan and the others agreed with his thought process. Unless there was some sort of weird situation going on, there shouldn''t really be a Blue Luan in this place.


    "Alright, let''s leave it aside for now," Roan said as he thought about the more pressing matter. "We only have a few hours before the System sends all the kids out. We need to prepare the place for the kids first."


    Rean immediately took flight as he brought many items from the Dimensional Realm out. "Alright! I''m going to build a concealing formation around this valley, preventing anyone''s Spiritual Sense from prying over it." With that, Rean left right after.


    Kentucky couldn''t find any place where the kids could live either, so he decided to build a few places where the kids could reside. With his blade-like feathers and strength, cutting a few trees in the forest would be an easy task.


    As for Roan, he entered the Dimensional Realm and called Liza and Luna. Soon, he asked the two, "Have you talked with all of the older kids?"


    "Yes." The two girls nodded. Soon after, a few kids over ten years of age came out of the crowd. As mentioned before, the older they got, the harder it was to keep their Soul Purity. That being said, out of the 3589 kids Rean''s group rescued, only 32 were in their pre-teens.


    "That''s good enough." Roan then exited the Dimensional Realm with all of them. Liza and Luna were the only exceptions to the rule. "Alright, are any of you still in doubt as to what happened until now?"


    A ten-year-old girl then raised her hand in response as she asked, "The uncle Zasfins had always been good to us. Are you sure they did that to the other kids who left first?"


    Roan wasn''t in the mood to explain everything again, so he used a more thorough method. His Spiritual Sense spread over all these kids and sent his memories of what Rean witnessed in the Soul Stone Formation. Roan didn''t care if they would cry, feel fear, or whatever. This was the fastest way to enlighten them.


    Sure enough, all the kids, with a few exceptions, began to cry or trembled in fear after seeing that.


    "Enough!" Roan shouted, making all of them shut up. "It''s exactly because of that happening that we rescued you from there. Instead of crying, just be thankful that the same thing won''t happen to you." Roan then pointed in a certain direction before saying, "I brought you outside to tell you that we can''t take care of you forever. You''ll have to learn how to live outside and take care of the younger kids on your own."


    Roan then looked at the few kids who didn''t look too surprised from what he showed. "The five of you, come here." Unsurprisingly, those were the only kids at the age of twelve between all the kids. "It seems like you''ve already expected something like that to happen."


    As mentioned before, the majority of the kids were girls. There were very few boys when it came to High Soul Purity. Nevertheless, one of these twelve-year-old kids just so happened to be a boy. He was also the one to come forward and talk with Roan as he said, "We didn''t know what happened to them. However, we are old enough to at least doubt what was happening there so far."


    The other four girls also nodded in response, although they were still somewhat afraid of Roan.


    "That''s okay. It seems like that you five lucked out to have kept your Soul Purity up to this point." Roan then patted the young man''s shoulder as he looked at him and the four girls. "From now on, the five of you will be in charge of commanding the other kids. As for the others I brought out, you can use them as second-in-command."


    The boy couldn''t help but ask, "But...we don''t know how to do anything."


    Roan shook his head as he replied, "Don''t worry, we''ll teach all of you how to survive in the outside world. Also, you will learn how to cultivate so that you can get strong, just like us. By the way, what are your names?"


    The boy immediately answered, "I''m Malo."


    The girls followed right after him. "I''m Wataba."


    "Poliana."


    "Falas."


    "My name is Glennie."


    Roan then looked at Luna, Liza, and the other younger kids. "Your job is to help these five take care of the other kids. All of you have escaped from eventually dying back in the Soul Rulers'' territory, so I don''t want to see you dying anytime soon."


    Of course, most of them were still afraid or at a loss of what to do. Nevertheless, the kids could only agree with Roan since they didn''t have much choice. Following that, Roan began to walk around with the kids, explaining what he wanted them to do. "First, we need a settlement where you and the other kids can live in. Kentucky, that big black and white bird, has gone out to gather wood. You and the other kids will help build houses where everyone can pass the night."


    "Houses?" The kids were confused as to what they were. "What are houses?"


    Sure enough, the kids'' Soul Purities were checked when they were born. Not long after, they were brought to the Soul Rulers'' headquarters and put inside the Bloodline Trial Control Formations. That being said, they had never seen houses before. The exceptions were only Luna and Liza or the kids who took care of Calina, Malaka, and Agis'' trials. After all, because they were also humans, their memories were also seen by those kids.


    Roan sighed in response before using his Spiritual Sense to explain to the kids what he was talking about. Of course, he couldn''t go too fast since those kids had no cultivation whatsoever. Using too compact Spiritual Sense Information would only make them confused, not being able to process everything.


    "Oh! So that''s what a house is!"


    "It seems so nice!"


    "I''ve never been in a house before."


    "But it looks very hard to make, no?"


    "Hey, it''s our house, so it''s worth the effort."


    "I don''t wanna put in effort. It''s too boring."


    "I don''t wanna work as well."


    "Me too!"


    Sure enough, kids always will be kids. Until now, they didn''t have to take care of anything. All their needs were provided by the Soul Rulers, after all. Unfortunately for them, Roan, more than anyone else, was used to taking care of lazy people.


    "Hehehe. So, you don''t wanna work, huh? Good, good! You totally remind me of a certain sister of mine," Roan said with an evil smile.


    *Achoo!*


    Somewhere in the Erstral Country''s Capital, a ''certain girl'' sneezed.


    Malaka looked around her and couldn''t help but feel a chill on her back. "Holy shit, what was that just now?"


    Ignoring the ''certain girl,'' Roan immediately started his ''not so gentle'' training regime. He already had it ready since it was similar to Malaka''s regime when she was young. He just had to account for the differences in the environment.


    Soon enough, many cries could be heard coming from the valley, though Roan didn''t care. In his hand, there were only two options. Train or get punished. A third option didn''t exist in his mind.


    Around two hours later, Kentucky finished bringing all the logs necessary for the construction work. However, Roan only allowed him to cut them into shape. The building of the houses themselves had to be done by the kids. No questions asked.


    One hour before the time for them to stay in the Dimensional Realm was up, Roan paused his initial training and brought the kids to the valley''s center. Rean was there as well, finishing the last touches on his Concealing Formation. As soon as Rean looked at the kids'' sorry states, he already understood what happened, saying, "Malaka''s routine?"


    Roan nodded, responding, "It worked for her, so it''ll work for them."


    Rean didn''t try to intervene since he knew it was for their own good. "Alright, I''m going to activate the formation. After that, we can bring the rest of the kids out."

 Chapter 706 - Organizing

    As soon as Rean finished saying that, he fuelled the formation core with some of his Rank Three Spirit Stones and activated it. In less than an instant, some kind of dome spread around the area, connecting to seven different spots on the valley''s borders. Those were the Concealing Formation''s supporting structures.


    Soon after, that dome seemed to turn hazy until it finally disappeared. If one looked from the inside, one would be able to see the sky without any issues. However, those who looked from the outside would only see a valley covered in mist that prevented Spiritual Senses from entering.


    Roan then flew high up in the sky until he escaped the concealing formation to try it out. His Spiritual Sense spread outward soon after, trying to penetrate the formation. Sure enough, it wasn''t possible. He couldn''t see anything with his eyes. Even his Spiritual Sense couldn''t pass through it. "This is quite a strong formation. This isn''t an Earth Level Formation, right?" Roan asked through the twins'' soul connection.


    "Exactly!" Rean answered straight away with a smile. "When I got to the peak of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, my Spiritual Energy pool already had as much energy as a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. That being said, I was able to take another step forward and draw a Heaven Level Formation. Now that I''m in the Nascent Soul Realm for real, it''s just an easier task for me."


    Rean had received training from Droman back in the Dalamu Sect, who was already a Heaven Level Formation Master. Palaris was obviously at the same level. Not to mention that the Soul Rulers had the most extensive Formation Master Repository in the world, which Rean got full access to. It went without saying that Rean had all the necessary conditions to enter the Heaven Level as a Formation Master.


    Roan, of course, was satisfied with that. "That''s good, then. I guess the only risk would be the so-called Blue Luan, depending on how strong that demon beast''s Spiritual Sense is." The fact that a Stage Six Demon Beast even lived in this place was already unexpected, so they couldn''t do much about it.


    Kentucky then flew out of the valley and looked around, saying, "This is very good. It''s an amazing place for flying around." He then got an idea as he suggested, "Why don''t we put Celis at the center of the valley? With Rean''s formation and the valley''s profundity, it should just be enough for Celis to grow his roots."


    Roan pondered over it for a bit before nodding. "Alright. But we''ll need him to leave some of his saplings inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to nurture the herb garden I intend to make."


    Celis, who was listening to the conversation inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, immediately agreed with the idea. "That''s great! Because I detached myself from my saplings around the world, they''ve all withered away by now," he responded, excited. "I can''t divide my mind to control as many saplings as before, but it''s definitely enough for a dimensional realm spanning 40 kilometers in diameter."


    Following that, thirteen buds began to grow out of Celis''s branches. After that, they shot out like bullets, flying all around the Dimensional Realm before piercing through the ground. Not long after, Spiritual Energy began to gather around the places those buds landed on as they began to take root and grow.


    Seeing that, Celis was satisfied. "It''s done. It''ll take a few months before they grow old enough to help with the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s development. However, it should be enough since your own herb garden will probably take even longer to develop."


    Roan agreed with Celis before he flew back into the formation. However, he warned Kentucky to stay outside. "Kentucky, don''t come inside yet. There''s no protection formation preventing the other Stage Five Demon Beasts from barging inside, so you need to stop them before they try and enter." That was the only method they could use at the moment.


    Kentucky wanted to go back so that he and Celis could continue to build his nest. Unfortunately, he knew that Roan was right. With that, he responded with a sigh, "Sigh...fine.  Make sure to tell Rean to be quick."


    Kentucky then flew even higher as he took the opportunity to check his own territory in detail.


    Back inside the Concealing Formation, Rean waited for Roan to get back before bringing all the other kids out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    *Vup, vup, vup, vup...*


    In just a minute, all the 3589 kids had appeared outside. Fortunately, with Celis''s disappearance, the world recovered its warmth, so although it was a little chilly, it wasn''t an unbearable temperature.


    "I''m cold..."


    "I want Uncle Dian!"


    "Uwahhhh!"


    "What is this place?"


    "Why did the uncle and aunt Zasfins disappear?"


    Sure enough, it was still a chaotic situation. Most of the kids truly believed the Zasfins of the Soul Rulers'' headquarters, so they still missed them and didn''t want to believe they were just considered resources.


    Roan then looked at Malo''s group and told them, "Now, it''s all up to you to take care of them. Of course, we''ll help you during the first few months, teaching you all you need to know. Your first mission is to create several groups with a hundred or so kids, having each one of you as their leader. All of you are the oldest kids here, so you need to take care of the young ones, especially the babies."


    Malo and the others still felt overwhelmed, though. After all, it had only been just a few hours since Roan brought them outside as well.


    Soon, a bright white light came out of Rean''s hands and covered Malo''s group. In just a few seconds, all the wounds caused by Roan''s training disappeared. "You don''t need to be afraid of getting hurt as long as I''m here. Just focus on your tasks, okay? Go ahead. Your little brothers and sisters need you. As the oldest siblings, it is your mission to help them."


    Rean, as always, was a lot more gentle, which made the older kids trust him a lot more than the cold Roan.


    Malo then gritted his teeth and nodded as he said to the others, "A-Alright. Poliana, Falas, Wataba, Glennie, and everyone else. Let''s separate everyone."


    Following Malo''s lead, the 32 kids that would become the leaders began to organize the younger ones. Of course, neither Rean nor Roan expected it to work well. After all, they were just too young to have such a high level of organization. Nevertheless, they still needed to start working on it, so it was a good opportunity.


    The entire process took over three hours, and it was done very clumsily. Rean and Roan had to intervene several times as fights between the kids would happen every now and then. However, Roan scared these kids so badly that they wouldn''t dare to cause problems again. In this specific point, Roan was still the best choice for control, while Rean was the kids'' soothing light.


    Roan nodded as he looked at the separated groups and said, "Very good." Roan then looked at everyone''s appearance and pointed at the river running through the valley, telling them, "Now, it''s bath time. All of you, head to the river."


    Rean then looked at three specific groups of kids. In those groups, there were just thirty kids who were all about eight years old. As for the rest, they were all babies of two years of age or less, too young to take care of themselves. Those three groups had only one responsibility, which was to raise the young ones. As for the ones leading those groups, they were Poliana, Falas, and Glennie, three of the five twelve-year-olds available.


    "Poliana, Falas, Glennie. You three have the most important job, which is to take care of these babies. You can leave all the rest of the work to the other kids. Just make sure you treat them well. Their lives are literally on your hands," Rean said with a serious expression. "As for food and other things, I''ll arrange them all."


    The three girls nodded in response, knowing that Rean put them in charge because of the difficulty of this task. Once again, Rean''s group didn''t expect them to do a good job at first. It would take a very long time until they got used to it. Nevertheless, it was still a start.


    When the first kid arrived at the river, he couldn''t help but complain, "It''s too cold! I don''t wanna enter it."


    Only then did Rean remember that the ice at the top of the mountains surrounding the valley would take much longer to melt if they melted at all. Naturally, the river they filled up would be very cold. Especially since it was a frozen river in the past.


    "Alright, everyone. Stay by the river''s side. I''ll take care of it," Rean said that as he flew to the border of the river where there were no kids. Using his power, Rean excavated a pond before connecting it to the river so that it would be constantly filled with water. Following that, he took a few materials from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and made a double-layered formation. One of them was a Spiritual Energy Gathering, while the other was a simple Circuitry Heating Formation. That way, the water in that pond would always be around 30 or so degrees.


    Naturally, all the kids were amazed by Rean''s display of strength. Not to mention that taking a bath in hot water was much better.


    And just like that, the lives of the kids and the twins'' group in the valley started.

 Chapter 707 - Visit

    As the kids occupied themselves in the pond, Roan headed to an open area at the bottom of the valley, looking for a good place. Thankfully, it wasn''t hard to find since, until some time ago, the entire place was also covered by ice and snow, so once it all melted, only clear terrain remained.


    "This will do." Roan then focused on his control over the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm before sending Celis out. Celis then fell on the ground as his roots immediately pierced through the surface. They couldn''t go that deep anymore because of his cultivation, but it was still deep enough for his own cultivation.


    "Very good. Let me check the surroundings," Celis said before using his Spiritual Sense, which had an easier time passing through the ground to analyze the field. "Alright, I''ve spread my roots around the valley up to the mountains. I stopped just a few meters away from the Spiritual Sense Protection Formation."


    Without anyone noticing, most of the Spiritual Energy hundreds of kilometers around the valley and the mountains surrounding it began to be pulled in the valley''s direction. "With this, I should be able to raise the concentration of Spiritual Energy of the valley to around the density of Rank Three Spirit Stones."


    Roan nodded and then asked, "That''s good. However, wouldn''t it attract the attention of the other Stage Five Demon Beasts?"


    Celis disagreed, saying, "No. I''m not sucking almost everything as I did back then in the Soul Rulers'' territory. First of all, my roots aren''t strong enough to reach that level anyway. At the moment, I can only bring around 20% of it to the valley. That shouldn''t be enough for anyone to feel that much difference. All the Stage Five Demon Beasts would most likely think that this is just a side effect of the sudden change of the environment. Not to mention that this is our territory, so they wouldn''t care."


    Roan was satisfied with that answer. "What about the Spirit Vein in that cave? Does it have any use for you?"


    "Not really. Considering my own ability as a World Swallowing Cedar, you could say that I''m a Spirit Vein myself. The Spirit Vein in this mountain has a similar power to the Spiritual Energy I''m providing to the valley." Celis then thought about something else as he said, "Oh, right! Instead of having Sister Orb absorb the outside world''s Spiritual Energy, why don''t you move that Spirit Vein into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm? At the moment, the Dimensional Realm''s own ability to generate Spiritual Energy isn''t even at the density of a Rank One Spirit Stone. That should alleviate the burden on the System itself."


    Roan had to admit it was a good idea, though he soon asked, "Indeed. But wouldn''t the Spirit Vein be damaged if we move it away?"


    "In normal circumstances, it would. However, did you forget that I''m a Demon Tree? Spirit Veins are very similar to me and even have a chance of gaining sentience one day. Of course, such a thing is extremely rare, and it''s highly likely that we wouldn''t even be able to see one," Celis answered as he explained. "Anyways, I can use my roots to separate the vein from the mountain without damaging it. You just need to prepare a good place in the Dimensional Realm for it."


    Roan didn''t even think twice as he replied, "Leave it to me, then. With your saplings and the Spirit Vein, I''m sure the herb garden in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm would turn out perfect."


    Celis laughed in response, saying soon after, "That''s not all. The Spirit Vein will nurture the land, just like my saplings. That means the development of the Dimensional Realm as an individual atmosphere will definitely speed up."


    With that said, Roan and Celis immediately began to work.


    Back on Rean''s side, he was left alone to command all the kids. "Sigh...this isn''t working out. We''re lacking in helping hands."


    Sister Orb then gave him an idea. [In that case, why don''t you head to one of those tribes outside and take a few of their adult human slaves? I''m pretty sure they''ll love to know that they can live an easier life here.]


    "Hmm..." Rean pondered over Sister Orb''s words. "That might really work. We did pass through some small and big tribes on our way here. If I bring Kentucky together with me, perhaps we can be back in just a few hours."


    Roan, who heard the conversation through the Soul Connection, decided to intervene, saying, "It''s fine if you want to go out and bring a few adult humans. However, don''t bring Kentucky with you. Just head out alone. Kentucky''s watching over the valley to prevent any Stage Five Demon Beast or higher from approaching."


    Rean didn''t mind as he shrugged his shoulders in response. "Sure. That just means I''ll take a few more hours to go there and come back. Will you be fine if I leave the rest in your hands?"


    Roan nodded, responding, "Obviously. I can also use Light Element to heal the kids in case something happens to them. In any case, the older kids can still do some simple work like taking care of the younger ones."


    Rean didn''t continue the conversation as he took flight right after, asking sometime later, "Alright, how many adults would we need?"


    Roan pondered over the question for a bit as he felt Rean flying away through their connection. "I don''t want to take any risks, so bring around ten or so. Also, focus on those without any attachments so that they won''t think about running away later."


    "Very well." Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense bending skill then activated around his body as he headed high up in the skies. In the very next moment, he selected a direction before zooming at breakneck speeds.


    Roan then spread his Spiritual Sense to watch over the kids as he and Celis worked on the Spirit Vein. On Sister Orb''s side, Roan asked her to select the best place to put the Spirit Vein once they finished extracting it from the ground.


    Everything went well for the next hour or so when out of nowhere, Kentucky entered the Spiritual Sense Concealing Formation for a moment to warn Roan, ''We have company." After that, he left again.


    Roan, of course, immediately stopped everything and headed out of the protection formation as well.


    In the end, the Demon Bull was right. The news about a new Stage Five Demon Beast taking his territory spread quickly, and the others who were in nearby territories came to check.

 Chapter 708 - Thats A Secret

    As soon as Roan arrived outside of the Spiritual Sense Protection Formation, he saw three Demon Beasts floating in the air in front of Kentucky. Like cultivators in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm and above, Demon beasts can also fly independently of their race at Stage Five.


    At the moment, there was a black wolf with two horns, a snake with blue scales and three eyes, and a green-colored demon bird with four wings.  The first one was a Shadow Splitter Wolf, which was not so rare on this planet. The second one was a Streak Python. As for the last one, it was a Wind Sazan, also quite common like the Shadow Splitter Wolf in the Tribes'' Zone. Of course, these beasts at the Stage Five level were very rare nonetheless.


    Roan then approached Kentucky and bowed before asking, "Master, do you need my help?"


    Kentucky, knowing that Roan was acting like before, snorted as he responded, "Hmph! Do I look like someone who needs help?"


    The demon beasts in front were taken aback by that scene. "So, that idiot bull was saying the truth, huh?" the black wolf said as he looked at Roan''s respectful expression.


    Hearing that, Kentucky said, "What do you want? I got this territory from a proper fight. If you want to take it, you''ll have to pass over me first." Kentucky kept his overbearing act, not showing any fear from the disadvantage in numbers.


    However, the Wind Sazan shook its head as he replied, "We didn''t come here to fight you. First of all, only weak demon beasts would need the help of others in their own fights. That being said, we wouldn''t gang up on you unless there was a good reason for it."


    The Streak Python nodded, continuing where the previous one left off. "The Wind Sazan''s words aren''t lies. We only came to verify whether the idiot bull was telling the truth or not. However, after seeing this human''s behavior towards you, we can only believe in it."


    Kentucky couldn''t help but say in response, "Isn''t that obvious? If I got a Zasfin, then it was fine to doubt whether or not he was my slave. However, this is just a human. Do you think I would submit to something like that? It was only out of convenience that I helped this thing reach the Nascent Soul Realm." Kentucky then looked at Roan before asking, "Isn''t that right, idiot?"


    Roan suppressed the urge to kick Kentucky as he nodded, responding, "Yes, Master. Thank you for keeping me alive."


    Kentucky was satisfied with that answer, saying, "That''s good." After that, he turned his attention to the demon beasts and asked, "So, is there anything you want to do? To be honest, that demon bull was just too weak. He lost in just a single exchange. If some of you don''t mind, I would be very happy to do some sparring."


    The three demon beasts then looked at each other after that. They heard from the Demon Bull that it had lost in a single strike. However, they doubted that. Nevertheless, seeing Kentucky talk with such confidence made them have second thoughts.


    Nevertheless, they were still demon beasts. Since Kentucky challenged them, how could they step back? Demon beasts had always been very prideful, and it wouldn''t change even now.


    "Oh, I like your spirit," the Shadow Splitter Wolf said in response to Kentucky''s words. "In that case, let me see what you''re capable of."


    Kentucky smiled and immediately flew back to the ground as he soon said, "Good. In that case, I''ll give you the ground advantage. I''m a demon bird, after all. If I fought you in the air, it would be too much of a handicap for you."


    The wolf''s mouth twitched after hearing that. That was the same as saying that Kentucky could win on the ground where he was at a disadvantage. "Hmph! If you want to get hurt that badly, then let me fulfill your wish."


    The Streak Python and the Wind Sazan looked at each other for a moment. The wolf was obviously better on the ground, so it was a good chance to see Kentucky''s power. That being said, they decided not to intervene and see what would happen before making any move. Besides, even if Roan was a slave, he was still in the Nascent Soul Realm, so he could at least bother them for a while.


    Well, the truth was that Kentucky already fought head-on against the Demon Bull, who had greater raw strength than the Shadow Splitter Wolf. If even the Demon Bull couldn''t break through Kentucky''s defense, then let alone the wolf.


    *Arrrrgh!*


    The wolf was much faster, so he was able to last longer than the Demon Bull. In any case, Kentucky was just too strong against other demon beasts of the same level. In the end, the wolf was taken by surprise by one of Kentucky''s attacks before receiving quite a few serious injuries. With that, he hastily shouted, "I...I give up."


    Kentucky smiled as he flew in the air again. He had no intention to kill the wolf from the very start. "You were weaker than the bull but lasted longer, so it was quite fun." Kentucky then looked at the other two before asking, "I still have a lot of energy remaining. Do any of you two want to give it a try?"


    The Streak Phyton and the Wind Sazan immediately shook their heads as one of them replied, "As demon beasts, we wouldn''t usually refuse a challenge. However, the disparity in power between you and us is just too big. There is a difference between being brave and being an idiot. Fighting you would obviously be the second option."


    Kentucky didn''t mind that, saying in response, "Well, it''s up to you. In any case, this valley is mine now. So, don''t try to enter it without my permission."


    The three demon beasts nodded after hearing that. However, they still didn''t leave as their tasks here weren''t finished yet. "That''s fine. Still, we didn''t come here just to pay you a visit."


    Kentucky put on a puzzled look as he asked in response, "What else do you need?"


    The three demon beasts looked at each other for a moment before nodding. Soon, one of them answered, "The Blue Luan heard that you got two Nascent Soul humans as slaves. He wants to know how he can get a few of them himself."


    Kentucky was taken aback for a moment by that. Those guys were obviously talking about the Stage Six Demon Beast, the only one capable of threatening his group in this place. Though, not long after, Kentucky received a Spiritual Sense Message from Roan, telling him what to say.


    "Isn''t that obvious?" Kentucky then pointed at Roan and explained, "Look at his neck. I''m also using those slave collars to control him, just like the Zasfins did. It was quite expensive, but it''s worth the price once you make them work for you for as long as they did for me." Sure enough, those fake slave collars came in handy once again.


    "So, that''s how it is..." The injured wolf nodded before asking something else. "However, aren''t you afraid of him breaking out of it and attacking you at some point?"


    Kentucky shook his head in response as he replied, "Nope. After all, I''m too strong. Hahaha!"


    If the ones in front of him were Zasfins or humans, they would think Kentucky was getting ahead of himself. However, they were all demon beasts, and the mighty was right in their world. Kentucky''s actions were well within how a demon beast should behave.


    "Alright, last thing. What race are you from?" And with that, the question that puzzled everyone there came out.


    "That''s a secret. Hahaha!" Too bad Kentucky had no intention of answering it at all.

 Chapter 709 - Selecting

    Those demon beasts couldn''t force Kentucky to tell them, so they were forced to ignore it.


    It was then that another voice echoed in their minds, saying, "I told you he was strong, didn''t I?"


    From a distance, an enormous Demon Bull came flying in their direction. The other demon beasts nodded, not doubting him anymore. "Indeed. He''s truly strong. No wonder you told us to be careful," the Shadow Splitter Bull responded.


    Kentucky looked at the Demon Bull and said, "So, it was you who told them to come?"


    "Yes," the bull confirmed. "That was the fastest way to spread the news that you took over my territory. Once the others hear that you defeated both me and Blacky there, they won''t come and find a problem with you anymore."


    "Who the hell is Blacky?" the wolf snarled as he looked at the Demon Bull with a dark expression.


    "Hmph! And who were you calling idiot bull?" Sadly for the wolf, the bull didn''t show the least bit of respect either.


    Kentucky, on the other hand, didn''t care too much about it. "Alright, that''s enough. If you guys have nothing else to talk about, you can head back to your own territories. I''m busy building my new nest in the valley." This part wasn''t a lie.


    Nevertheless, the Demon Bull couldn''t help but ask, "Just one thing. Why do I feel like the Spiritual Energy here had suddenly decreased?"


    Kentucky shrugged his shoulders, saying, "How the hell would I know? The world has been going through these changes everywhere. I came from quite far away, but the same thing''s happening in other locations. All I know is that this amount of Spiritual Energy is still many times higher than what we had in the past, so I don''t care."


    The other demon beasts had to admit that Kentucky was right. "Well, we all hope that this isn''t a temporary thing. Anyways, let''s go. Our new friend here has his own things to do." After that, the four demon beasts turned around and left.


    Kentucky and Roan sighed in relief after seeing them leave. The only issue for them would be if they decided to forcefully enter the valley. It still didn''t have a protection formation, and it would take quite some time for Rean to add one capable of blocking Stage Five Demon Beasts. That''s why Rean didn''t even try making one yet.


    Roan then looked at Kentucky and said, "I''m going back to continue working. Stay out here and keep observing. Although it seems like there won''t be others coming, we better be safe."


    Of course, Kentucky felt somewhat annoyed by that. "And here I thought I could finally go back and build my nest..." Nevertheless, he knew Roan was right. "Alright, I''ll tell you if someone appears."


    Roan nodded after that before heading back into the valley.


    Far away, the wolf, python, and bird had separated from the Demon Bull and flew into the distance. Along the way, they looked at each other before the Wind Sazan spoke, "We need to report this to the Blue Luan."


    The Shadow Splliter Wolf nodded as he pondered over something else, asking, "Do you think that Demon Bird is also a Divine Demon Beast?"


    The Streak Python and Wind Sazan narrowed their eyes as one of them replied, "We don''t know. However, he''s just in the Initial Stage Five level. As for us, we''re all in the Middle Stage Five level. Nonetheless, I don''t believe we could win against him even if we three fought against him at once. And that''s already considering that his slave won''t help."


    The Streak Python nodded in response to the Sazan''s words as he continued where he left off. "Correct. That''s not the type of power a simple demon beast would be able to show, especially when it has lower cultivation. We definitely need to report it to the Blue Luan."


    The three nodded their heads in agreement before increasing their speed, soon disappearing in the distance.


    Back on Rean''s side, several hours had passed. Because he wasn''t with Kentucky, he took a lot longer to leave the Koran Forest. "Hmm...if I''m not wrong, I saw a small tribe around 100 kilometers away from here." Rean then used the landscape as his guide before darting forward.


    Sure enough, it didn''t take long for him to find the tribe his group passed by along their way to Koran Forest. Rean then spread his Spiritual Sense inside, trying to see if there was anyone able to feel it. After all, his Spiritual Sense could still be detected even if others couldn''t detect his body with the same method. It''s only that the other side would need to have a similar cultivation level to Rean.


    Soon, a picture of the entire tribe entered Rean''s head, which showed the cultivation of everyone present. ''Hmm? I hadn''t noticed it before because Roan, Kentucky, and I refrained from spreading our Spiritual Senses. However, even the humans here have cultivation.''


    The tribe had over 30 thousand members. Of course, in a place like the Tribes'' Zone, it was still considered a small tribe. Otherwise, how could such a place with no real controlling powers defend itself against the invading empire for so long?


    In the middle of the tribe, most humans were in the Body Transformation Realm, but quite a few were in the Energy Gathering Realm. Rean even saw three humans in the Foundation Establishment Realm. Considering how humans were treated and the incredible lack of Spiritual Energy of the planet just a little while ago, those were impressive achievements for humans.


    ''Well, the Zasfins are obviously the ones leading the tribe. I can even see three at the Core Formation Realm. As for Foundation Establishment Zasfins, there are more than thirty. Not to mention that all the humans in the Energy Gathering Realm and above still have slave collars,'' Rean thought as he paid attention to everything.


    Humans were still humans. In the entire tribe, they made up around 30% of the population, but they were responsible for all the menial tasks. Rean decided to ignore the humans at the Energy Gathering Realm and above. After all, they might cause problems for the kids in the future. He mainly focused on the humans who seemed to be oppressed and had the lowest cultivations.


    Above all, Rean had one last criterion. The humans he selected still had to have some life in their faces. They couldn''t be like the others, who looked just like zombies who had lost the will to fight against their fate. That wouldn''t be of any help for what Rean''s group was trying to achieve.

 Chapter 710 - Capturing

    Suddenly, Rean noticed that a small commotion was happening on one of the corners of the tribe. He focused his Spiritual Sense there, just in time to see a few Zasfins rushing out of the tribe walls in pursuit of a shadow in the distance.


    "It''s that idiot again! Catch him!"


    "I''m going to break all his bones this time!"


    "First of all, who the hell let him escape again? Whoever was taking care of the farm this time around will definitely receive a beating."


    The shadow in the distance saw the Zasfins quickly approaching him. However, he gritted his teeth and tried to run even faster. One could see many scars on his body. In fact, he even limped a little due to some old injuries. Nevertheless, he kept running despite the threats. It was obvious that he wouldn''t be able to escape, but he didn''t give up. "So what if you break all my bones? That only means I''ll die. At the very least, you''ll just lose a slave to work. Hahaha!"


    Rean couldn''t help but smile after hearing that. He became a bit curious as to how far the man would go, so he followed him close while keeping his Light and Spiritual Sense bending skill active. He even deliberately put a few obstacles on the man''s front, making him trip and slow down even more. Of course, neither the man nor the Zasfins behind him found it strange, only thinking that the man was unlucky.


    He didn''t stop running, though. He would get up and charge forward every single time. There was fear in his eyes, but the hatred inside it was much bigger. Even if he couldn''t escape, he would make it as hard as possible for the Zasfins in pursuit.


    Eventually, a voice echoed in the limping man''s ears, saying, "Very good. You will be the first one."


    Before he even had a chance to say anything, his body flew up in the air, shooting toward the skies. Obviously, the man was frightened by that view as he looked back, thinking that the Zasfins did it to him. Too bad for him since he was wrong. He immediately saw the Zasfins stop in the position he was just a moment ago, looking everywhere.


    "Where did he go?"


    "He was here just now!"


    "I don''t understand. He simply disappeared right in front of my eyes."


    "Did he trick us to come here?"


    "What else could it be? Quick, spread out! He couldn''t have gone too far!"


    Only then did the man notice that the Zasfins had nothing to do with it. "What''s happening here? I''m right above their heads. Why can''t they see me? Also, how the hell am I flying?!"


    "That''s because I''m holding you with my Spiritual Energy," a white-haired young man replied to his question, who suddenly appeared by his side like a ghost.


    "Ah!" As expected, the man was frightened by the guy''s sudden appearance. "Wh-who are you?"


    Rean smiled at him as he patted his shoulder. Following that, a burst of white light came from Rean''s hands and entered the man''s body, quickly healing all his injuries, even the old ones that he thought he would need to pass his life with. "Me? I''m a human, just like you."


    The man was shocked to hear that...well, more like just shocked overall. First off, it was because he heard the word human from that guy. Second, his body had never felt so good before since he was a kid and was put to work. "This...are you here to capture me?"


    Rean nodded, saying, "Well, that''s not wrong. I''m in need of a few adults that could take care of a bunch of human kids. How about it? Are you interested in the job?"


    Naturally, the man was even more puzzled as Rean explained his purpose for capturing him. "What are you talking about?"


    Rean laughed in response, shaking his head as he said, "Hahaha! It''s fine, it''s fine. You''ll understand later. At the moment, all you need to know is that I can give you a much better life than what you have here."


    As overwhelmed as the man could be, he wasn''t in a hurry. He tried to calm down first and then said, "So basically, I''ll become your slave instead of those guys, right? Hmph! No need! Put me down."


    Rean looked at the young man with surprise as he said, "Now, that''s a surprise. I thought you would take the first opportunity to leave this place even if it was somewhat suspicious."


    "Somewhat?" The man''s mouth twitched as he responded with a question, "Is there anything in this situation that isn''t extremely suspicious?"


    Rean had to admit the man was right. "Well, that''s true. Anyway, I don''t want to make you my slave. I''m a human, too, after all. I''ll explain everything later, and if you want to leave, I won''t stop you. How about it? Would you at least give it a chance?"


    The man narrowed his eyes in response. But as he looked at the Zasfins scattered below, he knew that he wouldn''t have a chance to escape if he was left here. "I''m warning you. I didn''t submit to them, and I''m definitely not doing submitting to you."


    "Fine by me," Rean said as he shrugged his shoulders with a smile. "By the way, I still need nineteen or so people. That''s why I''m here. Do you know anyone like you in this tribe?"


    The man couldn''t help but ask, "Like me? What do you mean?"


    "Simple. I need people who are unwilling to submit to the Zasfins. I have no need for those who gave up on their fates because they''re slaves, so those don''t count. Also, they must not have high cultivations. Anyone at the Energy Gathering Realm and above is out of the question. Oh, right! I would need at least half of them to be women since they''re better at taking care of kids," Rean answered as he explained.


    Not knowing whether or not to trust Rean, the man went silent for a few minutes. However, Rean didn''t rush him and waited. Eventually, a look of determination appeared on his face as he pointed at the tribe, saying, "I don''t know all the humans in the tribe, but I do know a few who think like me. However, let alone nineteen, there are only three or four of them."


    Rean smiled after hearing that, saying, "That''s enough. They might know more as well. Show me the way."

 Chapter 711 - Im Looking Forward To It

    "By the way, what''s your name?" Rean asked, noticing that he still didn''t know this man''s name.


    The man looked at Rean with a face showing that he still didn''t trust Rean that much. Nevertheless, he answered his question. "You can call me Burio."


    "Alright, Burio. As I mentioned, I need people who haven''t given up on their fates and who don''t have attachments to this tribe," Rean explained one more time.


    That day in the tribe, humans disappeared from every corner. All of them had something in common as well. They were usually the cause of trouble, with some of them always being punished. As Rean took them one by one, he found out that a few were already dead, just that the others didn''t know about it. None of them were surprised, though. Humans were just slaves. If they didn''t work at all and kept trying to escape, what could they be used for?


    Unfortunately, Rean didn''t find everyone he needed. Not that there were any more humans unwilling to serve the Zasfins, but because they also had families and friends that they didn''t want to leave behind. Rean couldn''t bring the rest with him since it might turn into an issue back in the valley. Of the extra nineteen that Rean requested, only another five fulfilled the criteria. He had found ten of them, but four decided that they didn''t want to go for whatever reason. Another problem was that it was easier to find men willing to leave than women, but Rean wanted women since it would be easier to take care of kids.


    Without any other choice, Rean took flight and headed in the direction of another tribe with the six humans in hand. Well, he was using his Spiritual Energy to hold them, though. Rean refrained from passing by any medium or big tribe, even if they were rarer. He only paid visits to small ones.


    In the end, Rean finished gathering the humans he needed after visiting the fourth tribe, which was quite far away from Koran Forest. In any case, he was satisfied. Of the twenty people, Rean got fourteen women and six men. "Alright, everyone. I have all twenty of you, so we''re heading back to my dwelling now."


    Burio, who was the first to be picked up by Rean, couldn''t help but ask, "Where''s your home? Is it some other tribe? Is there a human tribe that we didn''t know?"


    Rean shook his head, answering, "No. My dwelling is in the Koran Forest''s Core Region."


    Immediately, everyone''s eyes changed as one of them responded, "That''s the Demon Beast territories! Are you crazy? Not even the Zasfin chiefs dare to head into the core region without reason."


    "Hahaha!" Rean laughed out loud when he heard that, replying, "That''s exactly why it''s there. That''s a place where almost no Zasfins will get close." Rean then smiled, continuing, "Don''t worry. Everything has already been prepared. I won''t say that there are absolutely no risks, but it''s probably safer than the tribes you''ve lived in."


    Everyone looked at each other, obviously with multiple doubts. Nonetheless, they already accepted coming with Rean, so they decided to give it a chance. Besides, seeing a human with so much strength as Rean was more than enough to provide them with some hope.


    Due to the fact that Rean had to pass by four tribes, his journey took a total of two days to finish. Fortunately, he wasn''t afraid of entering the Demon Beast region since he had his skills. That being said, he returned to the valley without any issues on the way.


    Burio and the others saw how Rean approached the valley, which was covered by mist.


    *Creeee!*


    Suddenly, all the humans shivered as a black and white big demon bird came flying in their direction. "Shit! We were found out!"


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh, responding to that statement, "Hahaha! Of course, we were. I told him that we''re here."


    "What?!" The humans were taken aback when suddenly, the demon bird stopped in front of Rean.


    "Rean! You''re back." Obviously, that demon bird was Kentucky. "Are these the humans you went out to find?"


    Rean nodded as an idea popped up in his mind "Yeap." Suddenly, he pulled the humans in front of Kentucky and asked, "Are they enough as food for you?"


    Burio and the others were frightened.


    "You tricked us!"


    "Let us down!"


    "I curse you!"


    "How can you do it with other humans?!"


    Kentucky, who received a Spiritual Sense from Rean, immediately nodded, saying, "They should suffice. I''ve been hungry for an entire day already. There are no better delicacies than human flesh." Kentucky then opened his mouth as he approached Burio at the very front.


    Just as Burio thought that his life was coming to an end, Kentucky couldn''t hold back anymore and started to laugh out loud. "Hahaha! Sorry, Rean. I can''t. I just can''t. Hahahaha! This is too funny!"


    Ran, of course, laughed even more. "Hahaha! Come on, you were doing so well. Hahahahaha!"


    The humans were taken aback when out of nowhere, Rean threw all of them on Kentucky''s back as he apologized, "Don''t worry, everyone. We were just playing with you." Rean then pointed at Kentucky under them before saying, "His name''s Kentucky, one of my best friends. Oh, right. Girls, be careful. He''s quite a perverted bird who loves breasts."


    "Shut up, Rean!" Kentucky couldn''t help but retort after that.


    The humans didn''t know what to say as Kentucky made his way into the valley. At first, the mist was too thick to see anything. However, it suddenly disappeared as if it had never been there. Not only that, but when the humans looked back, they noticed that they could see the sky again. The mist was nowhere to be seen anymore.


    "Such a magical thing..." Burio muttered, forgetting for a moment the prank that Rean and Kentucky did.


    "Hey, look!" A woman called Solan pointed to the valley''s center as she said, "There really are a lot of kids."


    Everyone looked in the direction Solan pointed at, and sure enough, they saw the over three thousand kids there. "Rean wasn''t lying... it seems."


    Rean nodded, responding, "I wasn''t. I really need adults to take care of the kids. Don''t worry, it won''t be for free. As long as you''re here, you will also be able to cultivate. To be honest, I''m actually looking forward to it."

 Chapter 712 - Organizing

    At the center of the crowd of kids, Roan stood in midair, looking at the kids over eight years old working on the houses. As he mentioned before, the kids would have to work on it by themselves as a way of training. Of course, they were all very clumsy and couldn''t deal with the workload very well. Many cried, complained, and tried to escape.


    Unfortunately for them, Roan had Celis nearby. If any of them tried to escape, a root would shoot out of the ground, grab the kid, and put them back to work again. As for the orders, Roan was in the Nascent Soul Realm. He simply used his Spiritual Sense to control all of them.


    Nevertheless, it was obvious that the work would take forever. After all, it wasn''t as if Roan was that good with kids.


    Roan then looked above his head as he saw Rean approaching with the humans he captured. Soon, he asked, "Didn''t I say to only take ten or so?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, responding, "I thought that it wouldn''t be enough. After all, we have over three thousand kids here. Don''t worry. I made sure that none of them had any cultivation or attachments to the tribes they lived in."


    Roan nodded not long after, not minding it too much. Since Rean already brought them here, then he might as well use these people. "Alright, so be it." Soon after, he descended to the ground with Rean and the newcomers. "As you can see, we have a lot of kids here. Your work is very simple. You will be responsible for taking care of them."


    Burio, Solan, and the others were still somewhat at a loss, but they nodded nonetheless. "Sure...but we will be able to cultivate as well, right?"


    Roan nodded as he brought out many manuals. Other than that, he also took out an Aptitude Measuring Orb and an Elemental Affinity Test Orb. Naturally, that was so that he could test their talent and find out which cultivation manual would be the best for each one.


    Roan then looked at everyone and asked, "Who here knows how to read?" In fact, Roan wasn''t expecting anyone to raise their hand. After all, he already knew that these tribes were quite isolated from the rest of the world.


    Surprisingly though, a woman called Kovfei, who seemed to be in her forties, raised her hand and replied, "I was responsible for taking care of the previous chief''s kids of my tribe in the past. I lost my position when the new chief ascended, but I still retained my reading knowledge."


    Roan was more than satisfied by that as he said, "Excellent. You''ll be responsible for teaching the others here how to write and read. You can think over the best schedule for everyone as well. That being said, you don''t need to pay attention to the kids until you finish teaching all the adults."


    Roan then took a few Spirit Stones out and threw them at the adults before continuing, "You won''t go unrewarded. The faster you all finish learning, the more Spirit Stones you''ll get. However, I''m only giving you one month to finish. For those who take longer than that to learn, expect the proper punishment."


    Burio narrowed his eyes and muttered, "So, we will also be treated like slaves here, huh?"


    Rean patted his shoulder as he shook his head, responding with a bitter smile, "Of course not. Roan''s punishment couldn''t possibly be as gentle as the punishment a slave gets back at your tribes. It''s a lot more terrifying."


    Burio''s mouth twitched as he responded, "Was I supposed to be happy with that?"


    It was then that Burio and the others saw a trembling Demon Bird by their side. Obviously, it was Kentucky, trying his best to comfort them. "He-hehe...do-don''t worry. Yo-yo-you wo-wo-wo-won''t die."


    Just what kind of terrifying memories did they just trigger to make a Stage Five Demon Beast that scared?!


    Roan snorted in response, saying, "You better crack your heads to learn from her as fast as possible. But before that, come forward and touch the crystals. I need to know how much aptitude you have."


    Burio and the others swallowed some of their saliva and began to come forward one by one. Sure enough, they all had average aptitudes. After all, geniuses weren''t easy to find. The best one was at the Yellow Color, with most bring Gray and Brown. The Yellow Color Aptitude was a guy called Sans.


    Following that, they all tested for their Elemental Aptitude. After that, Roan took a look at the cultivation manuals they had and passed each one of them a specific manual. Rean and Roan had quite a lot of them since they copied those manuals from the Dalamu Sect and the Hazel Clan in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters. Of course, only Kovfei could understand what was written there.


    "Cultivation manuals! I''ve only seen the previous chief holding his one once!" Kovfei said as she read through hers.


    Naturally, the others were also excited to hear that those were the real deal. Too bad they couldn''t understand what was written inside. "Kovfei! You need to quickly teach us how to read!"


    *Pah!*


    Kovfei slapped the back of the guy''s head in response. "Quickly, your ass! It took me over a year to become more or less proficient at it. Don''t expect to understand what''s written there anytime soon since many of the terms inside are quite complicated," Kovfei said after she checked her own cultivation technique manual.


    Roan also gave Kovfei a warning, telling her, "You''re prohibited from reading the contents in the cultivation manuals to them. If they want to use them, they''ll have to understand them themselves." Naturally, that was a good way to guarantee that everyone would pay attention to the classes.


    Rean then warned the newcomers after, saying, "However, don''t forget that your work here is to take care of the kids. We''re busy, after all. Make sure you share the workload correctly and don''t leave the kids unsupervised."


    Burio and the others nodded after hearing that. They understood how everything would work. Big rewards for those who work hard, and punishment for those who laze around. They didn''t know how terrifying Roan''s punishments are, but their lives here were better than their previous ones since there were no such things as rewards in their old lives.

 Chapter 713 - We Understand

    Around two weeks had gone by since Rean brought those humans to the settlement. By now, he was about to finish the valley''s protection formation. After all, the protection formation had to be able to hold even those demon beasts at Stage Five, so it wasn''t easy to build, especially one that would cover such a big area like the valley. In Rean''s calculations, even the so-called Stage Six Blue Luan would need quite a few strikes at full power to break it apart.


    ''Great! With Celis'' ability to gather Spiritual Energy in the valley and the Energy Gathering Formations included, the protection formation itself should be able to work without Spirit Stones.'' Rean thought to himself as he built it to be auto-sufficient since they didn''t have that many Spirit Stones to start with.


    Rean then spread his Spiritual Sense and called Celis, who was at the center of the valley. "Celis, I''m going to turn on the formation now. You''ll feel a very big pull of Spiritual Energy at first, so try to keep up with it. This is the moment the formation is charging up. Once it finishes building the layers of protection, the consumption will drop down to near-normal levels again."


    Celis didn''t mind, responding, "Sure thing. I''m ready anytime you are."


    Rean headed to the core right after that, which was placed close to Celis for security measures. Celis was a demon tree, so he didn''t need to move or battle to cultivate. Since he wouldn''t move, he might as well take care of it just in case.


    "There we go!" Rean then stomped his feet on the ground, immediately starting a chain reaction. "The Nine Trigrams Protection Formation, Circuitry Variant, ON!"


    Roan, who was watching it unfold from a distance, couldn''t help but ask, "Was there a need to call out the name?"


    Rean shook his head in response, saying, "Not really, but it was cool, don''t you think?"


    Roan ignored Rean after that, not even bothering to give an answer.


    The Nine  Trigrams Protection Formation was made with eight trigrams on eight different points of the formation, while the last one was located at the core. Unlike the real one, the link between the trigrams was not formed through Spiritual Energy but through Electricity! With that, the amount and speed of information at which the formation worked increased by multiple folds.


    Soon enough, the entire valley was covered by a thin white layer that expanded underground. Rean formed the protection formation with the idea of layering it with the concealing one, covering its existence as well from both eyes and Spiritual Sense.


    "Success!" Rean couldn''t help but feel excited, seeing it working on its first activation. "Celis, how is it? Can you manage the Spiritual Energy consumption?" Rean asked the World Swallowing Cedar right after.


    "The initial pull of Spiritual Energy was quite something, as you mentioned," Celis answered straight away. "However, once the layers of protection finished forming, the consumption also decreased. If it''s just this amount, I can keep it running for basically forever. Not to mention that as time passes, my power will increase, and I''ll be able to gather more Spiritual Energy."


    Rean was very satisfied with that. "Great! I''ll tell Kentucky that he can come down now. No one will be able to enter the valley without us knowing, so there''s no need for him to keep watch."


    Kentucky, who was feeling very bored recently, immediately dived down into the valley as he said, "Finally! Celis and I can continue constructing my nest."


    Rean smiled as he nodded, saying, "Well, that''s up to you. I''m going to check on the kids, so you guys do whatever you want."


    Sometime later, Rean arrived at Roan''s location. Right in front of him, there were queues and queues of kids waiting for their turn to come. At the very front, Burio and the other adults, assisted by Malo and the older kids, were taking care of the procedures. "How is it?"


    Roan knew what Rean was talking about, responding with a solemn expression, "As we thought, these high Soul Purity Kids all have very high talent. The worst among them all have Blue Color Aptitude with at least five orbs of Elemental Affinity."


    Rean nodded, not finding it strange. "These kids were gathered from all around the world, so it makes sense. Soul Purity, in the end, is connected to their own talent as cultivators. At the same time, I think it''s safe to say that there are almost no other humans around the world with a high talent for Soul Power."


    Roan agreed with him, saying, "True. It also helped the Zasfins prevent any talented humans from growing up since they took all of them. Of course, there are also exceptions. It isn''t as if because they have high Spiritual Energy Aptitude and Elemental Affinity that they would have high Soul Purity."


    Rean understood what Roan meant. "Indeed. Considering the size of this world, 3589 kids are not enough to count for all of the Blue and higher-level talents. Simply put, having high Spiritual Energy Aptitude and Elemental Affinity doesn''t mean you have high Soul Purity. However, the opposite definitely happens. Anyone with high Soul Purity definitely has high Spiritual Energy Aptitude and Elemental Affinity."


    As Rean said that, he noticed the looks on the face of Burio and the other adults. Between the twenty adults that Rean brought to help take care of the kids, only one of them had Yellow Color Aptitude while the rest had Brown or below. However, all the kids they were testing here had at least Blue Color. How could they not be shocked?


    Rean then spread his Spiritual Sense and connected to Burio and the others, telling them, "There''s no need for you guys to be worried. You will still gain the same amount of cultivation training as any of these kids. Whatever you achieve in the future will depend on your own efforts. This world isn''t based on talent alone. I can guarantee you that."


    Burio and the others took a deep breath before nodding. Rean wasn''t lying since he saw how Roan treated everyone equally during their own training. Their future prospects weren''t as great as these kids since they were already much older. Nevertheless, with the conditions given to them and everyone else, they could go much further.


    "We understand."

 Chapter 714 - Getting Better

    Under the lead of Burio and Malo''s group, the construction of the houses proceeded without too many issues. Rean created the blueprints and explained to them how they worked. Of course, he created very simple ones so that there wouldn''t be errors.


    Of course, that wasn''t everything that happened. After checking and noting down all their aptitudes, Roan worked on a training routine for all kids so that they could cultivate. In the end, out of the 3589 kids, 2469 had Blue Color Aptitudes with at least five Orbs of Elemental Affinity. Another 957 had Red Color Aptitudes and at least six Orbs of Elemental Affinity. Last but not least, 163 showed Purple Color Aptitudes and seven or more Orbs of Elemental Affinity.


    Among those 163 kids, the five kids at twelve years old were included, which were Malo, Poliana, Falas, Wataba, and Glennie. That pretty much confirmed that the Purple Color ones had the most stable souls. That''s why they still haven''t been sent to turn into Soul Stones since their soul took much longer to reach the chaotic phase where they couldn''t control the Bloodline Trial Formations anymore.


    Chaotic phase. That was one thing that Rean was worried about. From what it looked like, their souls were very close to breaking apart, with Rean seeing many of the kids crying with intense headaches. However, it wasn''t all bad news. Thanks to that, Rean learned to apply Soul Power to his Instant Recovery skill. The fusion of Light Element and Soul Power allowed Rean to enter the realm of Souls, healing them. Not to mention that the power of his Instant Recovery skill also increased for normal flesh wounds. That being said, Rean worked on all the kids with problems, repairing their damage for three days straight.


    With all the issues regarding their Souls resolved, several spaces were cleared so that they could serve as arenas while thousands of wooden weapons were made.  Roan didn''t want to take care of the kids forever, so he worked on making them stronger enough to defend themselves. Every day, one could hear the sounds of kids crying and shouting in these crude arenas.


    Of course, Rean knew that they were all kids, so he put Kentucky and Celis in charge of entertainment. At the end of the day, Kentucky would bring many kids to fly around the valley, while Celis used hundreds of its vines to grab the kids and play around.


    Of course, Celis couldn''t help but ask Rean, "Just why the hell is a Demon Tree like me previously at Stage Nine doing this? If I apply just a little bit of strength, I can crush them all or suck them dry of their blood and flesh. Don''t you think this is the right way to use a World Swallowing Cedar?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said with a smile, "Hey, why don''t you think more positively? All these kids are extremely talented and can possibly become powerhouses in the future. Wouldn''t it be nice to know them all if you need their help one day?"


    "I...guess so?" Celis still had his doubts but decided to leave them aside. It''s not like he can do anything anyway, nor did it impede his cultivation.


    Two months went by as more and more simple wooden houses were erected. The kids began to get used to Roan''s hellish training and were more willing to do so, thanks to Rean''s rewards for their efforts. Kids of a medieval world weren''t hard to please since simple things like candies would do the trick. Under the watch of Burio''s group, they would select which kids performed best during the day, and those ones would get the sweets.


    It was also during these weeks that the talent of the kids truly showed themselves. All of them, with the help of the environment''s Spiritual Energy, entered the Energy Gathering Realm without issues. One must remember that Celis was able to increase the Spiritual Energy in the valley to be equivalent to Rank Three Spirit Stones. The only exceptions were those kids below five years of age. As mentioned back when Rean and Roan reincarnated in the tribe, kids more or less below five years of age couldn''t cultivate even if they wanted to.


    Roan paid special attention to those with Purple Color Aptitudes. Let alone two months. Most of them didn''t even need two weeks to go through all the stages of the Body Transformation, quickly entering the Energy Gathering Realm. Some of the Red and Blue Color Aptitude kids were quite competitive, so they put even more effort just so that they wouldn''t fall behind them. For Roan, that was a very good thing.


    Among those with Purple Talent Color, the ones who stood out were obviously the oldest ones like Malo and company. After all, them being older made them a lot more mature and intelligent. They could grasp things easier and understand the importance of putting in the effort. Above all, they weren''t willing to be captured again so that they would become Soul Stones in the future.


    However, as soon as any of the kids reached the Energy Gathering Realm, their cultivation speed plummeted. Well, it wasn''t as if they were having problems, but it was because Roan explicitly prohibited them from charging through the ranks. As good as their talents were, their future would be cut short if their foundations weren''t stabilized.


    One might think that Roan could help everyone by making Cultivation Stabilizing Pills. However, Roan didn''t even consider doing such a thing when Rean asked him. "Cultivation Stabilizing Pills? Ha! What a joke!" Roan looked at him as if he was an idiot as he said, "Let alone the fact that it would take forever to make enough pills for all these kids, you need to first think about the materials necessary. Can you gather enough materials to concoct tens of thousands of Cultivation Stabilizing Pills? Don''t forget that only one isn''t enough. You need quite a few of them after a breakthrough."


    Roan then pointed at the herb garden he was creating in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm as he continued, "This garden will only be ready in a few years. Also, the herbs there will only be used for you and me. After all, the higher the level of the pill, the harder it is to make, and more failures will happen. Forget about feeding all the kids with it. Besides, they''re already very lucky to have an environment with dense Spiritual Energy."


    Rean had to admit that Roan was right. "Well... I guess I can''t complain. Still, when did you start building that garden?"


    The one who answered that was Celis, responding, "I''m a Demon Tree, remember? I have a very high sensitivity towards plants. All I had to do was have Kentucky bring a few of my seeds around this core region, and I was able to analyze the areas. I then told Roan where most of the rare herbs could be found after that."


    Rean couldn''t help but feel impressed by Celis. "That''s truly an amazing ability." He also understood another point. "Oh! No wonder you and Kentucky have such great synergy and want to be together. While you can feel the presence of rare herbs, Kentucky can feel the presence of rare metals. You simply complement each other way too much."


    Kentucky agreed with Rean, saying, "That''s true. Oh, right! I forgot to tell you that I found a deposit of Heaven-level ores around 1600 kilometers to the north. Well, there''s also the fact that it''s outside our territory, so I didn''t try to get close to it, though."


    Rean''s eyes lit up after hearing that. "Heaven-level ores! That''s great! I have forged another Black Star and White Star for Roan and me, but they''re still in the Earth Peak-Level. All the Heaven-level ores we had in the past have been eaten by you, after all."


    Kentucky then puffed his chest as he replied, "Yes, but thanks to that, I have unparalleled defense! Even Roan has some difficulty cutting through it. If not for those ores, I wouldn''t be as strong." Kentucky truly thought it was a well worth trade. Well, it really was if one thought about how much help Kentucky could provide.


    Roan nodded his head in response, saying, "He''s right. His defense is hard to break through at the moment, even with your White Star. However, I was using Earth Peak-Level equipment. Considering Kentucky''s strength, Earth-level weapons simply won''t do anymore. If not because Rean''s weapons far surpass the level of normal Earth-level equipment, I doubt I could break through his defense without using special means. We should head there and take those ores so that you can forge something better."


    Rean then looked behind as his Spiritual Sense spread through the valley. He saw how Burio and the others were cultivating, training in the arenas, working on the constructions, taking care of the babies, and so on. "I think everything here is more or less organized already, so we should be able to leave for a short while. With Celis fuelling the Protection Formation, none of the Stage Five Demon Beasts should be able to break through it while we''re outside."


    Roan pondered a bit and nodded before looking at Celis and saying, "Very well. Celis, we''ll leave this place on your hands for now."


    Celis didn''t seem to mind. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just go already. My seeds are spread around the core region, so I''ll be able to call you if something happens."


    With that, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky soon departed.

 Chapter 715 - Demon Beast Alliance

    On their way out, Rean couldn''t help but ask Kentucky, "Isn''t it bad for Celis to have his seeds spread outside the valley? What if someone identifies it?"


    Kentucky shook his head as he assured Rean, "It''s fine. His seeds only grow up to become small trees that don''t look any different from other plants. Well, that''s because Celis can control their appearance as he sees fit. In the end, even if someone analyzes it closely, they wouldn''t find anything. Of course, that''s only if Celis doesn''t order them to turn into Spiritual Energy Beacons like what he did for the other powers of the world until now."


    Rean nodded in satisfaction after hearing that. "That''s good, then. Anyways, let''s speed up. It''s only 1600 kilometers away, so we should be able to arrive there in less than one hour with your current speed, Kentucky."


    Kentucky nodded after hearing that. Spiritual Energy soon gathered around his body as white and black flames spread on his wings. He then flapped once, creating a shockwave behind as his body shot forward with Rean and Roan on his back. Soon, they disappeared in the distance. Also, thanks to Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense Bending Skills, no one could see anything.


    The territory that Rean and Roan were planning to visit was controlled by a pair of Ice Salamanders. They were real siblings and helped each other keep their territory protected while sharing the local Spirit Vein, both at the Middle of the Stage Five Level.


    At this moment, their heads were down in front of another demon beast. It had enormous blue wings, even slightly bigger than Kentucky''s. Each feather exuded a crystalline chill that surrounded the entire Demon Bird''s body. If not because of its size, many women would love to have one as their pet due to how beautiful it looked.


    "So, have you found the deposit already?" the Demon Bird asked while it looked at the Salamanders as if they were food. It really used words, not Spiritual Sense, proving that it had already surpassed the Stage Five level.


    ''N-no. We''ve been excavating the entire area for over a year. However, we still have had no luck finding it,'' one of the brothers answered, using Spiritual Sense instead.


    ''Sorry, Gulan. Our territory is over 500 kilometers in radius. Without knowing the specific location of the deposit, we can''t possibly find it anytime soon.'' The other brother also felt helpless from the question.


    As one could imagine, the demon bird called Gulan was none other than the strongest demon beast of the Koran Forest, the Blue Luan. It had received the report about Kentucky''s arrival. However, it hadn''t gone there to see him since it was busy with something else, which was the mineral deposit under the Ice Salamanders'' territory.


    The salamanders didn''t know how, but it seemed like the Blue Luan had a way to tell that such a deposit really existed in their territory. Unfortunately, there''s just so much they could cover together. Also, demon beasts at Stage Four and below were of no help since they didn''t have any intelligence. Even if they found something, they wouldn''t know better to report or not.


    The Blue Luan was afraid of some other power finding it, so it hadn''t left the place ever since. At the very least, with its Stage Six cultivation, it would make others think twice before pissing it off. It wasn''t as if the biggest tribes didn''t have anyone capable of fighting it, but they would definitely need more than a single Soul Transformation Realm cultivator to contend against it.


    In the end, Heaven-level materials were just too rare. The planet had lacked Spiritual Energy for thousands of years. That being said, such precious ore deposits were hard to find, let alone form. If one was found, it would definitely attract many other powers to fight for it. That''s what the Blue Luan didn''t want to happen.


    "Keep looking. I want to find it in at most one more year. If you fail, I can make do with your Demon Cores instead." The Blue Luan''s threat weren''t empty words. It truly had to power to smash the brothers alone.


    ''Yes, Gulan.'' The two Ice Salamanders immediately took flight before leaving the scene.


    The Blue Luan then focused its Spiritual Sense in their territory once again. It tried to use it to find the deposit many times, but it understood that it was too far below for its Spiritual Sense to reach. The more barriers along the way, the weaker a Spiritual Sense became. Spiritual Senses heading underground was obviously one of the best natural barriers.


    However, it was then that it felt something else flying inside its Spiritual Sense. The sense was very faint, almost imperceptible, but it was still there. The Blue Luan''s expression turned dark as it shot forward in the direction of that feeling.


    Rean, of course, noticed the moment another Spiritual Sense touched his Spiritual Sense bending skill. However, when it appeared in his senses, it was already too close for him to order Kentucky to turn back. "Shit! Someone just found our location."


    Roan nodded as he also had the same skill active. Although not as strong as Rean''s, it still had the ability to feel when another Spiritual Sense touched it. "It''s a very strong Spiritual Sense, not something a Nascent Soul or Stage Five Demon Beast can have."


    Kentucky then looked at Rean and Roan before asking, "What should we do then? Should we enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and wait for whatever it is to leave?"


    As always, they didn''t have their Spiritual Sense active since they couldn''t hide it from others. That being said, they didn''t know who was heading towards them. Well, it wasn''t like they didn''t have an idea, though.


    Roan thought it was a good opportunity to test out the Soul Gem System''s rules and decided to try. "Let''s go into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm."


    Rean and Kentucky nodded as the twins tried to enter and push Kentucky inside together. However, nothing happened to them other than a robotic message popping into their mind.


    [Danger detected, access denied.]


    Sure enough, the system wasn''t kidding when it made the new set of rules active. If there was any danger and this danger was aware of the twins'' presence, they wouldn''t be able to enter the Dimensional Realm anymore.


    "As expected, we can''t enter." Roan didn''t seem that worried, though.


    Rean and Kentucky nodded, with Rean saying soon after, "In that case, we might as well spread our Spiritual Sense and take a look. After all, we have already been found."


    The three agreed on that as their Spiritual Sense spread outwards as the bending skill disappeared, revealing their group. Soon after, their Spiritual Sense detected the other side.


    "So that''s the Blue Luan, huh?" Rean muttered as he looked at the blue Demon Bird coming in their direction. "It''s even slightly bigger than Kentucky."


    Kentucky nodded as he replied, "Indeed. Also, his size isn''t just for show. I can tell that he isn''t strong only because of his cultivation. He can definitely fight those at the same level and easily win."


    Following that, the twins and Kentucky received a Spiritual Sense Message as the Blue Luan made its way to their location. ''Who are you? What are you doing in this territory?''


    Rean and Roan then looked at Kentucky, who understood what they meant. Right after, he answered with another Spiritual Sense Message, saying, ''My name is Kentucky. I''m the new demon beast who claimed the Mountain Bull''s territory.''


    Around a minute later, the Blue Luan finally appeared in their vision, not taking long before it stopped in front of them. "So you''re the new guy, huh? Are these two your slaves?" the Blue Luan asked as it looked at Rean and Roan''s slave collars. From the looks of it, those collars were of very high level.


    Kentucky nodded as he noticed the Blue Luan''s thoughts, using his real voice as he answered, "They are. If you want, I can present you with a similar slave collar for you to use in other humans. However, it will only work on humans. Zasfins can use their Soul Power to deactivate it, so it''s useless against them."


    The Blue Luan was taken aback by Kentucky''s answer, responding back in shock, "Wait! You can talk?!"


    Kentucky smiled in response as he replied, "The same way you could back when you were at the Stage Five level. Am I wrong?"


    Rean and Roan were the ones to be surprised this time as they asked Kentucky through a Spiritual Sense. ''Kentucky, is this Blue Luan the real deal? Only a Divine Demon Beast would be able to talk with words at Stage Five, after all.''


    Kentucky slightly nodded as he responded through Spiritual Sense. ''He is. My bloodline is screaming at the moment, unwilling to submit to this guy''s aura. He''s the first demon beast I''ve seen in my life that makes me feel like that. Also, I''m pretty sure he can feel the same thing from me.''


    Sure enough, the Blue Luan quickly understood what was happening. "I failed to recognize you because of this weird crown. After all, I''ve only heard about your race. So you''re a Minokawa, right? Or perhaps a half-breed? No, your bloodline aura is too strong for you to be a half-breed. It''s a mutation, huh?"


    Kentucky didn''t try to hide it as he answered, "Indeed. I have mutated, so you could now say that I''m slightly stronger than I should have been because of that." Kentucky then changed the topic as he asked, "Anyway, you are the first Divine Demon Beast I''ve ever seen other than me. How come you can live in this place without those Zasfins trying to capture you?"


    The Blue Luan couldn''t help but laugh out loud, saying, "Hahaha! Because those idiots wouldn''t dare to go against the Demon Beast Alliance of this planet."


    "Demon Beast Alliance?" This was the first time the twins and Kentucky heard of such a thing.

 Chapter 716 - Test

    The twins'' group weren''t the only ones surprised by it, though. The Blue Luan also found it strange that Kentucky, a Divine Demon Beast like himself, didn''t know of its existence. "Wait! It can''t be that you really don''t know about it, right?"


    Kentucky nodded, responding, "I heard about them, but I''ve never tried to get in contact before and avoided it." Of course, that was all lies.


    Nevertheless, Gulan believed that since he refused to believe that another Divine Demon Beast like himself didn''t know of it. "So, you''re one of those who think you can do everything alone. Well, that''s quite a common thing for demon beasts, let alone Divine ones. However, you should count yourself lucky. It''s because the Demon Beast Alliance exists that the Soul Rulers don''t go all out after you."


    Kentucky snorted in response, saying, "Hmph! Even if they come, they''ll have to pay the price to take me away." As always, Kentucky kept up his overbearing act.


    Gulan laughed in response, though. "Hahaha! With your cultivation, you''re nothing against their top experts. Anyways, forget about it. Whether you want their help or not is not my problem, nor do I care." Gulan''s eyes then narrowed before continuing, "I don''t want to fight another Divine Demon Beast again, so leave this place. This territory is under my control, and I won''t allow you to take anything from it."


    Rean and Roan looked at each other after hearing that as they could imagine why the Blue Luan was saying that. Soon, one of them said to Kentucky through Spiritual Sense, ''Kentucky, ask him if he''s looking for the Heaven-level ore here.''


    Kentucky nodded in response before asking Gulan, "Are you looking for the Heaven-level ore deposit?"


    Gulan''s expression turned dark as soon as he heard those words. "How do you know that? This information shouldn''t have been known by anyone." As he said that, Spiritual Energy, Yin Energy, and Water Element began to gather around him. Gulan was ready to bury Kentucky''s group here if their answer wasn''t to his liking.


    Kentucky then smiled before saying, "How about we make a deal? I''ll tell you where the deposit is located, and you''ll introduce me to the Demon Beast Alliance. I''ll also keep quiet about this deposit and even help you mine it if you wish."


    Gulan was taken aback to hear those offers, prompting him to ask, "Why would you do that?"


    "Simple," Kentucky answered. "The fact that another Divine Demon Beast like me is part of this alliance tells me a lot about it. I want to know what would make a Blue Luan take part in such a thing. There are bound to be a few benefits for a Divine Beast like me there, right?" As one could expect, it was Rean and Roan who told Kentucky to ask that.


    The Blue Luan calmed down a little as he thought about the pros and cons of the offer. Eventually, he decided that getting to know where the deposit was located was a lot better than leaving it to the Ice Salamanders to search. "Very well. However, aren''t you afraid that I''ll kill you as soon you show me the location?" Sure enough, anyone in Gulan''s position would think that.


    Kentucky laughed in response as he said, "Hahaha! You can try if you want. I''m not exactly your match in head-on combat, but I''m very confident in my escaping abilities." Kentucky wasn''t lying. In fact, if Kentucky, Rean, and Roan worked together, they probably would be able to take the Blue Luan head-on. It''s just that Rean''s group didn''t wish for the Blue Luan to know of their real power.


    Gulan didn''t know whether Kentucky was playing with him or if that was true. However, the fact was that he needed to find the deposit. "Very well, where''s the deposit?"


    Kentucky then flapped his wings as he shot in the distance, telling Gulan, "Come with me."


    Gulan quickly flapped his wings soon after and followed Kentucky from behind. Although it only took a few minutes to arrive at the location, with their speed, they covered over a hundred kilometers in the distance. Eventually, Kentucky stopped above an open field that had grass growing and only a sparse number of trees. "Here we are."


    Gulan was quite surprised by the sight since he was expecting the deposit to be under some mountain or similar place. "Are you sure? I can''t feel anything." Gulan''s Spiritual Sense went as deep as possible, but he only saw dirt and rocks.


    Kentucky smiled before nodding, explaining, "It''s here. However, neither of us will be able to feel it with our Spiritual Senses since it is too deep. I believe your Spiritual Sense can''t go more than three or four kilometers into the ground, right?" Gulan nodded and waited for Kentucky to continue. "The deposit is over ten kilometers down there."


    Gulan narrowed his eyes as he pondered over Kentucky''s words for a bit. "Wait for me here. I''ll be right back." Without waiting for Kentucky''s answer, the Blue Luan soon left in a flash of blue light.


    Around thirty minutes later, Rean and Roan saw the Blue Luan come back, followed by two demon beasts. Naturally, those demon beasts were none other than the Ice Salamanders. Gulan went to find them so that they could excavate the place. After all, as a Demon Bird, Gulan didn''t want to go underground where it would be at a disadvantage.


    "You two, head down there. The deposit should be over ten kilometers underground. If you find something, come back up straight away," the Blue Luan ordered.


    The two Ice Salamander brothers didn''t know what Kentucky and those two humans were doing there, but they didn''t dare to question Gulan. Soon after, the two descended and penetrated into the ground. As land demon beasts, they didn''t have much difficulty making their way down.


    Gulan and the twins'' group waited for another 40 or so minutes before eventually, the Salamanders shot out of the ground once again as one of them gleefully said, "Gulan, it''s there! There''s a huge deposit of Earth-level ore, so we believe the Heaven-level ore should be in the center."


    Gulan couldn''t help but get a little excited. He would be able to trade those Heaven-level ores for many things beneficial for himself with the Demon Beast Alliance or even the Zasfins themselves. However, he quickly looked back at Rean''s group as he pondered about something.


    Suddenly, out of nowhere, Yin Energy, Spiritual Energy, and Water Element gathered around the Blue Luan as he shot forward, shouting, "Die!"


    The world around Rean and Roan froze over as they were enveloped by some kind of ice field. That made their movements a lot slower, which took them aback. However, they didn''t panic. In fact, Rean and Roan didn''t even move and only waited on Kentucky''s back.


    Following that, Kentucky''s body burst with black flames that devoured all the Yin and Ice Energy on the surroundings, boosting his own power as he flapped his wings. In the next second, he disappeared from his position in a flash of black light.


    Gulan''s eyes widened when he saw it. He was sure he had taken them by surprise, but the Minokawa still reacted in time. Not only that, but the Minokawa displayed a speed just slightly slower than his own even though he was an entire stage below himself.


    The pursuit only lasted a few seconds when suddenly, Gulan stopped in the air. Kentucky, too, stopped as he looked back at Gulan with a smile and asked, "Is your test over?"


    Gulan was taken aback for a moment when suddenly, he burst out in laugher. "Hahaha! So you noticed, huh?" Kentucky nodded and waited for Gulan to continue. "Yes, this was just a test. However, if it turns out that you were too slow, I wouldn''t have stopped. After all, dead bodies tell no secrets," Gulan said as the energies around his body calmed down.


    Kentucky couldn''t help but comment, "I was still slower than you, though."


    "True." Gulan nodded. "However, although I wasn''t flying at my full speed, I think you weren''t either, right? Since I can''t guarantee that I can kill you, I better not try. Besides..." Gulan looked at Rean and Roan. "They might only be flies compared to you or me, but they could still run away if I focused on you. The opposite would also be possible if they flee in different directions as I won''t be able to focus on you, so you would end up escaping."


    Gulan then turned around before saying, "I''m going to pay a visit to your valley once I finish excavating the ore there. You better keep your part of the deal, or I won''t stop until I get you." Following that, Gulan left.


    Rean and Roan looked at Kentucky before asking, "How is it? Do you think he can catch or fight against the three of us together?"


    Kentucky, as a Divine Demon Beast, obviously had a better sense of Gulan''s strength as he answered, "Our chances would be slim, with Gulan most likely being the stronger side. I would say a 20-80% chance of victory. Obviously, we have the 20%. If we focused solely on fleeing, I would give it a 70% chance of success. Of course, I can''t guarantee anything since I haven''t seen his full power."


    The twins nodded, not doubting Kentucky''s assessment.


    Rean couldn''t help but comment, though. "Our chances will be much better if I can forge us Heaven-level swords. Kentucky, was that the only deposit you found so far?"


    Kentucky pondered over the question for a bit before saying, "There was another one, but that one''s very far away. It''s also outside the Koran Forest, close to one of those big tribes we passed on the way."


    The twins nodded after hearing that. The question now was whether it was worth the risk or not.

 Chapter 717 - Folit Tribe

    Considering that Rean''s group traveled over 20 thousand kilometers away from the Soul Ruler''s territory, it was understandable that Kentucky bumped along another deposit on the way. After all, a little half of the course was traveled through teleportation. The rest was done on Kentucky''s back.


    Nevertheless, Rean thought it was strange. "Big tribes...didn''t we avoid passing near their homes? How do you know there''s one close to that deposit?"


    Kentucky nodded as he explained, "We did avoid them. It''s just that my perception is strong enough to feel it even though we went around those tribes."


    Roan didn''t seem to care as he said, "Let''s head there, then. It seems like this Blue Luan will stay here for a while, so we don''t need to be afraid of him coming to our valley anytime soon. Besides, with Kentucky''s speed, we won''t take more than a day to arrive there." Sure enough, Roan didn''t like the feeling of lacking in the weapons department


    Kentucky and Rean looked at each other before nodding. "Alright."


    Without wasting any more time, Kentucky flapped his wings before darting into the distance. Of course, they stopped by the valley to tell Celis what happened. After that, they left straight away.


    Back by the Blue Luan''s side, his mind was still recalling his encounter with Kentucky. ''Another Divine Demon Beast...Isn''t there way too many already? Something must be happening on this planet for this to happen.'' Gulan then remembered something as he thought, ''The old geezer must know something about this. I''ll ask him about it later without revealing this Minokawa''s existence.''


    A day quickly passed as Kentucky made his way to the other Heaven-level mineral deposit. Sure enough, Rean confirmed that this one was close to one of the big tribes of the Tribes'' Zone, the Folit Tribe. However, when they arrived there, they were taken by surprise.


    "Close to the Folit Tribe? This is the Folit Tribe!" Roan said with a dark expression as he looked at the lights in the distance. The tribe was located at the base of an enormous mountain. The tribe was so big that it completely circled the mountain itself. The twins could tell that at least a few hundred thousand people lived there from the size alone. The weird thing was that from halfway up, the mountain was deserted, with no buildings whatsoever.


    Nevertheless, Rean and Roan knew that it wasn''t empty. That''s because they could feel the Spiritual Sense of the tribe''s experts coming from the mountain top.


    "Soul Transformation Realm for sure. Three of them at that," Rean commented as he kept his distance. Because he was too far away, those experts'' Spiritual Sense didn''t have enough strength to pierce through his Spiritual Sense bending skill. That being said, they didn''t perceive the presence of Rean''s group.


    "Kentucky, are you sure it''s there?" Roan asked one more time to make sure.


    "Yes. There''s quite a lot of Heaven-level ores there. Not only that, but it seems like the mineral is at the Heaven Middle-level," Kentucky answered as he also looked at the tribe.


    Rean pondered for a bit before saying, "What about we head underground? The deposit should be quite a few kilometers underground anyway, so those experts'' Spiritual Senses shouldn''t be able to detect us."


    Kentucky immediately shook his head as he clarified, "Wrong! The mineral isn''t underground, but at the very top of that tribe''s mountain instead. It seems like this tribe has already found it and mined it completely. I can''t feel anything underground."


    "That makes things complicated..." Roan''s expression was still dark as he formulated a solution. "Three Soul Transformation experts. Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill won''t be able to drive them away once we get too close. Besides, the mountain top probably has some kind of formation to protect it."


    Rean then had an idea as he suggested, "Can we lure the tiger away from the mountain?"


    Roan nodded, replying, "I thought about that as well. However, what to do about the protection there? Besides, I refuse to believe that all three Soul Transformation Zasfins there would leave the tribe at once."


    "Can we fight them?" Kentucky asked as he was very eager to try it out.


    Unfortunately, that wasn''t a good idea as Roan responded, "Even if we decide to fight, we''ll probably fall into a standstill. However, for a tribe with three Soul Transformation Realm cultivators, they''re bound to have even more Nascent Soul ones. Once beings at that level join the fray, we''ll be forced to retreat. Not to mention that we can''t use our Soul Marks since it''ll reveal our identities, bringing the Soul Rulers here sooner or later."


    Rean couldn''t help but say, "I guess the only thing remaining is... negotiation? Or perhaps just give up on this one and look for another deposit?"


    However, it was then that Kentucky got an idea, suggesting, "Hey, what about some help?"


    Rean and Roan''s interest were piqued as both of them thought of the same thing. "Could it be..."


    Kentucky nodded in response, saying, "The Blue Luan seems to want Heaven-level materials a lot. If we join forces with him, can''t we take this tribe down? Besides, he[''s the leader of the Koran Forest, so he can probably order a few of the Stage Five Demon Beasts to come out and help."


    Rean found a problem with that idea, though. "I don''t think it''ll work. After all, you''re only at the Stage Five level. I don''t think the Blue Luan will agree to form an alliance with you when it can bring its own forces to obtain the material instead. In the end, the Blue Luan will have everything for itself."


    Roan agreed with Rean, saying, "I think the same. Besides, this tribe shouldn''t be as defenseless to the point where a demon beast attack would take it down. After all, the top experts of both demon beasts and Zasfins of the Tribes'' Zone rarely fight each other. There must be something else in play here. Maybe some agreement, or perhaps this tribe can obtain help from different tribes quickly and vice versa. It''s just like the Soul Rulers probably know about the Blue Luan''s presence but didn''t even try to tame it since it would put the Demon Beast Alliance against them."


    Kentucky dropped his head in disappointment. He thought that was a good opportunity to try out his strength in a real dangerous battle.


    "So...negotiation?" Rean asked at the end.


    Roan pondered over it for a bit as he looked inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Inside it was his herb garden, which seemed to have a few good herbs for use. Perhaps he could use it to concoct a Heaven-level pill. Back in the Soul Rulers'' Headquarters, Roan didn''t simply stay put in the formations. He also took some time to enter the Dimensional Realm to practice his alchemy skills while his clone stayed outside. Also, with Rean''s status in the Hafel Clan, he was able to provide Roan with a few good herbs to work with. It''s just that Roan had never tried any Heaven-level pill until now, so he was stuck in the Earth Peak-level.


    "A Heaven-level pill... I haven''t tried it yet, but I''m a little confident in succeeding. I just don''t know if it''s worth using the herbs I gathered for this occasion," Roan was still somewhat unwilling as he said.


    Rean shook his head as he responded, "It''s definitely worth it. Would you really be okay if our Earth Peak-level swords broke during a battle in the future? Don''t forget we can''t enter the Dimensional Realm if we''re in danger."


    Roan agreed with Rean, eventually saying, "Alright. Let''s head back to the valley since I need time to prepare."


    Kentucky couldn''t help but feel somewhat sad, asking, "What about me?! If you only get enough metal for forging, then I won''t have anything to eat."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "At the moment, our safety is the main priority here. Besides, it''s not like you can''t go around trying to see if you can find another deposit of Heaven-level ores."


    Kentucky sighed but didn''t complain in the end. "Fine...once the Blue Luan stops by and goes away, I''ll leave for a while to look for it."


    Rean and Roan nodded after hearing that. If Kentucky found one, that would be for the best since they could save on pills.


    "By the way..." Rean looked at Roan and asked, "What kind of pill would you make that it would be worth trading for Heaven-level materials?"


    "What else could it be? In the end, the most important thing for cultivators is to advance into the next realms and increase their lifespan," Roan answered. "Naturally, I would concoct a few Cross-Realm Pills for Nascent Soul Realm cultivators."


    "You mean, pills for them to breakthrough into the Soul Transformation Realm?" Rean immediately asked in response.


    "Of course not! The Soul Transformation Realm is different when compared to other breakthroughs. It needs the cultivator to find their own path. Instead, my pills will help out with the breakthroughs of the Middle, Late, and Peak Stages," Rean explained.


    However, that also brought up another question in Kentucky''s mind as he asked soon after, "Does that mean there aren''t pills for breaking through to the Soul Transformation Realm?"


    Roan pondered a bit before nodding, explaining, "There is a pill called Near Emptiness. It will free your mind from all unnecessary thoughts for several days in a row. From what was written in the alchemy book I read, it would help you understand what this path of yours is. However, it''s quite dangerous since you wouldn''t react to anything else during this time. That means that even if someone attacks you, you would completely ignore it and continue to focus on the task you put your focus on. Besides, it''s not guaranteed to work at all."


    Rean then shook his head after hearing that, saying, "It doesn''t matter. Let''s head back to the valley first."

 Chapter 718 - Good Thing For Humans

    Back in the valley, Rean''s group continued to cultivate. Every now and then, they would have Burio''s group take care of the kids. However, they brought Burio and the others exactly because they didn''t want to spend too much time doing that. That being said, their group eventually grew used to managing all those kids at once, using the older kids to help with those tasks as well.


    A few days later, Rean and the others felt a vibration come from outside, showing that something hit Rean''s protection formation. Naturally, they immediately took flight and exited the valley to see who it was. Well, it wasn''t like they didn''t know who it would be.


    "Gulan, you came here faster than I thought. Usually, it takes a lot longer to mine a deposit like that," Kentucky said as he looked at the enormous crystalline blue bird in front of them.


    The Blue Luan nodded while he looked at the valley covered by mist. "I have those two lizards doing the underground work for me. Well, I''m happy you''ve kept your word since no one had appeared to bother me during that time. Now then, you said you wanted to see the Demon Beast Alliance, so I''m here to bring you there. However, whether they accept you or will do anything against you is not my problem, so you''re on your own if things go south."


    Kentucky didn''t complain as he replied, "Very well." Following that, he looked at Roan and ordered, "Stay here and protect the valley during my absence. I better not see anything out of place once I''m back."


    Roan bowed to Kentucky in response, politely saying, "Yes, master." Soon after, he descended into the valley once more. However, it was just a pretense. Instead, as soon as he passed through the Spiritual Sense barrier, he headed straight into the Dimensional Realm. Although the Blue Luan was here, it wasn''t for a fight. That being said, the system didn''t consider it a dangerous situation and allowed Roan to enter. In the end, they might not be able to enter the Dimensional Realm during dangerous times, but the system didn''t say anything about leaving it. With Rean outside, Roan could appear by his side at any time if necessary.


    The Blue Luan then turned around before zooming into the distance. Kentucky, of course, did the same thing and followed the Blue Luan. As for Rean, he stayed on Kentucky''s back since he couldn''t keep with their flying speeds.


    Along the way, Gulan looked at Kentucky and asked, "By the way, how did you build that formation on that valley? Even my Spiritual Sense can''t pass through it, which shows that it''s at the Heaven-level." The Blue Luan was the master of the Koran Forest, so he knew what could be found in the valley. With that said, he wasn''t curious about the valley itself, but what Kentucky was doing there that needed him to hide it.


    Kentucky laughed in response, answering, "Of course, it''s at the Heaven-level. After all, I paid for it." Kentucky continued, "As long as you have enough Spirit Stones, you can get one of the Zasfins to do the dirty work for you. During my journeys, I found a lot of idiots who thought they could do whatever they wanted with me. Well, they died, and their possessions had turned into mine. You could say that I''m quite wealthy myself. Of course, I can''t compare to someone like you who rules an entire Demon Beast Forest."


    Gulan nodded, saying, "Indeed. I''ve lived here for over 200 years, so I did obtain a few things of value as well. It''s just that I never thought about asking a Zasfin to do anything for me. Aren''t you afraid that this Zasfin would play some tricks with the formation?"


    Kentucky shrugged his shoulders as he said, "Why should I? it''s just a Spiritual Sense Barrier Formation and a Protection Formation. The cores of the formations are inside the valley, and my subordinates are also there. I can simply destroy them, and the formations will go down."


    Gulan narrowed his eyes, finding it a little hard to believe. ''However, there''s a chance that the Zasfin thought that Kentucky was part of the Demon Beast Alliance, so the guy didn''t try anything. Also, a Zasfin that can build a Heaven-level formation is definitely at the Nascent Soul level at the very least. It isn''t strange that he can come and go without the other demon beasts noticing. Especially after Kentucky made that place his territory,'' The Blue Luan concluded as he thought. For him, it also didn''t matter much since he was much stronger.


    The travel took several days since it was outside the Koran Forest. In fact, it was also outside the Tribes'' Zone, further to the south. At some point, the sea showed itself as the land stayed behind. Nevertheless, the Blue Luan didn''t stop. Rean looked at the jade slips and saw that they were going in the direction of a continent called Gartrin. The only problem was that there wasn''t much information about it in the Jade Slips.


    In the end, it took Rean''s group two weeks of nonstop flight and more than 100 thousand kilometers to arrive there. That showed just how big this planet was compared to what Rean remembered about Earth.


    "This is the Gartrin Continent, but a few of the Soul Rulers also call it the Demon Beast Continent," Gulan explained. "Although they''re very sparse in this continent, I wouldn''t be so bold as to say that there are no Zasfin settlements here. In any case, most of them are very small. As for cities and others, there aren''t more than four or five of them in the entire landmass."


    Kentucky couldn''t help but ask, "Why would the Zasfins even live in a place like this? Isn''t it too dangerous for them?"


    Gulan shook his head, responding, "Those Zasfins are here mostly for the sake of trading. After all, the demon beasts have materials that the Zasfins want. The opposite is also true. With that said, you''ll see that the cities where the Zasfins live here are also filled with demon beasts everywhere. The Soul Rulers and the Demon Beast Alliance have agreed to not fight each other while inside the cities."


    Gulan then smiled, continuing, "Of course, the story is completely different when you''re outside. Whether you''re a Zasfin or a demon beast..." Gulan then looked at Rean. "...or even a human, anyone can attack you, and you can do the same back. The Demon Beast Continent is one of the best places to train since Zasfins and demon beasts can engage in combat to hone themselves. Too bad the Soul Rulers try to keep this place''s existence as unknown as possible."


    "Why is that?" Naturally, Kentucky had to ask.


    "Isn''t that obvious?" The Blue Luan looked at Kentucky as if he was an idiot. "The Zasfins must keep the control over the Zasfins of the planet. That being said, they pose themselves as the strongest force here. It would be bad for business if the Zasfins knew that another force with a similar level of power existed."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask another question after that. Of course, he used Kentucky to do that since he had to keep up his pretense as a slave. "I don''t understand. Why would the demon beasts let it stay like this? If they have a similar level of power, shouldn''t they be able to oppose the Soul Rulers? Considering our demon beast instincts, I can''t see why the demon beasts would accept such a thing."


    The Blue Luan looked at Kentucky and nodded. "Indeed. Such a thing should have never happened. However...the Soul Rulers have the World Swallowing Cedar."


    Rean and Kentucky felt their hearts skip a beat. "Wo-World Swallowing Cedar? What is that?" Of course, they totally knew what it was. However, no one knew that they had it.


    Gulan then continued, "Well, since you''re also a Divine Demon beast, you''ll find about it sooner or later after joining the alliance. The World Swallowing Cedar can control the Spiritual Energy of the entire world. That being said, it could have deprived the Demon Beast Continent from having any Spiritual Energy at all."


    "However, that would definitely enrage the Demon Beasts living here, which would cause a war between both sides. In the end, the Demon Beast Alliance and the Soul Rulers have formed an agreement. The World Swallowing Cedar wouldn''t affect the Demon Beast Continent''s Spiritual Energy. At the same time, the Demon Beast Alliance wouldn''t contest the Soul Rulers'' show of strongest power."


    Gulan then looked at Kentucky with a serious expression as he added, "Very few know of this, so you better not go around opening your mouth, understood? This balance between the demon beasts and the Soul Rulers is quite fragile. With that, both sides might come after you to make sure no one would disturb it."


    Rean''s group couldn''t help but feel a chill on their backs. Celis was now gone, so the Soul Rulers couldn''t control the Spiritual Energy anymore. That being said...what would happen with this agreement between both sides? "Ahem...Gulan, you did notice that the Spiritual Energy on the planet has increased several times, right? It''s happening literally everywhere."


    Gulan sighed in response before saying, "Don''t ask me. I also don''t know what''s happening. One of the reasons I agreed to bring you here was that I needed to investigate this situation. Otherwise, why would I make such a huge journey all the way here? Just to introduce yourself to the alliance? I''m not that free."


    Although they didn''t say it, Rean''s group already imagined what might happen now. Roan then smiled as his eyes shone. ''Without Celis...the Soul Rulers'' pretense of unrivaled power might be in jeopardy very soon. This might be a very good thing for the humans.''

 Chapter 719 - The Old Man

    Rean and Kentucky could not help but agree with Roan. The entire world now had Spiritual Energy that could be used. That being said, such an agreement had no use anymore. The only doubt was whether the Demon Beast Alliance knew of Celis''s disappearance or not. In the end, the fear of new powers and organizations appearing among the Zasfins wasn''t the only reason the Soul Rulers needed Celis so much. Well, that was something for them to worry about at another time.


    "Gulan, are we heading to one of those cities?" Kentucky asked, changing the topic.


    The Blue Luan shook his head as he replied, "No, it would make no sense to have the Demon Beast Alliance be located in a place where Zasfins could come and go all the time. We''re heading to the center of the continent, where you can basically find only demon beasts." Gulan then looked at Rean again as he continued, "You better hide this human in the middle of your feathers since some of the demon beasts along the way might try and find trouble with you because of that."


    Kentucky nodded as Rean immediately got down. Unless someone was looking from above, they wouldn''t notice Rean at all. Nevertheless, they had just arrived in the Demon Beast Continent, so they had to travel for two more days before reaching the Demon Beast Alliance Gulan mentioned.


    At some point, Kentucky noticed many demon beasts flying, not only bird types. Demon bears, wolves, insects, and even those originating from the seas, all of them were flying. Obviously, they were getting closer and closer to the center of the continent, so Stage Five Demon Beasts gradually became more common. Sure enough, the Spiritual Energy of the Demon Beast Continent must not have been affected for it to have this many high-level demon beasts.


    Eventually, Kentucky noticed a mountain range in the distance that extended as far as his eyes could see. Also, the number of Spiritual Senses that he could feel had ballooned many times, showing that many Stage Five and Six Demon beasts were there. Obviously, the place was bound to also have those at Stage Seven and above. It''s just that Kentucky''s cultivation was too low to feel their presence.


    On the other hand, Rean could sense everything. He kept his Spiritual Sense bending skill active all the time, so he could feel the huge beacons of Spiritual Sense coming from there. Let alone Stage Seven, Rean could even feel the Spiritual Sense of Rank Eight and even Rank Nine Demon Beasts. ''What a terrifying place. It doesn''t lose to the Soul Rulers'' headquarters at all.''


    After some time, the Blue Luan descended at one of the mountain bases, where it met a few demon beasts guarding the place. "Tell the old geezer that Gulan has come to pay him a visit."


    The demon beast on the front seemed to already know who Gulan was, so he simply nodded and used his Spiritual Sense to tell the others. Soon, an invisible barrier appeared in front of Gulan before some kind of entrance opened in front of it.


    ''As expected, demon beasts also use formations,'' Rean thought for a moment.


    Kentucky then followed Gulan up the mountain. However, Rean immediately noticed many eyes turning in his direction. He was able to hide from the demon beasts a while ago with his Spiritual Sense bending skill. But right now, he was just too close to them, so it had no effect anymore. It was just too much for him to handle.


    Fortunately, none of those demon beasts came to find trouble with him or Kentucky. From the looks of it, Gulan had already used a Spiritual Sense Message to explain the situation. Of course, it didn''t change the fact that the demon beasts didn''t like his presence there.


    Their group soon arrived at the mountain top quite quickly. There, they saw a red-haired old man sitting on a boulder, solemnly looking in the distance. Rean was quite surprised by that since he didn''t expect to see a human in this place. However, he didn''t take long to notice that he was wrong. After getting a little closer, he saw that the old man had a few feathers protrude out of his body while talons extended out of his toes. He did have a humanoid figure, but he definitely wasn''t human. His eyes were also different, showing a fiery red glow.


    The old man then looked at the Blue Luan with a stern face, saying, "Brat, why do you take so long to come and see me? You haven''t paid a visit for over ten years! Is that how you treat your grandfather?! If you had taken any longer, I would have dispatched a squadron to bring you back even if they had to tie you down."


    Grandfather?! Kentucky and Rean were taken aback to hear that. Initially, they thought the man to be another variation of humans, just like Lakures and Zasfins. However, never in their wildest imaginations did they imagine this Blue Luan to be this man''s grandchild.


    Gulan snorted in response, replying, "Hmph! If not because I needed to ask you something, I wouldn''t have come here in the first place. You''re too annoying, old geezer."


    As soon as Gulan said that, the world around them began to tremble as the old man''s expression turned dark. Rean didn''t even need to use his Spiritual Sense bending skill to tell that this guy was extremely powerful. He was only slightly lacking to Celis before he lost his cultivation. It showed that he was also in the Stage Nine Level, though not at the peak like Celis was. Nevertheless, he was just as terrifying!


    Suddenly, the old man''s body began to change form. Fire burst out of his body as his hands turned into fiery wings. His body also increased in size several times within a few seconds as pointed eyes replaced his human-like ones. In any case, it did not take too long for a Demon Bird, much larger than Kentucky or Gulan, to spread its red-feathered wings open as they burned with intense heat as he said with a stern tone, "It seems like I''ll have to teach you a lesson again, or you won''t listen."


    Rean and Kentucky were already trembling all over. That guy could definitely wipe them out in less than a second.


    However, Gulan didn''t seem to be afraid of him at all. Instead, his expression changed as he looked a lot more gentle. "Come on, grampa. You know I''m just joking. A Phoenix like you shouldn''t take things to heart that quickly. Come on, you''re frightening my friend here."


    A Phoenix! Kentucky immediately understood why he was trembling so much. As a Divine Demon Beast himself, he knew that the Demon Bird in front of him was at the very peak of the Divine Demon Beasts.


    "You''re saying that just to escape punishment, aren''t you?" the Phoenix asked as it ignored Kentucky and Rean.


    Gulan shook his head in response as he answered, "Of course not. My grampa is the best Phoenix ever, so how could I try and do such a thing? I was just joking so that grampa would show me his unrivaled Phoenix form that I haven''t seen in such a long time."


    The fire emanating out of the Phoenix suddenly calmed down before completely disappearing, leaving behind only the fiery red feathers. The expression of the Phoenix had also eased a lot until out of nowhere, the Phoenix shot forward and embraced the Blue Luan with his much bigger wings. "Hahaha! Good boy! Of course, you wouldn''t do such a thing to your grampa."


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    Rean and Kentucky could only hear the sound of bones cracking from sheer strength as the Blue Luan struggled to breathe while being embraced by the Phoenix''s wings. "G-Grampa, you''re killing me..."


    Fortunately, the Phoenix eventually calmed down and let Gulan leave. Following that, it began to change once again, returning to its red-haired humanoid form as he reminded Gulan, "Love is pain. Remember that."


    The Blue Luan then fell on the ground as it used its Spiritual Energy to start healing itself. As it did that, the old man, or the Phoenix, looked at Kentucky and the human on its back as he muttered, "Well, well...it has been a very long time since I last saw a Minokawa. Not to mention that this is the first mutated one to appear in front of me. Say, chick. Where''d you come from?"


    Kentucky showed utmost respect as he answered the old man. "I''ve been wandering everywhere since I was born, so I can''t exactly tell you where I came since I''ve only obtained sentience at Stage Four."


    The old man nodded, saying soon after, "I see...that''s quite a weird situation. Minokawas are very protective of their offspring. For you to be alone on this planet is truly odd. However, I have never heard of a Minokawa landing here in the last tens of thousands of years. I truly can''t tell how you appeared here."


    The old man then looked at Rean, as well as the slave collar on his neck. With a single glance, he could tell that the slave collar was of very high-level, more than enough to keep a human at Rean''s level under control. Of course, Rean made the collar himself, so it definitely looked real since it was real. It''s just that no one had control over it other than himself. "You got a human as a slave? And one at the Nascent Soul Realm at that, how unexpected."


    Kentucky nodded, responding, "Yes. However, he wasn''t a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator before. It was through my help that he reached this level. It took me some work, but it''s very convenient to have such a strong subordinate."


    However, the old man laughed as he said, "Hehehe! Is that so?" Soon after, the old man clapped his hands.


    *Pah!*


    *Shatter!*


    In the very next instant, Rean''s slave collar then shattered into pieces as the old man said, "Well, I know for a fact that he isn''t actually your slave. However, I can tell that he isn''t your master either since you two have a mutual connection instead of that between a master and a subordinate. With that, just who are you, human?"

 Chapter 720 - The Tale

    Rean and Kentucky were left aghast when that happened. It was one thing for the old man to tell that Rean''s act of being a slave was fake. It was still within their realms of comprehension. However, how exactly did he find out about their connection? It was something achieved through the Soul Gem System, after all.


    The Blue Luan was also surprised to hear that since it didn''t expect the slave thing to be fake since they were talking about humans here. Humans had no power whatsoever on this planet, so for Rean to be a slave was well within Gulan''s expectations. He truly believed that it was thanks to Kentucky that he had reached the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Rean then took a deep breath as he checked the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    [Access denied.]


    Sure enough, the system didn''t allow Rean to enter at all. As for Roan, he was watching everything through his connection with Rean. It''s just that he didn''t think he would be of much help in this situation. Roan could come out, but he didn''t have the necessary strength to allow them to flee at all.


    With that said, Rean gave up any ideas of escaping before jumping down from Kentucky''s back as he said, "No wonder senior is a Stage Nine Demon Beast. To think that you could even feel the connection between Kentucky and I. That''s true. Neither Kentucky nor I am each other''s masters. Our link is more like that of a friendship, something that happened by pure luck when Kentucky was born."


    The Phoenix nodded, not finding it strange at all. "That''s what I thought. So, who are you? I''m one of the elders of the Demon Beast Alliance, so I have a very good grasp of the demon beasts roaming on the entire planet. If there''s one thing I know, that''s the fact that we absolutely don''t have a Minokawa. But lo and behold, here''s a Minokawa! A mutated one at that."


    The old man Phoenix then spread his Spiritual Energy, which quickly entered Kentucky''s body. A second later, he retracted it and said, "Sure enough, you weren''t born on this planet. The Yin Energy in your body is slightly different from the natural Yin Energy present in this ice world. Well, it''s not an ice world anymore, but you know what I mean."


    That was something that Rean and Kentucky didn''t know. However, they quickly received a message from Roan in the Soul Gem Realm as he told them, ''He''s right. The Yin Energy on this planet is slightly different. However, I didn''t expect anyone other than me to be able to perceive that. No, to be more specific, the Phoenix shouldn''t have noticed the difference. It was the fact that he knew that Minokawas didn''t exist in this world that made him check Kentucky''s body to confirm.''


    Rean and Kentucky soon understood what the Phoenix meant. Following that, Rean sighed as he nodded, replying, "That''s true. We aren''t from this planet."


    Gulan was truly shocked now as he could not help but exclaim, "What?! For real?!" He still held some doubts about his grandfather''s words, and there was a reason for that. "Our planet hasn''t received a single visitor in tens of thousands of years! How come you two appeared out of nowhere? There''s also the fact that your cultivation levels are far from being able to pull off something like that.


    The Phoenix narrowed his eyes before asking, "Who brought you here, and why?"


    Rean looked at Kentucky for a moment before looking back at the old man as he replied, "No one brought us here. We were teleported against our will instead." That wasn''t a lie, so Rean could say it without a problem.


    "Teleported against your will?" The old man Phoenix found it strange. Why would someone teleport a Minokawa and a human to their planet? "Explain."


    Rean bitterly smiled before explaining, "Our planet got destroyed, so in order to escape, we had to use an ancient teleportation method back on our world. We didn''t know whether it would bring us to another place or whether the place we teleported in would be far away from our home planet. By the time we realized that we were teleported, we were already on this planet."


    It wasn''t wrong to say that the Soul Gem System was an ancient method of teleportation. After all, it had been in existence for who knows how long. Ancient might not even be enough to describe it. On top of that, it covered the Soul Gem System''s existence very well. After all, how could he and Kentucky come to this planet if not through teleportation? They simply didn''t have the necessary cultivation to travel through space like the enemies who destroyed Sunkan Planet.


    The Phoenix kept his Spiritual Sense tightly locked on Rean, trying to catch any signs of lies. However, it felt like Rean was seriously telling the truth, prompting to say, "Alright, then. I want you to tell me everything you know about this planet of yours, including its name. Perhaps I might know something." He also looked at Gulan before continuing, "You can come as well."


    Gulan nodded before the old man enveloped Rean, Kentucky, and Gulan with his Spiritual Energy. In the next second, all four of them had already disappeared from the mountain top. Rean and Kentucky couldn''t even make sense of what was happening around them. The old man''s speed was so ridiculously fast that all they could see was just a hazy blur. When they finally stopped, they were in the middle of a small island located on a lake.


    There weren''t many things there, just a small hut and very simple furniture. Nevertheless, it was quite a weird place to be in, considering that the old man was a demon beast. In any case, neither Kentucky nor Rean said anything.


    The Phoenix then looked at them before saying, "Alright, no one will be able to hear or see us in this place. Go ahead, tell me what you know. You better not lie to me."


    Rean and Kentucky nodded before they talked about the world they lived in before. Of course, they only mentioned things not related to the Soul Gem System. Fortunately, the system''s existence was just too hard to believe, so not talking about it didn''t raise suspicion. And just like that, Kentucky and Rean''s tale lasted several hours as it continued on through the night.

 Chapter 721 - Possible Conflict

    Meanwhile, back in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters...


    Most of the buildings had been reconstructed while the remains were cleaned out. If one looked at the location right now, no one would even believe that an enormous explosion had happened at this place just a few months ago. However, it didn''t matter much. After all, the Soul Rulers only found a few kids with high Soul Purity during this time. Besides, it was useless since all the Bloodline Trial Control Formations were gone. To rebuild them, it would not only take a few months but several years!


    In the same hall as before, the elders of the Soul Rulers gathered once again, discussing the issues with Celis''s disappearance and the reconstruction of the formations. However, the main topic today was something else.


    "What about the Demon Beast Continent?" one of the elders asked in the hall.


    A man then stepped forward in the middle of the hall and gave his report, stating, "We have noticed strange movements in the territories of Stage Seven and higher demon beasts. They seem to have gotten quite restless. However, we can''t tell what they''re just planning yet."


    "Hmph!" Fikin, the top ancestor of the Soul Rulers, snorted as he said, "What else would those beasts there be planning? They obviously noticed the sudden change in the planet''s Spiritual Energy. Only an idiot would not link that and the melting ice to the World Swallowing Cedar. The fact that they haven''t come and ask about it yet proves that they''re aware of its disappearance."


    The other ancestors and elders couldn''t help but show a dark expression after hearing that. Their position in the world was all thanks to Celis, and now, he was gone. They knew that the demon beasts would take action soon, trying to reclaim the areas that used to belong to them.


    Fikin then looked at another group of Zasfins before asking, "How''s the search for the World Swallowing Cedar going?"


    One of the Zasfins stepped forward to answer, responding, "There are still many isolated areas we haven''t looked into. As for the ones we did, we left scouts behind to make sure they wouldn''t be used. In any case, we still haven''t found any clue that they have passed by one of them."


    Fikin nodded after hearing that and then looked at the group responsible for watching the Demon Beast Alliance on Gartrin Continent. "How about you guys? Have you obtained any information related to them? They used a demon beast during the day they took the kids away, so the demon beasts might be related to it."


    However, the Zasfins shook their heads. "So far, nothing had been found about those two humans and the demon bird. It''s too hard to find since we don''t know what color or unique characteristics it has. As the ancestors know, Demon Birds at Stage Five aren''t anything hard to find in the Demon Beast Continent."


    The reason they didn''t know of Kentucky''s real appearance was obviously because of Rean''s Light bending skill. Back then, the Zasfins could tell that Rean and Roan were riding a Demon Bird. Unfortunately, it was only possible to be seen through Spiritual Sense. Things like features, color, size, and so on were just too hard to distinguish with Spiritual Sense alone. As for Rean and Roan themselves, thanks to Roan''s ''make-up skills,'' the appearance they showed themselves in was different during their time there.


    Fikin narrowed his eyes in response. It was exactly because there were too many Demon Birds at that level that it bothered him. "Keep your eyes on the Demon Beast Alliance and increase the number of people watching there. There aren''t many places that can hide something as big as a Stage Nine World Swallowing Cedar. It has to have appeared somewhere after being teleported away."


    "Yes, Ancestor Fikin." The Zasfins nodded after that before stepping back again.


    After that, Fikin mentioned something else, saying, "Although there''s a good chance that the demon beasts were involved in the World Swallowing Cedar''s kidnapping, I don''t believe so. After all, they could have used it to cut out our supply of Spiritual Energy, just like we did with the rest of the world. However, the world has a lot more Spiritual Energy now, which doesn''t make sense. Why would they refrain from using Celis in their favor while they prepare to attack? Last but not least, I couldn''t feel the Demon Beast Alliance''s Mark on that demon bird. There''s definitely something else going on."


    The elder and other ancestors went silent for a moment. They had to agree that Fikin was right. If it was them, they would have definitely done so. Especially since they were talking about demon beasts, who wouldn''t care about using such an advantage?


    Fikin then shook his head as he placed all thoughts at the back of his head. "Alright, just keep continuing the search." After that, he gave more orders, telling them, "Except for the Zasfins looking for Celis, I want all forces to be ready for battle and stationed in the main areas that the demon beasts would try to attack first. If we don''t find Celis, war will become inevitable. That being said, we simply can''t give up the territories that are rightfully ours, the Zasfins."


    "Yes!" Everyone agreed as they began to draft plans to contend against the demon beasts.


    Back on Rean and Kentucky''s side, they had finally finished talking about their own world.


    The old man Phoenix then went silent for a moment as he pondered over the issue. "A world dominated by humans. I know that there were bound to be worlds out there controlled by other races, but it''s still surprising to hear about it. After all, I''ve lived on this planet as far as my memories go. But to think that it was destroyed by a single attack. It was definitely the doings of someone far above the Transition Realm."


    As soon as the old man Phoenix said the words, the world around him tried to attack his body. The Spiritual Pressure in the area increased, trying to smash him to bits.


    "Hmph!" The Phoenix snorted as his own Spiritual Energy burst out. It counterattacked the power of the Universe, preventing it from harming him. A few moments later, the strange energy disappeared, leaving the Phoenix alone.


    "As always, the Universe truly hates it when we talk about the realms above." The Phoenix then shook his head and looked back at Rean and Kentucky, who had surprised expressions. That was the first time they had seen such a thing. "Oh, you''ve never heard the name of the next realm above Stage Nine and Elemental Transformation, right?"


    Rean and Kentucky nodded, waiting for the old man to continue. Fortunately, the old man Phoenix delivered, saying, "Don''t ever say the name of the realms above without being at that level yourselves. Otherwise, the Universe''s power will crush you down. With your meager cultivations, you would die in less than a second." He then looked at Gulan as he reminded him, "The same goes for you."


    "Yes, grampa," Gulan immediately nodded as he replied. He already knew about it and had seen such a thing happen before. Nevertheless, it was never bad to be reminded about how dangerous it was every once in a while.


    The Phoenix then looked back at Rean and Kentucky, telling them, "Alright, for now, you can just call me Phex." His eyes then narrowed before he asked, "There''s one thing I need to ask. Do you know anything about the World Swallowing Cedar?"

 Chapter 722 - Special

    Rean and Kentucky already expected that question, so they had an answer prepared. "Yes, it''s the Demon Tree that the Soul Rulers use to control the Spiritual Energy of the world. Gulan told us that it''s because of that that the Demon Beast Alliance is staying on this continent." Sure enough, since Gulan already talked about it, they might as well use it.


    However, that wasn''t the kind of answer Phex expected, soon clarifying what he meant by asking, "What I meant was, have you seen it before or not?"


    Rean showed a pensive expression before saying, "Do you know what it looks like? Perhaps we have seen it and didn''t notice."


    Phex kept his Spiritual Sense focused on Rean and Kentucky, trying to catch any signs of falsehood. However, both Rean and Kentucky seemed to not show any signs of that. "Forget it. If you did, you would have noticed it since it was enormous." Phex then changed the topic as he soon asked himself, "Now, what should I do with you two?"


    Kentucky then raised his wing, responding, "There isn''t much for you to do with us. After all, Gulan should know why we came here in the first place."


    The Blue Luan noticed its grandfather''s gaze, knowing that he was waiting for an answer. "Well, the reason why they wanted to come here was to join the Demon Beast Alliance," Gulan responded soon after.


    Phex narrowed his eyes as he asked in response, "Why?"


    Rean smiled as he pointed at Kentucky, explaining, "That''s because Kentucky will only be safe if he obtains as big as a background as Gulan does. Gulan told us that the Soul Rulers wouldn''t even try and touch him even though he''s a Divine Demon Beast, and that''s because he''s part of the Alliance. What Kentucky and I want is the same type of protection." Rean shrugged his shoulders as he continued, "In the end, our intention was to be part of your forces anyway. It''s just that I wasn''t planning to talk about my own situation."


    Although Phex had his doubts, he had to admit that Rean was right. The Soul Rulers would definitely pursue a Divine Demon Beast if they find out that the Alliance had nothing to do with it. As a Divine Demon Beast himself, Phex definitely didn''t want to see another one being captured. "That isn''t impossible. However, what can you offer me in return?"


    Kentucky looked at Phex as he replied, "Well...we don''t have anything we think a Stage Nine Demon Beast like senior could possibly want. All we can do is fight for the Alliance if a need presents itself one day."


    Rean agreed with Kentucky, saying, "We''re quite strong ourselves...well, not to senior''s level. However, we can pretty much guarantee we wouldn''t lose to anyone in our respective cultivation realms."


    Phex didn''t find it strange. After all, Rean did have a connection with the Minokawa. Divine Demon Beasts had always been much stronger, after all. Phex then looked at Gulan and asked, "You know them longer than I do. What do you think?"


    "Eh?" Gulan was taken aback, surprised that his grandfather would even ask for his opinion.  "Uh...well, we''ve made quite a serious deal a while ago, and they kept their word even though they had little to gain from it. I can''t tell that they''re trustworthy just because of that, but I guess it''s something..." Gulan was planning to trade those Heaven-level ores. It was a big help when Rean''s group told him where the deposit was located and didn''t tell anyone else.


    Phex nodded after hearing that as he looked at Rean, saying, "To be honest, I hate the fact that a human has this type of connection with a Divine Demon Beast. If possible, I would kill you straight away to set the Minokawa free. However, it''s obvious that you protected and helped it to cultivate until now. His foundation is very sturdy, so it''s a very good job. Not to mention that this connection isn''t that between a master and a subordinate. Also, I don''t know if killing you would cause any harm to the Minokawa due to this connection. Last but not least, this Minokawa seems to care a lot about you, which is quite a shame for a Divine Demon Beast."


    Phex then sighed as he continued, "Since you also helped my grandchild somehow, I''ll give it a chance. However, you will be given tasks to prove yourselves while being part of the Alliance. Don''t think I''m forcing the issue. A demon beast has to improve, and such tasks would be perfect for that." Phex then looked at Kentucky and asked one more question, "Do you have any complaints?"


    Kentucky immediately shook his head, responding, "I''m not idiotic enough to complain in front of senior. Whatever it is the Demon Beast Alliance needs, I''ll do my best to complete it. Of course, that''s as long as you aren''t sending me to a suicide mission."


    Phex nodded, replying, "I wouldn''t do such a thing to another Divine Demon Beast."


    Soon after, Phex lifted his finger before a ray of red light shot out of it. Kentucky couldn''t even react before it hit his chest and entered his body. However, there was no pain or anything like that. Nevertheless, Rean and Kentucky could tell that it was there, although they didn''t know what it was.


    Noticing their puzzled expressions, Gulan explained, "That''s the Demon Beast Alliance''s Mark. If any member of the Soul Rulers finds you, they will feel this Mark''s presence and refrain from causing trouble for you. Of course, that''s only as long as you don''t cause trouble for them first. I also have the same Mark inside me."


    Rean finally understood why Gulan was so sure that the Soul Rulers wouldn''t try to capture him. The Mark probably also served as an additional method to warn the Demon Beast Alliance if Gulan or Kentucky were in danger.


    Phex then added, "Just so you know, very few demon beasts have this Mark. That being said, it won''t work as protection against other demon beasts without it. We are demon beasts. Combat is in our blood. That being said, we don''t stop conflicts between different races, including the Zasfins. It only serves as protection against the Soul Rulers and their subordinates. It will be of no use if you show it to anyone else since they won''t even know what it is."


    Roan, who was in the Dimensional Realm, was satisfied with that as he thought, ''This is definitely good for training.''


    "Alright, are there any other questions you want to ask?" Phex asked as he prepared to leave.


    Immediately, Rean raised his hand and responded, "Senior Phex, I don''t understand. How come there are two Divine Demon Beasts on this planet other than Kentucky?" Sure enough, that was something Rean, Roan, and Kentucky''s group were curious about. Let alone the Minokawa, Phoenix, and Blue Luan. There was also the World Swallowing Cedar. Thanks to Kentucky''s connection with it, Rean was sure that it was at the same level as the Minokawa. That being said, it should be some sort of Divine Demon Plant or something similar.


    Phex shook his head in response, soon saying, "It seems like you definitely know nothing. This planet is...special for demon beasts like us."

 Chapter 723 - Better Be Ready

    Rean was quite surprised to hear that, saying, "How so? If anything, this planet was pretty bad until a few months ago. Only recently did the ice disappear from what I know."


    Phex shook his head as he explained, "I''m not talking about the environment. You might not know this, but this planet was very green in the past. It''s simply returning to its original form. Of course, it''ll take a very long time before it can compare to what it was back then."


    Phex continued, "Anyway, the reason why the planet''s ice is melting is still unknown. What I want to talk about is the planet''s connection to the Divine Demon Beasts. No one knows why, but having a Divine Demon Beast bloodline in this world allows you to gain a few benefits." Phex looked at Kentucky right after and asked, "Have you never noticed? Your cultivation was probably increasing a lot faster than what it did back on the other planet."


    Kentucky shook his head, responding, "I was only a Stage Three Demon Beast back then. With that said, I still didn''t have sentience. I don''t know if my cultivation is faster here than there. However, Rean told me that the Spiritual Energy around us right now is definitely denser than what it was for him in the other world."


    Rean nodded, continuing where Kentucky left off as he said, "It''s true. The Spiritual Energy before the ice melted was severely lacking. But now that the ice is melting, its concentration far surpasses our previous planet. It wouldn''t be wrong to call it a paradise for cultivation."


    Of course, Rean avoided mentioning that Kentucky''s cultivation speed didn''t increase. That''s because his cultivation was limited to the twins'' speed. Even if his cultivation could be faster on this planet, there would be no way to know unless the connection with the twins was cut. However, it wasn''t that bad either. After all, Kentucky''s cultivation would be pushed forward if he fell behind thanks to the same reason. He would be able to match the twins'' cultivation quite quickly.


    Phex nodded soon after hearing that. "Well, it makes sense that you didn''t notice the difference because of the recent events. However, it''s definitely there. That''s why we have this many Divine Demon Beasts. It''s not only my grandchild and me. There''s also a Black Tortoise in the Sea Beasts'' territory, a Basilisk who also lives in our Demon Beast Continent, and a White Fenrir who lives at the South Pole. This Minokawa is the sixth Divine Demon Beast on our planet at the moment."


    While listening to Phex, Kentucky could not help but find something strange as he soon asked, "Wait! What about Gulan''s parents? You''re a Phoenix, and I know Blue Luans are connected to them. That being said, shouldn''t his parents also be Divine Demon Beasts?"


    "You''re wrong," Phex replied as he shook his head. "Gulan''s Grandmother was not a Divine Demon Beast. Also, Gulan''s parents are common Demon Birds. Obviously, my and Gulan''s grandmother''s child wasn''t a Divine Demon Beast due to her ordinary bloodline. However, as long as there''s a hint of a Divine Demon Beast bloodline inside their blood, their offsprings have a chance of being born as one. Thus, I now have Gulan."


    Rean and Kentucky nodded after listening to his explanation. It was a piece of new information that even Elder Reliance didn''t know. At the very least, Elder Reliance had never told them about that. "So that''s how it is. Still, six Divine Demon beasts...it makes sense that the Soul Rulers don''t dare to try and take control over you either."


    Phex snorted, saying, "Hmph! If not for the World Swallowing Cedar, they definitely wouldn''t be like that right now."


    Rean immediately took that chance to ask, "What will happen now that the Spiritual Energy is back to normal in the world?"


    Gulan also nodded, saying, "Yes, grandfather. That''s why I came to see you this time around. For the Spiritual Energy to have returned back to normal, something must have happened to the World Swallowing Cedar! Could it be that it has finally died of old age?"


    Phex already expected that question, replying, "You''re forgetting the part where it might also be a trap created by the Soul Rulers. What if we decide to take this chance to appear again, and they play a dangerous card?"


    Kentucky shook his head as he soon said, "Who are you two fooling here? We''re demon beasts! I refuse to believe that we would just sit back and do nothing when such a chance has appeared, even if it''s a trap."


    Phex was surprised by Kentucky''s words. However, he immediately laughed out loud after that. "Hahaha! Indeed, you know us very well. Alright, all I can tell you right now is that we''re preparing for it. When the time comes, you better be ready."


    Phex then turned around and headed in the hut''s direction. "Well, we''re done here. You can ask Gulan anything else about the Demon Beast Alliance. Also, Gulan, make sure to visit me more often."


    Gulan nodded as he replied, "Yes, grandfather." Following that, he opened his wings as he looked at Rean and Kentucky, telling them, "Time to leave, let''s go." Gulan immediately took flight after that.


    Rean jumped on Kentucky''s back and took flight as well. At the same time, he took out another slave collar from the Dimensional Realm to put on his neck. After all, only Phex and Gulan knew that his pretense as a slave was fake.


    Their group flew for over an hour until finally, they returned to the same mountain range from before. Of course, that only made Rean and Kentucky more impressed. One must remember that Phex flew all this distance in just a few seconds while carrying them!


    Gulan then pointed in a certain direction as he told them, "Alright, you will find the main city where the Zasfins and Demon Beasts do their trades if you head in that direction. As for me, I''m heading to the Alliance''s territory to exchange these Heaven-level ores for a few cultivation resources."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "What about the tasks your grandfather told us? Shouldn''t we go with you to take them?"


    "There''s no need," Gulan said as he shook his head. "When the time comes, you will receive the order. To be honest, any tasks given by the Demon Beast Alliance will probably be related to the confrontation against the Zasfins, so you best be ready."


    Rean and Kentucky nodded as Rean soon responded, "Alright. We''re going ahead, then."


    The two sides then exchanged a few more words before they headed in different directions.

 Chapter 724 - The Cave

    Rean and Kentucky then flew away from the mountain range as they talked about what happened with Roan. ''That was quite scary. I didn''t expect that the connection between Kentucky and I could be sensed by others.''


    Roan nodded in the Dimensional Realm as he felt the same. ''Indeed. However, that''s probably because Phex is a Divine Demon Beast with very high cultivation. His senses are definitely many times better than the Blue Luan. If our cultivation was similar to his, I believe he wouldn''t be able to feel it that easily.''


    Kentucky couldn''t help but sigh, saying, ''Still...to think that so many Divine Demon Beasts exist on this planet. Too bad this planet''s special environment for them is of no use for me.''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said in response, ''You have nothing to complain about. Don''t forget that you aren''t nearly as old as Gulan, but you''re already at Stage Five. Thanks to the Soul Gem System''s support and our connection, I believe your cultivation is even faster than what this planet could provide you.''


    Kentucky nodded, responding, ''I know that. Still, if I could also use the planet''s special ability, it would be even better.'' Kentucky then changed the topic as he soon said, ''Anyway, let''s leave that aside for now. What about this war that will happen between the beasts and the Soul Rulers? Are we really following their orders?''


    ''Of course,'' Roan replied as if stating a fact. ''Our cultivation is quite high now, so these kinds of missions will be perfect for finding opponents at our level. It''s not because we can''t run into the Dimensional Realm anymore that we''ll just hide in a shell. You better be prepared. I''ll increase the difficulty of your training routines from now on.''


    Rean and Kentucky felt like crying after hearing that. Roan was too much of a battle maniac.


    "Okay. But before that, we need to obtain the Heaven-level ores for our weapons. Kentucky, have you found any deposit during these past two weeks here?" Rean asked, slightly expectant.


    Surprisingly, Kentucky nodded. "I did, however...it''s in the direction of the city of Zasfins and demon beasts that Gulan mentioned before. Most likely, they aren''t natural deposits, but accumulated ores that are being protected or used in trades."


    "Well, the Blue Luan did say we could go there if we wanted to. Should we pay a visit?" Rean was quite curious about this city that had both Zasfins and demon beasts.


    Roan agreed with the idea before Kentucky changed directions and headed towards the city. Although it was the biggest trading city between both sides, it was still quite far away from the mountain range. It took Kentucky and Rean two more days to arrive there.


    As Kentucky looked from a distance, he saw many demon beasts flying in and out of the city. Not only that, but it was also possible to see Zasfins doing the same thing. Rean and Kentucky looked at each other and nodded before Kentucky also flew over.


    The city had many guards, both Zasfins and demon beasts. The streets were extremely large, while the buildings had ridiculously big entrances. However, that made sense. This was a place where Zasfins could trade with high-level demon beasts. Naturally, those demon beasts were very big and needed a similarly big place to conduct their businesses.


    No one stopped Kentucky from entering the city, though. From the looks of it, as long as one didn''t cause trouble, one was free to enter and leave at any time.


    However, what surprised them was the fact that the city had some humans as well. It''s just that their numbers were several times lower than the average cities outside the Demon Beast Continent. Not only that, with their Spiritual Sense, Rean and Kentucky saw many of them not having slave collars. Not to mention that he saw a few at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm and, surprisingly, two at the Nascent Soul Realm, just like him!


    Puzzled by the view, Rean asked Kentucky to ask one of the demon beasts in the area about that.


    "Oh, that? Here in the Demon Beast Continent, we don''t need slaves. We only care about strength. That being said, your race matters little. Naturally, you''ll see a few humans who survived in this dangerous environment. It''s that simple. Nevertheless, compared to the number of Zasfins and demon beasts here, they count for almost nothing. Well, it''s definitely better than being a slave in any other place," a Green Colored Lizard explained, who was taking care of one of the buildings. Obviously, he was also at Stage Five.


    Rean then took a deep breath before stepping out of Kentucky''s back. This time, however, the slave collar he replaced was nowhere to be found as Rean sent it to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Of course, he still used a different appearance as always, just to be safe. "To think I would be able to walk on a city without pretending to be a slave..."


    Kentucky didn''t care much about that, though. All he could think about was the delicious Heaven-level ores that he sensed in this place. "Can we go take a look at the ores already?"


    Rean nodded before they made their way to one of the stores. Well, you couldn''t call it a store exactly as it was more like a cave heading underground. If not for the sign at the front, Rean would think it was some demon beast''s lair.


    After heading down, they arrived at a dim space where a few Earth-type demon beasts and Earth Affinity Zasfins conducted trades. Kentucky''s eyes couldn''t help but light up as he looked around him. From the looks of it, there was no lack of Heaven-level ores in this cave. "Rean, Rean! There are a lot of Heaven-level ores here. They go from Low to Peak-level ones! Quick, let''s see if they wanna trade!"


    Rean laughed and nodded, saying, "Alright, alright. However, my limit is only Heaven Middle-level ores. I can''t work on Heaven High or Peak-level ores yet. Besides, they''ll probably be too expensive for us, so be prepared if we can''t get any."

 Chapter 725 - Certainly

    Kentucky nodded and immediately pointed at one of the demon beasts. It looked like a snake, but it had three tails. Each tail end was made of sharp bone, not to mention that they seemed to contain poison as well.  Obviously, just like all the demon beasts here, the snake was at Stage Five or higher. "Alright, let''s check that guy over there. The ore in his possession seems very tas-ahem... good for a Heaven Middle-level ore."


    As mentioned before, the Demon Beast Continent didn''t have its Spiritual Energy affected by Celis. With that being said, although it was still frozen due to the rest of the planet''s condition, which affected its weather, it was still very good for cultivation. However, that wasn''t all. It also meant that the birth of Heaven-level ores and other types of materials stayed at the same level.


    That was one of the reasons why the Soul Rulers conducted trades here. After all, this was the best place to find those kinds of ores. It also explained Kentucky''s excitement. He could sense a lot of them.


    Rean nodded in response, and soon, they paid a visit to the three-tailed snake. "Hello, sir. Do you have any Heaven-level ores for trading?" Rean asked with a smile.


    The snake, who seemed to be sleeping, opened its eyes as it got up. It was a little surprised to see a human with cultivation at the Nascent Soul Realm since they were very rare. Nevertheless, it quickly put those thoughts behind as it asked Rean and Kentucky by his side, ''I do have some that I found a few weeks ago. Can you pay for it?''


    Rean and Kentucky nodded, with Rean replying, "We believe so. However, we need to see what kind it is first."


    The snake nodded before using one of its tails to grab a small chunk and passed it to Rean. It had a bluish color, obviously an effect of being exposed to the cold environment for a long time. It was the first time Rean saw a material like this one. After all, this was a different planet. Besides, Spiritual Energy created all kinds of wonders, so there was nothing wrong about Rean not knowing that ore was.


    In any case, Rean was quite pleased with what he could feel with his Spiritual Sense and Soul Power. "Very good material. It''s at the very peak of what a Heaven Middle-level ore could be. It''s not too heavy, but it''s very sturdy. The most important part is that it''s easy to work with. It''s definitely good for the creation of Yin Energy-related weapons and armors. Say, what''s it called?"


    The snake answered straight away, ''Blue Star Ore. Unlike most of the ores, this one must continue to be exposed outside to take form. It will then absorb the Stellar Energy and the Yin properties of the environment. No one found this guy before because of the ice that covered the surface of the area where it took form. It made the mineral itself look like just some ice in the middle of the snow, so no one paid attention to it. It was by luck that the snow and ice finally began to melt that I noticed its presence. Naturally, I took it for myself.''


    Rean nodded after hearing the snake''s words. In the blacksmith books he read back in Sunkan Planet, it mentioned that some ores needed to be exposed to certain conditions to take form. It might be the sun, storms, or even stars, which was the requirement for this ore. Rean then passed the small chunk back to the snake before asking, "How much are you asking for it? Can services be included?"


    The snake was just about to answer when Rean mentioned the word ''services.''


    ''What do you mean by services?''


    Rean then pointed at himself as he used a Spiritual Sense Message to answer, saying, "I''m a Heaven-level blacksmith. If there''s something you wish to forge, we can use it as payment for the ore. Of course, if you don''t want anything forged, then we can talk about a price for it."


    ''You? A Heaven-level blacksmith?'' The snake was at Stage Five, so it could only use Spiritual Sense Messages to start with. ''Can you prove it?''


    The snake was planning to trade it for high-level Spirt Stones or some wood, poison, or bone-related resources. However, if it could craft something for its tailbones, that would be the best thing. One must remember that Heaven-level equipment could change size. That being said, even if its cultivation increased and its body became bigger, it would still be able to use the equipment.


    Rean, of course, cleared up the snake''s doubts by saying, ''Of course! However, you know very well that Heaven-level blacksmiths are as hard to find as the ores themselves. After all, the world doesn''t have that many Heaven-level ores for one to practice to start with. That being said, if I craft you the equipment you desire, I won''t pay anything else for the Blue Star Ore. My work will be my payment.''


    The snake didn''t even need to think twice since it knew Rean was telling the truth. ''Deal!'' Soon after, it grabbed an enormous horn from some creature and showed it to Rean, telling him, ''I got this horn by chance, and it''s very compatible with my tailbones. The owner of this horn was definitely a Stage Seven Demon Beast. That being said, it can become an amazing addition to my poison tails. What I want you to make is to forge it in the shape of my tails without obstructing the release of poison. Can you do it?''


    Rean hovered a little and took a good look at the horn. After assessing it with his Spiritual Sense, he nodded with a smile, responding, ''Yep, it should be doable. In fact, I don''t need to use the entire horn. Two-thirds should be enough for your Stage Five and Stage Six sizes if you reach it. There isn''t a point in forging it to match your Stage Seven size since your tails would already be at that level when the time comes. Besides, forging something to match your Stage Six size is my limit as well.''


    The snake still had its doubts. However, it was just too hard to find Heaven-level blacksmiths in this world. ''Very well. I have a place here in the city where you can work. Can you come and forge it now?''


    Rean and Kentucky nodded, with Rean responding, ''Certainly.''

 Chapter 726 - More Deals

    Rean and Kentucky were brought to a workshop. Like all other buildings in this city, this one also had a giant structure to support the ingoing and outgoing of Demon Beasts. Surprisingly, there were a few demon beasts who tried their hands on blacksmithing. The only problem was that their enormous bodies made it hard to work with due to their high stages.


    Of course, there were also rooms made for Zasfin blacksmiths. It''s just that those were almost empty. The Zasfins that came to this city all had to have the necessary cultivation to do so. Not only that, but they also had to know about the existence of the Demon Beast Continent, which was only a small percentage of the world. It obviously didn''t help at all with the number of available high-level blacksmiths. Last but not least, the Zasfins who stopped in this city were only here to trade. Even if they were blacksmiths, they would head back to their homes before starting to work.


    Fortunately, Rean didn''t need to pay to occupy one of them. "Alright, this one is enough." Rean then headed in the direction of one of them. "By the way, I''m Lian, and this one is Feintuck. What''s your name?" Naturally, Rean didn''t use their real name here.


    Well, the snake couldn''t care less whether ''Lian''s'' name was real or not. "Just call me Kilimanjir," the snake replied with a relaxed expression.


    Rean nodded before he asked Kilimanjir to stay outside for a moment. "I''ll organize everything as I see fit inside. Once I''m ready, I''ll tell you to come inside with the horn." Obviously, Rean would bring out the equipment from the Dimensional Realm, so he didn''t want others to see it happening. Well, he only had a hammer from the Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop due to it being at Level 1. Other than that, he brought out the material used for tempering and things like that.


    Of course, he also took some time to check the room''s equipment, making sure it didn''t have any issues during the forging process either. Eventually, he called Kilimanjir to come inside. "Alright, this should be about enough. Give me the horn so that I can work on a design."


    Kilimanjir nodded in response, not afraid of Rean trying to escape with it. After all, this was Demon Beast City. Any other race would have no chance of escaping if they started giving problems.


    Rean soon went straight to work. He examined both the horn and Kilimanjir''s tailbones. After a few hours of testing and discussion with the snake, he decided that it was worth giving a shot. The forger was then turned on as Rean began to work. Of course, since the one using the tail bone weapon was Kilimanjir, Rean asked him to infuse the element he was most familiar with inside the horn during the process.


    Rean and Kilimanjir stayed in the workshop for three days straight, while Kentucky went outside to check the city. After all, it wasn''t every day that he could see a city made for demon beasts.


    *Clack. Clack. Clack...*


    Rean eventually finished one of the pieces, which was quite big, and put it on the snake''s tail. At first, it seemed smaller than Kilimanjir''s tail bone. However, the inscriptions on it suddenly shone as the equipment increased in size due to Kilimanjir''s Spiritual Energy. In the end, it fit perfectly with Kilimanjir''s tail.


    *Vup! Vup! Vup...*


    Kilimanjir waved his tail in an erratic manner, trying to get a feel of how the equipment fit. "Oh! This is really nice work, I have to say."


    *Vup! Bang!*


    Soon after, the tail hit the ground, which made the whole area tremble. Of course, Kilimanjir received several Spiritual Sense Messages after that. They warned that if he did that again, the other demon beast blacksmiths in the area would take his head and sell his tail as gifts. After all, they were also working. Naturally, Kilimanjir didn''t dare to try such a thing twice, apologizing hastily. "Hehe...my bad, my bad."


    Kilimanjir then looked at the equipment, which didn''t even have a scratch on it after hitting the ground, before nodding with a satisfied expression. "So sturdy! As expected of Heaven Middle-level equipment. Even the inscription that alters size suffered no damage whatsoever."


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "Of course! I told you that Heaven Middle-level was my limit. However, that doesn''t mean I''m bad at making them. Try using your poison."


    Kilimanjir immediately nodded and used the pores that could be seen in his tailbones to release the poison. Surprisingly, the equipment Rean created had extremely tiny ''tubes'' that connected the real bones to the surface of the equipment. Not only did the poison come out without issues, but it was also spread over the equipment a lot easier. "Great! This one will suffice. Now, I need two more of these for my remaining tails."


    Rean smiled as he extended his hand, replying with, "Sure, as soon as you pay one-third of the price." Naturally, he knew he was in Demon Beast City, so he couldn''t risk losing in this deal.


    Kilimanjir didn''t mind at all. If anything, he wanted to make friends with this human in case he needed to ask for help again in the future. "Hahaha! Let alone one-third, I''ll give you the full payment already." Kilimanjir immediately stretched his tail and grabbed the entire box containing the Blue Star Ore.


    Rean was quite surprised to see that. First, he could tell that there were at least 30 kilograms of ore available, which was more than he expected. Second, he didn''t expect that Kilimanjir would pay for everything after finishing just a single piece. ''I really like the demon beasts'' straightforwardness.''


    Sure enough, Rean''s opinion of Kilimanjir had gotten a lot better. "Alright. Now that I already know how to make the equipment, it shouldn''t take long before I finish the two other tails."


    Rean and Kilimanjir then worked on them for the entirety of the next day without stopping. Eventually, the other two pieces were completed before the two of them exited the workshop. Following that, Kilimanjir and Rean went to another place where the snake could test them. Of course, with Rean''s ability, all three pieces turned out to be superb pieces, which greatly satisfied Kilimanjir. "I guess our deal is concluded then. Say, are you staying in the city for longer?"


    "Why?" Rean asked in response.


    Kilimanjir smiled as he replied, "It''s because I know a few demon beasts that would love to trade their Heaven-level materials for your services. Don''t worry. I can guarantee their end of the deal."


    Rean''s eyes shone after hearing that. However, he asked Roan about it first. ''Do you think we can afford to stay in his city for longer? It would be great if I can stock up some Heaven-level materials for forging and for food for Kentucky.''


    Roan didn''t seem to mind, replying, ''It''s fine. Sooner or later, we''ll have to leave that valley for long periods of time. There''s no way we can take care of all the kids forever, so you might as well do it as a test. Let''s see how they turn out when we head back later.''


    Rean agreed with Roan before he nodded at Kilimanjir. With that, he responded, "Very well, let me see them."

 Chapter 727 - Stocking

    One month passed in a flash as a sudden rumor began to spread in the city. There was a human Heaven-level blacksmith who asked for Heaven-level materials in exchange for his services. As long as one had them, he would forge something for them. Some asked for claws, others for armors, others for helmets, and so on. It all depended on which type of demon beast one was and what one needed.


    During this time, Rean only stopped to cultivate with Roan. Other than that, he spent all his time forging equipment and accumulating Heaven-level materials. It wasn''t only ores, though. He also got some rare Heaven-level herbs for Roan''s herb garden, Heaven-level wood with different uses, and a few other things he deemed necessary.


    At some point, the queue of demon beasts with Heaven-level materials had become so long that Rean couldn''t hope to finish everyone''s tasks even if he had an entire year to work on their requests.


    However, that also brought him problems. He was fine as long as he stayed in the city since the agreements ensured his safety. However, many eyes were focused on him, waiting for the very moment he stepped outside to rob Rean of his possessions.


    ''Hehe! They think I''m just a fat sheep, ready to be killed. Too bad that this city''s considered a safe zone,'' Rean thought with a smile as he felt the many Spiritual Senses focused on him. Since the city was a safe zone, the Soul Gem System considered it safe as well. That being said, it wasn''t blocking Rean''s entrance into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Obviously, Rean could use the Circuitry Teleport Formation to teleport at least 1000 kilometers away before making his way back to the valley.


    Rean quickly put his thoughts at the back of his mind before he finished covering a Fire Unicorn''s horn with a crystalline cover. "Alright, the product in this crystal should fix the crack on your horns in a few months. Make sure you keep it filled with Spiritual Energy so the process won''t be stopped all of a sudden."


    Since Rean could work on horns to make equipment, he could also fix them for those who already had one. It wasn''t anything far from repairing a piece of equipment made of horn materials.


    The Fire Unicorn was a Stage Six Demon Beast, so he was able to talk back to Rean without Spiritual Sense. "Oh! I can tell with my Spiritual Sense that it''s really filling the gaps. To think that my horn can absorb such a thing as time goes on." The unicorn then looked at Rean, saying, "Usually, I would ask you to stay around to make sure you weren''t tricking me. However, I have seen all the other demon beasts with the pieces of equipment you forged for them. Those are all legitimate equipment, so I will trust you that you made it as it should be."


    Rean nodded with a smile, responding, "Of course! However, it''s not like I won''t come back to this city. That being said, if you find out that something happened during the repair, you can come and look for me another time."


    The unicorn nodded before he passed him a bag, saying soon after, "Inside, you can find two and a half kilograms of Lunar Lime. It''s at least three hundred years old, which should prove very helpful for the forging of Heaven-level equipment."


    Rean sent his Spiritual Sense inside before nodding his head, thanking the unicorn. "I have indeed received my payment. Thank you very much for the deal."


    "Hahaha!" The unicorn laughed in response. "I''m the one who should thank you. This is a very small price to pay for my horn to be fixed. If I did it on my own, it would take me at least twenty to thirty years to finish. As a Stage Six Demon Beast, you never know when you might need to go all out in a battle, especially in times like this."


    Rean knew what the unicorn meant by that. After all, the tension between the Zasfins'' Soul Rulers and the demon beasts seemed to be increasing as time passed. It was still far from a real confrontation since both sides were feeling the other reactions. Nevertheless, most of the demon beasts of the Demon Beast Continent could tell that this balance wouldn''t last forever.


    "Well, I''m just a human who has nothing to do with the conflict between Zasfins and demon beasts, so I''ll probably just watch by the side. In the end, the human race is too weak to give their opinions on the matter," Rean said as he shrugged his shoulders.


    The unicorn nodded before making his way outside Rean''s room. As soon as he left, another demon beast entered, flying. However, this one wasn''t a customer, but Kentucky instead.


    "Rean, look at what I got." Kentucky then threw another bag in Rean''s direction. When Rean opened it, he saw 5.2 liters of Humin Water inside a big bottle. It was another Heaven-level material that Rean could use in the tempering process. Not only that, but it could also be used in a few formations that needed cooling.


    "It seems like your challenges are paying out quite well. Good job, Kentucky!" Rean praised the Minokawa. A week after Rean started making equipment for the demon beasts, he passed Kentucky a few kilograms of Heaven-level ores. It wasn''t for Kentucky to eat, though. Instead, Rean told Kentucky to challenge other Demon Beasts and bet the ores against their materials. Kentucky was a Divine Demon Beast, so any demon beast at his level wasn''t a match for him.


    "However, I don''t think I can do it anymore. The other demon beasts already noticed that I''m a lot stronger than what my cultivation shows. It was very hard to make that scorpion accept my challenge, and that''s already considering the scorpion was at the peak of Stage Five." Kentucky couldn''t help but sigh since it meant less Heaven-level ores for himself.


    Rean didn''t find it bad, though. During this time, Rean didn''t just get Heaven Initial and Middle-level materials. He was also able to get some at the High-level, which he would be able to work on once he reached the Soul Transformation Realm. "It''s fine. We''ve obtained a lot more than I could have thought. I didn''t expect that Heaven-level blacksmiths were in such high demand in the Demon Beast Continent that they even paid with Heaven-level materials. With your own gains through battle, we''re safe for at least a few years. Of course, if you don''t eat anything, we''ll be safe for several times longer."


    Kentucky immediately shook his head, saying, "No can do! I also help a lot, so I want my food!" Sure enough, the bird might not be fat anymore, but that didn''t mean its hunger for Heaven-level materials disappeared. If anything, Kentucky could eat a lot more and digest them a lot faster now.


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh as he said, "Hahaha! Alright, alright! I know that your strength will help us a lot more than a few pieces of Heaven-level materials. Since you also got a lot on your own, I''ll let you eat them for the time being."


    He then warned Kentucky, "However, you can only eat the ores I allow you. If you take some ore that I need, I''ll make sure you won''t touch another Heaven-level material for the next ten years."


    In the end, Heaven-level materials were too important. Rean had to make sure that the supply he got now wouldn''t disappear that quickly.


    "Alright, I promise I won''t touch them. But you must leave enough for me to eat, okay?" said Kentucky, unwilling to starve. Well, starving was too strong of a word, though.


    Suddenly, Roan contacted Rean from inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, asking him, ''How are the Spiritual Senses on you?''


    Rean nodded before replying, ''The number is increasing by the day. Just yesterday, I felt a Stage Seven Demon Beast''s sense who has been waiting until now. However, no Zasfins are watching me so far. Oh, talking about Spiritual Sense, there seems to be a human''s sense on me. Not only that, but this person is also at the Nascent Soul Realm.''


    Roan understood, saying, ''Well, this is a place where a human can be free if they''re strong enough. When another human starts to stand out, the others will naturally want to check him. Did you feel any killing intent coming from that human?''


    ''No.'' Rean shook his head, responding, ''I don''t think this person has any ill intentions.''


    Roan pondered for a bit before shaking his head. ''Alright, leave it be. You already got enough materials to work with, right?''


    ''Yes, it should be enough for the time being,'' Rean replied.


    ''In that case, let''s head back to the valley. The Blue Luan probably warned the other demon beasts there to not bother us. However, it''s better to prevent Celis from taking action in case someone appears. Besides, Burio and the kids are probably getting worried even though we said we would stay out for some time. It would be bad if they tried to leave the valley at this moment.'' Obviously, Roan didn''t want more problems to surface.


    ''Alright.'' Rean then looked at Kentucky. "We''re leaving."


    Following that, Rean activated an Anti-Spiritual Sense Formation that he had built in the room during the month he stayed here. Because the room was very small and Rean had obtained a lot of materials, it wasn''t hard for him to create a sturdy one. Sure enough, everyone watching Rean noticed the barrier, not knowing if they should and check. After all, it was against the rules to cause trouble in this city.


    Unfortunately for them, even if they went there right now, Rean and Kentucky would be nowhere to be found. Those two had already entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and used the Circuitry Teleport Formation to leave the city.

 Chapter 728 - Black Star

    To make things safer for the two of them, Rean and Kentucky flew as high as possible while keeping the Light and Spiritual Sense bending techniques active. With that, even if someone with higher cultivation than them checked the area, they would probably be too far away for their Spiritual Senses to break through Rean''s skills.


    However, there wasn''t much reason to worry. That''s because the demon beasts who kept observing Rean''s workshop back in the Demon Beast City refrained from entering it. They understood that there was a formation blocking their Spiritual Senses. Hence, they simply thought Rean was working on something he didn''t want others to see.


    With that being said, it wasn''t before an entire week went by before the demon beasts waiting to ask Rean to forge equipment for them to enter the room. Naturally, Rean and Kentucky had long since gone and even exited the Demon Beast Continent by now. Those who had their equipment made by Rean sighed in relief that they reached Rean in time. As for the others, they could only shed tears. Of course, there were also those waiting for Rean to leave the city to rob him. Those beings felt even more dejected.


    Two weeks after Rean''s group left the city, they had finally returned to the valley. Considering the time to head to the continent, stay, and come back, their group had stayed out for two months already. Fortunately, the valley was still covered by the mist in the distance, which probably meant that no one tried to enter it.


    "The Blue Luan really told the others to not bother us, it seems," Roan said.


    Rean and Kentucky nodded in response.


    Once they arrived at the protection formation, it quickly opened, letting Rean''s group enter. After some time, they were able to see how things changed inside the protection formation.


    Celis was still at the center of the valley, absorbing Spiritual Energy from the surroundings. However, the surroundings changed a lot during this time. The houses looked a lot more comfortable. Some farms were planted and were growing well thanks to the rich Spiritual Energy. After all, they couldn''t rely on Celis to feed all the children forever.


    A lot more arenas appeared, and Roan could see most of the kids training according to his instructions, much to his satisfaction.


    Rean noticed that a larger wooden building appeared, and it seemed like many injured kids were there as well. ''Oh, right! Without me here to heal their injuries, they have no choice but to recover naturally.'' Roan''s training routine was anything but safe, so it was normal to see so many there.


    However, Rean decided that he would only work on the kids with severe injuries. As for the rest, he left them to recover by themselves. That was something they needed to get used to since he or Roan couldn''t be in the valley all the time either. That also helped the kids pay more attention to their own safety.


    As for cultivation, Roan had left strict orders that no one was allowed to rush through the ranks. He didn''t want them to have broken foundations, impacting their future. At the moment, those with Purple Color Aptitudes were all in the Middle or Late Stages of the Energy Gathering Realm. Unsurprisingly, the group of twelve-year-olds, Malo included, were the ones at the Late Stage.


    Roan then checked their foundation for a moment and had to admit that Purple Color Talents were truly freaks. Even though they reached this level in just two months, he couldn''t sense any problems whatsoever. Their foundations were as stable as they could ever be. "Very good. I can see that all of you have been following my order to the boot. I''ll revise your training routines so that they can be more compatible with your current level."


    As for Kentucky, he went to see Celis before the two soon continued to work on Kentucky''s nest. After all, Kentucky had very little time to work on it since they arrived in this place. "Look, Celis! I brought quite a few nice items for the nest from the Demon Beast City. They''re all Yin and Yang Energy-related, perfect for the balance of my affinities." It wasn''t because Rean was looking after Heaven-level materials that they had to ignore the others. Kentucky made sure to grab anything that would be of use for himself with his own rewards from his battles.


    "Those are great stuff! Well, at least they''re great for my current level. If I was still at Stage Ten, they would be quite lacking." Nevertheless, Celis was happy as he and Kentucky kept building the nest. Rean and Roan decided not to bother those two for the next few days since they have wanted to work on that thing for a long time already.


    After Rean finished healing the most severe injuries among the kids, he left the building, leaving the rest for the adults to take care of. Rean then went to check on the formations of the valley, making sure that they were working fine. Roan was the one taking care of any training and cultivation issues, so Rean didn''t even bother with those.


    With everything running as expected, Rean finally decided to work on his and Roan''s new swords. He headed straight into the Dimensional Realm and entered the workshop, which was already equipped. Since he didn''t need to work in front of others, there was no need to work in a workshop outside.


    "So many materials. However, most of them are Yin-related Materials. Well, that''s to be expected since this planet was covered in ice for a long time. Nonetheless, there are enough Yang materials as well." Rean couldn''t help but feel excited since he didn''t have to work with a single material alone. Instead, he could try to make an alloy with different Heaven-level materials.


    "Alright, let''s start with a combination of Lavio Absall Ore, Blue Star Ore, and Deep Purple Sea Lime." Rean then looked at Sister Orb outside and said, "Sister Orb, I''ll need your help during this time."


    [Oh! That''s right, you can''t have anyone else inside anymore other than Roan, Kentucky, and Celis. However, they''re busy outside. Alright, your Sister Orb will help you.] Rean always had people giving him a hand during the process, so it was normal that he asked Sister Orb.


    Following that, Rean took a bit of each material and started to work on it. The furnace turned on, the tempering liquids were prepared, and the hammer began to strike. For the next two weeks, Rean didn''t step out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm at all.


    Out of nowhere, Roan received a message from Rean through their Soul Connection, telling him, ''Hey, come inside. I''m forging my sword now, and I need your Dark Element.'' Just like the previous Black and White Stars, Rean would use the one with Dark Element, while Roan would use the one with Light Element. With that being said, he needed Roan to infuse the Dark Element during the forging process. He could use Dark Element as well, but Roan was specialized at it, so the result would be better if he was the one to infuse it.


    Roan didn''t waste time and entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. There, he saw a very tired Rean. His eyes were red, and his face pale. From the looks of it, he hadn''t stopped working on the new swords for even a second. "Shouldn''t you rest first before we forge the sword?"


    Rean shook his head in response, replying, "No can do. It took me a long time to find the perfect balance between the ores and the material to temper the metal. I can repeat the process, but I''ll lose this material I''m using right now. I would rather not waste any Heaven-level materials if possible."


    [Don''t worry, I''m supplying Rean with the outside world''s Spiritual Energy. He won''t run out of it for the time being.] Sister Orb also confirmed that they could go ahead.


    [Besides, I''m bored already.] It''s just that her real reasons weren''t as honorable.


    Roan ignored Sister Orb''s last words and focused his Dark Element on the alloy that Rean was forging. Rean was very careful, not caring about how long it would take to finish at all. That being said, he, Roan, and Sister Orb spent the next two days on his Black Star alone. Eventually, the sword was ready...as Rean collapsed on the ground.


    Well, Roan completely ignored the guy and left the Dimensional Realm. The Black Star was Rean''s weapon, so he would need to wait for Rean to forge the White Star.


    Inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Sister Orb used the Spiritual Energy to grab Rean and put him on a bed in there. [Well, at least he''s doing all he can.] She then left since there was nothing else to do now.


    Rean then slept for another day, which was quite impressive considering his cultivation. It showed just how much effort he put in the forging of his Black Star. "Holy shit! I don''t even remember how I passed out." Rean quickly assessed his body''s condition before muttering to himself, "Well, it seems that I''m fine anyways."


    Following that, he quickly got up and headed back to the Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop. There, he found his Black Star lying on the ground. ''Those two could have at least picked it up and put it on the rack, no?'' Rean thought for a moment. However, he knew the quality of his sword, so he wasn''t afraid of anything damaging it.


    At the very next moment, Rean appeared outside the Dimensional Realm while holding his new Black Star as a grin appeared on his face. ''Hehehe! My first Heaven Middle-level sword. If everything has gone accordingly, it should be as strong as a Heaven High-level one.''


    Rean couldn''t wait to go out and test it.

 Chapter 729 - You Are Naturals

    However, Rean noticed a small problem. ''Now that I think about it, where would I be able to test it? Should I head back to the Demon Beast Continent? I don''t want to fight the demon beasts of Koran Forest since they are under Gulan''s territory. Fighting with Roan or Kentucky wouldn''t make much of a difference since I''m used to it already.''


    It was then that Rean had an idea. ''Right! I can change my appearance and challenge the experts of the tribes in the Tribes'' Zone! As long as they can''t tell that I''m not a Zasfin, they''ll think I''m just someone from another tribe trying to take their territory or something like that.''


    Rean then sent a message to Roan, explaining his idea through their Soul Connection. Soon, Roan responded, ''That''s not a bad idea. In fact, this would be a good chance to try everyone''s strength. First, finish my White Star, then we can head out together.''


    Rean nodded, replying, ''Sure. Are we going after the same tribe?''


    ''No,'' Roan replied as he shook his head. ''We don''t need to always be together. Now that we can''t enter the Dimensional Realm during dangerous situations, we need to get used to not relying on it. Kentucky, you, and I are going to find some different tribes to challenge.''


    Rean couldn''t help but add, ''Hey, if that''s the case, let''s who can bring the best reward back. It''s only valid to get something from the tribes after challenging their experts. We''ll let Celis decide who got the best item.''


    Roan didn''t care about that, though. ''If you want to do so, then go ahead. I just want the training that comes along with it.''


    Kentucky, who had been listening to the conversation nearby, snorted as he said, ''Could it be that Roan is afraid to lose?''


    Rean immediately nodded, replying, ''Obviously. After all, he would have me and you to go against.''


    Roan obviously noticed the cheap provocation, saying not long after, ''Do you think I''ll fall for this shit?''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied, ''Whether you fall for it or not doesn''t matter. The point is that you can''t beat us in this challenge. Am I right, Kentucky?''


    Kentucky agreed with Rean, saying, ''That''s very obvious.''


    [Hahaha! To think I would see the day that Death would be afraid to lose.] Sure enough, Sister Orb added oil into the fire. She wanted nothing else than to see the house burn into ashes!


    Of course, Roan still understood that they were just provoking him. Nevertheless, the smug expression on their faces irritated him very much. With that, he acquiesced to their wishes, saying, ''Hmph! So be it. Let''s see what you''ll bring back then. Don''t come back complaining that it wasn''t fair later.''


    With that settled, Rean headed straight into the Dimensional Realm once again and began to work on Roan''s White Star. Both White and Black Stars were quite similar swords in their forms. Still, they had very different materials. In any case, the materials he had obtained from the Demon Beast Continent were more than enough for Rean, who didn''t take long to finish Roan''s sword.


    Rean then came out and threw the sword at Roan, saying to him, "Take a look and see if it''s comfortable to use. I made a few modifications based on the reports you gave me about the Earth-level one."


    Roan swung his sword a few times while using a few skills. In the end, he nodded with satisfaction as he said, "It has improved quite a bit. Not only that, but the amount of Light Element it can gather has increased a lot."


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "Obviously! There was Luminous Ore on this planet, so I added it to the alloy during the forging process. That''s a very good ore for absorbing Yang-related elements. In this case, my Light Element. Not to mention that this is a Heaven Middle-level sword, so it would naturally absorb more Light Element than your previous sword anyway."


    Kentucky, who was atop of Celis, then called the twins through a Spiritual Sense message, asking, ''How is it? Can we head out already?''


    Roan was just about to nod in agreement when suddenly, Sister Orb intervened. [Of course not! Hey, you two! Have you forgotten how many Destiny Points you have? It''s about time for you to buy something.]


    Sure enough, Rean and Roan agreed with Sister Orb as Rean said, "Oh, that''s right! Let''s go inside and check it."


    The twins then quickly entered the Dimensional Realm and touched the Soul Gem Orb before sending their Spiritual Energy and Sense inside. Soon after, they accessed the reward list.


    [Authority Level 30 detected. Opening new reward options]


    [Soul Power and Spiritual Energy Fusion - 20000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Nascent Soul Revival - 20000 Destiny Points] (New)


    Rean and Roan already expected new rewards to be added, but they still were taken aback. "Fusion? Nascent Soul Revival? What are those things, Sister Orb?"


    [Let me check. Hmm...oh, there we go. Soul Power and Spiritual Energy Fusion. It has only one level, and as it says, both power will be merged. That way, you''ll be able to cultivate both abilities at the same time. If you improve your Soul Power, your cultivation will improve as well. If you cultivate, your Soul Power increases. Both powers will always be at the same level, though it''s highly dependent on your cultivation level.] Sister Orb explained.


    Rean and Roan were quite surprised to hear that. Soon, Rean asked, "Wait! Doesn''t that mean if we buy it right now, our Soul Power will increase all the way to match our Nascent Soul Realm cultivation?"


    Sister Orb confirmed their suspicions, replying, [It''s exactly that. However, that''s not all. Kentucky is connected to you, so you''ll also pull him together once you do so. After all, you guys always pulled each other together with your cultivation.]


    [Last but not least, when you use your attacks from now on, they''ll always have the full support of your Soul Power. There''s no need for you to concentrate on it since it''ll be natural. You can think about it as if your Spiritual Energy had always contained Soul Power or vice versa.] Sister Orb finished her explanation by dropping that bomb.


    Kentucky couldn''t help but feel excited as he said, "Great! This is a huge improvement in combat power without any drawbacks! Doesn''t matter what you do. Make sure you buy this one first!"


    Obviously, Rean and Roan had the same idea. "Indeed. Considering our safety, this is definitely the best option. Even if it costs 20000 Destiny Points, it''s totally worth it. However, why do I feel like this reward didn''t exist before?"


    Sister Orb agreed with their words as she laughed. [Hahaha! You''re right. This is a result of the System''s upgrade. I told you I analyzed Soul Power after you got your marks, right? Naturally, that''s the same thing as saying that the System did it. If you guys haven''t found about Soul Power in the past, Authority Level 30 would only give you the Nascent Soul Revival option.]


    Rean had to admit it made sense. "Well, that''s good for us. When Roan and I exchange elements, we can fight an entire realm above our cultivation. I wonder how much we''ll improve with this natural fusion."


    Sister Orb disagreed. [Not really. The difference between stages at the Nascent Soul Realm is a lot bigger than the difference between stages of the realms below. I doubt you would be a match against an Initial Stage Soul Transformation Realm cultivator or a Stage Six Demon beast. And that''s already considering your Soul Power in the mix. If I''m not wrong, your power in the Nascent Soul Realm will allow you to evenly fight Peak Stage Nascent Soul Realm opponents. But if you really buy the fusion, you should be able to match a cultivator at the Initial Stage Soul Transformation Realm.]


    Roan agreed with Sister Orb, saying, "We haven''t fought against a Soul Transformation Realm opponent yet, but after seeing how much our Spiritual Energy Pool increased after our breakthrough, I thought that was the case. At most, we would only be able to hold back while focusing on defense. Of course, buying the fusion reward is still very much worth it."


    Rean nodded, saying not long after, "Alright, the first thing we''ll buy is decided. Now, how about the remaining 14402 Destiny Points? After all, we got 34402 after we completed the mission."


    Roan shrugged his shoulders, responding, "We can think about that after finishing this upgrade. Perhaps we might change the idea after completing it, so let''s do it first."


    With that said, Rean and Roan selected the Soul Power and Spiritual Energy Fusion.


    [Soul Power and Spiritual Energy Fusion - 20000 Destiny Points]


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    "Yes!"


    [Purchased confirmed.]


    [Destiny Points: 34402]


    [Initializing Upgrade...]


    In an instant, Rean and Roan felt like their heads were being split in two. Not only them, but Kentucky also put his wings on his head as he fell down to the ground in pain. Well, it wasn''t as if they didn''t expect it. Two humans and a giant demon bird then kept rolling on the ground while holding their heads.


    As for Sister Orb, one could only see several flashes while she imitated the sound of a camera taking shots. [Good! Good! Now, curl down a bit more. Perfect! Now, pretend you''re a snake that was hit by an arrow and is contorting in pain. Impressive! You guys are naturals! These images will be kept for posterity.]


    The twins didn''t know which one was harder to bear, the pain or Sister Orb''s antics. ''I hate that orb!''


    The process lasted for an entire hour until, eventually, it was over. As always, the pain disappeared as it had never been there. If not for the sweat on the twins'' bodies, no one would be able to tell something like that happened. In any case, they got through it.

 Chapter 730 - What To Choose?

    Rean and Roan then looked at Sister Orb, who pretended to not notice it. [Oh, congratulations! You now have your Soul Power and Spiritual Energy fused. Now, brace yourselves for the Spiritual Energy.]


    Kentucky, Rean, and Roan were confused for a moment when out of nowhere, the Soul Gem Orb began to shine. The black and white threads that connected Rean and Roan through the Soul Gem Orb then appeared. However, there was another link there, one that connected Kentucky and the twins.


    Following that, the Soul Gem Orb began to absorb Spiritual Energy nonstop. Following that, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky''s connections shone as well as some kind of ethereal light passed through it, entering their heads.


    Only then did Rean and Roan understand that the Soul Gem System was transforming Spiritual Energy into Soul Power. Their Soul Power Strength soon began to increase at breakneck speeds after that. Fortunately, there was no pain this time. It felt the same as a breakthrough when their Spiritual Energy Pools increased in size.


    It was also a lot faster. Kentucky, who already had higher Soul Power, was the first to finish, taking only ten minutes. As for the twins, the Soul Power entering their Souls stopped after fifteen minutes. Nevertheless, they could tell just how much strength their souls now had. If they activated their Soul Marks, it would become even stronger...or so they thought.


    Out of nowhere, Kentucky, Rean, and Roan''s Soul Marks appeared on their foreheads. The Soul Gem Orb then shot a few strands of Spiritual Energy and Soul Power that connected with the marks. After that, they watched as those marks began to leave their foreheads and separate from their Souls.


    *Crack...crack...crack...*


    *Shatter!*


    Eventually, those marks couldn''t resist the Soul Gem Orb''s power anymore and shattered, turning into specks of ethereal light before disappearing completely.


    "This..." The trio was confused. Why would they lose their Soul Marks? That thing could increase their Soul Power a lot during battle, so they obviously wanted to keep it. "Sister Orb, what just happened?"


    [Oh! Didn''t you notice? Check your Souls and your Dantians. In Kentucky''s case, check your Demon Core] Sister Orb told them.


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky immediately did as Sister Orb said. Sure enough, they saw something new there. There was some kind of threads now connecting their Souls with their own energy cores. It was fixed directly into their Spiritual Energy Pool. Some threads kept sending Spiritual Energy up to their Souls. In contrast, the others brought Soul Power into the Spiritual Energy Pool.


    Rean couldn''t help but say, "So this is how our Soul Power and Spiritual Energy are connected, huh?"


    [Exactly.]


    Roan still couldn''t understand, though. "That''s good and all. However, why was the Soul Mark removed?"


    [Simple. The Soul Gem System marked it as a harmful power. From what I can see, the fact that the Soul Mark was made with someone else''s Soul made it incompatible with your own. That was one of the reasons. The second reason was that the mark can only increase your Soul Power, not your cultivation realm. Now that your Soul Power and Spiritual Energy are connected, forcefully increasing one will be detrimental if the other can''t follow suit. This imbalance of powers could even make your Soul break apart or destroy your Spiritual Energy Pool.] Sister Orb explained after checking the Soul Gem System.


    Kentucky then asked something else after Roan was done. "Doesn''t that mean that we''re losing strength instead?"


    Sister Orb immediately shook her body, responding, [Of course not! Do you have any idea how perfect this fusion between the two energies is? I might as well tell you this. Even a Rank Ten Soul Mark wouldn''t match this fusion of yours. Otherwise, why do you think you can jump the barrier of the Nascent Soul Realm to fight someone at the Soul Transformation Realm? You''re only a couple of Initial Stage Nascent Soul Realm Cultivators and an Initial Stage Five Demon beast. If you don''t believe me, try to compare your Soul Power Number, which is fuelled by Spiritual Energy, against a cultivator or demon beasts at the same level as you.]


    Seeing how confident Sister Orb looked, Rean and Roan really felt like asking a Nascent Soul Zasfin to show them their Soul Power for comparison. However, they had never asked anyone before, so they didn''t know the average number without activating a Soul Mark.


    Rean then took out the Soul Measurement Orb, saying, "Well, let''s take a look at how strong our Soul Power is at the moment. We can ask some random Zasfin in the future. No, even better, we can ask the Zasfins in those tribes once we head there to challenge them."


    Kentucky and Roan agreed with Rean as they waited for him to test his Soul Power first. Sure enough, the result appeared after a few moments.


    -Soul Power, 3961-


    "Holy shit! Almost 4000!" Rean was truly taken aback. "Isn''t this a little overpowered?"


    Sister Orb laughed in response, saying, [Hahaha! It has to be if you want to fight a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator with your current cultivation. However, it''s a little wrong to think of your Soul Power like that now.] Rean''s group looked at Sister Orb in confusion, waiting for her to continue. [The Orb is giving you a number. However, your Soul Power shouldn''t be measured in numbers anymore, but in realms. In a certain way, you could say that you''re at the Initial Stage of the Nascent Soul Power Realm. Of course, I just invented this name up on the spot. You can change it if you want.]


    Roan understood. "Indeed, that makes sense. After all, we can''t improve our Soul Power individually anymore. It will always follow our cultivation realm and vice versa. Using numbers is only useful if we need to deal with Zasfins."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, saying not long after, "Well, the term Nascent Soul Power Realm fits pretty well, so I don''t see a need to change it. I''m already more than happy enough to know that cultivating with Spiritual Energy is enough to increase my Soul Power."


    "Alright, it''s my turn!" Kentucky was already losing his patience with all those words, so he pulled Rean aside and put his wing on the Soul Measurement Orb.


    -Soul Power, 3811-


    "What?! Why?! I always had more Soul Power than any of you!" the Minokawa complained.


    *Ouch!*


    Roan kicked Kentucky''s leg in response, saying, "Shut up! Rean is a full Light Element Affinity cultivator. Even if your Soul Power Cultivation was faster, you''re not as compatible with it as him. Look at mine. It should be smaller than yours."


    Roan touched the Orb, and sure enough, the result was smaller than Kentucky''s.


    -Soul Power, 3703-


    Roan then looked at Kentucky, saying, "See? Half of your Elemental Affinity is Light, so you still get some advantage from it. However, I only get Light Element from my connection to Rean. It''s not like I have an affinity with the Light Element myself. Naturally, I''m the worst between the three of us."


    Kentucky sighed in relief after seeing that as he soon uttered, "Well, at least I''m better than you."


    Roan''s mouth twitched, saying not long after,  "Oh, is that so? Then, why don''t we have a bit of sparring? My hands have been itching to try out my new sword."


    Kentucky looked away, pretending that he didn''t hear anything. "Ahem...look at how beautiful the Soul Gem Realm''s sky is right now. Truly a wonder..."


    Roan snorted after hearing that but didn''t pursue the issue. As for Rean and Sister Orb, they just laughed by the side. The bird was just too shameless.


    Eventually, Rean calmed down from his laughter before saying, "Alright, alright. We still have 14402 Destiny Points. Let''s see what else we can buy."


    Roan nodded in response, and they once again touched Sister Orb before accessing the reward list.


    [Soul Power and Spiritual Energy Fusion - 20000 Destiny Points] (Bought)


    [Nascent Soul Revival - 20000 Destiny Points]


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Pass - 10000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Dragon Bones - 5000 Destiny Points]


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 3 - 10000 Destiny Points] (From 10% to 15% more Absorption)


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 4 - 50000 Destiny Points]


    [Yin Yang Bathhouse - Reward from Destiny Strugglers Title]


    [World Essence Formation - Reward from Grade 2 Efficiency Title]


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 4 �C 20000 Destiny Points] (10000km)


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop - 1000 Destiny Points]


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop Upgrade Level 3- 3000 Destiny Points]


    [Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository Upgrade Level 3 - 3000 Destiny Points]


    [Destiny Points: 14402]


    "Oh, right!" Rean immediately looked at Sister Orb and asked, "What is this Nascent Soul Revival?"


    [Isn''t that pretty self-explanatory? If your Nascent Soul dies, you can revive it. Well, it''s really expensive, so I wouldn''t let that happen if I was you.] Sister Orb explained.


    However, that wasn''t what Rean meant. "Wait! What I wanted to say is how exactly do you get your Nascent Soul killed without dying? Is that even possible?"


    Roan pondered a bit before answering, "Oh, are you talking about in the off chance our Dantians are destroyed?"


    However, Sister Orb shook her body right and left as she replied, [No, idiot. If that happens, you''ll need to cultivate from the very start. Naturally, an Energy Gathering Realm Dantian couldn''t possibly hold a Nascent Soul. It''s too powerful.] Sister Orb sighed before continuing, [In a situation of life and death, a cultivator is able to draw out his Nascent Soul and transform it into pure energy. For a very limited time, you''ll surpass your limits, being able to fight two or maybe even three stages higher than normal. However, that also spells the death of the Nascent Soul. Fortunately for you, the System can revive it. It''s that simple.]


    Sister Orb also added, [You can check the method to do it in the System, though. It''s quite rare to find someone who knows how to do it. At least I don''t think anyone on this planet knows how to do that.]


    "Oh!" Rean and Roan were quite surprised by that. Sure enough, there were a lot of things regarding cultivation that they still didn''t know. "Alright, this is a nice power. However, let''s leave it aside for now. So, what should we choose?"

 Chapter 731 - I Really Dont Like Him

    Roan pondered over the question for a bit before saying, "Well, the first thing we should definitely choose is Dragon Bones. I just don''t know if it would improve our combat ability as much as the previous bone upgrade did."


    [Don''t worry, it''s definitely worth it. It won''t do much for your raw strength, just like in the past. However, it''ll definitely increase your raw defense by a lot. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be called Dragon Bones for nothing.] Sister Orb explained.


    Rean and Roan were satisfied with that explanation as one of them said in response, "Our Dantians'' defense is already a lot stronger after we absorbed the Universe Essence. Combining it with the Dragon Bones will definitely improve it even further."


    Without wasting any more time, the twins sent their order to the Soul Gem System.


    [Dragon Bones - 5000 Destiny Points]


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    Rean and Roan braced themselves for what was about to come. Every bone upgrade was followed by excruciating pain. Naturally, a bone upgrade called Dragon Bones shouldn''t be any better than the previous ones.


    "Yes!"


    [Purchase confirmed.]


    [Destiny Points: 14402]


    [Initializing Upgrade...]


    Sure enough, another wave of contortion on the ground appeared. Of course, Kentucky wasn''t included in this upgrade, so he didn''t feel anything. Besides, Kentucky''s body became stronger the more Heaven-level metals he ate. His actual bones didn''t lose out to the Dragon Bones at all.


    After resisting the torture and Sister Orb''s nagging for another hour, the pain finally subsided before disappearing completely. They also noticed that no new bone upgrade appeared this time. Noticing this, Rean asked, "Sister Orb, is this the last bone upgrade?"


    [Who knows? Don''t forget that I can''t comment on future upgrades.] Sure enough, Sister Orb dodged the question.


    In any case, Rean and Roan were pretty sure that something else would eventually appear again. With that, Roan told Rean, "Forget it. We only have 9402 Destiny Points remaining."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, though. "Sister Orb, shouldn''t we have more points because of the incoming war? It''s happening because of us, after all."


    [Nope. It''s still included in the 30000 Destiny Point reward from taking Celis away. This is just a side effect of that. That being said, you won''t get extra Destiny Points from it.] Sister Orb didn''t stop there, though. [However! You can still gain Destiny Points depending on how you intervene in the war itself.]


    Roan nodded, already expecting something like that to occur. "Makes sense. The war happened because we took Celis away, but its results are still up in the air. If we change its course in any way, it''ll be considered a new intervention."


    [Exactly.] Sister Orb confirmed Roan''s words.


    Kentucky didn''t care much about that. "Leave the war aside for now. What will you buy with the remaining Destiny Points?"


    Rean pondered over the question a little before saying, "We have two choices, more or less. We''re close to 10000 Destiny Points, so we can keep it for the next Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade. It''ll increase our absorption speed from 10% to 15%."


    He then pointed at the second option as he continued, "Or we can upgrade the workshops. Any other option seems unrealistic at the moment."


    Roan nodded, saying in response not long after, "True. Which one would you choose?"


    Rean immediately answered, "I would go for the workshops. They''re kind of cheap at the moment, and they''ll help us out in our side occupations. It has been quite a long time since the last time we got something new from them."


    Roan thought about the issue before he looked at his herb garden. Celis''s saplings had grown quite a lot since they first appeared as they were working on the development of the garden itself. It looked like Celis''s presence was great nourishment for the plants there as they were now brimming with life. Naturally, Roan wanted to make good use of them, and an upgrade to the Alchemist Workshop might help out. Of course, he didn''t forget that there was also the possibility that he would get something that wouldn''t help out much.


    "Oh well, whatever." Roan then decided to leave it to fate as he said, "Let''s go after the workshop upgrades." In the end, without paying for the upgrades, they would never know what they could get from it.


    Rean didn''t select the Electrical Formations Repository this time. After all, ever since Sunkan Planet was destroyed, he didn''t have time to work on Circuitry Formations like he did in the past. With that said, he opted for the Blacksmith Workshop, which only gave him the Stacking Hammer so far.


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop Upgrade Level 2 - 1000 Destiny Points]


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop Upgrade Level 3- 3000 Destiny Points]


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    "Yes!"


    [Purchase confirmed.]


    [Destiny Points: 9402]


    [Initializing Upgrade...]


    Rean and Roan saw how the two workshops were suddenly enveloped in a spatial barrier, which they couldn''t see inside. The upgrade process lasted for two hours as the Soul Gem Realm absorbed Spiritual Energy from outside nonstop. Although the Soul Gem Realm now generated its own Spiritual Energy, it was far, far behind what Celis could provide. Eventually, the spatial barrier broke apart, showing the new workshops.


    "As always, they don''t look that different from the outside," Rean said as he looked at the two buildings.


    Roan didn''t bother what Rean thought as he said to him, "Forget it. Are you buying the Level 3 upgrade for the Blacksmith Workshop? We still have enough Destiny Points for it."


    Rean nodded, responding, "Yes. That way, our side occupation workshops are at an even level."


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop Upgrade Level 3 - 3000 Destiny Points]


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    "Yes!"


    [Purchase confirmed.]


    [Destiny Points: 5402]


    [Initializing Upgrade...]


    Sure enough, the Blacksmith Workshop was once again enveloped by a spatial barrier as the upgrade started.


    Roan ignored that phenomenon as he told Rean, "Well, I''ll go take a look at the Alchemist Workshop." Roan had obtained a pestle on the first level, which helped out with the medicinal extraction. He hoped that the mortar would appear this time. That pestle had the ability of not damaging the medicinal properties during that time. However, Roan always had to use it with common mortars, which failed to extract the herbs'' properties fully.


    Soon, Roan entered the workshop and noticed that the scene had changed a little. At the center was his Soul Gem Cauldron, which had the ability to control the temperature perfectly. There were simply no mistakes in temperature when using it.


    The pestle was over the table as always. It was then that Roan''s eyes glistened as he saw the thing by its side. "Oh! It''s actually a mortar! Finally, this shit system gave me what I wanted."


    [Who are you calling a shit system?] Naturally, Sister Orb didn''t like Roan''s words.


    "Shut up! You always give us some bullshit when we need you the most, so what do you want me to think?" Roan didn''t back down at all.


    [Hmph! You guys really don''t know how to appreciate your Sister Orb''s help.]


    Roan ignored Sister Orb and immediately took out some simple herbs to test his new mortar. He took both the pestle and mortar and began to crush the plants inside. Sure enough, Roan was right in his predictions. When the Soul Gem Pestle and Mortar were together, he could extract 100% of the medicinal liquids without damaging any of the medicinal properties. He still had to eliminate the impurities during the concoction process, but that wasn''t much of a problem.


    Roan couldn''t help but nod in satisfaction from his experiments. "Great stuff. Perhaps I can get an alembic in the next upgrade. If I can place the medicinal properties inside it and separate the properties I need, everything will become much easier."


    Roan then worked on a simple Energy Gathering Pill used by Energy Gathering cultivators. At his level, such a pill could be concocted in less than ten minutes. Eventually, a few black and white Energy Gathering Pills came out of the Soul Gem Cauldron. Although Roan only used some simple herbs, he still obtained ten pills in the process. Following that, Roan concocted ten more pills, finishing a total of twenty.


    Roan then left the Dimensional Realm before passing the pills to Burio''s group of adults. "There are twenty pills here. You guys don''t have the same Aptitude Color as the kids you''re taking care of, so you can''t possibly match them in cultivation speed. However, these pills should give you a boost during cultivation as they clear and repair your meridians a little. It won''t allow you to match the kids who are training properly, but it will help out a lot."


    Burio couldn''t help but feel excited after receiving these pills. Of course, not only him but the other adults as well. They were already living a life many times better than they could hope in the past. Their cultivation was slower than the kids, but they were improving steadily. Now, they even got those so-called alchemist pills that neither of them had ever seen before. How could they not be happy? "Thank you, Roan. I''ll definitely find a way to pay this debt one day."


    Roan didn''t seem to care what they thought, though. "I don''t expect anything from you. After all, our levels are too different. As long as you take care of the kids until they become adults and allow them to take care of themselves, that will be enough of a payment for me."


    Burio and the others nodded, assuring Roan. "Don''t worry. We''ll do our best."


    Malo, one of the five twelve-year-old kids that helped take care of the younger ones, couldn''t help but ask with an excited expression after seeing Roan pass the adults some pills. "Can we get some pills as well?!"


    *Pah!*


    However, Roan slapped the back of his head, responding in a stern tone, "Stop your bullshit. These pills would be almost of no help for Purple Color Aptitudes like yours. Instead of wasting my time asking for pills, why don''t you train more, huh?"


    Malo rubbed the back of his head as he left, thinking to himself, ''I really don''t like him.''


    Well, except for Liza, none of the kids liked Roan anyway.

 Chapter 732 - Pulling Each Others Cultivation

    Back inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Rean watched as the upgrade process of the Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop happened. Well, it wasn''t as if he could see anything else other than the Spiritual Energy rushing inside that spatial barrier.


    In any case, the Spiritual Energy eventually finished entering it before the barrier shattered to pieces. Only then could Rean enter to see what he obtained from the upgrades, excluding the hammer he had already obtained.


    "Hmm?" Rean soon noticed the big machine on the wall. There were many displays to control it. But above all, it was the shape that caught Rean''s attention. Soon, he muttered to himself in slight confusion, "An electric furnace? It looks a lot like the one I used back on Earth when I worked as a metallurgist."


    Rean got closer to it and soon found out that it indeed used electrical components to operate. However, after using the controls for a while, he soon found out that it was very different. "This is quite nice. This is a furnace that works with both Spiritual Energy and electricity."


    Rean then took out a few low-level ores and put them inside for a quick test. "Oh! It uses the circuitry part for precision. However, it allows the infusing of Spiritual Energy and Elements without having to keep the door open. So far, I''ve used those medieval forgers until now and had to keep the mouths open to send the energies inside."


    Rean then looked at several dim orbs by the side of the controlling system, continuing to mutter, "However, this one uses these transfer orbs to send everything inside without even opening the furnace. This is really good."


    After that, he tried to use his Light Element and Spiritual Energy on the orbs. The moment he did that, the energies were transferred into the furnace within a split second without anything being wasted. With that, he let out a chuckle as he said, "Truly impressive. Not only was the energy transfer fast, but there wasn''t any loss of energy either."


    It didn''t matter how good Rean was at forging in the past. There would always be a loss of energy and imperfections. That was the nature of the job in a medieval environment like this. However, such a thing was now gone. Well, it wasn''t as if true perfection could be achieved, but Rean wouldn''t be too far from it with this furnace, at least not in the part that involved the furnace.


    Rean worked on the ores he chucked in for some time before finally finishing everything. He then took it out and put it in a dagger mold. Everything went well until the time to temper it arrived. At that moment, Rean noticed a problem. "Eh? Where''s the hammer?"


    Rean looked around, but the hammer was nowhere to be seen. It was only then that he noticed another machine on the opposite side of the workshop.


    "This..." Rean walked around as he touched the machine with a smile on his face. "A Power Hammer! My days of striking metal are over... or so I wish." Rean finally found his hammer by the side of the machine. "Detailed work would still need a more hands-on approach. However, this Power Hammer will definitely save most of the hard work.


    Of course, Rean knew that this was a power hammer given by the Soul Gem System, so it definitely wasn''t as simple as that. "I see...this Power Hammer strikes the metal while it keeps its head covered in Spiritual Energy. Well, that''s to be expected since using a hammer alone would give no results."


    With that, Rean took the dagger and began to strike it.


    *Bang, bang, bang, bang...*


    Once it cooled down beyond a certain point, he would send it back to the furnace to heat it up once again. Then, it would go back on the Power Hammer. Only at the very end did Rean use his Soul Gem Hammer to complete the small details. Eventually, he finished the forging process by tempering the dagger in a special liquid he created. "Very good, now I need to make a handle. After that, I just need to polish and sharpen it."


    Around an hour later, Rean exited the Blacksmith Workshop with an Earth Middle-level dagger that could absorb Light Element once Spiritual Energy was used on it. "Very good result. I think it can even resist a few strikes of an Earth Peak-level weapon before breaking."


    However, Rean couldn''t help but sigh as well after using the new tools he had obtained. "I should have waited for the upgrades before forging the new Black and White Stars. Oh well, I''ll just make new ones once I reach the Soul Transformation Realm."


    Seeing that Rean came out, Roan sent him a message through their Soul Connection, asking, ''Are you done?''


    Rean nodded, replying, ''Pretty much. What about you and Kentucky?''


    ''We are ready to go here,'' Roan answered.


    Rean smiled and then came down to look for Luna. After that, he passed the dagger to her, telling her soon after, "Keep it safe, and don''t use it against the other kids, understood?"


    Luna couldn''t help but be impressed with the dagger''s appearance. Rean''s dagger was snow-white, without any specs of dirt on it. For a girl like Luna, it looked very beautiful. Not to mention that Rean had worked on the details to make it look more like a piece of art than a weapon.


    "Alright!" Luna quickly sheathed the dagger as she nodded in response and put it on her waist. She had no intention of refusing the gift whatsoever.


    Rean laughed as he patted her head after that, telling her, "Good. This is something for you to defend yourself. You can only use it if someone wishes to harm you. Don''t forget that."


    Luna brightly smiled and nodded.


    Rean then turned around, preparing to leave, when suddenly, he noticed hundreds of eyes focused on his body. Sure enough, the other kids were very jealous of Luna''s gift. In the end, he bitterly smiled before saying, "Alright, I''ll make a few pieces of equipment for all of you later. However, you''ll need to wait for me to come back. I have somewhere else to go for now."


    Roan saw that and couldn''t help but complain, ''Are you crazy? Are you going to give a weapon to each kid? They''re already hurting themselves with the wooden weapons I made for them. If you do that, they''ll seriously kill each other.''


    Rean almost laughed when he heard that, responding, ''To think you would care so much about these kids.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes in response, saying, ''What''s the point in saving all of them, just for them to die right after?''


    Rean shook his head after hearing that. Then, he said with a playful smile, ''All I said was that I was going to make a piece of equipment for each of them. I never said I was going to make them weapons.''


    Only then did Roan understand. Rean was going to made defensive equipment like armors, collars, bracelets, and so on. They were all kids, so they wouldn''t bother over what kind of equipment they got as long as they looked nice like Luna''s. ''I see...that''s good enough.''


    Rean smiled but didn''t say anything else either. After that, the two of them flew above Celis just to see Kentucky sleeping in his nest. "I say, Celis, doesn''t it bother you to have this guy living on your branches?"


    Celis denied that notion, replying with, "Of course not! Look closer."


    Rean and Roan paid attention and soon noticed a very small stream of energy coming and leaving Kentucky''s body. It wasn''t Spiritual Energy, nor Elemental Energy. It wasn''t Yin or Yang Energy either, much less World Essence. "So that''s what you meant. Is this energy the one that appears when a Divine Demon Bird forms a bond with a World Swallowing Cedar?"


    Celis confirmed Rean''s doubts, replying, "Exactly. This is beneficial for him and me. It should help our cultivation increase faster, so it''s also helpful for you two. After all, we all have some kind of cultivation connection where our levels can''t surpass but can pull everyone''s realm together."


    Rean and Roan were satisfied to see the results of that bond bearing fruits so early. "That''s good."


    Roan then approached Kentucky, shouting, "Hey, chicken! wake up!"


    Kentucky slowly opened his eyes, annoyed that someone stopped his siesta time. "What? Is it time to eat already?"


    Roan''s mouth twitched before he kicked the Minokawa, saying, "Eat your head! Let''s go. It''s time to go out and challenge those tribes."


    Rean agreed with Roan, saying, "Don''t forget, Kentucky. The one with the best reward will be the victor."


    Only then did Kentucky remember that challenge. "Oh! That''s right!" Kentucky looked at Celis right after, telling him, "I''m going now, so take care of the kids."


    "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just go and do what you need to do already you three." Celis already knew what it was about. "I don''t need combat experience anymore, only energy. Just leave me here, and I can pull you all together with my cultivation."


    That wasn''t a lie. Just like how Rean and Roan could pull Kentucky''s cultivation forward, Kentucky could do the same thing for the twins. Because Celis''s cultivation was now limited by its connection with Kentucky, it also meant that pulling Kentucky''s cultivation would affect the twins and vice versa. Of course, only one of them cultivating would take much longer than when the four of them did it. That being said, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky didn''t stop cultivating either. There was a limit to what Celis could do alone.


    Rean and Roan then boarded Kentucky''s back and took flight, quickly leaving the protection formation. Following that, Kentucky headed out of Koran Forest, where the three of them finally decided to separate. Who knows what each one of them would bring back later?

 Chapter 733 - Training

    Rean was flying on his own while looking at the map on his jade slip. "Hmm...there are a total of 321 small tribes, 53 medium tribes, and two big tribes on this side of Koran Forest alone. Visiting the small tribes will be of no use since they wouldn''t have anyone capable of fighting me. The medium tribes should be my targets since they should have some beings at the Nascent Soul Realm."


    He then continued thinking out loud as he muttered, "As for big tribes, it''s normal for them to have Soul Transformation Protectors, let alone having those at the Nascent Soul Realm present there." At this moment, Rean remembered when he, Roan, and Kentucky visited one of those big tribes. There was no way they could challenge the people there, even with the three of them working together.


    "In theory, the closer a tribe is to Koran Forest, the more confident a tribe is in their strength. After all, demon beasts leaving it to attack the surrounding tribes are more or less common events. Of course, the tribes'' warriors often enter Koran Forest to train as well, so it isn''t unfair." Rean then separated seven tribes in his jade slip map, which he decided to be his targets. "Let''s see which one of them has the best treasure."


    Somewhere else, Roan was pondering over the same problem. It''s just that he didn''t care too much about it. "I''ll just head to the first medium-sized tribe that appears near Koran Forest. As for what kind of items they have...well, fuck it." That was his train of thought.


    Of course, there was also Kentucky. Unlike Rean and Roan, he simply decided to head straight into the medium-sized tribes. His train of thought was to check what they had without paying attention to the Zasfins, and only decide if he would fight for it or not after. It was...a very bold approach.


    "Oh, there''s one!" Out of nowhere, Kentucky dived down like a meteor.


    "Who goes there?!" As soon as he entered the range of that tribe expert''s Spiritual Sense, they came out to check on him.


    However, Kentucky completely ignored them as his body burst into black and white flames. There were three Nascent Soul Realm Zasfins in that tribe, and they all attacked Kentucky at the same time without hesitation. Unfortunately, the strongest one there was only at the Middle Stage. On top of that, his Bloodline Soul Mark was only at Rank Three. With Kentucky''s Spiritual Energy and Soul Power now fused, their attacks simply couldn''t break through his defense.


    *Boom!*


    Kentucky passed by the Zasfins and slammed into the biggest building in the tribe. It had a Spiritual Sense Blockage Formation, so he had to break it to see what could be found inside. "Eh? Is that all you have?" Kentucky then looked at the Zasfins he knocked aside in his dive as he asked them, "Why are you all so poor?"


    The Zasfin leader''s mouth twitched as he inwardly cursed, ''You just destroyed my house, and you''re complaining that I''m poor?! Fuck you!'' Sure enough, the three of them started to attack one more, trying to cut Kentucky down. However...


    *Vup!*


    Before their attacks could land, Kentucky flapped his wings, shooting like a bullet in the distance as he said to them, "Since you don''t have anything that interests me, I''m leaving. Until some other day, I guess."


    The Zasfins were in a rage as they tried to pursue Kentucky. However, catching up to him was just a pipe dream. Kentucky was a Divine Demon Bird, a Minokawa! Let alone Nascent Soul, even Initial Stage Soul Transformation Realm Zasfins couldn''t possibly match him in speed. At least not if they weren''t fully focused on speed.


    Back on Rean''s side, he was more methodical. There wasn''t any Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin in the first tribe he visited, only two Nascent Soul Zasfins at the Initial Stage. That being said, they couldn''t pierce through Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill. Rean also had the Light bending skill, so literally no one knew that he was there. "Let''s see what we can find here. Now...where''s the treasure room? Or maybe they have some spatial equipment. Right, they''re too poor to have something like that."


    Without anyone noticing, Rean walked inside the main building, looking for something good. He was even bold enough to enter one of the Nascent Soul Realm Zasfins'' dwellings. Well, that was because the guy inside it wasn''t using Spiritual Sense. Otherwise, Rean would be too close to be able to bend it even though their levels were the same.


    ''Oh...to think that someone from a tribe like this would have Heaven-level equipment.'' Rean was looking at a bow on the Zasfin''s back. From the looks of it, the guy had never left the bow by his side. ''I wonder if this bow would give me the lead in our competition...''


    Rean pondered over it for a bit and decided to mark this tribe as a potential target. After that, he left and headed to the next one on his list. From start to finish, it was as if he had never been there.


    As for Roan, he was more straightforward. He covered his body and face so that the opposing side couldn''t tell he was a Zasfin. Following that, he used the Spiritual Sense bending skill to make it harder to say whether he was a Zasfin or not. When the enemy saw the humanoid form, he didn''t doubt the person in front of him was a Zasfin. After all, where would he have a seen a Nascent Soul Realm human? The guy thought that Roan simply didn''t want to be recognized so that they wouldn''t seek vengeance against his tribe.


    Roan then fought against two Zasfins at the Nascent Soul Realm. One was at the Initial Stage, while the other one was at the Late Stage. Because he decided to not use the Elements Exchange with Rean, his strength was more or less the same as the two enemies'' strength...combined.


    The other tribe members watched as the battle unfurled in the sky with their eyes wide open. It wasn''t every day one would see such a high-level confrontation.


    As the battle continued, the Zasfin at the Late Stage Nascent Soul Realm shouted, "Who are you? Why are you attacking us?"


    Roan faintly smiled behind his cover, responding, "Training."

 Chapter 734 - Cutting Through!

    The two Zasfins fighting Roan almost vomited blood after hearing that. Soon, one of them shouted in response, "Training...your ass! What is your real objective? Were you sent by the Kalosc Tribe?" One didn''t need to think much to understand that this tribe was in a feud with the tribe that Zasfin mentioned.


    However, Roan shook his head as he used the Three Claws of the Dragon.  While the enemies had a hard time defending against it, Roan spoke, "Well, I''m also looking for some good treasures. I''ll take a look at your tribe after we finish this fight. As for this Kalosc you mentioned... I don''t even know where they''re located. Do you know if they have some good treasures? I might pay a visit to them after I finish things here."


    The two Zasfins couldn''t help but be taken aback. Wasn''t that the same as saying that he would win this clash and still have enough strength to attack their enemies? "Fuck you!"


    The Late Stage Nascent Soul Realm Zasfin immediately gave up talking and went all out.


    ''Chaos of the Ice World!''


    The other Zasfin followed the leader as he brandished his greatest move as well.


    ''Dawn of the Sea!''


    Roan was more than satisfied with their reactions since that''s how he would test his strength. In any case, he just wanted to see how much the fusion of Spiritual Energy and Soul Power would help him.


    ''Death Style, Second Movement Form, Shadow Air!''


    ''Death World!''


    ''Death Style, Crescent Moon!''


    Roan quickly retreated with Shadow Air, a variation of Shadow Steps but solely made for fights in the skies. He worked on it ever since he entered the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Now that he was in the Nascent Soul Realm and his Spiritual Energy was fused with Soul Power, it increased the effectiveness of the movement skill even more. Not only that, but it was made with Death World in mind, a skill that made an area spanning a kilometer radius around Roan go dark. Without a doubt, those two skills were made for each other.


    Roan''s fused Spiritual Energy and Soul Power was imbued in his Crescent Moon attack. As mentioned before, Crescent Moon was a wide-area attack. With the fusion of energies and his element together, its attack power was greatly amplified.


    *Boom!*


    All three attacks met in the middle before a huge explosion took form in the skies of the tribe. However, the Crescent Moon wave moved out of the blast radius in the next moment, flying in the direction of the two Nascent Soul Zasfins. Not only that, they were slow to react because of Death World.


    In any case, Roan wasn''t exchanging Elements with Rean, not to mention that one of the enemies was at the Late Stage Nascent Soul realm. He quickly raised his hand forward as a giant wall of ice took form in front of him. It also shielded his tribe member, who was right behind him.


    ''Ice Aegis!''


    *Bang!*


    The Crescent Moon hit the ice wall head-on. However, because of their slow reaction, it didn''t form completely. Part of the attack power still passed through, leaving a few injuries behind on their bodies.


    *Arrrrgh!*


    Normally, such a level of injury wouldn''t bother Zasfins at the Late Stage Nascent Soul Realm. However, it wasn''t just any normal attack. Not only did it have Roan''s destructive Dark Element, but it was also amplified by the fusion of Spiritual Energy and Soul Power.


    "Chief!" His companion rushed in his direction, but just as he was about to appear by his side, Roan''s shadow form took form behind him. Of course, the guy had always kept his Spiritual Sense active, so he instantly noticed when Roan appeared. Nevertheless, Roan was just too fast in using his skills, not to mention that the enemy was at the same level as him. For Roan, who could fight a Late Stage Nascent Soul Zasfins head-on, someone at the Initial Stage was of little concern.


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    Roan followed up with his fastest attack, shooting in the Zasfin''s direction like a bullet!


    "You dare ignore me?!" Of course, the Zasfin chief wasn''t out of commission yet. In the end, Roan didn''t inflict enough damage to incapacitate a Late Stage Nascent Soul Zasfin. The fact that he delayed the guy with just that little amount of damage was proof of how strong the fusion of Spiritual Energy and Soul Power was.


    Hundreds of frozen icicles appeared around Roan, shooting at him from all sides.


    ''Piercing Hell!''


    *Puchi! Puchi! Puchi! Puchi! Puchi...*


    The icicles passed through Roan''s body, leaving numerous holes behind. However, his shadow form disappeared right after, leaving no dead body behind. In an instant, the old Zasfin shouted in slight fear, "Not good!"


    Roan''s voice then echoed in his ears through a Spiritual Sense Message, saying, ''Too late, old man.''


    However, the old Zasfin wasn''t going to give up just like that. ''Who said so?''


    Not long after, the guy showed his equipment, a pair of vambraces, which he hadn''t used until now due to his own ranged style. Then again, it wasn''t as if he didn''t know how to use it. After all, even if one was used to fighting at long range, one wouldn''t allow oneself to become useless if someone got close to them.


    However, Roan''s faint smile didn''t disappear as he launched his next attack.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Three identical dark blades came from three different sides.


    It was at this moment that the old Zasfin''s experience showed itself. Knowing that he couldn''t defend against the three blades at once, he first turned his body slightly to the right, which would allow one of Roan''s blades to miss one of his vital areas. At the same time, he lifted his vambraces, using them to block the remaining dark blades. Normally, this would have been an amazing reaction due to the circumstances. However...


    ''Hehe! Since I said it was too late, it is too late,'' Roan remarked.


    The first blade did miss one of the vital areas, just like what the Zasfin predicted. Unfortunately, it was far from enough. The moment the first attack touched his vambrace, its attack power cut it in two! Naturally, the Zasfin''s arm was sent flying in the process as well. However, that wasn''t all. That''s because that dark blade was the illusionary one, which had only 70% of the attack power of the real blade.


    The second vambrace was cut through as if it wasn''t even there. Following its path, the blade connected with the Zasfin''s head, cutting right through it as well. He was dead!


    Roan then looked at Rean''s new White Star before nodding in satisfaction, thinking to himself, ''That idiot is really good at these things.''

 Chapter 735 - Totem

    Seeing how their tribe leader was killed, the remaining Nascent Soul Realm Zasfin immediately gave up and decided to flee. However, he was simply not as fast as Roan, so it didn''t take long until Roan finished him off as well. ''Sure enough, it''s just like what Sister Orb said. None of these guys tried to sacrifice their Nascent Soul for more power. Well, that''s good for me, I guess.''


    Roan didn''t even stop to think about the two Zasfins that just died. They thought about humans as nothing more than expendable resources, so why should he care? Besides, it was a lot easier trying to kill than prevent taking someone''s life while fighting. Roan, of course, knew that very well.


    Soon after, Roan returned to the tribe he left behind while pursuing the last Zasfin. The Zasfins at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm already took flight the moment their tribe leader died and ran away. The others with lower cultivation also didn''t waste time before they ran on foot. In the end, only the low-level Zasfins and the human slaves remained there.


    ''Hmm...what should I do? Should I just get rid of the remaining Zasfins and leave this tribe for the humans to take care of?''


    However, Roan immediately shook his head as he soon thought, ''A few Zasfins already ran in several directions while I was pursuing the last guy. It wouldn''t take long before other Zasfins arrive to check the situation. Most likely, this tribe would be claimed by some else. The humans here definitely don''t have the ability to defend themselves. Well, chances are that instead of being killed, they would just become another tribe''s slaves.''


    In the end, Roan decided to not do anything before deciding to head inside the main building. The place had a few simple formations to stop trespassers. However, at Roan''s level, it wasn''t anything too difficult to break through. After that, he began to look around for things he might need.


    Roan found quite a few Rank Three Spirit Stones, which seemed to be accumulated by the Zasfin leader throughout his lifetime. Naturally, he sent all of that into the Dimensional Realm. There were also a few pieces of equipment, but they were far from what Rean could forge himself. In any case, Roan might be able to sell them in a Zasfin city''s shop for Spirit Stones, so he took them all as well. Last but not least, Roan also found a few useful herbs. It seemed like the Zasfin who lived here knew a little about alchemy, but not that much.


    Roan then left the main building before taking flight as he inwardly muttered, ''Nothing that useful. Let''s try another one.''


    A few days later, a rumor began to spread in the tribes around Koran Forest. Medium-sized tribes were being attacked one after another by a demon beast and a Nascent Soul Realm enemy. However, no one knew what that demon beast was, nor could they see the face of the Nascent Soul Realm attacker.


    At some point, over forty Nascent Soul Realm Zasfins died. Some of the tribes had all their experts wiped out. Others had some left, but none of their top ones remained. The only thing that the tribes failed to notice was that no humans died in the process, only Zasfins. Well, even if they had noticed, they would probably think that the enemy didn''t care about slaves. After all, who would fight for humans in this world?


    Eventually, the remaining medium-sized tribes got scared and asked the big tribes for help, telling them that this might be another ploy by the surrounding Empires. Whether it was true or not, the big tribes in this place wouldn''t take chances, so they sent their Soul Transformation Realm warriors out.


    Unfortunately for them, by the time they began to investigate, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky had already finished their assaults and returned to the valley. One must not forget that they had a time limit to find the treasures.


    The last one to enter the valley was Kentucky, who carried a very big totem on his talons. Rean and Roan, who had arrived earlier, couldn''t help but become curious as to what the totem was. "That should be the treasure Kentucky found in the tribes."


    Roan nodded and waited for the Minokawa to land before saying, "Alright, these attacks have given us quite a good boost to our Spirit Stone reserves and other uncommon materials. However, it''s time to decide on who obtained the best treasure."


    Kentucky immediately raised his wing as he hastily said, "I go first!" He then pushed the totem forward before sending his Spiritual Energy inside it. As soon as he did that, the totem began to shine with warm light. However, that wasn''t the impressive thing about it.


    Rean touched the totem and couldn''t help but feel impressed as he muttered, "Yang Energy, and such a pure one at that..." He then looked at Kentucky and asked, "Where did you find this?"


    Kentucky puffed his chest in pride as he replied, "Isn''t that obvious? I got it from one of those medium-sized tribes." Following that, he pointed at the totem and continued, "Both you and I know how good an item that can generate Yang Energy is. That''s why I chose this totem as my treasure."


    Rean was happy that Kentucky found such a thing, saying, "That''s great! Do you know how they crafted it? I would love to make a few more."


    Kentucky was taken aback for a moment before he looked away, trying to avoid Rean''s gaze as he let out an awkward chuckle. "Well...I killed the Zasfins who fought me for the totem, so I don''t know."


    "Sigh..." Rean couldn''t help but feel disappointed, letting out a sigh not long after. "Show me where their tribe was located later. I want to take a look. Maybe they left some blueprints behind."


    Roan then moved forward and took out a Soul Stone. "I didn''t expect to find one of these things in the Tribes'' Zone, especially in a medium-sized tribe. We all know that these stones are also made with the kids'' souls."


    Roan then shook his head as he continued, "However, the rule was to find the most valuable treasure. Even if we wouldn''t use this thing, it doesn''t change that it''s far rarer than Heaven-level equipment. That''s why I selected it."


    Rean nodded after hearing Roan''s explanation. The Soul Stones were made already, so there was no point in thinking about what they were before. "I understand."


    Kentucky also didn''t like it, saying with a gloomy expression, "I know we can sell it for quite a fortune. However, I truly don''t want to see it being used to increase some Zasfin''s Soul Power."


    Soon, he asked, "Can we destroy it later?"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and nodded in agreement. They also didn''t like the idea very much, not to mention that they weren''t in need of anything at the moment. "Alright, we''ll do that."


    Roan then looked at the totem Kentucky got. "Nonetheless, I have to admit that this totem is a lot more valuable...at least it is for us."


    Kentucky was obviously delighted that Roan said so, prompting him to say, "Right? Right?!"


    After that, he looked at Rean and asked, "How about you? Can you bring something better than my totem out?

 Chapter 736 - It Is Decided

    Rean scratched the back of his head before he took a bow out of the Dimensional Realm. In the end, Rean didn''t find anything better than that bow, so he returned and fought the Zasfins of that tribe. "I was too unlucky. Out of all the tribes I challenged, only one had a piece of Heaven-level equipment. None of the other tribes even had one."


    Kentucky then puffed his chest once more as he said with great glee, "Then, I''m the winner! Hahaha!"


    Roan didn''t care that much about losing, so he changed the topic, asking, "So, how did the fusion of Spiritual Energy and Soul Power affect your combat? In my case, it improved my combat power a lot. I don''t think I would have an issue challenging an average Peak Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. I fought a few Zasfins at the Initial and Middle Stages, but they weren''t my match. Only Late Stage ones could hold on for some time, but I ultimately won anyway."


    Rean agreed with Roan, saying, "We''re more or less similar on the combat power side. I also found a Late Nascent Soul Zasfin who had a Middle Stage Zasfin as a subordinate. It was only because of the support of that Middle Stage Zasfin that the Late Stage one was able to fight me on equal grounds. If he was alone, I don''t think the battle would have been a draw."


    Kentucky then opened his wings as he bragged, "You two are too weak! I won a battle against a Peak Nascent Soul Realm Zasfin. Hahaha!"


    Rean and Roan didn''t find it strange as Roan responded, "Unsurprising. We refrained from using each other''s elements. In your case, you already have both Light and Dark Affinity, so you could use them as you wish. You didn''t need us at all."


    Rean agreed with Roan, saying in response, "That''s true. Don''t forget, Kentucky. If we do exchange elements, both Roan and I can even fight an Initial Stage Soul Transformation Realm cultivator and win in most scenarios. We didn''t even use my new swords'' Elemental Gathering ability since we created a situation where we could only rely on ourselves. Suppose we do use the swords'' abilities and exchange elements. In that case, it wouldn''t be surprising if we could put up a fight against a Middle Stage Soul Transformation Realm cultivator if we fought together."


    Kentucky didn''t seem to want to let it go, saying, "So what? It only means that in a situation where we only have our bodies, I''m stronger."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, responding, "You''re a Divine Demon Beast and have a certain amount of support from the Soul Gem System. If you didn''t win in body-only combat, then your bloodline as a Minokawa would be meaningless. Especially since Minokawas excel in defense more than anything else."


    Kentucky finally agreed after hearing that, replying with, "Well, I guess that''s true."


    Roan ignored the Minokawa and looked at the totem, saying, "Still, what a great treasure. The amount of Yang Energy it gathers isn''t that impressive. Rean can do better than that alone. However, if he cultivates with it by his side, it would save him a bit of effort. The same goes for me since Yang complements Yin, which is also part of my cultivation technique manual."


    Rean nodded. "Should we go to the Tribe where Kentucky got it?"


    Celis, who had been hearing so far, finally talked. "I think it will be useless."


    Naturally, the attention of Rean''s group was piqued. With that, they waited for Celis to continue talking as he told them, "The wood used in this totem is not something you''ll find in this world. In fact, I feel like it was a tremendous waste to use this wood to create the totem. Those who created this thing truly didn''t know what they had in their hands. Such a pity, such a pity..."


    "So...what kind of wood is this?" Rean asked, voicing everyone else''s thoughts.


    Celis then explained, "This is Divine Parasol Tree Wood. I''m not talking about the Parasol Trees, but a Parasol Tree that awakened its sentience like me. Not only that, but this one seems to have been nurtured by a real Phoenix. That''s why it can gather Yang Energy on its own. This isn''t a piece of equipment but a simple carving made out of wood. Its abilities come from the wood itself."


    Rean''s group couldn''t help but think about Phex after hearing that. "Does it have something to do with him?"


    Celis, who already heard about their encounter with Gulan''s grandfather, wasn''t sure as he replied, "I don''t know. But chances are high. The only question I have is why would such a rare piece of wood appear in a medium-sized tribe like that. I don''t think that Phoenix called Phex would have let the wood go. First of all, I don''t think he would have let anyone kill the Divine Parasol Tree in the first place."


    "Kill?" Those words took Rean and Roan aback.


    Celis understood why, though. "Yes, kill. This wood is part of a dead Parasol Tree. If it was taken from a living Divine Parasol Tree, the main body would be able to feel where it is. It''s similar to how I spread my saplings and can watch everything they can. A Divine Parasol Tree''s pride wouldn''t allow its wood to be used for such an idiotic thing."


    He then lifted one of his roots out of the ground as he continued, "As you can see, I can move my body as I wish. If I was still at Stage Ten, I could even take on a human form. That being said, the Divine Parasol Tree would have definitely come after this totem."


    Rean pondered a bit before asking Roan, "Do you think we should bring it to Senior Phex?"


    Roan understood what Rean was trying to achieve. "You think we can get a few favors from him. Or at the very least, it would prevent future problems if we explain how we found it. After all, if he sees this thing with us, he might have the wrong idea."


    Roan then added, "However, that''s considering Phex has something to do with this. If he doesn''t, giving this Divine Parasol Tree to him might be a big loss for us."


    Kentucky couldn''t help but ask, "Can''t you create some nice equipment from it?"


    Rean nodded, replying, "Yes...but I would prefer to keep it intact to help out with our cultivation."


    In the end, Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said, "Oh well, let''s just keep it with us for the time being. If Phex finds out, let''s just say we didn''t know what it was. After all, we only know what it is because of Celis."


    Roan, Kentucky, and Celis agreed with Rean as Roan said, "Then, it''s decided."

 Chapter 737 - Breakthroughs

    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky decided to give it a try and sat by the totem''s side. Sure enough, because their cultivation used Yang Energy, the totem made things easier for them. After a while, Rean could not help but say, "I guess our cultivation is around 5% or so faster now that part of the Yang Energy is being gathered by the totem." It didn''t seem like much. But over time, this amount would keep accumulating.


    Roan and Kentucky nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it''s very good."


    Celis was the only one who didn''t seem to care, so that caught the attention of Rean''s group as one of them asked, "Celis, don''t you need Yang Energy?"


    Celis laughed out loud after hearing that, responding with, "Hahaha! Of course I do! However, my roots are able to penetrate the earth and reach the magma below. Unlike flesh and blood beings like you, that impure Yang Energy is not toxic for me. Don''t underestimate a World Swallowing Cedar."


    Of course, that was beneficial for Rean''s group since Celis''s cultivation also pulled their own. "That''s good, then."


    In the end, Rean asked Kentucky to move the totem and put it right in the middle of where the kids lived. That way, the kids who needed Yang Energy for cultivation would benefit from it. One must remember that Rean obtained a lot of cultivation manuals back in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters. Naturally, there was no lack of Yang and Yin type cultivation manuals for all mainstream elemental affinities. Roan then distributed them after revising the manuals for humans to use.


    As for the kids who didn''t need Yang Energy, the totem wasn''t able to gather enough to make that much of a difference. Not to mention that Yang complemented Yin, so it helped Yin Energy users, even if just a little.


    After that, Rean built a building with Kentucky''s help around the totem before drawing a formation below. That way, the Yang Energy gathered by it, which was completely devoid of impurities, wouldn''t escape the range of the kids'' living place. Well, that building also had rooms reserved for Rean and Roan. Kentucky also benefited from it since the building was constructed inside Celis''s area.


    The days passed by in a flash, and the search for the attackers of the tribes continued. Unfortunately, over three months had gone by, and no clues were obtained regarding Rean and Roan, who were currently focused on cultivating and training their side occupations.


    During this time, Malo''s group had finally reached the peak of the Energy Gathering Realm and were ready to enter the Foundation Establishment Realm. They weren''t the only ones, though. At least half of the Purple Color Aptitude Kids had similar cultivation speeds. Some even showed great talent and patience for the art of cultivation.


    Roan, knowing that rushing things wasn''t beneficial for their foundations, told them to stay at the peak of the Energy Gathering Realm. He also did that so that he could accompany everyone''s breakthrough at the same time. That way, those kids and the adults observing them would be able to explain to others who reached that level in the future.


    Eventually, a total of 50 kids had reached the peak of the Energy Gathering Realm. Almost half of them, 23 in total, had Purple Color Aptitude. The others were both Red Color or Blue Color. Obviously, those with Blue Color Aptitude were the least present, with just two girls reaching that level with that aptitude. As one could imagine, those two girls with Blue Color Aptitude were none other than Liza and Luna. They had seen part of Rean and Roan''s memories, which had been of great help for their own training.


    As for the other Purple Color and Red Color kids, they were too young to understand the concept of cultivation or didn''t have the necessary patience. After all, asking kids to stay put and absorb energy was anything but easy. Many of them slacked on purpose, and Roan wouldn''t keep an eye on the kids 100% of the time. Nevertheless, because Roan had set up a target for each cultivating kid to achieve, none of them were truly falling behind. Or, to be more specific, they wouldn''t dare to fall behind since Roan''s punishments were anything but gentle.


    Roan then gathered those kids and began to explain how breaking through the Foundation Establishment Realm worked. It was already described in their cultivation manuals. In any case, many of them still had several doubts. Roan was very patient, spending several hours with those kids.


    Rean didn''t help since there was no need for it at this level of cultivation. He just cultivated nearby in case something happened. After all, the one responsible for cultivation issues was Roan, not him. Roan knew that as well, so he only asked for Rean''s help when there was an actual need for it.


    "Are there any more questions?" Roan asked as he looked at the group of kids. Burio''s group was also there, just listening to the explanations. "Good! Malo, come forward. You''re the oldest kid between them all, so you go first to set an example."


    Malo was twelve years old when he arrived in the valley, but he was the first to turn thirteen after these past few months.


    Malo nodded and sat with his back turned to Roan. After that, he took his cultivation manual before deeply breathing. Soon, he began the process of breaking through into the Foundation Establishment Realm. The pillars were created inside his Dantian as his Spiritual Pool increased in size. Everything was going as smoothly as it could be.


    Roan looked at that and nodded with satisfaction. ''As expected of a Purple Color Talent. Everything seems so simple for them.''


    Fortunately, there was no need for the consumption of Spirit Stones since the Spiritual Energy in the valley was equivalent to Rank Three ones. That was far more than enough for such a level of cultivation.


    Eventually, a burst of Spiritual Energy came out of Malo''s Dantian, spreading outwards as the other kids looked at him.


    "Not bad," Roan said. Naturally, Malo came to understand that receiving praise from Roan was worth more than gold, so he was very happy, replying with, "Thank you, Senior Roan.


    Roan slightly nodded as he said, "You created nine pillars, which is the limit of the Foundation Establishment Realm. You can head down now. Focus on calming your foundation down for the next week or two."


    Roan then looked at the other kids after that and said, "You don''t need to create nine pillars like him. As long as you get at least seven, that''s enough. Now, next!"


    And just like that, one kid after another moved forward to begin their breakthroughs, feeling excited after Malo''s success.

 Chapter 738 - Mission

    There were no failures during the breakthroughs, which was expected considering the resources available for everyone. Once they were done with it, Roan looked at Burio''s group and said, "Alright, that''s how it goes. If there are any other kids ready for a breakthrough, you can explain it to them yourselves. It will also be useful for you. After all, your aptitudes might be lower, but you have a much better environment to work towards it."


    Burio and the other adults nodded in response. They knew that Roan was right. "Don''t worry, Roan. Leave the kids to us. Malo and the other older kids will be able to help as well, so it''s fine."


    Roan nodded before turning around to head back to his room.


    Rean also watched the breakthroughs, but in the end, his presence wasn''t necessary.


    Following that, the twins passed the next few days cultivating. However, they weren''t able to keep at it for too long.


    *Tremble!*


    Out of nowhere, the protection formation of the valley began to shake as if someone was attacking it. In fact, that was actually the case. It''s just that the strength used to do that was quite small, far from enough to break through it.


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky then rushed outside just to see that it was Gulan who was doing that. "Oh, you finally appeared. Couldn''t you at least leave a way for me to communicate with you from the outside? This formation blocks both vision and Spiritual Sense, so I could only attack the formation to catch your attention."


    Roan and Kentucky looked at Rean, who couldn''t help but scratch the back of his head after hearing that. With an awkward chuckle, he said, "Ahem...I forgot about this detail."


    Roan shook his head after hearing that, refusing to comment about it. Following that, he looked back at Gulan and said, "I believe this is the first time we''ve met, right? At least, this is the first time we''ve met while I''m not pretending to be a slave."


    Gulan agreed with Roan, saying, "That''s true. Well, I heard about you already, and I believe you know about me as well. With that said, let''s leave the self-introductions aside. I came here with the first mission you guys will take as part of the Demon Beast Alliance."


    Rean and the others narrowed their eyes in response as Rean asked, "So, the war is finally starting?"


    Gulan nodded, replying, "Yes. It''s still not out in the open, but several small skirmishes are already happening in some isolated territories. It won''t take long before it escalates." Gulan then used his Spiritual Energy to send a jade slip to Rean''s group, telling them, "Your mission is described inside. As for how you will deal with it, that''s your problem."


    Before Rean and the others could say anything, Gulan already turned around and shot into the distance while saying, "My duty is done. I''m leaving."


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky looked in the direction where Gulan left before looking at the jade slip in their hands. Soon, Rean said, "Well, I guess he had nothing to do with it. Let''s take a look at the mission."


    Surprisingly, not only was the mission explained there. The Demon Beast Alliance also created a merit point system, aiming to attract more help.


    "That''s to be expected," Roan said. "You can be sure that the Soul Rulers will use the same system, considering that they haven''t done it already."


    Rean and Kentucky nodded in agreement with Roan''s words as Rean said soon after, "Alright, let''s leave that aside and check the mission out."


    -Demon Beast in charge: Phex-


    -Participants: Minokawa, Rean, Roan-


    -The Soul Rulers are starting to build Demon Beast Aura Repression Formations. The territories where these formations are being placed are also considered the points our Alliance has its eyes on. At the moment, both sides are holding back their main experts, so no one above Stage Six or Soul Transformation Realm is being allowed to take part.-


    -Mission: This is just the start of the war. All groups who have received this mission are required to destroy at least 10 of those formations. Considering the amount of materials necessary and the timespan, this is the minimum number in case we don''t want to fall back in this run.-


    -Each group''s attacking area has been decided based on their own affinities and the location of their homes. You can find the specific area designed for your group down below.-


    -Minokawa and its group''s target: Celesgal Volcano Region, southwest side. It''s close to the Perfiq Demon Beast Abyss, one of the demon beast areas outside the Demon Beast Continent. Reports show that 70 to 90 Demon Beast Aura Repression Formations are being built in this area. The means to achieve success will not be considered, only results.-


    -We have our eyes in the area, so there''s no need to worry about reporting how many formations you destroyed.-


    -Mission Reward upon success: 10 Merit Points. One extra point for any additional destroyed formation during the mission.-


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "What do they mean by having their eyes in the area? From what I can see on the map, that area is enormous. Also, what if some of the stronger Zasfins decide to come out in the end?"


    Roan pondered over it for a bit before answering, "That''s probably done by the demon beasts at Stage Seven and above. They did say that no one above Stage Six or the Soul Transformation Realm is allowed to take part, right? It probably means that those experts are there only to look. If any side decides to make a move first, the others won''t stay quiet. They are repressing each other."


    Roan then gave them a warning, continuing, "However, you never know what could happen, so you two better be careful. Also, Soul Transformation Realm experts are allowed. That being said, it''s still pretty dangerous if a Middle Stage one or above appears."


    Rean and Kentucky nodded in response as Rean replied, "In any case, that''s still okay. We did want to test our powers more often, right? Now we''ll have that chance."


    "It''s good that you understand," Roan said as he looked into the distance. "Let''s head back inside and prepare to leave."

 Chapter 739 - Surprise

    After heading back into the valley, Rean then looked at the World Swallowing Cedar and asked, "What about Celis? Should we leave or bring him inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm?"


    Celis already heard what happened through Kentucky, so he immediately answered, "Why? Can''t you do such a thing by yourselves? I told you before. I have no need for battle experience, and I know what I need to do to cultivate. In fact, now that I''ve returned to this stage, I''m being even more thorough, fixing some mistakes I made in the past. Just leave me here unless you''re sure you''ll be in a precarious situation."


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky didn''t mind. They only asked to see what Celis wanted to do. After all, it was true that Celis could keep cultivating while they were on the move. It wouldn''t be as good as the four of them cultivating, but it was better than nothing. "Alright, then. We will leave you here. Take care of the kids, Celis."


    Celis agreed as he said, "Sure, just go already."


    Still, there was one thing that bothered Rean. "We''re all leaving except for Celis. What if someone comes while we''re out? Celis is still in the Initial Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm, after all. If someone similar to Gulan comes around, there won''t be much Celis can do."


    Roan pondered over it for a bit before saying, "You said that the formation can definitely stop anyone in the Nascent Soul Realm, right? Other than Gulan, there shouldn''t be anyone else. In any case, we can''t stay here forever to look after the kids, not to mention that we can''t put them in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm anymore. In a situation like this, one can only hope."


    Celis already began to lose his patience, though. "Why are you still here? Stop worrying about what can''t be done and just go. Humans are so complicated."


    Kentucky agreed with Celis''s sentiments, saying, "I think so too."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders in response, replying with, "Well, so be it. Let''s go."


    Kentucky then bade farewell to Celis before Rean and Roan jumped on his back. Not long after, they left the valley and disappeared in the distance.


    Rean then looked at the map, trying to calculate the time necessary to arrive there. Of course, as always, he kept his Spiritual Sense and Light bending skill active. "No wonder they gave this area for us to take care of. It''s only three days away from Koran Forest and still in the Tribes'' Zone. Sure enough, that would be the best place."


    Roan nodded, saying, "That''s not all. The region they put us in charge of is full of mountains and high peaks. It''s the perfect stage for a Demon Bird to battle. It seems like Phex chose this place with Kentucky in mind."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh, responding, "Hahaha! That also means he doesn''t care about the two of us at all."


    "Obviously." Roan shrugged his shoulders as he said, "Phex cares about Kentucky, not us. Why should he give us an easy time? Besides, we''re humans. He has no reason to consider our well-being at all. You could say that this is a battlefield made for Kentucky to train."


    Kentucky was quite happy after hearing that, saying, "As expected of another Divine Demon Beast."


    Rean then calmed down before sitting on Kentucky''s back, shrugging his shoulders as he said, "Oh well, we have three days on our hands until we arrive. Let''s not leave all the work for Celis alone." Soon after, he took out several Rank Three Spirit Stones and began to cultivate. While inside the valley, there was no need for these stones. But now that they were outside, the stones finally gained meaning again in their cultivation.


    Roan agreed with Rean''s idea and took out a few Rank Three Spirit Stones before cultivating. And just like that, three days went by in a flash.


    Rean''s group could finally see the Celesgal Volcano. However, it did not mean that they were close. This region carried the volcano''s name because of how prominent it was. Even though Rean''s group was a few hundreds of kilometers away, they could still see its outline. That''s just how big it was.


    However, they didn''t pay much attention to it before heading to the southeast side. However, it didn''t take long before Rean noticed a very strong Spiritual Sense touching his Spiritual Sense bending skill. Fortunately, they were at the very border of that Spiritual Sense, so Rean could still bend it.


    "Definitely Stage Seven Spiritual Sense, not far from Stage Eight," Rean said with a serious expression.


    Of course, they were already expecting something like this. "That''s a good thing. As long as it''s here, neither side''s top experts will intervene." Soon after, Roan asked Rean to turn the skill off. "We can''t suddenly appear too close to that Stage Seven Demon Beast''s Spiritual Sense. Stop bending his Spiritual Sense so that he knows we''re coming."


    Rean nodded before both his Spiritual Sense and Light bending skill were deactivated. Sure enough, the Demon Beast responsible for watching this area looked in the twins'' direction as it thought, ''One Rank Five Demon Beast and...two humans. So that''s the group Senior Phex tasked me to keep a close eye on.''


    As Rean and Roan got closer and closer to the area marked on the map, they noticed quite a few Zasfins and Demon Beasts battling on the ground below. There were also some Stage Four Demon Beasts fighting against Core and Soul Fusion Realm Zasfins in the air.


    "It seems like the fights have already started at the lower levels," Kentucky commented as he watched things from the skies.


    Not too long after, Rean''s group landed at the top of one of the mountains. There, they could see a few other groups of Stage Five Demon Beasts. There were also three beasts at Stage Six. As expected, they immediately looked at Rean''s group. Or, to be more precise, at Rean and Roan, who were humans.


    One of the Rank Six Demon Beasts couldn''t help but say, "Oh, it''s already very rare for a single Nascent Soul human to appear, and now there are three of them. That''s quite interesting."


    The other two Rank Six Demon Beasts nodded in agreement, also finding that sight quite peculiar.


    However, Rean and Roan were more surprised by what they said as they simultaneously said in surprise, "Three Nascent Soul Realm humans?"


    As if hearing the twins'' words, a man with a large greatsword on his back moved forward, out of the demon beast ranks. In the end, Rean, Roan, and the man couldn''t help but look at each other with surprise in their eyes.

 Chapter 740 - The Agreement

    The man then looked at the other two Stage Five Demon Beasts by his side before saying something. He was a little far away, so Rean and Roan didn''t hear what he was saying. Nevertheless, after he was done, he came to talk with the twins, saying, "Well, well, well...I do know a few humans at the Nascent Soul Realm from the Demon Beast Continent. However, compared to the number of Stage Five Demon Beasts and Nascent Soul Realm Zasfins, humans don''t amount to even 0.1% of them. To think that there would be three of us in the same mission."


    Rean smiled as he nodded, responding, "Indeed. It''s also a surprise to see another human at the Nascent Soul Realm, a Late Stage one at that. Say, why are you participating in this mission? The number of human experts is already pitifully low. Wouldn''t it be too risky for you? Are the merit points really worth that much?"


    The man was taken aback by Rean and Roan''s words as he said in response, "Wait a minute...could it be that you don''t know about the agreement between humans and the Demon Beast Alliance?"


    The twins immediately shook their heads as Rean replied with a question. "What kind of agreement?"


    The man sighed before explaining, "First, let me introduce myself. You can call me Luti Franla. Well, as you know, the Demon Beast Continent is basically the only place where humans can live as something else other than slaves. Of course, they also need to be strong to survive. Because the place is infested with demon beasts, any human cities are doomed to be destroyed, so all you can find are very tiny isolated tribes. Well, even those are extremely rare due to the number of humans who can survive there."


    Luti continued, "However, the humans who survive are usually strong. Our numbers there are small, but the few of us who exist can definitely fight fiercely. In this war between Zasfins and demon beasts, no one knows who has the advantage. That being said, any extra help is more than welcome."


    It was then that Luti smiled as he continued, "That''s where the Demon Beast Alliance made their move. Humans would never be idiotic enough to side with Zasfins. Not after how we were treated so far. Not to mention that almost all humans who have high cultivations live in the Demon Beast Continent.  The top beasts of the alliance sent a message to the entire Demon Beast Continent. If the humans living there decide to help with the war, we would be given one small continent for ourselves."


    Rean and Roan were surprised to hear that. However, Rean quickly understood why the alliance gave out that promise, saying, "This planet is gigantic. According to the maps we have, it has a total of 37 continents. As you can imagine, promising a single continent as a reward isn''t a bad deal if it turns out that the humans contributed to winning the war. After all, the Demon Beast Alliance would still have another 36 to live on."


    Surprisingly, Roan shook his head as he told Rean, "You''re incorrect on the last part." He then passed the jade slip with all the maps to Rean and Luti as he told them, "Look inside. I marked the territories that the Demon Beast Alliance will try to take, and the Zasfins will try to defend."


    Rean and Luti looked at it but still failed to understand. Soon, one of them asked, "What about it?"


    Roan then looked at him before looking at Luti in front of him, telling him, "The point is, the forces of both sides are very similar. However, because the territories that are being defended by the Zasfins are several times bigger, they wouldn''t be able to protect all of them. They''re fated to lose quite a few of them."


    Roan continued, "However, both sides seem to understand that already. If the Zasfins aren''t idiots, which I believe they aren''t, they won''t try too hard to defend some worthless lands. They''ll just step back once they see that it''s a lost cause and save their strength to defend the territories that really matter."


    Rean and Luti had to admit that that was right. Nevertheless, they knew that it wasn''t this point that Roan wanted to talk about.


    Sure enough, Roan reached the main topic, saying, "Once both territories are balanced, the Zasfins will have the most continents with resources to defend themselves. Besides, it''s not like they lose to the demon beasts in power. With that being said, this is the point where the real war will start."


    Roan finally revealed the issue. "Now then, we''ve finally arrived at the point where you said that the demon beasts will have 37 continents to choose, leaving one for the humans. That is wrong. I''m not even sure if this war will have a winner or not, let alone the demon beasts being able to take all the continents."


    Roan then pointed at the continents that he thought would pose little to no resistance. "These are the continents that the Demon Beast Alliance will most likely have at the end. Of course, depending on how the war goes, they might end up with a few more or a few less. In any case, there''s no way for this war to finish with one side taking everything. In the end, this planet will still be shared by both Zasfins and demon beasts. The only difference is that the Demon Beasts will have a lot more space to live in than before. Also, you better not hope for too much. Let alone the humans might not get any continent at all in the end. Even if they do get one, it''ll be one of those poor continents with not a lot of resources."


    Luti was surprised to hear Roan say all of that as he asked, "Are you sure you didn''t receive the message from the Demon Beast Alliance?"


    Roan, of course, was puzzled by that question as he responded, "I didn''t. Why?"


    Luti couldn''t help but have some respect for Roan, saying in response, "That''s because everything you said was said in the agreement. From the very start, all the humans know that the continent they will obtain isn''t anything impressive. The Demon Beast Alliance made sure to clarify it profusely so that we wouldn''t complain later."


    Rean was the one surprised this time. "So they already included these issues into the agreement terms, huh? Well, that''s a good thing. It at least shows that they''re willing to keep their words. Otherwise, they would definitely avoid talking about it."


    Roan had to agree with Rean, saying, "Indeed. Although humans might obtain a poor continent, it''s still a free one to live on. They can work on it to make it better in the future."


    It was then that Roan noticed a problem. "Right. Although a continent is being given to humans, will demon beasts and Zasfins really stay out of it? Also, what if demon beasts just leave the humans on their own to fend for themselves? Wouldn''t the Zasfins simply come and wipe them out or turn them into slaves? After all, there''s no way that one side will be able to subjugate the other. Both will still exist once everything is over."


    Luti nodded in response, saying, "You''re right, and the human leaders brought this issue to the Demon Beast Alliance. In the end, it was decided that the Demon Beasts would help protect that continent for 1000 years. That was the final term."


    With that, everything made sense. "I see...1000 years in the life of those top-ranked experts isn''t anything much. Not to mention that it''s only meant to defend a poor continent against a race that can''t possibly cause any meaningful problem in this small time frame. Humans will have 1000 years to develop and make their own plans, while the Demon Beast Alliance will get the humans'' help during this war."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "I wonder what cultivation realm the strongest humans of the Demon Beast Continent are on."


    Surprisingly, Luti answered that question, replying with, "As far as I know, we have one senior called Samilia Xue, a female human cultivator who''s at the Elemental Transformation Realm. I also know seven other seniors at the Saint Realm. As for the rest, I''m unaware. Well, compared to the demon beasts and Zasfins, that number is so pitiful that it isn''t even worth mentioning. It also explains why a very small and poor continent is all that the Demon Beast Alliance can agree to give away."


    Suddenly, Rean remembered something. "Ah, right!" He then looked at Luti before saying, "I was so focused on this agreement that I forgot to introduce myself as well. My name is Rean Larks. The frozen sea by my side is my brother, Roan Larks."


    Kentucky immediately opened his wings, saying, "I''m Kentucky, the two idiots'' friend."


    Rean''s mouth twitched in response, feeling like giving Kentucky a beating. "Just ignore the idiot bird."


    Roan wasn''t interested in their antics, though. "Do you know who''s overseeing this mission?"


    Luti nodded, answering, "It''s the Stage Seven Dark Spiked Tarantula, Gia."


    "An arachnid, huh?" Insect-type demon beasts are quite rare, so it was quite surprising to have one overseeing this mission. "Well, she will only watch to prevent the Zasfins'' Saint Realm experts from intervening."


    Luti nodded in response, saying, "Although this is an official mission, this place is quite isolated in the grand scheme of things. Having one Saint Realm and one Stage Seven Demon Beast watching it is enough. Of course, although they won''t participate in the battles, both sides can still give orders. That being said, make sure you pay attention when Gia''s Spiritual Sense Messages reaches you."


    As soon as Luti said that, a giant eight-legged shadow appeared in the sky. It quickly made its way down before landing in front of all groups participating in this mission. "Seems like you''re all here. Alright, let''s start."

 Chapter 741 - Battle Start

    Everyone looked at Gia, making sure to focus all of their attention on her. Just as the name implied, the Tarantula had dark spikes protruding out of all its body. As for its size, no other demon beast here was as big as her. Well, that was just a way of Gia showing her dominance. That''s because a demon beast could control the size of their body once they reached Stage Seven.


    "As described in the jade slips, you have to destroy at least 10 formations. There are five teams here and 70 to 90 formations covering the southeast area of the Celesgal Volcano Area," Gia explained before continuing, "I don''t care what methods you use. As long as you destroy them, it''ll count. Almost everyone here is a demon beast, and I''m sure we''re all used to fighting against each other. However, you''re forbidden from doing so this time. Remember, this is the demon beasts'' chance to leave the Demon Beast Continent, so there will be plenty of territory for all of you to choose later. Understood?!"


    "Yes!" everyone answered in unison. Well, the majority did that through Spiritual Sense since they were still Stage Five Demon Beasts. Only the three Stage Six beasts, Kentucky, and the humans used their voices.


    Gia pointed in the distance before saying, "Good. Now go. I''ll make sure that no one above the Stage Six Level intervenes."


    Luti quickly returned to his group and departed with two other demon beasts. Those demon beasts were at the Late Stage Five Level, which was comparable to his own cultivation. Of course, they weren''t the only ones. Everyone quickly departed, flying in specific directions.


    "Let''s head out as well!" Kentucky immediately spread his wings and took flight. Roan then examined the directions everyone left before pointing where Kentucky should focus.


    Rean then looked at Roan and asked, "Should I use my Light and Spiritual Sense bending skills?"


    Roan pondered a bit before replying, "Just make it good enough to protect us against the enemies'' Nascent Soul Realm experts. That way, Gia will still be able to watch us with her Spiritual Sense. We shouldn''t be the only people in the world who know how to avoid Spiritual Sense, so she won''t be that impressed if she sees that it only works on people in the same realm as us."


    Rean nodded as the light in the surroundings began to change. Or to be more specific, the light still reached their groups'' eyes. However, when it was supposed to reflect back, Rean bent it. Since the reflected light didn''t spread out, Kentucky''s body seemed to have disappeared completely. Obviously, the same happened with Spiritual Sense. However, unlike the Light bending skill, the Spiritual Sense bending skill bent the Spiritual Sense so that it never touched their bodies.


    Gia didn''t notice anything different with them since she was still able to see Rean''s group clearly. After all, her Spiritual Sense was strong enough to pierce through Rean''s ability. Everything was how they planned it to go.


    On the Zasfins'' side, their own Saint Realm expert, which was equivalent to a Stage Seven Demon Beast, immediately caught the enemies approaching with his Spiritual Sense. Soon, he said, "Send a message to everyone. The demon beasts have arrived. I don''t care if they have to die. Just make sure that they keep the formations protected."


    A subordinate by the side immediately nodded before disappearing.


    As one could expect, the areas where the Zasfins mostly focused on were the ones being attacked by the Stage Six Demon Beasts. Naturally, there were Soul Transformation Realm Zasfins there, ready to take them on. In the end, the Zasfins had four at the Soul Transformation Realm, while the demon beasts had three at Stage Six. That being said, one of them immediately fell at a disadvantage.


    "Two vs. one? Hahaha! So what? Come on!" Well, it was still a demon beast, so it didn''t retreat. Instead, its attacks became even more ferocious.


    The two Soul Transformation Realm Zasfins understood that they wouldn''t be able to stop it like that, so they also began to take it seriously. Their Soul Marks immediately shone on their foreheads as their combat power soared. One of them soon said in response with a snort, "Hmph! A worm who doesn''t know how to respect the strongest race of this world."


    *Bang, bang, bang...*


    *Boom, boom, boom...*


    Of course, neither side was alone. They also had their own Stage Five Demon Beasts or Nascent Soul Realm subordinates with them. In just a moment, the battlefield between the top experts of this mission was full of explosions of different colors.


    Rean''s group couldn''t see it since each formation was several tens of kilometers away from each other. In any case, they could hear the delayed sounds of their clashes.


    "It seems like they''ve already started," Rean could not help but say.


    Roan nodded before focusing ahead. There was a mountain there with several Zasfins moving around. From the looks of it, the mountain was being used as the base for the formation. "Alright, ignore them. The first formation is right in front of us. By now, the enemy was probably warned by their Saint Realm expert that we''re moving closer."


    Because Rean kept his Spiritual Sense bending skill working only on those at their realm, the Saint Realm expert could obviously see them. Sure enough, they immediately saw five Zasfins taking flight, stopping in midair while looking in their direction.


    Rean just faintly smiled in response as he said, "They''re looking in our direction, but they can''t really tell where we are. Also, unlike the Saint Realm expert giving orders, their Spiritual Senses can''t go all the way back to ask about us."


    Rean was correct. Although those Zasfins were looking around, they really couldn''t see anything.


    Kentucky didn''t even stop as he sent out a Spiritual Sense message, saying, ''Alright, let''s stick to the plan.'' Not long after, he flapped his wings with a lot more strength, increasing his own speed even further.


    Suddenly, one of the Zasfins felt a gale of air hitting his face, but that was about it. He couldn''t see anything, so he simply thought it was part of the breeze the mountains had. He then looked at one of his companions and asked through Spiritual Sense, saying, ''Senior Jare said they should be here anytime. Can you see anything? My Spiritual Sense can''t catch any presence at all.''


    The other four Zasfins shook their heads.


    ''Nothing here.''


    ''Me neither.''


    ''Could it be that Senior Jare mistook the group he was talking to?''


    ''Ha! What a joke. Senior Jare is a Saint Realm expert. Do you think such a thing is possible? Just focus on your senses and wait for the enemy to come.''


    However, it was at this moment that the five of them received a Spiritual Sense message from that exact Senior Jare. ''What the hell are you doing?! The enemy just passed right through you, and you didn''t do anything?! Go after them! They are getting closer to the Formation Core!''


    "What?!"


    The five Zasfins were shocked to hear that. They really didn''t see anything with their Spiritual Senses at all! However, there was no way for them to tell it to Jare since they were too far to talk to him through Spiritual Sense.


    "Let''s go!"


    Without much choice, they all shot in the direction of the Formation Core. However, they had barely moved a few meters when suddenly...


    *Boom!*


    An explosion of black and white flames rose to the skies where the Formation Core was located. One must remember that Sister Orb was here as well. She might need a long time to analyze and even more to take control over the formation. However, if it was just telling Rean and the others where the core was located, it was astoundingly simple, especially after the Soul Gem System''s processing power had increased. Even before passing by those experts, the newly upgraded Sister Orb was able to locate the core and tell the twins where it was.


    As for the one who attacked it, obviously, it was Kentucky! Rean and Roan separated from his back when he began his descent. That''s because when it came to raw attack power, Kentucky still had the advantage. Even Rean''s new sword wouldn''t break through Kentucky''s beak when clashing head-on. One must remember that Kentucky ate a fortune in terms of Heaven-level ores, so his body was even stronger than some common Heaven-level materials. They didn''t know how resistant the Core was either. After putting it all together, it was better to be safe. Rean and Roan stayed in the air while Kentucky crashed against the Formation Core.


    *Crack...crack...crack...*


    *Shatter!*


    The Formation Core was indeed very resistant and even had a small protection formation to give it a bit more defense. However, none of that was able to resist Kentucky''s dive for even more than a second. In the end, both the Core and the protection formation shattered, which initiated a chain reaction that destroyed the rest of the formation around the mountain. The low-level Zasfins who were too late to react to this ended up dying because of the explosions. The formation wasn''t ready yet, so such a volatile outcome was expected.


    Kentucky quickly took flight again, arriving at where Rean and Roan were. This time, however, Rean wasn''t using his Light bending skill, so the Zasfins'' Nascent Soul experts quickly noticed them standing there. Obviously, they were fuming. After all, they would definitely be punished for failing to protect the formation in such an ugly way.


    "Kill!"


    In an instant, they pounced at Rean''s group. Unfortunately for them, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky had no intention of staying. The twins held on Kentucky''s back before the Minokawa shot into the distance.


    "Hahaha! Until we meet again!" Kentucky shouted as he knew that the Zasfins were quickly falling behind. Sure enough, at the same level, almost no one could beat Kentucky in flight speed.


    Rean then looked at Roan and told him, "I won''t activate my Spiritual Bending this time."


    Roan nodded, understanding what Rean meant. "Good. If we keep using it, that Saint Realm guy will notice our trick and focus on stopping us. Let''s change targets."

 Chapter 742 - Identity

    Rean and Roan were right. The Zasfin''s Saint Realm expert, Jare, was surprised to see how the twins passed by the defense line without anyone noticing. However, he saw how they were being pursued by the Zasfins that lost them at first, which meant that they could see the twins. Of course, it didn''t take long for the Nascent Soul Realm Zasfins to receive the order to retreat since they were being lured way too far from the formations. It might be a trick by the demon beasts, so they had to go back to protect the others.


    Rean and Roan didn''t mind either case, though. After all, they were much faster, so they would still leave them behind easily even if they kept following. Jare, of course, still had the twins within the scope of his Spiritual Sense. Nevertheless, that wasn''t the only front where battles were ongoing. He had to give orders to the rest as well.


    Gia, the Stage Seven Tarantula, couldn''t help but faintly smile after seeing what Rean and the others had done as she thought, ''Not bad. The battle has just started, but they already blew up one of the formations.'' She then looked in another direction and nodded, continuing to inwardly think, ''It seems those ones won''t take too long either.''


    Gia was looking at Luti''s group. From the looks of it, he and his two demon beast companions were quite used to fighting together. Luti gave the tactical orders while the two demon beasts brought in the raw power. Out of nowhere, a gap was opened in the Zasfins'' defense before a fire projectile covered in Fire Element and Spiritual Energy pierced through the formation protecting the Core. Following that, the projectile hit the Formation Core like a hot knife on butter.


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom...*


    Sure enough, the same thing happened. Soon, the entire formation began to blow up due to the chaotic Spiritual Energy. Seeing that, the Zasfins defending that formation went furious and increased the tempo of their attacks. Luti''s group seemed to be waiting for that, though. They immediately turned around to flee, showing that they had no intention to continue the fight now that the formation was gone. However, just as the Zasfins were about to block them, Luti''s group suddenly turned around and attacked the closest Zasfin together.


    *Bang!*


    *Arrrgh!*


    That Zasfin, who wanted to stop them, wasn''t able to defend itself against three attacks of the same level. His dantian was pierced through as he plummeted from the skies. And just like that, the first loss of a combatant at the Nascent Soul Realm and above appeared on the battlefield.


    "Hahaha! There are only two of them remaining. Kill!" Luti and the two demon beasts laughed out loud and immediately began their counter-attack. With a disadvantage in numbers, the two Zasfins gave up on the battle and tried to flee instead. However, Luti''s group didn''t focus on both Zasfins, only on the weakest one.


    That Zasfin was rushing at them just a moment ago, so he had to first stop his momentum before trying to fly in the opposite direction. Naturally, Luti''s group didn''t need to put much effort into catching this guy since they were at full speed already. The companion of that Zasfin tried to give his friend support. Unfortunately, he was impeded by Luti himself. Luti was the weakest in his group, but he could definitely hold that guy in place while the two demon beasts finished off the other enemy. In the end, the last Zasfin gave up and fled straight away. With that done, Luti joined his companions and ended the cornered Zasfin''s life.


    Without Rean''s group knowing, that battle helped them take Jare''s attention from their backs. After all, they destroyed a formation but didn''t kill anyone. In Luti''s case, they killed two Nascent Soul Realm Zasfins and also destroyed a formation, so their level of danger was gauged to be a lot higher in Jare''s mind.


    Of course, other battles continued as well. However, one thing began to become very clear. The Zasfins had the advantage in numbers, but they were all being cornered. In the end, that''s what happens when one spends thousands of years without a proper opponent. Compared to the demon beasts who fought each other on a daily basis, the Zasfins were just too inexperienced in battle.


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky eventually arrived at the next formation. Unlike the last one, this formation''s guards only had three Zasfins, two at the Late Stage and one at the Middle. This time, the twins and the Minokawa didn''t even try to hide. Instead, they headed straight for the Nascent Soul Zasfins.


    "Kill!" Both sides didn''t hold back. The Zasfins heard from Jare that Rean''s group had already destroyed a formation, so they took them seriously from the very start. Their Rank Four Soul Marks shone on their foreheads as they launched their assault.


    Kentucky, Rean, and Roan soon separated and attacked one Zasfin each. Kentucky took the Middle Stage guy on while the twins went for the two Late Stage ones. The hair color of the twins quickly changed into a mix of black and white as they began to exchange elements. Kentucky''s body also burst into black and white flames as he shot like an arrow against the Zasfin in front of him.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, Second Movement Form, Shadow Air!''


    ''Death World!''


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    ''Life Fire, Flame Emperor Slash!''


    ''Divine Bird Strike!''


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky could literally fight Initial Stage Soul Transformation Zasfins with their full power. If Rean and Roan fought together, they could even contend against a Soul Transformation Zasfin at the Middle Stage. Naturally, two Late Stage Nascent Soul Zasfins didn''t stand a chance when the twins'' group was going all out from the start.


    *Swish! Swish! Swish!*


    *Boom!*


    *Shhhhhhh!*


    *Argggghhhh!*


    The Zasfins saw how Rean, Roan, and Kentucky''s attack were heading straight at them. Naturally, they also fought back with their own attacks. However, they soon regretted trying to clash against those three. They watched as their own abilities were destroyed in the head-on clash. They simply didn''t stand a chance against the raw power of the twins and the Minokawa. They tried to hastily defend themselves as fast as they could, but alas, it was too late.


    The weapon Roan''s opponent had, which was at the Earth Peak-level, was cut through without any resistance. Even a Heaven Initial-level Equipment wouldn''t resist Rean''s sword, let alone something like that. Soon after, the guy was cut into three pieces as Roan''s Dark Element destroyed all of his life force. Well, the destruction of life force wasn''t even necessary since the guy was already dead when Roan cut him.


    Kentucky''s opponent was far more miserable than Roan''s. His attack was destroyed by Kentucky''s flaming body before both his weapon and body were pulverized at the moment Kentucky smashed against him. The difference in attack power here was even higher since the opponent was only in the Middle Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Last but not least, there was Rean''s opponent. His Life Fire Skill, which was a fusion of his Light and Fire Element together with his unparalleled Yang Energy control, was met with even less resistance. Rean didn''t see a need to be merciful with the Zasfins since they definitely wouldn''t be with humans. The guy''s body was cut in half as it began to burn with intense white flames. He wasn''t pulverized like how Kentucky''s opponent was, but the pain wasn''t definitely far off.


    "What?!" Jare, who was already in a very bad mood after seeing the Zasfins losing ground everywhere, was shocked by that sight. After all, Kentucky and the twins were still in the Initial Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm. Even with that, they destroyed their opponents on a head-on clash. How could he not be shocked?


    However, it was then that he remembered something. ''Wait a second...a Demon Bird and two humans. Aren''t those the targets Ancestor Fikin and our entire Soul Rulers were looking for?''


    In an instant, he reached a conclusion as he thought, ''So, it was really the demon beasts who took the World Swallowing Cedar away. Not only that, but they were even bold enough to send these humans and the Demon Bird to the frontlines, just to show in front of our faces that they have the Demon Tree. I need to report this.''


    He then put aside his thoughts about the battle in front of himself before taking out a Thoughts Transmission Talisman. This one was of very high quality, able to send a message to very long distances. It was quite expensive, so even the Soul Rulers refrained from using such a thing constantly. He then put the talisman on his forehead as he gathered information regarding what he saw inside the talisman. Eventually, the talisman began to burn before completely disappearing. Only after that was done did he start to command the battles again.


    Gia, of course, saw that as well. ''Impressive! Phex, I know that the Minokawa is a Divine Demon Beast, so its power isn''t a surprise. However, those humans far surpass common sense,'' she thought after witnessing everything. ''It seems like calling the humans to join this war was really a good decision.''


    *Boom!*


    On the twins'' side, Kentucky just destroyed another Formation Core, which sent the entire formation into the skies. However, that wasn''t the only one. Just a few seconds later, the twins heard two more explosions of the same magnitude coming from other areas. ''It seems like we can''t relax, or the other groups will catch up to us.''


    Rean then looked at Roan as they headed to another formation, asking him, ''Do you think the Zasfins have already noticed our real identities?''


    Roan nodded as he replied, ''If they didn''t, they would be real idiots. But that''s fine. Even if they do, they''ll think that Celis is in the hands of the Demon Beast Alliance, especially since we''re fighting on their side. Only an idiot would think that we still have Celis.''


    Rean and Kentucky nodded in agreement with Roan''s words before they arrived at another formation.

 Chapter 743 - On Going

    Because of the previous killing spree, there wasn''t anyone close to where Rean and Roan were staying at the moment. After all, it wasn''t like the Zasfins had Nascent Soul Realm and higher-level cultivators to defend every single formation. Jare, the Saint Realm Zasfin, was managing the forces on his side to cover the formations the demon beasts attacked through his Spiritual Sense.


    *Boom!*


    Kentucky then destroyed another formation before the twins headed to the next one. Until the Zasfins on other battlefields were reallocated, Rean''s group destroyed four more formations. Simply put, Jare didn''t expect that the previous three Zasfins protecting that one formation would die that easily. Of course, even after all of that, he was still more worried regarding the message he sent over, as if he was waiting for an answer.


    Tens of thousands of kilometers away, in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters, there was an area responsible for managing information. During the last few months, this was one of the most active places in the Soul Rulers'' territory, receiving reports from all over the world regarding the upcoming war.


    One of the Zasfins working there then saw one of the Thoughts Transmission Talismans activating. He saw that it was one of the expensive ones, which meant that something important happened. Sure enough, his eyes opened wide when he received the information. In the next second, he was already gone from the room, heading to the area where the ancestors could be found.


    It didn''t take long before Fikin heard the message from Jare. "What, he found the humans?"


    The Zasfin in front shook his head, saying, "We''re not sure. Jare only said that they met the description of two humans and one Demon Bird. However, their appearances are completely different. Besides, we don''t know the Demon Bird''s color, either."


    Fikin pondered over it for a bit and finally spoke. "Hmm...it''s too much of a coincidence. It''s obvious that we would notice them if they appear like that. Tell me, who''s Jare and where is he located at the moment? Is he part of the groups looking for the World Swallowing Tree''s hideout?"


    The subordinate bitterly smiled as he shook his head once again, answering, "Jare''s responsible for guarding the southeast side of the Celesgal Volcano against the demon beasts. We''re building a few formations there that could stop their advancement in the area, and the demon beasts are trying to prevent it."


    Fikin''s expression went dark as he soon muttered, "You mean..."


    The subordinate nodded, replying, "Yes, they''re on the Demon Beast Alliance''s side."


    He then took a deep breath before continuing, "We''ve received reports that the Demon Beast Alliance has made an agreement with the humans living in their Demon Beast Continent, so they might be a duo from there."


    *Bang!*


    With immense rage, Fikin slammed the table in front of him, blasting it out of existence. His worst conjectures had become true. "It was really the Demon Beast Alliance that took the World Swallowing Tree away! Not only that, but they''re blatantly showing it right in front of our faces that they have it by showing those twins right in the frontlines. They want us to know that, those damned low lives!"


    The subordinate waited for Fikin to calm down before asking, "What should we do, Ancestor? Should I tell Jare to capture the humans at any cost?"


    Fikin snorted after hearing that. "Ha! For what? Do you think those humans still have the World Swallowing Tree?"


    "They might not have it, but perhaps they know where it is," the subordinate answered.


    Surprisingly, Fikin shook his head as he said, "It doesn''t matter anymore. Now that I know the demon beasts have it, I know very well where they''re keeping it. The Bestial Sacred Ground! That place makes it impossible for even me to get close due to the demon beasts'' aura. It''s also the only place where it could completely block any prying technique."


    It was the first time that the subordinate heard of such a place. "What are the Bestial Sacred Grounds?"


    Fikin narrowed his eyes as he responded, "Let''s just say that it was the only reason we couldn''t take full control over the planet ever since we got the World Swallowing Tree."


    After that, Fikin waved his hand as he said, "That''s all for now. Tell Jare that he can try to capture the humans and the bird if a chance presents itself. However, there''s no need for him to put much importance on it. His priority is protecting the formations without taking part in its battles. We can''t risk escalating the level of the battles at the moment. Besides, it might be a trick of the demon beasts to show a demon bird and two humans that just so happen to fit the description. That''s one more reason for us to not be harsh."


    The Zasfin couldn''t help but be taken aback. He wanted to ask more about these Sacred Grounds that prevented the Soul Rulers from dominating the planet. However, he knew his place. It was already a big thing for the Ancestor to tell him this much. "Yes, Ancestor. I''ll send the message over to Jare immediately."


    After the subordinate Zasfin left, Fikin began to ponder over a problem as he thought, ''They have the World Swallowing Cedar. But...why aren''t they using it?'' Fikin continued to think about it. ''Well, Celis always had a terrible personality. It only worked for us because we forced it to. As a Stage Ten Demon Plant itself, it''s more than strong enough to refuse being used if the demon beasts didn''t prepare a similar holding area. However, I doubt they would do such a thing in the Bestial Sacred Grounds.''


    Fikin then shook his head as he continued to think, ''Whatever the reason might be, the fact still stands that Celis isn''t affecting the Spiritual Energy on our side. Perhaps he never will since he spent his life doing this kind of job. In any case, this is a good thing for us, especially since we have the advantage in numbers.''


    Back at the Celesgal Volcano Battlefield...


    *Bzzzz...*


    Suddenly, Jare felt a reaction coming from one of his pockets before he took out a Thoughts Transmission Talisman. He put it in his head, and with that, he finally received the message sent to him. After the thoughts got through, the talisman burnt out, just like the previous one. ''As I thought, the demon beasts really did it on purpose to show these humans and the bird here. However, the Ancestor is right. It might also be a trick to try to force my hand and attack.''


    Jare''s Spiritual Sense reached far and wide. Far in the distance, he saw the enormous tarantula, looking in his direction with its numerous eyes. It was as if the tarantula didn''t care about what was happening on the battlefield, only about him. ''So much attention on myself. Can''t you at least pretend that you don''t want me to come out?''


    That was all a misinterpretation from Jare. Sure, Gia was looking at him, waiting to see if he would try anything. However, it wasn''t because she wanted him to come out so that she would have a reason as well. Instead, Phex put her in charge of looking at the Minokawa. A Divine Demon Beast was too important for the Demon Beast Alliance, so she was being extra careful. Of course, she was also a demon beast, so she would love to see Jare come out so that she can have some fun times as well.


    *Boom! Boom! Boom...!*


    Suddenly, more explosions were heard from another side as Jare''s face turned even darker. Sure enough, another formation was destroyed. From the very start, the Zasfins were having a hard time, not to mention that some of them had already died during the battle, diminishing their initial advantage in numbers.


    As for the demon beasts'' side, only one of them died in this mission so far, and it was at Initial Stage Five. That was the weakest level of demon beast participating in this event.


    While all that happened, the Stage Four Demon Beasts and the Core and Soul Fusion Zasfins and below kept fighting everywhere around. In the end, one group of demon beasts, controlled by Gia''s aura, succeeded in breaking through the Zasfins'' defense before swarming another formation. Unlike the high-level Zasfins, demon beasts had the advantage in numbers in low-level ones. Eventually, they ran it over before the Formation Core was destroyed. This was an attack only something demon beasts would do, where most died in the end due to the formation''s explosion.


    Time passed, and Rean''s group became the first one to destroy 10 formations. Sometimes they would go all out, wiping the floor with the Zasfins'' forces. In the next second, they would disappear from the Zasfins'' Spiritual Senses and eyes before another Formation Core exploded out of nowhere.


    Naturally, Jare ended up paying more attention to them than the rest of the demon beast groups. Of course, there were still the three Stage Six Demon Beasts and the four Soul Transformation Realm Zasfins. However, they had been engaged in a heated battle from the very start. The Zasfins held their ground thanks to the higher numbers, but the demon beasts didn''t back down. Not only that, but their ferocity seemed to have given them a small advantage. With that being said, Jare couldn''t ask one of the Soul Transformation Realm guys to leave.


    However, it was then that a subordinate appeared on his side, asking him, "Senior Jare, I''ve returned. What do you need?"


    Jare''s eye lit up as he looked at the Zasfin, saying, "That was faster than I thought, Gater."

 Chapter 744 - Sun And Moon

    Gater was another Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin who was out on another mission. These first skirmishes were happening everywhere that can be considered important to the Zasfins, so the Soul Rulers'' experts were being sent to various locations nonstop. Gater just so happened to be working on another task before this battle started.


    Gater then looked at the situation ahead and could see how his own side''s Soul Transformation members were having a hard time against the Stage Six Demon Beasts. "Four against three, but we''re still slightly behind. Don''t worry, Senior Jare. I''ll join them and force the Stage Six Demon Beasts back. Perhaps we can even kill one or two of them."


    Gater then took flight and was just about to move in the beasts'' direction when Jare stopped him with a Spiritual Sense Message, telling him, ''No, leave them be. Although they are on the losing end, they can still hold those demon beasts for a long time. On the other hand, I have another place for you to be.''


    Gater heard Jare''s commands and couldn''t help but ask, ''Do I really need to make a move on them?''


    Jare nodded, saying, ''If possible, try to capture one of them. It''s part of Ancestor Fikin''s orders.''


    The moment Gater heard that name, his expression turned serious, responding solemnly, ''Understood.''


    Of course, one didn''t need to think too much to know that Gater was told to stop Rean''s group. He was at the Middle Stage of the Soul Transformation Realm, so Jare and Gater believed that it wouldn''t be too hard of a task. It''s just that getting close to the twins without them knowing was basically impossible. Unless, of course, you refrained from using Spiritual Sense.


    However, in this case, even that wouldn''t be of any help. One must remember that Gia was on the other side. With her Stage Seven Spiritual Sense, she could totally see Gater heading in the direction of the twins and the Minokawa. Naturally, she sent them a Spiritual Sense Message, saying, ''Retreat. There''s a Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin heading in your direction.''


    Rean and Roan nodded in response. However, they had no intention of retreating as one of them replied, ''There''s no need. We have been waiting for something like this for quite some time.''


    Gia was taken aback by their words. Not only that, she was even more shaken by the fact that Rean and Roan''s Spiritual Sense could reach her location from so afar. After all, they were only in the Initial Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm. ''How can their souls be so powerful?''


    Of course, seeing that they stayed there, Gia tensed her legs, ready to dart in their direction. According to Phex''s orders, she couldn''t let the Minokawa die or be captured. The only problem was that she could see Jare looking in her direction, ready to come out as well. That''s the only reason she hadn''t taken flight yet.


    ''You two better not let the Minokawa die,'' Gia said through a Spiritual Sense message.


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky smiled in response as they arrived at another formation. Gater was still some distance away, so they could use that free time to increase their merit points.


    *Boom! Boom! Boom! boom!*


    This time, no Zasfin tried to block the passage of Rean''s group. Jare already knew that the average Nascent Soul Realm Zasfin would only die if they did that. Naturally, the formation was left empty.


    Gater''s mouth couldn''t help but twitch after seeing that sight. Rean and the others knew that he was coming. Nevertheless, they went even deeper into their territory to destroy another formation. Wasn''t that the same thing as saying that they didn''t care about him? ''Some puny human slaves and a chicken want to cause trouble in front of me?''


    Rean heard that Spiritual Sense Message and only laughed, responding, ''Hahaha! These puny human slaves and the chicken just destroyed the 11th Demon Beast Aura Repression Formation. Not to mention that we also killed seven Zasfins at a higher realm than us. I wonder how bad things would be if we weren''t so insignificant.''


    "Courting death!" After some time, Gater finally arrived in front of them and attacked straight away. Lightning and Fire Element gathered around him as his Rank Five Soul Mark shone on his forehead. In an instant, his power soared as thousands of Lightning-Fire Spears materialized in the surroundings.


    ''Thunder Fire Punishment!''


    At the same time that the spears shot in the direction of the twins, another spear appeared in Gater''s hand. He wasn''t just good with long-ranged attacks but melee attacks as well. While his Thunder Fire Punishment covered the twins and the Minokawa''s vision, he followed right behind.


    ''Lightning Body Flow!''


    His speed immediately increased at least twice than before after using his movement technique. Not long after, a greater amount of Fire and Lightning Element gathered around his own spear, making the ones created through energy look like candles.


    ''Thunder Fire Destruction!''


    Gater was told to capture them, but nothing was said about how badly injured they had to be. Besides, he had no interest in the Demon Bird since he didn''t know it was a Divine Demon Beast.


    However, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky didn''t panic after seeing this. Light and Dark Elements gathered around all three of them. Sure enough, they intended to fight head-on! ''There''s no Dimensional Realm to retreat anymore, so give it your all!''


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, Second Movement Form, Shadow Air!''


    ''Death World!''


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    ''Life Fire, Flame Emperor Slash!''


    Rean and Roan opened their own barrage of attacks exactly the same way they did with the Zasfins before. Well, not exactly. The ones who used those attacks were the clones created by the Mirage Assault. The twins stayed behind. Sure enough, the outcome was very different.


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom!*


    The clones went ahead first, using the twins'' skills against the Thunder-Fire Punishment Spears.


    However, one couldn''t underestimate the power of the Soul Transformation Realm, after all. All the four clones could do was create a gap in front before they were obliterated. Right behind that gap came a raging Zasfin at a speed even higher than the energy spears that were destroyed. Gater then looked at Kentucky, who was right in front and shouted, ''First, let me send you to the next world, chicken!''


    Kentucky didn''t seem to be afraid, though. ''Ha! You and what army?'' His body then burst with black and white flames before it all concentrated on his beak. Kentucky was also flying, just like Gater. Not to mention that he was a Divine Demon Bird, so he wasn''t much slower even though the difference in cultivation was over an entire Realm.


    ''Kawa''s Divine Thrust!''


    Kentucky wasn''t that good at naming his own attacks. Rean told him that he called his meteoric attack Fried Chicken Cannonball before. However, for some reason, Kentucky didn''t seem to like that. In fact, he didn''t like any of the names the twins used for the attacks he used before he obtained sentience.


    Leaving that aside, this attack focused Kentucky''s full strength in the hardest part of his body, his beak. His defense overall was already very high, with his blade feathers and scales hidden behind. However, compared to his beak, it was still a little lacking. Not to mention that there was a risk of the attack falling between the gaps if he was unlucky. Last but not least, Kentucky didn''t underestimate the power of a Middle Stage Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin, who also had a Bloodline Mark on top of that.


    *Boom!*


    Beak and spear soon collided, creating a momentary balance between the attacks.


    "What?!" Naturally, Gater was shocked by that. Their cultivation realms were so far from each other, not to mention the fact that he specialized in raw power attacks. Even with that, the Demon Bird showed the same level of power as him. How could he not be shocked?!


    ''Do you have time to let your attention deviate from the chicken?'' Rean said through a Spiritual Sense Message.


    Gater felt a chill on his back as the twins appeared by his sides. No, to be more precise, it was as if they had materialized there.


    Shadow Air and Death World! This domain-like technique and the Shadow Movement skill showed their frightening synergy once again. Not only that, but Rean and Roan used the Spiritual Sense bending skill at the moment Kentucky and Gater clashed, making it even harder for Gater to notice their movements.


    Gater''s initial plan was to kill the Demon Bird in a single strike. He was sure he would be able to do that. Following that, he would catch the humans behind Kentucky with his momentum since they could flee to other sides. One must remember that the twins'' clones only created a gap in front of the barrage of the Thunder-Fire Punishment Spears. Surrounding them was just even more spears. With that, they could only retreat in one direction, behind. However, that would be the case only if Gater succeeded in getting rid of Kentucky.


    Worst of all, the twins reacted way too quickly. What does that mean? Obviously, it meant that the twins were sure that Kentucky could hold him down, even if just for a second!


    ''Death and Life Style, Seventh Form, Sun and Moon Obliteration!''


    Rean''s body shone like a sun while Roan''s body became completely devoid of light. Those two extreme opposing powers then gathered on their Black and White Stars before shooting against Gater. The Seventh Style was the latest attack created by Rean and Roan, using the Fifth Style, Destroyer, as the base idea.


    The Fifth Style, Destroyer, forced Light and Dark Elements to turn chaotic inside their weapons before releasing the destructive energy.


    The Seventh Style, however, didn''t gather that destructive power inside their weapons. Instead, that phenomenon happened after Rean and Roan released their energy, forcing them into chaos at the point of encounter. Not only was that many times more powerful since the twins could totally focus on their main elements alone, that also saved their weapons from the damage created by the chaotic energy that was previously stored inside before release.


    *BOOM!*


    *Arrrggh!*


    The result was an explosion that had strength far surpassing anything a Nascent Soul Realm could hope to achieve alone.

 Chapter 745 - Not Dead

    If Rean and Roan went all out and worked together, they could put up a fight against a Middle Stage Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin. However, it wasn''t just Rean and Roan here. There was also Kentucky! With the three of them together, plus the fact that the Zasfin was completely underestimating them, that brought about their enemy''s demise!


    In the end, the only thing that came out of that explosion was a broken spear. As for Gater''s body, it would be quite hard to find any remains. Of course, Kentucky and the twins didn''t leave that situation without any injuries. This was the first time they used it in real combat, and it had to be released at a close distance. With that being said, they were blasted into the Thunder-Fire Punishment Spears.


    Yes, what caused the damage wasn''t Sun and Moon Obliteration, but the first attack used by Gater, who was already dead.


    *Bang, bang, bang!*


    All three of them slammed on the ground as several holes could be seen on their bodies. Of course, Rean and Roan weren''t idiots. They made sure to protect their heads with the Black and White Stars. In any case, they were still alive even though they were quite severely injured. In Kentucky''s case, his whole body was like a piece of armor, so although there were many holes as well, they weren''t anything capable of threatening his life.


    Gia and Jare watched the whole scene and had both their mouths agape. Contrary to all their expectations, Rean''s group had killed a Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin while being over an entire realm behind.


    However, Gia and Jare saw how the twins'' bodies had fared. ''They won, but they won''t survive,'' thought the two at the same time. That was the only consolation for Jare. As for Gia, her priority was Kentucky, so she wouldn''t enter the battlefield to save the twins either. Kentucky wasn''t at risk of dying, so she stayed put.


    Nonetheless, Gia couldn''t help but think, ''In any case, this is such a huge waste. These humans could definitely help a lot more during this war.'' Gia then looked at Kentucky as she continued to think, ''Well, their deaths should be beneficial since it would make the Minokawa wish for revenge.''


    However, it was then that Gia saw something strange. Kentucky got close to the twins and started laughing, saying, "Hahaha! We really did it! We defeated a Middle Stage Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin!" Obviously, that reaction left Gia puzzled as she could not help but think, ''Can''t you see their injuries? Is this the time to laugh?''


    Roan''s bloodied mouth twitched as he weakly answered, "Shut... up. Your voice is making the pain worse."


    Rean then sat down with much difficulty while trying to ignore the pain of his injuries. He didn''t have the strength to talk since his lungs had been pierced as well, unlike Roan, who only had one of his lungs in that condition. So, he could only ask Kentucky through a Spiritual Sense Message. ''Bring me closer to Roan.''


    Kentucky nodded and used his Spiritual Energy to grab the twins'' bodies and put them on his back. After that, he flapped his wings and made his way back to the demon beasts'' side.


    Jare snorted after seeing that scene as he thought, ''Hmph! Are you going to bury them? Then, be my guest.''


    Gia also shook her head after seeing this, not expecting much from it. If anything, she preferred that Kentucky left the humans'' bodies behind and focused on the battle.


    However, just a few seconds after Kentucky took flight, a ridiculous scene appeared in Jare and Gia''s Spiritual Senses. Rean''s body burst with Light Element, covering him, Roan, and Kentucky completely. They looked more like a ball of white energy moving through the skies. Of course, it wasn''t blocked by Gia or Jare''s senses.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Right inside their Spiritual Senses, Jare and Gia saw the injuries of Rean''s group healing at a frightening speed. Lungs, heart, limbs, all the horrible holes, especially on the twins'' bodies, began to close up extremely fast. What were supposed to be injuries that would end their lives now seemed to be mere illusions after this. Around a minute later, their bodies were healed up back to normal as if nothing had happened in the first place.


    Of course, Rean and Roan''s robes were completely ragged. Not to mention that their faces were as pale as ghosts. One must remember that before that battle with the Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin, the twins'' group had been on the run, destroying the formations. Naturally, they had used up a lot of Spiritual Energy, even for their Nascent Soul cultivation and much bigger Spiritual Energy Pool.


    ''Impossible!'' Sure enough, Gia and Jare thought the same thing.


    Kentucky then landed quite far away from the battlefield. There, Rean took out many Spirit Stones before they started to recover their Spiritual Energy. Not long after, a big shadow appeared over their heads as a giant Tarantula landed by their side. Unlike Jare, Gia had the right to talk to them, especially since they left the battlefield, so she wasn''t intervening. "What the hell was that? How come you three recovered from those injuries? What was that white light?"


    Rean laughed in response as he responded, "Oh, that? It''s nothing much for Light Affinity humans like me. There''s no better healing power than the Light Element. That''s why we were able to recover. Otherwise, do you really think we would take that Soul Transformation Realm guy on? We aren''t that crazy."


    "Light Element?" Gia knew that the Light Element could be used. However, this was only possible through the manipulation of Yang Energy. That''s what she thought Rean was doing at first. It was the first time she heard of someone being born with Light Affinity instead. With that, she asked, "You are kidding, right?"


    Rean shook his head as a ball of white light manifested over his palm as he replied, "Nope. Light Element is just natural for me, the same way the Earth Element is for you."


    Kentucky agreed with him as he backed Rean up, saying, "He isn''t the only one. You probably know I''m a Minokawa, right? Minokawas'' Elemental Affinities are both Light and Dark. With that being said, I can guarantee you that Rean isn''t lying. He really has Light Element Affinity. By the way, Roan has Dark Element Affinity."


    Gia took a deep breath after hearing that. Obviously, Phex told her about the Minokawas'' traits. "No wonder Phex is so interested in you all." However, this wasn''t Gia''s place to ask more. "In any case, this is something between you and Phex, so I won''t stick my nose into it. Just take your time to recover, and don''t try to pull off such a dangerous move again. If the Minokawa dies, Phex will scoop all my eyes out."


    Roan nodded, saying, "Don''t worry. Now that we''ve shown our real power, I don''t think the other side will send anyone to stop us anymore. Their other Soul Transformation Realms are very busy with our Stage Six Demon beasts, after all."


    Gia nodded before she took flight once again, returning to her peak. The battles were still ongoing, so she had to keep an eye on everything. Nevertheless, she sent the twins a Spiritual Sense message from there, saying, ''In any case, you''ve already destroyed 11 formations. Also, you killed a Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin while being an entire realm below. It''s just that the rewards for killing won''t change even if there is a difference in cultivation. Well, whether you want to head back there and destroy more formations or not is up to you. I''ve already marked your mission as successful.''


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky nodded after hearing as Rean replied, ''We''ll head back. After all, those merit points might be of some use. Just keep the Saint Realm guy away from us. That''s not something we can fight against at all.''


    Gia nodded, saying, ''Naturally.''


    Around an hour later, their Spiritual Energy Pools were filled to the brim once again. By now, the demon beast teams had destroyed more than 50 formations, turning the array of formations useless. Since the Demon Beast Aura Repression Formations couldn''t connect to each other, the rest of them had become quite meaningless.


    In the end, Jare gritted his teeth and ordered the Zasfins to retreat. It would be idiotic to let more of his forces die while the target of protection wasn''t there anymore. Besides, the moment the twins'' group joined the battle, they might come to help the Stage Six Demon Beasts get rid of the Soul Transformation Realm Zasfins. In any case, he had already lost one. Losing four more was definitely not an option. As for the remaining formations, it became a race between all the demon beast groups to see who would destroy them first.


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky obviously joined the fray. One formation after another was destroyed as Kentucky moved at a higher speed than most. They knew that there were between 70 to 90 formations in this mission. When it was finally over, they counted a total of 83 of them. Rean''s group ended up in the second position among those destroying formations, having destroyed 17.


    That was to be expected. After all, after they stopped to recover their Spiritual Energy, the other teams continued their jobs. The first place, surprisingly, was Luti''s group, with 23 formations destroyed. However, if one counted the merits earned, Rean''s group was definitely first as they killed more Nascent Soul Realm Zasfins than anyone else. The Nascent Soul Zasfins were worth a merit point each. As for the Soul Transformation Zasfins, that added another five points.


    In the end, the twins got 29 merit points.


    Rean''s group met up with Luti, which Rean took the opportunity to ask, "Hey, Luti. What kind of rewards are available for these merit points?"

 Chapter 746 - Lets Save The Points

    Luti looked at the twins with a weird expression as he could not help but ask, "You''re participating in this mission, and you don''t even know that? I even heard that you killed a Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin. Also, you guys don''t know about the agreement between humans and demon beasts. Just...what are you even doing here?"


    Roan glanced at Luti for a moment before answering, "Training."


    Rean and Kentucky nodded their heads in agreement, confirming Roan''s words.


    "Tr-training? You guys are weird..." Sure enough, that was the normal reaction. Luti then sighed before answering Rean''s question, saying, "Anyways, the list of items available is enormous. They range from high-rank Spirit Stones to Heaven-level materials. There are even a few pieces of Heaven-level equipment up for grabs."


    Rean and Roan shook their heads after hearing that. The high-rank Spirit Stones might be good, but the rest didn''t seem that appealing to them. After all, Rean and Kentucky already got a lot of Heaven-level materials back when they were in the Demon Beast Continent. "Isn''t there anything else more useful?"


    "U-Use...ful?" Luti almost vomited blood after hearing that. The things he had just mentioned were as useful as they could possibly be. Which Nascent Soul Realm cultivator wouldn''t want something like that? "Are you guys big tycoons or something like that?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head in response, saying, "Well, I guess you could say we''re well-off. Besides, I can craft my own Heaven-level equipment, while Roan can concoct Heaven-level pills. We don''t really need those things since we have a decent amount of materials with us."


    Luti couldn''t help but feel even more shocked after hearing that. "You guys can fight Soul Transformation Realm Zasfins, are rich, and are a Heaven-level Blacksmith and Alchemist respectively. Is there anything you guys can''t do?"


    Roan pointed at Rean for a moment before saying, "I would love to make him grow up."


    Rean''s mouth twitched in response, saying, "Fuck you! I, your grandfather, am very mature."


    Even Kentucky rolled his eyes at Rean when he heard those words, let alone Roan. Naturally, it bothered Rean even more. "Hmph! It''s just that this ice cube of a brother doesn''t know how to take jokes."


    Luti didn''t know what to do in that situation as he said, "Somehow, I feel like we''re deviating from the initial topic of our conversation." Nevertheless, he stopped to ponder for a moment on the reward list he saw back in the Demon Beast Continent.


    "Oh, right! You might like this one. They have several drops of Divine Beast Blood. The Phoenix, Basilisk, Black Tortoise, and the White Fenrir decided to make them available for others to purchase. This might be a very good addition to your friend here," Luti said as he looked at Kentucky.


    However, it was then that Kentucky answered, "Ahem...I have no need for those." What a joke. Kentucky was a Divine Demon Beast himself. Why would he need other beasts'' blood? It would only conflict with his own.


    Rean and Roan agreed with Kentucky as Rean said, "Indeed, we have no need for those. Is there anything else?"


    Luti was on the verge of fuming already. Things that would make anyone go crazy over them had simply no appeal to these fuckers'' eyes. How could he not be mad at that? ''Can I beat you? Just a little, please?!''


    "Errrr..." Luti calmed himself down and thought a little more. Soon, he said, "Maybe an airship?"


    With that, something that caught Rean''s interest had appeared. "Airship? Do demon beasts have airships?" Naturally, he thought it to be weird.


    Luti nodded, responding, "Yes. It''s not that they use them, at least not often. However, they obtained a few from other Zasfins who lost in battle. Or maybe they got them from some weird trades in the Demon Beast Cities, things like that. After so long, they''ve accumulated a few of them, with most gathering dust because almost no one uses them."


    Rean, who already knew a little about them, couldn''t help but ask, "What level of airships do they have? Earth Grade? Heaven Grade? What rank of Spirit Stones do they use?"


    Rean found out in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters that a few airships were even faster than Saint Realm experts. The airship that brought him and Roan to the Soul Rulers'' headquarters just so happened to be one of those. They could keep it in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm for future travels. Usually, they weren''t good choices for running away, though. After all, they took too long to gather speed. Only in the long run would they be much better than flying with one''s own body.


    However, Rean had an idea of building quite a few protection formations and improving the existing ones. Depending on the situation, it might be used for escaping as well. ''Hehehe! I might as well use the Circuitry Weapon Formations I''ve kept secret until now. Maybe I can change it into a flying fortress. How cool would that be?!'' Rean couldn''t help but feel excited at the thought.


    However, Luti shook his head in response, saying, "How would I know? I have no interest in the airships to start with, so I didn''t look at what type they were." Sure enough, only Rean would show interest in something like that. For humans in the Demon Beast Continent, an airship would only be considered a big target for flying beasts.


    Rean nodded, not minding that at all. "It''s fine. Do you perhaps know how much they cost?" Rean''s problem was that airships weren''t made with formations alone. Otherwise, he could have crafted one himself. They carried many expensive materials since they had to fly at ridiculously high speeds. One could only imagine how expensive it was when the term ''faster than a Saint Realm expert'' was mentioned.


    Luti pondered a bit before saying, "Well, I just glanced at them for a second, so I might be wrong. But I''m sure they cost around a few hundred merit points. If I''m not mistaken, the cheapest I saw was 340."


    Roan and Kentucky looked at Rean after hearing that, soon asking, "Isn''t that too expensive?"


    Rean nodded, saying, "It is, but it''ll be worth it. Trust me."


    Roan and Kentucky didn''t have much to do with the merit points, so they simply nodded. "Alright then. Let''s save the points."

 Chapter 747 - Should We Join?

    Luti asked if the twins lived somewhere on the southeast side of the Demon Beast Continent. However, they explained that they lived outside with a few other demon beasts. With that being said, Luti couldn''t pay a visit to them unless he traveled a very long distance. "I see...where is it exactly?"


    Roan shook his head as he answered, "We''d rather not talk about it. After all, it''ll be annoying if the Zasfins appear and take revenge. Not that I doubt you, but I prefer to be on the safe side."


    Luti nodded, not minding it much as he replied, "That''s fine. Anyways, you can find me if you head to the Demon Beast City on the southeast side of the continent. As you know, there aren''t that many high-level humans in this world, so it should be pretty easy to find me there if you ask around."


    As explained before, there were only five cities in the entire Demon Beasts Continent. Other than that, there were a few very small settlements and tribes in isolated places. Luti mentioned the city at the southeast, which was the only one there, so it would definitely be easy to find him.


    After Gia confirmed everyone''s achievements, the demon beasts began to leave one after another. However, they didn''t head back to the Demon Beast Continent. After all, the travel would take weeks considering their level. Kentucky and Gulan, two Divine Demon Birds, already took two weeks to make their way there. Let alone the others.


    With that said, most of them decided to stay and cultivate close to Celesgal Mountain. After all, the World Swallowing Cedar disappeared, so the Spiritual Energy in the surroundings wasn''t too different than back in their territory. Besides, it would be much easier to answer the call for a new mission since they were already here.


    Gia, on the other hand, decided to head back to the Demon Beast Continent. As a Dark Spiked Tarantula, she had many offsprings to take care of. She was their queen, after all. ''I also have to talk with Phex about this. These twins are too weird.''


    Rean, Kentucky, and Roan then bade farewell to Luti before heading back to the valley. On their way, Kentucky asked the twins, "Say, is it really okay to keep living in the valley? At the moment, only Gulan and the demon beasts there know about us. However, what if others decide to knock on our door?"


    Rean agreed with Kentucky, saying, "That''s one more reason to buy an airship with the Merit Points. If they''re as big as the one we used after being captured by the Zasfins, it should fit all the kids and still have empty space."


    That reminded Roan about the travel in the airship. "Indeed. That thing was enormous. I only saw something similar back in the Sasamil Empire, an airship used by the Imperial Family." As Roan said those words, he immediately recalled Calina.


    Of course, Rean was no different as he thought about Qia and the others, muttering, "I wonder how those guys are doing at the moment..."


    To answer that question, we''d have to move to the Odbruva Empire, Erstral Country''s Capital.


    At this moment, two Zasfins and four humans were making their way along the streets. As they looked at the posters on the walls, they saw the old ones that talked about Rean and Roan. However, it had been quite some time since those posters were put up there, so they began to show signs of age. On the other hand, there were new ones that seemed a lot more urgent.


    They stopped in front of the posters for a moment as the Zasfins took one to look at. The humans only stayed by their side with a respectful expression. Obviously, those Zasfins and humans were Frandin''s group. Malaka, Calina, and Agis were just pretending to be slaves as always.


    Thanks to Rean''s equipment, Agis could gather Light Element to use Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill. After all this time, he had already mastered it, so he could hide Calina, Malaka, Qia, and his own cultivation without much issue. As long as a Nascent Soul Zasfin didn''t come close and checked their cultivation up close, they wouldn''t be able to pierce through Agis''s skill.


    Of course, compared to Roan and especially Rean, Agis was quite lacking when using the skill. After all, he didn''t have an affinity with it, much less did he have a soul connection to exchange elements.


    Frandin then used his Spiritual Sense as he talked with everyone, saying, ''Look at this. They''re saying that the demon beasts have rebelled and are now attacking all cities.''


    Calina nodded, responding, ''It started not long after the Spiritual Energy of the world increased. I thought the Zasfins were the absolute rulers of this planet, but it seems like it isn''t that simple.''


    Xiria, the other Zasfin that joined their group, was shocked when she heard of it as well. ''A continent filled with demon beasts. I''ve never heard of it before, so how come it appeared just now? Did the Soul Rulers hide its existence?''


    Agis nodded, answering, ''Obviously. They didn''t want their power to be contested. Unfortunately for the demon beasts, they couldn''t attack either because of the Spiritual Energy issue. Now that the problem is gone, they refuse to be treated as if they don''t exist in the first place.''


    Malaka couldn''t help but ask, ''Do you think it has something to do with Rean and Roan?''


    Immediately, everyone except Xiria nodded. ''Who are we kidding here? Wherever those two go, chaos is ensured. Since they went to the Soul Rulers'' headquarters, they must have done something. Otherwise, why would the Zasfins be looking for them everywhere?''


    Xiria didn''t know what to say. Though, she soon asked, ''Was it that bad to travel with them?''


    Everyone nodded once again as they replied in unison, ''Definitely!''


    Hearing that answer made Xiria even more puzzled. ''Sometimes, I don''t know if you like or hate those two...''


    *Achoo!*


    Somewhere far away, a certain pair of twins sneezed.


    Qia then put those thoughts behind and focused on the poster as she asked them, ''However, what should we do? Now that we''re out of Valaria Swamp, should we join the war?''

 Chapter 748 - Convenience

    Agis immediately shook his head as he said, ''That would be a problem. We can''t join the Zasfins since it would definitely reveal our identity. Where have you seen this many Core and Soul Fusion Realm humans before?''


    He was right. Everyone in their team has entered the Core and Soul Fusion Realm by now...except for Frandin and Xiria, of course. One must not forget that Xiria and Frandin were still in the Foundation Establishment Realm when they separated from Rean, Kentucky, and Roan.


    ''It would be easy to connect the dots and tell that we were part of Rean''s group back in the Asume Clan.''


    Everyone agreed with Agis on that.


    Malaka then suggested, ''In that case, do we join the demon beasts'' side? To be honest, I think this is an excellent opportunity to see the results of our time in Valaria Swamp. Not to mention that the demon beasts should be as annoyed with the Zasfins as us.''


    Frandin didn''t like that idea very much as he said, ''Don''t forget that Xiria and I are also Zasfins. If this war is won by them, it''ll be our race that''ll suffer. I don''t really feel like fighting my own kin.''


    Indeed, Frandin had always made it clear that he didn''t like humans. Or, to be more specific, humans who simply accepted their fate as slaves. He never said that he had anything against the Zasfins. He definitely didn''t want to go around killing them either.


    Xiria was the same. She did like humans more than other Zasfins, but that didn''t mean she wanted to fight her own race. What if the war reached her Asume Clan? Wouldn''t it put them in peril? She was certain that the demon beasts wouldn''t simply let them go. After all, it wouldn''t be a surprise for her clan to join the fight against the demon beasts, and the same could be said for Frandin''s father, the City Lord.


    At that moment, an awkward situation took place. Agis''s group didn''t care about fighting the Zasfins, but Frandin and Xiria did. With that being said, what should they do?


    Calina pondered a bit before saying, ''Maybe that''s it.'' Everyone looked at her, waiting for Calina to continue. ''We have been moving together for these last few years after separating from Rean and Roan. During this time, our cultivation has improved a lot, especially after the Spiritual Energy of the world has returned to normal. Perhaps, it''s the right time to separate.''


    Xiria was taken aback as she asked for clarification, ''Do you mean you''ll leave Frandin and me?''


    Calina shook her head as she cleared up everyone''s doubts, saying, ''No. I mean real separation. All of us! It''s about time for everyone to take their destinies into their own hands.''


    This time, Agis and the others were also left at a loss for words. ''This...''


    Indeed, they had relied upon each other ever since Rean, Roan, and Kentucky left. That had obviously brought many benefits to them both in cultivation and combat experience. There was nothing to complain about.


    Agis was the first one to agree with Calina, saying, ''I''m up for it. It''s obvious that this war is imminent. If we continue with Frandin and Xiria, our wills are bound to clash at some point. With that, separation is the best option. Not only that, but I agree with Calina and will choose somewhere to head alone. I want to see how far I can go by myself.''


    Malaka couldn''t help but ask, ''What about the Spiritual Sense bending skill? Agis is the only one capable of using it because of his Yang Energy. Calina, Qia, and I can''t do it.''


    Qia didn''t seem to mind that as she said, ''Have you forgotten what Rean and Roan said in the past? If not because of the Spiritual Sense bending skill, we would never be able to do such things as walking in the Zasfins'' cities. We''ll basically fall into the situation we should have from the start. Besides, I think I''ll try to join the demon beasts'' side as well. I have my own reasons for that.''


    Calina knew what reasons those were, saying, ''You basically think that Rean and Roan are definitely on the demon beasts'' side. At the very least, they aren''t helping the Zasfins, that''s for sure.'' Calina then smiled as she said, ''Alright, I''ll join them as well. However, I''ll head somewhere else where I can do it alone. Let''s see who''ll find them first.''


    Qia agreed with Calina on that, saying with a light grin, ''Let''s!''


    Agis knew that he had an advantage thanks to Rean''s help. However, he wasn''t idiotic enough to not use it, so he didn''t say he would. ''Very well. Then, that''s decided.'' Agis then looked at Malaka, Frandin, and Xiria before asking them, ''What about the three of you? What will you do?''


    Frandin pondered a bit, saying, ''I''ll join the Zasfins to fight the demon beasts. However, there''s no need to worry about me. I owe you guys way too much, especially the twins. Although I''ll be fighting on the opposite side, I won''t talk about you or them.''


    Xiria grabbed Frandin''s hand and nodded, saying, ''I''ll do the same thing. However, I prefer to go together with you.''


    Agis and the others didn''t seem to be too surprised by that. A lot of time has passed, and it increased the bond between Frandin and Xiria. In the end, they simply got together.


    Frandin, of course, agreed with that as he responded with a light smile, ''You are more than welcome.''


    Malaka was the last one. ''Well...I''ll think about it. I just don''t know whether I''ll join the war or not. It''s not like this is the only option available. Hahaha!''


    That night, everyone shared a meal and enjoyed their time. They didn''t know when they might see each other again or if they would at all. One must remember that death was always an option. Perhaps they would find the twins before that. Who knows?


    The next day, they left the city and headed to a secluded place. There, they shared the spoils of their travel equally and finally departed in different directions...at least that''s what happened with Frandin, Xiria, Calina, and Qia. As for Agis, a certain happy-go-lucky girl began to follow him.


    Agis''s mouth could not help but twitch since Malaka wasn''t trying to hide her presence at all. With that, he could not help but ask, "What the hell are you doing?"


    Malaka came out and shrugged her shoulders, responding, "I said I was going to think about it, didn''t I? I''ve decided to follow you."


    Agis massaged his forehead in response. It was obvious that he hated that idea. "Why?"


    Malaka smiled after hearing the question as she replied with only one word.


    "Convenience."

 Chapter 749 - Divine Beasts Gathering

    Meanwhile, somewhere in the Demon Beast Continent, Phex was standing in front of an enormous cave entrance that shone with faint red light. At this moment, he was in his humanoid form, the same form that the twins saw before.


    Phex stood there like a statue as he looked at the cave. Not too long after, three more demon beasts appeared, all in humanoid forms. One of them had wolf-like ears above his head and fur covering most of his body. The second one was bald, had many scales, and had sharp eyes. As for the third and last one, he looked like an old man with a huge turtle shell on his back. One only needed a single look to tell that he was definitely the oldest one in that group.


    That group formed the four strongest demon beasts of the world, the Four Divine Demon Beasts. They were the Phoenix, Black Tortoise, Silver Fenrir, and the Basilisk. Of course, Kentucky and Gulan were also Divine Demon Beasts, but they were both in Stage Five and Six, respectively. They didn''t have a reason to be here.


    Phex then looked at those three before saying, "So you''ve noticed it as well, uh?" Right after, he asked the Black Tortoise, "Senior Darion, what do you think?"


    Darion was obviously the name of the Black Tortoise. He soon responded, "From the looks of it, this hasn''t only begun recently. It''s just that the reactions were too small for even us to notice. No one is allowed here, so I wonder how long it has been since it started. It has to be at least a few years by now."


    The Silver Fenrir then asked, "Senior Darion, Phex mentioned that another Divine Demon Beast has appeared in our world, right? That''s great news for us. With that one, we could say that we have seven of them now, including us. Don''t you think that perhaps..."


    Darion, the Black Tortoise, nodded as he said, "Frin is right. This is the first time we have so many Divine Demon Beasts on our planet. The requirements for the Bestial Sacred Ground might have been fulfilled. No, it''s most likely the case. As I mentioned, it has to be a few years since the Bestial Sacred Ground has reacted. That must''ve coincided with the Minokawa''s maturation." A rare tinge of excitement appeared on the tortoise''s face as he continued, "To think that it would happen during my time. How many years did I have to wait? I can''t even remember anymore."


    "Do you think we can use it to break the barrier?" the Basilisk asked, feeling even more excited than Darion.


    Phex sighed in response as he said, "It''s still too early, Xaon. It doesn''t have nearly as enough energy as we would need. Besides, it''s not like we can simply activate it, and everything will be over. You also know about the records left behind by our ancestors, right?"


    Xaon, obviously the Basilisk''s name, narrowed his eyes after hearing that. He soon muttered, "The Sacred Transition...the records don''t say anything about how it works, only that we have a path to take."


    Frin, the Silver Fenrir, nodded as he said in response, "Exactly. Besides, don''t forget the requirements. We need seven Divine Demon Beasts. But look at our current situation. Only the four of us are at Stage Nine. Gulan is still a Stage Six Blue Luan, while the Minokawa we''ve heard about is even further back, at Stage Five."


    Frin continued, "In any case, let''s ignore the fact that those two are very weak. We still need the last one, don''t we?"


    Phex, Darion, and Xaon''s expressions turned worse as one of them said, "The World Swallowing Cedar...without him, we won''t be able to continue with it."


    "Well, at least that cedar is already a Stage Nine Divine Demon Beast...or Plant, for that matter. He should be a lot more helpful...if we find him," Xaon said.


    Darion agreed with him, saying, "That''s true. Also, there''s another piece of good news. All we''ve found so far is that Celis escaped, and no one knows if he left the planet. However, since the Bestial Sacred Ground activated, that means Celis is still in our world." Darion then looked at Phex and asked him, "Have you told the Minokawa about this place already?"


    Phex shook his head, replying, "No. In fact, even my grandchild is oblivious to this place. I told them that no one knows why this planet helps out Divine Demon Beasts. I was planning to tell Gulan once he became at least a Stage Eight Divine Demon Beast."


    Darion, Xaon, and Frin didn''t find it weird. "You did the right thing. Coming here without having any strength might end up in disaster, after all. It''s better to not risk having Gulan get ahead of himself, thinking that he could deal with it. Divine Demon Beasts are too rare, after all."


    Xaon couldn''t help but ask Darion, "Senior Darion, you''re the most experienced between us. Do you know more or less how long it''ll take for the Bestial Sacred Grounds to be ready?"


    "Hmm..." Darion pondered a bit over the question before answering, "Even at my age, this is the first time I''m seeing it happen, so it''s hard to predict. However, I''m sure that it won''t be just one or two years. As for the exact time, we''ll need to wait and see."


    In a certain way, that was convenient for the Divine Demon Beasts. "That''s good. We can focus on the war for the time being."


    Frin couldn''t help but ask, though. "However, what will happen if it does activate? This is the reason why we Divine Demon Beasts can improve much faster all around the world. In fact, it also has some effects on the common demon beasts. Otherwise, the demon beasts would be far behind in strength. I don''t think it''ll be an isolated event when it activates."


    Phex and the others narrowed their eyes after hearing that. Frin was right. There was just too much power in this place, even if it only existed for the demon beasts. Celis alone was able to affect an entire world, so what could this place, which was definitely a lot more dangerous than Celis, do?


    In the end, Phex shook his head as he said, "Let''s not think about it for now. We''ll see when the time comes. After all, there''s nothing mentioned about it in the records."

 Chapter 750 - Moving Out

    The battles between the demon beasts and Zasfins naturally continued. Rean, Roan, and Kentucky, obviously, used those chances to fight and train. At the same time, they accumulated Merit Points to buy the airship. However, their effect in the battles was just too small.


    One must remember the size of this world and how many Zasfins and demon beasts there were. Although they were changing destiny in the areas where they fought, it was extremely far from enough to generate a good number of Destiny Points. Rean considered if he should give his Circuitry Formation blueprints to the Zasfins. That way, they could build the communication system, just like in Sunkan Planet, for Destiny Points.


    However, he quickly threw that idea away. After all, that would help the Zasfins win the war, not the demon beasts. With a reward of a small continent on the table for the humans, Rean couldn''t possibly allow the Zasfins to get an advantage.


    Well, he couldn''t give it to the demon beasts either. After all, almost no demon beast knew how to draw formations. They definitely wouldn''t ask for the Zasfins'' help on it, either. Besides, although there were bound to be a few demon beasts who know of formations, showing his blueprints to them might have the opposite effect when it came to the twins'' safety. One must remember that it wasn''t possible to enter the Dimensional Realm anymore if danger appeared.


    And just like that, four years had gone by. Rean''s group didn''t receive missions straight away. There was always an interval of a few weeks to a couple of months between them, so the accumulation of Merit Points wasn''t that fast.


    However, there was good news. First, no one came to check their valley anymore. It was as if even Gulan forgot it existed. He simply used the Mountain Bull, who was in the other Spiritual Vein in the twins'' territory, to deliver the jade slips with the tasks.


    Second, Rean and Roan alone might not be much, but when put together with the other humans of the Demon Beast Continent, they were doing quite well for the demon beasts in the war. If things continued like that and the demon beasts won, they would really deserve that reward.


    Another thing was that Rean, Roan, Kentucky, and Celis had finally broken through to the Middle Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm. Well, Kentucky and Celis had reached the equivalent of it, Middle Stage Five Demon Beast...or Tree in Celis''s case. Although the concentration of Spiritual Energy in the valley wasn''t comparable to the concentration in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters before they took Celis away, they were still cultivating as one.


    Celis, especially, was always absorbing Spiritual Energy, pulling Rean, Roan, and Kentucky''s cultivation with him when they weren''t cultivating themselves. With that, their results got quite close to what they had in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters. Not to mention that the war between the demon beasts and Zasfins was happening. Rean, Kentucky, and Roan weren''t lacking in opponents.


    The twins even fought another Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin after that. However, this guy was only at the Initial Stage. Now that they were in the Middle Stage, they were able to get rid of that Zasfin. Of course, if that Zasfin had focused on defense or escaping, it wouldn''t have been so simple. However, which Zasfin would flee in front of Nascent Soul Realm humans and a Stage Five Demon Beast? Just like the first one, he completely underestimated the twins'' group, dying in the process.


    The twins were also able to accumulate quite some wealth in terms of Spirit Stones. Now that they were only fighting enemies at the Nascent Soul Realm and above, they got a lot of spoils. That second Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin even had a Spatial Collar, which was worth a lot of money. As for Spirit Stones, most of them had at least a few Rank Four ones. So they had acquired a little bit over 20000 of them.


    Of course, that was only possible since no Stage Seven or Saint Realm expert has joined the fray so far. Otherwise, those who usually observed the battles would definitely have stopped the twins.


    The twins weren''t the only ones who have improved during this time. Back in the valley, the same four years had gone by. As one could imagine, Malo and the other Purple Talent kids had all advanced into the Core Formation Realm as a result. Of course, there were those with Red Color Aptitude, while some had Blue Color Aptitude. As one could imagine, the group that first entered the Foundation Establishment Realm was at the forefront, with most of them already at the Middle or Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Malo, especially, was at the peak of that realm.


    No, calling all of them ''kids'' wouldn''t work anymore. After all, Malo and the others were already 13 years old before the war started. With that said, they were all 17 now, with Malo very close to becoming 18. It''s just that there were many kids who were babies or below 10 years old back then, so most of them were still kids.


    Rean and Roan couldn''t help but feel a little jealous. If only they had these conditions back then, they would probably be just as fast, and that''s considering their bigger Spiritual Energy Pools.


    ''As expected of Purple Color talents. They''re terrifying,'' Rean and Roan could not help but mutter inwardly several times during these past few years.


    However, talent could only bring them so far. Until now, the kids in the valley had been sparring against each other or using Rean''s formations to fight fake opponents. Unfortunately, that wasn''t cutting it anymore. Roan could clearly see their lack in combat experience, or to be more exact, the lack of danger of dying. It was due time to let them head out and gain experience. It''s just that the area they were in was a terrible choice. After all, the Tribes'' Zone was mostly occupied by Zasfins. If so many high-level humans suddenly appeared here, that would definitely attract too much attention.


    Rean and Roan discussed this issue and eventually came to a conclusion. Although each mission didn''t give that many merit points, doing missions for four years still helped accumulate a lot. With that said, Rean''s group had enough to finally buy Rean''s beloved airship. "We''re moving to the Demon Beast Continent."

 Chapter 751 - Buying

    The twins had just recently finished a mission, so it would take quite some time for the next one to come. With that, they left Celis and the rest behind before traveling to the Demon Beast Continent. Since they already knew the way, it took only a week for them to arrive at the territory of the Demon Beast Alliance. Of course, the place where one could exchange merit points for rewards was inside one of the Demon Beast Cities.


    However, the city looked a lot different from when Rean and Roan had last seen it. Before, there were many Zasfins flying around, trading or selling their things in exchange for the resources the demon beasts had. Now, one couldn''t even find the soul of a single Zasfin in the area. All the shops that were managed by Zasfins back then were now empty.


    That was to be expected, though. Before the war had officially started, these Zasfins, where most of them were related to the Soul Rulers, were warned to leave the Demon Beast Continent. Otherwise, the Soul Rulers wouldn''t take responsibility for whatever might happen to them. Unsurprisingly, with that warning, the Zasfins present in the five existing cities in the continent left straight away.


    Currently, Rean and Roan could only see a bunch of high-level demon beasts, as well as humans. Humans were still quite rare compared to the demon beasts, with their numbers not even reaching a ratio of 1 to 100. Yet, it was a lot easier to notice their presence with the Zasfins gone.


    Rean then asked Kentucky to ask the demon beasts in the area regarding where they could trade their merit points earned during these past four years. "Alright, leave it to me."


    Not too long after, Rean''s group arrived at a giant building designed to hold almost any size of demon beast. Of course, there was a corner where one could find two humans behind a counter. They were the ones responsible dealing with other humans who got merit points in the war. Well, because of how many humans there were, they seemed to be very bored. "Oh, finally. There''s someone. How can I help you two?"


    Rean then passed the jade slip used to register their merit points to the attendant before saying, "I''m here to buy something with my points."


    The guy nodded and quickly checked if Rean''s jade slip was real. In order to prevent fake ones, each mission jade slip had the aura of a Stage Eight or Nine Demon Beast responsible for the war. Also, only the demon beasts with the necessary auras could make modifications to the information inside. The attendant quickly confirmed that it was the real deal and checked the points inside, only to curse soon after in surprise, "Holy shit!"


    He quickly looked at Rean and Roan with a lot more respect as he said enthusiastically, "I wonder how many missions you''ve done and how many Zasfins you''ve killed." It wasn''t strange since the reward for the humans really needed this level of participation. "You have a total of 1493 merit points. Say, what do you want to do with it?"


    "Can I take a look at the rewards list?" Rean asked.


    "Absolutely." The guy quickly took another jade slip and passed it to Rean. Roan also took the chance and sent his Spiritual Sense inside to check what could be obtained.


    "Oh! They even have Spiritual Veins as rewards." Rean was quite surprised by that.


    However, Roan shook his head, clarifying, "No. To be more exact, they have territories with Spiritual Veins available since moving Spiritual Veins shouldn''t be possible for just any demon beast. Probably only those at Stage Eight and higher would be able to safely move it." Not everyone had a World Swallowing Cedar to help with this kind of task, after all.


    Rean nodded before he went to the part where the airships could be found. Sure enough, it was, as Luti mentioned. The cheapest ones cost at least 300 merit points due to the rare materials used on them. Not to mention that those were only Earth High-level ones. Rean quickly ignored the Earth-level ones, though. They wouldn''t be able to fly faster than the twins, much less Kentucky. Not to mention that they weren''t big enough to fit everyone back in the valley.


    "Hmm...this one seems pretty good." Rean''s attention was quickly attracted to a Heaven High-level airship that cost 1800 merit points. An airship at the Heaven Initial-level would fly at the speed of a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. As for whether it was at the Early of the Peak Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm, that depended on the Spirit Stones used to feed it.


    Following the same train of thought, a Heaven Middle-level airship would fly at the speed of a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator or a Stage Six Demon Beast. Finally, a Heaven High-level airship would move at the same speed as a Saint Realm expert or a Stage Seven Demon Beast. The one Rean was looking at was very big as well. ''It can use Rank Four Spirit Stones to reach the speed of an Initial Stage Saint Realm expert. If I manage to find Rank Five Spirit Stones, the ship can reach the speed of a Late Stage Saint Realm expert.''


    Rean then looked at the human behind the counter before asking, "Is there a way to make up for the 307 merit points we''re lacking to buy this airship?" Rean then showed which one he wanted on the list.


    "This..." The attendant was taken aback by the question. He didn''t expect a human to be so adamant about spending their points on an airship with there being so many better and more useful items to choose from. "Are you sure about this? There are many things that would help you a lot more during the war."


    Rean nodded, saying in response, "I''m sure. My only problem is the merit points that I don''t have."


    In the end, the human attendant was there only to make the trades, so he didn''t ask Rean anymore. "Alright. Usually, no one can buy anything if they don''t have the necessary merit points. However, considering that you want to buy an airship, which demon beasts rarely use, perhaps the demon beasts will accept making an exception."


    Following that, the guy asked Rean''s group to wait for a moment as he left to ask his supervisor.

 Chapter 752 - Exchange

    Not too long after, the attendant came back, following behind another human...well, not actually a human. The guy had scales all over his body and sharp eyes. If Gulan was here, he would immediately recognize this man. He was none other than Xaon, one of the Divine Demon Beasts, the Basilisk. Of course, even without Gulan, Kentucky could at least tell that the guy''s bloodline was at the same level as his own.


    ''Rean, Roan, it''s a Divine Demon Beast. From the scales on his body, he should be that Basilisk that Phex mentioned when we talked to him,'' Kentucky told them through a Spiritual Sense message.


    Rean and Roan immediately became more serious as they bowed to the man as Rean said, "It''s an honor to see one of the Divine Demon Beasts of our world."


    Xaon couldn''t help but faintly smile as he looked at Kentucky. Obviously, he noticed that Kentucky was a Divine Demon Beast as well. "Seems like Phex has mentioned me before. In any case, I''m the one responsible for the exchanging of merit points in the entire Demon Beast Alliance. When I heard that a pair of humans wanted to buy the airship, I''ve become quite intrigued, so I decided to take a look at you."


    Of course, the man didn''t mention that Kentucky was also a Divine Demon Beast. That was a piece of information that only the other Divine Demon Beasts in the Demon Beast Alliance knew. One could never know who would be listening in a place like this, after all.


    The attendant didn''t find it strange that the two knew about it. Everyone involved in the merit point system knew that Xaon was responsible for it. Since this city was the closest one to the center of the continent, Xaon administered everything from here. Well, there were only five cities in total, so it wasn''t as demanding as one would imagine. Demon beasts always preferred to keep things as simple as possible.


    "So you''re Kentucky, huh?" Right after, he looked at the twins before continuing, "And you should be his friends."


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky nodded in response. "Yes, senior."


    Xaon then looked at Rean''s request before asking, "Are you sure you want the airship? That''s a lot of merit points you''ll be wasting here. We did put them up for trade since we don''t really have much to do with them, but I didn''t really expect anyone to buy even one."


    Rean immediately nodded, saying, "Yes. My brother and I live in a human tribe, and we would like to relocate them. An airship of this level would be extremely convenient for us."


    Xaon didn''t find it weird. Rean and Roan were humans. He does know that their Demon Beast Continent has a few isolated human tribes. For the twins to live in one was already to be expected. "Well, I''ve received the reports about the merit points you won. Not only did you complete the missions, but you also got rid of many Zasfins at your level and even those at a higher level than your current realms. In that case, I''ll make an exception and take all your merit points in exchange for the airship."


    Of course, Xaon was doing that because of Kentucky. He didn''t care too much about the twins. It''s because he could also feel that link between Kentucky, Rean, and Roan, just as Phex mentioned to him. With that being said, he didn''t want to do anything to them either.


    Rean''s group immediately thanked Xaon, saying, "Thank you, Senior Xaon."


    Xaon nodded before looking at the attendant that told him about this exchange. "Remove all their merit points from the jade slip. The airship they want is quite far, so I''ll bring them there myself. Give it back to them once they stop by."


    "Yes, senior." The human attendant quickly took the jade slip and left right after.


    Following that, Xaon enveloped Rean''s group with his Spiritual Energy before they disappeared from the building. Once again, all the twins and Kentucky could see was a blur. They couldn''t distinguish anything due to Xaon''s speed. Eventually, they stopped in front of a grassland.


    "This..." Rean''s group was quite surprised by what they saw. "Just how many airships do you have here?" The place was filled with them, much to their surprise.


    "Who knows? I''ve never paid attention to it. In any case, most of them are only Earth-level ones, so they''ve been forgotten here. The Heaven High-Level airship you want is in the middle." Xaon then pointed at one of the biggest airships in the distance.


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh in disappointment when he looked at it. Anyone could tell that the airship had been abandoned in this place for a long, long time. Mold was present everywhere. The insides were full of insects and other small creatures. Not to mention that it was really dirty. However, as Rean examined it with his Spiritual Sense, his mood began to improve. The important parts, like the formations, were completely intact. The materials used to make the airship were also pristine behind the dirt and mold. ''As expected of a Heaven High-level airship. Even after being abandoned for this long, it''s still 100% ready for use...if you ignore all the cleaning necessary.''


    Suddenly, a few demon beasts appeared in the surroundings before one of them came to pay his respect to Xaon, saying, "Senior Basilisk, I didn''t expect your visit."


    They were the group in charge of protecting this place. After all, even if the demon beasts didn''t use the airships, they were still worth a lot.


    "Don''t mind me. I''m just showing this Demon Bird the airship it has just bought. They will be taking this Heaven High-level airship away, so there''s no need to stop them, understood?" the Basilisk said without even batting an eyelid.


    The leader of the group immediately nodded, responding, "Yes, senior. We will take our leave, then." As fast as they appeared, they hastily left.


    Xaon then turned around to leave as he left a warning to Rean''s group, telling them, "This ship can fly at the speed of a Saint Realm cultivator, but it''ll expend a lot of Spirit Stones. Also, don''t use it to flee since it takes a long time to reach that speed. Understood?"


    Rean told Roan and Kentucky about it, so the three of them only nodded in response. "Yes, senior."


    And just like that, Rean''s group lost all their merit points and got an airship in exchange.

 Chapter 753 - Leaving

    Kentucky looked at the enormous airship and couldn''t help but say, "Even I look small in front of this thing."


    Rean nodded with a smile, responding, "Indeed. Anyways, let''s start the airship."


    Rean then headed to the propulsion room, where all the formations that controlled the airship''s speed were located. Sure enough, it was as dirty as the rest of the airship. However, other than that, everything was okay with the formations themselves. Following that, he analyzed the formations, trying to understand their method of operation. ''I see...it''s a propulsion formation based on Wind. The last one Roan and I used was a mix of Wind and Fire, just like turbines. Well, that one could move at the speed of an Elemental Transformation Realm cultivator, so I guess mixing Fire into it was necessary.''


    Rean then contacted Roan through their Soul Connection, asking him, ''Are you in the bridge already?''


    ''Yes. What do you need?'' Roan asked in return.


    ''I''ll add the Spirit Stones for it to start moving. Send your Spiritual Sense into the orb in the center, and use it to control the airship,'' Rean said as several Rank Three Spirit Stones flew everywhere around with the help of his Spiritual Energy. To reach the speed of a Saint Realm expert, Rean would need Rank Four Spirit Stones. However, that didn''t mean the airship wouldn''t fly with lower-grade ones. It''s just that the top speed of the ship wouldn''t be that high.


    *Rumble!*


    The sound of metal and wood creaking reverberated everywhere as the airship began to slowly ascend.


    *Bang!*


    Sadly, Roan wasn''t used to it, so he ended up hitting another airship on the side. Naturally, that annoyed Rean as he cursed, ''Hey, can''t you keep it straight? If you break the airships outside, how do you think will we pay for them?''


    ''Fuck you! This is the first time I''m using this shit, alright?'' Roan wasn''t any happier either.


    Kentucky, who was on the deck above, was just enjoying the view as he shouted with delight, "Hahaha! Look at this! This junk is really moving."


    Rean''s mouth twitched after hearing that, saying, "It''s not junk! It''s just dirty, for fuck''s sake! I''ll have the guys back in the valley thoroughly clean its insides when we''re back."


    Eventually, the airship had gained enough altitude before it turned in the direction of the Demon Beast City they were in before and began to move. The twins had to go there since they needed to take their reward jade slip back for future missions and battles.


    The airship didn''t attract that much attention in the city, though. The Zasfins in the past used them to transport the goods traded in there, so airships coming and going were quite common. After all, although there was Spatial Equipment in this world, one that could carry the same amount of items as an airship definitely didn''t exist. Even if it did, it would be ridiculously expensive. It would surely cost more than several airships.


    "Alright, here is your jade slip. As Senior Xaon mentioned, all the Merit Points have now been removed. I hope you can get more soon." The same human assistant from before soon passed the jade slip back to Rean''s group once they had arrived.


    The twins didn''t have much to do at the moment, so they headed straight back to the airship before departing. Rean pondered if he should have taken the chance to forge more equipment in exchange for Heaven-level materials. But in the end, he already had a lot of them, so he gave up the idea.


    The twins didn''t make it all the way back to the valley on the airship. After all, even if it was only Rank Three Spirit Stones, it would cost a lot for a trip back. Once they confirmed that there wasn''t anyone around anymore, they immediately sent the airship into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. The airship wasn''t a living being, so there was no restriction in putting it there.


    On Kentucky''s back, the twins quickly returned to the valley. This trip ended up being a lot faster, not taking more than two weeks. Nevertheless, two weeks was enough for everyone to prepare. Rean had left orders before they previously left to organize everything for the departure, after all. Once they got back, everyone was ready to be sent away.


    However, Rean smiled at everyone below, telling them, "Before we go, I want you all to clean the airship. I''ll give you one day."


    "Ehhhh?!" Naturally, no one liked the idea. After all, they could clearly see just how bad of a shape the airship was in.


    "I don''t wanna."


    "Me neither."


    "It looks terrible!"


    "Why do we have such a piece of junk?"


    "This thing will be too hard to clean."


    Rean couldn''t care less what they thought. In any case, he knew that it would be for the better, so he decided to threaten them. "I see...well, since you don''t want to clean the airship, I might as well ask Roan to double your training schedule, seeing as how all of you have so much free time."


    Immediately, everyone looked a lot more helpful.


    "Wait! We will clean!"


    "I always liked to clean items!"


    "It''s our beloved airship, right? Of course, we''ll clean it."


    "We were just joking."


    Rean laughed out loud in response to the words, saying, "Is that so? That''s good, that''s good. I''ll leave everything to you guys, then. Just be careful with the formations in the propulsion room."


    Rean then left the airship and went to talk with Celis in the center of the valley, asking, "How are things?"


    Celis knew what Rean was talking about, so he hastily responded, "My saplings are everywhere around Koran Forest. It''s just as you said, the demon beasts are leaving, heading to where the Demon Beast Alliance is located. The Tribes'' Zone is a zone mainly for Zasfins, after all. It shouldn''t take long for the Zasfins to attack this place since it''s inside their territory."


    Rean nodded, already expecting as much. "That''s fine. I''m quite surprised it took four years for this to happen."


    Roan, who was also there, agreed with Rean, saying, "In any case, it would probably take a few months before the Zasfins would gather the force to attack this place. We have plenty of time to depart."


    Kentucky was sitting on his nest above Celis, saying, "It''s kinda sad to leave everything behind. This valley was truly a nice place to stay. I hope the alliance can take it back."


    Rean nodded since he also became somewhat attached to the valley they spent over four years inside.


    The time passed in a flash, and soon, another day went by. With such time passing, the cleaning of the airship was now finished, making it look completely different from what it was before. "Good! That''s a lot more like it." Rean then headed to the propulsion room, where he found Poliana and Glennie, two girls from the group of older kids. They were already there, waiting for him. "Did you read the manual I gave you?"


    The two girls nodded. "Yes, Rean."


    "Good! Now, just do as I say while I head to the bridge." Rean then took out a lot of Rank Four Spirit Stones and laid them in the surroundings before leaving. Not long after, he was already on the bridge. "Now then. Let''s see if everything is still working as intended."


    Sure enough, Rean''s instructions were followed strictly. The formations were activated as he used the orb to control the airship. Not long after, it was already floating in the valley. Rean nodded in satisfaction before landing the airship once again.


    Following that, he used his Spiritual Sense to communicate with the people below, telling them, "Everyone, we''re now leaving Koran Forest. If it''s not a personal item that you can carry on your body, then leave it on the ground. There''s no need to put it in the airship since I can bring it over as I did with you all," Rean said through a Spiritual Sense message.


    He then focused his attention on Burio and the others before saying, "Burio, you guys are responsible for arranging everyone inside the airship. I want to be out of this place in an hour at most. have Malo and the others help you with that."


    Burio''s group were obviously the adults Rean brought to the valley four years ago. By now, they were able to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm even though their talents were mediocre. That was all thanks to the excellent training and environment. Burio, especially, was already in the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. That showed just how much effort he put into cultivation. Of course, compared to Malo, who was already at the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm, he seemed quite subpar. That''s a Purple Color Talent for you.


    The youngest kids, including those who were only babies when they arrived in the valley, were the first to be helped inside. Well, they weren''t babies anymore, at the very least. Naturally, they had already begun to cultivate.


    While the adults helped put everyone inside, Rean and Roan went around, collecting everything they needed into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. The realm was enormous now, so it fitted all the houses and even the farms they had planted before. Of course, the totem and the building around it were some of the first things they sent inside. After all, they were too important for everyone''s cultivation.


    As a being connected to Rean and Roan through Kentucky, Celis also had a free pass into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. There was no need to use Destiny Points to put him there. With that said, they waited for Celis to retract its roots from Koran Forest before teleporting it into the Dimensional Realm.


    Eventually, the valley became almost empty, leaving only the formations that covered its mountains. Rean then took a deep breath and removed the Anti-Spiritual Sense Formation''s core. It wasn''t a cheap thing to make, so he used it in the airship. Sure enough, Rean wouldn''t let just any Spiritual Sense penetrate it, so he built a similar formation inside.


    "With that, we''re now ready. Let''s go!" Saying that, Rean then sent his Spiritual Sense into the orb in the bridge, as they left the valley behind at last.

 Chapter 754 - Steal

    Powered by Rank Four Spirit Stones, the airship began to make its way out of Koran Forest. Once again, the twins were reminded why this equipment couldn''t be used for fleeing. The time it took to simply reach the speed of a Stage Five Demon Beast already passed ten minutes. If it was just Rean and Roan who were flying on their own, they would reach their maximum speed in mere seconds! Naturally, it was a terrible idea to use the airships for such a thing.


    In any case, the airship was still fast. In just half an hour, it was already flying at the speed of an average Initial Stage Saint Realm expert. That was far faster than even Kentucky at his full speed. "Wow, this is the first time I''ve used Rank Four Spirit Stones to move the airship. As expected, this is freaking fast." Rean, obviously, couldn''t help but become excited.


    Well, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky were more or less the only ones able to appreciate this speed. That was because, for Malo, Burio, and everyone else, all they could see was a blur due to the high speed. Their cultivations were too low to discern their surroundings at this state.


    The airship gained more and more altitude as they continued to move, soon surpassing the range a Nascent Soul Realm could watch through Spiritual Sense from the ground. Of course, they didn''t stop there, though. Rean wanted to go high enough to the point that his own Spiritual Sense couldn''t even reach the ground below. One must not misunderstand Rean''s Anti-Spiritual Sense Formation. It didn''t hide them from it. Instead, it only stopped Spiritual Senses from seeing what''s inside. For anyone else outside, it would look like a giant black hole was moving around instead. They could see that something was there but wouldn''t be able to tell what it is.


    Fortunately, the necessary altitude was eventually achieved. At the same time, Rean verified the condition of the airship with his Spiritual Sense. Since he was inside, it wasn''t blocked by the formation. "As expected of Heaven-level flying equipment. It''s so sturdy that even moving at the speed of a Saint Realm expert can''t make it strain itself."


    High up in the sky, where the naked eye would have a hard time seeing due to the distance, a streak of light moved at high speeds. It moved out of Koran Forest and the region around it in just an hour. The airship continued to make its way to the Demon Beast Continent until, after a bit more time, the ground was replaced by the sea, leaving the Tribes'' Zone behind.


    If it took Rean''s group one week to fly there with Kentucky, with the airship, only four days were needed. Every now and then, they would pass by some Nascent Soul Realm or some Stage Five Demon Beast that was flying as well. However, due to the speed of the airship, none of them thought about trying anything, nor could they try anything with their speed anyway. Even Stage Six Demon Beasts and Soul Transformation Realm experts would find it almost impossible to deal with.


    Eventually, the sea disappeared as the ground replaced its place once again. Rean and Roan already knew very well where they were heading. Luti had told them that he lived close to the Demon Beast City on the southeast side of the continent. That being said, they took the opportunity to ask him about the place during another mission they had together.


    It turns out that the majority of humans who lived in the Demon Beast Continent could be found there. Of course, they were still just miserably few compared to the number of demon beasts there. In any case, it was a lot easier to find humans in that place. With that said, Rean''s group of humans would be able to merge in the mix as if nothing had changed.


    By the time the city could be seen, the airship began to slow down once again as they approached it. Just like with its acceleration, the airship also needed a lot of time to stop. The sight of the airship made the demon beasts there a little confused, though. Unlike the Demon Beast City at the center of the continent, this one didn''t receive many Zasfins for trade. Let alone now that the war was ongoing. No Zasfin would try to get close to the Demon Beast Continent to conduct business.


    As the airship got closer to the city, a few high-level demon beasts came out to receive it. If there were really Zasfins inside, they wouldn''t let it go that easily. However, the one who came out of it was none other than Kentucky. As he came out, he asked the demon beasts that greeted the airship, "Hey there. Do you know some nice place where I can settle myself down?"


    The leader of those demon beasts narrowed his eyes for a moment when his expression changed all of a sudden. As a demon beast taking care of one of the few cities of the continent, he knew very well how to recognize the Demon Beast Alliance''s mark. It was the same mark that Phex left inside Kentucky when they first met. "Ahem...a nice place to settle down, huh?"


    He looked at the demon beasts around him and sent them a Spiritual Sense, telling them about the mark. Knowing that Kentucky was someone important for the Alliance, they immediately dropped any malicious thoughts and shook their heads in response as one of them replied, "The problem is that most of the areas around the Southeast Demon Beast City are already occupied."


    Kentucky then playfully smiled as he replied, "That''s not a problem. I can simply challenge the land''s ruler to take it for myself. Just let me know the good ones that have Stage Five or Six Demon beasts ruling it."


    They all looked at the leading demon beast, who nodded back at them. Soon after, they all sent Kentucky Spiritual Sense messages of places that they considered good. Of course, each demon beast liked a specific environment, so they weren''t as good for others. There were swamps, deadlands, huge lakes with almost no land, and other places like that. It all depended on their own races.


    Rean and Roan were also there, receiving those ideas. ''Well... we can''t judge everyone''s tastes,'' Rean thought as he read through all of it.


    At some point, however, the interest of Rean''s group was piqued by a place mentioned by a Stripple Golden Bear. ''You might like the Fruzei Hills. It''s mainly inhabited by Stage Three, Four, and Five Demon Beasts. The only Stage Six Demon Beast there is a Blood Rabbit, but he rarely cares about what happens around him, so much so that no one considers him a threat.''


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky looked at each other and nodded after hearing the place mentioned. That was indeed the best option for them. No, to be more exact, it was the best option for the teenagers and kids they had in the airship. A place where they can head out and train themselves. After going through all of the possible choices, Rean''s group decided to look at the Fruzei Hills.


    Once they entered the airship and left, the demon beasts couldn''t help but look at their leader as one of them asked, "Did the Demon Bird really have the Phoenix''s Mark of the Demon Beast Alliance?"


    The guy immediately nodded, replying, "Yes. I wouldn''t miss it at all since I already felt one in the past. That was definitely the Phoenix''s Mark, which proves that he''s an important asset of the Demon Beast Alliance."


    He then looked at the other Demon beasts before continuing, "However, the rules in the Demon Beast Continent are the same for everyone. Once you''re outside the cities, anyone can attack you, and you can attack anyone, no questions asked. We are demon beasts, don''t forget that. In here, might is right!"


    Everyone agreed with him. If that group with a Demon Bird and the two humans wanted to take a territory, they would need to fight for it.


    Nevertheless, the news about the newcomer quickly spread in the city. Of course, it wasn''t because a demon beast or humans'' appearance was strange, but that the Demon Bird was an important member of the Alliance. Luti, who just so happened to be back after another mission, ended up hearing it from one of his team members. One must remember that Luti was paired with two other demon beasts, but he wasn''t their master. "Oh, so they came here? I haven''t seen those three in a while. Perhaps I''ll pay a visit to those guys later."


    On their way to Fruzei Hills, they looked around and saw a few demon beasts looking at them from a distance. After all, it wasn''t every day an airship passed through a place like this after the war between the two races began. Nevertheless, those Stage Five Demon Beasts saw how they left the Southeast Demon Beast City without being held back, so it definitely didn''t have Zasfins inside it. Well, they weren''t wrong. There wasn''t a single Zasfin there whatsoever.


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky didn''t mind it too much. If not because the airship took time to accelerate, they would have left already, ignoring all of that. Then again, once it reached the speed of a Saint Realm expert, nothing mattered anymore.


    Eventually, the airship began to slow down once again. In fact, it was only at full speed for ten minutes or so since Fruzei Hills wasn''t that far away...errr...it''s not far away when one considered their method of transportation. For Malo and the others, who knew how long it would take for them to make their way to the Demon Beast City without it?


    After the airship stopped above the Fruzei Hills'' entrance, Rean and Roan jumped on Kentucky and left. They were going to look for a good place to settle themselves down. Or better yet, look for someone''s territory to steal.

 Chapter 755 - Wait For It

    "Quite surprising. We''ve been traveling for over 1000 kilometers, and it''s still a hilly region as far as the eyes can see," Kentucky mentioned as he flew with Rean.


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh in response, saying, "Hahaha! Just so you know, we''re still in the outer region of Fruzei Hills."


    "What?!" Kentucky was taken aback after hearing that. "Are you serious?"


    Rean nodded straight away, replying, "Yep. You just need to look at the cultivation of the demon beasts below us. There''s almost no Stage Four ones, let alone those at Stage Five. Stage Five Demon Beasts wouldn''t be living in the outer region, after all."


    Kentucky had to admit that Rean was right. "I see...well, that''s a good thing. This makes this territory the perfect place for Malo, Burio, and everyone else to train."


    "Exactly!" Rean obviously thought of the same thing. "In any case, I''ve already marked three points in the jade slip map that are quite good prospects to create a settlement. We have less than 4000 members in our group, so we don''t need anything too large. Besides, it''ll just be some kind of temporary placement."


    "Why temporary?" Kentucky asked straight away.


    Rean then smiled in response. "Did you forget the reward for helping the demon beasts win the war? It''s a small continent for humans. Naturally, I would prefer to move over there if that happens."


    Kentucky had to admit that it was true.


    Suddenly, Rean''s Spiritual Sense noticed something different. "Oh! Look at that, another valley!"


    Kentucky saw the same thing and decided to fly down to take a look. "Hmm...this one is quite small compared to the one we had before, don''t you think? Celis is pretty big. He alone would probably occupy half of the space here."


    Rean agreed with Kentucky, saying, "Yeah...too bad..."


    Following that, they took flight once again to look for more places. Rean and Kentucky stayed out for an entire day before returning to the airship at the entrance of Fruzei Hills.


    Roan, of course, noticed when they''ve arrived. "I''ve seen the areas you found. Which one do you want to occupy?" Naturally, since Rean and Roan hadn''t separated for more than 3000 kilometers, they could share their senses as long as they wished the other to see.


    "I think the best place is between the Inner and Core Region. There you can find lots of Stage Three Demon Beasts and quite a few Stage Four. In case it becomes necessary, Malo and the others can enter the Core Region as well if they wish to truly challenge themselves," Rean explained.


    He then continued, "As for the Outer Region, there are almost no Stage Four Demon beasts there. The majority are Stage Three or Stage Two. That place is very good for our kids and young teenagers. Instead of moving in the direction of the Core Region, they just need to move to the opposite to find them."


    Roan nodded, already understanding where the place Rean was talking about. "So you chose those five peaks for the base, right?"


    Rean nodded in response. On their search for a good place to live, Rean passed by an area surrounded by five peaks. It couldn''t be considered a valley at all, but it still gave a similar feeling of protection by the peaks. There was no river this time, though. "The core of the Anti-Spiritual Sense Formation I created could be used there."


    However, Roan shook his head, saying, "No more Anti-Spiritual Sense formations. I don''t want any protection formations at all." Roan then looked at Celis in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm before saying, "Also, I want you to play the common tree role. Unless a Stage Five Demon Beast appears, I don''t want you to intervene."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "Are you trying to give off the feeling of a common tribe, having the people there defend themselves for any danger that appears?"


    Roan nodded, replying, "Exactly. That''s how a tribe usually is in this continent. I want everyone there to deal with their problems themselves without the need for our intervention."


    Kentucky found it strange, saying, "But what about Celis? He''ll be in full view, won''t he? I believe that both the demon beasts and the Soul Rulers are looking for any information about him." Sure enough, that would be the main concern while using Roan''s plan.


    However, Celis immediately answered them through the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Well, it was Sister Orb who allowed him to talk, though. "There''s no need to worry. Have you not noticed it yet? I''m only a Stage Five Demon Plant. After all my old bark fell together with my cultivation, I look completely different from what I was before. What everyone is looking for is a Stage Nine Demon Tree, not a Stage Five Demon Tree."


    Demon plants were very rare, but that did not mean they didn''t exist. If one compared them to the number of human experts in the Zasfin world, they''re pretty matched. It''s just that they didn''t have a Stage Eight Demon Plant like how the humans have someone at the Elemental Transformation Realm. There are a few demon plants at Stage Seven and a lot more of them below, though. Well, there was Celis at Stage Nine, but that was in the past. Rean''s group hadn''t seen many Demon Plants because they weren''t fond of moving, just like Celis. They were much better at protecting themselves instead.


    Rean then took a look into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and had to admit that Celis was right. "Indeed, compared to you back then at the Soul Rulers'' headquarters, it''s like two different trees altogether. Even your white color has disappeared completely. Nevertheless, can''t they at least see that you''re a World Swallowing Cedar, even if you have lower cultivation?"


    Celis denied that notion, answering, "Not possible. Demon plants have basically similar offensive and defensive abilities. Whatever I can do at Stage Five, other Stage Five Demon Trees can do it as well. If there''s anything, it''s the fact that I still look like a much younger Demon Cedar. But that''s easy to fix."


    Suddenly, Celis''s branches began to change. New ones protruded out of his large trunk as it enlarged itself. The trunk that went all the way to the top suddenly split into two, then three, then four... After Celis was done with his transformation, he looked a lot more like an oak tree. No, anyone would definitely tell that he was an oak tree, not a cedar tree.


    "This..." Rean''s group was surprised to see that. "Is it fine for you to do that to your body?"


    Celis didn''t seem to mind at all, responding, "What are you talking about? Do you think I''ve hurt myself? If anything, I believe only my pride is hurt. To think that a World Swallowing Cedar like me would have to take such an ugly form." Celis couldn''t help but feel a little dejected.


    "Well, you don''t need to worry about injuries or anything like that. As long as my core isn''t damaged, I can change my form to a certain extent. It''s just that I can''t reduce my mass, so I''m still as heavy as I was a moment ago."


    Kentucky was more concerned about something else, asking, "What about my nest? You didn''t destroy it, right?"


    "Of course not! I''m not an idiot!" Celis''s branches then opened, revealing a cozy nest lying in the middle. It''s just that it was covered by the bushes.  "To be honest, it''s a lot easier to hold your nest in this form."


    Kentucky was more than satisfied with that. "Then that''s good."


    Rean''s mouth twitched, though. "Why didn''t you say that earlier? We had to take a lot of precautions to not disclose your location."


    Celis found Rean''s question quite idiotic. "What are you talking about? Even if you didn''t have to hide me, you still had to hide the humans you captured, didn''t you? In the end, I would still be kept inside that Anti-Spiritual Sense Formation of yours." Sure enough, Celis was right. After all, they were living in the Zasfins'' territories. "Besides, I already told you that I don''t like to change my form. I''m very proud of being a World Swallowing Cedar, okay? My majestic appearance is best."


    Rean scratched the back of his head in response, letting out a sigh as he said, "Sigh...fine. However, from now on, you''ll have another name. After all, if someone investigates, it''ll be too obvious once they find that your name is still Celis."


    Roan and Kentucky nodded in agreement. That made a lot of sense.


    Celis then pondered a bit, saying, "Alright. For the three of you, I''m still Celis. As for the rest of them, I''ll just say that I''m called Gola. Fortunately, I have never spent much time with them due to Roan''s training schedules, so almost none of them know of my real name. Well, I''ve never cared about answering them when they asked me either."


    "Why Gola?" Naturally, Kentucky had to ask.


    "That''s the name of someone I knew a long time ago when I first reached Stage Five and gained sentience. Anyway, that should be more than enough," Celis replied.


    Rean and Roan didn''t mind Celis''s choice. "Alright. Gola, it will be then."


    Last but not least, Celis asked something else. "By the way, although it isn''t in the Core Region, that place is bound to be some Stage Five Demon Beast''s territory. Have you challenged it for the area already?"


    Rean and Kentucky shook their heads, with Rean replying, "We haven''t found it. We''ll need to wait for whoever it is to appear."

 Chapter 756 - Huge Headache

    The airship soon came down from the sky, right between the five peaks. There were several demon beasts there. However, Rean and Roan didn''t move a single finger, nor did Kentucky and Celis. Roan simply floated in front of Malo and everyone else before saying, "Everyone above ten years old will participate in the clean-up. However, I must remind you. Your opponents are demon beasts! They will not show mercy! Neither Rean, Kentucky, Gola, or I will help you either. If you notice that you will die soon, you will die. I''ve told you about this day many, many times, and now that day has come. It''s all up to you now to open a space where you can live without our help."


    Roan then playfully smiled as he continued, "Nevertheless, the one who trained you was no one else than me! Considering the difficulty of this task, you shouldn''t have a problem finishing it. With that said, you have one hour to clean this place up. If you guys fail...hehehe!"


    There wasn''t a single kid or teenager who didn''t feel a chill go through their backs. As soon as the airship touched the ground, Malo and the others rushed out of the ship and began to battle the demon beasts for this territory. There were three demon beasts at Stage Four, equivalent to those at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. As for the rest, they were at Stage Three and below.


    Malo and the oldest teenagers were still in the Core Formation Realm. However, they were trained by Roan and had extremely high talents. By joining their strengths, they killed one of those demon beasts and made the other two flee. Though, they weren''t able to do so unscathed. Falas, one of the girls, was severely injured during the combat, exposing the huge lack of combat experience everyone had.


    Of course, she wasn''t the only one. As Malo''s group dealt with the Stage Four Demon Beasts, the others had to fight the Stage Three, Two, and One Demon Beasts roaming in the area. Nonetheless, Rean and Roan didn''t intervene. Rean saw how five kids ended up dying in the process. However, Roan stopped him as he told him, "This is natural. You can''t really expect that all of them will survive. Did you forget the test we took to join the Dalamu Sect? Our death toll right now is already ridiculously low compared to them."


    Rean gritted his teeth from the sight but nodded in response. As brutal as the deaths may seem, this would serve as a wake-up call for all the others. After all, they had lived a safe life ever since they entered the valley years ago. However, the world definitely wasn''t like that.


    Roan then commented, "Don''t forget that they know what conditions they were given. Sure, some grew very complacent over the years, thinking that the power they got through our internal training was more than enough. However, with those deaths, they''ll definitely think twice about it."


    Kentucky watched the fight with a serious face. Most of the people Rean and Roan rescued were women, which he was a lot more fond of. One must remember that high Soul Purity was easier to find in girls, a lot easier at that, not boys. With that being said, they did indeed have a lot more women in this group.


    Time passed as 40 minutes went by before finally, all the demon beasts in the area fled or died. Though that wasn''t before 25 boys and girls died in the clean-up process. Of course, considering the number of demon beasts that died, one could say that Roan''s apprentices pulverized the enemy. Part of the deaths on Roan''s side was because none of them could handle killing other beings, so they froze up.


    Once the entire issue was done with, Rean finally left the airship and began to heal everyone. He also organized the bodies of those who died to be taken care of. As much as he didn''t like Roan''s methods, he knew that having everyone living in a safe place would be a lot worse. Once the twins leave and Malo''s group starts to live by themselves, no one would be there to heal them like what Rean was doing right now. If anything, one could already say that Roan had made a huge commitment by saying that only those above ten years old should participate.


    ''If it was back when I first arrived at Sunkan Planet, I definitely wouldn''t let this happen. I was really naive at that time,'' Rean thought for a moment.


    Roan then gathered everyone in the center of the five peaks and began his usual motivational speech. "What the fuck was that shit? I won''t even talk about the ones who were too scared to step forward. The worst ones were those who got ahead of themselves and died or got injured. Between all of you, I can''t even commend 10%. And here was I, thinking that no one who received my training would die. Ha! What a joke!" Sure enough, it was very motivational...


    There were those who were sad, those who were angry, and those who couldn''t help but hate Roan for the death of a close friend. However, they didn''t blame him. Roan had never lied about what they would expect from the outside world. That once they were out, they would be on their own. Today''s event was the crystallization of his teachings.


    After that, Roan took the chance to revise some of the groups'' training schedules. He also took time to show most of the errors he saw during that battle. Fortunately for those who participated in the battles, they did finish it in less than one hour, so Roan''s famous punishments didn''t happen.


    As Roan became busy with the kids and the teenagers, Rean went around the peak to build a formation. This time, however, it wasn''t a protection or an anti-Spiritual Sense Formation. Instead, it was a sensory formation. It would alert everyone inside if anything entered the range of the five peaks without them knowing. ''Well, it only works against demon beasts or cultivators above Stage Three or the Core Formation Realm, though.''


    After that, he took his time to clean the terrain to put the building with the totem down. As for the rest of the buildings, furniture, and so on, he kept everything inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Those things were not for him to use, so Malo and the others would have to prepare the terrain themselves.


    And just like that, a few days went by. The terrain was eventually cleaned, and the houses that they built in the past were taken out of the Dimensional Realm. They also opened the field for the farm they had grown back then.


    However, be it the twins, Kentucky, or Celis, neither of the four noticed a rabbit walking in the middle of the houses. As a place with a lot more women than men, obviously, it obtained a lot of attention from them. It was completely snow white, its eyes black, and very small. Its length wasn''t more than thirty or so centimeters either. Simply put, it was as ordinary as an ordinary rabbit could be.


    The girls tried to capture it many times so they could cuddle it. Unfortunately, it was too fast. Every time they got close, it would run away. Well, it ended up making a lot of success in that part of their settlement.


    The rabbit then jumped above a house and looked in the distance. Or, to be more specific, the ''Oak'' Demon Tree at the center of the settlement. ''Hmph! What terrible security. This lord has been walking all around, and no one noticed my presence,'' the rabbit thought. Sure enough, it wasn''t just any rabbit, but the only Stage Six Demon Beast residing in Fruzei Hills, the Blood Rabbit!


    However, Rean''s group couldn''t be blamed for that. They never thought that a Stage Six Demon Beast would make such a low-key appearance. First of all, they would never believe that a Stage Six Demon Beast wasn''t more than a few dozen centimeters long! After all, demon beasts were only able to change their size once they reached Stage Seven. Obviously, it wasn''t the case for this rabbit. Last but not least, was Blood Rabbit really a name one would give to such a white and small creature like this one?


    However, one shouldn''t underestimate this rabbit. For example, Rean''s sensory formation that should work against demon beasts above the Stage Three level didn''t detect it at all. Obviously, it could hide its energy extremely well.


    "Ah! There it is!"


    "It''s the little rabbit! Let''s catch him!"


    "Don''t be hasty. Otherwise, it will run again!"


    Sure enough, the girls ended up finding it once again. However, the rabbit just snorted and dashed away once again. The reason it hasn''t attacked or anything was the same reason explained by the demon beast back in the city. It was indeed the strongest demon beast of this region, but it didn''t care too much about it. Even the occupation of its territory didn''t upset it enough for it to want to kill others.


    As for the demon beasts that died, it couldn''t care less. It was a demon beast, and demon beasts constantly died. That was the natural order of things in the Demon Beast Continent.


    One of the little girls suddenly noticed that Malo was passing by, so she immediately asked, "Malo, Malo! You need to help us!"


    The other girls and boys immediately gathered as well. "Yes, yes! You need to help us, Malo!"


    Malo wasn''t in that good of a mood. After all, Roan had been very harsh recently. Still, he simply couldn''t ignore the puppy eyes directed at him. "Sigh...alright. If it isn''t anything hard to do, I''ll help you. Say, what is it?"


    Little did Malo know, but he was about to receive a huge headache.

 Chapter 757 - Lets Continue

    Wanting to appease the kids asking him, Malo soon spread his Spiritual Sense to look for the rabbit, thinking that it shouldn''t take more than a few seconds to capture it. However, this is a Stage Six Demon Beast we''re talking about! No way in hell would Malo''s Spiritual Sense be enough to feel the rabbit''s presence.


    "Hmm...?" Malo then looked at the kids before asking, "Are you sure there''s a rabbit? I can''t feel its presence at all."


    All the kids nodded in unison. "We''re sure. But our Spiritual Sense doesn''t work on it either. We can only find the cutie using your eyes." Obviously, anyone in the Energy Gathering Realm would be able to use Spiritual Sense, albeit with a smaller range depending on the level. With that being said, they also tried to use it to find the rabbit.


    Malo narrowed his eyes after hearing their response and pondered whether it was a high-level demon beast or not. He shook his head right after, though. "There''s no way it''s a high-level demon beast. If it was, Rean''s Sensory Formation would have already captured its presence. He told me that the formation will warn us of the entrance of any demon beast above Stage Three or any cultivator above Core Formation. Since it didn''t do that, then this demon beast couldn''t be high-level."


    "Though..." Malo noticed something was off. If it wasn''t a high-level demon beast, then why can''t he feel its presence? "Oh well. Let''s just find it first."


    Malo then jumped on top of the roofs and began to do a blanket search. With his speed, it didn''t take long for him to cover a big area until suddenly, he noticed a white dot jumping between the roofs of other houses.


    "Found you!" It was moving in the Totem Building''s direction, so Malo immediately ran after it. Once he captured the rabbit and gave it to the kids, he could finally go out and do his own things.


    The rabbit wasn''t moving fast by any means. In fact, it looked more like it was having a leisurely stroll through the settlement. With that said, Malo only needed a few tens of seconds to catch up. For Malo, that was confirmation that the rabbit wasn''t really that strong. Otherwise, how could he be so much faster? "Come with brother Malo, will you? There are a lot of little girls and a few boys who want to pet you."


    The rabbit, who just heard those words, completely ignored Malo''s existence and continued on his way forward. ''Hmph! Since when did this lord have to give attention to humans? I just want to know what that building has,'' the rabbit thought. As a male Blood Rabbit, it was also sensitive to Yang Energy, and there was quite a lot emanating from that building.


    Malo, of course, couldn''t read minds, so he simply thought that the rabbit was trying to flee. He immediately dashed forward while saying with a smile, "Don''t run! We won''t harm you!" However, just as his hands were about to touch the rabbit, it suddenly turned blurry before disappearing from Malo''s sight. "What?!"


    Malo was taken aback at the scene. It literally disappeared into thin air. However, Malo quickly noticed that it was just two or three meters away, still leisurely running as if nothing had happened.


    "Am I seeing things?" Nevertheless, with Malo''s speed, he needed just a second to pounce at the rabbit once again. This time, he took it more seriously, putting at least 30% of his strength in that assault.


    *Vup!*


    Once again, the rabbit disappeared in front of his eyes, just to reappear five to six meters in front of him. However, the rabbit looked back at him this time. For a moment, Malo was sure that he saw a mocking smile on the rabbit''s face. However, he quickly shook his head as he muttered, "I must be imagining things."


    Well, the truth was...he wasn''t. The Blood Rabbit felt utter disdain from Malo''s attempts. If anything, he was feeling like laughing. ''No, I shouldn''t laugh. It would be beneath me to laugh because of such trifling matters.''


    "Wait right there!" Malo, however, didn''t give up and tried to capture the rabbit again. He put 50% of his full strength on the attempt, just to see the rabbit slip away once again. Though, that wasn''t all. The mocking smile on the rabbit''s face had become wider, as if he was provoking Malo. "You piece of shit, you think I can''t capture you?"


    Malo didn''t hold back this time and used his full speed to capture the rabbit.


    This time though, the Blood Rabbit''s eyes changed as he thought, ''So fast! Is this really a human at the Core Formation Realm? His speed definitely doesn''t lose out to those at the Peak Stage of Core Formation or even someone at the Initial Stage of Core and Soul Fusion.'' However, the Blood Rabbit''s surprise ended there. ''Hehe! So what if you''re that good? Compared to this lord, you''re nothing more than an ant.''


    Sure enough, just as Malo was about to capture the Blood Rabbit, it disappeared once again. However, one thing was different this time. Malo was able to at least touch the Blood Rabbit''s fur. Well, not that it made him happy anyway. "For fuck''s sake! How can a rabbit without any cultivation be this fast?!"


    The Blood Rabbit then looked at its own fur, narrowing its eyes in the process. ''Weird. I was sure I left his grasp before he could touch me, so how did he still touch my fur?'' It was then that the rabbit noticed some static electricity emanating from Malo''s hand. ''I see...he used a technique to increase the speed of his hands at the very last moment. Not bad for a human. He did that in a way that he could capture me without causing any harm.''


    Of course, seeing the few strands of white fur in his hands made Malo a little more confident. Feeling slightly more hopeful, Malo said to himself, "Hmph! Do you think this is my full speed? Let''s see if you can flee this time!"


    Suddenly, Lightning and Yang Energy began to gather around Malo. Thanks to Rean and Roan, Malo''s Lightning Affinity was supported by a good Lightning-based cultivation technique. The lightning covered Malo before he flashed ahead like a streak of blue light as the Yang Energy increased his power and speed even more.


    The Blood Rabbit was truly shocked this time. ''Forget those at the Initial Stages of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. This guy can definitely make some of those at the Middle Stage eat his dust!''


    Malo''s hands then closed on the rabbit''s body as his eyes shone. He could see that the rabbit seemed to be surprised by his sudden increase in his speed, so he would use that chance to capture it. Well, everything didn''t go as Malo expected, though.


    *Vup!*


    The rabbit didn''t try to flee in the opposite direction this time. Instead, it flashed against Malo''s face. The one to fail to react this time was Malo himself. Not only that, but there was simply no chance of dodging the rabbit''s attack. If Malo was wrong and this was a very strong demon beast, he would definitely die right now.


    *Pah!*


    However, the rabbit suddenly turned around right at the very moment it was going to hit Malo''s face, landing on it with its ass! Right after, believe it or not, the rabbit farted on Malo''s face before using it as a stepping stone to run away once again.


    "This fucker stinks!" Well, the rabbit farted at that opportune moment, so it obviously did. However, that didn''t anger Malo more than the moment he looked at the rabbit. Sure enough, the rabbit''s mocking smile was way too obvious! There was simply no way that rabbit wasn''t doing it on purpose!


    "Hehe...hehehe..." Malo''s patience finally ran dry. He already had a very bad time at Roan''s hands during the past few days due to his poor performance in the battle against demon beasts. It wasn''t wrong to say that Malo was a pile of stress at the moment. And now, a small rabbit was mocking him as well. Since when did he stoop so low?


    Well, Malo failed to notice a problem. If a demon beast wasn''t at least Stage Five, it wouldn''t have sentience. Probably only Divine Demon Beasts were exceptions. With that said, there was no way the rabbit would mock him. That was an act of a sentient being, after all.


    Suddenly, Malo unsheathed his sword as he pointed at the rabbit, screaming, "If I don''t get rabbit stew on my dinner today, my name won''t be Malo!"


    Too bad for him. The kids had all been looking for the rabbit as well. When they saw Malo trying to capturing it, they were hopeful that he would succeed. With that said, Malo''s words definitely affected them.


    "Malo, you bully!"


    "I''ll tell Big Sister Poliana that you are bullying the little rabbit."


    "Big Brother Malo, don''t hurt Mister Rabbit."


    Malo looked around in response to those words as his face changed between black and purple. "Who the hell is bullying him?! Can''t you see that I''m the one being bullied?! He''s mocking me! That''s a demon rabbit!"


    Everyone looked at the ''cute and innocent'' little rabbit before looking at Malo with weird expressions. They couldn''t see any mocking expression at all. Unfortunately for Malo, he was the only one who could see the rabbit''s mocking face due to his privileged position. The rabbit didn''t look any different in everyone else''s eyes. "Big Brother Malo... Rabbits don''t know how to mock others..."


    Malo almost vomited blood after hearing that! ''How the hell can''t you see it? Are you telling me I''m going crazy?!'' Well, Malo was definitely not feeling calm, that''s for sure.


    As for the Blood Rabbit, he was having the time of his life. ''So funny! Let''s continue!''

 Chapter 758 - Red Streak

    One couldn''t blame the Blood Rabbit for thinking like that. First, he wasn''t like most demon beasts that liked to battle and kill. It wasn''t in his nature as a Blood Rabbit. Second, he only lived with demon beasts most of the time. He rarely ever interacted with other humans, so his normal life was filled with interactions with ferocious demon beasts. This situation was a first for him. That''s why he found it so amusing to keep pulling Malo''s leg.


    Malo, on the other hand, wasn''t having fun at all. "Fine, fine, fine! I won''t try to kill it. Just don''t go out there telling others that I was bullying rabbits." After that, the tag game restarted. Of course, the rabbit made sure to make Malo''s life as miserable as possible. While doing so, the younger kids watched and laughed.


    Eventually, Malo understood that he was simply not the rabbit''s match and stopped, cursing, "Fuck this shit! I give up! If you want this rabbit, go ahead and catch him yourselves. I''m out!" Malo then turned around and went down from the roof.


    The Blood Rabbit saw that and couldn''t help but feel a little disappointed. ''Oh well. It was fun while it lasted, I guess. I commend you for entertaining this lord for so long. Now then. Let''s take a look at the main building at the center,'' the rabbit thought before turning around and left.


    It didn''t take long for it to reach the building. It looked around to see if there wasn''t anything out of the ordinary before coming down. There were many entrances around the building, so he simply selected any random one. However, just as he passed through the door, he froze, cursing inwardly, ''Shit!''


    "Catch him!" Malo, together with Falas, Poliana, Wataba, and Glennie, jumped at him from their hidden places. Sure enough, Malo hadn''t given up at all. He went out to ask for help!


    Usually, such a trap wouldn''t work on a Stage Six Demon Beast. After all, its Spiritual Sense could cover the entire settlement if it wanted to. How could someone sneak on it with that advantage? However, it was being careful to not use it. After all, if there were Nascent Soul or Soul Transformation Realm cultivators there, they would feel the presence of its Spiritual Sense.


    "You dare to trick this lord?!" Suddenly, the rabbit''s color changed. Its snow-white fur seemed to be covered in blood, leaving no white spot whatsoever. Immediately, its Spiritual Sense spread everywhere as it became a red streak of light, moving away from the ambush point. Sure enough, as good as the trap might have been, the difference in cultivation was just too big!


    Malo''s group was taken aback by that scene. They weren''t shocked that the rabbit was able to run. After all, Malo had failed many times and considered the possibility of his trap failing. What surprised them was the fact that the rabbit talked! "You! You''re at least a Stage Six Demon Beast!"


    The rabbit''s eyes narrowed as he looked at Malo''s group, responding, "Hmph! Only now you noticed that? You''re really slow, not that I expected much from a human, though." The rabbit then playfully smiled in their direction as he said after, "With that, how should I punish you all for tricking me?"


    Malo''s group felt a chill on their backs. In front of such a demon beast, they couldn''t even be considered ants. However...


    "Oh! It seems like we have a visitor." Suddenly, a white-haired man appeared in the room as if he had popped out of nowhere. Naturally, that man was Rean, who had just felt the Blood Rabbit''s Spiritual Sense.


    Well, the rabbit also noticed Rean''s presence the very moment he spread his Spiritual Sense. "Two Nascent Souls and two Stage Five Demon Beasts. No, one of them is a Demon Oak Tree, huh? That''s quite rare." The rabbit obviously wasn''t the least bit afraid. "Still, what a weird bunch. I don''t remember ever seeing humans and demon beasts living together."


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "Hahaha! Well, that''s because there aren''t really many doing that in this continent. First of all, it isn''t like this continent has that many humans." Following that, his smile disappeared as he continued, "So, what would the Blood Rabbit, the strongest demon beast in Fruzei Hills, be doing here?"


    The rabbit checked the other enemies like Roan and Kentucky. However, it didn''t seem like they wanted to come to support Rean. ''Are they that confident?''


    "What am I doing here? This is my territory, you know? My question is what you''re doing here instead. Shouldn''t you at least ask for my permission before establishing yourselves here?" Of course, he wasn''t afraid.


    Rean found it strange as he replied, "This is just the Inner Region, far away from the Core. I would understand why a Stage Five Demon Beast would control this area, but not a demon beast at Stage Six. I thought that as the strongest demon beast, you would be living at the very center of the Core Region."


    The rabbit laughed in response as he replied, "Hahaha! Indeed, most demon beasts would be like that. However, I''m not a carnivore, so I go everywhere to look for the best plants to eat. Simply put, I consider the entire Fruzei Hills as my territory, and the Stage Five Demon Beasts don''t dare to complain."


    Rean had to admit that it was surprising. "I see...anyway, we''ve established ourselves here because this is a good place to live. It''s well surrounded by the five peaks, which makes it easier to protect if necessary. It also has many demon beasts at Stage Two, Three, and Four. That''s a very good thing so our tribe members can train."


    He then continued, "Besides, it shouldn''t be a bad thing for the demon beasts in Fruzei Hills either. After all, demon beasts need battles to improve, and we will definitely give it to them. It''s a win-win situation."


    The rabbit nodded, saying in response, "That''s true. However, I don''t like it when someone enters my territory and pretends that it''s already theirs."


    "Is that so?" Rean pondered for a bit when he got an idea. Suddenly, an orange vegetable appeared in his hand. Back in Sunkan Planet, anyone would easily identify this vegetable. However, in this world that had been covered by ice most of its time, this was a non-existent plant. Naturally, this vegetable was a carrot!


    The Blood Rabbit didn''t know why, but the moment its eyes saw that divine orange vegetable, its entire body trembled as his mouth drooled nonstop. "Th-Th-This orange thing...what is it? Say it!"


    One must remember that Rean and Roan had always kept food inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm in case they needed it later. Naturally, some carrots and their seeds ended up coming to this planet once they were teleported. Later on, they had the kids and teenagers cultivate them together with the other farms in the valley, so they had a lot of them now.


    Rean smiled in response to the Blood Rabbit''s question, saying, "This is a delicacy called a carrot. It''s something that only we possess on this entire planet. It isn''t wrong to say that we created it ourselves." Of course, that was a lie...not that Rean would say that. "Here, try one." After that, Rean threw it at the rabbit.


    The rabbit narrowed his eyes when he caught the divine orange vegetable called carrot. What if it was poisoned? Wouldn''t he die straight away? However, he simply couldn''t resist his urges. It was stronger than himself!


    *Chomp, chomp, chomp, chomp, chomp...*


    It was hard to believe it was a Stage Six Demon Beast. Even its eating form was the exact same as a common rabbit''s. Rean expected a demon Beast of that level to eat the carrot in a single bite, but it acted just like the rodent it was. ''It''s kinda...cute,'' Rean muttered inwardly.


    Nevertheless, it didn''t take long for the rabbit to finish eating its food. "Ah!" Only then did it come back to himself. "What kind of skill did you used in that carrot thing? It made me lose my mind for a moment. How despicable!"


    Rean''s mouth twitched in response, saying, "Despicable your ass! That was just a normal carrot. Nothing more, nothing less. What bullshit skill are you talking about? It was you who couldn''t resist the vegetable. Don''t blame others for your lack of self-control!"


    "Hmph! As if this lord would stoop down that easily just because of food." The Blood Rabbit wasn''t buying it, though. Then again... "However, this lord has to admit that that was a nice snack. If you share this...carrot...this lord won''t bother your bunch anymore." In the end, he couldn''t resist it.


    Rean sighed before throwing a small bag at the rabbit, saying, "Take it."


    The rabbit used its Spiritual Energy to look inside and saw many seeds there. "What are these? This lord wants the orange one."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, responding, "This is that. Those are carrot seeds. Just plant them and take care until they grow big enough. Usually, it takes between three and four months for them to be ready for harvest. Now then, we have a deal. Don''t bother us in our settlement anymore."


    The rabbit didn''t like it. "Harvest? Plant them? This lord doesn''t like to waste time with it. Just do it yourselves, and I''ll come by to take them."


    Rean was just about to complain when he had an idea. "Well, fine. However, you''ll have to guarantee that the Stage Five Demon Beasts of Fruzei Hills won''t come here to bother our settlement. Can you do that?"


    The rabbit immediately nodded, responding, "Obviously. After all, I can''t let them intervene with my carrots."


    Rean smiled after hearing that, saying, "That''s good. By the way, my name is Rean. What should I call you?"


    "This one is Lord Red Streak."

 Chapter 759 - How Should I Know?

    Rean couldn''t help but mention, "But...Red Streak isn''t exactly a name. It''s more like a title, no?"


    Red Streak shook his head, saying, "I''m not like you humans, who receive your names from your parents. I had to give myself a name once I reached Stage Five. With that said, I chose Red Streak, that''s all."


    Rean pondered a bit before saying, "Well, calling you Red Streak is kind of annoying. I''m just going to call you Red from now on."


    The Blood Rabbit didn''t like the idea at all. "It''s Lord Red Streak, human. Where''s your respect?"


    Rean completely ignored his words, though. "Alright, Red. You should be able to see where the carrot plantation is located with your Spiritual Sense. You can head there and ask our members to give some of the carrots that we''ve already harvested." Following that, Rean turned around to leave.


    "Wait! Are you really going to leave just like that? I could totally kill everyone here once you head out far enough," Red couldn''t help but say that. Well, it seemed like he didn''t really care about Rean calling him Red in the end.


    Rean stopped and looked back at Red, responding, "Worried? Not really. I don''t know how you did it, but your hiding skills can''t even be detected by my sensory formation. With that said, you could have killed many of us, and I wouldn''t even know until it was too late. Since you didn''t do that, it''s obvious that you have no such intentions to start with."


    Red narrowed his eyes, asking in response, "Aren''t you going to ask how I hid my presence either?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, saying, "It''s not like we can''t do the same thing." Suddenly, Rean''s presence disappeared from Red''s Spiritual Sense. It was as if he wasn''t even there. However, he was definitely right in front of him, so it was impossible. Red was a common demon beast, so Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill did work on him. Well, Rean was also on the other side of the building, so that helped out as well. Otherwise, Red''s Spiritual Sense would be too hard to bend.


    Red''s eyes widened when he noticed Rean disappear. "For a human, you are truly full of surprises."


    Rean nodded, saying, "In any case, I won''t tell you how I can do it, nor do I believe you''ll tell us how you do it. Since we both have our secrets, let''s keep it at that. Just don''t forget to prevent the Stage Five Demon Beasts from coming here."


    Red didn''t have a way to rebuke Rean, so he didn''t try. "Fine. What about the lower-level ones? I can''t possibly let them roam around if someone of your level begins to hunt them down."


    "What are you talking about? Of course, I wouldn''t go out of my way to hunt Stage Four Demon Beasts and below. I can also vouch for the other three that they won''t do it. Only the low-level members of our group will head out to train against the demon beasts. As you''ve probably noticed already, Malo, the guy who tried to capture you, is a Core Formation Realm cultivator. He has the highest cultivation after the four Nascent Souls and Stage Five Demon Beasts. With that said, you shouldn''t have a reason to complain."


    Red agreed with Rean on that. "As long as that''s the case, then we have a deal." Following that, Red dashed to the building''s entrance. He was so fast that he truly looked like a streak of red light. However, just as he was about to leave, he looked back at Rean and asked, "Oh, right. What about this wooden equipment of yours? The Yang Energy coming from it is really good."


    Rean smiled in response after hearing that, replying, "If you want, you can stay and cultivate close to it as well. We found it by coincidence when we attacked a Zasfin tribe outside the Demon Beast Continent. It''s very beneficial."


    Soon after, he warned Red. "However, you better not try to take it with you. The protection formation I put in place won''t be something you can easily break through."


    Red didn''t have any intentions to do so anyway. "Whatever. Since it''s free to use, I have no need to take it for myself. After all, I would bring it to my own territory. However, we''re already inside my territory, so it doesn''t matter where it is." Sure enough, he still didn''t recognize that Rean''s group owned the area.


    Rean didn''t try to refute him with that either. Something inside him told him that if Red decided to run, even Kentucky''s speed wouldn''t be enough to catch him. If that happened, having something that fast, strong, and small as an enemy would become a true headache. "That''s true. We never had the intention of taking Fruzei Hills for ourselves anyway. It just so happens to be a good place to let our young ones train. In exchange, it will be good for your demon beasts to train as well."


    Red nodded and finally disappeared in a flash of red light. A second later, he disappeared from Rean''s Spiritual Sense, just like Rean did a moment later. ''Truly, what a weird demon beast. Well, I guess I can''t say much about ourselves either.''


    Roan, who watched everything, immediately asked, ''Are you sure you want to leave it like that? Although Celis now has a different cultivation realm and appearance, that rabbit might notice something.''


    Rean shook his head, saying in response, ''I don''t think so. It''s like I said, it could have created a massacre way before we noticed its presence, but it didn''t. First of all, chances are that this Blood Rabbit doesn''t even know about Celis or anything like that. Don''t forget, Celis is kind of a secret between the upper echelon of both sides of the war.''


    Roan had to admit that Rean was right. ''Very well. Now, go back to cultivate. Leave the settlement for everyone else to take care of.''


    Rean nodded, but just as he was about to leave again, Malo called his attention, saying, "Wait, Rean."


    "Hmm?" Rean looked back. "What is it?"


    Malo scratched the back of his head as he asked, "Are we living here from now on?"


    Rean shook his head, saying, "How should I know?"


    Malo, Falas, Poliana, and the others were taken aback by his response. What did Rean mean by that?

 Chapter 760 - Go To Hell!

    "You... don''t know?" Malo couldn''t help but repeat those words.


    Rean nodded right after, saying, "Of course, I don''t know. All Roan and I did was provide you guys a good place where you can live and train. However, you guys are almost adults already, especially you, Malo. You should be turning 18 next month, right?" In response to Rean''s question, Malo nodded absent-mindedly.


    Rean then continued, "Then, there you have it. This is the Demon Beast Continent. Here, you can go anywhere you want as long as you have the strength to keep yourself alive. With that said, whether you wish to continue living in Fruzei Hills or not is your and everyone else''s problem. Roan and I will stay here, but if you wish to leave, by all means, go ahead. Just so you know, none of you have ever been a prisoner, nor will you ever be while we''re in charge."


    Malo''s group couldn''t help but fall into deep thought. It''s just that they got used to it already, so they didn''t really know what they wanted to do. "I see...I will think about what I want to do."


    It was then that Malo had an idea. "By the way, if we really decided to stay, what should we call our settlement? It always bothered me that we didn''t have a name for the valley."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, saying, "This place was selected for you to live, so you can choose whatever name you like. This is the start of your independent life, so take the wheels. Go talk with everyone else and see what they have to say." It was then that Rean remembered something. "Oh, right! This is only valid for those that are at least fourteen years old. Anyone else will have to stay until they''re old enough to take care of themselves."


    Rean finally left them after that, not caring about hearing anything else.


    Malo and the others looked at each other and nodded. After that, they ran a poll over the entire settlement, taking everyone''s opinions. Even the kids weren''t left out. Then again, that wasn''t all. They also made sure to tell everyone what Rean said about age restriction. As for whether someone wanted to leave or not, only time will tell.


    Eventually, Malo gathered everyone in the main field before announcing the results. "Well, we truly had a lot of names here. But in the end, the one everyone used the most was the Freedom Sect."


    Malo couldn''t help but sigh when he said that, continuing where he left off. "I do understand why you would use the name Freedom. After all, we were indeed locked up for most of our lives. At least the oldest members of our group were. However, we don''t look like a sect at all. We don''t have a sect leader. We don''t have a proper distribution system. We don''t even have missions with rewards. Simply put, we almost don''t have anything that could characterize us as a sect."


    Poliana touched Malo''s shoulder as she smiled, saying, "Well, we at least have some ancestors, don''t we? Rean, Roan, Kentucky, and Gola are truly strong. Can''t we simply start from there?"


    Malo then looked at Burio and the other adults. After all, they were the only ones that could be called ''higher-ups'' somehow. That''s because Rean left them in charge of taking care of all the kids those years ago. "Senior Burio, can''t you say something?"


    Burio scratched the back of his head in response, replying, "Well, we were first brought here because Rean and Roan needed someone to take care of all of you. You were just too young at that time. However, quite a few of you have already surpassed 15 years of age, so our help isn''t that necessary anymore. With that said, we''re just some low-talented humans in the middle of a huge number of real talents. I don''t really think we have a say in your decision as to whether you should treat our group as a sect or not."


    All the other adults nodded in agreement. If they were to enter a contest of strength, anyone above 15 years old there could definitely trash Burio''s group. Their ''authority'' was only there because Rean and Roan said so. Well, they all became important existences for Malo and everyone else. They would never do such a thing to Burio''s group after all they''ve done for them.


    Falas then raised her hand, suggesting, "Rean gave us a free choice to do whatever we want, didn''t he? If so, then let''s build this sect system! If we don''t have a sect head, we can simply nominate one. If we don''t have missions and a reward system in place, then we can create them. It''s that simple. I''m sure everyone will put a lot more effort into it if they have an objective in mind."


    Immediately, all the kids and teenagers below supported Falas''s words.


    "Agreed!"


    "Rean said we can leave, but none of us want to."


    "Roan said that there''s no human sect in this world, so we''re going to be the first!"


    "We can''t ask Rean and the others to help more than they did. Let''s do it ourselves."


    Seeing that everyone really wanted to bring that idea forward, Malo finally gave up. "Alright, alright! But don''t think that it''ll be easy. There will be a lot of hard and boring tasks to take care of, understood?"


    "Yes!"


    Burio then playfully smiled before saying, "Alright, everyone. Now, who''s gonna be the sect leader? Forget about the other adults and me. The sect leader has to be someone with good future prospects. Our talents are far from being enough."


    Glennie immediately pointed at Malo, saying, "If that''s the case, then it has to be Malo."


    Malo, on the other hand, felt a chill on his back as he replied, "Fuck you! I didn''t even want to create this sect. Where the hell did you get this idea of having me as a sect leader? I don''t wanna! It''s too much work on top of the regime Roan already gives me."


    Wataba shrugged her shoulders as she said, "But you''re the strongest one between all of us, right?"


    All the girls and the few and far between boys nodded. "Agreed!"


    Malo''s mouth twitched in response. "Just what is wrong with your heads? Look around! Our group is mostly women. If you exclude Burio''s group, there are no more than 157 men here, while we have more than 3000 girls! Why would you put a man as the leader of a sect mainly filled with women? That makes no sense! Anyways, I recommend Poliana. Just forget about me."


    Malo wasn''t trying to sound gender-equal or anything like that. From the bottom of his heart, he truly didn''t want to be this so-called sect leader. ''Are they crazy? It''s already hard when Burio''s group is in charge of most of the things. Who the hell would want to take care of so many women? How many PMS do you think I would need to deal with on a daily basis? Go to hell!''


    Fortunately, Malo didn''t say those words out loud. Otherwise, he would most likely receive an incessant beating.

 Chapter 761 - Details Your Ass!

    Author''s note: Golden Ticket will be implemented on the next 18th of this month. To welcome it, I''ll be changing the current 13 chapters per week release rate to 21 chapters. Starting today (16th-17th), I will be posting 3 chapters a day. Depending on how I fare in the new Golden Ticket system, I will keep the 21 chapters per week rate or probably increase it even more. If you don''t know what it''s about, check the rules in the author''s thoughts below the end of the chapter. You can also find it on the events page.


    ---


    As much as Malo was respected, his reasoning still made a lot of sense. Since more of the Freedom Sect members were women, it would be weird to have him as the sect leader. It was then that a shadow fell from the sky, right in front of everyone.


    *Bang!*


    Following that, a proud Demon Bird put one of his wings on his chest before suggesting, "Since Malo doesn''t want to do it, let me, the great Kentucky, take charge of it! I''ll be the best sect leader ever!" Well, he just wanted even more attention from the girls, that''s all. However...


    *Bang!*


    Suddenly, a white-haired young man instantly appeared behind the idiot bird before kicking its head to the ground as he cursed, "Sect leader, your ass!" Naturally, that was none other than Rean. "You better not get in the way of everyone''s decision again. Let''s head back and cultivate!" Following that, Rean used his Spiritual Energy to grab Kentucky and forcefully bring him away from the scene, much to Kentucky''s sadness.


    Though, just before disappearing in the distance, Rean left a few words behind, telling them, "Oh! Just so you know, I like the name Freedom Sect. It''s truly fitting your situation." After saying that, Rean was gone once again. Of course, everyone there knew that Rean, Roan, Kentucky, and Gola were definitely watching the event with their Spiritual Senses.


    Meanwhile, everyone looked at that scene, not knowing what to do. "Well...I do love Kentucky, but I agree with Rean that he isn''t exactly fit for a sect leader..." said one of the girls in the crowd. Immediately, all the other girls and few boys nodded vigorously. Nothing good would come out of that idea.


    Poliana then quickly recovered from the mishap before returning back to the main topic. "Ahem...now that the issue has been dealt with, we can continue our conversation. So, Malo appointed me as a possible sect leader. Does that mean that we can appoint anyone we want?"


    The girls and boys nodded in response. Malo, too, did the same thing. "Alright. The sect leader must be someone old enough, so the minimum age to be appointed shall be twelve years old. To be honest, twelve is too young for my taste, but that will be fixed in just a few years after the decision. Anyone below this age is prohibited from being appointed, but they can vote."


    Falas agreed with Malo, saying, "He''s right. Well then, at the moment, we have Poliana and Malo as options. Is there anyone else who wants to appoint someone? Or does anyone want to appoint themselves to take up the mantle of a sect leader?"


    There were over 3000 Freedom Sect members here. Obviously, there were a few who liked the idea and appointed themselves or others to the position. In the end, there were 17 names on the board. From what it looked like, it was perhaps the most democratic election of a sect leader ever in thousands of years.


    Still, Malo couldn''t help but complain, asking, "Can''t I take my name off? I really don''t see why you would put someone who doesn''t even want to be a sect leader on the list."


    Glennie shrugged her shoulders, saying, "Removing one''s name isn''t part of the rules, so bear with it. In any case, why are you afraid? You said it yourself, our Freedom Sect is mostly filled with women, so it''s only logical that a woman will win.


    Malo had to admit that Glennie was right. "Well, that''s true." Malo then looked at everyone before saying, "Alright, let''s start the voting process. Write the name you want on a piece of paper and bring it here. We''ll tally all the points once we gather everyone''s choices."


    The entire process lasted for two hours. Eventually, the well-awaited result was out.


    1st Malo - 3158 Votes;


    2nd Poliana - 120 Votes;


    3rd Linda - 41 Votes;


    4th...


    Malo looked at the numbers on the board as his mouth twitched nonstop. "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!" Following that, he pointed his finger at everyone below as he shouted, "What is wrong with your heads? I''m a man! Also, I don''t want to be the sect leader! For fuck''s sake, can''t you take it seriously?"


    One of the female kids in the crowd immediately answered, "But I like Big Brother Malo."


    Malo rebuked, "Then, hate me!"


    One of the very few boys also said his piece, uttering, "Brother Malo is the greatest among all of us. Gender doesn''t matter. We need someone who cares about all of us, and that person is you."


    Malo rebuked them once more, "Then, select Poliana. She''s in the Middle Stage of the Core Formation Realm, just one stage below me. She definitely cares about all of you as well!"


    "But Big Sister Poliana wants Big Brother Malo to be sect leader too," said another girl in the crowd.


    "And I want her to be sect leader. Shouldn''t she, a woman like most of you, take priority in your decision?" Malo still didn''t relent. "If she isn''t enough, what about Glennie, Falas, or Wataba? Come on!"


    The same Glennie, Falas, and Wataba Malo mentioned immediately shook their heads as one of them replied, "We also prefer to have Malo as the sect leader." The three then tried to avoid Malo''s eyes as if they were trying to hide something.


    Malo''s expression became grim after hearing that. That''s because he knew those four girls more than anyone else. He could totally see that although they looked serious, they were holding their laughter as well as they could. "You''re doing it on purpose! Is that how you want to define the future of our Freedom Sect?"


    Poliana, who was ahead, then lifted her hand and began to chant to the crowd, "Sect Leader Malo, Sect Leader Malo, Sect Leader Malo, Sect Leader Malo..."


    Everyone, whether they were boys or girls, followed suit, soon chanting in unison, "Sect Leader Malo, Sect Leader Malo, Sect Leader Malo, Sect Leader Malo, Sect Leader Malo..."


    Eventually, Malo felt cornered when suddenly, he dashed away, trying to escape...or so he wanted to. Unfortunately, just like how he knew the girls well, the girls also knew him just as much.


    *Grab, grab, grab, grab!*


    "Let go! Let go of me!" Malo shouted without a care for the world.


    "No can do! Can''t you hear your loyal subjects? They''re asking for you." Poliana and the girls obviously didn''t let him have his way.


    Malo was crying already. "Since when were you my loyal subjects? First of all, would my loyal subjects restrain me like this?"


    Poliana laughed while making sure to not let Malo go. "Hahaha! Just details, just details..."


    "Details your ass!"


    And just like that, a very ''willing'' Freedom Sect leader had been selected.

 Chapter 762 - The First One

    Later, Malo''s group went to see the twins to talk about what they decided to do. Well, it was more like a group of people holding a hostage during a trial, or so it looked like when one looked at Malo. Somehow, Roan couldn''t help but remember the time he was forced into the Reincarnation Door because Rean didn''t let him go. And that...made him feel quite pleased. ''It''s good to see that I''m not the only one.''


    Nevertheless, he quickly put those thoughts behind before looking at everyone, saying, "So, you decided to transform this place into a sect for humans, huh?"


    Poliana nodded, replying, "Yes. In the end, we don''t really want to separate. Sure, we''ll take opportunities to head out and gain experience. But ultimately, we want to head back to our sect."


    Falas agreed with Poliana, continuing where she left off, "We do have everything we need. Ancestors, which would be you four. We also have the elders, the disciples, and a harmonious environment."


    Hearing that, Rean warned them, "Although I don''t mind being considered one of the ancestors, you better understand that we''re not here for you anymore. We won''t intervene unless something grave happens. For example, another Stage Five or Nascent Soul Realm cultivator suddenly decides to attack this place. If not for something like that, you will all deal with whatever problem yourselves. Are you sure you''re up to the task?"


    Glennie nodded, responding, "Don''t worry, Rean, Roan. We already have our sect leader to make sure everything works out. Right, Malo?"


    Malo looked with a gloomy expression at Rean and Roan as he asked them, "Ahem...Rean, Roan, don''t you think it''s a bad idea for a man to be the sect leader of a sect mostly filled with women?"


    Rean and Roan shook their heads as Rean replied, "Why would it be? Since it was the women themselves who selected you, then it''s fine. We would have a problem with it if you forced your way into the position, which is obviously not the case." They were definitely enjoying Malo''s suffering, so how could they say something different?


    Malo felt even more dejected after hearing that. "Is there really no other way? I just want to focus on my training, nothing else."


    Rean then patted Malo''s shoulder, saying, "Don''t worry. Being a sect leader, especially one in a sect full of women, will definitely help in your development."


    "What kind of development?" Malo asked, somewhat confused.


    Rean then looked through the window as he soon said, "Isn''t it such a nice day today?"


    Malo''s mouth twitched in response, cursing inwardly, ''Even you don''t believe it at all! You just don''t want to take this role either!''


    On the side, Kentucky''s face was as gloomy as Malo''s, muttering, "I really wanted to be the sect leader."


    "Shut up! You just wanted more attention. Don''t you think I can''t tell?" Rean rebuked.


    "So what?! I love being treated by them. They brush my feathers, give me food, pet my body... it''s great! What''s the problem with that?!" Kentucky didn''t let go either.


    Well, his words were more than enough for even Malo to agree that Kentucky definitely couldn''t be the sect leader. "Sigh...fine. I''ll see what I can do. However, I won''t sacrifice my training schedule for this position. With that said, I can only ''lead'' when I''m free. If not, all of you will have to help me."


    Poliana and the others nodded after hearing that. They knew that one thing was right about Malo''s complaints. This was, after all, a sect mostly filled with women. Leaving everything up to Malo to take care of would eventually turn to be a disaster. The reason everyone wanted him to be the sect leader was due to how much the sect members trusted Malo. He had always been a role model for both women and men in their lives.


    Wataba then gave him a pat on the back as she laughed, saying, "Hahaha! That''s obvious, isn''t it? Now then. How about we discuss what our next steps will be?"


    Rean raised his hands, saying, "First things first. Although this war between demon beasts and Zasfins should take a long time, it will eventually be over. That said, this is the Demon Beast Continent. I don''t think the demon beasts will allow a human sect to take root here for long. Remember, you have to think about the day you''ll be moving to the new continent if we win."


    Malo couldn''t help but ask, "What if the demon beasts lose?"


    Rean playfully smiled at Malo, saying in response, "Why are you asking me? You''re the sect leader. Make your own decisions. Besides, you do have a few ''elders'' on your side to think about it." Rean then pointed at the airship stationed outside. "You have an airship capable of moving everyone at once. That''s why I bought that thing with our merit points. Get the jade slip maps, investigate the regions, think about it well! It''s all up to you guys now."


    Malo immediately felt the pressure on his shoulders increasing. "O-okay. In that case, we should not think about building anything big for the time being. After all, it''ll be annoying when the time to leave comes."


    Poliana couldn''t help but ask Rean, "Can''t we simply use your Spatial Dimension to move things?" However, she immediately noticed the problem with that question. "Oh, right...forget what I said. We''re talking about a scenario where we wouldn''t have your help."


    Roan was satisfied to hear that, saying, "Very good. Seems like you all understand what I meant about taking care of yourselves. Don''t always assume that Rean, Kentucky, Gola, or I will be here to help you."


    Malo then switched the topic, saying, "Okay, we have enough Spiritual Energy to cultivate, thanks to Celis. However, we''ll need to amass resources so that the sect can survive even if Celis disappears. Simply put, we need Spirit Stones."


    Rean agreed with him. "Exactly. The Spirit Stones that Roan and I have are plenty, but those Spirit Stones are ours. With that, don''t expect me to give you any from now on."


    As Rean said that, Malo suddenly had an idea. "Right! We need to think about missions for our sect, right? Then, that shall be the very first one."

 Chapter 763 - Little By Little

    Malo then looked at Poliana and told her, "Pass on my orders. Those who are strong enough to go out are required to look for Spirit Stone Mines. The Demon Beast Continent has never been denied of its Spiritual Energy because of the agreement with the Soul Rulers. Besides, demon beasts aren''t very keen on looking for those mines themselves. With that said, there must be many undiscovered Spirit Stone Mines everywhere."


    Rean and Roan faintly nodded before they turned around. While doing so, Rean told them, "Seems like you do know how to act. In any case, you can ask Burio''s group for help. They took care of your entire group for years and have also lived in tribes before. They should be able to give you some insights. Alright, we''re going back to cultivate. Don''t bother us if it isn''t important."


    With that said, Rean and Roan left the room and went back to cultivate. They also had to drag a certain Minokawa away together.


    Things moved as Malo ordered. Those who were in the Foundation Establishment Realm and above formed quite a few groups and went out to explore the region. In the end, the Blood Rabbit kept his word. There were simply no signs of Stage Five Demon Beasts in the area at all. Well, Red himself often appeared to take a few carrots away.


    Malo was right. A week later, one of the groups that went outside came back. They had identified a possible location of a Spirit Stone Mine. When Malo and the others went to check and verify, they confirmed that it was really a mine. Not only that, but it was quite close to their living area.


    "How''s the investigation of the new mine?" Malo asked one of the Freedom Sect members called Rafin, responsible for checking the area.


    "It is as you thought, Malo. Except for the five peaks area where we expulsed all the demon beasts, the rest of the region around has a lot of them. I confirmed at least five packs with one Stage Four or more demon beasts inside. If we decide to mine this place, we''ll need to deal with them first," Rafin explained.


    Rafin was one of the very few males in the Freedom Sect. He and Malo were quite close since they were just one year apart. Rafin had a Red Color Aptitude and a Wind Element Affinity. He was very good at keeping himself hidden and was swift when he decided to flee. Not to mention that he was also in the Core Formation Realm. With the cultivation technique given to him by Roan, Rafin became a very good scout for them.


    Glennie was there as well, so she rebuked Rafin, "It''s not Malo anymore. It''s sect leader, okay?!"


    *Pah!*


    Malo then slapped the back of her head, saying, "Sect Leader, your ass! I hate that title, so let them call me by my name."


    "But..."


    "No buts! This is a sect leader''s order!" Malo still didn''t like the fact that he was forced into this position. With that said, he might as well use it to make things go as he liked. One of those things was his repulsion for that title.


    Malo then looked at Rafin and nodded, responding, "I understand. Thanks for the report. Take the chance and call Suana over."


    Soon, the girl called Suana arrived at the scene, asking, "Do you need something, Malo?"


    Malo then told her about Rafin''s report, saying, "Alright, I need you to put up several Demon Beast Extermination missions."


    Suana ended up being responsible for the ''Missions Hall''...although the Hall itself didn''t exist yet. She was two years younger than Malo''s group, being 16 years of age. Also, she had what one would call the ''worst'' aptitude color in the Freedom Sect, not considering Burio''s group. With that said, she had a Blue Color Aptitude. Nevertheless, she excelled at keeping everything in order, and Burio''s group often relied on her to help with the management of all the kids'' issues. That''s why Malo decided to put her as the Mission Hall''s ''elder.'' Well, not that she was that old to be an elder, of course.


    "It''s all well and good. However, there''s a problem with the missions, Malo," Suana said that with a helpless expression.


    Malo also sighed when he heard that, saying, "The rewards, right?"


    Suana nodded as he replied, "Yeah...our Freedom Sect members don''t mind helping the sect begin to take its roots. However, I''ve been putting a lot of different missions according to the request of the other elders. Changing what was just a training settlement into a proper sect is very complicated. With that said, our members have been doing several types of tasks while we still have no rewards whatsoever to give them."


    Malo nodded, saying, "It''s fine. I asked Senior Rean to help with that. Although he said he won''t intervene, we simply don''t have any other Formation Master. That being said, he at least agreed to build several formations that could be used as rewards. For example, he''s making ten Spiritual Energy Gathering Formations. However, they will only be used for those who have Sect Points."


    Malo then asked, "You did mark down everyone''s Sect Points as I asked from the start, right?"


    Suana nodded, saying, "Of course! There''s even a group that has amassed over 100 points already."


    "That''s very good." Malo was satisfied with that. "That''s only one of the things we are working on. After we start the mining of Spirit Stones en masse, we can also offer Spirit Stones as rewards."


    Glennie, who was listening to everything, also added, "That''s not all. Rean and Roan won''t intervene directly, but they agreed to start giving classes on side occupations. Rean will teach Blacksmithing and Formations, while Roan will teach Alchemy. It will happen every morning starting next week. We can use the formations, pills, and equipment built by the disciples as rewards as well."


    Suana couldn''t help but mention, "Oh! So that''s why we have so many requests for finding herbs, ores, and things like that."


    Malo smiled in response, saying, "Exactly. There''s no need to worry. We are putting everything in place little by little."

 Chapter 764 - Just Bored

    One might think that Rean has obtained a lot of materials from his blacksmithing gig during his time in the Demon Beast City. However, what he got were all Heaven-level ones. It was simply impossible to use them for those at the Core Formation Realm and below in the Freedom Sect. With that said, they needed lower-level ones.


    Fortunately, it wasn''t as if Kentucky couldn''t identify their locations. It''s just that Kentucky never cared about any ore below the Heaven-level. Malo then requested him to at least point the directions where they could find ores so that missions could be given to the sect members. That''s how they found most of the low-level materials for Rean to start his teachings.


    Three weeks soon went by, and everything proceeded smoothly. Of course, the Freedom Sect still lost one or another member during the missions. After all, although they cleaned the Five Peaks area, the rest of the surroundings was still the territory of the demon beasts. It took some time until these events stopped.


    Eventually, Rean stopped cultivating together with Roan as the two came out of their rooms. Malo had already built most of the wooden buildings that Rean and Roan requested for the side occupations. The good thing was that both Rean and Roan predicted that they would need more tools for the teaching, so the Dimensional Realm had a lot of them. Forgers, cauldrons, anvils, mortars, and other related items, they already had them.


    On Rean''s side, he decided to hold one class for Blacksmithing and one class for Formations each day. On the other hand, Roan only knew Alchemy, so he used the same time to teach it alone.


    The first class was Blacksmithing, so Rean brought everyone to one of the big forging buildings that were built for it. "Hmm...sure enough, Blacksmithing isn''t very popular among women," Rean said as he looked at the participants. The Blacksmithing, Alchemy, and Formations courses were not obligatory. With that said, anyone could choose to participate or not. There was no lack of cultivators out there that didn''t know a single thing about any side occupation whatsoever.


    Rean''s Blacksmithing class had 209 participants. Of these 209, 95 were men. One must remember that of the initial 3589 kids rescued, only 187 of them were men. The rest were women. For 95 of the 187 males to appear in the Blacksmith Side Occupation Class while only 114 of the 3002 women came showed the huge difference in interest.


    Rean then shrugged his shoulders before continuing, "Oh well, I''m still happy to see that we got this many. Alright, let''s start. First, I''ll teach you the basics about the tools we are using. After that, we''ll jump to the basics of melting, molding, and tempering. Just so you know, none of you will do any forging today, so just pay attention."


    Later on, the disciples left the Blacksmith building with many notes in their hands. As Rean looked at them leave, he couldn''t help but think, ''I wonder how many of them will still be here one week later.''


    Soon after, he quickly shook his head before heading to the next building, the one constructed for the Formations class. This time, the difference was as clear as day. There was a good number of men, with 41 of the 187 existing in the sect. However, there were 419 women, which was a stark contrast. ''Well, this was more or less the amount I expected. I believe that the difference is even bigger in Roan''s class.''


    Following that, Rean pointed at a room on the back of the building, telling him, "That is the Formations Repository. I gathered many books regarding formations over the years, and I''m proud to say that my collection has everything you need to go all the way to the Heaven-level. However, it will follow the same system as the books for Blacksmithing. You have one free hour to look at them per day. However, if you want to have more time, you will need Sect Points. Don''t try to take the books out if you don''t have the points. With my formation in place, you won''t get very far."


    This was another way of using the Sect Points to acquire rewards. Roan, of course, followed suit with the study materials for Alchemy. To make things fair, Rean added everyone in this rule, Malo included. Malo and the older sect members didn''t mind it since they wanted to set an example.


    "Alright, everyone. Let''s start by working on what a rune is." Rean then took out a hundred books regarding the basics of formations and distributed them to the class. "Form groups of four or five people since there aren''t enough books for everyone. This will also be good for you to discuss what you guys learned later."


    Suddenly, a red streak of light passed by, stopping on the top of one of the tables. Rean narrowed his eyes and couldn''t help but ask, "Red, what do you want here?"


    Obviously, it was the Blood Rabbit, Red Streak. "What''s with the angry face? This Lord has some interest in this Formations class of yours. You should be honored."


    Rean''s mouth twitched for a moment, but he decided to not dwell on the issue. "Fine, you can learn as well. However, you can''t intervene in my teachings, deal?"


    Red nodded, saying, "You have a deal with this Lord."


    The disciples of the sect felt a little apprehensive, though. After all, they all knew already that Red was a Stage Six Demon Beast, equivalent to a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator. Noticing that, Rean said a few more words, easing their worries, "There''s no need to worry. Red won''t do anything bad to you. You can treat him the same way you treat your friends."


    Red didn''t like that, though. "Who said anyone could treat this Lord in a friendly way?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, saying, "You do as I say, or you won''t get to participate in the class. Also..." Rean then glanced at Red with a playful smile before continuing, "I''ll cut your share of carrots in half if you cause problems."


    Red''s expression became dark as he said in response, "I dare you to do such a thing."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders after hearing that, saying, "As long as you take the class without causing problems or acting all mighty, that won''t happen."


    Red narrowed his eyes for a moment before finally nodding. "Fine! This Lord will allow this kind of treatment."


    Well, the truth was that Red was just bored...

 Chapter 765 - Badges

    Rean still found it strange that a demon beast like Red would want to learn formations. Nevertheless, he started his lessons. It started at the end of the morning and lasted into the afternoon before the class was finally over.


    Rean looked as the girls and boys left the enormous room and talked to each other about his class, much to his satisfaction. However, what surprised him was the fact that Red really kept listening until the end. Not only that, but he also stopped to make a few questions of his own. ''I thought he would leave after just a few minutes. After all, I just used the written lessons and theoretical knowledge. I didn''t touch any formation at all. Well, since it seems like he truly wants to learn, I guess I can only keep at it.''


    On Roan''s side, his class was also over after some time. During the first day, he basically made everyone study the herbs in the books, trying to memorize their types and effects as much as possible. He basically stayed there to answer any possible question that the girls and boys might have.


    As one could expect, Alchemy did a lot more to the girls'' liking, although there were a few boys there as well. In total, there were over 700 girls, which made the 20 or so boys look as if they weren''t even there.


    Roan noticed Rean coming in his direction before Rean asked, "So, how was your alchemy class? Was it full of girls as we''ve expected?"


    Roan nodded, replying, "Obviously. Not that it changes anything, though. I sent them to the herb garden after the class was over so that they could put today''s practice to use. Now, let''s see how things are going to go a week later."


    "A week later?" Rean was puzzled as he asked, "Aren''t you giving daily classes?"


    Roan shook his head this time, saying, "Of course not. In the end, you need to memorize the herbs and their effects before anything else. There are too many of them, even for a planet that has been cold most of the time. Before they can at least list 50% of the ones available in our books, there will be no point in doing any practical training."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh after hearing that. "Hahaha! So you ended up doing the same thing as me, huh? It''s just that I had my formations'' students memorize the Earth Low-level runes instead of herbs. I guess only in blacksmithing will I be doing daily classes."


    "Don''t they need to memorize the materials used in blacksmithing?" Roan asked in confusion.


    Rean shook his head, replying, "There aren''t many differences when it comes to blacksmithing. At least, not as many as runes for formations. For Earth Low-level ores and things like that, the processes are pretty much the same due to their uses."


    Roan nodded, not minding it too much. Rean was the Blacksmithing expert, so it wasn''t his place to say otherwise. "Anyways, let''s use the rest of the day to cultivate."


    "No, I need to finish crafting the Sect Tokens. At the moment, I''m the only one who can make them. Of course, I won''t keep doing only that. I''ll make a hundred or so today, then I''ll continue tomorrow," Rean said. "Once I finish this hundred, I''ll head back and cultivate."


    Roan nodded and then disappeared right after. Since that was the case, he decided to check the herb garden in the Dimensional Realm. Unlike the herb garden made by the disciples, his own garden had a lot more rare herbs. Of course, the disciples'' herb garden had many more herbs instead. After all, they all went out often and brought back what they could find.


    Rean also went inside the Dimensional Realm since he had his own workshop there. Not to mention that the equipment there would give much better results.


    There, Rean took out a piece of paper with two drawings. In the end, he left the sect''s emblem for Malo and the others to decide how it would look. On one side, it was very simple. There wasn''t anything more than a cloud and the name of the sect. Well, for a sect called Freedom, a cloud was indeed quite fit.


    On the other, there was an emblem of a bird. Or, to be more specific, it was an image from Kentucky. ''Just why would you select Kentucky?'' Of course, Rean knew the real reason. ''Alright, alright. Kentucky had always been popular among the girls. In a sect where most of the disciples are women, it makes sense that the dumb bird convinced them to do that.''


    Rean was right. Kentucky used the fact that they didn''t want him to be the sect leader to ask for that. By pretending to be sad, most of the girls quickly fell into his spell and voted to have his image on the back of the sect''s badge.


    ''Sigh...whatever. I did say they could choose anything, so I can''t complain.'' Rean then began to work on the badges one after another. It couldn''t simply be a piece of metal. It would also be connected to a Circuitry Formation Device that Rean created some time ago. Its use was very simple. It had a few other badges that Rean gave to the Sect''s ''higher-ups,'' which could be used to record how many Sect Points a disciple had. So far, they had been using ink and paper, but they couldn''t keep it like that forever, right?


    Rean eventually finished the first 100 badges and left the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. After that, he simply passed the badges to Suana before saying, "Just use the authority badges you and the others have to save the users'' names and ID numbers in these Disciple Badges. After that, you can add Sect Points into the Formation Core based on each person''s name and ID number. Once a disciple accesses a terminal in any of the Sect''s buildings, it will show him how many Sect Points they have. As for what they intend to do with it, that''s their problem to deal with."


    Suana nodded as she sighed in relief, thanking Rean as she said, "I can finally get rid of all those papers. Thank you, Senior Rean."


    Rean smiled in response before turning around and returning to the cultivation room. Roan was already there. They might be teaching the disciples, but they wouldn''t forget their own cultivation either.


    Time passed in a flash as another month went by. Rean and Roan had just finished another round of cultivation with Kentucky and Celis when suddenly, Roan felt a token on his waist tremble with energy. Roan quickly took it out before spreading his Spiritual Sense to talk with Rean, Kentucky, and Celis. ''We have a new mission.''


    That token was given by the Demon Beast Alliance so that they could be warned about the war missions. It was a lot better than having someone always delivering jade slips with their mission on it. Of course, that was thanks to their high performance as well.


    Rean''s group then gathered close to Celis to discuss it. "This token is really convenient. So, what does it say?"


    Roan nodded before taking it out for everyone to see. Rean''s group then sent their Spiritual Sense inside when suddenly, their expression turned weird.

 Chapter 766 - Poseidon

    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "What do they mean by fixing the Spiritual Energy Fields? What Spiritual Energy Fields? How come I''ve never heard of it before?"


    Roan nodded, saying, "Indeed. I''m also confused as to what they mean by that. Somehow, it doesn''t look to be related to the war."


    Kentucky pondered a bit before he had an idea. "Spiritual Energy Fields...probably related to Celis, no? Maybe these fields are something that happened after we took Celis away. But...why would they ask us to help?"


    Celis immediately answered, "There should be no such thing. I don''t want to brag, but I''m very good at what I do. If there''s really a Spiritual Energy Field in need of repair, it has nothing to do with me. First of all, I don''t even know what these Spiritual Energy Fields are supposed to be."


    Roan nodded, saying, "They aren''t explaining the content of the mission, after all. In any case, it''s good that it has nothing to do with Celis. Otherwise, I wouldn''t know if we should check it out or not. Since it''s not related to Celis, it must be something else." Roan then looked at Rean and Kentucky before saying, "In any case, we are fighting for the Demon Beast Alliance, so we need to head out."


    Before leaving, Rean warned Malo that they would be out, so they would be on their own. Of course, Celis would stay as always since it was better if he kept cultivating nonstop.


    Other than that, Rean also told Red about his trip. "What? How am I suppose to work on the formations now?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, saying in response, "Isn''t that simple? Just head to the repository and study by yourself. To be honest, I didn''t expect a demon beast to be this interested in it. However, your progress during this month or so has been remarkable. I''m sure you can self-study for a while. It''s just that I won''t be here to answer your questions."


    Red pondered for a moment before he jumped on Rean''s shoulder, saying, "No need. This Lord will go with you."


    Rean was taken aback, asking in response, "Why would you do that? You won''t get anything from me doing that, you know?"


    "Hmph!" Red snorted. "As if you had anything that really interested this Lord. This Lord only has some small interest in Formations and your carrots. However, this Lord feels like he has been taking a lot more than giving until now. After all, I simply told the Stage Five Demon Beasts to not get close to these five peaks. It hurts this Lord''s pride to not be able to do anything else."


    Rean shrugged his shoulder in response, saying, "Well, it''s not like I expected anything else from you anyway."


    Red felt like giving Rean a beating. "Shut up, and let''s go before I change my mind."


    Rean sighed but didn''t refuse. Any extra help was more than welcome, after all.


    Of course, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky also had their reservations. ''Would it be okay to bring him along?''


    ''It should be... probably. After all, he''s also a demon beast. I don''t think he would try to jeopardize an official mission of the Demon Beast Alliance,'' Kentucky said with a Spiritual Sense Message.


    Roan nodded in response. ''That makes sense. Perhaps, he also received a mission to keep an eye on us. Who knows? After all, it''s weird that over a month has passed, but Red never went outside to participate in the war.''


    Rean agreed with Roan on that. ''That as well. In any case, it shouldn''t be a bad thing. Phex and company have more than enough power to get rid of us, not to mention that they know where we are. It would make no sense to use Red to disturb our mission... whatever the mission might be.''


    Red noticed the silence of Rean''s group, though. It was quite obvious that they were discussing something through Spiritual Sense. "What? Are you unhappy with this Lord''s help?"


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "Of course not! We just find it intriguing that a Lord like you decided to help. Well, you did say you wanted to pay back, so let''s keep it at that."


    Red didn''t seem to mind. "Whether you believe it or not, that''s your problem. Since this Lord said that he will help, then he will help. By the way, what is this mission about? It''s about that war again, isn''t it?"


    Only then did Rean remember that they hadn''t asked Red about it. "Oh, right! We did receive a mission, but we aren''t sure if it''s related to the war between the demon beasts and Zasfins or not." Rean then showed the content of their mission to the Blood Rabbit before asking, "Red, have you ever heard about Spiritual Energy Fields?"


    Red immediately narrowed his eyes when he checked the content of the mission in the token. "Spiritual Energy Fields...it has been some time since I''ve heard of them."


    Rean and the others'' interest was immediately piqued. "Do you know of it?"


    Red nodded and started to explain, "Yes. There''s a place in the Demon Beast Continent called the Forbidden Zone. No demon beast can enter it without permission. From what I know, the Spiritual Energy Fields are what feed this Forbidden Zone with Spiritual Energy."


    "Is it some kind of dangerous place?" Roan asked straight away.


    Red shook his head as he hastily replied, "I have no idea. Only the Stage Nine Demon Beasts can allow someone to enter that. Obviously, a Stage Six Demon Beast like me can''t. Also, the Spiritual Energy Fields are not located inside the Forbidden Zone. They just provide it with energy. With that said, this mission should not require you to enter it."


    "I see..." Rean couldn''t help but become curious. "I wonder what are they trying to feed inside this Forbidden Zone. In any case, it seems like it has nothing to do with us. After all, we won''t be entering it."


    Kentucky found it strange, though. "But why would these fields need a fix? If it''s just some kind of repair, I don''t see the reason to call us out. They could have some other weaker demon beasts do it for them. Was there a reason to select us?"


    Red had to admit Kentucky was right. "That''s true. The Spiritual Energy Fields can only be fixed with the Divine Demon Beasts'' blood. Why would they need you there?"


    Those words fell like a lightning strike on Rean''s group. "Divine Demon Beast Blood? What do you mean?"


    Red then explained, "Well, I don''t know much. However, it seems like those Spiritual Energy Fields have a deep connection with Demon Beasts, especially Divine ones. Their blood can be used to increase the strength of the fields, which will then be used in the Forbidden Zone. As for what it will be used for, I have no idea."


    Kentucky immediately asked, "Does that mean they''ll have to kill Divine Demon Beasts to offer their blood?"


    Red laughed in response. "Hahaha! Are you crazy?! The Demon Beast Alliance would never kill their Divine Demon Beasts. They are the future of the alliance, after all. Once they reach Stage Nine, they will help with the continent''s protection."


    Rean''s group sighed in relief after hearing that. From the looks of it, there was no risk of death for Kentucky. Of course, those were Red''s words. It didn''t mean he was right or that he was telling the truth. But at least, that was already something.


    Rean''s group then flew to the border of the Demon Beast Continent. In the end, the Spiritual Energy Fields were located far, far away from the Forbidden Zone, which was situated in the continent''s center.


    The continent''s land was then left behind as Rean''s group proceeded into the sea. The location given to them was inside the Sea Demon Beasts'' territory. They passed by several Sea Demon Beasts on the way and quickly noticed that their levels increased very quickly. It didn''t take long for Stage Five Demon Beasts to appear among them.


    However, these demon beasts only looked at Rean''s group without doing anything. It was as if they were already waiting for them to come, so they didn''t attack. The levels continued to increase after that. Initial, Middle, Late, Peak Stage Five...eventually, Stage Six Sea Demon Beasts also entered the twin''s Spiritual Sense range.


    At this point, even Red began to feel somewhat apprehensive. This was not land but underwater. Although they didn''t need to worry about suffocating since they could use Spiritual Energy to substitute oxygen, the environment was definitely a poor choice for them to fight.


    The deeper they went, the less light there was. For Roan, that was beneficial since his strength was mainly based on Darkness and Yin Energy. However, it didn''t take long for them to notice some light appearing in the distance. At first, it was hard to see. But it began to become brighter and brighter as the shape of buildings began to take form in front of their eyes.


    Rean''s group was taken aback when they finally figured out what it was. It was an underwater Demon Beast City. Obviously, it was made for Sea Demon Beasts. At the very center of the enormous city, there was a huge palace as well.


    However, what truly caught Rean''s group attention wasn''t that. Instead, it was the ridiculously enormous maelstrom above the palace itself. Although it didn''t affect the buildings below, it was still much bigger than the city itself.


    Seeing that, Rean couldn''t help but comment, "Hey, look! It''s Atlantis! Perhaps we can find Poseidon there."

 Chapter 767 - Using

    Roan''s mouth twitched in response to Rean''s words. "Then what? Is Ariel there too? Ursula perhaps? Go to hell!"


    Rean laughed as he replied, "Hahaha! You say that, but you do know your things, don''t you?"


    "Hmph!" Roan snorted in response but didn''t answer.


    As for Kentucky and Red, they had no idea what Rean and Roan were talking about. Well, Rean and Roan didn''t answer their questions anyway.


    Soon after, Rean''s group made their way into the Demon Beast Underwater City. Sure enough, the city was full of high-level Sea Demon Beasts. With Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill active, there was no lack of Stage Six and Seven Demon Beasts there. Those at Stage Eight were also present.


    However, above all that, Rean could feel the Spiritual Sense coming from a Stage Nine Demon Beast, a stage which was no weaker than what Phex or Xaon had achieved.


    Eventually, they arrived in front of the palace, which seemed to be responsible for the huge maelstrom above. Now that they were close, it was possible to tell that the whirlpool wasn''t only made with water but also Spiritual Energy. Or, to be more precise, Spiritual Energy was what allowed the vortex to form.


    There were a few demon beasts guarding the giant doors of the palace. Fortunately, Rean''s group didn''t even need to talk with them. That''s because they came forward themselves to do the honors. One of them asked, "Are you Kentucky and his humans?"


    Sure enough, compared to Kentucky, Rean and Roan were not seen with good eyes.


    "That''s me," Kentucky replied. "We came here for the Spiritual Energy Field mission passed by the Demon Beast Alliance." Kentucky then showed the token from which they received the mission.


    The demon beast in front nodded before looking at one of its subordinates, a shark-type demon beast. "Bring them to Master Darian''s place. He''s already expecting them to come."


    The shark nodded in response. "Yes, sir." Following that, he turned around while glancing at Rean''s group, telling them, "Come with me. Master Darian has everything ready for you."


    Rean''s group didn''t know what the shark was talking about, but they still made their way there nevertheless. They passed by several giant rooms, halls, and other various locations in the palace. Along the way, the demon beasts all looked at them but didn''t say anything. From the looks, receiving anything other than Sea Demon Beasts inside was a very rare occasion.


    Eventually, Rean''s group reached the center of the underwater palace, where they saw a few demon beasts waiting for them. Immediately, they recognized one of them. "Senior Phex."


    Yes, the Stage Nine Phoenix was there as well. "Oh! So you''ve come. That''s good, that''s good." Phex then came forward and patted Kentucky''s head...completely ignoring the twins and Red''s existence. "How has your life been so far? Is everything okay? I''ve given you quite a few hard missions in this war, but that''s because I wanted you to improve."


    Kentucky nodded in response, replying with a tone of satisfaction, "I''m doing well. Thanks to the battle experience and the rewards from the merit points, I''ve already reached the Middle Stage Five level."


    "Hahaha! Yes, yes. I can see that." Phex''s smile disappeared as he looked at the twins with a stern face. "At least it seems like you''re feeding him with the Heaven-level materials. That''s good. Minokawas need a lot of them, or their defensive capabilities will drop in the long term. For your own good, you better keep treating him well."


    Rean bitterly smiled, saying, "Ahem...I''ve always fed him with Heaven-level materials ever since he was born. Senior Phex has no need to worry about it."


    Phex''s expression relaxed a bit after hearing that. Right after, a man with a huge black shell on his back approached their group, saying, "So, you''re the Minokawa Phex talked about, huh? It''s good to see another Divine Demon Beast appearing on our planet."


    The man seemed extremely old and frail. However, Kentucky could tell that he was terrifying. At the very least, he knew that he wasn''t his match at all. Not to mention that he didn''t lose in terms of bloodline either. With that said, Kentucky couldn''t help but ask, "And you are?"


    "Oh! You can call me Darian. I''m a Divine Demon Beast, just like you. To be more precise, I''m a Black Tortoise," the frail old man answered. Obviously, just like Phex, he was using his human form at the moment.


    Rean and Roan already guessed that, though. After all, Darian''s Spiritual Sense was slamming on their Spiritual Sense bending skill. "I''m sorry to interrupt you guys. However, we came here for the mission. We''re quite curious. What is this Spiritual Energy Field repair thing? We heard it has something to do with a forbidden zone at the center of the continent, but that''s about it."


    Kentucky nodded, continuing, "Indeed. I also heard that my blood would be necessary. Is that true?"


    Phex and Darian looked at each other before looking back at Kentucky. "It''s true." Following that, Darian waved his hand while looking at the other Sea Demon Beasts in the room. Those demon beasts understood the signal and quickly made their way out of the hall, leaving only Phex, Darin, and Rean''s group inside.


    However, Darian looked at Rean''s shoulder. Or better yet, he looked at the small Blood Rabbit. With their difference in cultivation, it was very obvious that Red was a Stage Six Demon Beast in Darian''s eyes. "I haven''t heard about you. What are you doing here?"


    Red, who had kept silent until now, had some difficulty explaining, "I...I came here to he-help the twins and Kentucky." Kentucky was a Divine Demon beast, but his aura was only at Stage Five. That didn''t put any pressure on Red at all. However, Darian and Phex were different. They were both Stage Nine Demon Beasts. Their pressure was so suffocating that it was even hard to breathe. "I''ve b-been getting well-acquainted with them, s-so I decided to pay it b-back with this mission. I d-didn''t expect to find e-esteemed seniors in this place."


    Rean almost laughed right there and then. Red always used ''this lord this and this lord that.'' But in front of Phex and Darian, he didn''t dare try to appear mighty.


    Phex then shook his head in response, saying, "You can go and wait outside as well. We can''t discuss the next topic with you in here."


    Red didn''t dare to complain as he quickly made his way out after that. Rean''s group didn''t mind since Red came because he wanted to. Whether he was here or not made no difference for them. At the very least, not while Phex and Darian were here.


    Finally, Darian looked back at them and explained, "The Spiritual Energy Fields were built with the help of Divine Demon Beasts'' blood. They are what feed the Forbidden Zone at the center of the continent."


    Kentucky immediately asked, "And what is it that you have in the Forbidden Zone?"


    Phex continued, "There, you will find the Bestial Sacred Ground. It''s a holy land for us demon beasts. That place has been there for as long as any of us can remember. It goes even further back than any records we have. It wouldn''t be wrong to say that it''s at least tens of thousands of years old."


    Rean''s group was taken aback as Rean muttered, "Now, that''s what I call old."


    Darian continued to explain, "You would find about it sooner or later as long as Kentucky continued to live in this world. The Forbidden Zone, or the Bestial Sacred Ground, is the reason why our Demon Beast Alliance doesn''t lose out to the Zasfins and their Soul Marks. It provides us with the strength necessary to challenge the Zasfins back."


    It was then that Rean understood. "I see...so that''s what''s happening here." Rean then looked at Roan before saying, "Ever since we started to fight demon beasts on this planet, they''ve always been much stronger than the demon beasts back in Sunkan. We thought it was because of the harsh environment, but it seems like that wasn''t the only reason."


    Roan agreed with Rean, replying, "Indeed. That makes a lot of sense now. After all, there was a huge lack of Spiritual Energy, so it was weird that they were stronger instead."


    Darian nodded in response to their words before saying, "It''s good that you understand. As for how the Bestial Sacred Ground operates and things like that, I''m afraid we can''t tell you about that for now."


    Roan then asked something else. "That''s good and all. But what does it have to do with the Spiritual Energy Fields? Also, why does it need to be fixed?" Sure enough, Roan was more interested in how their mission was related to it.


    Phex explained that part, saying, "The Spiritual Energy Fields have always been able to provide enough Spiritual Energy to the Sacred Ground. However, due to a sudden change in there, the Spiritual Energy Fields are not enough anymore. Because of that, they''re breaking apart. Your mission now is to help us fix these same fields. Naturally, we need Divine Demon Beasts'' blood to do that."


    "Sudden change?" Kentucky asked.


    Darian shook his head in response, saying, "You will know in due time, but not now."


    "Okay...but what about my blood? Why can''t it be you two?" Kentucky was obviously curious about that.


    Phex then shrugged his shoulders, answering, "Simple. That''s because it takes a very long time for demon beasts at our level to replenish our blood. We''re in the middle of a war, so we can''t allow ourselves to grow weak. However, for a Stage Five Minokawa, and a very young one at that, a couple of days will be enough for you to return to your peak condition."


    He then smiled soon after as he continued, "Just so you know, Gulan''s doing the same thing in another Spiritual Energy Field, so don''t think that we''re using only you."

 Chapter 768 - Give It Back, Huh?

    Rean and Roan looked at Kentucky after hearing that. After all, it was his decision on whether he wanted to do it or not. Of course, even if they wished to run away, that wouldn''t be possible either. Nevertheless, they wouldn''t force Kentucky to do it.


    Kentucky could only sigh in the end and nod, though. "Alright, let''s do this. What do I need to do? Just open a cut and let my blood flow out?"


    Darian nodded, replying, "Yes. However, let me and Phex prepare the Spiritual Energy Field first." Darian then went to the center of the palace, which seemed to be the core of the vortex above it.


    Phex was also there, just looking. "Oh, by the way, you''ll get 400 Merit Points for this task."


    This time, Rean''s group had to admit that this wasn''t a bad trip. 400 Merit Points was more than they would get in five or so missions. Before, they bought the airship. Perhaps there would be something much better this time. Besides, it also proved how important the Demon Beast Alliance considered these Spiritual Energy Fields to be.


    In the center of the hall, the roof suddenly opened above Darian. Following that, the vortex that was above the palace began to descend in Darian''s direction. Spiritual Energy raged as the water moved. Even for Rean''s group, it was quite hard to stay close to it, let alone being inside it like Darian was doing.


    At some point, the entire palace began to shine with a red light. Many different patterns appeared on the ground, which even Rean couldn''t recognize. ''Sister Orb, are these things...formation runes?''


    Sister Orb, who was always observing what was happening, immediately confirmed as she said, [Yes. There''s definitely a formation enveloping the entire palace. No, to be more precise, the formation envelops the entire underwater city and its surrounding region.]


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, ''What level is this formation? Or is it possible that this is a natural formation like the one we saw in Sunkan?''


    [It''s not natural,] Sister Orb responded. [It''s just that it surpasses the Heaven-level. Whoever did it was probably someone above the Transition Realm or Stage Nine.]


    Rean felt a chill on his back when Sister Orb said the term ''Transition Realm.'' However, contrary to what he thought, the Universe didn''t try to get back at Sister Orb. ''Errrr, wasn''t it supposed to attack anyone who mentioned it?''


    [Uh? Are you an idiot? I have the protection of the Soul Gem System, you know? The Heavens of this half of the Universe can''t detect me. Naturally, it can''t hear me when I talk about the Transition Realm.] Sister Orb explained.


    Rean''s mouth twitched in response before asking, ''Why the hell didn''t you say that earlier?''


    [You never asked.]


    Rean felt like crying after that. ''No, forget it. Nothing good will happen if I dwell on this topic. I just have to accept that you''re useless.''


    [Hmph! You guys don''t know how to appreciate what you have.]


    Sister Orb then continued, [Leaving that aside, it''s a formation made by a Formation Master above the Heaven-level. It explains why it resisted the test of time as well. From what I can see, it''s quite well made. As for what the Black Tortoise is doing, it''s not really fixing it.]


    ''Not fixing it?'' Rean was taken aback. ''Then...what is he doing?''


    [No one in this world should have the necessary mastery to fix such a thing. I might be wrong since it''s too complicated for me to analyze in a short span of time. However, I believe that this formation has a self-repairing system. What the Black Tortoise is doing is basically activating this system...though I''m not sure if Darian knows about it or not.] Sister Orb seemed quite impressed as she said those words.


    Rean nodded in the end, responding, ''I see. Well, as long as they know how to control it, that should be okay. Sister Orb, save the properties of these runes in the Formation Repository System. Although you might not be able to analyze it, I can draw some ideas from it later.''


    [Alright.]


    The activation of the formation lasted over an hour. Phex stayed by the side, doing nothing whatsoever. However, it seemed like Darian was starting to feel tired. It was then that Rean''s group understood that Phex was only there to protect Darian, not to help with the formation itself.


    Suddenly, a gap appeared in the vortex surrounding Darian as he looked at Kentucky, telling him, "Come in. I need your blood now."


    Kentucky nodded and went inside, albeit somewhat scared. The vortex was a lot stronger than he could resist, after all. If not for Darian''s protection, he would definitely be mincemeat the very instant he entered.


    Darian then pointed at a small hole on the ground before telling Kentucky, "Release your blood there. It will be absorbed so that it can be used to repair the Spiritual Energy Field."


    *Chomp!*


    Kentucky''s beak then moved in a flash before it opened a small cut on his wings. He might have a strong defense, but his beak could definitely pierce through if he didn''t harden it.


    Kentucky''s blood soon entered the hole and disappeared inside. Kentucky couldn''t tell what was happening there since even his Spiritual Sense couldn''t pierce through the ground. That was already considering that his Spiritual Sense and Soul Power were merged, which made them even stronger. ''Such a sturdy Anti-Spiritual Sense Formation,'' Rean and Roan thought from the outside since they couldn''t see through it either.


    As Kentucky''s blood entered the formation, the red light enveloping the entire underwater palace intensified. Soon, the formation turned the whole city a shade of red as well. After all, the formation wasn''t just under the palace.


    The vortex above the palace, which raged with Spiritual Energy and Water Element, suddenly reduced in speed. The frenzied energy also became smoother as the red light mixed with it.


    Rean and Roan then noticed that a stream of Spiritual Energy began to descend and enter the ground at the very center of the vortex. That was the same Spiritual Energy that was raging in the whirlpool before. It wasn''t heading to Kentucky, nor was it being used by Darian. It truly disappeared in the ground. ''It should be this way that the Spiritual Energy is being transported to the Bestial Sacred Ground,'' Rean thought for a moment.


    Kentucky and Darian seemed to be feeling very tired. However, everything was going smoothly, and it wouldn''t take long for the process to be over. However, it was then that Rean and Roan''s expressions changed.


    Soon after, Rean, Roan, Phex, and Darian looked in a certain direction at the same time as Rean shouted, "Someone''s coming!"


    Phex and Darian looked at the twins with surprise in their eyes. That''s because what they felt just now was the Spiritual Sense of someone at the same level as them. With the twins'' cultivation, it shouldn''t be possible for them to feel it. However, Phex and Darian put those thoughts away for now. What mattered now was who was coming.


    Phex''s body then disappeared from the hall before reappearing outside. At the same time, he sent a Spiritual Sense Message to everyone, telling them, ''Continue the process. I''ll keep them occupied.''


    Darian nodded as he took out a Thoughts Transmission Talisman. He put it on his forehead, and a second later, it burnt out. As one could imagine, Darian called out the other Stage Nine Demon Beasts.


    Outside, five figures appeared before Phex in a flash. Before, Rean and Roan used the Spiritual Sense bending skill to tell that these guys were coming. But now, the enemy didn''t seem to be bothered covering their cultivation. With that said, Rean, Roan, and even Red could see them with their Spiritual Senses.


    Phex looked at the Zasfins in front of him and coldly smiled, saying, "Pankun, Suria, and even Kumo, huh? The other two seem to be new, so I don''t know them. It seems like having control over the World Swallowing Tree all this time helped your Zasfin race raise quite a few experts."


    They were some of the Transition Realm cultivators from the Zasfin race. Pankun, the first name Phex mentioned, just so happened to be the leader of this group. "Hehe. It has been a long, long time, Phex. To think I would encounter you in this place. I''m truly lucky."


    Phex laughed in response, replying, "Lucky? Do you dare say such a thing in front of a Phoenix inside the Demon Beast Alliance''s territory?"


    Pankun didn''t seem bothered, though. "So what if we''re inside your territory? We have nothing to fear as long as you''re not being helped by the Bestial Sacred Ground."


    Phex''s eyes narrowed, asking in response, "What do you mean?"


    Suria, who was beside Pankun, answered that question. "Are you trying to play dumb? We already know that the Spiritual Energy Fields have problems. Without it to feed the Sacred Ground, you won''t receive power from there."


    Kumo then used his Spiritual Sense to verify the situation below, saying, "That''s enough. They''re already working on fixing the Spiritual Energy Fields. The more we talk, the worse it''ll be."


    Phex snorted when he heard that. Soon after, his body began to change as it soon took the form of an enormous phoenix, not any bit smaller than the palace below it. "Do you think you can cause any trouble to me?"


    However, Pankun shook his head, replying, "That depends on you. Before we battle, we have an offer." Pankun smiled as he said that. "If you give the World Swallowing Tree back to us, we can pretend that nothing happened."


    Phex ''s suspicions were confirmed after hearing that. "Give it back, huh? As I thought, something did happen to Celis. But I didn''t think you really lost him. That''s a very good piece of information."


    Back in the palace, Rean and Roan couldn''t help but let out a bit of sweat...even though they were underwater.

 Chapter 769 - Weird

    Pankun snorted after hearing Phex''s words. "Hmph! Who are you trying to fool here? Fikin already knows that you left Celis inside the Bestial Sacred Land. That''s the only place where you would be sure that the World Swallowing Tree is safe. Otherwise, we would have found Celis already."


    Phex laughed after hearing Pankun''s words. However, he didn''t try to deny it this time. He knew that his Demon Beast Alliance didn''t have Celis. However, if the Zasfins thought they did, that wasn''t a bad thing either. "Alright, alright. However, you can forget about having Celis back. After all, it''s not like we''re holding him in place with formations or whatever. If we try to force anything, he would definitely fight back."


    "Do you think I''d believe that?" Pankun asked in response with a dark expression.


    Phex couldn''t care less, shrugging his shoulders as he said, "So what if you believe me or not? If you want to fight, then you''re welcome to try. I don''t know how you know about the issue with the Bestial Sacred Land, but that doesn''t mean I''m weaker than some puny Zasfins."


    Pankun''s group understood that there would be no negotiation in the end. Also, there was the fact that the Spiritual Energy Field was being fixed as they talked, so they had to act right now. "Hmph! Do you think we waited to appear for nothing? We selected this exact place because we knew it would be a burden for any demon beast other than Darian himself. We''re actually lucky in this regard. Phex, as a Fire Demon Beast, your power is even more affected. Don''t blame us for being impolite."


    Suddenly, the five Zasfins separated as a faint blue light shone on their feet. At the same time, their Rank Ten Bloodline Marks appeared on their heads, increasing their Soul Power more than two times.


    Seeing that, Phex narrowed his eyes as he muttered inwardly, ''The Shared Soul Battle Formation, huh. These guys are really serious.''


    The Soul Battle Formation was able to share the Soul Power between their users to increase their overall strength. It also improved the flow of Spiritual Energy with the assistance of stronger Soul Power. However, it was a very hard formation to be used, and any mistake might injure one''s soul. It looked simple, but it was far from simple, that''s for sure.


    The faint blue light coming from Pankun''s group then spread all around, enveloping the entire city.


    ''Quagmire Domain!''


    At that instant, Rean, Kentucky, and Roan felt their strength plummet. It was as if something was pressing over their Dantian and Soul Power. They might have their power fused naturally due to the connection between their Dantians and Souls, but they were still affected by it. Well, in actuality, the twins and the Minokawa got off easy. The fusion between the two powers reduced the effects of the domain by a lot. If it was anyone else at their cultivation level, they would now be weaker than a Core Formation Realm cultivator. In their case, their power was suppressed to the Core and Soul Fusion Realm instead. In Kentucky''s case, the Stage Four level.


    However, it only lasted for a second before a fiery red light emanated out of Phex.


    ''Burning Hell Domain!''


    It didn''t cover the entire city like Pankun''s group did. Instead, it only affected the Palace and its surroundings. That was to be expected, though. After all, Phex''s domain was fighting against a domain made by five Zasfins at the same time. Not to mention that the environment was disadvantageous to him.


    Phex didn''t seem to mind it, though. As long as he could stop the Zasfins'' domains from affecting himself, that was more than enough. Of course, a domain needed a lot of Spiritual Energy to keep itself running. In Phex''s case, he had to keep it up while fighting the Zasfins'' domain to make sure his own domain wasn''t crushed. Of course, that made him use even more energy. With that said, Phex didn''t waste time and attacked.


    ''Assault of Phoenixes!''


    Immediately, thousands of burning birds took form inside Phex''s domain. Each bird looked like him, only smaller in size. Following that, Phex shot forward as the copies followed. He was a demon beast. There was no way he would stay on the defensive.


    Of course, the Zasfins didn''t feel the least bit threatened. If they were alone, it would be hard, but they were five here. Besides, it was a common thing for Zasfins and even demon beasts to be born with Water Element Affinity. Naturally, this group that came after Phex was completely formed with Zasfins that had that affinity.


    ''Cyclic Water Aegis!''


    ''Sea Engulf!''


    ''Ice Age!''


    Kumo and the other two Zasfins used Water and Ice-based defensive abilities. As for Pankun and Suria, they focused on attacking.


    ''Ocean Rage!''


    ''Expanding Water Bolts!''


    Phex''s copies began to disintegrate one by one as Phex himself crashed against Pankun and Suria''s attacks.


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom...*


    Nevertheless, neither side held back as more and more Spiritual Energy was added to the attacks. Unfortunately, there was a limit to how much Phex could do alone, so he began to lose ground against the Zasfins.


    Seeing that, Kentucky couldn''t help but ask, "Senior Darian, shouldn''t you help him?"


    However, Darian shook his head as he replied, "I can''t stop the repair process of the Spiritual Energy Field. He will need to hold them off on his own for a few minutes until it starts working again."


    "A few minutes?!" Kentucky was taken aback. He had never seen such a high-level battle before. In any case, he was certain that Phex was slowly being trapped in a corner.


    Rean and Roan were more worried about something else, though. "What about us? There are five Zasfins there. What if one of them leaves that battle to attack us?"


    "There''s no need to worry," Darian responded with a faint smile. "This palace is protected by the Spiritual Energy Field. Although it''s weaker for now due to the repair process, it isn''t something a single Zasfin can easily break. Besides, they''re using the Shared Soul Battle Formation. If one of them leaves that formation, it''ll break apart. If they want to make it in time, they''ll have to join forces to attack the palace''s protection together. For that, they need to get rid of Phex first."


    That didn''t make Rean''s group feel any better, though. After all, they could see how much of a disadvantage Phex was in at the moment.


    ''Phoenix Dive!''


    ''Hell Splash!''


    ''Fire Reborn!''


    Phex used his best skills consecutively. Unfortunately for him, the Zasfins were able to counterattack and defend against everything. It was simply the difference in power. The environment didn''t help him out either.


    ''Omnidirectional Water Waves!''


    ''Water Vortex!''


    ''Myriad Water Cannon!''


    *Arrgh!*


    Suddenly, Phex was hit by one of the attacks as he shot back like a meteor. He then slammed onto the palace, or more specifically, onto the palace''s protection field. Nevertheless, Phex quickly got up as the next attacks were already coming at him.


    ''Phoenix Streak!''


    His body transformed into a streak of fiery red light as he disappeared from his position.


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom...*


    Unfortunately, the attacks that were directed at him hit the palace''s protection field, weakening it. If Phex had the choice, he would have blocked them. ''Shit! I can''t give them time to attack the palace.''


    The Zasfins couldn''t see it, but the palace''s protection field was really weak, a lot more than they imagined. If they focused on it, Phex would have a hard time. With that said, Phex shot in their direction once again without holding back.


    *Creeeee!*


    A phoenix cry came out as Phex''s body burnt with Fire Element and Yang Energy. His Burning Hell Domain then decreased in size as if it was losing ground to the Zasfins'' domain. However, that was wrong. Phex''s domain wasn''t losing power at all. Instead, it was compressing itself in a smaller range.


    Neither of the Zasfins knew of it. No, to be more precise, they didn''t know it was possible. ''What''s he doing?''


    Darian smiled when he saw that, though. "Phex seems to be angry now."


    "Angry?" Rean''s group didn''t understand what he meant by that. "Wasn''t he angry from the very start?"


    Darian shook his head as he told them, "No. This is what it looks when he''s actually angry."


    Outside, Phex''s eyes turned bright red, just like his burning feathers. Suddenly, he opened his wings, from which several of his feathers spread everywhere. No, to be more precise, they formed an enormous sphere.


    The Zasfins didn''t know what was happening, and they didn''t intend to let Phex finish whatever he was trying to do. That being said, they all attacked at the same time.


    Unfortunately for them, their moment of hesitation cost them valuable time. Phex''s feathers began to burn together with his body before they all connected together to form a giant ball of fire. No, it would be better to call it a miniature sun instead.


    ''Dawn of the Sun God!''


    That enormous ball of fire then moved in the Zasfins'' direction, burning everything to nothingness, even the water itself.


    Pankun understood that Phex was using an attack that none of them knew about and that it was much stronger than he had imagined. With that said, he also changed their strategy, ordering them, "Give up the assault. Focus your full energy on your defensive skills."


    Immediately, they followed his orders.


    ''Cyclic Water Aegis!''


    ''Sea Engulf!''


    ''Ice Barrier!''


    ''Counter Wave!''


    ''Ocean Repealing Vortex!''


    Phex crashed against the defensive attack, and soon, a stalemate was created. Phex''s attack was obviously monstrously strong. Then again, he was fighting against five Zasfins at once. It made sense that they could at least hold him back.


    However, Roan narrowed his eyes as he muttered, "Weird..."


    Rean, Kentucky, and Darian''s attention were piqued by his words. "What is it?"


    Roan then explained, "Demon beasts and Zasfins haven''t fought for millenniums, right? Although it seems that the Zasfins didn''t expect Phex''s attack, I refuse to believe that they didn''t at least consider him to have gotten stronger during this time. I wonder, is this fight really the main point here?"


    Immediately, Rean and Kentucky felt a chill on their backs. After all, Roan was very good at those things.

 Chapter 770 - Only Choice!

    *Tremble!*


    As if hearing Roan''s words, the entire palace suddenly trembled. At the same time, Darian''s expression turned ugly as he cursed.


    "Impossible!"


    Rean''s group didn''t know what was happening, but they were certain that it wasn''t good.


    The faint red light that covered the city constructions and its surroundings started to fade away as the vortex above the palace formed again. The vortex of Spiritual Energy and Water Element above the palace also began to take form. Not only that, but it looked even more chaotic than before.


    Suddenly, Darian made a cut on his wrist as his blood began to flow into the Spiritual Energy Field formation together with Kentucky''s. The fading red light once again intensified, forcing the Spiritual Energy Field to calm down once more. However, Darian didn''t have a good look on his face.


    Obviously, Kentucky couldn''t help but ask. Of course, he used Spiritual Sense Messages from now on so that the conversation wouldn''t last more than a few seconds. ''What''s happening? Why is the Spiritual Energy Field suddenly losing energy? It''s as if our blood is being wasted.''


    Darian nodded, responding, ''That''s what''s exactly happening. Someone or something is acting against the Spiritual Energy Field''s core under the palace."''Following that, Darian looked at the battle outside. Phex and the Zasfins had reached a heated moment in their fight, and neither side would back down anytime soon. The first one to do so would definitely receive a backlash due to the raging energy. ''The Zasfins were waiting for this moment. I can''t stop controlling the Spiritual Energy Field, and Phex can''t come down to help.''


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, ''The city has a few Stage Seven and even Stage Eight Sea Demon Beasts. Can''t you ask them to go see what''s going on? Or could it be that the enemy down the palace is also as strong as you and Phex?''


    Darian shook his head, answering, ''That''s impossible. The core of the Spiritual Energy Field is protected by the ancient formation. Unless you''re a Divine Demon Beast, you shouldn''t be able to approach it.''


    Roan narrowed his eyes. ''Divine Demon Beast? Then...one of the Divine Demon Beasts betrayed the alliance?''


    The one to answer that was Kentucky, saying, ''No, I don''t think that''s the case. If there was another Divine Demon Beast nearby, Phex, Darian, and even I would have noticed it. Am I right, Darian?''


    ''Correct.'' Darian nodded. ''Divine Bloodlines resonate with each other. Unless you have some type of skill capable of blocking it, it shouldn''t be possible. Unless...''


    ''Unless what?'' Kentucky asked in response.


    Darian''s expression was dark as he thought of a possibility. ''Unless the demon beast''s level is too weak for us to perceive. A Divine Bloodline becomes more prominent the higher the stage of the demon beast. So, unless we use Spiritual Sense to detect it, we won''t feel its bloodline. For example, we can''t feel Kentucky''s presence unless he gets close enough due to his Stage Five cultivation.''


    Immediately, Rean''s group understood what was happening. From what Phex said, there were only six Divine Demon Beasts in the world, including Kentucky. Four of them were at Stage Nine, leaving only two below that level. One of them was obviously Kentucky. As for the other...


    ''Gulan!'' Kentucky said with a dark expression. There was only the Blue Luan in the end.


    ''That''s weird. Isn''t Gulan Phex''s grandchild? Why would he do such a thing?'' Rean asked.


    Darian shook his head, saying, ''I don''t know. This is only a possibility. Unless, of course, there''s another Divine Demon Beast that we don''t know of. Well, we didn''t know about Kentucky until a while ago, so I wouldn''t be surprised if there was another one.''


    Kentucky agreed with Darian. ''That''s right! Wasn''t Gulan supposed to be in another Spiritual Energy Field? How come he appeared here? It doesn''t make sense since the other Spiritual Energy Field is supposed to be quite far away.''


    There came the issue. If it wasn''t Gulan, then who could it be? However, it was at this moment that Rean''s group noticed a problem. ''Wait! Where''s Red?''


    Immediately, the Spiritual Sense messages stopped as only the sounds of fighting outside could be heard. Rean looked everywhere and even used his Spiritual Sense together with his Soul Power. However, Red was nowhere to be found. ''It can''t be Red, can it?''


    Darian knew that Red was the rabbit they talked about a while ago. They had sent him outside the room since they were about to discuss some information about the Forbidden Zone. Darian also used his Spiritual Sense but could see that Red was nowhere in the palace. The only problem was that it wasn''t possible to verify the core of the Spiritual Energy Field. Once again, it was protected against such things as well.


    Darian then looked at Rean and Roan with a dark expression, asking, ''You brought that thing here, didn''t you?''


    Rean immediately nodded as he replied, ''We did. However, we only met him a while ago. Besides, we had no idea he was a Divine Demon Beast. Not only that, we didn''t even know about this Spiritual Energy Field to start with. Also, is Red really a Divine Demon Beast?''


    Kentucky confirmed Rean''s words, saying, ''That''s true. I was there when Red first appeared.


    Rean tried to use his Spiritual Sense to reach underground to look for Red, but it was useless. ''Sister Orb did say that the level of the Formation Master who made this thing was definitely not something you could find on this planet. I guess it''s normal that my Spiritual Sense can''t reach underground.''


    Darian didn''t know whether to believe it or not. After all, if they were really planning such a thing, would they leave Kentucky in his grasp? Kentucky couldn''t leave the center of the hall where Darian is located, after all.


    Kentucky found a problem, though. ''Wait! If it''s Red, how could Darian and Phex not notice his Divine Demon Beast Bloodline? Even I didn''t notice anything in these months we stayed together. Although the distance can make it hard to detect low-level Divine Demon Beasts, Red was right in front of Phex and Darian just a moment ago. Still, they didn''t feel anything.''


    Rean then remembered something as he cursed, ''Shit! Red''s special ability! Did you forget? I built a sensory formation that should be able to detect any demon beasts with cultivations above Stage Four. However, it simply didn''t work on Red at all!''


    ''What do you mean?'' Darian asked.


    Rean then proceeded to explain Red''s peculiarity. Be it his formations or his Spiritual Sense, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky couldn''t feel his presence at all. At least, not while Red was trying to hide it.


    Darian was surprised to hear that, muttering, ''A Blood Rabbit did that? It doesn''t make sense. As far as I know, Blood Rabbits don''t have such an ability.''


    Although the conversation looked long, no more than a few seconds passed while they used Spiritual Sense to talk.


    ''What should we do, then?'' Kentucky asked. After all, both he and Darian had clear signs of exhaustion. If their blood continued to be wasted like that, they would eventually run out of it. It was especially bad for Darian due to his level.


    Unfortunately, Darian seemed desolate, saying, ''There''s nothing we can do. Without a Divine Demon Beast''s Bloodline, no one else can enter the core region of the Spiritual Energy Field. It''s not like there''s a barrier or anything. Instead, it''s a separated dimension.''


    ''How did Red get close to it? Don''t you have anyone protecting the place?'' Roan asked. In fact, Rean and Kentucky were also curious about it. Since it''s such an important area, shouldn''t it be fully watched?


    Darian nodded, responding, ''It is protected. Just like you said, there are quite a few Stage Seven and even two Stage Eight Demon Beasts there. I can only think that this rabbit used that skill that can hide itself from everyone''s Spiritual Senses to pass without being detected.''


    ''That makes sense.'' Roan had to admit Darian was right.


    Rean then tried to access the Dimensional Realm. After all, he might be able to use the Circuitry Teleport Formation to teleport directly inside. However, Roan stopped him, telling him, ''Don''t be stupid. If you do such a thing here, how will you explain the existence of our Dimensional Realm? As bad as it might look, the situation would be much worse for us if our secrets are found out.''


    Sister Orb, who was hearing everything, also added. [Unfortunately for you two, even if you could hide the Dimensional Realm''s existence, you wouldn''t be able to enter. The System is considering the situation dangerous enough to block anyone from entering it. Simply put, you wouldn''t be able to use the Circuitry Teleport Formation even if you wanted to.]


    Rean pondered a bit before giving an idea, asking, ''Senior Darian. Do you mind if Roan and I try to enter it?''


    Darian was taken aback. ''Didn''t I say that only Divine Demon Beasts with Divine Bloodlines can enter it?''


    Rean nodded in response before saying, ''You did. However, you should know already that Kentucky has a connection with Roan and me, right?''


    Darian nodded after hearing that. Phex had talked about that. Also, he noticed that when he first saw Rean and Roan together with Kentucky.


    Rean then continued, ''Maybe... just maybe...we might get access to this Dimensional Realm by using this connection.''


    Darian narrowed his eyes, asking, ''And why should I trust you two that you won''t make things worse?''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, saying, ''Because at the moment, you have Kentucky in your hands. Besides, I don''t think you have much choice with Phex locked in battle outside.''


    Roan heard that plan but didn''t say anything. For him, it would be a good chance to test his power. If Red really was a Divine Demon Beast, then it was worth a shot.


    In the end, Darian gritted his teeth as he looked at Phex''s situation. Not only did they need to finish repairing the Spiritual Energy Field for themselves, but Phex would also eventually lose if he kept using that much energy. Only with it repaired would the city''s protection be up once again. ''Fine! I''ll let the demon beasts guarding the entrance know that you''re coming.''

 Chapter 771 - Lets See

    Rean and Roan looked at Kentucky, who nodded back at them. Kentucky couldn''t go even if he wanted to, so he could only believe in the twins. Darian did as he said and warned the demon beasts guarding the entrance of the Spiritual Energy Field''s core region. With that, they turned around and left the room.


    As mentioned before, the entire conversation was through Spiritual Sense, so they lost almost no time during it. Rean and Roan didn''t take too long to arrive at the core region''s entrance either. It''s just that all they could see was a white wall and nothing else.


    "Is it really here?" Rean asked a demon beast by the side.


    "Yes. If you''re allowed to enter, this wall won''t stop you. Otherwise, you''ll basically hit your face against it." the Stage Seven Demon Beast that Rean asked explained.


    Rean and Roan nodded in response and slowly walked in the wall''s direction when suddenly, Sister Orb''s voice echoed in their minds. [Oh! This is quite a high-leveled Dimensional Realm. Of course, compared to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, this is nothing. Still, for a planet like this, it''s really surprising.]


    ''You can tell?'' Rean said in response.


    [Yes. I can also tell that there really is some kind of restriction to it. However, I can''t tell what it is since I would need to analyze it, which would take a very long time due to the Realm''s level.] Sister Orb explained.


    Rean and Roan were satisfied that the Dimensional Realm at least existed. After all, they could only see a wall in front of them.


    Eventually, their bodies touched the wall in front when suddenly, the wall shone with a bright white light as their hands passed through it. Rean was right in the end. Their connection with Kentucky really made it possible for them to be recognized as Divine Demon Beasts. Or perhaps, there were some other requirements they fulfilled.


    Seeing that their hands passed through it, Rean and Roan didn''t waste time and jumped straight inside. Though, as soon as they appeared on the other side, they were taken aback. That''s because their bodies began to float even though they weren''t doing anything.


    Of course, they immediately understood what was happening. "There''s no gravity in this Dimensional Realm."


    The twins looked around and saw many red crystals floating in the zero-gravity space. All of them had small streams of energy being released from them, these streams heading in the same direction. At the same time, Rean and Roan saw that another kind of red energy was coming from above, entering those same crystals.


    "The energy from above is coming from Kentucky and Darian''s blood." Rean was certain about it since he could feel Kentucky''s aura in those streams of energy.


    Roan nodded since he felt the same thing, saying, "Indeed. It seems like the blood of the Divine Demon Beasts enters the red crystals. There, it is processed into the energy necessary to keep the Spiritual Energy Field working."


    That was the only possible explanation since Kentucky''s aura disappeared once it passed through one of the crystals. The fact those multiple crystals were red was probably because of the blood as well.


    Rean and Roan then looked in the direction that the processed energy was moving to and began to fly there. As they flew, more and more red crystals could be seen, some the size of small islands.


    *Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang...*


    Suddenly, the twins began to hear the sound of something being hit in the distance. They tried to spread their Spiritual Sense, which was empowered by their Soul Power. Unfortunately, Spiritual Sense was almost useless in this place. They couldn''t see more than a few meters around. ''At least our field of vision isn''t restricted,'' Rean thought for a moment.


    The sound became louder and louder until finally, Rean and Roan were able to see where all the processed energy was being moved to. There was another crystal at the very center. However, this one was completely round and translucent. Suddenly...


    *Vup!*


    *Bang!*


    A streak of red light came from the distance and smashed against it. The crystal then got slightly damaged, with a few chips falling from it. It didn''t last long, though. The energy feeding the crystal made it recover. In just a few seconds, the damage was completely gone, as if it had never been there.


    Nevertheless, Rean and Roan didn''t pay much attention to it. Instead, they looked in the direction of the one responsible for the damage. They were expecting to see Red there, and they really did. However, Red looked completely different this time. A horn appeared on his head while his body became several times bigger. Of course, he was only th size of a normal rabbit before. So now, he looked to be more or less around Rean and Roan''s size.


    Other than that, his white color was gone, replaced by fiery red fur. It was different from the Blood Rabbit they saw back in the Freedom Sect. Instead, it looked a lot more like Phex''s feathers. On his legs, several talons grew, which didn''t look anything like a rabbit would have. It was more like what a bird would have. Last but not least, they could see several red scales covering his body in between the fur.


    Seeing that, Rean couldn''t help but burst out into laughter as he said, "Hahaha! What the hell is that? It looks so terrible! Hey, Red. Since when did you get this ugly? Hahaha! Nothing about your body makes any sense. Hahaha!"


    Red was taken aback when he heard that voice. Immediately, he looked in the twins'' direction, just to see Rean laughing without stopping. "Yo-you! How come you''re here? Did the Dimensional Realm get broken through?"


    Although Roan didn''t see the fun in it, he had to admit that Red''s body was quite weird. Still, he ignored that before answering, "No, the Dimensional Realm is still intact. Now then. It''s your time to answer. How did you get inside this place? Only Divine Demon Beasts should be able to do so."


    Red was surprised to hear that, saying, "That''s my question. At the very least, I''m still a Demon Beast. However, you two are nothing more than humans. Wait! Could it be that you infused Divine Demon Beast Blood into your bodies?"


    Rean finally calmed himself after hearing that question, asking in response, "Is such a thing possible?"


    Well, Rean''s words already answered Red''s question. ''That doesn''t make sense. The Zasfins said that no one would bother me in here. How come two humans entered this place?'' Red thought as he was also puzzled by the current situation.


    However, Red put those thoughts behind as his expression turned dark, muttering, "In any case, I''ll give you a chance. You fed me a lot of carrots, so I''ll pretend to not have seen you here. Leave now, and you can still live."


    Roan snorted in response after hearing that. "Oh-ho...now that''s what I call some confidence. But first, why don''t you tell us why you''re doing it? As a demon beast, shouldn''t you be on the side of the Demon Beast Alliance?" Roan asked as he looked at the crystal. Obviously, the wasted Divine Demon Beast Bloodline was due to Red''s attack against the crystal. Every time it got damaged, it used Kentucky and Darian''s blood to repair itself.


    Red didn''t seem to be in the mood to answer, though. "I don''t have time for your questions as I have a job to do. I''ll count to three. If you don''t leave, then I''ll kill you before continuing my work. You have been warned."


    Red didn''t waste time as he started the count down.


    "One!"


    Unfortunately, Red didn''t have the time to say two.


    Rean and Roan''s hair immediately changed into a mix of black and white. At the same time, they pulled out their Black and White Stars as they charged at Red.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''


    ''Death Style, Second Movement Form, Shadow Air!''


    ''Death World!''


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    All the skills activated in a moment, turning Red''s world dark while the twins'' attacked him at full strength.


    Red was taken aback by that. He was a Stage Six Demon Beast, and the twins should know that he wasn''t just any demon beast, but a Divine Demon Beast. Nevertheless, they still attacked without a shred of hesitation!


    Red couldn''t see anything because of Roan''s Death World. To make things worse, Spiritual Sense was greatly limited in this Dimensional Realm, making his not spread out for more than three or so meters. With that said, he couldn''t even see where the twins were coming from until they got that close.


    ''Red Streak!''


    Red body shone with fiery red light as he disappeared from his current location. That was the correct decision. That''s because the place he was located a moment ago would have been his burial place. The Stellar Piercers from Rean and Roan passed through the air, hitting nothing in the end, though.


    Red reappeared several hundreds of meters from his starting point, just enough to be outside the range of Roan''s Death World. However, all he could see in front of himself was a dark area from where no light came out. Immediately, he understood the twins'' intention. ''Shit! They don''t want to defeat me. Instead, they just want to keep me away from the Spiritual Energy Field''s core!''


    Red was right. With this place having such a huge deterrence to Spiritual Sense, Roan decided to use his Death World to envelop the core. As long as Red didn''t attack it, the Spiritual Energy Field would eventually be fixed. ''Hmph! Let''s see if you can really protect it.''

 Chapter 772 - I Think I Have An Idea

    Red''s body began to spark with red lightning arcs. Those arcs then created a protective layer around him that would attack anything it touched. Soon after, Red looked in the direction the Spiritual Energy Field''s core was located before darting forward. ''So what if I can''t see you? You can''t stop my charge either. As long as the core''s there, I''ll hit it. Let me see exactly how you''ll prevent me from doing that.'' Red thought that with his Divine Demon Beast Bloodline and Stage Six cultivation, it would be more than enough to break through any defense.


    Rean and Roan noticed what Red was doing. However, contrary to Red''s expectations, they really did try to block his attack. They completely ignored any difference in cultivation.


    ''Death Style, Second Defensive Form, Cyclic Reversive Arc!''


    An improvement of the first form, which only created strands of Light and Dark elements to stop an attack. Just like the first form, the Dark Element destroyed the power behind the attack while the Light Element reinforced the Dark Element, preventing the Dark Element from disappearing. However, the second form was even better. Instead of static strands, they revolved around the twins. That way, the dark strand wouldn''t need to resist the attack in a single point. Not only that, due to the cyclical movement, several dark and light strands were able to gather together to stop the assault.


    *Bzzzzz!*


    Red''s body soon hit the strands, which immediately gathered in front of his horn, destroying the power of lightning surrounding him. Red''s attack couldn''t advance more than a few meters before being completely nullified.


    "What?!"


    Red felt a chill on his back when that happened. That''s because his body was completely exposed now that his protective lightning disappeared, and he didn''t even know why that happened. He quickly turned around and dashed out of the Dark World.


    Surprisingly, Rean and Roan didn''t try to attack him on his way out. Instead, they just watched as he left, much to Red''s surprise. Of course, Red quickly recovered as he looked at Roan''s Death World from a distance, asking, "What the hell are you? Why didn''t you attack me now?"


    The answer to that was quite simple. Rean and Roan couldn''t attack Red at all! Red wasn''t able to see it due to the Death World and the blockage of Spiritual Sense. However, the fact still stood that Red was still a Middle Stage Six Divine Demon Beast while the twins were only in the Middle Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm. If it was an average Demon Beast''s attack, it wouldn''t have been too hard. Unfortunately, Red''s attack was several times above what an average Middle Stage Six Demon Beast could unleash. The twins suffered quite the backlash to stop him.


    Of course, as soon as Red retreated from Roan''s Death World, Rean acted.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Visible to the naked eye, Rean and Roan''s injuries began to quickly disappear. It didn''t take more than a few seconds for the twins to be fully recovered. Well, there was also the fact that Red didn''t continue to attack, so Rean had the time to do it.


    With that, Rean took the opportunity to answer Red''s question, saying, "Who we are is not important. As for why we didn''t attack you, that''s because we think there''s something more behind your actions. A demon beast would never side with the Zasfins of its own volition. At the very least, that''s what we believe."


    Red couldn''t help but laugh after hearing that, responding, "Hahaha! A demon beast would never side with the Zasfins? Why do you think so? Unfortunately for you two, there''s one demon beast here who did it of his own volition."


    Rean and Roan were taken aback after hearing that. A Divine Demon Beast helped the Zasfins because it wanted to? "That doesn''t make sense. It''s impossible that you don''t know the Zasfins tried to take control over the entire world in the past. That means getting rid of the demon beasts as well. Or, at the very least, putting them under their control."


    Red nodded, saying, "Exactly! Too bad they failed. However, there''s no need to worry. This time, they''ll succeed."


    Red then stopped talking as his body burst with Spiritual Energy and Lightning Element. Suddenly, two wings made out of red lightning appeared on his back as his horn turned golden. However, while the lightning around Red''s body and wings was red, it had a different color when it reached the end of his horn. It was possible to see the red color change to gold by the time it arrived there.


    It was at that moment that Sister Orb''s voice echoed in the twins'' minds. [Ah! So that''s his race! I have to admit, this planet does really have a thing for Divine Demon Beasts.] Through Sister Orb''s surprising words, the twins confirmed that Red really was a Divine Demon Beast.


    Until now, Rean and Roan were considering the possibility that Red had used some other method to enter the Spiritual Energy Field''s Dimensional Realm where the core was located. However, Sister Orb had confirmed that he really was a Divine Demon Beast. ''So, Sister Orb, what kind of demon beast is he?''


    [First of all, calling him a rabbit is wrong. He leans more towards the hares. I should have noticed it when his size changed. His legs are a lot longer, after all.] Sister Orb explained. [Anyway, he''s from the Golden Drohare race. It''s just that he''s way too young, so his body hadn''t turned fully golden yet. However, the dragon-like scales, golden horn, and golden lightning are unmistakable. The only rabbit or hare related to those traits would be the Golden Drohare Race. It''s a bona fide Divine Demon Beast. Be careful. This race''s control over the Lightning Element is formidable. They can rival even Kirins when it comes to it. Now that his lightning had turned golden, he will show even more power.]


    Rean and Roan bitterly smiled after hearing that. It was already hard to hold off Red while he was wielding red lightning. Just how would they hold him now that his power increased even more? However, a thought popped into Rean''s mind as he said, ''Oh! I think I have an idea.''

 Chapter 773 - Ill Tell You Why

    Red finished charging his attack before he shot forward with greater speed! Not only that, but his attack power more than doubled now that he was using golden lightning. Without a doubt, the twins definitely couldn''t stop such an attack with their current difference in cultivation.


    Red charged into the Death World. The lightning around his body and wings was so intense that even Roan''s Death World was illuminated where Red passed by. In a flash, Red had already reached the point where the Spiritual Energy Field''s Core was located. However...


    "What?!"


    Suddenly, Red''s advance stopped. It wasn''t because someone tried to stop him. No, the one who did his best to halt his advancement was Red himself. That''s because the Spiritual Energy Field''s core was covered. In the end, Red''s expression turned ugly as he cursed, "You''re despicable!"


    Rean''s voice echoed from the Death World. "Hahaha! Despicable or not, the fact still stands that you stopped, right?" Rean was feeling very pleased with himself. "If you want to destroy the core, you''ll have to destroy these little guys as well. Now then. Can you do that?"


    Red felt like crying after hearing that. That''s because Rean covered the core with...carrots! Not only that, but he also used his Spiritual Energy to make a barrier around them. If Red tried to take them away, the barrier would explode, destroying the carrots as well. "Hm-hmph! Do you think I won''t attack just because you put some carrots there? I was just surprised by the view. That''s why I stopped my assault. There''s no way I would give up my mission just because there are a few carrots between me and my objective. I can simply head back to your Freedom Sect and take the ones there."


    "Is that so?" Rean asked in response with a smile on his face. "Then, so be it. By all means, go ahead and attack. Hahaha!" Rean was absolutely sure that Red wouldn''t attack. He and Red talked a lot during the Formations classes. He used the carrots to control Red many, many times, and it always worked. Red simply couldn''t resist the appeal of a beautiful carrot.


    Of course, this was all but a big gamble. Rean and Roan knew that they couldn''t stop Red''s attack with their actual strength. It was to the point that Roan had to agree with Rean''s idea, even if it sounded ridiculous. Others couldn''t see it because of the Death World, but Roan looked really surprised that such bullshit worked. ''It''s like Kentucky when it comes to Heaven-level ores. He simply can''t resist it. Could it be that every Demon Beast has a weakness like that?''


    Roan then looked at Red''s contorting expression and thought about Kentucky before coming to a conclusion. ''Nope. They''re just idiots.''


    Red''s lightning then began to spread around his body again...and that was pretty much it. As much as he steeled his resolve, Red simply couldn''t make his way forward. He couldn''t destroy the carrots even if he could get more of them later. He loved them way too much. "Fuck it! I just need to kill you two and then retrieve the carrots. It''s that simple!"


    Red''s direction suddenly changed as he charged into the Death World. One must remember that although Spiritual Sense was restricted, it wasn''t completely useless. Red could also see a few meters around him. Not to mention that his golden lightning was bright enough to illuminate his surroundings while inside Death World. That''s how he noticed the carrots in time.


    In any case, the Death World was enormous. Rean and Roan''s Spiritual Senses couldn''t see much, just like Red. However, their vision was definitely not an issue. Unlike Red, the twins could see everything inside the Death World.


    ''Death Style, Second Movement Form, Shadow Air!''


    Inside the Death World, Shadow Air was the ultimate movement technique. It might not be faster than Red''s actual speed, but it was definitely good enough to avoid any of Red''s charges. Not to mention that Rean and Roan could counterattack every time Red passed by.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    ''Life Fire, Flame Emperor Slash!''


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    ''Death Style...''


    Red charged everywhere inside the Death World. However, he couldn''t pinpoint the twins'' location. He tried to attack the places where the attacks came from with melee and ranged Golden Lightning skills. Unfortunately for him, the twins were always faster. And just like that, Red''s body began to accrue more and more injuries. Red had a very good defense due to his scales. Though it was not as good as Kentucky''s, it was not too far behind. However, we''re talking about Rean and Roan using Rean''s Black and White Stars. If they could even injure Kentucky, then let alone Red.


    *Arrrgh!*


    Suddenly, Red charged out of Roan''s Death World as his blood dripped nonstop. One must not forget that Roan''s Dark Element could also destroy life force. It made the injuries even worse, forcing Red to retreat to drive that destructive power out of his body. Eventually, he sighed in relief as he used his Spiritual Energy to stop the bleeding.


    "Are you really not going to let me destroy the Spiritual Energy Field?" Red asked from a distance.


    Surprisingly, Roan''s answer wasn''t a straightforward denial, saying in response, "That depends. You still haven''t told us why you want to destroy it. As a demon beast, you should want to help others. We don''t understand why you''re siding with the Zasfins since they tried to take control over the demon beasts. Are you a masochist who likes to be bullied?"


    Red showed a puzzled expression as he thought, ''What''s a masochist?'' However, he quickly shook his head and put these thoughts behind as he replied, "What difference does it make?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders...it''s just that Red couldn''t see. "Well, depending on your answer, we wouldn''t mind helping you. The entire situation is still kind of a blur for us. There must be a reason behind your actions, right?"


    Red took a deep breath after hearing Roan''s words. Attacking would be useless since Spiritual Sense is being restricted. He needed to figure out another way to do so. "Fine, I''ll tell you why I''m siding with the Zasfins."

 Chapter 774 - You Better Keep Your Promise!

    "What did the Divine Demon Beasts say about the Bestial Sacred Ground to you?" Red asked.


    "The Sacred Ground?" Roan pondered over it for a bit before answering, "From what I know, it''s one of the reasons why the Zasfins couldn''t take control over the demon beasts. It provides all of them with extra strength, especially Divine Demon Beasts."


    Red nodded, saying, "Exactly. Now then. Do you know how it works?"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other and shook their heads. Of course, Red didn''t see it due to the Death World, so they had to answer. "Isn''t it because of the Spiritual Energy Fields around the Demon Beast Continent? We''re fixing this one so that the Sacred Ground can work properly."


    Red agreed with Roan. "That''s not wrong. However, that isn''t the entire truth. There''s another darker side behind this." Red then paused for a moment before continuing, "The Bestial Blood Pond."


    *Pin!*


    -Side Quest Opened: The World Beast Formation.-


    -Description: Every year, the blood of the demon beasts who die on the planet is slowly dragged into the pond. The process might take a few days for demon beasts who die close or years for those who die far away. Nevertheless, their blood will eventually reach the Bestial Blood Pond. There, their blood is purified and used in a World-class formation that fortifies the demon beasts of the planet. The stronger the demon beast''s bloodline, the greater the strength they gain from the formation. However, the formation has never really been fully activated, only partially. The fully activated formation is capable of much more than just fortifying the demon beasts.-


    -Objective: Fully Activate the World Beast Formation.-


    -Reward: 30000 Destiny Points-


    Rean and Roan were taken aback by that. It had been quite some time since they last obtained a mission from the Soul Gem System, which was the mission related to Celis. Of course, Sister Orb and the twins were the only ones who heard that. Red had no idea, so he simply continued to talk.


    "By coincidence, I''ve seen that pond once. Not to mention that Phex and the other Stage Nine Demon Beasts were there as well. I don''t know what they were doing there, but that didn''t matter. You guys have no idea. That pond is ridiculously enormous. Can you imagine just how many demon beasts would need to die to fill that up? Saying that millions died wouldn''t be near enough," Red explained. "Doesn''t matter how I see it. That was just too much! I would rather have the Zasfins being in command rather than letting our demon beasts become like that."


    Rean looked at Red, who seemed extremely angry as he talked about that past. Soon, he said, "Ahem...I believe...you''ve committed a mistake."


    Red snorted in response, though. "Hmph! Mistake? Hahaha! Are you saying that I saw things wrongly? Well then. How would you know that?"


    "Of course, that''s because the Soul Gem System Quest has just explained what''s really happening there. It wasn''t Phex and the others who filled those ponds with sacrifices. It was the World-class formation instead..." As if Rean could really say such a thing. Those thoughts only passed through his mind. ''Well, even if I said such a thing, I doubt he would believe it anyway.''


    Rean then put those thoughts behind before saying, "All I can tell you is that the blood concentrated in the pond has nothing to do with the Stage Nine Demon Beasts. Well, at the very least, I can tell you that they weren''t the ones who filled it up. Instead, it happens automatically."


    "Automatically?" Red was taken aback as well. "Are you crazy? How can it happen on its own? You didn''t feel the aura of the blood coming from the pond. The demon beast blood used to fill that were definitely demon beasts from all over the world. How can it get blood from everywhere?"


    Rean and Roan were now in a dilemma. They could say that there was a World-class formation acting on the entire planet. However, the problem was how they would explain how they knew about it. After all, maybe even the Divine Demon Beasts were unaware of it. At the very least, Phex and Darian didn''t say that there was a formation there.


    Seeing Rean and Roan''s silence only increased Red''s suspicion, though. "Hehe! So you can''t even think about a full excuse. I guess you really are on the Divine Demon Beasts'' side. However, I won''t allow more demon beasts to be used on that thing. I don''t know what the blood was used for, but it can''t be for a good cause. That thing was evil!"


    Red then looked in the direction where the Spiritual Energy Field''s core was located. As long as he destroyed it, the Bestial Blood Pound will lose its meaning...or so the Zasfins told him. It''s not like he believed them completely, but he couldn''t deny what he saw with his own eyes in the past either.


    "I''m sorry, my beloved carrots. I''ll definitely plant a lot of you once this is over. I''ll make a big farm of you and give you the ultimate ending inside my belly." As soon as Red finished saying those words, the golden lighting at the tip of his horn appeared again. He had to act now, or the repair process of the Spiritual Energy Field would be finished. If that happened, he wouldn''t be able to break the core anymore.


    Rean and Roan''s minds worked nonstop. However, they couldn''t think about a way to stop Red at all. In the end, they only had one choice, defeat Red!


    Suddenly, Roan''s Death World disappeared as the twins'' figures could be seen again.


    Red, of course, didn''t expect that. "What are you planning?"


    Rean sighed in response, saying, "Red! Let''s make a deal! If we win, you will give up trying to destroy the core. We might tell you why your conjecture is wrong in the future. In exchange, Roan will not use Death World anymore. Of course, by Death World, I mean that field where you couldn''t see where we were located."


    "And why should I do that? I can simply destroy the core right now." Said Red.


    Rean smiled after hearing that, saying, "If you win, I''ll retrieve the carrots. You''ll be able to destroy the core and keep the carrots at the same time. Of course, you need to make a decision quickly since the core is getting close to being completely repaired."


    Red narrowed his eyes as he looked at the carrots. In the end, he nodded, saying in response, "You better keep your promise!"

 Chapter 775 - Golden Streak!

    *Bzzzz!*


    Lightning spread around Red''s body once again, turning golden at the tip of his horn. Right after, his lightning wings increased in size even more. Rean and Roan were ready to counterattack, expecting Red to charge at them. However...


    ''Golden Ray!''


    *Kabrum!*


    A ranged lightning attack came out of Red''s horn, aiming directly at Roan. Red knew that Roan was the most dangerous of the twins, so he aimed at him first, trying to take him by surprise. After all, this was the first time he used this attack. The reason was simple, it was powerful and fast but used a lot of Spiritual Energy.


    Well, we''re talking about Roan here, though. In his mind, everything was always possible in battle, even if it had never happened before. His body acted almost instinctively as he dodged the ray of golden lightning...or so he tried.


    *Pkkkhht!*


    "Shit!" Roan did react in time. That''s true. However, Red''s Golden Ray was way too fast! It far surpassed something a Stage Six Demon Beast could unleash. Because of that, he was still hit by the attack, leaving a gruesome hole on his body.


    This was the first time Red saw his attack cause some damage. Well, it had caused damage before, but he didn''t know because of Death World. He thought this was the first successful one. Nevertheless, Red had a very dark expression. ''How did he react to it so quickly? If he had been just a split-second late, he would have lost his head already. Since when were Nascent Soul Realm cultivators this good?'' Of course, Red only thought about that for a moment before he charged at Roan. He had to use that chance to eliminate him.


    However, it was at this moment that a ball of white light appeared right in front of him.


    ''Life Style, Flash!''


    Immediately, the ball exploded, radiating an extremely intense and bright light. Now that Rean was in the Nascent Soul Realm, the brightness of Flash was several times higher as well.


    *Arrgh!*


    Red couldn''t help but close his eyes for a moment, afraid of going blind because of it. At the same time, he changed directions and charged out. After all, he would be an idiot to not expect a retaliation there.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    Sure enough, he was right. Except for Roan himself, five shadows appeared around Red''s position, attacking him from all sides. One Rean and four clones!


    ''Death Style, Fifth Form, Mirage Assault!''


    *Kabrum!*


    *Swish, swish, swish, swish...*


    Sadly, they only hit thin air. In the end, Red was just too fast...or so it should have been. Once Red appeared again, there were several slashing marks left in his body. "Where the hell did those guys come from?"


    Rean pointed his sword at Red with a smile, saying, "You talking about our copies? They''re basically the same as us, just a little weaker. I didn''t expect you to be able to flee that easily, though. Only a few shallow cuts were left behind. Man, that''s some real speed right there."


    The real Roan then reappeared once more close to Rean. "What bullshit attack was that? Any idiot would have guessed that I''m your target. That Golden Ray of yours was really surprising, but your follow-up was so stupid that I''m feeling like throwing up already," Roan said that as the injury on his body closed up.


    Red was shocked by that scene. He had to admit that his attack was predictable. However, he truly thought he was fast enough to make up for it. Of course, what really shocked him wasn''t the fact that they prepared a trap for him but Roan''s injuries instead. "This...how can your injury heal this fast?" By the time Red finished saying those words, Roan''s severe injury was already gone.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Rean smiled once again, saying, "This is just a little trick that Light Element Affinity users can use." Following that, Rean pointed at the Spiritual Energy Field''s core as he continued, "By the way, is it okay for you to be talking this much? The core will be fixed very soon. Of course, I would love to keep talking if you don''t mind."


    Red gritted his teeth as his golden lightning soon appeared once more. Soon after, the golden lightning at the tip of his horn separated from him, creating two spheres of golden lightning on Red''s sides. Eventually, they transformed into two copies of Red, just that they were made of Lightning. "Do you think you''re the only ones who can play with copies?"


    Roan narrowed his eyes before telling Rean, ''You and I will hold off Red''s real body. Let''s use two copies for each of his clones.''


    Rean nodded with a serious expression as he saw Red charging at them once again. Sure enough, all three Reds came together. Roan''s clones used his skills, while Rean''s ones used his.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    ''Life Fire, White Stellar Explosion!''


    Of course, Red also used his own.


    ''Golden Streak!''


    Rean and Roan joined hands once again, using their Black and White Stars to meet attack against attack. They aimed at the tip of Red''s horn, where the golden lightning was concentrated. As for trying to dodge, they gave up on that idea since Red was still much faster than them. Without Death World, Roan''s Shadow Air wasn''t as efficient.


    "Together!"


    *Boom!*


    Red and the twins'' attacks soon collided with each other as an explosion of Spiritual Energy came out of their meeting point. The shockwave forced both sides back as a result. However, while Red seemed to be fine, the twins vomited a bit of blood. ''This golden lightning is too strong!''


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Once again, Red saw the twins'' injuries closing up extremely fast. "Don''t think I''ll stay here just watching!" He knew that he had to overwhelm the twins, or this would never end.


    ''Golden Streak! Golden Ray! Drohare Roar! Chain Golden Lightning!''


    Red attacked nonstop while his clones kept Rean and Roan''s clones occupied. Just like that, the injuries on the twins'' bodies began to accumulate as Rean''s Instant Recovery couldn''t keep up. The situation was far from good...for both sides! Red was quickly running out of energy as well. In the end, using golden lightning and his copies just consumed way too much Spiritual Energy!

 Chapter 776 - Almost Killed From Anger

    As one could imagine, the reason Rean and Roan''s energy could match Red''s was due to their much bigger Spiritual Energy Pools. Of course, there was also the part where they were fighting together while Red was all alone. In a certain way, they were in a quite fair matchup since Red had the advantage in terms of cultivation.


    *Gasp, gasp, gasp...*


    Red and the twins raggedly breathed as they looked at each other. They were quickly reaching their limits in fighting. Nevertheless, Red ignored that problem and quickly attacked again.


    ''Golden Heaven!''


    Golden clouds gathered above Rean and Roan as golden lightning fell all over them and their copies. Of course, they wouldn''t just stay there and wait to be hit.


    ''Death Style, Second Defensive Form, Cyclic Reversive Arcs!''


    Strands of Dark and Light Elements once again appeared at the tip of the twins and the clones'' swords, creating the same barrier that stopped the attack by destroying their power.


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom...*


    ''Golden Streak!''


    While that was happening, Red''s body shot in their direction, attacking the twins while they defended the lightning coming from above. Well, Roan would never let his guard down just because of that.


    ''Death Style, First Energy Form, Shadow Bind!''


    Dark vines materialized around him and Rean. However, it didn''t try to stop Red. Instead, they attached to Rean and Roan''s bodies, pulling them away from the area where Red was going to attack.


    Red was becoming furious already, cursing out loud, "Fuck! Can you stop running away?!"


    Rean laughed in response while gasping for air. "Hahaha! You are... *gasp*... too strong. There''s no way we can block you head-on!"


    Roan agreed with Rean on that. "This is legitimate guerrilla warfare. Let''s see who can last longer!"


    Red knew that this was their plan. In any case, he couldn''t give up so easily. "You asked for it!"


    Until now, only the tip of Red''s horn had golden lightning. However, as soon as he said those words, that golden lightning spread through the horn as a whole. However, that increased the burden on Red''s body several times. It''s just that Red ignored that. Soon after, he looked at Roan but quickly gave up. He understood that when it came to battle, Roan was just too hard to put down. Instead, his eyes fell on Rean.


    ''Golden Sacrifice!''


    *Kabrum!*


    Rean couldn''t even see what happened. One moment, Red was still far away. On the next, Red''s horn pierced right through his body, cutting it in two! Red displayed a speed that was definitely at the Stage Seven level, which he hadn''t done until now.


    "What?!" Rean was taken aback by that. He simply didn''t see it at all!


    When Red stopped, he looked behind as Rean''s body...broke down into specks of white and black light. It was a clone!


    The real Rean was fighting one of Red''s clones. Roan asked him to change targets with his clone at some point in the battle without Red noticing. He thought that since Red failed to take him by surprise back then, he would try it with Rean next time. Sure enough, Roan was right. Rean could only stare at his clone''s body disappearing as he felt a chill on his back. That clone could very well have been him.


    *Cough, cough, cough!* Red destroyed one of Rean''s clones, but he wasn''t the least bit happy. The moment his body stopped again, he began to vomit several mouthfuls of blood! He had really overexerted himself. "When...when did you change?"


    Roan snorted, responding, "Your attack pattern is too obvious. In this place where Spiritual Sense is greatly restricted, it wasn''t hard to find a gap to exchange Rean for his clone without you noticing. Look around. There''s no lack of floating red crystal islands to use as cover."


    Red gritted his teeth as he looked at the Spiritual Energy Field''s core. As always, it was fully surrounded by carrots. "In the end, that''s my only choice, huh?"


    Rean and Roan were taken aback by Red''s words. However, it was too late. Red once again used his golden lightning to cover his entire horn as he shot in the direction of the Spiritual Energy Field''s core. No matter what, he had to put an end to this.


    *Kabrum!*


    Rean and Roan were not Red''s match in terms of raw power and speed. Naturally, they had no chance to stop Red''s charge. However, just as Red was about to strike the core and destroy the carrots on the way, Rean used his Spiritual Energy to take the carrots out of Red''s path.


    "What?!" Red was shocked by that. Why would Rean suddenly do that? However, he decided to ignore it for now and finish the core first. He could only put his all one more time. After that, he would be too weak to even move.


    *Boom!*


    Red''s horn struck the core head-on, once again making it crack all over. This time, the crack was much bigger, making the core almost collapse instantly. "Hahaha! I did it! I want to see how you will fix it now."


    *Cough, cough, cough...*


    However, Red began to cough even more blood again. His lightning wings disappeared as the golden lightning of his horn went out. The scales of his body then retracted together with the horn. Not too long after, Red''s red color also disappeared together with his size, leaving behind nothing more than the snow-white rabbit that Rean and Roan knew about. Red was simply in no condition to fight anymore.


    Following that, Red bitterly smiled at Rean and Roan, saying, "Hehehe! It seems like I paid the price for it. Go ahead, kill me. At the very least, I completed my job."


    Rean sighed as he saw Red''s clones disappear as well. Following that, he approached Red and patted his head, saying, "There''s no need. You were just deceived, that''s all."


    Red was taken aback and didn''t know what to say. He didn''t expect that Rean would insist that he was wrong even now. "Even if I was wrong, it''s too late now."


    Roan looked at Rean and snorted in response, saying, "Hmph! Too late? That couldn''t be further from the truth."


    What followed after Roan''s words almost killed Red from anger...

 Chapter 777 - Outcome

    Roan looked at Red as he held something above his hand with his Spiritual Energy. "This amount should be enough to save it." He then glanced at Rean after that, saying, "Still, this was very risky."


    Rean smiled and laughed as he looked at Roan''s hand. "Hahaha! If Red decided to go all out, we couldn''t do anything to stop him anyway. In the end, we could only guarantee that he couldn''t attack anymore after the last strike. Now that he has run out of energy, we can simply use it to fix the core."


    Red, who was too weak to move, was fuming in anger. "You''re despicable! Were you planning this from the very start?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he responded, "Hey! You also gave up your battle against us and attacked the core in the end. If we''re despicable, then you''re even more so."


    Red went silent after hearing that. Indeed, he did ignore the twins in the end.


    Roan then headed to one of the floating red crystal islands and dropped the contents above his hand on it. As for what it was? That was obviously all the blood Red spilled during the entire battle! Rean came up with this idea when he found out that Red was a bona fide Divine Demon Beast. Since Divine Demon Beast blood was necessary to repair the Spiritual Energy Field''s core, then why not use Red''s blood instead?


    Red was in a far worse state than Kentucky and Darian outside, so one could only imagine just how much blood he lost in this battle. The blood was then absorbed by the floating red crystals as a huge stream of energy rushed out of it. Obviously, that stream of energy entered the Spiritual Energy Field''s core.


    Before Red''s eyes, his blood helped repair the core''s damage at breakneck speeds. Since Kentucky and Darian were still helping outside, the repair process had gone even faster. Of course, the huge amount of blood given ''voluntarily'' by Red was the greatest factor. There was just too much of it!


    Red watched as the core returned to normal and surpassed the state he first encountered it as.


    *Boom!*


    At some point, the sound of a ''click'' came out of the core before a huge burst of Spiritual Energy came out of it. Rean''s group was then sent flying by the shockwave. It was so strong that they might have died if they didn''t protect themselves in time. Rean, who was besides Red, also held him and protected the Golden Drohare from the blast.


    When the twins looked at the core once again, they noticed a huge Spiritual Energy barrier enveloping it. Let alone the twins, even Red''s strongest attack at his peak wouldn''t leave a dent on it. "So that''s the protection Senior Darian talked about. Indeed, even a Stage Nine Demon Beast or a cultivator of that realm would have a hard time doing anything against it," Rean said, slightly surprised.


    Red couldn''t help but sigh, muttering, "In the end, I failed..." Right after, Red passed out. He was enduring until now just to see the outcome of his action. Once he confirmed that it didn''t work, his body finally gave in, and his consciousness drifted away.


    Back outside, Phex''s battle had finally reached a point where he could barely hold the Zasfins. Kentucky and Darian didn''t look any better as they lost way too much blood. However, just as things were about to turn for the worse, the Spiritual Energy Field began to work once again. The Underwater City''s protection quickly took form as the demon beasts'' strength increased. Sure enough, Phex had obtained the support of the Bestial Sacred Ground once again.


    "Hahaha! They did it!" Phex, Darian, and Kentucky couldn''t help but laugh out loud after sensing this. Soon after, Phex gave up his battle against the Zasfins and entered the city''s protection. Even if his power increased due to the Bestial Sacred Ground, he had spent way too much energy. He needed time to recover.


    Phex then looked at Pankun, Suria, Kumo, and the others outside. As one could imagine, they had terrible expressions at the moment. "If I were you, I would leave now. It shouldn''t take long for the other Divine Demon Beasts to arrive either."


    Pankun gritted his teeth as he cursed inwardly, ''That fucking hare failed! How the hell did he fuck up while no one was there to bother him?'' Of course, he kept those thoughts for himself. After that, he looked at the others and said, "Let''s go." He knew Phex was right since he saw the moment Darian used the Thoughts Transmission Talisman. Besides, with the Spiritual Energy Field back up and running, he had no chance of breaking through its barrier. Phex''s group was as safe as they could be.


    Pankun then turned around with his companions and disappeared. As to where they went, Phex had no idea.


    *Thud!*


    As soon as Pankun''s group left, Kentucky, Darian, and Phex fell on the ground. Be it Phex who fought outside or Darian and Kentucky''s severe blood loss, they were in no condition to do anything for now.


    Phex then looked at Darian, the Black Tortoise. "How are you, Darian? Kentucky''s young, so he''ll recover his blood in no time. But you''re different. You''re the oldest between all of us and a Stage Nine Demon Beast at that. Things won''t be easy for you."


    Darian nodded in response, saying, "Indeed. The way I am at the moment, I''m only able to fight at the Initial Stage Nine level at most. Perhaps at the peak of Stage Eight. I don''t think I''ll be of much help against Fikin and the others in the near future."


    Suddenly, a voice came from the hall''s entrance, asking them, "How long will you take to recover, Senior Darian?"


    Darian and the others looked in the voice''s direction, just to see Rean and Roan entering. Their clothes were as ragged and bloodied as it could possibly be. Their complexions were as white as ghosts. In any case, they didn''t seem to be in any danger.


    Instead of answering Rean''s question, Darian could only sigh, saying, "Sorry for doubting you. And thanks for protecting the Spiritual Energy Field''s core."

 Chapter 778 - Another Question

    After Darian was finished talking, Phex then asked the next obvious question. "So, what happened inside the dimensional realm of the Spiritual Energy Field''s core?"


    Rean nodded in response and began to explain the events that passed inside that place. Sure enough, Darian and Phex were surprised that there really was another Divine Demon Beast in the world that they didn''t know about. They were even more surprised after hearing how they prevented the core from being destroyed.


    "That''s quite the story," Phex could not help but say as he looked at the twins. "I wouldn''t have thought about using the blood spilled during the battle to fix it. Well, I would probably kill him right after the battle was over, though. Anyway, where''s the Golden Drohare?"


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "Roan and I will take care of him. There''s no need for senior Phex to worry."


    Phex and Darian were taken aback. "What?! There''s no way we would let him go after almost destroying our Spiritual Energy Field. Do you have any idea how bad things would have turned out if he had succeeded? I want nothing more than to skin him alive right now."


    Roan nodded, responding, "That''s exactly why we won''t give him to you. We don''t want him dead. Instead, we''ll change his allegiance so that he won''t try something like that again."


    Darian and Phex then walked in front of Rean with dark faces. "We still won''t allow you to bring him away." They even exerted some pressure, making sure that the twins understood their words.


    However, it didn''t have the scary effect that they expected. Instead, Rean put his arm around Darian and Phex''s should in response. "Oh-ho...so, you''re saying that you won''t accept this little request of ours, huh? How could the Divine Demon Beasts be so ungrateful? They were about to lose the Spiritual Energy Field, have the Zasfins attack, and the war turned against them. However, the great me and Roan prevented such a calamity from happening. Now, instead of thanking us, we are being threatened. Such a disappointment, such a disappointment..."


    Phex and Darian''s mouths twitched in response to Rean''s words as their expressions turned even uglier.


    Kentucky then came to the twins'' side as he said in response, "How can you say that, Rean? Senior Darian and Phex are obviously very grateful that you two saved the Demon Beast Alliance! I''m sure they''ll accept this request of yours." Kentucky then looked at Darian and Phex before saying, "Am I right, seniors? Such great figures like you two couldn''t possibly treat my friends'' achievement that lightly."


    If it was only Rean and Roan, Phex would probably give them a beating before taking Red from there. He wouldn''t kill or cripple them, but he sure wouldn''t leave it as it is. However, he truly didn''t want to get on the bad side of the Minokawa. Not to mention that Rean and Kentucky''s words really hurt his pride.


    Darian was also displeased by that. Nevertheless, he couldn''t find an excuse to ignore Rean and Roan''s achievement. It''s just that he didn''t want to simply swallow it either. As he thought like that, an idea popped into his mind. "Alright! Phex and I will leave you with the Golden Drohare. However, you won''t get any Merit Points. After you saved our Spiritual Energy Field, I could have given you not only a few hundred but a few thousand of them. Sadly, you two thought that the Golden Drohare is more important for you." Of course, he told Phex what he was trying to do through a Spiritual Sense Message, so Phex didn''t say anything.


    At the same time, Darian laughed in his mind. ''Hahaha! Let me see your reactions! Can you ignore several thousand Merit Points? I''m sure you''re thinking about just how many things you can exchange for this amount. Go on, give me the Golden Drohare back.''


    Unfortunately for him, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky''s expressions didn''t even flinch as Rean replied indifferently, "So, we get no Merit Points? Oh well, so be it. Now then, this topic is over. The Golden Drohare will stay under our care from now on."


    Darian almost vomited blood after hearing their response! ''The hell? Do you even know what you could use all these Merit Points for? There''s no lack of natural treasures in the reward list at all! How can you give it up so easily?!''


    Phex had exactly the same thought in his mind. ''It doesn''t make sense. Are they perhaps thinking of putting a slave collar on the Golden Drohare?''


    Little did they know that the majority of things available there weren''t of much help for the twins. Weapons? Rean could make them, and even better ones at that. Herbs and pills? Roan could make those as well. Another airship? They had no need for that. First of all, the airship was a thing they got for the Freedom Sect, not for themselves. There were, of course, many other treasures that Rean or Roan could make use of. However, they considered Red more important at the moment.


    "Ahem...are you sure you prefer to keep the Golden Drohare? You might take many years to accumulate the same number of Merit Points again," Phex asked once more, wanting to make sure.


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky nodded almost instantly. "Yes, we''ll keep Red with us. Seniors don''t need to worry. We''ll make sure he won''t try such a thing again. After all, he was simply deceived."


    Phex and Darian truly didn''t want it. Red would be a very good contribution even if they used him only for his Divine Demon Beast blood. However, their pride simply didn''t allow them to go back on their words either. They would probably die before doing that. "Fine! But if I find out that this Golden Drohare causes more problems to the Demon Beast Alliance, you''ll be responsible for that."


    Rean''s group nodded as Rean responded, "Yes, Senior Phex, Senior Darian."


    With that out of the way, Kentucky took the chance to ask something else. "By the way, Senior Phex, didn''t you say Gulan was helping with the same kind of job? Isn''t it possible that the other Spiritual Energy Fields are in danger as well?"


    Phex was taken aback for a moment as he also noticed something weird. "Now that you say that, the other Divine Demon Beasts should have arrived already after this long."


    As soon as Phex said that, a Spiritual Sense passed over everyone in the palace. It immediately made Phex, Darian, and the twins look in the same direction. "Here they come."


    Phex and Darian looked at the twins right after. "Oh, right! You two. How were you able to tell that the Stage Nine Demon Beasts were coming?" Sure enough, that was another question they were very interested in.

 Chapter 779 - As I Thought

    Author''s note: Golden Ticket will be implemented on the next 18th of this month. To welcome it, I''ll be changing the current 13 chapters per week release rate to 21 chapters. Starting today, I will be posting 3 chapters a day. Depending on how I fare in the new Golden Ticket system, I will keep the 21 chapters per week rate or probably increase it even more. If you don''t know what it''s about, check the author''s thoughts at the end of the chapter. You can also find it on the events page.


    ---


    As mentioned before, you shouldn''t be able to feel the Spiritual Sense of someone with cultivation much higher than yours. Of course, there were treasures and other methods that were capable of achieving such a thing. However, Phex and Darian could tell that Rean and Roan didn''t have anything like that in their bodies.


    Rean shrugged his shoulders before explaining, "This is an advantage only someone born with Light Element Affinity would have. Spiritual Sense has Life Force, so when it touches me, I can feel it. The stronger it is, the more clear it becomes. Senior Phex and those other Stage Nine Demon Beasts'' Spiritual Sense look like enormous suns in front of my eyes." Sure enough, Rean didn''t really explain how it worked. However, it wasn''t completely a lie either since it was an advantage of his Light Element.


    "Light Element Affinity...you did say something like that before," Phex said as he slowly nodded. "I''ve never seen anyone with Light Element Affinity other than you, so I can''t tell if it''s true or not. In any case, it''s still a fact that you can feel our Spiritual Senses, so I''ll leave it at that."


    Suddenly, five demon beasts in human form entered Darian''s room. Rean and Roan recognized one of them. It was none other than Xaon, the Basilisk. As for the others, they had no idea who they were. The only thing they knew was that they weren''t Divine Demon Beasts, or so Kentucky told them through Spiritual Sense. ''Normal Stage Nine Demon Beasts. Well, considering the number of normal demon beasts available, it makes sense,'' Rean thought for a moment.


    However, they quickly noticed that Xaon and the other demon beasts seemed to be in a haggard state, as if they had gone through quite a difficult battle. Phex and Darian, of course, noticed it as well. "What happened?"


    Xaon sighed as he explained, "We received your message from the Thoughts Transmission Talisman. However, Fikin and a few other Zasfins were waiting for us along the way, so we had to fight. It was only when the power from the Bestial Sacred Ground was restored that we obtained a slight advantage. Well, Fikin and the others immediately retreated after that."


    Phex didn''t find it surprising. "No wonder you took this long to arrive. With your cultivation levels, you were supposed to be here way earlier. It seems like the Zasfins had put in a lot of effort into destroying the Spiritual Energy Fields."


    As Phex said, Darian asked something else. "Did Frin stay behind with Gulan?" Frin was the Silver Fenrir, one of the four Stage Nine Divine Demon Beasts in the world.


    "Yes." Xaon nodded as he replied, "He controlled the Spiritual Energy Field formation and used Gulan''s blood to restore it. The Spiritual Energy Field there is a lot safer than Darian''s palace, so I don''t think anyone will try to attack him. Even more so since Fikin himself came out to stop us."


    Xaon then looked at Rean, Roan, and Kentucky before turning to look at Phex and Darian. Everyone seemed to be in pretty bad shape. "So, what happened here? Is everything okay?"


    Darian used a Spiritual Sense Message to explain everything that happened in their absence.


    Xaon was obviously surprised by that. "What?! A Golden Drohare? So, now we have seven Divine Demon Beasts on the planet, huh? It makes one wonder if even more of them will appear now." Xaon then looked at the twins before asking, "Are you really leaving the Golden Drohare with them?"


    Phex nodded, replying, "We already discussed this." Unwilling to think about how Rean threw the twins'' achievements at his face any longer, Phex changed the topic. "What matters now is why the Spiritual Energy Fields had turned out like this. They had been working for a very, very long time. Why did they get damaged?"


    Darian sighed in response, saying, "It''s most likely because of that, right?"


    Rean and Roan looked at each other before asking, "Are you talking about the Bestial Blood Pond?"


    Xaon immediately looked at the twins. "How do you know that?"


    "It was the Golden Drohare who told us about it." Rean then explained what Red told them.


    As soon as he finished, Darian exclaimed, "What?! The Golden Drohare was in the Bestial Blood Pond? That''s impossible!"


    "Impossible? Why?" Naturally, the twins and Kentucky didn''t know much about it.


    Xaon and Phex then looked at Darian, waiting to see if he wanted to say anything else. After all, they considered Darian as their senior, the oldest out of all the demon beasts in the world. Seeing everyone''s eyes fixated on him, Darian decided to speak. "Well, since you already know about the Bestial Blood Pond in the Sacred Ground, I guess there''s no harm in telling you a little about it."


    Darian continued, "The reason why I said it''s impossible is that no one should be able to enter the Bestial Sacred Ground. Even for me, Phex, and the others, entering that place is extremely difficult due to the protection field there. The Golden Drohare is just a Stage Six Demon Beast, and it was definitely even weaker when it saw us back then. I can''t see how it could have appeared there. He must be lying when he says he saw us at the pond."


    Phex and Xaon nodded in agreement. They, too, found it hard to accept as they knew how complicated it is. "This is one more reason for you to be careful about the Golden Drohare."


    Roan narrowed his eyes for a moment. As mentioned before, Roan was very good at detecting lies. Besides, demon beasts were even worse at using them. He was pretty sure that Red wasn''t lying when he said that he was in the Bestial Sacred Ground. It was then that an idea popped into his mind. Soon after, he connected his mind into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. ''Red, do you know how you got into the Beastial Sacred Ground?''


    Red was already awake at this point. It''s just that he was too weak to do anything. Sure enough, Rean and Roan had paid 10000 Destiny Point to buy Red''s entrance in their Dimensional Realm. For them, it was an investment since the mission reward was 30000 points. "I don''t know...when I woke up, I was already there."


    Roan wasn''t surprised after hearing that. ''As I thought.''

 Chapter 780 - What Does That Mean?

    Roan then returned his attention to the meeting in the Hall before saying, "From what I heard from the Golden Drohare, his first memories were from the time he was already in the Bestial Sacred Ground. At that time, he was already a Stage Four Demon Beast."


    "Already in the Bestial Sacred Ground?" Phex found that hard to believe. "Are you saying someone put him there?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he responded, "Maybe? However, I doubt that something even you can''t do would be done by the Zasfins. If I were to guess, Red came from outside the planet, just like us."


    Phex and the others went silent at that very moment. Usually, they wouldn''t consider such a thing. However, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky were prime examples of this. With that said, why couldn''t another Divine Demon Beast do the same? "From outside the planet..." Xaon then looked at Rean, Roan, and Kentucky before asking, "How do you know his cultivation at that time?"


    Kentucky immediately answered, "Isn''t that obvious? Divine Demon Beasts like us can achieve sentience at Stage Four instead of Stage Five. I doubt you would miss a demon beast at Stage Five and above, so he had to be at Stage Four back then."


    Xaon had to admit that Kentucky was right.


    However, that also added another point to the story. At least, Roan thought to be so. "If that''s the case, doesn''t that mean that the Bestial Sacred Ground might have some portal or similar thing connecting outside?"


    Rean and Kentucky were surprised by that. However, the expressions on Xaon and the other Divine Demon Beasts changed when they heard Roan''s words. Obviously, they seemed to know something about it. "What''s happening? Could it be that there''s actually a teleport formation or something like that in there?"


    Xaon, Phex, and Darian looked at each other before they nodded. After that, Darian looked at the twins before saying, "You kids are quite smart. We have never seen it, but there is a legend about the Bestial Sacred Ground. It is said that once it awakes, it will connect our world with the Realm of Gods. This saying has been passed down from our ancestors for a very, very long time."


    "Realm of Gods? This sounds quite suspicious," Kentucky could not help but blurt out.


    Phex didn''t deny that. "We think the same way. However, if the Golden Drohare''s story is true, this might be the case. The only problem is that we haven''t seen anything like that happening in there."


    Rean immediately raised his hand as he said, "It shouldn''t be too surprising. You said that once the Bestial Sacred Ground activates, or whatever that means, it will connect to the Realm of Gods. However, who said that these ''Gods'' can''t open a passage to the Bestial Sacred Ground first? If that''s the case, I don''t think there''s a need to activate anything."


    Everyone was taken aback. Sure enough, if it was the other way around, who said there was a need to activate the Bestial Sacred Ground? The only question would be why Red was sent there.


    "Since Red doesn''t have memories from before the Bestial Sacred Ground, that means he was thrown there as soon as he reached Stage Four, or perhaps he became a Stage Four Demon Beast in there," Roan explained his thought process.


    Xaon then shook his head as he replied, "This won''t bring us anywhere. The best-case scenario would be to check the Sacred Ground. However, we won''t be able to enter it now."


    "Why?" Kentucky asked in response.


    Phex shrugged his shoulders. "That''s because ever since Kentucky arrived in our world, the Bestial Sacred Ground has been acting strange. If our theory''s correct, it''s because we''ve never had so many Divine Demon Beasts on our planet before. Now that we know about the Golden Drohare, it increases this possibility."


    Darian continued, "Because of these events happening there, it has become even more problematic to enter. We believe that this is also the reason behind the failure of the Spiritual Energy Fields. That''s because the Bestial Sacred Ground has never used so much Spiritual Energy in the past. The Spiritual Energy Fields, which had been working at the same speed since ancient times, couldn''t bear the sudden increase in energy demand. Fortunately, we had the method to repair them, and that''s why we called Kentucky here."


    Rean and Roan knew a bit more, though. Thanks to the Soul Gem System''s mission, they knew that just repairing the Spiritual Energy Fields wasn''t enough to fully activate the World Beast Formation in there. Otherwise, they would have received their reward of 30000 Destiny Points already. ''There must be something else we need to do in there to activate it. The only problem is how to enter that place.''


    It was then that Darian mentioned, "However, it won''t be long before we can do that."


    Obviously, that piqued their interest. "How''s that so?"


    "We at least know that once the Bestial Sacred Ground starts to activate, it will only take a certain amount of years to be ready. Once that''s done, we''ll need to bring all the Divine Demon Beasts to finish the procedure," Phex said as he looked at Kentucky. "We were planning to tell you this once the war was over, but since we''ve gotten up to this point already, I might as well tell you right now."


    Rean and Roan nodded after hearing that. That made sense since they knew that they haven''t activated the formation yet. "Do you know when it will be?"


    Darian shook his head, saying in response, "We only know it would take a few years, but not exactly how much. Our idea is to finish this war before heading there."


    Kentucky immediately asked, "And why would you try to use it?"


    Phex, Darian, and Xaon looked at each other before looking back at Kentucky. "We already reached the limit of what we can achieve on this planet. If we want to proceed further in our cultivation, we need to leave this place. We need to break the barrier of the higher realm."


    "Barrier of the higher realm?" That was the first time Rean''s group heard that term. "What does that mean?"

 Chapter 781 - Its Time To Escalate

    Phex pondered over the question for a bit before eventually deciding to explain. "You do know that the realm above the Elemental Transformation Realm can''t be talked about, right?"


    Rean and Roan nodded as Rean responded, "If we say its name, the heavens will punish us. Isn''t that right?"


    Phex confirmed. "Correct. To be honest, we demon beasts don''t have a ''Stage Nine'' level. We only use this name so that others can understand what realm we''re in. But to be more exact, we''re at the same level as those cultivators above the Elemental Transformation Realm."


    That was something new that Rean, Roan, and Kentucky didn''t know. Then again, they had to admit it made sense. After all, why would you be able to talk about the Stage Nine level for demon beasts and not the Transition Realm? Now they knew why.


    Darian continued the explanation from there, saying, "The reason we can''t surpass this ''Stage Nine'' cultivation level is that the heavens of this place won''t allow it. It doesn''t matter how many times you try to break through into the next realm. The bottleneck simply won''t budge. Do you know why?"


    Rean and Roan pondered over it for a bit when Rean got an idea. "It has always bothered me. How come the same energy is always used for every single realm? Cultivation becomes harder and harder the further you go. At some point, even high-level Spirit Stones would start losing their effect. After all, it''s still Spiritual Energy."


    Rean then looked at Darian before asking, "It''s the type of energy, right? At the very least, I believe that the concentration of Spiritual Energy in this ''Realm of Gods'' is several times higher than any other place here."


    Darian smiled in response, replying, "Smart! That''s correct. It''s the type of energy that isn''t good enough. Spiritual Energy has its limits."


    Darian then spread his Spiritual Sense and asked a subordinate to retrieve a few records in the Underwater Palace. Not too long after, a shark-type demon beast arrived at the hall while holding a few cylinders with its Spiritual Energy. After Darian dismissed the shark, he opened the cylinder, which had a few animal skins with some words written on them. It''s just that Rean, Roan, and Kentucky couldn''t understand what was written.


    Seeing Rean, Roan, and Kentucky''s puzzled expressions, Darian explained what was written for them. "These records were left behind by our ancestors who were on our planet long, long ago. They say that the path to the Realm of Gods was once open. From inside, they received the higher energy necessary for a breakthrough. Every time a demon beast reached Stage Nine, it would go through the door, entering the Higher Realms. There, it would finally enter the Stage Ten level. Of course, Stage Ten is the same as Stage Nine, just a name we use so that the heavens won''t punish us."


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky could now understand why the Bestial Sacred Ground was so important for the Demon Beasts. It wasn''t only limited to the extra strength they received from it. For the demon beasts at Stage Nine or those who could reach it, that place was more important than their lives.


    Darian continued, "Unfortunately, the path to the Higher Realms had closed a long time ago. As for why that happened, no one knows."


    Roan couldn''t help but mention, "You did say that after Kentucky arrived on this planet, the Sacred Ground began to act on its own, right? If the passage to the Higher Realms really opens, then that''s most likely the reason, the lack of Divine Demon Beasts. Perhaps you had the right amount of them before. But after it reached a boundary number, the path lost the Divine Demon Beasts'' support and closed."


    Darian, Phex, Xaon, and the other Stage Nine Demon Beasts couldn''t help but feel amazed by the twins. They didn''t say much, but they were able to guess the reason almost instantly. In the case of Phex''s group, they took quite some time to come up with this theory. "I wonder if the education in that Sunkan Planet of yours was so much better than ours..." Phex murmured for a moment.


    Darian quickly recovered and agreed with Roan''s words. "That''s what we think it to be as well. It seems like the addition of Red and Kentucky was the trigger to activate the Bestial Sacred Ground."


    "Probably. That place is able to affect the entire planet, so it should be able to feel the presence of the Divine Demon Beasts of the world," Rean added.


    Roan then asked something else. "What does the Bestial Blood Pond have to do with any of that? By the way, Red went against the demon beasts because he thought you guys kept killing demon beasts to fill that thing."


    "Bullshit!" Phex immediately exclaimed. "I won''t say that demon beasts haven''t been thrown inside before. After all, that place exists for as long as our records go. However, I can guarantee that during my life, we have never filled it with anyone''s blood. We don''t know how it exactly works, but that place is capable of gathering the blood of the demon beasts who died anywhere in the world."


    Rean and Roan immediately thought in their minds after hearing that, ''Just like the Soul Gem System mentioned in the mission. Well, it makes sense that they know about it as well after being in control of the demon beasts for so long.''


    Rean then smiled as he raised his hand, telling them, "You might not know this, but I am certain of this. I came from Sunkan, where the level of formations is much, much more advanced. I can guarantee you that this Bestial Sacred Ground is controlled by a formation, a really ridiculously high-level one."


    Phex and the others didn''t find it surprising, with one of them responding, "We also think the same. It''s just that we don''t have any Formation Master capable of confirming it."


    Darian then looked at Roan before saying, "You asked what the Blod Pond had to do with anything. I''m not sure if it''s used to open the path to the Realm of Gods, but I''m sure it''s used to increase the demon beasts'' strength on our planet. That''s because it never gets full as if it is in constant use. Since demon beasts eventually die, the balance is kept as well."


    Roan nodded after hearing that. "That''s good enough. So, what do you plan to do now?"


    "Simple." Phex grinned as he continued, "It''s time to escalate this war."

 Chapter 782 - Intervention

    As Phex said that, his smiling expression turned into that of fury. Sure enough, Phex was mad at the Zasfins'' previous attack. However, Roan intervened at that point, telling them, "That''s good and all. However, you''re forgetting the main point here. How did the Zasfins find out about the issue with the Spiritual Energy Field?"


    Surprisingly, it was Rean who answered that question, responding, "It''s not hard, to be honest. The Spiritual Energy Field problem caused the demon beasts'' strength to decline, right? The Zasfins definitely felt that during the fight happening around the world. As long as they have some information about the Bestial Sacred Ground, which is very likely, they should have figured it out."


    Darian nodded, saying in response, "Yes. The same way we''re keeping an eye on the Soul Rulers, they''re definitely doing the same thing to us."


    Phex continued after confirming that. "Alright. I''m heading back first to start passing the mission for demon beasts at Stage Seven and above. Since the Soul Rulers'' top experts took action, there''s no need to hold back anymore."


    Phex was just about to leave the underwater palace when suddenly, Rean called his attention. "Wait, Senior Phex. There''s something I want to help you with."


    Phex turned around just in time to see Rean grabbing his arm. Soon after, Rean''s Spiritual Energy and Light Element entered Phex''s body.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Immediately, everyone saw as Rean healed Phex''s injuries. Well, Rean and Phex had a huge difference in cultivation, so it didn''t happen as fast as it happened with the twins. It took Rean over four hours and multiple Spirit Stones to make up for that. In any case, Rean was truly able to heal injuries on Transition Realm cultivators!


    When he finished, Phex couldn''t help but ask, "How can Light Element be this strong?"


    Rean shook his head as he replied, "It wasn''t just Light Element doing the work. Senior''s body had a lot of foreign power rampaging around. Obviously, those powers were the outcome of the Zasfins'' attacks. I also used Roan''s Dark Element to slowly destroy them. Unfortunately, my cultivation is much lower than them, so it took me all this time to finish."


    Phex patted Rean''s shoulder as he laughed. "All this time? Hahaha! If I were to heal myself, I would take at least a few months! You did it in a few hours! You have no idea how much you''ve helped me with that." It was then that Phex thought about something. "Can you...help Darian with his blood loss?" Darian wasn''t injured, but he did lose a lot of his blood. That would take much, much longer to recover than any other severe injury. Well, it was even more so since Darian is very old.


    Darin couldn''t help but show a hint of hope. He could still more or less fight at the peak of Stage Eight or at the Initial Stage Nine Level. However, the top experts of the Zasfin race were definitely at the Peak Stage of the Transition Realm, so he wouldn''t be of much help like that.


    Rean pondered a bit about the issue before saying, "Hmm...I''m not sure." Light Element gathered above Rean''s hand as he explained, "What I''m doing is simply stimulating the natural recovery ability of the body through the manipulation of Life Force. With that said, I''ve never tried to stimulate the production of blood, let alone the blood of a Divine Demon Beast." Rean then looked at Darian as he continued, "I''m not sure what effects would happen if I tried."


    Darian immediately grabbed Rean''s hand as he hastily replied, "This old man is willing to give it a shot. As for any collateral damage, I won''t hold you accountable. The way I am at the moment, I won''t be able to help the demon Bbasts for the next decade at the very least." Sure enough, Darian didn''t want to be left behind.


    Rean looked at the other demon beasts after this. Surprisingly, they all nodded, approving Darian''s decision. "Alright then. Let''s see how it goes."


    At the same time, Phex turned around, preparing to leave as he told them, "Give it a go. As for me, I''m going back to organize everything."


    Roan once again stopped Phex, though. "Are you perhaps planning to move demon beast tides?"


    Although most of the world was under the Zasfins'' control, many areas with demon beasts were still available. That being said, one could find some demon beast tides happening every once in a while close to those regions. Now that the demon beasts were leaving the Demon Beast Continent, it had become even more common. The alliance used this method many times while attacking in the previous years.


    Phex nodded, responding, "Yes. I did send quite a few to raid the Zasfins'' territories. However, they weren''t even close to the number of tides I could use. I''m planning to go all out from now on."


    Roan faintly smiled after hearing that as he said in response, "In that case, would you mind leaving the control over the tides to me?"


    Phex and everyone else were taken aback after hearing that. "Why?"


    Rean laughed as he pointed at Roan, saying, "You should listen to him. When it comes to war tactics, I doubt any of you would ever be his match. Trust me, any arm in his hand would display a level of power many times higher than normal."


    Phex pondered a bit before saying, "You must understand that demon beast tides are mostly made up of demon beasts at Stage Four and below. They don''t have sentience, so they can''t follow any complex orders. Do you still think it would be of any use?"


    Roan assured Phex as he replied, "As long as you can control them to say when and where to attack, that should be more than enough."


    One of the Stage Nine Demon Beasts couldn''t help but intervene. "Wait! Is it really okay to leave this human in charge of the tides? Aren''t we trusting them way too much? What proof do we have about his abilities controlling armies? What if all of this is fake, and he uses this chance to give us a blow instead? Don''t you think this is too risky?"


    Sure enough, that was also a problem.


    (Author''s note: I edited the Golden Tickets Rule with something extra that I found today. It''s the second rule, so check it out.)

 Chapter 783 - Helping Darian

    It was then that Darian had an idea. "Alright. Since that''s the case, put 10% of the beast tides under his command. We can test his abilities through that. Even if he betrays us, it shouldn''t be that much of an issue."


    Only then did all the demon beasts in the hall agree, with one of them voicing their agreement. "That''s good, then."


    Roan wasn''t sad about the end result. If anything, he was satisfied that the demon beasts resolved this issue in such a straightforward manner. If it was the Zasfins, he would probably need to pass through many tests before he was allowed control over anything, let alone 10% of everything.


    Phex immediately left after concluding that talk. Phex wanted to bring Roan together straightaway. However, Rean needed his connection with Roan to use his Dark Element. With that said, it was agreed that Roan would meet up with Phex a few days later.


    Back at the topic at hand, Rean tried to use his Light Element to help Darian out. "Senior, the blood is mostly produced in the bone marrow. I''ll try to use my Light Element to stimulate the marrow so that it can produce more blood. At the same time, I will use my brother''s Dark Element to wash the marrows clean of any impurities. Be aware that even though I can protect them with my Light Element, you''ll still feel a lot of pain. Dark Element is the opposite of Light. It doesn''t stimulate Life Force. Instead, it destroys it. Besides, it''s my first time using Dark Element inside the marrow, so it might turn out even worse."


    Darian couldn''t help but laugh out loud after hearing Rean''s warning. "Hahaha! Pain? Little boy, do you have any idea how much pain this old man has been through in his thousands of years of living?" Darian then looked at Rean with a smirk before coolly saying, "Try your best."


    Rean tried to hold his laugh as Roan shook his head. Sure enough, this guy had no idea what kind of pain Dark Element was capable of producing. Even the toughest cultivators and demon beasts Roan found in the past didn''t last long under such pain. His Dark Element had always been an excellent tool for interrogation.


    Rean finally calmed himself as he looked seriously at Darian, saying, "Since senior has said so, then I''ll start."


    What happened after that would forever be a stain on Darian''s pride. Xaon and the other saw the old Black Tortoise crying for the first time. His expression was as ugly as it could be as he couldn''t even keep himself standing up. Just ten seconds into the treatment, Rean already had to stop because the old turtle was already weeping.


    Xaon quickly came to Darian''s side, worried. "Se-Senior Darian! Are you alright? Did he cause you any further damage?"


    Darian didn''t remember when he had felt so humiliated before. "Shut up! All of you, get out of my palace."


    The other demon beasts were taken aback after hearing that. "But..."


    "No buts!" Darian exclaimed. "He didn''t cause any damage. Get the fuck out!" Darian felt extreme pain, especially since Rean didn''t have good control over this method yet. However, he could at least tell that Rean''s approach had worked. No real damage was left behind. Unfortunately...it hurt like hell!


    Of course, Darian was sending everyone out because he didn''t want the others to see his crying face. If the entire treatment went like that, he wasn''t the least bit confident that he could control his tears. ''Dark Element is terrifying!''


    To be more specific, it was Roan''s Dark Element that was terrifying. One must remember that a cultivator or demon beast who had control over Yin Energy could also use it to manipulate Dark Element. However, the Dark Element used by them wasn''t even a hundredth as good. Only Roan''s Dark Element, which was his natural affinity, could achieve that result.


    Somewhat unwilling, all the demon beasts eventually made their way out of the hall.


    But before they disappeared, Rean called their attention, telling them, "Wait outside until I''m done here. All of you received injuries from the battle against that so-called Fikin and his group. Don''t worry. You only have normal injuries, so it''ll be the same as it was with Phex. There will be little to no pain when I heal you."


    Xaon and the others nodded after hearing that. In fact, they saw the results when Rean worked on Phex, so they would wait for him nonetheless.


    Following that, Rean restarted his work on Darian, who kept screaming. It was quite weird as Darian showed a mix of terror and happiness on his face. Fortunately for him, Rean worked on eliminating impurities first so that the painful part would be over faster. The best way would be for Roan to concoct a pill so that the medicinal properties could help out. Unfortunately, Roan didn''t have the necessary skill to make a pill that worked on a Stage Nine Demon Beast, let alone a Divine Demon Beast. The cultivation difference was just too big. That being said, Rean''s elimination of impurities was far from what a pill could achieve. In any case, it was still a big help.


    Rean finished the washing of Darian''s marrows one day later, much to Darian''s relief. In the process, Darian kept giving Rean Rank Four Spirit Stones for constant use. Rank Four Spirit Stones were rare, but it wasn''t something hard to get for someone at Darian''s level.


    "Phew... I''m done here. Check your body, Senior Darian. See if you feel any irregularities," Rean said with a satisfied expression.


    Darian wasn''t crying anymore since he spent up all his tears. Otherwise, he would cry again since the pain was finally over. "It''s good, it''s good. I can feel it with my Spiritual Sense."


    Rean nodded after hearing that. "That''s good. Now I''m going to stimulate blood production with Light Element. In any case, you should be able to recover faster with your marrows cleansed of impurities. So, if the Light Element stimulation doesn''t work, it won''t be as if you got nothing out of it."


    Darian nodded and took a deep breath, saying, "Alright, you can start now."


    Rean then touched Darian''s back after that as his body burst with Spiritual Energy and Light Element.

 Chapter 784 - I Prefer This Type Of Take Care

    Regenerating a Stage Nine Demon Beast''s blood was a lot harder than simply healing them. Well, healing was already very hard due to the difference in cultivation, so one could only imagine how worse the other one was. That being said, Rean and Roan didn''t leave Darian''s underwater palace for the next two weeks. There was no helping it since Darian''s blood recovered very slowly.


    During this time, Roan and Kentucky decided to cultivate. Celis was always cultivating and pulling everyone up, but of course, the more of them cultivating, the faster it was. Back in the Demon Beast Alliance, Phex had already passed all the orders as the demon beast armies moved out. This time, he was going all out.


    In the end, all those airships that the demon beasts almost never used had become important. It helped moving most of the lower-level demon beasts to the regions where they were necessary. Roan also took the opportunity to ask the underwater palace''s demon beasts to pass Phex a message. With that said, his 10% share of the army went to a specific location where he would start his attack after Rean finished his job.


    Suddenly, an enormous black shadow approached the underwater palace''s entrance from inside. All the demon beasts guarding the place immediately showed respectful expressions as the shadow moved outside. Beside the black shadow, there was a white-haired young man.


    Naturally, they were Rean and Darian. Darian was a Black Tortoise, and he was in his demon beast form this time. The other Stage Nine Demon Beasts, including Xaon, were still waiting outside, as Rean had asked before.


    Xaon noticed Darian''s appearance and used his Spiritual Sense to feel his body. "Oh! You''re brimming with power again. It seems like this human was really able to help you recover your Divine Demon Beast Blood." Naturally, Xaon was happy to see that.


    Darian couldn''t help but laugh out loud, saying, "Hahaha! That''s true. In fact, he even helped me with older injuries that had never been healed. I didn''t expect his Light Element was this overpowered." Darian then looked at Rean, who was scratching his head after all the compliments. "Rean, I''m leaving to help Phex with the preparations. Take your time to heal Xaon and the others before heading out as well."


    Right after that, the enormous Black Tortoise disappeared without a trace. Its speed was completely different from what one would believe after seeing it. "Now...that was fast," Rean could not help but murmur. Darian didn''t even wait to hear his answer.


    Xaon, however, heard Rean''s words, telling him, "Oh, you''re wrong there. Darian isn''t fast. It''s just that your cultivation levels are too different, so it looks like he''s fast in your eyes. Compared to Phex and I, he''s quite slow. And if you use Frin, the Silver Fenrir, as a comparison, then he can only be called a turtle."


    Rean nodded, not finding it surprising. "I see..." After that, he looked at Xaon and the other Stage Nine Demon Beasts. Their injuries from the battle against Fikin''s group had stabilized a little after these past two weeks. Nevertheless, it was far from being optimal. "Seniors, please come into the palace. I''ll heal each one of you from now on."


    Xaon and the others nodded and followed Rean inside. There were a total of four Stage Nine Demon Beasts, including Xaon. Because their group was bigger, they didn''t suffer as much as Phex did during his battle. That being said, healing them was easier.


    Of course, even though Rean didn''t use four hours to recover each one like Phex, he still took at least two. Putting all the demon beasts together, Rean''s work lasted another 10 hours and something. "Phew... I''m finally done," Rean said as he looked at a snake-type demon beast in front of him. Xaon and the other two left straight away after being healed, so this one was the last.


    "Thanks. I need to leave as well since each peak-level demon beast will be necessary for the incoming war. I''ll see you another time." The snake then turned around after saying that and disappeared.


    Following that, Roan and Kentucky arrived at the hall, which only had the lower-level demon beasts who stayed behind to take care of the palace. "So, have you finished everything?"


    Rean nodded. "I did. Now I just need to rest a little. After spending two weeks healing them, I''m feeling very tired."


    Roan didn''t complain as he knew how hard it is. He can use Instant Recovery, too, after all. It''s just that he wasn''t as good as Rean.


    Kentucky then used his Spiritual Energy to grab Rean. If Rean wanted to, he could escape from it easily. However, he didn''t say anything and simply closed his eyes. Kentucky them put him on his back as Roan jumped there as well. After that, they left the palace. Sometime later, Kentucky finally left the sea and took flight.


    At some point, Rean entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Red was there too, but he was being watched by Sister Orb. Sister Orb was god in the Dimensional Realm, so Red couldn''t cause trouble even if he wanted. "Oh! Are you finally here to take care of me?"


    Rean looked at him with a puzzled expression as he responded, "Take care? Oh! I see..." Rean then approached Red and petted him on the head. "Hi, hi. Good boy, good boy. Big Brother Rean will take good care of you."


    Red almost vomited blood in anger as he jumped back at full speed. "Fuck you! That''s not the kind of ''take care'' I was talking about!" Naturally, his pride wouldn''t allow that to happen. He was still a Divine Demon Beast, after all.


    "Is that not it?" Rean asked as he caressed his chin. "But I sure do prefer this kind of ''take care,'' though. Don''t you think it''s much better? Besides, your fur is very fluffy, so it feels great to do that."


    "Get out of my sight, idiot!" Red immediately turned around and left, not wanting to hear that bullshit anymore.


    As for Rean, he simply smiled and entered a small hut in the Dimensional Realm. There wasn''t anything important there, just a few common things. As for what he wanted, it was the bed! With that, he laid down and slept. Once he woke up, he would be back in the Freedom Sect once again.

 Chapter 785 - The Duo

    Two months went by as fights began to take place everywhere.


    Somewhere on the planet, a man and a girl were helping the demon beasts in a battle found in a small region called Nanrian. Because they were humans, they were promptly accepted into the demon beasts'' forces to take on more special missions. As for why it was so fast, that''s because both humans were in the Late Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm.


    As everyone knew, Stage Four Demon Beasts had similar power to Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators. However, Stage Four Demon Beasts couldn''t follow complex commands. That being said, humans were a valuable asset to the Demon Beast Alliance. After all, they could follow orders properly, even at lower levels.


    Last but not least, these two were accepted inside the demon beasts'' group because of the humans who came from the Demon Beast Continent. After all, it wasn''t as if they could simply enter the Demon Beast Army that easily.


    If Rean, Roan, and Kentucky were here, they would immediately recognize these two.


    "Malaka, take the Zasfins on the left-wing. I''ll head to the middle," Agis said as he charged with the other demon beasts once more, aiming for the Zasfins'' defense. However, Agis quickly noticed a happy-go-lucky girl right on his tail, prompting him to curse, "The hell? Didn''t you hear me?"


    Malak nodded as she laughed, saying, "Hahaha! I did! However, it''s obvious that the center is a lot more fun. Besides, the human slaves in the Zasfin Army are also concentrated in the middle sector. Without my help, you''ll have a hard time saving them alone."


    Agis scratched the back of his head but eventually gave up in the end. "Ahhhh....fine! Let''s go together!"


    On the back, the Stage Seven Demon Beast overseeing this battle nodded with a satisfied expression, muttering, "Those two humans are quite useful." However, he quickly noticed the Saint Realm Zasfin on the enemy side leave his post. "Oh! So, you''ve decided to come out already? Sure enough, it is as Senior Phex mentioned. The Zasfins have already given up guarding their strength. Well, that''s good for me as well. I was getting bored already. Hahaha!"


    Malaka and Agis looked in the sky''s direction, just in time to see an enormous crab flying towards the opposing side''s army. Not long after, that crab went even higher before it met up with a small figure that came from the Zasfins'' side. Sure enough, those two were the Stage Seven Demon Beast and the Saint Realm Zasfin.


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom...*


    Immediately, the sky above the army turned into a forbidden zone where only those at their level could enter. For Agis and Malaka, that was something way out of their league. "The enemy''s Saint Realm is out. Let''s force our way through!"


    *Roar!*


    As if hearing Agis'' words, all the demon beasts around them charged at the Zasfins. It didn''t take long for the battlefield to be filled with even more corpses from both sides. As for Malaka and Agis, they prioritized the human slaves that were brought to help the Zasfins.


    ''Myriad Thrust!''


    ''Hundred Water Flowers!''


    Agis and Malaka''s attacks were aimed at both the Zasfins and the humans. However, while the Zasfins had to defend against their attacks, the humans didn''t have the speed or strength to do that. Fortunately for them, Malaka and Agis weren''t aiming for their lives. Instead, they targeted the slave collars on their necks!


    *Shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter, shatter!*


    One after another, the slave collars on the humans shattered nonstop. At the same time, the demon beasts rushed through the gaps but ignored the humans, attacking the Zasfins ahead.


    "Arrgh!"


    "Help me!"


    "They''re taking the slaves!"


    Screams, shouts, and the sound of broken collars came from everywhere. As Agis and Malaka liberated the humans, they also used their Spiritual Senses to talk with them.


    ''Head in the direction of the Demon Beast Alliance''s army. Don''t worry. No demon beast will attack you as long as you don''t threaten them. It''s your chance to be free and live with other free humans. Don''t let this chance slip!''


    Many of the humans were taken aback, not knowing what to do. But after seeing how the Zasfins were being pushed back, they were surrounded by running demon beasts. Trying to head back to the Zasfins'' side would be suicide since that''s where the heat of the battle was located.


    Of course, the Zasfins noticed Agis and Malaka trying to help the humans and tried to use them as shields. Unfortunately, the demon beasts didn''t stop attacking just because the humans were in the way. They had already been told that the demon beasts in charge didn''t mind if they tried to save the humans. However, they wouldn''t let their own troops die just so they could be saved. If they got in the way, the demon beasts would just continue with the assault. This was war, after all.


    Nonetheless, there was a positive effect to it. Seeing that using the humans as shields or threatening to kill them was useless, the Zasfins gave up trying it after a while. In the end, trying to use the humans would only become a burden for them.


    Suddenly, Malaka noticed a Zasfin fighting a Stage Five Demon Beast, a Saber Hound, in the middle of the mess. Agis, who was with her, noticed that as well. They looked at each other and nodded soon after.


    So far in this battle, they had been displaying the combat power on the level of someone at the Late Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. However, they had Roan''s teachings and revised cultivation techniques. They were obviously much stronger than average cultivators at their level. ''If we succeed in killing that Zasfin, this side will be a lost cause for the Zasfins. Let''s go!''


    Of course, Malaka and Agis didn''t head straight for the Nascent Soul Realm Zasfin. They pretended to be dragged to that side of the battle as the fights continued. Of course, with their superior strength, they kept killing some of the Zasfins on the way, which aroused that Nascent Soul Zasfin''s attention. Those two made it look like they were taking advantage of the Nascent Soul Zasfin''s battle against the Stage Five Demon Beast to kill more of the Zasfin army.


    ''Hmph! Do you think I can''t do anything to you just because of the oversized dog?! Dream on!''

 Chapter 786 - Very Strict

    The Zasfin kept fighting the Saber Hound for a bit more until his eyes lit up. An opening appeared in the enemy''s assault, which the Nascent Soul Zasfin immediately used to dash out. Naturally, the direction it chose was none other than where Agis and Malaka were. "Die!"


    Malaka and Agis looked at the Zasfin in panic, as if they didn''t expect that to happen. They tried to turn around and flee, but the Nascent Soul Zasfin was much faster. As for the Saber Hound, he was too far away to help because of the previous opening. However, just as the Zasfin was about to strike Agis and Malaka down, their panicked expressions turned into cold smiles.


    Suddenly, their bodies exploded with Spiritual Energy as they changed directions. Instead of fleeing, they charged right at the Zasfin, much to the guy''s surprise. It was so unbelievable that the Zasfin failed to react in time. After all, he was almost at hitting range when Malaka and Agis did that.


    ''Death Water Style, Second Form, Spinning Dragon Tails!''


    Malaka''s counter-attack skill, Spinning Dragon Tails, immediately paired the Zasfin''s attack with the dragon''s head, while the dragon''s tail used the enemy''s strength to rotate Malaka''s staff. Surprisingly, Malaka aimed the attack directly at the Zasfin''s head! If it hit, the guy would be dead for sure. After all, that staff was none other than the one Rean made. It was as strong as Earth Peak-level equipment with the advantage of gathering Water Element on its own, which increased Malaka''s power even more.


    However, a Nascent Soul Realm Zasfin was still no pushover. Even in that fraction of a second, the Zasfin succeeded in raising his weapon to defend against the dragon''s tail. Unfortunately for him, Malaka wasn''t the only one attacking.


    ''Chase of the Fire King Sword!''


    Agis slashed down with his sword, aiming at the Zasfin''s blind spot the very moment he tried to defend against the dragon''s tail. His sword burnt with Fire Element and Yang Energy. Not only that, but Agis also added a hint of Light Element from the Light Equipment Rean made for him. It couldn''t compare to Rean''s Life Fire Skills, but it was still much better than not using it.


    Malaka and Agis had trained this combination many times. Since they were traveling together, they had to make use of each other''s strengths, after all. Sure enough, all of that training had paid off.


    *Swish!*


    *Thssssssss!*


    *Arrrgh!*


    The Zasfin noticed Agis with his Spiritual Sense but knew that it would be too late to defend, so he sent all his Spiritual Energy and Soul Power into the area where Agis would strike. Nevertheless, Rean''s sword wasn''t anything to joke about. The Zasfin was already lucky to not die instantly from that, thanks to his higher cultivation.


    *Boom!*


    Suddenly, a huge amount of Soul Power broke out of the Zasfin''s body as his Soul Mark left his forehead. That was the same skill Rean and Roan saw a couple of Zasfins use back in Fhanzen City. It was something that would destroy the Zasfin''s Soul Power forever once the burst was over. However, the Zasfin couldn''t care less about it right now. The Saber Hound was right on his tail, and with that much damage to his body, only death awaited. Obviously, it was better to be alive without Soul Power than to be dead.


    The Zasfin ignored everything soon after and disappeared into the distance. That power wouldn''t last more than a few seconds to at most a minute, so he had to be gone by that time. The Saber Hound didn''t pursue, though. It had seen the Zasfins use that technique to save themselves many times. That being said, the Zasfin would head far into the Zasfins'' defense line once he finally ran out of energy. Following the guy would just be tantamount to suicide.


    Instead, the Saber Hound looked at Malaka and Agis as they gasped for air. Even though they displayed the power of Nascent Soul Realm cultivators for a moment, it still took a toll on their bodies. "That was quite impressive. There are very few humans in the entire Demon Beast Alliance''s army that can display strength higher than their level." The Saber Hound then looked in the direction the Zasfin escaped before continuing, "Truth be told, that guy is probably dead already. The injury you inflicted on him was way too severe. If he survives, I doubt he''ll be able to fight any longer."


    Malaka and Agis were taken aback by the Saber Hound''s words, though. With that, Agis asked, "Do you mean you know of other humans who can do the same thing?"


    The hound nodded as he replied, "Yes. If I''m not wrong, the leader of part of our army is also a human, a very strong one at that. Rumors say that he''s extremely strict. However, his army has been the most successful one after the high-level experts joined the fray. In the end, he even got a few Stage Seven and Eight demon beasts under his command. Of course, the point where you remind me of him is your greater strength for your level. From what I heard, he can fight Zasfins an entire realm above his own."


    Malaka and Agis didn''t need to think much to know who the Saber Hound was talking about as Malaka could not help but say, "That''s definitely Roan. It must be!"


    The Saber Hound looked in surprise at Malaka and Agis as he asked soon after, "Since you know his name, does that mean you know him in person?"


    Malaka and Agis nodded as one of them replied, "Indeed. We could be considered acquaintances, I guess."


    "I see..." The Saber Hound showed a knowing expression. "No wonder you can do something similar." After that, he asked something else, "Do you intend to join his army?"


    Malaka and Agis felt a chill behind their backs when they heard that question.


    Unsurprisingly, right after that, Malaka shook her head as she replied, "Ahem...there''s no need. He doesn''t need our help. He has his brother for that."


    Agis nodded vigorously. "Yes! We would make no difference there. We prefer to continue here."


    Naturally, the Saber Hound wasn''t against it, although he was confused with the frightened look on their faces. "Well, if you say so...anyways, we''ve talked for too long already. I''m going to help the demon beasts in the other fields. You two help clean this side since there''s no other Nascent Soul Zasfin nearby."


    Malaka and Agis nodded in response to his words. Anything was better than being part of the ''very strict'' army in Roan''s hands.

 Chapter 787 - Go Help Him

    Malaka and Agis could be said to be lucky. That''s because Rean and Roan used their influence in the Demon Beast Alliance to look for everyone in their group. Sure enough, except for Frandin and Xiria, who were Zasfins, the rest of the members in their group were all on the demon beasts'' side. That meant Calina and Qia were on their side as well.


    At the moment, those two girls, who haven''t seen each other in a long time, were making their way to the battlefield where Roan was in charge. Calina could be said to have the highest cultivation in the group after Rean and Roan, being in the Peak Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. After all, she was ahead of everyone when they first separated.


    However, not only did Rean and Roan have Celis''s help, but they also spent a long time in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters. That''s why they flew by Calina''s cultivation even though their Spiritual Energy Pools were much larger.


    As for Qia, she was at the Late Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, just like Malaka and Agis. Then again, she was still very happy with her progress.


    Qia was the first one to arrive at the place where Roan''s army was located. Coincidentally, it was at the moment when Roan was commanding millions of demon beasts to attack the opposing side''s defenses in the two countries of Hagark and Pofel.


    "Who goes there?"


    Naturally, she was caught by the Spiritual Senses of the demon beasts protecting the place. But since she was human, they didn''t do anything. It''s just that the place where Roan was located had to be guarded 100% of the time since his cultivation was too low.


    "Sorry, I''m here to see Roan. He requested my presence from the Collen Army." That was the demon beast army Qia was a part of before Roan found her. Collen was obviously the name of the demon beast in charge there.


    Not too long after, one of the Stage Seven Demon Beasts came out to receive Qia, saying, "He confirmed your identity. Come with me." Right after, he enveloped Qia in his Spiritual Energy before dragging her over. Qia couldn''t do anything since the difference in cultivation between them was ridiculously high.


    Well, there was no problem since she arrived a few minutes later. There, she immediately noticed Roan in the middle of a lot of demon beasts. It''s just that Roan looked tiny and weak. Well, that was true since the demon beasts there were at least Stage Seven. Beside Roan, there was even one of the Divine Demon Beasts, the only one that hasn''t appeared until now, Frin, the Silver Fenrir.


    Because of Roan''s success in attacking, he had already conquered two important defensive points with minimal losses. That being said, the commander of 10% of the demon beast armies quickly caught the attention of the Zasfins. Frin was then sent here to protect him since Roan would instantly die if a Transition Realm Zasfin suddenly appeared.


    "Send 13,000 demon beasts to the Jaftio Canyon. They have to pass through it in the next three hours, or we''ll lose the initiative in that region. Make it so that at least five thousand of them are Stage Four Demon Beasts."


    One of the Stage Seven Demon Beasts immediately nodded and disappeared after that. Together with that demon beast, many Stage Six and Five Demon Beasts followed.


    Following that, Roan continued, "We need at least a hundred thousand beasts in the Colost Mountain Range. If I''m not wrong, the Zasfins will try to use the mountains to hide their presence while sneaking behind our Demon Beast Army in the Yula Path. They must hold the Zasfins there until at least noon. Also..."


    Once again, another demon beast at Stage Seven disappeared with many lower-level ones as soon as Roan finished his words. It was impressive how much the demon beasts came to trust Roan after such a short time.


    Roan then passed a few more orders as some demon beasts left. In the end, only Frin and two Stage Eight Demon Beasts remained there. With that, Frin looked at Roan and asked, "Are you sure this will work? If the Colost Mountain Range is truly a place where the Zasfins will try to pass, they''ll probably bring a lot more members than just one hundred thousand."


    Roan nodded as he replied, "I know, that''s why I asked that at least one-third of those hundred thousand beasts should be composed of Earth-type demon beasts. The idea is to stall for time, and they can do that by utilizing the terrain to their advantage. As long as we hold them until noon, our army in Yula Path can break through the defense line. Once that''s done, the Colost Mountain Range Army will be of no use."


    Frin didn''t say anything else after Roan finished his words. He had proved time and time again that his methods worked. Above all, he made them work while he had a huge amount of low-level demon beasts that could only receive simple commands. Either they attacked, or they retreated. They couldn''t do much more than that. Formations? Strategy? Such a thing didn''t exist for demon beasts at Stage Four and below.


    Suddenly, Frin''s expression changed as he looked in a certain direction. Roan, too, did the same. "Another one, huh?"


    Right after, two of the three Stage Eight Demon Beasts disappeared. Sure enough, the sound of a heated battle had begun in the distance. Roan had been targeted for a long time now, and the demon beasts got quite used to that. Roan hastily ignored that and looked at the maps in front of him. The Stage Eight and Elemental Transformation level battle to his side didn''t even bother him.


    Eventually, his eyes shift a bit as he noticed a certain girl''s presence at the back. He looked behind and obviously saw Qia standing there. "So you''re here, huh? That''s good. Here, take it." Roan then threw a jade slip to Qia.


    "What is it?" Qia was confused as she looked at the content. Though, after she read it, her eyes widened as she muttered, "This..."


    Roan faintly smiled in response, saying, "Go there and help Rean. It''s one of the main points of my strategy, so make sure he completes it."

 Chapter 788 - Special Mission

    Qia obviously wanted to see Rean, so she accepted the order. However, she first asked about everyone else before leaving. "What happened to Calina and the rest?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders, replying, "I received a report that Calina was helping the Demon Beast Army in Gactip Country, so I''ve already issued an order for her to come here. As for the rest, I''m not too sure."


    It was then that Roan remembered something. "By the way, what happened to Frandin and Xiria?"


    Qia already expected the question, so she answered straight away. "We went our separate ways. Frandin made it clear that he wouldn''t fight for the demon beasts. After all, he''s also a Zasfin. As for Xiria, she followed Frandin. That was the best thing for both sides once we found out about the war," Qia explained. "If I''m not wrong, they''re probably participating in the war as well, but on the enemy''s side. Of course, that''s considering the fact that they haven''t died until now."


    Roan nodded, not finding it too surprising. Frandin respected Rean''s group because they didn''t have the mentality of slaves. As for the other humans, he always said that he didn''t care about them. Besides, this was a war between Zasfins and demon beasts. Humans weren''t considered very important in the grand scheme of things, so Frandin obviously chose his race''s side. "Very well. If you find him on the other side, don''t hold back. I didn''t train him so that he would lose this easily."


    Qia agreed with him, saying in response, "Of course. Anyone who followed your teachings isn''t someone who can be overlooked. I was quite famous in the army where I was in before you found me, so I believe Frandin and Xiria are in similar positions."


    They discussed a little more before Qia finally took off. Roan asked if she wanted to revise her routine and cultivation technique according to her cultivation. However, she was in a hurry to find Rean.


    Frin, who always stayed beside Roan, couldn''t help but ask with a dark expression, "You helped a Zasfin?"


    Roan glanced at him, not minding Frin''s mood as he replied, "I did. After all, that Zasfin helped us a lot when we first arrived. Well, the truth is that we took him as our slave instead of the opposite. Nevertheless, after so long, I decided to let him go. I''m not ungrateful, you know? Rewards shall be given to those who deserve it. Punishment follows the same rule. I''ve been working like this ever since I assumed command of this arm, didn''t I? Now, look at our achievements compared to the others."


    Frin sighed in the end, saying, "Fine...the fact that you didn''t try to hide your conversation at least shows some sincerity. By the way, Phex is coming."


    Roan nodded in response to Frin''s words. "I know. It was about time for the commanders of the other armies to come asking for my opinion. Everything is within what I''ve imagined so far. Once Rean finishes his part, the other armies'' help will become extremely necessary."


    Frin wanted to know just what it was that Roan asked Rean to do. However, Roan didn''t open his mouth, even for him, one of the Divine Demon Beasts. That showed just how careful he was being with it.


    Meanwhile, on the Zasfins'' side, a black-haired Zasfin walked along the streets of a city called Watisan. This place was the capital of the country of Wenfal, close to the North of the world. As one might remember, the Soul Rulers'' headquarters was located on the extreme North, so this was the biggest city near them.


    Because of its proximity to the North Pole, this city was still covered in snow and ice in its surroundings, having to rely on the city''s protection formation to keep the bad weather outside. In fact, the situation regarding the weather was a lot better now. Back when Celis worked for the Zasfins, the environment was much harsher. It''s just that the location didn''t allow for the ice and snow to melt even after the planet''s condition had gotten better with Celis''s ''retirement.''


    On the shoulder of the young Zasfin, one could see a small white rabbit. It looked inoffensive as it slowly ate a carrot. The females who passed by the young Zasfin couldn''t help but look in his direction. First off, that was because the snow-white rabbit was really cute. Second, it was because the young Zasfin was quite handsome for them.


    As one could imagine, the Zasfin and the snow-white rabbit were none other than Rean and Red. Before, Rean couldn''t use his appearance-changing skill to look like a Zasfin since it could be seen through by a higher-level cultivator. Naturally, a city like this, one so close to the Soul Rulers'' headquarters, had many Zasfins at the Saint Realm and above overseeing it.


    This was one of the very few places in the world where all the population knew about the existence of the Soul Rulers. Well, after the war against the demon beasts started, the entire world was told at least a bit about the Soul Rulers. After all, the combatants had to understand what they were fighting for and that the Zasfins weren''t really the only ruling power of the planet. It''s just that this city''s Zasfins knew about the Soul Rulers even before that.


    That being said, Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill would be useless if he got too close to a Saint or even a Soul Transformation Realm Zasfin, especially in a time like this. However, Rean wasn''t alone. He had Red on his side. Surprisingly, Red''s concealment skill was of an even higher level than Rean''s. It had to do with Red''s bloodline as a Golden Drohare, a Bloodline Ability.


    When Rean''s Body Transformation skill with Light Element and Red''s Concealment skill were put together, they formed the ultimate disguise. Not even Elemental Transformation or Transition Realm Zasfins could see through it.


    Of course, Red was against the demon beasts back when he fought Rean and Roan, so there was a reason for him to be helping right now. To explain that, we would need to go back a month or so in time...


    ---


    Author''s Note: Privilege will change next month, so please check the author''s thoughts below.

 Chapter 789 - Deep Thought

    Rean''s group had just arrived back from their travel to Darian''s underwater palace. Naturally, they were received by Malo and company. Following that, Roan explained that the war between the Zasfins and demon beasts would finally leave its initial stages and enter the stage where high-level experts would enter. With that, the Zasfins would have little time to care about gathering more humans to be used in the Bloodline Trial Control Formations. Well, even if they did gather more of them, the formations would still take several more years to be rebuilt, so it didn''t matter much overall.


    That being said, Roan offered to participate in the war for everyone above fourteen years old, allowing them to work with the 10% of the Demon Beast Army that he would control. He made sure to clarify the dangers involved so that no one would change their minds later.


    That was one of the reasons for Roan''s success. In total, over 300 of the Freedom Sect''s members decided to follow him. That made it a lot easier to pass orders to specific points in the battlefield since demon beasts at Stage Four and below didn''t have sentience. Even though simple orders like attacking or retreating was the limitation of those demon beasts, having humans help coordinate these simple order made everything even simpler.


    Malo, the highest level cultivator other than Rean''s group, didn''t go, though. It was not that he didn''t want to, but because he was forced to not go due to his duties as the ''Sect Master,'' a position he didn''t want by the way.


    Kentucky, of course, didn''t care about those complicated things. That being said, he spent most of his short time in the sect on his nest on Celis or in the middle of the female cultivators. Sure enough, once a pervert bird, always a pervert bird.


    Celis, on the other hand, didn''t care about any of that. As long as Kentucky had its nest on him, he would benefit from it. Besides, he didn''t need combat experience since he had lots of it. He only needed tons of energy at this point.


    While all of that happ��ned outside, something different was happening inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Here, Rean had awakened from his slumber again and decided to talk with Red.


    [Oh, you''re up. That''s good.] Sister Orb was the first one to notice that. [Can you do something about this rabbit? I''ve hit him so many times, but he keeps trying to sneak behind me to attack Roan''s herb garden.]


    Rean''s mouth twitched in response as he saw the blood marks on the shiny orb''s surface. It looked like Sister Orb had been quite brutal while he was asleep. Soon after, he used his connection with the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to find Red and check his conditions. "Couldn''t you...hold back a little?"


    At the moment, Red was crying in a corner as he licked his injuries. However, his fur wasn''t colored red anymore, much less white. Instead, he looked a lot more purple. His entire body was swollen all over. Well, there were a few red points, but those were from the area where Sister Orb''s attacks opened cuts.


    [Hmph! Don''t be fooled by his appearance. I bet anything with you that he''ll try to get close to Roan''s herb garden within the next two hours at most!] Sister Orb obviously didn''t seem the least bit concerned.


    Rean sighed in response and left Sister Orb behind as he headed to where Red was. Unfortunately for Red, the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm was Sister Orb''s and the twins'' personal dimension. That being said, they could even block his Spiritual Sense. Red only noticed Rean''s presence when he was almost beside him.


    Rean scratched the back of his head when Red looked at him, asking, "Ahem...why must you put yourself in such a predicament? Sister Orb obviously wouldn''t let you get close to the herb garden."


    "Hmph! What''s wrong with a Divine Demon Beast like me eating high-level herbs? I''m a Golden Drohare, obviously not a carnivore. For me, those are marvelous snacks." Red didn''t look like he regretted his actions either.


    Rean still found it strange as he asked in response, "Couldn''t you ask for more carrots?"


    Red shook his head as he replied, "Carrots are indeed the most delicious food I''ve eaten in my life. Unfortunately, they can''t help in my cultivation. It''s truly a pity that they only grow as common food. I need rare herbs to help my power increase faster."


    With that, Rean understood why he was so adamant about attacking the herbs...just for Sister Orb to send him flying once more. One must remember that Roan''s herb garden was being taken care of by Celis''s saplings. Naturally, they reached a new level during the time they were nurtured by the World Swallowing Cedar. In Red''s eyes, those herbs were probably more important than any rank of Spirit Stone.


    It was then that Rean had an idea. "Hmm... let''s do it like this. I can allow you to eat a certain amount of Roan''s herbs every month. However, you''ll have to help me in my next mission."


    Red was taken aback, saying, "Help you with your mission? Did you forget I''m against the demon beasts?"


    "Idiot! Do you still believe that it was Phex''s group who filled that blood pond? It wasn''t them! Didn''t you hear when Phex said that all the blood of the demon beasts who die on this planet was dragged there by the Bestial Sacred Grounds? They never had anything to do with that!" Rean felt helpless since he knew it was the truth. It''s just that he couldn''t explain that it was because of the Soul Gem System that he knew about it.


    Red didn''t seem to care, though. "Hmph! And why should I believe you instead?"


    Rean shook his head, saying, "You don''t need to believe me." After that, he said something that made Red think a lot more seriously. "Can''t you see it? If there was a chance that one of the sides was lying to you, which one do you think it would be? The Zasfins or the demon beasts?"


    "This..." Red had to admit that it made sense. With that, he looked at Rean before asking, "Can you prove it?"


    Rean pondered a bit before saying, "I can...however, it''ll only be possible once we go see a certain person. Don''t worry, it''ll be very soon. As for who it is, I can''t tell you right now."


    Red fell into deep thought after that.

 Chapter 790 - We Need You To Win This War

    Seeing that Red wavered, Rean decided to strike the iron while it was hot. "Aren''t the few herbs enough for you? Then, how about Roan concocts a pill for you that can clean your meridians? It uses the same herbs you want to eat, so it''s certain to be tasty. Besides, it should give you a boost in the future."


    Red''s eyes lit up after hearing that, asking, "Can he do such a thing?"


    "But of course!" Rean immediately confirmed. Roan spent a lot of time practicing his pill concoction during his free time in the Freedom Sect, especially because he had many herbs to use. Besides, Red was just a single realm above himself. Unlike Darian, who was already a Stage Nine Demon Beast, Red was only at Stage Six. His pills would certainly have a great effect on him. It would be much better than what Rean did for Darian to his marrows. Not to mention that cleaning the meridians had a much greater effect.


    Rean then immediately called Roan through their Soul Connection. Not too long after, Roan appeared in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.  It''s just that he didn''t look very happy after hearing the contents of Rean''s negotiation. "Are you crazy? Even though we have Celis, my herbs are hard to manage. I often come here to help take care of them with Celis''s support. How can you offer such a deal?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "Come on! You just need to give Red the herbs that you can spare. It''s not like you must feed him with the ones that you don''t have much of. Besides, we need Red''s help if we want that plan to work. My Light bending skill isn''t enough to cover the change in my appearance."


    Red then looked at the twins after that, asking, "Just one question. Why do you think I won''t betray you after getting what I want?"


    However, Rean and Roan didn''t look the least bit concerned as Roan replied, "Hmph! You''re too prideful to break your own word."


    "I might have been only pretending, you know?"


    Roan shook his head, saying, "If so, you are the best liar in the Universe if you''re able to fool even me."


    Rean nodded, knowing Roan''s skills as a lie detector. Countless years working as a death spirit wasn''t just for show.


    Red narrowed his eyes in response but eventually nodded in the end. "Fine! I want you to prove that you were telling the truth, and I want the pill.  But if I see that you were lying about the blood pool, I will definitely take revenge, even if it costs my life."


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "Good thing I know I''m not wrong."


    Following that, Red finally asked a question that has been puzzling him until now. "So, now that this is out of the way...just what the hell is this place? How come I was able to hear everything from outside? More importantly, what is that ridiculous floating orb?"


    *Bang!*


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    *Arrrgh!*


    Red only had the time to end his question before Sister Orb collided with his body. This time, she really took it seriously, breaking quite a few of Red''s bones. [Ohohoho~ That''s weird...I swear I heard a little piece of shit badmouthing me.]


    Red vomited blood, literally! It''s just that it was hard to tell if it was because of anger or his injuries...probably both.


    Sister Orb then approached the crater created by Red''s body after the impact. [It was all a mistake, wasn''t it? There''s no way someone would talk like that inside my own dimensional realm.]


    Red then looked at Sister Orb after that and couldn''t help but feel a chill behind his back. Even his golden lightning was completely useless in this place, so his anger disappeared almost instantly. Following that, he looked at Rean and Roan, obviously asking for help.


    "I need to go check the formations of the Freedom Sect, so I''ll be back later." Surprisingly, Rean disappeared in a flash.


    "I better go collect the herbs for the Meridian Cleansing Pill before I forget about it." Not only that, but Roan also ignored Red and left for the garden.


    Just like that, they abandoned Red as if it was just natural. One must understand...in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Sister Orb was god! And a god in a much higher position than the twins.


    [Hahaha! Now then. Shall we play a little bit?] Sister Orb was obviously pleased with that outcome, much to Red''s despair.


    "Wait, wait! It was my bad! I won''t say anything anymore, alright?" In the end, Red could only yield. This time, Sister Orb hit him with much more strength than any of the other events. He truly didn''t want to get on the orb''s bad side anymore.


    Later that day, Rean came back and healed Red with his Light Element before finally allowing him to come out of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. For Red, it was the end of a nightmare.


    After that, Red received Roan''s Meridian Cleansing Pill later. Before, Roan created Cross-Realm Pills that had this side effect. However, in the end, he came up with a pill of Light and Dark Element that was solely used for that. It was a product that could achieve a much better result. The process was still the same, though. The Dark Element destroyed the damaged areas and the impurities present in the meridians, while the Light Element protected it. Last but not least, the medicinal properties rebuilt the necessary parts anew.


    After seeing the effects of the pill, Red couldn''t help but admire it. "To think that such a thing could be created. I can feel the flow of Spiritual Energy so well, and it happens so easily that it''s kinda scary."


    "That''s because you''re in the perfect cultivation level for this pill," Roan explained. "If you were at Stage Seven, the effects wouldn''t be as obvious since my alchemy level isn''t there yet."


    Red nodded before he looked at Rean and Roan, asking, "Alright. Since you''ve kept your part of the deal, I''ll keep mine. What is it that you need me for?"


    Rean faintly smiled before saying, "We need you to win this war."

 Chapter 791 - White Calamity

    Going back to the present, Red and Rean had arrived in front of a store. It was quite small compared to the ones found in this city. Not to mention that it looked old and worn-down.


    Red looked at it and couldn''t help but ask, "Is it here?"


    At this moment, Rean couldn''t help but get nervous. For him, walking in the middle of Watisan City wasn''t nearly as dangerous as this place. Nevertheless, he took a deep breath as he nodded, saying, "Yeah. It''s here."


    Rean then opened the store''s door and made his way inside. There were quite a few old items for sale inside, but nothing of high quality. Rean ignored that as he looked at the counter where an old Zasfin rested on the chair.


    Once Rean approached, the old Zasfin opened his eyes before smiling, saying, "Oh, we have a customer." He then slowly got up as he asked, "What can I help you with? We don''t have anything incredible, but I can guarantee that all the items here can do what they''re supposed to."


    Rean then took a deep breath before shaking his head. Soon after, he took a token from his bag and passed it to the old Zasfin. As soon as the Zasfin saw that token, his smile disappeared as his eyes narrowed. A very serious expression soon appeared on his face as he looked at Rean from head to toe. "Do I know you?"


    Rean shook his head, responding, "No, but your old lady should definitely know about me." Rean paused for a moment as he gathered the courage to say the next words. "Tell her that ''White Calamity'' is here."


    The old Zasfin didn''t know what that meant, but he knew who Rean was talking about. He then grabbed Rean''s token right after, telling him, "Wait here. It might take some time before she arrives." The old Zasfin then disappeared at the back of the store. From the same place, a little Zasfin boy came out and sat on the chair to take care of business while the old man was out. He only glanced at Rean for a moment before putting his attention on something else.


    Red, who was on Rean''s shoulder all this time, couldn''t help but ask through a Spiritual Sense Message, ''In the end, just who is it that you wish to meet? I''ve asked you many times so far, but you always dodged the question.''


    Rean smiled in response. ''There''s no point telling you if she doesn''t come out. In fact, there''s a very high chance that my identity will be exposed, and the two of us will die here.''


    ''What?! You didn''t say anything about dying!'' Red was obviously taken aback.


    Rean shrugged his shoulders in response, telling him, ''What are you complaining about? Don''t forget that we could have killed you back then, so why would you care whether you die now or not?''


    Red''s mouth twitched after hearing that. He knew that Rean was talking the truth. ''Hmph! If I see things go out of control, I''ll leave you behind and disappear from here. Don''t blame me for that.''


    Rean nodded, saying, ''Don''t worry, I''ll also make a run for it if the situation calls for it.''


    Rean waited in the room for a few hours with no sign of the old Zasfin returning. However, no one appeared to try and attack him either, which was already very good news. In his mind, if his identity had been leaked to the Soul Rulers, this store would have been surrounded a very long time ago.


    Without much to do, he started to look around and see if there was anything he wanted.


    ''Hmm...?''


    It was then that he found a small purple pot thrown in a corner. It wasn''t really being displayed, just piled up with other things that looked of no value. Rean couldn''t help but grab it and look inside, just to see that it was empty. However...


    ''Weird... I definitely can feel some kind of power coming from this little pot. It''s somewhat similar to Life Force, but...not exactly.'' Rean was puzzled by that and decided to take it with him. That being said, he brought the pot to the counter where the Zasfin boy was playing. "Say, how much does this pot cost?"


    The boy looked at it for a moment before he turned around to grab a book on the shelf. After going through a few pages, he finally found what he was looking for. "It''s 200 Rank Two Spirit Stones."


    "So cheap..." Rean couldn''t help but wonder if they couldn''t see that this pot had something different in it. Nevertheless, it wasn''t as if he knew anything about the item either. Well, one must understand that 100 Rank Two Spirit Stones was cheap for someone like Rean, but not everyone in the world. "Here, there are twenty Rank Three Spirit Stones in this bag. I believe the exchange rate is still 1 to 10, right?"


    The boy checked the bag and nodded, saying, "It is...although I don''t think someone would give Rank Three Spirit Stones instead of Rank Two. In any case, our deal is done, so you can''t take it back."


    Rean smiled and placed the pot away. That price meant nothing for him, after all. ''Still, why is she taking this long? The Soul Rulers'' headquarters shouldn''t be this far away.''


    It was then that a voice came from behind the store, saying, "I can''t believe that you really dared to show your face here again. Can you give one good reason for me to not skin you alive right now?"


    As the female voice came out, a beautiful woman made her way into the store. On her side, one could see the old Zasfin that had left the shop following her.


    Rean couldn''t help but become nervous again as he bowed to the woman, saying, "Long time no see, Lady Sevinia."


    Sevinia Haphel, Ophele''s mother and the leader of the Hafel Clan, one of the biggest clans within the Soul Rulers organization. She was also the one who arranged for Rean to not be put in the Bloodline Trial Control Formation like Roan. Instead, Rean was left in the clan to help Palaris and Ophele with the development of formations.

 Chapter 792 - So Thats How It Is

    Sevinia didn''t look the least bit pleased with Rean''s respectful behavior. "Do you have any idea what we''ve gone through after what you did in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters? Most of the Soul Rulers'' members considered us as the culprit since it was us who brought you and your brother."


    Sevinia became more furious the more she thought about that. "My relationship with the organization''s leader was destroyed. My clan''s position fell to rock bottom. Not to mention that all of our clan members are being ostracized every day because of that. Is that what we get after helping humans as well as we could after so many years? If not for us, the soul extraction process would still be excruciatingly painful torture. The conditions of the kids in the Bloodline Trial Control Formations wouldn''t have been that good either."


    "I might as well tell you right now that all of those changes have now been revoked. It was considered that doing such things for humans was a waste of time in the end. If not because of that, we might not be in a war with the risk of losing more than half of our territory to the demon beasts."


    Sevinia then approached Rean and grabbed him by the neck, saying, "However, I have you now. Perhaps I can use your body in exchange for all the damage you''ve caused. How about you start talking about where we can find Celis?"


    Rean was already in the Nascent Soul Realm. That being said, he could exchange oxygen for Spiritual Energy, so he wasn''t really feeling suffocated by Sevinia''s actions. He knew that he was in a precarious situation, though. Yet...


    "Hehe! I''m well aware of the risks of coming here and delivering myself to you. However, for you to be here without an army of Soul Rulers'' experts show that you''re still interested in that letter we sent you. Am I right?" Rean asked with a weird grin on his face.


    Sevinia''s expression turned dark as she looked straight at Rean''s eyes, responding, "How long has your Demon Beast Alliance been planning all of this? I refuse to believe that it happened while you were here."


    Unfortunately for her, that was really a plan drafted by Rean and Roan while they were in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters. First of all, they didn''t even know about the existence of the Demon Beast Alliance until they arrived in Koran Forest. Naturally, the demon beasts had nothing to do with it.


    However, the letter was completely different. This was something that the twins thought after they discovered that the war would happen. During Rean''s time in the Hafel Clan, he learned a lot about their method of communication. That being said, he used one of those channels to send Sevinia a letter through the name of White Calamity. That''s why she knew that it was Rean who was looking for her. It was also because of these events that Rean knew about this old shop.


    Of course, in Sevinia''s eyes, the real masterminds were the Divine Demon Beasts of the Demon Beast Alliance. Rean and Roan were nothing more than some pawns. She couldn''t be blamed for that either since anyone would think like that, especially after the twins appeared on the Demon Beast Alliance''s side after the destruction of the headquarters. In fact, quite a few of her clan members died due to the explosions at that time.


    Sevinia kept holding Rean by the neck for some time before finally letting him go, asking, "Is what you said in the letter true?"


    Rean nodded, replying, "Yes. As you should already know, it''s simply impossible for the demon beasts to conquer the entire world. Once they take half of the available territories, your Zasfin armies will become a lot more compressed on the other half. It would bring no good for either side to continue the war after that. At the moment, the battle is only continuing because neither side wants to give up the best territories. Besides, your Soul Rulers organization made it very clear that they still hope to continue operating in this world as the sole bosses. After all, they did attack the Spiritual Energy Field in the Sea Beasts'' Territory."


    Sevinia looked immediately at the rabbit on Rean''s shoulder after hearing that. As one of the top members of the Soul Rulers before the twins'' attack, she obviously knew about Red''s existence. "If not because of this guy''s failure, we would have succeeded. Even after we prepared the entire terrain for you to get your revenge, you still didn''t accomplish it. To be honest, I thought you died in there. Only now did I understand how Rean got this close to the headquarters without being found."


    Red didn''t feel good about it either, saying, "Your organization said that I would be alone in the Spiritual Energy Field''s Dimensional Realm. However, that wasn''t the case at all."


    Sevinia narrowed her eyes, saying in response, "But we succeeded in holding off all the Divine Demon Beasts outside. How come someone was protecting it? From what we know, only Divine Demon Beasts like you should be able to enter that place."


    Red then glanced at Rean for a moment. He already heard that the twins had some kind of connection with the Minokawa. They used it to get access to the Dimensional Realm. However, he did promise he wouldn''t talk about it. "Hmph! In any case, that''s why I failed. What''s the point in talking about it right now anyway? It''s over, so just forget it." After that, Red changed the topic, taking advantage of that situation to ask something else. "By the way, is it true that the Bestial Blood Pond is being filled with the blood of the dead demon beasts in the entire world?"


    Sevinia narrowed her eyes when she heard that. However, she knew that Red had already failed, so she didn''t care too much about it, especially considering her clan''s actual situation. With that, she replied, "Yes, it is."


    Red''s blood began to boil in anger after hearing that, shouting in anger, "So, you really did lie to me!"


    ---


    Author''s Note: Privilege will change next month, so please check the author''s thoughts below.

 Chapter 793 - Deceased

    Sevinia shook her head, though. "I knew about the plan, but I''ve never seen you personally until now. Well, it''s not like I would have told you the truth either since the demon beasts are the Zasfin''s enemies. However, I didn''t participate, so look for someone else to accuse."


    It didn''t matter whether the Hafel Clan was involved or not. The fact was that Rean proved to Red that he was lying. The Bestial Blood Pond truly kept filling up automatically, without the intervention of Phex or any of the other Divine Demon Beasts at all. Besides, no demon beast was sacrificed as Red thought. Only the ones who died would have their blood taken away by the Sacred Ground. "Hehehe...so that''s how it is..."


    Rean intervened at that point before Red lost his cool, telling him, "Alright, that''s enough for now. Red, you can think about that later since you can''t do much with your strength." Rean then looked at Sevinia, asking, "So, are you in or not?"


    Sevinia snorted in response, saying, "In or not? You still haven''t explained anything other than the fact that it would work."


    Red calmed down as Rean and Sevinia continued to talk. Finally, he decided to inquire Rean about it. "Just what is it that you promised her that she hasn''t killed you yet?"


    Rean saw that there was no need to keep it hidden anymore, so he opened his mouth, telling him, "Oh! The Hafel Clan has held quite a few high and low positions in the Soul Rulers organization during its time. However, because of their more lenient opinion regarding the humans, they never had a clan member as the Soul Rulers'' leader. It was always someone else."


    Rean continued, "Now, because of Roan, Kentucky, and I, that position is as far as it could possibly be. In fact, they might even be excluded from the Soul Rulers or wiped out because of us." Rean then smiled before saying, "What I promised her was enough war merits to bring her clan to the top again and probably...even have one of their members become the next Soul Rulers'' leader."


    Red and the old man beside Sevinia were taken aback after hearing that. The Hafel Clan couldn''t be more hated at the moment, so how could that be possible?


    It was then that Red had an idea, soon voicing out his hypothesis as he asked, "Wait! Did you say war merits? Are you planning to give up on the demon beasts so you can get a higher position in the Soul Rulers?"


    Rean looked at Red as if he was looking at an idiot as he replied, "Where the hell did you get that idea? Even if I really did such a thing, do you think the Soul Rulers would accept me back in their ranks? I would be lucky enough if they didn''t torture me before dying."


    Red had to admit that Rean was right. "Then...what do you mean by war merits?"


    With that, Rean began to explain his thought process. "Because their clan is part of the Soul Rulers, they also have a part of the Zasfins'' army to control. It has nothing to do with whether or not the Soul Rulers trust the Hafel Clan to command part of the army or not. It''s just that the Soul Rulers work on a system of sharing. As much as they don''t like the Hafel Clan right now, the rules still say that the Hafel Clan has the right to take part in it. They would only be barred if it was proven that they betrayed the Soul Rulers, which isn''t the case." Rean then patted Sevinia''s shoulder as he continued, "They only made a slightly bad call when they took in my brother and me. It wasn''t as if they wanted that outcome."


    Sevinia''s mouth twitched in response as she pinched Rean''s hand to the point she almost tore a piece of it out.


    *Ouch!*


    "Slightly bad call? Is that what you call what happened?" Naturally, she was angry at how Rean treated the issue.


    In any case, Rean quickly healed his hand with Instant Recovery as he laughed. Well, that was just his way of covering his nervousness. "Hahaha! I''m joking, I''m joking!" Of course, his explanation continued. "Because their clan has access to a small part of the Zasfins'' army, they can still use it to gain credit back. In fact, I believe your Hafel Clan is putting most of its effort on it, right?"


    Sevinia didn''t try to hide it, replying, "Since you already know of it, what''s the point in denying it? Now, stop beating around the bush and tell me what you and that brother of yours are planning. Whether I''ll capture you here or agree with your plan will depend on how realistic your plans are."


    For the next hour, Rean went through everything he and Roan worked on. The more Rean talked, the more Sevinia''s expression changed. Of course, Red and the old man beside Sevinia were just as impressed. In the end, Red couldn''t help but exclaim, "Are you crazy?! There''s no wa-"


    However, the old man cut Red''s words short as he instead said, "No, it can work!"


    Sevinia was taken aback as well, not expecting the old man to open his mouth. "What are you saying? Who said you could intervene in this conversation?"


    However, the old man only put a hand on Sevinia''s shoulder before shaking his head, saying, "It''s fine, Sevinia. You don''t need to pretend anymore."


    Red and Rean looked at that situation, puzzled. However, as soon as the old man said those words, Sevinia''s demeanor towards the old man completely changed as she asked, "Ancestor...are you sure it''s okay?"


    "Ancestor?!" Rean and Red were terrified to hear that word. In the Soul Rulers'' organization, only one type of Zasfin could be called an ancestor, Transition Realm cultivators! However, this old man wasn''t doing anything else other than taking care of an old and worn store forgotten by its city. How could that be? Shouldn''t someone like him be together with the other ancestors of the Soul Rulers?


    The old man didn''t change at all, though. He still looked like a frail man as he was when Rean first met him. He then introduced himself, saying, "Nice to meet you. My name is Duran Hafel, one of the deceased ancestors of the Soul Rulers'' organization."


    "Deceased?" That word only puzzled Rean and Red even more.


    The old man smiled in response as he replied, "Simply put, everyone thinks I''m dead."

 Chapter 794 - Only One Way

    Duran then changed the topic as he continued, "Well, it''s not something you need to be concerned about. I have my reason to be like that. I just mentioned it so that you wouldn''t open your mouth in case you get captured or something like that. Now, let''s talk about the plan. Will the Divine Demon Beasts really do it?"


    Rean nodded, saying, "They will. They, too, are very aware that taking control over the entire planet is impossible. The Zasfins have constructed a strong foundation after so many years, expanding as much as possible. At the moment, ending this war is the best option, even for demon beasts like them. It''s just that the Zasfins won''t give up the best territories that easily."


    Duran obviously knew about that, saying in response, "We''ve gained control over those continents ever since we got Celis, which has been a very, very long time. Even I feel like it would be a waste to simply let all of that go."


    Rean shook his head as he replied, "It''ll be impossible to defend everything since those regions aren''t all close to each other. The demon beasts will definitely succeed in overtaking some of them with just sheer strength and numbers. You must understand that other than the Demon Beast Continent, most of the different areas they have control over are not as good as what the Zasfins have. That being said, they have no need to defend them since the Zasfins would need to take their forces from the good areas to attack. The demon beasts can simply ignore defense and focus on all-out attacks."


    There was one thing that Sevinia didn''t understand, though. "But why would you come up with this plan if you can already take some of the territories by yourselves?"


    Duran knew the answer for that, saying, "That''s simple. Even if they do take it, our side won''t give up that easily. It''s not like you don''t understand how prideful the Soul Rulers organization is. The reason to help us with this plan is so that a member of our clan takes the position of leader. With that in hand, we can stop that from happening."


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "Good thing that you understand."


    Red asked something else, though. "But what if the Hafel Clan becomes the one who wants to take the territories bac-ah!" Red already understood why even before finishing his question.


    Rean noticed that and smiled once again as he said, "Seems like you get it. It''s because of us that the Hafel Clan would get to be the next leader. If we reveal our plans after that happens, do you think the other clans would stay quiet? In the end, both demon beasts and the Hafel Clan would be in a position where they couldn''t break each other''s promise since it would be detrimental for both sides. Nothing good would come of it."


    Duran and Sevinia nodded after hearing that. That also worked as insurance for them. After all, if they get overthrown because the plan was found out, the next leader would definitely attack the territories again. That''s not what the demon beasts wanted.


    At the same time, back in the Demon Beast Alliance, Phex, Roan, and Frin were having a conversation. Phex had come to ask for his opinion on the war happening on his side. After all, Roan proved that he was a much better commander than any of them.


    However, what Roan decided to talk about was not what Phex and Frin expected. "Wait! Rean did what?!"


    Roan repeated his previous words, saying, "He went to Watisan City to meet the leader of the Hafel Clan, Sevinia Hafel."


    If Phex or Frin had found out about it from someone else, they would have laughed it off. After all, Rean must want to die to do such a thing. Even if they believed those words, they would think that Rean betrayed the demon beasts by doing that. However, the one saying it now was none other than his brother, Roan. And from the looks of it, that was something Roan and Rean decided together.


    Phex calmed down first and finally decided to ask, "For you to come up with this bomb, it seems like you aren''t trying to betray us, right?"


    Roan snorted as he replied, "Hmph! Isn''t that obvious? Why would we do such an idiotic thing and stay here in the Demon Beast Alliance? We did that because we obviously want to get the most out of this war."


    Phex and Frin looked at each other and nodded after that as Phex said in response, "Alright, tell us more."


    Roan then proceeded to explain the same thing as Rean did to Duran and Sevinia. "If we do that, we can keep control over the good territories for the next few thousand years. Only after the ones involved in this plan ascend or die would this agreement disappear in the darkness. However, by that time, both sides would have already consolidated their positions. Simply put, it will have nothing to do with us anymore. Whether the demon beasts or the Zasfins of the future lose their territories, they will only have themselves to blame."


    Phex and Frin looked at Roan with weird expressions, saying, "You do know that our demon beasts have been confined in the Demon Beast Continent for a long time, right? I don''t think they''ll stop attacking just because we got a few of the good territories."


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he said, "That''s your problem to solve, not mine. If you''re really thinking about the future of the demon beasts, you will have to convince them. First of all, it''s not like both sides will suddenly become friends after the war is over. Battles will still happen here and there. It''s just that something like taking over a continent won''t be possible anymore. In any case, they can release their anger as much as they want."


    Phex pondered over it a bit and had to admit it made sense. "Well, that might work."


    Still, he couldn''t help but ask, "However, you still haven''t told us how you will make a Hafel Clan member become the next Soul Rulers'' leader."


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he said, "At their present stage, there''s only one way. War merits." Sure enough, Roan said the same thing as Rean.

 Chapter 795 - I Must Be Tired

    Naturally, Phex immediately thought of the same issue as Red did, asking, "Are you saying that you''ll help them win battles against our armies?"


    Roan shook his head as he replied, "Not quite. Instead, we need to get rid of Fikin and a few of their ancestors."


    Phex and Frin felt chills behind their backs after hearing that. "Ahem...you do know that Fikin and the other ancestors are in a similar level of power as us, right? Defeating them is one thing, but killing..."


    Phex and Frin were confident in their strength. However, they weren''t delusional. They were well aware that killing any of the ancestors would be a nigh-impossible task. Though, the same could be said about themselves.


    However, Roan looked at them as if they were a bunch of idiots. "I wonder how you''re still considered the Demon Beast Alliance''s leaders. Can you be any worse than that?"


    Phex and Frin''s mouths twitched after hearing that, instantly feeling like smashing Roan''s head in. They were Peak Stage Nine Divine Demon Beasts, while Roan was just a puny Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. When was the last time when they were humiliated by such an ant? "You better control your mouth, little guy. Demon beasts aren''t very good at swallowing insults."


    Roan couldn''t care less, though. "Hmph! Then stop to think before opening your mouth. Alright, I''ll give you one more chance. What is it that you have that the Zasfins don''t?"


    Frin and Phex went silent straight away. What is it that they have? The Demon Beast Army? No, that''s not the case. The Bestial Sacred Ground? That can''t be it either since they couldn''t bring it from its location. It was then that Phex remembered the time they were attacked in the underwater palace, instantly saying, "Ah! That, that...that might actually work!"


    Frin wasn''t in the underwater palace back then, but he knew what happened. Nevertheless, he was still puzzled as he hastily asked, "What is it? What is it?! Don''t leave me hanging like that!"


    Roan nodded in satisfaction as he continued, "It seems like you''ve understood the point here. You can keep coming back to fight at peak condition, but what about the Zasfins'' ancestors?"


    "Come back to fight at peak condition?" Frin was even more puzzled now.


    Roan sighed after hearing Frin''s dilemma and soon began to explain to him. "When Stage Nine Demon Beasts and cultivators at the same level battle, they''re bound to leave the area injured and weakened. Unless you''re successful in an ambush or something like that, both sides will definitely sustain some damage," Roan explained. "The problem is that experts of your level would take a very long time to recover...or so was the case before. However, you have Rean and me."


    Phex nodded as he continued where Roan left off, saying, "Injuries that I would have taken a few months to recover were done within just four hours. Even Darian''s blood loss was replenished in record time. Usually, he would need years, if not decades, due to his age and level. But it only took weeks, thanks to them. If we use this to our advantage, we can keep attacking, attacking, and attacking even more."


    Roan agreed with Phex, saying, "Exactly. It doesn''t matter who will get defeated in the first few battles against the Zasfins. As long as you succeed in injuring the Zasfins, that''ll be more than enough. They probably have pills and things like that to help them recover, but just how rare and hard are they to concoct? In your case, Rean or I can simply use Light Element to resolve everything. Of course, Rean is much better at this task than I am."


    Frin couldn''t help but ask, "If that''s the case, why would we stop after simply taking a few of the good territories? We can literally dominate the entire world after we defeat all the Zasfin ancestors."


    Phex and Roan immediately shook their heads, saying in unison, "That would be a terrible idea."


    "Why?" Frin couldn''t see the problem with that.


    Roan then explained first. "What''s the point of a planet where only a single power reigns?" Roan then pointed at the Zasfins'' side. "Have you not seen just how weak the Zasfins that lacked battle experience was? If not because of the foundation in their territories, we wouldn''t even need to do such a thing. If you really take everything, the demon beasts will lose a common enemy. It might look nice at first, but it''s detrimental in the long run."


    Phex agreed with Roan as he said, "Not only that, but demon beasts aren''t very good at delicate tasks like formations, pill making, and so on. If we get rid of Zasfins, we would also be unable to get such items as we did before in the Demon Beast Cities."


    "Last but not least, demon beasts, humans, and Zasfins can develop much faster when they have someone to fight against. You can look at the humans who live in the Demon Beast Continent. They only make up a small amount of the continent''s population, but each of them is much stronger than a similarly leveled Zasfin as long as the Zasfins don''t use their Soul Marks. If the humans had Soul Marks, they could totally trash the Zasfins at the same level." Roan then looked at Frin with a serious expression as he asked, "Do you really want the demon beasts to turn out like that?"


    Frin scratched the back of his head with his paw-like hand, muttering in a whimper, "No..."


    Phex then thought about something else as he soon asked, "Wait! If Rean is so important to this plan like you said, then why did you send him to Watisan City? Are you crazy?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "It had to be him or me. No one else would work. Only if it came from our mouths would Sevinia accept it."


    Phex and Frin were taken aback as they simultaneously asked, "Why?"


    Roan faintly smiled before dropping another bomb, telling them, "Because it was us who destroyed their Bloodline Trial Control Formations and took Celis away. Well, we sent almost the entire headquarters to the sky in the process."


    Phex immediately laughed out loud after that. "Hahaha! I must be going crazy." He then looked at Frin, saying, "Can you believe that I heard they destroyed the Soul Rulers'' headquarters and kidnapped Celis? They, two Nascent Soul Realm humans...I must be tired..."


    Frin''s expression was weird as he replied, "That''s such a coincidence. I could swear I heard the same thing as you did."

 Chapter 796 - Their Problem

    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "Whether you believe it or not is not my problem. I just thought that this was the right time to tell you about that event."


    Phex and Frin''s expressions changed once more as they finally understood that they heard it correctly. "Impossible! How would you be able to do such a thing? Even if all the Divine Demon Beasts attacked their headquarters together, we wouldn''t be able to pull that off. That place is a fortress."


    Roan shook his head in response as he said, "In fact, it wasn''t that troublesome. You know...things become a lot easier when your race is completely underestimated. Let''s just say that humans being slaves on this planet helped a lot in making the Zasfins drop their guards."


    Frin immediately asked something else after that. "Wait! If that is true, then where''s Celis? Also, that World Swallowing Cedar was a Stage Nine Demon Tree, so it should be gigantic. How did you bring it out?"


    "Do you remember the Freedom Sect that we temporarily created in the Demon Beast Continent?" Roan asked. Phex and Frin nodded in response before waiting for Roan to continue. "That''s where you can find Celis. However, don''t expect Celis to do the same thing for you as he did for the Zasfins."


    Phex immediately shook his head as he responded, "No can do! I knew that something must have happened with the World Swallowing Cedar for the Spiritual Energy to come back to normal. But I always thought it had escaped on its own, and I haven''t heard from it ever since. If Celis is really there, I will immediately pay him a visit and request his help. If he retrieves the Spiritual Energy of the Zasfins'' side, this war will become several times easier. World Swallowing Cedars are also Divine Demon Beasts...or Plants. I''m sure he''ll consider it. Not to mention that it would work as revenge against the Zasfins for him."


    Roan shook his head as he reiterated himself,  "I''m not saying that you would have a problem making Celis accept it. I''m pretty sure that Celis would love to take in all the Spiritual Energy from the Zasfins and focus it on the demon beasts to get back at them. Unfortunately..." Roan stopped there.


    "Unfortunately? Unfortunately what?! Say it!" Phex and Frin were even more curious now.


    "It''s just that Celis suffered a huge drop in cultivation after escaping from the Soul Rulers'' headquarters," Roan explained.


    Frin found it weird, though. "So what? You and Rean can heal us, so you can definitely heal it as well, right?"


    Roan never said that Celis was injured, just that Celis''s cultivation had dropped. However, he wouldn''t try to fix this mistake. Following that, he shook his head as he replied, "We can''t. That''s because Celis''s cultivation dropped to the Stage Five level. It''s one thing to heal injuries, but recovering cultivation is a completely different thing. Light Element can do nothing about it."


    Phex and Frin were shocked when they heard that. "Stage Five! Celis''s cultivation dropped to Stage Five! How could that be..."


    Roan assured them, saying, "Don''t worry. Celis accepted it as a price for escaping the confinement made by the Soul Rulers. If it was you, would you mind losing your cultivation if you could stop being their puppet?"


    Phex and Frin went completely silent after hearing that question. They were both Divine Demon Beasts, just like Celis. Naturally, they know how humiliated Celis would have felt during all this time. Sure enough, they probably wouldn''t mind losing their cultivation if it meant that they could escape.


    "Sigh...if Celis is only at Stage Five, then there''s no way he can stop the world''s Spiritual Energy anymore. At most, he can control the Spiritual Energy of a small region," Phex said those words with a gloomy expression. "In any case, I''ll go pay Celis a visit to see how he''s faring. As a Divine Demon Beast, I ought to do so."


    Roan didn''t mind that. Telling them about Celis was already part of the plan since they couldn''t hide him forever. Wartime was the best moment since the demon beasts needed him and Rean the most.


    "Still, you haven''t explained how you brought Celis out of there. Even if Celis''s size decreased after regressing to Stage Five, it''s not something you can move around as you wish. I have no doubt that the protection around Celis was even more strict than the formations that existed there." Sure enough, Frin didn''t forget that part.


    Roan didn''t want to talk, though. "That''s a secret. Do you think we would reveal everything that easily? Our human race is the weakest out of the three on this planet, so we need some insurance."


    Phex wasn''t surprised to hear that, eventually saying, "So be it. As curious as I might be, the important part is that we don''t need to worry about Celis stealing our Spiritual Energy anymore." Following that, he went back to the previous topic. "Now I understand why you said that only you or Rean would be able to convince Sevinia. After what you did and the fact that they brought you there, that might be their only chance at getting back on their feet."


    Frin couldn''t help but say, "Still, I find it too dangerous. Rean''s life is a must for the plan to work. In fact, even without the Hafel Clan''s help, we could probably make the plan work as long as Rean was here. We would just be careful not to completely take over the planet."


    Roan shook his head, saying, "Wrong. You all plan to go to the Bestial Sacred Ground, right? If you succeed in opening the path to that so-called Realm of Gods, will you stay here to protect the demon beasts?"


    Frin was taken aback, muttering, "This..."


    Phex sighed as he understood what Roan meant. "He''s thinking much further ahead than you or I. Let''s be honest. None of us, who have been at the peak of Stage Nine, would let that chance pass up. Once we leave, who will keep the Zasfins at bay? However, having the agreement with the Hafel Clan would ensure that status."


    Roan was satisfied with Phex''s words, saying, "It''s good that you understand. This is not only for you but for the human race on this planet as well. That''s all."


    ---


    Author''s Note: Privilege will change next month, so please check the author''s thoughts below.

 Chapter 797 - Straight

    Back on Rean''s side, he just finished explaining the same plan to Duran and Sevinia. Of course, he left out the fact that he would be healing the Divine Demon Beasts while explaining the plan, instead telling them that the demon beasts had a way of using the Bestial Sacred Ground to do that instead. "So, how is it?"


    Hafel understood why the demon beasts would eventually succeed in claiming the territories and why they didn''t want to completely dominate the planet. He couldn''t be more aware of the lack of combat experience the Zasfins had after being in control over the world after so long without real enemies. "Very well. What do you need from our side?"


    "Let''s wait a few days. I need to go back, so I''ll leave someone else in charge of passing the messages over to you. There''s no need to worry. It''s someone I trust. Just pretend that this person is one of your slaves that you''ve acquired recently." Rean smiled as he talked about that.


    Duran didn''t see an issue with it. With that, he said, "That''s fine. I''ll wait for this person to come. But until then, you have to stay here. There are a few things I want to talk about with you."


    Rean wasn''t surprised by that. After all, after accepting the plan, they would obviously have many concerns. "That''s fine. I''ll answer everything as much as I''m allowed to."


    Duran nodded after hearing that, saying, "That''s good." He then looked at Sevinia before saying, "Go back and prepare our army. We need to be ready for any possible call."


    Sevinia couldn''t help but become worried, though. "But Ancestor...what if they want to lure our Hafel Clan''s army into a trap? Wouldn''t we suffer even more than we are right now?"


    Duran shook his head, replying, "We are in no position to be picky at the moment. You know that better than anyone else. Besides...you do know that I have some issues as well, which I would love to get over with now that an opportunity has appeared."


    Sevinia''s eyes widened as she remembered something from the past. "Ancestor, you can''t be talking about-"


    "Enough!" Duran cut Sevinia''s words short. "I''ve already made my decision."


    Sevinia quickly bowed after that. "Yes, Ancestor."


    Red and Rean didn''t know what was happening, but they were pretty sure it had something to do with Duran''s ''death.'' Otherwise, why would he pretend to not be around?


    Sevinia quickly left after that. In the end, only Duran, Red, Rean, and the boy at the counter stayed. Rean and Red looked at the boy, who didn''t seem to care about what was happening. Duran noticed that, of course. "Don''t worry. Just pretend he doesn''t exist. Now, let''s talk a bit more."


    Just like Rean mentioned, a week went by as he waited in Watisan City. Thanks to Red''s concealing ability, none of the Spiritual Senses that passed over the store noticed that he was, in fact, a human. Another thing was that Duran seemed to also have a way to hide his presence. Every now and then, some random customers entered the store to buy something, but they would leave not too long after.


    While Rean waited, Roan received a new visitor. "Roan!"


    He looked behind and saw a black-haired girl rushing at him. Surprisingly, a rare smile appeared on his face, one that wasn''t cold or disdainful. Well, it was very faint, though. However, just as the girl jumped to hug him, Roan stepped to the side, making the girl grab nothing but air. "This is not the right time for this kind of thing, Calina."


    Naturally, it was Calina who arrived. As always, she kept her blonde hair dyed so that she wouldn''t catch too much attention. Even if she was in the demon beasts'' side during this war, blonde hair was still way too rare. She preferred not to risk it. "You''re no fun. Can''t you at least show some reaction?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "Maybe another time." Well, that was already a very big commitment from Roan. He then used his Spiritual Sense to check on Calina''s progress.


    "Oh-ho...Peak Stage of Core and Soul Fusion, huh? When we separated ways, you were just in the Initial Stage. You''ve improved a lot during these years." Roan then looked at Calina''s demeanor and noticed that she had become a lot more mature during this time. "Leaving your overreaction when you saw me, it seems like you''ve had your own deal of experiences. How many times did you get close to dying?"


    Calina bitterly smiled as she pointed at a few areas of her body. "So you still noticed the scars, huh? Well, you always said that I couldn''t rely on being safe all the time like I was when I was with you and Rean. That being said, I tried to be a lot more careful. Nevertheless, there were a few moments that I really thought I was done for."


    Calina then gave Roan a knowing smile as she continued, "However, you''re not the type of person who would care about how I look, am I right? For you, we''re all just bags of bones and flesh."


    Roan nodded straight away as he quickly replied, "It''s good that you understand that. Your appearance is the last thing I could possibly care about. If anything, those scars make you look a lot more attractive since they''re proof of your development. Sadly, I also don''t care whether they''re there or not. It wasn''t your body I took an interest in, but yourself."


    Calina really liked that part of Roan. If he thought about something, he wouldn''t feel flustered to say it. He would always put it in words that were as clear as possible. Well, seeing Frin by the side listening to everything they said made her feel embarrassed, though. "You could at least wait for us to be alone to say those things."


    Frin was a Stage Nine Divine Demon Beast. It''s just that he was in his human form. In any case, he lived for way too long already, so he couldn''t care less about the two lovebirds either. "Don''t mind me. I just need to keep this guy safe."

 Chapter 798 - Tell Them To Retreat

    Eventually, Calina decided to check on Roan''s cultivation, only to be taken aback as she exclaimed, "Wait! Middle Nascent Soul Realm?! How the hell did you cultivate so fast?!"


    "Simple. Rean and I had a lot of Spiritual Energy back in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters." Roan then changed the topic as he said, "Anyways, forget about me. Let me take a look at your training routine. After so long, you probably made a few changes by yourself, right?"


    Calina was still shocked by Roan''s cultivation, so she more or less handed her routine while thinking about the injustice from the twins'' cultivation speed. ''What was all my effort for? I feel like a turtle when I look at him.''


    Roan quickly checked it with his Spiritual Sense before saying, "Hmm...not too bad. You added a few new skills to your repertoire. What is this Prison Vortex?"


    Calina felt even worse after seeing that Roan didn''t think anything about his improvement. Nevertheless, she quickly recovered as she already understood that the twins were anything but normal. With that, she replied, "Prison Vortex is similar to my Water Prison. However, I don''t try to capture anyone with it. Instead, I keep myself inside it. It acts as a defense field made with Water Element and Yin Energy."


    Roan narrowed his eyes after listening to her explanation, saying, "But it would make your mobility very poor."


    However, Calina smiled when she heard that as Water Element gathered around her. Yin Energy also fused with the water as an orb of water spun around Calina. The water inside truly acted like a vortex, rotating at very high speeds. However, unlike Water Prison, Prison Vortex was very small, spreading out no more than 3 meters away from Calina.


    Soon after, Calina used her own movement technique and charged at Roan. It only took a moment before Calina stopped right in front of Roan, just before he was hit by the Prison Vortex. Much to Roan''s surprise, her speed wasn''t any slower than any average Peak Stage Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivator. On top of that, Roan could tell that she wasn''t moving as fast as she could. "I see...so you compressed the vortex as much as possible while increasing its spin so that you could keep your movement speed while moving it together."


    Calina nodded as the Prison Vortex disappeared and the water fell on the ground. "Exactly. At the moment, a length of three meters around me is my limit while not losing any speed. In any case, it works very well as defense. Just so you know, there was a time where I got surrounded and was forced to run away. I received attacks from everywhere and what kept me alive was this skill."


    Calina then lifted a finger before continuing, "There''s one more advantage I have with this skill of mine."


    However, Roan already understood what it was before Calina could even say it, saying, "The Spiritual and Yin Energies inside act as a sensor for you. That being said, anything that touches it will immediately be felt by you. Against enemies who can hide their presence from Spiritual Senses, this is definitely a very helpful skill."


    "Sigh...you really are no fun. Couldn''t you have waited for me to say that?" Calina lost her drive right there and then.


    Roan didn''t care, though. "Anyways, since you''re here, I''ll put you on Rafin''s group."


    "Rafin? Who''s that?" Calina didn''t know about the Freedom Sect yet, so it was normal for her to ask about it.


    Rafin was Malo''s aide, one of the few boys in the Freedom Sect. He was very good at scouting and moving silently. His speed was also top-notch in the Freedom Sect, with Malo even recognized it.


    Of course, Calina also became puzzled about what this Freedom Sect was about. With that, Roan explained how they succeeded in rescuing all the kids in the Soul Rulers'' hands. He also talked about Celis, whose actions were why the planet was mostly covered in snow back then. Of course, he told her that Celis was on their side now...just a ''little bit'' weaker than before.


    Roan then talked about how they found out that all the kids with high Soul Purity also had very high cultivation aptitudes, which shocked Calina. After all, hearing that their Freedom Sect had 163 Purple Color Aptitude members was not something she could have dreamt of back in Sunkan. Even her Sasamil Empire didn''t have that many Purple Color Aptitudes. Let alone having 957 members with Red Color Aptitude.


    Last but not least, he told everything that happened until they reached the Demon Beast Continent and how they left it for Malo and everyone else to decide what to do. Naturally, that was the moment the Freedom Sect was created. He even pointed out at the big airship outside, which the sect members who came to participate in the war used to arrive here.


    "To think that so many things happened while we were separated." Calina looked at Frin beside Roan before using a Spiritual Sense Message, asking, ''Why would you use an airship to go to the Demon Beast Continent with them? Wouldn''t it be easier and safer to use the Dimensional Realm? After all, they all know about it since they have been there during the escape from the Soul Rulers'' headquarters.''


    Roan shook his head and explained the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm''s new limitations through a Spiritual Sense Message. ''That being said, you can''t think about yourself to be safe just because you''re close to me, understood?''


    ''Such a thing happened?'' Calina was obviously surprised by that as well. However, she had to admit those abilities were very overpowered. ''Well, it just means you guys are a little bit more like the rest of us, so it makes me a little happier.''


    Roan nodded, responding, ''That''s true.''


    Suddenly, another demon beast arrived, looking at Roan before saying, "Commander Roan, Rafin sent a message saying that there are a few strange movements on the Zasfins'' side."


    Roan pondered over it for a bit and asked, "Was it in the Calau Swamp Region?"


    The demon beast immediately nodded in response. "Yes."


    Roan nodded as he replied, "Very well. Tell the whole army on that side to retreat."

 Chapter 799 - Dont We Have You?

    Frin didn''t understand Roan''s orders, prompting him to ask, "Why would you make them retreat? That''s a strategic location that would give access to either your army or Linton."


    Linton was a Stage Nine Demon Beast...or Demon Insect, to be more precise. He was a Purple Reaper Mantis. Of course, Linton wasn''t a Divine Demon Beast. Nevertheless, he had the strength to back up his position. One must remember that there were only Phex, Xaon, Frin, and Darian as Stage Nine Divine Demon Beasts. Considering the scope of an entire planet at the moment, even they couldn''t control everything by themselves. Not to mention that Frin wasn''t commanding anything since he must stay close to Roan to protect him.


    As for the Calau Swamp Region, it was located between Roan and Linton''s armies. However, because Roan didn''t like to rely on unknown variations, he took it for himself to protect that region with his forces. Naturally, the retreat order confused Frin.


    Roan just shook his head in response, saying, "Don''t worry. Everything has gone according to plan." Roan then looked at the demon beast who brought the information, ordering him, "Tell Linton to manage some of his forces in case there''s a need to defend from an attack coming from the swamp. At first, the Zasfins should come after my army since I''m the one causing most of the problems. But just in case...one more thing, give this jade slip to Linton." With that, Roan threw him a jade slip.


    "Yes." The demon beast immediately left after that.


    Roan then looked at Calina, who was quietly observing everything. "Here, take this." Just like Qia, he also sent Calina a jade slip, telling her, "You should be able to use it to find Rafin and his group. As long as you show it to him, he will allow you to join his forces."


    Calina couldn''t help but ask, "I don''t exactly fit as a scout, you know?"


    "I know. However, it''s not like they never battle. Your mission is to protect Rafin''s group in case there''s a need for it. You can probably learn a thing or two from his concealing techniques as well," Roan said that without even blinking.


    Naturally, Calina felt somewhat sad. They had just reunited after so long, but they hadn''t talked for more than a few minutes before Roan dispatched her. "Can''t we have a little more time together?"


    Roan looked at Calina after that, slightly puzzled. "For what? I''m watching over the army most of the time, so it''ll just be a waste of time. Just go ahead and use this chance to train."


    Well, it wasn''t like Calina didn''t expect that. She had followed Rean''s group for many years, after all. "Fine...but after the war is over, we need to take a break."


    "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just go already." Roan then returned his attention to the jade slip maps.


    A few days later, Roan received information that the Zasfin Army passed through Calau Swamp. The majority of it was coming his way, while a small number went after Linton''s forces. "Very well. Tell the Freedom Sect members to prepare for battle. The Zasfin Army will have to pass through Javeza Hills if they want to arrive here faster. That being said, that is where the battle will happen."


    Frin found it strange, muttering, "You left the swamp empty, and now the Zasfin Army is on our doors. Then, when I thought you had a plan, you simply asked our forces to fight at Javeza Hills. I don''t understand. If you kept the swamp defense line up, it would have been much harder for the Zasfins to attack."


    Roan nodded, saying in response, "Exactly! And that was the issue."


    "The issue?" Frin was even more lost after hearing that. "Fighting in the Swamp while we had the defense lines up would be advantageous for us. However, we''ll be on a more even ground when it happens in Javeza Hills. How come there''s an issue in the swamp?"


    Roan sighed as he answered, "Can''t you see? It''s exactly because we had defense lines there that the Zasfins wouldn''t attack. If they don''t attack, we''ll stay on a stalemate forever. Don''t forget that the longer we take to move forward, the more time they have to build defenses. Emptying the Calau Swamp was necessary to lure the enemy inside."


    Frin finally understood after hearing that. "So that''s the problem, huh..." Still, he had to ask something else. "But wouldn''t it be bad? We will mutually lose our forces. We don''t have the advantage, after all."


    Roan snorted when he heard that. "Hmph! What are you talking about? Don''t we have you?"


    "Me?!" Frin was taken aback once again. "I''m here to protect you, not to participate in the battle. What if someone attacks this place while I''m out? Besides, they definitely have someone at a similar level in case I really join the fray."


    Roan agreed with Frin''s last statement. "They definitely have someone on your level...but that doesn''t matter. Just make sure that you battle over the Zasfin army. The shockwaves of your battle should be more than enough to wipe out a huge amount of their forces. As for me, you don''t need to worry. No one will find me."


    "And what if the Zasfin expert on their side tries to do the same thing and pull the battle to our side? If I was him, I would definitely try it."


    "True." Roan didn''t deny that. "Fortunately, you''re a Divine Demon Beast, a Silver Fenrir. As for the Zasfin expert, he''s just one enemy. Phex was able to fight several Zasfins underwater as a Phoenix. Can it be that you can''t hold a single Zasfin in place?"


    "Well...if it''s just one or two, that should be possible. Though, the other side probably knows that as well, so I don''t think there''s only one or two there." Frin was still somewhat doubtful.


    "There''s no need to worry. Just go and do what I told you. Everything will be fine," Roan eventually said, not minding Frin''s concerns at all.

 Chapter 800 - Frins Hope

    Roan was still the main commander of the army, so Frin had no choice but to do what he told. In any case, Roan wouldn''t risk his safety, making sure his commands were sent while keeping a safe distance. That being said, he headed straight into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. As for the demon beasts that stayed behind to protect him, they were simply told that he was using a special concealing technique to hide from them.


    If the Dimensional Realm didn''t undergo that change, Roan wouldn''t have done it like that. He would first use his White Star to gather Light Element and keep the Spiritual Sense bending skill working. If he felt the presence of the Transition Realm Zasfin, he would enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm straight away. However, he knew for a fact that he would be barred from entering this time. He didn''t want to risk it, so he went straight inside it after Frin left. All the orders he had to give were given, so he wasn''t that much concerned either.


    On the battlefield of Javeza Hills, Rafin, as well as many other Freedom Sect members, arrived while bringing a nigh uncountable number of demon beasts at Stage Four and below. Of course, the Zasfin Army wasn''t any worse, bringing their own forces. They finally got to take a good position by passing through the Caleu Swamp, so their commander would be sure to use this opportunity.


    Frin was right about one thing. The Zasfins had access to Celis for a very long time, so they had quite a lot of Transition Realm Zasfins that stayed in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters or were the leaders of other organizations. That being said, this army was followed by three Transition Realm Zasfins to keep it safe against the demon beast experts.


    On the demon beasts'' side, Frin arrived at Javeza Hills almost at the same time as the army. Naturally, the Transition Realm Zasfins noticed that with their enormous Spiritual Senses. "Isn''t that the Silver Fenrir from the south? I thought he was staying back to protect the Demon Beast Army''s commander. What do you think, Huo?"


    The leader of their group, Huo, agreed as he replied, "Indeed, Deny. Have Orba on the back go out and check the area where their commander is located. Chances are low, but we might be able to get rid of him."


    The last Transition Realm Zasfin, a woman by the name of Kika, also added, "It''s worth a shot. We have always been caught on our backfoot ever since that commander of theirs appeared."


    An Elemental Transformation Realm Zasfin subordinate immediately nodded behind the Transition Realm Zasfins after hearing that. Soon after, the Zasfin took out a Thoughts Transmission Talisman and put it on his forehead. The talisman burnt a few seconds later, confirming that the message was sent.


    Well, that would be proven to be useless. By the time the Transition Realm Zasfin arrived in the place where Roan was staying, Roan would have already disappeared.


    The battle in Javeza Hills didn''t take long to start. Rafin and Calina already met each other beforehand. With that said, Calina joined Rafin''s Freedom Sect members to fight in this battle. This was the only human group under Roan''s command that only had humans and no demon beasts. After all, demon beasts at their level wouldn''t have sentience yet. Naturally, they wouldn''t be able to act as scouts.


    As Frin looked over the situation with his Spiritual Sense, the Zasfin commanders on the other side did the same. Eventually, they knew that there was no point in holding back anymore and gave the order.


    "Attack!"


    All the demon beasts at Stage Four and below only understood that they had to kill any Zasfin, and so they did. All of them rushed forward, caring little for their own well-being. The Freedom Sect members also joined the fight while Falas, Glennie, and Wataba kept an eye on them. They were in direct contact with Rafin, who used his group not for battle, but to watch over the battlefield to try and find the best places for their members to fight.


    However, little did everyone know that an enormous Silver Fenrir would pass by their heads as soon as the two armies encountered each other.


    *Boom!*


    *Ahhhhhh!*


    Zasfin corpses were scattered everywhere as Frin passed through their army, causing havoc. No one there could possibly stop a Stage Nine Demon Beast like him.


    Of course, the Zasfin leaders didn''t expect Frin to join in on the battle straight away, let alone the fact that he would target their forces. However, they quickly reacted and headed into the fray as one of them shouted, "Stop!"


    Frin faintly smiled after seeing this and welcomed the three Zasfins, saying, "So, you guys are finally out. I was wondering how many I''d have to kill before you three appeared. Anyways, let''s play!"


    Frin didn''t even give them the time to answer before he transformed into a streak of silver light that charged at the Zasfins.


    ''Silver Radiance!''


    His body shone with silver light. Frin''s fur then raised on their ends, turning as sharp as well-forged spear tips. Last but not least, his strength increased by leaps and bounds. In the end, Frin was a melee attacker, so all his skills were all based on close range.


    Of course, the Zasfins didn''t stay still either. "You''re only one being. Do you think you can defeat all three of us?!"


    ''The Ruler''s Shield!''


    ''Myriad Water Strike!''


    ''Dawn of the Giant!''


    Huo''s group immediately acted and worked together to stop Frin''s assault with their own skills.


    *Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom...*


    At first, the Zasfins had a smug expression on their face, seeing that they could indeed stop Frin on his path. However...


    *Ahhhh!*


    *Arrrgh!*


    *Nooooooo!*


    That only lasted a moment when they saw that the shockwaves of their fight were destroying their army even faster!


    "You!" Huo was furious. He immediately understood why Frin took the initiative. He wanted to fight above their army. If it continued like that, it wouldn''t matter who won the fight in the end since their Zasfin army would be wiped out.


    Of course, Huo immediately reacted to that and sent a Spiritual Sense Message, hastily saying, ''Kika, leave Frin to us. Attack the Demon Beast Army as well.''


    Frin could only bitterly smile as he saw Kika leave the battlefield. He knew where she was going. Unfortunately, there was little he could do since he was only one being while they were three. He could at most hold two Zasfins down, not three. ''Roan, I hope you knew what you were doing.''


    ---


    Author''s Note: Privilege will change next month, so please check the author''s thoughts below.

 Chapter 801 - Disappeared Like A Ghost!

    Roan couldn''t see what was happening. However, if Frin could see Roan now, he would notice a faint smile hanging on his face. "If everything had gone according to plan, they should have started fighting by now. I wish I could see their faces just when they notice what''s happening."


    Back on the battlefield, Kika quickly made her way to the demon beasts'' side...or so she tried.


    "Leaving already? Why don''t you play with me as well? We can''t let Frin and your friends have all the fun, right?"


    Kika was taken aback as her Spiritual Sense quickly caught the sight of a human-sized mantis barring her passage. "You! You''re the Ortei Army''s commander, the Green Reaper Mantis!" Kika couldn''t understand why the mantis appeared in front of her. After all, who would watch over his own army in case a Transition Realm Zasfin attacked?


    Linton smiled in response, replying, "Indeed, that''s my race. However, you can also call me Linton."


    Linton might look unconcerned. However, the fact was that he was also nervous in his mind. Linton didn''t need to follow Roan''s orders as Linton was the commander of another army. However, he also knew how much better of a commander Roan was.


    Back when Roan received the information about the Zasfin Army passing through the Calau Swamp, he asked a demon beast to deliver a jade slip to Linton. That jade slip had a message attached to it, asking Linton to leave his army behind and help Frin attack Huo''s forces.


    Linton was in a dilemma as to whether he should come or not. However, Phex had once told him to help Roan in case he asked for it. Albeit somewhat unwilling, Linton made his way to Javeza Hills way before the Zasfin or the demon beasts'' forces arrived. After that, he hid there, waiting for the exact moment described in the jade slip.


    Roan''s message contained in the jade slip was very clear.


    -Frin will attack the Zasfins first. The Zasfins, obviously, will try to stop him. Once they understand that their battle severely damages their army, they''ll dispatch someone to even the stakes on the demon beasts'' side. That''s the exact moment when you should come out and prevent the enemy''s expert from dealing damage to our forces. Just do the same thing as Frin, and force the enemy to fight over the Zasfins'' army. That''s all.-''


    Everything played out as Roan had exactly mentioned. Now, Linton was in front of Kika, impeding her from going forward. The reason Linton was nervous was because of the same reason as Kika thought of. Now that he left his army behind, they didn''t have any Stage Nine Demon Beasts defending it. He didn''t believe that the enemy''s Transition Realm Zasfins would let that chance pass up. Nevertheless, here he was, following Phex''s request. ''I wonder if my army will still be there once I return.''


    In any case, Linton quickly shook his head and put those thoughts behind as he muttered to himself, "There''s no point in waiting, so let''s start!"


    In the next moment, more Zasfins were being killed by Kika and Linton''s fight. There was nothing that could be done as the aftermath of their battle affected several kilometers around them. Kika felt even more helpless as the battle continued. With her Rank Ten Soul Mark, she could contend against a Stage Nine Demon Beast that didn''t have a Divine Bloodline. However, Linton was obviously much faster than her, so he forced the fight to stay on the Zasfins'' side because of that.


    At the moment, no one knew, but multiple various circumstances came together to create the perfect battlefield for the demon beasts.


    First, Roan''s orders to let the army leave the Calau Swamp empty, luring the Zasfin forces to the flank of both demon beast armies, Roan and Linton''s. Thanks to this fact, the Zasfins, who wouldn''t try to pass the swamp otherwise, finally came out, ending a stalemate where both sides didn''t move.


    Second, Frin''s participation in the battle, forcing the battle to stay on the Zasfins'' side.


    Third, Linton''s arrival, which ended the Zasfins'' idea of striking back with the same plan. One might think that Frin had to fight two Zasfins at the Transition Realm at the same time. That being said, one of them could still leave that battle and attack the demon beasts'' army.


    However, Frin was a Divine Demon Beast. If Huo or Deny fought him alone, they would definitely be forced on their back foot. Only by joining forces could they actually put up a fight. Of course, even if any of them was left alone to fight against Frin, they could still flee if things went awry. However, the moment any of the two fled, Frin would be free to hunt the other. In the end, both would be forced to flee, just at different times.


    The fourth and the most important reason, Linton''s concerns over his army were completely useless. Linton''s army was a lot smaller than Roan''s. That''s why he was the only one defending it while the Zasfin Army also only had a single Transition Realm Zasfin...called Orba!


    However, Orba was the same Zasfin that was tasked to look for Roan in the Demon Beast Headquarters. That being said, Orba didn''t even know that Linton left since she also thought that this was a good chance to get rid of Roan. She was far away from her army at the moment. There was no way she could attack Linton''s demon beast army.


    Everything worked out as Roan planned. While Orba spent her time looking for him, which was useless with Roan inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, Linton helped Frin get rid of Huo''s army. By the time the Zasfins found out that they had been fooled, it would be too late!


    Things escalated quickly as the Zasfin Army was in chaos. Not only were Frin and Linton''s battles quickly whittling their forces, but the Demon Beast Army also wasn''t any slower due to their sheer numbers. The Zasfins simply couldn''t get a foothold with the world-ending battles happening in their midst.


    Huo eventually understood that they had been completely and utterly defeated, so he immediately spread his Spiritual Sense to give his orders. ''Retreat! Retreat! Back to Calau Swamp!''


    Unfortunately, they were still too late. Frin and Linton were still there, so over 90% of the Zasfin Army was killed before they finally passed through Calau. As for Orba, she was still looking for a certain black-haired human who disappeared like a ghost.

 Chapter 802 - How Far?

    Of course, things didn''t end there. Seeing how the Zasfins began to retreat, Huo''s group had to stay behind to cover their escape. With that, Frin and Linton joined hands to go all out. They weren''t able to kill any of the Transition Realm Zasfins. However, they were able to severely injure Deny and Kika. Those two definitely wouldn''t be able to fight anytime soon.


    In exchange, Frin and Linton also suffered some damage. After all, they really tried to kill at least one of them, so they had to pay the price. Well, Linton didn''t want to go that far. It''s just that Frin insisted that he should give it his all and ignore any injury he might receive. As long as he didn''t die or had his cultivation destroyed, he shouldn''t retreat.


    "That''s enough. Let them go," Frin said as he looked at their injuries. "If we go further than that, we might force them to destroy their Soul Marks in exchange for power. If that happens, even I would be in danger."


    Naturally, Frin was talking about the immense power a Zasfin would receive in exchange for losing their Soul Power forever. He wanted to avoid that since they also spent a lot of energy in this battle. Also, unlike the Zasfins, they didn''t have a last-ditch move like that.


    Frin eventually left Linton to reorganize the army before heading back to find Roan. He was worried that someone might have attacked while he was out. In fact, someone did attack. However, the Stage Eight Demon Beasts fled when they saw that it was a Transition Realm Zasfin. They tried to find Roan to bring him away as well, but Roan had simply disappeared.


    However, when Frin finally arrived where he had left Roan, he saw him sitting on a boulder while cultivating. It was as if nothing had happened at all while he was away. "Didn''t Orba come after you? How come she found the demon beasts but missed your presence?"


    Roan faintly smiled in response, saying, "I hid." That''s all he said, which greatly puzzled Frin. However, he was already used to the twins being full of mysteries, so he decided not to ask how. Roan, of course, changed the topic right after, asking, "So, did everything go as planned?"


    Frin couldn''t help but laugh after hearing that, saying, "Hahaha! No wonder Linton appeared there to help me. You knew Orba wouldn''t be present to attack his army, right?"


    Roan nodded, saying in response, "The best lure had never been the empty Calau Swamp. Instead, it was me. I''m way more important to them. When they saw you in Javeza Hills, they would definitely send the closest ''You know what Realm'' Zasfin after me. Orba was the only one that fit that requirement at that moment. That being said, Linton wouldn''t have to worry about his army being attacked by her."


    Frin nodded before enveloping Roan with his Spiritual Energy and pulling him together. Sometime later, they arrived at Javeza Hills.


    Roan then called Linton to see him, saying, "It seems like you also received some damage from that fight."


    Linton, who had returned to his human form, nodded as he replied, "Indeed." He then looked deeply at Roan before saying, "Still, that was quite the trick you used there. To think you used yourself as bait to bring Orba away and give me the chance to leave my army. That was very good. However, I would like to go back to my own army now. It isn''t as big as yours, but I still need to take care of them."


    Roan then raised his hand, responding, "You can do that. But first, I need a little more of your time."


    Linton was puzzled by that. Nevertheless, he nodded as he knew Roan must have a reason.


    And so, with most of the Zasfin Army wiped out, Roan quickly organized his other forces to join the army that participated in that battle. With that, they quickly passed through the same Calau Swamp before heading to the next Zasfin defense line, which was very weak after the last fight since most of its power was used up in the previous attack. Roan didn''t want to give the Zasfins time to call for reinforcements.


    After the first battle was over, Orba had finally returned from her trip and found out what happened. Huo, Kika, and Deny also understood why Linton appeared there. In the end, it was their fault. They asked Orba to go and look for Roan, so Linton didn''t need to care about Orba''s forces coming for his army.


    Orba quickly organized her forces and joined Huo''s...or so she wanted to. After all, she was the closest one to them. However, Linton didn''t give her a chance as he immediately moved forward with his own. Orba then entered the battlefield and fought against Linton, trying to force him back before reinforcing Huo''s army. She at least knew that Linton battled against Kika, so he should be injured and far from his peak.


    Unfortunately for her, the next time she saw Linton, he didn''t seem the least bit weakened. In fact, it was as if Linton was as strong as he could be.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Sure enough, with Roan there, he could use Rean''s skill to heal Linton back to his optimal form. It''s just that Rean wasn''t nearby at the moment, so he had to use the ability of White Star to gather Light Element for the task. Because of that, instead of taking a few hours like what Rean could do, Roan took almost two entire days to finish the job. When Roan asked Linton that he needed a little bit more of his time, that was the reason.


    Nevertheless, a war on the size of the Zasfin and demon beast armies always made moves that took many days. Roan simply told Linton to send someone to move his army in the direction of Orba''s forces while Roan healed him. By the time Orba and Linton''s armies finally encountered each other, Linton was already back. In the end, Linton couldn''t help but mutter inwardly, ''Seriously...how far did he plan all of this? I hope I never have to go to war against him.''

 Chapter 803 - We Are Leaving!

    Roan looked ahead as the Demon Beast Army moved forward. They encountered no issues on their way to the Zasfin defense line after passing the Calau Swamp, so it wouldn''t take long for them to arrive at the next one. However...


    "It should be about time."


    When Roan''s group finally saw the defense line in the distance, everyone was taken aback. The defense line that was supposed to have almost no Zasfin in it was instead jampacked to the brim. Frin and everyone else couldn''t understand what was going on. Orba''s army was being impeded by Linton''s, so where did Huo get reinforcements?


    Roan, on the other hand, just smiled at that sight as he said, "Seems like Rean succeeded on his part of the plan."


    Frin immediately looked at Roan with slight confusion, asking, "What do you mean by that?"


    "Use your Spiritual Sense and check the emblems on the leaders of that army. Which clan under the Soul Rulers is reinforcing them?" Roan asked in response.


    Frin had used his Spiritual Sense before. In fact, he had kept it up almost all the time to be alert. However, he now used it to pay attention to the details Roan mentioned. Soon after, he replied, "Their emblem has a sun made of swords. It''s different from the emblems on Huo, Deny, and Kika. Do you know this emblem?"


    Roan nodded, saying, "Yes. It''s the Hafel Clan. Did you forget? For us to put the Hafel Clan on the top of their organization''s hierarchy, they will need war merits. According to our plan, Rean should have told Hafel Clan''s leader that we would definitely wipe out Huo''s army. That being said, their forces should be ready to reinforce them. That''s why they''re here."


    "This..." Frin was surprised to hear that. "But we won''t be able to attack either."


    "Exactly, but that''s not a problem at all. Did you forget? We forced the Zasfins to retreat behind Calau Swamp. After that, we obtained control over a very nice place that you know well about," Roan wasn''t the least bit concerned as he replied.


    Frin then pondered a bit and finally understood what Roan meant by that. "Ah! That''s right! We forced the Zasfins out of Iowe Country!"


    As mentioned in the past, the idea of this war was not to conquer the entire planet but to see who would control most of the best territories when it was over. Iowe Country just so happened to be one of these territories. After Celis disappeared, this place''s geography became susceptible to the gathering of Spiritual Energy. It couldn''t compare to what Celis did for the Freedom Sect, but it was definitely better compared to most places.


    Frin was so focused on the possible battle and the fight they won back in Javeza Hills that he completely forgot why Roan was stationed in this place to start with. One must remember that this wasn''t the first battle Roan won. He had been steadily advancing his troops until he finally reached the stalemate in Calau Swamp and the surrounding countries. In retaliation, the Zasfins formed an airtight defense where there would be too many losses if he attacked. Thus, that plan was born.


    Although there were no guarantees that the plan would work, he and Rean still decided to use it in their favor to help the Hafel Clan. And just like that, the Zasfins lost Iowe Country while the Hafel Clan obtained war merits for being here and stopping the demon beasts from conquering any more territory.


    Frin couldn''t help but ask after realizing this, "That''s good and all...but what will we do?"


    Roan faintly smiled as he looked at Frin, responding, "We? We won''t do anything. You will."


    Frin received a Spiritual Sense Message from Roan and finally understood what he had to do. A few moments later, he left and moved to the front of the army. The Zasfins'' Transition Realm being, obviously, noticed that and came forward as well. They wouldn''t fall for the same trick again. However, Frin didn''t attack at all. He only talked.


    "That''s surprising. We were certain that you wouldn''t have anyone to defend this position after we wiped out your army in Javeza Hills. Say, who was the one that brought the reinforcements. For whoever you are to be here, you must have seen through our commander''s plan. At the very least, your commander is several times better than that idiot called Huo." Frin...began to pretend that he didn''t know anything to boost the Hafel Clan''s achievements. He felt somewhat embarrassed doing that since he never had to play such a role before. To make sure it wouldn''t appear on his face, he returned to his Silver Fenrir form.


    Huo almost vomited blood after hearing that. However, he couldn''t really refute his words since it really was him that sent his army to their deaths in Javeza Hills.


    Just as Huo was about to complain, someone lifted his hand to stop him. "He''s provoking you. Look where the demon beasts are. They''ve kept quite some distance away from us, using the terrain behind them to hold their position. If you attack right now, you''ll only accrue more losses. No, this is mostly my army now, so it would be my loss," a Zasfin, who looked to be in his forties, could not help but say. Of course, for him to talk with Huo like that, he was obviously in the Transition Realm as well.


    Huo felt gloomy when he heard that but nodded in the end, saying, "Fine. You decide what you want to do."


    Soon after, the Zasfin came to the front of the army to meet Frin, introducing himself. "I''m Vance Hafel. I''ve received the report regarding the empty Calau Swamp. However, I wasn''t sure whether our Zasfin army would win or lose. I just moved my own army in case things went wrong. I can''t say that I was all that incredible. However, I can guarantee you that you won''t go much further than this."


    Frin nodded, satisfied that someone with the surname Hafel appeared. That meant that Rean was behind their movements. "Is that so? In any case, we won''t fight a battle where we aren''t sure we''ll win. That''s how our commander always acts. Vance from the Hafel Clan, we shall remember your name."


    Soon after, Frin turned around and shouted with the help of his Spiritual Sense so that everyone in the demon beast and the Zasfin Army could hear. "Demon beasts, we shall now leave!"


    And with that, the demon beast army under Roan''s command left the area and established themselves at the border of Iowe Country.

 Chapter 804 - So They Did

    Roan also passed the orders to the high-level demon beasts, who used their Spiritual Senses to tell the nigh uncountable number of demon beasts in the army. Of course, the humans and Freedom Sect members also received the same orders. Well, Roan had more or less accomplished his objective in this region, so he would need to wait for Phex to hear what else he wanted.


    Back in Watisan City, Rean and Red were staying in a room prepared by the Hafel Clan in secret. They didn''t have much to do, so they simply cultivated to pass the time. One must remember that once Rean and Roan were too far away, they couldn''t use the Soul Gem System. That being said, neither of them could enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. They couldn''t even hear Sister Orb. All Rean and Roan could do was feel each other''s presence.


    Suddenly, the door of their room opened as Sevinia made her way in. On her hand, she had a jade slip, which she then threw at Rean. Naturally, Rean took it before sending his Spiritual Sense inside to see what it was contained. "Oh! That was faster than I thought. It seems like your Hafel Clan already got quite the achievement. If you weren''t there to stop Roan''s army, they would have broken through the defense in Pofril Country and marched into Tulique Region. That would place another high-level territory at risk after the Zasfins lost Iowe Country."


    Sevinia was obviously satisfied that they obtained that achievement. In just one move, the position of the Hafel Clan in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters improved a lot. At the very least, it shut the mouths of those demanding harsher punishments for their clan. Nevertheless, she couldn''t help but feel annoyed at Rean''s smug expression. "Hmph! Don''t be so happy just yet. This is just the start. After the Zasfin Armies arrive there, we''ll be able to take our own army out of there and use it for the next phases."


    Rean nodded in response as he got up with Red, saying, "True. However, you know that for it to work, I can''t stay here. I need to head back. Say, has my contact arrived yet?"


    Sevinia nodded as she replied, "I didn''t expect you to ask your own woman to fill that role. I''ve obtained a report that she just arrived at the point you marked on the map. Just like you mentioned, we''ll pretend that she''s one of our slaves and bring her around with our army."


    "That''s good. I believe that this is the best way to prove my sincerity after what I just did. By the way, how many Zasfins above the Elemental Transformation Realm does your Hafel Clan have other than Vance and Duran?" Rean asked soon after.


    Sevinia narrowed her eyes again but decided to answer, saying, "You can''t count Ancestor Duran as one of them. Anyways, other than him, we have three of them. Vance, obviously, is one of them."


    Rean was satisfied with that answer. "Alright. Shall we go then?"


    Red''s eyes lit up as he quickly jumped on Rean''s shoulder, asking, "So, we''re finally leaving? I thought I was gonna die of boredom in this place."


    Sevinia nodded in response to Rean''s words as she brought Rean and Red out. Soon after, a member of the Hafel Clan that she trusted took them out of Watisan City to the place where Qia was waiting.


    "Rean!" She couldn''t help but become tearful as she jumped on Rean''s arms.


    Of course, Rean wasn''t Roan, so he more than welcomed it. Rean quickly gave her a kiss before laughing out loud. "Hahaha! How are you, girl? It''s good that you didn''t die during your time outside." Rean was obviously happy to see that she was fine.


    "Hmph! How could I die that easily? I still haven''t given you a child, remember?" Qia was so happy that she didn''t mind her words at all.


    Rean scratched the back of his head after hearing that. A child was something he couldn''t think about at all. At least, not at this moment anyway. "Alright, alright."


    Rean then looked at the Zasfin beside him before asking, "Can you give us some time alone? We haven''t seen each other for quite some time, you know?"


    The Zasfin wasn''t very happy to be treated so casually by a human. Nevertheless, he had strict orders, so he left the place.


    After that, Rean asked, "Did Roan tell you why I needed you here?"


    Qia nodded, saying, "Yes. I''ll have to stay with the Hafel Clan to be the link between you and them for your plan to work." Though, Qia couldn''t help but ask soon after, "Still, why would you ask me instead of someone else in our group? Aren''t you worried about me?"


    Rean quickly shook his head, explaining his thoughts, "I am worried about you. But only someone as important as you are to me would put the Hafel Clan at ease. Don''t worry. For their own sake, they can''t do anything to you. Things would only become worse in case someone finds out about our deal. However, the ones who know of it are only you, me, Sevinia, and one of their ancestors. Of course, Roan knows about it as well, but he''s in the hands of the demon beasts."


    "Hmph! I still feel like I''m a sacrifice or something like that." Unsurprisingly, Qia still complained. However, she did like the part where Rean mentioned she was important to him. She knew the risks of this plan, but it wasn''t any less dangerous for the twins. After all, if it failed, they would have to deal with the demon beasts instead.


    Rean then patted the girl''s head, saying, "Hopefully, it won''t last long. Don''t worry, I already talked with Sevinia, and you''ll be well treated during your time following their army. There will be no lack of resources for you to cultivate either."


    "That''s more like it." Qia eventually nodded after hearing that. Usually, someone wouldn''t accept such a role so easily. However, she still remembered how Rean and Roan were the ones who basically took care of her during her first years on this planet. She hasn''t done much for the twins so far, so she decided to accept it.


    Qia then grabbed Rean''s waist before saying, "It won''t be a problem if we enjoy this moment a little longer, right?"


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "In a place like this?"


    "Can''t you get it up just because of it?" Qia asked in response.


    "You girl..."


    However... "Ahem...don''t mind me. I''m just air."


    Sure enough, Red was still there, which Qia failed to notice because of his concealment ability. "We already have a pervert bird, and now we have a pervert rabbit as well. Just what is wrong with your demon beast friends?"


    Rean laughed out loud as he took Red from his shoulder, introducing him to Qia. "This one here is Red. He''s a Golden Drohare. It''s thanks to him that I was able to enter Watisan City without having my true identity revealed."


    Red snorted in response, saying, "Hmph! Who said this lord is a pervert? I was just trying to be mindful of your special moment. Don''t worry, I''m a demon beast, so I don''t care about the procreation act between humans."


    Rean then took out a carrot from his bag and showed it to Red, telling him, "If you give us some time alone, you can have it."


    "Deal!" Red quickly grabbed the carrot and disappeared like smoke.


    Unlike Roan, Rean really wanted to have some alone time with Qia, so they did.


    ---


    Author''s Note: Privilege will change next month, so please check the author''s thoughts below.

 Chapter 805 - New Device

    Rean then left a few hours later, who was escorted by a Zasfin until they got out of the Soul Rulers'' territory. As for Qia, she was brought to Sevinia, who would put her inside their part of the Zasfin Army. The Soul Rulers had a lot of humans, and they all lived in the headquarters as well. That being said, it wasn''t anything unusual for a few of them to reach the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Even the Nascent Soul Realm wasn''t an exception. After all, until some time ago, the headquarters had so much Spiritual Energy that even high-ranked Spirit Stones couldn''t match it.


    As for whether it was risky or not, the Zasfins didn''t mind it much since such a level of cultivation was simply too low for them. Well, at least, they didn''t mind it until a few years ago. Nowadays, the humans that remained had always been under great vigilance. It wasn''t a problem for Qia, though. She was put inside the Hafel Clan by Sevinia herself, after all.


    Rean then flew to a mountain a few thousand kilometers away from Watisan City. Even after Celis was gone, the ice and snow still covered most of it. Usually, the place would be empty. This wasn''t the case this time, though. At the moment he arrived, he spread his Spiritual Sense and quickly found what he wanted, saying through Spiritual Sense, ''Kentucky, I''m back. Come out.''


    The Demon Bird that hadn''t appeared in some time finally showed its presence after that. It had been hiding in the mountain while using the same Spiritual Sense bending skill as Rean. Of course, for Rean, it was useless. "You''re finally back! I thought I was going to die from boredom already. If you took any longer, I would leave and make you return on your own."


    Rean laughed in response, saying, "Hahaha! Sorry, sorry. I know you''re probably missing your nest quite a lot."


    "You bet! It only makes sense to have a nest on top of Celis if I at least stop there every now and then." Kentucky explained as he quickly beside Rean. "Hop on! I''ll leave you at Roan''s location before I go back to Celis in the Demon Beast Continent."


    Rean nodded in response and immediately sat on Kentucky''s back with Red. "That''s fine. Though, make sure to return to the Demon Beast Army after you recharge yourself in your nest."


    Kentucky didn''t waste time after that as he flew at breakneck speeds. At the same time, Rean activated his Light and Spiritual Sense bending skills, making all three of them disappear in thin air. As Kentucky flew back, Rean took out a white brooch that looked like a half-moon. After that, he infused his Spiritual Energy fused with his Soul Power into it, followed by his own Light Element. Finally, he sent his Spiritual Sense inside with a message, asking, ''Qia, can you hear me?''


    Qia, who was also using a similar brooch under her clothes, felt it become warm before she sent her Spiritual Sense inside. Surprisingly, she heard Rean''s voice right after, exclaiming, ''It actually works! This is impressive! How did you make this thing?''


    Rean smiled while on top of Kentucky''s back as he replied, ''Actually, I used some of the Thoughts Transmission Talisman''s runes in it. After that, I applied the Circuitry Formation Runes that we were working on back in Sunkan. Do you remember when I explained to you that electrical signals could be bent with Spiritual Energy? That''s the principle behind it.''


    Qia immediately understood what he was talking about. ''I see! The two brooches have the same receptors, which used your Light Element as a way of identifying each other. The runes from the talisman are used to save the Spiritual Sense Message. On the other hand, the signal wave is created by the Electrical Runes through the use of our Spiritual Energy. It then uses our Spiritual Energy to bend its trajectory, which should be impossible if it was just a normal...errr...radio wave, was it?''


    Sure enough, as someone who participated in the creation of the Circuitry Formations back in Sunkan, Qia knew a lot about the Circuitry Formation Runes. As a Formation Master, it only took a few words from Rean for her to understand the process behind it.


    Rean couldn''t help but feel satisfied with Qia''s answer. ''Hahaha! Good! Very good! I had a lot of free time in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters and the Freedom Sect. I took that time to work on this thing. Too bad I only had time to make these two. Nevertheless, once I get back, I''ll try to craft a few more.''


    In the end, the brooch was too small for all the necessary runes. That being said, Rean failed numerous times until he finally got two of them right. That was the culmination of a lot of research and trials. The worst part was that he didn''t have other devices that allowed him to work on even smaller runes. Rean had to try them manually.


    Back in Sunkan, Rean''s group was doing exactly just that. They were using the machines they created, which could build smaller runes. Once one was completed, they used that device to make even smaller runes. That showed just how difficult Rean''s work was. If not for his cultivation at the Nascent Soul Realm, he wouldn''t have the necessary control to achieve it.


    It was then that Qia asked, ''By the way, what do you call this thing? Are you going to call it the Thoughts Transmission Formation? That doesn''t really sound nice.''


    Rean had to admit that he hadn''t thought about a name for it yet, so he began to ponder over it. ''Hmm...should I call it the Cellphone? Maybe the Spiritual Cellphone? It doesn''t really have a battery, though...calling it a Mobile Phone would be a better fit for it. Oh well, I stole so many names already. I might as well steal this one.''


    Rean then sent Qia another message, telling her, ''You can call it the Spiritual Smartphone.'' Not that it had any smart function. Anyhow, Rean just liked the name...and he really might be able to create one in the future by using this prototype as a base.

 Chapter 806 - For Our Race

    ''Spiritual Smartphone?'' Qia obviously did not know of the term. ''Is it another name from the planet you came from?''


    Rean nodded, replied, ''Yes...except for the Spiritual part. As I mentioned before, my planet didn''t have Spiritual Energy.'' Rean then changed the topic, saying, ''Alright, if something happens, you can simply insert your Spiritual Energy inside the brooch. It will automatically gather the energies necessary to send a message to mine. One more thing. It only works with your Spiritual Energy. It won''t work for others, so keep it safe.''


    ''Okay. By the way, what''s the range of this thing? Is there a limit?'' Qia asked soon after.


    Rean pondered over it for a bit before shaking his head, responding, ''I haven''t tested that part yet. All I can tell is that its range depends on how much Spiritual Energy you put inside. Well, I''m not using anything meaningful. We''re already talking over a thousand kilometers in terms of distance, so I guess it probably can reach up to eight to ten thousand kilometers easily. Just pay attention to the runes in the brooch. If you see that they''re overcharging, stop trying to put more, or you might break them. They''re very tiny, so they can''t hold that much pressure.''


    ''Alright.'' Qia then heard someone calling her, prompting her to say, ''Oh, it seems like it''s time for me to go. I''ll send you a message if I need to. Just one more thing, what if I''m too far away from you and Roan?''


    ''Don''t worry,'' Rean eased her worries. ''We will be following the movement of the Hafel Clan''s army closely. Because of what they did after Roan''s victory, no one will suspect if we keep an eye on them.''


    After that, Rean put the brooch back in his robe and began to cultivate as Kentucky made his way back to Roan. At some point, the distance between Rean and Qia surpassed what the brooch could achieve, and soon, communication became impossible. Rean wasn''t too worried, though. It would be only temporary until the next phase started.


    With Kentucky flying back at full speed, it only took Rean''s group five days to return to Roan''s army. They did pass by many Zasafins on the defensive side of their territory. Nevertheless, Rean was able to avoid all Spiritual Senses with his bending skill. Eventually, Kentucky landed where Roan was staying, just in time to find Phex and Xaon there.


    "Oh! Is something fun about to start?" Rean asked with a smile.


    As for Kentucky, he immediately took off after saying, "I''ll pass by my nest on Celis. I''ll be back as soon as I finish my things there."


    Roan ignored the bird and simply nodded at Rean, replying, "The first part is concluded. Now, I''ll have to go to other armies and help them secure a few more territories. Only with that will we force Fikin and the other ancestors of the Soul Rulers out."


    Phex sighed in relief when he saw Rean since his participation would be of paramount importance. "It''s good that you''re back, brat. I already got you a ton of Rank Five Spirit Stones so you can heal us after the battles, so get ready for work."


    Rean didn''t mind, knowing what he had to do. After that, he looked at Roan and asked, "Where are we going now?"


    "To the central army. The Zasfins are in control of the Aite, Humk, Freten, Gargoc and Wesdin regions. Because those are places where a decent portion of the world''s Spiritual Energy is gathering, the surrounding areas aren''t as good, including the territories in the demon beasts'' hands. I plan to take control of three of them," Roan explained his plan in response.


    Phex and Xaon couldn''t help but feel impressed with Roan''s confidence. He was very weak in their point of view, but his demeanor showed a completely different contrast. Well, that was Death, a spirit that had lived for much, much longer than Phex or even Darian.


    "Alright. However, they''ve prepared a rock-solid defense on those regions. There are many formations as well, making any movement hard to achieve. Just like us, they know that those are areas that they would like to keep after this war is over. Well, they''re still trying to find a way to attack our armies since they also want the territories we''ve gotten so far," Phex explained.


    Rean agreed with Phex, saying in response, "They''ve dominated almost the entire planet for countless years. It''s obvious that they would prefer to have everything back. Besides, your Demon Beast Army raided a lot of cities, so their residents would definitely want them back too."


    Roan didn''t care, though. "Forget about what they want. There''s no such thing as war without sacrifices. Phex, did you bring someone to take care of this army here while I''m heading to the central army?"


    Phex nodded as he replied, "Yes. Yube and Iago, two of our Stage Nine Demon Beasts, are already on their way here from the Central Army. They''ll replace Frin''s position. All they need to do now is just hold their position, right?"


    Roan confirmed his doubts, saying, "Yes. There''s no need for them to attack anymore. Just make sure that they won''t lose what we''ve already got here. We need to make it look like our hands are tied up because of the Hafel Clan''s move. Anyways, we can leave as soon as they arrive."


    Later that day, Rean, Roan, Phex, Xaon, and Frin departed from this army. Roan also took all the Freedom Sect members with him on the airship. After all, it was thanks to the multiple humans controlling small parts of the Demon Beast Army that he could add a bit of strategy into it. He planned to do the same thing in the central army.


    Along the way, Rean called Falas, Glennie, and Rafin to hear their reports while he walked by the sect members, asking them, "How many died this time around?"


    Rafin immediately answered, "We''ve brought a total of 1253 Freedom Sect members to help Roan in the battles. The rest didn''t want to participate, didn''t meet the age restriction, or didn''t have the cultivation threshold. From those 1253, we lost 37."


    Rean nodded after hearing that. He was obviously sad that they lost this many. However, compared to the demon beasts and Zasfins, their losses could only be considered a joke. Besides... "Everyone has changed quite a bit. The naiveness they had in the past has now disappeared. As hard as it is to lose a few friends, this will help the humans once this is all over. Remember, including Roan and I, we''re all doing this for our race."


    Glennie and the other nodded as they replied in unison, "Yes!"


    ---


    Author''s Note: Privilege will change next month, so please check the author''s thoughts below.

 Chapter 807 - Fight, Fight, Fight!

    Although Rean said that, it wasn''t as if there was no good news. The battles were helping everyone improve their foundations. Breakthroughs during fights were frequent, something that sparring with other sect members couldn''t achieve. As Roan always said, life and death situations were what brought someone''s greatest potential out. Even Glennia''s group was already showing signs of advancing to a higher level.


    Poor Malo would probably feel quite sad about that since he had to stay in the sect to ''lead'' it. All he could do was go around and battle Stage Four Demon Beasts alone. Well, Poliana stayed back with him, so it wasn''t as if he was the only one in that situation.


    Rean then passed by everyone and healed the sect members who needed help. He also took some time to clear up their doubts about cultivation since Roan was busy. Rean wasn''t bad at it, though. After all, he had been following Roan''s instructions for a long time.


    Around two days later, tens of thousands of kilometers away from their original position, Phex''s group finally arrived at the central army. This one couldn''t compare to Roan''s previous forces as it had millions of demon beasts. Not only that, Roan could see quite a few humans as well. It''s just that they were hard to notice due to the sheer number of demon beasts.


    The sect members were also impressed by those numbers. They could see many demon beasts at Stage Five and above flying in the sky. As for those on the ground, it went as far as their eyes could see.


    "Now, that''s what I call an army..." someone couldn''t help but mention.


    Rean, who was in the middle of the sect members, smiled in response as he said, "Don''t be fooled by its number. In the end, more than 98-99% of them are Stage Four Demon Beasts and below. You should know that controlling them is hard. The higher-level demon beasts must keep a constant eye on them, so they don''t start killing each other. We brought you here because we''ll have you control even more demon beasts than before. The previous fights were just for you guys to adapt to the situation."


    Rean then turned around and looked at everyone, continuing, "Remember, surviving should always be your greatest priority. Life and death situations will definitely come for you, but try not to get into many of them. I''m very pleased that only 37 of our members died during the previous battles, and I hope you keep this number even lower. Otherwise, where will be your Freedom Sect''s future without their strongest members?"


    "Yes, Ancestor!" the sect members replied in unison.


    "An-Ancestor?" Rean was taken aback. "I''m not that old, okay? Besides, some of you are cultivating even faster than I did at your age. Just keep calling me by my name."


    Sometime later, Roan''s Spiritual Sense reached everyone as he told them, "We''re here. Everyone, come down from the airship."


    There was already an area prepared for them, so the sect members descended one after another. They immediately began to interact with the other humans who were also participating in this war. As for Rean and Roan, they left with Phex''s group.


    On the Zasfins'' side, Fikin just received a report from one of his subordinates, telling him, "Ancestor, we''ve confirmed that Phex is back. He also brought the Basilisk and the Silver Fenrir."


    "The Silver Fenrir?" Fikin narrowed his eyes as he could not help but ask, "Wasn''t he protecting the commander of the army in Iowe Country?"


    "Yes. From what we found out, that human, the same one who sent our headquarters to the skies, came with them. He''s their commander. His brother has finally appeared as well, but we don''t know where he has been until now," the subordinate explained.


    Fikin''s expression was dark as he thought about the past. Everything that was happening right now was because of those twins. "Sure enough, it was all part of the demon beasts'' plan. To think that we would fall so low because of some slaves. The previous Soul Ruler Ancestors would be laughing at our faces if they heard about that."


    Fikin then calmed down and thought about the reports from Huo''s group, deciding to ask, "Are there any signs of Phex and the other Stage Nine Demon Beasts coming out to fight?"


    "Not yet," the subordinate replied. "Though, we''ve received reports that the Demon Beast Army at the back began to reorganize. All the humans present in the Demon Beast Army began to take up positions in the lower-level Demon Beast Army. They were being followed by at least one Stage Five Demon Beast, which we believe to be there to help them."


    Fikin, who had obtained the full report of Roan''s previous battle, immediately understood what was going on as he muttered, "I can''t believe that the Divine Demon Beasts will really let a human with lo cultivation take control over their central army. Isn''t that the same as having the twins be their masters?"


    Fikin could see the central army taking the same command formation as the one Roan conducted back in the conquest of Iowe Country. Low-level demon beasts shouldn''t be able to follow strategies. However, Roan still succeeded in using them with that limitation, all because of the humans and high-level demon beasts under his command.


    Fikin then ordered, "I want to hear constant reports from now on. It doesn''t matter how small, you must still tell me. I won''t let them even take a single step on our territories."


    "Yes, ancestor!" The subordinate immediately left after that.


    Unfortunately for him, Fikin was thinking too much. Sure, Roan would be controlling the army from the back with the help of the humans, just like he predicted. However, the main concern this time wasn''t him but Rean instead. Rean would have the main role during the next fight...or his healing abilities would, to be more exact.


    A day later, Roan finished organizing the army to his liking. With that, he looked at Rean and said, "I''m all prepared on my side. Rean, it''s up to you now."


    Rean nodded with a smile as he looked at Phex, Frin, and Xaon. Darian was in charge of the Sea Army, so he couldn''t participate in this fight. After that, he also nodded at the other Stage Nine Demon Beasts. After all, Divine Demon Beasts were too rare, so normal Stage Nine Demon Beasts were the majority present. "All my Spirit Stones are ready. Just make sure to come back if you''re seriously injured. Go out there and do what demon beasts do best! Fight, fight, fight!"

 Chapter 808 - First Day

    Author''s Question: Do you think I shouldn''t have destroyed Sunkan Planet? Would you rather have the twins'' group return to the Sasamil Empire in the future to end what they started? It would only need a small change to alter the fate of Sunkan Planet if I go back and fix it, so leave a comment in this paragraph or in this chapter''s comments.


    ---


    None of the Demon Beasts, be it Divine or not, had anything to say about Rean''s words. Using strategies and schemes had never been their forte to start with, and now they could give it up and focus on raw power alone. As for the army, after everything Roan showed to them, they were at ease, leaving it for him to take care of.


    In a way, this was both a good and a bad thing. It was good that they weren''t as paranoid as humans were when it came to giving someone more power. On the other hand, they were more susceptible to being betrayed. Then again, Roan wasn''t planning to betray them. After all, the human race''s future was also dependent on this war.


    Phex''s group immediately took flight and headed toward the Zasfins'' territory. Naturally, Fikin and the other Ancestors received the report straight away. "What? All of them are coming? But the battles of the central army had barely even started."


    "They might be trying to do the same thing as they did to Huo and his group, forcing us to fight over our own army."


    "We have a lot more experts than them. If they do that, they won''t be able to stop all of us from leaving the fight and aiming at their forces."


    Fikin then called everyone''s attention, telling them, "Whether they want to do it or not doesn''t matter. We can''t stay here while they''re coming out. Let''s go."


    For Transition Realm cultivators and Demon Beasts, the distance between the two armies didn''t mean much. The moment Fikin''s group received a message about Phex, they left straight away, arriving at the scene not long after. However, they quickly noticed that Phex''s group didn''t throw themselves into their Zasfin army. Instead, they stopped above an empty space as if they were waiting for Fikin''s group to arrive.


    "Hahaha! Fikin, it has been quite some time, hasn''t it?" Phex asked from a distance.


    Fikin used his Spiritual Sense to check the surroundings but couldn''t see anything. "What are you planning? Is there a reason for all of you to come out so early?" Naturally, he was afraid that the demon beasts had a trick behind their sleeves.


    Unfortunately for him, Phex shook his head as he replied, "There''s nothing wrong here. We came out for something very simple, fight! With our main armies here, the war will take many days, if not weeks. That being said, why not start on our side as well? Or could it be that your Soul Rulers organization is afraid of us?"


    Fikin snorted after hearing that, saying in response, "Hmph! Since you came here to do that, we''ll obviously fulfill your wish. Everyone, hear my command! Attack!"


    Immediately, the air around the Zasfins and the demon beasts'' top experts became a forbidden zone for anyone below their level. This time, it wasn''t only the Transition Realm and Stage Nine Demon Beasts fighting. Instead, everyone at the Saint Realm and Elemental Transformation Realm was participating. There was no holding back in power anymore.


    Rean looked at the scene in the distance, wondering who would be the first demon beast to come back to him. Suddenly, his brooch warmed up, showing that he received a message from Qia. "Oh! It was about time." Rean then turned around and went to see Roan.


    "Roan, Qia arrived at the Zasfin Army with the Hafel Clan," Rean said as he showed the brooch.


    Roan nodded and touched it together with Rean so that they could talk with Qia at the same time. Soon after, Roan sent his question with a Spiritual Sense into the brooch. ''Qia, is Sevinia there with you?''


    Qia immediately answered, ''Yes. However, except for that Ancestor that everyone thinks to be dead, the others have joined the fight against the Stage Nine Demon Beasts, both normal and Divine.''


    Roan, of course, already heard about the guy who was said to be playing dead. ''It''s fine. I''ve already organized the army so that we could take advantage while the Zasfins'' experts are fighting. Tell Sevinia to move her own army along the path I point out. That way, her Hafel Clan will prevent some of our forces from conquering some ground.''


    Qia nodded in response and immediately passed the message to Sevinia, who followed Roan''s ideas. At first, Sevinia acted very cautiously, arriving at the last possible moment in case it was a trap against her Hafel Clan. However, their clan''s army really ended up preventing some of the other clans'' forces from falling. Of course, there was a limit to what Sevinia could do with her forces, so it wasn''t as if she was present at every single point where their side was losing. That also contributed to conceal the fact that she knew what would happen.


    Another thing that Roan did was selecting which fronts he would lose. It wasn''t as if he could definitely win on those sides, but instead, he decided that it was better to give up. Because of that, the war was a lot more balanced than one could expect.


    The first day quickly passed as the top experts of both sides fought. Eventually, night arrived, prompting both sides to call it a day. Rean didn''t know how a battle between experts of that level would work, but he didn''t expect that not even a single one of the demon beasts came back to ask him for healing.


    Phex and all the other Stage Nine Demon Beasts returned to the back of the Demon Beast Army as Fikin''s group did the same. Only then did Rean see the outcome of their battle. "This...I thought you guys would have suffered at least some serious injuries. How come almost no one has accrued any?"


    Xaon laughed as he explained, "That''s because neither side was really taking the first day seriously. It has been a very, very long time since we fought, let alone with so many top-level combatants. Whether it may be the Zasfins or us demon beasts, the first days will mostly be used for probing."


    Only then did Rean understand the reason.

 Chapter 809 - Night Time

    Phex agreed with Xaon, continuing where he left off as he said, "Indeed. It''s not like I had to fight four guys at the same time as I did in the Underwater City. The situation with Frin and Huo''s group was also uncommon since it used Roan''s trap."


    Rean nodded in response before saying, "I see. Anyways, I can still help everyone recover from the damage you received. Since there isn''t anything serious, I should be able to bring back everyone to top condition by tomorrow morning. That will be our advantage. While the Zasfins would need many pills and other treasures to recover, you have me. It won''t be long before this balance is broken."


    Phex''s group nodded as they soon made a queue in front of Rean.


    As for Roan, he kept receiving reports from the humans and sentient demon beasts. Even though the first day was over, he had to prepare for the next one, thinking about where he should allocate the next troops.


    On the Zasfins'' side, Fikin and the other Transition Realm experts had also rested to recover from the first day of battles. No one was happy, but no one was angry either. Fikin then began to read the reports of what the army commanders experienced, only for him to noticed something. Soon after, he looked at Vance Hafel, one of the ''three'' Transition Realm experts of the Hafel Clan and said, "The Hafel Clan seems to be putting a lot of effort after what happened in the headquarters, huh? I can see that they''ve saved the day on quite a few fronts."


    Vance nodded in response, replying, "Indeed. Although our clan thinks that this treatment you gave us is wrong, we do feel a little responsible for the loss of the formations, as well as Celis. That being said, the best way to recover our reputation is to obtain the best achievements in this war. All the other clans are trying to save their forces since they don''t want to be at a disadvantage after the war is over. However, we''re using everything to prove that we''re definitely not staying still while the demon beasts take what is rightfully ours, the Zasfins."


    Fikin nodded in immense satisfaction after hearing that. He was also one of those extremely displeased with the Hafel Clan after what happened. If not because of the Soul Rulers'' laws and the Hafel Clan having three Transition Realm Experts, he might have gotten rid of them already. However, their instance in this war had always been proactive. In fact, the Hafel Clan was already acting like that even before Rean went to Watisan City to talk with Sevinia. With that said, even Fikin began to acknowledge their actions to redeem themselves.


    "Very good. I won''t talk about what happened anymore as long as you keep this up. After all, it''s not like we can get Celis or the formations back," Fikin said as he placed the reports about the Hafel Clan on the side.


    Vance, of course, was satisfied with that. "That''s good enough for us." Of course, he was even more delighted inside. After all, he was one of the very few who knew about the truth of the Hafel Clan''s achievements in this war. ''Let''s see how all of you think about us once this is all over.''


    Back at Sevinia''s side, she called Qia to have a talk in the Hafel Clan''s army. To make sure it would be a secret, she used Spiritual Sense Messages to talk with her. ''The first day went better than I expected. Tell me, what do those two boys intend to do tomorrow?''


    Qia shook her head, saying, ''I don''t know. The ones who created the plans were Rean and Roan, not me. I''m only here as their messenger. If you want, I can ask them right now.''


    Sevinia nodded after hearing that, saying in response, ''Go ahead.''


    Qia then used her brooch to contact Rean, who was still healing the demon beasts. ''I see...let me ask Roan.'' Rean then used his Soul Connection with Roan to ask. However, Roan was very succinct with his words. ''I have a few plans, but it might change during the battle tomorrow. Just tell Sevinia that when the time comes, I''ll tell her to move their clan''s army.'' Without any other choice, Rean could only deliver the message as it is.


    Sevinia couldn''t help but narrow her eyes when she heard Qia''s words, telling him, ''For your own good, he better not be trying any tricks. We aren''t idiotic enough to solely rely on his plans. If something goes wrong, we do have our own methods to strike back.''


    Qia nervously nodded as she delivered the same message to Rean and Roan. Of course, Duran, the ''deceased'' ancestor of the Hafel Clan, immediately came into their minds. ''Roan, do you have any idea what that old man is planning?''


    Roan shook his head, saying, ''I don''t know. However, nothing good will come if he decides to open his mouth. All we can do is leave him to his own devices and focus on our part.''


    Rean felt somewhat worried since Qia was still acting as their link to the Hafel Clan. Nevertheless, he decided to put his worries at the back of his head for the moment.


    The night went by as the two sides recovered their strength. On the other battlefields, nothing had changed much since the last time Roan defeated Huo''s forces. One must remember that although this was the main army, there were many others trying to secure good territories in other places.


    Eventually, the second day arrived as the two armies got ready for another day of battle. Phex''s group, of course, headed straight to the last area where they fought, and so did Fikin''s experts. "Now then, shall we start our fun?"


    Fikin laughed back at Phex, not minding his eagerness as he replied, "Hahaha! Sure. Let''s spend another day playing then."


    Because there were very few injuries the previous day, Fikin and the others didn''t pay much attention to the condition of Phex''s group, much to Rean''s satisfaction.


    Roan, on the other hand, decided to ignore those guys since there wasn''t anything he could do about it. Instead, he gave the order for the low-level forces to move as he sternly commanded, "Start!"

 Chapter 810 - Pretending

    The battle continued as the high-level experts fought far away. As for the war between the lower levels, which was obviously several times more numerous, the Hafel Clan continued to be proactive, appearing in the zones where the demon beasts began to gain the advantage.


    However, Roan also intended to capture at least two of the five territories under the Zasfins'' control. With that, he managed his Demon Beast Army to focus on that task.


    "Tell Falas and the Stage Five and Six Demon Beasts in her group to attack from the cliff on the northwest side of the left wing, sector 12. Make sure that only demon beasts who can climb down make up the group."


    "The Sun Beetle''s Battalion will give support, keeping the Zasfins down there occupied during their descent."


    "On the right wing, sector 43, have the Wind Unicorns be in the frontlines with the Shadow Hakures at the rear. The Hakures'' long-range attacks should provide the cover necessary for the Unicorns to slam into the left side of the Zasfins'' left wing."


    ''Rean, on the far east, there''s a group of demon beasts underground. Get ready to make an appearance right in the middle of the Zasfins'' command center of that side, sector 75. Tell Qia to have Sevinia prepare her Hafel Clan''s forces to drive them out. Saving a command center should provide them with quite decent merits and favors from the clan in charge of that area.''


    Rean nodded straight away, replying, ''Alright.''


    "Report! The Zasfins on sector 31 of our extreme left wing launched a full-on siege and broke through the Armored Water Armadillos'' defense line. They are passing through and slaughtering the demon beasts in the area." Sure enough, it wasn''t as if everything worked as Roan wished. He might be very good at commanding, but he wasn''t invincible.


    Nevertheless, Roan''s expression didn''t even change as he ordered, "Hario''s Silver Eagle Forces should be in sector 28. For the enemy to pass through that defense line so easily means they sent a lot of Zasfins with flying capabilities. Hario''s Silver Eagle Forces should be able to deal with them. Tell him to focus on the Zasfins in midair while the land demon beasts regain their footing. If the opportunity arises, strike their commander down with the Stage Five and Six Demon Beasts we have in the area."


    The communication in the field was very fast, thanks to the chain of communication between Spiritual Senses that Roan built after he arrived. He would usually receive a report from over a hundred kilometers away in just a few seconds and be able to organize a response according to the situation.


    Roan then looked at the enemy''s left wing, or sector 75, to be more precise. "The Black Centipede Army is in position. Tell them to emerge and cause havoc in the command center on sector 75. It should disrupt the Zasfins at the frontlines for us to cause quite a bit of damage."


    All those orders seemed difficult, but in a sense, they were very simple. For example, Roan had never told the demon beasts to take up any type of battle formations. After all, they didn''t have the intelligence to follow such orders.


    It was thanks to the humans and the Stage Five and Six Demon Beasts in charge of each area that he could achieve some degree of coordination. The battle was very balanced, which was a very good thing considering that the Zasfins both had Battle Formations and Formation Masters.


    And just like that, the second day passed, with the demon beasts slightly forcing their way into the Humk, Freten, and Gargoc Regions. As for the Aite and Wesdin Regions, they were very close to each other. That being said, Roan used their proximity to have the Hafel Clan stay in between. Every time the demon beasts would make some progress, the Hafel Clan would jump in and drive them back. Of course, he purposely made the Hafel Clan stay still on a few occasions. Otherwise, it would be too suspicious if the Hafel Clan knew every single movement they made.


    Rean once again began to heal Phex and the other demon beasts'' injuries while Phex asked Roan about the war itself. "How is the conquest going?"


    Roan nodded, not looking the least bit concerned. "It''s quite slow, but we''re still making progress. I''m getting closer to the Humk, Freten, and Gargoc Regions while keeping our forces as intact as possible. We have the advantage in numbers, but the Zasfins have the advantage in formations and intelligence down to the lowest level member."


    Rean immediately understood Roan''s aim, asking, "You''re trying to make this battle last longer so that Phex''s group would have a lot of days to fight against Fikin''s forces, right?"


    Roan confirmed Rean''s words, responding, "Exactly. The plan is to take down the top experts of the Zasfin race, but that can''t happen too soon, or their armies will retreat. We need to end this battle with as many casualties on the other side as possible."


    Rean nodded and returned his attention to Frin, who he was healing at the moment. However, before Frin''s injuries closed up, he stopped there and said, "Alright, you''re done."


    "Done?" Frin looked at his injuries before asking, "There is still a few remaining, no?"


    Rean faintly smiled before saying, "I healed all your internal injuries. These ones you still have are nothing more than superficial ones that shouldn''t affect your battle capability. Try it out if you don''t believe me."


    Frin nodded and ran his Spiritual Energy and Sense inside his body. Sure enough, he didn''t even feel pain, as if the injuries weren''t even there.


    Roan couldn''t help but nod in satisfaction, saying, "Very good. If you do that, the Zasfins won''t even notice that you''re healing the Demon Beasts. They will be under the illusion that they have the advantage since they have a lot more resources to heal themselves. After all, they had hundreds of years to gather healing pills and other treasures that work on experts of Fikin''s level. This way, we''ll slowly burn out all their resources."


    Phex and the others were delighted to hear that. Soon after, Xaon stopped in front of Rean before saying, "Good! Make sure you do the same thing to me."


    Rean smiled in response as he started his job once more.

 Chapter 811 - The Zasfins Main Problem

    Three days, four days, five days, six days, one week...


    Slowly but surely, losses accumulated on both sides, but the demon beasts that were attacking the Humk, Freten, and Gargoc Regions were making clear advances, clearing both battles and normal formations little by little. There were a lot of times where even Roan was put on the backfoot in some places, but overall, he was far ahead of the Zasfins.


    On the other hand, the Aite and Wesdin Regions were different. Not only were they not losing, but they also began to force the demon beasts back, reclaiming some of their territories there. Of course, the main factor for that advance was the Hafel Clan and the twins'' plan. At this point, the Hafel Clan was already the main factor in those two regions, accumulating more merits than any other clan there.


    At the end of the seventh day, Fikin and the other Transition Realm cultivators looked quite exhausted as they consumed pills and other healing treasures available in the Soul Rulers organization. At the same time, Fikin looked at the war reports, saying, "Losing in three fronts and winning on the other two. However, the territories that we can acquire on those two winning sides aren''t as important as the three territories that the demon beasts are approaching."


    Fikin knew why things were going so awry on the Humk, Freten, and Gargoc Regions. Simply put, all the clans in the Soul Rulers organization didn''t want to lose their own forces, so they didn''t want to go all out. Naturally, the demon beasts, who didn''t care about losses, were gaining an advantage. The worst thing was that he was also part of one of the Soul Rulers'' clans, so he knew he would act the exact same way. Self-preservation had already become a deeply rooted characteristic in the Soul Rulers'' clans.


    The Hafel Clan, on the other hand, was basically the only clan who put those thoughts aside and was going all out. Because of that, they were acquiring strategic victories in the Aite and Wesdin Regions. That allowed them to drive the demon beasts back and reclaim lost areas.


    Of course, that wasn''t all. The clans in the other three regions kept losing territories, which put them in a bad light compared to the clans in the Aite and Wesdin Regions. At the same time, the Hafel Clan was getting on the good side of the clans on the Aite and Wesdin Regions, acquiring quite the favors. That only helped the Hafel Clan, making their accomplishments stand out above everyone.


    Fikin pondered over the matter for a bit as he looked over the situation, muttering inwardly, ''Should I move the Hafel Clan to the other three areas? However, the Aite and Wesdin Regions are very close to each other, while the other three are quite far away. Although the Hafel Clan is showing results, that''s coming at the cost of some big losses on their side. Putting these two factors together, the Hafel Clan wouldn''t be able to help more than just one of the three losing fronts. Not only that, if I take them away from the Aite and Wesdin Regions, the demon beasts might gain a second wind and advance once again.''


    Fikin knew that the clans there would have to stop holding back their forces for his side to make a comeback on the other three losing fronts. Unfortunately, that would mean receiving losses similar to the Hafel Clan. On top of that, Fikin''s clan just so happened to be there as well.


    Suddenly, Vance Hafel called Fikin''s attention, telling him, "Fikin, it has been a week already, and the other clans are still holding back. Our clan doesn''t mind it since it can help our situation. By now, quite a few of them are owing us favors or had gotten back into good terms." Vance stopped for a second before continuing, "However, our clan is reaching the limits of what we can do with our army. We need some reinforcements from the other clans. I would rather not do it myself since the clans giving reinforcements might complain. Can you arrange for some of them to spare a few Zasfins? It should help us keep up the good results in the Aite and Wesdin Regions."


    Sure enough, what Fikin thought to be the main problem of the Hafel Clan indeed happened. He could only nod after hearing Vance''s words, saying in response, "Very well. I''ll have all the clans send you a small number of cultivators to make up for your losses. However, you have to keep the results coming."


    Fikin then stopped for a moment before asking Vance, "What do you think about the Humk, Freten, and Gargoc Regions? Do you think your clan would be able to rescue those areas?"


    Vance pondered over the question for a bit before shaking his head. "It''s too hard. It''s the proximity of the Aite and Wesdin Regions that allows us to react in time when bad things happen. We won''t be able to do such a thing with an army at our size."


    "Does that mean you could do something if I allow you to control a bigger army? Your Hafel Clan is only in control of 3% of the Soul Rulers'' forces, including your personal army. Could you change something if I give you control over 20% or so?" Fikin asked, much to Vance''s surprise.


    "This..." Vance didn''t know how to answer. After all, it wasn''t him commanding the Hafel Clan''s forces. However, he quickly spotted a big issue. "Even if we could make a change, you would need to deal with the principal problem first."


    "Which one?"


    "Their willingness." Vance pointed out. "If they aren''t ready to go all out at the very moment we ask them, they would only hold us back. However, this 20% or so that you talk about would mostly be filled with the other clans'' forces. If we ask the clan to simply fill the gaps in our actual army, we can still achieve the same effect we have at the moment. After all, our Hafel Clan would be the majority in this army, so the cultivators filling up the deceased warriors'' spots would have to follow our orders regardless of the situation."


    "However, once our forces become the minority in the army, the forces of the other clans wouldn''t want to go out and follow our orders, afraid of us using them to save our troops." That''s the problem Vance identified.


    With that, Fikin went silent. In the end, that issue was still the main problem regardless of whether the Hafel Clan was willing or not.

 Chapter 812 - Closer Attention

    At the same time Fikin considered that problem, Vance used his Spiritual Sense to tell Sevinia about what Fikin offered. Naturally, Sevinia was delighted to hear that as she replied, "20%?! I didn''t expect Ancestor Fikin to be willing to give us that many troops." However, she also noticed the same problem as Vance. "Too bad it would be impossible to control such a huge army. The other clans wouldn''t take our commands seriously with that size."


    Qia, who was always accompanying Sevinia, couldn''t help but ask, "Is everything okay? Senior seems to be struggling a little."


    Sevinia looked at Qia as she pondered over it for a bit. Eventually, she decided to ask the other side about this option. Soon after, Qia sent a message to Rean and Roan, explaining the situation.


    "20%?" Roan could not help but say with a bit of surprise, somewhat intrigued. "That''s way too many troops for a single clan to control. Does Fikin really want to stop my advancement on the Humk, Freten, and Gargoc Regions?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, replying, "Isn''t that obvious? Those three territories will also be of great help for the demon beasts and the Zasfins in the future. Fikin and the other ancestors had been busy with Phex''s group, but they''re still interested in the outcome of the war."


    Rean also added, "Besides, the fact that the Soul Rulers are more interested in your battles means that they still haven''t noticed that Phex and the others are constantly being healed. This is also a good thing."


    However, that wasn''t the point Roan was concerned about. "This might be some kind of test. However, if we tell Sevinia to take the offer, she would have to succeed in expulsing us out of the Humk, Freten, and Gargoc Regions. On the other hand, I wouldn''t need to hold back on the Aite and Wesdin Regions as I have done so far."


    Rean agreed with Roan on that, saying, "Well, that''s true. As far as I can see, you have two options. Keep things are they are and try to conquer Humk, Freten, and Gargoc. Or you could tell Sevinia to take the offer from Fikin and focus on Aite and Wesdin. Selecting the second option and playing our roles right will make the Hafel Clan stand out more as the clan who saved those three regions. Not only that, but since you don''t need to restrain yourself on Aite and Wesdin anymore, you can start conquering it. That will make it appear as if the forces there only held you back because of the Hafel Clan''s effort. Once again, it''ll be a large merit for the Hafel Clan."


    Hearing that, Roan began to ponder over which would be the best option. However, he shook his head in the end, saying, "If we really do that, it''ll seem too suspicious. After all, the Hafel Clan wouldn''t have real control over the forces they''re in charge of. It wouldn''t take long before someone points out that it doesn''t make sense that the Demon Beast Army had gotten weaker just because the Hafel Clan appeared. Forget about it. Tell Sevinia everything we''ve discussed. She shouldn''t accept taking control over 20% of the Zasfin Army. Unless, of course, she has a way to obtain full control over it, just like her own forces."


    Rean nodded and passed the message to Qia, who explained everything to Sevinia. Sevinia was really considering taking up that offer, even if it meant that they didn''t have a good grasp of it. However, as soon as she heard the twins'' analyses over the entire situation, those thoughts disappeared like smoke. ''Too dangerous... To think there was such a backlash to this plan. Indeed, without full control over it, it wouldn''t make sense that we would suddenly start winning every battle. Fortunately, Ancestor Vance didn''t haphazardly accept it and decided to point the issues out first.''


    Vance then received a Spiritual Sense message from Sevinia, who also explained to him the problem with Fikin''s idea. He was still discussing with Fikin whether his Hafel Clan should go out of the Aite and Wesdin Regions or not. "Fikin, let''s just drop it. Our Hafel Clan doesn''t want to risk what we''ve accomplished so far. Unless you can guarantee us total control over it, we won''t take this time bomb in our hands. Also, it has to be consensual. If you force the issue, that will only make the opinion of the other clans of us return to rock bottom."


    Fikin then scratched the back of his head after hearing that, saying, "Fine...forget I said anything." Fikin was pretty sure that even with that problem, the Hafel Clan would take the risk. He didn''t expect them to be that cautious. ''Is there a way I could have 20% of the army be fully controlled by the Hafel Clan? Then again, if I force it, that will only generate grudges against them. No, first of all, would the Hafel Clan be able to pull it off? I might be giving up the Aite and Wesdin Regions in exchange for nothing if the Hafel Clan fails to stop the Demon Beast Army.''


    Eventually, Fikin shook his head and gave up the idea. He''ll just tell the other clans that they should hold back at all costs until their fight against Phex''s group was over. If they succeeded in driving the Stage Nine Demon Beasts away, the rest would be easy to solve with their power as Transition Realm cultivators.


    However... Fikin couldn''t help but feel like something was off. ''I can''t drive out this feeling that something isn''t right about the demon beasts'' actions. Are they really only trying to keep us busy while that human conquers the Humk, Freten, and Gargoc Regions? They''re the ones coming at us, so we have the terrain advantage. Not to mention that we definitely have more resources on top of that, so why?''


    However, it was then that he noticed a problem. ''Wait! I''ve been counting on the fact that we have more resources to fight longer. If it continues out like this, we will definitely win. Yet, what if the demon beasts have some way of recovering that we don''t know of?''


    Fikin then thought about the conditions of Phex''s group. He hadn''t analyzed them deeply before since he could still see the injuries from the previous days. It truly looked like they were accumulating. ''Hmm... I''ll pay closer attention to it the next day.''

 Chapter 813 - Showdown

    The next day quickly arrived as Fikin and everyone else left the Zasfin Army. Once again, they gathered far away from the low-level battlefield to continue their own fights. However, Fikin didn''t look as relaxed as he did during the previous week. Instead, he looked intently at Phex''s original form, who seemed to have lost quite a few feathers.


    He then paid attention to the other Divine Demon Beasts and the common ones as well. Sure enough, they all had their own share of injuries, some of which he had caused. However, he also noticed a problem. ''That doesn''t make sense. Some of the injuries inflicted on the first few days were just too small. They should have healed by now, so how come they''re still there?''


    Soon after, he also noticed another problem. ''Not only that, but even with the grievous injuries, I didn''t notice any real drop in combat power in Phex and the other demon beasts...''


    As one could expect, it only took a moment for Fikin to understand that Phex and his group were doing nothing more than pretending. ''Could it be that they really had a way to recover from their injuries?'' Soon after, Fikin paid attention to his Transition Realm members. It was a given that they had also accrued injuries. Some were serious, others not that much. Nevertheless, they were there. The only difference was that he knew that they were no pretense. They were the real deal.


    ''I see...so that''s your plan.'' Fikin felt like he had been struck by lightning. ''You''ll pretend to be injured, just like we are. Once you feel that our combat strength has dropped low enough, you will bare your fangs and try to win against us in a single strike.''


    However, Fikin wasn''t afraid of that. ''Hmph! Two can play this game.''


    Without saying anything to anyone, Fikin and the Phex gave the order for the battle to start. Once again, sky and earth turned into hell as the various skills of those top-level experts and demon beasts rained everywhere.


    On Roan''s side, he decided to take the conquest over the Humk, Freten, and Gargoc Regions more seriously. Fikin wanted to give the Hafel Clan 20% of their force, showing that they still haven''t given up keeping it. That also meant that Fikin was not being driven into a corner yet since he could share some of his attention to those issues. ''Since he''s paying attention here, I''ll make it so that he won''t be able to focus anywhere else.''


    "Tell the humans and sentient demon beasts of the left wing to prepare. We will be using the Ten Waves Rush to pierce through the Zasfins'' right wing," Roan ordered with a serious expression.


    The demon beast on his side was surprised to hear that but quickly nodded as it responded, "Yes!"


    As mentioned before, it wasn''t possible to use complex formations with the demon beasts due to their lack of sentience. Even common ones were out of the question. However, Roan wasn''t going to use battle formations to do that. Instead, it would be the simplest attack order.


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "What''s this ''Ten Waves Rush'' you''re talking about?"


    Roan glanced at Rean, who was already healing one of the Stage Nine Demon Beasts. Over a week has passed already, so it was normal for them to start coming back with worse injuries.


    Roan then began to explain, "Did you notice that my progress was a little slower until now?" Rean nodded in response and waited for Roan to continue. "I didn''t take this long because it was hard to advance more. Instead, it was to put all the demon beasts and Zasfins in the right positions. Once the waves start, the Zasfins wouldn''t be able to hold them back. The waves won''t have any battle formation themselves. However, the waves can be considered my Battle Formation. The demon beasts won''t be doing much more than attacking when the signal is given. But the calls will be sent at different times for all ten groups."


    Roan then pointed in the distance as he continued, "Just wait and see. I didn''t pick this point to command the army just because it was easy to protect. It also has a great view of the Zasfins'' right wing."


    The Zasfin commander on the right wing soon saw the demon beasts beginning to move in several directions. Then, those demon beasts started to gather into several groups. ''No, it''s not like they left their positions to do that. They were already there to start with. It''s just that they had been so scattered up to now that it looked like no group was present. Now...what are they doing?''


    Roan''s orders were carried, and eventually, ten demon beast groups, containing more than 70% of the entire demon beasts'' right wing, was formed. Roan then smiled as he looked at the terrain in front of him. ''Let me see how you stop this.''


    Soon after, Roan gave the order. "Start the Ten Waves Rush!"


    "Not good!" As soon as the first group of demon beasts moved out, the Zasfin commander understood what was happening. His Zasfin Army simply wouldn''t be able to get out of the way of the demon beasts'' forces. It wasn''t because there wasn''t space for maneuver, but instead, it was because his army was too concentrated in the middle.


    Without wasting any time, he immediately sent a string of commands. "Pass my orders! Have all the Earth Element users head to the front and raise as many barriers as possible. Also, everyone else on the sides has to spread, giving space for the forces in the center to divide. Tell the Zasfins at the Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Realms to head to the front and try to help and hold the demon beasts for as long as possible. Quickly! We don''t have much time!"


    Sadly, Roan wasn''t any slower. "All the Stage Five and Stage Six Demon Beasts must head to the front and stop the Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Realm Zasfins from intervening. There''s no need to go all out. Just make sure that they don''t have time to give the Zasfins on the ground support. As for the humans, leave them together with the demon beast waves to control the flow."


    And just like that, the biggest showdown in the entire war had officially started.

 Chapter 814 - Ten Waves Rush

    The moment the Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Realm Zasfins had arrived, the Stage Five and Six Demon Beasts did so as well. At that instant, a huge battle started in the sky between those forces to the point it affected the troops below. Of course, it wasn''t too much of a problem. Unlike the Stage Nine and Transition Realm experts and demon beasts, the damage beings in that realm could cause against those giant armies was too small to be considered anything.


    The Earth Affinity Zasfins raised as many defenses as possible. However, Roan wasn''t an idiot. Knowing that the Zasfin commander would notice his plan, he made sure that the first wave would be filled with strength-type demon beasts. Several types of Demon Bulls, Bisons, Oxes, Armadillos, and so on slammed against those quickly raised defenses, piercing through them as if they were made of paper.


    The Zasfins behind those defenses were then stomped to death, with very being able to retreat from the carnage. However, only those at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm could really be said to have escaped the calamity. As for the rest, there was a huge army of Zasfins behind, preventing them from running further from the first wave.


    *Bang!*


    Eventually, the first wave broke through the defenses raised by the Zasfins and launched itself against the Zasfins. Without much choice, the Zasfins in front started using all their skills, trying to kill the wave before it reached them.


    However, as soon as that happened, the first wave of demon beasts was divided into two groups. They still couldn''t keep any resemblance of a battle formation, but if it was just sending them in two directions, the humans controlling them could do that much.


    "What''s happening?" The Zasfins at the center were taken aback. They were obviously happy that the stampede didn''t head in their direction. Unfortunately for them, that relief only lasted a few minutes when something else caught their eyes.


    In the end, the first wave divided so that it could move around the army, making it harder for it to spread. Right behind the gap left in the middle by the first wave, the second wave had appeared. This wave consisted of a mix of speed and strength-type demon beasts that rushed straight in the middle of the Zasfin Army.


    *Ahhhh!*


    Screams came from everywhere as this wave rushed through the middle of the Zasfin Army. It was an unstoppable force that killed many times more than it sacrificed. The Zasfins that couldn''t fly began to use their Spiritual Energies to jump, trying to pass over the head of others. Everyone wanted to move out of the way of the demon beasts, which only increased the chaos.


    The Zasfin Commander could not help but grit his teeth in anger after seeing this, cursing aloud, "What are they doing?! Tell them to keep the formation! If they keep trying to run away like that, it will only increase the casualties!"


    Well, that was easy to say when it wasn''t him watching so many demon beasts rushing at his face. The Zasfins at the frontlines had already lost their will to protect their position. In the end, nothing was more important to them than their own lives.


    The second wave began to lose its force at some point since there were way too many Zasfins. However, it wasn''t a problem. Once the humans in charge of those demon beasts noticed that they reached their limit, the second wave divided in two directions again, giving space for the intact third wave to start its massacre.


    At the same time, the second wave tried to join the first wave that was running on the outside by using its momentum. Well, that was just a bunch of demon beasts attacking everything ahead of them, though. Nevertheless, it was very effective since the second wave helped the first wave restrain the Zasfin Army together.


    Seeing that spreading to the sides wasn''t possible, the Zasfin Army began to retreat behind. Unfortunately, there were still troops there waiting for their time to move out. The scale of the war was too big, which meant that the ones behind couldn''t even see what was happening in front of them.


    Once the third wave began to get tired, the fourth wave arrived.


    Just like that, the combo continued. The fifth wave, the sixth, seventh, eighth...


    By the time the ninth wave took center stage, it had pierced through the Zasfin Army, arriving at the other side of their wing. Roan, who was watching everything with his Spiritual Sense, nodded in satisfaction as he could not help but say, "It went better than I thought. The tenth wave is still intact, but the demon beasts have already passed through the Zasfins'' defenses."


    Rean agreed with him, saying in response, "That''s because the Zasfins didn''t try to properly hold their position. Unlike Stage Four Demon Beasts and below, all the Zasfins are intelligent beings. They care a lot about their own lives and are very arrogant, thinking that they''re the owners of this world. They definitely don''t want to lose their lives here."


    "Stage Four Demon Beasts, on the other hand, don''t have sentience yet. As long as the higher-level demon beasts of each race give the order, they will march forward until they can''t move anymore. Only those demon beasts would be able to stop them now. In the end, the arrogance instilled in their race after reigning over the planet for a long time backfired on them."


    Roan then looked behind and passed new orders, saying, "Have the humans on the tenth wave spread and help the other demon beasts. We need to take advantage of today''s chaos as much as possible. The Zasfins won''t commit the same mistake for such a plan to work twice."


    "Understood."


    Rean then patted the demon beast he was healing. "I''m done here. However, don''t head back to Phex''s battle today. Give it a day so that they won''t be too suspicious."


    Roan then looked at the battlefield where Phex and Fikin''s groups were fighting. ''Can you see what''s happening here, Fikin? Hehe! I wonder if you''re even able to focus on your fight.''

 Chapter 815 - For Real

    Roan was right. A Transition Realm''s Spiritual Sense could cover the entire battlefield. That being said, Fikin and the other Zasfins saw how the Demon Beast Army pierced through the Zasfins'' right wing and caused complete chaos inside it.


    However, they weren''t the only ones. Phex, Xaon, Frin, and the other Stage Nine Demon Beasts'' Spiritual Senses noticed the same thing. "Hahaha! Fikin, your army is falling. Can you do anything about that?"


    Fikin gritted his teeth in anger after seeing it. He had only found out about the plan of Phex''s group just some time ago. However, before he could even start doing the same thing, the army on their side suddenly collapsed in the distance. Roan was right. Fikin couldn''t take his attention away from what was happening there.


    One of the Transition Realm Zasfins saw the forces of his clan being wiped out and tried to free himself from his opponents. Of course, he wasn''t the only one. A few others tried to do the same thing. However, Phex''s group wouldn''t let them intervene in that battle. After all, if a Transition Realm being suddenly appeared there, the Demon Beast Army would definitely suffer severe losses.


    "Where do you think you''re going?"


    "Get out of my way!"


    "Keep dreaming!"


    Fikin saw as his Transition Realm experts were becoming more and more dazed, which increased the damage they received on their side. "All of you, head back right now! Let alone saving your clan''s forces, if you really turn your backs on us, the entire Soul Rulers organization will fall with you."


    That warning immediately stopped those wanting to leave. Sure enough, Phex wouldn''t want anything else other than having the Zasfins trying to leave the battlefield. They would only increase their advantage like that. Also, even if Phex''s group allowed those Zasfins to go, it would leave the remaining Transition Realm Zasfins at a huge disadvantage. In one way or another, they would be claiming the victory of this war and would also sweep over the Aite and Wesdin Regions. It wouldn''t be just three territories lost, but all five!


    However, Fikin also understood that things couldn''t continue like this, shouting, "Everyone, it''s time to stop holding back. We''re going all out! However, be careful! Phex and the others are only pretending to be injured. Their combat power hasn''t decreased at all since the first day."


    Fikin, and especially the Zasfins who had their clans in the middle of Roan''s assault, immediately nodded in response.


    Phex, of course, also passed the same message forward, telling the others, "There they come! There''s no use in pretending anymore. Just make sure you don''t die!"


    *Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom...*


    In the next moment, the fight between the top experts of the Zasfins and demon beasts had reached a whole new level. There was no watching anymore. Everyone began to use their best skills, aiming to kill the other side.


    Naturally, that change caught the attention of all battlefields, be it Zasfins, humans, or demon beasts.


    Rean couldn''t help but lean his body forward as he looked in the direction of Phex and Fikin''s group. "Well, well, well. It seems like I''ll have a lot of work to do."


    Roan nodded, saying, "That''s the most important part of this whole thing. Phex''s group must do whatever they can to drag their battle out for as long as possible, especially now that they''re going all out. Their battle won''t take weeks anymore, but only a few days at most."


    Roan then looked back at the Zasfins'' right wing before passing his next message. "Ask the rest of the army that didn''t participate in the Ten Waves Rush to press forward with everything they have. This war down here won''t last much longer."


    "Yes!" A demon beast nodded in response before immediately spreading the order.


    The Stage Five and Six Demon Beasts of each race then spread their Spiritual Senses, ordering their members to do as Roan asked. That would increase the death toll on the Demon Beast Army, but they understood that it was necessary. After all, they could also see the sudden change in the battle between the top-level experts.


    Not too long after, a demon beast missing a leg came back flying to Rean. Not only that, he had severe injuries that Rean would take a few hours to finish. "Do what you can to stabilize me. It won''t be long before more of us start coming."


    However, although that demon beast said that, it had a faint smile on his face as he continued, "The Zasfins aren''t faring any better. If anything, they''re trying to end things faster, and that''s leaving them with openings we can make use of."


    Rean shook his head as he thought of it differently. "That''s because they trust themselves to have more resources to heal themselves, Gafal. Anyways, do you have your severed leg with you? If not, it''ll take a long time for me to regrow your limb."


    In the past, Rean''s healing ability wasn''t capable of doing so much. However, things changed after the Nascent Soul Realm and especially after the fusion of their Soul Power and Spiritual Energy. Now, Rean was able to regrow severed parts of the body as long as there''s still life. It''s just that it would be much faster to reconnect something instead of regrowing it.


    "If you''re talking about his leg, I have it here with me." Suddenly, another demon beast came back. It was still in its demon beast form as its blood rained down from its enormous body, unlike the first one who arrived in his human form.


    "Oh! That helps out a lot, Lie. Give it to me." Rean then told Gafal, "Go back to your demon beast form so that I can reconnect it."


    Gafal couldn''t help but ask, "My original form is several times bigger than this. Wouldn''t it take longer for you?"


    Rean shook his head as he clarified, "The size of your body doesn''t change the amount of life force present inside. That''s the thing I''ll use, so it doesn''t matter for me."


    Gafal was more than delighted to hear that and immediately changed back.


    Rean then looked at Lie, the second demon beast, before telling him, "Use your Spiritual Energy to stop the bleeding. I can see that you''re suffering from some kind of poison, so I''ll take care of it. Stay beside Gafal so I can treat the two of you together."


    And just like that, Rean''s main job as a healer had truly begun.

 Chapter 816 - Balance

    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    ''Life Style, Third Form, Purification!''


    That was another result of Rean''s training and the fusion of powers. He could now work on two Stage Nine Demon beasts at the same time. If they were at the same cultivation realm as him, Rean would probably be able to heal tens of them at once.


    When night arrived, both Phex and Fikin retreated with their remaining members. It wasn''t because they couldn''t fight anymore, but instead, it was because both sides wanted to check how their forces fared, whether it was good or bad. Of course, unlike the last battles between them, this time around, the entire group hadn''t returned. Quite a few of them had to go back beforehand due to their own injuries.


    Fikin looked at the conditions of his Transition Realm members and felt helpless. If he had another day, it would have made a lot of difference. After all, it was only today that he found out about the pretense Phex''s group was doing. However, Roan just so happened to launch such an offensive that destroyed his plans, making his companions lose their focus.


    "It''s not over yet! Everyone, take out your pills and other treasures and make sure you recover as much as possible before tomorrow. There''s no point in keeping them for yourselves if there''s nothing else to be protected anymore." Fikin had to do that even though he didn''t waste to use those resources either.


    Everyone didn''t have much choice other than to nod before starting to take out their pills and treasures. Immediately, a medicinal smell filled the area as high-level medicines were taken. Not only that, but extremely rare Rank Seven Spirit Stones were also used to help them recover their energy. In the end, the dantians of Transition Realm cultivators were able to hold a huge amount of Spiritual Energy.


    On the demon beasts'' side, Roan calculated the outcome of the last attack. "Very good. We were able to wipe out around 45% of the Zasfin forces on their right wing. Their central and left armies can''t spare soldiers. Darian and the other demon beasts in other countries and continents won''t allow the Zasfins to send reinforcements either. Otherwise, they''ll lose territories in those places. Tomorrow, we should be able to launch a full offensive and take over the Humk Region."


    Rean, who was healing the demon beasts, then warned Phex and the others. "The ancestors of the Zasfins know that they can''t waste time anymore, so you guys better be ready for an even harsher fight. I''ll heal you all as well as I can, but some of you wouldn''t be at peak condition."


    Phex and the others shook their heads after hearing that as Phex replied, "Just put the ones with severe injuries back in fighting condition. Demon beasts are a lot more resilient than humans or Zasfins, so we can bear with mild injuries."


    Rean nodded in response before continuing his work for the night. Of course, the Demon Beasts also tried to help with the recovery process during this time. That being said, the night passed in a flash, quickly giving way to the next day.


    This time, however, Phex noticed how there was a change in Fikin''s group. "It seems like you guys finally decided to stop being stingy. Isn''t it a little too late? We''re already taking over the territories, you see?"


    "Hmph!" Fikin snorted in response. "It''s still better than a bunch of demon beasts pretending to be injured. In any case, you really asked for it, so we''ll be using everything we have to make sure we take all of you down."


    Phex laughed in response, saying, "Hahaha! So, you want a test of endurance, huh? We are demon beasts, so we accept your challenge."


    On Roan''s side, his Demon Beast Army on the left wing, or the Zasfins'' right wing, advanced without hiccups. Well, it wasn''t as if they were winning their combats quickly, but instead, there wasn''t a single Zasfin defending that region to start with. Seeing that, Roan couldn''t help but nod as he muttered, "They made a good decision."


    Rean understood what Roan meant, saying, "Indeed. With 45% of their army lost on the previous day, there''s no point defending the Humk Region anymore. Instead of making a last-ditch effort, they retreated with the rest of the right wing''s forces to protect the Freten and Gargoc Regions with the central army."


    Rean then looked in the direction of the central Demon Beast Army. Of course, because of the size of the battlefields, he couldn''t really see it with his eyes. "Shouldn''t you move some of the left wing''s forces to reinforce the center?"


    Roan nodded as he replied, "I already did that last night. Rafin and a few demon beasts good at concealing acted as scouts and noticed when the Zasfins began to retreat. The army advancing at the moment is only 40% of the total. In any case, the Humk Region is almost empty. Once we take over the region, the number of demon beasts right now should be enough to hold their positions if they receive some attacks."


    Rean sighed and redirected his attention in the direction where Phex was fighting. "In the end, all we could do has been done. The Hafel Clan''s position and merits during this war are also second to none. It all depends on how Phex''s group will fare."


    Roan also thought the same thing. Of course, he would keep attacking as he always did, increasing the pressure on the Zasfin ancestors. Nevertheless, he knew that something like the Ten Waves Rush won''t work anymore, so his advancement from now on would be slow.


    The sequence of exchanges then continued as a certain balance was achieved. Rean healed any demon beasts that came back earlier while using the Rank Five Spirit Stones given to him. Once night time came, he first focused on using Purification to get rid of any poison or harmful energy. That way, the demon beasts would be able to recover a little by themselves while he healed the others.


    At the start of the day, both Phex and Fikin''s group would look like they haven''t suffered much, even though they knew how bad things were on the last day. Naturally, the Zasfins were using all the resources accumulated during this time to do that.


    However, that balance didn''t last long...

 Chapter 817 - Good Nourishment!

    *Arrrgh!*


    A Zasfin was hit by Xaon''s poison before he fell from the skies like a meteor.


    *Boom!*


    The guy tried to get up, but Xaon didn''t let the opportunity pass up, striking with a sure-kill attack.


    ''Myriad Snakes Poison!''


    Before any of the Zasfins around could move to help, Xaon''s attack had arrived head-on. Of course, Xaon''s opponent was still a Zasfin with a Rank Ten Soul Mark. Sensing the poison spreading through his body, the fear of death assaulted that Transition Realm Zasfin. Without even thinking twice, he activated the Soul Mark Immolation Art. It immediately began to burn his Soul Power in a way that it would never come back again.


    He was the first Zasfin to activate that technique after many days of battle. Once his Soul Power was completely burnt out, he wouldn''t be a threat to any of the demon beasts anymore. However, Xaon knew very well that this Zasfin would be at his strongest during the next few moments. ''Time to head out.''


    Xaon also didn''t waste time as he darted into the distance. He was a Divine Demon Beast, so he was confident that he could still distract that Zasfin long enough until the technique lost its effect. However, Xaon had no reason to do that since the Zasfin would self-destruct anyway. As long as he fleed, that Zasfin would be done for. ''First of all, with my poisons running inside your body, let''s see if you''ll waste your time pursuing me.''


    Xaon was right. The Zasfin looked in the direction where the Basilisk escaped with a furious expression. However, the pain inflicted by the Basilisk''s poisons was more than a loud enough sign for his incoming death. The Zasfin had to get rid of it first, so he used the increase in his strength to dart into the distance as well. ''I need to cure these poisons quickly!''


    Phex, who was in a heated battle against Fikin, laughed out loud as he saw that. "Hahaha! Now, would you look at that? Quite a few of us had retreated before, but that was only because our injuries were somewhat more serious. However, I don''t think that guy will come back anymore. What do you think, Fikin?"


    "Hmph!" Fikin didn''t seem that affected, though. "We have plenty of Transition Realm Zasfins here, so a single one of them won''t make too much of a difference."


    *Bang!*


    *Roar!*


    It was then that another change in the battlefield happened as a Stage Nine Demon Beast was gravely injured. It, too, fell on the ground as the Zasfin it was fighting against made its way towards it.


    Fikin couldn''t help but show a scorned expression at Phex as he told him, "And...you were saying?"


    Phex''s mouth twitched in response as he felt like giving that demon beast a beating. ''Couldn''t you have held on a little bit longer?''


    The Zasfins had their Soul Power to sacrifice in exchange for strength. As for the demon beasts, they had their bloodlines. However, unlike the Divine Demon Beasts, the increase in strength wasn''t that big, let alone compared to the Zasfins'' Soul Mark Immolation Art. That being said, although the gain in strength was a lot weaker, they had their advantages. Simply put, they could recover their blood in the future even though it would take a long time. The Zasfins, obviously, sacrificed their Soul Power forever.


    Just like Xaon, the Zasfin also gave up fighting the demon beast for the moment. Even if that demon beast returned in the future, that would take a lot of time, and this war would be over by them. It was better to do that than forcing the demon beast into its wits'' end. Once that happens, the demon beast might throw caution to the wind and attempting to bring both of them down together.


    However, little did Fikin know, but Phex wasn''t really worried about that demon beast. ''Hehe! Compared to the amount of blood Darian used in the Underwater Demon City, what Yue did was a joke.'' Naturally, that was the name of the demon beast that fled. ''Rean should be able to heal him and recover his blood in a few hours at most.''


    Indeed, after the first Zasfin fled with his Soul Mark Immolation Art, the delicate balance had already teetered to one side, putting the demon beasts at an advantage.


    The same thing happened throughout the day, with six Transition Realm Zasfins having to activate the Soul Mark Immolation Art. As for the demon beasts, five of them were forced to use their bloodline powers. It''s just that neither the Zasfins nor the demon beasts were able to kill anyone... for now.


    Roan concluded that the war between the low-level demon beasts and Zasfins would not bear any fruit for the next few days at least. That being said, he left someone else to command it since the war would now be determined by the top experts.


    As for Roan himself, he might not be as good as Rean at healing others, but he could definitely do it...and so he did. Rean and Roan then passed the night healing the demon beasts, connecting limbs, eliminating poisons, using Dark Element to get rid of foreign energy, and so on.


    Only when the next day arrived did Fikin and the others finally notice the problem. All the demon beasts that were supposed to be out of commission came back to fight again. That wasn''t the main problem, though. ''How''s that possible?! Their strength should have dropped a lot after sacrificing their bloodline for power. How come their cultivations seem to be intact?! This isn''t something you can do without a huge amount of resources and pills, let alone with so many demon beasts.''


    Unfortunately for them, they couldn''t retreat either. The only good thing was that the Zasfins still had a slight advantage in numbers. After all, even the Zasfins that used the Soul Mark Immolation Art returned as well. They used their best pills to return to fighting conditions, but they were definitely much weaker than before. A Zasfin''s combat power was highly reliant on Soul Power, which those seven didn''t have anymore.


    It didn''t take long before the first death between those old monsters appeared.


    ''Silver Flash!''


    Frin''s body moved at unbelievable speed as he took one of the Zasfins by surprise. His jaws then ripped the Zasfin''s body in half before Frin swallowed the guy''s dantian whole!


    "Good nourishment!"

 Chapter 818 - Its Here!

    The Zasfin that died was one of the seven without Soul Power, so he didn''t have enough strength to escape Frin''s surprise attack. Everyone on the battlefield stopped for a moment, looking at the blood on Frin''s teeth and the shredded half of that Zasfin''s dead body.


    Of course, that only lasted for a short while before the battles resumed. However, as if a chain reaction was triggered, more Transition Realm Zasfins began to fall after this.


    ''Dawn of the Sun God!''


    ''Myriad Snakes Poison!''


    ''Silver Moon Assault!''


    ''Mountain Destruction!''


    ''Hive...''


    The demon beasts continued their assault, stimulated by the first real loss on the Zasfins'' side. As for the Zasfins, they were obviously affected by that as well.


    *Arrrgh!*


    "Dieeee!"


    "Get away from me!"


    Of course, it wasn''t as if the Zasfins were powerless. The Zasfins that still had their Rank Ten or Rank Nine Soul Marks were still a threat, and it was proven during the battle.


    One of the Zasfins also reached a moment where he would be killed, forcing him to activate the Soul Mark Immolation Art. However, he had other members of his clan here, so he didn''t try to run. Instead, he used the moment his demon beast opponent was heading straight at him to use his full power against it. His sword then began to burn brighter and hotter than ever as his speed surpassed what he had displayed so far.


    ''Descent of the Fire Demon!''


    *Boom!*


    *Roarrrrrr!*


    Taken aback by that Zasfin''s choice, the bird-type Stage Nine Demon Beast was hit head-on. It tried to use its own bloodline and skill to defend. However, as mentioned before, the temporarily sacrificed bloodline of a normal demon beast couldn''t compare in power to the eternal loss of Soul Power.


    The Zasfin''s sword passed through all defenses, cutting the Demon Bird''s head while at it. This time, even Rean couldn''t do anything about it. The Demon Bird was as dead as it could possibly be.


    "Hmph! The Zasfins are the real masters of the world. You all better remember that!" Soon after, that Zasfin used the last bits of his Soul Power to flee. Of course, those were only the words of anger. None of the demon beasts took it to heart at all since they never considered the Zasfins to be all that anyway.


    Naturally, those exchanges continued. Some Zasfins were able to escape in the end, but quite a few died. The same thing could be said for the demon beasts, but the number of deaths was a lot lower.


    Fikin looked around and saw their initial advantage in numbers disappearing. Slowly but surely, the demon beasts were gaining ground. ''It can''t continue like this. Should I retreat behind the formations with everyone to regroup?''


    The Zasfins had obviously prepared a lot for these fights, so they also had formations ready to be used. One of the reasons Roan couldn''t make any meaningful progress anymore was also due to those formations, not just the Zasfins'' intelligence. Unfortunately, it wasn''t as if Phex''s group would risk entering those formations prepared for them. That''s why they kept battling in this place.


    According to Rean, this place was completely devoid of any formation whatsoever. Well, to be more precise, it was thanks to Sister Orb, but Rean couldn''t tell Phex and the others about that. One must remember that Sister Orb was capable of identifying the presence of any formation, even if she didn''t know what it did. She could at least tell if it was activated or not.


    However...there was one point that the demon beasts could not forget. This place''s war...was not only for the sake of the territories that they would use in the future. Roan made it very clear when he explained his plan to Phex, Xaon, Frin, and Darian. This war''s main objective was to get rid of Fikin, the Soul Rulers'' leader!


    Going back in time before the war started, Rean, Roan, Phex, Xaon, and Frin were gathered above a mountain. No one other than those six was present, and the Divine Demon Beasts ensured that they were the only ones with their Spiritual Senses.


    Rean and Roan then looked at each other and nodded before starting to talk to the Divine Demon Beasts, with Roan explaining, "Once Rean starts using his healing skills to keep you all in fighting shape, the Zasfins will surely reach a point where they''ll fall apart. Before that, they won''t refuse your challenge to fight. Simply put, their pride as the ''owners of the world'' wouldn''t allow them to hide."


    Rean then continued, "However, once Fikin and the others notice that they''ll lose, they will definitely retreat behind the formations prepared for you. Remember, you must not enter the areas I showed you this afternoon. If you do, don''t blame me if you die there."


    Roan continued where Rean left off, saying, "Now, the moment the Zasfins understand that they can''t win will be the moment they''re most vulnerable, especially Fikin since he''s the leader. Phex, Frin, Xaon, that will be the moment you need to give up everything and strike him down."


    Phex understood the twins'' plan. Nevertheless, he found a problem. "That''s good and all. However, how will we know when Fikin decides to retreat? I doubt he''ll tell us in advance."


    It was then that Rean mentioned, "Leave that to me."


    Suddenly, Rean''s hair changed color into a mix of black and white. Soon after, Rean asked the Divine Demon Beasts to hold his hand as he told them, "Pay attention."


    Following that, Rean sent a stream of Light Element inside their bodies. However, it didn''t do anything. It just stayed there, doing nothing. Of course, that wasn''t the only thing. There was also a little bit of Dark Element inside it, which was contained inside that light.


    "What is this?"


    Phex and the others noticed those things inside their bodies. However, the amount of power was too small to cause them any harm. They could get rid of it in a flash with their much higher cultivation, so it wasn''t dangerous either.


    Rean smiled before explaining, "Dark Element causes quite some pain. I believe you already know that. However, I used a very tiny bit of it, just enough to call your attention. The Light Element will keep the Dark Element enclosed in your body. Once the time comes, I will release my Light Element, which will cause you to feel the Dark Element inside. That will be the signal that Fikin is ready to retreat."


    Phex''s group was surprised by that. "But how can you tell the moment he''ll retreat? You still haven''t told us that."


    Rean laughed as he shook his head, responding, "That will be my little secret. To be honest, I''m not 100% sure that this would be precise. But even if I''m not, you won''t be in any danger since I''ll only release it when the demon beasts gain the upper hand."


    Although Phex, Xaon, and Frin had their doubts, it wasn''t that important at the moment. "Very well."


    Now, returning to the present, Phex and the others suddenly felt a tiny amount of pain as Roan''s Dark Element was released into their bodies. The three Divine Demon Beasts'' eyes lit up as they used their Spiritual Senses to exchange a message.


    ''It''s here!''

 Chapter 819 - Who Would End On Top?

    There was a reason that Rean thought he would find the right moment, the formations prepared for the demon beasts. As mentioned before, the Soul Rulers organization had prepared formations to help deal with Phex''s group, but they haven''t been used yet. That being said, they had been deactivated since formations capable of holding Stage Nine Demon Beasts just consumed way too much energy. They would only be turned on when Fikin''s group needed it. Obviously, that would be at the moment they gave up fighting and decided to run away.


    Of course, there was no guarantee that it would work, but Rean thought it to be the best chance. Sister Orb kept an eye on those deactivated formations during the entire extent of the battle, and she just noticed those formations starting to activate. Since that was the case, Rean immediately used his connection with his Light Element to release Roan''s Dark Element into the bodies of the Divine Demon Beasts.


    Naturally, Phex and the others felt the pain and instantly eliminated that tiny amount of Dark Element from their bodies. In any case, they knew that it was the signal.


    In the end, Rean was right. Fikin spread his Spiritual Sense and used it to activate the formations back on the Zasfins'' side. At the same time, he issued the order to all the Transition Realm Zasfins in his group through a Spiritual Sense Message. ''Retreat!''


    All the Zasfins'' demeanors changed as they released several strong attacks at the same time, trying to force the demon beasts back so that they could run. Of course, Fikin did the same thing. However, it was at this moment that Frin and Xaon disappeared from their areas, completely ignoring the Zasfins they had been fighting.


    Usually, this kind of movement would have been caught by the other Zasfins battling them. However, because the order was to run, they ignored Frin and Xaon, placing their retreat as main priority.


    Understanding why Fikin suddenly released such a strong attack that consumed a lot of energy, Phex didn''t try to step back as the other demon beasts did. Instead, he also released his own skill to match Fikin''s power.


    ''Dawn of the Sun God!''


    His feathers spread out once again as the enormous Sun appeared. Not holding back, Phex slammed his attack right on Fikin''s strike.


    *Boom!*


    Fikin was taken aback, thinking it to be ridiculous. In normal circumstances, such an action would only cause Phex a lot of damage with no return. However, this time, Phex''s actions severely delayed Fikin''s pace, making him, the leader of the Soul Rulers, fall far behind the other Zasfins running away. ''Shit!''


    At the same time, his Spiritual Sense caught the presence of two more Divine Demon Beasts right on his flanks. This had been something planned a long time ago. Although they were quite far, both Frin and Xaon kept fighting on the right and left sides of Phex and Fikin''s battlefield. Now that the moment had arrived and they ignored their Zasfin opponents, they flanked Fikin from both sides.


    How could Fikin not understand what they were trying to do? They wished to take him down while the others ran for their lives. Once behind the formations, they wouldn''t have anything to fear. But at this moment, that was definitely not the case.


    Nevertheless, Fikin didn''t panic. "Hmph! Don''t get ahead of yourselves!"


    Fikin gathered Wind and Fire Element while Yang Energy burst out of his body. Not only that, but his Rank Ten Soul Mark poured Soul Power into it nonstop. Soon after, he closed himself as if trying to compress all the energy into himself.


    ''World Destruction Blast!''


    *Boom!*


    In a fraction of a second, Fikin released an extremely powerful Fire Element attack in all directions, obliterating everything in a several-kilometer radius around him. It was so strong that it looked like a meteor had created a crater on the ground below.


    What Fikin didn''t expect was that Frin and Xaon weren''t afraid of receiving that explosion. They were Divine Demon Beasts, and each one of them was capable of fighting Fikin head-on. Naturally, they had their own skills with enough power to match Fikin''s skill.


    ''Silver World Ascension!''


    ''Primordial Poison Blast!''


    *Boom! Boom!*


    Both attacks slammed against Fikin''s World Destruction Blast, not thinking of retreat at all. Be it Fikin, Xaon, or Frin, all three of them had suffered severe injuries from being at the center of those attacks.


    However, neither of them held back, pouring even more energy into their attacks.


    It was then that Fikin noticed a problem. ''Where''s Phex?!''


    Immediately, he focused on his Spiritual Sense, just in time to see a Phoenix covered in golden fire descending from the skies. Although all the fire made it hard to see, Phex also had many injuries from taking Fikin''s first attack head-on. Nevertheless, he completely ignored it as he burnt his Phoenix Bloodline.


    Unlike common demon beast, a Divine Demon Beast''s blood took much longer to recover. In exchange, using it to attack gave them a lot more strength.


    ''Phoenix Dive!''


    Fikin, seeing his own predicament, immediately poured all his Spiritual Energy without reservation into his World Destruction Blast, trying to force Frin and Xaon back, even if just for a moment.


    Unfortunately for him, Xaon and Frin knew that this was an opportune moment, so both of them also used their own Divine Bloodlines to increase the power of their attacks. That helped so much that Fikin''s World Destruction Blast stopped expanding and was forced back by Frin and Xaon''s assault.


    "For the demon beasts!" Phex screamed as his Phoenix Dive descended from the skies like a spear, piercing right through Fikin''s World Destruction Blast!


    *Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz!*


    However, it was at that moment that Fikin''s Soul Mark detached from his forehead! Fikin had finally been cornered to the point where he had to use the Soul Mark Immolation Art.


    "I''ll! Kill! You! All!"


    Fikin''s strength skyrocketed as Frin, Xaon, and even Phex''s attacks were pushed back once again! At this point, no one knew who would end up on top anymore.

 Chapter 820 - Can You Blame Me?

    The effects of sacrificing Divine Demon Beast Blood was definitely stronger than sacrificing a normal demon beast''s blood. However, it was still a temporary loss that could be recovered in the future. As for Fikin, he was sacrificing his Soul Power forever, so it naturally displayed a strength higher than their bloodline sacrifices.


    Nevertheless, three Divine Demon Beasts were up against a single Zasfin, with all of them burning their bloodlines, resulting in another stalemate. Besides, Phex''s group could keep burning their bloodlines for much longer than Fikin''s Soul Power was able to. If things continued like that, Fikin was bound to die.


    All of these events took some time to explain, but in the real world, no more than three or four seconds had passed yet. The Zasfins that retreated saw the situation Fikin had found himself in and tried to head back to give support. However, that wasn''t possible since their own opponents had already recovered. They couldn''t kill the Zasfins easily, but they could definitely hold them back.


    Fikin was seething with rage inside. Unfortunately, he could feel his Soul Power becoming dry as it fueled his temporary strength. He thought that he could at least send one of the Divine Demon Beasts down with that sacrifice before using the rest of his time to run. Obviously, that became an improbable task with all his attacks locked in place. Even running away seemed impossible.


    It was then that that Phex, Frin, and Xaon received a Spiritual Sense Message from Fikin. ''Remember this! I''ll definitely make you pay for today''s events.''


    Phex''s group narrowed their eyes, ignoring their injuries and burning their bloodlines. The way Fikin talked seemed like he could escape, although they couldn''t see how he would do such a thing.


    Suddenly, Fikin reached inside his bag before taking a silver bead from inside it. No one, even the Zasfins watching with their Spiritual Senses, could tell what that bead was. Well, it didn''t take long before they found out, though.


    Fikin infused his Spiritual Energy into the bead, which immediately shone with silver light...


    "This..." Phex and the others immediately understood what was happening. "It''s the same power when we use Teleport Formations!"


    That was correct. The bead had Spatial Powers. Not only that, everyone could tell that the power of the bead was countless times stronger than any common teleport formation. Even the best Teleport Formation on the planet wouldn''t be able to generate that many spatial fluctuations. One must remember that the formations of this world were worse than Sunkan, so they couldn''t teleport that far to start with.


    Suddenly, the silver light enveloped Fikin as he used his Spiritual Sense to send a message to the other Zasfins. ''Retreat into the formation. Don''t let the demon beasts hold you down.'' In the very next second, Frin, Xaon, and Phex''s attacks broke through Fikin''s World Destruction Blast.


    Unfortunately, there was no one else there anymore. Fikin had completely disappeared.


    "Fuck!" Phex cursed out loud, not believing he had let such a huge opportunity pass up.


    Xaon arrived by his side and shook his head, saying, "It''s fine. We failed to kill him, but we forced Fikin to sacrifice his Soul Power forever. When we see him next time, he won''t be nearly as strong as he was before. Besides, his injuries are so serious that it would take him many days to recover, even with their best pills and treasures."


    Frin agreed with Xaon as he looked in the direction the Zasfins fled. "Let''s end it here for now. If we force our way into the formations they set up, the ones who might lose in the end might be us."


    Phex sighed in response and nodded. "Fine! Tell the Stage Nine Demon Beasts to switch targets. We''re helping the army take control over the Freten and Gargoc Regions. The Humk Region has already been conquered by the black-haired brat, so there''s no need to go after it."


    Lie, one of the Stage Nine Demon Beasts, couldn''t help but ask, "What about the Aite and Wesdin Regions? Without the Zasfin ancestors, we should be able to use our superior cultivation to conquer the countries around those regions as well."


    Xaon immediately shook his head as he replied, "Those two regions have too many Zasfins, and our demon beast army has been on the backfoot all this time, not being able to get any advantage at all. Leave it aside and focus on the Freten and Gargoc Regions for the moment."


    Frin also added, "If you have any serious injures, there''s no need to go. Come back with us and let Rean heal your injuries first. The Zasfin ancestors won''t bother them anymore. Instead, they''ll make sure to keep the Aite and Wesdin Regions for them."


    The Stage Nine Demon Beasts nodded in response and quickly departed. As for Phex and the others, they looked one last time in the Zasfins'' direction before they left as well. Obviously, they returned where Rean and Roan were.


    However, just as they arrived there, they noticed that someone was fighting there. ''What''s happening there?''


    They increased their speed and finally saw what was happening.


    *Ouch! Ouch!*


    "It hurts! Stop it!"


    "Stop it, your ass! Where the hell have you been until now?"


    It wasn''t exactly a battle...but instead, a certain Demon Bird was receiving a beating.


    Roan seemed quite angry as he fought Kentucky. The war had been going on for such a long time, but Kentucky hadn''t appeared until now. Naturally, that annoyed Roan very much.


    Well, even if one says beating, the fact was that Kentucky wasn''t much weaker than Roan, so he was able to hold him back. It''s just that he never succeeded in hitting Roan back as Roan could see all his movements.


    Rean looked at Phex and the others and bitterly smiled, telling them, "Ahem...they are just... training. Yes, that''s all."


    Phex''s mouth twitched in response as he muttered inwardly, ''If that is training, I don''t want to see what a beating really is.''


    Seeing that Phex came back, Roan finally stopped, much to Kentucky''s relief. "I''ll make you work ten times more during the next few days to compensate for the time you stayed out."


    Kentucky felt like crying. ''I just got a little too comfy in my nest...and in the arms of the girls of the sect. Can you blame me because of that?''


    Fortunately, he didn''t say that aloud, or even Rean would have joined in to give the bird a beating.

 Chapter 821 - Too Bad!

    After that, they sat down to talk about what happened. As for Kentucky, Roan sent him straight away to help the demon beasts conquer the Freten and Gargoc Regions. With the Stage Nine Demon Beasts, it wouldn''t take too long.


    "Spatial item to escape?" Roan narrowed his eyes as he could not help but say, "I didn''t know they could create such items."


    Phex shook his head as he replied, "They can''t. Even for us demon beasts, it''s obvious that the level of that thing far surpasses what we can forge on this planet."


    "Can you tell me in detail what you felt when Fikin activated that spatial item?" Rean asked as he thought of a possibility.


    Phex, Frin, and Xaon nodded before telling Rean what they saw and felt with their Spiritual Senses.


    "I see..." Rean nodded before saying, "Yes, it''s definitely not something you can create on this planet. In fact, even in our Sunkan Planet, it would have been impossible."


    "How come?" Roan asked in response.


    "Simple! The spatial fluctuations were just way too numerous. No teleport formation here or in Sunkan could reach that level of power. Besides..." Rean then looked at Phex''s group as he asked them, "your Spiritual Senses can cover over a thousand kilometers, right?"


    Phex nodded, saying, "My Spiritual Sense is the largest other than Darian, but Darian isn''t here at the moment. My Spiritual Sense can go up to 1600 kilometers. Of course, once it surpasses a certain threshold, 1300 in my case, it becomes a little difficult to discern things."


    Rean smiled as he continued, "That''s the point. No teleport formation, be it here or in Sunkan, could teleport someone over 1000 kilometers." Of course, Rean didn''t count the Soul Gem Circuitry Teleport Formation. "However, Phex still wasn''t able to capture Fikin''s presence after that teleport. If even a teleport formation can''t do that, let alone an item."


    Roan had to admit it made sense. "I understand where you''re coming from." Obviously, Roan was thinking about the Bestial Sacred Ground. "Phex and the others did say that the path to the ''Realm of Gods'' was open in the past. Chances are that the item Fikin used was a remnant of that time, brought here by one of the so-called Realm of Gods'' residents."


    "Indeed." Xaon also thought it to be plausible. "Then again, even the other Soul Rulers'' Ancestors, Sect Leaders, and Zasfin Emperors seemed to be shocked when they saw Fikin using that. Most likely, none of them knew that Fikin had such an item on hand."


    Frin couldn''t help but ask, "Does that mean Fikin can run away anytime he wants?"


    Roan immediately shook his head as he said in response, "Definitely not." Surprised, Rean and the others asked why. "That''s because of the amount of damage you inflicted on him. Which one would you choose? Revealing the existence of that spatial item or forever sacrificing your Soul Power?"


    None of them needed to think twice before answering in unison, "Revealing the spatial item, no doubt."


    Roan smiled before continuing, "However, he preferred to sacrifice his Soul Power instead of showing that spatial item until the very last moment. If that spatial item was something he could use at any moment, he definitely wouldn''t have almost died and suffered such a huge loss. He would have teleported away first." Roan then lifted one finger as he continued, "That means this item of his could only be used once! Only a life-saving treasure with that characteristic would be worth keeping hidden, even if it meant sacrificing his Soul Power."


    Phex didn''t find any issues with Roan''s logic as he said, "I see what you mean. In the end, Fikin still had a chance to escape after using the Soul Mark Immolation Art. However, if he used the bead, he would indeed guarantee his safety, but the item would be gone forever. In his position, I would also prefer to keep the bead since my life is a lot more important than my Soul Power."


    None of the demon beasts or Rean refused that logic. The difference between an item you could use many times and one that you couldn''t was just that important. Especially when it concerned an item like that akin to a second life.


    Roan then waved his hand, not looking too concerned as he said, "Well, it wasn''t as if any of us wasn''t expecting Fikin to have some life-saving treasures. Just how many did you see the Zasfins or the demon beasts themselves using one during this time, huh? It''s just that it was a little bit more impressive than what we expected."


    Soon after, he changed the topic, telling them, "Let''s focus on the conquest of the Freten and Gargoc Regions. As for Aite and Wesdin, we won''t touch it as those are the regions that will be used to give war merits to the Hafel Clan. If we use our strength to take it, the whole plan will be useless. Besides, it''ll look like we''re concerned with the Zasfin forces in those two regions, which will help the Hafel Clan''s cause even more."


    Frin immediately got up and nodded after that, saying, "Good! I''m heading out to help with it."


    However, Roan shook his head as he told him, "There''s no need. We won''t find any resistance there anymore."


    "What?!" Naturally, Phex''s group was taken aback.


    Rean laughed as he looked at their faces. ''Sure enough, demon beasts aren''t that good with strategies.'' He then explained, "Isn''t that obvious? The Aite and Wesdin Regions are well protected. As for Freten and Gargoc, nothing can stop us from taking it anymore. That meant the Zasfins won''t leave their forces defending those two regions. Instead, they''ll definitely send all their forces to reinforce Aite and Wesdin to make sure they won''t lose those two regions at the very least."


    Suddenly, a demon beast arrived at the scene before giving a report, saying, "Commander, all the Zasfins are retreating. What should we do?"


    Roan nodded as he soon ordered, "Let them go. Focus on building our defenses in Humk, Freten, and Gargoc."


    Sure enough, it was just as Rean and Roan explained. They just needed to be careful in case the Zasfins tried to do something else. Still, for the moment, this war had been won by the demon beasts for sure. If they succeed in putting Hafel Clan as the next Soul Rulers'' Organization Leader, everything will be over.


    "The only problem now is Fikin, the one who would be the biggest issue when putting the Hafel Clan there," Roan said. "Then again, there''s nothing else we can do on our side anymore. The only ones who can deal with this problem are the Hafel Clan. We did what we could for them already. If they really want to have a member of their clan as the leader, this is the moment to show their cards."


    Meanwhile, somewhere on the south side of the planet, there was a set of ruins forgotten by all. Almost no one knew that it even existed. This location couldn''t be any further away from the Soul Rulers'' headquarters, located at the north.


    Suddenly, spatial fluctuations appeared inside a building at the center of the ruins. Not long after, a silver flash of light appeared before a figure came out of it. Naturally, that was Fikin.  On his hand, there was a silver bead brimming with silver light. However, the light on the bead was a lot fainter than before.


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    *Shatter!*


    Following that, the bead shattered, leaving only dust and a gloomy expression on Fikin''s face behind. Well, the fact that Fikin didn''t have Soul Power anymore left him even angrier.


    "I swear all of you will pay for this."


    However, it was at this moment that a voice reached his ears.


    "Unfortunately, you won''t have the chance to do that."


    Hearing that, Fikin felt a chill on his back as he looked behind.

 Chapter 822 - They Are At It Together!

    There, he saw an old man smiling directly at him. The old man''s smile didn''t comfort Fikin, though.  Instead, Fikin''s face had become even paler than it was before.


    "Impossible! You can''t be here!" Fikin exclaimed in fear.


    That man was none other than the ''deceased'' Hafel Clan ancestor, Duran Hafel!


    Duran then laughed in response after hearing that. "Hahaha! Why? It was the two of us who found these ruins," the old man commented as he rubbed the old construction. "Naturally, I also know of it."


    Fikin was already panicking, not believing his eyes. "But you''re dead! DEAD! I killed you!


    The old man shook his head as he replied, "No, but you definitely got close." Suddenly, the old man disappeared before appearing right in front of Fikin and grabbing his neck. His smile was now gone as he reminisced over some past memories.


    In normal circumstances, Fikin wouldn''t have fallen so easily under Duran''s hand. After all, he was considered the strongest Transition Realm Zasfin of the Soul Rulers. Unfortunately for him, he didn''t have Soul Power anymore. Not to mention the severe injuries all over his body and his depleted Spiritual Energy reserves. At this moment, maybe even Rean and Roan would succeed in killing him, let alone another Transition Realm cultivator.


    "Do you remember? We both found that secret chamber. We couldn''t believe our eyes when that happened. There were a huge amount of cultivation resources, cultivation techniques that were way above anything we had in the Soul Rulers organization. And, above all, the remnants of that senior from the Realm of Gods."


    "But then, what did you do? You attacked me from the back! Me, who was your friend for several centuries, was betrayed, just like that! Do you know what the first thing I thought when we saw that? I thought that we were BOTH destined to do great things in the Soul Rulers organization. Yes! Both! How naive was I to believe that centuries of friendship had meant something to you."


    As Duran kept talking, his mood became worse and worse.


    "No. For you, it had never even been worth shit at all! It was as important as the fucking dirt on the ground!"


    Fikin couldn''t talk because of the hand on his neck, so he could only use Spiritual Sense to communicate. ''Both of us? Indeed, you were naive! I couldn''t risk letting this information escape outside. You had always been the loyal type, and you would definitely tell your clan about this place. For what? Our higher-ups at that time would reward us with some crumbs before taking everything else for themselves!''


    ''How could I let that happen?'' Fikin didn''t show the least bit of regret. ''If I didn''t kill you, how would I become the strongest member of the organization and eventually its leader? Today, even though I left the leading position for someone else, I''m still the one who holds the greatest authority in the organization. I''ve realized all my dreams! If achieving that meant I had to kill someone, then so be it.''


    Fikin then snorted at Duran as he continued, ''However, are you sure you want to kill me? If I die, the Soul Rulers will crumble under the hand of the demon beasts. Are you really willing to let the Soul Rulers organization disappear, together with your beloved Hafel Clan?''


    "Hahaha!" Suddenly, Duran began to laugh out loud again as he said, "Oh Fikin, Fikin...how could you be so blind? Look at me. Not only did I avoid death, am I not at the peak of the same cultivation realm as you? You''ve obtained all the resources and cultivation techniques for yourself, but I still reached this level. It''s just that I took longer than you. After all, you did have all the resources here."


    Indeed, that was something Fikin couldn''t understand. It wasn''t as if Duran had an outstanding talent or anything, nor did he have the Soul Rulers'' help since everyone thought he was dead. With that, how did he reach that level? No, there was one thing that puzzled Fikin even more. ''How did you survive? I remember very well! When we entered the chamber, the defense formation left behind by the senior of the Realm of Gods activated. It opened a spatial rift that destroyed literally everything that fell inside. I saw your body turning into dust once I kicked you there!''


    Duran shook his head after hearing that as he replied, "That''s where you''re wrong. Then again, I can''t blame you for that. After all, what do guys at our meager level know about Spatial Laws, right? We can''t control it at all, unlike the people of the Realm of Gods."


    Duran then explained, "What you saw happening inside that spatial rift did look like destruction. However, that was only an effect of the space laws inside. Don''t get me wrong, I really felt like my body was being ripped apart, but that was only a side effect of the spatial distortions inside the rift. I only came to understand that because I had been inside."


    Duran couldn''t help but shiver a little as he remembered that event as he continued, "Still, if I had stayed there for too long, I would have definitely been dead. I guess I have to thank the senior from the Realm of Gods, who left that formation behind. His formation made the spatial rift very, very stable, so I could still resist the distortion. If it was just a bit worse, even someone at our actual level would have been wiped out in a second."


    "However, through luck, I didn''t die. Instead, that formation broke down while I was inside. Well, you definitely know it since you were there. The formation''s destruction caused another rift to open. I didn''t know where I would end up, but I didn''t have much choice, so I threw myself inside."


    "Surprisingly, I was brought back into the real world. It''s just that I had lost most of my cultivation and could barely move due to my injuries. Nevertheless, I was alive. From that point onwards, I had only one objective in mind, revenge! When the white-haired boy came to talk with my Hafel Clan about the demon beasts'' plans, I couldn''t help but think, it was destiny! I immediately accepted forming an alliance with the demon beasts at that moment. Now, lo and behold, here we are."


    Fikin was alarmed when he heard that. The demon beasts and the Hafel Clan! They were at it together!

 Chapter 823 - Conclusion

    ''Yo-you can''t! If you really follow the demon beasts, what will happen to our Soul Rulers organization?! Are you dooming our Zasfins forever just for this?'' Fikin thought that what could happen to his organization was a worse fate than what could happen to him.


    Duran shook his head as he replied, "Don''t worry. From the very start, the demon beasts didn''t have the intention of controlling the entire planet. Didn''t you see how much behind we were in terms of combat ability compared to them? The only reason those below the Elemental Transformation Realm could put up a fight was because of their Soul Marks."


    Duran then snorted as he continued, "Can you imagine what would happen if we didn''t have those Soul Marks? It''s really a pity. In the past, our Zasfin Race didn''t need Soul Marks to fight against the Demon Beasts. Just our natural Soul Power was more than enough. We have grown weak after the planet was reigned over by us. The lack of enemies contributed to that."


    "The demon beasts, on the other hand, could see this fact clearly. They know very well that they are stronger and aren''t idiotic enough to get rid of our Zasfin Race. If they do, they will be the ones dooming themselves." Duran then smiled once again after that. "That being said, the plan was very simple. Help our Hafel Clan become the organization''s next leader through war merits, and so they did."


    Suddenly, Duran increased the strength he was using in his hand, choking Fikin. "However, for that to happen, there was one last obstacle, you! To be honest, I wasn''t sure if the demon beasts would succeed. However, I was the only one who knew about the Teleportation Bead other than you. That being said, I just had to wait. I knew it was impossible for you to die as long as you had the Teleportation Bead. But then again, I was sure you wouldn''t use it unless you reached an extremely unfavorable situation. I was just afraid that the demon beasts wouldn''t be able to force you to use it, which obviously didn''t happen. Hahaha!"


    Fikin couldn''t help but say in a panic, ''You''re committing a grave mistake! I''m the head of the Soul Rulers organization! If I die, the organization will definitely crumble! Your clan will crumble with it as well!''


    Duran shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "Well, if that happens, that just means our Hafel Clan wasn''t destined to become its leader." Duran''s eyes then turned ice cold after that. "Well then. We''ve talked a lot, but I know you''re using every second to try and recover your energy, even if just a bit. I''m not in the mood to risk letting you escape, so I''ll see you in the next life."


    ''Wait!''


    Unfortunately, Duran didn''t hear it as his Spiritual Energy enveloped Fikin. Soon after, Fire Element gathered and started to burn the man alive. Duran didn''t have Fire Affinity, but it wasn''t anything hard to control at his level. Fikin tried to scream in pain, but Duran''s hands on his neck didn''t allow even that. Eventually, the screams stopped as the charred body became motionless, leaving only spatial equipment behind that Duran caught with his hand. Everything that Fikin considered important was inside that thing.


    Duran then looked at the charred body and snorted as he coldly said, "Where do you think you''re going?"


    Suddenly, Duran made a grabbing motion in a certain direction of the room. As if a formless force was applied, something was dragged into his head. It looked like a small blue fire, quite hard to see. However, if one looked closely, one would see the resemblance of Fikin''s face inside it. That...was Fikin''s soul. "Truly impressive. The senior from the Realm of Gods really had amazing techniques. You are even able to separate your soul from your body. Oh well. I''ll take my sweet time looking into your secrets in the Spatial Ring."


    One must remember that Xiria was able to acquire a Spatial Bracelet in the past, so there was nothing weird with an Ancestor of the Zasfin Race to have one Spatial Ring, which was obviously much better than Xiria''s bracelet.


    Fire once again enveloped Fikin''s soul as his expression contorted once more. The pain inflicted on his soul was even worse than the one in his body. Eventually, the soul disappeared as well. This time, Fikin was dead for sure.


    Duran then looked up as he let out a long sigh. He had finally achieved his objective, so now, he felt somewhat empty. ''It''s finally over. I wonder what I''ll do from now on.'' It was then that he remembered one of the terms when he negotiated with Rean. ''Hmm...that boy said that they could also allow me to use the path to the Realm of Gods. It''s just that they weren''t sure if they could open it or not. But then again, that was a path used by the demon beasts, so I might fall into severe danger if I pass through it...''


    Suddenly, Duran began to laugh out loud as he thought out loud, "Hahaha! Why should I care? Just the fact that I''ll be joining those Stage Nine Demon Beasts in this endeavor is already a near-death sentence. If they turn at me together, I''m probably done for. Well, I have nothing else to lose anymore, so I guess I''ll give it a shot. Besides...demon beasts are a lot better at keeping their words than our Zasfin Race."


    Duran then looked at the ruins where everything had happened one last time. He already returned there to check in the past, but Fikin had cleaned it completely, so there wasn''t even a single Spirit Stone left. "Then again, I wonder just who that senior was?" Duran murmured as he took a badge from his own Spatial Ring. This was the only clue he had about the deceased guy.


    Duran then shook his head before putting those thoughts behind. Perhaps, he would be able to find the guy in the Realm of Gods. After that, he took flight and disappeared into the distance. As for the ruins, no one knew when someone would come to check them again. Even if someone did, there wouldn''t be anything left anyway.

 Chapter 824 - Upside Down

    Back at the Soul Rulers'' headquarters, there was a building separated from the area Rean and Roan destroyed. The security there was almost as tight as the one kept for the Soul Stone and Bloodline Trial Control Formations. Inside, however, one wouldn''t even find more than three or four Zasfins working at once.


    Well, there wouldn''t be much of a reason to have many Zasfins there to start with. All one would find inside were several shelves with some glass jars on each of them. Each of those jars had several inscriptions on their bottom and top, though. Inside, one would see a small wisp of blue flame. On top of that, there was a name under them.


    Sevinia;


    Latife;


    Guile;


    Palares;


    Vance...


    Each and every important member of the Soul Rulers'' headquarters who was at least in the Elemental Transformation Realm had their names under a jar. Obviously, Fikin just so happened to have one as well. It was placed at the very center of the building, in full display for anyone to see.


    Those jars were connected to the souls of each of their owners. They couldn''t be used against them, though. It was simply a way of determining whether someone was dead or not. If the jar''s owner died, the blue flame would disappear, making the jar shatter apart in the process.


    During this war, many Elemental Transformation Realm Zasfins died, and even a few Transition Realm ones passed away. That being said, the few workers in this place had been quite busy during the past few weeks.


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    Suddenly, the sound of another jar breaking echoed in the building. The workers there could only sigh in response, knowing that another Zasfin had died in the war.


    *Shatter!*


    With that, the jar broke apart as the blue flame disappeared. However, when one of the workers went there to see who had passed away this time, his body froze in place, muttering in shock, "It can''t be..."


    However, he only stayed still for a moment before rushing at Fikin''s jar at the center as he shouted, "Ancestor Fikin is dead!"


    Without hesitation, the Zasfin worker spread his Spiritual Sense and spread the news to others. One Transition Realm Zasfin, someone who stayed to guard the fort, arrived at the room not too long after as he hastily asked, "Where is it?!"


    The worker quickly pointed at the center of the room, showing the place where Fikin''s jar was located. All he could see was the broken pieces of it as the blue flame was long gone. "How can that be? Fikin is our strongest member! The report said he escaped the demon beasts!"


    The ancestor looked at the Zasfins behind him and asked, "How long has it been?"


    "Just a few minutes ago. As soon as we saw it happening, we contacted you and the others outside," the Zasfin responsible for the building answered in response.


    "What?! You told the others as well?!" The ancestor almost exploded in rage, feeling like killing the guy right now. This kind of information was supposed to stay hidden until they could deal with the situation. However, it would now go out of control.


    Well, the guy did it on purpose for the sake of his group. He and his companions understood the severity of this issue, after all. That being said, they knew that the Zasfin Ancestors would try to keep it hidden for as long as possible, which meant that they might be killed to prevent news from spreading. As loyal as they might be to the Soul Rulers, they weren''t willing to die just to because they did their job.


    Sure enough, the news had already reached most of the clans in the Soul Rulers organization. After all, many of them had members of their families working as protectors of the building with the jars in it. Once they heard about Fikin''s jars breaking apart, they immediately used their Thoughts Transmission Talismans to tell their clan leaders.


    Back on the battlefield, Vance and the other Transition Realm Ancestors were recovering from their injuries. However, the air in the area was quite gloomy as they knew that they already lost this war. The best thing they could do now was secure the places they had control of. Their army had fewer regions to defend, so they''ve become a lot more concentrated. On top of that, they had to wait for Fikin to come back so that they could talk about it.


    Well, Vance and the other two Transition Realm Zasfins of the Hafel Clan were gloomy for another reason, the fact that Fikin escaped. As the highest members of the Hafel Clan, they obviously knew about the real plan to get rid of him. Of course, they wouldn''t tell anyone about it. Little did the others notice, but the injuries they sustained were one of the most superficial as the demon beasts who fought them were warned to not make things difficult for the Hafel Clan.


    Suddenly, a Zasfin subordinate arrived in the resting area with a pale expression. Naturally, all the Zasfins understood that something bad happened.


    "What is it? Are the demon beasts attacking the Aite and Wesdin Regions as well?" Vance asked straight away, trying to keep up his act.


    "N-No, the Demon Beast Army is still consolidating their position in the Humk, Freten, and Gargoc Regions." The Zasfin then paused for a moment, gathering the courage to deliver the real message, stammering, "We just received a Thoughts Transmission Talisman Message from the headquarters. Ancestor Fikin''s Soul Jar...bro-broke apart!"


    Immediately, all the Ancestors, be it from the Soul Rulers or the other organizations throughout the world, were left appalled! "What the hell did you just say?!"


    The subordinated sweated cold as he repeated the message. "Ancestor Fikin...is dead."


    "Impossible!"


    "We have an eye on the demon beasts'' side. Phex and the others haven''t left at all."


    "Who could kill Fikin?"


    "First of all, no one knows where Fikin went, so how did anyone find him?"


    Vance''s group, however, was doing their best to hide their joy. All three of them thought about the same person. ''It''s Ancestor Duran! It must be him! He did tell us that this was his chance to get revenge, and he really did it!''


    And just like that, the Zasfin World, or at least the world that knew of Fikin and the Soul Rulers, was turned upside down.

 Chapter 825 - Im Fikins Best Friend

    Suddenly, Rean received a message from Sevinia. Or, to be more precise, from Qia, who was still there to help exchange information in an instant. ''Wait...what?! Fikin is dead?!'' Rean, of course, was shocked by the news. ''Alright, I''ll tell everyone.''


    Naturally, Phex, Frin, and Xaon were just as surprised.


    Rean then looked at Phex''s group as he asked, "Was it any of you? Perhaps...it might be Darian?"


    They immediately shook their heads vigorously as Phex replied, "We don''t even know where he went, so how could we have done it? Unless...he suddenly died from the injuries he sustained during our battle. As for Darian, he''s busy with the Sea Demon Beasts'' territory. It would be even more impossible for him."


    Roan doubted that as well, saying, "I don''t think he would die from injuries."


    "We also thought the same thing," Phex and the others said in unison. "But then again, who could have killed him?"


    It was then that they thought of a possibility. "Could it be that guy named Duran?" Of course, even though they mentioned him, there was no way to check it.


    Roan then decided to simply ignore it, saying, "Forget about it. The point is that Fikin is dead, so the Hafel Clan will find it much easier to have one of their ancestors become the next leader. We just need to wait and see what happens."


    With the demon beasts'' objectives concluded, no more territorial conquests happened after that. Of course, many small battles continued to happen around the world, but nothing that could change the outcome of the war that much.


    In the end, out of the world''s 37 continents, the demon beasts took control of 20, leaving the Zasfins with 17. The reason was the same one as mentioned before. The Zasfins were present in almost every continent except the Demon Beast Continent in the past. Once they were driven out, the Zasfins'' forces gathered.


    With fewer territories to defend, the forces present in each of them were more concentrated. Taking their territories would need tremendous effort and even more battles from the Transition and Stage Nine experts and demon beasts. Neither side wanted to continue that anymore. Besides, even though the demon beasts had the advantage, they didn''t want to turn out like the Zasfins, weak due to the lack of a common enemy.


    Of the world''s 37 continents, 15 of them were considered to be of high quality. They were located in the best areas and had the best concentration of Spiritual Energy overall. For example, Aite, Humk, Freten, Gargoc, and Wesdin just so happened to be located inside these continents.


    Nine of them ended up in the demon beasts'' hands while the other six stayed with the Zasfins. Naturally, these six continents were mostly located in the northern hemisphere, which was also where the Soul Rulers'' headquarters was located. The Demon Beast Continent had always been in the south, so it made sense that almost all their nine high-quality continents were located around there.


    A week quickly went by as the flames of war disappeared. However, the work was far from over. Be it the demon beasts or the Zasfins, both of them had a lot of things to do.


    Back in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters, all the ancestors were gathered in a big hall, together with other important members, to decide the Soul Rulers'' future. Vance and Sevinia Hafel were obviously there as well.


    Pankun, one of the Transition Realm experts of the organization, was at the center as he was chosen to start the discussion. There wasn''t really much meaning in him being selected since all the Ancestors held similar positions regarding their power in the organization. It''s just that Pankun was used to do those things.


    "Now then, we simply couldn''t find out where Fikin died. We just know that none of us knew about his spatial equipment that allowed him to flee from the demon beasts. Because of that, we have no idea where he was sent to, nor how he died. Nevertheless, the fact still stands that he''s definitely dead. That''s for sure. The Soul Flame Jar is more than enough proof of his passing." Pankun talked with conviction, making sure that everyone was listening.


    "However, our Soul Rulers organization can''t go without a leader. It had always been like that, and it should continue like that. Otherwise, we might fall apart. If that happens, we''ll really be doomed to fall under the hands of the demon beasts. I believe no one here wishes for that to happen, right?"


    Sure enough, everyone in the room nodded. Even without the Soul Control Formations, the Soul Rulers had gathered enough strength to be the leader of the Zasfins of the world. Well, half of the world wasn''t theirs anymore, though.


    "Very well. When it comes to strength alone, Fikin was above us all. However, the rest of us aren''t that much different. It all falls into who has the best affinity against the other. That being said, we can''t use these criteria to choose the next leader. Instead, I would like to call for a voting session."


    Immediately, the room went alive as everyone displayed their concerns for that method. After all, it was a fact that some clans had more members than others, so they would stand a higher chance of being selected.


    "Silence! This is the best method. Even if some clans have more members, it''s not like they''re the only ones. I''m sure quite a lot of you have your own opinion as to who should be the next leader, and it might not even be someone from the same background as you. Unless someone has a better idea, we will proceed with voting. Now, who wants to participate? The only requisite is to be above the Elemental Transformation Realm."


    Suddenly, a voice echoed in the entire hall as it said, "I recommend Vance Hafel for the position. I hope everyone will give your vote to him."


    There wasn''t anything wrong with that request since the leader was going to be chosen by vote. However, the problem was that no one knew who the man that talked was.


    Pankun narrowed his eyes in response as he asked, "Who are you?"


    The old man smiled before answering, "I''m Fikin''s best friend, Duran Hafel."

 Chapter 826 - Plan In Action

    "Duran Hafel?" That name only made the Soul Rulers puzzled. How come they didn''t remember anyone called that? What was even more impressive was the fact that a Transition Realm Zasfin that they didn''t know about existed. Of course, it wasn''t like he was completely unknown.


    Surprisingly, the first one to remember that name was Pankun as he said, "Duran Hafel...Duran Hafel...ah! I remember you. You and Fikin spent most of your time together, doing missions all the time. Didn''t you die during an exploration over two thousand years ago? If I remember correctly, you and Fikin were ambushed by the demon beasts. "


    Duran almost laughed out loud when he heard that as he thought inwardly, ''If only they knew the truth, hehe!'' Of course, he didn''t say that out loud. Instead, he kept his stern face before confirming Pankun''s story, saying, "I''m glad you still remember me, Pankun."


    Duran then looked around and could see that very few Zasfins seemed to recall his name as well. It''s just that they didn''t say anything. "However, we didn''t die during that time. Instead, I was gravely injured, so Fikin had to hide me somewhere else. If you''re asking why I didn''t come back later, that was something that Fikin and myself decided."


    "Why?" one of the ancestors watching the scene asked.


    Duran then smiled before pointing at himself as he replied, "Because I was the only one who could match Fikin in direct combat."


    *Wow!*


    In an instant, the hall went alive. Everyone knew that Fikin was the strongest Zasfin for thousands of years. None of the Transition Realm Zasfins that came after him could match his strength. For Duran to say that he was as strong as Fikin was very bold.


    Duran then continued, "Fikin and I found an inheritance from a senior of the Realm of Gods, and we could use it to increase our strength. Unfortunately, that inheritance was inside the demon beasts'' territory in the southern hemisphere. On our way back, we were ambushed and almost lost it. After all, both of us were nothing but two Saint Realm Zasfins. There were plenty of demon beasts at our level and stronger. Fortunately, we used one of the items we found there to escape. You all probably know what it is, that silver bead."


    Sure enough, everyone knew what the silver bead was since they saw Fikin using it to escape.


    Seeing that the Zasfins there understood, Duran didn''t waste time as he continued with his story. "Once we escaped, we understood that the demon beasts knew about us. That being said, we came up with a plan. Both would use the senior''s cultivation resources and techniques to increase our strength. However, one of us wouldn''t come out. Instead, he would stay in the shadows, cultivating as well."


    "It wasn''t hard to guess who should be doing that. I was severely injured and would take a long time to recover, so we both agreed that Fikin would be the one to reappear. As for me, I was declared dead. Since then, only a few members of my clan and Fikin himself knew of my existence," Duran explained.


    "But why would one of you hide?" Naturally, they still wanted to know the reason behind that.


    "Isn''t that obvious? If both Fikin and I suddenly started to become too strong, it would look suspicious, especially since I lost most of my cultivation before I used that senior''s resources. Also, the demon beasts knew we had found something. It was better to be safe than sorry. Or do you think everyone here is an altruist and wouldn''t covet our rewards?" Duran''s eyes turned cold as he asked that question.


    None of the Zasfins there opened their mouths. At the same time that the Soul Rulers organization was an alliance, it also had its own struggles. It was certain that the stronger Zasfins would demand Fikin and Duran''s items for themselves.


    Duran then sighed as he finished it off, saying, "Last but not least, we wanted insurance."


    Pankun couldn''t help but ask, "Insurance for what?"


    Duran then showed a sad expression as he replied, "Insurance for what just happened to Fikin. If our strongest Zasfin died, we would need someone with enough power to have things back on track. Not to mention that this someone would act as a deterrence against the demon beasts. That''s why I''m here."


    Suria, another Transformation Realm Zasfin, could not help but snort in response as he could not help but say, "You say that you''re as strong as Fikin, but would we believe that? As far as I know, you might be the one who killed him. After all, you seem to know a lot more of his methods than us."


    "Kill him?" Duran laughed out loud after hearing that. However, he didn''t look the least bit happy. Instead, it was as if he was holding his rage inside. "We''re at war against the demon beasts! They took a lot of our territories! Tell me, what good would it bring to kill Fikin? Doing such a thing would only pull our Soul Rulers organization down."


    "As for whether or not I''m as strong as him, why don''t you try it out?" Suddenly, Duran''s Spiritual Sense spread out, pressing everyone in the room down. The only ones who could resist it were Zasfins at the Elemental Transformation Realm and above. However, even the Transition Realm Ancestors couldn''t help but feel shocked. That''s because they could truly feel Duran''s Spiritual Sense affecting them.


    Duran then pointed at Suria, saying, "Come. If you still think I''m bluffing, you can bring two more Zasfins to help you fight me. If you win this 3 vs. 1, I''ll admit I''m not as strong as Fikin."


    "That won''t be necessary," Pankun said as he raised his hand. "I remember Fikin''s Spiritual Pressure very well, and I can tell that yours isn''t any weaker than his. Instead, I would like to ask. Do you know what happened to Fikin?"


    Duran shook his head as he answered, "I spent my last week trying to pinpoint the place he teleported to. I went to our agreed location after I heard about the outcome of the war, but I found nothing there. I''m afraid that he either succumbed to his injuries or..."


    "Or what?" Pankun asked back.


    "Sigh...or he died to the Spatial Transfer." Duran looked up to the ceiling as he continued, "That senior''s inheritance was really, really old. We weren''t sure if the things he left behind were still safe for use or not. Since Fikin could escape with the Silver Bead, he should have enough resources to heal himself. The only thing I think that could kill him is an error during the displacement."


    No one there knew the risks of an error during a Spatial Transfer of that caliber since the only Teleport Formations available on the planet couldn''t teleport very far. They couldn''t simulate the spatial fluctuations generated by a teleport of who knows how many thousands of kilometers. Considering that Fikin was seriously injured before the teleportation, if the item was really damaged, he might have died from the spatial distortions.


    One point made everyone more or less accept that theory''s possibility: the fact that Fikin died shortly after the teleportation. If he had been killed, then the one who did the job must have been waiting for him from the very start. That didn''t seem possible since no one could guarantee that Fikin would use that item or not.


    As for whether it was Duran who killed Fikin or not, no one could prove it. Besides...he was too strong for them to try to force anything out of him. Well, there was also the issue regarding the demon beasts, so having a Zasfin as strong as Fikin on their side would be of great help.

 Chapter 827 - The Next Leader

    Still, there was one thing that the Zasfins were confused about. "Why did you not nominate yourself? Instead, you appointed Vance Hafel for the position."


    Duran shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "I have lived my life in the shadows, only bothering with my own cultivation. If not because of what happened to Fikin, I wouldn''t even appear at all. Being the Soul Rulers'' leader? I don''t want to even think about all the bothersome tasks that come along with that. Fikin liked the attention, so he was fine with it. However, I''m totally different. "


    Duran then warned the Zasfins after that. "Once everything stabilizes, I''ll be leaving again. Obviously, I can''t be a leader like that. Fikin was almost always available, after all."


    "Leave?" The Zasfins were confused. "Shouldn''t you stay and help prevent the demon beasts'' actions?"


    Duran nodded as he replied, "And I will. Once this election of a new leader is over, I''m going to talk with the demon beasts."


    Once again, everyone was surprised to hear that. "Talk with the demon beasts? We shouldn''t talk! We should find a way to take what is ours back."


    Duran snorted in response, taking their arrogance down a peg as he said, "Ha! What a joke! After you lost Celis, the Bloodline Trial Control Formations, and many Ancestors, do you think you have what it takes to take everything back? Besides, I was watching the war against the demon beasts from far away. Truly, I couldn''t be more ashamed for being a Zasfin."


    Duran''s voice got deeper as if he was releasing his anger. "Thousands of years of control over this planet for what? To get a bunch of good for nothings that couldn''t contend against mindless demon beasts? The lack of a common enemy made all the lower-level Zasfins look like a joke! Forget about taking the demon beast territories back. You should be grateful if I can convince them that we should keep things like this. Otherwise, I''m not sure if even I will be able to hold them back."


    Everyone went silent after that, especially the Zasfins, who had cultivations below the Elemental Transformation Realm. How could they not understand Duran''s words? They were there in the war, so they saw how in one-on-one fights, most of the Zasfins would be at a disadvantage against demon beasts of the same level, only holding them back because of the Soul Marks.


    "Forget it. I won''t argue with all of you about this. My job is to protect the Soul Rulers and Zasfins, which was the agreement between Fikin and me. I''m also a Zasfin, so I''m obviously angry over what happened. Nevertheless, I can also see an opportunity here. Perhaps, now that we all have a common enemy, we Zasfins can really improve. Maybe it will be the trigger to reopen the path to the Realm of Gods that has long since been lost."


    The Realm of Gods. Which Ancestor of the Soul Rulers hadn''t thought about this? They knew that they were wasting their years in this place without being able to ascend. One day, they would also run out of vitality. "Could it be that you know something about breaking the barrier?"


    Duran then pointed in the direction of the demon beast territories. "It''s just a small chance, and none of you would like to hear it. But yes, I do have an idea."


    With that, all the Zasfins stopped thinking about going against Duran. As minuscule as the chance might be, there was no Transition Realm Zasfin in that room that wouldn''t want to try it out.


    Duran then sat down in a corner before saying, "Anyways, I just put my clan member''s name on the table. You guys can decide if you want someone else to participate in this election. There''s no need to worry. I won''t complain or say anything even if Vance doesn''t win. This is my word as a Soul Ruler."


    The room went silent as the clans looked at each other. Although no one said anything, Spiritual Sense Messages were running everywhere.


    ''What a joke! After what he said about the Realm of Gods, would any clan dare to indicate someone else? All our ancestors would allow that to happen.''


    ''Look at the Ancestor''s eyes. They looked like dead fishes until a moment ago because of our losses at the war. But now that they saw a chance of entering the Realm of Gods, even though it could totally be a lie, they still look like they''ve gotten a second chance at life.''


    ''Ramu, I know that you wanted to become a candidate for the position of leader of our organization. However, I have to disappoint you this time.''


    ''I understand, Ancestor. Ramu won''t say anything.''


    Similar conversations went back and forth until, eventually, Pankun resolved to speak. "Ahem...I guess everyone already had enough time to decide who will participate in the election. Now then. If you have a name to give or if you want to be a candidate yourself, please step forward."


    Sure enough, the entire hall was silent, without a single Zasfin daring to step forward. After a minute or so of silence, Pankun understood that no one would try to contend against Vance. "Since no one else wants to participate, I believe there''s no need to have a vote session. The only question is whether Vance wants to be the next leader or not."


    Surprisingly though, Vance immediately shook his head as he replied, "I don''t." Well, he couldn''t be blamed for that. He''s also one of the Ancestors, which meant that he was at the Transition Realm. After hearing about the path to the Realm of Gods, he obviously wanted to participate as well. Who cares about being a leader when one had the chance to break through to the next level? "Instead, I will name Sevinia. She has more than enough abilities to take the position even if she hasn''t reached the Ancestors'' level yet."


    Sevinia immediately stepped forward. She was still in the Initial Stage of the Elemental Transformation Realm, so it would be a long, long time before she could think about the Realm of Gods. She would love to be the next Soul Rulers'' Organization Leader while it.


    Pankun nodded before asking once more, "Anyone against it?"


    After a few moments of silence, Pankun then announced, "Very well. Sevinia of the Hafel Clan is now the next Soul Rulers'' Organization Leader."

 Chapter 828 - The Demon Beasts Path

    Once that decision was made, the Transition Realm Zasfins quickly changed the topic. "Duran, right? So, tell us more about the path to the Realm of Gods. How do you intend on helping us break the barrier?"


    Duran was already expecting that, so he began to explain, "Our Zasfin Race''s Path to the Realm of Gods is gone. There''s simply no way to bring it back."


    Everyone didn''t understand. "Didn''t you say you had an idea? If you say you can''t open it, then what do you intend to do?"


    Some even started to show dark expressions as they said, "You didn''t say that just so we would end up selecting your Hafel Clan member as the next leader, right? If that''s the case, you better be prepared for the consequences."


    Duran snorted in response as he replied, "Hmph! Did you forget what I said? I told you that you definitely wouldn''t like my idea. However, I do have a way that MIGHT, and I repeat, MIGHT be possible."


    Soon after, Duran pointed in the direction of the Demon Beast Continent once more. No, this time, his intention was something else. "When I was talking, I told you how I had been looking for Fikin''s location in secret, right? During that investigation, I found something about the demon beasts'' Bestial Sacred Ground. It seems they''re preparing to open their own Path to the Realm of Gods."


    Immediately, the Transition Realm Zasfins'' eyes widened. They obviously knew of the Bestial Sacred Ground. After all, that was one of the reasons they couldn''t take the Demon Beast Continent for themselves back when they acquired Celis.


    "I saw in the records that the demon beasts'' Path to the Realm of Gods was located in their Bestial Sacred Ground. However, their own path had also been completely closed for a very, very long time. How do you know it''ll open again?" Naturally, that was the question in everyone''s mind.


    Duran shook his head as he said in response, "I don''t. As far as I know, this is just a possibility that the demon beasts are considering possible. It seems like the Sacred Ground, which was left behind by the higher demon beasts of the Realm of Gods, is being activated."


    Naturally, the one who told Duran about it was Rean. That was one of the bargains he offered for the Hafel Clan to join their cause. Little did Rean know that Duran would have taken his offer even without it. After all, Duran only wanted his revenge against Fikin, so the Soul Rulers'' leader position and the Path to the Realm of Gods were just additional rewards in his eyes.


    "If you want to know how I discovered this information, it has to do with my ability to keep myself concealed. Until the moment I raised my voice, none of your Spiritual Senses caught my presence, right? I used this ability of mine to infiltrate the Demon Beast Alliance''s territory and got close to the Bestial Sacred Ground," Duran explained.


    Everyone had to admit that Duran was right. Let alone now, they had never felt his presence during the thousands of years he had lived. That just showed how good that ability of his was. Of course, they all thought that Duran''s ability had something to do with that so-called inheritance that he and Fikin found in the past.


    However, now that Duran finished talking, all the ancestors understood why Duran said they wouldn''t like his idea.


    "You intend to use the demon beasts'' Path to the Realm of Gods, right?"


    "That''s too risky! We would need to enter their Bestial Sacred Ground!"


    "First of all, is it possible for a Zasfin to enter that place?"


    "That''s not all. Even if the demon beasts open the path, wouldn''t it lead to the demon beasts'' Realm of Gods? How dangerous would it be to appear there? Chances are that the demon beasts watching it would kill us at first sight."


    Duran kept hearing complaints until he finally lost his patience. "Silence! Then, what do you intend to do? Die here without the chance to enter the Realm of Gods? Is that okay for all of you? I don''t know about you, but I refuse to wither on this planet until my lifespan is up, and it won''t take too long for that to happen."


    Sure enough, Duran''s words silenced all the Transition Realm Zasfins. Whether they were at the Initial or Peak Stage of that Realm, all of them wouldn''t want to let the chance of heading to the Realm of Gods pass up. That''s their only chance to continue their path of cultivation.


    "Now you understand the predicament."


    "First, there''s no guarantee that they will be able to open the path."


    "Second, there''s no guarantee that they would allow us to enter that place."


    "Third, there''s no guarantee we can even get close to it due to its restrictions."


    "Fourth, there''s no guarantee that the demon beasts won''t use this chance to trap and get rid of us in the Bestial Sacred Ground. After all, I''m pretty sure we would definitely do it. Why would we let such a great chance of getting rid of our worst enemies pass?"


    "Fifth, we can''t ask the demon beasts for insurance since they definitely wouldn''t give one to us. Let''s be honest. Neither of us would give it to them either in their position."


    "Sixth, considering that everything goes according to plan, we might be falling right into enemy territory after passing through the path. We might be killed by the demon beasts watching the passage the very next second."


    The more Duran talked, the more the Ancestors'' expressions turned worse. Nevertheless, he stomped the ground and continued, "However! I will take this risk! Now then, that was my idea. Whether you wish to follow me in this endeavor or not, that''s your problem."


    As soon as Duran finished his words, a very old Zasfin, someone who was obviously at the Peak Stage of the Transition Realm and close to the end of his lifespan, stepped forward. "Hehe! This old man has nothing else to lose. As meager as the chance might be, I''ll accompany you."


    Little by little, those Ancestors stepped forward as well. No one could blame them. In the end, the allure was too strong.


    Seeing that, Duran smiled with a satisfied expression, saying soon after, "Well, at least we''ll be able to fight back with these numbers in case we get fooled. Hahaha!"

 Chapter 829 - What Really Matters

    The news about Sevinia''s ascension spread fast, quickly arriving at every corner of the Zasfins'' territories. All the Zasfins that knew about the Soul Rulers were obviously surprised. However, they also knew that with Fikin''s death, a new leader was supposed to take his place. It''s just that no one expected Duran''s appearance.


    Naturally, it didn''t take long for the information to reach the demon beast territories as well. When they heard about the Hafel Clan member, Sevinia, becoming the next Soul Rulers'' Leader, they were obviously delighted. Of course, only those involved in that negotiation felt like that. The majority didn''t really care much about it.


    "Fikin''s best friend, huh?" Roan couldn''t help but mutter.


    "Whether it''s true or not, the fact still stands that none of us expected the Zasfins to have someone as strong as Fikin. Surprisingly, it was Duran himself." Rean also felt the situation too good to be true. Duran''s appearance was too much of a coincidence.


    Kentucky didn''t seem to mind as he said, "Who cares? With Duran there, the Hafel Clan obtained the position we need them to."


    "That''s true." Gulan, who was also back from the area where he was fighting, agreed with Kentucky.


    "The question now is what will happen from now on." Darian wondered. Sure enough, the fights in the Sea Demon Beasts'' territories were also done.


    Roan then explained, "We need to wait. According to our plan, the Zasfins should send their leader to come and talk with the demon beasts. If everything goes well, it shouldn''t take long before the Zasfins enter in contact with us."


    Roan was right. It only took a few days before a representative of the Soul Rulers organization arrived in the demon beasts'' newly acquired territory. He simply came to deliver a message that the Ancestors and the leader of the Soul Rulers organization wished to have a conversation in the borders of both power''s territories.


    "Well then, let''s go." Phex and the others didn''t waste time, heading straight to the place mentioned. Both sides kept an eye on the borders, with the region selected being a very well watched region. That being said, they knew it would be too hard for an ambush to be done there.


    There was also one more thing. Rean wanted to take that opportunity to get Qia back. After all, she was still being kept as a means of communication and assurance by the Hafel Clan.


    Later that day, the Ancestors of the Zasfins and the Stage Nine Demon Beasts appeared in the selected area. They kept quite the distance from each other, using their Spiritual Senses to make sure everything was okay. Eventually, both sides sent a few of their members forward to talk.


    On the Zasfin''s side, Sevinia, Duran, Pankun, Kumo, and Suria were the ones to come forward.


    As for the demon beasts, Phex, Darian, Frin, Xaon, and obviously Roan were their members. Even though Roan was just a Nascent Soul Realm human, it wasn''t a secret to anyone anymore that he was the commander of the central army during the war. It was also him who forced the Zasfins back with huge losses time and time again.


    If the Zasfins knew of his capability back when he was in the organization, they would have definitely gotten rid of him and his brother straight away.


    Both sides looked tense, but the negotiations started anyway. Phex, of course, as the strongest Divine Demon Beast, did the talking on their side. "So, what would the oh so prideful Soul Rulers want to talk with such low lives like us, demon beasts?" Obviously, Phex was being sarcastic there. He was implying that if they were really like that, then what would the Zasfin, who lost to them, be?


    However, as annoying as his words seemed to be, none of the Zasfins that came to talk seemed angry. Eventually, Sevinia, as the new leader of the Soul Rulers organization, began to speak. "How could that be? The demon beasts showed that they really had the strength to stand on their own. That''s why we decided to negotiate instead of keeping this meaningless fight going."


    "Oh?! Negotiation, huh?" Phex smiled in response. "Well, we already obtained enough territories for our demon beasts to spread. Alright, tell me. what is it that you want to negotiate?"


    Sevinia nodded as she said in response, "We want a truce. Be it the demon beasts or the Zasfins, continuing this battle won''t result in much for both sides. Sure, we know that the demon beasts have the advantage at the moment, but we can definitely make your group pay a very high price if you decide to press forward."


    "High price, huh? Well, I won''t deny that now that the Zasfins have gathered in the remaining areas, it would be annoying to conquer any more territories. In any case, we have more than enough space for the next thousands of years." Suddenly, Phex''s expression changed as he continued, "However, there are plenty of us here that wish to continue. After all, your Soul Rulers organization kept most of us confined in the Demon Beast Continent for a very long time. How exactly do you intend to appease their anger?"


    Sevinia wasn''t surprised by that. Well, in fact, she had already discussed it with the demon beasts through Qia and Rean. Everything happening here wasn''t anything more than an act for the Zasfins who didn''t know about it.


    Sevinia''s expression then turned dark as she replied, "There isn''t really a need for us to do that. Haven''t you killed a lot of our members? That should have been more than enough already. Don''t think that we will let you step on our heads just because we opened negotiations. Let''s be honest here. Even if you have the advantage at the moment, you can''t do much about the actual situation. Is your Demon Beast Alliance really willing to force us? If that''s the case, we don''t mind keeping you company till the end."


    Roan was satisfied with Sevinia''s words. ''Very good performance. Now, let''s hear the part that matters.''

 Chapter 830 - The Play Continues

    The Zasfins were obviously more than pleased with Sevinia''s approach. After all, it would feel way too weird if they just took a passive stance all this time. One must remember that the Zasfins still thought that the world should have been only theirs.


    Phex snorted after hearing Sevinia''s words, though. "Are you telling me you have no obligations whatsoever after those many years of forced isolation? Hmph! If you don''t want any compromise, our demon beasts don''t mind taking this war till the very end. Do you think we''re afraid of taking things too far?"


    Suddenly, Duran lifted his hand as he said, "We might not know each other, but I believe you''ve already heard of me. I''m Duran Hafel, and I''m here to talk on behalf of my friend that you killed, Fikin."


    Darian, who was on Phex''s side, immediately shook his head, saying in response, "Killed? We certainly tried, but that guy escaped at the last moment. Your race should have seen it as well."


    Duran ignored that fact as he said, "Is that so? Well, I guess no one here can prove if it really wasn''t you." Duran then changed the topic. "However, I''m not here to put the blame on anyone. Death is a common sight during wars, and Fikin was far from being the only one dead."


    With that, he showed a serious expression before saying, "The war has already been won by your Demon Beast Alliance. Because of that, both sides lost way too many forces. Then again, I won''t deny that we kept you imprisoned in the Demon Beast Continent. Say it, what compromise do you want from us? Depending on what it is, we might be able to reach an agreement. Just don''t go too far since we''re also not afraid of dragging this on till the very end."


    Phex nodded, satisfied. "Now we''re talking." Soon after, he looked at Roan and then at the many humans in the middle of the Demon Beast Army behind him. Obviously, he hadn''t forgotten the promise the Demon Beast Alliance made with them. "First, we demand the act of human slavery to be banished. All humans in your Zasfin territories have to be sent to the Wringan Continent."


    Wringan Continent wasn''t one of the high-quality regions. Still, all the humans participating in the war knew that the continent given to them, in the end, wouldn''t be anything impressive. They just needed a place where they could flourish for the years to come.


    "Second, neither side is allowed to take control over the continent for the next two thousand years."


    All the Zasfins were taken aback by the demands. After all, it had nothing to do with the demon beasts themselves but the humans who were the weakest race in this war. Nevertheless, they quickly put those thoughts aside since that wasn''t the main problem.


    "Impossible!"


    "Do you know how much the slaves are needed in the Zasfin world?"


    "Who do you think will do the work if they''re gone? Us? Such things are beneath our honorable race."


    "This is too much!"


    "You are being too crazy to wish giving the humans so much space."


    Such voices were raised everywhere in the back. However, Duran quickly intervened, shouting, "Silence!"


    Duran''s words, at the moment, weighed more than Sevinia''s, so everyone had really shut up straight away. Well, for the ancestors, the position of humans was something they didn''t really care about that much anymore. Only those below the Elemental Transformation Realm raised their voices. Instead, they saw a chance in this condition put forward by the demon beasts.


    Naturally, Duran also saw the same chance, saying, "We can give the humans back to you. However, this is a compromise too big for our race. That being said, you need to do us a favor. Do that, and we''ll send every single human in the Zasfins territory to you."


    Phex narrowed his eyes in response. Well, he already knew what Duran was going to ask, so it didn''t matter that much. "The ones making demands should be our Demon Beast Alliance. However, unlike you Zasfins, demon beasts know how to keep their words. If what you ask isn''t too much, we''ll try to make it happen."


    Immediately, the Ancestors of the Zasfin Race''s eyes lit up. The time they were waiting for finally arrived.


    Duran smiled at Phex as well, quickly stating his condition. "I found out that your Bestial Sacred Ground has shown some reactions. From the looks of it, there''s a chance that the Path to the Realm of Gods will open there."


    Phex immediately showed a shocked expression, saying, "How did you find about it?"


    Duran didn''t tell him how, though. "How I did it doesn''t matter. What matters is whether you''re willing to let us use your demon beasts'' Path to the Realm of Gods. If it helps, the other Zasfins at my level don''t mind helping you make it happen. I believe your Demon Beast Alliance wouldn''t refuse an extra hand in such a huge endeavor, right?"


    "This..." Phex, Frin, Xaon, and Darian seemed to hesitate. Well, Rean, who was watching from behind, had to put quite some effort to not laugh at that act.


    Duran then struck the iron while it was hot, continuing, "You should truly consider this option. Not only would your demon beasts not lose anything by allowing us to take part in this, but your job will also become a lot easier. For this chance, our Zasfin Race wouldn''t mind enforcing a law prohibiting the slavery of humans in our entire territory for as long as you want."


    The Transition Realm Zasfins on Duran''s side and the others behind nodded. For the Realm of Gods, they were willing to do almost anything as long as it didn''t spell calamity for their race on this planet. For them, humans slaves were still just that, slaves. Whether they would cause problems in the future or not, it could only happen far, far in the future. It would be the job of the Zasfins of that time to deal with it. Well...the twins were an exception, though. It''s just that they could do nothing about it.

 Chapter 831 - Then We Have An Agreement

    For the demon beasts, they already got what they wanted, obtaining most of the good territories while still keeping the Zasfins on the other side. That way, they wouldn''t grow weaker over time and would still have more than enough space to spread. The best part was that with Celis''s intervention gone, the planet was returning to normal, leaving the icy weather for the poles and the surrounding areas.


    The only thing they needed now was to keep their promise to the humans. However, liberating the humans under the Zasfins'' control wasn''t part of the agreement. They only decided to ask for that after Rean and Roan''s huge contribution to the outcome of the war.


    However, there was still one problem remaining. A problem that the Ancestors were purposely ignoring since it didn''t affect them.


    Suddenly, one of the weaker Zasfins who obviously wouldn''t participate in this expedition to the Bestial Sacred Ground asked, "But Ancestors...without humans, what will we do about the Soul Mark Formations? You know that we need them to create the Soul Marks. Also, the Soul Stones are made with them."


    That Zasfin was being very bold to say those words with his cultivation. He was only a Saint Realm expert, so he had little to no power in such a meeting. Nevertheless, all the Zasfins below the Elemental Transformation Realm or those with lower-ranked Soul Marks nodded. If humans were gone, how would they create the marks?


    Rean and Roan narrowed their eyes after hearing that. Not only that, but the humans'' expressions on the demon beasts'' side also turned nasty. Naturally, they had been told long ago how humans were used for the Soul Marks, which was one more reason for them to accept participating in the war.


    "You should just die, you piece of shit!"


    "Are you so afraid of us humans wiping your asses after the future generations can''t use Soul Marks?"


    "We shouldn''t negotiate at all. Instead, we should wipe them out!"


    One couldn''t blame the humans. No race would wish to become something like that. Because of that, the voices of complaints only increased.


    Phex sighed as he looked at the Duran and Sevinia, saying, "You hear them. So, how is it?"


    Duran narrowed his eyes in response. This wasn''t part of the plan, so he felt like beating the Zasfin who asked that question. However, it wasn''t like he couldn''t understand their side either.


    Still, Duran was adamant about his decision as he looked back at the Zasfin who started this hubbub. "Thanks to the Soul Marks, the Zasfins of all levels were still able to put up a fight against the demon beasts, even though they would generally be at a disadvantage. Without it, it is certain that our forces would lose even faster. That''s why I understand why you and all the other low-level Zasfins are worried."


    "However! It''s also because of the reliance on the Soul Marks that the Zasfins had become this weak! Did you know? Several thousands of years ago, before the planet was covered in ice and snow, our Zasfin Race could fight similar level demon beasts head-on! Soul Marks? Such a thing didn''t exist at all!"


    Duran sighed as he recalled the records left behind in the Soul Rulers organization. "After the Soul Mark Formation was created, our Zasfin Race obtained a huge advantage against the other living beings of this planet. We were already as strong as them without it, so we obviously overwhelmed them. That''s how we could force the demon beasts into the Demon Beast Continent and even captured the World Swallowing Cedar."


    "Unfortunately, the Soul Marks are holding our race behind instead. Be it humans or demon beasts, all of the experts from the Demon Beast Continent can fight similar level Zasfins with marks and still be at an advantage. How ridiculous is that?"


    Duran then raised his voice as he continued, "Listen up, you bunch of withered trash! If you want to have our Zasfin Race return to its glorious past, you will have to improve yourself on your own! First of all, we Zasfins already have Soul Power even without the Soul Marks, so how can we be losing so badly! Reflect on it before bringing up the issue of Soul Marks again."


    "At the moment, all the Zasfins that could have a Soul Mark already have it. They will be the ones responsible for keeping the race safe until the new generation grows up without the help of Soul Marks. If you can''t restore our race''s true strength until these Zasfins are gone, then the Zasfin Race might as well disappear!"


    Duran was very harsh, but no one contradicted his words. Well, the fact that Duran also wanted to use the demon beasts'' Path to the Realm of Gods helped out as well. It''s just that he wouldn''t mention it.


    Naturally, there were those who disagreed with Duran, but they didn''t have the strength to make their opinions valid.


    Duran then looked at Phex, saying, "I can''t guarantee that it won''t be used anymore in the future. However, this isn''t a problem that our generation will have the chance to deal with anymore. It will be up to the humans to defend themselves in case some Zasfin decides to capture them and create a Soul Mark.


    Roan didn''t seem to mind, saying, "That''s fine. Without Celis and with the humans being protected in the new continent by the Demon Beasts, they will have enough strength to improve themselves. It''s just as you said. If they fail to protect themselves after this long period we''re giving them, then they can only blame themselves for being too weak."


    Duran smiled in response after that before redirecting his attention once more back to Phex. "So, Phex, how is it?"


    Hearing his name being called, Phex nodded as he looked at the Zasfins. "Very well, you can come to the Bestial Sacred Ground too. However, we can''t give you any guarantee. Also, whether you believe we''ll take this chance to do something against your group or not is your problem."


    Duran snorted in response. "Hmph! If you wish, you can try. However, don''t expect that all the Zasfins with an equivalent level of cultivation will stand still doing nothing."


    Phex was more than satisfied with that. "Then, we have an agreement. From today onwards, this war is over!"

 Chapter 832 - Nice To Meet You All

    Although this was a good start for the humans, they were far from being out of risk. In any case, compared to their lives up to this point, this was still a huge improvement.


    Of course, neither the Zasfins nor the demon beasts were idiots. There were bound to be many Zasfins who wouldn''t give their humans up. After all, it was already considered a type of market in the Zasfin territories. Many would surely be hidden, killed, and so on. That''s something that Rean and Roan can do nothing about.


    Later that day, the twins gathered all the Freedom Sect members who participated in this war. Sure enough, even though there were only a few between the demon beasts, the sect did lose quite a few members.


    It wasn''t all bad news, though. Many of the members achieved breakthroughs during this war. It was a lot better than eventually being converted into Soul Stones after their use in the Bloodline Trial Control Formations was over.


    "Very good," Roan said. "I''m sure that quite a few of you are bothered by the number of losses we had during this war. However, that''s how war works. Now that you have a sect, there are bound to be days where you''ll have to fight other powers in the new human continent."


    Rean then added, "There''s good news about the new continent, though. Although it isn''t one of the best areas for cultivation, it isn''t the worst either. Wringan Continent can be considered a pretty average continent. For the weakest race of this planet, this is already a very good outcome."


    Roan agreed with Rean''s words, saying in response, "Exactly. Anyways, during the next few days, we will help the demon beasts secure the territories we conquered. Once that is over, we will be returning to the Freedom Sect to pack things up." After that, Roan looked at Glennie, Fala, and Wakaba. As mentioned before, Malo and Poliana stayed in the sect, so only these three came. "You three should help Rafin organize everything."


    The three girls quickly nodded before replying in unison, "Yes."


    It was then that one of the sect members asked, "By the way..." He looked at Calina beside Roan, "Who is she?"


    "Oh! That''s Roan''s beloved girlfriend. The only person in the world that can make the icy aura around himself melt...just a single drop," Rean answered straight away, which made Roan''s mouth twitch in response.


    Naturally, everyone thought that to be a joke.


    "Hahaha! That can''t be right."


    "Ancestor Roan doesn''t even know what love is."


    "Ancestor Rean is too funny."


    "As if such a thing could happen. Who is she, really?"


    Even Calina, who was part of the discussion, had to do her best to not laugh out loud. As for Rean, he was already on the ground, laughing while holding his belly.


    As for Roan, he felt like giving every single one of these guys a beating. "Is that so? Good thing you know me that well. That also means I can increase your training schedule by three times while you''re here."


    Sure enough, all the smiles on the sect members'' faces disappeared! "That''s not fair!"


    "The world has never been fair to start with," Roan answered straight away.


    Calina then took a deep breath as she got close to Roan, telling them, "Ahem...he might be an ice block, but he is MY ice block. Don''t tease him too much, or he might become even colder."


    *Wow!*


    "So it is true!"


    "Unbelievable!"


    "No, don''t fall for that, everyone. This is probably another test Ancestor Roan is giving us."


    "Yes. Look, Roan doesn''t even flinch when his girlfriend comes so close. It was all planned."


    Calina smiled in response as she looked at Roan before telling him, "You hear them, right? Are you really going to leave me looking like a liar?"


    Roan couldn''t care less about what the others thought about him. Nevertheless, Calina''s words still had some effect on him. Eventually, Roan gave up and grabbed Calina''s waist before stealing a kiss in front of everyone.


    *WoW!*


    "So it is true."


    "Calina is truly brave!"


    "What did she see in that guy, though?"


    "Right? I wouldn''t be able to bear with that."


    Rean then intervened in their conversation, saying, "Alright, guys. Stop with it. You must understand that demons can love as well, even if that demon is the demon king. Now, go away since Rafin should have your work cut out for you."


    "Yes, Ancestor Rean." All the sect members nodded and quickly left before Roan gave them any other punishment.


    Roan didn''t care about being called a demon king. In a certain way, he felt that it quite fit his personality. After that, he looked at Rean before asking, "Shouldn''t you be going after Qia? She''s still under the Hafel Clan''s hands, no?"


    Rean shook his head as he replied, "Don''t worry. I already talked with Sevinia through the Spiritual Smartphone that Qia has. She should be coming out with the first batch of humans."


    Naturally, the first batch was the humans who were brought to the war. After all, the Zasfins still needed their forces to do the menial jobs while the battles continued. It was decided that those humans would be the first to be delivered as a token of trust that the Zasfins would carry their part of the agreement.


    Sure enough, a Freedom Sect member came to talk with Rean a while later, telling him that the humans were already on their way to the demon beasts'' side. Rean went straight to the drop-off point. There, he saw Qia jumping off the airship and flying down towards him. One must remember that she was already in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, so flying was possible.


    The two were a lot more open about their relationship than Roan and Calina, so they kissed right there, in front of the other sect members. Rean then looked at those guys and introduced her. "This is Qia, my wife."


    Qia smiled at the rest of the group as she said in response, "Nice to meet you all."

 Chapter 833 - We Understand

    A few weeks later, Rean and Roan met a human called Fizer, who fought in the war in another place. One must remember that battlefields were everywhere in the world, so it wasn''t anything rare to find humans in other places as well. Fizer was the only human on the planet to reach the Elemental Transformation Realm.


    "Oh, so you''re the human who took control over the central army, huh? I''m truly impressed that someone at the Nascent Soul Realm could do such a thing," Fizer could not help but say. He wasn''t lying as he really didn''t expect Roan to be that young. Nevertheless, he was impressed by Roan''s cultivation even though it was low. After all, it was only low compared to his own. When one thought about Roan''s current age, it was definitely very, very high.


    "In any case, our commander in the Xobau Region where I was fighting received your help quite a few times." That was true. It wasn''t only Phex and Darian that asked for Roan''s knowledge in warfare. Other Stage Nine Demon Beasts from other battlefields also sent someone information about their war, asking for Roan''s opinion. That happened many times during the war.


    Roan nodded as he complimented the guy, saying, "It''s my first time talking with an Elemental Transformation Realm human. As for the help I gave to your army, it wasn''t anything that impressive." Roan then changed the topic as he asked, "By the way, why did you come to see me?"


    Fizer nodded before asking, "I''ve been looking for a disciple to inherit my knowledge for quite some time. As you probably know, I''m the only Elemental Transformation Realm human in this world. Because of that, I''ve been very strict with my choices. However, you and also your brother quite fit the requirements. Considering that we now have our own continent, it was a good time to put this plan of mine to work."


    Roan was surprised to hear that. If it was anyone else, they would definitely feel delighted by that offer. After all, this man could be said to be the only human that holds the secrets to the Elemental Transformation Realm. However, Roan quickly shook his head as he replied, "Thank you for the offer, but we don''t need it." Rean and Roan did have the Soul Gem System Cultivation Technique and Sister Orb, after all.


    Fizer was taken aback, not expecting a refusal at all. "Are you sure? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Do you have any idea how many humans have asked me for this?"


    Roan, of course, could imagine. "I understand. However, it''s not that I don''t think it to be a good opportunity. Instead, my brother and I already have everything we need to reach your level one day. If you don''t believe it, you can ask Phex directly."


    "Phex?!" He was just an Elemental Transformation Realm human, so it wasn''t as if he could see a Peak Stage Nine Divine Demon beast anytime he wanted, let alone the strongest one of them. "Oh, right! As the commander of the army, that Phoenix definitely had to approve it."


    Roan nodded, replying, "However, although we don''t need it, I do know someone you might be interested in. He''s 18 years old, has a Purple Color Aptitude, and is already at the peak of the Core Formation Realm. Even compared to my brother and me, he doesn''t fall behind at all." Of course, Roan didn''t mention that he and Roan needed around three times more energy than other cultivators to breakthrough.


    "Oh!" Fizer''s interest was piqued. "Definitely high-level cultivation and aptitude. Not to mention that he definitely had to put in a lot of effort into his cultivation and training since just talent and resources wouldn''t be enough to reach that stage so fast."


    Roan felt like he had made the man take the bait hook, line, and sinker. "That''s good, then. At the moment, he''s the Sect Leader of our Freedom Sect, so I''ll introduce you to him later."


    "Sect Leader?" Only then did Fizer remember that he had heard something about a new sect for humans. "Did the Demon Beasts allow you to create a sect in their continent?"


    Roan nodded as he explained, "It was only temporary. If the war didn''t go as planned, we would have moved out of there. However, now that we have the Wringan Continent for the humans, we''re moving it there."


    Suddenly, a sect member appeared to talk with Roan. "Ancestor Roan, we''re ready to depart. All the sect members are already on board of our airship, so we can leave at any time."


    Roan couldn''t help but feel that the timing was very good. "Very well, go ahead and wait for me in the airship." Roan then turned his attention to Fizer and said, "If senior wishes to, we can bring you over there right now. Unless, of course, you have something else to do."


    Fizer thought about his duties and agreed with Roan, saying, "I''m pretty free, so we can head there."


    Rean, who had just been listening so far, also added, "That''s great. I''ll let the other members know that you''re coming. When they hear that the only Elemental Transformation Realm human of our world is coming with us, they''ll definitely be delighted. I just hope senior doesn''t become annoyed from the commotion."


    Fizer felt quite pleased with the way Rean put his words, so he immediately nodded. "Hahaha! No problem, no problem!"


    On the way to the airship, however, Phex and the other Divine Demon Beasts appeared as well. "Are you leaving now?"


    Fizer was shocked to see those four there. ''It seems like these twins really know the Divine Demon Beasts quite well. Even I rarely had a chance to talk with any of them.''


    The twins quickly nodded as Rean asked, "Yes. Are you guys coming as well?"


    Phex''s group nodded in unison as Phex replied, "We are. Because of the war, we haven''t seen Celis yet. It''s about time we meet our old friend."


    Kentucky arrived right after Phex said that. "Oh! Then, you want to see my nest? I''ll warn you! I won''t give my World Swallowing Cedar''s nest to you or Gulan. I found him first."


    Naturally, Gulan and Phex understood the benefit of a nest made on a Divine Demon Tree like Celis. In fact, Gulan really wanted to have one as well. Too bad that Kentucky already made a partnership with him. "Don''t worry, we understand."

 Chapter 834 - We Need Your Help

    Usually, it wouldn''t take long to arrive with the Divine Demon Beasts. However, the rest of the Freedom Sect and their airship were there as well. It wasn''t as if Rean and Roan could simply teleport the entire airship right in front of everyone. The Freedom Sect members also knew that they shouldn''t talk about the twins'' abilities.


    With that, they simply used the twins'' airship to head back to the Freedom Sect. As Rean mentioned, when he told the sect members about Fizer, everyone bombarded him with questions nonstop. Roan might have everything worked out for their training. Nevertheless, it was a fact that Fizer was much stronger than the twins or Kentucky.


    Eventually, they arrived at the Freedom Sect, and only then did the others see how many members it had. In the end, the biggest majority didn''t want to participate in the war or didn''t meet the minimum age requirement. "So many young humans. I''ve never seen so many of them together before," Fizer said with a happy expression. It wasn''t every day one could see such a scene on a planet like this.


    Rean then noticed something different "Hey, that''s a surprise."


    "What is it?" The rest asked back.


    Rean pointed down from the airship as Malo and Poliana approached it. However, they immediately understood why Rean was surprised. If Malo and Poliana were approaching the ship, that meant that at least one of them had entered the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Malo was only at the Peak Stage of the Core Formation Realm before. Obviously, their Spiritual Senses told them that Malo was the one who reached that level.


    "Oh! So that''s the guy you talked about, huh?" Fizer looked at Malo, incredibly satisfied with what he saw. With his Spiritual Sense, he could totally tell that male was indeed as young as the twins mentioned.


    Malo was bringing Poliana up with his Spiritual Energy. As soon as they landed on the airship''s deck, they immediately greeted Rean and Roan. "Welcome back, Senior Rean, Senior Roan."


    Phex and the Divine Demon Beasts weren''t that much interested in the sect members, though. "So, where''s Celis?"


    Rean quickly pointed down to the Demon Tree in the distance. "There he is. He''s just assuming a different form to prevent being discovered." Rean then looked at Malo and Poliana before saying, "Help land the airship with Rafin''s group. Everyone''s tired, and some are a little emotional due to the loss of some friends."


    Roan also looked at Fizer, telling him, "You can simply go and talk with them. Malo will explain everything you need to know. As you can see, we have some things to discuss with the World Swallowing Cedar and the Divine Demon Beasts, so we''re going ahead."


    Fizer nodded, not daring to delay the Stage Nine Divine Demon Beasts. Not to mention that he was more interested in Malo himself. "Alright, see you boys later."


    Phex and the twins'' groups immediately left the airship, flying in Celis''s direction.


    Of course, Celis had noticed their arrival as soon as they passed through Rean''s sensorial formation. When Phex''s group appeared in front of him, he didn''t look the least bit surprised either. "Hmph! So you finally decided to show your faces."


    Phex scratched the back of his head while in human form, saying, "Sorry, Senior Celis. However, it wasn''t our fault that you got captured back then. Expect for Darian, the rest of us were pretty young during that time, with just a few hundred years difference between each of us."


    Celis didn''t seem to care, though. "So what? The kids carry the parents'' sins. I went incognito after escaping since I had no intention of looking at your faces. If you don''t have anything to say, just get out already. You''re ruining my mood."


    Rea, Roan, and Kentucky were quite surprised. They thought they had been hiding Celis because they were afraid of someone taking him away. However, it turned out that Celis had never been afraid of being taken by the demon beasts. If anything, the Divine Demon Beasts seem to be quite submissive to him. ''Why did we put so much effort into hiding you in the Demon Beast Continent then?''


    Darian, the oldest of the Divine Demon Beasts, quickly stepped forward, saying, "Senior Celis, back then, I was still a Stage Eight Demon Beast. Phex, Frin, and Xaon were even worse, being at Stage Five and Six at most. However, we can tell you that our predecessors were really aggrieved at what happened. They even tried to invade the Soul Rulers'' headquarters many times. Unfortunately, the Soul Rulers had formed a perfect defense. Some of the Stage Nine Demon beasts of that time even died during the process before we finally gave up."


    Rean didn''t know much about what happened, but he decided to give the Divine Demon Beasts a hand. "Ahem... Senior Celis, even you, with your Stage Nine cultivation, couldn''t do anything against the imprisonment. You shouldn''t blame them too much. In the end, we still helped you escape, and you have a chance to cultivate again. Not only that, your regression in cultivation wasn''t just in strength, but in age as well. You have the chance to correct any flaws while reaching a whole new level."


    Phex''s group was shocked to hear that. They thought that Celis lost his cultivation due to some accident. However, from what Rean said, it seemed like that really wasn''t the case. Of course, one special point caught all their attention. "Ahem...what do you mean by going back in age? Do you mean he''s younger again?"


    Celis snorted, already understanding what they wanted. "Hmph! Stop dreaming. The reason I got younger again wasn''t my choice. It was just an opportune event. Also, it can only work on Demon Plants due to their internal structure."


    Celis then looked at Rean and Roan and asked, "So? For you to bring them here means that you need something, right?"


    Frin immediately nodded, responding, "Yes. Senior Celis, we will need your help with the Bestial Sacred Ground."

 Chapter 835 - We Will Protect Senior

    "My help with the Sacred Ground? It seems like it has reached the activation criteria, then," Celis replied, not looking very surprised. Rean had told him about it before, after all.


    "We believe so." Phex nodded. "Also, it seems like the Zasfins want to participate in the opening of the Path to the Realm of Gods."


    "What?!" Celis immediately went into a rage. "Those fuckers now want to use the demon beasts'' method? Tell them to go to hell! There''s no way we would allow them to come together."


    Rean and Phex''s groups scratched the back of their heads when they heard that. Naturally, Celis noticed it, asking in a fit of rage, "You can''t be serious, right?" Celis got angrier the more he thought about it. "After all you''ve gone through, you''re also giving them a pass into the Realm of Gods? Can you be any more idiotic?"


    Roan, on the other hand, was pretty calm. "We had to allow them to come. In fact, for them to come together was a must for our plans to work. If not, calamity would befall us in the future."


    Celis knew that Roan wasn''t the type to create excuses, so his words caught his attention. "Calamity? What kind of calamity? They lost the war, didn''t they?"


    "They did." Roan nodded in response before continuing, "However, they still have a lot of strength and Ancestor-level Zasfins in their Soul Rulers headquarters. Also, there are the Emperors, Celestial Land Leaders and so on who are also at the same level except for the Rank Ten Soul Mark."


    Rean continued from there, "If all the Stage Nine Demon Beasts take this chance to enter the Path to the Realm of Gods, who will stay behind to protect them and the humans? Without demon beasts of a similar level to you all, the demon beasts'' territories will be taken back in a flash. We need them to come together."


    "This..." Celis couldn''t find a flaw in Rean and Roan''s argument. Indeed, if he was in the Soul Rulers'' shoes, he would definitely take that chance to take everything back. Not only that, without Stage Nine Demon Beasts, the Zasfins could even take the Demon Beast Continent itself. They would truly become the masters of the world.


    Phex also added, "However, this trade wasn''t for free. They will have to help to activate the formation in the Bestial Sacred Ground. We still don''t know what we need to do. Still, it''s a lot better to have so many top experts in this endeavor at once. Besides, everyone definitely wants to enter the Realm of Gods, so we don''t need to be afraid of a trap from their side. If anything, they''ll be entering our territory, so they should be the ones afraid that we could try anything."


    Celis couldn''t help but ask, "Can''t you take the chance they enter the Bestial Sacred Ground to get rid of them?"


    Roan shook his head as he replied, "It''s not that easy. If we really do that and all of them decide to activate the Soul Mark Immolation Art at once, they''ll be an unstoppable force for a short amount of time. We can''t guarantee that even the Bestial Sacred Ground would leave that event unscathed. For the sake of the new power balance of this world, we need this plan to work for both sides."


    Eventually, Celis decided to give up, knowing that he didn''t have any argument that could beat the twins'' reason. "Fine! Let''s do this." Celis then looked at Phx''s group before asking, "So, what do you need me to do? These two brats told me that the number of Divine Demon Beasts on the planet made the Bestial Sacred Ground react. Naturally, that means I''m part of the reason."


    "Exactly," Darian confirmed. "We will need all the Divine Demon Beasts to come to the Bestial Sacred Land later when it stabilizes. As we mentioned before, it would take a few years for that to happen. However, a lot of time has passed since then."


    Darian then looked at Xaon, who had gone to check the Bestial Sacred Ground. "The Bestial Sacred Ground''s energy has stabilized a lot since that time. To be honest, we could already enter it the way it is if only the Stage Nine and Zasfin Ancestors come in. However, since we also need Kentucky, Gulan, Red, and Senior Celis, we''ll need it to become calmer. That means we''ll probably have to wait around one more year. That''s because we can''t guarantee we can protect anyone else other than ourselves in there."


    "Do you know what we will have to do inside?" Celis asked in response.


    However, everyone shook their heads. "No. First of all, there''s no guarantee that the Path to the Realm of Gods will open. The activation of the Bestial Sacred Ground''s formation might have a completely different purpose that we don''t know of. It''s just that the Path was the only other thing present there other than the Blood Pond that increases the demon beasts'' power."


    Rean then added, "That''s why I''m going there as well. As a Formation Master from a more developed world of formations, I might find out something. The Zasfin Ancestors also have Formation Masters in their midst, so that will also help out a lot."


    It was then that Sister Orb''s voice echoed in Rean and Roan''s mind, telling them, [Well, the Soul Gem System Mission says you need to activate it, so it shouldn''t be anything bad for us at the very least.]


    The twins agreed with Sister Orb on this. Of course, they couldn''t tell the others about this topic. Not to mention that it was better to keep the experts in their group on guard than to let them relax.


    "Very well." Celis finally yielded in the end. "One year from now, I''ll head there with everyone else. Just make sure you won''t let the Zasfins take me away again, idiots."


    Phex''s group immediately nodded in response. "Definitely. We don''t want the same thing to happen again, so we''ll protect Senior Celis even if we have to die in the process."

 Chapter 836 - Red Stone

    With that being decided on, Rean and Roan left the area so that Celis could talk more with the Divine Demon Beasts. Although Celis said that he didn''t want to see their faces, the Divine Demon Beasts definitely didn''t want it to remain that way. Whether they could resolve it or not was up to them.


    Following that, they returned to the sect and quickly noticed that Fizer seemed to be somewhat dazzled. ''Seems like he found out the truth,'' Rean thought with a smile on his face.


    Roan didn''t want to waste time with those kinds of things, so he followed another direction while saying, ''if you need me, let me know. I''m heading back to cultivate.'' Sure enough, he wasn''t very much the welcoming type.


    Rean sighed in response as he shook his head. Nonetheless, he didn''t say anything and quickly flew to where Fizer was. Eventually, he landed where Fizer and the others were, asking, "So, how is it, Senior Fizer? Is Malo good enough?"


    Malo was taken aback for a moment, asking with a hint of confusion, "Good enough? Good enough for what?"


    Only then did Fizer come back to himself. "Ah! Errr...yes, of course, he is!"


    Rean couldn''t help but smile brightly after that as he asked, "Still, how come it looks like you''re distracted? Did you find anything wrong with our sect members?"


    Fizer''s mouth twitched in response. It wasn''t hard to see that Rean understood what the problem was. "Hmph! Something wrong? You know very well what I found out, right? Stop acting oblivious." Fizer then pointed at the bunch of sect members moving around, doing their things. "Every single member of your sect has higher cultivation and talent than most of the humans at a similar age I''ve seen in my life, including the young kids. The only exceptions are, surprisingly, the adults taking care of them. Tell me, just what is the average Aptitude Color of the members of this sect?"


    Sure enough, with his Elemental Transformation Realm cultivation, he didn''t need some Aptitude Measuring Orb to understand that much. He was sure that all of them were very talented humans. It''s just that Malo seemed to be the one who put in most of the effort, but the others around his age weren''t doing bad at all either.


    Rean then laughed out loud as he replied, "Hahaha! As expected of Senior Fizer, we can''t fool the eyes of an Elemental Transformation Realm cultivator." Rean then took a jade slip, which he used to keep track of the members of the sect. Malo, of course, passed Rean another one, which had the information of the members who didn''t go to the war.


    "At the moment, we have 2312 members with Blue Color Aptitude, 901 members with Red Color Aptitude, and 154 with Purple Color Aptitude." Back when the twins first arrived in the Demon Beast Continent, they had 2469 blues, 957 reds, and 163 purples. However, they obviously lost a few during the years. Some died in the surrounding areas while training against the demon beasts. However, the majority got killed during the war.


    "What?! 154 with Purple Color Aptitude?!" Fizer was still scared out of his mind. "How the hell did you find so many talents, and all of them so young?" Even Fizer was somewhat lacking when compared to the Purple Color ones. Fizer himself felt to be very lucky to be a Red Color Talent cultivator.


    Malo looked at Rean, who nodded back at him. Malo then began to explain, "It went like this..." Malo then proceeded to explain the whole process of how the Soul Rulers'' Bloodline Trial Control Formations worked. Of course, Fizer already knew that the Soul Marks were created by sacrificing human souls. However, he was unaware of the Soul Purity issue. Especially the fact that any human with high Soul Purity would also have high cultivation talent. Of course, Malo made sure to keep the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm issue out of the explanation, saying that the twins used some kind of teleportation plan to get out of there.


    "I see..." Fizer became more and more surprised as he heard the story. "Still, high Soul Purity is the same high cultivation talent. That''s something I was unaware of."


    Malo was still in doubt, though. "It''s good that senior understands. However, what is this thing about being good enough? Do you need something from me?"


    Malo''s words finally reminded Fizer of his main objective by coming here. "Oh, right!" He quickly patted Malo''s shoulder before asking, "Boy, I''m looking for a disciple that I can pass my teachings down to. From what I heard from Rean, you seem to also have the same affinity element as me. How is it? Would you be willing to accept me as your master?"


    Malo was surprised to hear that as he looked at Rean. "Is it true?"


    Rean nodded as he replied, "Sure it is. Whether you accept or not is up to you. However, Senior Fizer is definitely more suited to be your master since he knows the human cultivation path better than Roan and I. Especially since he has the same affinity as yours." Rean then patted Malo''s shoulder before adding, "Roan and I are, after all, Light and Dark Element cultivators. We lack the experience to properly guide people with other elemental affinities. Roan also agreed with this idea."


    Malo was delighted to hear that. However, unlike what Fizer thought, he wasn''t happy because Fizer could become his master, instead... ''If I become his disciple, I probably can''t be the Sect Master anymore! That''s perfect! No more female issues to deal with every single day. Hahaha!''


    "Malo accepts the offer!" As twisted as Malo''s reason was, he still did what Fizer wanted.


    "Hahaha! Great!" Fizer then took a red stone from his own spatial equipment. Although spatial equipment was rare, Fizer was still an Elemental Transformation Realm cultivator, so he had his own ways of getting one. "This is Master''s gift for you. As a Fire Element user, this ought to be of great help."


    Rean recognized the stone. It was called Spiritual Lava Stone and was very rare, even in Sunkan Planet. ''Good stuff. I wonder if he knows where to find more of these.''

 Chapter 837 - Tears

    Malo could feel the intense Fire Element and Yang Energy coming from inside, which made him delighted. "Great! Master, what is this stone?"


    "I''m also curious. Where did you find it?" Rean asked as well.


    Fizer laughed before answering, "I found it by chance when I was passing above one of the Rings of Fire."


    "Rings of Fire?"


    Fizer nodded and continued, "If you travel around our world, you will notice that there are several mountain ranges that are more or less connected to each other. Those mountains can also be found underwater and are connected to the mountains on land."


    He then continued, "In the end, there are three segments that form complete circles. Well, not exact rings, but they''re connected to each other."


    Rean already understood what Fizer was saying, "Oh! You are talking about the places where the tectonic places encounter each other." Rean couldn''t help but notice the coincidence since Earth also had a similar structure called the Ring of Fire.


    "Te-tec-tec-tectonic plates? What is that?" Naturally, neither Malo''s group nor Fizer understood what Rean was talking about.


    Rean smiled in response as he replied, "I''ll explain what they are and how important they are for the planet as a whole later." He then continued, "If I''m not wrong, there should be some places in these Rings of Fire you talked about that have many volcanos close to each other." Earth definitely had those places like Indonesia, for example. So a planet, which was so many times bigger than Earth, was also bound to have similar areas. Not only that, in a world where Spiritual Energy exists, volcanic activity should be several times stronger.


    Fizer immediately nodded in response to Rean''s assumption. "That''s correct. I''m curious as to what those tectonic plates you talked about are, but I''ll leave it aside for now. Anyway, when I was passing close to the volcanic region, northwest side of the Palume Country, in the Gobem Continent, I felt the stone''s power. It was quite hard to enter the lava as the stone was very deep, but I managed to do that with my Spiritual Energy as a shield."


    "Was there none more after that?" Rean asked, somewhat expectant.


    Unfortunately, Fizer shook his head as he answered, "At the very least, none that I could feel the presence of."


    Rean couldn''t help but feel a little disappointed. Still, there was nothing that could be done. "Well, so be it." Right after, he looked at Malo. "Anyway, congratulations on accepting a master. By the way, Senior Fizer, we have a lot of Fire Element Cultivation Techniques that I got from the Soul Rulers. You might want to take a look since you will have an easier time understanding and explaining it to Malo later."


    Fizer was more than satisfied with Rean''s proposal. "Sure thing."


    Malo couldn''t care about any of that, though. "Rean, when can we make a new election for Sect Master?" Naturally, he was more worried about throwing that position away as soon as possible.


    His question surprised Fizer. "New election? Why would there be a need for a new election?"


    Malo smiled as he shrugged his shoulders, saying, "Isn''t that obvious? Once Master leaves, I''ll obviously go with him. I want to train a lot under his tutelage. How can I perform my duties as a Sect Master like that?"


    Fizer began to laugh out loud after hearing that. "Hahaha! Don''t worry, don''t worry. There''s absolutely no need for you to stop your duties as Sect Master."


    "Eh?! Why?!" Malo''s expression immediately became worse.


    However, Fizer thought that it was because he was simply surprised. "Isn''t that obvious? There are so many talents in this sect. Even though the majority are women, they can become very strong if properly trained. I''ve seen no lack of impressive female cultivators in my life in the Demon Beast Continent. Oh, right! I think I''ll call a friend of mine to help the girls. She will probably be delighted to hear what I found here."


    Malo became more and more worried as Fizer continued to talk. "With so many good aptitudes, this is the perfect place for you to create your roots. Besides, the position of Sect Master will also help you mature as a man. That being said, I''ve decided to become a member of this sect as well."


    Rean patted Fizer''s shoulder as he laughed. "Hahaha! I see that Senior Fizer is a man of vision. Indeed, this sect is bound to become the strongest force in the new Wringan Continent, so this is the right time to join it." Rean then pulled Malo closer as he said, "Isn''t that great? You have such a nice Master. Your schedule will become even more packed between your training and your sect duties, but I believe you can pull that off."


    Poliana, who had been listening to everything so far, couldn''t help but burst out in laughter. How could she not understand Malo''s real intentions? "Hahaha! Malo, I love this Master of yours. He''s great! I can''t believe you are so lucky to this extent."


    Glennie, Rafin, Falas, and Wataba were also laughing in the distance, much to Malo''s helplessness. ''Why me? All I want was to train alone. If I knew, I wouldn''t have accepted this offer.'' Sadly, Malo didn''t have the guts to retract his words in front of Fizer. After all, the man was an Elemental Transformation Realm cultivator.


    Suddenly, Malo exploded in anger. "Fine! Fine! Come on! Send everything in my direction! I''ll take on everything!"


    Fizer nodded with a satisfied expression. "That''s obvious. How could my disciple run away from his responsibilities? Don''t worry. Master will be here to give you support."


    A small tear fell from Malo''s eyes as he nodded.


    Rean then took the opportunity to tell Malo, "By the way, we''ve obtained the Wringan Continent. We didn''t establish ourselves here permanently, already expecting this to happen. So, prepare everything since we''re leaving. The humans finally have a place to live."


    Malo nodded as he tried to put the bad thoughts behind, saying, "Alright."

 Chapter 838 - New Position

    Rean remembered something after that, saying, "Oh, right! Let me know when Malaka and Agis appear. Those two are also friends from before we met. They were battling on another front during the war, so we sent someone to bring them over here."


    Malo nodded. "Alright, Rean." After that, Malo looked at Fizer and asked, "Does Master intend to become an ancestor of our sect then? Or do you want to stay as a guest elder?"


    Fizer pondered over the question for a bit before saying, "Since it was my idea to stay, I might as well go all out. Just announce me as the new ancestor of the sect. As for Rean and Roan, they can become elders instead." Fizer then looked at Rean before continuing, "You two are still in the Nascent Soul Realm, and the human race, albeit small, still have a lot of them when you consider those who lived in the Demon Beast Continent. We also have those at the Soul Transformation and Saint Realms. It''s just that I only know of 12 people that reached that level."


    Rean was more than happy to accept the idea. "That''s great! We were selected as the ancestors of the sect basically because there wasn''t anyone stronger than us. But with Senior here, we won''t need to take up that job anymore. We can focus more on our cultivation." After that, he warned Fizer, "However, Senior Fizer must understand that this is a democratic sect."


    "De-demo-democratic? What''s that?" Naturally, Fizer had never heard that word before.


    "That means that the positions in the sect, including Sect Master, are selected through a majority vote. Every single member can participate in choosing a new one in case Malo ever steps down. The same is said for the elders of the sect that had been selected when it was created." Rean wasn''t lying when he said that. The sect did indeed have a few members who took positions as elders, even though they weren''t that different in age. The only exceptions were Burio and Solan, two of the adults Rean got in the past. They were also voted as Sect Elders even though their cultivation didn''t match the young ones.


    Fizer was quite surprised by those words. It wasn''t as if he never participated in a decision using votes. However, something like the Sect Leader position would definitely be selected by the strongest members of a sect. Even in the Zasfin territories, it wasn''t anything out of the ordinary for bloodbaths to happen when such a moment arrived. To think that the Freedom Sect allowed every single member to have the power to decide. To him, it was unheard of. "I don''t see how a system like this could work. Others might use their higher power to force the weaker members to vote for them, you know? Then, the opposing party would do the same. As far as I can see, this has the potential to divide a sect."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said in response, "Which means we would just look like any other sect out there, right?"


    "This..." Indeed. Wasn''t such an outcome just a different way to arrive at the same issues that happened in other sects? "Then, why would you follow this more bothersome approach?"


    Malo was the one to explain the reasoning behind it. "Very simple. That''s because Senior''s worries are just possibilities. There has never been anyone to try it before, so we might as well give it a go. Who knows? It might really work. At the very least, our Freedom Sect is pretty united, even after having an election over the positions."


    Fizer still felt it to be unnecessary. However, he was the outsider who just joined, so he didn''t know much about the sect. "Well, we will see how things go in the future, then. After all, it''ll take a very long time until you need to step down from your position while the entire sect already accepts you."


    "However..." Fizer still had a doubt. "Is it okay for me to simply become an Ancestor straight away? Isn''t there a need for election as well?"


    Poliana, who was also there, shook her head as she explained, "The position of an ancestor is merely figurative."


    "Figurative?"


    Poliana nodded, saying, "Exactly. It means that the ancestor has no power over the decision of the sect."


    "What?!" This time, Fizer was really shooked. "How could that be? I would still be the strongest member, you know?"


    Poliana still denied the idea. "It''s exactly because you are the strongest that we can''t let you have a position of power. The rest of the sect would be easily influenced by your words. We need our ancestors to have a neutral position, just like Rean and Roan did. They are here to help the sect stay safe. Of course, they will also benefit from it. But ultimately, their only job is to cultivate and let us use their names to expand our forces."


    Malo smiled and continued from there, saying, "Simply put, Master can sit tight and leave everything to us. This is our Sect, and we''ll manage it. Unless we really need Master''s help, we won''t bother you at all. It''s a very comfy position if you ask me. After all, the lower-level members will work on everything. Just Master''s name alone is already the greatest contribution we could get from you."


    Fizer scratched the back of his head after hearing that. If one asked him, he would definitely want to use the normal method. However, he had just got the disciple he had wished for after so long, so he didn''t want to ruin it. As for forcefully taking control over the sect? The thought didn''t pass through his head at all. In his head, Rean, Roan, Celis, and Kentucky were all very close to the Stage Nine Demon Beasts. He didn''t have a death wish just yet. Not to mention that taking control over a sect where everyone would hate him for it would be the worst possible idea. One must remember that all the sect members had amazing talents. Each Purple Color Aptitude cultivator in the sect had a huge chance to surpass even him in the future.

 Chapter 839 - Our Moments

    Rean talked with Malo, Fizer, Poliana, and the others for a while longer before finally deciding to leave. However, he informed Malo about another thing before that, telling him, "Oh, right! There''s no need to call the World Swallowing Cedar by Gola anymore. You can just use its real name, Celis." Without explaining anything after that, he left everything for Malo and the others to decide. Soon after, he went to see Kentucky, who was having fun in the sect. "Shouldn''t you be using your nest?"


    "I wanted to, but Celis and the other Divine Demon Beasts are still in a heated discussion back there. It seems like Celis had a lot of things to talk about, even though he pretended he didn''t want to," Kentucky said in response while a few girls of the sect stroke his feathers. It didn''t look like he was sad because of that at all.


    Rean then warned Kentucky. "Alright, once Celis is finished talking, make sure to go there. We finally have some time to cultivate, so don''t waste it. After all, we only have one year until we head to the Bestial Sacred Ground."


    Rean returned to the building with the Totem later and could tell that Roan was already there cultivating. He took that opportunity to ask through their Soul Connection, ''When are we resuming the classes for the sect members?''


    Roan opened his eyes as he answered, ''Let''s wait until we move to the Wringan Continent first. The sect members will be quite busy for the next week or so, preparing everything to be moved. I don''t want to use the Dimensional Realm to move everything so that they can become used to not relying on it anymore.''


    Rean agreed with Roan on that point. ''That''s good, then. By the way, Fizer decided to stay in the sect, just like we planned.''


    ''He wouldn''t let this chance pass up, after all. With the amount of time the humans will have in the Wringan Continent, the Freedom Sect definitely has the capability of becoming the strongest power there,'' Roan answered. ''Besides, we don''t know what will happen in the Bestial Sacred Ground, so we needed someone strong enough to protect the sect while we''re gone.''


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied, ''Well, the truth is that even if we weren''t gone, we would still have a hard time protecting it. Don''t forget that the human race still has some Soul Transformation and even Saint Realm experts. Soul Transformation Realm might be one thing, but I doubt we would be able to hold our own against Saint Realm experts. With the number of talents in the Freedom Sect, it''s bound to be targeted by other human experts sooner or later.''


    Roan nodded, knowing that Rean was right. The two then ended their conversation there and started to cultivate.


    A few hours later, Phex passed by just to tell them that they were leaving. They offered Celis to come with them, but Celis had refused the offer, saying that Kentucky can''t be separated from the twins, and he can''t be separated from Kentucky. Phex, as a Phoenix, knew very well what it meant for a Divine Demon Bird to have a nest on a Divine Demon Tree, so he didn''t insist. At the very least, it seemed that they somehow reconciled with Celis, so Phex''s group was satisfied.


    As time passed, Malaka and Agis eventually arrived after a few days. Only then did Roan find out that they knew about his army but decided to stay far away. The excuse they used was that they didn''t want to rely on Roan''s strength as a commander to win their battles. Roan, of course, could tell that they were lying. Those two were simply afraid of what he would arrange for them to do. Nonetheless, it was a fact that they did improve a lot in the meantime. He decided to let it pass after seeing their improvement.


    Still, there was one thing that bothered him. In fact, it wasn''t only him. Rean, Calina, and Qia also found it intriguing. "How come you two were together? Didn''t you guys separate when the war broke out?"


    Agis then glanced at Malaka, who looked outside, pretending she didn''t hear anything. "It''s such a nice day today, isn''t it?"


    *Pah!*


    *Ouch!*


    Surprisingly, it wasn''t Roan who hit the happy-go-lucky girl''s backhead. It was Agis instead. "Nice day, your head! You were the one who insisted on sticking to me, so don''t drag me down now."


    Malaka rubbed the back of her head while showing a wronged expression, saying, "But you were the only one who could use Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill. It was simply safer to stay close to you."


    "That was the whole idea of us getting separated! We were doing that because we wanted more challenges! Now, look at Rean and the others. They''re having the wrong idea about us," Agis could not help but say with a dark expression.


    Malaka felt quite angry after hearing that. She then quickly grabbed Agis''s arm before saying, "The wrong idea? How can you say that? After everything we''ve gone through together, we even, even..."


    Rean quickly shook his head after hearing that, saying, "It seems like Agis had quite a hard time himself."


    Roan, Calina, and Qia nodded in unison. "Indeed. I feel quite sorry for him."


    In the end, no one believed Malaka''s words at all, knowing that she was just trying to creating even more chaos...or so they thought at first. However, Agis''s expression slightly became weird when she acted like that.


    "Hmm~?" Rean got close to Agis and began to walk around him. "Well, well, well...? What''s this I sense? How come you''re not denying everything straight away?"


    Qia and Calina were also surprised to see that. "Oh! Could it actually happen?" They also walked around those two, putting even more pressure on Agis.


    Roan found it weird, though. "That doesn''t make sense. I''m not the best at understanding other people''s feelings, but I can''t see how these two would become attracted to each other."


    Rean, Qia, Agis, and Malaka immediately looked at Roan and Calina, thinking to themselves, ''Do you even have the right to say that?''


    Eventually, Agis succumbed to all the eyes and said, "Fine! Hiding it is not something a man should be doing. We...did have our moments..."

 Chapter 840 - The Biggest Parasite

    Surprisingly, everyone looked at Agis with a weird expression, including Roan, prompting Agis to ask, "Wh-What? Is it really that unbelievable?"


    Rean, Qia, and Calina immediately nodded. "Well, it is. However, we''re not talking about you."


    Those words confused Agis even more, though. "What do you mean by that?"


    The three of them then looked at Malaka.


    "It''s just that I would ever imagine her to have a relationship her whole life."


    "I thought Malaka would die alone."


    "I thought she despised men in secret."


    Malaka''s mouth twitched in response. "Just what kind of image did you have of me?"


    "The annoying type," Rean, Qia, and Calina answered in unison.


    "Hubby! Will you let them talk like that about your wife?" Malaka asked Agis with puppy eyes.


    However, Agis scratched the back of his head, saying, "Well, they do have a point."


    Malaka felt like crying already. "Hmph! You''ll see! I''m a very good girlfriend! The best one ever!"


    Rean looked outside, completely ignoring Malaka''s words as he said, "Such good weather outside. Don''t you guys think so as well?"


    Everyone nodded, Agis included, much to Malaka''s helplessness. Well, you reap what you sow. It''s not like her actions up to this day helped out at all. Nevertheless, it looked like she was serious this time. "Fine! Then, let''s have a kid! They''ll have to accept that I''m not joking if we do."


    *Pah!* Roan immediately slapped the back of her head, telling her, "Kid, your head! What''s the point of a kid taking care of another kid? Grow up before coming with such ideas again."


    Malaka felt truly helpless at this point. "That''s enough! I''m leaving this place. Since no one trusts me, then there''s no point in continuing here. You guys didn''t even notice my cultivation at the Middle Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. You''re all despicable."


    Calina quickly hugged Malaka as she apologized, "Alright, alright. We''re sorry. It''s just that no one expected it to happen. However, it seems like Agis is quite serious as well."


    Agis nodded as he replied, "Well, I already took care of this lost cause for a few years since we separated, so I guess I''m already used to it. In a certain way, I just prefer to keep things that way."


    Malaka glanced at Agis and asked, "Is that how you tell someone you love them?"


    Agis shrugged his shoulders, saying in response, "It''s not like you would truly speak in a serious manner either. Or are you saying I''m wrong?"


    Malaka couldn''t find an excuse. "Hmm... that''s true." After that, she went back to Agis''s side when out of nowhere, she stumbled on her steps. Surprisingly, that was enough for her to hit the ground.


    Rean didn''t find it funny, though. "Malaka, aren''t you forcing your jokes a little too much? Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators like you can''t fall like that. Even if you really tripped, you could stop yourself from hitting the ground by just flying."


    Calina, Qia, and Roan nodded. None of them believed that she really fell that easily.


    "No, I wasn''t pretending. It''s just that I felt dizzy for a moment," Malaka explained.


    Agis immediately narrowed his eyes after hearing that, before saying, "Again? How many times has that happened already? It''s been happening for a few weeks already. Are you sure you didn''t get hit on the head or something during the war?"


    However, Rean and Roan''s mouths twitched when they heard that as Rean could not help but say, "You guys must be joking."


    Malaka shook her head, though. "I''m not. I tried to use Spiritual Sense to feel my head, but I couldn''t find any internal injury. That was one of the reasons we came back as soon as we got a transportation method. I wanted Rean to use his Light Element to heal my body. Wherever the problem might be, his Light Element could heal it."


    Agis, Qia, and Calina nodded in unison. Indeed. For Rean, at the moment, even lost limbs could be restored.


    However, Rean and Roan looked at each other, obviously with the same idea in their heads. Eventually, Roan sighed before asking, "Rean, just examine her already. It might just be a coincidence."


    Rean nodded as he called Malaka over. "Alright, let''s see what''s going on." Soon after, Light Element burst out of his body and entered Malaka''s. Malaka already knew the euphoric side-effect of Rean''s ability, so she held herself back to not moan at that moment."


    After some time, Rean sighed as he nodded back at Roan, telling him, "Welp, it seems to be the case."


    "Wh-What? What''s wrong with me?" Seeing Rean and Roan''s dark expressions, Malaka felt somewhat apprehensive.


    Hearing Malaka''s words, Rean looked back at her to give an answer, telling her, "What you have is a parasite."


    "Parasite?" Those words surprised everyone in the room. "That''s a bad thing, right? Quick! Use Roan''s Dark Element to destroy it!" Naturally, they knew how Rean''s Purification skill worked. It used Light Element to protect the body while the Dark Element got rid of any harmful property present.


    However, Rean immediately shook his head, saying in response, "Can''t do that. After all, this is the biggest parasite known by the human race. It sucks the host''s nutrients so that it can grow. There''s nothing I can do about that."


    Malaka was already freaking out, not knowing how she got such a thing inside her. "Bu-but! I don''t know how I got it! I did suffer a few injuries while fighting the Zasfins, but I don''t think any of them had a skill capable of doing such a thing."


    Rean agreed with Malaka, saying, "Indeed. It wasn''t the Zasfins." Right after, Rean pointed at Agis and exclaimed, "Believe it or not, he


    s the culprit!"


    Agis was taken aback. "Me? Impossible! I truly consider her an important person to me."


    Roan finally lost his patience with Rean''s jokes after that. "Stop wasting time and tell them the truth, for fuck''s sake."


    Malaka couldn''t help but ask, "You were lying?! How could you! I really thought I was dying!"


    However, Rean shook his head as he burst out in laugher. "Hahaha! I''m not lying. What you have really is a parasite. Or, to be more specific, a parasite that most women would love their entire lives."


    "A parasite that we love?" Those worlds only puzzled Malaka, Qia, and Calina even more.


    "Yes. It''s the biggest parasite that can inhabit the human body. It''s also known as a... baby!"

 Chapter 841 - Your Body, Your Decision

    "A baby?!" That news impressed Rean''s group more than any possible mortal issue.


    Rean nodded as he said, "Uh-huh, a baby. To be honest, I didn''t expect Malaka to be the first one in our group to ever have a descendant." Rean then looked at Agis before continuing, "I have to admit, you must love her very much to not be careful over something like this."


    Roan shook his head in disappointment, muttering, "I don''t know if you two were idiots or just plain ignorant. How can you put a kid inside Malaka''s belly in the middle of a war? Sigh...I don''t know if I should blame Agis for not pulling his dick out when he came or Malaka, who let him do that inside her vagina." Sure enough, Roan never cared about sensitive topics, so he talked about them without giving a damn.


    An extremely rare sight had appeared after Roan''s words. Malaka looked really...embarrassed. She was so red that a tomato would feel jealous. "We...lost ourselves a little bit."


    Agis knew that he couldn''t escape blame either, saying, "No, that''s my fault. I should have controlled myself."


    "Too bad it felt too good, right?" Rean asked with a smile.


    Neither Malaka nor Agis could deny his words.


    However, it was then that Calina thought about something else. "Wait! Do you remember that Roan prevented Qia and me from getting pregnant even after the deed was done? As we all know, this isn''t the best time for such a thing to happen. Can''t Roan do the same thing with her?"


    Rean immediately shook his head as he explained, "Your cases were different. The spermatozoids...errr... you won''t understand if I use that name. What I meant by that was the white stuff that comes out of our penises when we reach climax. Those things have the lifeforms that will fertilize the women''s eggs. What Roan did back then was kill the lifeforms inside the white stuff before they reached the eggs. As long as the spermatozoids don''t fertilize the egg, a human won''t start to form."


    Rean then looked at Malaka''s belly before continuing, "However, Agis and Malaka''s egg and spermatozoids have already reached each other. You couldn''t feel it with Spiritual Sense because of Malaka''s Spiritual Energy. The new baby is too small to be felt with it at the moment. After all, the dantian is almost glued to the womb. However, I could clearly sense the life force inside the baby in Malaka''s belly. Roan and I can destroy it, but would you be fine with that?"


    Roan gave the option, though. "That would be very easy. Also, it has just been a few weeks, so it hasn''t developed enough to feel anything at all. In my opinion, it can''t be considered a baby at all. Nevertheless, the decision is ultimately up to you."


    Agis and Malaka looked at each other. However, Agis sighed in the end before saying, "I won''t express my opinion."


    "Why? Do you want me to decide on it alone?" Malaka was truly expecting his words now more than ever.


    Still, Agis shook his head, telling her, "I don''t want to influence your decision. In the end, that''s your body. If you want to give birth to this baby, I will obviously take care of it with everything I have. However, if you think we shouldn''t have a baby now, I will give you my full support. We can try another time anyway. We''re cultivators, so our lifespan is really, really long. A woman should be responsible for what happens inside her body, not the man."


    Roan and Rean couldn''t help but be satisfied with Agis'' words. "Very good. It seems like you know your place."


    Calina and Qia looked at each other and ultimately agreed with Agis. If she decided to have the baby because of Agis''s influence and regretted it later, it would be too late. It was a different case to what happened with Calina. Even so, Roan still explained everything to Calina and got her permission to kill his own spermatozoids before they reached her egg.


    Malaka understood that Agis was being serious before she took a deep breath, asking her once more, "You truly won''t blame me or leave me regardless of my decision, right?"


    Agis nodded with a serious expression. It was impossible to tell which option he wished her to have. That showed his resolve in accepting her choice.


    Eventually, Malaka nodded as she touched her own belly. "Then... I want to have it."


    Roan''s eyebrow raised for a moment, showing that he was a little surprised. In Roan''s case, that was really a big deal. "That''s unexpected. Considering how you don''t like taking on responsibilities, I was sure you would ask me to take it out of you."


    Rean, Calina, Qia, and even Agis had to agree with Roan. "We thought of the same thing."


    However, Malaka smiled as she shook her head, saying, "After my parents died in Sunkan Planet, I just felt like I could continue their lineage. Do you think this is a bad reason?"


    Roan was the first one to shook his head, responding, "Whatever the reason is, that''s something you decided by yourself." His expression turned dark right after. "However! It doesn''t change the fact that the two of you did something extremely idiotic, so you two better be prepared for the punishment. Don''t worry, I''ll make sure the baby won''t suffer anything...only the baby, though. Hehe! Hahahahaha!"


    Malaka and Agis instantly felt chills behind their backs when they heard that. Somehow, they knew that Roan would be many times worse than he had ever been before. Nevertheless, Malaka forced out a smile as she looked at Agis and asked, "Are you fine with it?"


    Agis, who was still somewhat affected by Roan''s last words, nodded. "O-Of course. I just don''t know if we''ll be alive when Roan finishes whatever he has prepared for us."


    Roan said that the baby wouldn''t suffer, but he might very well find a way to get those two half-killed in the process as well.


    Calina and Qia couldn''t help but hug Malaka after that. "In any case, congratulations."


    With that, Malaka showed her bright smile once again as she said, "Thank you."

 Chapter 842 - Feel Weird

    With the help of Rean''s Light Element, he protected Malaka''s child while Roan made sure that those two wouldn''t do something that idiotic again. By the time the sect members finished organizing all their things, those two were more or less half dead. Of course, anyone who saw Malaka and Agis''s state immediately had the same idea, thinking to themselves, ''They definitely pissed Elder Roan off.''


    Rean pretended he didn''t see anything, though. Instead, he went to talk with Malo and the others, asking them, "So, how is it? Are you all ready?"


    Malo nodded, saying, "Yes. We didn''t have many things to start with, so it didn''t take that long to prepare." It was then that Malo remembered something. "By the way, where exactly will we build our Freedom Sect in Wringan Continent?" Naturally, that was a very important point since it directly affected the sect''s future.


    Rean then threw a jade slip to Malo, telling him, "Take a look at the map. I already asked Celis where the best places in that region are located. Since Celis swallowed all the Spiritual Energy of the planet in the past, he knows all of the places where Spiritual Energy is most concentrated."


    "That''s great!" Malo was happy to hear that as he looked at the jade slip. However, he quickly noticed that the place Rean and Celis selected wasn''t on the mainland. Instead, it was an island on the north side. It wasn''t a small island, but one couldn''t say it was enormous either. Well, it wasn''t big if one considered the size of the planet. If this island was on Earth, it would definitely be another story.


    The island was 110 kilometers in radius, which was more than enough space for the sect to expand tenfold in terms of disciples. At the very center, there was one huge peak, which was covered in snow on the top. The peak was also surrounded by a forest, which was a rare sight on this planet. One must remember that the world was covered in snow for a very long time, so any surviving vegetation was hard to find, let alone a forest.


    "This..." Malo couldn''t help but ask, "Isn''t it too risky to build the sect here? The north side of the continent is the closest part to the Zasfins'' territories. Also, it would be somewhat difficult to assign missions for our sect members if the areas of work are too far away."


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "The distance is also part of the deal. First, we don''t want the sect members to relax just because they''re in the Wringan Continent. Due to how close it is to the Zasfins'' continent on the north side, they might try something against us."


    "Second, missions don''t necessarily need to be in the Wringan Continent. In fact, other than the Zasfin Continent on the north, we have Demon Beast Continents on the left and east sides. If you only think about Wringan, then sure, it''s a bad position. But when you think about these four other continents, then you couldn''t ask for a better spot."


    "Third, the fact that it''s located on an island makes it a lot easier to protect. With the right set of formations, it''ll be very hard for any Zasfin force to enter without being noticed. It will be easier for them to reach the sect but harder to conquer it."


    Malo finally understood Rean and Roan''s plan. They weren''t thinking about the time the humans would have to develop freely. They were already thinking about the future when the protection of the demon beasts was gone.


    Sometime later, Fizer appeared beside Malo. He was listening to the entire conversation. Well, Rean already knew it since he could feel Fizer''s strong life force and Spiritual Sense. Fizer then patted Malo''s shoulder before saying, "The Freedom Sect will most likely become the strongest force of the human race in the future. The fact that it''s located in the north also means that it could become the first line of defense of the continent in case the Zasfins attack. I quite like it that way."


    Malo could only nod in the end, saying in response, "I understand. In that case, I''ll have the sect members fill the airship for the move."


    "Oh, right!" Fizer remembered something after Malo said those words. "A friend of mine should arrive soon. She also has an airship capable of traveling at Saint Realm speed, so it should help with your work."


    "A friend?" Rean and Malo''s interests were piqued.


    Fizer nodded and continued, "Did you forget what I said before? This sect is mostly filled with women, so it would be better to have a woman help guide them. She''s already at the Late Stage of the Saint Realm, and she fought with me during the war under Darian''s army. I''ve known her for quite a few centuries, so I can guarantee that she can be trusted."


    Rean was obviously delighted to hear that. That had always been an issue in the sect. Roan was obviously the best at Yin Energy, but the fact that he was a man had always left some space for improvement in training the sect''s female disciples. Malaka, for example, was taken as a disciple by the Dalamu Sect Master. That showed how even Roan admitted that some points were hard for him to understand due to the difference in gender. He had already accepted that a long time ago.


    "That''s great, Senior Fizer. We were really lacking someone like that," Rean said with a smile. "However, are you sure she''ll accept staying in the sect? Our sect is new, so we don''t really have anything we can pay for her services." Rean could obviously forge some Heaven-level equipment, but he didn''t want to be the reason for their decision. If Fizer and the others could convince her on their own, then he wouldn''t mind doing it later.


    Fizer didn''t seem to be panicking, though. "Don''t worry. She''ll stay. In fact, I doubt she''d even leave unless I kick her out. She loves women, after all."


    Somehow, the way Fizer put it made Rean and Malo feel like something was wrong with his friend.

 Chapter 843 - Julia

    Sure enough, someone arrived at the Freedom Sect sometime later. The airship that person came with was also as big as the sect''s airship.


    Not long after, a voice echoed throughout the entire sect, saying, "Fizer, are you not coming out to welcome me?"


    Everyone looked in the direction of the airship, just to see a middle-aged woman standing at the front of the deck. Surprisingly, even at her age, she was a stunning beauty. And if one looked closer, one could see six female cultivators on her sides, all much younger but just as beautiful as herself.


    Rean and Roan''s Spiritual Sense quickly covered the airship, and they were able to see the cultivations of the six women. However, they couldn''t see the cultivation of the middle-aged woman at the center...until they activated Rean''s Spiritual Sense bending skill. Based on the power of the Spiritual Sense, Rean and Roan finally found out her cultivation as well.


    The six young women were all in the Core and Soul Fusion or the Nascent Soul Realm. As for the middle-aged woman at the center, she was a Middle Stage Saint Realm cultivator.


    Rean and Roan didn''t do anything, though. They knew that woman was the one Fizer talked about.


    A moment later, a laugh came from inside the sect, saying in response, "Hahaha! So you''ve finally arrived, Julia. This old man had been waiting for quite some time." Naturally, that was Fizer''s voice. He quickly appeared outside of his chamber and went to welcome Julia at the sect''s entrance. "It''s good that you came. Come on in, come on in."


    Julia gave Fizer a charming smile as she gave the order to move the airship forward. As the airship moved, Julia jumped out of the ship to fly beside Fizer. At the same time, her six disciples followed right behind her. "So, what is it that you called me here for? It better be worth my time."


    Soon after, Malo came flying to Fizer''s side while carrying Poliana with his Spiritual Energy. "Master, is that the friend you talked about?"


    "Master?" Julia looked at Fizer with a surprised expression. "Did you finally find that disciple of yours?"


    Fizer nodded as he replied, "I did. He''s the most talented boy I''ve seen so far." Of course, he also thought in his head, ''Except for Rean and Roan, but those two don''t count due to their Elemental Affinities. I have no idea how to guide a Dark or Light Element user. Not to mention that they didn''t accept my offer anyway.''


    Julia quickly used her Spiritual Sense to analyze Malo and couldn''t help but widen her eyes as she couldn''t help but say, "Such a strong foundation, high cultivation, and young age! Fizer, how the hell did you this brat?"


    Julia wasn''t the only one surprised. Julia''s disciples had quite a prideful expression as they flew by her side. However, after checking Malo with their Spiritual Senses, they had to admit that even they couldn''t compare to his talent. ''This guy is bound to do great things,'' they all thought.


    "Oh? You''re already surprised?" Fizer laughed as he said, "Then, why don''t you go ahead and check this sect with your Spiritual Sense? Don''t worry, I won''t think of it as disrespectful."


    Be it Julia or her disciples, they all got curious, so they quickly spread their Spiritual Senses for real. Well, they had done that before, but they didn''t pay too much attention to the disciples moving around below until now.


    "What?!" Julia quickly caught the presence of Falas, Wakaba, Poliana, Glennie, and many, many women with very high cultivations for their age. Not only that, every single one of them had excellent foundations. "What''s happening here? There are at least a thousand women with as much talent as my disciples! Not only that, but there are quite a lot that surpass them as well!"


    "Master! How can you say that in front of us?" one of her disciples complained.


    Julia looked back before shaking her head, saying, "Have I ever lied before? I always say whatever I think, and you should know that. Anyway, it''s not like I would suddenly abandon you or your sisters in the airship either, so stop acting as if you had been forgotten."


    The girl who said that stuck her tongue out, obviously acting playfully to her master. "Sigh...when will you ever grow?"


    Julia then looked back at Fizer and went straight to the point. "I want all of them. As for the boys in the middle, just kick them to some corner."


    Poliana''s mouth twitched when she heard that. With that, she could not help but say to Fizer, "Senior Fizer, is that how your friend intends to help our sect''s disciples? All the members here have been together since we were freed by Rean and Roan. I won''t allow anyone to separate us!" Poliana then grabbed Malo beside her before saying, "Sect Master? Don''t you have anything to say?"


    "Sect Master?!" Julia looked at Malo with shock. "How the hell does this sect filled with women have a guy as a Sect Master?"


    Malo scratched the back of his head as he thought, ''I wonder the same thing every single night.'' Of course, he knew why. Everyone simply trusted him. It was that simple.


    Julia''s expression turned dark before pointing at Fizer, asking as she narrowed her eyes, "You forced this decision with your strength, right? Aren''t you ashamed of yourself?"


    Fizer felt like giving Julia a beating. She was really annoying when it came to other female cultivators. "Fuck you! Just so you know, my disciple here was already the Sect Master when I arrived. Don''t accuse others without proof."


    Julia then looked at Malo, asking, "What have you done?"


    Malo shrugged his shoulders in response, saying, "Nothing at all. We simply held an election (which I didn''t want to take part in). In the end, the majority of the sect voted for me to be the Sect Master."


    Poliana quickly grabbed Malo''s arm and added, "Over 90% of the sect voted on him, me included. If you keep accusing others, I''ll kindly ask you to leave. No one here wants to hear you badmouthing Malo or any of the other boys of the Sect."


    Seeing how serious Poliana looked, Julia finally decided to calm herself down. "Fine! I''ll trust you for now." What a joke. She found a paradise of talented disciples. There''s no way in hell would she leave right now.


    That''s the kind of person Julia was. She loved to gather female disciples and train them. The fact that she has Nascent Soul Realm disciples showed the effort she put into them. These six disciples by her side and the ones in the airship were just a few of them. There was some more outside training as well.

 Chapter 844 - Permanent Home

    After that, Fizer, Malo, and Poliana explained what the sect was about, how it came to be, and where they were going. Julia was obviously surprised to hear about Celis, the Bloodline Trial Control Formations, and so on. However, what really impressed her was that the twins were able to rescue all these humans from there. "Hm-hmph! I''ll admit that they did something good by taking all the girls away from that place. It''s a lot more than what I could expect from men in general."


    Fizer narrowed his eyes after hearing that as he could not help but say, "Who saved your ass during the last few battles on the Sea Demon Beasts'' territory?"


    "Didn''t do anything more than you''re obligated to. If I fell, we would have lost control over the demon beasts on my side. It was a necessity, not a favor." Julia didn''t yield at all.


    "Sigh... whatever. I really don''t know why an Elemental Transformation Realm like me still considers you as a friend." Fizer knew the woman already, so he knew nothing good would come out from forcing the issue. At most, he could use his strength to kick her away, but he didn''t want to do it since the female disciples would need her. At the very least, he knew that he could trust that weird figure called Julia.


    Soon after, Malo and Poliana asked what Julia would want to do. "So...is Senior Julia also becoming an ancestor of the sect like Fizer?"


    "Ancestor?! Do I look that old to you two?!"


    "That''s not it. It''s just that the only position available for someone of your level would be that," Malo explained. "The position of ancestor is neutral. It holds no power over the sect. In exchange, the ancestor also doesn''t need to do anything for the sect other than letting us using their name. Of course, if the sect gets into a dangerous situation that only someone of your power can help, then we expect you to give us a hand. We will pay you back the best way we can."


    "No power even though I would be an ancestor?" Just like Fizer, Julia was taken aback by that. "Isn''t that bad?"


    Shortly after, Malo and Poliana explained the same things to Julia as they did to Fizer a few days ago. "And that''s how it is. If Senior Julia has any questions, you can ask Fizer. He''s already aware of everything."


    Fizer nodded and used Spiritual Sense to talk about the Divine Demon Beasts, the twins, and the rest of the reasons that made him decide to stick with this sect. ''Trust me. You won''t regret this decision. Besides...I believe you don''t want to give up so many highly talented disciples, right?''


    Julia didn''t like how it felt to fall into Fizer''s plot even though she knew what he was doing. But in the end, she couldn''t go against who she was. "Fine! So what if I have no power? As long as I can raise great female cultivators, that''s enough for me."


    With that over, Malo quickly asked Julia to let them use her airship to help to move all the sect''s stuff as well. Julia didn''t mind since the majority of things were from the female disciples anyway. Following that, she ordered her own disciples that came with her to join as disciples of the Freedom Sect. Naturally, her disciples agreed straight away. For them, Julia was the same as a god. Her words were absolute. That''s how much they respected her.


    Later on, when both airships were loaded, Julia was finally able to meet the famous twins. Rean was polite as always, while Roan remained brief with his words. Julia still didn''t like having so many men in such high positions, but she couldn''t deny what the twins did for the women in the sect. In the end, she simply decided to ignore the two...while paying a lot more attention to Malaka. At her level, it wasn''t that hard for her to notice Malaka''s condition. "Pregnant, huh? You''re the first one I''ve seen pregnant in this entire sect. Still, how come you look so tired? It''s pretty bad for your and the baby''s health."


    Malaka, obviously, couldn''t possibly let the chance pass up as she lamented, "Sniff, sniff. It was the Black-Haired Demon King. He has no regard for the people''s feelings at all."


    The Demon Kin-ahem... Roan''s mouth twitched in response. "It seems like you didn''t get punished enough. Very well, I shall see that your body will remember it correctly."


    "Stop bullying a pregnant woman! I won''t let you touch her!" Julia, obviously, immediately intervened.


    Unfortunately for her... "Sect rule. The ancestor holds no power. Naturally, you can''t intervene." Roan didn''t even blink when he said those words, which immediately shut Julia''s mouth.


    Calina saw how Julia seemed to be bursting in anger after Roan''s words. She quickly shook her head and sent Julia a Spiritual Sense message, explaining everything regarding Rean, Roan, and Malaka. Only then did Julia understand that she almost fell for Malaka''s ploy. Sure, Malaka was really tired after Roan made her and Agis pass through a small hell as punishment. However, Malaka and the baby''s health were far from being affected. Calina even mentioned Rean''s Light Element in Malaka''s womb, which completely protected the little one.


    ''This Malaka girl is quite a demon herself. Hmph! That''s good. She''s one more disciple that I will have to correct,'' Julia thought.


    After all the antics were over, the sect members boarded the airships, preparing to move out. Rean and Roan only took in the Parasol Tree Totem. After all, that was the most important thing they had in their sect at the moment. The disciples transported all the other things in the sect by themselves.


    With one last look at the Fruzei Hills, Rean, Roan, Kentucky, Celis, and everyone else departed from the Demon Beast Continent. Who knows if they would ever step on this place again in the future. Nevertheless, none of them were sad. It was time for the Freedom Sect to establish their permanent home.

 Chapter 845 - Many People

    Wringan Continent, north side, a nameless island. It was on this island that two airships had arrived after six days of travel. Until now, it was only occupied by a few demon beasts, mostly bird types...or so it should be the case. However, when the Freedom Sect arrived at the island, they were met by thousands of humans.


    "This..." Malo was taken aback. According to Rean, no one was supposed to be living here, so where did all these people come from? "Could it be that the island was taken by another group before we arrived?"


    Fizer didn''t seem to care too much about that, saying, "So what? With me here, they''ll have to leave as long as I say the word."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he told them, "Calm down, everyone. There''s nothing wrong here. The decision to take this island as a home for the Freedom Sect was made even before the war was over. That being said, a lot of the humans who participated in the war already knew we would come here."


    Rean then pointed at the humans who were looking at them from below before continuing, "Look at their cultivations. All of them have enough strength to arrive in this place on their own. Without a doubt, they took the chance the demon beasts were transporting the humans and used some airship that would drop them close to this place. With that said, it wasn''t hard for them to come, especially those cultivators at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm and above."


    Julia immediately understood what was happening. "I see...they all came here because they wanted to join the Freedom Sect, right? After all, Roan, who acted as the main commander of the army, is also part of it."


    Rean nodded, saying in response, "That''s basically it."


    Malo couldn''t help but feel nervous after hearing the reason why there were so many humans. "But...we haven''t accounted for new members. We don''t have any kind of test or anything else we can use to decide who can join or not. First of all, there are a few Nascent Soul Realm cultivators among them. What will they think when they hear that the Freedom Sect''s Sect Master is only at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm? Besides, can we trust all the new disciples at all? Wouldn''t those stronger create a lot of problems for us?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "If that''s the case, you can simply say that the Freedom Sect isn''t accepting any new members for the time being. Or that we have an age requirement, so anyone above it wouldn''t be allowed to enter."


    Fizer couldn''t care less, though. "You''re worrying too much. Did you forget I''m the strongest human on this planet? As long as you use my name, who will dare to cause a ruckus in the sect?"


    Malo pondered over it for a bit before saying, "Although that''s true, I would rather not take in any new member who''s above the average level of the cultivators in our Sect. First of all, I''m only 18, and I''m already the oldest member other than Burio''s group, the adults Rean brought to live with us in the past. Everyone else down there is mostly above their thirties. There are plenty of cultivators down there with similar cultivations, but almost all of them are far above our age."


    Sure enough, the Freedom Sect was mostly filled with youngsters. Some of them, like Rafin''s group, participated in the war as well. But the majority weren''t even at the right age to do that. The sect has many, many kids around 6 to 7 years old. On the other hand, there were almost no kids down there, save for a few rare exceptions of cultivator couples with their own kids.


    Roan shook his head in response, saying, "Then go down there and tell all of them that you won''t accept anyone into the sect. Or perhaps you could tell them that you''ll only accept the kids."


    "M-Me?!" Malo couldn''t help but let out cold sweat. There were plenty of cultivators down there stronger than him, with most of them looking quite ferocious.


    "Who else? You''re the Sect Master, so act like one."


    Malo then looked at Fizer, who pretended to not notice it. Obviously, he also wanted Malo to get used to these kinds of situations. As a Sect Master, he had to be ready for everything.


    It was then that Burio, one of the adults Rean brought back to the sect in the past, had an idea. "Malo, you don''t necessarily need to send them all away. You just need to not accept them in the sect."


    "What do you mean?"


    Burio then explained, "You all keep saying that the Freedom Sect has the ability to become the strongest sect of the human race in the future, right? Such a sect can''t stay isolated since it will definitely receive many missions. Then...why don''t you tell those people down there to build a city outside the sect? It would act as a hub for new candidates who want to join the sect in the future. Wringan Continent is bound to give birth to many human cities, so we might as well have one here."


    They had to admit that Burio''s idea was quite good. "Is there any objection to Burio''s idea?"


    Everyone shook their heads, showing that they also thought it to be a necessary step. With that said, Malo finally took a deep breath and flew from the airship''s deck. Fizer also followed him since the idea was to use his presence, after all. The humans below had been waiting until now, so they all paid attention to the youngster that had appeared.


    "Hello, everyone. My name is Malo, and I''m the Sect Master of the Freedom Sect."


    Naturally, those words shocked most of the cultivators present.


    "So young!"


    "So weak!"


    "I thought Rean and Roan''s Sect Master would be someone even stronger than them."


    "He isn''t even close to those two. However..."


    "He definitely has shocking talent. Already at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm at such a young age."


    Those and many more comments went back and forth before Malo raised his hand. "Silence, please." Fortunately, the people stopped talking and paid attention. "I know why all of you have come here. However, it is impossible for me to allow all of you to enter the Freedom Sect."


    Sure enough, those words dropped like a bomb on the cultivators'' heads.

 Chapter 846 - Freedom Island

    "Hey, hey, hey! Some of us had difficulties reaching this island, you know? The airships didn''t directly bring us here. Are you going to throw us all out just like that?" Sure enough, complaints like that started to pop up everywhere.


    However, Malo quickly continued to talk before it became worse. "Don''t worry, I''m not saying I''ll force all of you to leave the island. In fact, I would very much like all of you to stay, and I encourage you to do so. However, our Freedom Sect is simply too new. We don''t have any proper system we can use to measure nor any requirements approved by the members yet."


    "Because of that, we can''t simply allow you to join it yet. As much as most people here wish to become a part of it, there are bound to be people who have arrived just to cause trouble. Would you simply say ''Yes, please come in.'' if you were in my place?" Malo asked the people with a serious expression.


    Immediately, the whole area went silent. This first batch of humans weren''t the ones who came from the Zasfins'' territories. Those people wouldn''t have the necessary cultivation to reach this place. This batch was filled with humans who lived in the Demon Beast Continent to start with, with most having participated in the war. Naturally, they were far from idiots if they were able to survive until now. That''s why they couldn''t refute Malo''s words either.


    Malo then continued, "Nonetheless, I don''t want to make you think your trips are for naught, so the other members of the sect and I thought up of a solution. Our sect will build itself around the peak on the island''s center. However, we''ll need more than just the sect. That''s where you guys come in. The Wringan Continent is bound to give birth to many, many human cities as time passes, so why not make a city here as well? It will serve as the hub for the time we eventually open a recruitment system."


    "Build a city?"


    "Do you have any idea what you''re asking?"


    "We have no idea how to make such a thing."


    "Even if we do make a city, isn''t it just another thing for your sect to take control over?"


    "What will be the point if we can''t join the sect in the end?"


    Malo shrugged his shoulders in response to all the complaints. "I''m not forcing anyone to stay here, you know? However, I can guarantee one thing. As long as the city doesn''t show any malicious intent toward the sect, the Freedom Sect won''t touch it. Of course, if the city deviates itself, let''s say...someone tries to introduce slavery, we definitely won''t stay still. But in general, you people will be responsible for it."


    "Don''t think this is a bad deal. As you can see, we have my Master, Senior Fizer, as our ancestor. He is the only Elemental Transformation Realm human in our world. With him here to help protect the sect, we only have a bright future ahead. Even if you can''t join the sect in the future, as long as you live in the city near it, you are bound to profit from the sect''s existence."


    Malo noticed that some of the cultivators wavered after his previous statement, so he struck the iron while it was hot. "Last but not least, I believe that all of you can feel how good the concentration of Spiritual Energy here is. However, this is far from the real thing. In a few weeks, the concentration of Spiritual Energy in this island should increase to the point that it will be equivalent to Rank Three Spirt Stones." Of course, Malo was talking about the moment Celis set himself down. "If establishing a city isn''t good for you, this Spiritual Energy definitely is."


    Malo then warned everyone one last time. "Remember! We''re not forcing any of you to work on this project. Anyone who wishes to help build the city will be doing it out of their own volition. Nevertheless, we will definitely consider whether or not you took part in it in the future. Also, the sect members will help in the city''s construction as much as they can."


    After that, Malo turned around before saying, "The decision is up to you. For now, my sect will move to the mountain so that we can start building our Sect."


    Roan then sent Malo a message about something he forgot to mention to the humans. Malo had to admit Roan was right, so he quickly added, "Oh, right! This city can only be built on the island''s south side, which is the closest one to Wringan Mainland. You are prohibited from damaging the forests on the east, north, and west sides. Those places have many low to middle-level demon beasts, and we want it to stay that way. We need that for our future members to train. Naturally, you can also enter it as long as you don''t try to disrupt the ecosystem there."


    Roan was thinking about the sect''s future. Future disciples would need places where they could experience dangers without needing to head out of the island.


    Seeing that everyone heard his words, Malo finally decided to leave...just to be stopped by another question.


    "Just one more thing...what should we call this island?"


    Sure enough, no one thought about it yet. Until now, they simply called it the island on the north of Wringan Continent.


    "Hmm..." Malo pondered over it for a bit before shrugging his shoulders. "Let''s keep things simple. Since our Freedom Sect claimed its possession, let''s simply call it Freedom Island. The city can follow the same pattern. Just call it Freedom City."


    No one complained about the name. With Fizer in the middle of the Freedom Sect, their sect had the strength to enforce those names. Besides, it would be easier for others to identify in the future, so most of them liked it that way.

 Chapter 847 - What Should I Do?

    Leaving the cultivators who came to join the sect behind, Rean''s group proceeded to the Freedom Sect''s new location close to the mountain peak. Malo wasn''t in a mood to keep choosing names, so he simply called the mountain Freedom Mountain, following the same pattern.


    As soon as they arrived, Celis dropped down from the top of the airship, landing right in front of the mountain. For Celis, the closer he was to the earth, the better, so he didn''t want to stay at the mountain peak. Just like last time, Celis shot seeds out of his branches, which soon disappeared in the distance. They would become saplings that Celis would use to watch over the island.


    Following that, his roots deeply penetrated the ground, quickly spreading everywhere in the area. Celis''s roots soon spread tens of kilometers in the next few hours, including the seabed surrounding the island. It didn''t take long for the Spiritual Energy to start rushing in the Freedom Mountain''s direction, though. The more the roots spread, the greater the gathering of Spiritual Energy.


    Malo quickly gave way for the airship to land after confirming that Celis wouldn''t need to change anything else in the land. "Let''s go, everyone! You already know how everything works. I want the construction teams to work together with the resource-gathering teams. We couldn''t bring the buildings themselves, so we''ll need to reconstruct them."


    Poliana, Falas, Burio, Rafin, Glennie, and everyone else helped out as well. "Since this will be our permanent home, we don''t need to hold back on the size of the buildings. Earth and Water Affinity Teams will prepare the ground for the construction. We will require the main lodgement of the disciples to be built first. After all, there''s no point in a sect if we can''t even give the kids a place to sleep. We can think about the other parts later."


    "Utility Formations Team, head to the east of the mountain and set up the Water Gathering Formations. We need water available around the entire sect nonstop, so make sure to build the formations as thoroughly as you can. Since Rean was the one who taught you those simple formations, I don''t want to hear you guys having problems."


    The orders continued to be issued as Malo''s group gradually busied themselves. This time, Rean didn''t go out to help them. He left everything for the sect members to work out. Kentucky also didn''t go around knocking down trees. The disciples were more than good enough for the job. As for Roan, he decided to go take a look around the island to see if it had any problems he hadn''t seen beforehand.


    Fizer and Julia were quite impressed by the sect''s performance. Everyone worked like a well-maintained machine, with each part doing exactly what it should do. When asked, Malo only had one answer to those two, saying, "Well...you don''t know how scary Roan can be when he sees half-assed jobs. Also, Rean helped us plan most of the processes, so it''s a lot harder to commit mistakes."


    Sure enough, the twins'' influence on the sect members was simply too big. Neither Fizer nor Julia could compete with it. Julia then quickly looked at her female disciples and said, "What are you all looking at? Can''t you see your new sisters working? Get the hell out of the airship and help them out. if you have any doubts, just ask Poliana or the other girls."


    Malo then raised his hand, saying, "You can ask me too, you know? I won''t bite."


    Julia narrowed her eyes but nodded in the end. Although it was a rare occurrence, she recognized Malo''s abilities, even if just a little.


    Rean then landed on the peak of Freedom Mountain and quickly took out the Parasol Tree Totem from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. "What a nice place. The Spiritual Energy flows from the ground and escapes through the mountain peak as if it was a volcano. Most likely, this mountain was formed exactly because of that. It then spreads over the entire island and even extends a bit into the ocean."


    After preparing the ground, Rean placed the Totem on the very center of the Spiritual Energy flow. Thanks to that, the Yang Energy of the Totem was carried with the Spiritual Energy that fell on the land below. However, it was spreading way too much, and the Totem couldn''t generate that much pure Yang Energy for it to make a meaningful difference. "Hmm... Seems like I''ll need to set up a formation that will trap the Yang Energy while not affecting the Spiritual Energy flowing outwards."


    Rean then took several formation items from the Dimensional Realm and disappeared from the Freedom Mountain''s peak without wasting time. As a Heaven Middle-Level Formation Master, it wasn''t anything difficult for Rean to create a formation that enveloped the entire mountain and its surroundings. All it had to do was keep the Totem''s Yang Energy inside the sect''s range, so it wasn''t anything that hard to start with.


    Later, everyone noticed a red light appear from seven different directions around Freedom Mountain. Fizer and Julia, obviously, could see that it was Rean doing something with their Spiritual Senses. ''He can even set up formations that easily. No wonder the Divine Demon Beasts placed so much importance in them.''


    Soon after, those points connected with each other before forming a dome of red light that looked more like a spider web. However, the sect members were only able to watch it for a few minutes. That''s because the red light disappeared little by little until it finally became impossible to see it with the naked eye. Naturally, they weren''t concerned since they knew it was most likely Rean''s work.


    Suddenly, a sect disciple noticed a change in the environment. "Oh! Can you feel it?"


    His friend on his side quickly nodded, saying, "Yes. It''s the Totem''s Yang Energy. This is really good."


    "It seems like Elder Rean has found a way to spread the Yang Energy of the Totem throughout the entire sect."


    "This is much better than having to go to the Totem Building as we did before."


    After that, Rean landed in a random location of the sect and focused on the Yang Energy circulating in the environment. "Not bad. The Freedom Mountain''s Spiritual Energy surge increased the Totem''s ability quite a bit." Right after, Rean looked back at the sect and muttered to himself, "Now then, what should I do next?"

 Chapter 848 - The Communication System Is Back

    After pondering over it for a bit, Rean decided to continue with the formations. "The easy formations can be done by the sect disciples. I guess I''ll work on the harder ones since there isn''t anyone at my level at the moment." It was then that he had an idea. "Oh, right! I might as well work on the buildings for the Side Occupation Halls. With those, Roan and I can start teaching the disciples once again."


    Rean then headed to where Malo was and asked him to give him a small group of disciples to go gather the building materials he needed. At the same time, he left to look for other materials as well. Rean and the disciples who worked with him spent four days building the Alchemy, Formation, and Blacksmith Halls.


    However, that wasn''t all. Agis was a Talisman Drawing Master. It''s just that he wasn''t at the Heaven-level like Rean was in formations and blacksmithing. Nonetheless, he was still at the Earth Peak-level. He could definitely teach other disciples how to use them. Rean still remembered how they used his Thoughts Transmission Talismans in the past before they separated. That being said, Rean also built a Talisman Hall according to Agis''s specifications.


    Seeing the buildings and the formations working, Rean couldn''t help but nod in satisfaction. "Very good. These are the first working areas where I can truly show all of my skills. All the equipment and formations in the Formation Hall and Blacksmith Hall are made the way I wanted."


    Rean then looked behind and saw how the buildings around the sect were being made one after another. ''Sure enough, cultivators are countless times faster in building things thanks to their control of Spiritual Energy and Element. If this was back on Earth, I presume only 10% of the things erected here would have been built by then.''


    After that, Rean smiled as he looked at a certain small building at the very center of those halls. Not only that, the Mission Hall that the disciples were building was also close to it. That building didn''t look as majestic as the other halls, but it could be said to be just as important.


    From inside, Qia appeared as she looked through several documents in her hands. She also noticed Rean at that moment. "Everything is going according to plan. The groundwork for the Communication System Formations is ready. This time, we''ve already started with the latest version of the Router Formation, which can save and organize all the information without congestion."


    The Communication System! The same thing that gave Rean and Roan many Destiny Points in the past has now begun to take form again. "By the way, is the team I asked ready?"


    Qia nodded, saying, "Yes. I gathered the disciples that showed the most talent for formations. They''re inside, studying the methods we''ve devised back in Sunkan." As Qia said that, she couldn''t help but show a sad expression. However, she quickly shook her head, knowing there was nothing she could do about it.


    Rean then patted her head, comforting her. "It''s fine. I also miss my Master and my family. We just need to live our lives the best we can since they would want it that way."


    Qia nodded as the two entered the building that controlled the communications of the sect. Soon after, Rean asked the disciples in there. "How is it? Can you guys at least understand the concept behind the formation?"


    "Elder Rean!" All the disciples'' attention was caught straight away.


    One of the disciples, a girl called Duda, immediately came forward and said, "Qia taught us well about how the electrical signals work. However, this Router Formation is too hard."


    Qia and Rean laughed in response before Rean began to talk. "It''s fine, it''s fine. I wasn''t expecting you all to understand how it worked in just a few days. Even Qia and I took years of work to understand everything and reach this level. At the very least, you guys already know how to build the formation that sends and receives the information. That one is already much more advanced than the first versions I worked with in the past. They can check the code in front of the signal and tell whether it was supposed to be their message or not. If not, they won''t show the message to the one taking care of it."


    Qia smiled after that, continuing where Rean left off. "Simply put, you''re already far ahead of what we could wish for. However, you still need to put in a lot of effort to understand some of the runes used in the Router Formation."


    Qian then looked back at Rean and asked, "However, there''s one thing I''m curious about. Are you going to use the cable transmission system to reach Wringan Continent as well?"


    Rean immediately shook his head, saying, "No. Back then, we used it because we still didn''t have a method of transmitting information through the air. However, as you''ve seen with the half-moon brooch, I finally found a way to do that." Well, that was also thanks to the Circuitry Formations Repository in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    A disciple called Nia then asked something else. "Wouldn''t it be easier to use Thoughts Transmission Talismans instead?"


    However, another girl quickly rebuked her. "Are you an idiot? Have you already forgotten what the practical use of the Communication System is? The fact that we can have instant communication with almost no expenditure of materials whatsoever. Each talisman, depending on the distance of transmission, would need very expensive materials. The Communication System has made this very cheap. Obviously, Elder Rean''s Air Spiritual Signal would also have the same advantage."


    Rean was happy to hear that. "Very good, Liza." It turns out that Liza had some talent for formations, so she also joined this team. Also, not surprisingly, most of the Formation Master disciples were women, thanks to how their sect was. "We will need to build a few amplification towers to reach really long distances, but that can be done later. First, let''s use the normal cable formations to at least connect the entire sect and Freedom City."


    It was then that Rean remembered. "Talking about Freedom City, I better go take a look at what the cultivators are doing there."

 Chapter 849 - Freedom Citys Problems

    Rean then looked at Qia, who understood what he wanted. "Just go to the city. I''m still working on the final adjustments for the Router Formation, but I don''t need your help with those. Also, I''m taking the opportunity to teach the disciples here at the same time. If I need something, I''ll call you back."


    Rean nodded and gave Qia a kiss before leaving for Freedom City. The Air Spiritual Signal Transmission Formation would be as difficult to make as the brooches. Rean needed a lot more time to think about the design, and it would be better if Qia helped during that time as well. Besides, he wanted to check on the cultivators of Freedom City to see if any of them had experience with formations.


    Since Freedom City was being built on the island, Rean didn''t take long to arrive. However, he quickly noticed that the place looked anything but a city. In the end, the cultivators of the Demon Beast Continent had never lived in cities before, so they had no idea how to build them. At most, they lived in small tribes there.


    However, it wasn''t as if everything was lost. Rean quickly noticed that Malo and Falas were there as well, talking with the cultivators. Last but not least, Rean could feel Fizer''s Spiritual Sense with his bending skill, which showed that Malo wouldn''t be in any danger even if the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators tried something.


    "Malo, what are you doing?" Rean asked as he descended beside Malo and Falas


    "Oh, Rean. I''m just discussing with the people here about how to share the land. After we left, there had been quite a few conflicts about who would take the best places. Unfortunately, no one knows how the shape of the city will be, so all the fighting was quite meaningless," Malo answered.


    Falas continued from there. "That''s why Malo and I came here. The infighting was starting to damage the land where the city is supposed to be built, so we had to put a stop to it."


    Rean understood the problem and looked at the cultivators present. All of them were at least in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, so it was quite a strong group. "I understand why all of you are so desperate. After all, this city is bound to be a huge hub for everyone in the future. The best locations will definitely generate the best profits. However, there''ll be no point in this if there''s no more land to be used in the end."


    One of the cultivators immediately complained, "I didn''t want to fight, so I moved quickly to mark out where I would build my things. However, these idiots didn''t like it and brought the battle to my doorsteps. How could I stay still while they robbed what was mine?"


    "Yours?!" Another cultivator laughed. "There''s no such thing as an owner of the land. If there is, it''s the Freedom Sect, not you. Since they left this area for us to build the future city, the stronger ones will get it. It''s your fault for being alone while wanting to take all that land for yourself."


    Many other cultivators immediately began to argue about similar things right and left. Sure enough, these cultivators lived on the edge their entire lives. All of them wanted as big of a slice of the pie as possible now that they saw how tasty it is. "Alright, that''s enough. Don''t forget that our Freedom Sect claimed the island, so the land is ours. Anyone who doesn''t like it can go to our sect and complain at Senior Fizer."


    As soon as Rean brought Fizer''s name up, all the cultivators went quiet before someone finally decided to ask, "Then, how do you intend to share the land with everyone here? You guys did say you wanted us to stay, after all."


    Malo then stepped forward. "That''s what I wanted to talk about, but none of you stayed quiet." Malo then pointed at the ground and continued. "This infighting of yours is quite useless. Haven''t you noticed yet? The concentration of Spiritual Energy on the island increases every day. At the moment, it''s already equivalent to Rank Two Spirit Stones. Since everyone here has the same concentration, there isn''t much of a point in selecting a specific plot of land. They will all have the same concentration."


    Another cultivator shook his head. "The Spiritual Energy is fine. However, we''re talking about what would be the center of the City."


    Falas shrugged her shoulders before asking, "Then, tell me. Where will the center of the city be?"


    Suddenly, the cultivators pointed in several different directions, much to everyone''s surprise.


    "What the hell are you doing? The center of the city obviously has to be close to the main river. What were you even thinking?"


    "That''s my question to you! River your ass! The open patch of grass over there is many times better. We are cultivators, so why should we need a river if we can control Water Element?"


    "Both of you are wrong. There are two hills in that direction. If you pay close attention, you will see that the Spiritual Energy converges a little bit more there. It doesn''t make much of a difference. However, over time, it will definitely be of great help for the City''s development."


    "What a joke! The best place is obviously near the ocean. That''s where the ports will be built in the future. Don''t forget that not everyone can fly like we can. Normal ships will be one of the main forms of resource transportation for sure."


    Rean massaged the space between his eyebrows. They were fighting for land, but it wasn''t like they wanted to build things in the same place. Wasn''t all this fight even more meaningless now? "Since all of you want to build things in different regions, then stop fighting for land, for fuck''s sake. It doesn''t matter how I see it. There''s much more land than people are wanting them."


    Malo agreed with Rean. "Exactly. However, it won''t do if a single person decides to take several kilometers of land for themselves either. This island is just so big, after all." Malo then took out many jade slips from his bag and threw them at the cultivators, including the weaker ones on the ground. "Listen up, check the rules inside the jade slip. If you want to claim land, you will have to follow these steps. Anyone who tries to break the rules will be banished from the island."

 Chapter 850 - City Demarcation Rules

    The set of rules were quite straightforward.


    First, there was a limit on how much land each person could take. If this limit wasn''t imposed, some groups would literally try to take the entire south of the island to themselves.


    Second, killing was expressly prohibited in Freedom Island. If you killed someone, you would be killed back unless you were confident you could run away from this place. However, it would be pointless to run since everyone''s idea was to stay.


    Third, if you wanted the same land as someone else, both would have to decide who would take it based on luck. Strength would not be the main factor. The idea was to create a city, and battles would definitely delay everything.


    There were more rules, but these three were the main ones. However, most of them stopped reading here.


    "This..." Everyone was especially surprised by the second and third rules. For cultivators who lived their lives fighting for what they wanted, such peaceful methods were not something they were used to. "Doesn''t that make the Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Realm cultivators here the same as any Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator?"


    Malo nodded, though he clarified, "Not really. Check rule number nine."


    Everyone quickly sent their Spiritual Senses inside the jade slips to look for it.


    -The order of selection of lands will work from the strongest cultivators to the weakest. Low-level cultivators wouldn''t be able to develop better quality lands since they lack the resources for it. Nevertheless, everyone will have a chance to get land in Freedom City. It''s just that low-level cultivators will only be able to select it later.-


    Naturally, the Soul Transformation and Nascent Soul Realm cultivators were very pleased with that. "That''s more like it."


    Malo nodded as well, saying, "This way, you will have the chance to select the things you want. Even if someone chooses the same land as you, you don''t need to worry about running out of ''better'' lands, as you all say. After all, only when those above finished selecting their lands will the others be able to choose. Also, the higher your cultivation, the bigger sized land you can take."


    Of course, the Foundation Establishment cultivators and those a little above it didn''t like the rule at all. However, Malo already expected that, saying, "Before anyone says it''s not fair, you must understand that the world isn''t fair to start with. Even so, these rules were made like this because we need the city to develop as fast as possible. It won''t be long before many Zasfin airships carrying batches of humans start to arrive in Wringan Continent. Once that time comes, the city needs to have at least some structure that can support them."


    Falas also added, "Don''t forget, even though the low-level cultivators can''t select first, they''re still much better than any other humans who arrive at a later date. To be honest, I think everyone here will most likely live in what will be called the central regions of the city in the future. After all, there are just a few thousand cultivators here, far from enough for what a place like Freedom City will become."


    Malo then crossed his arms before finishing, "Last but not least, anyone who doesn''t like these rules is more than welcome to leave the island. We aren''t forcing anyone of you to stay. Don''t forget, Wringan Continent is enormous, and there''s no lack of space there."


    Suddenly, many cultivators from the Freedom Sect arrived in the region. "Sect Master Malo, we''re ready."


    The cultivators looked at the new group with confusion. However, Malo ignored them before giving his orders. "Good! You can start now."


    Soon after, the Freedom Sect members separated in several directions while using markers to divide the land according to what Malo''s group decided. One must remember that the Freedom Sect arrived a few days ago, so the problem with Freedom City''s future had been going on since then. Malo didn''t bother leaving the sect before he and the others formulated a plan of action.


    The sect members below were all at the Core Formation Realm at the very least, so they worked very quickly. In just a few minutes, the areas mentioned by the cultivators before already had their areas marked into many squares. The biggest sections were obviously the ones the high-level cultivators would be able to select for themselves. After that, the further the Freedom Sect members went out of the main areas, the smaller the squares available for selection became.


    As the cultivators from the Freedom Sect worked, Malo took the opportunity to talk a little more about the plans made by him and the others. "The high-level cultivators who select the bigger areas, you will have the duty to develop it. If you just select some big land for yourself and do nothing with it, we will definitely take it back. If your idea is to simply live in Freedom City and close to the Freedom Sect, I recommend getting terrain in the residential area. There, you can also find big and small lands that can be selected according to your cultivation."


    Someone looked at the divisions marked by the Freedom Sect cultivators and couldn''t help but ask, "I''m happy enough with these rulers since I can get something good for myself. However, why are there such big gaps between each of the bigger terrains?"


    Falas and Malo looked at the guy as if he was an idiot. In fact, quite a few did the same. Still, Malo answered, "Have you ever seen a city without roads? We took that into consideration and decided to leave space for very big roads to be made. In the future, when this place becomes full of people, those roads will play a crucial role in the city''s development."


    The guy scratched the back of his head and didn''t ask anymore.


    Malo didn''t end there and made everyone go through the jade slips'' rules, explaining every one of them with Falas''s help.


    Fizer and Rean were quite satisfied with how Malo, Falas, and the others dealt with this rule, so they didn''t intervene. Later, Rean would give his advice based on the cities he lived in back on Earth.


    "Oh, right!" Rean then looked at Malo and said, "Give me the jade slip with the demarcations of the city."


    Malo nodded and passed it to Rean. Soon after, Rean used his Spiritual Sense to mark the lands he would need for the Communication System formations. "I need you to keep these spaces free so that I can build the Router Formations later."


    "Alright. That''s an easy task." Malo immediately agreed since he already knew of Rean''s communication system.


    Rean was satisfied and left that task for Malo and the others to resolve. Following that, he called all the cultivators'' attention and said, "Everyone, I have something to ask you all. Is there anyone here with experience in Formations, Alchemy, Blacksmith, Talismans, or other side occupations? The sect will need your service, so you can join straight away in that case."


    Sure enough, most cultivators who lived in the Demon Beast Continent haven''t worked on those things too much before. Nevertheless, Rean still received a few calls.


    "I''m an Earth Middle-level Formation Master."


    "I''m an Earth High-level Alchemist."


    "Earth Initial-level Talisman Master. I don''t know if this is enough."


    "I''m also a Formation Master..."


    Rean smiled and immediately gathered all those people before returning to the sect. He had a lot of work in store for them.

 Chapter 851 - Job Assignment

    Roan was already back when Rean returned, so he introduced the alchemists he found to him. "Here are the guys you asked for. They''re called Fiyo, Poskin, and Roberto. They''re the only ones at Earth High-level and above." Rean then pointed at a few more humans behind before continuing, "The others are at the Middle-level or below."


    Roan nodded, saying, "Alright. Fiyo, Poskin, Roberto, you''ll help me with teaching alchemy. In exchange, you will be accepted in the sect as guest elders and will be able to use the sect''s facilities. Well, the facilities are still under construction, so it might take some time before you can do that. Also, I''ll share my knowledge regarding pill concoction with you all, not to mention that the sect''s herb garden will be at your disposition. Of course, don''t try to overuse the herbs there since we need them to teach alchemy in the Alchemy Hall."


    Fiyo''s group immediately nodded. Just the fact that they could join the sect with such a high position was already worth the dal. They could even use the sect''s herbs to an extent, which was even better. Nevertheless, Roberto, the only Earth Peak-level alchemist, was curious about something else. "You said that you will share your knowledge with us. However, do you even have anything that couldn''t help me as an alchemist? I''m already at the Earth Peak-level, after all. Sorry for asking that, but you look way too young to have any meaningful knowledge in the profession."


    Rean, who was listening to the conversation, patted Roberto''s shoulder as he told him, "Earth Peak-level, huh? Roan''s a Heaven Middle-level alchemist, so I guess he can teach you a thing or two."


    "What?!" Roberto was shocked by what he heard. After all, he took over a century to reach his level while increasing his cultivation. How come such a young man could already be at the Heaven Middle-level?


    Roan didn''t have the patience to explain, so he simply took out two bottles with pills inside and threw them to Roberto and the others. "I concocted those. If you want to accept the deal or not is up to you, though." Roan then turned around and looked at the lower-level alchemists while Fiyo''s group checked his pills. "As for the rest of you, I''ll accept you into the sect as temporary disciples. If you prove to me that you can improve as alchemists, I''ll change your status to official disciples later. Some of you are already very old, but that has nothing to do with one''s ability to concoct. All I want is results, nothing else. Follow me."


    Without thinking twice, the low-level alchemists quickly went after Roan. As for Fiyo and the rest, well, they followed Roan even faster. They had just checked Roan''s pills...and all of them were Heaven-level! Neither of the three needed any other proof since Roan would need to show them how he concocted those later.


    Rean smiled and then looked at the other batches of cultivators behind him. "Alright, the Talisman Masters can head to the Talismans Hall on the other side. Agis is an Earth Peak-level Talisman Master, so he will be the one in charge there."


    The cultivators who met the criteria followed Rean''s direction. Agis was in front of the building, waiting for them together with quite a few Freedom Sect disciples. The sect didn''t have a Talismans Hall before, so everyone there, except for Agis, didn''t know much about them either. "Oh! I didn''t expect Rean to find eight Talisman Masters. I guess I was very lucky. Very well, I will teach you to the best of my abilities. In exchange, you will also help the sect disciples learn the art of Talisman Drawing. Last but not least, your conditions are the same ones as Roan gave to the alchemist candidates. Now, follow me."


    The last two batches were the blacksmiths and the Formation Masters. Usually, Rean would be responsible for both of them. However, Qia was back. She now could help alleviate some of Rean''s burden in teaching them. "Who''s Dian and Srevil?" Qia asked the Formation Masters'' group.


    "I''m Dian."


    "I''m Srevil."


    Qia nodded in satisfaction. The two of them looked a lot older than her, with one of them already in the Nascent Soul Realm. However, what she cared about was their knowledge of formations. "Good! Rean already told me that you two are at the Earth Peak-level as Formation Masters. Rean himself is at the Heaven Middle-level, while I''m at the same level as your two. However, you two know nothing about Circuitry Formations, so prepare to enter a completely new world for formations. Later, I''ll need your help teaching the disciples of the sect."


    Dian and Srevil looked at each other before looking at Rean, thinking to themselves, ''So the other twin was also at the Heaven-level...'' They quickly nodded and agreed to Qia''s offer. "As long as we have the same benefits as the others, we are more than willing."


    Qia was happy to hear that. "Very well." After that, she looked at the Formation Masters below Dian and Srevil, saying, "The same conditions apply to you. Temporary disciples until you prove you can contribute to the sect with your Formation Master knowledge. Everyone, follow me."


    In the end, only Rean and the blacksmith candidates remained in the open area close to the side-occupation halls. "Well, I guess there are only twelve of us left...as if! I''ve been teaching blacksmithing to my sect disciples for a few years now, so you better not think you''re hot stuff. I''m not only a Heaven Middle-level Formation Master, but I''m also a Heaven Middle-level blacksmith. I doubt anyone here can impress me. However, I don''t need you to do that. All I need is you to put your efforts to learn together with the sect disciples and forge the equipment the rest of the sect needs."


    Rean then looked at two old men before saying, "You are both at the Earth Peak-level, so I''ll put in extra effort into you two so that you can enter the Heaven-level as fast as possible. After that, you will manage the Blacksmith Hall with me. Understood?"


    "Yes!" After what they saw so far, it would be idiotic to doubt Rean''s words.


    Rean then guided those people to the Blacksmith Hall, where many blacksmith disciples were already waiting.

 Chapter 852 - Cant Be Helped

    Rean and Roan then spent their next few days organizing everything in the Alchemy and Blacksmith Halls. In the end, the new candidates followed different systems from them, which was quite worse due to the lack of resources and knowledge of the humans in this world.


    Sure enough, everyone in the Blacksmith, Talismans, Formations, and Alchemy Halls were blown away by the sudden influx of new knowledge. They truly came to understand what it meant to be just a frog in the well. If they had any doubts about their decision to join the Freedom Sect before, those doubts had completely disappeared by now.


    While Rean and Roan taught everyone in the halls, Freedom City also began to take a rough form. It didn''t have walls or anything like that. However, with the high-level cultivators working together with the Freedom Sect, things became a lot more organized than when they were fighting for the lands.


    Things seemed to be going okay until suddenly, the Freedom Sect received information about the humans coming from the Zasfin Continents. Hearing that, Malo quickly called Rean, Roan, Fizer, and Julia.


    "What is it?"


    Malo then displayed the information for everyone before saying, "The Zasfins are following the agreement and sending all the humans they have to Wringan Continent. Just a few moments ago, our island received two Airships filled with them. However, a new problem has emerged, and it''s not only here..."


    Roan immediately understood the issue, muttering, "Wringan Continent has mostly been occupied by low-level demon beasts in the past. At most, you would find some Stage Five or Stage Six Demon Beasts there. Stage Seven Demon Beasts and higher obviously stayed in the Demon Beast Continent. As for Zasfins, because Wringan is a lot closer to the Demon Beast Continent, it barely had any cities for them."


    Rean knew where Roan was coming from, continuing, "However, all the humans, who were present in enormous quantities as slaves in the Zasfin cities, are now being sent here. Even if we count the few abandoned Zasfin cities, it''s far from enough to lodge the humans, right?"


    Malo immediately nodded, responding, "That''s exactly the case."


    The problem was the fact that almost all the humans coming to Wringan had no cultivation whatsoever. Even if they had, they were too weak to do anything. The main issue, however, was the fact that all of them had lived as slaves until now. They had never thought of building their own homes or cities since their owner''s houses were also their houses. Now there were tens of millions of humans being thrown into the Wringan Continent without knowing what they can do whatsoever.


    Worse than that, it would be useless to ask for the demon beasts'' help with it. After all, demon beasts at Stage Four and below didn''t have sentience. Even if they had, demon beasts always lived in the wilderness. The fact that five Demon Beast Cities exist in the Demon Beast Continent was already very impressive and only happened because the Zasfins needed to trade with them. The demon beasts would be of little to no help in this cause.


    Fizer quickly shook his head after hearing the news. "There''s nothing we can do about that. Less than 0.1% of humans in the world lived in the Demon Beast Continent. Between those, the number of humans with high enough cultivation and knowledge is just a fraction of that. After all, I''m the only Elemental Transformation Human in existence, while the Zasfins have thousands of them. With just that, you can imagine the number of capable people on our side. It pains me to say this, but the humans being left in the Wringan Continent will have to adapt to the new environment by themselves."


    Roan agreed with Fizer, saying, "He is right. I don''t doubt that we would lose many humans during this transition stage, but it''s inevitable. At the very least, they aren''t slaves anymore. They can fight for their own lives."


    Rean narrowed his eyes as he thought about it. Even though humans weren''t slaves anymore, it didn''t change the fact that most of them were incapable of taking care of themselves in this place. You could say that it was their fault that so many humans were in a predicament now. Sure, they were slaves, but they were not at risk of dying.


    "Is there really nothing we can do about it?" Rean asked with a dark expression.


    Malo sighed in response before suggesting, "What I can try and do is separate some sect members above 14 years old who can protect themselves alone. Then, I could send them to Wringan Continent to help establish human settlements near oceans, rivers, and fertile lands."


    Of course, Rean understood that it was basically using a cup of water to put out a house''s fire. It was far, far from enough to make up for all the humans who needed help. Besides, the disciples themselves would need to stop their own training to take up a task that would need many years to complete. Last but not least, the number of disciples who were above at least 14 years old was very limited. It would be meaningless to send anyone under this age since they didn''t have the necessary maturity to make decisions. In fact, those around 14 would probably be fooled quite easily as well. Only the ones close to 18 and those that participated in the war could be said to have the right level of rationality to take up such a task.


    Rean then shook his head, telling him, "Don''t. We would basically lose a lot of good disciples in exchange for almost nothing." Rean then looked at Julia and Fizer before asking, "Do you think we can rally all the human cultivators to help with it?"


    Fizer and Julia immediately shook their heads. "All of them are probably busy enough taking care of themselves and the tribes they brought from the Demon Beast Continent. The only chance for the ex-slaves, in that case, would be to seek help in those tribes, but even that would be very limited. After all, the number of tribes that came here and know how to take care of themselves is still very small compared to the number of humans arriving from the Zasfins'' territories."


    Rean couldn''t help but sigh after that. In the end, there was just way too little they could do about the situation.

 Chapter 854 - Breakers Of Bounds

    Rean wasn''t concerned about Kentucky since he could take care of himself. After all, his strength was equivalent to a cultivator at the Initial or Middle Stage of the Soul Transformation Realm. Those who could pose a danger to him in Wringan Continent were few and far between.


    With that done, Rean then returned to his duties as a teacher during the mornings in the Blacksmith Hall. Qia was doing the same thing but in the Formation Hall. During the afternoon, Rean, Qia, and the best Formation Masters of the sect worked on the Circuitry Formation. While Qia and Rean dealt with high-level and complicated tasks, the others would work on simple ones.


    Obviously, Rean had the Blacksmith Disciples work on the cables since wireless communication at such low distances was unnecessary. In fact, Freedom City was also receiving a connection with the sect through wires. Back in Dalamu Sect, Majorias City was connected to it by cables, and it was 300 kilometers away. If those two were connected, let alone Freedom Sect and Freedom City, which was less than 100 kilometers apart.


    During the nighttime, Rean, Roan, and Celis would spend their time cultivating. Well, Celis was cultivating all day long nonstop, but when the twins joined in to cultivate, things became a lot faster. Also, Celis''s roots had finished spreading to the limit of what Celis''s cultivation allowed. With that said, the Spiritual Energy that was blowing from the top of Freedom Mountain was already equivalent to Rank Three Spirit Stones, just like their last home. Celis absorbed all the Spiritual Energy from faraway areas and concentrated it on the island.


    Of course, they weren''t the only ones. The sect members also worked on building the sect during the day and cultivated during the night. With the extra Spiritual Energy and especially the Yang Energy given by the Parasol Tree Totem, their cultivation improved by leaps and bounds.


    And just like that, another two weeks went by before Rean, Roan, and everyone else received another piece of news from Phex. Of course, Phex sent someone to tell them instead of coming himself. As soon as the demon beast saw Rean''s group, he passed the message, saying, "Phex asked me to come and tell you that the last few batches of humans from the Zasfin continents should arrive today. We used quite a few of our Stage Seven Demon Beasts to go around the Zasfin Cities to make sure no humans were left behind as well."


    Roan nodded, already expecting as much. "Alright. I''m sure the Zasfins have kept a lot of humans hidden from the Soul Rulers. In fact, even the Soul Rulers most likely hid a few for themselves for when they finish rebuilding the Bloodline Trial Control Formation. Nevertheless, that''s a very small number considering the total number of humans who came."


    Fizer agreed with Roan, saying, "That''s true. We can''t do anything about the ones left behind, which are probably those who were already locked down as sacrifices from the very start. But what we can do is try and protect the ones who are here right now."


    Rean sighed and nodded in the end. "Too bad we can''t help those last few ones, but we know that their souls are locked down by the formations. Even if we took those people by force, they would die due to the backlash anyway."


    Rean quickly shook his head and put those thoughts behind. "Alright, no point thinking on what we can''t help. The important thing is that the Zasfins are about to finish bringing the humans to Wringan. That''s already more than we could expect."


    The demon beast then added something else. "Phex also mentioned that the plan regarding the Bestial Sacred Grounds is proceeding as planned. It should really take around a year before Celis, Kentucky, Gulan, and Red can enter it with their cultivations."


    Julia, who was also there, couldn''t help but ask, "What is this thing about?"


    Fizer patted her shoulder in response as he replied, "I''ll explain this to you later. In any case, it has nothing to do with us."


    Julia narrowed her eyes but accepted Fizer''s words in the end.


    The demon beast then departed straight away after delivering the message, leaving the group behind. "Alright, let everyone get back to our tasks. There isn''t anything else we can do at the moment."


    Malo and the others agreed and left as well.


    Rean and Roan then returned to their rooms to continue cultivating when suddenly, they heard a message.


    *Pin!*


    [The last humans being brought to Wringan Continent have just arrived. With that, the age of human slavery meets its end. Whether it will ever happen again or not, no one knows.]


    [Congratulations, Hosts! Thanks to your intervention, the War Between Demon Beasts and Zasfins has reached a conclusion. The destiny of almost everyone on the planet was changed in many ways, adding to the Soul Gem System''s records.]


    [Hidden Quest Accomplished: Rebirth of the Human Race]


    [Reward: 20000 Destiny Points.]


    [Title Acquired: Breakers of Bounds]


    To say that Rean and Roan were surprised would be wrong. They had been told that their intervention in the war would definitely affect the mission rewards. Sister Orb made that very clear before. What they didn''t expect was that there was a hidden quest connected to it.


    "Sister Orb, does that mean we won''t get normal Destiny Points just by changing destiny in the surroundings?" Rean asked.


    Sister Orb immediately answered, [That''s correct. However, don''t feel sad because of that. The event with Celis rewarded you with 30000 Destiny Points. It changed the destiny of the inhabitants of the world way more than your intervention in the war. That means your intervention wouldn''t have gotten even close to that amount. However, the hidden quest reward still gave you 20000. Not to mention the new title and the ability it unlocks.]


    That was true. Since taking Celis away gave them 30000 Destiny Points, Roan guessed that intervening in the war would generate around 10000 to 12000 points. They got a lot more than that, obviously.


    "That''s good." Of course, Rean and Roan still had another doubt. "So...what does the title ''Breakers of Bounds'' do?"

 Chapter 855 - What Will You Buy This Time?

    The twins quickly entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and accessed the system to see it.


    [Breaking Bounds: 01]


    [Restrictions can be checked with the AI]


    As they looked at that, Sister Orb took the chance to explain. After all, they would definitely ask her. [It''s pretty similar to the title''s name itself. It allows you to break free from one bound as long as it''s not related to the bounds imposed by the system. However, you can only use it once!]


    "Breaking one bound once...this is quite a generic explanation, Sister Orb. Can you give us an example?" Rean asked, wanting clarification.


    [It''s quite simple. Let''s say you fall into a trap and have no way out. If you use this skill, the system would intervene and take you out of there. That''s not all, of course. It isn''t only related to dangerous situations. Let''s say you try to fly out of the planet, but its gravity is too strong for you to succeed. As soon as you use Breakers of Bounds, you will break free from the gravity and escape the planet.]


    She then warned the twins, saying, [However, you can''t ask it to do anything too big. For example, there''s no way the system can break the bonds of time so that you can become immortals. That far surpasses the level of what it can do. Do you understand the concept?]


    Roan nodded in response as he could not help but say, "That''s a useful ability."


    Rean agreed with him. "Indeed. No wonder it has only one use. If we could use it all the time, even if it cost a lot of Destiny Points, it would still be too overpowered. A single-use skill will force us to think well on where we should utilize it."


    Right after, Rean looked at Roan and asked, "Do you think we should keep it for safety measures or use it in some other field?"


    "If you''re asking about other fields, that means you have an idea on where to use it, right?" Roan asked back.


    Rean smiled in response as he replied, "I do have an idea." Rean then looked at Sister Orb before asking, "Would we be able to use it to break the bonds of a cultivation realm? For example, can we break through to the highest level possible straight away?"


    Roan had to admit Rean had a very good idea. If they headed straight into the highest cultivation realm in existence, wouldn''t they be able to finish the system''s task straight away? There would be no more enemies for them.


    Unfortunately... [Of course not! If it''s just a single realm, I believe the system can support it. And that''s because you''re only in the Nascent Soul Realm. If you were in the Elemental Transformation Realm and wanted to break the bounds to enter the Transition Realm, that would be impossible due to the energy difference. If you want to use it to make a breakthrough, the best moment would be now. I can''t guarantee that it''ll work between the Soul Transformation and Saint Realm either.]


    Roan couldn''t help but add, "As I see it, it seems that the System''s level is deeply rooted to our cultivations."


    [You''re right. However, the Breakers of Bounds skill was acquired while you were in the Nascent Soul Realm, so it''s useless if you think you can keep it for later. The skill itself won''t get stronger. Its strength is fixed at the level you acquired it.] Sister Orb also mentioned, [You better not complain about the restrictions. In my eyes, this is already a very overpowered skill as it is.]


    "Tch...seems to be too good to be true." Rean obviously lamented at the restrictions. Well, the system itself mentioned that it had restrictions when they first entered the Dimensional Realm.


    Rean and Roan began to ponder after that. They were still in the Middle Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm. If they used it to break through into the Soul Transformation Realm, that would save them at least a few years of hard cultivation. However, they wouldn''t have it in case an emergency comes up. Now that the Soul Gem System was barred from being used in dangerous situations, that might be their only life-saving method.


    [You can take your time to think about it. Don''t forget that breaking the bounds of a trap or the bounds of a cultivation realm aren''t the only types of bounds that exist.]


    In the end, the twins reached the same conclusion. "Let''s keep it. Be it for safety or anything else, I believe there will come a chance to use it in the future. Besides, it''s not like we aren''t confident about our chances in entering the Soul Transformation Realm anyway."


    [Smart decision.] Sister Orb was satisfied with their answer. [To be honest, using this skill to enter the Soul Transformation Realm would not be a good idea. After all, the Soul Transformation Realm requires one to find their own path. If you entered it through brute force, you would be severely lacking against other cultivators at the same level.]


    Those words immediately made Rean fall into deep thought. "I wonder what exactly my path is. Unlike the previous realms, I can''t simply accumulate enough energy to break through, right?"


    [That''s correct. The Soul Gem System''s Dark and Light Element Cultivation Technique will help you with everything related to the rest of the breakthrough. But the thing about path can only be found by yourself. It''s beyond the system''s ability. Well, it''s not because it''s too powerful, but because the system can''t choose a path for someone else, no one can.]


    Roan snorted after hearing those words. "What''s the big issue with it? You just need to follow whatever you believe, right? As long as you truly do that, the breakthrough will happen normally."


    Rean looked at Roan with surprise written all over his face. "Do you already know your path?"


    Roan looked back at Rean as if he was a fool. "You should know what kind of path I would take better than anyone else."


    Rean put a hand on his face, seeing how idiotic his question was. "Forget it. What else could you follow if not something related to death?"


    Roan nodded, not putting much thought into it.


    [Well, only Rean doesn''t know what to do, but he has a lot of time. Anyways, you have a total of 34402 Destiny Points. What will you buy this time?]

 Chapter 856 - It Hurts...

    The twins quickly accessed the Soul Gem System''s reward list to check their actual progress.


    [Soul Power and Spiritual Energy Fusion - 20000 Destiny Points] (Bought)


    [Nascent Soul Revival - 20000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Pass - 10000 Destiny Points]


    [Dragon Bones - 5000 Destiny Points] (Bought)


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 3 - 10000 Destiny Points] ( It will go to 15% when they buy it, they have 10% at level 2)


    [Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade Level 4 - 50000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Yin Yang Bathhouse - Reward from Destiny Strugglers Title]


    [World Essence Formation - Reward from Grade 2 Efficiency Title]


    [Breaking Bounds 01 - Reward from Breakers of Bounds Title]


    [Soul Connection Range Upgrade level 4 �C 20000 Destiny Points] (10000km)


    [Soul Gem Blacksmith Workshop Upgrade Level 4 - 10000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Alchemy Workshop Upgrade Level 4- 10000 Destiny Points] (New)


    [Soul Gem Electrical Formations Repository Upgrade Level 3 - 3000 Destiny Points] (New)


    Rean then shrugged his shoulders before saying, "Well, we already know what we''ll use our Destiny Points on, so let''s go ahead with it."


    Roan agreed with him, saying, "True. Send the request."


    The twins then used their Spiritual Senses and Energy to select the option.


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 3 - 10000 Destiny Points]


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    "Yes!"


    [Destiny Points: 34402]


    [Initializing Upgrade.]


    After confirming their choices, Rean and Roan braced themselves for the incoming pain as their meridians and the connections to their dantians began to change. Fortunately, they were ready for it, so they didn''t contort like worms, much to Sister Orb''s sadness. The upgrade eventually finished around one hour later.


    "Phew... So many Destiny Points for just another 5% increment," Rean said as his body relaxed after the upgrade.


    "It''s fine. Now we have 15% extra Spiritual Energy Absorption. You should know how much time we''ve saved during all these years with the first 5 and 10%." Roan was quite satisfied, though.


    Rean nodded and put those thoughts behind. Instead, he tried to absorb Spiritual Energy for cultivation, confirming that the speed increased by more or less 5%. However, it was then that Rean noticed something different.


    "Hmm...?" Rean then looked at the barrier of the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and could feel the Spiritual Energy coming from outside. There was nothing wrong with it. After all, Celis and Kentucky''s cultivation could also bring the twins'' cultivation up and vice versa. Even being inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm didn''t stop it. What Rean felt was something different. With that, he asked Roan, "Roan, can you feel the difference?"


    Roan immediately nodded, saying, "I can. The rate of Spiritual Energy entering our bodies from Celis''s efforts increased as well."


    [Well, there''s nothing to be surprised about that. After all, you became connected with him after Kentucky made the pact with Celis. Since it''s a cultivation-related issue, the absorption upgrade obviously counted Celis in the mix. The only sad thing is that Celis wasn''t here when you upgraded the first two levels. Because of that, he''s only absorbing Spiritual Energy 5% faster instead of 15% like you two and Kentucky.]


    Nevertheless, that was great news. Celis was the main reason for their cultivation to be increasing this fast. If Celis could cultivate faster, even if just 5%, that would be a great help for the twins in the long term.


    Of course, the twins weren''t the only ones that noticed it. Celis also perceived the difference outside in the sect. "What''s happening here?" He lifted one of his roots and couldn''t see anything out of the ordinary. "I haven''t had a breakthrough, so how come my rate of Spiritual Energy Absorption has increased?"


    Rean then left the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm for a moment, knowing that Celis would be confused with the sudden change. ''Celis, the change in absorption is related to your connection with Roan, Kentucky, and I. There''s nothing wrong with it, so don''t worry. I''ll explain everything later.''


    Celis heard Rean''s message and sighed in relief. ''Next time, tell me first before doing something to my body. As good as it is to absorb more Spiritual Energy, I don''t like the feeling of having my body changed.''


    Rean then remembered something. ''Oh, right! Did you feel any pain before the change?''


    ''Not really. Why? Did something go wrong?''


    Rean shook his head. ''No, it''s nothing. I just wasn''t sure if it would be different for you since you''re a Demon Tree and not a human.''


    Rean quickly entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and complained at Sister Orb straight away. "Why doesn''t Celis feel any pain whatsoever? Every time we get a body upgrade, we pass through hell! That''s not fair!"


    [Why are you asking me? I''m not the one doing the upgrades, you know. The system is. I''m just the support AI, you know?] Sister Orb obviously felt wronged by Rean''s accusations.


    "But you do know why right?" Rean still insisted.


    [I do. It''s more or less because Celis is a Demon Tree. He doesn''t have the nerves that transmit pain signals as you and Roan have. Naturally, there''s no such thing as pain. You should have stopped to think about it a little. Have you ever heard about a plant feeling pain? I haven''t...]


    Rean narrowed his eyes, but he couldn''t deny Sister Orb''s logic. "Well... that''s true."


    [If you want Celis to feel some pain, you''ll have to wait until he reaches the Transition Realm again. He will be able to take human form, which comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Feeling pain is one of them.]


    Roan couldn''t happen but ask, "Now that you say that, we had a lot of trouble moving him around with his true form before he lost his cultivation. Couldn''t he transform into his human form when we saved him from the Soul Rulers?"


    [If I''m not wrong, the Soul Rulers probably restricted this ability with the formations present there. After all, his roots were spread through the entire planet. If he suddenly changed into his human form, the roots would lose their main energy source and die. Or perhaps they would simply disappear with him.]


    Rean and Roan had to admit she was right.


    "Wait! What about Kentucky?"


    Somewhere in Wringan Continent, there was a Minokawa with tears in his eyes. Out of nowhere, a sharp pain assaulted his meridians, which made him crash down from the skies like a meteor. "Sniff, Sniff~ It hurts..."

 Chapter 857 - Its Almost Done

    [Ahem... Kentucky should be fine... probably.] Sure enough, even Sister Orb couldn''t tell how Kentucky fared, although it was obvious that she knew that he passed through the same issue.


    Rean sighed after hearing that. "I guess there''s nothing we can do about it since he''s too far away." After that, he asked Roan, "Should we buy anything else?"


    Roan pondered over it for a bit before accessing the system to check the price of the next Spiritual Energy Absorption upgrade.


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 4 - 20000 Destiny Points]


    "Hmm..." Roan then looked at their Destiny Points before saying, "We still have 24402 Destiny Points, so we could buy it. We would get a 10% improvement in a single go, which isn''t a bad thing."


    "Would there be anything else better for us to buy?" Rean was also pondering on what he should get or not. "The Soul Gem Dimensional Realm Upgrade is out of the question since it costs 50000 Destiny Points. I can only imagine what kind of ability the Dimensional Realm would get after buying it."


    Roan shook his head after that, saying, "No point in guessing since we won''t know anyway. Instead, we could also opt for the Soul Connection Range upgrade. It would allow us to use its abilities within 10000 kilometers of distance from each other."


    "I don''t think we have a great need for that at the moment. We rarely move too far away from each other, after all," Rean mentioned. "Between that and the Spiritual Energy Absorption upgrade, I would take the latter."


    [You also have the Side Occupation Workshops and Repository. It might be a good idea to increase their level.] Sister Orb also gave her opinion.


    Rean then looked at Roan to ask, "Do you need an upgrade for your alchemy workshop at the moment?"


    "Not really." Roan shook his head. "I already can concoct Heaven Middle-level pills, so I have no need for other equipment. Of course, I still don''t know what Level 4 of the Alchemist Workshop would give me, so it might turn out to be the wrong choice."


    Rean agreed with Roan. "Same thing here. I would be happy if I got some new smithing equipment, especially one similar to the ones I had on Earth. However, it''s far from a priority at the moment since I can do very well with what I have already."


    In the end, there was only one choice. "Let''s upgrade Spiritual Energy Absorption again."


    Rean quickly exited the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and warned Celis that he would pass through the same process again. Celis didn''t understand how Rean and Roan were doing that but agreed with it. After all, the improvement was obvious. It''s just that he still didn''t like the sensation of something happening to his body. Little did he know that he was having it easy since the twins and Kentucky would go through a lot of pain in the process.


    After returning to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, the twins immediately accessed the Skill List.


    [Spiritual Energy Absorption Upgrade Level 4 - 20000 Destiny Points] (it will go to 20% total.)


    [Confirm Purchase?]


    "Yes!"


    [Destiny Points: 24402]


    [Initializing Upgrade...]


    Rean and Roan once again braced themselves for the pain as a certain Demon Bird fell from the skies once more. Poor Kentucky thought the worst was over, so he continued on his way to deliver the jade slips, but that obviously wasn''t the case. It wouldn''t be before several hours later that he would risk taking flight again, afraid that the same pain would assault him.


    Sure enough, Rean and Roan felt the difference in the Spiritual Energy coming into them from Celis after the upgrade. Everything went as planned, so they could cultivate even more. From now on, they would save one-fifth of the normal time used for breakthroughs.


    "I guess we''re done." With the upgrades now done, Roan didn''t waste time and left straight away. For him, any time was working time. That''s why he went straight back to cultivation.


    It was still nighttime, so Rean did the same thing. When he arrived in his room, he noticed that Qia was cultivating on the bed, so he joined her. Rean took that opportunity to use his Spiritual Sense and tell Celis about what happened. Since Celis couldn''t betray them because of the pact with Kentucky, he didn''t mind telling everything. And just like that, the night went on quietly.


    Rean, Roan, and everyone else continued to do their work during the next few days. Since Wringan Continent couldn''t be attacked, there were no risks for anyone on Freedom Island or the continent as a whole. Of course, that was only the case for those with a high enough cultivation. The continent and the island still had many demon beasts at Stage Four and below. Then again, that was a good thing for the humans'' future training and experiences.


    Ten days after the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm event, Kentucky finally returned to the sect. His jade slip bags were now gone since he delivered them to the humans. He even helped a few groups clean the way for them to reach some of the closer cities. He was also very happy. Other than the initial fright that his appearance would cause, the humans, especially the females, would understand that he didn''t mean harm. He had been treated well in most of the places he visited.


    "By the way, you didn''t tell me that I would also have to endure the pain of the meridian upgrade process. Wasn''t it supposed to be only the two of you?" Kentucky asked with an angry expression.


    "Stop complaining. Aren''t you fine? Besides, that will save you a lot of time during cultivation, so you should be thanking us. Also, don''t forget that we suffered the same pain as you." Rean didn''t have any of that, though.


    Kentucky and Rean then talked for a while longer until the Minokawa decided to go back to his nest on Celis.


    Rean quickly put those thoughts behind him and returned to the Communication System''s building. On the roof, one could see a new type of equipment that looked like an antenna. Rean couldn''t help but smile at it, muttering, "It''s almost done."

 Chapter 858 - Finally Ready

    Qia was also there with Dian and Srevil, the two other Earth Peak-level Formation Masters. Of course, they were way older than Qia by a huge margin. Nevertheless, they didn''t care. What they''ve seen so far in the Formation Hall had changed everything they knew about formations, so they looked more like kids every single day in there.


    In any case, it had just been two weeks and a few since they joined the sect. Even if they had the abilities, it would take a lot more time for them to understand the usage of all the runes of the circuitry formations. Rean didn''t mind it, though. He still had a lot of time to teach them and the other disciples. "Alright, let''s give it another shot. Srevil, turn on the communication formation and let''s see what happens."


    Srevil couldn''t build those formations by himself, but he already understood how to use them. "Alright, here we go."


    The formation soon turned on as the antenna above the roof shone with a blue light. If one paid attention to Spiritual Sense, they would be able to tell that Water Element was being gathered around it. Rean''s new long-distance transmitter worked a bit similarly to his half-moon brooches. It used the specific reading of an element to send a signal that could be received by another device made with the same elemental reading.


    This was a fusion of Blacksmithing, Talismans, and Formations in one mechanism. Unlike the Spiritual Smartphones, it didn''t use Rean''s or anyone else''s Elements, though. In the Spiritual Smartphones or the half-moon brooches, to be more specific, only the element of the user could be used. Otherwise, it wouldn''t work.


    That''s where blacksmithing came into play. Rean could create equipment that could gather elements on its own. Using this method, Rean devised a specific forging process that would always gather the Water Element with the same reading. That way, anyone would be able to use it.


    "Good! It seems like it is working." Rean couldn''t help but nod in satisfaction. "Srevil, try to send a thought through the communication formation."


    That was the part where the knowledge of Talismans was used. Obviously, the method the Thoughts Transmission Talisman used came into play. Of course, only the principles were used here. After all, Talismans disappeared as soon as a message was sent. Rean''s communication device obviously didn''t have that issue.


    Suddenly, Qia noticed another device on the table shining with blue light. Sure enough, that was a Spiritual Smartphone that Rean crafted with the help of the Blacksmith Hall''s disciples. After all, the blacksmiths would need to know how to make them in the future to make the devices more widespread.


    Qia quickly took out the Spiritual Smartphone from the table and used her Spiritual Sense to check if there was any message inside. ''Can you hear me?''


    Qia nodded and used her Spiritual Sense to answer, responding, ''Yes, I can. There''s a lot of interference, though.''


    The communication system then turned off as everyone laughed. "Interference or not, it definitely works! Good job, everyone. This equipment will change the world!"


    Rean agreed with the disciples there. "True. However, I still need to improve the transmission of the signals. The antenna is a lot more powerful, so the excess Spiritual Energy might be causing the interference."


    Dian immediately came up with an idea. "I do know of a formation used to stabilize chaotic energy. It''s normally used near places with volcanoes, storms, and things like that. Do you think it could work?"


    "There is only one way to know!" Rean answered straight away. Sure enough, it was a lot better when many heads worked together. "The Spiritual Smartphone doesn''t use too much Spiritual Energy nor does it gather too much element. Thanks to that, it doesn''t have interference in the messages it sends back to the antenna. We just have to fix the antenna itself."


    Rean then looked at the lower-level disciples before saying, "You guys already understand that it''s impossible for you to craft the runes inside the Spiritual Smartphones at your level. In fact, it''s hard for me as well. The runes are just too small. That''s why I put you to work on the Minuscule Rune Carving Circuitry Equipment."


    Qia already knew of the Minuscule Rune Carving Device. It was exactly the same thing she and Rean were working on before Sunkan Planet exploded. Naturally, they had all the blueprints in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, so they only needed to rebuild them. Rean left that task for the Formation Masters who were at the Earth High-level and below. It also served as a way for them to understand how the Circuitry Formations worked.


    "So, how is everything going?"


    Liza, who was now a Formation Master at the Middle-level, immediately replied. "We succeeded in creating the first one. However, it''s very clumsy. It fails in the creation of runes nine out of ten tries." She couldn''t help but drop her head when she said that. Well, not only her, but the other disciples did the same. Rean and Qia had truly made everything many times easier for them, but they didn''t get very far.


    However, Rean and Qia''s answer took them aback. "What?! Nine out of ten?! That''s incredible!"


    Qia continued, "I remember the first machines we made. It took us half a year to finish it, and we would be lucky if it crafted a single rune in 20 or so tries."


    "It seems like all our sweat was not in vain. With the blueprints ready, they''re improving a lot faster," Rean also added.


    Another disciple voiced out everyone''s thoughts right after, saying, "Is this really okay? We aren''t the least bit near to creating something usable. Let alone using this Minuscule Rune Carving Device to develop other devices capable of making even smaller runes."


    "That''s fine," Qia replied. "With the way you''re going about it, it shouldn''t take more than a month or so until it''s ready. However, don''t forget, Rean and I will not help you. We want you to understand how they work by yourselves."


    Rean agreed with Qia, continuing where she left off, "As long as you finish building the first one, the next ones will become a lot easier. After all, you have the blueprints of the next ones as well."


    Liza''s group got excited, seeing that they were actually doing fine. "Great! Then, we''ll head back to work straight away!"


    Rean, Qia, Dian, and Srevil nodded. They would work on the antenna, so they needed more people to take care of other tasks.


    After they left, Dian immediately passed Rean the Energy Stabilizer Formations he knew. In the past, Dian would never give the blueprints of his formations for free. Only he knew how hard it was for him to get them since he was a human. However, he simply didn''t care anymore. This was truly a small price to pay compared to what Rean and Qia had shown him in the sect.


    It wouldn''t be before seventeen days later that Rean''s group would finally succeed in adding the Energy Stabilizer Runes to the Communication System. "I guess we''re finally ready to test real wireless long-distance communication."

 Chapter 859 - Duties

    The disciples in the Blacksmith and Formation Halls were called by Rean a few days later. After that, he passed them the blueprints of several things he wanted them to produce. "These are the blueprints for the antenna parts I need all of you to help me with. They are components at the Earth Low, Earth Middle, and Earth High-level that I know you guys can make. As for the rest, Qia, Dian, Srevil, Juo, Govin, and I will work on them." Juo and Govin were the two Earth Peak-level blacksmiths that Rean found in Freedom City.


    One of the disciples of the Blacksmith Hall looked at the list and couldn''t help but ask, "From what you wrote here, it seems like you''ll just build 20 antennas. Isn''t that way too little? Wringan Continent is very big, even if it isn''t one of the best continents out there. These antennas wouldn''t be able to cover even a tenth of the north side where we live."


    Rean nodded, saying, "That''s the plan. You must understand that it isn''t enough for the Spiritual Signal Antennas and their controlling devices to simply work here. We need to test them in several different situations. What will we do if we find a critical issue, but we''ve already distributed all the antennas? Wouldn''t we need to go back and recover all the equipment back? That would be a huge waste of time."


    The disciple understood, saying, "I see...that''s fine then. We''ll start working on these parts straight away."


    "Good!" Rean was satisfied with the answer. "The Formation Hall''s disciples should work on the runes and formations that I passed as well. Since only 20 Spiritual Signal Antennas are being made, I want all your tasks to be done in at most two days. Do you all understand?"


    "Yes, Elder Rean!" The disciples from both halls immediately left with Rean''s blueprints. Well, it wasn''t only his blueprints. Qia, Dian, Juo, Govin, and Srevil also came up with more ideas and helped improve the antenna even more. A good example was the Spiritual Energy Stabilizer Formation that Dian provided.


    Rean''s group didn''t waste time either. Other than the nights that were dedicated to cultivation, they spent the rest of their time crafting the runes and formation parts of the devices that controlled the antennas or even the antenna parts themselves.


    Thanks to the combined effort between the cultivators of both halls, the antennas were really completed two days later, much to Rean''s happiness. "Great!"


    Qia, who looked a little tired, took the chance to say, "It''s good that we finished them so quickly. However, you''re not planning to leave with them straight away, right?"


    Rean looked back at Qia, asking in response, "Why not?"


    "I knew it!" Qia couldn''t help but sigh after that. "You really forgot the difference in cultivation between you and the rest. Look at us. We''re too tired to do anything else anymore. Give everyone a few days off. We haven''t stopped ever since you started working on it."


    Only then did Rean stop and pay attention to everyone''s condition. Sure enough, he and Govin still looked fine. However, both Rean and Govin were at the Nascent Soul Realm. Of course, Govin was already over 200 years old. Nevertheless, that age for a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator was the same as an ordinary human in his early forties. His cultivation only gave him an extra boost.


    "Oh...my bad, my bad." Rean then smiled before saying, "Everyone, take some rest for the next three days. We will head out to put the antennas down after that."


    Liza and everyone else immediately cheered!


    "Yay! I can finally sleep!"


    "I''m definitely going to eat out!"


    "I''ll go with you."


    "Hey, I heard a disciple saying that a cultivator opened a restaurant in Freedom City. Let''s go there and check it."


    "Oh! They''re really fast, huh? Well, a restaurant in a developing city would obviously be a good business. After all, a lot of work makes you hungry as hell."


    The disciples left the building where the Communication System was being made while talking about Freedom City. That, of course, made Rean a little curious. "Govin, Dian, Srevil, Juo, you can head out as well. There''s no point in staying here while the disciples aren''t around to learn."


    Dian and the others were obviously happy with that. "Then, we will take our leave."


    Of course, there was one exception, which was Govin. "I would rather stay and work some more on the Communication System. Is that fine?" Sure enough, he wasn''t tired, just like Rean, so he wanted to learn even more.


    Rean shook his head as he replied, "No can do. Even if you aren''t tired physically, you must rest mentally. I don''t want anyone working in the next three days. This is a Sect Elder''s order. Understood? If you break this order, I''ll send you out of the sect."


    Without much choice, Govin could only accept that.


    After he and the others left, only Rean and Qia were left behind in the building. Rean then took the opportunity to ask, "How about it? Do you want to go to Freedom City to check out that restaurant they were talking about? We have never had someone good at cooking during our travels, after all."


    However, Qia grabbed Rean''s robe with a savage expression. "To hell with the food! What I want is something completely different." Soon after, she pulled him back to their room. Rean was surprised to see that. Qia looked tired just a moment ago, so where did that go? A few moments later, Rean came to understand that Qia was very frustrated...or, to be more specific, sexually frustrated.


    "You won''t escape me today. Ever since we got back together after the war, we had been working, working, and working even more. You better fulfill your marital duties today," Qia said with a playful smile.


    Before Rean could answer, the girl was all over him already. As for what happened next, anyone would be able to tell even without seeing it first hand.

 Chapter 860 - New Powers

    Rean and his team eventually left the sect three days later. Among them, many disciples of the Blacksmith and Formation Halls came with them using the sect''s airship. They would spend a few days outside while setting up the antennas. Since they weren''t planning to install them too far away from the sect, Rean would still be inside the 3000-kilometer range of their Soul Connection so that he and Roan could exchange elements. That would prevent the twins from holding Celis and Kentucky back.


    On the other hand, Roan stayed in the sect. He was already quite busy teaching alchemy each day while still practicing his combat skills. After all, his role was always battle-related. While Rean focused on the Destiny Points, he would keep improving his and Rean''s combat manuals.


    There was one good thing, though. Roan now had Julia and Fizer to help him with his practice. Fizer would teach Malo what he could while Malo was free. However, when Malo was busy with the sect duties, Roan would knock on his door as long as he wasn''t cultivating or teaching alchemy.


    "What? You again? Haven''t you received a good beating already?" Naturally, after coming to him many times, Fizer began to get annoyed.


    Roan didn''t mind Fizer''s words, though. "It''s exactly because I received a beating that I come to you. Can you see anyone else in this sect other than you or Julia who can force me to go all out?"


    Fizer sighed in response, knowing that it was true. Yesterday, it was Julia''s turn to keep Roan company, so he had to go this time. "You''re lucky that you truly gave me a nice disciple. Otherwise, I wouldn''t spend so much time on you."


    "It''s not like you haven''t gained anything from it either," Roan said with an emotionless expression. He was right. Even though Fizer was at the Elemental Transformation Realm, Roan was still far more experienced at combat. After all, he was still a Death Spirit in the previous life...or Death itself. When Fizer matched his power, Roan would point out the mistakes he made.


    "Fine! I don''t know how you can be this good while being so much younger than me. However, I have to admit your notes have benefitted me." Fizer was quite a prideful guy, being the strongest human in the world. The fact that he admitted Roan helped him showed how much he gained from that.


    Back on Rean''s side, they had the map showing the places where the humans were left on the north side of the north of the continent by the Zasfins. Kentucky helped a few groups move to the abandoned cities, and those cities were the places Rean planned to leave the antennas. On top of that, he also wanted to check how they were doing.


    The first city they would visit was Sustral. Naturally, this was another abandoned city by the Zasfins. However, it wasn''t as if it was completely empty. After all, the Zasfins who lived there knew that they couldn''t keep their humans anymore. That being said, they simply left their slaves behind after the demon beasts came to check it. The humans that arrived after wouldn''t be the first ones there.


    As they got closer to it, Rean noticed many humans traveling on the ground, heading in the city''s direction. On the hands of a few low-level human cultivators, Rean noticed the jade slips he asked Kentucky to deliver. ''Seems like Kentucky did a good job.''


    However, he quickly noticed that the number continued to increase nonstop. Eventually, when he saw the city in the distance, he understood that things weren''t going very well. Just the queue to enter the city was enormous. Not to mention that the town itself was already packed with more people. "So many of them..."


    "Do you think it''ll fit the groups we saw behind?"


    "Not a chance! Those groups were just the ones we saw from the direction we came. There should be more people heading to Sustral City from other directions."


    "He''s right. I can tell with my Spiritual Sense that the city doesn''t even have space in the houses anymore."


    "That''s to be expected. This wasn''t a very populated continent to start with. Compared to the others, there are very few cities, and they were quite small. Now that we have all the humans of the world in Wringan, those cities are simply not enough."


    It was then that Rean narrowed his eyes. It wasn''t because the city was gradually becoming overpopulated, but because he could tell that most of the big buildings had very few people inside. Also, there were a few Energy Gathering and even Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators barring the city gates.


    "You guys, go into the city and find a good place to put the antenna and the controlling Circuitry Formation Device. I''ll take a look around."


    Dian, Srevil, Qia, and the others nodded after that. The airship was very high in the skies, so no one noticed it entering the city since it looked more like a small dot.


    Rean then descended in front of one of the city gates as he asked, "What is happening here?"


    Rean used his Spiritual Energy to increase the volume of his words, so everyone in front of the city gate noticed his arrival. Naturally, when they saw that Rean arrived while flying, they understood that his cultivation was much higher than anyone present.


    It was then that the Foundation Establishment guard in front of the gate came out in a hurry, asking, "Sir, I''m the chief responsible for the south gate. Is there anything you want to know?" Sure enough, he tried to be as respectful as possible.


    Rean narrowed his eyes in response, saying, "I can tell with my Spiritual Sense that the city still has space to shelter more people in the big buildings that were used by the Zasfin clans before. Why is everyone being held outside?"


    The guy quickly answered, "Those clan estates already have owners, so others can''t use them. Otherwise, they would be infringing Fausec Country''s law. Without any other choice, we can only keep the rest of the people outside."


    "Fausec...Country?" Rean was taken aback. Until a few weeks ago, such a country didn''t exist. Where did it come from?

 Chapter 861 - What Now?

    "What the hell is this Fausec Country? The Wringan Continent has just started to receive humans from all over the world. There should be no such thing as a country," Rean obviously voiced out his thoughts.


    The Foundation Establishment guy immediately became nervous as he explained, "Sir, this was something decided by the humans who first arrived in this country. They gathered together and founded the country under the Fausec Tribe''s flag. Any human cultivator at the Energy Gathering Realm or above who decides to join them can have a state for themselves inside the cities."


    Rean''s expression became even darker after that. It was then that Rean remembered something. "Wait! Could this Fausec Tribe be a group from those sealed human regions?"


    Back when Rean''s group arrived on the planet, they heard of areas where humans were thrown inside to survive on their own. According to Frandin, those regions didn''t really have rulers since the Zasfins would get rid of any human cultivator that got too strong. They considered heading there to hide but gave up in the end. That was a lawless territory, or so they heard. Later, they understood that those regions were the places where the Zasfins got their sacrifices for the Soul Marks.


    "Oh! Could it be that sir also came from one of those territories?" The guy immediately smiled as he said that.


    Rean shook his head as he replied, "No. However, now I understand why such a thing would happen. For you guys, what mattered the most was to survive at any cost. Those were the rules the Zasfins created for those areas in the past. Now that you''re free, you''ll obviously use the chance to take control of as many things as possible."


    The problem was that this was a delicate moment for the human race. Instead of trying to take advantage of their higher cultivation, they should instead help out as many as possible. After all, the clock for the human race was ticking. Once the agreement of non-aggression on Wringan Continent is over, the humans would need to rely on themselves to resist any possible attack from the Zasfins or even the demon beasts.


    The guy in front of Rean didn''t deny that. "True. If you''re strong, you''re entitled to more. Isn''t that obvious?"


    Suddenly, Rean received a Spiritual Sense Message from Govin, the only other Nascent Soul Realm in his group, telling them, ''We found a tower on the east side of the city. If we protect it with some formations and build the communication system here, it should prove quite efficient.''


    Rean sighed as he looked behind at the huge queue waiting to enter. Obviously, they could only go inside the city after someone leaves. Otherwise, they couldn''t enter. That rule wouldn''t apply to him since he could simply fly above the city wall. Rean pondered a bit in silence if he should intervene to allow more people into the abandoned Zasfin city. However, he shook his head and didn''t do anything, thinking to himself, ''If Roan was here, I''m sure he would tell me not to do anything.''


    Rean was right. Roan would simply think that even if he helped put more people in the empty states, that wouldn''t change the general situation. After all, even if one counted the old Zasfin clan estates in the city, the fact was that the town was already more than 90% full. What difference would it make?


    ''Still, I better pay a visit to this Fausec Tribe ruler and check what he intends to do. This Fausec Country would also take our Freedom Island as part of it, after all.'' Rean also noticed something else. ''Since it''s already like this here, the rest of the continent is probably going through the same situation.''


    Rean was right. Although this ''Fausec Country'' was one of the firsts, quite a few more were appearing in other parts of the continent. After all, not only the humans from the sealed regions were brought here, but the humans who lived in the Demon Beast Continent as well. One must remember that Freedom City didn''t become a battleground for land acquisition because the Freedom Sect intervened. Otherwise, similar things would have happened there as well.


    Without saying anything, Rean took flight once again and passed over the city wall. The chief guard of the gate obviously didn''t dare to complain after seeing that. He knew that for Rean to be able to fly, he was at least in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Rean wasn''t someone he could afford to offend. Instead, he turned around and gave another order to one of his subordinates, saying, "Go to Lord Kimi''s estate and tell him what happened."


    The subordinate quickly nodded and left straight away.


    With Rean''s speed, he arrived at the tower mentioned by Govin very fast. However, Govin''s group wasn''t inside. Instead, they were waiting in front of it while they kept the sect''s airship flying far above the city with the rest of the disciples.


    "What is it? Is there someone inside?"


    Qia shook her head, explaining, "We''re not sure. It''s just that someone used an Anti-Spiritual Sense Formation around it. We can''t tell what''s inside unless we force it."


    When Qia said ''force,'' Rean understood that she wasn''t talking about barging inside. Instead, the level of formations wasn''t anything that high. Because of that, as long as Qia or anyone at the same or above her level forced their Spiritual Sense, they would be able to pierce through it.


    "I understand..." Rean then looked behind him and saw hundreds of eyes focused on his group, asking, "By the way, couldn''t you be a little more discrete? Since you came down flying, you obviously caught all the attention from the people around the area."


    Dian scratched the back of his head in response. "Well...it''s just that we aren''t used to doing that in the Demon Beast Continent, so we didn''t think too much when we arrived."


    Rean''s group then discussed their next steps for a few minutes when suddenly, they heard some commotion heading in their direction. "Get out of the way! Get out of the way!" Not long after that, a few cultivators who seemed to be using similar clothes appeared there, one of them being surprisingly in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm.


    Of course, Rean''s group didn''t mind it much, with Rean asking, "Do they want something?"

 Chapter 864 - Band Together

    Kimi rummaged through his memories before beginning to talk. "His name is Mitamo Fausec. Just like my subordinates and I, he and his tribe came from the same place, the Kulo Sealed Region. He was the strongest cultivator there and governed his area with an iron fist. Well, everyone was the same, including me. Simply put, he became the King because he was the strongest and had the strongest tribe."


    "Iron fist, uh?" Rean narrowed his eyes before saying, "Have you been told that there''s a time limit for the humans to live in Wringan Continent without being bothered by the Zasfins or the demon beasts?"


    Kimi nodded, saying what he knew. "We heard it from the Zasfins who brought us here. For the next thousand years, we''ll be left alone. That''s all we heard."


    Rean nodded as he said in response, "That''s correct. That''s the agreement they have to follow after they lost the war. The demon beasts in the two continents on the sides of Wringan will act as protectors as well in case the Zasfins suddenly decide to attack us."


    Rean then looked at Kimi before continuing, "We only have so much time, so I hope you won''t try to pull each others'' legs. From the looks of it, both you and this Fausec King have the ability to reach the Saint Realm one day. After all, the Spiritual Energy in the world is a lot more concentrated now. That being said, if you don''t want to become slaves or get locked in a place once again, you better think of increasing humanity''s strength. Don''t try to hold others down if possible. Of course, do that as long as the others don''t try to take advantage of you."


    Kimi looked back at Rean with a weird expression, asking, "You definitely didn''t come from a Sealed Region, right? If you did, you wouldn''t be thinking about anything else other than yourself. At least not during the first few years of freedom."


    Rean didn''t need to hide that, nodding as he replied, "Indeed. Although I''m saying this, I''m sure that everyone will try to guarantee their own conditions first. However, there will come a moment where humans would have created a foothold in this continent. That''s the moment we need to think about increasing our forces to fight back against any possible invasion in the future, especially if people like you can live for way more than a thousand years."


    Naturally, Kimi didn''t care about such things at the moment. They had just been released, so they were trying to take what they could. "This utopia you''re thinking about won''t come anytime soon."


    "It''s not a utopia," Rean said as he arrived at the workshop. After that, he acquired a room for him to work on Kimi''s weapon as he continued to talk. "People need challenges to grow. That''s also one of the reasons why Wringan Continent still has demon beasts at Stage Six and below. They''re here so that everyone can have the chance to battle something else other than ourselves. The struggles between humans themselves are also part of this process. What I want is for humans to not make our race worse than it already is."


    Kimi could agree with that, at least. "That''s fine, then. I can guarantee that the people from Kulo Sealed Region wouldn''t be idiotic enough to destroy themselves from the inside."


    "How come?" Rean asked back.


    "Because there''s one thing we always stand up together against, the Zasfins. I don''t know how the people from the other Sealed Regions acted during the time they were there. However, our Sealed Region had fought against them many times. That was one thing that we had in common. Mitamo, obviously, was one of those who fought the fiercest." Kimi couldn''t help but sigh at that moment. "Too bad that we knew we were not changing anything. As long as someone surpassed the Nascent Soul Realm, the Zasfins would send a much stronger member to get rid of them. Nevertheless, we fought every time the Zasfins came with the intention of training against our forces."


    Rean could only imagine how life in the Sealed Regions was like. Not only did it brew humans for the sacrifices, but they were also used to train Zasfin disciples from various organizations. "So that''s how your King is, huh? He didn''t stay hidden. Instead, he fought even though he couldn''t surpass the Nascent Soul Realm."


    Kimi nodded as he said in response, "It wasn''t only him. His entire tribe was focused on fighting the Zasfins that came to train. Because of that, many others joined it as well. I, too, participated in a few of those fights. That''s why although I didn''t like it too much, I didn''t complain too much about selecting Mitamo as the King."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "There''s one thing I don''t understand. Wringan Continent is enormous. You could very well go to some other place and build your own force with your subordinates, maybe your own country. The same could be said for the others who participated in the decision to create this country. Why did you stay under the Fausec Tribe''s banner?"


    Surprisingly, Kimi answered straight away. "Insurance!"


    "Insurance?" Rean was confused.


    Kimi then explained, "Insurance. We were set free by the Zasfins, and we have the demon beasts to protect us for a thousand years...or so it was told. However, who can guarantee that? As far as we know, the Zasfins or the demon beasts might decide to get rid of us once for all now that the war is over. That would prevent a lot of trouble in the future."


    Rean finally understood. "I see...you will stay together to protect yourselves. If the situation changes, you will band together once more. It''s a lot better than being caught one by one in different places of the continent."


    Kimi nodded once again. "Yes." Of course, he also knew the other side of this issue. "Of course. If the years pass and nothing happens, I''m sure a lot of us will leave. As for what will happen when that time comes or how many will stay, that I do not know."


    Rean sighed after hearing that but didn''t say anything else. Rean then spent the next several hours crafting Kimi''s weapon. Only after he was done with it did he take his daggers back and pass the saber to Kimi. "Alright, our deal is done. Now, come with me. I want you to see what we''re doing in the tower."

 Chapter 865 - Richer Than Any Other Organization

    Kimi was surprised to hear that. "Aren''t you afraid that I might do something to whatever you''re going to do there?"


    "Not really," Rean replied with an unconcerned expression. "That''s just something that will be placed all around the entire Wringan Continent. It just so happens that we''re starting out here."


    Kimi got even more curious, so he followed Rean while keeping his saber in his hands. He already checked if there wasn''t anything wrong with it. If necessary, he would flee by force.


    Kimi then noticed something different in the tower, or, to be more specific, above it. It wasn''t the antenna, though. Instead, it was the Freedom Sect''s airship. The Formation Masters and Blacksmith Disciples were there as well. First, they had to learn how to do it. Second, they could help Rean''s group with the work.


    Kimi already lost count of how many times he was impressed with this group. The airship was Heaven High-level, after all. It was simply enormous. That wasn''t something Kimi could dream of having at all since it was more expensive than even his Heaven Middle-level saber. In fact, even if his saber was at the Heaven High-level, it wouldn''t be worth as much as the airship due to the number of materials necessary.


    "I''m starting to believe that you really have a strong sect."


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "Of course it is. This is just one of the airships we have."


    In the tower, on the last floor, Kimi saw several disciples working with Qia''s group to set up something. Kimi had seen formations before. He even had a few simple ones set in the tower. However, what Rean''s group was doing was completely different from anything he had seen in the past. With that, he could not reel in his curiosity as he asked, "What are they doing?"


    "Setting up a Circuitry Formation for communication," Rean explained.


    "Circuitry Formation?" Naturally, Kimi had never heard of it before. "You said that it was used for communication. Is it something similar to Thoughts Transmission Talismans?"


    Rean nodded, saying, "It''s similar when you think that it allows you to communicate through very long distances. However, you don''t need to make a new one after you finish using it. As long as there is Spiritual Energy, you can talk with anyone inside its range."


    Kimi understood what Rean meant by that. "Simply put, it''s a cheaper method of communication."


    Rean nodded. "You understand things quickly." Soon after, Rean threw him a Spiritual Smartphone...although it didn''t look like a Smartphone at all as always. It was more like a giant brick with a few buttons. "Keep it with you. This is just a prototype, but it should come in handy in the future."


    "Pro-proto what?"


    Rean didn''t answer this time. Instead, he joined Qia and the others in building the antenna and the controlling device. The Circuitry Formation that controlled the antenna had many small formations within it. Spiritual Energy Gathering, Spiritual Energy Electricity Generator, Router Formation, Spiritual Signal Conversion, Spiritual Electrical Energy Regulation, and so on... Because of that, Rean''s group took an entire day to finish setting it up, and that was already with the disciples helping.


    "Phew...it''s finally running." Rean then used the Display Formation to check the antenna''s options. "Hey, look!" Immediately, Rean pointed at something that looked like a few small bars.


    Qia, Srevil, and Dian immediately cheered in glee when they saw that. "Great! Freedom Sect''s signal is really arriving here, even though we''re almost two thousand kilometers away."


    "Indeed! It''s just as Rean and Qia said. The signal generated with Spiritual Energy can really bend! Otherwise, there''s no way it could reach this place with so many obstacles and the world''s circumvention itself."


    "We left Camila and Linda to watch the antenna in the sect. Try to send them a message."


    Srevil then took out a Spiritual Smartphone, one just like Kimi''s, from his bag. This one was a little better than the one Rean crafted for him and Qia during the war. Other than having to use one''s Spiritual Sense to send one''s thoughts inside, the device also had a few buttons on it. "Camila''s Spiritual Smartphone is the 15th one, right?"


    Dian nodded, responding, "Yes. The others are all here with us."


    Srevil nodded and pressed on the buttons as the use was extremely simplified. The signal would be sent everywhere. However, only the Spiritual Smartphone corresponding to the input of commands that Srevil pressed before would warn their owner that a message had arrived. The other Spiritual Smartphones would also catch the message. However, because the Circuitry Formation inside them had a different code, they would discard it as it wasn''t a message for them.


    Camila''s Spiritual Smartphone was the 15th one, so Srevil simply pressed 1 and then 5 before sending his Spiritual Sense Message.


    Back at Freedom Sect, Camila, a disciple of the Formation Hall, looked at the Spiritual Smartphone nonstop. She wasn''t the only one, though. Linda and a few other disciples that stayed behind did the same thing. Suddenly, the bric-ahem...Spiritual Smartphone shone with a warm light.


    Camila and everyone else immediately sent their Spiritual Senses inside to check if it really was a message or not. ''Camila, Srevil here. Are you receiving my Spiritual Sense Message?''


    *Wow!*


    All the disciples there were delighted to hear that.


    "Calm down, guys. Let me answer Senior Srevil." Camila knew that Srevil''s Spiritual Smartphone was the 3rd one, so she input the code for his brick before sending a Spiritual Sense Message in return.


    Sure enough, the Communication System''s formation used the antenna and spread the signal everywhere. Naturally, Sustral City received that almost instantly. ''Senior Srevil, It''s Camila. I got your message.''


    "Great!" Everyone laughed in the tower as they looked at the antenna above it. "Super long-distance communication without the need to spend expensive talismans. This is incredible!"


    Kimi was still a little confused before Rean took out his brick and input the code of Kimi''s Spiritual Smartphone. Naturally, Kimi noticed it shining with a warm light as well. After that, Kimi followed Rean''s instructions and finally understood what it was and how it worked. "Impressive! Do you have more of these things?"


    Rean shook his head, explaining, "We are still in the testing phase. Once we have a definitive product, we will let you know. Keep this Spiritual Smartphone with you. If you need something, you can simply input my code and use your Spiritual Sense to send me a message."


    Kimi immediately nodded. "Alright. But you must tell me when they''re ready."


    Rean smiled brightly. "No problem." At the same time, he thought in his head. ''This is the start of Freedom Telecommunications LTD. Hahaha! Our sect will be richer than any other organization in the entire world!''

 Chapter 866 - The Results

    However, it wasn''t long before Rean''s group noticed a few problems with the wireless communication system. "Rean, I''m picking up interference in the exchange of messages again."


    "Senior Srevil, the distance that we need to make the signal travel is much farther than the first test in the sect. Because of that, the consumption of Spiritual Energy is too high."


    "The antenna wouldn''t be able to operate for more than a few minutes before spending all the surroundings'' Spiritual Energy. After that, it will turn off on its own, and there won''t be anyone to turn it back on."


    "Qia, check this out. The higher usage of Spiritual Energy is making a lot more electricity pass through the Circuitry Runes. The runes won''t hold on for much longer like that."


    "Senior Govin, the Elemental Gathering Metal in the antenna is reaching its limit. I think the reading of the signal might change if it keeps up for too long."


    "Hmm...you''re right. I think the merging of Formation Runes with the Elemental Gathering Metal has resulted in some incompatibility issues. I''ll need to take it down to check further."


    Although many problems could be seen everywhere in the formation, Rean wasn''t the least bit bothered by it. "Hahaha! Just as we expected, we have many problems to deal with. However, that''s the reason I asked for only twenty antennas and their controlling circuitry devices to be made. For now, leave it be. Let''s first install the remaining nineteen of them in the other locations so that we can get a full scope of the general difficulties."


    "Yes!"


    Rean then turned to Dian and Qia, asking, "Have you finished setting up the tower''s protection formation?"


    Dian immediately answered, "Yes. As long as it isn''t someone at the Core and Soul Fusion Realm or above, it wouldn''t be easy to pass through it."


    Rean nodded in satisfaction after hearing that. "Very good." Right after, he looked at Kimi and said, "As per our deal, you will protect this tower for the time being as long as it doesn''t get in the way of your duties. To be honest, no one other than our sect knows how all of this works anyway, so I don''t see why someone would try to steal it. Nonetheless, I''m counting on you."


    Kimi was a little conflicted. That new communication formation was something that could set giant waves, so it would be a lie if Kimi said that he didn''t want to know more about it. However, he would need to talk with the Fausec King about it. Until then, he would keep his word. "Very well. You said you were going to the capital of our new country, so you better do it soon. After all, I already sent news of your group to them. It has nothing to do with you. This is, as you said, part of my duty as the lord of this city."


    Rean already expected as much. "No problem. The Fausec Capital, or the old Kamas City, wasn''t our next destination. But now that it has been renamed Fausec City and has become this so-called capital, I changed our plans to go there first. Just to make things move a bit faster, I also contacted the Ancestor of my sect to come along."


    "Ancestor?" Kimi couldn''t help but sweat a little as he asked, "Just how high is his cultivation?"


    "Oh! Nothing too impressive. He''s at the Elemental Transformation Realm," Rean said with a nonchalant expression. Well, for someone who always mingled with Transition Realm Zasfins and demon beasts, the Elemental Transformation Realm really didn''t look that impressive.


    Kimi''s expression went pale. ''Just what kind of monsters do they have in that sect? We really chose a shitty area to create our country, that''s for sure.'' However, he looked at his Heaven-level saber and shook his head. ''Even if things go south, I already profited from this endeavor. Well, it''s Mitamo''s issue from this point, not mine.''


    Everyone then left the tower before Qia activated the protection formation. It would stop others from entering but wouldn''t affect the tower''s signal. As long as messages weren''t constant, the tower could still work on its own.


    "Alright, everyone, back to the airship. We''re going to Fausec City to meet this Mitamo guy. Senior Fizer will meet us on the way." Rean then grabbed a bunch of disciples with his Spiritual Energy and took them into the airship. Qia and the others did the same thing before everyone left Sustral City.


    Back at Freedom Sect, Malo was still curious regarding the development Rean told him about. "A country so early...most of the people of the territory this Fausec guy is taking probably don''t even know that it happened."


    Roan was there as well. "There''s nothing out of the ordinary in it. Since they came from the Sealed Regions, they don''t know about us. Let Fizer and Rean deal with it. You already have a lot to do in the sect and your own training to work on."


    Malo nodded and put those thoughts on the back of his mind. With Fizer in the Freedom Sect, whether this place became part of a country or not wouldn''t change anything.


    The old Kamas City was the biggest of the cities abandoned by the Zasfins in the territory claimed by the Fausec Tribe and their partners. That being said, it was also one of the most aimed cities for the humans who had Rean''s jade slips.


    Just like Sustral, Rean''s group quickly noticed the sharp increase of humans making their way there. Rean even went out on his own and helped a few people who were being attacked by demon beasts or bandits. With his cultivation, he could follow the airship as long as it didn''t fly at full speed.


    Eventually, they were able to see the city in the distance. It was definitely much bigger than Sustral, but far from being as big as other capitals that they visited in the past.


    Immediately, Fizer felt the Spiritual Senses touching the airship. "Oh! They truly have one Soul Transformation Realm guy there. Quite a few at the Nascent Soul Realm as well. However, they can''t feel my presence due to the difference in cultivation." Fizer then playfully smiled as he muttered, "Now then, I guess this old man has no need to keep his cultivation hidden." Sure enough, Fizer opened his cultivation, making it as bright as the sun for any Spiritual Sense to see. The results...were very good.

 Chapter 867 - We Accept The Offer

    In an instant, all the fighting will from the cultivators in Fausec City disappeared like smoke. Fizer''s cultivation was just too high. It made Mitamo Fausec''s cultivation look more like an ant in front of an elephant. They were simply in two different leagues.


    "This..."


    "Is that the new force Kimi talked about?"


    "It has to be! Can''t you see the airship that appeared in the report?"


    "But what about that guy with ridiculous cultivation?"


    "What? Do you want to do something? Just pray that he isn''t angry that we created a country inside that Freedom Sect territory of theirs."


    As the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators continued to discuss, Mitamo Fausec thought about what to do. He knew that escaping was nothing but a pipe dream. If Fizer decided to get him, no amount of speed he could muster would be enough to flee from him. ''What are they planning to do with us?''


    Mitamo couldn''t help but remember his time in the Sealed Regions. Every time someone surpassed the Nascent Soul Realm, a Zasfin several times stronger than the person who made the breakthrough would appear to wipe them out. Of course, that didn''t mean the same thing would happen now.


    Mitamo then got up, telling the others, "Enough with the discussion. Let''s go out and receive them. It''s not like they came here to start a massacre, after all."


    Outside the main building in the city, Mitamo and his subordinates appeared as the enormous airship came down from the skies. Soon after, Rean''s group descended from it to meet Mitamo''s party. As for Fizer, he didn''t come down. He simply stayed in the airship, drinking tea as he kept an eye on the situation in his Spiritual Sense. ''Well, if it comes to Rean, he probably can fight that Soul Transformation Realm human head-on. I wouldn''t be surprised if he wins either.'' Sure enough, Fizer already had a grasp of the twins'' strength after he helped Roan practice so many times.


    Down there, Rean approached the group with a smile, saying, "Hello. I''m Rean Larks, an elder of the Freedom Sect located on an island north of here. I heard from one of your friends, a guy called Kimi, that you decided to build a country here. He also told me that the island we live on was also considered part of our country. Is that true?"


    Mitamo kept his calm as he looked at the airship in the air. He could still feel Fizer''s presence, even though he didn''t come down. However, he quickly put that behind as he looked at Rean, nodding as he replied, "We did create this country, yes. Though, we didn''t know the territory had already been taken by your people. It''s obvious to me that it would be useless to fight against you. With that being said, tell me. What do you expect from my Fausec Tribe and me? If leaving this place is what you wish, it can be arranged."


    No one blamed Mitamo''s passive stance. If they were in his shoes, they would be doing the same thing. Strength was king. That''s how their world had worked so far.


    However, Rean shook his head, saying in response, "To be honest, our sect couldn''t care less whether this place becomes a country or not. All that matters to us is how you intend to treat the ex-slaves that are being sent here. As you can see, the queue of people outside the city only grows, and the same is happening everywhere on the continent. Now that we are all free from the Zasfins'' influence for the next thousand years, what do you plan to do?"


    Mitamo and his group were taken aback by Rean''s words. They thought they came here to demand payment or force them to do something for them. They didn''t expect that this incredibly powerful sect''s first wish was to know how they would treat the ordinary people. "Why would you ask about that first?" Mitamo asked straight away.


    "Simple." Rean smiled. "Those humans are the future of your country and the Wringan Continent, and so are their descendants. If you''re not thinking of making use of them, you''re not fit to be this new country''s king. That wasn''t why the humans outside the Sealed Regions fought so much to get rid of slavery."


    Mitamo''s thoughts began to run wild when he heard that. ''From what he''s saying, they don''t plan to intervene in the creation of our Fausec Country. If that''s the case, I might obtain a huge advantage from this as my country would be the one where the so-called Freedom Sect is located. However, this sect seems to care a lot about the ordinary people, which was a very rare sight back in the Sealed Regions.''


    Mitamo then looked at Rean before saying, "Although I wasn''t planning to do much for them, I wasn''t going to make their lives hard either. I would simply leave it for the strong to survive since that''s how we did in the past. What do you expect us to do?"


    Rean was satisfied with that. "That''s already a good start. However, other than simply leaving them be, I would like you to create some initiatives around this new country to help those who want to enter the path of cultivation. That means making cultivation manuals available for everyone. Setting mission halls that can pay new cultivators with Spirit Stones, or maybe creating a few teaching places for the masses. Those kinds of things. If you follow this idea, my Freedom Sect won''t mind giving your new country support."


    "Support?" Mitamo had to admit that interested him a lot. "What kind of support exactly?"


    "First, protection," Rean offered. "If you''re in a complicated situation, we can help you. We have Saint and even Elemental Transformation Realm cultivators, so I guess this should be a good deterrence."


    "Second, we also have many cultivation manuals that should be much better than yours. You can have them as well as long as you spread them out."


    "Last but not least, financial support. One thing we don''t lack is money."


    Mitamo was already willing to help out with just the first condition. After all, it was already good enough that the Freedom Sect didn''t use their power to deal with them. The fact that they were willing to do so much on top of that was much more than he could expect. With that, it wasn''t a surprise as to what he responded. "We accept the offer."

 Chapter 868 - Yellow Color It Is

    That''s good to hear," Rean responded with a smile. "Now then, we are making a few things in the cities and other places around this country of yours. Come with me so that I can show all of you." After that, Rean''s group went to a tall building. It wasn''t a tower, but it still served the purpose.


    Just like what they did in Sustral, another antenna and a controlling Circuitry Device were built there. Rean then showed how it worked to Mitamo through one of his bric...Spiritual Smartphones. "And that''s how it works. We''ll be testing it in this country for the time being before we expand it to the whole Wringan Continent."


    Mitamo and the other Nascent Soul Realm experts were just as shocked as Kimi was back in Sustral. However, Mitamo couldn''t help but ask something else. "Don''t you run the risk of having people destroying the antennas on purpose? Some might think that the presence of your Communication System in their territories would mean danger."


    Rean nodded in response, saying, "The risk exists. However, chances are that most of the areas won''t destroy it."


    Naturally, Mitamo''s group was confused to hear that. "Why?"


    "That''s because those without it would be at a disadvantage," Rean explained. "What if your country can use instantaneous communication as many times as you want, but your enemy can only rely on expensive Thoughts Transmission Talismans? Who do you think would have a huge edge ahead between you two?"


    Mitamo had to admit that Rean was right. "I see...if other powers don''t want to lose their territories, they would also need to rely on your Communication System." Nevertheless, Mitamo was curious about something else as well. "There is a problem, though. Can''t these countries simply steal your antennas and use them as they wish?"


    Rean''s group laughed out loud after hearing that. "Hahaha! They can go ahead and try. I want to see who will understand how our Communication System works. Maybe, after a century of research, they might figure a thing or two out."


    Only Rean''s group knew just how complicated the Circuitry Formations were. First of all, it wasn''t just a single field of expertise. It needed both people proficient in Blacksmithing and Formations to put them together. It was to the point where Govin and Juo were teaching Dian, Srevil, and Qia about Blacksmithing. For example, the Lightning Beads that the Formations used to save information. Back then, the Dalamu Sect''s partner was the one producing it. However, only his sect could do it now. Because of that, Rean had the Blacksmith Hall learn how to produce it since he at least knew the crafting method.


    Seeing how Rean and the others were confident, Mitamo didn''t say anything else. There was the chance of someone trying to take it by force from the Freedom Sect, but that was a sect with an Elemental Transformation Realm cultivator. Who would be idiotic enough to try that?


    "Ahem..." Mitamo scratched the back of his head after that before asking, "Could our Fausec Royal Family and its elders have some of your...errr...Spiritual Smartphones?" Sure enough, Mitamo wanted to have one as well. It was just too useful.


    "I can give you one so that you can contact me in the future. However, these are all in the testing phase. Our sect has just developed them and needs some extra time to improve on its design." Rean pointed at his brick and exerted some strength before it broke into many pieces. "For example. It breaks quite easily." Rean didn''t mind doing that since they had crafted quite a few.


    Right after, Rean took another one and passed to Mitamo. "I''ll call you if I need something. Oh, right! I hope you can select some people to keep guard in this building. We''re going to put a few protection formations, but just in case..."


    Mitamo didn''t see a problem with it. He also offered his forces to guard the other locations Rean planned to set up the antennas.


    "That will be very helpful. Thanks." Rean then went back to help build the antenna and the controlling Circuitry Device.


    While Rean spent his time building new antennas everywhere in Fausec Country, Roan wasn''t sitting still back in the sect. The same could be said for Malo and all the other disciples. "How is it? Do you think this is a good enough test?"


    Roan nodded as he looked through a few documents written by the sect disciples. "This should do. However, it''s only useful for candidates between five and ten years old below the Foundation Establishment Realm."


    Malo didn''t mind. "That''s the good thing. It can also be used for kids that haven''t started to cultivate yet as long as they have the necessary talent. This will be our Freedom Sect''s first recruitment initiative."


    "That''s good, then," Roan said after he altered a few points in the tests. "Though, you haven''t told me yet what level you''re planning to accept."


    Malo then puffed his chest together with the others before saying, "Obviously, we won''t accept anyone below the Blue Color Level!"


    *Pah!*


    *Ouch!


    Suddenly, Roan slapped Malo''s backhead, making sure it would hurt. "Why did you do that?"


    Roan''s expression wasn''t very good. "Blue Color Level, your ass! Do you think everyone in the world has such high-level talent like you? There were so many of you because the Soul Rulers gathered kids from the world as a whole. However, we don''t have this capability. We''ll be lucky if we find ten blue colors or so every recruitment. As for Red and Purple Color Level? It''s like finding a needle in a haystack! Immediately reduce the requirement to Yellow Color."


    "Yellow?!" Glennie couldn''t help but exclaim. "Isn''t that way too low?"


    Roan shook his head in response as he explained, "Not at all. The disciples our sect has at the moment will be our main force in the future. However, even they will die at some point. We need people to replace them, and you won''t be able to rely on talent color alone." Roan then pointed at the documents describing the tests. "That''s why I modified it a little. It will not only test their talents but their will. Remember! Talent isn''t everything! I''ve seen many examples in the past."


    Since it was Roan who said that, Malo''s group could only accept. "Alright then. Yellow Color it is."

 Chapter 869 - Preparations

    The reason why Malo and the others came up with a recruitment method for the sect was because Freedom Island had also received quite a few airships with ex-human slaves in it. With the sect''s help, everyone there was given some land where they could build their own houses. Obviously, it was also located in the south of the island.


    Another good thing was that Freedom Sect was already used to farming. One must not forget that its carrots had a great use during the time when the Underwater Palace was attacked. In fact, Red had been mostly taking care of the farm until now. He wanted to grow the best carrots ever...or so he said. Rean then told him to help with the other farms.


    With that, it wasn''t hard to take the necessary land for farming to grow food for the people that arrived. At the very least, the humans dropped in Freedom Island were in a better condition than most humans in the Wringan Mainland. After all, they received the help of the cultivators around.


    Thanks to that, Freedom City gradually became more and more like a real city. The spaces that the sect disciples left for the roads were all paved according to Rean''s instructions as well. The good thing was that this world had cultivators. They could simply use Earth, Fire, and Water Element cultivators to make the work countless times faster than it would take back on Earth to pave the same amount of space.


    Juo, Govin, Dian, and the others that Rean took into the sect in the past were the first ones. However, as time passed, Malo and the others found more useful cultivators that were recruited into the sect to use their skills.


    Eventually, after everything was accounted for, the Freedom Sect released the first recruitment notice to the people on the island. The sect still had a lot to build and do. But that didn''t mean it had to completely close its doors for new members. It''s just that the recruitment would only be available for those at the age of 10 years old or below.


    As the people passed through the center of the city, they looked at the posters on the walls.


    -Freedom Sect is opening its door for new disciples at age 10 or below. For those who are interested in participate, please come to Freedom City''s north gate for the test. As for the test itself, it will be held seven days after the announcement has been made. Parents and other cultivators who want to watch the test can also apply at the north gate. However, only kids with Yellow Color Talent and above are allowed to participate in the recruitment. If you don''t know which talent color you are, you can check it at the north gate as well.-


    The announcement was brief but extremely effective. With the ex-slave families that arrived in Freedom Island, there was no lack of kids participating in the tests. Of course, this was just the first day of the announcement, so the Freedom Sect was expecting a lot more to come in the following days.


    Back at Rean''s side, he suddenly received a message in his bric- Spiritual Smartphone. "Hmm? Are they already starting to recruit new members? Roan and Malo are faster than I thought."


    Qia also saw the message. "In that case, why don''t we spread the news around Fausec Country? The idea is for the people of Freedom Island to learn more about the Freedom Sect as well, right? I think it''s a good opportunity to let people know about our existence."


    Govin and the others agreed with Qia.


    Rean pondered over it for a bit and couldn''t help but mention, "If we do that, we might receive way more disciples than we can handle. Freedom Sect has been keeping a stable number of disciples since it has never recruited before. If we do that, the situation might get out of hand. In the end, the sect doesn''t have many adults to take care of things."


    Dian shook his head in response. "I don''t think there''s a need to worry. If Roan allowed Malo to send the message, that means he''s already considering this possibility. I''m quite new at the sect. Still, I can tell that all its young people are a lot more responsible than you would expect from their age. They should be able to deal with it."


    Qia and Rean couldn''t help but bitterly smile. Why are the young people of Freedom Sect a lot more responsible? Because Roan trained them! If they went out of line, only hellish punishment awaited. It''s comprehensible that they grew up to be like that.


    "Well... I guess you''re right about that," Rean said without being able to find another good reason to not spread the news. "Well, let me call Mitamo, Kimi, Tuti, and the other lords of Fausec Country."


    Sure enough, Rean gave one Spiritual Smartphone to every lord of a city they installed an antenna in. By now, seven of the twenty planned communication devices were in position. Since there was no overload of messages, it still worked with the defects found so far.


    Rean then called them one by one and asked Mitamo to let the rest of the cities in the country know about it. One day before the test started, the Freedom Sect would pass by the towns to take the kids and their parents with its airship.


    Mitamo was the leader of the old Fausec Tribe. Naturally, he had many descendants who came with him. The same could be said for the lords and elders of other powers in the country. With that being said, all of them decided to have some of their not-so-important descendants participate. At the same time, they could go to the Freedom Sect to take a look at it. One must remember that they just found about Rean''s group. There was no lack of cultivators wanting to know more about the power behind them.

 Chapter 870 - You May Start

    That week passed in a flash as the preparations for the first Freedom Sect recruitment went smoothly. Just as Rean mentioned, an airship passed through the few cities that could be found in Fausec Country one day before the test as well. It''s just that almost no one knew about it, so a lot of the humans were somewhat skeptical about it. Because of that, there weren''t as many candidates as Rean thought there would be from these cities.


    The parents of the kids couldn''t be blamed, though. They had suddenly found out that they wouldn''t be slaves anymore and then were thrown inside a continent they knew nothing about. They were already busy enough trying to keep their families fed, so they couldn''t think about such a weird thing as sect recruitment.


    Nevertheless, the sect still got over 20000 candidates, all of them with at least Yellow Color Talent or higher! Roan''s prediction of only ten or so Blue Color Talents was considering Freedom Island alone. When Fausec Country was added, that number jumped to 47 Blue Colors while two Red Colors were found. However, Purple Color Talent was still incredibly rare. Not a single one was found among those kids.


    Rean decided to not participate in the test, though. They were busy enough with the antennas and other things, so they continued their work. Fizer and Julia were in the same boat. They were considered the ancestors of the sect, so they shouldn''t participate in this kind of thing unless there was some danger to it.


    Roan, however, was there first thing in the morning with Malo and Poliana. As the one responsible for most of the disciples'' training, he took it as a personal duty to watch over it. Fizer only cared about Malo and a few other disciples. Other than that, he didn''t spend much time with the rest of the sect. Julia did like to train disciples, but they were only females. In fact, she didn''t like the sect recruitment since it would sully her land of female cultivators...or so she said. Obviously, Fizer and the others ignored that comment and deemed her unfit to preside the tests.


    Roan looked at Freedom City''s north gate, which couldn''t even be considered a gate yet. It was basically a marker demarcating the end of the city and the start of the Freedom Sect''s territory. There, he could see a sea of kids, all around the same age. Roan could tell that some of them were in the Body Transformation Realm, other in the Energy Gathering Realm, and surprisingly, five were at Foundation Establishment.


    If one thought about Dalamu Sect''s recruitment back in Sunkan Planet, they had a lot fewer disciples taking part in it, just around 3000. However, the number of Foundation Establishment participants back then was way higher than that. Even if one considered that Dalamu Sect allowed candidates up to 13 years old, the number of Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators present in Freedom Island is way too small. That just showed how harder it was for humans to cultivate in this world.


    Roan then turned his attention to Malo, who was the one talking at the front. Roan would overwatch the test, but Malo was still the Sect Leader. Presiding over the trials was his responsibility.


    Many cultivators from several different cities from Fausec were there as well to watch the test. Naturally, the lords at Nascent Soul Realm and even Mitamo, the king, were there as well. They were expecting a bunch of old men and women to go through this test. However, all they could see were very young people coming from the sect so far. The oldest in that batch looked like to be Roan''s age, but they wouldn''t have noticed him if he didn''t have Nascent Soul Realm cultivation.


    Of course, there was one more thing they could notice with their Spiritual Senses...Fizer! Fizer wasn''t appearing there, but he made sure to keep his cultivation open so that everyone knew he was there.


    Eventually, the time arrived for the test to start. Malo then infused Spiritual Energy into his voice so that it could reach everyone as he said, "Welcome, everyone. I''m happy to see that so many kids are here to participate in the first entrance test for our Freedom Sect. I also want to thank their parents, who understood that this was a great opportunity and allowed their kids to come here."


    "First, let me talk a little about Freedom Sect and what we expect to achieve now the human slavery era is over." Malo had a big speech prepared, which he got Poliana and the others'' help to write. Roan also saw it as necessary since most knew very little or nothing at all about their sect.


    "With that, I hope every new disciple will give it their all once they become part of the sect. We have a very strict punishment and reward system. Believe me, you don''t want to fall behind too much. The elder responsible for everyone''s training is the reincarnation of the demon king himself. This is my friendly warning to you all." Malo wasn''t joking. Only the sect''s disciples knew what awaited the lazy ones. That was truly his goodwill to warn the candidates ahead of time.


    Roan glanced at Malo for a moment but didn''t say anything. He was fine with that title as long as it had some effect.


    "Alright then. Let''s start the test."


    Malo then used his Spiritual Energy to gather Fire Element and create a giant fire arrow. It didn''t have much power, but it was very eyecatching. The arrow then pointed in Freedom Sect''s direction as he said, "The first trial is a marathon. All of you have to run to the sect, which is located at the island''s Freedom Mountain."


    Up to this point, the first test was very similar to Dalamu''s test. However, the changes started after that.


    "However, there''s a different time limit depending on your cultivation. Ordinary kids have three days to arrive, and only the first 4000 will be accepted. Those at Body Transformation have two days to get there, and only the first 500 will be accepted. Those at Energy Gathering have one day to get there and there are only 200 vacancies for you. Last but not least, those at Foundation Establishment only have half a day to get there. Since there are only five Foundation Establishment kids here, you will pass the test as long as you arrive in time. You may start!"

 Chapter 871 - The Trick

    Roan really liked the marathon test back in Dalamu Sect. However, his was different from the very start. After all... there were no roads! The disciples only had a few signals placed in the sky to guide themselves through the forest and other regions. Roan did that because the island was only so big. The sect wasn''t the same 300 kilometers away from Freedom City as Dalamu Sect was from Majorias. The lack of roads was used to help with that.


    Of course, Freedom Sect made sure that the demon beasts of the island wouldn''t intervene with the kids'' test. The Energy Gathering and Foundation Establishment Realm kids might still be able to deal with it. However, the majority would only become prey. That wouldn''t be a test at all.


    Roan accompanied the kids'' movements with his Spiritual Sense and quickly noticed a few candidates. However, there were also a lot who simply stopped somewhere, afraid to take an extra step without their relatives watching. Kids were still kids, after all. Most of them were kids of ex-slaves, so they were more used to not being left alone like that.


    Nevertheless, the test continued. By the time 12 hours was gone, all five Foundation Establishment kids had already arrived in the sect. No one was surprised by that, though. The fact that they reached that level in this world''s condition showed that they received serious training since childhood.


    Eighteen hours. That was the time it took for the last of the 200 vacancies for Energy Gathering Realm kids to be filled. The rest of the kids at the Energy Gathering Realm were rescued by the sect''s disciples and were given back to their parents.


    Body Transformation Realm kids had two days to arrive. Surprisingly, though, only 412 Body Transformation Realm kids had arrived at the sect by the time the two days were up, quite below the 500 vacancies available.


    Three days was the time that kids without any cultivation had to complete the test. These kids also received support in the form of food and water every 20 kilometers. It didn''t look like much. But when you were walking in the middle of the forest, that was a hell of a distance for the majority of the kids at 8 to 10 years old. Dropouts were most frequent within this group as well. Naturally, they were mostly ex-slaves or the kids of ex-slaves.


    There was good news, though. All 4000 vacancies were filled after two days and 21 hours. The fastest male without cultivation was a kid called Jamiro. As for the female, it was a kid called Luana.


    Once the test was over, the sect''s disciples entered the forest in masses and began to send the kids back to their parents or the ones responsible for them. As for the kids who passed the first test, they were given a day to rest.


    During the night, Malo went to see Roan, who was talking about something with Calina. "What do you think? Was it good enough?"


    Roan pondered over it for a bit before saying, "Not too bad. It helped us figure out the mindset behind the kids who were slaves compared to the kids who came from the Demon Beast Continent. Sure enough, not a single one of the ex-slave kids topped the charts. We have a lot to do once the test is over."


    Malo nodded in response. Although the number of ex-slave kids was definitely much higher than the kids from the Demon Beast Continent, their levels were just too different. "Well, we weren''t any better until the moment you and Senior Rean rescued us. Still, under your guidance (and punishments), we turned out quite well, didn''t we?"


    Calina couldn''t help but laugh after hearing that. "Don''t blame my ice block too much. This is how he shows his love to those he likes."


    Roan''s mouth twitched a little after hearing that. "Dream on."


    Malo was always impressed with Calina. Only a few other than Rean and Kentucky could talk like that to Roan without receiving backlash. Well, Kentucky was just very fast at running when he pissed Roan off, though. "Ahem...so, will there be any changes in the second test?"


    Calina couldn''t help but ask, "You told me that your second test back in Dalamu was a demon beast hunt, right? You already copied the marathon...although it was a little different. Are you going to do the same thing for the second test?"


    Roan shook his head in response, telling the two, "That won''t work. First of all, we have 4000 kids without any cultivation whatsoever. Those who have cultivation are mostly from the Demon Beast Continent, so they are already used to fighting demon beasts since it was part of their daily lives. Such a test would be useless."


    Calina''s interest was piqued after hearing that. "Oh! Is that so? Then, what will you test them on?"


    Roan nodded at Malo, giving him the green light to speak. "We will initiate the Spiritual Energy Pressure Test."


    "Wouldn''t that be the same as the Marathon Test? I believe the kids'' will force have already been tested there, no?" Calina asked straight away.


    However, Roan shook his head. "Their will is fine already. What we will be testing is their affinity with Spiritual Energy."


    "Affinity? Like...the Talent Color?"


    "No. For that, we have the Talent Measurement Orb. What I want to see is which one of them can understand the trick behind it," Roan explained.


    "What trick?"


    Malo answered that question while showing quite a proud expression. "This is a test that I came up with, and Roan accepted that. It won''t just be the usual Spiritual Energy Pressure, but a type of pressure that can be conquered. Simply put, fighting against it won''t help. You need to accept and adapt to the pressure. We''ll see who will notice this point faster. This is a test where one''s cultivation is useless. After all, the one who will be creating the Spiritual Energy Pressure is Roan, who is many times above the kids'' cultivation realms."


    Calina finally understood after that. "I see...that is indeed fair. Even those five Foundation Establishment Kids wouldn''t have any advantage whatsoever here."


    Roan agreed with her before he nodded at Malo, saying, "This is a very good idea. It seems like you''re understanding your job as a Sect Leader more and more."


    Malo scratched the back of his head in response, feeling a little embarrassed. It wasn''t every day you received a real compliment from Roan, after all.

 Chapter 872 - Second Test

    The sect disciples helped those with injuries or those with any other issues while the kids were resting. When the test arrived the next day, all the kids were back to normal condition, ready to do anything. Obviously, their parents or those responsible for them were there as well, cheering for them.


    Malo then stepped forward and began to talk with the kids who passed the first test. "Well done with yesterday''s test. If you''re still here, it shows that you stood out among the majority, so you should be proud of that. However, the tests aren''t over. The next test is called the Spiritual Energy Pressure Test. All you have to do is stand up. Those who lie down for more than one hour will be out of the contest."


    Malo nodded at Roan, who flew above the field where all the kids were gathered. Soon after, he released his Spiritual Energy Pressure, which immediately assaulted the kids.


    *Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud...*


    In the very first second, all the kids lost their balance and fell. There was no exception for one''s cultivation, though. Even the Foundation Establishment candidates had the same issue. Roan, obviously, wouldn''t use the same amount of Spiritual Energy on ordinary kids and those who had cultivations. He was using his Spiritual Sense to check each kids'' cultivation and assaulting them with the right amount specifically.


    Roan kept looking around, waiting to see which kid would be the first one to ask to leave. After all, the problem wasn''t just standing up. It was the fact that it also hurt to stay there.


    However, one entire minute went by, and nothing happened. The kids were still trying to fight against the Spiritual Energy Pressure. Some seemed to be on the verge of crying. Others had painful expressions, but no one had given up so far. ''Better than I expected,'' Roan thought for a moment. ''Let''s see how long they can resist. If you don''t understand that fighting against the pressure is bad, you will lose your energy very quickly.''


    It took three minutes for the first kid to give up. "I wanna leave! I wanna leave!"


    The kid''s parents couldn''t help but sigh after seeing that. Nevertheless, they waited as a sect''s disciple entered the field and brought the kid back to them.


    As if a chain reaction started, one kid after another began to give up non-stop. By the time ten minutes had passed, more than 200 of them were gone. Roan didn''t care, though. He simply kept increasing the Spiritual Energy Pressure little by little, waiting to see if there would be anyone to notice the trick.


    Suddenly, on the corner of the field, a little girl at eight to nine years of age got up to her knees. Obviously, that caught both the attention of the kids around here and the adults watching outside. A few seconds later, she got up with much difficulty. It was obvious that standing up was a very hard task, but she succeeded in the end.


    However, before anyone could ask her anything about how she did that, a disciple of the sect appeared on her side and brought her away. At the same time, Suana announced with a loud voice, "Mariana Tulis passed the test."


    Around a minute later, it was a boy who understood the problem and stood up as well. Obviously, he was brought away in the next moment as an announcement spread throughout the area once more. "Carvan Fusols has passed the test."


    One by one, the kids began to understand that something wasn''t right. That''s because it wasn''t those with the highest cultivations who left first. Instead, it was ordinary kids or those with low cultivations.


    Thirty minutes had already passed, and both situations continued to happen. Kids gave up or found the reason why they couldn''t stand up. Of course, the ones who failed were much more numerous than those who passed. Understanding the trick was one thing. Applying it was another.


    Forty-five minutes had passed, and the near five thousand participants in the field fell to a little more than a thousand. Of those who left, one-fourth succeeded, while the rest failed. Those who were still there were because they were very stubborn or had difficulty adapting to it before standing. Roan didn''t make it easier for them either, as he kept increasing the pressure more and more. In a way, it would help them understand the method to pass the test faster. On the other hand, they would get tired much quicker.


    Eventually, Malo stood up and approached the field, saying as he infused his voice with Spiritual Energy, "Only five minutes left. For those who were able to resist Elder Roan''s Spiritual Energy Pressure up to now, I have to say that you are quite remarkable. However, those who could adapt to it and stand up were even better. As for those who failed, try again next time."


    Malo then smiled before saying, "However, as a token of my appreciation for your resistance, I''ll tell you how to do it in case you haven''t figured it out yet. This is the sect''s recognition of your stubbornness."


    Immediately, all the kids paid attention to Malo as he continued, "The trick is not to fight against it. You have to accept the Spiritual Energy Pressure and adapt to it. For those who have a certain level of cultivation, stop using your own Spiritual Energy to fight against it. That only makes things harder. As for those who don''t have cultivation, try to feel Elder Roan''s Spiritual Energy. Don''t treat it as a foreign object. Instead, think of it as part of your body."


    Malo then put his hands on his back after that. "That''s all I have to say. Good luck in the final moments."


    Thanks to Malo, quite a few kids stood up a few moments later. It was obvious that Malo''s clue had worked.


    Roan also didn''t mind Malo''s words. After all, he also liked those who didn''t give up until the very last moment. Even if they were one of the last ones to pass the test, they at least had the will to put effort into their training.


    Up to the last seconds, there were still kids conquering their limits and standing up. However, not everyone succeeded even after the explanation.


    Roan''s Spiritual Energy Pressure then disappeared as Malo announced, "The test is over!"

 Chapter 873 - Meet Roan

    Malo looked at the kids who failed the test first, telling them, "You did well to come to our sect to participate in the exam. Don''t worry; we know how hard things are for most of you and your families at the moment. Our Freedom Sect will provide you with some clothes and food for you to bring back to the place you live. If you don''t want to leave the island, we can let you take residence in Freedom City. I hope you will be back next time we open another wave of recruitment."


    The kids and their parents or guardians were delighted to hear that. A lot of them didn''t have much. That''s why they decided to take this sect gamble. "Thank you, Sect Master."


    Malo nodded with a smile after hearing that. "The same has been provided to those who failed the first test, so you don''t need to worry about them looking at what you have. The city lords from the towns you came from will also make sure nothing will happen."


    After that, Malo looked at the ones who passed the second test. "Now then, 1587 participants understood the trick behind the Spiritual Energy Pressure Test and are standing here now." He then looked at a girl and a boy before saying, "Carvan Fusols, Mariana Tulis, come forward."


    The girl and the boy couldn''t help but feel nervous when Malo called their names. However, their parents quickly pushed them forward nonetheless.


    "H-Here. I''m Carvan Fusols."


    "I-I''m Mariana Tulis."


    Malo smiled at them, saying, "You two were the first ones to understand the Spiritual Energy Pressure Test. Naturally, you were the first to pass the test as well. Unlike the Marathon Test, you will get a reward. Each of you will get 100 Sect Points, which can be used in several facilities in the sect, like the Spiritual Energy Gathering Formation Tower, pills from the Alchemist Hall, weapons from the Blacksmith Hall, and so on. Don''t look down on this number. This is a lot more than you would usually get through a mission at your cultivation level."


    The other kids couldn''t help but ask, "Does this mean the test is already over?"


    Be it the kids or the ones accompanying them, they all thought that there would be a lot more. After all, would just two tests be enough?


    Surprisingly though, Malo nodded as he said, "Yes, that''s all." He knew what they were thinking, of course. "You want to understand why there are only two tests, right? That''s quite simple. Our sect has just taken roots, and most of you don''t even have cultivation. More tests could be made, but we already obtained what we needed. Don''t worry. Many other trials await you here."


    For the first sect recruitment, Roan deemed it to be enough. The rest could be worked out later. He didn''t know what would happen in ten months when they entered the Bestial Sacred Land, so he wanted to leave the sect''s foundation complete, and so did Rean.


    Of course, although it went against everyone''s predictions, those who passed the tests were delighted to hear that.


    Malo continued, "Alright, that''s all for now. For those who failed, our disciples will send you back to Freedom City. You can then decide whether or not to head back to the cities you came from. The airships will be waiting for you there."


    "The kids who passed the test can head to the sect''s office on the back. Your parents can''t come with you, though. This is the limit to how long they can stay inside the sect. I know you also want to stay with your mothers or fathers, so the sect disciples will help them take roots in Freedom City. You can visit them later if you prefer. You have three hours to say your temporary goodbyes before heading to the office if you want."


    The parents or the guardians of the kids then took their time to ask the sect disciples about the life in the sect, bid them farewell, and much more. Obviously, many new disciples preferred not to enter the sect and head back to their parents instead...or so they wanted. However, every single one of them was rebuked after voicing those thoughts. Their parents obviously understood the great opportunity behind this recruitment. They wouldn''t let such a chance pass up for sure.


    Freedom Sect already had its own badge from the time they lived in the Demon Beast Continent. Naturally, they made a lot more for the new disciples. They could hold each disciple''s ID and mark their achievements as well as their Sect Points. Not to mention that only those with Rean''s authority badges could make alterations to it, preventing disciples from trying anything idiotic.


    The kids arrived in the sect''s office one after another and had their badges delivered. Soon after, they were sent to a new building in the sect called ''school.'' This was also another new thing that Rean and Roan added to the sect. In fact, Rean and Roan took a bunch of smart and older disciples before it even became a sect and taught them a lot. Reading, writing, basic arithmetics, and other fields. After these past few years, those disciples could now be teachers themselves and received quite a good amount of Sect Points to hold classes to the younger ones.


    This sect really stood out from others on this point. That''s because everyone could both read and write. Even the babies in the past, who were already eight years old or above, knew how to do that.


    Education! Both Rean and Roan knew very well what such a foundation could bring to the disciples in the future.


    At this point, the ex-slaves and the Demon Beast Continent''s kids weren''t too different. More than 97% of them didn''t know how to write and read, and most of those who knew had poor foundations in this category. Obviously, they needed to start to frequent the school as well. For that, the sect had already made all the necessary preparations.


    Last but not least, the kids were told to meet Roan.

 Chapter 874 - Roan Asks For Someone

    Well, it wasn''t just Roan, but Roan and a few of the stronger disciples of the sect. That obviously included Glennie, Falas, Wakaba, Rafin, and quite a few of the Purple and Red Color Talent cultivators. The reason behind that was because Roan wanted to teach them how to guide the younger ones. Checking cultivation manuals, checking their affinities, their habits, their weakness, and whatnot.


    "Ruver, right? I can see here that you have Yellow Color Talent. Other than that, what''s your Elemental Affinity?" Roan asked as the others watched.


    "I-I have an Earth Elemental Affinity, Elder Roan." The kid was obviously nervous, especially after hearing the stories about Roan. He was afraid that Roan would rebuke him straight away and give some harsh punishment.


    "Very well." Roan then looked at Vinkin, one of the sect disciples with Purple Color Talent. "Vinkin, you also have an Earth Elemental Affinity, so he would be in your hands. What do you recommend in his case?"


    Vinkin pondered over it for a bit before saying, "I would first check his body with my Spiritual Sense and see how his meridian path works. Based on that, I would obtain a few Earth-based cultivation manuals for him to try out. To make sure it''s the right choice, I would have him cultivate each one for a day before giving a test of performance with each one."


    Roan nodded after hearing that. "Alright. Come here and check his meridians according to what Rean and I taught you."


    Rean was the one who excelled at healing and understanding other people''s bodies. With that being said, he took his time to tell what he learned during his time acting as a doctor in Dalamu Sect, where he healed many different disciples.


    "Yes, Elder Roan."


    Vinkin then approached the kid and asked, "Have you ever cultivated before?"


    "No, sir."


    Immediately, Vinkin saw a problem there. Roan asked him to check the kid''s meridians. But since the kid wasn''t a cultivator yet, he hadn''t opened them yet. That was obviously a test. "Alright, I''ll send Spiritual Energy inside your body. Try to feel it."


    Vinkin did exactly that for a moment and asked again, "Did you feel it?" The kid nodded and waited for Vinkin to continue. "My Spiritual Energy is different from the environment around you since it was processed by me. However, it''s still Spiritual Energy. Now that you know how it is, you should be able to feel the Spiritual Energy around you. You need to use it to enter the first stage of the Body Transformation Realm, Blood Replacement."


    Vinkin then gave the kid a few more instructions until the boy finally succeeded in absorbing some Spiritual Energy. After checking the kid''s body while he did that, Vinkin thought about the time when he started to cultivate and the Body Transformation Realm manuals he had available. The kid''s constitution was somewhat different from his, but he could imagine which of the manuals he had tried before would be a good fit for him.


    Vinkin then looked at Roan before saying, "Elder Roan, he''s still an ordinary kid, so his meridians aren''t open for me to check. However, after probing his body while he absorbed Spiritual Energy, I reached the conclusion that the Gold Mud Body Transformation Manual would be quite good for him."


    Roan closed his eyes for a moment before remembering the contents of that Earth-type manual. It wasn''t really an actual cultivation manual since one could only be considered a cultivator when entering the Energy Gathering Realm and creating a dantian. It didn''t matter for Roan, though. He was just assessing Vinkin''s analysis skills to see if it fit the boy. "Indeed, the Gold Mud Body Transformation Manual would be good for him. It''s good to see that you had been paying attention to the classes. Alright, send the kid to the manual repository so that he can get it."


    Vinkin sighed in relief, knowing that he did a good job. "Yes, Elder Roan."


    After that, Roan looked behind where Malo and the others were waiting. "This is the type of thing I want you to do with the rest of the kids. I''ll keep my Spiritual Sense spread while you assess the kids. If you have any doubts, come talk to me. Of course, I''ll warn you if I see you making some mistake." Roan then looked at the disciples guarding the door. "Alright, send more kids this time. Ask them their Elemental Affinities so that they can match Malo and the others."


    Although there were 1587 kids to be checked, Rean and Roan had also taught more than 40 disciples to become real supporters. Each assessment took around five to ten minutes, so it wasn''t like it took very long. Roan would receive questions from everyone every now and then and point out mistakes as well. Nonetheless, by the time the last kid left the building, Roan was quite satisfied with the results.


    "It seems like you will be able to hold your own even if I''m not here to tell you what to do. Although you came to me to ask questions, the truth was that some of your peers probably already knew the answers, so you could rely on each other. Alright, that''s all from me for now. Except for Suana, the rest of you can leave and go back to your own things."


    Suana was the disciple who took care of the Mission Hall, and she was later made an elder of the sect. Her abilities at administrating things were very good, so she had her own team to help her with those tasks. She was the one responsible for most of the organization and tasks given during this first sect recruitment.


    "Suana, there''s a boy called Zuo Fin. Bring him to me later," Roan asked.


    Suana was surprised to hear that since Roan would never spend more time than he needed with anyone...except Calina, perhaps. Of course, she didn''t ask why and simply nodded. "Alright, Elder Roan."

 Chapter 875 - Zuo Fin

    Zuo Fin was one of the ex-slave kids that came from the Zasfins territories. He succeeded in passing the Marathon and Spiritual Energy Pressure test. However, his performance in both was nothing remarkable, which made Suana confused. If there was anything unexpected, it was the fact that he was already in the Body Transformation Realm''s Spiritual Vision stage. Of course, that wasn''t anything amazing either. ''Why would Elder Roan ask for this boy?''


    It was then that she noticed something. ''Wait! I haven''t seen this Zuo boy during the evaluation.'' Suana quickly browsed through the documents with the disciples who passed by Roan''s checking. Sure enough, Zuo Fin was not one of them. However, she found out that Zuo Fin did take his badge. ''Why didn''t he come to get a cultivation technique?''


    Suana became more curious as she started to ask her subordinates to look for the kid. The sect was big, but not to the point someone could disappear inside. It didn''t take long for a disciple to find Zuo Fin sitting on a boulder as he looked out in the distance. It didn''t seem like he was doing anything at all. "Hey, are you Zuo Fin?"


    Zuo was surprised someone called his name and quickly looked behind. Once he saw the sect disciple, he quickly nodded and replied, "Yes, sir. I''m Zuo Fin."


    The disciple then jumped to appear by his side before using his Spiritual Energy to grab Zuo. "There''s someone requesting your presence, so you''ll have to come with me." Before Zuo could say anything, the disciple already darted in the distance with him on the side. Naturally, that disciple brought Zuo to where Suana was working, the sect''s office.


    "Is this the boy?" Suana asked the disciples.


    "Yes. He''s Zuo Fin."


    "Very well, you can leave now."


    The disciple then left Suana and Zuo together in the room. Eventually, Suana asked what was bothering her. "Why didn''t you appear for the evaluation of your abilities? Everyone else already got their cultivation manuals and should start to cultivate anytime soon. You''re a new disciple, so you shouldn''t let this opportunity pass up."


    Zuo scratched the back of his head, clearly with some issues. Nevertheless, he still replied, "Can I... cultivate on my own? I won''t bother anyone, nor will I ask for resources without taking missions to earn them. I just prefer to be alone."


    Suana narrowed her eyes after hearing that. That wasn''t exactly the answer she was expecting. "No can do. Everyone has to take part in the evaluation. It''s the sect''s duty to make sure its disciples will take the right path." Soon after, she took an Elemental Affinity Orb from one of the shelves in the office. "Let me check your Elemental Affinity first. Once I find out which affinity you have, I can ask the right disciple to help you select a cultivation technique." Well, in fact, the one who would help him is Roan. Suana was just curious to see what was different with this boy.


    However, when Zuo saw the orb, he took a few steps back. It was obvious that he didn''t want to touch it. "Why are you running away? Have you never seen an Affinity Orb before?"


    It was then that a voice echoed inside Suana and Zuo''s minds, telling them, ''There''s no need to test his affinity. Our sect definitely doesn''t have a cultivation technique suitable for it.''


    Suana was taken aback as she immediately understood that it was Roan who talked to them. ''E-Elder Roan!''


    Zuo, of course, was even more shocked. From the expression on his face, it looked like he knew what Roan was talking about.


    Roan didn''t care about that, though. ''Stop wasting time and send him to me. I''ll deal with it.''


    ''Yes, Elder Roan,'' Suana replied straight away. Roan''s words only made Suana even more curious. But with Roan''s intervention, she wouldn''t dare to wait any longer and quickly brought Zuo to Roan''s residence close to Freedom Mountain''s peak. It was just a small hut, quite similar to the one he and Old Worm passed their time in the past. Not too far from it, there was a bigger building, which was the place where Rean and Qia lived. Of course, it was empty at the moment since the couple was out installing and testing the antennas. "Elder Roan, I''ve brought the boy."


    As soon as she said that, the door of the hut opened as a woman came out. Suana immediately recognized her. "Senior Calina, Elder Roan asked me to bring this boy to him."


    Calina nodded with a smile and patted the boy''s head. She could tell that he was very young, around 7 to 8 years of age. "So you''re Zuo Fin, huh? My husband is waiting for you inside." Calina then looked at Suana and said, "Thank you for bringing him here. I''ll take care of it from here on out."


    Suana then looked at Zuo one last time before leaving without saying a word. As for Zuo, it looked more like he wanted to flee from the scene. He was just a kid and had just joined the sect. It was normal for him to feel like that, especially since he was trying to avoid attention.


    Calina then brought the kid inside and went to the living room, which wasn''t that big. There, she gave him a few snacks while Zuo waited for Roan to come. Roan was working on some potions, so he was quite busy.


    Time passed, and two hours went by in a flash. Calina entertained the kid, which made Zuo relax a bit. Eventually, the door of the alchemy room opened, and the smell of spiritual herbs came out, assaulting their noses. "Alright, I''m done with it." Soon after, Roan looked at Zuo and said, "There''s no need for you to worry. I know that your Elemental Affinity isn''t any of the main five elements. So, how about you show it to me?"


    Roan quickly took another Elemental Affinity Orb from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and told Zuo, "Put your hand on it."


    Zuo felt somewhat conflicted since he was trying to hide it. Yes, he didn''t have any of the mainstream elemental affinities. Basically, he was just like Rean and Roan, but without a system.


    Calina then patted his head once again, consoling Zuo, "It''s fine. The Demon King isn''t too bad. I can protect you if there''s a need for that."


    Roan''s mouth twitched a little, but he didn''t say anything.


    Nevertheless, Zuo nodded after hearing that and touched the orb.

 Chapter 876 - Amazing Power

    Suddenly, the Affinity Testing Orb began to shine with a gray color. It wasn''t silver, like in the power of space, but gray. Sure enough, that was an Elemental Affinity separated from the five elements. Back in Sunkan Planet, Rean and Roan knew of two cultivators with different Elemental Affinities, although they had never met them. It was the first time they saw someone with a different Elemental Affinity in this world other than Rean and Roan.


    "This..." Calina couldn''t help but ask, "What does the gray color represent?"


    Roan shook his head in response, saying, "I have no idea. It''s definitely not dark or light. In any case, it''s not space either."


    It was then that Calina remembered something. "Then, how did you know he had a different Elemental Affinity?"


    "That''s because of the Yin Energy circulating in his body. It''s very different from other men, and I believe Rean would be able to tell the same thing about his Yang Energy. Usually, the energies are very similar for men and women. When I used my Spiritual Sense to feel all the kids during the Spiritual Energy Pressure test, I noticed the difference." Roan, of course, became even more sure when Zuo missed the evaluation.


    Soon after, Zuo took his hand away from the orb and looked at Roan, asking, "Is that a bad thing, sir? Will you throw me away from the sect? My parents just got a place to stay in Freedom City. Please don''t expel me."


    Roan shook his head, easing his worries as he replied, "I''m not going to kick you, boy. In fact, I''m very interested in this element of yours. Why don''t you tell me how you found out about it? Do you know what you''re capable of?" Roan knew Zuo was in the Spiritual Vision Stage of the Body Transformation Realm, so he should be able to control a little bit of his Spiritual Energy. Only with that would he know about the peculiarity of his own Elemental Affinity.


    Zuo still looked nervous. However, with Calina there, he nodded once again before he raised his hand. The little bit of Spiritual Energy he could control was used to gather that gray element right after. After that, Zuo looked around the room before pointing it at a metal bowl on the table.


    *Vup!*


    As if attracted by a mysterious force, the metal bowl flew in his hand''s direction, being grabbed by Zuo.


    Calina and Roan were surprised to see that outcome. That''s because they had their Spiritual Senses activated all the time. If Zuo had used Spiritual Energy to grab the bowl, they would have felt it. However, the amount of Spiritual Energy he could control wouldn''t be enough for that. Even if it was, Roan and Calina didn''t feel his Spiritual Energy leaving Zuo''s body at all.


    "What kind of power was that?" Calina asked straight away.


    Roan had an idea, though. Muttering, he asked, "Could it be magnetism?"


    "Magnetism?" Both Calina and Zuo''s attentions were piqued after hearing that. Obviously, even Zuo had no idea what kind of power he had. He simply knew he could do that.


    Roan didn''t explain. Instead, he took out several pieces of equipment from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. They were several types of metals and alloys, which were perfect for testing Zuo''s power. If it was magnetism, he should be able to attract all of them, maybe just varying in force of attraction due to the metal type. "Go ahead and try to take these things with your power one by one. Make sure you keep a distance of at least three meters to check the power''s strength as well."


    Zuo took a deep breath and then started his work. In the end, it was as Roan imagined. Zuo was able to attract and repulse the metals as he wished. The only differences were due to each metal''s varying levels of ferromagnetism. Some suffered more from it, like pure iron equipment, while others not so much. Nevertheless, it was a success.


    "I guess that pretty much confirms it. Zuo''s Elemental Affinity is Magnetism." Seeing Calina and Zuo''s confused expression, Roan continued his explanation. "Magnetism is the type of force that acts on any metals that are ferromagnetic. If you want a more detailed explanation, you better ask Rean about it. My knowledge of this field is limited. Anyway, because magnetism wasn''t a force used in the cultivation world, Rean probably never counted it when making his weapons. That''s why all of them are susceptible to this power. Well, he shouldn''t anyway since I doubt we would find another person with the same power as Zuo."


    In the end, Calina and Zuo only looked more confused, which made Roan give up on explaining. "Anyway, you just need to understand that it works on most metals. At the very least, on most metals used for weapons, especially high-level ones."


    Calina nodded and asked the most important thing. "Does that mean it is a strong element?"


    Roan shook his head as he replied, "I don''t know. It will all depend on how strong it can become and if he can control it or not. For example, if he tries to use the attraction force to steal someone''s weapon, it would be very helpful. However, if he can''t control and simply use it discriminately, chances are that he would attract a lot of debris from the surroundings. After all, a cultivator would be able to exert a lot of strength to keep his weapon at hand."


    Of course, Roan knew that Spiritual Energy changed everything. "Zuo, when you try to attract something, are you able to control which one you can attract?"


    Zuo pondered over it for a bit before nodding. "Yes, senior. They are...different." Zuo was still a kid, so he didn''t know how to explain it well.


    However, Roan understood what he meant. "You want to say that the power of magnetism you feel inside each piece of equipment is different. That''s why you can select which one to control with your Spiritual Energy and Elemental Affinity. Is that correct?"


    Zuo''s expression brightened as he nodded vigorously. "Yes! Yes! That is what I wanted to say!"


    Roan immediately understood after hearing that as he could not help but say, "Kid, you have an amazing power in your hands."

 Chapter 877 - Give Up The Demon King

    Calina then asked Roan, "What do you plan to do with him?"


    Roan pondered over it for a bit and then looked at the kid, deciding to ask, "Zuo, right? Are you willing to be my personal disciple?"


    Calina could not help but widen her eyes after hearing that. Roan had helped all the disciples so far. Although he was strict, he was also respected due to how good his training was. However, Roan had never dedicated too much time to a single person...except Rean. Well, if Rean didn''t improve, that would be a risk to his own life, so he had no choice. Otherwise, he might have killed Rean already.


    He did put more effort into Calina and the others, but that was more or less it. This was the first time he actively sought someone to train under his wing, a real disciple. Naturally, that went against everything Calina believed.


    Well, she wasn''t the only one.


    [Rean, Rean, Rean! Roan has just asked a kid called Zuo to be his personal disciple! That Roan! Quick, come see it!] Sister Orb exclaimed as she had a hard time believing what she just said.


    "What?!" Rean screamed out of nowhere. That obviously caught the attention of Qia and the others. However, before they could ask him what happened, Rean sent them a Spiritual Sense message, telling them, ''Something came up. Continue without me. I''ll be back as soon as I resolve it. Don''t worry, though. It''s nothing bad.'' Rean then disappeared right in front of everyone, much to their surprise. Even Govin didn''t know how Rean did that as he simply disappeared from his Spiritual Sense''s range.


    Rean didn''t care, though. He used the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm to teleport straight into Roan''s living room. One must remember that as long as Rean and Roan were connected, they could enter the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and leave it in the location where the other was. It''s just that Rean would have to make his way back normally after he was done. Well...he didn''t mind it at all this time around.


    "Where? Where?! Where is your personal disciple?! Wait! Did you really take a personal disciple? Are you okay? Did someone hit you in the head?" Rean already appeared in the room, throwing hundreds of questions at once.


    *Pah!*


    *Ouch!*


    Roan then hit him on the backhead with a dark expression. "Did we agree that we wouldn''t come out in the other''s location without warning the other first? What the hell are you thinking?!"


    Calina and Zuo looked at that without knowing what to do. Well, Zuo was more interested in how Rean appeared in the middle of the room out of thin air.


    Rean rubbed the back of his head as he looked around, just in time to see Zuo looking at him. After that, he asked, "Oh! Could that be your personal disciple?"


    Roan shook his head as he replied, "I just asked him if he wanted to be my personal disciple or not. Then, you barged in before the kid could even give me an answer."


    "Is that so?" Rean smiled at Zuo and asked, "What is it that caught this ice block''s attention? Could it be that you are the reincarnation of a god?"


    Zuo felt even more nervous. "I...I don''t know what reincarnation is."


    Rean shook his head in response. "Forget it. The fact is that you haven''t accepted Roan as your master yet." Rean then patted the kid''s head before saying, "Give up on that Demon King over there. You should become my disciple instead. I don''t know what caught Roan''s attention, but it''s bound to be really good!"


    *Bang!*


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    *Crash!*


    This time, Roan didn''t hold back and sent Rean flying with a kick. "Go fuck yourself! Next time you start saying bullshit, I''ll break all your bones!"


    Rean then got up while vomiting blood. Roan was really ruthless, so he received quite some damage. However, he still had a smile on his face. "See?! That''s the type of master you will get. You better stay with me."


    [Hahaha! That''s it, kid! Follow your big brother Rean instead.] Sister Orb also added oil to the fire...although Zuo couldn''t see where Sister Orb''s voice was coming from.


    The more Rean and Sister Orb could bother Roan, the happier they would feel. Injuries? Rean had his Instant Recovery skill. As long as he didn''t lose his head, he would be back to normal in seconds. Of course, that didn''t mean he didn''t feel any pain. It''s just that Rean thought that it was worth it.


    As for Sister Orb? She could trash Roan anytime she wanted to if he entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, so she wasn''t afraid at all.


    Roan really began to lose his patience. "Perhaps dying with you won''t be so bad as long as I kill you first."


    While the three idiots kept aiming at each others'' throats, Calina sighed and took Zuo''s hand. Unsurprisingly, Rean''s plan worked very well, and Roan''s outburst scared him a lot. "Don''t worry, little guy. Rean is basically the only one the Demon King treats like that." Well, there''s Kentucky and Malaka, but Calina thought it was better not to mention those two lost cases. "Besides, I''ll be here with you as well. If he hurts you, tell big sister. I''ll definitely protect you."


    Rean, who was in a brawl against Roan while Sister Orb cheered, thought that it was enough already. "Hahaha! Alright, alright! I''ll stop." Rean''s Light Element then covered his body as it healed his injuries in the blink of an eye.


    Finally, he decided to offer some help, saying, "Zuo, I was just joking. I like to make him angry, that''s all. However, Roan is indeed a very good master. You and your parents have a lot to gain if you accept his offer."


    It was then that Rean remembered, deciding to ask Roan, "Oh, right! Why do you want to take this kid as your first personal disciple?"


    Sister Orb quickly summarized the situation through a Spiritual Sense Message.


    "Magnetism?!" Rean began to pat Zuo''s should with a smile. "Kid, what an amazing power you have. On second thought, I think I really want to take you as my disciple instead."

 Chapter 878 - Roans Pill

    Roan''s expression turned dark again, which made Rean give up on the idea. "Fine! You can have him." Rean then looked at Zuo before saying, "However, don''t forget we''re around nine months away from the opening of the Bestial Sacred Land. You better make things clear to him."


    "You don''t say, mister obvious." Roan didn''t forget that point.


    Soon after, Rean left the hut and bid farewell. "Alright, I need to go back to work. I''m quite far away, after all." Rean knew he would need to fly a few hours to arrive in the city he was working in, but he still thought it was worth the trouble.


    Roan finally got some peace after that. "Zuo Fin, it is, as that guy says. I can be your master and teach you as many things as possible. However, there''s a task I have to do ten months from now. I don''t know if I''ll be back from there or not, so you might end up on your own after that."


    Calina shook her head in response, saying, "He won''t be on his own. He will still have the Freedom Sect to rely on." Calina then smiled at Zuo as she continued, "Of course, I''ll be going with Roan as well. You better think well about it."


    Zuo didn''t understand very well all of that, so he simply asked what mattered for him the most. "What about my parents? Will they be able to live well?"


    "Of course!" Calina answered straight away. "All the parents of the disciples that just joined the sect will be taken care of by the sect. You don''t need to worry about that."


    "Then, I accept." With that, Zuo finally decided to take the offer. He still didn''t know what a great opportunity it was, nor how lucky it was Roan who found him. In any case, that would become more apparent in the future.


    "Very good," Roan said as he touched Zuo''s back. "Now, try to use your Spiritual Energy and Element once again. I want to check your body."


    Calina couldn''t help but mention, "Isn''t it a problem to have a different element? After all, we definitely don''t have a cultivation manual for him."


    Sure enough, this planet wasn''t different regarding this point. There were only cultivation manuals for those of the five mainstream elements. The only exception was the Body Transformation Realm, in which a few generic ones could be acquired. But once Zuo entered the Energy Gathering Realm, he would be clueless on what to do.


    However, Roan shook his head, saying, "If there isn''t a cultivation manual for Magnetism, then I just need to create one," Roan said that in a very confident tone. He had memorized thousands of different manuals. Not to mention that Roan had modified many of them as well. If he wanted to, he could come up with a cultivation manual for each element.


    Zuo then followed Roan''s instruction and used his Spiritual Energy and Element. They continued like that for a few minutes before Roan asked, "Alright, which Body Transformation Manual have you been using so far?"


    The boy shook his head, replying, "I don''t know. It was my parents who taught me how to cultivate. They are also in the Body Transformation Realm...or so they said."


    Roan didn''t mind that as he said in response, "Alright, then repeat to me the things they told you to do while cultivating." As long as he knew the process, he would be able to identify it.


    Zuo did as Roan asked. Eventually, Roan understood which manual Zuo was using. "From what you told and showed me, you''re using the Down to Earth Body Transformation Manual. It''s a pretty common manual but has the advantage of being able to be used by anyone." Roan then pondered on which manual he should give Zuo instead.


    "Forget it. Just keep using this manual of yours. Its properties will be helpful once you enter the Energy Gathering Realm." Soon after, Roan took a pill out and gave it to Zuo. "Swallow it. I made it with a few rare herbs. Since you''re already in the Spiritual Vision Stage of the Body Transformation Realm, it should be enough to allow you to breakthrough."


    Zuo was surprised to hear that since he knew how hard it was to breakthrough. Obviously, he didn''t think about any possible consequence as a kid and took the pill straight away. Well, that suited Roan''s need anyway.


    Following that, Zuo felt a surge of medicinal and spiritual power in his body. In just a few moments, he reached the peak of the Spiritual Vision Stage and was ready to open his meridians.


    "Follow your cultivation manual. The pill''s medicinal power will assault your closed meridians and help you open them. They will also be a lot wider than ordinary meridians, thanks to that. However, brace yourself for some pain. My pill will destroy any impurity in your meridians, and that''s quite annoying."


    *Arrgh!*


    As soon as Roan said that, Zuo felt the pain. Naturally, he started to cry straight away. "Stop crying! If you don''t start opening the meridians, the medicinal power will make your body burst apart. Do you want to blow into thousands of pieces?"


    Roan''s words scared Zuo out of his mind. He finally understood why the guy was called the Demon King. Zuo then gritted his teeth and tried to remember his parents'' teachings.


    Roan nodded as he saw that Zuo began to open his meridians with his Spiritual Sense. At the same time, his pill''s properties widened them and got rid of all impurities on their paths. Calina, Malaka, Agis, and the others in Roan''s group already passed through that once they returned to the sect, so Calina could imagine what Zuo was feeling. ''Well, this is for his future.''


    One meridian, two meridians, three...with the help of Roan''s pill, Zuo opened his meridians in record time. Usually, that would be enough to kill the kid. However, Roan made that pill using both Dark and Light Element, so Rean''s Light Element protected his body in the process. When the final meridian was open, the medicinal power of Roan''s pill ran out.


    *Thud!*


    Following that, the kid fell to the ground, unconscious.

 Chapter 879 - Rean Needs Help

    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery.''


    Roan''s hair turned black and white as he healed Zuo''s body. With Rean''s skill, bringing Zuo back to his shape wasn''t anything hard to do, especially since their cultivation difference was so big. However, Zuo was still fatigued, so he wouldn''t wake up until the next day.


    A few hours later, somewhere else, Rean finally made his way back to the city where his group was working. "How is it? Did you finish setting up the antenna?"


    Qia narrowed her eyes in response, saying, "How would we? The person responsible for the critical parts suddenly disappeared and left us hanging. You''re the only Heaven-level Formation Master here, you know?"


    Rean bitterly smiled after hearing that. "Ahem...of course, I knew that. Let''s finish it, shall we?" Rean quickly talked with Qia and the others before beginning to work on his part of the project. Also, he made a mental note to himself. ''I need to help them enter the Nascent Soul Realm as soon as possible so that they can use Heaven-level Formations. As long as they have the cultivation, I''m confident I can let them reach that level. I can''t keep working alone on these small runes forever.''


    Sometime later, the antenna was finished, and the protection formations were put in place. "Alright, try to send and receive some messages now."


    Things continued like that until Rean''s group finally got all twenty antennas installed. Once that was done, they returned to the sect with all the disciples to try things out. Sure enough, they found many problems even though the project itself had worked. Well, it was not like they didn''t expect it.


    However, instead of working on the issues, Rean changed what the group what to do, saying, "I''ll ask Roan to make a few Heaven-level Cross-Realm Pills. That will help Dian and Srevil, already in the Peak of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, enter the Nascent Soul Realm." Sure enough, he immediately began to work on creating more Heaven-level Formation Masters.


    Rean wanted to do that for Qia as well. Unfortunately, Qia was still in the Late Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. If they forced her cultivation to go up an entire stage with pills, her foundation was bound to suffer the consequences. "Qia, I can only tell you to focus on your cultivation for the next three months. Once you enter the Peak of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm using the right method, we can use a Heaven-level Cross-Realm Pill to let you enter the Nascent Soul Realm."


    Qia didn''t mind, though. "It''s fine. Srevil and Dian should be enough to help you with the formations. Also, since you''re helping them enter the Nascent Soul Realm, they will be in even more debt to the sect. Just go ahead and help the two."


    Rean smiled in response after that. "Alright."


    Dian and Srevil, obviously, couldn''t thank Rean enough. Qia was right. They felt to be in great debt with the sect after that. In fact, they didn''t mind it. Even if someone asked for them to leave without having to pay anything back, those two wouldn''t do so. They understood that this was only the beginning.


    Roan didn''t like Rean''s request, though. "Do you think the materials for Heaven Initial-level Cross-Realm Pills are easy to get? Even if I can concoct them without any issues, I don''t have that many herbs. If you want me to do that, go outside and bring me more herbs."


    Rean didn''t like how Roan worded it either. "What about your herb garden in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm? Can''t you use the herbs there? The World Essence Formation should be making them grow quite nicely."


    "Forget about the garden," Roan said, unwilling to touch it. "The way the herbs there are growing up, they will definitely become materials above Heaven-level in a few years. I don''t want to touch them."


    Rean sighed, but Roan was adamant on not touching his own herb garden. "Fine! I''ll head to Freedom City and see if I can get the herbs there."


    One must remember that Freedom City was still the place where a lot of Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Realm cultivators gathered, hoping to join the Freedom Sect at some point. There were bound to be a few cultivators there with the herbs Rean needed. He could make Heaven-level equipment, so he could trade for those. ''Dian and Srevil better work to the bones once I get the pills.''


    The next day, the Freedom Sect sent some news out. Two Core and Soul Fusion Realm cultivators who had just joined the sect had broken through to the Nascent Soul Realm. That was thanks to one of its elders'' pills, which made that bottleneck that haunted so many cultivators as thin as paper. Some of the cultivators outside knew who Dian and Srevil were. That only helped increase everyone''s wishes to enter the Freedom Sect at any cost.


    Rean also gave those two some Cultivation Stabilizing Pills to help out with the chaotic energy in their dantians. "You have two weeks to get it under control. I know that it''s not enough to stabilize it completely, but it should be enough to not get in the way of your work anymore. Once that''s done, I''ll help you become Heaven Initial-level Formation Masters."


    It would be a lie if Qia said she wasn''t jealous of those two. Nevertheless, she knew her moment would eventually come.


    While those things happened in the Freedom Sect and its territories, the world outside wasn''t sitting still either. Many changes were constantly happening in Wringan Continent, with the emergence of new cities and countries led by cultivators. Malo kept receiving news of these places and constantly sent messages out, telling the new powers about the Freedom Sect.


    According to Malo''s plan, the idea was to make the Freedom Sect the go-to sect in Wringan Continent. With Fizer''s name, the cultivators of the Demon Beast Continent immediately recognized it as well. The humans from the Zasfin territories didn''t take it seriously, though. However, Malo didn''t mind. "Everything has a start. They will come to understand that this is the center of power of the human world sooner or later."

 Chapter 880 - Live Up To Its Name

    And so, three months had gone by, just like that. Freedom City kept receiving more and more cultivators from the outside, knowing about the Freedom Sect and Fizer''s power. Celis had also finished spreading his roots, so the concentration of Spiritual Energy stabilized at the Rank Three level over the entire island.


    During this time, Malo combed through the cultivators in Freedom City, taking into the sect as guest elders the ones who could help with its development. As for the ones who stayed in Freedom City, they weren''t feeling bad at all. Freedom City had soon become a trade center, where many cultivators who didn''t intend to stay there came to trade. Because of that, the cultivators who first arrived on the island and took their pieces of land started to profit a lot from it.


    Information from outside kept coming through the sect''s efforts as well. Soon, a map of Wringan was drawn out, and the countries that started to emerge were included there. By now, twelve countries, including Fausec, now seemed to have a real foothold in their territory. As for the others, they were going through disputes with other powers, or there were simply not enough cultivators there to guarantee their control.


    Back in the sect, Govin, who was already in the Nascent Soul Realm, had finally broken through into a Heaven Initial-level blacksmith. Rean also taught him about the Elemental Gathering Metal. Of course, not only was he taught about it but the best disciples as well. By now, Rean didn''t need to be the one crafting to make all the weapons for the disciples of the sect.


    The same thing happened in the Formation Hall. Srevil and Dian were as knowledgeable as Qia, but they did succeed in creating a Heaven Initial-level Circuitry Formation. Because of her cultivation, Qia couldn''t do that yet. For Rean, that was very good since those two were able to take a lot of the job and research he had into their hands.


    Inside one of the rooms of the Formation Hall, Rean used another Circuitry Formation Device to work on something. He was accompanied by Srevil, Qia, Dian, and a few of the other disciples as well. As mentioned before, the runes had to decrease in size, and the cultivators'' hands were already not enough for that anymore. That''s why the Minuscule Rune Carving Formation was created.


    Dian and Srevil used their Spiritual Senses together with Rean, working on the new piece of equipment. "Dian, move the receptor runes half a millimeter to the left. Srevil can keep holding the current while we test the new position."


    Dian nodded, saying in response, "Sure. Just be careful with the connections since I''m too busy to stop them with my Spiritual Energy."


    Srevil also added his piece, telling the others, "In fact, it should be better if we spread out the protection runes more sparsely. The Minuscule Rune Carver is already at its limit. We won''t be able to keep it like that until the disciples finish developing the next version."


    ,


    Rean pondered over it for a bit and nodded, eventually saying, "Alright, let me separate them a little."


    A few hours went by when suddenly, a sound echoed in the room.


    *Plin!*


    The new device they were working on turned on as it connected to the sect''s antenna. That immediately made Rean and everyone else''s eyes light up. "Great! It is working!"


    Rean''s group had been working on the antenna''s flaws as well, and they had already found a solution for most of its problems. The remaining issues wouldn''t bother them for a while since there were simply not enough communication formations installed for them to occur yet.


    Dian couldn''t help but say, "Quick, try to send a message with it."


    As expected, the new device was a new version of the Spiritual Smartphone. One that had its major flaw fixed.


    ''Hello! Can you hear me?''


    ''Yes, Elder Rean! I can hear you!''


    Everyone cheered when the messages had been passed through correctly.


    "It was about time for it to be done."


    "Don''t forget to save the information in the jade slip blueprints. Next time we try to make one, it''ll be several times faster."


    "Say goodbye to the brick era!"


    Qia then took it in her hands before asking, "I understand that you wanted to reduce the size of it. However, why did you set a protection formation, and one at the Heaven-level at that? Isn''t that a little too overpowered?"


    "Of course not!" Rean answered as he shook his head. "We are cultivators who might go into battle at any moment. If we kept the same sturdiness as the brick, it would break with any hard movement, especially at the Nascent Soul level. We needed something that could bear the grunt so that its owner could use it in an emergency."


    This wasn''t the second version after the brick, though. Rean''s group had tried five more different prototypes, but they all failed or did not meet the requirements set by Rean. This one had a higher coverage area, being able to send messages back to the nearest antenna up to a thousand kilometers away as long as one was outside. Considering its size, that was a huge feat and another reason why wireless signals that could bend with Spiritual Energy were so much better. This was the first one that seemed to be able to do that.


    Qia looked at it for a moment before she gathered her Spiritual Energy in her fist and punched the new Spiritual Smartphone.


    *Bang!*


    She was almost near the Peak of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, so the strength behind that attack was no joke. Of course, she didn''t use her full strength since it was just a test.


    *Bzzzzzzzz!*


    Just as the energy of her attack was about to hit the device, its thousands of microcircuitry protection runes activated together. The Heaven Initial-level Circuitry Protection Formation inside created a dissipation barrier, protecting the device. The Spiritual Smartphone was still sent flying like a cannonball, though.


    *Crash!*


    It hit the wall, creating a small hole in it. Rean then used his Spiritual Energy and took it back to check. He pressed a few of the numbers on it and tried to communicate once again. Sure enough, the message passed through as if nothing had happened at all. "Hahaha! This is the sturdiest communication circuitry formation device ever!"


    Everyone nodded until a disciple remembered something, deciding to ask, "By the way, elder Rean. What''s the name of this new version?"


    Rean pondered over it for a bit before a name popped in his head. "This guy is basically indestructible to those below the Nascent Soul Realm." Rean then smiled as he said in response, "Let''s just call it the Nokia 3310. I just hope it can live up to its name."

 Chapter 881 - Development

    After the disciples asked what the name meant, Rean just smiled in response and didn''t explain. Obviously, only Rean could understand the weight of that name. Indeed, it would be very good if it could be as resistant as the real deal.


    "Alright, let''s do a few more tests and see if it has any other problems. If not, we''re going to mass-produce it using the blueprints we''ve devised. We need to use it to make other circuitry formation machines that can automatically assemble everything together, or at least the most common parts used in them." A good thing about the Minuscule Rune Carver was that it saved a lot of materials. That being said, even though it had a built-in Heaven Initial-level Protection Formation, its cost wasn''t that high.


    Of course, that was only considering the assets of cultivators at the Core Formation Realm and above. Those below it would probably have a hard time paying for the materials even if it was a lot cheaper than the first version, let alone the finalized product.


    Liza immediately replied in place for the other low-level disciples, saying, "Don''t worry, Rean. We have been following the instructions carefully. I believe we will have a prototype for the new iteration of the Minuscule Rune Carving Formation in the next few days. Once that is completed, creating those... ''Nokia''...circuitry devices wouldn''t be too hard."


    Rean was satisfied to hear that. "Very good."


    Qia then changed the topic to the next step of the plan, telling the others, "Okay, we finally have a reliable Spiritual Smartphone. What we need now is to expand the coverage of our phone signals. At the moment, we''re only active in Fausec Country and nowhere else."


    Hering that, Rean immediately spread his Spiritual Sense, trying to find Malo''s location. ''Oh! There you are.''


    Malo, who was discussing a few things with Fizer about his cultivation, immediately replied, ''Elder Rean. What is it that you need?''


    ''Have you finished the preparations I talked about with you?'' Rean asked in response.


    Malo knew what Rean was talking about, replying without delay, ''Yes. The other new countries that emerged south of Fausec have already received the news. They should come in the next few days to check the communication system. As long as you convince them, you should be able to build the antennas in their territories.''


    Rean nodded, saying in response, ''That''s good. Well, I would be able to build them even if they didn''t want to. The Circuitry Communication System is a must for the future of the human race. On this point alone, I won''t let anyone intervene with it, even if I have to use Senior Fizer''s influence.''


    Fizer, who also heard that conversation, didn''t seem to mind. ''Just go ahead and use it. I still intend to be around by the time our thousand years of protection are over. By that time, I hope the human race will have the best tools to defend itself.''


    Rean then looked at Qia and the others after that, telling them, "Alright, I already confirmed with Malo that the representatives of the countries below are on their way to Freedom Sect."


    Srevil took the chance to add, "In that case, let''s separate our Formation Masters into two teams. I''ll enter Liza''s low-level group that''s currently working on the new Minuscule Rune Carving Formation. With my help as a Heaven Initial-Level Formation Master, we should be able to hasten the process."


    Dian understood what Srevil wanted to do, stepping up as he said, "In that case, I''ll focus on building more version 7.2 antennas. Rean, Qia, I''ll need your help with a few things on this part since the controlling circuitry devices have a lot more complicated parts to build."


    "Definitely!" Rean and Qia understood that and accepted the idea. Rean was also happy to see that others could take on the main jobs without him having to say anything. Even if Srevil hadn''t suggested it, Rean would have done so.


    Meanwhile, inside Roan''s hut close to the top of the mountain, Zuo was sitting on the ground, controlling his Spiritual Energy and Elemental Gathering. Around him, many pieces of metals, may it be weapons or other things, were floating in midair.


    "Concentrate on the steps of the magnetism cultivation manual I''ve devised," Roan said on his side. "If you feel any discomfort, no matter how negligible it is, tell me straight away. Rare Elemental Affinities are very dangerous since they''re usually the first ones to try new cultivation methods. You''re different from the five mainstream elements, whose cultivation manuals were refined tens of thousands of times during countless years. They won''t need to worry about backlashes anymore, but you do."


    "Yes, Master!" Zuo continued to control his cultivation and the magnetism around him without stopping. At first, Zuo felt nervous about being around Roan. The Demon King always had a cold expression, and he was afraid that he would be rebuked at any time. However, that feeling didn''t last long since Roan was quite nice to him.


    Roan''s wife, Calina, often took Zuo all the way to Freedom City to visit his parents. There, he saw that the sect really took good care of them and his siblings.


    As for his training, as long as Zuo was serious about it, Roan wouldn''t be so harsh when mistakes came out. He just had to learn from those mistakes. Any injury he suffered was healed straight away as well. Simply put, Zuo had a cultivation environment that even the descendants of the Sasamil Royal Family back in Sunkan Planet would envy.


    Back then, when Roan took him in as a disciple, Roan helped him break through into the Energy Gathering Realm. After that, Roan instructed him to stop cultivating until a magnetism cultivation manual was created. For that, Roan had Zuo try many different things while checking every corner of Zuo''s body, meridians, elemental control, and dantian.


    Today, it has been ten days since the first version of the magnetism cultivation manual came out, and it was already at the third version. That was because Zuo found problems with the first two, which Roan instantly discarded without even blinking. Roan was really going all out for his new and only disciple.

 Chapter 882 - Zuos Training

    Suddenly, Zuo''s eyes twitched slightly. Naturally, Roan noticed straight away as he also felt a disturbance in the flow of Zuo''s Spiritual Energy. With that, he asked, "What is it?"


    The metal items floating around Zuo soon dropped to the ground before Zuo explained, "I felt a sharp pain in my dantian when I jumped to the fifth step of the manual." Of course, it wasn''t as if Zuo could already read. He was participating in the school''s classes every morning. Nevertheless, it was too early for him to suddenly understand everything. Roan was the one who explained to him the steps every time he finished a new magnetism cultivation manual.


    "A sharp pain?" Roan pondered over it for a bit. "I know what it is. The fifth step requires you to mix the Magnetic Force into the Spiritual Energy passing through your meridians. I thought that since Magnetism was your Elemental Affinity, your dantian wouldn''t suffer from the additional element. Your dantian wasn''t very happy with it, though. Too bad. If it had worked, your cultivation speed would have increased by 10% or so."


    Roan then took out a booklet from the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and began to use his Spiritual Energy to write a few things while wiping out others. He could use a jade slip, but he preferred to write them instead. There wasn''t really a reason for it. It''s just that he felt better that way. "Let''s see if I can fix this issue without taking this part out of the cultivation manual."


    However, before he finished, Zuo had an idea, much to Roan''s surprise. "Master. The issue was not the element of Magnetism itself, but the meridian path used to gather it. Do you mind if I try to use the meridians in my hands instead?"


    "Your hands?" Roan had made it so that the closest meridians to Zuo''s dantians would be the ones responsible for the absorption of that Magnetic Element. Due to their distance, the hands weren''t the best part of the body to do that, so Roan didn''t even consider it. Nevertheless, Roan didn''t see anything wrong with Zuo''s idea. He wasn''t a Magnetic Elemental Affinity cultivator, so Zuo might be feeling something he couldn''t tell. "Alright. Go ahead and try it. If anything goes wrong, I''ll cut the absorption of Spiritual Energy with my Dark Element."


    Zuo was happy that Roan accepted his idea and immediately started to work. The metal items and equipment around him began to float once more as the Magnetic Element and Spiritual Energy entered Zuo''s body. Of course, only the meridians in his hands were used to send the Magnetic Element mixed with Spiritual Energy directly to his dantian.


    Roan couldn''t help but raise an eye as he checked Zuo''s dantian with his Spiritual Energy. Unlike the previous attempt, the dantian seemed to accept Zuo''s change quite well. ''I see... so that''s why.''


    A few minutes later, Zuo took a deep breath as he stopped cultivating, saying with glee, "Master! It actually worked! I can absorb the mixture together, and it really improved my cultivation speed!"


    Roan nodded and gave the boy a rare pat on the head as he complimented him, "That was a very good idea. The issue with the path I selected was that there wasn''t enough time for the Magnetic Element to mix with the Spiritual Energy. Naturally, your dantian formed a rejection to that half-mixed energy. However, when you used your hands, the meridian path to the dantian was much longer. The mix of energies was completed during that time, and the dantian didn''t feel anything wrong in the end."


    Zuo giggled a little, feeling overjoyed from the praise as he asked, "Should I continue like this?"


    Roan pondered for a bit before shaking his head, telling him, "No, it''s time for your classes to start. I''ll take your change into consideration and will make a few improvements during it. Once you''re back, we can restart."


    Seeing Zuo''s slightly annoyed face, Roan immediately rebuked him. "If you say you don''t like studying, you better be ready for a lot of pain. Also, your subject scores will come out in a week. For your own good, I better not see any result below 90%."


    Zuo couldn''t help but let out cold sweat after that. Roan had never told him that he would check his scores. That''s right. Zuo hated going to school...like most kids around his age. It seems that this trait wasn''t different even in a cultivation world.


    Zuo then left the cultivation room with a fearful expression, trying to figure out how to increase his subject scores in the final week before the results were out.


    Roan naturally noticed Zuo''s change and mentally snorted in response. How could he not know Zuo''s progress in school? He was taking the kid''s cultivation very seriously, and that also included his intellectual improvement. However, he left it for the last week to give Zuo a warning. That way, he wouldn''t be able to recover from his faults at school in time. This was Roan''s way of making sure that Zuo would take school seriously from the next semester onwards.


    Calina then entered the room with a slightly confused expression, asking, "What happened? Zuo looked like he had seen a ghost."


    Roan nodded in response, saying, "He probably would have preferred to have seen one."


    Calina didn''t know what Roan did but could imagine what happened since she was talking about Roan. "Oh well, don''t push the kid too hard. He''s really putting a lot of effort in his cultivation."


    "Hmph! Of course, he is!" Roan made sure of that.


    It was then that Roan remembered something. "You left to check on Malaka, right? How''s she doing?"


    Calina shrugged her shoulders as she replied, "What else? She obviously used the baby as an excuse to avoid training. She was in Kentucky''s nest, wasting her time while playing with the dumb bird."


    Roan couldn''t help but comment, "I really don''t know how she reached the Late Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm with that attitude. Even her foundation is perfectly stable."


    "Perhaps being like that is the best cultivation method for the happy-go-lucky girl," Calina said in response as she sighed.

 Chapter 883 - Entertaining The Guests

    That just showed that the same method wasn''t exactly the best for everyone. Sure, Roan''s training definitely helped out a lot. But considering the difference in effort, Malaka should have been behind the others. "Forget it. Leave her be until the baby is born. After that, I''ll have her make up for the lost time. Every second of it."


    On top of Celis, where Kentucky''s nest was located, a certain girl felt a chill on her back. ''I know this feeling. It''s definitely Roan,'' Malaka thought for a moment before she disappeared from there, much to Kentucky''s confusion.


    As Malo mentioned, the representatives of the new countries south of Fausec came to pay a visit to Freedom Sect. This time, the sect didn''t look too weak, with only Fizer and Julia holding the fort. Instead, Freedom Sect ended up inviting a few of the Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Realm cultivators from Freedom City as guest elders. Though, they were accepted after they helped in the city''s construction with their own resources, gaining the Sect''s recognition.


    Naturally, they were amazed at the concentration of Spiritual Energy and Yang Energy that kept falling from above. Not only that, but the formations Rean built for the use of the disciples were also something they had never been in contact with before. After all, they were Circuitry Formations that used Sunkan Planet''s formations as a foundation. Even if they weren''t changed into Circuitry Formations, they would still be better than the ones found in this world.


    Because of that, they were more than happy to be used as scaring tools for the sect. Naturally, the representatives from south of Fausec were a lot more willing to hear what Freedom Sect had to say.


    "Hello, everyone. My name is Rean, and I''m one of the elders of the Freedom Sect." Rean then started his speech. "I asked all of you to come here because there''s something our Freedom Sect, which is the strongest in the human world, wish to do in your territories."


    None of the representatives doubted that. Once they saw the number of experts present, they understood that Freedom Sect could conquer their territories without even needing to fight. Fizer alone would be enough.


    Rean continued, "We know that all of you had just created your countries, and the same could be said for our sect or the country we are located in. However, make no mistake. We have no intention of taking control of your territories. What we are about to do is for the betterment of the human world once the protection of the demon beasts is over."


    The representative of a country called Suamae couldn''t help but urge Rean after that, "Can you tell us why you called us already? We understand that we can''t go against a power like yours, so make it quick. What is it? Do you want us to pay tributes for your sect? Or perhaps have us do some of your jobs?"


    Rean wasn''t surprised by those words. Sure enough, in a world where strength was everything, such a train of thought was common. Rean then looked at the representative of Suamae as if he was an idiot. "Let me ask you, are you a fool?"


    "Fool?" The guy''s expression turned worse after that. "Are you telling me that you won''t do such a thing? Who would believe that?"


    Rean sighed before continuing, "It seems like you''re blind, then. Did you forget the name of our sect? Freedom! Do you think that forcing you guys to pay taxes or donating your forces for our sake is fit for that? Oh, right! You probably thought that the Freedom in our name meant that we would feel free to do whatever we wanted in Wringan Continent, right?"


    Another representative immediately nodded after that, asking in response, "Indeed. Could it be that it isn''t the case?"


    "It isn''t the case," Rean answered straight away. "The Freedom in our name was due to the time our members were locked down by the Zasfins. Now that we got out and can live without being worried about them, the sect''s disciples chose the name Freedom for it. It''s that simple."


    Rean then changed the topic, telling them, "Alright, let''s enter the main topic. What I want to build in your countries is a new communication system."


    "Communication system? Do you mean exchanging Thoughts Transmission Talismans between ourselves? Or using cultivators to exchange messages?"


    Rean immediately shook his head, clarifying the idea as he said, "The first option is too expensive. The second one would take forever to communicate. Our method is cheap, or you might say that there''s almost no cost at all compared to the Thoughts Transmission Talisman. Last but not least, it allows instantaneous communication over the entire area of coverage at any time."


    Rean then turned around as he asked the disciples on the side, "Give them the Nokias, one for each."


    Rean then checked their numbers and used his own Spiritual Smartphone to send each number in the guests'' smartphones a message. They all saw when their Nokias started to shine with light.


    "Send your Spiritual Senses inside. The message I sent you will echo in your minds."


    From then on, Rean went on explaining how the device worked. He also had the guests fly far away, just within the range of the antennas, before they exchanged messages between themselves. As long as they filled the Nokias with Spiritual Energy, which wasn''t much, it would stay on.


    Later that day, all the guests gathered in the Freedom Sect once more. Sure enough, they all looked at their Nokias as if it was some kind of treasure.


    Seeing their expressions, Rean knew that they had taken his bait hook, line, and sinker. "Now then, for these devices to work, there''s a need for the antennas to be installed within two to three thousand kilometers away from each other. That''s why our sect wants permission to install them in your countries. Remember, communication will be the key to the human race''s ascension. The south of Fausec Country is just the start. Our sect intends to cover the entire continent with it."

 Chapter 884 - You Better Protect Very Well

    Everyone liked the idea. However, they also had another problem. "That''s good and all. However, wouldn''t your sect be privy to our conversations? If we enter a war against some other country, couldn''t our enemies pay your sect to have access to our conversations?"


    Rean nodded straight away, answering, "I won''t lie. Such a thing is possible. As much as I want to say that our sect won''t do such a thing, I don''t know what will happen in the future. It''s not like we will live forever, after all. However, this shouldn''t be that big of a problem."


    "How come it''s not a problem? It''s a huge problem!" Obviously, that''s what everyone thought.


    Rean shook his head in response, though. "Do you have rocks for brains? Even if someone else has access to your messages, can''t you simply use codes? As long as you do that, what will be the point in being able to hear what you''re saying? No one will understand anyway. Not only that, if you find out that the enemy is listening to your conversations, can''t you prepare a trap with that knowledge?" Rean shrugged his shoulders. "Simply put, there are many ways to work around this problem. So, yeah. It''s not a big issue."


    Everyone went silent after hearing Rean''s reasoning. Sure enough, as long as they used codes or perhaps create a language that only they would understand, that problem would be resolved. Also, while no war was happening, the communication system would be pivotal to their own new countries'' development. Just how good would it be if all cities could talk to each other with almost no cost?


    "Once again, this is a step that my sect has to do for the sake of the human world. Also, let''s be honest here. With our Freedom Sect''s power, do we even need to use such underhanded methods? We can simply invade your territories and take them away from you through raw strength alone. Can any of your countries stop us?" Rean asked that with a serious expression.


    Eventually, one of the representatives stepped forward before making the request. "My Oscleri Country wishes to have the new communication systems. When can you install it around our cities?"


    As if starting a chain reaction, the other representatives began to ask for the same thing.


    "My Wespol Country wants to install it as well."


    "The same goes for our Zemup Country."


    "We also..."


    Sure enough, no one wanted to be a country without an instant and cheap communication method. That would delay them way too much and would be even worse if they began to be attacked by a country with a communication system on their side.


    However, Rean lifted his hand, telling them, "Not so fast. We''ll obviously install the antennas in your country, but that doesn''t mean you will have access to it. As cheap as it is compared to Thoughts Transmission Talismans, our sect will be the one responsible for keeping the system working. Naturally, there''ll be a price behind it."


    No one was surprised by Rean''s request. They were talking about a system that would encompass the entire continent. It would be ridiculous to expect the Freedom Sect to pay for everything while they simply used it.


    "That''s not a problem. As long as the price isn''t unreasonable, our Ditrio Country will pay for the rights to use it."


    The Ditrio representative wasn''t the only one, as all the other representatives soon followed suit. They were only afraid that Rean might ask for too much.


    "That''s good. The price will vary accordingly to the countries'' size and the number of antennas we will need to install. As for the Nokias, they will be sold separately since that''s how we will make our profit. In the future, new versions with more options will be added to the market as well." It was then that Rean remembered. "Oh, right. The communication system will be operating under a company managed by our sect. Its name is Freedom Telecommunications LTD."


    Someone couldn''t help but ask, "Is there really a need to put another name or create a company for that? We all know it''s part of the Freedom Sect anyway."


    "There is," Rean replied in confirmation. "That''s because the Nokias and future versions of the Spiritual Smartphones will be sold in shops all around the continent. In the end, this is a business, not a sect''s type of work. The sect will be responsible for its protection but will be separated from everything else."


    "Shops?" Another guy immediately understood Rean''s meaning. "Do you mean that anyone with money will be able to buy and use your Nokias to talk to each other?"


    Rean nodded as he replied, "Exactly! At the moment, the price for each Nokia is more or less what a Core Formation Realm cultivator would consider tolerable. But we will create cheaper versions in the future for the common people. For ordinary humans, gold, silver, and copper are worth a lot more than spirit stones, so we have to provide them with options for that as well. Of course, their smartphones wouldn''t be nearly as good and resistant as yours."


    Some didn''t like the idea since they wanted to monopolize communications inside their own countries. Simply put, that would be a way to keep the power in their hands. However, Rean had no intention of letting that happen. Such countries would eventually fall behind in development due to the oppression of their leaders. That''s not what Rean wanted.


    "Now then, let''s start with the discussion of places where we need to install the antennas. Well, my Freedom Sect already obtained all the information about your territories, so we''re just telling you in advance where the antennas will be built."


    Rean also added one last piece, telling them, "Last but not least, there are the fines."


    "Fines?"


    Rean nodded, explaining, "Any country that has an antenna destroyed for whatever reason will have to pay ten times the price of the materials used for it. That''s an absolute rule."


    Everyone was taken aback after that. "Wait! What if some enemy comes and destroys it instead? Isn''t that unfair?"


    Rean laughed in response, saying, "Then, you better protect the antennas like your lives depend on it."

 Chapter 885 - News

    Seeing everyone''s dark expressions, Rean then gave them a hint. "Well, if an enemy country really tries to do such a thing to you, what stops you from doing the same thing to them?"


    Sure enough, everyone began to glance at each other. After all, such a game could be played by both sides.


    Rean also added, "Also, I''m not joking about protecting the antennas like your lives depend on it. If you don''t do so, it means that someone is aiming for your forces. Often, those who hold the war of information come out on top. Make sure that you''re always on peak condition in that regard."


    Well, Rean didn''t mind it too much. The important thing was for the whole Wringan Continent to have the communication system working in case they were invaded by someone else. Once again, nothing could really guarantee that humans would have a thousand years of peaceful development.


    There was a good piece of information for the countries, though. Rean didn''t try to rip them off. He only asked for a price slightly above what the communication devices, antennas, routers, and so on cost. That slightly above was going to be used as payment for the disciples and elders working on the project.


    With that, Rean and the representatives of other countries agreed on the final details before Rean told them to head back to their countries and talk to their leaders. Surprisingly, one of them decided to ask, "When will we receive more Spiritual Smartphones...or Nokias? You only gave three samples for each one of us. We will need many more than that as soon as possible."


    Rean pondered over it for a bit before answering, "According to the actual stage of development of our machines, it should take around a month or two before it enters the mass production stage. Don''t worry. We have all your Nokias'' phone numbers. Once they''re ready to be shipped out, we will let you know."


    Later that day, Rean talked with Malo, telling him that his group would head out of the sect to start the installations. Srevil was already helping Liza and the other lower-level Formation Masters develop the new Minuscule Rune Carvers. Rean was fine with simply leaving the rest of the mass production to them while he, Qia, and Dian went out to build the antennas.


    Of course, the antennas and their controlling devices themselves also had to be built in the sect. That being said, Rean''s group separated once again into two teams. One would stay and build the antennas and controlling devices before shipping them out. The other group would work on the installations. And just like that, the Formation and Blacksmith Halls had become extremely busy. One must not forget that there were also many wired communication formations, so it only stacked on top of the massive pile of things to do.


    As Rean''s group worked on the communication system, the sect wasn''t staying idle either. A few weeks later, the sect began to use its experts to visit all the other countries appearing on the continent. The reason for that was because way too many battlefields were appearing. Cultivators were vying for power while the common people suffered. If things continued out like that, maybe more than half of the human population would disappear before the countries'' borders finally took shape.


    Many of those countries didn''t like Freedom Sect''s intervention, though. Unfortunately for them, they didn''t have to power to defy the Freedom Sect''s orders. As time passed, some tried to band together and stop the Freedom Sect''s experts from intervening in their battles, just to be trashed by Fizer when the situation asked for it.


    Half a year had now passed since the end of the war between the demon beasts and Zasfins. Freedom Sect obviously became the recognized strongest power in the continent, with Fizer and the Demon Beast Continent experts on their side. Yes, Rean and Roan could still use their influence in the demon beasts to ask for help.


    That way, the borders of each country were settled in a much more peaceful way. Of course, many sacrifices were made here and there. After all, it wasn''t like Freedom Sect could see and control everything with its limited number. One must remember that the majority of the sect was still in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm or below. Those above were mostly invited guests and the demon beasts that Rean and Roan got to come here.


    The good thing was that none of the invited experts living in the sect as guest elders thought about taking control of it. The shadow of the demon beasts and Zasfins were still very strong, after all. Not to mention that all of them understood that Freedom Sect''s disciples had ridiculously high talents. One day they would definitely surpass them in cultivation. If that moment came and they were on bad terms, it would be terrible for those who betrayed the sect.


    As for getting rid of the highly talented disciples ahead of time? They would have to face Fizer''s rage if that happened. In Julia''s case, it would be the same if the ones involved were female disciples.


    During this time, Qia reached the Peak Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm together with Agis and, surprisingly, Malaka. Roan really began to think that perhaps Malaka was better acting that way. Of course, he forced the girl to do the minimal amount of training possible. Less than that, and Malaka knew she would be in bad waters if Roan caught her.


    Naturally, her belly had become quite big after six months. For some reason, Kentucky looked more excited about it than Malaka and Agis themselves as well. "Of course, I am. I can tell it will be another girl through my Spiritual Sense. Naturally, she will be my fan as well!" or so said the Minokawa.


    As for Rean and Roan, their cultivation also improved quite a lot even though they had been busy. They obviously had to thank Celis for that since Celis never stopped cultivating, which was quite fast due to Kentucky''s nest on top of him.


    It was around this time that Rean''s group received some news from Frandin.

 Chapter 886 - Possible Second Path

    "Hmm? Frandin? How come?" Rean asked as he worked on the communication system.


    The disciple on his side then explained as he shook his head, "I don''t know. The Zasfin guy who came here simply asked to deliver this jade slip to you."


    Rean couldn''t help but ponder over it, thinking to himself, ''There''s no way the demon beasts keeping watch over the Wringan Continent didn''t notice this guy. For him to pass through this easily meant that he wasn''t a risk for the humans in the first place. Well, it seems like they sent someone at the Nascent Soul or the Soul Transformation Realm to deliver the message.''


    It''s just Rean also saw a problem there. ''However, Frandin was one of the Zasfins that helped Roan and me when we were new to this planet. Could it be that they found out about it?''


    Rean quickly put those thoughts behind as he looked at the disciple, saying, "Alright, give it to me."


    -Rean, Roan, it''s Frandin. I''m using this method to contact you since it would be impossible for a Zasfin of my level to get close to your Freedom Sect. Don''t worry, the one I asked to deliver the message was my father.-


    Rean couldn''t help but nod after hearing that. ''Sure enough, it was a Nascent Soul Realm Zasfin that delivered the message.'' Back when Rean kidnapped Frandin, his father tried to stop it. That''s why Rean knew Frandin''s father was at the Nascent Soul Realm. Rean continued to check the message after that.


    -He''s the only one, other than Xiria, that knows about my time with you guys.- Xiria was the girl from Asume Clan. After Calina''s group left the city, Xiria followed them. It''s just that she and Frandin separated from Calina''s group after the war started. -He obviously decided to keep it a secret and was quite happy with my progress. He intends to make me the next City Lord. Fortunately for us, the continent we lived in wasn''t one of the demon beasts'' ones. That being said, our city is still more or less intact, with only having a few cultivators dying far away in the war.-


    Rean could not help but be happy for Frandin after that. It seemed like everything went fine after they separated. He knew that Frandin went out to fight for the Zasfin race during the war, but the same could be said about him for the humans. ''Still, if everything is fine, why would he send me this jade slip?'' Rean thought for a moment before continuing with the message.


    -The reason I sent you this message is that I need your help with something. I know I''m not in the position to ask any favors. After all, I did fight on the Zasfins'' side. However, I don''t know who to ask.- With that, Frandin entered the main topic. -Do you think it''s possible for me to be granted a safety pass to your Freedom Sect and Freedom City? I found it out from the news spreading around the Zasfin territories. Something about the fact that humans have created a sect of their own. It''s deemed as a joke here. Nevertheless, I knew that it would definitely be connected to you.-


    Rean was taken aback after that. ''If your life is already smooth sailing, then why would you want to come here?'' Rean asked himself for a second as he continued to read.


    -You probably noticed it already, but our Palif Empire is located right above your Wringan Continent.- That was true. Palif Empire was indeed part of the continent of Zasfins closest to Wringan. -Although Wringan Continent wasn''t very populated, our Danve City was one of the towns that carried several trades with the cities at the north of Wringan. Many of the materials only found there were sold to us, so be it Danve City or the several others around them, a great part of their income depended on it. I would like to establish a trading agreement with the humans that now occupy that region.-


    Rean finally understood what Frandin wanted. ''Sure enough, only with the influence of someone like me would this kind of trading be possible.''


    Rean couldn''t help but think even further. ''Wait! How come I haven''t thought about that yet? I''m such an idiot! Until now, I have always thought about how to protect the human race if the Zasfins decided to attack again. The communication system was one of the methods to help with that. However, why can''t we grow amicable relations with them first? Aren''t trades a very good first step for smooth relations between sides?''


    Rean understood that his idea was very unrealistic. After all, they would at most create friendly relations with the cities and maybe the countries at the south of the Palif Empire. The rest of the Zasfins would still not like humans anyway. There was also the issue with the human race, which definitely didn''t have a good opinion about the Zasfins at the moment.


    ''No, I can''t think only on the bad side of things. With the agreement of non-aggression to the humans in Wringan active for a thousand years, this is the perfect time for that. Weren''t there Demon Beast Cities where Zasfins and demon beasts traded? If their mortal enemies, the demon beasts, could still create such a thing, why couldn''t the humans?''


    The more Rean thought about it, the more he thought it was possible. ''Besides, we''re talking about a thousand years of ceasefire. Well, at least a ceasefire inside Wringan Continent. People might hate Zasfins now. However, the majority of these people will eventually pass away, and their descendants will remain. These descendants won''t understand their parents'' grievances. As more generations come and go, the hatred is bound to diminish.''


    Of course, Rean wasn''t an idiot either. ''Well, it''ll be great if it works. However, I should also guarantee that the defenses of the Wringan Continent in the future will be rock solid. I probably won''t be here at that time, so I should do my best to achieve both objectives. I can only hope that the mutual coexistence will be the real outcome of the humans and Zasfins'' future.''


    Soon after, Rean spread his Spiritual Sense and called Roan, Malo, Fizer, and other members of the sect over.. He obviously wanted to share his thoughts.

 Chapter 887 - The Soul Power Issue

    "Peaceful relations?" Malo could not help but ask with a shocked expression. "I''m sorry, Elder Rean. However, I don''t think such a thing is possible. Humans hate Zasfins way too much for that."


    He then continued, "That wouldn''t be a big problem if it was just the Freedom Sect''s old members since we weren''t exactly ill-treated. Until the day they used our souls to produce Soul Stones, we had comfortable lives. However, the rest of the humans definitely hate them way too much."


    Rean nodded in agreement as he said, "I know. That''s why I''m saying that this would just be a start. Generations will come and go, and their descendants won''t end up like their parents. If no one breaks the agreement, our human race has a thousand years of peace, which should be enough to change the situation. The same thing could be said for the Zasfins since only those who surpass the Nascent Soul Realm would remember the past. Not to mention that even if these people are still alive, holding a grudge for a thousand years isn''t exactly that easy."


    Rean also added, "Of course, that doesn''t mean we won''t be prepared. I''ll keep working on the communication system to help out with that. Our objective won''t change regardless of whether we can get on good terms or not.


    Fizer, who had just been listening by the side, decided to say his piece. "As someone who lived outside the Zasfin territories, I can''t say much for the human slaves from there. After all, my entire life was mostly spent inside the Demon Beast Continent. However, I do think Rean has a point. I''ve been around for over two thousand years already, after all."


    Julia didn''t care too much about it, though. "As long as my female disciples don''t get harmed, I don''t care. I''ve also lived most of my life in the Demon Beast Continent, so I don''t have that hatred against Zasfins as the ex-slaves do. In fact, I wouldn''t mind trying to have a few female Zasfin disciples under my wing. It might be quite interesting."


    Roan finally decided to talk. "The issue here is that everyone knows about the humans being used as sacrifices for the Soul Marks. Although the Zasfins sent the humans to Wringan Continent, it''s no secret that they definitely kept a few for future use. Once those ones die, what will they do? I''m not idiotic enough to believe they would give up using the Soul Marks anymore, even if Duran said that they should stop relying on it."


    Sure enough, a way to resolve this problem would be the main issue. A peaceful existence would never come as long as those formations exist.


    It was then that Rean suggested an idea. "We just need to make sure that the human soul can''t be used for sacrifice anymore, right?" Everyone''s attention was piqued after hearing that as they waited for Rean to continue. "In that case, I do have an idea."


    "You do?"


    Rean nodded, saying,  "In fact, it isn''t anything hard to accomplish. With a thousand years ahead of us, I''m certain we can make all the humans in Wringan Continent become unsuitable for that."


    Even Roan was intrigued by those words, prompting him to ask, "How?"


    Rean then explained, "Do you know why Zasfins can''t use other Zasfins to become Soul Sacrifices?"


    Roan nodded as he was also there when they found about it. "It''s because of their high Soul Power. Their race''s trait with high Soul Power makes it too difficult to convert their Souls into Soul Marks. Chances are that the Zasfins trying to convert another Zasfin Soul into a Soul Mark will receive a backlash and possibly die."


    Roan had hit the mark. If that wasn''t the case, the Zasfins would probably prefer other Zasfin Souls. After all, their Souls were stronger, which meant better Soul Marks. Unfortunately for them, it wasn''t possible even after thousands of years of using the Bloodline Soul Mark Formations.


    Naturally, everyone understood what Rean wanted to do after Roan explained the issues with Zasfins'' Soul Marks. "Wait! Are you saying that you intend to increase the Soul Power of all humans in Wringan Continent?"


    Rean nodded as he said in response, "Yes. Not only that, I''ll make it so that having high Soul Power is a hereditary power. Well, I don''t even need to do that. Once a human acquires a high enough level of Soul Power, their descendants will naturally inherit it as well."


    Qia couldn''t help but ask after hearing that, "How do you know that?"


    Rean then pointed at Malaka''s belly as he explained, "As I mentioned before, Soul Power has a lot to do with Life Force. For me, who has an affinity with Light Element, it''s easy to feel anyone''s Soul Power. Malaka''s baby is already quite big inside her belly, with its brain formed. Although weak, I can already tell that he has naturally high Soul Power."


    Everyone was shocked to hear that, but Rean didn''t feel a need for that. "You guys shouldn''t be that surprised. Have you forgotten? Hybrids of humans and Zasfins also have Soul Power. Naturally, those half-humans and half-Zasfins inherited Soul Power from Zasfins."


    "But those guys have Zasfin bloodlines. It''s different from a baby coming from humans."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh after that as he continued, "Hahaha! How come? I''m sorry to disappoint you, but the Zasfins are nothing more than an evolution of the human race. Nothing more, nothing less."


    Except for Rean''s group, those words dropped like a nuclear bomb on everyone''s head.


    "What?!"


    "Are you crazy?"


    "Impossible!"


    In the end, Rean had to spend some time explaining why both Zasfins and humans were two branches of the same race. Of course, some still found it hard to believe, even though Rean did his best trying to make it easy to understand. "Anyway, you just need to understand that this is the truth."


    Rean then continued, "That''s why now that Agis and Malaka have high Soul Power, their kid inherited it. Their kid, obviously, won''t ever become material for Bloodline Soul Marks. The Zasfins would need to be suicidal to try it."


    Nevertheless, the main question still remained. "That''s good and all. However, we obtained our high Soul Power because of the Soul Marks. How are you going to increase everyone''s Soul Power without it?"


    Rean smiled after hearing that.

 Chapter 888 - The Plan

    "Believe it or not, it isn''t that difficult to awaken a human''s Soul Power," Rean said. "Ever since I used a Soul Mark to increase my Soul Power, I''ve known that I would awaken it regardless of whether I had the mark or not. It''s just that it would take longer." One must remember that back then, Rean found out his Soul Power was already increasing because of his Light Element Affinity. The only question would be if he would notice it or not. The arrival on this planet could also be called the trigger for that event, as Rean was made aware of the Soul Power of the Zasfins.


    "As I''ve mentioned before, the Zasfins are nothing more than another branch of the human race that evolved as the years passed. That means all humans have the genes to awaken Soul Power. It''s just that their genes wouldn''t match the Zasfins. Nevertheless, it would be more than enough for the Bloodline Soul Marks to not be made with their Souls anymore."


    Rean then continued, "To awaken Soul Power, you need to increase it above 20 points. Without that, no one can manifest Soul Power, and that includes the Zasfins. Of course, they''re naturally born with more than that. I''ve devised a method that can use my Light Element to help people awaken their Soul Power. At first, I didn''t plan on using it since it''s not complete. However, I guess this is a good opportunity to push this plan forward."


    As Rean mentioned, Soul Power was directly connected to Life Force. Rean used his time with Frandin and in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters to understand it better. "Simply put, as long as you have a source of Light Element close to your head, it will stimulate the Life Force around that region. It''s very similar to my Enhancement skill but to a lesser extent. Eventually, the user''s Soul Power will grow past the 20 point minimum measured through the Soul Measurement Orb. Once that happens, all you need to do is send some gentle Soul Power into those people. Those people will understand what the feeling is and notice the Soul Power inside their bodies. From then onwards, using Soul Power will be easy."


    Malo couldn''t help but raise his hand, asking, "Wouldn''t that create more friction with the Soul Rulers? After all, we would be using their power."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said in response, "So what? I said I wanted to give a chance for a more peaceful coexistence. For that to happen, humans must become useless materials for the Bloodline Soul Mark Formations. Otherwise, the Zasfins will never forget that their own Soul Power can be enhanced with a human sacrifice. This is a step we must take."


    On that point, no one found any fault in Rean''s words. He was right, after all.


    Roan then glanced at Rean and said, "For that to happen, you''ll need to make millions of Light Element equipment to be worn by humans. How do you intend to do that? After all, you''re the only Light Element Affinity user we have. Could it be that you want to do it alone?"


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh out loud after hearing that. "You''re making it look harder than it really is. What I have to do is just forge some pieces of metal that can gather Light Element when Spiritual Energy is poured inside."


    Govin immediately understood Rean''s plan. "I see...if that''s the case, Rean can really make millions of Light Gathering Element equipment." Govin noticed everyone''s confused expressions, prompting him to explain, "If Rean works on a giant piece of metal, he can simply give it to other blacksmiths to cut and create many collars, for example."


    Govin then looked at Rean before asking, "If all you need is a small stream of Light Element, even an Energy Gathering Realm cultivator should be able to provide it constantly. We could make the metals you create into tiaras, collars, earrings, and other accessories. Just a very small piece will be enough."


    Rean was really happy to have put Govin as an elder of the Sect and helped him achieve the Heaven level. "That''s right. The great thing is that there''s no need for expensive materials. The Elemental Gathering Forging Method can be applied to any piece of Spiritual Metal. Obviously, we can simply use a lot of Earth Low-level materials for that."


    Julia immediately raised her hand, clarifying her doubts as she asked, "How many earrings would you be able to make in a day? Since we''re talking in the scale of tens of millions, or maybe above a billion, this method of yours might still take a very long time."


    Rean and Govin looked at each other as they began to exchange Spiritual Sense messages. They considered the size of the Light Gathering metal piece necessary for each accessory. After a few minutes, they came up with a number. "Probably around a million per day."


    "What?!" That number scared the listeners. "How can you make that many?"


    Govin took the chance to explain. "That''s very easy. Rean only needs to work on very big pieces of Light Element Gathering metal. With our Blacksmith Hall''s capability, making a few tons of it in a single day isn''t anything hard."


    Rean nodded as he continued where Govin left off. "However, the point here is that the metal isn''t of high quality. That means anyone can cut and reshape it any way they want. That means we can use ordinary human blacksmiths and artisans as well. I alone am obviously not enough. But if we employ the humans of all the cities in Fausec Country, that shouldn''t be an issue. I''ll add Spiritual Energy Gathering Runes to the metal so that it can absorb and use the energy to gather Light Element on its own. Govin said that Energy Gathering Realm cultivators should be enough. However, the majority of humans aren''t cultivators."


    Roan didn''t see a problem with that, adding his piece. "Once they''re finished, we can distribute them around Wringan."


    Rean shook his head, saying, "That would make everyone way too suspicious. Instead, I''ll sell them as merchandise. Light Element can stimulate Life Force, which helps heal injuries faster. Obviously, I''ll sell them as very, very cheap protection equipment that even ordinary humans can buy with copper, silver, and gold."


    Sure enough, Rean had already thought about how the plan would unfold.

 Chapter 889 - First Contact

    "Wouldn''t that make things expensive for the sect instead?" Poliana asked soon after, who was also there.


    Rean then shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "With the amount of income we will get from the communication system, do you really think I will lack the money to make pieces of low-level metal?"


    Everyone went silent after Rean said that. Sure enough, let alone money for these earrings or whatever, Rean probably could use Earth Middle or maybe even Earth High-level metal, and he would still have money left over to spend.


    Fizer then decided to intervene. "Alright. The plan seems to have a small chance of success. However, you do know that wars and things like that won''t disappear, right?" Before Rean could answer, Fizer continued, "This is a cultivation world. In the end, the excess of power will bring conflict between parties. Although humans and Zasfins could get along and even mingle with one another in the future, other types of battles for other reasons will still happen."


    Roan agreed with Fizer on that, saying, "He''s right. In fact, for a cultivation world, no more battles would be very bad instead. You would have no one to train against, no death and life situations to surpass your limits, and so on. For cultivators and demon beasts, it would be akin to slowing down their cultivation speed."


    Rean pondered over it for a bit and had to admit that it was true. This was not Earth, after all. ''No, even back on Earth where modern society existed, and Spiritual Energy was nowhere to be found, wars still happened in the Middle East. Spiritual Energy just makes wars more easily doable.''


    Rean then shook his head and placed these thoughts behind. "Alright, that won''t be a problem. As long as it doesn''t become a war between Zasfins and humans, other wars aren''t our problem. I''m doing it for the survival of the human race so that we won''t become slaves anymore. That''s all."


    Fizer nodded, satisfied. "As long as you understand, then that''s fine."


    After that, Rean looked at Malo and said, "I''ll leave it up to you to start negotiations with the Zasfins of Palif Empire. As I''ve mentioned before, I received messages about their intentions of keeping the trades with our region. The demon beasts had the multi-racial Demon Beast Cities. In fact, they''re still there, and the Zasfins will eventually go back to that place to trade. I want you to work with them and the Freedom City cultivators to create a similar area of negotiations."


    Malo immediately answered with some hesitation in his voice, saying in response, "The humans we received from the Zasfin territories won''t like this idea very much."


    "That''s a problem for the city lord to resolve. He has to guarantee the Zasfins'' safety while they''re in Freedom City. Unless, of course, these Zasfins start to cause problems. In that case, just get rid of them," Rean said in response without much concern.


    Yes, Freedom City had finally gotten its own City Lord. His name was Pocla Nusvo, one of the Demon Beast Continent cultivators. He was one of the very few Saint Realm experts of the human race, just like Julia. Due to the prospects of Freedom City and the Freedom Sect, he also decided to try and join Fizer''s power.


    Freedom City needed someone with the strength to keep it under control. That''s how Pocla came to be appointed as the City Lord. Fizer accepted Pocla into the sect as a Guest Elder after talking with Malo, so it could be said that he was also part of the sect itself. The good thing was that Fizer knew the guy and trusted him. That''s why Malo didn''t see a problem in using Pocla to help out with Freedom City.


    A few days later...


    Palif Empire, Danve City, City Lord''s residence. At the moment, a man let out cold sweat as he paced back and forth, muttering to himself, "I can''t believe I really went into Wringan Continent and left alive. So it was true that as long as I had no intention to cause problems, the Demon Beast Protectors wouldn''t waste their time barring my passage. They just asked my objective in there and kept their Spiritual Senses on me the entire time. In any case, that was still scary as hell." Naturally, that was the City Lord of Danve City, Devou Zais. Well, he was also Frandin''s father.


    Frandin was also in the room, so he tried to comfort him, saying, "Father, everything is okay. We did receive the terms of the agreement that were set after the war was over, right? As long as we don''t send any cultivator at the Saint Realm or above into Wringan Continent, we are allowed to enter it. We just have to state our intentions and not try to avoid the Spiritual Senses of the demon beasts watching it."


    Devou glanced at his son, who had improved to the extent that made him feel embarrassed of his own cultivation progress. Of course, he was also extremely happy to have such a strong heir to take over the city in the future. "But I could still be killed by the humans themselves, you know? It''s not like humans aren''t allowed to attack Zasfins in their territories. When I got close to that so-called Freedom Sect, I was able to feel many Spiritual Senses stronger than mine."


    Frandin shrugged his shoulders as he said in response, "The fact that they didn''t do anything to you is proof that this negotiation might really happen. According to the information we''ve obtained, we at least know that my friends are part of that sect. let''s hope for the best."


    "Sigh...alright, let''s hope that it won''t bring any trouble to our Danve City or the other cities around who are participating in this negotiation." Devou Zais obviously accepted that role due to the prospects of success. He obviously wouldn''t step back now that he had already passed through the most dangerous task of delivering the jade slip to the Freedom Sect.


    Suddenly, a subordinate entered the room, telling him, "Ci-City Lord. We have a human outside saying that he came from Wringan Continent''s Freedom Sect. You told me to warn you if anything like this happened. What should I do?"


    Devou and Frandin''s eyes lit up after that. "Quick! Let him inside. Make sure that no one mistreats him.. The economic future of our Danve City and the other cities around us depends on this."

 Chapter 890 - Zasfins Visit

    Obviously, the human who came to deliver the message had high cultivation, being in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to pass through the middle of the city without the Zasfins stopping him at some point. One must remember that all humans from the Zasfin territories were sent to Wringan, so it was a rare sight to even see one now.


    After a few hours of discussion, it was decided that a few Zasfin representatives would go to Freedom City to finish the details. The Freedom Sect would guarantee the representatives'' safety during the visit. The human who came also said something else, telling them that Rean would like to see Frandin and Xiria again. Nevertheless, he didn''t need to feel forced to come. It would be more like old friends meeting up, after all.


    With that, the guy left several badges of the Freedom Sect with Frandin and Devou, telling them that they would be identified through it. Without the badges, the Freedom Sect wouldn''t be certain if others would try to attack them or not. The messenger then left a few minutes later.


    "Father, I''m heading there with Xiria," Frandin said without leaving much room for discussion.


    Devou nodded, knowing that although it wasn''t obligatory, Frandin''s presence would definitely make things better for their negotiations. "Very well. By the way, where''s your girl?"


    After going through many battles in the war together, Frandin and Xiria grew close to each other. By now, they didn''t bother pretending and simply got together.


    Frandin then pondered over it a bit before saying, "She should be training. You know her. She''s quite the cultivation maniac. She didn''t care if I became the next city lord or not as long as it didn''t intervene with her schedule." Well, her training schedule was still mostly the one made by Roan for Frandin. It just had a few tweaks to be used for women instead. Xiria herself had also made a few modifications over the last few years.


    "Alright, go and call her out." Devou was even more impressed with how Frandin managed to get close with such a female Zasfin. After all, her cultivation was higher than Frandin even though they were of the same age. Frandin did get a lot closer to her cultivation over time. Nevertheless, he was always at least one stage behind.


    Devou then left to talk with the city lords of the cities around Danve. They were the ones who wanted this trade to move forward, after all. The next day, a party of more than thirty Zasfins was made, and they soon headed to the ocean before starting to cross it. They even had an airship so that they could make this travel faster.


    Sure enough, they were stopped by the demon beasts on their way to Freedom Island. After all, the airship did have quite a few Nascent Soul Zasfins. Such a number could still cause a lot of problems in the new human territory since the majority there didn''t have high cultivations. Fortunately, as soon as they showed the Freedom Sect badges, the demon beasts stopped bothering them and let the group pass. Of course, they still kept their Spiritual Senses over the ship just in case.


    This time, however, they didn''t head straight to Freedom Sect as Devou did. Instead, they were told to pass by Freedom City first. That''s where the trades would be made with the locals, so there was no point in visiting the sect itself.


    In Freedom City, the Zasfin airship stopped above the entrance, not proceeding forward. That''s because they could feel the Spiritual Senses of humans at the Soul Transformation Realm there, watching them. Someone appeared there a few moments later to receive the representatives. The guy landed on the Zasfin airship''s deck as he looked at them with a serious face, saying, "I can see that you brought the badges. You did well. If some of you haven''t kept it, I would have to cut their heads."


    The guy''s cultivation was obviously at the Soul Transformation Realm as well, so he didn''t feel afraid of those Nascent Soul Zasfins at all. In fact, he did want to attack, but Freedom Sect left very clear orders about this event. "Alright, bring the airship to that big tower at the center of the city. That one with the big antenna on the top." The Zasfins nodded in response before flying the airship once again.


    Suddenly, they all heard a ringing sound coming from the human cultivator, putting them on their guard. After all, nothing guaranteed that the humans would keep their word of not harming them. However, that Zasfin simply took a strange device from his pocket before putting it on his ear.


    "Hello?"


    "Ah, yes. They''re all here already."


    "Hmm? Alright, let me ask."


    The Zasfins didn''t understand who the human was talking to. After all, there wasn''t anyone there. However, the human ignored that and asked something else. "Who among you is Devou Zais?"


    Devou immediately stepped forward after hearing that.


    "I am."


    The guy nodded in response, saying, "Alright, you can send your Spiritual Senses into this device of mine. Just think of it as if you are using Spiritual Sense to talk with a person. The others can also do the same thing to listen, but you shouldn''t send messages unless asked since only Devou was called."


    Naturally, everyone was curious about the device, so they immediately sent their Spiritual Senses inside. It was then that they heard Rean''s voice echoing in their mings like a Spiritual Sense message. ''So you''re Devou, huh? Welcome to Freedom City. I''ll receive you all in the tower later. I''m just a bit busty right now.''


    Everyone was taken aback, hearing the message. It was then that Devou remembered the human saying he could use that device as if he was talking to a person through Spiritual Sense. ''Can you hear me?''


    Rean immediately replied after that, ''Of course, I can. Don''t worry, this is a communication device crated by our sect. It''s called a Spiritual Smartphone, and we can talk as much as we want. You don''t need to be afraid of it burning out like a Thoughts Transmission Talisman.''


    Sure enough, those words made all the Zasfins on the airship widen their eyes!

 Chapter 891 - Main Issue

    There was a reason for Rean to not try and hide the existence of their Communication System from the Zasfins. Simply put, it would be impossible to hide it in the first place. This was something that would occupy an entire continent. How would they keep it a secret with tens of millions of people using the devices? That would be ridiculous. Not to mention that the Zasfins would be idiots if they didn''t convince some ex-slaves to deliver information to them through whatever methods.


    Since that was the case, Rean laid everything out in the open from the very start. ''Don''t worry, this communication system created by my sect will be available for your cities as well. After all, it would make things simple when negotiating with both parties. Now then, please wait in the tower until the representatives of the cities come and talk with you. I''ll be there as well when that time comes.''


    Frandin and Xiria wanted nothing more than to talk with Rean about everything that had happened so far. However, only Frandin''s father knew about their relationship with Rean. Besides, it would spell doom over their family if word got out.


    Devou then nodded in response, saying, ''Alright, we will see you later.''


    The human expert took his Spiritual Smartphone back before saying, "I''ll be at your service during your stay, so you can simply call me Zian. However, don''t push your luck too much. Otherwise, don''t blame me for being nasty." Soon after, he pointed at the tower, telling them, "Now then, I''ll give you a quick tour inside the tower and will explain how the communication system works. After all, we will need to install a few antennas around your territories if you guys also want to use it."


    Naturally, there wasn''t a single Zasfin not interested in that communication system. At the very least, they wanted to know if they could copy that method somehow. As one could imagine, there were Formation Masters present in their group at the moment, so they were the most excited ones.


    Everything proceeded smoothly inside Freedom City''s Communication Tower. Zian gave them a simple explanation of how it worked and showed the devices to the Zasfins. Unfortunately, even their Formation Masters couldn''t understand anything. After all, those were all Circuitry Formations, a different path of formations they had never seen before. That was also why Rean wasn''t afraid of someone stealing it either. Especially since quite a few Spiritual Senses from the demon beasts were focused in the Freedom Sect.


    Once they were done with the tour, Zian brought the group to a few rooms, where he separated them by cities. Although that made the representatives nervous, they could only comply with Freedom City''s rules.


    Inside the room prepared for Danve City, Frandin, Xiria, and Devou waited for the time they would be called. Well, they also thought about another possibility.


    *Knock! Knock! Knock!*


    Suddenly, someone knocked on the door before entering. As soon as Xiria and Frandin saw who it was, they confirmed their suspicions, with Frandin saying, "As I thought, you separated us so that no one would find it suspicious if you wanted to talk with Xiria and me alone."


    Naturally, the one there was Rean and the others. "Hehe! It seems like you understand things very well." Rean then went closer to Frandin before patting his shoulder, asking, "So, how have you been? Is everything alright on your side?" Obviously, Agis was also there to talk with him. "How much did you get beaten up during the war? Hahaha!"


    Xiria, Calina, Malaka, and Qia also got togehter to talk. "I heard that you and Frandin are together now. Is that true?"


    Xiria couldn''t help but show a slightly red expression before nodding. "Yes..."


    Naturally, the girls immediately switched to gossip mode straight away. Not wanting to be left behind, Xiria also asked about Qia and Calina. It was then that she found about Agis and Malaka. Well, it would be hard to not find it with the size of Malaka''s belly.


    "Ahem!" Suddenly, a certain someone who was being ignored in the corner decided to call their attention. "You kidnapped my son back then and have nothing to say to me?" Naturally, that certain someone was Devou.


    Rean shrugged his shoulders in response, telling the man, "Didn''t I give him back ten times better? He was a lost case before. However, look at him now. How many Zasfins at his age can match his strength and cultivation?"


    Frandin''s mouth twitched in response. "Who was a lost cause? This grandfather here was having a very good life before you took me away, you know? Sure, I wouldn''t have the strength I have today. However, I would still grow to become the city lord of Danve in the future."


    It was then that Frandin noticed something, asking, "By the way, where''s Roan?"


    Rean looked at Frandin as if he was an idiot, saying in response, "Do you really think Roan would care about such emotional reencounters? In his head, he might as well spend this time cultivating. That''s all."


    Frandin scratched the back of his head in response. "Well, that''s true. That guy is an emotionless training machine, after all." Roan would probably like that nickname. Too bad he completely ignored Rean and Calina when they told him Frandin was coming.


    Devou noticed that he was being forgotten once again, though. "How long will you pretend I don''t exist? I know this is your territory and that killing me would be easy, but I also have my pride."


    Rean then patted Devou''s shoulder after hearing that, saying, "Alright, alright. What is it that you want to talk about?"


    Devou then looked at Frandin and Xiria before looking back at Rean, telling them, "You guys do know that Frandin, Xiria, and even I participated in the war, right? I''ll tell you in advance even though we killed a lot of demon beasts, we also killed a few humans. Naturally, there were many more demon beasts. What I want to know is if it will affect your relationship or not. Because if it does, I want to know right now. Our cities depend on North Wringan''s local materials, after all."


    Sure enough, the main issue was brought to the table.

 Chapter 892 - Good Luck With That

    In response, Rean simply shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "I killed a lot of Zasfins, didn''t I? In the end, that''s what war is. I''m just happy that Frandin didn''t appear on the other side of the battlefield since I wouldn''t hold back just because of him."


    That was a very straightforward answer, much to Devou''s surprise. "I see...if that''s okay with all of you, then I''m obviously okay with that as well. I won''t play dumb, though. I still think that humans should be serving us. That''s how it has always been as far as I remember. I know that it isn''t possible anymore, but this kind of mindset won''t change anytime soon."


    Rean couldn''t help but look at Frandin after hearing that, saying, "He really is your father."


    "I agree." Frandin nodded in agreement. One must remember that Frandin always made it clear that he saw human slaves differently from Rean''s group. He didn''t try to hide it at all.


    Nevertheless, Rean was satisfied with that. "Devou, I quite like you. As long as you''re open with your feelings, I think our negotiations will run a lot smoother. It''s definitely a lot better than trying to keep things hidden." Rean then smiled as he continued, "Of course, if you try and go around killing humans or try and make them your slaves, I definitely won''t hold back, even if you''re Frandin''s father."


    "That''s fine by me." Devou would be lying if he said that he wasn''t nervous about the result of this conversation. After all, he did put his feelings out in the open. He still felt aggrieved at the fact that his city''s economy was ruined after Wringan was taken away. Otherwise, he would have never resorted to Frandin''s connection with Rean to ask for help.


    After that, Frandin, Xiria, Rean, and the others spent some time talking with each other. They tactfully kept the war out of the discussion, though. It wouldn''t be nice to hear more about the death of their races. Their time of relaxation continued until suddenly, they heard another knock on the door.


    A city worker then came inside, telling Rean, "Elder Rean, all the representatives of the cities in the north of Fausec Country are here already. We can start the negotiations at any time."


    Rean nodded before looking at the others, telling them, "Alright, you guys can continue to talk. I''ll head out to participate in the meeting with Senior Devou. The rest of you aren''t considered part of this, so I can''t let you come."


    Devou couldn''t help but ask, "Can''t Frandin come with me? He will eventually inherit the position of Danve City''s City Lord."


    Rean shook his head in response, telling him, "Every city has only one representative, so it would be suspicious if you had someone to accompany you. They might also think it''s unfair treatment. I''m sorry, but this has nothing to do with my relationship with Frandin."


    Devou could only sigh in response and accept Rean''s arrangements.


    In the meeting, Malo and Poliana obviously took part as Sect Leader and another elder of the sect. Suana, the one responsible for the sect''s office, was also participating. As one could imagine, the meeting started off very rough since the Zasfins still feared being taken in as prisoners or getting tortured and killed. Of course, such a thing didn''t happen since the city lords or their representatives understood the economic advantages of these trades. Some time into the negotiations, the Zasfins gradually relaxed, understanding that the humans really wanted to get to business here. That also helped them state the conditions of their contracts more openly.


    The meeting kept going for several hours and deep into the night. After all, each participating city of Palif Empire''s Tasman Country had different deals with the few towns in Fausec. Well, it wasn''t called Fausec Country before anyway.


    By the time the meeting ended, everyone there was feeling quite mentally fatigated. After all, it wasn''t like their feelings for each other changed all of a sudden. Humans still hated the Zasfins for being slaves or being confined in the Sealed Regions for so long. Zasfins still thought that humans should have continued to be their slaves. In any case, real agreements were reached between the several parties in the end.


    "Alright, I would like the representatives of Fausec Country''s cities to head back and report your achievements today in this meeting." Rean then looked at the representatives of the Zasfin cities. "As for you guys, I would like to discuss the communication system. I want to test if using the communication system in Zasfin territory is viable or not."


    The Fausec Country representatives were taken aback. After all, they thought that the communication system should only be used by humans. Wouldn''t that put the human''s future advantage at risk if the enemy could do the same thing? However, before they could voice their thoughts, Rean interrupted them, telling them, "There''s no need for you to worry. Our Freedom Sect obviously has its own thoughts by offering this. It won''t jeopardize the humans'' situation in the future. I can guarantee that much."


    Only after hearing Rean''s confirmation did the guys head out of the room, leaving only the Zasfins and the Freedom Sect members inside.


    Rean then smiled at the Zasfins, telling them, "There''s no need for you to think too much about it either. Whether you want to try the communication system is up to you. I won''t explain why it wouldn''t be a problem for our human race. All I can tell you is that the Zasfins won''t be able to use it against us. Well, as long as it''s only used for things other than talking about invading the Wringan Continent, it''s more or less fine by us."


    The Zasfins looked at each other with a hint of hesitation. They thought the same thing as the other humans who first heard about the system. Wouldn''t the Freedom Sect use it to listen to their messages? But then again, Rean used the same reasons as he did before, which forced them to go silent. In the end, only half of the Zasfins agreed with letting the Freedom Sect install a few antennas for tests while the others would first watch and see how it would go.


    Rean wasn''t disappointed by that. In fact, he was surprised that half of them accepted it. ''Well, they''re probably thinking about using their own Formation Masters to analyze and reproduce the Circuitry Formations.. Hehe! Good luck with that.''

 Chapter 893 - On The Rails

    Rean was pretty confident that without the methods shown in the Formations Repository in the Soul Gem System, those people definitely wouldn''t be able to replicate it. Also, it would be very hard for them to do that without Rean''s knowledge of the modern world. Rean himself knew how hard it was to teach Qia and the others about principles found by modern science, which were things that none of them ever considered to exist. Without those principles, even if the Zasfins had the method to create Circuitry Formations in their hands, it would be too hard to bring it to life.


    The meeting was finally over sometime later as Rean finished the details on which cities and where the antennas on Tasman Country''s cities would be installed. All in all, the negotiations went well, and both parties would start trading in a month''s time.


    Back at Freedom Sect, Roan and Zuo were cultivating in a room. Roan had finally gotten a perfectly working version of the Magnetism Cultivation Manual, which Zuo was currently using. With the environment''s Spiritual Energy at the Rank Three level, Zuo''s cultivation skyrocketed, bringing him to the Late Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm in these past few months.


    Of course, Roan didn''t leave Zuo only cultivating. Freedom Island had a lot of demon beasts at Stage Four or below. Thanks to that, there was no lack of opponents for Roan to put up against Zuo. He also made sure to train the boy in combat properly. That being said, Zuo could already fight Initial Stage Two Demon Beasts with his traits.


    At first, the boy trembled more than battled, and Roan had to save him a few times. Naturally, injuries were constant as well. Though, Roan didn''t care that much. With Rean''s Instant Recovery skill, Zuo most likely could be healed as long as he didn''t die. It was during this time that Zuo also understood why Roan was called the Demon King in the sect. In fact, Zuo''s training schedule was a lot harder than most. After all, he had Roan''s total attention, while the rest of the disciples simply received a standard training routine. Well, even the standard one was hellish, making even Julia feel sorry for the boys, let alone the girls.


    Nonetheless, everyone who joined the sect understood that they all worked. It wasn''t an oppressive environment where dogs ate dogs like most of the places outside. The sect was very united, obviously because of the same experience they had back in the Soul Rulers'' time. As for the new disciples, they were quickly brought close to the sect''s disciples. Even the difference in talent between the old and new didn''t stop the senior disciples from becoming close with the new ones.


    For that, Rean couldn''t help but mention one time. "Where will you find a sect in the cultivation world where almost, if not all of them are so loyal? None of them wants to leave this place, and that''s the kind of environment I like."


    Meanwhile, the communication system finally started taking its next steps, expanding outside Fausec Country. The sect had obtained more Formation Masters from outside, thanks to its influence. As a result, that increased the speed at which the antennas were produced.


    That wasn''t all. Srevil''s group had finally finished developing the new Minuscule Rune Carvers. That meant Rean''s Nokias could now be mass-produced. One didn''t need to be a Heaven-level Formation Master to build them anymore. Of course, when it came to the development of new models, Heaven-level Formation Masters were still necessary.


    Nine months after the war was over, Freedom City began to take shape. Just like the Demon Beast Cities in the Demon Beast Continent, Freedom City also began to have all races walking on its streets. Obviously, it meant that Zasfins and demon beasts could be found there. It''s just that their numbers were extremely small compared to humans.


    Nonetheless, Freedom City''s City Lord, the one who was also part of the Freedom Sect, did a very good job. He made sure that the humans would not attack the Zasfin merchants that came from the cities of Palif Empire''s Tasman Country. In fact, those merchants loved to come to Freedom City since the Spiritual Energy concentration here was really high. Some even found ways of permanently staying while continuing to trade with the humans.


    During this time, a few cultivation breakthroughs happened within Rean''s group. Malaka and Qia had reached the Peak Stage of the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. Agis was the same thing. However, the one furthest ahead was still Calina, who always had a cultivation level higher than the others. With Roan''s Heaven Initial-level Cross-Realm Pill, she finally entered the Nascent Soul Realm. One must remember that before Rean and Roan separated from Calina, her cultivation was higher than theirs. So it was normal for her to be the first among the others to get to that realm.


    Rean and Roan didn''t stay behind either. Celis, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky had a cultivation connection where they could pull each other, keeping their cultivation level on par. Celis already had an insanely high rate of Spiritual Energy absorption due to his race, the World Swallowing Cedar. Rean and Roan''s last two Spiritual Energy Absorption upgrades only made that become even faster. Last but not least, Kentucky also obtained the same upgrade as them.


    Because of that, all four of them advanced into the Late Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm or the Late Stage Five Demon Beast level. Rean, Roan, and Kentucky weren''t even in their forties yet, so one could imagine how surprised the other experts of the sect felt when they heard about it. They all understood that these twins and the Divine Demon Bird would be the real supporting pillars of the sect in the future together with Celis. After all, not only were their cultivations high, their combat strength was several stages higher than their own as well.


    However, the biggest news on the ninth month wasn''t any of that. Instead, it was the birth of Malaka and Agis''s kid.. Surprisingly, this was the first kid to have ever been born in the Freedom Sect.

 Chapter 894 - We Understand

    "So, it''s a girl, huh?" Rean said as he looked at the baby embraced in Malaka''s arms. Well, they all knew about that already since they could feel it in Malaka''s belly with their Spiritual Senses. Rean then took a Soul Power Measurement Orb and had the little baby touch it.


    -Soul Power, 24 points-


    *Wow!*


    In the end, Rean was right. Because Malaka and Agis developed Soul Power, their kid inherited that trait. It wasn''t anything impressive, though. If one thought about Frandin, for example, he had 73 points when he was born. Although 73 points were considered a high value for newborn Zasfins, 24 points were on the other end of the line. It was deemed as below average.


    "The amount of Soul Power she has doesn''t matter. The fact is that she has above 20 points. Once she grows old enough, she will be able to manipulate and train it. Also, it means that Bloodline Soul Mark Formations are now useless on her since her Soul Power is too high. This is what I want to happen with all the humans in Wringan Continent." Rean was obviously happy to see that. Even if the value was below 20 points, the fact is that the kid''s Soul Power would develop on its own during the next few years. Because of that, it would surpass 20 points sooner or later as it has inherited her parents'' bloodline.


    Qia took the little girl in her arms and couldn''t help but ask, "Have you decided a name for her already?"


    Malaka immediately nodded, responding, "It''s Mia."


    Immediately, everyone understood. That was the name of Malaka''s old master, the Dalamu Sect Master, who ''died'' in Sunkan Planet. Even now, none of them knew what happened after the planet''s ''destruction.''


    Those words also reminded Rean of his sister, Rana. She had been barely born when that event happened. "Sigh...what a very good name, Malaka."


    The others also agreed with Rean.


    "Indeed."


    "I couldn''t have thought about something better."


    "I think it''s great!"


    Roan, who hasn''t said anything until now, snorted in response, saying, "I see. That means you still remember your days of training with your old master. That''s great! I''ll make sure to make her soul in the underworld proud. Now that your kid is finally born, you better be prepared to make up for all the laziness up to this point."


    Malaka''s expression went pale after hearing that, more than it was after giving birth. "Ahem...perhaps we should select another name for her. What do you think, Agis?"


    Agis looked away, pretending he didn''t hear anything as he whistled. "Nice weather outside, don''t you think?" Today was very cloudy...


    Malaka was crying already after that. "Traitor!"


    *Hahahaha!*


    The mood in the room immediately brightened up once again. Rean, for a moment, glanced at Roan, who closed his eyes as if nothing had happened. ''Well, it''s not every day you see Death itself caring about everyone''s feelings.''


    [That''s true. We could say that the Demon King is improving, even if it''s an old tortoise''s pace.] Sister Orb agreed with Rean''s thoughts as well.


    Roan completely ignored those two before turning around to leave the room. He saw what he wanted to see, which was the baby''s Soul Power. That meant Rean''s plan of awakening the humans'' Soul Power could really work.


    In fact, Rean felt a lot more confident once he saw the numbers on the Soul Power Measurement Orb. After all, he could only use his feeling for Life Force to confirm it so far. Having concrete proof in front of him was another story altogether.


    Later that day, Rean went to check the reports of the equipment created with his Light Element Gathering Metals. He spent quite a bit of his time making many huge pieces of low-level ingots. Those ingots were then sent to several cities where gold and blacksmiths turned them into small and cheap pieces of equipment. Freedom Sect even created a new company just for that, the Freedom Healing SA. No one understood why Rean put SA in the name, though. "You guys don''t need to care about it. It''s just a personal taste..." or so Rean said.


    The disciples in his office organized all the papers and jade slips so that Rean only had to read through them. "Oh! So we were able to reduce the price to the point where people can buy it with cooper coins, huh? That''s great!" Freedom Healing SA''s equipment had a good effect on injuries, especially on people who didn''t have any cultivation.


    One must remember that the higher one''s cultivation, the harder it was for Rean to heal. One could take Phex and Darian, the two Stage Nine Divine Demon Beasts, as examples. In Darian''s case, Rean spent weeks working on him. However, ordinary humans, which were obviously the majority, didn''t have any cultivation whatsoever. That''s where Rean''s healing equipment made the biggest impact.


    Kids who simply fell on the ground and bruised their knees, for example. In just a few hours, such injuries would be gone as long as they kept wearing a Healing Collar. One can''t underestimate this power. Bruises weren''t things that disappeared in just a few hours to start with. Usually, they would take several days to weeks, depending on how serious they were. As for more serious injuries, like broken bones and so on, a few days wearing the Healing Equipment would usually be enough.


    Rean''s ingots all had minuscule Spiritual Energy Gathering Runes all over. Since the metal gathered Light Element once Spiritual Energy was poured inside, they were constantly absorbing and released tiny amounts of Light Element in the users'' bodies. Now that the company succeeded in reducing their price to mere copper coins, it obviously became a hot pocket in the hands of the shops selling it.


    A few countries saw this chance and immediately made agreements with Freedom Healing SA. Obviously, the company accepted all of them as long as they kept the base of the business, which was the low price. "Sigh...the only question now is how long it will take for the wearers to develop their Soul Power. If I''m not wrong, I should see a few developments in the next few months in the areas where this type of equipment was first introduced." He could only wait to see how it would go from there.


    Rean then looked at one of the disciples in his office before saying, "Make sure to keep the Soul Measurement Orbs available for the public everywhere. Just say that the first humans to achieve a Soul Power over 20 points will receive a prize in gold coins from the Freedom Sect."


    The disciples immediately nodded after that. "Yes, Elder Rean. We already have our partners working on it. If you visit the first regions that received our Healing Items, you will see that their cities have Soul Power Measurement Orbs positioned on crowded streets. Our partners, who are selling them, are also promoting it in their own shops."


    Rean was satisfied with that. "That''s good. Let me know as soon as a human with more than 20 points of Soul Power appears. I want to go and see it myself."


    "We understand, Elder Rean."

 Chapter 895 - Spreading

    Another event took place during this time as well. Freedom Sect had installed a few antennas in the cities in Tasman Country. Of course, there were a few more antennas installed between the Freedom Sect and the cities as well. After all, the antennas had to be in range of each other. Even if the signal could bend due to Spiritual Energy, the antennas still had a range limit on how far they could spread the signals.


    Now that Freedom Sect was able to mass-produce Spiritual Smartphones, they gave a few thousand of them to the Zasfins. It wasn''t even close to the amount being distributed in Wringan Continent. Nevertheless, that was a huge help for the Zasfins themselves. That''s because those Spiritual Smartphones didn''t need to be used to talk with the humans in Wringan only. The city lords and other elders in high positions in those Zasfin cities could talk to each other as well. They didn''t need to use expensive Thoughts Transmission Talismans and could simply call the other side straight away.


    Because of that, the cities that accepted to have antennas built in their territories began to gain an advantage in negotiations.  Many things could be resolved very quickly with simple calls, instead of having to go all the way back to their cities and then return once more.


    As one could imagine, the other half of the cities who wanted to simply see how those antennas would fare in the Zasfin territories immediately contacted the Freedom Sect. They simply couldn''t wait anymore and asked for their cities to receive some antennas and Spiritual Smartphones.


    However, it was then that Rean changed the terms, telling them, "You were the guys who didn''t want it before. Now we have several times the number of cities in our Wringan Continent waiting in the queue. I''m sorry, but we won''t be able to install the antennas in your cities anytime soon. Let me check here...we have a vacancy in our installation schedule three years and two months from now. Well, we''re all cultivators, so such little time doesn''t matter to us, right?"


    "What?!" One elder of a clan from a city called Yistrik was taken aback after that. However, he didn''t give up so easily. "Can''t you do something about that? We can''t wait that long at all!"


    "Well..." Rean stopped for a moment before continuing, "We can put you ahead in the queue, but there will be a price." Sure enough, the key moment arrived.


    The elder obviously didn''t like the idea very much. However, the communication system of the Freedom Sect was just too important at the moment. "Depending on the price, we don''t mind paying it. However, it can''t be anything absurd. If the price is above the amount of income we would have during this time while waiting, then we won''t accept it."


    Rean laughed in response after that, saying, "Hahaha! But of course! In fact, I have an idea. How about having our Freedom Sect receive 10% of the city''s income for the next three years? It''ll be a very small value every month, and you will definitely benefit a lot more." Rean''s idea was very obvious. Once the communication system was introduced in the elder''s city, their income should increase quite a lot. 10% of the city''s actual income was definitely not as much as it would be after they obtained the antennas and Spiritual Smartphones.


    The elder obviously knew why Rean proposed that deal. "Alright, then we have a deal. Though, you have to do the installation within a month at most." Nevertheless, the elder could only accept the offer. He was afraid that if he tried to bargain, Rean would give up on the idea.


    The same thing happened with many other cities in Tasman Country. In fact, it also happened in Wringan. For Freedom Communications LTD, that was extra income on top of the monthly income they were already getting for the use of their system.


    Because of that, a certain type of profession began to appear in Freedom Sect, administration. The sect''s businesses were expanding too fast, so they needed qualified people to take care of it. Suana, the one who was in charge of most administrative issues in the sect, obviously more than welcomed the addition of this new type of class in the school.


    Another good thing was that the sect''s old disciples were mostly highly talented humans with Blue Color Talents and above. That also reflected their ability to learn complicated things, so many of them showed quite some promise. As for why so many got interested in it, that''s because the sect was being very generous with Spirit Stones and Sect Points to those who took such positions in the sect''s businesses.


    Everything was going very well in the Freedom Sect until the tenth month after the war. However, it was around this time that the higher-ups of the Zasfin continents began to take notice of them.


    "Communication System?"


    "Long-distance communication with almost no cost? Is that possible?"


    "How does it work?"


    "Send someone to check those Spiritual Smartphones and antennas."


    "We need to find out how they work."


    "Send our best members. Our Formation Master Guild must get our hands on the method of how this system is created."


    That was all for nothing, though. The Formation Master Guild even sent their Heaven High and Peak-level Formation Masters to check Rean''s communication system. Unfortunately, they simply couldn''t understand how the Circuitry Formations and their runes worked.


    "I recognize quite a few of the formation runes being used. However, just how is this thing even working?"


    "Why are you asking me? The problem is that there are runes we''ve never even seen before!"


    "Runes? Hahaha! These things are completely different from what we have seen so far. Can you even tell whether they are runes or not? I definitely can''t!"


    "This isn''t working. Even with the samples right in front of us, we can''t understand anything without the methods used to build these...errr...antennas...and controlling formations."


    Eventually, after much discussion and testing, the Formation Masters of the Formation Guild reached a conclusion. "Send someone to investigate.. We need to find the Formation Masters responsible for the creation of these things."

 Chapter 896 - Dream On

    Of course, it didn''t take long for the Formation Masters to find out that the Freedom Sect was responsible for it. As soon as that happened, they sent people to Freedom City to learn more about the creators. It didn''t even take a long time to find about it since Rean never really tried to keep it a secret. It''s just that after they found out about him, the Zasfins who had relations with the Soul Rulers felt somewhat uncomfortable.


    "So...it was the human who was working on formations back in the Soul Rulers headquarters."


    "Doesn''t that mean Rean developed this new type of communication formation after learning about it from the Soul Rulers?"


    "That doesn''t make sense. I helped the Soul Rulers with a few formations before. I''m sure they didn''t have anything like that. Unless they were hiding this new method until now."


    "That''s even more impossible, don''t you think? If they had access to this kind of formation before, they would have used it during the war. Can you not see how big of a difference it would have made if they had it there? There''s no way they kept it hidden."


    "In that case, Rean developed it on his own...but the things he learned about formations in the Soul Rulers headquarters definitely helped out."


    One couldn''t blame those Formation Masters for thinking that way. After all, no one other than the Divine Demon Beasts and Rean''s friends knew that his group came from another planet. Let alone the fact that Rean has the Soul Gem System.


    "What should we do, then? Try to kidnap Rean or one of the Formation Masters working in Freedom Sect?"


    "Hahaha! Good luck with that! From the moment I entered Wringan Continent, the demon beasts kept their Spiritual Senses on me nonstop. I''m absolutely sure no one will be able to touch the Freedom Sect unless they send the ancestors of the Zasfin Race to do the job."


    "That won''t happen since it would be in violation of the agreement. The Ancestors want to use the demon beasts'' Bestial Sacred Ground to head to the Realm of Gods. It doesn''t matter how important this communication system might be. They won''t jeopardize their chances to enter a higher realm of cultivation just to get their hands on it."


    With that, the Zasfins were in a huge dilemma. On one side, they needed to obtain the methods to build the communication system. On the other, they couldn''t start an incident against the demon beasts. Otherwise, the Zasfin Ancestors of the Soul Rulers would personally come and kill them.


    In the end, they had only one choice.


    "Do we really need to negotiate with the humans? They were just slaves a few months ago."


    Sure enough, that feeling pestered all the Formation Masters of the Formation Master Guild. Nevertheless, they could only begrudgingly accept that choice as they couldn''t find out how it worked on their own. They needed the principles behind creating the communication system.


    Eleven months after the war, a disciple came to Rean''s office to deliver a message, telling him, "Elder Rean...there seems to be a few Formation Master Zasfins waiting to talk with you outside the sect. I told them hundreds of times that you don''t want to be bothered, but they simply don''t give up. Should I send a call to Elder Julia or Rarigo?"


    Rean was surprised for a moment, but he knew what the Zasfins came here for. With that, he replied, "There''s no need. You can tell the guards to guide the Zasfins to my office. If anyone asks, just tell them it was my decision."


    The disciple immediately nodded. "Yes, Elder Rean."


    Rean couldn''t help but ponder over it after that, thinking to himself, ''Well, that was faster than I thought. It seems like the Formations Guild is quite interested in the communication system. Otherwise, I would have entered the Bestial Sacred Ground before they appeared.'' Rean then thought about it from another perspective. ''Oh well, this is also a good opportunity since I don''t know what will happen there. Better leave everything on the rails before then.''


    Naturally, Rean received a few Spiritual Sense messages asking why the Zasfins were allowed in the Sect. Nevertheless, Rean just told them to forget about it as he had everything under control.


    The Zasfins noticed that they weren''t the least bit welcomed there, but they ignored all of that. For the communication system, they were willing to enter the dragons'' den. It didn''t take long before a disciple of the sect brought the group of Zasfin Formation Masters to Rean''s office.


    "Hello, everyone. You surprised me when I received a message that some Zasfins wanted to talk with me," Rean said with a smile. "In any case, I''m happy that you''re all here. I hope we can have a good time as well. So...what is it that you came to talk with me for?"


    The group of Zasfins immediately looked at one of their members in the center. From the looks of it, he was the leader of this party. Seeing their gazes, the Zasfin stepped forward and said, "It''s good that you received us. My name is Larefin Dubam, one of the elders in Palif Empire''s Formation Master Guild. I believe you already know why we''re here. We want the method to build the communication system formations."


    Sure enough, the elder acted incredibly high and mighty. In his eyes, he was still a Zasfin, while Rean was just a human. Whether Rean''s knowledge of formations was better than his own or not didn''t matter.


    Rean, however, couldn''t care less about the guy''s feelings, saying in response, "Oh, is that so? Very well. The Communication System is something I invented. Tell me, why should I give it to you?"


    "Isn''t that obvious? This kind of system can change the world. Once we learn how to make it, we can improve and spread this knowledge around the world. You should be honored that our Formations Guild is willing to at least recognize its creator to be a human."


    Rean couldn''t help but laugh out loud after that.. "Hahaha! Indeed, this is such an honor! Too bad I don''t give a flying fuck about that. You want to know how to build my communication system? Dream on!"

 Chapter 897 - Follow Me

    Obviously, that wasn''t what Larefin wanted to hear. However, he didn''t lose his cool, using other methods to get what he wanted as he asked, "What? Do you want payment? We don''t mind it. Just say your price, and we can provide it. As long as it isn''t unreasonable, we can definitely work it out. Don''t underestimate the funds of the Formation Master Guild."


    Rean narrowed his eyes in response, telling him, "It seems like you didn''t understand what I said. I have no reason to give it to your Zasfin race. After all, wouldn''t it be used against my human race once the thousand-year non-aggression agreement is over? No price can pay for that."


    Larefin couldn''t help but rebuke, "What kind of shitty reason is that? You are talking about something that will only happen a thousand years in the future. Do you really think we can''t figure out how this communication system works until then? You should take what you can while we''re still willing to pay."


    "Hmph!" Rean snorted after hearing that. "I truly think you can''t figure out how it works even in a thousand years. That''s how confident I am. Only a scant few of the Formation Masters in Freedom Sect know how the core components are created. Not to mention that they have restrictions applied on those memories as well. Even if you capture some of them, you will never find out how the communication system works. My Freedom Sect has total control over it."


    Larefin felt like killing Rean right there and then. The memory restriction is something their Zasfin race created. Their race was good at the matters of the soul, after all. He just didn''t expect that a human would be able to use it as well. However, considering that Rean did stay in the Soul Rulers'' headquarters for quite some time, he didn''t find it surprising that Rean obtained his hands on the method.


    "Fine!" Larefin finally decided to yield. "What is it that you want to allow our Formation Master Guild to obtain the creation method? And don''t tell me there isn''t a way to get it because you wouldn''t have received us otherwise. Am I wrong?"


    Hearing that, Rean''s angry expression suddenly disappeared as if it had never been there. Instead, a bright smile took its place as he said in response, "Come on, Elder Larefin. We''re all Formation Masters here, aren''t we? That means we''re all friends. How could I ask you for something? However, since you already offered, it wouldn''t be polite for me to refuse."


    Larefin and the other Zasfins almost vomited blood after hearing that! ''Can he be more shameless than that? I doubt so! You just said a second ago that you wouldn''t sell it to us, remember?'' Nevertheless, they kept those thoughts inside. The important thing was the communication system. "So, what is it you want?"


    Rean then used his Spiritual Energy to draw a map of the Zasfin territories in the air. "I don''t care about payment since this system will provide my sect with as much money and Spirit Stones as it could ever need. What I want is the Formation Guild''s help!"


    "Help?" They were expecting some unreasonable price, not some kind of favor. Nevertheless, something told them that they definitely wouldn''t like the idea.


    "Yes, help!" Rean continued, "The Formation Master Guild has a lot of influence over the entire Zasfin territories. That being said, I need you to help me promote a friendly coexistence between humans and Zasfins. From now on, the Formation Guild will accept humans within its ranks and won''t tolerate racism between its members. To start, I want the Formation Master Guild to open a branch in our Freedom City and bring Formation Masters to teach the humans who decide to enter the world of formations."


    At that instant, the entire room went silent. Naturally, Rean''s request was far beyond what they expected from him. There''s no price involved in this deal, only pride! Can the Formation Master Guild really decide to change itself?


    However, quite a few of the Zasfins immediately thought, ''Wait, we don''t need to do that. We can simply accept this idiot''s offer and get our hands on the creation method of the communication system. After that, we can simply ignore this deal as if nothing had happened. What will he do about that? Complain about us breaking our side of the deal to the demon beasts? We didn''t violate the non-aggression agreement, so the demon beasts can''t do anything.''


    However, Larefin and a few more experienced elders didn''t believe it would be that easy. After all, would one of the three culprits behind the destruction of the Soul Rulers headquarters be this dumb? They definitely didn''t believe so.


    "What stops us from simply ignoring the deal after getting our hands on the creation method and the principles of the communication system? I doubt you haven''t thought about that yet." Sure enough, instead of keeping these thoughts inside, Larefin threw them out for everyone to hear.


    "Hahaha!" Rean laughed out loud when he heard that, saying, "No wonder the Formation Master Guild sent seniors to negotiate with me. Indeed, only an idiot would simply give their methods away after a verbal agreement. If the Formation Master Guild wants my methodologies to its creation, it will have to prove its intentions."


    Larefin asked straight away, "And how exactly should we do that?"


    On the enormous map drawn in the air, hundreds of light arrows connected Wringan Continent and the Zasfin territories. That only confused the Zasfins present at that moment, though. "What is this about?"


    "Integration!" Rean answered. "I want a lot of Zasfins to come to Wringan Continent to live here. We will start with the Palif Empire''s Zasfins and Wringan''s Fausec Country. Every year, the Zasfins will send more of its members to live here. I''ll be honest here. I''m aiming for a path of coexistence with the Zasfins. I want the humans and Zasfins to understand that they can live together."


    However, Larefin laughed in response, telling Rean, "Hahaha! Are you an idiot? Let me tell you right now. There''s no way the Zasfins will ever be able to coexist with humans. Should I tell you the reason?"


    Rean shook his head as he refuted, "There''s no need. I know what you want to talk about, and I can tell you as well. This reason of yours will become useless in a few decades."


    This time, Larefin was really taken aback. Somehow, Larefin didn''t think Rean was joking. "Why?"


    Rean then stood up and walked past the Zasfins before opening his office door.. Before he passed through it, he turned around and told them, "Follow me."

 Chapter 898 - This Is Just The Start

    There was a new building in the Freedom Sect that appeared just around a month ago. At first, other than the disciples who built it, no one else entered there. However, sometime later, it received its very first resident. It was an old woman, already in her forties. Also, the disciples who saw her entering it noticed that she didn''t have any cultivation whatsoever. Not even in the Blood Replacement Stage of the Body Transformation Realm.


    However, she wasn''t the only one. A day later, another person took residence in that building. This time a man in his twenties. He did have some level of cultivation, though. However, it was just the second stage of the Body Transformation Realm, the Bone Enhancement Stage. To be in his twenties and have only that much cultivation was not that impressive at all for the sect members.


    These things continued to happen as more and more people arrived in the sect and took residence in the building. Except for a scant few, no one understood why these people were being sent there. By the time the Zasfins came to visit Rean about the communication system, the highest cultivation they had noticed there was only at the Middle Stage of the Energy Gathering Realm, and there were only three people with that cultivation level.


    The ages of the people who arrived at the building were all over the place as well. There were kids four to ten years old as well as old elders above their seventies or eighties. This only contributed to the mystery behind that new building. After all, none of those people passed through the sect''s test. In fact, the next sect test was scheduled three months in the future, so that still wouldn''t be the reason why they were admitted.


    As one could expect, this was the building where Rean brought the elders of the Zasfins'' Formation Master Guild.


    Once they arrived in front of it, they noticed the name on the board above the entrance.


    -Soul Hall-


    That name immediately made Larefin squint his eyes. Nevertheless, he didn''t try to reach any conclusions since Rean would show what was inside anyway.


    "Elders, please come inside," Rean said as he made his way past the disciples guarding the entrance. Of course, he told them not to stop the Zasfins either.


    After that, Rean guided the group to a training facility where one could find most of the newcomers of the sect. They were all following a training schedule based on their age and cultivation. Surprisingly, even the elderly had their work cut out for them.


    Of course, such a scene mattered little to the Zasfin. There was a bunch of humans, young and old, training there. So what?


    However, Larefin quickly noticed one specific point that caught his interest, one orb placed at the very center. "Isn''t that a Soul Measurement Orb?"


    As soon as his words came out, the Zasfins'' expressions changed.


    "Why is there a Soul Measurement Orb here?"


    "Could it be that they captured some Zasfins and brought them here?"


    "I can''t see any Zasfins with my Spiritual Sense, though."


    Rean simply smiled before looking at a woman who was the first one to take residence in the sect. "Sora, please come here a second." Obviously, that was her name.


    Sora was a resident of Wonke City, one of the cities of Fausec Country. She was forty-two years old and had three kids. She was a housekeeper through and through. There wasn''t anything remarkable about her before she arrived in Freedom Sect. The sect made an agreement with her, telling them that as long as she followed their request, her family would be sent to Freedom City to live there. Of course, with Rean behind it, Sora''s family did indeed get what was promised. Sora immediately accepted the request since she and her family were ex-slaves of the Zasfins. Their conditions weren''t very good, so she did that for her family even though she didn''t know very well what the Freedom Sect needed her for.


    By now, the sect had put quite some effort into her. This woman, who didn''t even have any cultivation a month ago, was now in the Bone Enhancement Stage of the Body Transformation Realm. Since she could do that in just a month, it showed that even a few pills were added to her training. "Elder Rean, is there anything you need from me?"


    Sora was feeling a little nervous and quite afraid. After all, she could recognize the Zasfins with a single glance. She was an ex-slave, after all. She worked for the Zasfins before arriving in Wringan Continent.


    Rean nodded in response to her question, saying, "You were the very first result of the sect''s awakening plan. As I explained to you when you joined the sect, all the humans on the continent will eventually turn out the same way. Don''t worry. These Zasfins aren''t here to take you away. They are here to watch your progress. Why don''t you try the Soul Measurement Orb for me? Let''s widen their horizons."


    By now, the Zasfins had extremely unpleasant expressions. Could it really be that a human has Soul Power? Or better yet, the hundreds of humans in this place have it?


    Sora sighed in relief when she heard that Rean wouldn''t force her to go with the Zasfins, so she immediately moved to the Soul Measurement Orb. As always, the orb worked as it should before a result was shown over it.


    -Soul Power, 37-


    "What?!"


    They did understand why Rean asked Sora to try the Soul Measurement Orb. After all, it could only test one''s Soul Power. However, until the very last moment, they simply couldn''t believe a human had Soul Power. "What''s happening here?"


    Rean then turned around before shouting out to the rest of the people. "Everyone, come here and form a line. I want you to test your Soul Power."


    Sure enough, the Zasfins'' shock only increased.


    -Soul Power, 28-


    -Soul Power, 21-


    -Soul Power, 29-


    -Soul Power, 34-


    -Soul Power...


    "How''s that possible..." That''s the only thing that the Zasfins could think of when the last human tried it out.


    Rean then snorted, chuckling as he said, "Hehe! This is just the start."

 Chapter 899 - The Age Is Over

    "What do you mean by that?" one of the Formation Masters asked straight away.


    However, Rean didn''t need to answer that question. The one who answered it was Larefin himself, saying, "It''s the end of the Bloodline Soul Mark Formation." Sure enough, as someone with ties to the Soul Rulers, Larefin knew a few things about the formations.


    Noticing the confused expression of the other Formation Masters, Larefin decided to give an explanation, telling them, "The Bloodline Soul Mark Formations can''t use Zasfins as a sacrifice because their Soul Power is too big. We, Zasfins, are born into the world with a high Soul Power level. That''s why we need humans. Only their souls are gentle enough to be converted into Bloodline Soul Marks."


    Everyone was taken aback after that. They knew about the Bloodline Soul Marks and that humans were used as sacrifices. But they didn''t know that Zasfins couldn''t take their place. At the very least, they didn''t know why no one ever tried it. In any case, the answer had finally appeared in front of them.


    Rean smiled as he continued, "Some of you are probably asking why Larefin would reveal such a piece of important information here. Well, the truth is that I already knew of it. If he didn''t say anything, I would. Anyway, now that humans are born with high Soul Power, the Zasfins simply can''t use them. Unless they want to die, of course. Hahaha!"


    Larefin then looked at Rean with a dark expression, asking in a solemn tone, "How did you do that? I know that hybrids between humans and Zasfins can have Soul Power. However, I''ve never heard of humans gaining Soul Power."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he told them in response, "That''s the point where you guys are too prideful for your own good. Have you never asked yourselves why humans and Zasfins can have children together? That''s because both of them are of the same race. To be more specific, the Zasfins are an evolution, or you might as well say a mutation of the human race."


    "Bullshit!" one of the Formation Masters exclaimed. "It''s obviously because the Zasfin bloodline is much superior that your human race can accept its genes. I will never accept that we were part of your puny race in the past."


    Rean couldn''t care less, though. "Suit yourself. Whether you want to believe it or not is not my problem. The truth of the matter won''t change just because you refuse to believe it." Right after, Rean looked at Larefin and said, "Well then, this is the reason why Zasfins and humans will be able to coexist in the future. Bloodline Soul Mark Formations won''t work on humans anymore, after all. That was the motive that led you to say we could never be together since the Zasfins would always consider the possibility of using humans to create Bloodline Soul Marks."


    Unlike the other Zasfins, who cursed and kept denying Rean''s words, Larefin was a lot more open-minded. He didn''t deny Rean''s words at all.


    "Silence!" Immediately, his companions stopped talking and waited for Larefin to continue. Larefin then looked back at Rean before saying, "Are you sure you wanted to show it is us? Soul Power is a Zasfin race''s ability. If you keep this experiment, the entire Zasfin Race will do everything they can to get rid of you."


    Rean looked at Larefin as if he was an idiot, telling him, "You talk as if the Zasfins would try to get rid of us to start with. At most, you would keep enough of us around to make more Bloodline Soul Marks. Tell me, is that any different from how your Zasfin race already treats us?"


    "This..." Larefin couldn''t give Rean an answer. Yes, Rean was right. The Zasfin already hated the humans since they were a big part of the reason why the Zasfins lost the war. So what if they found out humans were developing Soul Power as well? They couldn''t do anything with the thousand-year non-aggression agreement in place. The demon beasts, who had superior power at the moment, definitely wouldn''t let them do anything.


    Rean then let out a sigh as he said, "You just don''t understand. The shock about humans having Soul Power will only be a momentaneous thing. The next Zasfins and humans who are born in the future would not have experienced the past. For them, it won''t change much whether the humans have Soul Power or not since they were already born in that age."


    "That''s why you think we will eventually be able to live together?" Larefin asked.


    "Yes." Rean nodded. "Just so you know, this is a transformation that''s happening all around Wringan Continent. The ones you see here are nothing more than the humans we taught about Soul Power. There are many more out there that simply don''t know they already have Soul Power. As long as we teach them how to use it, they will develop this power without a hitch."


    Larefin couldn''t help but ask, "How did you do that? How could the humans of an entire continent suddenly start to evolve to have Soul Power?"


    Rean laughed out loud as he pointed at himself. "That''s because of me. Or, to be more specific, it''s because of my Light Element Affinity."


    Rean''s eyes soon noticed the reddish hue of killing intent emanating from the Zasfin Formation Masters in the group. Well, not that he cared about it. "Some of you are probably thinking that as long as you kill me, this change will stop. Unfortunately, nothing can stop it anymore."


    Rean then explained how he did that, which made the Zasfins'' eyes widen in shock. He told them how there were millions of collars, earrings, bracelets, tiaras, and other accessories being used by humans at this very moment. Indeed, if things were like Rean said, killing him would have little to no effect. They would have to get rid of all his Light Element Equipment first, which was obviously impossible. There were just way too many!


    After that, Rean looked back at Larefin and said, "Well, that''s about it. I guess there''s no need for me to keep the people in this building hidden anymore. Once you guys leave, I''ll release a big announcement about my plans for the entire continent to hear.. The age where only Zasfins could use Soul Power is now over."

 Chapter 900 - Announcement

    Larefin wanted nothing more than to leave that place and head back to tell the Zasfins about what he learned. However, he knew that their negotiations weren''t over yet. After all, the reason he came here was for the communication system, and that hasn''t changed yet. "Alright, let''s consider that your awakening plan can''t be stopped anymore. You want both sides to exchange people to live in their midsts, right? What kind of people are we talking about?"


    "Isn''t that obvious?" Rean asked in response. "I''ll send humans who have developed Soul Power. Also, your Formation Guild will be responsible for their safety. The initial integration will be very complicated. However, we have to start from somewhere. Do that, and the methodology for the communication system is yours to analyze."


    Larefin narrowed his eyes after that. "However, you don''t intend to give it to us straight away, right?"


    "Of course!" Rean nodded. "However, I won''t leave you empty-handed. After all, I could simply ignore this deal once I achieve my objective as well. The same way I couldn''t trust you, you can''t just trust me either. That being said, I''ll give you a small introduction to the Circuitry Formations. It won''t be enough for you to figure out how the communication system works. Nevertheless, it will improve your own view of the formation world by leaps and bounds."


    "We could simply take this introduction to Circuitry Formations from you and then ignore everything else, you know?" Naturally, Larefin put his cards on the table. "What makes you believe you will follow this deal to the very end?"


    "Hahaha!" Rean laughed out loud in response. "Don''t worry. I''m absolutely sure you will follow this deal to the very bitter end when things can''t be taken back anymore."


    Larefin once again felt like Rean wasn''t joking. "How?"


    Rean then pointed at the antenna at the top of the Freedom Mountain Peak. "Once you understand what Circuitry Formations are and what they can do, there''s no way your Formation Guild will ever try to call this deal off. They will do everything in their power to guarantee that they will receive the methods to create them."


    The Zasfin Formation Masters were surprised by Rean''s confidence. However, if Qia or any of the Formation Masters of the guild were here, they wouldn''t find it surprising at all. Every single one of them was hooked to the world of Circuitry Formations, like moths flying into open flames. There was simply not enough will to resist its immense allure.


    With that, Rean asked the crucial question, "So, are you going to accept my offer?"


    Larefin shook his head, though. "I can''t do that on my own. I have to head back to Palif Empire and talk with the higher-ups."


    Rean was already expecting that. "That''s fine. Here, all of you can take this." Right after, Rean threw several jade slips to the Formation Masters present. They were the introductions to a few simple runes of the Circuitry Formations. Rean was certain that it would be enough to make them hooked. "Try to study it a little once you guys are back at the Zasfin continent."


    Suddenly, a disciple of the sect approached Rean to pass on some information, telling him, "Elder Rean, the broadcast to all the areas within the range of our communication system is ready. However, at least half of the Wringan countries won''t be able to hear it since we haven''t installed the antennas in their territories yet."


    Rean shook his head in response as he replied, "That''s not a problem. More than half of Wringan Continent means hundreds of millions of humans already. The rest of the humans in other areas will hear about it sooner or later."


    Rean then looked at Larefin as he smiled, telling him, "Well then, if you excuse me, I have some important information to share with the humans of Wringan Continent. The disciples of our sect will guide you outside. Make sure to keep the sect''s badges close to you. Otherwise, don''t blame me if the demon beasts protecting the continent aim your group on your way out."


    It was then that Rean remembered something. "Oh, right! This broadcast will also reach the Zasfin cities that have obtained our antennas. I believe you guys already got your hands on a few of our Nokias, so you should be able to hear it as well. After all, I''m sending this message to all the display formations and Spiritual Smartphones that can be connected to our sect." After that, Rean left the building.


    Larefin''s group was then guided out of Freedom Sect before being released back in the city with their airship. However, they didn''t leave straight away and waited for Rean''s broadcast. They obviously wanted to stop it at any cost, but they knew it was simply impossible.


    Around an hour later, the broadcast start. The Spiritual Smartphones were still quite crude. However, they received a few improvements which allowed voice to pass through. One must remember that it was only possible to send and receive Spiritual Sense Messages, so the addition of voice transmission was indeed a new perk. Naturally, Rean added it so that humans without cultivation could exchange information as well.


    All over Wringan Continent, there were big megaphones installed close to the towers holding the Freedom Sect''s antennas. Well, to be more specific, those were Spiritual Circuitry Formation Megaphones. They could use Spiritual Energy to increase their sound range to entire cities using just a single one. Cultivators often used Spiritual Energy to increase their voices, after all. The megaphones basically followed the same principle.


    "Ahem! Hello, everyone. My name is Rean, and I''m one of the elders of the Freedom Sect. Some of you probably know about us as the strongest power in Wringan Continent. Others might know about us because of our business partners, like Freedom Healing SA or Freedom Communications LTD. Anyway, I''m here to announce that our customers who bought equipment from our Freedom Healing SA also got a hidden surprise. Congratulations, you have just acquired a piece of equipment capable of awakening Soul Power!"


    Rean continued his speech as he explained the extra perk of his Healing Equipment. By the time Rean finished his words, the entire Wringan Continent had gone into an uproar.. Well, the half that heard his announcement, at least.

 Chapter 901 - Green Light

    There was a reason why Rean took the first Soul Power humans into the sect. That''s because one wouldn''t understand how to use Soul Power without at least feeling it first. It''s just like how Rean mentioned when he first got enough to use it. He would eventually have enough Soul Power on his own as time passed, thanks to his Light Element. But because he didn''t know he had it, he might have lived his life without ever using that power.


    The first humans found to have Soul Power were then brought into the Soul Hall, where they learned how to use it. Once they finished their training, they would be sent to the several countries taking form in Wringan Continent. All they needed to do was to let some Soul Power run inside those who had a score of above 20 points. Once that was done, those people would be able to feel their own Soul Power in their minds.


    That being said, by the time a week had gone by, the Soul Hall''s disciples were all gone from the Freedom Sect. They were all placed in cities where Rean''s Healing Equipment had been on sale and are now ready to use their own Soul Power on others.


    As for the reaction of the humans, they were obviously excited by the news. 99% of the humans were definitely ex-slaves under the Zasfins'' control. They knew about Soul Power, this foreign strength that allowed the Zasfins to stay on top of the world for so long. How could they not be interested in it?


    Because of that, the Freedom Healing SA business and its partners'' profit suddenly skyrocketed. The number of Soul Measuring Orbs placed in various cities of the continent increased as well. Whether they were cultivators or ordinary humans, all of them wanted to awaken this amazing trait.


    Rean, of course, followed all of that closely and was very happy with the result that came in the following weeks. "This is a necessary step for the human race. Or should we call ourselves Zasfins as well? It will be hard to draw out the line since the main factor, Soul Power, is no longer exclusively for the Zasfins."


    Qia agreed with Rean, saying, "Indeed. However, our bodies still have their differences. I wonder if humans will now develop those crystal scales over their skins because of Soul Power."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he said in response, "That I do not know. But if they do, so be it. That will be one more step into achieving coexistence between both races."


    Roan was more interested in something else, though. "That''s good and all. However, we have to see how the Zasfins will react to it. Also, we don''t know whether the Formation Guild will accept your offer or not. Don''t forget that the Soul Rulers are still the rulers of the Zasfin world. If they say no, the Formation Guild won''t accept your offer even if they want to."


    "Well, there''s nothing I can do about it. Let''s hope they''re reasonable. After all, they won''t have the communication system if they refuse it," Rean answered as if he was expecting such a question.


    In any case, one thing was certain, the Zasfin race also went into an uproar when they got the news.


    "Humans with Soul Power? Bullshit!"


    "Who the hell is spreading these lies?"


    "I heard from a friend that lives in Freedom City that this is not a lie. He''s a Zasfin Merchant there, and he has seen a few humans with Soul Power appearing after the Freedom Sect''s announcement."


    "What?! That can''t be! Soul Power should only be used by the Zasfin race!"


    "We need to get rid of all the humans with Soul Power straight away. We can''t let that lowly race use the power of a superior race like ours!"


    "And how exactly will you do that? We have an agreement with the demon beasts and humans to not touch Wringan Continent for the next thousand years! If we decide to attack, we will definitely suffer a lot more since we''re at a disadvantage when it comes to combat power."


    "What are the Soul Rulers doing? Are they going to let humans sully our divine power just like that?!"


    Those kinds of statements were appearing all around the Zasfin continents. One must not forget that Rean also transmitted that broadcast to the Palif Empire''s cities that had his antennas. Obviously, it would be impossible to cover that information with so many Zasfins listening.


    In the Soul Rulers, the new Soul Rulers'' Head Master, Sevinia, was currently having a headache. She had to call a meeting between the Zasfins of the Soul Rulers Organization. "I knew those twins had Soul Power. But I didn''t expect that Rean''s Light Element could awaken other humans'' Soul Power. Things are definitely getting out of control."


    However, Duran Hafel, the so-called new strongest Zasfin, didn''t seem very concerned with that. "What are you afraid of? The humans only have a single continent, while our Zasfin race almost has half of the planet, just like the demon beasts. So what if they develop Soul Power? That only means we will have no need for Bloodline Soul Marks anymore. Don''t forget, it was our reliance on those marks that made us look like a joke. Now that humans have Soul Power, we won''t be able to use it anymore. Perhaps now the Zasfins will awaken from their dreams of superiority."


    Duran wasn''t the only Transition Realm Zasfin unconcerned with the situation. The other ancestors of the Soul Rulers Organization didn''t seem to care that much either. "We''ve already drafted the new approach of our race regarding training and cultivation. Don''t forget that with the humans now at Wringan Continent, we wouldn''t need the Bloodline Soul Mark Formations anymore. Instead, we should focus on our forces. Humans have a very, very long path ahead to become any real threat to us," said Vance, another ancestor.


    In the end, the ancestors simply didn''t want to create a new problem. For them, the opening of the Bestial Sacred Land in a few weeks'' time took precedence. Any possible conflict with the humans was completely out of the question until then, and it would still be uncertain if the demon beasts really succeeded in opening the path to the Realm of Gods.


    Sevinia felt her headache growing as she thought, ''It''s easy for you to say that when all of you are leaving. You know what? Fuck it all! I''m already busy enough trying to put the Zasfins back on track after losing the war. I won''t care about the humans anymore.''


    Sevinia then looked at one of the Soul Rulers'' elders, a man who was also a member of the Formation Guild. "You guys do whatever you want. Just make sure it won''t bring any harm to our Zasfin race. If what you said about this new communication system is really true, then I won''t intervene."


    Sure enough, she also received the report of the Formation Guild. Since she already decided to not care anymore, she simply left that task for them to resolve.


    Naturally, the Formation Master was delighted to hear that. "Thank you, Headmaster."


    And just like that, Rean''s offer got the green light of the Soul Rulers and the Formation Master Guild.

 Chapter 902 - Freedom Citys Branch

    There was a reason for the Formation Guild to accept Rean''s offer. Naturally, it was Rean''s introduction to the Circuitry Formations. In there, he had explained very simple runes that blew the Zasfin Formation Masters'' minds. Of course, they immediately tried to add his ideas into their formations, and it really worked!


    Because of that, the Formation Masters of the Zasfin territories didn''t care about the integration plan anymore. They had to acquire more information about Rean''s Circuitry Formations. The new methodology was simply world-changing for them. Whether they liked humans or not didn''t matter anymore.


    It was then that Rean received another visit from the Formations= Master Guild. This time, however, it wasn''t just a representative. It was a member of the Soul Rulers Organization and someone Rean knew way too well!


    "Oh! Long time no see, Senior Palaris." For those that had already forgotten what had happened in the past, Palaris was the Zasfin that asked Sevinia to allow Rean to work on formations back in the Soul Rulers headquarters. In a certain way, he was the one who helped Rean reach the Heaven-level as a Formation Master.


    Palaris didn''t look very happy to see Rean again, though. "Hmph! I''m only here because the Formation Masters of the organization insisted on having me come. If I could, I would never see your face again. Do you know how bad the backlash that Ophele and I received because of what you did?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head, saying in response, "Well, I had no choice. I was trying to save the humans locked down there, and I did. If it were you, would you simply let your race become Soul Stones in the end?"


    Palaris narrowed his eyes, telling Rean in response, "At least there wasn''t any punishment, and that was because of our clan''s help."


    "And now one of your clan members has become the Head of the Soul Rulers Organization," Rean added. "I think I paid off what I did quite well."


    Palaris was taken aback after hearing that. "What are you talking about?"


    Rean was even more surprised to hear that, asking, "Wait! Didn''t your clan tell you about what happened?"


    Palaris immediately shook his head as he responded, "I know nothing. As far as I''m concerned, it was Senior Duran''s efforts that put Sevinia there."


    Rean laughed out loud in response, finally understanding what was happening. "Hahaha! Well, I guess it makes sense that they haven''t told you. This secret would probably ruin their clan, after all." Rean then nodded. "Alright, it was thanks to Senior Duran''s efforts that Sevinia became the Soul Rulers Organization''s headmaster. I had nothing to do with it. Let''s keep it at that."


    Of course, Palaris wasn''t an idiot. He understood that the twins definitely had something to do with the election of the new Soul Rulers'' headmaster. However, he also understood that it wasn''t something Rean could talk about. Thus, he made a mental note to ask Sevinia directly once he was back. "Anyways, I''m here because of the communication system. Our Formation Master Guild accepts your idea. There''s an airship waiting outside Freedom City with quite a few Formation Masters in waiting. We can establish a Formation Master Guild branch in the city at any time."


    Rean was delighted to hear that. "Great! And what about the Zasfins that will be sent to live in the human cities? Have you figured those out already? I''ve already selected the humans who will enter the Formation Master Guild branches in Palif Empire."


    Palaris nodded, saying in response, "Yes, they should be heading to the cities mentioned in the agreement at this very moment. We will also build small Formation Guild branches in there so that they can accept humans and pass the formations to them. Of course, only a scant few have cultivation or side occupations. The majority are ordinary Zasfins. In total, we should have around a million and a half Zasfins being sent to your Wringan Continent''s Fausec Country."


    Rean didn''t mind. "That''s perfect. Zasfins are a lot more prideful when it comes to their cultivation. Ordinary Zasfins are easier to deal with and more open to new ideas. As I mentioned before, I will guarantee their safety AS LONG as they don''t try to act high and mighty within our territories. Those who still think that we should be slaves will definitely have a hard time, though."


    Palaris nodded, already expecting as much. "Now then, the reason they sent me here is that they believe I can get more from you than any other Formation Master. They think that we still have a relationship of some sort. I don''t think it''s possible, but I will ask anyway. Would you give me the rest of the methodology of the Circuitry Formations for what I taught you in the past?"


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "To be honest, I would wait at least a few years before doing anything extra. However, since it''s Senior Palaris, someone who helped me reach the Heaven-level, I will make an exception." Rean then took out a jade slip from the Dimensional Realm and threw it at Palaris, telling him, "Inside, there contains a few extra steps regarding the Circuitry Formations. I''m sure the Zasfins will take a long time working on them and finding their uses."


    Palaris was taken aback from hearing that. "Is that true?"


    Rean nodded, responding, "Yes. If your Formation Masters have a very open mind, they should be able to figure out a thing or two about the communication system. It will be impossible for them to build a communication system of their own with just that, but this is already a start. You can consider it as a token of faith that I will keep my promise in the years to come."


    Palaris was more than satisfied with that. "That''s good enough. The Formation Master Guild thought they would need to wait at least ten years before you gave them any extra information regarding the Circuitry Formations. With this, I can at least guarantee you that the Zasfins will keep working on your integration plan."


    Rean was happy to hear that. "That''s fine, then."


    Palaris and Rean then talked for a while longer before Palaris decided to leave. However, just before he did that, he left a few words behind. "By the way, Ophele is one of the Formation Masters who will be teaching in the Freedom City''s branch.." Rean didn''t even have time to say anything before Palaris disappeared from the room.

 Chapter 903 - Why Did You Come Here?

    Ophele was Palaris''s granddaughter and also Sevinia''s daughter. At the moment, she was the daughter of the Soul Rulers Organization''s headmaster. That obviously surprised Rean. After all, would such an important person really come to become a teacher in the Formation Guild of Freedom City''s branch?


    However, Rean understood why the girl came here. Back then, he had noticed the girl''s feelings for him. It''s just that she had never admitted it out in the open. Well, Rean didn''t have any interest in her since he already had Qia. Still, that should have been the only reason for Ophele to come here now. Otherwise, Palaris wouldn''t have mentioned it either. ''Hmm...what should I do? Should I just ignore her?''


    After pondering a bit, Rean decided to ask Qia''s opinion, to which the latter exclaimed, "What?! There was actually such a thing? Wait! Why are you even asking for my opinion? You''re not thinking about betraying me or asking me for my permission to take her, right? I''ll kill you if you do!"


    Rean found Qia''s reaction ridiculous. "Where the hell did you get those ideas? Both Sunkan Planet and the planet I reincarnated from are worlds where it is mostly considered wrong to have more than one partner. Even if you told me that I could have more than one woman, I wouldn''t do that. The reason I''m asking you is that you''re a woman. Or do you think I should ask Roan instead regarding this?"


    Qia had to admit he was right. "Hmph! It better be like that." She then pondered a bit before saying, "To be honest, I would prefer you to simply ignore her existence. However, if I was in her place, I would definitely want some kind of closure. She''s the daughter of the Soul Rulers Organization''s headmaster, but she still came all the way here to take such a lowly position. As a woman, I simply can''t ignore her resolve either."


    Rean scratched the back of his head in response. "It seems annoying..." Eventually, he decided. "Alright, I''ll select the first option. Let''s pretend I don''t know anything and ignore her."


    *Pah!*


    *Ouch!*


    Rean immediately looked at Qia. "Why did you hit me?"


    "Did you hear what I said at all?!" Qia asked in response with a dark expression. "Head there and end this connection properly! She deserves that much, even if she''s a Zasfin. No, you know what? I''ll head there with you to show that you already have an owner. That''s the fastest way."


    Rean sighed after hearing that. "Well, if you say so, then so be it."


    The couple didn''t leave the sect straight away, though. The Freedom City''s Formation Guild branch was still under construction, so all the Zasfins who came to build it were quite busy. Instead, they left the sect a few days later when the building was finally done.


    Surprisingly, the attendants behind the counters inside the Formation Guild branches weren''t only Zasfins. There were a few humans as well. "That''s unexpected. I thought the Zasfins would keep every single position."


    Qia nodded, saying, "Well, I guess this is what your integration plan is about, right? The Formation Guild might be trying to set an example to gain your trust."


    Rean didn''t mind that. "In any case, this is a good start. Let me ask the guy in that counter over there."


    Rean then approached the attendant, asking, "Hi, are you working here?"


    The man nodded in response. He didn''t recognize Rean, so he simply thought this was just a curious fellow human. With that, he replied, "Hello. Yes, I am. Could it be that you wish to join the Formation Guild? I''m sorry, but the recruitment period only starts next week. The Zasfin Formations Masters are still busy preparing the building inside for the classes."


    Rean shook his head, saying, "Oh, that''s not it. This is a Formation Guild branch created by the Zasfins. Are you not against the idea of working here? Also, do you get any payment at all? Or are they forcing you to take this job?"


    The man was a little surprised by those questions. However, he had to admit Rean''s doubts made sense. Since the branch hadn''t started to operate yet, he didn''t have much to do, so he decided to answer. "Well, I''ll admit I was a little concerned at first. However, I didn''t have much choice since I needed to feed my family. I was one of the ex-slaves who didn''t have anything when I arrived here, after all. However, it turns out that the payment is quite good, and I''m not really being forced to do anything."


    The man then looked around before whispering in Rean''s ear, telling him, "It''s just that the Zasfin Formations Masters look at us humans with some contempt. I guess that''s the only part that bothers me. Fortunately, as long as we do our job, they don''t do anything against the other humans or me."


    Rean and Qia didn''t look too surprised at all. Those were Zasfins Formation Masters from the Formations Guild. It was obvious that they would feel like that about humans. The process of integration between humans and Zasfins needed a tremendously long amount of time. The fact that the humans weren''t being mistreated here was already a huge win as far as Rean was concerned. "I see...well, as long as the job is good, I think you should keep working."


    Qia then went to the main topic. "By the way, we came here to meet a friend of ours. Could you call Formation Master Ophele? Tell her that Qia and Rean came here to talk. She should know who we are."


    The man was surprised to hear that. Nevertheless, he didn''t ask anything and simply passed the massage ahead. Rean and Qia then waited a few minutes before the man received an answer. "She will receive you, but she''s busy right now. Can you wait?"


    Rean and Qia looked at each other for a moment and then nodded. "Sure. Let us know when she''s ready."


    Rean and Qia... had to wait for three hours before they were finally called in. Rean, of course, immediately recognized Ophele when he saw her. "You sure took your time to receive us. It seems like this guild branch is keeping you very busy."


    Ophele shook her head as she replied, "Not really.. I just made you wait because I wanted to. Now then, why did you come here?"

 Chapter 904 - Awkward

    Rean shrugged his shoulders. He didn''t really mind the fact that Ophele made him wait. "That''s my question, isn''t it? You''re the daughter of the Soul Rulers Organization''s headmaster. Why would you come to this human continent to be a teacher for the human cultivators?"


    "That''s none of your business. If that''s all you have to ask, you can leave now." Ophele didn''t make it any easy for Rean either.


    Rean scratched the back of his head and simply nodded. If her arrival had nothing to do with him, then so be it. However, just as Rean was about to turn around to leave, Qia held his arm, shouting, "You aren''t going anywhere." Right after, she looked at Ophele and said, "And you too! What bullshit is that? You can fool this idiot here since he isn''t very good at these matters. Unfortunately for you, it''s all too clear in my eyes. Don''t you think I can''t see the change in your eyes when you saw Rean entering the room? Even if the reason you came here isn''t related to Rean, you definitely have something for him."


    "And...who are you?" Ophele asked in response as she narrowed her eyes. She wasn''t used to having humans talking back at her, so this was a first.


    "I''m Rean''s wife!" Qia said those words loud and clear.


    Naturally, that also had an effect on Ophele. However, she quickly got ahold of her emotions before saying, "Is that so? Well, good for you, girl. Now, leave this place."


    *Pah!*


    Suddenly, the sound of a slap echoed in the room. Qia couldn''t hold herself back and hit Ophele straight away.


    Ophele, naturally, wouldn''t take that down and tried to get back at Qia. Unfortunately, Qia''s cultivation was higher even though they had similar ages. In the end, one couldn''t underestimate Roan''s training schedule and Sunkan''s better cultivation techniques.


    *Bam, bam, bam!*


    In just a few exchanges, Ophele was pressed into a corner. As for Rean, he noticed a death glare coming from Qia, obviously telling him that he should not intervene.


    The sounds of battle quickly caught the Zasfins'' attention, and they headed straight into Ophele''s room just to see Qia holding the girl against her will. "What are you doing?! Release Lady Ophele right now!" They knew very well who Ophele was, so they couldn''t let anything happen to her.


    Unfortunately for them, they were in the Freedom Sect''s territory. The moment they tried to release their cultivations, they felt a Spiritual Energy pressure coming from somewhere. The Spiritual Pressure immediately pressed them against the ground, making it impossible for them to move. Obviously, the demon beasts were stationed there to make sure the agreement would still be in effect.


    Well, Qia ignored all of that. Instead, she looked with an angry expression at Ophele, asking her, "How long are you going to pretend that there''s nothing? Is that how a high and mighty Zasfin should act? The reaction you showed when I told you who I was proved everything. In the end, you''re just a little girl who can''t even muster the will to fight for what you want. Perhaps calling you a kid would be a lot more fitting."


    Ophele looked away, trying to avoid Qia''s gaze while she heard those words, stammering as she replied, "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    "You don''t?" Qia found it even more irritating. "Alright then, how about I take your clothes off?"


    Rean was taken aback. ''Why would she come up with such an idea out of nowhere?'' Naturally, she asked for Qia''s opinion. "Ahem... you have quite the weird taste, my wife. Should I take my leave first?"


    "Who the hell has a weird taste?! Shut up and stay right there!" Qia exclaimed before she turned back to Ophele. "From what I know, Zasfins consider humans to be the same as other common animals. Even if they get naked in front of a human, they won''t feel anything. For them, it''s just like taking their clothes off in front of a cat or dog, nothing to be bothered about. Now then, I wonder if you think the same thing about Rean over there."


    Ophele''s expression was already ugly. But when she heard about letting Rean see her naked as well, she finally couldn''t hold back anymore. "Stop! Don''t do that!"


    Qia playfully smiled in response. "Why? The Formation Masters who came into the room are being held down by the demon beasts. Even if they wanted to, they wouldn''t be able to see anything. The only ones who can see you are just two animals, two humans. A high and mighty Zasfin shouldn''t care about that at all."


    "Alright! Alright! I admit! I had some feelings for him before! Is that what you wanted to hear?! There you go, then! Now, let me g-" Before Ophele could even finish her words, Qia loosened her grip as Ophele was finally free once again. When Ophele looked at Qia, the girl was already heading back to Rean''s side.


    Ophele didn''t know what to say anymore. She admitted the only thing she didn''t want to. That was true. She came to Freedom City because she hoped to see Rean again. She kept telling herself that all she wanted was to take revenge for what Rean did to her clan and the Soul Rulers Organization. Unfortunately, that was nothing but an illusion she created herself. Her feelings back then were already obvious, and she knew it. Even after what happened in the organization, she simply couldn''t forget the white-haired boy who far surpassed her performance in both cultivation and formations.


    Qia, on the other hand, had a lot to say. "Although I said all of that, I have no intention whatsoever to give my husband to anyone else. Of course, you''re welcome to try. I just know I won''t lose anyway. Still, if you don''t want to create a demon in your heart, something that would hinder your cultivation for life, you better clear up your own feelings. I just helped you take the first step. By the way, I wouldn''t take your clothes off even if you denied everything. Hahaha!"


    Ophele felt like dying already. She simply couldn''t look into Rean''s eyes at the moment.. Well, Rean felt quite awkward with how the situation turned out as well.

 Chapter 905 - Teach You A Secret

    Seeing that the fight was over, Rean then used his Spiritual Sense to tell the demon beasts to release the Zasfins on the ground. The Zasfins didn''t dare to make another move again and waited to see what Ophele had to say.


    Ophele then took a deep breath before telling her, "All of you can leave. I want to talk with these two here."


    "But Miss Ophele-"


    "This is an order! Do you want me to tell mom about your insubordination?" Ophele didn''t give them a chance at all.


    As soon as they heard Ophele''s words, the Zasfins immediately stepped outside the room, leaving Rean, Qia, and Ophele inside. Only then did Ophele talk. "Yes, I do like him. I wanted to hate him for what he made my clan pass through, especially after we helped him so much. But in the end, I couldn''t. Deep inside, I still had some hope when I came to Freedom City."


    Rean sighed in response, telling her, "I knew about it, but I couldn''t answer your feelings. That''s why I kept pretending I didn''t know anything. You were also afraid of what the Zasfins would think if you came out clear, so we maintained that status quo. As you can see, I already have a wife, and she''s someone I met way before I met you. Once again, I can''t answer your feelings since I don''t feel the same way towards you."


    Ophele nodded, feeling quite sad. "It''s fine. I guess it was all an illusion anyway. I don''t regret having you as my first love, though. Other than the fact that you were a human, you were basically everything a formations maniac like me would want. I sure hope I can find someone like that again in the future." She finally got to say the things she had bottled inside for so long.


    Qia nodded, satisfied with the outcome. "It''s fine. He isn''t the only Formation Master in existence, after all. You will find someone. After all, you never had a chance with him in the first place."


    Ophele didn''t quite like Qia, prompting her to say, "Hmph! You were just lucky to find him first. Don''t act as if you''re the superior choice here."


    Soon after, Ophele remembered something. "Right! You still owe me for what you did to our Hafel Clan. If it wasn''t for the fact we outperformed during the war and our ancestor revealed his existence, our Hafel Clan would be in a very bad position. How do you intend to apologize to me?"


    Rean and Qia couldn''t help but laugh out loud after that, with Rean saying, "Hahaha! Ignorance is bliss, or so they say."


    "What do you mean by that?" Ophele asked as she narrowed her eyes.


    Rean then shook his head in response, telling her, "It''s nothing. If your mother feels like it, she can tell you in the future. So, how do you want me to apologize?"


    Ophele felt like giving those two a beating. It was obvious that they were hiding something from her. "You''re despicable." However, she had a very good idea right after, suggesting, "Oh, I know how you can apologize. How about you two teach me about those Circuitry Formations of yours?"


    Rean pondered over it for a bit before agreeing. "Sure. However, I won''t reveal anything further than what your grandfather got his hands on. The only advantage is that you will learn much faster those initial methodologies since it''s me who''s explaining them."


    Qia couldn''t help but ask Rean, "Isn''t the Bestial Sacred Ground opening soon? Do you really have time to do that?"


    Rean nodded, telling Qia, "It''s fine. It shouldn''t open for a few weeks more. Although the area should have stabilized, it''s good to give it some extra time to prevent being caught off guard by some sudden changes. I already got someone to tell Phex''s group about it as well."


    "Is that so?" Qia had to admit it made sense. "In that case, I''ll stay here and help you as well."


    Ophele didn''t like the idea, though. "I don''t need you. Rean is enough."


    Obviously, Qia wouldn''t let that happen. "In your dreams. I wouldn''t leave my husband alone with you. Besides, I''m very good at Circuitry Formations, so you have nothing to worry about while learning. Or could it be that you still haven''t given up? If that''s the case, this is one more reason for me to stay."


    Ophele gritted her teeth but couldn''t come up with a good excuse to get rid of the other girl. "Fine! But you two better teach me well the things you are allowed to. I want to become one of the head experts in Circuitry Formations when we receive the rest of the methodologies."


    And just like that, the issue with Ophele had come to an end.


    Back at Freedom Sect, Roan was still helping Zuo with his cultivation. One year had gone by, and nine months had passed since he took Zuo as his disciple.


    *Clang, clang, clang, clang..."


    The sound of metals hitting each other echoed in the arena as Roan fought his disciple head-on. At the moment, Roan held a common sword while Zuo did the same. However, those two weapons weren''t the only ones in that battle. Five blades kept floating around, attacking Roan from all sides nonstop. Suddenly...


    *Bang!*


    Roan''s leg hit Zuo''s belly, sending him flying against the arena''s wall. He had used an opening in Zuo''s attack pattern, not giving him a chance to recall his floating blades. "Not bad. It has been just a few months since you started using your magnetism element to fight. Right now, you can control five blades at once even though you''re still in the Energy Gathering Realm. I could also feel the pull of your magnetic field, trying to take my sword away every time we clashed. In a certain way, I don''t think many disciples in the sect can fight you at the same level of cultivation. Your greatest rivals would probably be those who don''t rely on weapons to start with, like Calina. She''s a skill-type cultivator, after all."


    Zuo got up from the ground as his body ached all over. However, he still felt excited from Roan''s praise. "Thank you, master." Nevertheless, he wasn''t satisfied. "Is there a way I can become stronger than skill-type cultivators?"


    Roan nodded, telling him, "Yes.. I guess it should be about time to teach you a secret before I leave for the Bestial Sacred Grounds."

 Chapter 906 - I Wont Tell Anyone

    Calina, who was also there, didn''t know what Roan was talking about. "Secret? How come you didn''t tell me anything about that?"


    Roan snorted in response. "Hmph! Since when do you have magnetism as an element? Roan then pointed at Zuo, telling her, "Other than this kid, I don''t think there''s someone else who can pull this off, me included."


    Those words only made Calina and Zuo even more curious. "What is it? What is it?!"


    Roan shook his head before saying, "Before that, I want you to promise me one thing, Zuo." Roan had a very serious expression as he said that.


    After he spent the last nine months with Roan, Zuo knew when his master was being more serious than usual by now. "Yes, Master! As long as it''s something I can accomplish!"


    Roan nodded, satisfied. "I want you to keep what I''m going to teach you right now a secret. I''m not sure if you will be able to pull it off, but in case you do, you should only use it in death and life situations. If not, you should keep this ability of yours hidden."


    Zuo immediately nodded, saying in response, "I''ll do as Master says."


    "Very good. Now, sit down." Roan then looked at Calina, telling her, "You can listen as well. Just make sure you don''t open your lips regarding this."


    Calina felt offended after hearing that. "After so long, do you really think I would ever do such a thing? How many things do I know about you that I''ve never let escape outside?"


    Roan nodded before turning his attention back to Zuo. "Your Elemental Affinity power is magnetism, and you can control any type of metal that reacts to it. That being said, what do you think is the most fearsome magnetic existence for you to control?"


    Zuo was still a kid, so he immediately answered the first thing that came into his mind. "Weapons!"


    *Pah!*


    *Ouch!*


    Zuo rubbed the back of his head after Roan slapped him. "Why did you hit me?"


    "Because you didn''t even try to think about it. You should have at least considered that the most obvious answer in your head had some issue after my question." Roan then looked at Calina. "What about you?"


    Calina was taken aback. "Eh?! Me?!" To be honest, the first thing that popped up in Calina''s head were weapons as well. However, she obviously knew that wasn''t the case anymore. "Errr...the environment? Are you perhaps saying that we can find trace amounts of magnetic properties on everything?"


    Roan nodded and then shook his head right after. "Your idea is good, but the answer is wrong. Not all things are magnetic. The correct answer is...blood!"


    "Blood?!" Calina and Zuo were shocked to hear that. "Do you mean blood is made out of metal?"


    "Not exactly." Roan shook his head as he explained, "To be honest, an adult man has around 4 grams of iron distributed all throughout their blood. From the point of view of magnetism, this is an incredibly small amount that can hardly be affected by common magnetism."


    Roan then looked at Zuo before continuing, "However, your control over magnetism keeps increasing as your cultivation grows. At the moment, your power is far from enough to affect so little iron in the humans or any other race''s blood. But the way it''s going, I believe you will start to feel the magnetic field in a human''s body when you arrive at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. At most, it should be possible for you to feel it in the Core Formation Realm."


    Zuo was surprised to hear that. "Does that mean I can control my opponents like dolls?"


    Roan shook his head. "That is way too little. Depending on the difference in cultivation, you can straight up kill someone."


    Calina found it weird, though. "Wait! Would he be able to do so much with this little bit of iron?"


    Roan understood that the concept of magnetism was still too foreign to Calina and Zuo. They were underestimating Zuo''s Elemental Affinity way too much. "You don''t get it. Magnetism isn''t a kind of power that can be easily blocked. Spiritual Energy barrier? Useless! Magnetism is a different type of energy. It can pass through Spiritual Energy barriers as if they weren''t even there."


    Roan continued, "The only way I see to defend oneself against your Magnetism Elemental Affinity is to force the body''s functions to continue working under the pressure of the magnetic field. That, of course, is easier said than done since no one knows that Zuo can reach this level."


    Calina finally understood why Roan said to keep this special ability a secret at all costs. Soon after, she patted Zuo on the shoulder before saying, "Zuo, you absolutely can''t let anyone know about this secret. This power of yours is just too dangerous. The ability to kill someone instantly by controlling the iron in their body is too terrifying. If others find out about it, you would definitely become a target to be killed as fast as possible by the whole world."


    Roan nodded. "Even if someone knows they can force their bodies'' blood to work normally by pushing them against the magnetic power, it would still be a huge burden to the other part. You can also use it as a surprise attack. The moment you and your opponent are about to clash, you could use your magnetism to stop his body for a moment. That would be enough for a fatal attack. All in all, this is a very dangerous power."


    Roan then warned Zuo once more. "Zuo, I don''t want you to rely on this power. The effect becomes more limited the higher the cultivation difference between you and your opponent. Don''t let others find about it while you are still weak. There will be no lack of high-level cultivators trying to aim for your life before you grow."


    Zuo couldn''t help but feel scared after that. Telling a kid he could become everyone''s enemy and die in the process was a very efficient method to stop their wild thoughts. "A-Alright, Ma-Master.. I won''t tell anyone."

 Chapter 907 - Bestial Sacred Ground

    Roan then worked out with Zuo to see if he was already able to feel the magnetic field of a human body and the iron contained in one''s blood. Unfortunately, it was still too small. Zuo''s perception of magnetic fields and his control over them wasn''t even strong enough to do so. "Let''s end it here. I devised your cultivation technique with the increase of your Elemental Affinity power as the base. Sooner or later, your perception and power will be sufficient enough to reach that point."


    "Yes, Master!" Zuo answered with a tired expression. He was already used to having Roan work him to his bones, though.


    "Alright, the Demon Beast Forest on the west side of Freedom Sect has been combed out to keep only Stage One and Two Demon Beasts. Your objective for the next few weeks is to survive there on your own. You can only return to the sect when you need to get food, but that''s all."


    This kind of training wasn''t anything rare within the sect. Roan, Fizer, and Julia made sure that the sect''s disciples would get plenty of battle experience. The only exceptions were the cultivators who were already above the Core and Soul Fusion Realm. In their cases, the demon beast regions around the sect weren''t much of a challenge anymore. Instead, they got missions from the Mission Hall to head to more difficult places within the Wringan Mainland.


    Well, that was another good thing about the communication system. Any mission request to the Freedom Sect arrived straight away before being listed on its boards. The only problem was that the sect had received more missions than it could possibly take care of. For that reason, the missions were combed out, with the majority being sent back after being rejected.


    Well, it was not like lower-level disciples couldn''t take missions in the mainland, of course. It''s just that the sect put a minimum cultivation requirement to protect its disciples. One was only allowed to leave Freedom Island to take missions if one was at least in the Foundation Establishment Realm. Also, those below ten years old could only leave if they were part of a group with at least one member being above that age.


    The few weeks that Rean talked about passed in a flash, and eventually, the time to enter the Bestial Sacred Ground had arrived. Phex had kept a close eye on it all this time, checking if it really stabilized or not. Fortunately, he hadn''t seen any changes during that time. Only with that in mind did Phex finally send the message out to the demon beasts and Zasfins.


    Duran, Phex, Vance, Pankun, Suria, Kumo, Darian, Gulan, Kentucky, Frin, Xaon, Celis, Red, Linton, etc...if it was a Stage Nine Demon Beast, a Transition Realm Zasfin, or a Divine Demon Beast, one could definitely find them in front of the Bestial Sacred Ground. All of them had something to do with the opening of the Beastial Sacred Ground''s portal to the Realm of Gods.


    Red looked at the entrance and couldn''t help but remember the time he was inside, muttering, "This place was where everything started."


    Well, there were two guys who didn''t have much to do with it but were there as well, which were Rean and Roan. Roan was there to help Rean if necessary, and Rean was there because of his knowledge about formations from Sunkan Planet, which Phex''s group knew to be much better than the formations of this world.


    "You can''t say this place is where everything started." Rean pointed out. "After all, you don''t have memories from before you arrived there, right? Your start was definitely somewhere else. Perhaps it was even in the Realm of Gods itself."


    Red shook his head, though. "That I do not know. I hope I can find the answer when we get in there."


    Hearing that, Roan could not help but add, "We''ll be relying on you when we get there since you''re the only one who knows the place other than Phex''s group."


    Kentucky couldn''t help but ask, "Can''t we simply stay close to Phex''s group? They will definitely try to protect us while we''re there, won''t they?"


    Rean nodded, saying in response, "They probably will since it''s also advantageous for them. The Zasfins are probably the only ones who want us to be dead. However, we never know what might happen. If it comes to a point where we need to flee, it''s better to have Red on our side."


    "Oh! So that''s the plan." Kentucky liked the idea very much.


    Celis was there as well. "This is definitely risky. However, I would prefer to have all the monster-level guys disappear off into the Realm of Gods. Otherwise, we will always be in a certain amount of danger if someone like Duran tries to kill us. We need to help them go away."


    One might think that the Freedom Sect lost its source of Spiritual Energy absorption with Celis''s presence. However, Celis''s saplings could also do the job, just to a smaller extent. He also left his roots behind so that he wouldn''t need to spread them again once he went back. That was an advantage that demon plants had.


    Another thing was that Celis wasn''t in his World Swallowing Cedar form. Instead, he was surprisingly in the shape of a treant. It still wasn''t a fully-fledged man, though. He was still much bigger than Rean and Roan. Nevertheless, he could change his shape to adapt to the situation.


    Roan, of course, agreed with Celis. That''s why he wasn''t against the plan to help open the portal for everyone. Besides, they might be able to use it in the future. "Celis is right. Also, don''t forget we have a mission to complete."


    -Side Quest: The World Beast Formation-


    -Objective: Fully activate the World Beast Formation.-


    That''s right! They still had the Soul Gem System''s mission to conclude. Celis, as someone directly connected to Kentucky, knew about it as well. "We will find out whether the World Beast Formation has anything to do with the Realm of Gods or not.. In any case, we better take care of it."

 Chapter 908 - First Time

    Once everyone was ready, Phex''s group finally decided to enter the Bestial Sacred Ground. "Alright, everyone. The time has finally come. Let''s enter the cave." As mentioned in the past, it looked like a cave, except for the huge power preventing them from entering before. That power was still there, but it was a lot weaker now to the point that even people like Rean and Roan could enter.


    Phex''s group, of course, kept Rean''s team close to them, enveloping them with a Spiritual Energy barrier just in case the Zasfins thought of attacking them. However, Duran''s group seemed pretty unconcerned about Rean and Roan''s presence. Even Celis, the World Swallowing Cedar, didn''t deserve their attention at the moment. There were only two things they cared about. One, of course, was the portal to the Realm of Gods. The second thing was the danger related to this expedition. After all, there was still a risk that the demon beasts had prepared a trap for them in advance.


    Nevertheless, the group made their way down the cave, passing through a few layers of protection. Those layers of protection were then deactivated by the Divine Demon Beasts using their blood in exchange. Sure enough, without the Divine Demon Beasts'' approval, no one could enter this place.


    At first, Phex''s group didn''t notice anything different. The passages they used were still the ones they knew. However, when it was time for them the open the last barrier that hindered them from entering the Bestial Sacred Ground, their expressions changed. "This..."


    Duran immediately asked, maintaining vigilance, "What is it? Aren''t you going to open the barrier?"


    Phex glanced at Duran and shook his head, telling him, "That''s not it. It''s just that this place is different from what we remembered the last time we came here." Phex then pointed at the barrier, continuing, "Can you see the red light coming from behind? It wasn''t there before. Something definitely happened to the Sacred Ground."


    Vance, one of the Zasfin Ancestors, shrugged his shoulders as he said in response, "That''s to be expected, right? We know that the Bestial Sacred Ground changed. We just don''t know how it was affected. Open it already, and let''s check what the change is."


    Phex nodded after hearing that. "Alright. Everyone, be on your guard."


    Soon after, Phex dropped some of his blood on a rock in front of the barrier protecting the entrance. The same type of rocks could be found on the other layers of protection, so everyone was used to seeing it absorbing the Divine Demon Beasts'' Blood.


    Sure enough, the same thing happened as Phex''s blood was absorbed by the rock. However, that was it. "Uh? Why didn''t it open?"


    Phex looked at Darian, Frin, and Xaon, but they also shook their heads, with one of them telling him, "We don''t know. Just try again."


    Phex poured a little bit more blood, but not even a slight change appeared in the end. "What''s happening here?"


    It was obvious to everyone else that something had gone wrong. "Wasn''t it like that before?"


    Phex nodded, explaining to them, "Exactly. The last time we visited the Bestial Sacred Ground, the last barrier opened as soon as I dropped a bit of my blood over it. However, that isn''t the case anymore."


    Kumo couldn''t help but ask with a dark expression, "You aren''t trying to fool us here, right? If this is really a trap, don''t expect us to go down without a fight."


    Darian snorted in response, replying in a cold tone, "Hmph! As if we''re afraid of your group." Still, he shook his head right after. "The problem is, this was not something we prepared. I also don''t know why it isn''t opening."


    It was then that Sister Orb''s voice echoed in Rean and Roan''s minds, telling the two of them, [There is nothing wrong with the barrier. I can''t analyze it due to its level. However, I can at least tell that it''s working properly. If I''m not wrong, Phex''s blood is simply not enough anymore to satisfy the requirements to open it.]


    Rean and Roan then had the same idea. ''It''s because we now have the right amount of Divine Demon Beasts present.''


    Rean nodded at Roan, who then spoke to the group, telling the others, "I think the problem is with the number of Divine Demon Beasts we have. We conjectured that the Bestial Sacred Ground activated because of them, so it might require more than just Phex''s blood."


    Frin pondered over Roan''s words for a bit and had to admit Roan''s words made sense. "It''s worth a shot. Alright, let''s see what happens." Frin then made a cut on his arm before dropping a little of his blood on the rock. Obviously, it was absorbed as well.


    As soon as that happened, the barrier blocking the entrance had gone under a slight change. It looked like it had lost some of its power. "It seems like Roan was right. The rest of you, drop some blood in as well."


    Kentucky, Gulan, Xaon, Darian, Red, Celis, all of them, dropped some of their blood on the rock. Well, in Celis''s case, it was more like sap than blood, but the rock accepted it nevertheless. The barrier got weaker with each drop of Divine Demon Blood that it received.


    *Bzzzzzz!*


    *Shatter!*


    As if a glass window broke apart, the last barrier before the Bestial Sacred Ground had finally disappeared.


    This time, however, Phex''s group had become dumbfounded by the scene in front of them. In fact, Red felt the same way, muttering in wonder, "What is this place?"


    "Huh?!" Naturally, those words attracted everyone''s attention. "What do you mean?"


    Phex then pointed at the land ahead of them. Everything inside was covered in red light. Although they were underground, the place looked more like they were on the surface. There was a sky, albeit crimson. Even the mountains, forests, rivers, everything was glowing with red light. "This isn''t the Bestial Sacred Ground! The Bestial Sacred Ground was supposed to be a huge cave with the Bestial Blood Pond in its center. Behind it should be the old portal to the Realm of Gods. Of course, it hasn''t worked for a very long time."


    Darian agreed with Phex, continuing where he left off, "No world has existed before inside the Beastial Sacred Ground. At the very least, we didn''t know there was one. We simply don''t know where all of this area came from."


    Rean then looked at Red, who nodded his head at him, telling him, "They''re telling the truth. The Bestial Sacred Ground I remember was also the Blood Pond and the old thing they called the portal just behind. This isn''t the place I visited before."


    *Pin!*


    [Energy from the higher realms has been detected.]


    [The World Beast Formation Quest now enters its final stage.]


    Rean and Roan were taken aback.. That wasn''t Sister Orb''s voice, but the Soul Gem System itself.

 Chapter 909 - What Is This Place?

    Rean and Roan wanted to ask Sister Orb what was happening. However, before they could say anything, a huge wave of energy assaulted the group of demon beasts, humans, and Zasfins. It was so powerful that even the Transition Realm Zasfins and Stage Nine Demon Beasts couldn''t fight against it.


    Rean and Roan immediately braced themselves, preparing to fight against it with all their might. However, it was then that Sister Orb''s voice echoed in their minds, telling them, [Don''t resist. This is Higher Realm Energy, which no one in this place can fight against. The more you struggle, the worse it''ll become. Just relax and wait and see what it''s trying to do.]


    Rean and Roan then used their Spiritual Senses to tell Red, Kentucky, and Phex the same thing, which made them stop struggling straight away. The other experts noticed that Rean''s group wasn''t doing anything and wasn''t being affected. Thanks to that, they understood that there was no point in fighting against it. The energy then entered their bodies as well before they began to get lifted up in the air.


    *Vup, vup, vup, vup...*


    One after another, everyone began to disappear. Rean and Roan could immediately tell what was happening, instantly thinking, ''Spatial powers. All of them are being teleported away.''


    Roan then looked at Celis, Red, and Kentucky before using his Spiritual Sense to talk, saying, ''Let''s try to send them into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.''


    Rean narrowed his eyes in response, asking, ''But the system won''t allow them to enter during a dangerous situation, did you forget?''


    Roan immediately answered, ''Of course not, idiot! The system''s rules say that we can''t send anyone into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm when we''re in a dangerous situation. However, are we in a dangerous situation? That''s up for the system to decide. If the system allows us to send them inside, then we at least know there''s no danger ahead. If it doesn''t, then you better brace yourself.''


    Rean had to admit it was a very clever way of using the system''s rules to detect danger. ''Alright!''


    One must remember that Spiritual Sense messages were almost instantaneous, so not even a second had passed before the twins decided to do that. Unfortunately...


    [Access denied!]


    The Soul Gem System immediately blocked their attempt. In any case, that was enough for them to understand that whatever was coming would not be anything simple. ''Be prepared. We might instantly enter a fight once the teleportation is finished.''


    *Vup!*


    Suddenly, Roan disappeared.


    *Vup! Vup! Vup...!*


    Kentucky, Red, and Celis followed suit, leaving Rean last.


    *Vup!*


    Eventually, with a flash of silver and red light, Rean disappeared as well. In a matter of a few seconds, there wasn''t a single Zasfin, human, or demon beast standing in front of the Bestial Sacred Ground''s entrance anymore. Nevertheless, one thing was sure, they were definitely sent somewhere inside this new crimson world.


    Rean''s vision blurred for a moment, which only lasted a second or so. Once everything had returned to normal, he noticed that he was underwater, not able to breathe. Rean didn''t panic, though. Cultivators at his level could already use Spiritual Energy to replace oxygen.


    After doing that, he looked around and checked the surface above. Of course, everything still had a red glow to it. Rean then tried to use his Spiritual Energy to fly, just to find out that he couldn''t move a single centimeter. ''I can''t fly?'' Even though he was underwater, he used the same method that cultivators use to fly, so he soon understood he couldn''t do that. ''Let''s get out of the water first.''


    Rean then began to swim back up to the surface...or so he tried. Unfortunately, something grabbed his leg, trying to pull him down. ''What?!'' Rean was shocked since he didn''t feel anything with his Spiritual Sense. No, to be more specific, his Spiritual Sense couldn''t even leave his body!


    Rean was dragged down several meters before he finally took out his Black Star to attack the assailant.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Thee Claws of the Dragon!''


    *Swish, swish, swish!*


    *Roar!*


    Surprisingly, even though Rean was underwater, he could still hear sounds normally. That''s why he heard the scream of the beast who tried to pull on his leg. Blood spread everywhere in the water, turning it even more red than it was before. Fortunately, Rean was able to find out what kind of creature had attacked him. ''That sure does look like those Krakens from those films back on earth.''


    Of course, it was smaller than those in films. It''s just that its size was still several times bigger than Rean. ''Hmm...now that I think about it, there was some kind of giant squid back on Earth as well. This guy looks quite similar in size.''


    Of course, Rean quickly put those thoughts behind as the squid, or octopus, or Kraken or whatever, launched itself against him. Unfortunately for that squid-like creature, the difference in power between Rean and the monster was just too big.


    ''Death Style, Second Form, Crescent Moon!''


    Because he was underwater, Rean didn''t use any of his Life Fire Skills as they would have limited effect. Nevertheless, Crescent Moon was more than enough to leave a deep cut on the head of his opponent, as well as cut off a few of its tentacles.


    The squid understood that it selected the wrong opponent and immediately turned around to flee. Rean didn''t have anything against the squid either since it was pretty obvious that it had no sentience. It only thought of him as food and attacked to get a meal. That was all. He simply let it go as he made his way back to the surface.


    Unfortunately for him, the monster''s blood attracted a lot of attention. Several aquatic monsters began to arrive from everywhere, trying to find the source of the blood. ''Fuck!''


    Rean immediately used his Enhancement Skill and Spiritual Energy to swim faster. Every movement of his legs propelled him several meters at once since it had the power of a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator behind it. Eventually, Rean shot out of the water just before a huge battle started below. Rean wasn''t their only target. Instead, anything that could become a meal would be aimed at.


    With that in mind, he asked himself inwardly, ''Just what is this place?''

 Chapter 910 - Danger Everywhere

    Rean then began to sink into the water again. However, as soon as he was about to be fully submerged, he circulated his Spiritual Energy and kicked the water. The strength of his kick was more than enough for him to launch himself above the water again. Rean then kept doing it as he looked at the demon beasts below. Even Core Formation Realm cultivators wouldn''t have a problem doing that with their strength. Let alone a Nascent Soul Realm that had the power of a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator.


    The killing spree continued until the confusion finally began to die out. However, Rean also noticed something different. Every time a demon beast died, it would start to disappear into specks of red lights. Even all the blood they spread before dying was no exception. ''So...these guys aren''t living beings, but some kind of energy beast.''


    Rean pondered over it for a moment as he kept kicking the water''s surface to stay out. Suddenly, just as he was about to reach the surface of the water once again, he rotated his body and sent a punch below. That punch just so happened to hit a Sea Demon Beast that was passing by, knocking it out instantaneously. Rean then grabbed its rear and started to kick the water again to leave the water. This time, he put a lot more strength in the kick to be able to get the demon beast out of the water.


    During the time Rean went up and down, he sent his Spiritual Energy inside the demon beast. ''So, it does have cultivation. This guy is a Middle Stage Three Demon Beast. It''s just that I can''t tell with my Spiritual Sense since it can''t leave my body...wait, it also has a soul. Is this thing really dead?''


    Rean then dropped the demon beast into the water, which was immediately assaulted by the others around it. Since it was unconscious, it was devoured within mere moments. Of course, the moment it died, it began to disappear as well...or at least the small bits and pieces that weren''t eaten in time.


    Rean then looked around, trying to guess where he was at the moment. Unfortunately, everything was just a huge crimson sea. He couldn''t see any land in any of the directions he looked at. Well, Rean didn''t mind it, though. He simply closed his eyes for an instant before he opened them again while looking in a certain direction. ''Roan''s there. However, he''s way over 3000 kilometers away from me at the moment, so I can''t use the Soul Gem System''s abilities. Now that I think about it, I feel like we should have bought the next Soul Connection Range upgrade from the system.''


    Soon after, Rean tried to contact Sister Orb. Unfortunately, because he was out of range from Roan and his situation was considered ''dangerous,'' the system blocked everything. He would need to first get close to Roan and use their own Soul Connection to talk to each other instead of using the Soul Gem System as a medium.


    ''Well, at least I know what direction I have to head to get closer to him. As for Kentucky...'' Rean then looked in a different direction. Kentucky''s presence, however, didn''t work like Roan''s. It had a limit to how far he could feel the Minokawa. ''The fact that I can at least tell which direction Kentucky can be found means that he''s probably closer to me than Roan is.''


    There wasn''t much to think after that. ''Well, Kentucky it is then. Since I can''t fly in this realm, I believe the others can''t do it either. Having a flying demon beast to move around will make things a lot easier.''


    *Roarrrrr!*


    Suddenly, a heaven-shaking roar resounded from the distance. It was so loud that even Rean''s body trembled. From the looks of it, all the carnage that had been happening in the water had caught the attention of something a lot more terrifying than the demon beasts Rean had been watching so far. Not only that, but the demon beasts that had been going on a rampage inside the water stopped fighting immediately as well. They quickly started to flee in all directions, afraid of the newcomer. ''Whatever it is, I''m definitely going to die if it decides to attack me. I''m out!''


    Rean then landed another kick on the water''s surface, but this time propelling himself in another direction.


    *Bang!*


    Like a bullet, Rean shot into the distance, leaving all the aftermath of the fight behind. Once he left the bloodied scene, the sea once again became calm, as if nothing had happened.


    Far, far away, Roan was in the middle of a heated fight against what seemed to be a giant golem made out of lava.


    ''Death Style, Sixth Form, Destroyer!''


    Destroyer was a skill made to fight opponents that were big and had high defense, usually demon beasts. The problem with the skill had always been the long time it took to get it ready. Also, the fact that it needed both Light and Dark Elements. Roan had to use Rean''s White Star''s Light Element gathering property to make up for the lack of their Element Exchange with Rean. That''s why this fight had taken longer than necessary, as he had to dodge the attacks nonstop, which was almost as fast as his own movements even though the golem was enormous.


    *Boom!*


    *Orrrhhhhh!*


    With the impact, the golem''s chest had a giant hole on it, showing something that looked like a very small red crystal at the center.


    Roan, who seemed somewhat tired, immediately took the chance to attack.


    ''Death Style, Second Movement Form, Shadow Air!''


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    *Zing!*


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    *Shatter!*


    The attack was as precise as it could be, piercing right through the crystal and shattering it instantly.


    *Crumble...*


    As if a chain reaction started, the golem began to break down into countless pieces until it was nothing more than a pile of rocks and molten lava. As for the shards of the red crystal Roan just shattered, they turned into specks of red light before completely disappearing.


    Roan looked at that from the ground before ignoring it completely, thinking to himself, ''This is already the seventh one. These underground caves are just too hard to move across without Spiritual Sense.'' Roan then looked at a wall, knowing that he could feel Rean''s presence from there.. ''The idiot is somewhere in this direction, but I guess I have to find a way out of this place first.''

 Chapter 911 - Just Do What You Want

    Kentucky, surprisingly, had been teleported together with Celis elsewhere. "Seems like we''re in it together."


    Celis nodded, saying in response, "Indeed. I wonder if this is some kind of trial or whatever since it separated us from the Zasfins and the Divine Demon Beasts. We both have the same cultivation, so we ended up in the same place."


    Kentucky shook his head, though. "I don''t think so. Otherwise, why would Rean and Roan not be here as well?" However, Kentucky had a better reason to say that. "Besides, I can feel Rean''s presence in that direction, but I can''t tell where Roan is. They were definitely separated."


    Only then did Celis remember the connection between the Minokwa and the twins he had heard about before. "I see...in that case, let''s try to meet up with Rean."


    Kentucky agreed with Celis for a moment when suddenly, both of them stopped in place. Soon after, the two jumped as high as they could before Kentucky flapped his wings and grabbed Celis''s shoulders.


    *Boom!*


    Following that, the ground they were standing on just a moment ago caved in, revealing what seemed to be a giant worm. Even though Kentucky and Celis were quite big, they looked more like ants in front of that thing. "Fly!"


    Kentucky nodded and immediately darted into the skies. The worm didn''t give up and curled its body before extending outward to jump after the two.


    Fortunately, the restriction on flying abilities worked for the residents of this realm as well. Kentucky dodged the worm''s attack at the very last moment before he kept flapping his wings to soar even higher. As a Demon Bird, as long as there was air, he would be able to fly. Eventually, the worm began to fall down, not being able to stop its descent.


    *Bang!*


    The enormous worm hit the ground, making the entire area tremble due to its weight. In any case, its strength was more than enough for it to not suffer any damage whatsoever. Instead, it looked in the direction where Kentucky and Celis were heading, as if calculating whether or not it could capture them. Well, ''looking'' would be the wrong way to say it since the worm didn''t have eyes. It''s just that it had some way of telling where those two were located.


    Kentucky increased his altitude even more before the giant worm on the ground finally gave up. It knew that it wouldn''t matter how high it could jump. It wouldn''t be able to capture Kentucky and Celis anymore. It then started to dig underground and disappeared from the duo''s vision a few moments later.


    Celis couldn''t help but comment, "That thing sure is strong. If I was at my peak, I could get rid of it. However, with my Late Stage Nascent Soul Realm cultivation, such a thing is simply impossible. It would be more like a suicide mission with no good outcome whatsoever."


    Kentucky immediately asked, "Could it be that you can tell that worm''s cultivation level? I''m trying to spread my Spiritual Sense and even Soul Power, but they aren''t leaving my body at all."


    Celis shook his head as he replied, "I can''t. However, I''m very experienced, remember? I''ve seen way too many things during my life. I''m pretty sure that thing is equivalent to an Initial or maybe Middle Stage Seven Demon Beast." Celis had hit the mark. The worm''s cultivation really was at Stage Seven, which was equivalent to Saint Realm cultivators.


    Kentucky sighed after hearing that. "We just arrived, and we''ve already attracted the attention of a Stage Seven Demon Beast. We can''t let our guard down at all." After that, he turned in the direction where he could feel Rean. "Let''s try to regroup with Rean first. I''ll bring us there while flying to avoid the ground."


    Unfortunately, Kentucky would soon understand that the skies weren''t that safe either.


    *Creee!*


    *Creee!*


    *Creee!*


    Several black shadows appeared across the horizon, heading in Kentucky and Celis''s direction. "We have company!"


    Kentucky immediately turned around and flew away. Judging by the speed of the Demon Birds coming in his direction, they weren''t more than Stage Four Demon Beasts, with the leaders being at Stage Five. However, there were thousands of them! There was simply no way Celis and Kentucky could fight that many.


    "Are you sure this is the right direction? Isn''t this opposite the direction where you could feel Rean?" Celis asked as they fled.


    "It is," Kentucky confirmed. "However, if you want to try to pass through those guys, just tell me, and I''ll drop your body from here. Otherwise, I''m going to fly in the opposite direction no matter what."


    Celis didn''t like the idea. "No need. I''ll just be shredded to pieces if you leave me here." However, Celis quickly noticed that Kentucky was still slightly faster than the demon birds in pursuit. Especially since the leaders within those birds weren''t leaving the pack. "I think we can outrun then while still making a semicircle. That way, we will eventually fly in Rean''s direction."


    Kentucky looked behind and had to admit that Celis was right. "Okay. I''ll give it a try." With that, he changed his straight course of flight and began to do a wide 180-degree turn. Upon seeing the demon birds being left behind, Kentucky could not help but say, "It seems like it''s working."


    Celis was happy to hear that. "Good! Now then, you said that Rean was in this direction. How far is it, and how long would it take?"


    Kentucky pondered over it for a bit as he focused on his connection with Rean, eventually responding, "Because I can''t use Spiritual Energy to assist with my flying speed, we''ll probably take a day. At most, it''ll take around two."


    "Are we really that far?" Celis could tell that Kentucky was still flying quite fast with his wings alone. For them to take that long showed just how big this place is.


    Kentucky couldn''t do anything about it. "I can go a little faster, but that will put a lot more strain on my muscles. I prefer to stay at this speed since I can stay in peak condition if a fight ever breaks out."


    Celis couldn''t find any fault with that, so he replied, "Alright, just do what you want."

 Chapter 912 - Crimson Eyes

    The last member of their group, Red, was doing a lot better. He did appear in a dangerous situation, just like everyone else. However, he quickly found a place to hide and activated his concealment skill. If even Transition Realm and Stage Nine Demon Beasts couldn''t detect him before, the enemies around him were obviously even more helpless.


    ''Everything''s so different...'' thought Red as he moved around while trying to not attract attention. He could conceal his presence, but he couldn''t disappear from someone''s sight. ''Nevertheless, the Blood Pond was located in the middle of the Bestial Sacred Ground. Even if everything has transformed to look like this, that much should still be the same.''


    Red then pondered where the center of this realm would be. Fortunately, he wasn''t underground, underwater, or high in the skies. He was simply on the surface... although many demon beasts rampaged around. Red then looked at the skies, trying to find some clue when suddenly, he remembered something. ''Wait, the stars!''


    Back when he was inside the Bestial Sacred Ground, it was nothing more than a gigantic cave with the Blood Pond at its center and the deactivated portal behind it. However, Red still remembered the stalactites on the ceiling. They dripped with the blood of demon beasts all the time, filling up the pond. Red could tell that the red stars in the sky that was neither night nor day seemed to be in similar positions. ''If that''s the case, the centermost star should be above the center of the pound, or at least close to it.''


    Of course, Red thought that he might be wrong. It''s just that he didn''t have any better idea of how to guide himself at the moment. ''If Rean and Roan heard my explanation about the Bestial Sacred Ground carefully, they''ll probably notice that as well.'' With that in mind, Red began to make his way through the field as he followed the center star in the skies.


    A day quickly passed...or so the Zasfins, demon beasts, and humans inside the Bestial Sacred Ground believe. The crimson sky never became darker or brighter, so it was hard to tell how much time had passed, especially for Roan, who was underground. Fortunately for him, that wouldn''t last long. ''I''ve been taking the paths that lead to the surface until now. I don''t know how deep I was sent, but I refuse to believe one entire day of travel isn''t enough to come out.''


    *Boom!*


    *Roar!*


    With a deafening sound, another body fell on the ground. This time, it wasn''t a golem but a demon beast that died at Roan''s hands. Well, that''s not considering whether they were alive or not to start with. Just like the previous time, Roan saw the demon beast turn into specks of red light before disappearing completely.


    Roan then turned a corner before seeing light at the end of one of the tunnels. That light was red, just like the glow on the walls of the cave he was in. Nevertheless, it was different from everything Roan saw so far. ''Is that the exit?''


    Roan didn''t get ahead of himself and activated Rean''s Spiritual and Light bending skills to disappear completely. He knew he couldn''t use Spiritual Sense in this place, but he wasn''t sure if it was the same for the other forms of life. First of all, he didn''t know if there were any intelligent lifeforms in this place to start with.


    Roan trudged carefully, getting closer to the exit. However, once he finally arrived there, he didn''t find the path to the surface as he had hoped. Instead, Roan ended up inside another enormous cave. It''s just that there was something there completely different from the things he had noticed so far. ''What is this?''


    At the center, there was something that looked like a sphere. It''s just that the thing was enormous even if compared to Roan''s own body. It was also this sphere that was the one responsible for the different red lights. The orb seemed to be filled with a red cloud, which made it impossible to see any deeper into it. Roan looked around, and couldn''t see any demon beasts protecting it, so he began to approach it. After all, it wasn''t like he had any better idea at the moment.


    Roan then stopped right in front of the sphere as nothing happened. He walked around it a few times, trying to see if there were any traps or protection formations around it, but the lack of Spiritual Sense really made things difficult to judge. ''I guess I can only try.''


    Roan touched the sphere, which immediately elicited a reaction. The red cloud inside started to dissipate, leaving behind what seemed to be a red symbol that glowed redder than anything Roan saw in this place so far. Its shape was similar to the letter Y, but with its aperture on the middle top part much wider. Last but not least, there was a small mark between that Y aperture. Seeing that, Roan thought to himself, ''It looks like an...eye?''


    Roan only had the time to think of that when suddenly, the ''eye'' started to shine even more. Roan felt some kind of energy quickly assaulting his body, or more exactly, his soul, trying to take control of it. In any case, Roan didn''t panic. ''Hmph!''


    Dark Element quickly gathered and attacked that energy mercilessly. Dark Element could corrode and destroy everything. That foreign energy was definitely not an exception.


    The process of destruction and invasion continued for a few more minutes until finally, the eye inside the giant sphere started to lose its brightness. The energy assaulting Roan''s body had also subsided little by little. In the end, the energy was gone.


    Roan narrowed his eyes as an idea appeared on his mind. ''Is this eye the one responsible for the demon beasts'' souls?'' Sure enough, just like Rean, Roan also understood that the demon beasts had souls. ''I need more information.''


    Somewhere else, in a place where no one could reach, a pair of crimson red eyes suddenly opened. If one looked closely, those eyes had the same shape as the one Roan saw in the sphere. At first, the eyes seemed to be devoid of any emotions.. Who knows how long had it been since this pair of eyes last opened. However, clarity soon filled them, as the being behind it looked in the direction Roan was located, thinking to itself, ''Dark Element?''

 Chapter 913 - Just Why?

    Roan didn''t know what was happening. Instead, he simply kept looking at the sphere with the eye symbol inside it. ''I can''t help but feel familiar yet foreign energy coming from it. Dark Element? Not exactly...what is it? There''s way too little information for me to figure out.''


    Somehow, Roan felt that this sphere was bad news, so he decided to leave it aside for the moment. ''Instead, I need to find the idiots first. Rean and Kentucky can still do since they can use Dark Element. Kentucky has a natural Dark Element Affinity, while Rean has his Dark Star that can gather it. However, Celis and Red are completely vulnerable if they touch another sphere like this one.''


    It was then that Roan remembered all of the other demon beasts and Zasfins that entered the Bestial Sacred Land. ''I just hope that their extremely high cultivation is enough for them to defend themselves.'' Without wasting any time, Roan pulled out his White Star and attacked the sphere in front of him.


    ''Death Style, Third Form, Three Claws of the Dragon!''


    *Swish, swish, swish!*


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    *Shatter!*


    Surprisingly, the sphere was pretty fragile. Let alone Roan, even a cultivator at Foundation Establishment wouldn''t have any issues destroying it. It''s just that someone other than Rean, Roan, and Kentucky would probably be dominated by the eye inside the sphere before they thought about it. ''I doubt this is the only one. I better keep a lookout for others.''


    However, the moment Roan destroyed the sphere, he began to hear demon beast cries from everywhere. The only thing was that these cries didn''t seem to be coming in his direction. Instead, they felt more like cries of pain, immeasurable pain. Roan immediately thought about the soul-controlling power of the sphere and dashed out of the area, moving in the direction of the closest cry.


    When he arrived there, all he could see was another demon beast turning into specks of red light. Of course, nothing killed it. It just died on its own. Not only that, but all the demon beasts near this underground region were suffering the same fate. ''Not only did that sphere keep control over the demon beasts'' souls, but it was also the thing that kept them in this world.''


    Roan finally understood what was happening in this crimson world, coming up with a conclusion as he thought, ''No wonder the concentration of demon beasts is so ridiculously high. We already know that the Bestial Sacred Ground absorbs the blood of all demon beasts who die on the planet. However, it doesn''t only absorb their blood but their souls as well.''


    ''I haven''t seen other regions yet, but I believe they''re packed with demon beasts as well.'' Roan was right. All one had to do was to look at the place Rean first arrived. How could so many sea demon beasts appear at the same time after just a little blood was spilled on the water? It meant that they had always been around to start with.


    The only thing that could make them leave a scene were stronger demon beasts. The demon beast that appeared near Rean and the worm that attacked Kentucky and Celis were very good examples. ''Which means that the origin of these demon beast souls was, in fact, from the demon beasts from outside who died on the planet before. I don''t have any guarantee that I''m right, but it''s the only thing that fits this situation so far.''


    Roan continued with his train of thought, pondering, ''The only reason the concentration of demon beasts isn''t any higher is that the demon beasts themselves keep killing each other.''


    That also happened in Rean''s case, so Roan was right about that one as well.


    ''That also explains why I haven''t seen any demon beast at Stage One or Two. There were very few at Stage Three, and the majority was definitely above this level.'' Roan then looked at the disappearing demon beasts before returning to the area with the shattered sphere. Roan then grabbed a small shard of the sphere before putting it in his spatial ring.


    Yes, Rean used the Communication System to get ahold of two Spatial Rings, which were extremely rare. Why? Because that would be the perfect cover for their Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Besides, it also worked in case Rean and Roan were too far away from each other. It would be definitely better than using bags to carry things. That''s how important the Zasfins thought the communication system to be since even Elemental Transformation Realm cultivators like Fizer found it expensive.


    Of course, compared to the enormous realm of the Soul Gem System, the ten cubic meters of space inside the Spatial Ring made Rean and Roan feel like there wasn''t any space there to start with. The two simply couldn''t be compared. Not to mention that those Spatial Rings didn''t have the power to hold any life inside, only inanimate objects.


    After one last look around the area, Roan took a passage that was behind the sphere when he first entered the area. This time, Roan finally saw what seemed to be the outside world. He was right. After one entire day of fighting demon beasts nonstop, dead ends, and following any path up he could find, he was now on the surface.


    Roan looked around for a moment and could see a few demon beasts who hadn''t noticed his presence yet. Instead, they seemed more aware of their own presences, as if trying to control themselves to not attack each other. Roan ignored that and immediately activated Rean''s Light and Spiritual Sense bending skill through his White Star''s Light Element Gathering ability.


    After that, he looked in the direction where he could feel Rean''s presence before dashing away. He wasn''t able to move in a straight line before because of the tunnels, so he ended up somewhere even further away. In any case, Rean wasn''t in his mind at the moment. Instead, what was going in his mind was...


    ''Spheres that control the souls of demon beasts and make them fight.. Their bodies are probably byproducts of the blood absorbed from the dead demon beasts of the world. Just why is there such a thing in this place?''

 Chapter 914 - Shit!

    As Rean continued moving forward, he kept his Light and Spiritual Sense bending skill activated all the time. In the end, most of the demon beasts had cultivations below or similar to his, with only a few being stronger...or so Rean thought since he didn''t stop to check their cultivations. Nevertheless, his journey didn''t come across any mishaps.


    *Boom, boom, boom...*


    Suddenly, Rean heard the sound of battle coming from the distance. It wasn''t anything out of the ordinary since he found many demon beasts fighting each other. However, this time, the scale of the fight seemed to be several times greater than the previous ones. ''Could it be...''


    Rean pondered over it a bit as to whether or not he should get close to where the battle was happening. After all, he could tell that the ones battling there were much stronger than him. Then again, it might be someone he knows. It was then that Rean remembered something. ''Oh, right! Spiritual Sense is blocked in this place. Since that''s the case, I don''t need to be afraid of a Zasfin Ancestor''s Spiritual Sense breaking through my bending skill.''


    Rean immediately changed his destination as he took one last look in Kentucky''s direction. He could tell that Kentucky was getting closer to him as he spoke, so it wouldn''t change much if he took a quick peek at the situation on the other side.


    The sound of battle kept increasing nonstop, and soon, Rean could even feel the ground trembling with each exchange. ''Definitely someone at the Divine Demon Beasts or the Zasfin Ancestors'' level.'' Rean was right. When he finally got close enough to see who was fighting, he immediately recognized who it was.


    ''It''s Duran!'' Obviously, Rean knew the guy since he was the reason the agreement between the demon beasts and Zasfins worked out. ''As for the one he''s fighting against...''


    Sadly, Rean didn''t recognize the demon beast Duran was fighting against. At the very least, that demon beast wasn''t present when they were at the entrance to the Bestial Sacred Ground. ''It''s probably another one of those energy demon beasts. From the looks of it, this place also has Stage Nine Demon Beasts.''


    The battle looked intense. However, even Rean could tell that Duran was at an absolute advantage. The demon beast couldn''t even defend itself against Duran''s assault properly.


    "Hmph! I know you!" Duran said as he fought the demon beast. "When I was younger, I saw an ancestor of our organization talking to you during a meeting. Weren''t you dead, Kila? What are you doing here? Is this a trap of the demon beasts? You''re quite bold to attack me alone with that kind of power."


    Rean was surprised to hear that. However, it only confirmed his theory. Since Roan arrived at the conclusion that these demon beasts were once alive, Rean obviously had the same idea. ''So all these demon beasts were previously alive on the surface, huh?''


    *Roar!*


    However, Kila didn''t answer Duran''s words. It couldn''t think about anything else other than attacking Duran. Of course, Duran wasn''t an idiot either. He only tried to talk and see if there was any shred of sanity left in that beast. He noticed long ago that the demon beasts here were acting strange and that they would disappear if they were killed. "Seems like even a Stage Nine Demon Beast is no different..." Duran murmured for a moment before he decided to end the battle.


    In the end, Duran unleashed more power and finished off that demon beast called Kila. First of all, Kila didn''t have any sentience in that state. It was moving purely on its instincts. Let alone Duran, the one considered the strongest Zasfin, even the weakest Zasfin Ancestor in this place wouldn''t have much of a problem winning this battle.


    After Kila was defeated, it also began to transform into specks of Red Light. However, there was a difference this time. Usually, the entire demon beast would cease to exist. But in Kila''s case, a red core remained behind. Neither Rean nor Duran had seen it before drop from the other demon beasts, so they paid close attention to it.


    Duran then approached the core, intending to grab it when suddenly, the ground below trembled as a giant hole opened. From inside, something that looked like a giant blood claw came out and grabbed Kila''s red core. Duran couldn''t help but let out cold sweat after that. Let alone Rean, even Duran felt that the claw was extremely dangerous, and Duran was even a Peak Transition Realm Zasfin!


    The hand didn''t care about Duran or Rean, though. It simply retreated back underground before it disappeared completely with Kila''s core. ''What a terrifying thing. I couldn''t tell how strong it was since I couldn''t spread Spiritual Sense nor Soul Power. Still, all my existence screamed to stay as far as possible from it. Just what kind of existence owns that thing?''


    However, after that, Duran thought about the red core left behind by Kila. ''I wonder if all Stage Nine Demon Beasts of this place would leave something like that behind. Also, what was that hand using the red core for? Could it be that it was its owner to start with?''


    Rean, too, had similar questions in his mind. Unfortunately, there was no way for him to find out the answer to it. At the very least, he wouldn''t try and follow that thing when even Duran didn''t dare to. ''Anyways, I''ll have to talk to Roan about it later. Let''s get out of here before Duran notices my presence.''


    Rean''s Light bending skill was perfect as long as Spiritual Sense wasn''t available. However, that only applied to himself, not to the environment of his surroundings. The places where he stepped on would still change due to his weight. Of course, Rean knew that, so he was very careful to leave the least amount of changes possible. It would be perfect if he could fly, but that wasn''t the case at the moment.


    Sadly, it was these very small changes that caught Duran''s attention, though. "Hmm?"


    Rean felt a cold chill on his back and looked behind, just to see Duran looking straight at him. ''Shit!''

 Chapter 915 - What Would Duran Do?

    Duran started to approach the area where he saw the movement happen on the ground while Rean stayed as still as a rock. With his Light bending skill, it really looked like the place was completely empty. However, Duran was sure he had seen something moving there a while ago.


    Because of Kila, a Stage Nine Demon Beast, all the other demon beasts in the vicinity had fled. Other than the damaged area, there shouldn''t be any movement, especially in the place Rean moved in. Rean was also cursing at himself, thinking that he should have waited for Duran to leave before he tried to do so as well.


    Duran then landed right in front of Rean and looked around as he narrowed his eyes, muttering to himself with a tone of suspicion, "Weird...was it just my imagination?"


    Rean was happy to hear that, inwardly shouting, ''Yes, it was just your imagination! Now, go away!''


    However, Duran playfully smiled before he jumped back a little. Soon after, he raised his right hand as Spiritual Energy and Wind Element gathered above it, creating a huge sphere of energy. "Well, if there isn''t anyone here, I might as well destroy everything around just to be sure. Hehe!"


    Rean felt like crying as he quickly turned off his Light bending skill, screaming, "Wait, wait, wait! It''s me! I''m here! I''m definitely, 100%, absolutely here!" Who was he kidding here? Even if Rean ran as fast as he could, he wouldn''t be able to leave the affected area in time. The attack of a Transition Realm cultivator would wipe him out of the universe in less than an instant.


    Duran had to admit that he was surprised to see Rean''s body suddenly appear right in front of him. It was incredible how close he was just a moment ago, yet he still couldn''t see him. Nevertheless, what surprised him even more was the identity of the other person. "It''s you!" Naturally, he recognized the white-haired boy that appeared in his clan''s shop back during the war.


    Rean sighed in relief as he noticed Duran retracting his attack, saying, "You really are merciless. Couldn''t you do something more gentle, like creating a gale of wind or something like that, to confirm that everything was empty?"


    Duran snorted in response. "Hmph! And how would I be sure that you didn''t have a way to avoid it? The best way to pull someone out is to make sure their lives will be forfeited if they don''t appear." Duran then changed the topic straight away, asking, "Forget that. How long have you been following me?"


    Rean shook his head in response as he told him, "I didn''t. It was your fight against the demon beast that caught my attention as I passed by."


    Duran nodded, asking in response, "I see. Now then, how about answering a few questions of mine? Would you mind?"


    Rean bitterly smiled after that. Although Duran asked politely, he knew that there wasn''t much choice to start with. "Go ahead. I''m all ears."


    "Good!" Duran was satisfied with his answer. "Now, what is this place? What are those demon beasts? What was that red claw? Is this a trap prepared by the demon beasts to kill our Zasfins? Where is the exit? Is the portal to the Realm of Gods still available?"


    Rean''s mouth twitched for a moment after that. In his mind, he cursed that Duran asked a butt-ton of questions from the get-go. Of course, he didn''t dare to rebuke Duran as he replied, "Ahem...first question''s answer, I don''t know. Second, I don''t know. Third, I don''t know..." That was all Rean could say. "All in all, we''re both in the same boat, not knowing what''s currently happening."


    Duran narrowed his eyes after hearing that, threatening Rean as he responded, "Then...I guess I have no reason to keep you alive, right?"


    Rean let out cold sweat after that. Nevertheless, he still replied, "I guess...so? At least, I don''t know how I could help you since you''re much stronger than me. I also don''t have any information that could help you whatsoever."


    Duran was taken aback after that. Shouldn''t someone in that situation ask not to be killed or that he could help with something else? This was the first time Duran saw someone simply accepting that he could only die. "I thought about it before, but now I''m sure...you''re quite the weird fella."


    Rean didn''t deny that. "Well, at least not as much as my brother."


    Duran then shook his head and gave up on the idea. "Forget it. I do owe you one, after all."


    "Owe me?" Rean didn''t understand. They reached an agreement during the war, and both sides did their part. There shouldn''t be anything else.


    Duran didn''t explain, though. "You don''t need to know." Of course, there was only one thing that could make Duran feel that he owed a human, Fikin''s death. If not because of Rean and Roan''s plan, he might have never taken his revenge in this life. For him, even the fate of the Zasfin race wasn''t as important.


    Duran then asked something else, "So, what are you planning to do?"


    Rean pondered over it for a bit before saying, "I intend to meet up with my Freedom Sect members first. As for what comes after that, I''m not sure." It wasn''t a lie. At the moment, Rean didn''t even know if he and Roan could still carry the Soul Gem System''s mission forward. As for helping to open the portal to the Realm of Gods, he was even more unsure about that.


    However, Duran found the response quite weird. "Meet up with your sect members? Do you have a way to do that?"


    Rean nodded in response, explaining, "When we opened the Bestial Sacred Ground, we were able to see the sky inside for a few moments before we were all teleported, right? When the teleports started to happen, we deduced that we would all fall inside this place, so we agreed to meet under the location of the centermost star." Of course, that was a huge lie. Rean was simply following his connection with the Minokawa. Kentucky''s location just so happened to be in that direction anyway.


    Duran was surprised by that but had to admit it made sense. "I see... this place is big, but not at the size of a real-world at all. They aren''t like the stars outside, which are astoundingly far away. In fact, it''s more correct to say that they are attached to the ''ceiling'' of this realm. Naturally, those red stars are a very good way of guiding oneself since they only exist in this place." He blamed his race in his mind for not thinking about something so obvious before.


    The question now was, what would he do with the information?

 Chapter 916 - Kinda Sleepy

    Rean then scratched the back of his head before saying, "Well, I''ll be leaving then. I hope Senior Duran will make it to the portal to the Realm of Gods."


    However, Duran suddenly placed a hand on Rean''s shoulder before he could even take a single step. "Not so fast, little boy." Poor Rean couldn''t help but bitterly smile as he waited for Duran to continue. "I didn''t say I believed you don''t know anything about this place. I just said I wouldn''t kill you. Now then, how about I go with you to find your little friends? In exchange, this old man can act as your protector."


    Rean then answered, "Hehe! But of course! How could I refuse such big help like yours, senior? Now then, the region below the centermost star is where I intend to go. Does Senior Duran have anything against this idea?"


    Duran laughed as he shook his head. "Hahaha! I have no complaints at all! Besides, the region below that centermost star might really have something important. How could I not head there? Come, this old man will lead the journey." Without waiting for Rean to say anything, Duran enveloped him with his Spiritual Energy before shooting into the distance. With his cultivation, even moving on the ground was still extremely fast.


    Rean sighed and simply gave up on the idea of escaping. Duran wouldn''t let that happen at all. Even if he used his Light bending skill, Duran could merely destroy everything around him in a moment, possibly killing Rean in the process. ''Well, I guess I''m quite lucky that he didn''t kill me, I guess? I better wait for a better chance.''


    The only problem was Kentucky, who was flying right in his direction. That wasn''t all. Rean noticed that Roan finally began to move in his direction as well. It''s just that Roan was much, much further away. It wasn''t a distance Roan could make in just a day or two. ''I''ll have to wait and see.''


    Duran wasn''t the only Transition Realm or Stage Nine Demon Beast who found opponents at the same level to fight, though. Phex also got quite the headache when he arrived in the realm. He was forced to battle a Stage Nine Demon Beast that looked like a giant shark. Yes, he was also sent into the ocean, just like Rean.


    Phex, as a leader of the demon beasts, had access to a lot of old information from the past of the planet. Because of that, he also recognized the shark, exclaiming, "Senior Yurkos, please stop!" Unfortunately, the shark kept attacking nonstop. Even when it was severely injured, it continued its assault. "What the hell is happening here? Why is Senior Yurkos here? Didn''t he try to break the barrier to the Realm of Gods on his own in the past?"


    In the end, Phex decided to return to his original form and fly away. Yurkos wasn''t a flying demon beast, so he could only jump out of the water to catch him. Unfortunately, Phex was stronger to start with, let alone the fact that Yurkos didn''t seem to have any intelligence at the moment. As for Phex, he didn''t want to kill the guy since he was an important member of the Demon Beast Alliance in the past before he was born.


    Only after he made enough of a gap from the shark did Phex finally relax. "How could the Bestial Sacred Ground suddenly transform into a Dimensional Realm? Could it be that the formations around the Demon Beast Continent were providing the Bestial Sacred Ground with energy for this? Then again, why haven''t we seen this Dimensional Realm before? Also, what happened to the demon beasts here? I''m pretty sure they''re all dead, but they still have their souls, albeit without any intelligence."


    Phex continued to fly forward when suddenly, he spotted an island in the distance. Without thinking twice, Phex went straight down to search the island. "Let''s take a look."


    Phex flew around the island and could see demon beasts everywhere. They fought against each other before eating the loser. This kind of scene could be seen in every corner of the island. Phex also noticed such a thing happening in the ocean before he bumped into Yurkos.


    However, he noticed something else that was only possible because he was a demon beast. "The demon beasts that are eaten seem to increase the winner''s energy, although just slightly. As for any remnants of the demon beast, they simply disappear. Could it be that they are trying to eat the other''s soul?"


    Phex then ignored those demon beasts and flew to the center of the island. Surprisingly though, the center of the island was empty, with no demon beast being near it at all. It was as if it was a forbidden zone for them.


    "What''s that?" Phex noticed that at the very center, there was a giant red sphere with a red cloud inside it. "This thing obviously has some effect on the demon beasts in the area. Otherwise, the demon beasts would stay far away as they usually do."


    Phex decided to take a closer look when suddenly, Spiritual Energy and another type of energy that Phex didn''t know began to gather around the sphere. In front of his eyes, blood began to come out of the crimson ground while a small point of energy condensed above the sphere.


    That blood then gathered around that point of energy as it took the form of a demon beast little by little. Eventually, what seemed to be a horse-type demon beast was created.


    That didn''t stop there, though. The red cloud inside the sphere cleared out, showing the same eye that Roan found back in the underground area.  That eye shone brightly with red light, which seemed to resonate with the horse''s head. Or, to be more specific, with the point of energy Phex saw a moment ago. ''I see...that point of energy was the demon beast''s soul. As for the blood, is it the Bestial Blood Pond''s blood that created its body? The energy coming from it certainly reminds me of it.''


    Phex pondered over it a bit more...or so he tried. Without noticing, he began to walk in the direction of the sphere as he thought, ''Weird....I feel kind of sleepy.''

 Chapter 917 - Lets Catch Up

    Around a day later, Kentucky finally caught up with Rean. Naturally, Rean was being dragged along with Duran, so he also saw the guy. "This..."


    Celis narrowed his eyes since he recognized the Zasfin, instantly muttering, "What a pain in the ass."


    Duran, who obviously noticed their group as well, couldn''t help but laugh out loud. "Hahaha! To think I would meet with the World Swallowing Cedar here. Should I call this my lucky day?"


    Celis snorted in response, telling Duran, "Is that so? What? Just because I lost my cultivation, you think I''ll do whatever you want? I have long since decided that I would simply kill myself if I ever got captured again. But first, you will have to reach here where we are."


    One must remember that Kentucky could fly because he was a bird, and Celis was with him. Rean and Duran couldn''t, so they only watched from the ground. As high as Duran''s cultivation might be, Kentucky was just way too high in the skies for him to attack.


    Duran didn''t seem to mind Celis''s words, though. "What does that have to do with me? I couldn''t care less whether you kill yourself or not." Duran then looked at Rean before continuing, "However, if you don''t care about his well-being, you should do what I say."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders after hearing that. "Guess I''m fucked."


    Duran didn''t understand what Rean meant when suddenly, Kentucky turned around and began to fly away, saying, "Ha! So what if you capture Rean? I would save him if I could, but getting close to you only means my death. Instead of having both of us dead, I better let Rean die alone. Well then, until next time."


    Duran couldn''t help but ask back after hearing Kentucky''s response, "Do you really think I won''t kill him?"


    Celis shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "To be honest, I don''t think you will. After all, Rean is one of the Formation Masters that would help out in the opening of the portal to the Realm of Gods. Anyways, if you don''t kill him, make sure to protect him well. Let''s go, Kentucky."


    "On it!" Kentucky agreed with Celis as they disappeared in the distance.


    Duran''s mouth could not help but twitch as he saw Kentucky and Celis fly even higher and further from the two of them. They simply didn''t care about Rean at all! "These friends of yours aren''t very friendly..."


    Rean sighed in response, telling him, "We''re not a bunch of good samaritans, you know? We knew the risks that we were going to face when we came into the Bestial Sacred Ground, so we had long since decided on what we would do in a situation like this one. I don''t blame them for their choice since I would have done exactly the same if I were in their place. Just like Kentucky said, I would try to save him if it was possible. But with you here, I wouldn''t even give it a second thought before leaving."


    Duran had to admit it at least made sense. "Well, I probably wouldn''t do anything different either. Still, why would you tell me that you could find them here if you knew they wouldn''t help you?" It was then that Duran noticed. "I see...you knew they would be here, but you didn''t know if they would have company behind them. If a Stage Nine Demon Beast or one of the Divine Demon Beasts were here, then you would truly have a chance."


    Rean didn''t deny that, saying in response, "Too bad my gamble didn''t pay off. Kentucky and Celis were alone. Well, it''s already surprising that those two are together to start with."


    Duran wondered what he should do at the moment as he kicked another suicidal demon beast away. "Where do you think we should go now?"


    "How should I know?" Rean then looked into the distance. "Why don''t you try heading to the region below the centermost star? The Blood Pond was in the center of the Bestial Sacred Ground before, right? It might be somewhere there as well."


    Duran agreed with Rean''s plan. Of course, there was one other thing he knew about Kentucky and Celis''s departure. Now that they knew Rean was under his custody, they could find some help for him.


    Unsurprisingly, Duran''s hunch was right. Once Kentucky and Celis flew far away that even Duran couldn''t see them anymore, they finally started to talk about what they saw. "We need to find Senior Phex or some other Divine Demon Beast."


    Celis nodded. "Duran hasn''t killed Rean until now, which means he might be thinking of using him as a hostage. That''s a good thing since that means Rean won''t die anytime soon. Besides, he at least knows that Rean is one of the Formation Masters. If he doesn''t want to decrease his chances of leaving this world, he won''t kill Rean. In a certain way, it''s good that Duran was the one to find Rean since he''s the strongest Zasfin. No one on the Zasfins'' side would be better than him when it comes to protecting Rean."


    After that, he asked Kentucky something else. "Can you feel Roan''s presence? Or is he still too far away?"


    Kentucky shook his head as he answered, "He''s still too far away, so I can''t feel his presence at all. However, I know Rean and Roan can feel each other''s presence from anywhere. Duran doesn''t know I can feel Rean''s presence, so I''ll tag along with him until Roan appears in my perception. After all, Roan should be trying to find Rean."


    Celis thought that it was a good plan. "That''s good. Just make sure to keep flying as high as you can to avoid attention."


    Kentucky agreed with him. "Sure!"


    The Minokawa did exactly that. He waited for the gap between him and Duran to be over a few hundred kilometers before he started to follow Rean''s presence.


    Way further away from there, Roan was also following Rean''s presence. While doing so, he could not help but think, ''Weird. Rean is moving way faster than I am. He''s definitely being carried by someone else, but who?'' Roan shook his head and put those thoughts behind him after that. ''No point thinking about it now. Let''s catch up to him first.''


    However, Roan ended up finding something else on his way. Something he didn''t expect to find in this place at all. "A.... city?"

 Chapter 918 - That Was Terrifying

    Indeed, there really was a city in front of him. ''How come there''s a city in this place? Who lives there?'' Roan pondered over it for a bit but couldn''t think up of a plausible answer. In the end, he kept his Light bending skill active as he approached it.


    However, the closer he got, the weirder it felt. ''There''s no one in the front gate?'' Surprisingly, everything around the city was empty. What bothered Roan the most wasn''t the fact that he couldn''t see any inhabitant inside. Instead, with the crazy high number of demon beasts roaming around, it was weird that none of them were close to it. ''That probably means another sphere like the previous one can be found there.''


    Roan didn''t enter through the front gate, though. Instead, he jumped over the wall so that he could have a better view of the city inside without catching much attention. ''As I thought, the city is empty.''


    He could see several buildings extending far, far away. However, there wasn''t a single living soul walking on the streets. Well, that''s only considering living beings. If one also took in factor the dead... ''So many bones...''


    Roan could see bones everywhere. Without a doubt, this city was very lively in the past. Be it the road or the insides of the buildings, Roan could see bones scattered throughout. ''The weird thing is the positions these bones are positioned. Whatever killed all these people did it instantly. None of these bones give me the feeling that the people tried to flee first.''


    There were many shops and other things. Normally, such a situation would mean rich profits since an entire city was available for him to explore. However...


    *Shhhh...*


    The moment Roan touched any of the equipment, furniture, or whatever, they crumbled apart. Some of the buildings he passed by also fell down with just the trembling caused by Roan''s steps. That showed just how fragile everything in this city was at the moment. ''Then again, I don''t feel like so much time has passed that it would create such a situation. If I''m not wrong, what corroded the city was not time but the crimson environment. Or, to be more specific, that energy from the higher realm the Soul Gem System talked about just before we were teleported inside.''


    Ever since everyone entered this dimensional realm, it had been like that. The red glow was simply present in every corner. Roan considered the things that caused this red light to be the energy from the higher realm. Of course, he had no proof of it at the moment.


    There was another point Roan noticed as he moved ahead, thinking, ''I passed by a few places that were obviously built to hold demon beasts inside. That is normal since low-level demon beasts would be tamed to do the cultivators'' heavy work. Most of the cities in the world have used this method. However, although I could see people''s bones around the place, there aren''t any demon beast bones whatsoever.'' That probably meant that what killed the people didn''t have an effect on the demon beasts.


    *Crumble...*


    Suddenly, Roan heard another building collapse. However, it was much, much further away, to the point it was almost inaudible. ''There''s someone else in this city as well.'' Roan pondered over it for a bit but didn''t feel too concerned. He still had Rean''s Light bending skill. Spiritual Sense and Soul Power Scanning didn''t work either. Besides, he wouldn''t commit the same mistake as Rean did. He knew that the places he moved on still left marks behind. ''From the position it came from, it seems that the other party is also heading to the city''s center.'' After pondering it for a bit, Roan decided to go there as well.


    Roan''s steps became even lighter as he did his best to stay far away from the buildings. With that, nothing crumbled around him anymore. That was also good since he could still hear a building or two crumbling far away. Different from him, the other party didn''t seem to care too much about showing its position.


    It was then that Roan came out of a corner and noticed a giant building in the distance. It was way higher than any of the ones he had seen so far. However, what really caught his attention was the red glow of light coming from the top tower in that building. ''It''s the same glow as the red sphere. So there really was another one here.''


    Still, Roan didn''t pay much attention to that place. Instead, he looked in another direction, waiting to see if the other visitor would show its face. Fortunately, Roan didn''t have to wait long.


    From behind a crumbling building, Roan noticed a bit of silver fur sticking out. It used its Spiritual Energy to keep the dust away, so the demon beast was completely clean. As for the building, it couldn''t care less. "Hmm...? Have I finally found something useful?" The demon beast looked at the same building as Roan did before moving in its direction.


    Roan, on the other hand, immediately recognized the other party. ''It''s Frin, the Silver Fenrir.'' He pondered if he should come out to talk to him or not. After all, he knew the Fenrir hadn''t noticed his presence yet. Roan also made sure that the wind wouldn''t carry his smell to the Fenrir either.


    Yet, Roan noticed that Frin began to act strange. A moment ago, he was walking steadily. But now, he looked more like a drunk, who staggered as he made his way to the building in the distance. ''This...''


    Roan didn''t need to think much to understand what was happening. He also noticed that the top of the building was showing a much brighter red light than before. ''That sphere with the eye inside it is trying to control Frin!'' Without wasting any more time, Roan immediately activated his movement skill and headed in Frin''s direction.


    ''Death Style, First Movement First, Shadow Steps!''


    Soon after, he attacked!


    ''Death Style, First Form, Stellar Piercer!''


    *Zuin!*


    *Piece!*


    Roan''s attack landed on Frin''s body, opening a small hole. His Dark Element immediately invaded Frin''s body, causing enormous pain right after!


    *Awwoooooo!*


    Frin howled as his mind woke up from his trance. The moment he did that, Roan''s Spiritual Sense Message arrived in his mind. ''Get back! That thing is trying to take control of your soul!''


    Frin didn''t know what was happening, but he could feel the foreign energy entering his head. All he knew was that the voice wasn''t lying at all! Frin didn''t even try to think about anything else as Spiritual Energy gathered under his feet as he jumped back as fast as possible.


    *Whoosh!*


    *Bang, bang, bang, bang...*


    Frin didn''t even try to see where he jumped, so he slammed on many buildings, which immediately crumbled as well. With his Stage Nine (Or Transition Realm) cultivation, the speed of his body looked more like a streak of silver light. It wasn''t before several kilometers and hundreds of buildings and houses crumbled that Frin finally stabilized his body.


    Of course, he couldn''t care less about that. At that moment, he let out cold sweat under his fur as he felt that the energy invading his soul had finally disappeared. ''That was terrifying....''

 Chapter 919 - Killing Intent

    Only then did Frin stop and pay attention to the Dark Element rampaging in his body. Of course, the level of the Dark Element was too low to resist Frin''s Spiritual Energy, so he was able to drive it out in an instant. Nevertheless, he understood that it was that Dark Element that saved his life just a moment ago. Knowing the origin of the Dark Element, he immediately asked, "Roan, where are you?"


    Roan didn''t answer after that, which puzzled Frin. Roan was the only one who could use Dark Element in this place, so it had to be him. "Why would he save my life and disappear in the next moment?"


    However...


    "Disappeared, your ass!" Roan cursed with a dark expression as he came running from afar. "You jumped with all your might back. Do you think I can match the speed of a Stage Nine Demon Beast?"


    Only then did Frin notice his mistake. Obviously, there was no way Roan would reach the place he landed on as fast as he did. Obviously, he wasn''t there. "Ahem...my bad, my bad. Nevertheless, thanks for the help just a moment ago. If not for you, I don''t know what would have happened to me."


    Roan shook his head after that, saying, "Forget it. I wasn''t planning to appear to start with. If not for the circumstances, I would have left since I prefer to act alone."


    Frin already knew about Roan''s personality, so he didn''t take it to heart. "By the way, what was that intense red light? I felt like some kind of energy invaded my soul. For a moment, I thought that it wouldn''t be bad to submit to it completely."


    There was one good thing out of this. Roan now knew that the light was a lot more dangerous for demon beasts. When it assaulted his mind, he had enough mental clarity to see that it was trying to control him. That''s why he was able to counterattack with his Dark Element. After all, the Soul Gem System''s Soul Protection that helped them before was one of the system''s perks. Since Rean was out of range, it was sealed. Roan had to defend against it on his own back in the underground area.


    As for Frin, it immediately took control of his mind without him even noticing. One must not forget the huge difference in cultivation between Roan and Frin, so Frin was supposed to be even more resistant to that, which didn''t happen.


    Frin, of course, asked what was happening here. Roan then recalled everything he had experienced in his mind before sending a Spiritual Sense Message to explain what he knew and deduced so far. "I see...then that sphere with an eye inside is the thing that tried to take control of me. Wait! What if someone gets close to it without anyone to help?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders, telling Frin, "It depends on who''s being assaulted. If it''s a human, he''ll probably die. That''s why the people in this city were killed. However, all the buildings destined for demon beasts didn''t have any traces of demon beast corpses. I think it''s safe to say that the light doesn''t kill demon beasts but only uses them for something else after taking control over their souls."


    Frin nodded after that. "That makes sense. So, what are you planning to do now?"


    Roan pondered over it a bit before he looked at Frin, asking, "I have a shard of the sphere I broke inside my Spatial Ring. I''ll bring it out to see if the shard alone has any effect on you."


    Frin couldn''t help but let out a bit of sweat after hearing that. "Are you crazy?! Why would I need to be the test subject?! Forget it! Don''t bring this thing out."


    Roan shook his head, though. "Too bad, I''ve been holding it in my hands ever since you started to refuse." Roan then opened his hand, showing the fragment in his hand. Not only that, but the fragment was shining with the same red light as the tower in the distance.


    "You!" Frin felt like giving Roan a beating. If Roan hadn''t saved his life a moment ago, he definitely would have done that.


    "Alright, it seems like the shard is useless once the sphere is broken. However, it can still be used to detect other spheres as it is reacting to the one in the tower. That''s quite convenient."


    Roan completely ignored Frin''s exasperation in the end, much to the Silver Fenrir''s helplessness. "What if I got taken by it as well?"


    Roan shook his head, calming Fenrir as he told him, "I would have noticed and put the shard away again. Anyway, let''s leave it aside." Roan then looked in the tower''s direction. "I don''t want another demon beast getting close to it and becoming a puppet. I''ll head there and destroy that sphere as well. Wait for me here."


    Frin nodded since he heard Roan saying that he could get rid of the power that controls one''s mind. "Alright. I''ll walk around this city to take a look."


    Roan went silent for a bit before he threw the sphere shard to Frin. "If I''m not wrong, this thing will radiate a red light if you get close to one of those intact spheres. Make sure you keep an eye on it."


    Frin didn''t like holding that thing, but he could only accept since he couldn''t use Spiritual Sense to find those spheres ahead of time. "Alright."


    Surprisingly, that building was the only one that wasn''t corroded by the crimson realm''s higher-tiered energy, so Roan arrived on the top quite quickly. Because the sphere tried to take control over Frin''s soul, it seemed to not have much power remaining. It still tried to invade Roan''s soul but was easily brushed away by his Dark Element. Roan then broke it into many pieces and collected a few of them to pass to the others if he found them later. "That should be enough for now."


    However, just as Roan was about to leave the building, another type of red light appeared in his vision, exclaiming inwardly, ''Killing intent!''

 Chapter 920 - Coul It Be All Of Them Are After Us?

    Roan quickly checked the area as he raised his sword. Rean''s Enhancement skill followed suit, increasing his body''s strength. However, there was nothing at all!


    ''What''s happening here? There''s obviously killing intent aimed at me, but there''s no one here.'' Roan then began to gradually retreat from the building until he finally stepped out. The killing intent aimed at him had also disappeared at some point as he moved away.


    That didn''t make Roan feel any better, though. ''It''s impossible for me to mistake killing intent. Even then, I still couldn''t find the source.'' After pondering it for a bit, Roan concluded. ''It has to be someone from far away. Killing intent manifests as long as the other party is observing me. In any case, I wasn''t attacked, so the owner of this intent simply wasn''t here.''


    Roan didn''t waste time and returned to Frin''s side after that. He already decided in his mind that he would get away from this dead city straight away.


    Roan wasn''t the only one surprised, though. The same being with crimson eyes was as shocked as Roan. ''Unbelievable! I just thought of killing him for a moment, and he felt my presence straight away before raising his guard, ready to fight. How did he do that? I''m nowhere near that tower.'' Of course, this guy didn''t know of Death''s ability to visualize killing intent that Roan shared with Rean.


    ''Sadly, I can''t leave this place right now, not after so many years of preparation,'' the owner of the crimson eyes pondered a bit before deciding. ''I didn''t want to intervene in the World Beast Formation more than necessary, but it''s better to prevent things from becoming worse. I can''t let more of my Soul Submission Orbs be destroyed.''


    Suddenly, dark energy began to spread from that being as it seeped into the ground. That energy then entered the same formation that Rean and Roan were looking for. After that, the formation shone for a moment as that guy''s stream of energy was transmitted to the various spheres around the realm.


    *Roar!*


    *Roar!*


    *Roar!*


    Demon beasts of all sizes and cultivations roared as if they had been injected with steroids. Following that, they all turned in the same direction and began to run like mad monsters. Any battles between themselves completely stopped after that since they were being intervened by the World Beast Formation.


    Back on Roan''s side, he heard a lot of demon beasts far away from the city roar out loud as well. However, it was unlike the ones the being with crimson eyes took control over. Instead, these ones were roaring because the sphere of this city was destroyed. That made their soul lose stability as they began to disappear together with their bodies.


    Roan told Frin what happened, so he let Roan mount on his back as he charged out of the city. As they moved far away from the city, Frin finally saw what Roan was talking about. "So this is what happens to the demon beasts linked to that sphere with an eye inside. All of them simply die."


    Roan nodded. "I''m pretty sure these demon beasts were created by it as well. Since they lost their origin, they couldn''t keep their forms anymore." Roan also added, "It means that anywhere we see demon beasts in great numbers, there will definitely be a red-eyed sphere somewhere as well."


    Frin couldn''t help but ask after that, "How far does the sphere have control over?"


    "I don''t know," Roan answered. "However, it shouldn''t be hard to find out. Keep moving in the direction I told you. This area will soon be empty of crimson demon beasts. Once we arrive in another area with more demon beasts, we''ll know that we reached the limit of this one."


    Frin agreed with that. "Alright, hold tight. I''m going to speed up."


    Frin then turned into a flash of silver light as he and Roan disappeared into the distance. However, even with Frin''s great speed, it took them more than two hours before they saw the very first demon beast. "Holy shit! The range of these spheres is at least two thousand kilometers! Only now are we finding more of these beasts?"


    Roan didn''t like it either. "It would be too hard to find more of these spheres if their area of coverage is this big." Roan and Frin looked at each other for a moment before they reached the same conclusion. "Forget it, let''s keep going. If we pass close to another one of these red-eyed spheres, we can destroy them. Otherwise, we better reunite with the others."


    Frin knew that Rean and Roan had some way of knowing where the other was located. Back then, they simply said that it had something to do with the fact they were twins. Nevertheless, that was very convenient in this place where Spiritual Sense and Soul Power Scanning cant be used. "Fine by me."


    Frin didn''t stop as he ignored the demon beasts along the way. With his Peak Stage Nine cultivation, none of the demon beasts could even react before he passed by them.


    Still, it didn''t take long before Roan and Frin noticed something different. Frin then asked Roan on his back, "Are you seeing the same thing as I am?"


    Roan nodded, saying, "It seems like the demon beasts aren''t attacking each other anymore. Instead, they''re all trying to attack us. It''s just that they can''t get even close to you, so they''re being quickly left behind."


    Frin agreed with Roan. "Exactly. You told me someone was watching you when you left the building where you destroyed the sphere with the red eye. Could it have something to do with that event?"


    Roan shook his head as he had no clue. "I don''t know. Maybe they''re following us because I have the shards of the sphere."


    Frin narrowed his eyes after hearing that. The shards were definitely necessary since they would tell Roan and Frin if they were getting close to another one of those spheres or not. Naturally, they wouldn''t throw them away. "Just throw one behind and see if they stop. If not, then we know we''re their target."


    Roan immediately did as Frin suggested. Frin also reduced his speed to see whether the demon beasts stopped to take the shard or not. However, the demon beasts completely ignored the shard and kept following Frin and Roan. "Well, unless they''re trying to follow the guy with the most number of shards, it''s pretty much obvious that they are after us."


    Roan noticed that as well. "Increase your speed again. Although you''re a Stage Nine Demon Beast, I don''t want to see what will happen if all the demon beasts in these territories decide to attack you at the same time."


    Frin couldn''t help but let out a bit of cold sweat as he flashed away, leaving the demon beasts he had passed through behind. However, this realm didn''t only have weaker demon beasts. It also had those at the Stage Nine level.


    *Roar!*


    "Shit!" Frin immediately noticed when a demon insect appeared by his side, launching itself in his direction. "This one isn''t any weakling. Hold on, Roan. I''ll move at full speed."


    Frin then enveloped Roan with his Spiritual Energy as his speed increased several times.. From the looks of it, the demon insect was indeed at the Stage Nine level, but he was still slower than the Silver Fenrir, which was a Divine Demon Beast focused on speed to start with. "Could it be that all the demon beasts in this realm are after us?"

 Chapter 921 - Other Plans

    Back on Rean''s side, Duran was approaching the region below the centermost star at an incredibly quick pace. However, other than the demon beasts of this realm, he hasn''t found or met up with anyone else. "This place is too fucking big!"


    Rean agreed with him, shrugging his shoulders as he said, "Nothing we can do about it. We didn''t expect this place to have a dimensional realm to start with." Rean then pointed above as he continued, "In any case, we''re getting close. Perhaps you''ll find more Zasfins there or maybe some of the Divine Demon Beasts."


    Duran didn''t like the idea of meeting the Divine Demon Beasts first, but it was still better than not finding anyone.


    A few hundred kilometers behind them, Kentucky and Celis kept following Rean, using Kentucky''s connection with him. "I wonder what Rean wants to do in that direction. Or maybe it''s Duran who decided to go there."


    Celis shook his head as he listened to Kentucky. "I don''t know. Perhaps they think they can find the Bestial Blood Pond there. After all, it does seem to be the center of this dimensional realm."


    Behind them, far, far in the back, Frin and Roan weren''t having any issues whatsoever. The demon beasts that saw them would immediately stop anything they were doing and pursue the duo. However, after Roan noticed that, he took his White Star to gather Light Element and used Rean''s Light bending skill.


    Both him and Frin disappeared from the demon beasts'' vision, and it seemed like they couldn''t use any other detection method either. "This is good enough. Once we meet up with the others, we can think about what to do with these demon beasts."


    All in all, everyone in Rean''s group, including Red, wasn''t in much danger at the moment, so they were calm. Then again, there was one guy who didn''t like what was happening, the crimson-eyed being close to the World Beast Formation. "How can he simply disappear like that? Was there anyone on this planet capable of using such a skill? Although I can feel where they are, the demon beasts can''t." However, he wasn''t that much concerned. "Anyway, I just wanted to get rid of an annoying fly in advance. It''s not like he can find all my Soul Submission Orbs anyway."


    The being then ignored Roan and Frin before he looked at the other demon beasts and Zasfins wandering in the realm. "Oh! Now, that''s interesting. Hehehe!" The being''s eyes shone with red light for a moment as more dark energy left his body. It didn''t head to the World Beast Formation, though. Instead, it disappeared in the direction Phex was located. Not only that, but he released two more streams of dark energy that disappeared in two other different directions.


    Two more days had passed as Duran and Rean focused on their travel when suddenly, they noticed another city in the distance. Of course, this was the first city they had seen since they arrived here. Roan and Frin were the ones who found the first one. For the two of them who didn''t know what to do at the moment, that city was a clue, so they entered it straight away while maintaining vigilance.


    Little did Duran know, but Kentucky was right behind him. Kentucky also used Rean''s Light bending skill and reapproached Duran and Rean once again, maintaining a distance of twenty kilometers or so from the two. Kentucky was still a Demon Bird and a Divine one at that, so he had excellent vision. Twenty kilometers wasn''t anything difficult for him. Without the help of Spiritual Sense, Duran couldn''t feel the bird and the tree''s presence at all. Naturally, Kentucky saw the city even earlier since he was flying high in the skies. "Rean and that guy are entering the city. What do you think?"


    Celis pondered in silence for a bit before saying, "Let''s follow them inside. Just keep flying high and use that concealment skill of yours."


    However, just as the two groups were about to enter the city, Kentucky and Rean''s attention were caught. ''Roan''s close!''


    You couldn''t underestimate a Silver Fenrir, after all. Two days was more than enough for Frin to finally catch up to the group. ''It finally connected again. How''s your situation, Rean?'' Obviously, Roan asked Rean''s conditions straight away.


    ''I''m fine, but that Duran Hafel caught me. We''re entering a city at the moment.'' Using that same connection, Rean then explained everything he had found so far.


    Roan narrowed his eyes in response, asking, ''Can you see any demon beasts close to the city you''re talking about?''


    Rean gave a quick look around before answering, ''No, there''s none. Why?''


    Without wasting time, Roan explained to Rean the problem with the spheres with the red eyes that he and Frin found in the past. ''You should ask Duran to retreat straight away. If I''m not wrong, this sphere doesn''t try to take control of humans or Zasfins. It kills them straight away.''


    Rean pondered in silence for a bit before a playful smile appeared on his face, saying, ''You said that the soul attack doesn''t work straight away, right? I can work with Dark Element to drive it out. Then, I better let Duran keep moving forward. Once his soul gets attacked by that sphere with the red eye, that''ll be my chance to escape.''


    ''By the way, how long will you take to arrive here?'' Rean asked soon after. ''Since you just entered the range for our Soul Connection to work, you''re still 3000 kilometers away, right?''


    Roan went silent for a bit as he calculated the speed they were moving in before answering, ''We can''t fly at the moment, so even a Silver Fenrir will be dragged down by quite a lot. At Frin''s top speed, it will still take around two hours to arrive where you are.'' Roan wasn''t opposed to Rean''s idea to use the sphere''s soul attack to run. After all, Duran might simply change his mind and get rid of a future problem that was Rean.


    However, Rean didn''t plan to flee after escaping Duran''s hands at all. With that, he told Rean, ''I have other plans for Duran.. Don''t worry, just make sure you catch up to us.''

 Chapter 922 - Rush

    Naturally, Duran couldn''t hear Rean and Roan''s conversation, so he gradually moved in deeper into the city. This city obviously looked different from the previous one. However, one thing remained the same. Anything they touched would crumble down immediately. Duran felt somewhat sad as he thought he could find something useful here.


    Of course, Rean and Duran also found bones as they moved through the city, which also crumbled from the slightest touch. That only made Duran more aware of the possible danger as he kept his eyes peeled for everything. "Do you know anything about this place?"


    Rean shook his head, saying in response, "As if! However, this city creeps me out with all these skeletons. Are you sure you want to stay here? Perhaps it''s better to wait outside." Of course, Rean was only saying that to keep the suspicions away from him.


    Duran shook his head in response. "No can do. We need to understand the area we''re in more clearly. We might be able to find something in this city."


    "Can you let me go then and go on this search alone?" Rean asked.


    Duran snorted straight away. "Ha! As if!"


    Duran continued to move around the city until he finally decided to head to its center. There, the biggest buildings could be found. Rean then looked at all the towers and stores in the area, trying to see which one of them would radiate the red light Roan talked about. ''Could it be that this city doesn''t have one?''


    Sadly, that wasn''t the case. When Duran passed through a big street, Rean finally saw the red light at the end of that road. Duran narrowed his eyes as he also noticed that thing. Nevertheless, because Duran was far from it, the red light emanating from the building wasn''t affecting him. As for Rean, he was ready to use Dark Element to destroy that force.


    "I guess you don''t know what''s emanating that red light as well, huh?" Duran asked.


    Rean shrugged his shoulder, saying in response, "If I said I knew, would you believe me?"


    "Fair enough." Duran knew Rean was right. As far as they were concerned, Rean might simply lie to him about it and make him lose something. He could only trust his own strength as he approached it to examine the source.


    ''It''s here!'' The duo finally got close enough to the building in the distance for its soul-controlling power to reach them. Without wasting time, Rean took his Dark Star out and used it to gather Dark Element to drive the energy out of his mind.


    However, unlike what Rean expected to happen, Duran didn''t seem to be affected by the red light at all. Instead, Duran looked at Rean with a puzzled expression and asked, "What are you doing?"


    Rean was taken aback. Why is he not being affected? Rean''s plan was to escape when this moment arrived. After that, he would destroy the red sphere to save Duran''s life. That way, Duran would owe him another favor. This was a gamble through and through. Rean thought that since Duran didn''t kill him because Duran owed him and Roan something, things would get even better if he owed his life to Rean as well.


    Sadly, that didn''t happen at all! Nevertheless, Rean quickly calmed down as he worked to drive the energy from the higher realm out of his mind while he answered Duran, "What are you talking about? Can''t you feel it?"


    Duran became even more confused after that. "Feel what?"


    Rean felt like crying. "What do you mean by what? I''m talking about this annoying thing trying to enter my head! There''s some kind of energy trying to damage my soul! I''m using Dark Element to destroy it! I told you to not enter this city, shit!" At the very least, Rean''s excuse was very good...since most of it was true.


    "Something trying to damage your soul?" Duran was also taken aback when suddenly, one thing came to his mind. Soon after, he pulled out a green pendant that he was wearing around his neck. That green pendant shone with a faint green light, which streamed into Duran''s body. "This..."


    Duran obtained the pendant from the inheritance of the expert from the Realm of Gods. He always wore it even though he didn''t know if it had any use at all. After all, it was an item from the Realm of Gods. Surely it had some good effect, right? Turns out Duran was right. That green pendant was the reason why the energy from the higher realm couldn''t seep into his soul. "So that''s how it is..."


    Immediately, an idea popped into Duran''s mind. ''I refuse to believe this is a mere coincidence. Does this mean that the expert from the Realm of Gods came to our planet because of what''s happening in this Bestial Sacred Ground? However, he died in the end, and Fikin nor I knew how that happened.'' The more Duran thought about it, the more it made sense. ''That must be it! After all, why would that expert come to our planet in the first place? There shouldn''t be anything here to catch the attention of someone like that. This trip to the Bestial Sacred Land is becoming a lot more complicated every minute.''


    ''The good thing is that the Divine Demon Beasts might really not have anything to do with what''s happening here. Of course, I won''t put my hand on the fire for them,'' Duran concluded his thoughts there.


    Duran then asked Rean something else, "How long can you resist it? I''ll see if I can destroy the source of that red light."


    Rean kept using the Dark Element coming from his sword as he answered, "I''m fine for a few minutes. However, I''ll be even fine if you simply leave the range of this power. Do you remember? It didn''t affect us from afar, so it has a distance limit."


    Duran shook his head as he told Rean, "It''s fine, it''s fine. If you see you''re reaching your limit, let me know. Until then, let''s go.." Without waiting for Rean''s answer, Duran rushed towards the tower.

 Chapter 923 - Resume Everything

    Well, Rean wasn''t too worried. After all, Roan was able to destroy the crimson sphere without much issues, let alone someone at the peak of the Transition Realm like Duran. With a single attack, Duran smashed the crimson sphere into pieces, but not before he took a good look, muttering, "What a weird thing. As soon as I destroyed the sphere, the demon beasts outside the city began to roar non-stop."


    After that, he looked at his green pendant, soon noticing that the green light coming from it disappeared before looking at Rean. "How is it? Is your soul still being attacked?"


    Rean shook his head as he replied, "No. Whatever the power may be, it''s not here anymore. Let''s go take a look at the demon beasts outside the city. Something''s happening to them."


    Duran did the same thing as Roan and grabbed a shard of the sphere before leaving. However, he took one final look at the room with the sphere as he narrowed his eyes. ''Was it me, or was I being watched?'' He had no proof.. It was simply his instincts telling him that.


    Little did he know, but his actions were also seen by the same being that watched Roan. ''That power! It''s him! No, that can''t be right! He died! I made sure of that!'' Naturally, the guy was thinking of the pendant''s power. ''Could that Zasfin be a descendant of that man? Or maybe the pieces of shit from the higher realm sent reinforcements here? But why now? It has already been so long since then! I shouldn''t have let that man tell them of my existence...''


    Outside the city, Duran and Rean saw the demon beasts disappear one after another. Sure enough, they were attached to the crimson sphere and lost the thing that kept their soul in this place. "So the demon beasts who died on the planet turned out like this, huh?" Even Duran has reached this conclusion by now.


    "It seems to be the case." Rean nodded. Of course, he already knew of it since Roan told him through their connection. He was just pretending to be unaware of the situation. "Perhaps there are more of these spheres in this Dimensional Realm."


    Duran understood the implication of Rean''s words, saying soon after, "That means my companions might be in danger at the moment. However, how would I find them or the other spheres?"


    Suddenly, Duran noticed some movement in the distance. In fact, there were a few shadows approaching his location. "That form... isn''t that the silver dog?" Sure enough, the whole event gave Roan time to arrive in the area. Not only that, but he also met up with Kentucky, who could feel his presence along the way.


    Frin then stopped in front of Duran and could see him holding Rean with his Spiritual Energy. However, he snorted right after, saying, "What is it? The strongest Zasfin of the Soul Rulers now has to hold a human hostage?"


    Duran didn''t care about Frin''s words at all. "Hmph! As if this old man needs a hostage." Soon after, he threw Rean over to Frin as if throwing a piece of trash. "You can have him if you want."


    Now, that really took everyone by surprise. Wasn''t Duran going to keep Rean as some sort of guarantee? How come he gave him up that easily?


    Noticing the puzzled expression of Rean''s group, Duran simply said, "Don''t get me wrong. We need this boy to help us open the portal to the Realm of Gods. That being said, I didn''t have any intention to harm him from the very start. As for whatever happened in the Soul Rulers headquarters, that was something from the time I was hiding, so I don''t care too much."


    Frin then reverted to his human form. Although the demon beasts and Zasfins didn''t get along well, this wasn''t the right time to fight.


    As for Duran, he was curious about something else. "By the way, how did you find where I was? This twin''s brother was also with you, so don''t tell me it''s just mere coincidence."


    Rean smiled in response as he explained, "My brother and I were born with a connection of sorts. Because of that, we can feel each other''s presence."


    "So there''s no such thing as guiding yourselves through the stars, huh?" Duran said in response.


    Rean scratched the back of his head, awkwardly chuckling. "Well...I had to give some excuse, didn''t I? I thought you wouldn''t let me go if I used some other reason."


    Duran nodded and decided to not dwell on that topic. The situation at hand was more critical. "Forget about it. Tell me what you guys know about that crimson sphere. I believe you have more information than the white-haired brat told me."


    Frin nodded, knowing that it wasn''t time to keep information to himself. "So far, it goes like this..."


    "I see..." Duran finally had a good picture of the situation. He then took his green pendant out and showed it to Rean''s group. "I have a few theories, so you should hear me out as well. We might be able to do something about this situation if you listen."


    Duran then told everyone about the inheritance he found in the past. Of course, he didn''t mind telling Ren''s group about it because the inheritance was empty now. Duran and Fikin took everything that existed in that place. Besides, he didn''t tell them the location.


    After they put the pieces of the puzzle together, the group made up of a Zasfin, demon beasts, and some humans finally had a better picture. "So, to sum up everything...crimson spheres that can control souls, a person from the Realm of Gods who probably came here to deal with it and died in the end, and the red claw that took the Stage Nine Demon Beast''s soul that Duran killed. With that, we can deduce that something or someone is responsible for all of it."


    Roan nodded as he spoke, "Yes, and we have to find the other spheres since it seems to have some effect on the being behind it." Roan told them that he felt someone''s presence when he destroyed the spheres, which Duran also confirmed since he thought of it as well. It''s just that Roan was certain since he saw the killing intent, while Duran simply felt it with his instincts.

 Chapter 924 - How Do You Do That?

    Duran and Frin were the only ones present that could really battle at a high level, so they decided to stick together for the moment. By now, even Duran found it extremely unlikely that the demon beasts prepared all of this just for the Zasfins. "So, what should we do next?"


    Roan immediately answered, "We should destroy as many crimson spheres as possible so that we can drag whoever is behind it all out."


    Duran and Frin weren''t against that plan. After all, destroying the crimson spheres would also prevent the other Zasfins or demon beasts from becoming victims of them. "That''s fine. However, how will we find them? The shards we have indeed have the ability to tell us when we''re close, but the range is limited. As you have already noticed, the distance between each of these spheres is enormous."


    Roan coldly smiled in response, saying, "Don''t worry, I know how to find them." As soon as he said that, Roan took out a shard of the crimson sphere he had destroyed before.


    Going back a day in the past, as he and Frin were making their way to where Rean was, Roan had been thinking why the energy in the sphere was so familiar.. At some point, he finally understood why that was the case. ''I see! This is Underworld Energy!''


    Roan took some time to identify the type of higher energy the Soul Gem System told them about because the Underworld Energy of this half of the universe was so different from his own. However, once he realized that, a lot of things started to make sense. ''It explains why these crimson spheres and the one controlling them have such high effect on the soul.''


    As a Death Spirit in his previous life (Or Death itself?), Roan took the soul out of the dead bodies and sent them into the path of reincarnation. Naturally, the beings of the organization Roan worked for were very good at it to the point that even Zasfins would feel embarrassed of their Soul Power. Death Spirits were simply unmatched when it came to controlling their and their targets'' souls.


    ''If the one behind all of it came from the Underworld, it''s only natural that he''s that good. However, why does he only take the souls of demon beasts and not those from the humans or the Zasfins?'' That was the part Roan didn''t understand since a Death Spirit would be good with any Soul from any race. However, he soon noticed a different point.


    ''Right! This is not my half of the universe. We have Spiritual Energy in this place, so the souls of demon beasts evolved differently from humans, Zasfins, and so on. Death Spirits were good with any kind of soul in my previous life because none of those souls reached the level that souls in this half of the universe can.''


    The more Roan thought about it, the more it made sense. ''In that case, I can think of only one solution. This half of the universe''s Underworld needs different Death Spirits specialized in different types of souls. If my conjecture is right, that explains why humans and Zasfins die straight away when invaded by the Underworld Energy used by the crimson spheres.''


    Of course, the only one Roan told regarding this information was Rean, who knew who he was. Roan didn''t see the need to tell Kentucky since the dumb bird wouldn''t be of any help even if it knew.


    However, Roan couldn''t help but feel a little excited when he discovered that information, thinking, ''Since I know this is Underworld Energy, I guess I can make good use of it. Hehe!'' Even if he had become a human, he still remembered very well how to control Underworld Energy. It''s just that this one is different, so Roan had to get used to it first...and so he did. He spent the time Frin took to arrive in Rean''s location to work on the shard''s energy. Although the crimson sphere was destroyed and didn''t have the power to take control of anyone''s soul anymore, it still had remnant energy for Roan to work with.


    Back in the present, when Rean heard about Roan''s conclusion, he couldn''t help but ask through their Soul Connection, ''Does that mean we have a Death Spirit in this place?''


    Roan shook his head as he told him, ''That I can''t be sure of. Back in our half of the universe, a Death Spirit was enough to deal with any soul. That''s why they existed. But here, there might not be any Death Spirits to start with. There might be other kinds of existences in the Underworld doing the job I did in my previous life. In fact, that''s most likely the case since I don''t think I would be able to work in this half of the universe as a simple Death Spirit.''


    Rean couldn''t help but joke after hearing that, ''Maybe we have a demon there, and now we have one here. Hahaha!'' However, his smile disappeared almost instantly as he asked soon after, ''That''s not possible, right? Do demons really exist to start with?''


    Roan glanced at Rean as he thought about some rumors of his past life before saying, ''Back in the Universal Transition Organization (Death''s workplace in his previous life), I''ve never seen a demon. However, my teacher told me that in time immemorial, they were the real controllers of the Underworld. It''s just that no one knew what happened to them in the end.''


    Rean couldn''t help but let out a bit of sweat after that. ''Demons...could it be that they have something to do with demon beasts?''


    ''I don''t think so,'' Roan replied. ''After all, demons could be anything, both beasts, humans, or any kind of race. The problem is that I didn''t care about it in the past, so I don''t even know how demons were created. I just told you the things my teacher commented on with me since he was an enthusiast of these things. I wish I had a way to talk with him right now as I believe he knows more.''


    Frin noticed Roan going silent, prompting him to ask not long after, "What are you waiting for? Didn''t you say you know a way to find these crimson spheres?"

 Chapter 925 - Lets Go

    However, Duran was more interested in something else. "First, how can you find them? I can''t feel anything from these shards you took out, and it seems like Frin can''t feel anything either. What method will you use?"


    Roan then explained, "Well, it isn''t anything complicated.. The power coming from these shards is extremely similar to my Dark Element. That''s why I can use them to feel the other crimson spheres. It''s that simple. If you had Dark Element Affinity, you would be able to do the same." Of course, that was a lie. What Roan was doing was using his knowledge of Underworld Energy instead.


    After spending his time familiarizing himself with the Underworld Energy in the shards, he gradually became able to feel the connection between these shards and the other crimson spheres in the dimensional realm. If not because he had to meet Rean first, he would have led Frin to the spheres they passed by and destroyed them first.


    Nevertheless, there was something else Roan was more worried about than that. "However, there''s one thing you need to understand. Do you remember that we talked about someone who''s possibly behind this situation?" Everyone nodded and waited for Roan to continue. "That''s the issue. There''s one place in this Dimensional Realm where this kind of energy is mostly concentrated. If we head there, perhaps..."


    Everyone understood what Roan meant. They might find who''s using the souls and the blood of the demon beasts so far. The problem was exactly that, though. With that, Duran could not help but say, "Considering the strength of the red claw I saw back then, I''m afraid we''re no match for its owner. Even if Frin and I fight together, that won''t change much."


    Frin didn''t see the so-called claw. However, for the strongest Zasfin to say that he wasn''t a match to the other party, Frin could imagine that he wouldn''t be much better either.


    It was then that Roan raised his hand. "That''s why we have to destroy these crimson spheres first. Don''t forget that we felt the presence of someone watching us just when we broke the first ones. From the looks of it, these crimson spheres are extremely important to the enemy. Perhaps we can weaken it by destroying it all."


    Duran agreed with Roan as he was one of those who felt the same presence. "It might really work. I''m not sure if I believe in this reason of yours, but this is our only chance at the moment.


    Kentucky couldn''t help but ask, "What about me? I don''t think I have much use in this hunt of yours."


    Celis also thought the same. "Indeed. We''re just Late Stage Five Demon Beasts. We will only drag you guys down if we force you to carry us along."


    First of all, Kentucky and Celis only came to this place because they thought they were necessary to open the portal to the Realm of Gods. One must remember that the Divine Demon Beasts were the reason for the changes in the Bestial Sacred Ground, referring to the number of Divine Demon Beasts available on the planet. In fact, that might still be the case.


    Roan pondered over it for a bit before he had an idea, "Kentucky, you can use Rean''s concealment skill, right?" Kentucky nodded and waited for Roan to continue. "In that case, I want you and Celis to go and check the area with the highest concentration of energy from the crimson spheres."


    "What?!" Kentucky was taken aback. "But if I go there, won''t I be controlled by it?"


    Roan shook his head. "Don''t worry. You can also use Dark Element, so you can destroy that energy once it starts entering your soul. Since Celis is also connected to you, he will be able to tell if anything different is happening to your body. Last but not least, you will be holding one of the sphere shards. It will shine with a red light once you get close to a crimson sphere."


    Celis liked the idea. "It''s definitely a lot better than just waiting here. Alright, Kentucky and I will investigate the place. You guys can catch up to us later."


    Neither Duran nor Frin was against it. "Sounds fine to us."


    Kentucky didn''t like the idea very much, but he knew that there was no point in arguing. After all, Rean and Roan had their work cut out for them. Frin and Ruan would be responsible for their safety as well. "Fine! But if I see any signs of danger, I''m definitely flying away."


    "That''s why I''m sending you to do the recognition," Roan said in response. "You can keep flying high in the skies, avoiding most of the attention, especially with Rean''s concealment skill active."


    Roan then passed a crimson sphere shard to Kentucky and Celis before using a jade slip to mark down the position with the greatest concentration of energy. Roan didn''t know this place very well, so he had been making a map ever since he started to move. Of course, he hadn''t seen the place he talked about yet, so he could only point how far it was from this location, more or less. "If you need to retreat, head back to this city. We will meet you two after we destroy the crimson spheres. If you see that you can keep watching that spot without problems, then just stay there."


    "Alright." Kentucky nodded before Celis jumped on his back again. Soon after, he took flight, eventually disappearing in the distance.


    Roan then looked at Frin, Duran, and Rean, telling them, "Let''s stay together. Duran and Frin will obviously be our fighting force. Rean will deal with any injuries that might appear while I''ll guide us to the spheres. As I mentioned before, the demon beasts seem to be pursuing us. Rean will use his Light Concealment skill to keep us hidden while we pass by them, so only fight if necessary. Does anyone have any questions?"


    Rean, Frin, and Duran shook their heads.


    "Good. Let''s go."

 Chapter 926 - So Many Losses

    Duran, Rean, and Roan then mounted on Frin, who was the fastest among them on land. After activating his Light bending skill, Frin departed from the city, flashing into the distance. Things were even easier this time. Frin didn''t need to avoid the demon beasts too much. Even if some of them were strong enough to bother Frin, Duran was there as well, and that was considering they noticed Frin''s presence when he stepped on the ground.


    In just an hour, Roan had already guided them to the fourth crimson sphere. Of course, the first three spheres were the ones that Roan, Frin, and Duran destroyed. "Duran, you have this green pendant of yours. You go ahead and break the sphere."


    Duran didn''t mind as he jumped off Frin''s back and rushed to the target. His pendant once again activated, blocking any possible damage to his soul.


    *Bang!*


    *Crack...*


    *Shatter!*


    Sure enough, the spheres were just too fragile. As long as they couldn''t take control of one''s soul, they were pretty much useless. Duran then returned to Frin''s back before saying, "One less. Let''s head onto the next."


    Frin didn''t waste time as he turned into a flash of silver light once again, running in the direction Roan selected. And just like that, they began to destroy one sphere after another.


    Two, three, four, seven, ten, fifteen, twenty...even the Stage Nine Demon Beasts being controlled by the sphere were no match for Duran and Frin. When they received any damage during the battle, Rean would be there to heal them soon after. Well, that was very rare since those controlled demon beasts didn''t have any sentience. Their bodies weren''t real either. Simply put, they were just too weak to pose any threat to Rean''s group.


    Another good thing was that the demon beasts in the surroundings would disappear as soon as the spheres were destroyed. That would prevent more trouble while leaving a zone within the sphere''s range. However, they also noticed something else.


    "All the Stage Nine Demon Beasts we''ve found had their souls taken away by the red claw, no exception. What does the enemy need those souls for?" Rean asked, slightly worried.


    Duran shrugged his shoulders. "How should we know? We''ll find out sooner or later, though. Well, that''s considering there really is an enemy to start with. Until now, it''s just nothing more than speculation. It''s not because those red claws keep appearing that it must be someone else''s doing."


    Roan, on the other hand, didn''t believe that. However, he only told Rean about it through their Soul Connection. ''If this is a being of the Underworld, that means the souls are being used for sure. The only doubt I have is how they''re being used. As a Death Spirit in the past, I could use others'' souls to heal my own. It''s just that there was a limit to how effective it was, so rarely did the Death Spirits touch others'' souls for their own benefit. Well, it was extremely rare for Death Spirits to get injured anyway.''


    Rean thought about another possibility. ''That was something from the other side of the universe, right? Here in the cultivation universe, I wouldn''t be surprised if others'' souls could be used to strengthen the Death Spirits of the Underworld. Perhaps there are even more uses for it. Don''t forget that the Zasfins could use human souls to create the Bloodline Soul Marks.''


    Roan agreed with Rean on that point.


    Back where the being with red eyes was staying, he was almost exploding in rage. ''Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Do they have any idea how long I need to make each of those Soul Submission Orbs? They already destroyed thousands of years of effort in just three days!''


    Unfortunately for the guy, he couldn''t leave his location. ''I''m so close! I can''t let it continue like this! And here I thought those living Divine Demon Beasts would make things even faster. I wish I hadn''t prepared that trap at the entrance.''


    The guy then calmed down as he spread his sense over the realm. ''I didn''t want to use them, but it seems like I have no choice.'' Soon, he found what he was looking for. There were three demon beasts gathered around a crimson sphere. Their eyes were vacant, and if others didn''t pay close attention, one would think those demon beasts were dead.


    Suddenly, the same dark energy from before entered the World Beast Formation, rushing to the crimson sphere. Soon after, it left the sphere and entered the demon beasts'' heads. In fact, those demon beasts were very familiar. If Rean''s group was there, they would immediately recognize them. They were Phex, Xaon, and Darian! It turns out that they got close to the crimson spheres and had no way to fight against the beast controlling properties of the sphere. In the end, they had become under the control of the enemy.


    ''Living souls are much better than dead ones, let alone the souls of Divine Demon Beasts. If I had a few more weeks, these souls would be ready for use. It''s totally different from the other Stage Nine Demon Beasts who need to keep killing for thousands of years until their souls stabilize enough for my use.''


    However, the red-eyed being gritted its teeth as resolve appeared in his eyes. ''Forget it. I''ve already waited this long. I can wait a few more thousands of years to finish. As long as I don''t lose all of my Soul Submission Orbs, everything will end eventually.''


    The red-eyed being then passed a stream of orders to Phex, Zaon, and Darian. ''Head to this location and kill these intruders. I don''t care if your souls get torn apart. You must stop them!''


    "Yes...Master..." Phex''s group seemed to wake up from their trance with the creature''s words. Without asking anything, they dashed into the distance.


    As for the creature, it still felt the pain from the waste. ''Now that the process has been interrupted, their souls are done for. Sigh...so many losses just because of my haste.''

 Chapter 927 - First Meeting

    *Crack...*


    *Shatter!*


    Another crimson sphere soon fell on the ground, which weakened the red-eyed being even further. However, it didn''t care anymore since it knew its subordinates would be arriving where Rean''s group was pretty soon. ''Hmph! Let''s see how you deal with your own friends. Well, that''s whether you notice anything different at all. Hahaha! Also, they won''t be the only ones participating in the party.''


    Duran retreated once again, arriving beside Rean and the others. He then passed a shard of the destroyed sphere to Roan before asking, "How is it, Roan? How many more crimson spheres can you feel?"


    Roan concentrated on the shard''s energy before responding, "There are at least another 70 or so. I might be able to find more once we gather more different sphere shards.."


    Frin and Rean were satisfied with that. "That''s fine, then. We only took three days to destroy 31 of them, so it won''t be long before we get rid of all of those spheres."


    Suddenly, Duran and Frin noticed a few shadows approaching them from a distance. Because they were in open land, it wasn''t hard to spot possible enemies. Not to mention that with the destruction of the last crimson sphere, all the demon beasts under its control had disappeared already.


    However, Duran and Frin''s expressions changed completely differently when they saw the new group ahead. "Phex, Darian, Xaon!"


    Duran immediately distanced himself from Frin. Although he was confident in combat, it would be hard to deal with four Divine Demon Beasts at once. Not to mention that each one of them would already be complicated to defeat one on one.


    Frin, on the other hand, just laughed out loud as he understood what Duran was thinking. However, he quickly ignored Duran and began to approach Phex''s group. "Hey, what took you so long?"


    Phex laughed as well before answering, "Hahaha! That''s my question. I''ve been looking for you guys everywhere. However, this damn land is just too big, so it took me some time to find Darian and Xaon. You''re the only one left if we don''t consider the common Stage Nine Demon Beasts that came with us."


    Frin nodded and was just about to join Phex''s group when all of a sudden, Frin accelerated at the very last fraction of a second. At the same time, Rean and Roan jumped off of Frin''s back, not intending to get in his way at all. Yes, Frin attacked Phex without thinking twice!


    ''Silver Streak!''


    *Puchi!*


    Frin''s attack pierced right through Phex''s body, taking a huge chunk of Phex''s right side in a single strike. As for Phex, he looked at Frin with an expression of disbelief. He wasn''t the only one. Darian and Xaon had the same expression. Let alone the red-eyed being observing everything with its senses. Because it took control of the souls of Phex''s group, it could use them to see what they saw. "Wh-why...?" Phex could only ask as his body fell on the ground.


    There was one more person shocked by that development, which was Duran. He was ready to fight the four Divine Demon Beasts or maybe flee if necessary. Frin''s actions had definitely come out of left field for him. ''Could it be...?''


    Frin then snorted in Darian and Xaon''s direction as he said, "You truly are out of luck. I would have totally fallen for your pretense if it was any other circumstance, let''s say...when I was alone. Unfortunately for you, we have Roan here."


    Roan, who used the time Darian and Xaon were distracted by Frin to run far away with Rean, confirmed using a voice infused with Spiritual Energy, "I don''t know if you guys are the real Darian, Phex, and Xaon. However, one thing is absolutely certain. Your souls are fully corrupted by the energy from the crimson spheres. Your bodies and expressions seem fine, but your minds were already gone a long time ago."


    Duran immediately rushed to Frin''s side after hearing Roan''s words. "So it was actually like that. To think that I thought they looked like the real deal to me."


    Rean agreed with Duran, saying, "They most likely are since the life force in their bodies are the same as I felt before. Unfortunately, their sentience is already gone."


    Frin couldn''t help but show an angry expression as he looked at Darian and Xaon, saying, "Who are you? I know you''re controlling their bodies. Are you that afraid to come out?"


    Darian and Xaon''s shocked expression then changed instantly. Their eyes suddenly became crimson red as their faces showed no emotion whatsoever. "So, it was because of that black-haired boy again, huh? Whatever! It''s a pity that the Phoenix is already dead, but these two here should be enough to hold you in place. You''ll pay for everything you did to me."


    Duran and Frin narrowed their eyes after hearing that. If it was only Darian and Xaon, they were very confident in their fighting chances. After all, Darian was already very old even though he was a Divine Demon Beast, an aquatic type at that. This terrain was terrible for his abilities. Xaon was the only real threat at the moment. Nevertheless, all the Stage Nine Demon Beasts they fought so far were way weaker than when they were alive.


    However, Darian and Xaon didn''t waste time talking anymore. They quickly reverted to their Black Tortoise and Basilisk forms as they attacked Frin and Duran.


    ''Undersea Domain!''


    ''Toxic Domain!''


    Their domains spread out, quickly reaching Frin and Duran''s position.


    ''Silver Moon Domain!''


    ''Soul Severing Domain!''


    Of course, Duran and Frin didn''t wait for them to prepare and spread their own domains as well.


    In that instant, a huge battle started between the controlled Black Tortoise and Basilisk against the Zasfin and Silver Fenrir.


    Surprisingly, Roan ignored the fight. He felt that things weren''t that simple. ''Rean, activate the Light bending skill. We need to hide and get as far away as possible.'' Rean nodded and did as Roan said. Soon after, Roan shouted at Frin and Darian, "You two, be ready to flee. I don''t think we''re alone. We will meet again in the agreed location." With that, Rean and Roan disappeared from everyone''s vision completely.


    As for Frin and Duran, they understood what Roan was talking about straight away. "Shit!"

 Chapter 928 - Circle

    Duran and Frin quickly noticed several shadows in the distance heading in their direction. Not only that, each one of them moved extremely fast, showing their high level of cultivation. "We need to leave!"


    Duran and Frin immediately used their best attacks, forcing Xaon and Darian to retreat. Following that, they turned around and dashed away. Frin knew that Duran''s help would be necessary for the future, so he allowed him to jump on his back once again. "I''ll focus on running away. You use your skills to open a passage through their encirclement."


    Duran nodded straight away, responding, "Alright. They haven''t converged yet, so don''t stop. Xaon and Darian are not as fast as you on the ground, so they shouldn''t be able to catch us. However, if you stop even for a moment, the situation will turn out incredibly different. Just trust me."


    Frin didn''t like the idea very much. After all, Zasfins and demon beasts didn''t really trust each other. However, if both of them wanted to escape, that was the only choice. As for Rean and Roan... ''Those two are really slippery. No wonder they didn''t stop running even after they jumped off of Frin''s back. They knew they needed extra time to escape on their own.''


    That wasn''t all. Since Spiritual Senses were blocked in this realm, the demon beasts couldn''t see where Rean and Roan were walking. Roan also made sure their footsteps wouldn''t catch the attention of the demon beasts passing by them.


    In any case, Duran placed those thoughts behind as he immediately focused on the demon beasts ahead. Frin wasn''t an idiot, so he moved in the direction where there were fewer of them. He also took quick peeks behind, making sure that Darian and Xaon really couldn''t catch up to him. After all, one wouldn''t be so sure if someone was holding some secret skill capable of disrupting them.


    Naturally, Darian and Xaon were running right behind them. Those two wouldn''t have fallen into the trick Frin and Duran used so easily in normal circumstances. However, because their sentience was already gone, they couldn''t react as fast to the changes in the battlefield as they did before. That''s why they fell behind. Well, Darian was even more behind than Xaon since he was a Black Tortoise. He was forced to turn back into his human form to run faster.


    On Frin''s back, Duran accumulated Spiritual Energy and Soul Power in his hands. Wind and Lightning Element gathered around those energies, creating a terrifying vortex. Duran didn''t hold back at all, condensing everything as much as possible. At the very next moment, just when Frin was about to collide with the demon beasts head-on, Duran released his skill.


    ''Thunder Gale!''


    *Vhuowwwwwwww!!!*


    Something that looked like a tornado but in a horizontal line swept everything in front of Frin. Even the few Stage Nine Demon Beasts, some of which Duran or Frin recognized from the past, were thrown out of the way with sheer raw strength!


    There were, of course, some who did resist Duran''s attack. However, Duran didn''t mind. His objective was to create space for Frin to pass, and that''s what he had achieved. It was already impressive that Duran took so many of them out of the way in one attack. Seeing the empty spaces between those who resisted Duran''s attack, Frin''s eyes lit up. ''As expected of the strongest Zasfin, I guess? He doesn''t lose to the old Fikin at all.''


    Frin finally saw the chance to use his movement skill, which helped him avoid most of the attacks coming from the sides. After all, Duran didn''t focus on killing or injuring, only escaping. The demon beasts who landed far away obviously used their ranged skills to try and stop Frin and Duran.


    Duran then intercepted any skills that could affect Frin''s speed or life, creating an almost perfect combination of speed and defense.


    All of that took some time to explain, but no more than a few moments passed in the real world. That''s what one would at least expect from Stage Nine Demon Beasts and Transition Realm Zasfins.


    *Bang!*


    With great momentum, Frin and Duran escaped from the encirclement created by the red-eyed being. From that point onwards, Frin simply couldn''t be stopped anymore. A Divine Demon Beast focused on speed was simply too fast.


    Back in the place where the red-eyed being was dwelling, one could see a nasty expression on his face as he inwardly cursed, ''How can that be possible! It''s all because of that black-haired kid! I don''t know how, but he can definitely feel the energy inside my puppets!''


    However, it was then that the red-eyed being noticed a problem. ''Wait! Only beings from the Underworld or the idiots from the Realm of Gods could identify this kind of energy of mine. How can a puny human be able to do that?'' He then continued with his train of thought, inwardly muttering, ''Now that I think about it, aren''t the Soul Submission Orbs also susceptible to that? The only thing connecting them is my energy.''


    ''Could it be that he''s also from the Underworld? No, that doesn''t make sense. He''s definitely a human. For that to happen, he would need to reincarnate, which is obviously impossible. No being born in the Underworld can ever use the path of reincarnation. Their Soul Would be destroyed in a second,'' the red-eyed being thought.


    Little did he know, but Roan wasn''t the same type of being from the Underworld as himself or any of the others in this half of the universe. Besides, Roan had the protection of the Soul Gem System while passing through it.


    ''Thinking about it won''t get me far. For now, I better put a lot of protection around the Soul Submission Orbs. I don''t like to keep the demon beasts too close to it exactly because they''re fragile, but it seems I have no choice now.''


    Half a day later, somewhere near one of the empty cities Rean''s group found, Rean, Roan, Duran, and Frin had grouped up once more.

 Chapter 929 - Thats For Sure

    Frin had a nasty expression on his face, knowing that his Demon Beast Alliance had lost three of its Divine Demon Beasts already. "How could this guy be right under our noses all this time without us even knowing? My Demon Beast Alliance is fucked now. Did you see it? In the middle of those demon beasts that tried to stop us, two of them were part of our group. That meant they also fell for the power of the crimson sphere."


    Duran nodded, his expression not any better than Frin as he said in response, "I saw it. However, you at least know that they''re part of your alliance. As for the Zasfins, I haven''t found a single member from my group. After all, those spheres will kill anyone who isn''t a demon beast straight away. With that, who knows how many of them have already succumbed to death?"


    Roan didn''t care about any of that, telling them, "Stop complaining and let''s go find the other spheres."


    "What?!" Rean and the others were taken aback by that. "Didn''t you see what just happened? We were almost trapped by a horde of them. We might not be able to escape next time," Rean complained as he healed Frin and Duran''s injuries.


    Roan shook his head as he explained in response, "And that''s exactly why we can''t stop. For that guy to put up such a strong defense for those spheres, those things obviously mean a lot for him. Most likely, the more spheres we destroy, the weaker he''ll become. At the very least, his control over the demon beasts should decrease."


    Roan continued, "There''s one good thing, though. It seems like he can only find our positions when we''re close to one of the spheres or a demon beast being controlled by them. We had passed by many low-level demon beasts, which should have been the method how he tracked our movements since we didn''t bother hiding when there wasn''t anything dangerous."


    With that, Rean soon understood what Roan meant. "I see...but wouldn''t it be too risky?"


    Duran was the one to answer that. "Now that I think about it, there should be a lot of danger. We just need to make sure we hide well with your concealment skill while moving. Without Spiritual Sense or Soul Power Scanning, it should be possible. We can even try to use a hit and run tactic."


    Roan agreed with Duran. "It''s good that you understand. Since our positions won''t be found, we can expect less defense. Of course, I''m sure that guy won''t keep the crimson spheres alone anymore, so all of them will always have some protection."


    "It isn''t much of a problem," Duran could not help but say in response to Roan''s words. "If he''s telling all of the Stage Nine Demon Beasts to protect the spheres, that means his forces would be scattered all around. It''ll be a lot easier to flee as soon as we destroy a crimson sphere."


    "Exactly." Roan agreed with Duran. "I will also select the spheres at random. So far, we''ve always headed to the closest one to us. This made it even easier for that guy to track us. This time, I''ll select different crimson spheres from random points. Let''s keep this up until only around 10 to 20 spheres remain in the end."


    "Why 10 to 20?" Frin could not help but ask.


    Rean understood what Roan was trying to do and answered, "That''s because that guy will be able to gather his forces around those spheres. With a smaller number of spheres, it won''t be hard to predict where we''ll head next even if he can''t find where we are."


    "I see..." With that, Frin understood the issue. "But will we simply leave those spheres be? Don''t we need to destroy them as well?


    Roan faintly smiled when he heard that. "Not at all. This operation has two objectives. The first one is to obviously weaken or disrupt that guy as much as possible, destroying the spheres. The second is to detract attention away from him."


    Roan''s words reminded Frin of Kentucky and Celis. "Ah! That''s why you sent the Minokawa to observe where most of the higher-tier energy is located. You want to be sure that it''ll be partially or maybe completely unprotected."


    Roan nodded, satisfied. "That''s the plan. I hate to break it to you, but I refuse to believe that we can leave this place without dealing with that guy first. After all, it was obviously his doing that everyone was teleported here. Do you think we can find an exit without doing that?"


    Duran, Frin, and Rean immediately shook their heads. They weren''t idiots. From the very start, getting rid of the enemy was their only choice of leaving this place alive, let alone activating the portal to the Realm of Gods.


    "Then again, there''s one thing I don''t understand," Rean mentioned out of nowhere, quickly attracting everyone''s attention as they waited for him to continue. "At first, I thought that guy was the owner of this dimensional realm. However, if that was the case, he shouldn''t have a need to use the demon beasts'' vision to find our location. He should have been able to bypass the restrictions of his own realm on Spiritual Sense or whatever he uses. Don''t you think it''s strange for him to have the same problem as us?"


    "This..." The others were caught by surprise by Rean''s words.


    Even Roan had to admit that Rean''s thoughts made sense. "Indeed, that doesn''t make any sense at all. Rean could already make formations capable of blocking the Spiritual Senses of others but not his own or the people he didn''t want it to work on. If that guy was capable of creating this realm, I refuse to believe that he couldn''t make a safe area for himself."


    Duran also noticed another strange point after that. "That''s not all. We know he''s probably stronger than Frin and I, or so those red claws that capture the souls from Stage Nine Demon Beasts make it seem. If so, why didn''t he come out and deal with us by himself? If this is his realm, he should be able to travel around as he liked."


    Frin added one more thing, "In fact, if this was his dimensional realm, he should be able to use the realm to deal with us as well, no? But the realm itself hasn''t done anything."


    In the end, they all reached the same conclusion. "This is not his realm, that''s for sure!"

 Chapter 930 - Its Not Only That

    Roan then looked at Duran before asking, "How old do you think that green pendant of yours is? Or better yet, how old was that inheritance when you found it?"


    Duran understood where Roan was coming from. "You want to know whether the portal to the Realm of Gods was closed at the same time as the senior from the Realm of Gods arrived here, right?" Roan nodded and waited for Duran to continue. "To be honest, I don''t know. However, I can guarantee that it is definitely much older than me. Even older than the ancestors of the Soul Rulers organization during the time I was still a kid. Saying that it''s several thousands of years old would be a huge understatement."


    Roan pondered a bit in silence before saying, "Then, I can conclude that not being the owner of this dimensional realm isn''t the whole story. At first, we thought that this might not be the Bestial Sacred Ground. However, I''m more inclined to say that the Bestial Sacred Ground that Frin and the other Divine Demon Beasts knew was the fake one. The real Bestial Sacred Ground is the one we''re inside at the moment."


    Everyone agreed with Roan on that point. Of course, there was no guarantee about that.. It''s just that this was the most possible conclusion.


    Frin obviously became even more irritated after understanding that point. "Not only did we lose so many Divine Demon Beasts, but that piece of shit is also using our demon beasts'' Sacred Ground to do that."


    Rean then noticed another thing. "Oh, if what we''ve deduced so far is correct, then not everything is bad news." Roan, Frin, and Duran''s attention were piqued as they waited for Rean to continue talking. "Can''t you see? No one knows why the portal to the Realm of Gods was closed. At first, we thought too many Divine Demon Beasts had left, so the portal lost its support. However, considering everything we''ve deduced and found so far, i''s obvious that the enemy was the one to close it."


    Rean continued, "That senior from the Realm of Gods probably came here when he found a problem with the portal back in the Realm of Gods. Whatever may be the reason, he lost and died later in the dwelling place Duran found. Maybe he was poisoned, or maybe he succumbed to something else. But here comes the good news. The owner of the crimson sphere was forced to close the portal to the Realm of Gods at any cost, or he would definitely be caught by the next seniors coming from there...or so I believe. If we can defeat him, that means..."


    Frin and Duran''s eyes lit up straight away. "That means we can probably open the portal again. At the very least, this is a more viable option than the one we had before. It makes a lot more sense!" Sure enough, for these two Peak Stage Transition Realm beings, entering the Realm of Gods was more important than anything else.


    Rean nodded in response. "Exactly! So when the time comes, I hope you two will do your best to defeat the opponent. Roan and I are just Nascent Soul Realm cultivators, so we obviously don''t have much interest in that portal at all. We only came here to get a better understanding of the formations that controlled it."


    There wasn''t a need to ask that. Duran and Frin already had a strong grudge for what happened until now. Let alone the fact that it could lead to the opening of the portal to the Realm of Gods. "Don''t worry. We''ll definitely do everything we can. Unless we see that it''s impossible to win, we won''t retreat easily." Surprisingly, Frin and Duran seemed to have reached a mutual understanding. It was a rare alliance where both of them discarded the issue of each other''s race.


    Roan was obviously satisfied to see that since that also meant a higher chance for him and Rean to escape this trouble. "In that case, I might as well throw in another piece of information. Just understand that I don''t have any proof of it at all." Rean, Frin, and Duran nodded as Roan continued. "Since that guy can''t come out, there''s a good chance he suffered some kind of backlash and needed the souls we saw its red claws taking away to recover. Or perhaps he''s actually sealed in this place, and that''s actually the real use of those souls."


    "Indeed, there''s no proof of that," Duran agreed. "However, I''m inclined to believe you''re right. After all, he hasn''t come out to deal with us yet. Whichever of the two cases it may be, it''s to our advantage."


    However, Roan also gave them another piece of his mind, telling them of the worst-case scenario he had imagined. "Of course, he might also be using the souls to strengthen himself instead of healing or liberating himself from the seals. But I find this the most unlikely option because of the same reason as before. He didn''t come out to deal with us. Still, keep that in mind just in case."


    Frin and Duran nodded in response after that. They were already satisfied that Roan didn''t try to hide that possibility.


    Rean then laughed. "Hahaha! We have been talking for a while already. Is there anything else we''ve forgotten to consider before we return to destroying the crimson spheres?"


    Duran and Frin shook their heads in response. However, Roan still had one more thing in his mind. He then looked at Duran before asking, "The power to use souls for their own benefit..." Roan narrowed his eyes as he continued, "Duran, doesn''t that ring a bell in your mind?"


    Duran bitterly smiled as he immediately understood what Roan meant. "Everything...literally, everything is connected..." Duran felt like he was an idiot at this moment. "How could I have not noticed it before? It was so obvious!"


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "Are you talking about the Bloodline Soul Marks?"


    Duran laughed in self-deprecation after hearing that. "Hahaha! If it was just that, then that''s fine. Unfortunately, it goes much deeper than that. Much, much deeper!"

 Chapter 931 - Must Be Here

    Rean and Frin were obviously more curious now. Rean had guessed that it had something to do with the Bloodline Soul Mark, but that much was easy to connect to what was currently going on. That''s why he and Frin were curious about it since it seemed to go further than that.


    Duran noticed their expressions, with the exception of Roan, who seemed to have understood already. Nevertheless, he decided to explain, looking at Frin and asking, "Frin, you do know that our Zasfin race and your demon beast race had quite a similar standing in the past, right? I mean, before the Bloodline Soul Marks."


    Frin nodded in response. Everyone knew that before the Bloodline Marks, both races were more or less equal in strength. This wasn''t exactly a secret for the higher-ups of both sides.


    Duran then continued, "This enemy gave the Bloodline Soul Marks to us so that we could restrain the demon beasts. I''m sure you''ve already figured that out since Rean just mentioned it. Now, that''s the main point of the issue. While the demon beasts fought back, trying to stop the advancement of our Zasfin race, he closed the portal.. After all, the Stage Nine Demon Beasts of your side didn''t have time to worry about that."


    Frin was taken aback. "I see...that''s how he took control over the Beastial Sacred Land''s formation. It was because we didn''t have anyone to protect it. If we were right, he had to prevent anyone else from coming from the Realm of Gods after him."


    Rean nodded as well, saying, "In the end, this long-lasting grudge between the demon beasts and the Zasfins was started by him. Now everything makes sense. After all, both sides needed each other so that they could improve their cultivation. That guy used the Zasfins'' greed for power to break the balance. For one, he got to take control over the demon beasts'' Bestial Sacred Ground. Two, he stopped all threats that were coming from above. It''s perfect!"


    Frin and Duran, knowing that everything was just a huge scheme that used their forces for countless years, were now seething in rage. "Doesn''t that mean that all the deaths, sacrifices, and everything else that had happened so far were simply meaningless?" Naturally, they were having a hard time accepting it all.


    Roan warned the group, though. "Don''t forget that this is all speculation. We''ll have to check it out if we manage to take that guy down."


    Frin, Duran, and Rean agreed with Roan. "Then, let''s head after the crimson spheres or whatever they''re called."


    Meanwhile, close to the center of the dimensional realm, far high in the skies, a pair composed of a Demon Bird and a Demon Plant was watching everything below. Of course, they were the only ones capable of seeing anything. No one else would be able to notice their presence even if they looked from the ground straight in their direction. After all, Kentucky was using Rean''s Light bending skill.


    Kentucky, who had the best eyes for long-distance view, could not help but comment, "There were quite a few scary demon beasts there before. However, most of them disappeared around a day earlier, and they haven''t come returned anymore. Do you think Rean''s group had anything to do with it?"


    Celis nodded with conviction, responding, "They''re the only ones who could possibly cause this sudden change. Don''t forget that we have been here for a few days, and those demon beasts haven''t moved a single muscle until that very moment."


    "What do you think we should do, then?" Kentucky asked before continuing, "Maybe we can go and find them to tell them that most of the defenses have disappeared."


    Celis shook his head in response. "No, let''s stay here. Your connection to the twins isn''t as good as theirs. You can''t feel their positions at the moment, right? This dimensional realm is too enormous. Chances are that we won''t even find their traces at all."


    Kentucky narrowed his eyes. "I wonder if there are any more demon beasts hidden down there. Since we aren''t going to look for Rean''s group, how about I take a closer look? This is an opportunity we shouldn''t miss since there are a lot fewer demon beasts."


    Celis couldn''t help but ask, "Weren''t you the one complaining that you didn''t want to do this risky mission? How come you''re so eager to take a look now?"


    Kentucky didn''t expect those words from Celis, instantly thinking up of an excuse as he replied, "Ahem...as a Divine Demon Beast, I can''t turn back in front of a challenge. This would sully the image of the Minokawas of the universe. Back then, I was just... just...right! I was just testing your resolve, telling you about the risks."


    Celis''s mouth twitched as he could not help but curse inwardly, ''Perhaps I chose the wrong Divine Demon Bird to make a nest on my branches...''


    However, Celis quickly put those thoughts behind since he also wanted to take a closer look. It was just as Kentucky mentioned. They had to take this chance now that most of the demon beasts defending the area left. "Alright, make sure to use your Spiritual Energy to prevent the wind from blowing after you flap your wings. That way, Rean''s Light bending skill should be enough to keep us hidden now that the number of demon beasts is sparse."


    Kentucky immediately nodded as Spiritual Energy gathered around his body. Any sound coming from his wings was kept within a meter of his body, not being able to go any further than that. Of course, Kentucky was ready to flash away at any slight change in his surroundings.


    However, after they passed a certain point, the scenario in front of them changed completely. The number of demon beasts was still sparse. However, what appeared under their vision was a gigantic blood pond. "This..."


    "That''s the Bestial Blood Pond Phex talked about!" Kentucky could not help but exclaim. Fortunately, his Spiritual Energy was blocking any sound from escaping. Otherwise, all the demon beasts there would have heard his voice. "So, it was here all this time. How come we didn''t see it?"


    "That''s obviously an illusion formation doing its job. Pay attention. The number of demon beasts didn''t change, but their positions definitely did. After all, they couldn''t stand on the pond itself. Very clever..."


    Kentucky and Celis also understood another point after that. "The World Beast Formation Rean and Roan talked about must be here."

 Chapter 932 - The Island

    Naturally, Kentucky and Celis knew a little about Rean and Roan''s other objective in this place. The World Beast Formation was a name that only they knew about other than the red-eyed being. Obviously, that was because of the Soul Gem System.


    "Let''s fly around a bit," Celis said. "Try to stay within the limits of this illusion formation since we don''t know if it has any other abilities."


    Kentucky nodded as the two checked the place out after that. The Blood Pond was really huge, way bigger than the description given by Phex back then. That was another proof that the blood pond Phex''s group knew back then was fake. In fact, calling it a pond was a huge understatement. It was definitely better to call it a huge blood lake.


    Kentucky carefully avoided the flying demon beasts, which were the only ones capable of watching over the lake since, in this place, cultivation couldn''t be used to fly. Of course, their numbers were also much smaller due to the intervention of Rean''s group.. Eventually, Kentucky saw something different in there, muttering in surprise, "Is that an island?"


    Kentucky then pointed down for Celis to see once they got close enough for Celis to look at it. "That''s definitely an island. But...what are all those floating things landing on it?"


    There were many ethereal orbs, flames, and other forms entering that island. To be more specific, they were entering an aperture in the center of the island. "I have no idea. I can''t use Spiritual Sense, so it''s hard to guess. Could those be the souls Roan talked about?"


    Celis nodded, responding, "It''s possible. What we know is that the World Beast Formation absorbs the blood and souls of the demon beasts that die on the world. The blood is right below us, so those might really be the souls."


    Kentucky and Celis looked at each other for a moment before they came to a conclusion. "That must be the place. Let''s get out of here."


    Somewhere else, Rean''s group had reached another crimson sphere. However, they were being a lot more careful this time around. That being said, their group was divided in two.


    One had Roan and Duran. They were the duo responsible for getting close to the crimson spheres without getting noticed. Of course, Roan could also use Rean''s Light bending skill, so with his experience in moving stealthily, it wasn''t hard at all. He was also the one with Dark Element Affinity, so he could fight the influence of the crimson sphere while Duran had his green pendant.


    The other duo was obviously Rean and Frin. Rean used his Light bending skill and stayed far away from the Silver Fenrir, observing the surroundings. Their objective was to warn Roan and Duran way before another encirclement could close in on them.


    Sure enough, the crimson spheres had demon beasts protecting them instead of not having any demon beasts in the vicinity. That was the only thing the red-eyed being could do to try and prevent the attack of Rean''s group.


    However, Duran sighed when he arrived near the crimson sphere. "As I thought, they were caught up by it." On the ground, close to the sphere, Duran could see two human bodies. One of them was Kumo, and the other one was Vance. Both of them were Transition Realm Zasfins. Just as Roan mentioned, these spheres only cared about the souls of demon beasts. Any other race would just be killed by its power.


    Roan didn''t seem too surprised at all. "Ignore that and destroy the crimson sphere. We don''t know if the enemy has a way to find our presence once we get close to the sphere itself. Also, you better be prepared since we''ll probably find more of your Zasfin forces as we destroy more spheres."


    Duran then showed an expression of resolve as Wind and Lightning Element gathered with the help of his Spiritual Energy and Soul Power. Soon after, he released his skill as he grabbed Roan and rushed out of there as quickly as possible. He made it so that he would be out of there before the attack arrived.


    *Boom!*


    All the demon beasts in the vicinity noticed the huge explosion and rushed to where the sphere was. Unfortunately, the crimson sphere was already gone. As for Roan and Duran, they were nowhere to be seen. The good thing was that Duran didn''t need to care about the sound of his movements. After all, the explosion of the crimson sphere and everything else around covered it. Roan still had the Light bending skill active, so their escape was even easier.


    From a distance, Roan noticed that only a few of the high-level demon beasts disappeared after the crimson sphere was dealt with. "It seems like a lot of the demon beasts weren''t connected to this specific sphere."


    Duran nodded as he continued to make his way to where Rean and Frin were. "Indeed. However, that also means some demon beasts disappeared in other places as well. The enemy is probably randomly assigning the demon beasts to different spheres so that they could still deal with us on the off chance they fail to protect the sphere. Otherwise, as soon as we destroy the sphere, all the enemies around us would disappear like the others."


    Roan agreed with Duran on that. "That''s not bad either. It also means that many high-level demon beasts have now disappeared in other locations as well. I guess we can assume that the spheres with most of the protection are the ones that captured the souls of Darian and the others. After all, they have their real bodies and are Divine Demon Beasts. They pose the greatest chance of stopping us, so they must not let the spheres they''re connected to be destroyed. They would lose its support and die straight away if that happens."


    Not too long after, Roan and Duran arrived at Rean and Frin''s location. "Alright, we still have a lot of work to do. Let''s head to the next crimson sphere."


    Everyone nodded as Duran, Roan, and Rean hopped on Frin''s back. The Silver Fenrir then immediately dashed away, completely ignoring the commotion made by the demon beasts in the place where they destroyed the last sphere.

 Chapter 933 - Extra Two

    Because they had to pick out the crimson spheres at random and make sure they weren''t being tracked, Rean''s group took over twice as much time for each sphere. However, none of them cared about it. They had to keep themselves alive first before heading to the area Kentucky and Celis were keeping an eye on.


    In any case, the method was effective. There were two instances where the demon beasts noticed their presence and tried to trap them. However, Frin howled from far away, using his Spiritual Energy to amplify his voice. With that, Roan and Duran immediately retreated before getting any closer to the crimson sphere. Rean and Frin, of course, left the area straight away as well. They didn''t even try to come back to the sphere and instead chose another one.


    They also found which sphere Darian and Xaon were protecting. After all, those two stayed very close to the spheres. To prevent any issues, they didn''t try to force their way and destroy their sphere. Instead, they also ignored those spheres and switched straight away.


    The red-eyed being almost cried, seeing each of his Soul Submission Orbs be destroyed. Of course, only it knew the spheres'' name. However, it was as mentioned before. Rean''s group didn''t know of it, so they simply called it crimson spheres or red-eyed spheres. In any case, the creature could only see what the demon beasts in his control could or the area around the orbs. The realm was not his, and he wasn''t in full control of it either. Because of that, Spiritual Sense was impossible for him as well. What really made him mad was Rean''s Light bending skill. Because of that, he could never tell whether the twins'' group was close or not.


    One might think that with fewer crimson spheres, the creature could increase the defenses on the others since the demon beasts in those places were free. Unfortunately, that wasn''t the case. For each crimson sphere destroyed, all the demon beasts linked to it would disappear. In the end, he couldn''t increase the defenses at all! Of course, those at the Stage Nine level would have their soul taken away by the red claws when that happened.


    In the end, the creature could only think of another solution, which was to take more of the demon beasts protecting his dwelling to help defend the spheres. ''These are the only ones not attached to any Soul Submission Orb, so they won''t disappear even if all spheres get destroyed,'' he thought.


    Kentucky and Celis, who were still flying at the border of the illusion formation covering the lake, immediately noticed their departure as well. "More demon beasts are leaving..."


    Celis nodded in response. "It seems like everything is going as planned. However, could it be that the enemy in there isn''t considering that he might become vulnerable?"


    Kentucky pondered over it for a bit before saying, "From what Roan said, each destroyed crimson sphere would probably weaken the other party. It''s more like he has no choice. He can''t let all of the spheres be destroyed."


    Celis had to admit Kentucky''s words made sense. "Well, that''s considering Roan is right on that part. Don''t forget that the enemy might be doing that to attract us here."


    Of course, Roan, Duran, Frin, and Rean also understood that possibility. Nonetheless, one thing was certain. The crimson spheres were absolutely important for the red-eyed being. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have sent Phex, Xaon, and Darian to try and stop Rean''s group.


    However, Kentucky suddenly noticed something different near the border of the island, in a position where there weren''t any demon beasts. "This..."


    While all of that happened, there were two demon beasts who still hadn''t fallen for the crimson spheres'' soul-controlling properties. At the moment, these two demon beasts were very close to the Blood Lake as well. It''s just that no one could notice their presence, Kentucky and Celis included.


    Those two demon beasts were Red, obviously...and surprisingly, Gulan! As for how they got together, that''s because Gulan was lucky. Back then, Red was making his way to the region below the centermost star when suddenly, he noticed the sounds of battle coming from the distance. He was very confident in his concealment skills, even more than Rean was on his own. Because of that, he approached the area without any worries.


    It was there that he saw Gulan fighting the realm''s demon beasts. Gulan seemed to be in pretty bad shape as well. Red then pondered over whether he should help Gulan or not and decided to do so. After all, this was an expedition with both the Zasfins and the Demon Beast Alliance doing their part. Any extra help for their side would be helpful. Besides, Red was also at the Stage Six level, just like Gulan.


    Red delivered a fatal injury to one of the demon beasts attacking Gulan with his concealing ability, quickly tipping the scales. Gulan was delighted to see Red there and was also lucky that no other stronger demon beast had appeared so far. With both working in tandem, they were able to defeat the demon beasts before Red activated his concealment ability to hide him and Gulan together. It was basically the same thing as he did back with Rean when they entered the Zasfin city to talk with Sevinia.


    However, it wasn''t like Red and Gulan hadn''t found the crimson sphere. In fact, they even got very close to one of those. But it was at that moment that Red''s golden horn shone with golden lightning, destroying the soul-controlling power that assaulted him and Gulan at the same time.


    Gulan was frightened by that power and immediately flew far away, carrying Red on his back. When Gulan asked how Red nullified that power with his golden lightning, Red shook his head in response as he told him, "I don''t know. My horn''s power activated on its own. I''m as surprised as you. If not for that, I would have fallen victim to that power as well."


    However, both Red and Gulan understood one thing. Red had no recollections of his past before the Blood Lake. However, Rean and Roan mentioned the possibility that Red might have come from the Realm of Gods. After all, Phex guaranteed that no one other than him or the other Stage Nine Demon Beasts should be able to enter that place. That theory seemed far-fetched in the past, but Red and Gulan started to think that it might actually be true.


    However, they didn''t dwell on that possibility for long and continued their journey. Eventually, they arrived at the real Blood Lake that Kentucky and Celis were watching. It''s just that they got there way earlier than Kentucky and Celis did.

 Chapter 934 - Red, Are You Here?

    The reason they got there was because Red was right from the very start. The region below the centermost star on the skies was the center of this realm. It wasn''t anything surprising that the Blood Lake could be found there as well. That''s how they didn''t come across any problems coming here. Also, Gulan was a Blue Luan, a Demon Bird, so Red could keep them concealed while Gulan flew their way over.


    "I...remember this place," Red said in a low voice. "That doesn''t make sense. The Bestial Sacred Ground that I remember should be the other one. The Blood Pond wasn''t a lake either. Still, it''s like the memories are popping up on their own."


    Gulan looked at Red, who seemed somewhat lost, and said, "Isn''t that a good thing? It means that you''re getting closer to the truth of your identity. Perhaps you can find who you are in this place."


    Red nodded. "Let''s hope so."


    "Then? What do you remember?" Gulan asked, changing the topic.


    Red pondered over it for a bit before saying, "It''s just pieces and fragments, but I remember something that looks like a...core? Maybe? It''s situated on the north side of the Blood Lake."


    "North?" Gulan was taken aback. After all, he and Red also found that island in the center of the Blood Lake when they were flying over it. Just like Kentucky, their presence was not felt due to Red''s concealment ability. "Are you sure it''s not on the island in the center?"


    Red shook his head as he replied, "I don''t know. It''s like I said. These memories popping up are just pieces and fragments. I don''t even know if they''re actually real or not."


    "Then...what is it that we can find in the center of the island?" Gulan was obviously curious about that. Too bad Red also didn''t have the answer to that.


    "I''m not sure, but I don''t feel like it''s a good place to head to. It might just be my feeling after my memories began to wake up, but I''m pretty sure that nothing good will happen if we enter that hole where we saw those things entering."


    Gulan nodded after hearing that. "Alright. In that case, let''s leave it aside. Instead, we need to think of a way on how to warn my grandfather and the others to not head there." Obviously, Gulan didn''t know that other than Frin, all the Stage Nine Divine Demon Beasts were already dead. It''s just that Darian and Xaon still had their bodies.


    Red was worried about that part as well. "We came with so many Stage Nine Demon Beasts and Zasfin Ancestors, but none of them got close to this place after so long. I''m sorry to say this, but I don''t think we''ll see anyone. Don''t forget that we only escaped that controlling power because of the special power in my golden lightning. I don''t think the others have the same power."


    Gulan''s expression turned dark after that. After all, if Red was right, they might be the last ones in this dimensional realm. "We can''t give up that easily. We need to think of a way of getting our groups'' attention in the off chance we pass close by them."


    Red obviously didn''t want to be the last one here with Gulan, so he still agreed. "Alright. However, we''re already in the best place possible."


    "How come?" Gulan asked in response.


    Red then explained, "Because this Blood Lake is situated at the center of this dimensional realm. Don''t ask me how I know it since even I don''t remember exactly. In any case, if the others are heading somewhere, it will be here. I believe everyone would eventually converge at the center of the dimensional realm once they understand their bearings."


    Gulan was happy to hear that. "That''s great! However, your concealment skill makes us invisible to everyone, doesn''t it? How will we call the others'' attention."


    Red shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "It''s simple. With my skill, we can simply stay hidden until we see someone we know. Then, we go and talk to them on our own. Easy peasy!"


    Gulan had to admit that Red''s idea was good. "Alright. But...what if they are using concealment skills as well? Rean and Roan seem to have something like that as well, no? At least my grandfather told me something about it. The other demon beasts might have something as well since everyone has secrets."


    Red pondered in silence for a bit before coming up with an answer. "I know what to do."


    Back in the present, while Kentucky was flying over the island...he had noticed something at the corner of the island where there weren''t any demon beasts.


    As for what he saw there..."This...Celis, that arrangement of rocks there...don''t they look like a giant carrot?"


    Celis was taken aback and immediately looked in the direction Kentucky pointed out. "It really looks like a giant carrot. If we weren''t flying, we wouldn''t notice it at all."


    Obviously, a figure appeared in their minds as soon as they finished talking. "Could it be Red?"


    Everyone knew Red by now. Even Phex''s group knew him since Red was a Divine Demon Beast. One must remember that Rean and Roan explained how they stopped Red in the past. That said, they all knew how much this Golden Drohare loved carrots.


    That was Red''s idea. The demon beasts knew very well of his love for carrots, but the Zasfins didn''t have any idea. Obviously, only the demon beasts would understand that signal and would come down to check. After all, one could only arrive at this island if one could fly.


    Red simply rearranged the rocks on the ground to get the form of a carrot drawing. Since then, they have been waiting there to see if someone would come. It would be useless to watch the lakes'' borders because it is just too big. Their best chance was to stay on the island in the center.


    Kentucky and Celis looked at each other for a moment and came down. Of course, Kentucky kept the Light bending skill active and the Spiritual Energy barrier blocking the sound of his wings. Finally, when he landed on one of the rocks, he murmured in a low voice, letting it pass through the Spiritual Energy Barrier. Of course, it was only loud enough to reach the ears of someone close, not far away, where they could find a few demon beasts.


    "Red, are you here?"

 Chapter 935 - They Are Finally Here

    Red and Gulan didn''t expect to hear those words so soon. However, they controlled their emotions as they knew they were hiding here. Instead, Red simply used a small voice to answer Kentucky''s question, saying, "Kentucky, is that you? Come to the thirteenth rock near the bottom left side. You will enter the range of my concealment skill if you do so."


    Kentucky was happy to hear that and immediately did as Red told him. Of course, he was also prepared to escape at any moment, in case it was actually a trap.


    In any case, Kentucky got close enough where he could finally see and sense Red. As one must remember, Red''s concealment skill was unlike Rean''s. Nevertheless, it was very good for this situation as well. Kentucky then spread out his Spiritual Energy around Red, blocking any sound from going out as he exclaimed in surprise, "Red! It''s really you! Oh! Gulan is here as well!"


    Red nodded together with Gulan. "So there really are more demon beasts alive in this place other than just us! Kentucky, it''s good to see you again!" Red then looked at Celis on Kentucky''s back, saying, "Of course, you as well, Senior Celis."


    Celis nodded back at those two, saying in response, "Indeed. We thought everyone was gone by now."


    Hearing that, Kentucky couldn''t help but ask, "But...how did you avoid the crimson spheres?"


    "Crimson spheres?" Red and Gulan did not know what to say to that. After all, they only felt the power of the sphere. They didn''t see it before they left the areas with those spheres straight away.


    "Oh. So, you don''t know, huh?" Kentucky then explained what he was talking about.


    "I see...so that power that tried to take control of our minds was this crimson sphere you talked about."


    After that, Red, Gulan, Kentucky, and Celis spent some time exchanging information. Of course, Kentucky and Celis knew a lot more about what was happening. As for Red, he told them about the ability of his golden lightning that even he didn''t know about. However, the thing that made Kentucky and Celis let out a lot of cold sweat were his last words. "The opening in the center of this island is not a place you should enter. If you do, you will only die. That''s what I can tell with the awakened memories I got."


    Kentucky and Celis wanted to tell Rean''s group about it, thinking that the World Beast Formation was there. Obviously, it seemed like they were wrong. Even if they could get to the World Beast Formation there, Red''s memories of a core on the island''s north side made a lot more sense. The opening in the center of the island looked a lot more like a death trap now.


    Celis nodded in the end, saying, "No wonder why we thought there was way too little defense here. At first, we thought it was because the enemy didn''t have another choice. Right now, it might just be a death wish."


    Kentucky then shook his head after that, saying in response, "Alright, that''s enough for now. Although this island has a very small number of demon beasts, I would prefer to stay in midair near the border of the illusion formation covering the Blood Lake."


    Red and Gulan, obviously, knew of the illusion formation as well. "Sure, let''s get out of here."


    Gulan carried Red while Kentucky did the same for Celis. With that, the group exited the island without any trouble. In the air, Red couldn''t help but ask, "How will Rean and Roan find us?"


    "Don''t worry," Kentucky answered. "When we''re close enough, I can feel their presence. At the moment, they''re destroying the crimson spheres. Once they get enough of them down, they''ll eventually come here. Our objective was to investigate the area while they attract the enemy''s attention."


    Of course, Kentucky didn''t mention the World Beast Formation since this was something they found because of the Soul Gem System. Nevertheless, that was enough for Kentucky to at least not send Rean''s group into their deaths when they arrive in this place.


    Time passed in a flash and many days went by, soon turning into a week. Sure enough, a dimensional realm of this size and the choosing of spheres at random made the job take a lot longer. It wasn''t before eleven days had passed that Rean''s group finally reached the number they wanted.


    "Alright, I can only feel 16 more spheres remaining," Roan said as he counted in his mind. "Two of them have Darian or Xaon protecting it. As for the others, they have a lot of Stage Nine Demon Beasts from the past. It seems like the enemy sent demon beasts that wouldn''t disappear with the spheres'' destruction."


    Roan continued, "But that''s for the better. We were already expecting it since it would give us a better chance against the enemy itself. I would prefer to take the number of spheres down to ten or less, but that would be too risky now."


    Duran nodded in response as he also saw the lines of defense around the crimson spheres, saying, "Indeed, we should be happy we got this far. Our best option would be to go after him."


    Frin and Rean agreed with the plan. "That''s good. Kentucky is getting freaked out because of how long we''re taking. At least I hope he found something while we were doing our job."


    With that said, everyone jumped on Frin''s back, who immediately shot into the distance. This time, he was following the direction of the highest concentration of Underworld Energy in this realm. Of course, Roan still kept saying it was energy related to his Dark Element since he couldn''t tell Duran and Frin of his past as a Death Spirit.


    Kentucky''s group had been flying around the north side of the Blood Lake after they left the island in the center. However, they couldn''t see anything out of the ordinary there. Their only clue was Red''s memory, saying that the core was around this place.


    In any case, they took several days to find a very well hidden entrance before they retreated once more to wait for Rean''s group. Indeed, they wouldn''t risk entering that place without Duran and Frin''s help.


    Suddenly, Kentucky felt something as he looked in a certain direction, muttering, "They''re finally here."

 Chapter 936 - Meeting

    Little did the red-eyed being know, but the hidden entrance to the real core of the World Beast Formation had already been found. Red was right. The island in the center was just a death trap. The World Beast Formation did indeed use the demon beasts'' blood, but there was no such thing as it using souls. That''s something the red-eyed being added later to capture the Souls it needs.


    If Rean''s group really entered that opening on the island, they would meet with all the trapped souls in there. Be it the twins or even Frin and Duran, they would be assaulted by the souls all at once. After all, it wasn''t as if there was enough demon beast blood for all the souls. Some of them had been in that place for almost as long as the red-eyed being was in the Dimensional Realm. One can only imagine the instinctual grievances they felt after being trapped there for so long. They didn''t have sentience anymore, but their wrath still remained.


    The red-eyed being left it there as bait. After all, everyone would think that the island in the center of the Blood Lake was the real deal.. They would think that the key to getting out of this place was there.


    Rean and Roan obviously felt Kentucky''s presence as well. Nevertheless, they were more impressed by the enormous Blood Lake that appeared in front of them when they passed through the illusion formation. "This thing is huge!"


    "This..." Frin was also just as shocked. "This isn''t a pond at all. This is definitely a lake! Holy shit! The Blood Pond I saw before isn''t even a hundredth of the size of this thing. Could it be that the previous one was fake?" Frin was one of the Stage Nine Demon Beasts, so he had entered the fake Bestial Sacred Ground with Phex and the others before.


    Roan nodded in response, saying, "We already think that this dimensional realm is the real Bestial Sacred Ground, so this Blood Lake should indeed be the real deal. Though..." Even Roan was somewhat moved by the amount of blood there. In his previous life (or death) as a Death Spirit, such a scene wasn''t anything common at all. At the very least, he hadn''t seen it before.


    Rean and Roan felt Kentucky approaching them with the connection between them. Of course, they could see it with the naked eye since Kentucky was also using Rean''s Light bending skill. Eventually, they got close enough for Rean to take over and allow the two groups to see each other.


    "Wait! Red? Gulan? You''re still alive?!" Rean was genuinely shocked. After all, they even lost the Peak Stage Nine Divine Demon Beasts. It was hard to believe that Red and Gulan, who were at Stage Six, were still alive. "Could it be that you didn''t get close to one of the crimson spheres?"


    Red shook his head and explained the thing that happened to him and Gulan. He talked about his golden lightning and the memories that started to pop up in his head.


    "I see..." Except for Duran, everyone knew that Red had lost his memories. "Have you remembered anything else since you found Kentucky?"


    Red pondered in silence for a bit before saying, "I do remember a few places I''ve never seen before. Some places and creatures that I don''t think exist in this world." Red participated in the war, so he had seen plenty of different demon beasts. "Besides, the bits and pieces of memories I have are from locations without any snow. That shouldn''t be possible since this planet was covered in an ice age for thousands of years. I''m definitely not that old."


    That pretty much confirmed Rean and Roan''s theory that Red wasn''t from this world, just like them. Then again, the part that puzzled them was the golden lightning being able to fight back the soul-controlling properties of the sphere. "Kentucky has Dark Element, so he can use it to destroy the crimson sphere''s power, just like Roan and I. However, I didn''t think that lightning could be used for the same thing."


    Red shook his head, explaining, "It''s different. My Lightning Elemental Affinity is not the same lightning you see on the others. To be more precise, golden lightning is an odd Elemental Affinity, just like your Dark and Light Elements."


    Duran was still puzzled by most of the things they were talking about. "Can someone stop ignoring me and explain what you''re talking about?"


    Rean nodded and gave him a quick explanation about Red''s issues. Only then did he understand what it was all about. "Now I get it. Anyway, we can think about this guy''s past later. I''m more interested in his memories about the Bestial Sacred Ground."


    Red nodded, knowing it wasn''t time to think about his past. "It goes like this..."


    Rean and the others narrowed their eyes as they listened. In fact, Frin even let out a bit of cold sweat a little. Back then, when they stopped Red''s assault in the Underwater Palace, they wanted to kill Red straight away. However, Rean and Roan denied the idea, hiding Red in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Only at this moment could he see just how correct that decision of the twins was. If not for that, they would have entered the opening in the island''s center and probably died.


    Duran then put those thoughts behind before saying, "Whatever. I''ve waited long enough to get rid of that guy. Since he isn''t expecting us, or at least we think he isn''t, we should go. After all, he''ll notice something different if we take too long to appear in front of another crimson sphere."


    Roan agreed with Duran. "Duran''s right." He looked at Red after that, and asked, "Do you have any other memories regarding the location of the core?"


    Red shook his head, replying, "No. So far, those are the only memories I have. However, they''re surfacing little by little. If you wait, I might remember something else."


    Everyone shook their heads in an instant. "Terrible idea. We need the element of surprise. Let''s go."


    Duran and Frin then took the lead while Rean and Red worked together with their skills to keep everyone hidden.

 Chapter 937 - It Will Take Some Time

    The red-eyed being had been looking through the eyes of the demon beasts and the crimson spheres so far. At this point, he wasn''t even angry anymore since he knew complaining wouldn''t change anything. He lost countless years of work, and he could only sit down and start again. But first, he had to take care of the culprits. ''Come! I refuse to believe that I won''t take at least one of you down with the number of demon beasts I have defending each remaining Soul Submission Orb. Let''s see how you escape next time!''


    However, Rean''s group was far from any of the orbs. Instead, they made their way to the north of the Blood Lake, soon finding the hidden entrance Red talked about. Of course, Rean''s group didn''t think the enemy hadn''t put any protection in place, so they moved carefully. However...nothing happened! It''s just that they didn''t know if it was because of Rean and Red''s concealment abilities or not. After all, with both of them together, it was hard to imagine anyone finding their presence without the help of Spiritual Sense or Soul Power Scanning, which couldn''t be used in this dimensional realm.


    They appeared inside a cave, very similar to the one Roan was before. Seeing no danger, Roan said, "Let''s keep going."


    Frin and Duran acted as the frontline while the rest followed right behind. Rean and Red kept close to them to make it easier to conceal their presence. As for Roan, Kentucky, and Celis, they were at the back.


    "Red, do you know how far we are from the core?" Duran asked at the front.


    Red pondered in silence a bit before answering, "More or less. The memories are still a bit hazy to me. But I think that at this speed, we will need somewhere around 10 minutes to leave this tunnel and enter the area we''re looking for."


    He was right. It didn''t take long for them to arrive at a huge cave area. Well, calling it a cave wouldn''t be right. The area looked more like a bunch of ruins. It had something different, though. Instead of the predominant crimson color shining everywhere in the entire dimensional realm, the ruins shone brightly with a dark color instead.


    Roan immediately narrowed his eyes before telling Rean through their Soul Connection, ''The Underworld Energy here is really thick. The enemy is definitely someone from the Underworld.''


    Roan then looked at the others, saying, "As you can see, there''s a lot of Dark Energy here, which looks very similar to my own. However, they aren''t the same. Try to use your Spiritual Energies to keep them out of your bodies. I don''t know if it has some detrimental effect on our bodies."


    Everyone nodded and did as Roan said.


    Rean then contacted Sister Orb in the Dimensional Realm, asking, [How is it, Sister Orb? Can you feel the formation now that we are here?]


    [I always felt the formation,] Sister Orb replied. [It''s just that I couldn''t figure out where the core was located. However, Red was right. I''m now close enough to be able to say where all the energy of the World Beast Formation is gathering at.]


    Rean and Roan were obviously happy to hear that. "So? Where is it?"


    [Fifteen and a half kilometers ahead. All the ruins here look similar, but the one in the middle is slightly different. The core is definitely there.]


    Rean then told Red Sister Orb''s words so that Red could pretend he simply remembered that as well. Red knew of Sister Orb''s existence, too, after all. "I remember now! It''s ahead! Can you see that building with two pillars on both sides far ahead? The core is underneath it."


    Duran and Frin looked at each other and nodded. "Then, we''ll continue with the plan. We will keep walking as far as possible until the enemy notices our presence. Once that happens, we will fight it while Rean and the rest try to do something with the formation."


    Rean told everyone that since this realm''s formation was something the enemy created, perhaps he could make him lose control over it. The reason was simple. This creature had been here for countless years. If it didn''t obtain full control until now, then things might not be as easy for it as they thought.


    The thick Underworld Energy increased the more they got close. However, Duran and Frin were at the Peak Stage of the Transition Realm. Their Spiritual Energy was more than enough to keep it at bay. The others still had their own methods, like Rean, Roan, and Kentucky''s Dark Element or Red''s golden lightning. The only one without anything was Gulan, but Red simply helped him as he had been doing so far.


    The group arrived in the building in no time. Yet, they went all around it and simply couldn''t find an entrance. "Let''s go through the roof." They quickly mounted Kentucky, who flew them all above the enormous building. Well, all the ruins in this place were enormous anyway. "Nothing either."


    Duran then shrugged his shoulders, saying, "If no one knows a way inside while keeping silent, then Frin and I will just blast our way through."


    "Can you even damage these ruins? After all, they might be something made by the seniors of the Realm of Gods." Rean asked.


    Duran and Frin had to admit he was right. With that being said, they came down once again and grabbed a small piece of the crumbled ruins. After that, Duran and Frin tried to destroy it with their Spiritual Energies...only to not leave a single scratch behind. "This..."


    Rean could not help but let out a sigh from the result. "As I thought. We need to find another way in."


    Roan then raised his hand, saying, "Let me try my Dark Element." In fact, that was an excuse. These ruins were bathed in Underworld Energy, so Roan was going to try to use his knowledge about it to drive the energy out.


    His Spiritual Energy and Dark Element entered a wall by his side as he focused on a single point. ''Indeed, it''s Underworld Energy, but it''s very different than the one I know. It''ll take some time...''

 Chapter 938 - Ahem...

    As Roan worked on the wall of the building, Duran couldn''t help but ask Rean, "Is his method working?"


    Rean nodded and replied, "It is, but it''ll take a while. All we can do is wait. He''s trying to open a breach in that dark energy without alerting the other side. If that works, we''ll be able to enter without the enemy noticing."


    Duran nodded as he looked around. "Still, to think this place wouldn''t have a single demon beast defending it. If not because we should have never found the real entrance, I would think this was a trap."


    Rean agreed with him, saying, "Yes. However, we might have passed some detection formations without triggering them. Don''t forget, Red''s concealment skills could also pass through my own detection formations. I wouldn''t be surprised if his abilities also work here. When you include my Light bending skill, we form a really strong pair when it comes to not being caught.."


    Rean was right. The red-eyed being did work on detection formations to stop others from approaching without it noticing. Unfortunately for it, they didn''t work on Rean and Red working together. Also, it was his fault since it had all his attention on the Soul Submission Orbs outside. It knew that it was about time for Rean''s group to appear once more to try to destroy another one. Well, they wouldn''t appear.


    As they waited, Rean noticed that Kentucky''s attention was fixated elsewhere. "What is it?"


    "Eh? Oh! It''s just that I can feel the presence of Heaven-level ores here," Kentucky explained.


    Rean nodded in response. Only food would take the bird''s attention away in a situation like this. "We already have quite a few Heaven-level materials after all those trades. We can get more of them once we finish thi-" It was then that Rean froze for a moment. "Wait! Heaven-level materials? Where?"


    Kentucky then pointed somewhere else, far away from the position they were at the moment. "It''s inside those underground ruins, 21 kilometers or so to the west."


    Rean''s eyes lit up before he looked at Red, telling him, "Red, you stay here with them to keep them hidden. Roan will use the Light bending skill to help you while he also works on the wall." Rean then turned to Kentucky and said, "You, come with me. We''ll fly there."


    "Why? Is there something in that place? We shouldn''t care about resources at the moment, you know?" Frin asked straight away.


    Rean nodded in response as he answered, "Heaven-level materials. It wouldn''t make sense that they''re still around. The demon beasts of the past who knew about this place would have taken them away a long time ago. If they didn''t, it was because they couldn''t. If I''m not wrong, these Heaven-level materials, including the ores Kentucky can feel, are part of the formation we''re looking for."


    Duran narrowed his eyes as he could not help but say, "So what? We''re after the core. If we destroy it, we don''t need to deal with the rest."


    Rean looked at Duran as if he was an idiot as he explained, "Hmph! No wonder you know nothing about formations. If the majority of high-level materials are there, that means a really important piece of the formation is also in the same place. If I''m not wrong, that''s the place responsible for managing the energy that goes to the core. If I cut that off..."


    Duran finally understood as he continued with Rean''s train of thought, saying, "You will be able to stop the red-eyed being from using it for some time. However, would you be able to stop it?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "It''s worth a shot. After all, I think it''ll be a lot harder to interfere with the core itself since the enemy definitely has it close to him. Anyways, we''ll be back if it''s actually impossible to do that. At the very least, someone at my level will be a lot more useful that way."


    Rean didn''t even wait for an answer as he jumped on Kentucky''s back and took flight. Roan didn''t like that he had to take care of the Light bending skill, but he understood that it was necessary. His hair turned white and black, exchanging elements with Rean, which he used to activate the skill. Using Rean''s Light Element was a lot better and faster than relying on his White Star.


    Red then looked at Gulan, who didn''t have a good expression, as he asked, "What''s up?"


    Gulan, who was still somewhat affected after knowing the fate of his grandfather, couldn''t help but say, "I feel rather useless here. I don''t have your or Rean''s concealment abilities, nor do I have Senior Duran and Frin''s strength. I wonder if I should have stayed out instead of coming here."


    Red snorted in response. "But you came, didn''t you? Don''t play dumb. You just wanted to see the face of the guy who did that to your grandfather, the phoenix.  I won''t stop you, you know? To be honest, it doesn''t change much whether you''re here or not. Don''t worry too much. Just do whatever you want. No one here will stop you, but we won''t save your ass either."


    On Rean''s side, it didn''t take too long to reach the place Kentucky mentioned. It''s just that the area didn''t seem to have anything out of the ordinary...if one considered any of this situation ordinary, of course. "Kentucky, where is it?"


    Kentucky then pointed at the ground as he said, "It''s right below us. I can feel a lot of Heaven-level ores and other metals there. They seem delicious."


    Rean ignored Kentucky''s last comment and used Earth Element to start excavating the ground. As mentioned several times in the past, everyone could use any element. It''s just that they were a lot worse with elements that were not part of their affinity.


    Fortunately, the ground itself wasn''t filled with the Underworld Energy, so it wasn''t hard to excavate. Kentucky also did the same, making the work move faster, actually.


    Suddenly, the ground crumbled, which took Rean and Kentucky by surprise as they fell down.


    *Crumble...*


    Rean and Kentucky then got themselves out of the debris when they noticed that they fell right in front of...someone. Or, to be more specific, a certain red-eyed being. The other party also looked at Rean and Kentucky with a weird expression, not expecting to see them in this place at all.


    That awkward moment lasted a few seconds until finally, Rean put a hand in front of his mouth as he spoke with an apologetic expression. "Ahem...we''re just passing by. Don''t mind us since we were just about to leave."


    The red-eyed being''s mouth could only twitch in response.

 Chapter 939 - There Is Something We Can Do

    Rean was finally able to see the appearance of their enemy. It had a humanoid body and dark skin that emanated the same Underworld Energy Roan talked about. It had a horn on its forehead while its ears were pointed. Last but not least, its hands were crimson red, just like the crimson claws that took the souls away when Stage Nine Demon Beasts died.


    "You!!!" The red-eyed being obviously woke up from his trance as it attacked Rean and Kentucky. However...


    *Bang!*


    Just as its red claw was about to hit Rean and Kentucky, it was stopped by something that looked like a glass barrier. Rean and Kentucky didn''t care about it, though. Rean quickly jumped on Kentucky''s back, trying to look around as fast as he could while Kentucky took off to escape through the hole they had created.


    "Wait just one damn second!" The red-eyed being didn''t give up, though.


    *Bang, bang, bang, bang...*


    It hit the barrier in front of it nonstop, trying to break it. Unfortunately, all his efforts seemed to be for nothing, as the barrier didn''t even budge. "Ahhhhhhhhhh! Don''t think you can escape this place. I''ll make you pay for my Soul Submission Orbs!" the being screamed as Rean and Kentucky flew away.


    Obviously, Roan, Frin, Duran, and everyone else heard the huge sounds coming from the place Rean and Kentucky went. "Let''s go!"


    At the halfway point, Rean''s group met up with Roan''s, with the latter asking, "What happened?"


    "Seems like I found our enemy. He isn''t close to the core. Instead, he''s down there in the hole Kentucky and I opened. However...he seems to be...locked down?" Only now did Rean stop and ponder over that situation.


    He then thought about the area they entered and began to explain, "While Kentucky and I excavated ground, it suddenly crumbled. Because of that, we fell inside what looked like a huge chamber. There was a thing that looked like a giant transparent tube, and that being with the same red claws and eyes we''ve seen before was inside. It tried to destroy the tube''s glass to attack me, but the tube seemed to hold it back."


    Rean continued, "That''s not all. Do you remember the points of energy that we believe to be the Stage Nine Demon Beasts'' souls? There were many of those all around the transparent tube. They were connected to the tube itself through some kind of red strings of energy. I don''t know what they serve for, though. I can''t tell if the tube is a prison or something the creature created for itself to use."


    Duran and Frin didn''t care too much about it. "Alright, you guys stay behind. Frin and I will go and try to finish things as fast as possible. After all, that thing will definitely call the other demon beasts back here." However...


    *Kaboom!!!*


    An enormous explosion of Underworld Energy suddenly came out from the place Rean and Kentucky visited. Shards of something that looked glass flew everywhere before a horned being came out of it with steady steps. It then looked at Rean''s group in front of it before saying, "I don''t know how you found this place, much less how you knew I was in this chamber. However, it was your misfortune to have forced me to break out of my healing container. I''ll take the souls of each one of you to create more Soul Submission Orbs. This time, it won''t be only demon beasts. I''ll take all the Zasfin souls as well!"


    Rean couldn''t help but ask, "Just what are you? Why are you doing all of this?"


    However...


    *Vup!*


    The creature disappeared in a flash of dark light, heading straight for Duran. Yes, it completely ignored Rean as it knew that Duran and Frin were the real experts of their side. It wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible.


    ''So fast!'' Duran thought, just in time to bring out something that looked like a green shell. That shell suddenly expanded at a frightening speed before the red-eyed being hit it head-on!


    *Boom!*


    Duran was still not able to hold the strength behind the impact and was sent flying together with that protection equipment of his. The red-eyed being didn''t waste time and darted right in his direction, using the chance Duran lost his balance to finish the job.


    ''Silver Moon Domain!''


    ''Silver Streak!''


    However, just as he was about to deliver the hit, Frin appeared by his side, using one of his strongest skills. The red-eyed being narrowed his eyes and immediately changed the direction of his attack, aiming at Frin instead.


    *Bang!*


    Rean''s group was also sent flying by the shockwave of the two attacks, showing just how big of a difference in cultivation they had.


    The attacks reached a stalemate for a moment. However, that stalemate only lasted a second before Frin was sent flying as well, just like Duran. Nevertheless, that was enough for Duran to recover himself and counterattack.


    ''Thunderstorm Domain!''


    ''Wrath of the Heavens!''


    Wind and Lightning Element spread everywhere as thousands of lightning bolts took form before attacking the red-eyed being. Duran knew that his Soul Severing Domain would be of little use against a creature that was obviously stronger in the matters of the soul. That being said, he changed it to his Lightning and Wind Element Domain. However, Duran was an oddity. It was very rare for anyone to ever create more than a single Domain. That just went to show why he was considered the strongest Zasfin after Fikin passed away.


    The red-eyed being was unfazed by Duran''s attack, though. It simply raised its hand, creating a shield with the Dark Energy coming from its body. The lightning bolts hit it, and then... disappeared. No, maybe it was better to say that they were wasted. Of course, Roan was the only one who understood what happened. However, he had no intention of helping Duran or Frin at the moment.


    Roan then quickly grabbed Rean and Kentucky before he ran away while speaking in a tone that only the two of them could hear, telling them, ''Duran and Frin won''t be able to win if things continue out like this. Come with me. There''s something we can do to help out.''

 Chapter 940 - Im Not Helping You

    Roan was right. Although it was hard to accompany the movement of those experts with his cultivation, he could at least tell after the first exchanges that Frin and Duran were already at their wits'' end. And that was considering they might have weakened the enemy with the destruction of the crimson spheres.


    Roan then jumped on Kentucky''s back while Rean activated his Light bending skill. In the next second, they disappeared from everyone''s vision. The red-eyed being didn''t care since some Nascent Soul Realm ants posed no risk for him. Now that they''ve stopped his recovery, he had enough time to stay outside to hunt them down later.


    Rean, obviously, asked soon after they began to fly in the direction Roan indicated, "And how exactly can we help them?"


    Roan pointed behind where the creature was fighting. "Although you guys can''t see it, I can. His power is not coming from his body alone. He''s being fed by something to keep his body stabilized. That capsule or whatever was holding him seems to have the same purpose other than healing him.."


    Rean and Kentucky were taken aback, asking, "Is it the Underworld Energy?"


    Roan nodded, responding, "Yes. From the looks of it, the energy is coming from that building with the core that Red talked about. I don''t know if it''s possible, but I believe he found some way of using that core to contain his own Underworld Energy if he needed it later. We know he has been here for a huge amount of time as well. That being said, I doubt it''ll run out anytime soon. Duran and Frin will be dead way before that."


    Rean and Kentucky nodded in response, with Rean asking soon after, "So you want to destroy the core, is correct?"


    "Yes," Roan confirmed. "That''s the only method I can think of. Besides, we have limited time. If that guy isn''t an idiot, he definitely called his Stage Nine Demon Beasts back. The only question is how long they''ll take to arrive from the closest crimson spheres."


    Rean narrowed his eyes in response as he could not help but say, "But that core is probably linked to the World Beast Formation. If we destroy it, the mission will fail."


    Roan didn''t seem to care. "The mission didn''t give a death penalty this time, so fuck it. I would rather guarantee my survival."


    Rean didn''t say anything else anymore as Kentucky flew back to the building Roan was opening the way to. Because he was already in the middle of the process when Rean found the creature, he was able to continue from where he stopped. It''s just that he didn''t care about being careful this time and blasted the Underworld Energy with his own Dark Element.


    The process only lasted a few seconds since all the power was focused on a small hole big enough for Rean and Roan to pass through. Kentucky, obviously, wouldn''t be able to follow them inside due to his size. "Stay out here and warn us if you see any demon beasts coming. However, if you recognize that you need to leave, don''t worry about us. We can manage."


    "On it!"


    Kentucky quickly activated Rean''s Light bending skill and made it so that the hole couldn''t be seen at all. Soon after, Rean and Roan rushed inside.


    "This is quite impressive..." Rean immediately noticed many formations stacked on top of each other, forming a synergistic connection. There were many, many runes that he had never seen before. Not only that, quite a few of them didn''t seem like something a Heaven-level Formation Master could do. Perhaps even the realm above Heaven-level would struggle to replicate it.


    "Stop admiring and help me find the core."


    [I know where it is. Now that we''re inside, I can feel it even more clearly. This building has five more levels below it, and the core is in the very last one.]


    Roan nodded. "That matches my perception of Underworld Energy as well. Down we go." Roan didn''t care if it would damage anything or not. Only the shell of the building was being protected by the red-eyed being''s Underworld Energy, so the ground wasn''t as hard to break as it looked in Frin and Duran''s hands.


    *Bang!*


    Rean felt some pity as he could see a few runes breaking apart. Still, he followed suit and did the same thing. After all, they didn''t have the time to look for the stairs down since they didn''t even know if they existed. A moment later, the ground was wide open as the twins jumped inside.


    The battle outside was reaching its climax as well. Frin and Duran joined together to fend off the creature. Thanks to the battles against the demon beasts at the crimson spheres, they were able to form a good level of cooperation. Nonetheless, Gulan and Red, who were watching from far away, could tell that those two were suffering quite a lot. "What to do? What to do? Rean, Roan, and Kentucky also disappeared all of a sudden."


    Gulan, however, didn''t seem to be afraid. Instead, he looked at the battle with a dark expression, saying, "Keep waiting. If there''s a chance for us to help, we can only give it a shot." Obviously, seeing the target of his revenge in front of him wouldn''t make him feel good.


    Red could only nod as he kept his concealment skill activated.


    *Creeee!*


    Suddenly, they heard the sound of demon beasts in the distance. As Gulan and Red turned their heads, the shadows of a few flying demon beasts appeared near Duran and Frin''s battlefield as fast as they could. "Sure enough, the flying ones are the first to arrive," Gulan said with a snort. After that, he left the range of Red''s concealment skill and rushed towards those demon beasts.


    Red was taken aback since Gulan was only a stage Six Blue Luan. Even if he goes all out, he would at most match an ordinary Stage Seven Demon Beast. "This crazy bird."


    Red said he wouldn''t save Gulan''s ass, but he still jumped on his back as Gulan charged to stop the demon beasts. Naturally, Gulan was surprised. "Why are you coming with me?"


    "Shut up! I''m not helping you. I''m only preventing them from reaching both Senior Duran and Frin. If those two die, then we''ll die as well."

 Chapter 941 - Whos The Best?

    Red wasn''t wrong about that. Usually, demon beasts at such a level wouldn''t be a problem for either Frin or Duran. However, in a battle where they were already at their limits, even a small tipping point would prove to be fatal.


    Fortunately for them, the demon beasts that stayed around the Blood Lake were the weak ones. Nevertheless, there were definitely demon beasts at Stage Five or Six leading them. There was even a Stage Seven Demon Beast that Gulan selected as his primary target, shouting, "It''s do or die!"


    "Hey guys, need some company?" Suddenly, a white and black bird appeared by their side.


    "Kentucky?!" Gulan and Red were surprised to see him.


    "Hahaha!" Kentucky laughed in response to their answer. "Seems like you really did. Don''t worry since the great Kentucky will lend you a hand in fending off the demon beasts." Kentucky was told to watch outside and only leave if he saw that it was necessary. Well, when he noticed Gulan and Red rushing alone at the demon beasts, he thought that his help would be a lot more useful there than protecting the hole. First of all, the number of demon beasts that could pass through such a tiny hole where a human was the limit was too small. At the very least, demon beasts at a level where they can bother Rean and Roan anyway.


    "Still, I thought you would attack that creepy guy straight away, Gulan. I''m happy to see that you know how to hold back," Kentucky could not help but say.


    "Hmph!" Gulan didn''t feel bad at all. "That guy is looking for an opening. Stopping these demon beasts is what he definitely doesn''t want to happen. Of course, if I see a chance where I can get back at him for what he did to grandfather, I won''t hesitate either."


    Red and Kentucky nodded. "That''s good enough for us."


    The three Divine Demon Beasts then threw themselves at the opponents, the flying demon beasts. Their fight for gaining time continued.


    The being saw how Gulan''s group stopped the low-level demon beasts from approaching and snorted, thinking to itself, ''Hmph! Delaying the inevitable.'' Nevertheless, his confidence was sky-high. If not because he didn''t want to use too much energy, he would have released all his power to get rid of everyone already. He could still use the remaining energy and their souls to make a few extra Soul Submission Orbs later. Or at least that was his plan anyway.


    Nonetheless, he noticed that the twins disappeared completely even though the black and white bird was back. ''Where did they go?'' Without Spiritual Sense, it was simply impossible to keep track of everything, so he still kept his guard up, just in case they had some trump card to use against him. After all, he saw how good their concealing abilities were. Unfortunately, Rean and Roan were nowhere near his battlefield against Duran and Frin.


    Inside the building where the core was, Rean and Roan broke through the fourth level. However, the level that led to the core was a lot more sturdy than they expected. Their attacks simply didn''t work against the ground. "What do we do? Should we simply attack all the formations in the area?"


    Rean shook his head, saying, "If I was the person who created this, I would definitely leave a backup plan. Doing that would simply alert the red-eyed being outside." Rean then looked around before smiling. "Don''t worry, I have a plan."


    Rean approached one of the controlling formations and took a few materials from his Spatial Ring. Soon after, he began to build a formation of his own above that formation. Seeing that, Roan couldn''t help but ask, "Why are you making a formation right now? We don''t have much time, you know?"


    Rean shook his head as he said in response, "If you want, you can go look for another entrance to the core room. I don''t think there''s any other entrance, though. If not, just stay silent and let me do my thing. It shouldn''t take long."


    Rean''s hands worked at great speeds as many runes, both normal and circuitry appeared above the main formation nonstop. Roan didn''t know anything about formations, so he couldn''t tell what Rean was trying to do. However, Sister Orb was different.


    [Oh! So that''s what you''re doing. That''s some ingenuity. Hahaha!] Sister Orb seemed quite confident in Rean''s work.


    Of course, that only made Roan more confused.


    Outside, the battle against the flying demon beasts continued while Frin and Duran did their best to fight their opponent. Escape was already not an option anymore, so they didn''t hold back. Frin used his Silver Fenrir Bloodline to increase his strength as Duran took out one treasure after another.


    *Roar!*


    Unfortunately, they heard a sound they didn''t want to. Kentucky''s group was already holding the flying demon beasts that were close. There was no way they could stop the newcomers, the land demon beasts, which were more plentiful.


    Duran and Frin weren''t from flying races, and neither was the red-eyed being. Their battle had been on the ground so far. If the intervention of flying demon beasts was bad, the land ones were several times worse. Duran and Frin even began to retreat as they fought, trying to gain more time before the inevitable.


    However, it was at this moment that a certain absent tree showed its presence. Many roots of several sizes began to sprout out of the ground and attach themselves to the demon beasts'' legs. Those demon beasts also didn''t have any sentience, so they only knew how to force their way through by contorting, biting, and so on. Unfortunately, Celis''s roots would only attach to them even harder the more they moved. Their actions had a completely different effect from what they were trying to do.


    "Celis!"


    Kentucky couldn''t help but call his name in happiness.


    "Hmph! Did you forget who I am?" Celis seemed rather confident.  "I knew from the start that the flying demon beasts were of the least concern. Just keep what you''re doing in the air, and I''ll hold these guys down." However, that was just a facade. In fact, Celis prepared for this exact moment since he entered this realm. Nevertheless, holding the demon beasts off was making him spend a huge amount of energy. He wouldn''t be able to do it for long either.


    Back inside the building with the core, Rean''s hands finally stopped moving as he could not help but say with a grin, "Hehe! Who''s the best?!"

 Chapter 942 - What Did They Do?

    As confused as ever, Roan finally asked again. "So, what will it do?"


    Rean then pulled Roan above the formation before he threw a few Spirit Stones into the spaces made for them in the formation. The formation then began to react with the original formation under it while Rean explained, "The World Beast Formation takes blood from demon beasts from over the entire world. Obviously, the blood can''t come here by land. The formation below us was part of the series of formations responsible for teleporting the blood once it was dragged from the demon beasts into the ground."


    Rean then looked at Roan with a smile as he asked, "So, where do you think the blood will pass first to make the World Beast Formation increase the demon beasts'' strength?"


    Roan understood what Rean meant, muttering, "Through the core..."


    Rean nodded. "Exactly. Thanks to the Spatial Circuitry Formation Runes, I was able to hack into the simpler spatial runes of the formation below us.. Now I''m using its teleport destination as the destination of my own. Obviously, it''s right inside the level below. The core''s level."


    As soon as Rean finished talking, the formation finished charging up with his Spirit Stones and flashed with a silver light as Rean and Roan disappeared. In the very next second, the twins reappeared on the floor below.


    "Look there!"


    Immediately, they found the core of the formation. It was transparent, so it was possible to see inside. Blood of demon beasts passed through it in a flash before more blood arrived right after. Rean and Roan already knew the destination of the blood, the Blood Lake.


    However, Roan was the first to notice some symbols on the core''s shell that he had never seen before. They shone with Underworld Energy nonstop. Not only that, at the very center of the core, a dark cloud floated. All the demon beast blood passed through it before they were sent to the Blood Lake. However, that dark cloud seemed to be losing strength as time passed. It''s just that it was too slow. At that rhythm, it would take at least a few hours before the dark cloud disappeared.


    Neither Rean nor Roan needed to think too much to understand that the dark cloud was the Underworld Energy stored by the red-eyed being. "So that''s where his energy is coming from. As I thought, coming here was the right choice. I just hope we arrived in time," Roan said as he took his White Star, ready to cut the core to pieces.


    However, Rean immediately put a hand in front of him to stop Roan. Obviously, Roan found it strange. To prevent the waste of more time, Roan used his Soul Connection with Rean to ask, ''What is it? Is there some sort of formation trap?''


    Rean shook his head as he told Roan, ''No. That guy wouldn''t be able to make a formation inside this place even if he wanted to. The balance of energy here is perfect, and any new formation would put everything in disarray.''


    ''Then, what are those symbols on the core? Aren''t they formation runes?''


    Rean shook his head, saying, ''I don''t know what they are, but they definitely aren''t runes. Most likely, they''re something from the underworld you talked about. They are full of Underworld Energy as well, aren''t they?''


    Roan nodded, saying, ''Yes. One more reason for us to destroy it straight away. Frin and Duran won''t hold for long if they haven''t died already.''


    Rean shook his head after that. ''There''s no need. Those symbols over the core aren''t runes. However, I can tell that they are very fragile, even more fragile than the runes. Just use your Dark Element the same way you did to stop the Underworld Energy from invading your soul. I believe you can destroy them without affecting the core.''


    Roan was surprised to hear that. Nevertheless, he immediately nodded and moved to the core. As Rean mentioned, the balance of formations in this place didn''t allow for more of them. Because of that, there were no defensive mechanisms in place. Rean believed that was the reason why entering the last level of this building was so hard. If not for the spatial cheat runes of the Circuitry Formations, he was sure they wouldn''t get here for a very, very long time.


    Roan''s hands touched the symbols and immediately felt them invading his body, especially his soul. However, as an ex-Death Spirit, he only snorted in front of that. The first time he fought against it was because he didn''t know it was, after all. Now that he knew, even a thousand times more of this energy would be useless if it wasn''t used to attack.


    In a second, Roan already drove the energy out of his body as his own Dark Element blasted against the symbols. The symbols then began to break apart one by one, eroded by the Dark Element''s power. In the end, Dark Element could destroy almost anything.


    Outside, Frin and Duran had already reached their limit and knew that they would die anytime soon. The opponent was simply too strong and seemed to have an infinite amount of energy. Kentucky, Gulan, and Red were no better. Celis was definitely the worst one out of them, as his human tree body seemed to have withered a thousand years.


    Eventually, the balance broke, and the demon beasts passed by their blockage. Frin and Duran tried to fight them back, but the red-eyed being injured them every time they spent a moment to deal with the demon beasts.


    *Bang!*


    *Arrghhhh!*


    Finally, Frin made a huge mistake and crashed against the ground. The red-eyed being also made sure that Duran wouldn''t arrive in time to help Frin either as he already moved to give the final strike...or so he tried.


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    Suddenly, the being''s body began to literally...break apart! "WHAT?!"


    At the same time, it felt its connection with the Underworld Energy it had stored in the core disappear completely. "Impossible!"


    That wasn''t all. As soon as his body began to break, all the demon beasts around started to contort in pain. It was then that the demon beasts'' bodies began to transform into specks of red lights, just like the ones Rean''s group had killed so far. Frin, Duran, Kentucky, Celis, and Red looked at that in dismay. Nevertheless, they could guess who made that happen. "What did those twins do this time?"

 Chapter 943 - Coming Out

    The red-eyed being immediately gave up on fighting as it hastily rushed back to the chamber it came from. At the same time, it seemed to have used some skill that sealed the Underworld Energy its body was using, preventing itself from leaking any more of the energy. Of course, it was just a stopgap solution. If one looked closer, one would be able to see that the being''s body was still breaking apart, albeit at a much slower pace.


    Frin and Duran looked at each other and nodded before both of them rushed in the being''s direction. With such a golden opportunity right in front of them, they wouldn''t let it pass that easily. Of course, the being''s retreat gave Frin enough time to recover. That was why he was able to follow the being with Duran after the amount of damage he received.


    The red-eyed being arrived back in the chamber as it used its power to assemble all the shattered glass it could see. From the looks of it, the being was already used to doing such a thing. Plus, it activated a formation it had prepared ahead of time, which blocked the chamber from the outside world.


    Eventually, a few of the souls that Rean saw floating in the chamber turned into energy that was sent into the glass container that the creature assembled.. Only then did the being''s body stop breaking apart and slowly recover.


    Of course, the being wasn''t the least bit happy about that. "Twenty Stage Nine Demon Beast Souls! Twenty! How many years did it take me to get this many? What happened to the core? Why did it suddenly stop sending me Underworld Energy? No one was supposed to enter that place!"


    *Boom, boom, boom...*


    Suddenly, the being heard the sounds of combat coming from outside. Obviously, it was Duran and Frin trying to break the protection the being put in place. "Hmph! Even if there were thirty experts at your level outside, they still wouldn''t be able to break into my chamber."


    The being was still fuming in anger, knowing that this was the result of Rean''s group. ''Then again, just how did they enter the floor where the core was? It should be impossible for anyone at the Transition Realm or below.'' Of course, since the creature only thought about the Transition Realm in his mind, he didn''t receive any punishment from the heavens.


    Unfortunately, he didn''t know about Rean''s abilities, eventually thinking to himself, ''Forget it. I need to recover my body first. Otherwise, I''ll have nowhere to go anymore.'' The being completely ignored the sounds of combat coming from outside as it focused on the Stage Nine Demon Beast Souls floating around it.


    Each time one of those souls disappeared, the creature felt pain in his heart, knowing that it shouldn''t have been used for this. ''Just how long will it take until I get more of them?'' That''s the only thing he could think of at the moment.


    Outside, Rean and Roan were still on the floor with the World Beast Formation''s core. After all, Rean only made a one-way entrance, not the other way around. "Do you think the guys are fine outside?"


    Roan nodded, saying, "They should be. From what I could see in that demon''s performance, his entire power was coming from this core. The same could be said for those demon beasts outside. At this point, they should have disappeared by now. Frin and Duran shouldn''t find it too hard to deal with it unless that demon decides to sacrifice everything to kill them. In other words, that means using his own reserves of Underworld Energy. If I were him, I would have retreated the moment we cut off his supply of Underworld Energy."


    Rean was surprised to hear that. "So, you''re really going to call that a demon?"


    Roan looked at Rean and said, "That''s the only thing I can think of anyway. I have never seen one in my past life. I''ve only heard of them through records. However, he does fit the descriptions. Perhaps the demons that don''t exist on the other side of the universe anymore stayed here when the universe was divided in two. Of course, this is just pure speculation."


    Rean agreed with Roan on that part, saying in response, "Well, if you think that''s the case, then it must be. Let''s leave it aside for now, though. We need to head out and check the situation."


    Suddenly, Sister Orb''s voice echoed in their minds, telling them, "Just head inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm and use the Circuitry Teleport Formation."


    The twins didn''t expect to hear that. "Shouldn''t it be blocked at the moment?"


    [It only blocks access to it when there''s danger. Roan said that the demon retreated while all the other demon beasts linked to this core disappeared. If that really is the case, there shouldn''t be any danger left, right?] Sister Orb explained.


    Rean and Roan had to admit Sister Orb''s reasoning made sense. "That''s true." Soon after...


    *Vup! Vup!*


    Rean and Roan disappeared from the floor with the core, appearing straight inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. At the instant they appeared, Rean could not help but say, "Well, guess it worked."


    "That means the system considers the actual situation in the formation building and the outside world to be completely safe," Roan added.


    Rean and Roan didn''t waste time and immediately stepped on the Circuitry Teleport Formation. Following that, they fed it a few Spirit Stones before ordering Sister Orb to teleport them above. As always, there was no way to choose where one would appear. Nevertheless, the twins simply used enough Spirit Stones to teleport in a specific direction. It wasn''t as precise as a real Teleport Formation, but that was enough.


    Outside, the twins appeared in mid-air and started to fall straight away. Well, they were both at the Nascent Soul Realm, so such a fall wouldn''t even scratch their bodies.


    *Bang, bang!*


    The twins fell on the floor before looking around, with Rean saying, "I can feel Kentucky. Let''s go after him. As for the World Beast Formation, we can head back to the floor with the core once we resolve things outside."


    Not too long after, Rean and Roan joined Kentucky, who seemed to be quite exhausted. Only then did they take Celis and the rest to head where Frin and Duran were.

 Chapter 944 - Overuse

    *Boom, boom, boom...*


    Rean and Roan could already hear the sounds of explosions coming from far ahead of them. Not too long after, they finally arrived where Frin and Duran were located.


    "Fuck me! This thing doesn''t even budge!" Duran cursed as he launched another attack.


    Frin, on the other hand, just gave up and laid on the ground, saying, "We aren''t at our peak to start with. We''ve accrued too many injuries, especially myself. Let''s sit down and recover first. We can start attacking it after Rean comes back to heal us."


    Duran couldn''t help but say in response, "Are you crazy?! What if the enemy uses that opportunity to recover from whatever happened to him? We''ll be fucked if that happens!"


    "Don''t worry, it won''t happen," Rean said as he approached the location with the others. "We''ve already destroyed his source of energy, so he won''t be able to get anything else anymore."


    Duran finally noticed the newcomers before processing the words Rean told them. "I see...but we can''t let him stay inside like that. I don''t think this energy source you talked about is the only way he can use to heal himself."


    Roan agreed with Duran, replying, "I know. Let Rean heal both your injuries first, though. Once the two of you are uninjured, I''ll open this formation."


    Frin found it strange, asking, "But how do you know how to open it?"


    "I don''t," Roan replied as he pointed at Rean. "He does."


    "I do?" Rean was taken aback to hear that. "How come I don''t know?"


    Roan glanced at him and asked, "Didn''t you just solve our problem back then with another formation?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head as he explained, "That thing was different. The first point is that the guy who built that formation probably never thought I could use the spatial runes like that. This protection formation is different, though. I''m not very familiar with its runes. I can only tell that it''s an energy barrier that can heal itself. Perhaps, the only way to open it is to use an attack with enough power capable of exceeding the threshold of its protection."


    Rean then looked at Roan and continued, "Naturally, your Dark Element would be useless since any damage caused by it would be healed much faster. Also, I doubt we could drain out the Spiritual Energy he has available for him by simply attacking the formation. Otherwise, he wouldn''t use this method to start with."


    Rean then sat beside Frin, who returned to his human form.


    ''Life Style, Second Form, Instant Recovery!''


    Frin, who was being healed, couldn''t help but ask, "Then, is there no other way to get inside? I don''t think Duran and I combined would be enough to launch an attack with enough strength to break the barrier."


    Duran agreed with Frin on that. "I think the same. Even though we aren''t at our peak performance at the moment, our attacks still carry a lot of power. Nevertheless, the barrier didn''t even budge."


    Rean pondered in silence for a bit before saying, "Perhaps...we can overcharge it."


    "Overcharge?" Naturally, everyone did not know of the term.


    Rean nodded and continued, "Yes. The things feeding this formation are definitely high-level Spirit Stones. I believe no less than Rank Seven Spirit Stones are being used. If we get a lot of them, I can try to redirect the energy to the barrier, making it store more energy than it usually needs. It should break on its own when it can''t control the energy anymore."


    Frin and Duran bitterly smiled after hearing the requirements. "Rank Seven Spirit Stones..."


    "I don''t think our Demon Beast Alliance has any of those. The highest level ones I''ve seen so far were Rank Six, and we had no more than ten or so of that," Frin explained.


    Duran also added his piece, saying, "If I''m not wrong, we have two Rank Seven Spirit Stones in the Soul Rulers headquarters, but that''s all."


    Rean quickly shook his head after hearing that. "Not even close to being enough."


    Frin and Duran couldn''t help but wonder after that, with Frin saying, "Then again, if this formation is being charged by Rank Seven Spirit Stones, where did this guy get them? Our planet almost has none of them."


    "Well, he most likely isn''t from our planet to start with." Kentucky pointed out.


    Indeed, neither Frin nor Duran thought this guy was from their planet.


    "On the other hand, if we can get inside, we can get ahold of Rank Seven Spirit Stones. That''s also a good thing, no?" Celis also thought about this possibility. After all, all he needed was more energy to cultivate.


    It was then that Gulan gave the group an idea. "Errr...you said that you wanted to overcharge it, right? Can''t we just drain the energy?"


    Rean was confused why Gulan would bring something up that he thought was unfeasible. "Didn''t I tell you that waiting for the energy to run out would be useless?"


    Gulan shook his head in response, clarifying himself, "That''s not what I meant. What I wanted to say is, can''t we use the formation''s energy to feed something else? For example, connect so many formations that would need that amount of Spiritual Energy. Something that Duran and Frin''s attack would pale in comparison. Surely there should be a limit as to how much energy that formation can offer, right?"


    Everyone looked at Gulan with a hint of surprise on their faces. Soon after, they looked back at Rean and asked, "Is it possible?"


    Rean had to admit that Gulan''s idea made sense. "I would need to give it a try. However, the materials necessary to build formations capable of using all that energy would be..."


    Roan shook his head and said, "Who says we need to build new formations? Don''t we already have a certain formation we need to activate? Surely that thing would need that amount of Spiritual Energy, no?"


    Everyone''s eyes lit up after that. "That''s right! The formation to open the portal to the Realm of Gods!"


    At the same time, Roan sent Rean a message through their Soul Connection, telling him, ''We can fully activate the World Beast Formation with it as well. Perhaps the World Beast Formation and the portal are part of the same thing.''


    Rean immediately nodded after hearing that. "Great idea, Gulan! If all I need is to transfer the Spiritual Energy, that will make things a lot easier."


    Rean immediately turned around and headed back to the building with the core. "All of you, leave one to watch over the chamber. The rest will tag along and help me."

 Chapter 945 - Blood Lake Stir

    Heading back to the main building, Rean brought everyone to the floor above where the core was. "Alright, wait here as I analyze the formations inside the floor with the core. Roan will tell you what to do when needed." After that, Rean entered the floor below once again.


    This time, things weren''t as simple as before. Rean had to spend an entire day analyzing the runes, with many of them being more or less unknown to him. He also asked Sister Orb to save the information of those runes for him to study them later. Eventually, Rean believed he recognized the feeding path of the World Beast Formation and began to instruct the others outside.


    Meanwhile, the demon was confused after seeing no change in his outside surroundings. ''Weird...it has already been two days since they last tried to attack my defensive formation.. Could it be that they gave up? Oh well, whatever. They probably noticed it was simply impossible to enter this place. You just wait. It''s impossible to leave this realm without my key. Once I recover and gather enough Underworld Energy, I''ll come back out once again. You won''t escape this time.''


    Little did he know, but many formations were being built outside the main building where the formation''s core was located. As Rean mentioned before, he couldn''t make formations inside the core room because of the balance. Fortunately, the formations and connections feeding the core with Spiritual Energy could also be found outside.


    On the fifth day, Rean and the others excavated the area above the demon''s chamber, exposing his protection formation a lot more. Following that, Rean began to connect the protecting formation with the multiple Energy Transfer Formations on several levels.


    Sure enough, a formation that could work over an entire planet had many different Spiritual Energy Gathering Formations and connections to the core. Each one of them could only feed a specific amount designated to them. That was also the reason why Rean took so long to identify each type, and he wasn''t entirely sure either.


    "Alright, let''s give it a try!" Rean said as he prepared to activate the formations. At the same time, Duran and Frin, who were already fully recovered, were ready to attack.


    Rean then activated everything when suddenly...


    *Boom, boom, boom...*


    Many of his formations exploded or were damaged.


    Seeing that, Rean could only sigh, muttering as he shrugged his shoulders, "Well...I already expected that things would work that easily." Rean knew that there were just too many runes in the Energy Gathering Formations that he didn''t know. That being said, failure was already part of his plan. "The good thing is that there are a few of them who worked fine, even if just for a second. That helps out a lot in figuring out what''s wrong already."


    Rean then turned to everyone before saying, "Alright, time to get back to work. Don''t think about the failures too much. I''m sure we will see it happen a few more times until I get all the levels right."


    Duran and the others nodded in response, knowing that Rean was right.


    The demon could still see through the glass container and the protection formation of his. He saw how Rean tried to work on his protection formation many times, just to see things eventually go wrong. However, the more he saw it happen, the more nervous he became. After all, he only had this formation to protect himself. ''You guys better not force me...''


    One month and thirteen days later...


    "That''s it! I refuse to believe that the levels of absorption and transfer are wrong this time. There''s only one passage that gets a little more Spiritual Energy than it should, so it must be fine now!" Rean exclaimed as Roan, Duran, Frin, and everyone else looked at him. Frin and Duran didn''t even take a combat stance anymore as they were fed up with it.


    "Yeah, yeah... just go ahead with it already. Maybe it works," Kentucky could not help but say, not believing in Rean''s words too much.


    "Hmph! If you think it won''t work, then why don''t you come here and make the formations yourselves?" Rean obviously felt annoyed with everyone''s attitudes.


    Roan, who couldn''t care less, simply hurried Rean up. "Stop wasting time and activate it. If it doesn''t work, you just need to keep trying."


    Rean nodded and immediately activated all the formations.


    *Bzzzzzz!*


    Everyone looked around, waiting for the explosions to happen when suddenly...nothing happened. Well, at least no explosion happened. Rean''s formations then began to shine as a huge amount of Spiritual Energy started to pass through them.


    All that Spiritual Energy was then divided accordingly through the various Energy Transfer Formations, each a specific amount. Frin and Duran''s eyes showed some interest as they immediately prepared themselves. After all, Rean''s formations hadn''t worked for this long before. "Could it be that it''s working now?"


    Back in the main building with the formation''s core, the core itself began to shine with intense white light. Spiritual Energy kept pouring into it from many different connections coming from outside, making the World Beast Formation gradually get fully activated again.


    *Rumble!*


    The ground trembled as the Blood Lake outside the area they were in began to converge above the island, where Rean''s group saw the demon beast souls entering.


    At the same time, inside the demon''s chamber, he saw his Rank Seven and even his Rank Eight Spirit Stones begin to lose their energy. His eyes widened in shock since he had hundreds of each of them. Then again, they looked nothing more than Rank 1 Spirit Stones that could be turned into dust in a few moments of cultivation to a being of his level. "How''s that possible?!"


    He then looked above and noticed the multiple formation runes attached to his protection formation. He wasn''t an idiot and could tell that those runes were responsible for absorbing all of the energy in his protection formation. If things continued out like that, it wouldn''t take more than an hour before he lost everything! The worst part was that he had no way to stop it from happening. "Damn you all!"


    At this point, Rean''s group couldn''t even hear the demon''s voice anymore. Instead, they were curious about what was happening on the island with the Blood Lake.

 Chapter 946 - Spatial Powers

    Rean looked at the chamber''s protection formation before looking at everyone, saying, "It''ll probably take some time until the protection formation runs out of energy. Just in case, both senior Duran and Frin should stay here in case it opens. The rest of us should check out what''s happening outside to the Blood Lake."


    Frin and Duran nodded in response, knowing that they were the only ones who could do anything against the demon. As for the rest, they quickly jumped on Kentucky and Gulan''s back before flying outside. They saw that the area of the Blood Lake was getting smaller as the blood kept moving to the lake''s center. Naturally, Rean''s group headed straight there.


    When they arrived at the island, they were taken aback. They could see countless souls escaping from the opening in the island''s center. They didn''t fly for much longer, though. After a few moments outside, they would dissipate completely.


    Roan, of course, recognized that phenomenon, thinking, ''Those souls can''t be saved anymore.. They are transforming into Soul Energy and are entering the underworld on their own. They have no need for a Death Spirit anymore.'' However, he kept it to himself.


    Rean''s group then left the souls aside and focused on the island itself. The demon beast blood continued to congregate at the center of the island, gathering at a single point above the highest point. There, the blood created a whirlpool that spun at breakneck speeds. It was hard to imagine how so much blood could be concentrated in that single point.


    However, Rean quickly noticed something, telling everyone else, "It''s not that the blood is concentrated there. Something in the center of that whirlpool is consuming the blood completely. As for what it is, I don''t know."


    Roan then looked at the blood around the island before saying, "At this rate, it''ll take no more than a few tens of minutes for all the demon beast blood to disappear. It really is gathering the blood at an insane speed."


    Kentucky couldn''t help but comment, "I can feel some connection to that whirlpool."


    Gulan, Celis, and Red nodded in agreement when they heard that. "The same for us. It''s as if the whirlpool is calling us."


    Rean and Roan couldn''t feel anything, though. "Well, this is the demon beasts'' Bestial Sacred Ground, after all. It should have this name for a reason."


    Roan then decided to leave the place. "We can come back later to see what happened. Let''s head back to where Duran and Frin are waiting."


    Everyone agreed with that, and they soon left the area.


    Back where the protection formation covering the demon was, Duran and Frin had a serious expression. They could already see the protection formation wavering as its energy was being absorbed nonstop. ''Any second now.''


    Rean''s group arrived not long after and could tell that the formation was on the verge of breaking apart because of the lack of Spiritual Energy.


    Duran then looked at Rean''s group before warning them, "You guys, stay further away from us. Don''t blame us if you''re caught in the aftermath of this battle."


    Rean and the others immediately nodded and created some distance. They saw how crazy the battle before was, where the shockwaves were enough to send them flying. They didn''t need to experience that again.


    However, just as the protection formation was about to run out of energy, Rean''s Energy Transfer Formations stopped working. "What?!"


    Everyone was taken aback, including the demon inside the chamber. Rean, on the other hand, understood what happened. "The Formation Core doesn''t need more Spiritual Energy. It has absorbed everything necessary."


    As soon as Rean said those words...


    *Pin!*


    [Congratulations, Hosts! You have fully activated the World Beast Formation.]


    [Mission Reward: 30000 Destiny Points]


    Obviously, that wasn''t Sister Orb talking. Instead, it was the system itself. ''Sure enough, that thing in the building was the real World Beast Formation.''


    The earth began to tremble even more. There''s no doubt that the Blood Lake and the Island were responsible for it. However, they didn''t have time for it now. That''s because they still had to deal with the demon first. "It''s fine! Start attacking the chamber''s protection formation."


    Everyone then looked at it and could see how frail the protection formation was. Without a doubt, the Spiritual Energy used by the World Beast Formation had almost siphoned all of the protection formation''s energy.


    "Good!" Duran didn''t waste time as he began to smash the formation with his skills.


    "On it!" Frin, obviously, did the same.


    *Boom, boom, boom...*


    *Rumble, rumble, rumble...*


    Sounds of explosions resounded out of the area as they attacked while the earth continued to tremble nonstop because of the World Beast Formation.


    The demon could only watch as his final Spirit Stones, which were almost devoid of energy, get shattered away.


    *Crack, crack, crack...*


    *Shatter!*


    As if a window was broken apart, the protection formation of the chamber disappeared. Duran and Frin didn''t waste time and entered it straight away...or so they tried to.


    *Boom!*


    Suddenly, an explosion came from inside the chamber itself, forcing Frin and Duran out once again. The demon once again came out! However, all the remaining Stage Nine Demon Beast Souls in his chamber were floating around his body. They provided the demon with the energy necessary to keep his body intact outside the glass container.


    "Good, good! You really forced this Demon Spirit to come out once again. Hahahaha! Look at what you''ve done! Countless years of effort for what? For me to simply die in the end. With the World Beast Formation back to normal, there''s no way I can take control over it anymore in my state. However, since I''m going down, I might as well bring you all with me."


    Soon after that, the power contained in the Stage Nine Demon Beast Souls began to rush into the demon nonstop.


    Duran and Frin couldn''t help but feel a chill on their backs as they saw this. ''Not good!''


    The two quickly rushed to where Rean''s group was and enveloped them with their Spiritual Energy. They shot into the distance right after, trying to stay as far as possible from the demon. Unfortunately, they couldn''t run for more than a few steps before their bodies were locked in place. Surprisingly, it was not just them, but everything around the demon ended up like that.


    Rean and Roan immediately recognized the power locking them down. ''Spatial Power! This demon can use spatial powers without a need for formations!''

 Chapter 947 - Enhancement!

    The demon hysterically laughed while walking in their direction as if nothing was happening. "Hahaha! Using my spatial power was something that placed a burden way too heavy on this frail body of mine. However, there''s no way to recover anymore without the World Beast Formation, so who cares? I told you! Since I''m going down, all of you will go down with me."


    Rean''s group couldn''t understand why the demon was dying, and it didn''t matter at the moment. All they wanted right now was to leave this place as fast as possible. From the looks of it, as long as they stayed away from the demon, it would die on its own. Unfortunately, the demon''s spatial power was just too strong! Not to mention the fact that no one in their group could do the same thing.


    Dark energy gathered around the demon''s hand. He even used a Stage Nine Demon Beast''s soul to fuel it, making sure that his attack would be devastating. On top of that, it looked like the spatial power was even more powerful inside that dark energy. After gathering enough power, he attacked!


    "Die!"


    ''Void Obliteration!''


    Rean''s group could only watch as the attack came in their direction. All of them couldn''t move a single muscle.


    It was then that Rean and Roan made a decision.


    ''Soul Gem System, activate Breaker of Bounds! Free us from that demon''s spatial power lock!''


    [Analyzing the situation...]


    [Simple spatial lockdown discovered!]


    [Matching the request level with the system''s capability...]


    [Request accepted!]


    [Breaker of Bounds, number of uses: 01]


    [Activating Breaker of Bounds!]


    Suddenly, the spatial power holding everyone down disappeared without a trace. No, that''s wasn''t entirely correct. The spatial lockdown was still there. It''s just that its power was completely useless against the twins and their group.


    Duran and Frin noticed how the power restricting them disappeared and didn''t waste any time. They were already holding everyone with their Spiritual Senses, so they simply stepped forward with all their might as they shot into the distance!


    *Boom!*


    The demon''s attack hit the area that Rean''s group was a fraction of a second ago, but he hit nothing more than the air. ''What?!''


    [Breaker of Bounds will be active for five minutes.] The system announced in the twins'' minds.


    As for the demon, it couldn''t believe its eyes! ''Impossible! There''s no way someone in the Transition Realm or below could get rid of my spatial lock. Their cultivation simply isn''t big enough to even feel what this kind of power is!''


    However, the fact was that Frin and Duran were running away. The demon tried to use his spatial lock a few more times, but it was as if some kind of barrier protected Rean and Roan''s group all the time. It didn''t let his spatial energy get close to them at all. ''Hmph! Even if I can''t use spatial power on you, let''s see if you can run away from me when I''m not holding anything back.''


    The demon immediately gave up restraining the twins'' group and used spatial power for his own movement.


    *Vup!*


    With a single step, it looked like the demon walked several hundred meters ahead. That only alarmed Frin and Duran, knowing that they were not a match for the guy in speed.


    Frin then gritted his teeth before saying, "Duran, get on my back and hold everyone with your Spiritual Energy. It seems I have no choice but to burn my bloodline." They stayed outside the demon''s chamber for over a month. Naturally, that was more than enough for Rean to help Frin recover his Silver Fenrir bloodline.


    Duran didn''t even need to think twice as he heard that. He immediately jumped on Frin''s back and held everyone tight to Frin''s body using his Spiritual Energy. Frin then started to burn his bloodline, which increased his power, and especially his speed, by a lot!


    "Hahaha! Just delaying the inevitable!" The demon didn''t seem too concerned, though. He released even more spatial power, which increased the burden on his body that was already breaking apart. Nonetheless, he didn''t care. He knew that it was impossible to save himself without the World Beast Formation''s core, so he wanted to get revenge before passing away.


    Even with Frin''s massive increase in speed, the demon still caught up to them quickly. The only reason the demon was behind was that it took too long for him to react when its spatial lock was brushed off. Otherwise, he would have caught up to Frin and the others already.


    Duran then stood up and began to use his own skills against the demon, trying to slow it down.


    ''Thunderstorm Domain!''


    ''Wrath of the Twister!''


    ''Arctic Gale!''


    ''Chaos Storm!''


    One skill after another came from Duran as they all headed for the demon behind. Sure enough, the demon had to use even more energy to move away from the attacks, which increased his problems. Nevertheless, he was still catching up with their group.


    The main problem was because they were still underground. One must remember that this area was found inside a cave on the north side of the Blood Lake. Although it was enormous, it wasn''t enough to escape flying.


    "Frin, as soon as you leave the cave, jump as high as you can," Roan said before he looked at Kentucky and Gulan. "Soon after, we will need you two to fly even higher. This Dimensional Realm doesn''t allow people to fly using Spiritual Energy. It obviously applies to the demon as well. Otherwise, he would be following us through that already."


    Duran and Frin''s eyes lit up after that. Indeed, Roan''s words made sense.


    "Leave it to us!"


    Frin was trying to balance his bloodline usage to the speed the demon was catching them. However, after hearing Roan''s words, he gave up conserving it and went all out. One could only see a flash of silver light streaking by as multiple Wind and Lightning skills were left behind by it.


    The demon narrowed his eyes in response, exclaiming soon after in seething rage, "You won''t escape!"


    Another Stage Nine Demon Beast Soul was then consumed, which increased the demon''s power and speed even more. However, it also increased the deterioration of his body.


    Rean snorted when he saw that, though. ''This isn''t our full speed, idiot!'' he could not help but think for a moment before he touched Frin''s body.


    ''Life Style, First Form, Enhancement!''

 Chapter 948 - The Door

    Rean also didn''t hold back as Light Element quickly burst out of his body! Frin could only feel the strength of his body increasing to a ridiculous degree, which excited the Silver Fenrir. Of course, there was also the pleasurable feeling of Light Element mixed in.


    *Howl!!!*


    Frin howled to the skies as his speed increased once again. The combination of him burning his Silver Fenrir bloodline, Duran delaying the demon through skill bombardment, and Rean''s all-out Enhancement finally made them a bit faster than the demon.


    "Impossible!" The demon, who was already using spatial power to move, couldn''t believe he was falling behind. Well, he only had himself to blame. That''s because his cultivation didn''t allow him to use much spatial power. Compared to the being that exploded Sunkan Planet, this demon wasn''t more than a step deep into the world of spatial energy.


    *Vup!*


    Suddenly, Frin stepped out of the cave before he used all his might to jump high into the skies. At the same time, Duran changed the target of his skills and aimed at the cave walls themselves.. In the very next moment, the cave entrance was sealed.


    The skies of this Dimensional Realm obviously had a limit, but it was more than enough for their group''s purpose.


    Kentucky and Gulan looked at each other and nodded. Once the speed at which they were ascending matched their own ascending speed as Divine Demon Birds, those two would take the job of going further. That moment didn''t take long to arrive either. Frin immediately changed into his human form before he landed on Kentucky''s back. The others also did the same with Kentucky or Gulan.


    *Creeeee!*


    The two Divine Demon Birds cried to the skies as they used all the strength of their muscles and Spiritual Energy to flap their wings. Of course, Rean changed the target of his Enhancement skill to the two Divine Birds instead, increasing their speed even more.


    Though it all took some time to explain, no more than a few seconds passed since Frin exited the cave.


    *Bang!*


    The demon smashed the rubble at the entrance with his spatial power, Spiritual Energy, and Underworld Energy. Duran''s attempt wasn''t able to hold the demon back for more than a couple of seconds. Nevertheless, that was enough for Kentucky and Gulan to fly even higher.


    Since there was no such thing as Spiritual Sense in this realm, the demon took two or more so seconds to notice in which direction Rean''s group had escaped. Well, there was also the fact that a lot of dust was around the cave entrance, which blinded his vision.


    The demon then used all his strength to jump in the direction where Kentucky and Gulan headed. Unfortunately for him, Frin was using his bloodline and Rean''s Enhancement skill when he jumped, so they weren''t much worse than the demon''s jump itself.


    Underworld Energy and Spiritual Energy gathered around the demon''s hands when he reached the highest point. He wouldn''t go down without trying at the very least.


    However, it was at this moment that the image of Kentucky and Gulan suddenly disappeared completely.


    ''Light Bending!''


    Sure enough, Rean, Roan, and Kentucky activated their concealment skill, making it impossible to find them with naked eyes. They couldn''t do that back in the cave since the demon would still see their steps. But in mid-air, and especially at a distance they were separated, there was no way for the demon to find their location. "Fuck!"


    Nevertheless, he aimed his skill at the last point where he saw the twins'' group and released his most powerful attack.


    ''Death Bringer!''


    A huge amount of Underworld Energy and Spiritual Power swept everything in its way, even space and air, destroying everything in a single direction.


    Unfortunately for him, if it was Underworld Energy, Roan could feel its presence. Just as the demon was about to release his attack, Roan ordered Gulan and Kentucky to change direction instead of continuing to ascend. The demon couldn''t see them anyway, so that was the best choice.


    *Vuaaaaa!*


    The demon''s attack brushed past Kentucky and Gulan, who were still affected by the remaining Underworld Energy at the fringes of that attack. Rean and Roan acted quickly. Roan got rid of the Underworld Energy in their bodies as Rean healed any damage caused by it. All of that happened while still keeping his Light bending skill active.


    The demon then began to fall from the skies since it couldn''t keep itself afloat. At the same time, his body began to break apart as he used his last Stage Nine Demon Beast Soul to power his previous attack. ''Why did I have to be greedy? If I had just waited for the souls to come as always, I would eventually break the seal keeping me in this realm. But when I saw so many Divine Demon Beasts trying to enter the Bestial Sacred Ground, I simply couldn''t hold myself back and activated my trap at the entrance. I''m such an idiot...''


    The demon''s body then began to disappear into specks of red light, only leaving behind some kind of ethereal dark energy. Rean''s group didn''t need to think much to understand that it was the demon''s soul. "Should we head down and take it?"


    Gulan narrowed his eyes before he shook his body. Soon after, he went after that soul and said, "Sorry, everyone. But I just can''t let that guy survive. I''ll destroy his soul even if it means going down with it."


    Everyone quickly looked at each other and just sighed. Gulan''s grandfather died because of the demon, so they could understand Gulan''s motives.


    However, just as Gulan was about to reach that dark soul, something unbelievable happened.


    *Crack...crack...crack...*


    *Creeeek...*


    Space itself cracked apart, showing some kind of dark door behind it. Rean and Roan recognized that door instantly.


    ''Isn''t that the same door you used in the past?'' Rean asked.


    Roan nodded as he said, ''Indeed. However, that one is a little different. That door won''t send you to the reincarnation path. Instead, that one sends you to the Underworld.''

 Chapter 949 - Stronger Being

    Just as Gulan was about to get closer, he felt some kind of barrier stopping him as the arched door opened. From inside, a huge skeletal hand that emanated a bit of gray smoke came out. The soul of the demon seemed to have felt its nemesis as it immediately tried to run away. Unfortunately, the barrier didn''t only stop Gulan from getting close. It also prevented the soul from running away.


    The skeletal hand that stretched out grabbed the dark soul that tried to run away. At the same time, a voice came from behind the door, muttering, "Amatuces fuiotumaked sotules...rukiqdel portriad mu nitalas! Hehe!" No one understood what it meant, obviously meaning that it was a different language. Nevertheless, the dark soul seemed to understand its meaning as it struggled much more, trying to leave this place. Then again, it was all for naught as the skeletal hand dragged the soul inside.


    Once the dark soul disappeared inside the dark door, a red eye appeared as it looked at everyone in that place.. It glanced at every single member of Rean''s group until suddenly, it stopped at Roan. For a moment, the eye narrowed as if it saw something it didn''t expect.


    Roan also didn''t look very well as he paid attention to that eye. However, that event only lasted for a few seconds before the eye disappeared within the dark door. As for the door itself, it closed completely before disappearing. The space around it also repaired itself until it looked as if nothing had happened at all.


    Rean''s group sighed in relief after the door disappeared. They all felt like they were nothing but ants in front of that thing. If it wished to, they would all be dead now...or so they thought.


    Rean then glanced at Roan before asking through their Soul Connection, ''Did you understand what it said?''


    Roan slightly nodded, replying, ''It seems like the owner of that skeletal hand had something against that demon. It said, ''I told you I would find you eventually, didn''t I? Hehe!''''''


    Rean was surprised that Roan actually understood it. ''So, you understand the language used in the Underworld.''


    ''More or less,'' Roan told Rean in response. ''It''s very similar to the language used in the Underworld of our half of the universe, but not entirely identical.''


    Rean pondered in silence for a bit before asking, ''Why didn''t you try to rush inside? You''ve always wanted to head back to the Underworld until now, didn''t you?''


    Roan shook his head as he explained, ''I don''t have a connection to the Underworld of this half of the universe. If I tried to enter the door, that skeletal hand would probably kill me. Even if I could pass through, the Underworld Energy would kill me since I''m in a living body. At the very least, that''s what I believe would happen since I''m not too sure how this half of this universe''s Underworld works.''


    Of course, the conversation only lasted a second through their soul connection. Nevertheless, Duran couldn''t help but ask as he looked at Roan, "Roan, why did that eye pay attention to you for so long?"


    Roan shrugged his shoulders as he came up with an excuse, saying, "I''m pretty sure it''s because of my Dark Element. You do remember that I can use it to feel this different energy in this dimensional realm, right? Perhaps that eye noticed that. Dark Element Affinity isn''t something you see every day, after all. If that''s not the case, then I have no idea. I''m just grateful that terrifying thing went away."


    Gulan finally recovered from the fear of the skeletal hand and felt somewhat glum as he muttered, "In the end, that red-eyed being had a way to escape. I couldn''t destroy its soul."


    Roan wanted to say that he shouldn''t worry. He also wanted to say that the skeletal hand definitely wouldn''t give that demon''s soul a good time. Unfortunately, that would also mean that Roan knew the language spoken by one who had the skeletal hand. He obviously wouldn''t do that.


    Rean then looked at Duran and Frin, asking, "Seniors, can you feel anything else after that door closed? I don''t want to become a target of that thing."


    Duran and Frin shook their heads as one of them replied, "We don''t know. Even at our level, we couldn''t perceive that thing''s presence until it appeared in front of our eyes. Besides, don''t forget that we can''t use Spiritual Sense."


    Rean nodded in response. "I see...if even seniors can''t feel anything, then let alone the rest of us." Rean then looked in the Blood Lake''s direction before saying, "Anyways, let''s take a look at the island where the blood is gathering. Now that the formation is active, something might have happened there."


    Frin and Duran''s eyes lit up in response, thinking that perhaps the portal to the Realm of Gods was now open. If that was the case, then all these problems they went through would be worth it.


    "Wait just one minute." Celis stopped them. "Let''s take a look in the red-eyed being''s chamber. After all, we still don''t know the way out of this dimensional realm. It''s better to guarantee our way out before anything else."


    No one was against Celis''s idea as Kentucky and Gulan brought everyone inside the cave, eventually arriving at the ruins once again. Not too long after, they arrived where the demon escaped from.


    "No wonder Kentucky felt the presence of Heaven-level materials in large quantities. Almost everything in this place was made using such rare materials." Rean was truly surprised by the view as he immediately started to collect them. After all, Heaven-level materials were very valuable, even if he already had a lot of them.


    The rest of the group also started to collect their own spoils, not minding sharing them with the rest.


    The only exception was Roan, who looked at a certain location of the chamber and approached it. The Underworld Energy was protecting something inside a barrier, which he wanted to check. He touched it with his hand and used his Dark Element to get rid of it. After some time, a bunch of dark jade slips appeared in front of him, prompting him to look at the others and say, "Guys, I think we can get a few answers here."


    Naturally, everyone''s attention was piqued by Roan''s words as they looked at the dark jade slips.

 Chapter 950 - It Has To Be, Right?

    Roan grabbed the dark jade slips together with the others. Unfortunately, it was impossible to read what was inside since they couldn''t use Spiritual Sense at the moment. "Let''s bring them with us and check out once we leave this place," Roan suggested.


    Kentucky also found something else in there. "Hey, doesn''t this thing look like the rocks senior Phex used his blood on to open the Bestial Sacred Ground?"


    Sure enough, all of them focused their attention on the rock after that. "It does seem like that one. Could this be the exit of this dimensional realm?"


    Rean then pointed out, saying, "Well, the area behind the rock does have the shape of the doors we opened outside."


    Rean then looked at Kentucky for a moment, suggesting, "Use a little of your Divine Demon Beast blood on it, Kentucky."


    Kentucky nodded and immediately used his blade-like feathers to make a small cut on his wing. Blood rushed out with the help of his Spiritual Energy, falling above the rock.


    *Bzzzzz!*


    It was then that the Dimensional Realm''s energy began to gather behind the rock as it absorbed Kentucky''s blood. Not too long after, that energy expanded, opening what looked like a tunnel.


    "This..." Everyone recognized the other side.


    "Isn''t that the area we stopped right before the last barrier to the Bestial Sacred Ground?" Celis asked for a moment.


    Frin nodded in response, answering, "The one and the same. I''ve passed there quite a few times, after all. There''s no mistaking it."


    "So, this is some kind of spatial door that connects this dimensional realm to the outside world, huh?" Rean then looked at everyone, asking, "Do you guys wish to leave first? Or should we continue the exploration?"


    Frin and Duran didn''t need to think twice. "Continue the exploration. We came here for the portal to the Realm of Gods, and we won''t leave before confirming if it really exists or not."


    Everyone agreed with him as they turned around to leave the chamber. Of course, not before they cleaned the area of all the things they thought to be valuable, though. The only sad thing was that it didn''t seem to have any kind of equipment there. Only the materials used to create the glass container were available. The demon had also used the Stage Nine Demon Beast Souls he had accumulated, so they were also gone now.


    After that, they took a ride on Kentucky and Gulan and made their way to the island on the Blood Lake. The impressive thing was that the Blood Lake was almost empty as they passed over it. Only the crimson ground underneath could be seen at this moment.


    Only when they got close to the island in the center did they see the small amount of demon beast blood remaining. In any case, the whirlpool consuming the blood above the island continued to spin. It wouldn''t take more than a minute or so before all the blood disappeared completely.


    "Kentucky, Gulan, stay further away. We don''t know what might happen once the blood is gone." As Roan said that, Kentucky and Gulan nodded as they ascended even higher into the skies.


    They watched it attentively, waiting for the process to be over. Eventually, the last drops of blood vanished from the Blood Lake as the whirlpool of blood also disappeared. Only the dot of energy at the very center of the now dry whirlpool remained.


    Rean''s group looked at it, waiting to see if something would happen. However, the dot of energy stayed still in that position, doing nothing. They waited for several minutes and were almost losing their patience when suddenly, the sky above shone with a red light, a lot brighter than it had so far. No, to be more specific, it was the centermost star of that dimensional realm that shone.


    Following that, the star shot a ray of red light that hit the energy point on the island''s center. By now, all the souls that were trapped had already disappeared, so the dot of energy was the only thing remaining.


    Rean''s group looked at that attentively, waiting to see what would happen. Finally, the dot of red energy seemed to meet its own requirements...


    *Boom!*


    A huge explosion of Spiritual Energy swept everything around, completely obliterating the island in the center of the now gone Blood Lake. Duran and Frin immediately used their Spiritual Energy to create a barrier in front of everyone. Surprisingly, even with their high cultivation, they were sent flying by the power of the explosion.


    It wouldn''t be before several kilometers before Kentucky and Gulan finally stabilized themselves in the air. "Holy shit! If Roan didn''t tell us to stay far away from that thing, we would be history now."


    Duran and Frin ignored that as they looked at the area of the explosion. "Look! What''s that?!"


    Little by little, the point of red energy began to expand as a huge amount of Spiritual Energy rushed into it. The Spiritual Energy wasn''t coming from the dimensional realm alone. Instead, the dimensional realm was also gathering Spiritual Energy from the outside world to fuel that thing. The rest of the red stars in the sky, or the dimensional realm''s ceiling, to be more exact, seemed to act as a connection to the outside world, allowing it to happen.


    That thing then began to take the shape of a huge ring. As for what was inside, they couldn''t tell since it all looked like a storm of silver clouds. No, to be more specific, it looked like a tunnel, and its walls were made of those silver clouds.


    "Could that be..." Duran couldn''t help but feel a little excited as he asked.


    Frin immediately nodded, muttering in awe, "It has to be, right?"


    Obviously, they thought it was the so-called portal to the Realm of Gods. It''s just that they had no guarantee of it.


    *Pin!*


    [Congratulations, Hosts! Due to the full activation of the World Beast Formation, the portal to the Realm of Gods of the Demon Beast Race is now open.]


    Rean and Roan looked at each other. ''So, that really is the portal, huh?''

 Chapter 951 - Stay Or Go

    [Hosts must be aware. Due to the damage caused by the demon from the Underworld, the portal is unstable. Well, to be more specific, the formations keeping it open are.]


    Rean knew that. After all, not only did he and Roan break a few formations while heading to the floor with the core, Rean also noticed a lot of damaged formations along the way. He did his best to repair them. Unfortunately, there were way too many runes that he didn''t know the purpose of or how to fix said runes. ''Well, I''m already surprised that the formation activated to start with,'' Rean thought for a moment.


    The system continued, [After initial analysis by surpassing the user''s limitation, the system predicts that the portal''s formations will break apart in 1176 hours. The margin of error is expected to be plus-minus 30 hours. Once that happens, the World Beast Formation will only be able to keep its initial purpose of strengthening the demon beasts of the planet.]


    [Hosts must decide whether to use it or find another way to enter the Realm of Gods in the future if the users ever so wish. The system can''t predict any possible shortcuts like the World Beast Formation that the users can use in the future. As for the system limitations, they are based on the users'' level. However, these limitations can''t be broken even at the Transition Realm. The hosts will have to rely on their own power to break the barrier between the Realm of Mortals and the Realm of Gods if they want to leave later.]


    ''Limitations?'' Rean pondered over it for a bit before telling Roan, ''The limitation the system talked about is probably things like the teleportation to this planet back in Sunkan.''


    Roan agreed with Rean, saying, ''Indeed. However, we don''t have the authority to demand the system to ignore the limitations. It can only select by itself whether it needs to break the limitations imposed on us because of our level or not. Also, if the system does so, it will be inactive for years again.''


    The system didn''t say anything else after that. However, Sister Orb could now tell them a lot more than she was allowed before, so she began to explain. [Let me be honest here and say that you should go. However, you must understand that your actual power will be extremely weak in the Realm of Gods. Even Transition Realm and Stage Nine Demon Beasts are nothing to brag about. Just so you know, babies are already born in the Foundation Establishment Realm with perfect foundations. The higher quality energy of the Realm of Gods also makes it a lot easier to find one''s path, so it isn''t too hard to see people around their 40 or 50s in the Soul Transformation Realm. It''s extremely rare to see teenagers in the Core Formation Realm here in the Realm of Mortals. However, up there, it''s a very common thing.]


    Rean and Roan narrowed their eyes after that. They remember very well how Droman took centuries to find his path, which was all based on pure luck. People like Mia, the Dalamu Sect Leader, were one in a million or maybe even more.


    Sister Orb then continued, [Of course, you can also choose to stay here and slowly cultivate all the way to the Transition Realm.] One must remember that Sister Orb was inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, so she wasn''t affected by the heavens when she talked about the Transition Realm. [Although it''s hard, it''s possible to use the Transition Realm''s power to break the barrier between realms and enter the Realm of Gods through this method. On the other hand, the speed at which you''ll cultivate won''t even be a tenth of what you can do up there.]


    Rean and Roan understood after Sister Orb was done talking. There were more dangers up there, but the rewards were plentiful as well.


    Duran began to approach the portal, thinking whether he should enter it or not. However, Rean called his attention, saying, "It''s still too early for you to enter it."


    Duran immediately looked back at Rean and asked, "Why?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "I know more about the formation keeping this portal open than anyone else. It should still work for another 40 to 50 days." Of course, Rean simply used the system''s numbers to say that. "Shouldn''t you and Frin use this chance to go out and explain everything that happened in this realm? Don''t forget that all the conflict and enmity between Zasfins and demon beasts happened because of the red-eyed being. Of course, it won''t prevent wars from happening in the future, but both sides deserve to know the truth. It''s just that the Zasfins won''t believe it if it doesn''t come from your mouth. Sure, you can spare that little bit of time to spread the word, right?"


    Duran narrowed his eyes after that, responding with a question, "And what stops you from closing the portal to prevent me from leaving?"


    Rean laughed out loud in response. "Hahaha! We would need to be true idiots to do such a thing. The only one who can fight you head-on is Senior Frin. If he leaves you here alone, doesn''t that mean you can enslave all the other races on your own? That will be the end of the demon beast and human Races."


    Frin agreed with Rean, saying, "Not only will I not enter it alone, but I''ll also make sure you will enter with me at the same time to prevent exactly that. You should do the same in my case."


    Duran had to admit Rean''s words made sense. "Very well. Let''s go out, then."


    After that, their group returned to the chamber where the demon lived and used Divine Demon Beast blood to open the portal. They also made sure that they could come back anytime they wanted. They simply took the rock that could open the portal outside. That was the key to enter, after all.


    Outside, their group sighed as they looked behind. "It''s finally over, huh?"


    Roan shook his head as he brought the dark jade slips out of his spatial ring. "Not yet. It''s time to check these things. After all, we can finally use Spiritual Sense again."

 Chapter 952 - Diary

    They all wanted answers. Who or what was that being? Why was it in the Bestial Sacred Ground? What did it have to do with the Realm of Gods? However...


    "I can''t understand shit!" Duran exclaimed as soon as the content filled his mind.


    Frin, Red, Kentucky, Celis, Rean, and Gulan were in the same boat as him. "It''s probably the same language that the owner of that skeletal hand used."


    Of course, one person did understand the content inside the dark jade slips. Naturally, it was Roan. It''s just that he didn''t let anyone other than Rean know that he could understand such a thing.


    Rean then glanced at Roan for a moment before he talked through their Soul Connection, saying, ''Can you understand the things written inside these jade slips?''


    Roan confirmed as he replied, ''Yes. I''ll use our Soul Connection to share my knowledge of the Underworld''s language, don''t block it.''


    Rean and Roan could share memories as much as they wanted as long as both sides agreed with it. Thanks to that, Rean received the entire extent of Roan''s knowledge regarding the Underworld tongue. Of course, it was one thing for them to share memories. It was another to learn them. Rean would need quite some time before he could organize everything for his own use.


    Roan knew that but ignored that point. Instead, he made sure to memorize the entire contents of the dark jade slips first before everyone gave up on checking them.


    Eventually, Frin lost his patience and said, "Alright, I''m done trying. Demon beasts aren''t good at translating things to start with, let alone the fact that none of us know what kind of language it is. If you want, you can have the jade slips. I have no use for them."


    Duran narrowed his eyes before he took out a few jade slips of his own. He quickly made a copy of everything inside before giving up on the dark jade slips as well. "I''m done as well. Perhaps I can find out what they mean in the future. But for now, I''m sure that our Zasfin race doesn''t have any language nearly close to what is used here."


    Rean nodded in agreement after the two of them, saying, "The same goes for us. I guess the things inside these jade slips will have to wait for another time." Of course, Roan knew what was inside, but he wouldn''t talk about it right now. "As far as we know, there might not be anything of much importance inside to start with."


    In the end, their group decided to leave things at that and separate. They agreed to meet a few days later to discuss what they found in the Bestial Sacred Ground.


    Back in the Freedom Sect, Roan finally began to talk with Rean, Celis, and Kentucky about the contents of the jade slips. Well, Rean had been studying Roan''s memories of the language since then, so he could finally understand a bit of it. "Basically, what we have here is just a diary."


    "Diary?" Naturally, everyone was interested. "What does it talk about?"


    Roan then began to explain what was written...


    It started back in the time when the demon beasts and Zasfins weren''t exactly on bad terms. They weren''t friends either, but it definitely wasn''t to the point they were at right now. It was at that very time the demon arrived on this planet.


    In the jade slips, it didn''t explain it very well. All it said was that this demon had offended someone he shouldn''t in the Underworld, having to escape to the Realm of Mortals because of that. Naturally, he ended up coming to this planet.


    However, demons shouldn''t exist in the Realm of Mortals as they would prejudice the balance of the system. Roan understood this part as he also couldn''t stay in the Realm of Mortals for too long back when he was a Death Spirit. He had to visit the Underworld frequently before returning to continue his jobs.


    "The jade slip says that the demon knew his presence had been felt by the Realm of Gods. It wouldn''t be long before someone from there arrived on this planet to investigate. That being said, he began to look for ways to traverse to the Realm of Gods and vice versa. And that''s how he found about the Zasfins and the demon beasts'' portals to the Realm of Gods," Roan explained.


    The demon was successful in destroying the Zasfins'' portal before any god came down. However, he failed to stop an expert from the demon beasts'' side from arriving here. The demon wasn''t exactly a powerful one. Well, at least not when one compared his strength to the experts of the Realm of Gods or the Underworld. If one compared him to the level of the strongest experts of the Realm of Mortals, then he was obviously far above any of them.


    Roan also came to understand that the power the demon showed before dying was far from his peak state. Sure enough, the jade slips proved that the demon was using the souls of demon beasts to recover. That''s because the World Beast Formation never had a need for demon beast souls to start with. That was something the demon added later.


    "He used the souls to recover?" Rean focused on that part. "In the end, he was injured before reaching the Realm of Mortals, or was it the experts from the demon beast side that caused him that damage?"


    "It was both. The fact was that the demon was stronger than the expert from the Realm of Gods Duran talked about. However, he was injured in his escapade, which allowed the expert to have a better chance when he fought against the demon. Unfortunately for the expert, the demon was still stronger, so he had to flee."


    Of course, the jade slips didn''t mention what happened to the expert from the Realm of Gods since the demon didn''t know where he went. All the demon knew was that he left lasting damage that would definitely kill that expert eventually. In the end, that''s exactly what happened, and the expert from Realm of Gods died without being able to return home. Later, Duran and Fikin found the expert''s final resting place, as Duran explained before.

 Chapter 953 - Take Part In It

    Roan then explained what happened after the expert of the Realm of Gods escaped. "The demon''s body lost the capability to maintain stability after receiving injuries from his escapade from the Underworld and the expert from the Realm of Gods. If he wanted to recover, he would need to go back to the Underworld, which you obviously know by now that he wouldn''t dare to."


    Celis understood what Roan meant. "With that being said, he used the second method available for him, taking high-level souls to recover while staying in the Realm of Mortals."


    Roan nodded as he continued where Celis left off. "Exactly. Another point that I found out was that I was right about the type of beings that exist in the Underworld. Back on the other half of the universe, there were only Death Spirits. However, things are different here. From the looks of it, the type of demon this guy was could only absorb demon beast souls. That''s why humans would die to his Soul Submission Orbs while demon beasts would be captured and controlled. He had no need for human souls.."


    Roan continued, "Anyway, after the battle with the expert from the Realm of Gods, he closed the demon beasts'' portal as well. After that, he started his plan to capture souls. However, because of his level, even Stage Nine Demon Beast Souls were far enough for him to recover. His only choice was to make up for it with quantity. You could say that he didn''t destroy the World Beast Formation completely only because he needed it."


    Rean couldn''t help but ask after that, "What about that chamber of his? Was that the thing that prevented his body from breaking apart?"


    "Yes." Roan nodded in response. "Inside that glass container, he could emulate the environment of the Underworld. Of course, it wasn''t real, so it only stopped his body from breaking apart. It didn''t have the power to recover it. He needed the souls for that."


    "That''s when he modified the World Beast Formation to also collect the demon beast souls once they died. The World Beast Formation had no use for souls, only the blood to connect to the Realm of Gods using the demon beasts'' method," Rean added.


    Things continued normally until the day the demon found out that several Divine Demon Beasts were now present at the same time on the planet. For him, even low-level Divine Demon Beast souls were much more valuable than common demon beast souls. He could have waited longer to gather more souls normally. However, he was overconfident about the power of his Soul Submission Orbs. He thought he could gather enough souls to completely recover from his injuries in a single go.


    "The rest of the story you already know," Roan said sometime later. "The jade slips also mention when he gave the Zasfins the methods to gather the souls of the humans to create Bloodline Marks. Of course, you already know that and what happened because of it. There were a few more details, but nothing much that really matters to us."


    Celis couldn''t help but sigh once Roan was done talking. "In the end, we were just unlucky enough to get involved in all this bullshit."


    Roan didn''t seem to care, though. "Alright, that''s enough for now. You guys also got some materials from his chamber, right? Just consider it your war spoils. Well, we still need to call Malo and the others to tell them about it."


    Later that day, Rean and Roan summoned all the important members of the sect. Following that, Rean gave them an explanation regarding the events that happened in the Bestial Sacred Ground. He told them how the Zasfins got the method to create Bloodline Marks, how it brought the slavery of humans and the war against the demon beasts in the past. Simply put, they explained how everyone played on the demon''s hands.


    Rean also made sure to spread the news through the communication system. That cast some light on the reason humans had become slaves to start with. The part of the Zasfin territories that received Rean''s news was shocked to hear about that. Of course, at first, they thought that to be some trick the humans were using to cause problems to the Zasfins.


    Unfortunately, it didn''t take long before the Soul Rulers'' organization used its power to have all their territories hear about the same thing. Obviously, Duran had gone back and explained the entire situation to them as well. Since even the Soul Rulers had backed up the story, it was most likely true. After all, what would be the point in confirming that they were being played by someone else?


    The same thing happened in the demon beast territories. Frin told his subordinates to spread the news and that he was the last Stage Nine Demon Beast alive. Nevertheless, they shouldn''t worry since the Zasfins only had one last Zasfin at the same level as him. Of course, whether the demon beasts or the Zasfins really only had them as the remaining being at that level was something only the higher-ups of each side knew.


    Three weeks after the events in the Bestial Sacred Ground, the Zasfins, humans, and demon beasts met to discuss this issue. As one could expect, the demon beasts blamed the Zasfins for falling for the creature''s plans. Then again, the Zasfins were a proud race, so they also pointed out how the demon beasts were unable to stop the being inside their own Sacred Ground.


    Surprisingly, the race that suffered the most by becoming enslaved was the one to mediate both sides. "Compared to what we passed through, you guys have nothing to complain about. There''s no point in accusing either side since we were all victims of the same schemer. What matters now is how we will deal with this information. First, we have to end this hostility between us. Otherwise, we would still be playing in that creature''s hand even after it''s gone. Not to mention that it might be dead already after what we saw."


    Both demon beasts and Zasfins narrowed their eyes. Neither side liked the idea of being controlled, let alone by something that was probably already dead. Thus, the words from the human side had some weight. Sevinia, the leader of the Soul Rulers organization, was the first one to step forward. "Very well, we''re willing to have a talk."


    Frin, as the ''only'' Stage Nine Demon Beast remained, did the same. "The same goes for us."


    Last but not least, Fizer took place as the representative of the humans. After all, he was still the strongest human in the world with his Elemental Transformation Realm cultivation. "Our human race is currently the smallest and weakest out of all of us, so it won''t make much of a difference at the moment. Nevertheless, we obviously want to take part in it."

 Chapter 954 - Decisions

    Of course, finishing the enmity between the three sides wouldn''t put an end to wars and things like that. Even if demon beasts, humans, and Zasfins end up living together at some point, there would still be other reasons for battles. Wars regarding territories, inheritances, or simply because one side doesn''t like the other. Then again, that wasn''t a problem for Rean''s group to resolve, nor would they ever plan to. Battles are necessary in a cultivation world, after all.


    Nevertheless, today was the first step for a ''fairer'' world, if one could call it that. The humans still had 999 more years of protection from the demon beasts, but if everything goes okay, such a long time won''t even be necessary.


    The meeting lasted for a day before a few key points had been decided. First, it would be announced to the rest of the world that hasn''t heard the whole story yet about the red-eyed being. Nothing was hidden at all. That was the best way to make Zasfins, humans, and demon beasts understand why the next changes would be implemented.


    The next point was basically an extension of the agreement made by the Formation Master Guild and the Freedom Sect.. There would be humans and Zasfins who would live on each other''s territory while the government would guarantee their safety. It would be a way to make each side integrate with one another more nicely.


    The Freedom Sect also compromised to release the technology of the communication system once the first steps of the previous agreement were completed. Now that both sides only had a single Transition Realm cultivator or Stage Nine Demon Beast, the demon beasts now had a huge advantage in terms of low-level combat power. The Zasfins would need to think twice if they still harbored the thoughts of enslaving any of the other two forces.


    Of course, one could imagine that many Zasfins, humans, and demon beasts didn''t like the ideas, but that was to be expected. The point was that they had to start somewhere, and they did exactly that.


    One month after Rean''s group left the Bestial Sacred Ground, Frin and Duran met up once more. They knew that they still had ten or more so days before Frin and Duran had to enter the Realm of Gods, but they were feeling impatient already. Besides, they already did everything they needed.


    There was only one thing that became quite a headache. The portal could basically take anyone up to the Realm of Gods...well, only Rean and Roan knew that that portal was the real thing. Nevertheless, there were many lower-level Zasfins and demon beasts who wished to go as well. After all, if the portal was real, they wouldn''t need to be afraid of being stuck in the Realm of Mortals when they reached the Transition Realm or Stage Nine.


    In the end, Frin and Duran came to a decision right in front of the portal. "Who cares? If you wish to come, so be it. Just don''t forget that this is the portal of the demon beasts, so you will probably fall somewhere in their territory. If you think you can survive, neither Frin nor I will stop you."


    "Last but not least, we aren''t sure if this thing is really the portal to the Realm of Gods or not, so enter at your own risk. That''s all!" Before anyone could answer, Frin and Duran entered the portal and disappeared in a flash of silver light inside.


    Their words quickly spread, and many Zasfins and demon beasts threw themselves inside the portal as well. Considering the few days the portal would still be open, anyone at the Saint Realm or above had more than enough time to arrive. The demon beasts didn''t try to stop anyone from using it either.


    There was only one rule, those who wished to enter the portal had to be at the Nascent Soul Realm at the very least. Otherwise, it would become a chaotic mess to fit everyone inside. Not to mention that the majority below that level wouldn''t even arrive in the Bestial Sacred Ground in time to start with.


    A world that had so many Transition Realm and Stage Nine Demon Beasts a little more than a month ago ended up with only a few people at the Saint Realm or above. Only those who thought it was not worth the risk stayed behind, but their cases were very rare.


    Surprisingly, Fizer was one of the almost non-existent Elemental Transformation or Stage Eight experts that decided to stay. "I''m just at the Middle Stage of the Elemental Transformation Realm. I got to this level by acting carefully and not taking many risks. Simply put, I have no intention of changing that. Besides, this old man still has quite a few thousands of years to live once I enter the next realm, so I''m fine with staying here. Also, Malo is my disciple, but he doesn''t fit the cultivation requirement to enter the portal. Naturally, I wouldn''t leave him behind after I''ve just accepted him as my disciple."


    For the humans and the Freedom Sect, that was a relief. After all, Fizer was their support. Not to mention that with the disappearance of most of the Elemental Transformation Realm experts, having one watching over the sect would make a huge difference in the future.


    The only question that remained was Rean and Roan. Would they stay? Or would they leave?


    A meeting between Rean, Kentucky, Celis, Roan, and their friends was called out for them to decide. In Qia, Calina, Malaka, Agis, and the others'' cases, they could enter the portal even if they didn''t meet the cultivation requirement. After all, it was Rean who made the portal work, so he had the privilege to ignore that rule.


    "Before Roan and I tell you our decision, we want to hear your opinion. What will you do? Do you want to enter the Realm of Gods?"


    Malaka, who had a baby in her arms, was the first one to answer, saying, "I''m not going. That isn''t the right place for me to raise my child."


    Agis patted her shoulder and nodded in agreement, responding, "Same goes for me. We will find another way in the future. But for now, this world still has a lot of things to offer for people at our level."

 Chapter 955 - Up We Go

    Roan nodded, his expression surprisingly that of satisfaction. "That''s good. You have excellent prospects by staying with the Freedom Sect. The same goes for your child. Entering the Realm of Gods when you don''t even know if the passage is safe would be a terrible idea when you have such a small child."


    Rean agreed with Roan, saying in response, "Indeed. Sister Orb told us that babies are already born in the Foundation Establishment Realm there. Perhaps your kid wouldn''t even be able to resist the environment of the Realm of Gods itself. I commend you for choosing to stay."


    Kentucky immediately raised his wings, telling everyone, "I want to stay!" Well, it wasn''t hard to guess that the pervert bird just wanted to stay close to all the girls in the sect.


    Rean then looked at him before shrugging his shoulders. "Is that so? Oh well, this is a decision we gave to all of you.. If you want to stay, then so be it."


    Roan nodded, saying, "Indeed. You''re already big enough to make your own decisions. We won''t force anyone to stay or leave."


    Surprisingly, Rean and Roan were not against it, much to Kentucky''s dismay. "That''s unexpected. I thought you would immediately say that I had no choice."


    However, the twins shook their heads. "If it was some other situation, we might have forced you to do so. But there''s no such thing as ''wrong choice'' in your case. You''re just a Stage Five Demon Beast. It''s like Malaka and Agis''s cases. You have very good prospects in the Freedom Sect. Since Frin and the others were able to reach Stage Nine, that means you can do the same. Why should you take such risk by entering the Realm of Gods?"


    Kentucky was happy to hear that. "Great, then it''s decided!"


    Celis glanced at Kentucky before saying, "Since you''re staying, then so am I. After all, we''re connected."


    Rean then looked at Qia and asked, "What about you?"


    "I''m leaving," Qia replied without even thinking twice. "Although it''s dangerous and unnecessary, I don''t know if I would be able to enter the Realm of Gods by myself in the future. I would rather take this chance right now. Besides, I''m just way too curious to see how different that place is."


    Calina followed up on Qia''s words after that, saying, "Same goes for me. I''m already in the Initial Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm anyway, so I can enter without using Rean''s influence."


    Rean and Roan were the last ones. "Well, I think it''s pretty obvious. But Roan and I will enter the Realm of Gods as well. Although the prospects on this planet are very good, we prefer to have more challenges."


    That''s how the decisions were made in the end. Roan, Rean, Calina, and Qia would leave, while the rest would stay.


    However, there was one extra guy who asked to go as well. "Master! I want to go with you!"


    Roan looked at Zuo as he narrowed his eyes. "You have just barely reached the Foundation Establishment Realm. Also, your family is still in Freedom City. Don''t forget I can''t bring them with me. Why would you ask to follow us when you know the risks you''ll have? I''ll be honest, you have a very bright future ahead of you as long as you stay in the Freedom Sect."


    Even though Zuo was young, he was adamant about his decision. "I want to go! I want to follow Master!"


    Calina, who was there with the two, then requested. "That will depend on whether your family agrees to it or not. I don''t think your parents will be happy to hear that, though."


    Zuo dropped his head, looking sad. "Th-Then, I''ll go ask my parents in Freedom City." Without wasting time, Zuo left the room and ran back to Freedom City.


    As for Roan, he glanced at Calina, asking, "Why would you say that?"


    Calina shrugged her shoulders in response. "Because I know very well that you want to see how that kid will turn out. I can at least tell that much, you know?"


    Roan sighed, not denying Calina''s words. "Oh well, the minimum level for the Realm of Gods seems to be the Foundation Establishment Realm anyway. Besides, I helped Zuo achieve a perfect nine pillar foundation, so he won''t be too behind the kids up there."


    "That''s considering his parents agree with it, of course," Calina mentioned. "If they say no, then we''ll leave him here."


    Later that same day, Zuo came back to the sect with his parents. In the end, his parents agreed to let him go since Zuo only got to his position because of Roan''s support. Once Roan left, there were no guarantees about Zuo''s future. Calina tried to explain that Zuo''s future would most likely be better if he stayed. However, Zuo''s parents still preferred Zuo to go with Roan.


    "Very well, then I''ll bring him together," Roan replied. "But be aware that you might never see him again. Perhaps we''ll all die there. As for you, his family, I''ll tell the sect to take care of you from now on."


    Zuo''s parents nodded in response and then bade their farewells. They brought Zuo together to spend one last day with their kid, which Roan didn''t mind.


    Rean called Malo over and went to the Formation Hall. There, he passed everything he knew about the Circuitry Formations and told their group that the development and use of the communication system would depend on them from now on. Of course, he wasn''t an idiot. Rean made sure to save all the information about the system so far. If he needed to start it again in the future, it would be much easier since he already had all the results up to this point tested. Besides, he also stuffed a lot of the equipment necessary to make the more complicated things in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm as well. "It''s up to you now. If I come back one day, I want to see how far you guys brought my communication system."


    "Yes!" Everyone nodded, accepting Rean''s words.


    With that, just a few days remained before the portal closed, so Rean and Roan decided to depart.

 Chapter 956 - Why Didnt You Tell?

    After bidding their farewells, Rean, Roan, Calina, Qia, and Zuo made their way outside the Freedom Sect. Kentucky and Celis were there as well, as they wanted to see them pass the portal. Kentucky even offered to carry everyone there, which Rean''s group accepted.


    Of course, there were a few more people going as well. Malo, Wataba, Liza, Luna, Fizer, and many other members of the Freedom Sect wanted to see them depart. Naturally, they followed Rean''s group until the end.


    Inside the Bestial Sacred Ground, it was possible to see many cultivators and demon beasts at the Nascent Soul Realm or Stage Five making their way to the portal. After all, many of them were on the other side of the world when they heard about it. They spent over a week of constant travel, and there was definitely more coming at the current rate.


    Rean''s group ignored that, though. "Well then. I guess this is it.."


    Malo and the others stayed in front of the portal to the Realm of Gods as they looked at Rean''s group approaching it. "Until another time, Rean, Roan!"


    Rean laughed in response, saying, "Definitely! Perhaps we''ll see you up there in the future!"


    Rean and the others then passed through the portal and were about to be enveloped by the spatial power when suddenly...


    *Pin!*


    [Detected a path to the Realm of Gods. Transfer coordinates secured. Initializing gathering of Soul Gem System links between hosts and other beings.]


    It was then that Kentucky and Celis felt spatial power enveloping their bodies as they were dragged into the portal as well. "What the fuck?!"


    He and Celis turned into a flash of silver light together with Rean''s group before they all disappeared inside the portal. Of course, not before he heard a few words that made him feel like crying.


    "Didn''t Kentucky say he didn''t want to go?" Malo asked, his expression slightly confused.


    "Perhaps he couldn''t bear to see the twins going away and changed his mind," Poliana said in response.


    "Well, that must be the case." Wataba and Glennie nodded their heads in agreement.


    Poor Kentucky. Only a tear was left behind as he vanished together with everyone else.


    The spatial transfer was much, much longer this time. Besides, the system continued to work while it happened.


    [Point of spatial intersection found, changing transfer direction.]


    The twins'' group could only feel the change in spatial power acting on their bodies as they left the path followed by everyone else. Nevertheless, they couldn''t do anything, nor did they want to. At the very least, they knew that the system wouldn''t send them into some dangerous situation...or so they believed at least.


    Because of the distance and difference between realms, the transfer took more than one hour to finish.


    Suddenly, a crack appeared in the middle of the skies as a spatial gate opened. Sadly, this place was in the middle of nowhere, so no one saw it.


    *Vup, vup, vup, vup!*


    Following that, four flashes of silver light came down from it. Those flashes then stopped above the ground before they took the form of two humans, one bird and one Demon Tree in human form. The twins couldn''t tell what was happening during the transfer. They could at most talk to each other, so they didn''t know how the others were faring.


    Rean''s group soon opened their eyes, just in time to see the spatial gate above their heads disappearing. There was also some spatial power that remained on their bodies that were quickly fading. However, they didn''t care about that. Instead, it was the number of members of their group present that took their attention. "Wait! Where are Calina, Qia, and Zuo?"


    Only then did Rean pay attention to the bird, asking in surprise, "Right! Why are you here as well?"


    Kentucky continued to cry as he lamented, "I don''t know! I didn''t want to come. Something grabbed Celis and me and pulled us inside the fucking portal! I wanna go back!"


    Celis didn''t seem to mind it much. "Oh well, Realm of Gods or not, for me, it''s fine." He then patted Kentucky''s head, saying, "Don''t worry, we will find more girls to worship you here as well."


    Roan narrowed his eyes as he spread his Spiritual Sense, completely ignoring Kentucky and Celis. Immediately, he noticed that his Spiritual Sense couldn''t go much further than a couple of meters. "Our Spiritual Sense is restrained in this place. However, I can''t see the girls and my disciple at all."


    Rean put Kentucky''s issue on the back of his mind as he became worried about Qia. "Could it be that we were teleported somewhere else?"


    Roan nodded, responding, "That''s the only possible reason. You do remember that the system said something about finding new coordinates, right? After a while, it said it found the intersection point. That was probably the moment we were separated."


    Rean''s mind then entered the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, asking, ''Sister Orb, are you there?''


    [Of course!] Sister Orb answered. [However, don''t ask me what happened. That was something the system decided by itself. By the way, you guys should brace yourselves. The spatial power protecting your bodies is about to disappear.]


    Rean''s group was confused to hear that. ''What do you mean by that?''


    That spatial power finally disappeared when suddenly...


    *Arrrgh!*


    Rean''s group felt like their bodies were assaulted by countless needles. They all fell on the ground and contorted in pain. Surprisingly, even Celis, a Demon Tree, wasn''t an exception. Naturally, whatever was happening affected much more than just their bodies.


    [Well, there you go. The Divine Energy of the Realm of Gods is now entering your bodies. You can call it a baptism of sorts. It will change your bodies so that your reliance on Spiritual Energy changes to Divine Energy instead. Oh, by the way, there''s no Spiritual Energy in the Realm of Gods, only Divine Energy.]


    Rean and Roan felt like cracking the orb into a thousand pieces as they simultaneously asked, "What?! Why didn''t you tell us that before?"


    [Tee-hee!]


    "Fuck you!" And so started the process to adapt to the new environment.

 Chapter 957 - In The Realm Of Gods

    A great amount of pain later, Rean''s group was finally able to get up once again. Fortunately for them, no demon beast or anything like that tried to attack them during the transformation. "Sigh...can you tell where the system brought us at least, Sister Orb?"


    [I would love to, but it doesn''t seem to have any information available.]


    "What do you mean by that? The system was the one who said that it found these coordinates, wasn''t it? How come it has no other information?" Rean said in response.


    [That''s the weird part. It only found the coordinates on its own. It doesn''t say why it selected it or if there was even any reason whatsoever. Perhaps the system considered that using the demon beasts'' portal wasn''t a good idea.]


    Kentucky couldn''t help but point out...after recovering from his sadness from joining them against his will. "Isn''t that bad? If the system brought us here because it wanted to keep us safe, doesn''t that mean Calina, Qia, and Zuo are in danger? They weren''t transferred to this place like we were."


    Rean and Roan narrowed their eyes in response.


    [As I said, it''s only a possibility. There isn''t enough information to reach that conclusion. Who knows? They might be in an even better situation than ours.] Sister Orb tried to ease the mood.


    Roan then shook his head and put those thoughts behind, saying, "Whatever. Since there''s no way to know that for now, we might as well ignore it for the moment." As always, he was very direct. "So, do you at least know where we are, Sister Orb?"


    [No idea.] Sister Orb was as useless as ever.


    Without much choice, everyone could only take flight and check their surroundings...or so they tried. "We can''t fly?" Everyone noticed that they simply couldn''t leave the ground at all.


    [You can''t. Only those above the Transition Realm can fly in the Realm of Gods.] Sister Orb explained.


    "Above the Transition Realm?!" Kentucky exclaimed before he immediately closed his beak with his wings. One couldn''t talk about the Transition Realm, or they would be punished by the heavens...or that''s how it was supposed to be. "Errr...nothing happened?"


    [Yeap. The restriction to talk about the Transition Realm only happens in the Realm of Mortals. That''s because you need to reach the Transition Realm if you wish to ascend to this place. In the Realm of Gods, the Transition Realm doesn''t mean much, so the heavens here simply don''t care if you talk about it or not.]


    "I see..." Kentucky sighed in relief. He saw how powerful the backlash was once, so he was afraid he wouldn''t even survive.


    Roan ignored Kentucky as he changed the topic. "So, only those at the Transition Realm are able to fly. I quite like it."


    Rean, who was still worried about Qia, couldn''t help but ask, "Do you know if there''s a way to go where Qia and the others were transported?"


    [No. I don''t even know where we are. How can I know where they''re located? I have no idea whether we were teleported somewhere close or on the other side of the Realm of Gods altogether. Well, at least they have the Golden Drohare with them, so hiding shouldn''t be an issue if necessary.]


    Roan noticed an important point in Sister Orb''s words. "You said ''the other side of the Realm of Gods.'' Do you mean that we''re on the same planet?"


    [Not exactly.] Sister Orb replied. [Well, you aren''t totally wrong. The Realm of Gods is a ridiculously huge landmass. Let alone one planet, even if you fit hundreds of thousands of planets worth of land, you wouldn''t get even close to the total size of the Realm of Gods. Don''t ask me how far it extends because I have no idea. Some even believe the Realm of Gods might be infinite. Of course, I don''t think that''s true.]


    Rean then looked at the skies and finally understood something. "No wonder it''s daytime even though I can''t see a sun. Does the Realm of Gods have nighttime?"


    [It does. It''s just that you won''t see any stars, just a long and dark sky that extends forever. As for why we have daytime, I have no idea. Maybe it''s because of the Divine Energy. Perhaps some power is acting over the land. Who knows?]


    Celis waited for Sister Orb to give all that explanation before finally asking about what mattered the most for him. "What is this Divine Energy? Can we use it for cultivation? How good is it? Is there anything we must pay attention to before absorbing this energy? What was the transformation we passed through?"


    [That''s a lot of questions. Alright, the answer to your first question first. Divine Energy is what you could call the Realm of Gods'' Spiritual Energy.]


    [The answer to your second question. Yes, you can use it for cultivation.]


    [As for the third question, it''s infinitely superior to Spiritual Energy. It can keep the foundation a lot sturdier during cultivation. It makes it easy to find one''s path. Breakthroughs happen more easily as well. Also, there are no impurities in Divine Energy, so the more, the better.]


    [For the fourth question...no, there isn''t anything you need to pay attention to while absorbing it. However, I recommend revising your cultivation manual if you have any. You will see that Divine Energy acts very differently inside your body. Oh well, Celis and Kentucky are demon beasts, so I believe they don''t even have cultivation manuals to start with. As for Rean and Roan, the system will modify your manuals automatically.]


    [If there''s anything bad about it, then it''s probably the restrictions it applies to one''s body. For example, you can''t fly without being a bird with wings before the Transition Realm. There''s also the issue of Divine Sense not reaching very far. By the way, it''s called Divine Sense here, not Spiritual Sense. Roan tried to use Spiritual Sense before the transformation, so if you try to use Spiritual Sense right now, you will see that it changed as well. That''s Divine Sense.]


    [And lastly, the fifth question. The transformation was done so that your bodies could absorb Divine Energy into your dantians and cores. After all, they were made to hold Spiritual Energy so far. Naturally, they couldn''t do the same with Divine Energy. Take a quick look at your meridians, dantians, and cores. You''ll see what I''m talking about.]


    Rean''s group nodded and tried everything Sister Orb talked about.

 Chapter 958 - The Lake

    Sister Orb was correct about the first thing about Divine Energy. Rean''s group could tell that it moved a lot easier in their meridians. However, because it was a higher type of energy, it was also more powerful. That being said, their dantians and cores couldn''t hold more than a third of the amount they could keep before with Spiritual Energy.


    Roan then raised his hand and used the Divine Energy to gather Dark Element. Immediately, he noticed the difference, saying, "My speed is just a tenth of what I could do before."


    Rean and the others tried to do the same thing and noticed the same issue. "Indeed. It''s so hard to gather elements now."


    [That''s one more restriction of the Realm of Gods'' Divine Energy. You must understand that although it''s higher quality energy, it''s definitely harder to control and use. On the other hand, you definitely can''t surpass the Transition Realm without it.. In fact, you four are already doing very well for your cultivation level, especially Rean and Roan, who have the system''s support.]


    Sister Orb gave some good news after that, continuing, [However, there is something good about Divine Energy. The fact that you need a lot less of it than you would need Spiritual Energy to breakthrough. How long do you think you would take to enter the Peak Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm back in the Realm of Mortals?]


    Roan pondered in silence for a bit before answering, "Considering all the help we had with Celis''s abilities, I believe it would take around four to five years."


    [Hehe! I''ll be surprised if you don''t break through in less than a year now,] Sister Orb replied with confidence.


    Kentucky was happy to hear those words. "That fast? Perhaps it isn''t all that bad to come to this place."


    "Is there anything else we should know?" Celis asked.


    [I don''t think so. If I remember anything, I''ll let you know.]


    Everyone nodded as they quickly jumped on Kentucky''s back. In the end, having the Minokawa with them still allowed their group to fly. "Try to go very high, Kentucky. We want to check where we are at the moment."


    Kentucky nodded as he flapped his wings. However, it was a lot harder to leave the ground than usual. "So difficult...I feel like my body is being pulled down with a lot more strength."


    Roan wasn''t surprised by that. "That''s because the gravity is a lot higher as well. It''s at least twice as high compared to what we felt in the planets in the Realm of Mortals. This is a good thing for physical training, though."


    [Oh, right. It''s good that you said that. The Realm of Gods'' gravity isn''t the same everywhere. Some places might be hundreds of times worse, while others would feel akin to moving in space. Of course, you''ll need to travel a ridiculously long distance to start feeling the difference between areas, so don''t worry about it happening all of a sudden.]


    Kentucky kept going higher and higher, finally allowing the twins'' group to see more of the place where they landed. "So, we landed in the middle of a wasteland, huh?"


    The region they were in seemed to be completely arid. There were a few small plants here and there, but those ones were native to such environments. With the Minokawa''s greater vision, Kentucky could spot something in the distance. "There''s movement far ahead. Wanna get close to check?"


    Rean, Roan, and Celis checked their surroundings a bit more before nodding. "Sure, go ahead."


    Sometime later, they finally got close to the creature. It looked like an armadillo but had three tails and a horn. It was also several times bigger than a normal armadillo. As soon as the armadillo noticed the arrival of Rean''s group, it began to excavate before disappearing into the ground.


    Rean''s group didn''t mind it too much, saying, "Well, at least it served to test out Divine Sense."


    Celis agreed as he could not help but say, "Indeed. Divine Sense makes us view our surroundings a lot clearer. However, I couldn''t see more than ten or so meters ahead of myself. It was good that Kentucky got close enough before it left completely."


    Rean and Roan were a little better. After all, everyone knew that Spiritual Sense, or Divine Sense, in this case, had never been the forte of demon beasts. "We can see as far as 15 and a half meters, but nothing more than that. I wonder if a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator can see anything at all."


    [Hmm...I would say they can see up to half a meter if they have very strong souls.] Sister Orb mentioned as they asked that question.


    Kentucky once again took to the skies and flew forward, trying to find anything else. Eventually, it spotted something in the distance. "I think I can see a lake there."


    "A lake? Here? It''s probably an oasis then, no?"


    Kentucky shook his head, saying, "I don''t know. I''ll get closer to take a look."


    As Kentucky flew in the lake''s direction, he began to see more. "There seems to be a lot of demon beasts around it. Can''t tell what their levels are, though."


    Roan then noticed something else. "They seem to be waiting for something."


    Indeed. All the demon beasts waited outside of the water, looking at the lake and nothing else. Even when Kentucky approached, their attention didn''t focus on the newcomers. Yes, they completely ignored the arrival of Rean''s group. "Seems like it''s normal for more competition to appear as they don''t seem to care about us."


    The majority of the demon beasts were either at Stage Two or three. At least that was as far as their Divine Sense could check. However, it didn''t matter as their group quickly noticed that this place didn''t only have demon beasts. On the other side of the water... "Oh! There''s a caravan there."


    "A caravan?" The attention of Rean''s group was immediately piqued as they looked where Kentucky was pointed. "Hey, there''re humans here as well. Let''s go there take a look."


    However, just as Kentucky was about to fly above the water, Rean and Roan saw the red color of killing intent.

 Chapter 959 - Divine Stream Lake

    "Stop, Kentucky!" Roan exclaimed, immediately forcing Kentucky into a halt.


    "What? What happened?" Kentucky was obviously confused to hear Roan shout all of a sudden.


    Roan didn''t explain and simply told him what to do. "Don''t go above the lake. Retreat slowly. Understood?"


    Kentucky nodded and flapped his wings back, leaving from the side he came. He soon left the lake area, which gradually made the killing intent disappear. Only then did Kentucky see that all the demon beasts around the lake were looking at him. "This..."


    Once Kentucky got far enough from the lake, the demon beasts finally turned their attention back to the water, ignoring his existence.


    "From the looks of it, the demon beasts don''t want anyone to enter the lake. Even though you were going to fly above it, they thought you wanted to enter instead," Roan explained why the demon beasts acted like that.


    "I see..." Kentucky then looked at the caravan on the other side of the lake. " Alright, I''ll go around it then."


    This time, none of the demon beasts cared about Kentucky flying above them. Surprisingly, Rean and Roan''s Divine Sense felt the presence of an Initial Stage Five Demon Beast that looked like a lizard. Nevertheless, it also ignored their existence.


    Eventually, Kentucky landed close to the caravan, where Rean''s group could now see a few more humans. That wasn''t all, though. Other than humans, there seemed to be other humanoid races in that group, with one looking very much like Lakures! ''To think we would find Lakures in this place...''


    Of course, due to Kentucky''s size, the group also noticed their presence. Rean then approached the caravan before the guards barred his path. One of them asked coldly, "What do you want?"


    Rean smiled in response, saying, "Hello, my friends. We don''t want to create any problems. It''s just that my friends and I are lost and would like a little bit of information. Would you mind telling us about this place and if there''s a city nearby?"


    The guards looked at each other for a moment and were just about to drive Rean out when suddenly, a female voice came from inside one of the caravans. "Let him and his human friend pass. Just tell your demon beast and tree to stay outside."


    The guards were taken aback by those words, muttering, "But, Lady Cyntia..."


    "Enough." The voice stopped them from continuing. "You can''t feel their cultivation with your Divine Senses because the difference is too big. These two men are both in the Late Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm. Do you think you can stop them if they want to force their way in?"


    The guards let out cold sweat as they looked at Rean and Roan. Sure, it was easier to cultivate in the Realm of Gods. However, it didn''t mean every single person could reach the Nascent Soul Realm. Well, this was obviously a desolate place, and two simple guards were already in the Late and Peak Stage of the Core Formation Realm, respectively. If it was on the planet with the Zasfins or even Sunkan, Core Formation Realm experts wouldn''t do such common jobs.


    Rean immediately bowed in the caravan''s direction. "Thank you for receiving us. Know that we have no intention of doing anything against your group. We really are just lost."


    "I know." Suddenly, an old woman came out of the caravan as she looked at Rean and Roan. "I already noticed when your demon beast tried to fly above the Divine Stream Lake. Only an idiot or someone who doesn''t know what''s happening would try to do that when the lake is about to transform. You were lucky to have noticed the issue fast enough and retreat. Otherwise, all the demon beasts here would have attacked you without mercy."


    "Divine Stream Lake? Transformation What is that?" Naturally, Rean and Roan were curious.


    "Didn''t you say you only wanted to know how to reach the nearest city?" the woman asked in response to Rean''s question.


    Rean scratched the back of his head and nodded. "Well, that''s true." Noticing that the other humans of the caravan weren''t looking at him and Roan with good eyes, Rean gave up the idea of asking more about the lake. It was then that the woman finally got close enough to the twins for them to see her cultivation.


    ''Late Stage Soul Transformation!''


    Rean and Roan couldn''t help but remember Sister Orb''s words about this place having a better cultivation environment. It was the first time talking with humans in the Realm of Gods, and on top of that, they were in the middle of nowhere. Nevertheless, a Soul Transformation Stage already appeared in front of them. ''No wonder she knew our cultivation beforehand. With her cultivation, her Divine Sense could obviously go further than ours.''


    The woman then looked at the lake and sighed, saying, "Oh well, whatever. It''s not like this is any secret to start with. Instead, it would be a lot harder to find someone who doesn''t know about the Divine Stream Lake like your group."


    Rean immediately bowed to the old woman and replied, "Thank you, Lady Cyntia. By the way, my name is Rean, and the dead body on my side is my brother, Roan."


    Cyntia nodded before explaining, "The Divine Stream Lake appears randomly in our Yukirrom Region. Every time one is spotted, it will attract all the demon beasts around it. Although it looks like it, the lake isn''t really made of water. Instead, it''s concentrated Divine Energy, or liquid Divine Energy, as some would like to say. However, one can''t use it for cultivation in that state. It''s also impossible to store it. One has to wait until the lake transforms and use that moment to cultivate."


    "What do you mean by transformation?" Roan asked.


    "As I said, it appears randomly, but it disappears eventually. When that happens, the lake will turn back into normal Divine Energy. It''s just that there will be a lot of it at once. All the demon beasts here are waiting for it. Obviously, we are the same. We were just lucky to have bumped onto it."


    Celis, who was currently far away, had his eyes lit up after that. Even though he wasn''t close, he could hear their words. ''Interesting.''

 Chapter 960 - Talking Demon Beasts

    "When will it happen?" Rean asked, who was obviously interested as well.


    "Who knows?" Unfortunately, Cynthia didn''t know either. "Usually, it happens between one to two weeks, but it isn''t guaranteed. By the way, we have already been waiting for five days. As for how long this Divine Stream Lake has been here, we don''t know. It could have been an hour, or it could have been an entire week."


    Roan, on the other hand, was more interested in the information regarding this region. "Can you tell us a bit more about the Yukirrom Region?"


    Cynthia found it strange, saying in response, "Wait, you don''t even know that? Just where have you been living until now? Even if you lived in the neighboring regions, you should at least have heard about us."


    Roan shook his head in response, coming up with a quick excuse. "Because of some circumstances, we were teleported away from our own region. Perhaps you know the direction for us to go back.. Have you heard about the Turis Region?"


    Hearing Roan''s words, Rean couldn''t help but ask him through their soul connection, ''Turis Region? What''s that?''


    Roan snorted in response, replying, ''There''s no such thing as Turis Region, idiot. However, considering the size of the Realm of Gods, I doubt she knows all regions in existence. This is just an excuse.''


    Sure enough, Cynthia shook her head. "No, I don''t. But if you really got teleported away, then you might have come from somewhere extremely far away. Well, if you want to find more about it, you better go to Cosec City. It just so happens that we''re heading there as well. If you want, you can join us. I will only just ask you to help protect the caravan in case something happens."


    Rean and Roan didn''t find an issue with that. "Sure, that will help us out a lot."


    "By the way, is it okay if I let our demon beast and tree friends enter the caravan''s range?" Rean asked as he looked at the excited Celis in the Distance. "Don''t worry. They won''t cause any trouble."


    Cynthia nodded, telling Rean, "As long as you keep them under control, I don''t mind."


    Rean then turned around and waved to those two to come in.


    Cynthia was curious about one thing, though. "Then again, I''m surprised you can keep demon beasts of that level so close. Aren''t you worried about them going berserk during the night before trying to attack you? I have to say, you must have some very good taming skills."


    Kentucky, who had just arrived, couldn''t help but ask, "Going berserk? Why would that happen to us?"


    Celis agreed. "Indeed. Maybe there''s some kind of force that can make us go berserk or something. If that''s the case, please let us know more about it."


    That was the same question in Rean and Roan''s minds. However, at the very moment Kentucky and Celis opened their mouths to talk, all the cultivators around them looked at the two with eyes wide open. That also included Cynthia, who seemed to not believe what she was seeing. "Th-th-they talked?!!!"


    Obviously, Rean''s group noticed the problem as soon as Cynthia asked that question.


    "Could it be you have never seen a demon beast or tree talk before?" Rean asked in response. By now, it would be impossible to hide the fact that Kentucky and Celis were sentient since they''ve already shown it.


    Cynthia tried to calm down as she nodded. "Obviously! No, to be more precise, I''ve never seen a demon beast at Stage Five talk before. Shouldn''t only demon beasts at the Transition Realm be able to talk and gain sentience?" One must remember that only eight stages existed for the demon beasts. Stage Nine was basically a name the demon beasts of the Realm of Mortals used instead of saying Transition Realm. After all, talking about this realm down there would end up in punishment from the heavens. Both demon beasts and all the other races must pass by the Transition Realm.


    Rean couldn''t help but contact Sister Orb in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, ''Did you know about that?''


    [Ahem...I might have let it slip off my mind for a moment. Rean, Roan, demon beasts don''t have sentience before the Transition Realm. Be careful when traveling with Kentucky and Celis.]


    Rean and Roan''s mouths twitched in response. ''Can an AI be any more useless than that? No, I refuse to believe that!''


    Rean then looked at Cynthia before giving an excuse, saying with a light cough, "Ahem...we''re the surprised ones. Demon beasts in the Turis Region already have sentience at Stage Four and can already talk at Stage Five. It''s the first time we''ve heard of demon beasts not talking before the Transition Realm."


    Cynthia narrowed her eyes in response. Then again, she couldn''t find fault with Rean''s words. "Well, the Realm of Gods is just too big. No one knows all its wonders. Still, I can at least confirm that you two aren''t from anywhere close to Yukirrom Region. Otherwise, I would definitely have heard of demon beasts talking at Stage Five."


    Rean sighed in relief in his mind before asking, before asking, "Should we keep it a secret or something like that? As we mentioned, we were teleported to this place because of the circumstances back in Turis Region. We know nothing about this area."


    Cynthia then looked at the guards and other cultivators around them before saying, "Well, I wouldn''t say it''s some kind of huge issue. Even if they have sentience or can talk, in the end, that''s just it. Their cultivations are still Stage Five, so it''s the same as those at the Nascent Soul Realm, nothing that people would feel afraid of."


    Cynthia then added, "However, it''s also not something I would go around showing to everyone. Who knows, some people might think of using them as an attraction or whatever. Then again, I''m very interested in this situation of yours. Just what kind of teleport formation could send you two this far away? Were you inside some expert''s inheritance or something like that?"


    Rean scratched the back of his head in response. "Not quite..."


    Cynthia also understood that everyone had their own secrets, so she didn''t insist. "Anyways, as long as you keep your part of the deal and help protect the caravan, I will do the same."


    "Understood," Rean''s group answered in unison.

 Chapter 961 - Breakthroughs

    As they waited for the Divine Stream Lake to transform back into Divine Energy, Roan took the chance to ask something else to one of the guards. "We need to protect this caravan, right? What exactly do we need to protect it from? Bandits? Also, once the lake transforms, will we be able to absorb the Divine Energy without anyone bothering us?"


    The guy then explained, "Indeed, bandits are one of the possibilities we have to protect the caravan against. Naturally, there are also demon beasts. After all, any demon beast below the Transition Realm doesn''t have any sentience, so they act on instinct."


    "As for the Divine Stream Lake, you don''t need to worry. The demon beasts who come to wait for it to transform will never attack anyone as long as they aren''t attacked. Or, of course, if someone tries to enter the lake."


    The guy then added, "However, there''s still a chance that you will have to fight in the Divine Stream Lake. Sometimes, the lake''s location is revealed to nearby towns or tribes, and they would band together to try and take control over it. We have more than enough space for all the demon beasts and our caravan''s members at the moment, so it''s okay for now."


    Roan nodded and returned to Rean''s side as they waited for the lake to transform.. Around a day later, something finally happened.


    *Blub, blub, blub, blub...*


    Suddenly, the lake began to boil as if someone was heating it from below. At first, there were just a few bubbles here and there. But eventually, the entire lake turned out like that. Cynthia quickly headed out of the caravan when that happened as she gave orders. "The lake''s water is changing back into Divine Energy. Everyone already has their own spots. Sit down there and start cultivating. Try to absorb as much Divine Energy as possible. I wish everyone a plentiful harvest."


    Following that, Cynthia quickly moved to the lake''s side and sat on the position reserved for her. All the guards, merchants, and simple workers did the same with excited expressions on their faces. Of course, they weren''t the only ones. Rean''s group could see that the demon beasts had also calmed down as they sat beside the lake. Surprisingly, a peaceful harmony was achieved as everyone knew that fighting for it would only be a waste of time, even for the nonsentient demon beasts.


    Rean, Roan, and Kentucky then looked at Celis. During the time they have been waiting for the lake to transform, they tried to cultivate by using the surrounding Divine Energy. As expected, Celis was still the best one at absorbing when he spread his roots around the ground. Celis had changed back into his tree form. It''s just that he assumed another shape so others wouldn''t find out what type of demon tree he was. After that, they simply waited as Celis spread his roots even further.


    Now that the lake was beginning to transform back, Celis went all out while also helping Rean, Roan, and Kentucky. Kentucky laid on his nest as Celis created two places for Rean and Roan on his branches. Because of their connection in terms of cultivation, Rean and Roan could even feel the flow of Divine Energy coming from Celis''s roots.


    Celis had a limit as to how much Divine Energy he could absorb at once at his level. So all the extra Divine Energy being brought back by the branches was absorbed by the twins and the bird. No one paid attention to the twins'' group, though. That''s because the position they were cultivating could be said to be more or less average. Naturally, the strongest demon beasts and cultivators took the best spots. Little did they know that their absorption speed wasn''t even a fifth of what the twins'' group could do. It was all thanks to Celis''s species as a World Swallowing Cedar.


    The Divine Energy coming from the lake was so concentrated that Rean was able to see it taking form in the air. "Such a huge amount... too bad we can''t store all that escaping Divine Energy for use later."


    It was then that Sister Orb''s voice resounded in their ears, asking, [Store? If that''s what you want, I can try to store as much as possible in the Dimensional Realm. Normally, it would take a very long time with normal Divine Energy. However, it''s so concentrated above the lake that I think I can take quite a lot in.]


    Rean and Roan''s eyes lit up in response. However, they could not help but be wary as Rean asked in response, ''Will it cause any issues to the Dimensional Realm? Also, would anyone notice you doing that?''


    [There are no risks since the Dimensional Realm has also changed to support Divine Energy. As for someone noticing, it is indeed possible. However, all they would be able to see is that something is absorbing the Divine Energy that they passed up on. No one will be able to link it to you two, nor would they try to stop it since that energy is something they couldn''t absorb anyway. They would rather focus on their cultivation instead.]


    Rean nodded after that before warning Sister Orb, ''Alright, go ahead and do it. Of course, if you can keep your actions hidden, that''ll be for the better.''


    Though, after a bit of silence, Rean couldn''t help but ask, ''In that case, isn''t it better for you to take Divine Energy Water instead?''


    [Can''t do that,] Sister Orb responded. [The Divine Stream Lake exists because of the environment that allows it to form. If I try to take the water away, it will dissipate before I store it. I can only store the energy itself.]


    Rean didn''t ask any more after that. ''Alright. Go ahead with the plan then.''


    [On it!]


    Several tens of meters above the Divine Stream Lake, part of the Divine Energy that was dissipating into the air suddenly began to gather once again. Of course, it was only a small percentage while the rest still got away. If one looked closely, one would be able to see a very small opening in space that connected to the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    "Let me give you some extra help, Sister Orb," Celis said. Soon after, he connected to his saplings that were inside the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm. Just like Sister Orb, they also started to absorb Divine Energy, increasing the amount taken into the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm.


    [Very good, little tree.]


    Everyone around the lake was already cultivating tens of times faster because of the lake. Rean''s group, because of Celis, was doing several times better than then. Just twenty minutes into the event...


    *Boom!*


    Peak Stage Nascent Soul Realm and Peak Stage Five Demon Beasts!

 Chapter 962 - Paths...

    In an instant, Rean and Roan noticed a difference when breaking through a higher stage with Divine Energy. "There''s no chaotic energy after the breakthrough!"


    Be it the twins or the people they knew, everyone would have to first stabilize their foundations after a breakthrough. That''s because a breakthrough would throw the energies in their dantians and cores into chaos. That was also why Roan learned how to concoct Foundation Estabilizing Pills. However, there was no such thing after breaking through with Divine Energy!


    [You can be ecstatic about it later.] Sister Orb warned. [The Divine Stream Lake has already lost 20% of its water. Try to reach the limit of the Nascent Soul Realm and the limit of Stage Five before it all dissipates. I''ll keep the extra concentrated Divine Energy in the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm once you''re ready to enter the Soul Transformation Realm.]


    Celis narrowed his eyes after that, asking, ''My cultivation is limited by the twins'' cultivation as well, just like Kentucky. Doesn''t that mean that I won''t be able to enter Stage Six until they find their own paths?''


    Kentucky had to admit that Celis''s words made sense.. ''What should we do? Just wait then?


    Sister Orb confirmed their doubts, saying, [That''s true. But there''s nothing we can do about it other than to just wait. Just make sure you reach the limit in terms of energy.]


    Rean didn''t seem too worried, though. ''Finding one''s path? I don''t think that''s a problem for me.'' Rean then looked at Roan with a smile on his face, asking him, ''What about you? Will you drag us down?''


    Roan snorted at Rean''s question, responding, ''Hmph! If you think you''ve already found your path, then I obviously did it much earlier. In fact, I''ve already known my own path even before learning that it was necessary for the Soul Transformation Realm.'' Of course, Rean did not mind losing to anyone...but Rean. His pride wouldn''t allow that.


    Celis, Kentucky, and Sister Orb were surprised to hear that. ''Great! With that, let''s keep up the pace. We only needed 20% of the lake''s energy to enter the Peak Stage. 80% should be more than enough to achieve a breakthrough!'' Kentucky said with an excited expression. Demon Beasts really had it easy without needing the same requirements. On the other hand, they didn''t have cultivation manuals and things like that either, which could improve their abilities.


    [Are you sure those are your paths? Be aware that a breakthrough won''t happen if it isn''t really what you want.]


    Rean laughed as he answered, "Don''t worry, don''t worry! If our paths are wrong, we''ll still reach the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, so that''s fine. The worst that can happen is that we won''t break through straight away."


    Sister Orb had to admit Rean was right, prompting her to mutter, [Well...I guess so.]


    The consecutive breakthroughs among the twins'' group didn''t attract any attention whatsoever. That''s because they were just a few of the many, many breakthroughs happening all around. Even Cynthia felt that there was enough Divine Energy for her to achieve a breakthrough as well.


    As for Sister Orb and Celis''s combined effort of storing Divine Energy, no one noticed it yet as they were being very careful. As much as no one could do anything about it, there wasn''t a need to let anyone know.


    Time passed as the Divine Stream Lake continued to boil. The Divine Energy flowed nonstop, allowing for many breakthroughs, especially those with low cultivations like the Core Formation Realm guards. One of the guards, who was already at the Peak Stage of the Core Formation Realm, had no issues advancing into the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, much to his delight.


    Eventually, the lake only had 10% of its Divine Energy Water left. It was then that the twins'' group reached the limit of the Nascent Soul Realm and the limit of Stage Five.


    The moment that happened, the twins finally understood how breaking through the Soul Transformation Realm worked. After all, it wasn''t something that could be explained with a manual. It was a path one had to believe in.


    Roan felt like all the lives he had sent to the reincarnation path were passing before his eyes. Every single one of them was only able to reincarnate because of his efforts as a Death Spirit. There was a reason for Roan (Or Tera) to be considered one of the best Death Spirits back in the Universal Transition Organization. That''s because he truly liked it. Even now, if Roan was given a choice, he would choose to go back to be a Death Spirit on the other half of the Universe. Being a Soul Guide had always been Roan''s path. Even now that he was alive, he still believed that such a life was his real path.


    As if answering Roan''s thoughts, Roan''s soul seemed to change form as it began to gather Divine Energy nonstop. The once most delicate part of one''s life was getting sturdier, bigger, and more powerful. Roan was entering the Soul Transformation Realm without any issues whatsoever. Even if Roan had never encountered the Soul Gem System, he would still easily break through into the Soul Transformation Realm for the same reason. Death...had always been his path.


    Rean''s path, on the other hand, was the polar opposite of Roan. As one could remember, Rean had an issue with his soul that inhibited his emotions during his entire life on Earth. Because of that, he had never enjoyed anything. Or, to be more specific, he had never felt alive back then. After that problem was resolved, Rean understood that he loved to be alive more than anything else. To enjoy every moment of his new life.


    When Rean heard about what was necessary to enter the Soul Transformation Realm, he didn''t need to think too much to understand it. Although it was simple, it was hard at the same time. Being alive to experience everything he did so far meant everything for Rean! And he was sure that it would continue to be the same. Life... had always been his path.


    Just like Roan, Rean''s soul also started to transform the moment his cultivation reached the limit of the Nascent Soul Realm.

 Chapter 963 - Well, Thats True

    Kentucky and Celis were very excited when they noticed the transformation in Rean and Roan''s souls. At the same time that their souls changed, the demon beast and tree also felt the barrier that stopped them from reaching Stage Six gradually waning in strength. Well, in fact, Kentucky and Celis barely had any time to feel the barrier as the twins broke through almost immediately.


    Thanks to Celis, all the Divine Energy necessary for everyone''s breakthrough came through his roots. Other than the Soul Gem Dimensional Realm, which was simply storing the energy, no one could hope to be absorbing more Divine Energy than their group.


    [Life and death. Why am I not surprised? Hahaha!] Sister Orb even joked as she was well aware of the twins'' feelings at that moment. [I wonder what changes these two paths will bring to your cultivation in the future.]


    The Divine Stream Lake''s water was almost gone when four bursts of Divine Energy suddenly came out of the bodies of Rean''s group. Obviously, Rean and Roan entered the Soul Transformation Realm while Kentucky and Celis achieved Stage Six. This time, their breakthroughs attracted quite the attention as most of the breakthroughs so far were from one stage to another. To see those four reaching the next realm together was very unexpected..


    However, their breakthroughs were not the only ones to be noticed. Cynthia, who was in the Late Stage of the Soul Transformation Realm, finally entered the Peak Stage of the same realm. Naturally, she had a delightful expression on her face as she looked at the lake gradually drying up.


    It only took a few more minutes for the lake to completely disappear. As always, no one knew when another one would appear, much less the location. But that didn''t matter at all. All the cultivators of the Yukirrom Region knew that they couldn''t possibly rely on the lake for their cultivation. First of all, it wasn''t as if it was hard to cultivate without it to start with. That just showed how good Divine Energy was.


    Once the lake disappeared, all the demon beasts began to scatter everywhere. No one knew why, but the demon beasts never attacked anyone during these times, including each other. They would only go back to their savage natures after returning to their territories.


    Cynthia observed as the demon beasts left, being careful to not startle them. The same thing was done by the guards, merchants, and their workers or subordinates. Although there were no risks, there were no guarantees that the demon beasts wouldn''t change exactly on this day either.


    "Phew...they''re finally gone," Cynthia said as she got up from her position. Soon after, she began to check the cultivations of everyone around. "Very good, everyone. Most of those below the Core and Soul Fusion Realm broke through at least two stages. As for those above, you got at least one stage. This Divine Stream Lake was quite a big one, so we were lucky."


    Everyone cheered with glee as well. "That''s because Lady Cynthia chose the right path for our travel."


    "Indeed! If we had followed another path, we wouldn''t bump across this Divine Stream Lake."


    "Could it be that you knew this lake would be here?"


    Cynthia laughed at that question. "Hahaha! As if! If I knew it was here, do you think we would be the only ones? First of all, I would have invited a few friends to come and enjoy it as well."


    Cynthia continued to walk by everyone when suddenly, her expression changed. It was then that she finally noticed the cultivations of the twins'' group. "This..."


    Rean smiled at her, saying, "Lady Cynthia wasn''t lying. These Divine Stream Lakes are really good. We were able to break through two stages and enter the next realm. We are in your debt for telling us of this opportunity and especially for letting us stay here."


    Cynthia felt like crying after hearing that. "But, but...you and your brother went straight into the Soul Transformation Realm! Shouldn''t you know figure out your own path before that?" Sure enough, she wasn''t as surprised with Kentucky and Celis as they weren''t cultivators but a demon beast and a demon tree, respectively. They didn''t need to care about such things. However, Rean and Roan definitely should have... "Could it be that the place you came from...doesn''t have the requirement of having to find a path to enter the Soul Transformation Realm?"


    Roan shook his head as he explained, "Of course not. It''s just that Rean and I had always known what our paths would be from the very start. All we lacked was the necessary cultivation to make this breakthrough."


    "You already knew?" Cynthia was even more surprised. "How?! Let alone me, everyone I know in the Soul Transformation Realm took years, decades, and some even centuries to understand their own path!"


    Rean shook his head in response, telling her, "That has nothing to with our breakthrough, Lady Cynthia. In fact, anyone can break through into the Soul Transformation Realm straight away as well. In fact, I believe there should be many examples out there about it. It''s just that you never met them. In the end, as long as you know what you really want in your cultivation path, the Soul Transformation Realm is probably the easiest breakthrough that exists."


    "That..." Cynthia knew that they were telling the truth. After all, it shouldn''t be possible to enter the Soul Transformation Realm if they weren''t. "Even so, how did you find your path so soon?"


    Rean pondered over it for a bit before saying, "You could say that ever since we started to cultivate, we had been thinking about what our path would be. To be honest, we didn''t know if we would be able to break through until we did. After all, our choices might have been wrong. In that case, we would need to start from scratch once again. Fortunately, many years of careful consideration bore their fruits."


    In the end, Cynthia could only let out a long and loud sigh. "Whatever...at least your explanation makes some sense. However, how did all four of you break through at the same time? Was it also a coincidence?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he asked in response, "Would you believe us if we said it was?"


    Cynthia understood the meaning behind Rean''s words, eventually saying in response, "Well, that''s true."

 Chapter 964 - News

    Eventually, Cynthia turned around and gave an order. "Alright, everyone. Let''s prepare for departure. We''re over a week behind our travel because of the Divine Stream Lake. We can''t extend our stay here any longer. We''ll increase our pace along the way to make up for some of the lost time."


    "Yes, Lady Cynthia!" All the guards, merchants, workers, and other people in the caravan accepted the order and began to pack everything up. In less than an hour, they already had everything ready to go.


    "Let''s go!" Cynthia''s carriage took the front as the caravan departed the now dried-up lake.


    At the back, Rean asked a favor to Kentucky, saying, "Since we''re acting as guards now, we need to do a good job. Kentucky, take flight and watch over the caravan from the skies. You''re definitely the best suited for preventing ambushes or anything like that."


    Kentucky nodded, responding, "Sure, leave it to me."


    Although Celis was in his treant form, he was still quite big, so he didn''t fit in the carriages. In the end, he had to follow the group on foot. While doing so, he could not help but mutter, "This kind of environment is quite hard for my race, you know?"


    Rean shrugged his shoulders, offering, "I can carry you with my Divine Energy if you want. It will look quite embarrassing, though."


    Celis shook his head, quickly saying, "Forget it."


    "Hehe!" Rean chuckled in response before he entered one of the carriages. There, he saw Roan sitting in a corner with his eyes closed. "How is it?"


    Roan opened his eyes for a moment and looked at Rean before closing them again, telling him, "Our Soul Power and Spiritual Energy were connected before. I thought there would be some problem now that we have Divine Energy instead of Spiritual Energy. However, Divine Energy took the place of Spiritual Energy and is fusing with Soul Power without any issues. In fact, I think it has gotten quite a lot stronger."


    Sister Orb immediately explained. [Of course, it can fuse. The fusion was something made by the Soul Gem System. Naturally, it would count for the eventual change of Spiritual Energy to Divine Energy. However, although you''ve become a bit stronger with this change, you won''t gain any advantage over the other cultivators of the Realm of Gods.]


    Rean nodded, already understanding where Sister Orb was coming from. "That''s because although the fusion of Divine Energy and Soul Power is better, the people and beasts of the Realm of Gods already use Divine Energy to start with. They''re stronger than cultivators and demon beasts of the same level who use Spiritual Energy. This increase in our strength by using Divine Energy instead of Spiritual Energy simply filled that gap."


    Sister Orb was happy to hear that. [Exactly!] Of course, Sister Orb warned the twins once again. [However, you must not forget the Realm of Gods'' restrictions. The power that a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator can display in the Realm of Gods is only around a tenth of what a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator can do in the Realm of Mortals. When I say that a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator from the Realm of Gods is stronger, I mean in comparison to a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator using Spiritual Energy up here.]


    [In exchange, if a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator goes down to the Realm of Mortals and uses the stored Divine Energy in his Dantian, they would probably be able to trash any being at the Saint Realm they came across. That''s because the guy wouldn''t be restricted by anything. Since Divine Energy is superior, they would obviously be superior as well.]


    Sister Orb then finished her explanation with a piece of useful information. [Of course, there''s still an advantage now that you have Divine Energy fused with Soul Power instead of Spiritual Energy.]


    "Divine Sense, right?" Roan''s Divine Sense could now extend up to 30 meters at once, which was far beyond what the fused Spiritual Energy and Soul Power allowed him to. Even with the breakthrough, it shouldn''t have increased that much.


    Rean agreed with Roan, saying, "That''s true. I also can spread my Divine Sense to around 30 meters. Even though Senior Cynthia is at the peak of the Soul Transformation Realm, I believe our Divine Sense doesn''t lose to hers at all."


    It was then that Roan remembered something. "By the way, Rean. How about your Spiritual Sense bending skill? Does it work with Divine Sense as well?"


    Rean nodded, explaining, "It isn''t exactly the same. However, they have their similarities. I just have to make a few changes to the skill, and I should be able to bend Divine Sense. Of course, the same restrictions still apply to it. If the Divine Sense is too strong, it''ll pass through my bending skill. I''m using Senior Cynthia''s Divine Sense to test the changes at this very moment. She''s keeping her Divine Sense active all the time, so it''s quite convenient for me."


    As Rean could imagine, Cynthia was quite confused. ''How come he keeps disappearing and reappearing inside my sense all the time? Is he a ghost or something?'' Then again, her priority was the caravan''s safety. Besides, she had already decided to not pry into what the twins'' group was doing. After all, they probably wouldn''t see each other anymore after reaching the city.


    As Cynthia mentioned, their caravan increased their pace to reach the city faster. Their group did encounter a few demon beasts on the way that didn''t know better, but other than that, nothing had happened so far. Cynthia and the twins'' group didn''t even have to come out and help.


    However, as much as the caravan was lucky to find the Divine Stream Lake, that extra time also made things ahead more difficult.


    *Bzzzzz...*


    Cynthia felt something reacting in her bag before opening it. ''A message?'' It was a Thoughts Transmission Talisman. Cynthia put it on her forehead and checked the contents before the talisman burnt out. ''I knew the window time was small. That''s why I left early that week. However, I didn''t expect to find a Divine Stream Lake. I couldn''t possibly leave the lake behind, right? Sadly, that made me lose that safe window created by the last clean-up.''


    Cynthia now had to make a decision.

 Chapter 965 - Alright

    Cynthia pondered in silence over the situation for a bit before coming out. "Everyone, stop the caravan for now. Come and see me after that."


    The caravan soon stopped, and the travelers quickly gathered around Cynthia. Obviously, Rean and Roan did the same.


    Seeing that everyone was there, Cynthia began to talk, explaining, "I just received news that Ukilas Valley has already been occupied by bandits again. Our travel was based on the window created by the Royal Army''s clean-up, but we decided to stop for the lake, so we lost it. Now, we have two choices ahead of us. We can either go around the valley, which will increase our travel time to at least three more weeks, and there''s no guarantee we won''t find bandits on the way either. Or we can go through the valley and fight our way if we get attacked. The good thing is that the army has just passed by there, so there shouldn''t be many enemies. Perhaps we won''t even need to fight at all."


    Cynthia then looked at the merchants who paid for the protection with a serious expression, asking them, "So, which one do you want? The long route or the short route?"


    The merchants began to discuss with one another through Divine Sense before they finally came to a decision. "We must take the short route as our goods can''t wait that long anymore. If we take the longer path, we will lose most of them. We might as well try the valley and abandon the caravan''s goods if things really go south."


    Another merchant then spoke with a smile on his face, saying, "In any case, the Divine Stream Lake alone was already worth more than the profits we could get from the sales. Even if we do lose everything, we won''t end up on the losing side anyway."


    The guards couldn''t help but laugh as they agreed. "Hahaha! Well said! We wanted a good challenge to get used to our new cultivations anyway, so this will be a nice opportunity."


    Rean and Roan didn''t really care that much. If anything, Roan agreed with what the guard said.


    Cynthia nodded in the end, accepting their decision as she said, "Well, Ukilas Valley it is."


    Sure enough, they didn''t encounter many obstacles on their way to the valley other than a few random attacks from demon beasts. Along the way, Rean and Roan saw the arid environment gradually turn green and lush. Eventually, they arrived at the valley''s entrance.


    Ukilas Valley was anything but small. The mountains surrounding it were innumerous, and each one of them was too tall for one to see the top with their eyes alone. As for the path in between, that was who knows how many times longer than any other valley Rean and Roan had seen in the past.


    Well, in fact, they hadn''t seen anything yet. It was Cynthia who explained to them how big it was when she was inquired about the distance to pass through.


    ''Can this even be considered a valley? If she''s telling the truth, the total distance should be at least five or more thousand kilometers! Holy shit!'' Rean couldn''t help but comment on it through Divine Sense with the others.


    Sister Orb knew what everyone was thinking, so she explained. [You can''t judge the Realm of Gods by your planet''s standards. Divine Energy affects everything in the Realm of Gods, just like how Spiritual Energy did in the Realm of Mortals. For example, did you notice how much ''bigger'' everything in this half of Universe with Spiritual Energy was compared to the other half that doesn''t have it?]


    Sister Orb continued. [Take Rean''s Earth for comparison. Sunkan Planet alone would be enough to fit over a hundred Earths. Now we''re in the Realm of Gods, where Divine Energy exists. As a higher type of energy, it''s only proper that most things get even bigger. They have the support of Divine Energy to turn out like that.]


    Rean and Roan had been to the other half of the universe before in their previous life, so they had to admit Sister Orb was right. Especially Roan, who had seen many planets and races. There wasn''t a single planet on the side of the universe without Spiritual Energy that could compare to Sunkan alone.


    If Rean and Roan were still in the Realm of Mortals, they wouldn''t care that much about such a distance. After all, they could fly, and the power they could display was ten times bigger or maybe even higher than what they could do in the Realm of Gods. One must not forget that the restriction on everyone''s power due to the Realm of Gods'' environment made them much weaker.


    ''Even if we fly on Kentucky''s back all the way, we would need at least three or four days.'' Kentucky''s flight speed was obviously affected as well.


    ''Cynthia said that the caravan will move at a higher pace to try and clear the path in two to three weeks at most,'' Roan said. ''Though, it isn''t as if this is a lot of time.''


    Celis also pointed something out. ''That explains why there are so many bandits here. Many caravans probably try to pass undetected due to the valley''s size. It''s just that Cynthia wanted to use that Royal Army''s clean-up or whatever to bring a much bigger caravan in a single go. That''s where the problem resides as the numbers here will make it quite hard to hide.''


    ''Don''t worry, I can at least prevent us from being ambushed.'' Kentucky looked very confident. ''After all, I can scout from the air for any dangers.''


    Roan nodded as he looked at everyone. ''We haven''t had the chance to fight under the Realm of Gods'' rules since only small amounts of weak demon beasts have appeared so far. This is probably the best chance to test it against sentient enemies, and we''ll most likely bump against them. I''ve been trying it out, and I believe the power we can display at the moment is equivalent to what we unleashed when we were at the Core Formation Realm or Stage Three. Fight with that in mind.''


    Rean, Celis, and Kentucky nodded in response. ''Alright.''


    The caravan traversed Ukilas Valley until...nothing happened.

 Chapter 966 - What Did You Say?

    Rean and Roan looked behind them as their mouths twitched.


    During the first week, everyone kept their guards up, but nothing...


    During the following week, they decided to increase their pace a bit, but nothing...


    As for the third week, the caravan began to think that most of the bandits had probably gathered at the end of the valley...but nothing yet again!


    The twins could see the mountains starting to gradually disappear behind them.. They also saw how the merchants cheered nonstop together with the guards. Nevertheless, the twins still had some hope, so they looked at Cynthia and asked, "Ahem...those mountains behind us couldn''t possibly be the exit of the Ukilas Valley, right? There must be some continuation ahead. Yes, definitely! There''s almost no way we could have avoided all the bandits with a caravan of this size...wasn''t it you who said that? Where are our bandits?!"


    Cynthia had a bitter smile on her face as she nodded. "It seems like...we were lucky?"


    Indeed, everyone felt that they were lucky to not have encountered anything...except for the twins'' group. Rean couldn''t help but curse out loud, exclaiming, "Fuck that! Goddamn fucking pieces of shit! Are the bandits of the Yukirrom Region really that bad that they didn''t find our location until the end?"


    It was then that Rean thought about a possibility, muttering with a hint of doubt, "Wait, could it be that you used a hidden path inside the valley to avoid them?"


    Cynthia looked away as she scratched the back of her head, saying, "In fact...I wanted to test out my strength now that I''ve reached the peak of the Soul Transformation Realm. What I want to say...is that I purposely took a very open path, hoping to get some action."


    The twins couldn''t believe that, with Rean asking her, "So, we made it this far while taking the most dangerous route without finding a single living soul?"


    Cynthia nodded in response, finding it hard to believe as well.


    At that moment, an idea popped into the mind of Rean, Roan, and Cynthia. "Perhaps...the bandits thought that the caravans would try to take safer routes and decided to ambush them on those paths. However, all of them just so happen to have had the same idea..."


    Those three couldn''t be any more correct. Because of the Royal Army''s clean-up, the bandits took some time to return to the valley. They thought that the caravans or any other group traveling through the valley would definitely take the safer routes, so they all headed to those places. In the end, Rean''s caravan happened to be the only group to pass through Ukilas Valley without ever encountering any obstacle since the clean-up was over.


    Celis then arrived on their side before asking, "This went completely off tangent." Right after, he pointed back to the valley and asked, "Should we simply turn around and enter the valley alone? Since we passed the most dangerous place for the caravan, it''s not like they need our help anymore."


    Cynthia heard Celis''s words, reminding herself that she still couldn''t get used to seeing a demon tree talking. However, she quickly put those thoughts aside before saying, "Your friend is right. We should be fine from here on out, even if we haven''t had the breakthroughs in the Divine Stream Lake. You can head back there to battle if that''s what you wish. Just the fact you followed through the valley without going back on your word is more than enough of a payment for the favor of me explaining to you guys about the Divine Stream Lake. As for me, I was hired to protect this caravan, so I have to see it to the end until we reach Cosec City."


    As soon as Cynthia finished her words, Kentucky came down from the skies and landed on their side, asking, "Rean, I can''t see any more mountains. Are we still inside the valley? I haven''t seen a single bandit yet."


    Rean shook his head and gave Kentucky a quick explanation through Divine Sense. After that, Rean, Celis, and Kentucky looked at Roan. He was always responsible for the combat training, after all.


    Roan, obviously, was the most disappointed one in their group. His hand itched as he held the White Star''s hilt during the entire journey through the valley. However, he gave the mountains far in the distance one last look before giving up. "Sigh...forget it. Maybe it''s just fate that we missed them." Naturally, the twins believed in fate. Their Soul Gem System basically worked on that, after all.


    "We still know too little about this place, so Cosec City will be a good place to start." Roan then looked at Cynthia and asked, "You said that you were hired to protect this caravan, right? Is there some mercenary organization or place to take missions, or were you hired by the merchants directly?"


    Cynthia understood what Roan wanted and took out a badge from inside her clothes as she explained, "There are indeed organizations for mercenaries. But in my case, I''m part of the Lukimira Sect. Simply put, I got this mission from the Mission Hall of my sect."


    "Is the Lukimira Sect a big sect in the Yukirrom Region?" Roan asked back.


    Cynthia laughed in response, remembering that the twins weren''t from this place. "Hahaha! Not at all. In fact, we could be said to be one of the weakest sects, far from being considered average. Our Sect Master, for example, is only at the Late Stage of the Saint Realm. I''m an elder there, by the way. Isn''t it hilarious? We have to even send our elders out to do some missions to help with the sect''s finances."


    Cynthia then pointed ahead and said, "This is my return journey and my job, by the way. You can find my Lukimira Sect a few hundred kilometers south of Cosec City if you want to join us. Hahaha!" Cynthia was basically being courteous. She could tell how young the twins were, definitely still in their thirties. On top of that, they also had their demon beast and tree friends. Although one couldn''t say they were heaven-defying talents with their current cultivation and age, they were definitely far above average. There were many better options for them to choose from later.


    "Alright, let''s join the Lukimira Sect then," Roan said without even thinking.


    Cynthia nodded with a smile as she shrugged her shoulders. "Hehe! It''s fine if you refuse. I was jus-" However, her smile froze right after as she muttered in shock, "What did you say?"

 Chapter 967 - Questions And Answers

    Roan repeated his words, even going so far as to say it one by one. "We''ll join your Lukimira Sect. Could it be that you didn''t really plan on inviting us?"


    Cynthia immediately shook her head, responding with, "Of course not! You''re definitely more than welcome! But...why would you join such a small sect like my Lukimira Sect?"


    Rean was the one to answer that, explaining, "It''s quite a simple reason, which is you. At the very least, it didn''t seem like you were trying to deceive us or anything. You could have totally refused to tell us about the Divine Stream Lake, showed us the wrong path to the city, or simply attacked us while we were still in the Nascent Soul Realm. However, you shared everything, and time proved that you were telling us the truth."


    Kentucky was also happy with that decision, continuing from where Rean left off as he said, "Indeed. In our eyes, if the elder of the sect is already that trustworthy, the sect this elder is from shouldn''t be much worse, right?"


    Roan nodded in agreement with Kentucky''s words.. Then, he told her, "We''re basically lost travelers without a place to head to or stay in. As far as we know, our Turin Region could very well be on the other side of the Realm of Gods. After all, you said that no region around us has demon beasts or trees that can talk at Stage Five. In that case, we can join your sect so that we can establish a foothold. And then, we''ll start our investigation from there."


    There was another reason as well. One must remember that Roan was very good at detecting lies. However, Cynthia hadn''t told a single one until now. At the very least, Roan hadn''t noticed it. Besides, since she already knew about Kentucky and Celis, that would be of some help inside her sect.


    Cynthia was obviously happy with their explanation, saying, "I won''t say that everyone in our sect is like me. After all, a cultivator''s nature is different from another. However, I can at least say that you can trust the Sect Master and the few elders we have there." It was then that she thought about something, asking, "By the way, how would you like to be accepted in the sect? With your cultivations at the Soul Transformation Realm, even giving you the title of elders wouldn''t be an issue."


    Rean immediately shook his head as he replied, "Better not. Just let us join as normal disciples. Don''t forget that we will temporarily stay until we decide what to do, so we might leave at any time. Of course, we will follow the sect''s rules and help out with its tasks as long as it''s beneficial to us."


    "Normal disciples?" Cynthia bitterly smiled when she heard that. "Not trying to be rude, but I don''t think anyone would believe you two to only be simple disciples with your cultivation. Just so you know, we do have some low-ranked elders that are still in the Nascent Soul Realm. Our strongest disciples are only in the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, and we don''t have a lot of them. The majority are either in the Core Formation Realm or in the Foundation Establishment Realm."


    Indeed, it would be too weird to suddenly accept two humans at the Soul Transformation Realm as common disciples. "Hmm...do you have the rank of guest elders, then?" Rean asked as he thought about it a bit more.


    Cynthia immediately nodded, replying, "Of course. I was also thinking that since you don''t want to be elders, being guest elders would be the best choice. There are a few limitations, like not being able to access a few restricted areas, but that''s more or less it. Your opinions won''t mean much in the sect''s meetings, but I guess that''s what you want, right?"


    Roan nodded, saying, "Yes. We prefer to keep some distance from such things."


    Kentucky and Celis couldn''t help but ask, "What about us?"


    Cynthia scratched the back of her head in response. After all, no sect would have a place for Stage Six Demon Beasts or trees to be guest elders. They shouldn''t even be able to think, after all. "Well...we do have a beast taming hall in our sect... but most of the demon beasts there are only Stage Three or Four. Only the Sect Master was able to tame a Stage Five Demon Beast."


    "Tame?" Kentucky couldn''t help but ask after that, "Then, are we going to pretend to be a tamed demon beast and tree?"


    Cynthia shook her head, responding, "Well, it wouldn''t be of much use as everyone in this caravan already knows that you can think and talk. The news will definitely spread to the sect at some point. It''s just that I don''t know how I should deal with you."


    Rean shrugged his shoulders as he came up with a quick solution. "Just tell them that Kentucky and Celis are our responsibility. I guess that''s the safest way to go about it. After all, their situation is very peculiar in this place."


    Cynthia nodded in response as she replied, "Then, we''ll go with that."


    With that decided, Roan changed the topic. "Alright, you said that the Royal Army did a clean-up of bandits in Ukilas Valley, right? For a Royal Army to exist, that means there''s a country behind them. Am I right to say that Yukirrom Region is part of a country?"


    Cynthia nodded and then shook her head right after. "It''s half right. We are indeed part of a country. It''s called the Kamos Kingdom, obviously ruled by the Kamos Royal Family. However, it''s not the Yukirrom Region that''s a part of Kamos Kingdom. Instead, it''s the Kamos Kingdom that''s part of the Yukirrom Region."


    Rean and Roan easily understood what she meant by that, with Rean saying, "So, Yukirrom Region is much bigger than the country itself."


    "Exactly," Cynthia confirmed. "Yukirrom Region is composed of seven countries. The Kamos Kingdom is located on the southeast side and is considered the fourth biggest of the seven."


    "I see..." Roan pondered in silence for a bit before asking something else. "Are we part of some bigger power? An empire or anything like that?"


    Cynthia thought about it for a moment before saying, "I wouldn''t say that we''re part of some bigger power like an empire. But the seven countries of the Yukirrom Region are considered an allied power, the Yukirrom Alliance. Maybe that fits your description somehow."


    Roan nodded as her words did indeed fit his criterion. "Indeed."

 Chapter 968 - Cynthia Cant Be Serious

    Rean asked something else, following up on Roan''s question. "Does that mean we''re fighting other powers around Yukirrom at the moment?"


    "Yes," Cynthia answered without showing much concern. "But that''s a very common thing in this small part of the Realm of Gods. The regions are always fighting each other for resources and things like that, so you shouldn''t worry too much about it."


    "Are there recruitments to participate in those battles, or does the alliance use a reactive approach?" Roan obviously took the opportunity to learn more about it.


    "They take the reactive approach. Each country in the Yukirrom Region has its own armies, but they''re far from enough to cover all the borders. In the end, the Realm of Gods is too big, and so is each region, continent, and other types of territories inside it." Cynthia then looked at Rean and Roan and asked, "Could it be that it was different from where you came from?"


    "Not really," Rean answered. The last planet they had been at was covered in ice most of the time before Celis was taken away. They still remembered how most cities were located really far away from each other.. The situation would probably improve now that the ice is gone, but that would still take a very long time.


    Roan could not help but think to himself, though. ''In any case, the distance between the area we arrived at and the closest city is definitely several times bigger than the distance between most cities back then.''


    "Anyway, our Kamos Country is bordering the Furueru Region on the east side. Well, to be more specific, the Banxove Country that''s located there. Every now and then, we attack their territories, and the same happens vice versa. When that happens, the Royal Family sends news to all cities of the country. You can enlist yourselves to participate in the defense or offense during those times," Cynthia explained.


    Roan couldn''t help but narrow his eyes and ask, "Why does it feel useless? From what you''re telling me, both sides rarely, if ever, succeed in conquering the other''s territories. Aren''t both countries simply sending their cultivators to die for nothing?"


    Cynthia laughed in response as she said in full honesty, "Hahaha! Yes, that''s definitely the case! However, there''s a reason for that as well. The problem is always the alliances. Every time one country is about to succeed in achieving a huge victory, the alliance always sends out reinforcements. The same is valid for all the countries in Yukirrom or in the other regions. Naturally, that single country attacking the other can''t cope with the reinforcements of the other six countries at once. In the end, they''re forced to retreat and would usually conquer a few small parts of the territories, which would be conquered back when the other country strikes back."


    Roan began to get a picture of the weird balance kept in this place. Simply put, everyone does that, so they kept most of their territories in this situation where no one gained anything. On the other hand, they also didn''t lose anything and kept their own. Considering the size of each country that far surpassed any country Rean and Roan had been in the Realm of Mortals, it wasn''t a bad deal.


    "Now that I think about it, it''s more probable that none of the regions around us want to conquer anything to start with. Otherwise, it''s easier to simply wait for a region to reinforce a specific country and attack them during that time. Although they wouldn''t conquer everything, they definitely could take a huge chunk of territory every time."


    Cynthia shrugged her shoulders, saying, "Exactly. It''s just that it also means the same can happen to you. That''s how complicated things are. No one wants to become a target because they took the initiative to exploit someone''s weaknesses."


    After that, Cynthia narrowed her eyes as she continued, "However, I heard a few rumors in Huvol City where I was before. Oh, right! You aren''t from here. Huvol is a much bigger city, and also the city where I first accompanied another caravan from Cosec City. Cosec City is quite small in comparison. This caravan we''re now in is the second one I''m protecting while we head back to Cosec."


    Cynthia went back to her original topic after going off on a slight tangent. "Anyways, I heard rumors of a new alliance being created with the intention of attacking and fully conquering an entire region. It''s just that the sources of this information aren''t exactly trustworthy. I tried to inquire in the City Lord''s residence, but they seemed uncertain either."


    Celis couldn''t help but say, "So, those rumors can''t even tell who are the regions allying to each other and who''s the target? That sounds a lot more like a facade than anything else."


    Roan agreed with Celis. "Indeed. However, we don''t know how things here work, so it might really be the case."


    Cynthia then shrugged her shoulders once more. "Well, that''s not something you should concern yourselves about anytime soon."


    Kentucky immediately asked in response, "Why?"


    "Because of the impact of such a move like this," Cynthia replied. "Think of the time necessary to talk with all parties involved, agreement on the spoils, the size of each region, all that bullshit. This is something I''ve just heard of, so such a move would take many years to come to fruition. For now, not even the royal families would care too much, let alone small fries like us."


    "That''s true." Roan agreed with Cynthia. In a medieval realm where technology didn''t exist, any huge movement would take way too long to happen. Let alone in the Realm of Gods, where distances were blown up to greater proportions.


    Rean, Roan, Kentucky, and Cynthia continued to talk on the way to Cosec City. Ukilas Valley wasn''t too far from Cosec City to start with, so they already noticed the number of cultivators from various different races gradually increasing in the next two days. On the third day after leaving the valley, the caravan finally spotted the city wall far in the distance.


    "Lady Cynthia." A guard quickly came to pass the news. "We''ve arrived in Cosec City."


    Rean also noticed that and asked Kentucky to fly a little for him to see. However, Rean''s mouth twitched once he reached a high altitude. ''Cosec is a small city...? Cynthia can''t be serious!''

 Chapter 969 - Sight To Behold

    It was a clear day, so Rean could see really far away. However, it was still impossible to see the end of the city. ''This city might very well be as big as the Sasamil Empire''s capital, which was already enormous with it spanning 50 kilometers. No, perhaps it''s even bigger!''


    Even Kentucky couldn''t see its ends either. "What an enormous city. It should span what? A hundred kilometers? No, definitely more! How could Senior Cynthia say this was a small city?"


    Rean then remembered something, telling Kentucky, "Well, she said that Cosec was small when compared to that Huvol City she had been in before. Perhaps Cosec isn''t really small. It''s just that Huvol is even more ridiculous."


    Without wasting time, Kentucky descended from the skies to ask Cynthia exactly that.


    "Hmm? If Cosec is a big city in general when not considering Huvol?" Cynthia couldn''t help but laugh again. "Hahaha! No way! Huvol itself is just an average-sized city to start with. Cosec would be...let me see...a big city between the small ones...I guess? From its two furthest extremities, the gap is only 220 kilometers or something."


    "Th-Then...how big is Huvol? No, better than that, how big would a really big city be?" Sure enough, Rean''s group couldn''t help but ask that question.


    "I see...it seems like the cities back in your region aren''t as big as ours." Well, Cynthia wasn''t wrong. It''s just that she thought that they were still from somewhere in the Realm of Gods. "Anyways, I''m not too sure how big Huvol is, but it''s definitely more than double of Cosec''s size. As for a real big city, I think I''ll take Kamos''s Royal Capital as an example, then. I visited it once, and as far as I know, it''s around 1300 kilometers in diameter, not counting the area outside the city walls, of course."


    Rean found it ridiculous. "How the hell do you guys even go around in cities like that? A person might live their entire life without ever going to the other side of the city they''re born in like that."


    Cynthia shrugged her shoulders, telling them the obvious, "How else? All cities have teleport formations all around to be used. If you want to use them, just select the right one according to the destination, and that''s about it."


    Roan couldn''t help but ask, "What about the people who can''t afford the teleports?" Even back in Sasamil Capital, which was obviously much smaller, the twins had to pay to use the teleport formations to move around.


    "Afford the teleports? Could it be that the cities back in your home charged to use the city''s teleport formations?" Cynthia asked with a surprised expression.


    Rean, Roan, Kentucky, and Celis looked at each other before nodding.


    Cynthia felt somewhat sad for the residents of the twins'' home. "Sigh...your city lords were quite the mercenaries, then. As far as I know, you don''t need to pay for any of the teleport formations in any of the cities in the Yukirrom Region. Unless, of course, you''re planning to teleport from one city to another. In that case, the environment''s Divine Energy isn''t enough to teleport you over, so the city charges you with Divine Stones."


    Cynthia continued, "Just so you know, there are really thousands of teleport formations everywhere in Cosec, and so is the case in other cities. It isn''t anything uncommon for a person to work on the other side of a city by simply using those formations. The Divine Energy in the air is more than enough to keep them working all day and night. In fact, it would be disastrous for a city to charge for them as the city itself needs constant movement for its own businesses."


    Rean, as the only Formation Master in the group, then asked something else. "What about the maintenance of those formations? Isn''t it expensive to keep?"


    Cynthia pondered over the question for a bit before saying, "Well, I''m not a Formation Master. However, I know teleport formations of that level aren''t worth a single Divine Stone, so it''s really cheap to maintain. Not to mention that they rarely show problems even after years of constant use. Of course, I know that because our sect uses quite a few of them. The Formation Masters there rarely have to touch them. After all, we aren''t even close to having as many people as the city has."


    Rean could only imagine how much higher the quality of the formations in the Realm of Gods were compared to the Realm of Mortals. "I''m already getting excited just thinking about the formations of this place."


    Kentucky became curious about something else, though. "Then... how many people live in the city? Also, how many races?"


    Cynthia shook her head. "How would I know? Do you think someone would stop to count? Well, I guess we should have some two to three million people here. As for races? Humans, Guras, Junqas, Lakures, Vrados...take your pick. You''ll probably find them while walking through the city. There should be a few thousand of them, I guess? Just look at our caravan. Here alone, we have twenty-two different sentient races."


    Cynthia also added, "Of course, we''re only talking about pure bloodlines. If you count the mixed-bloods, it should count for at least half of the city. If you try to put them into a specific race, you''ll just go crazy. After all, we''re all variations and mutations of the same initial race. Pretty much any race can have kids with another, and most of them won''t care as long as they like each other. Well, at least not those with low positions within their own bloodlines. You will find those who are proud of what they are and won''t mix their blood with others."


    Rean''s group nodded after hearing that. They came to the conclusion that Lakures and Zasfins were variations of humans a long time ago, even before leaving Sunkan Planet. Cynthia''s words just confirmed that. They had noticed it ever since they joined the caravan. Rean had even talked with the Lakure race guys to know a little more about them but simply found that they didn''t consider themselves anything different. ''The Realm of Gods is really a sight to behold.''

 Chapter 970 - Divine Stones

    Even though they saw Cosec City in the distance, they still took almost an hour to arrive at its entrance. That''s just how far the walls were. Obviously, the large stream of people entering and exiting the city was enormous as they passed by many caravans, travelers, residents, and other similar types. However, Rean''s group hadn''t seen a single flying cultivator all throughout. The only exceptions were other cultivators who tamed flying demon beasts, but those were quite rare when compared to the number of people.


    "Almost no one flying in a city of this size..." Kentucky could not help but mutter out.


    Roan glanced at him before saying, "Even though it isn''t a secret, you better stay quiet from now on. Only use Divine Sense to talk with us. The same goes for Celis."


    Rean agreed with Roan, reminding them, "Indeed. It''s just as Cynthia said. Although it''s probably nothing spectacular, it isn''t something we should go around showing others either."


    Kentucky and Celis nodded and closed their mouths.


    Cynthia, on the other hand, talked about the city, telling them, "You probably noticed that we don''t have many tamed demon beasts. I don''t know how it is back in your home, but beast taming is quite a rare occupation. That''s why you see so little flying demon beasts with cultivators on their backs."


    Hearing that, Rean asked something else. "What about those at the Transition Realm? Is there any cultivator in the city that can fly on their own?"


    Cynthia nodded, responding, "Yes. The City Lord is a Transition Realm cultivator. Other than him, I think only the three top sects of Cosec City each have one ancestor that''s also in the Transition Realm."


    That number seemed small. However, Rean and Roan knew how huge that already was. ''This is only ONE CITY! However, it already has four Transition Realm cultivators!''


    Even Roan was impressed by that. ''As expected of the Realm of Gods. No wonder Sister Orb said it''s much easier to cultivate here. For a single city to already have four Transition Realm cultivators is really a huge thing.''


    Celis also added, ''Don''t forget that Cosec is only considered a small city. That Huvol City Cynthia talked about might have over ten of them.''


    ''Well, those are people we won''t get involved with anytime soon. If possible, I don''t want to get involved with them at all.'' Kentucky wanted to stay as far as possible from those guys.


    Eventually, they arrived at the city gate...or at least one of them. Ream could see in the distance that the city had at least one gate every two kilometers or so.


    Cynthia didn''t do anything, though. Instead, it was the merchants who hired her and the guards who came out to do the check-in with the city guards.


    "How many people?"


    The chief merchant came forward to deal with it, answering the guard''s question as he said, "We have a total of 3245 people and demon beasts in total. The highest cultivation is Soul Transformation Realm and Stage Six."


    The city guard was surprised to hear that. "Your group has tamed Stage Six Demon Beasts? That''s quite the wealthy caravan..."


    The chief merchant laughed in response but didn''t say anything else.


    "Alright, the fee is one Divine Stone for every 1000 members." The guard was surprised, but that was more or less it. He had seen such things before. It''s just that it wasn''t that common. Sure enough, beast taming was quite rare once one didn''t consider low-level demon beasts like the ones pulling the carriages.


    The merchant quickly paid the fee, and the caravan soon passed through. Rean was quite curious about the price, though. "Isn''t four Divine Stones too cheap?"


    However, those words made Cynthia look at Rean with a weird expression. "Ch-cheap? Could it be that your home had a lot of them?"


    Rean quickly noticed the issue. It was obvious that Divine Stones were much, much more expensive than Spiritual Stones back in the Realm of Mortals. "Errr...not really. It''s just that this city is so much bigger than the cities back at our home that I thought you guys were a lot wealthier than us."


    Cynthia sighed in relief after hearing that. "I see...well, that makes sense when I think about the small cities you told me about. However, you''re mistaken. Divine Stones are just as expensive here. For example, I''ve only received ten Divine Stones for protecting over this caravan, and I already think I''m being well paid already."


    Cynthia''s protection mission took over two months to be completed, and she was a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator. That showed how hard it was to acquire Divine Stones. "The guards you saw protecting the caravan probably aren''t even getting Divine Stones. Instead, they''re receiving gold. The only exceptions are probably the Nascent Soul Realm ones, who agreed to work for two Divine Stones."


    Rean was the one responsible for the group''s finances, so he immediately took the chance to ask more questions as they moved to the city center. "I see...in that case, it''s definitely possible to buy Divine Stones with gold, right? Otherwise, I don''t see why cultivators would work as guards. At least, it was possible back at our home."


    Cynthia nodded, saying, "Correct. We also can pay for Divine Stones in gold. One Low-grade Divine Stone costs 1000 gold coins. Just so you know, the lowest level guards, the ones at the Core Formation Realm, probably received around 100 gold coins for their job this travel."


    Rean nodded as he had already expected something around that level. "That means they would need to work almost two years to obtain a single Divine Stone. Sure enough, Divine Stones are as rare here as they were for us back in our home." Of course, Rean was lying about that ''home'' thing.


    Cynthia nodded. "Yes. Nevertheless, the four of you are already in the Soul Transformation Realm and the Stage Six level. It''s already a lot easier for you to make Divine Stones than others."


    Rean smiled in response, saying with gratitude, "It was thanks to Senior Cynthia for letting us use the Divine Stream Lake."


    "Hahaha!" Cynthia laughed in response. "It''s fine, it''s fine! You''re already doing a lot by joining my sect. Let me know if you need anything."